PocoNotes Newsletter 2008-6: October 25, 2008
We can’t compete with the news that we’ve all been hearing lately…and we sure don’t want to!! Instead we feel it’s an excellent time for a bit of good news. So, we'll share some of ours!
First of all, it's true! Good music is one thing that's still being made in America, and those of you that were at our September 13th event with Spencer Bohren and Pat Flynn can easily attest to this! Even by our own incredibly high standards, the evening was nothing short of amazing!!
Pat Flynn's long-time friend, John Smith, joined him on stage with vocals that brought everyone to their feet...and left us speechless! Then, as promised, Spencer brought his gentlemanly charm and an assortment of instruments and painted a picture of life in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina...and all it took was one "long black line."
And…when is the last time you went to a concert where both the opening artist and the headliner ended their sets with the same song? Why, at the "Hear 'Em..." series, of course - and it was stunning! Even Jeff Buckley couldn't have done a better job. All we can say is...Hallelujah!!
For some more good news...we've saved something special for our 2008 season-ending workshop and performance on November 9th. It's Roy Book Binder! For those of you who do know Roy' s work, then you know why he's a regular instructor at Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Jorma Kaukonen's prestigious Fur Peace Ranch. In fact, it's Jorma that has described Roy as a "master guitar player, singer, songwriter and teller of tales." But...if you aren't already one of Roy's fans, you will be after this show!
There are a full 53 pages of "hits" on Roy in Google alone. Still, together or separately, these pieces of information couldn't begin to explain the way that he can captivate an audience. He's a master bluesman and a legendary storyteller...and he's coming to a neighborhood near you where he’ll be joined by a trio of NEPA musicians called
The Young Geezers. These are two college professors and one social worker, who credit their full-time employment with providing them with the opportunity to play their music purely for the pleasure of it. In honor of the occasion of their opening the show for Roy, they've even invited a special guest of their own, John James of Wayfarers & Company, who will join them for the evening on fiddle.
You see, if you still haven't been to a PocoNotes show, it may help to understand that we are challenging the status quo - ours and yours - by offering our audiences a rare opportunity to see incredible musicians that often play in Philadelphia and New York City but don't typically travel into NEPA. We've decided to change this - by hosting them in intimate settings throughout the area and creating something that wasn’t done last week, won’t be repeated exactly the same way next week and, least of all, will not go into syndicated re-runs at any time in our respective lifetimes.
More good news? We're proud to say that we have been awarded a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts grant through their local affiliate, Scranton Area Foundation. These funds will be added to those that we received previously from the Lackawanna Council on Arts, Education and Culture and will help us bring these incredible musicians to you. You see, these organizations realize what a special thing it is to be able to experience these artists right here in your backyard, which is why they've given us their full support.
However, as Spencer Bohren shared from the stage at the Waverly Community House recently, things are changing in the music industry and the touring artists are feeling the brunt of it. They're relying on all of us to keep the music alive. They can't do it without willing hosts, and the hosts can't do it without appreciative audiences. So, they need us and - frankly - we need you. Come on out, bring someone you care about and let's share something special together.
Tickets are a mere $20 in advance and can be purchased at Duffy Accessories, which is located at 218 Linden Street. While there, be sure to take a look around at what has been keeping Maureen busy for a full 20 years! For anyone that knows her, it’s incredibly obvious that it is her engaging personality and giving nature that has gone a long way toward creating the success that she so rightly deserves.
If you’d prefer, you can also purchase tickets on-line through our ticketing partner at NEPATickets.com, whose owner, Steve Willison, is another like-minded individual that is doing his part to contribute to the growing excitement in this beautiful little corner of the world.
You can always call (888) 800-POCO and reserve your tickets directly with us. It will save you the $5 fee that will be charged at the performance and, even better, give us a chance to say hello to you.
However, all children under 12 years old are free as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and, as always, we welcome all military personnel and their supportive families to attend with our compliments - and thanks!
That's it for now. Please remember to be good to each other and keep supporting live music. The local musicians need to be “heroes in their hometown” and the touring musicians deserve to have people host them – and hear them – as they travel coast to coast doing what they love…and loving what they do!
As always, we send our warmest thanks to the many people and organizations who have helped us as we turn our dream into our reality. You know who you are – and so do we!
Peace…really!
Dolores & Pat
It’s About the Music!
P.S. If you'll be joining us - and Boy Scout Troop 322 of Dickson City - for this all-ages event, please note that there is a current closure on North Abington Road. It's easy to avoid it entirely. Simply take Interstate 81 to Exit 197 (instead of Exit 194) and follow these directions: make a left at the end of the exit...followed by a left once you reach North Abington Road...then a right onto Clinton Street...and a left into the Waverly Community House's parking lot! It is easy, we promise!
