"November comes and November goes, with the last red berries and the first white snows.

"November comes and November goes, with the last red berries and the first white snows.
… With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.” (by Elizabeth Coatsworth)

“November has tied me to an old dead tree
Get word to April to rescue me.” (November by Tom Waites)

 

At the FAR-West (Folk Alliance Region West) Conference in Irvine, CA this year, Bohemian Hwy Music (our music and books company) featured their own Private Guerilla Showcase (PGS) room. We showcased 28 fabulous songwriters and bands giving stellar performances to please our ears. The songwriting and performing level was so high at this conference that we were always inspired, stimulated and challenged. Even with my vivid imagination I can't imagine having more fun while learning and growing at the same time. (Picture below is performance in the Mother Hen Promotions PGS).

Some of the workshops Chappell and I attended as volunteers were: Penny Nichols presentation "Teaching at Workshops and Camps," a lively and valuable session for the many musician educators at the conference. The "How to Arrange Music for Recording" workshop featured one of our former Bay Area luminaries, Bill Griffin (producer of several Kate Wolf albums, pictured with Keale below) and other arrangers, Gary Stockdale and John Egenes. The most-attended presentation (up to 100 or more) was The Ash Grove: 1958 – 1973, a fascinating history of the L. A. coffeehouse/nightclub hosted by Joel Tepp, with special guests Ed Pearl (founder), Chris Hillman (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, etc.), Herb Pedersen (The Dillards, Desert Rose Band). Several former employees told amazing stories of their days surviving the radical 60’s at the club.

We also had a chance to see the Wrecking Crew documentary at the FAR-West conference. It is a must see. You will not regret the effort to get out and see it... we loved it. Old clips of Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Hal Blaine, the singers and bands they recorded for: Gary Lewis, the Byrds, the Beachboys (Brian Wilson was their favorite to work with), Nancy Sinatra and many more. Film maker, guitarist Tommy Tedesco's son, is trying to raise money for a theatrical release. The selected private showings are how he is doing that. See “the crew” on Facebook.

Bay Area musicians and songwriters, be sure and register for next year’s FAR-West Music Conference, October 16-19, 2014 to be held in Oakland.  Also folks, take advantage of the evening performances, open to the public and well worth the buddy price you’ll pay at the door.

Upcoming Sunday, November 10, we will perform at "The Music of the Word (La Palabra Musical)" with the brilliant musician Carlos Reyes playing Harp and Violin. Event is 4:00 – 4:30 PM No Cover, hosted by poet/musician Avotcja. Donations are accepted & don’t forget to bring your Congas, Guiros, Maracas, Panderetas etc. It’s at Casa Latina Taqueira, Bakery and Café on 1805 San Pablo Avenue at Delaware (3 blocks north of University/2 blocks west of N. Berkeley Bart), Berkeley, CA 94702. (510)558-7177

Anyone interested in hosting a house party please drop us a line and let us know.  House concerts are a great way to enjoy quality music created by your local Indie musicians.