Friday, July 10th, 2015 10pm Chattanooga, TN Tremont Tavern Ryan Oyer Nightfall After Party (Ryan Oyer's attendance neither anticipated nor expected) Saturday, July 11th, 2015 12pm, Chatsworth, GA Chatsworth Depot Dulcimer Workshop: Civil War Tunes Saturday, July 11th, 2015 2pm, Chatsworth, GA Chatsworth Depot Dulcimer Concert Saturday, July 11th, 2015 7pm, Chattanooga, TN Art of the Singer/Songwriter Alumni Showcase Graduates of our workshop series show their stuff. Sunday, Jul 12, 2015 8:00 PM Worthington, OH Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza co-bill with Heather Pierson The Peter and Paul Tour ---------------------------------------------------- Monday, Jul 13, 2015 8:00 PM Bloomington, IN The Players Pub Songwriter Showcase w/Adam Brodsky and others. Tuesday, Jul 14, 2015 8:00 PM Louisvile, KY Clifton's Pizza Company with Danny Flanigan and Adam Brodsky Wednesday, Jul 15, 2015 8:00 PM Eaton, OH Taffy's of Eaton w/Adam Brodsky Friday, July 17th, 2015 Rose Bowl Tavern Champaign, Il w/Adam Brodsky *Tremont After Party* Not actually an after-party, but since Ryan is headlining Nightfall (he won the road to nightfall competition) and I produced his most recent album, I'm totally glomming onto his much-deserved success. *Art of the Singer/Songwriter Alumni Showcase* Over the last year or so, Trish Wileman and I have been shaping fledgling songwriters in our "Art of the Singer/Songwriter" workshops. These have ranged from true professionals who just need a little brushing up to people who have never written a song before. It is our great privilege to show off the sometimes hidden talent that this town has. In the late 90's to the mid-2000's I lived in Philadelphia with another folk singer named Adam Brodsky. While not necessarily soul mates we were kindred spirits who learned the art of the Singer/Songwriter together. Yet, despite working the same circuit for nearly a decade we never toured together. Well, now we are. Not in the Northeast dive bars, coffee shops and listening rooms where we cut our teeth, learned our craft, and eventually built a following. But in the midwest, where none of those things happened ever. Adam is a true iconoclast; fearless and one of a kind, and anything I learned about holding an audience I learned from him. He's brash, fearless and irreverent to anything you (or he) holds sacred. But he's also charming, thoughtful, wise, and funny as hell. Adam Brodsky is one of the most natural entertainers I've ever met. Period. He writes amazing songs and holds a Guinness World Record (50 shows, 50 states in 50 days). It's weird we never toured together before, but considering we spent 8 years in a crappy South Philly apartment trying to make each other laugh, these are gonna be shows you don't want to miss. P.S. That dark Thursday makes my OCD go off the charts, so if there's anyone out there who wants to put together a house concert in Indiana, Southeastern Illinois or Ohio, please get in touch with us. Those shows again… Friday, July 10th, 2015 10pm Chattanooga, TN Tremont Tavern Ryan Oyer Nightfall After Party (Ryan Oyer's attendance neither anticipated nor expected) Saturday, July 11th, 2015 12pm, Chatsworth, GA Chatsworth Depot Dulcimer Workshop: Civil War Tunes Saturday, July 11th, 2015 2pm, Chatsworth, GA Chatsworth Depot Dulcimer Concert Saturday, July 11th, 2015 7pm, Chattanooga, TN Art of the Singer/Songwriter Alumni Showcase Graduates of our workshop series show their stuff. Sunday, Jul 12, 2015 8:00 PM Worthington, OH Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza co-bill with Heather Pierson The Peter and Paul Tour ---------------------------------------------------- Monday, Jul 13, 2015 8:00 PM Bloomington, IN The Players Pub Songwriter Showcase w/Adam Brodsky and others. Tuesday, Jul 14, 2015 8:00 PM Louisvile, KY Clifton's Pizza Company with Danny Flanigan and Adam Brodsky Wednesday, Jul 15, 2015 8:00 PM Eaton, OH Taffy's of Eaton w/Adam Brodsky Friday, July 17th, 2015 Rose Bowl Tavern Champaign, Il w/Adam Brodsky C-ya Out There --Br www.butchross.com
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Chatt shows this weekend then the "Peter and Paul" tour with Adam Brodsky
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
The Moonshiner's Atlas turns ten
Hard to believe, but it’s been ten years since those cartons of CDs showed up at my door in Bowling Green, KY. “The Moonshiner’s Atlas”, my first all-dulcimer CD. Recorded literally across the globe in New Jersey, Killarney, Ireland and Port Townsend, Washington and produced by the great Robert Force. I wanted to call the CD “Jerpoint Epiphany.” I don’t why, but that phrase had come to me out of nowhere and had stuck with me for days. I couldn’t tell you then what it meant, but one of few things I’ve actually learned in this life is to trust my instincts. Robert wanted to call the CD “I Like Singing Folk Songs” after the country music marketing technique of naming the album after the first single, and making that song the first song on the album. He was right of course, but I thought of an album then, as I do now, as a set of ideas, like a novel or a collection of short stories, if you will. Plus, I was then hung up on the idea of my album tiles being vaguely literary in nature (for example, my singer/songwriter record was called “Selected Works of Friction.”) So, armed with that idea, and the thought that the songs called “Moonshiner” and “Atlas” were the two likely to get any airplay (in so much as any folkie gets any airplay anywhere) “The Moonshiner’s Atlas” was born. And “Jerpoint Epiphany” became the title of an instrumental (my first by the way) on “The Moonshiner’s Atlas.” Written in the Newark airport and so named after my friends Jimmy and Maggie told me that the original title “The People Mover Is Not a Ride” was dumb. They, too, were right. I was never sure what the phrase “Jerpoint Epiphany” actually meant, and I’m still not. However, working on touching up this record for its reissue brought up an old memory, one I’d completely forgotten about until now… I was playing and staying at a Camphill Community called Jerpoint. Camphill Communities are organic farms basically run by mentally disabled people. It’s too long to go into what they do here, but it’s worth researching. Camphill International is an awesome organization. They occasionally have musicians perform in their communities and I’ve been lucky enough to be among those who are invited to play. Camphill Communities are based in part on the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, who is probably best known for his influence on the Waldorf Education System. This influence can also be found in the architecture - with its emphasis on natural elements and buildings made of wood, tile, glass and stone. It was here that I found this tile-lined sun porch, maybe 6x10, just off of the main house. It was a beautiful room with a resonance that suited my instrument and my voice perfectly. Enamored with the space, I propped myself up in a chair and sang my heart out. I sang every song I could think of that I could play on dulcimer for what seemed like hours. But unbenounced to me, Robert had been out for walk in the countryside. As he was returning to the house, he heard me singing, and sat himself behind a bush to listen. Now, Bob is an absolute genius when it comes to seizing the moment; seriously, i’ve never met anyone better. I wasn’t auditioning for the guy, and he probably wasn’t thinking seriously about working with me at that point either. But here was an opportunity to hear someone singing for themselves, unfettered and just for the sheer joy of it. We all know it happens but how often do we ever see or hear it? Rarely, if ever, would be my guess. He must’ve liked what he heard, ‘cuz later that night at the pub (this is Ireland after all) he told me that if I wanted to record an all-dulcimer record, he’d produce it and put it out on his Blaine Street record label. And the rest--as they say--is history. History that you can hear. So in honor of its tenth anniversary, I’ve made a limited run release of the “The Moonshiner’s Atlas”. The album is remastered and features the original artwork from back when I was going to call it “Jerpoint Epiphany.” There will also be links to downloads of the lyrics, demo versions and alternate takes. There’s only 100 of these being made (in digipacks) and once they’re gone I’ll go back to the original brown artwork in sleeves. There’s also a tab and a songbook for it as well. We’ll see if my printer can have them up in time for KMW. But if not, they’ll be on the website soon and I’ll let you know here as well. KMW starts next week and it’s gonna be a great one. Not only is this one of my favorite festivals to play, the lineup (as usual) includes some of my absolute favorite people on the planet, and some new faves as well. There’s still time to sign up if you haven’t, but one way or the other I hope to see somewhere soon. C-ya out there. --Br www.butchross.com
Monday, May 25, 2015
California Here I Come! Plus Beatle Uke Book News
Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:00 PM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
Phone 510-644-2020
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Workshop and Ukulele Concert
The Strum Shop
408 Roseville Square
Roseville (Sacramento), CA
$20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop)
http://thestrumshop.com/calendar
Yeah, I'm sure I'm the 50,000th dude to title a blog with that phrase. Thing is, everyone who's ever said that thinks that they're being clever.
Anyway, this week I'm off for the first time to the Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering in über-liberal
(And über inventing) Berkeley, California (no word yet on whether or not I'll need a passport to get into it).
All joking aside, I'm super looking forward to seeing old friends whom I haven't seen in forever, as well as making of new ones. The last time I was in the Bay area, I wasn't yet a dulcimer player. I played a terrible gig at a place called "brainwash" 'cuz it was a Monday and free laundry was part of the contract. (It really was/is a great place, just not on the night I was there). This time I'll be at the Freight and Salvage, a venerable venue and a bucket list destination for any erstwhile folkie. No kidding, this one goes on the resume.
Then on Sunday, I'll be in Sacramento (or very close to it) teaching a Uke Workshop and playing some tunes afterwards. Which brings me to my next thing…
BEATLES UKE BOOK INFO
For those of you who have been patiently waiting (some since OVG) for the CD that comes with the Beatles Uke book, I have good news. It's DONE! If you've ordered it and gave me your address, it's in an envelope and on it's way to you. It won't be on my website 'til I get back from Cali, but it should be available online at prussiavalley.com or Folkcraft.com the next week or so.
Some of you have written thinking that the CD is actually a DVD. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear about that. BUT all those videos of me playing the songs will be available on YouTube, for free, in the next few days. The easiest way to get on board with that is to go to my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ButchRoss and subscribe. If you don't want to that (Hey, I get it, I’m on more lists than I want to be too), you can always just remember the URL and check back in a few days.
Anyway, that's the news for now. Amazing things have been happening both in front of and behind the scenes and will continue to. Hope you can be a part of it.
C-ya out there.
-Br
www.butchross.com
Those shows again…
Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:00 PM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
Phone 510-644-2020
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Workshop and Ukulele Concert
The Strum Shop
408 Roseville Square
Roseville (Sacramento), CA
$20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop)
http://thestrumshop.com/calendar
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
Phone 510-644-2020
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Workshop and Ukulele Concert
The Strum Shop
408 Roseville Square
Roseville (Sacramento), CA
$20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop)
http://thestrumshop.com/calendar
Yeah, I'm sure I'm the 50,000th dude to title a blog with that phrase. Thing is, everyone who's ever said that thinks that they're being clever.
Anyway, this week I'm off for the first time to the Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering in über-liberal
(And über inventing) Berkeley, California (no word yet on whether or not I'll need a passport to get into it).
All joking aside, I'm super looking forward to seeing old friends whom I haven't seen in forever, as well as making of new ones. The last time I was in the Bay area, I wasn't yet a dulcimer player. I played a terrible gig at a place called "brainwash" 'cuz it was a Monday and free laundry was part of the contract. (It really was/is a great place, just not on the night I was there). This time I'll be at the Freight and Salvage, a venerable venue and a bucket list destination for any erstwhile folkie. No kidding, this one goes on the resume.
Then on Sunday, I'll be in Sacramento (or very close to it) teaching a Uke Workshop and playing some tunes afterwards. Which brings me to my next thing…
BEATLES UKE BOOK INFO
For those of you who have been patiently waiting (some since OVG) for the CD that comes with the Beatles Uke book, I have good news. It's DONE! If you've ordered it and gave me your address, it's in an envelope and on it's way to you. It won't be on my website 'til I get back from Cali, but it should be available online at prussiavalley.com or Folkcraft.com the next week or so.
Some of you have written thinking that the CD is actually a DVD. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear about that. BUT all those videos of me playing the songs will be available on YouTube, for free, in the next few days. The easiest way to get on board with that is to go to my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ButchRoss and subscribe. If you don't want to that (Hey, I get it, I’m on more lists than I want to be too), you can always just remember the URL and check back in a few days.
Anyway, that's the news for now. Amazing things have been happening both in front of and behind the scenes and will continue to. Hope you can be a part of it.
C-ya out there.
-Br
www.butchross.com
Those shows again…
Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:00 PM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
Phone 510-644-2020
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM
Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, California
http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris
May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Workshop and Ukulele Concert
The Strum Shop
408 Roseville Square
Roseville (Sacramento), CA
$20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop)
http://thestrumshop.com/calendar
Thursday, May 21, 2015
New Videos! Shows all over Chatt' this weekend plus BERKLEY DULCIMER GATHERING! in California
Upcoming Shows: May 23, 2015 8:00 PM Charles & Myrtle's Coffeehouse, 105 McBrien Rd Chattanooga, TN $10 suggested donation http://www.christunity.org/events.05.15.html Sunday, May 24, 2015 1:30 PM Brunch at The Flying Squirrel The Flying Squirrel 55 Johnson St. Chattanooga, TN Free (eat something) www.flyingsquirrelbar.com/ Sunday, May 24, 2015 -- 5pm Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers @ Roots Fest Cherokee Farms, Old Mineral Springs Road, Lafayette, GA 3 Day Ticket - $50.00 2 Day Ticket - $40.00 1 Day Ticket - $25.00 http://www.roots-fest.com/ Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:00 PM Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert Freight and Salvage 2020 Addison Street Berkeley, California Phone 510-644-2020 http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops Freight and Salvage 2020 Addison Street Berkeley, California http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM Workshop and Ukulele Concert The Strum Shop 408 Roseville Square Roseville (Sacramento), CA $20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop) http://thestrumshop.com/calendar This weekend finds me all over Chattanooga… Tomorrow night I’ll be a Charles and Myrtles, a great but almost completely unknown venue here in town. Three weeks ago, John McCutcheon played to about 12 people here. It’s that kind of intimate. It draws that kind of talent. I knew about Charles and Myrtles before I knew about Rock City. Needless to say, I’m pretty psyched to play here. Being such an intimate venue, I’m considering doing something special here. Whether it’s a set of my favorite songwriters or maybe my first (non-dulcimer) album in it’s entirety, I’m not sure. But something... Then I’ll be making ambient brunch-y sounds at the Flying Squirrel. Which despite being way too trendy for my tastes, has great food and makes the second-best Bloody Mary in town. Then I will get immediately in the car and drive down to Cherokee Farms in Lafayette, GA to play roots fest with Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers. Looking forward to this one, we have 3 maybe 4 new songs in the set, including one we just worked up this week. Then next week, I’m on a plane and one my way to California for the Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering. I'll talk more about it early next week, but i wanted you to know that today is the last day for the early-bird discount. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been to that part of the world and I’m really looking forward to being back there again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, a couple of weeks ago I get a phone call from my songwriter and videographer friend Tim. “I’m going on tour in Canada, wanna come with?” he says. “Sure!” I said. “Great!” He replied. “Pick me up in the Minneapolis Airport in four days.” Okay, that’s the abbreviated version of that story. But it IS true that I found myself preparing for a tour of the midwest with about five days notice. Why? Because I’ve learned you say “Yes” to everything. We were detained at the Canadian border for nearly three hours, and later I learned during the LAST sale I made that Canadians are used to paying $20 for a CD, and I’d been selling them for ten. But other than that, I had an amazing time. Met wonderful people, including Winnipeg music Rick Martin, one of the sweetest and most truly humble people I’ve ever met. Tim called him his mentor, and I can see why. I also met 16-year-old singer Gabriel Fiddler (who needs to get to Toronto so someone can make him a star). Here’s a little video Tim made of our trip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8DEeI0wC5A After that we drove to Minneapolis where we did two house concerts and a workshop. Tim’s girlfriend and musical partner Faye Petree joined us and we jammed on a nice version of “Hunting the Buffalo.” You can watch that here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M49zrvo6MeE It’s now my favorite version of my favorite old-time tune. C-ya out there. --Br www.butchross.com "Now I know what a dulcimer is supposed to sound like" —Jake Shimabukuro Those shows again... May 23, 2015 8:00 PM Charles & Myrtle's Coffeehouse, 105 McBrien Rd Chattanooga, TN $10 suggested donation http://www.christunity.org/events.05.15.html Sunday, May 24, 2015 1:30 PM Brunch at The Flying Squirrel The Flying Squirrel 55 Johnson St. Chattanooga, TN Free (eat something) www.flyingsquirrelbar.com/ Sunday, May 24, 2015 -- 5pm Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers @ Roots Fest Cherokee Farms, Old Mineral Springs Road, Lafayette, GA 3 Day Ticket - $50.00 2 Day Ticket - $40.00 1 Day Ticket - $25.00 http://www.roots-fest.com/ Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:00 PM Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Dulcimer Concert Freight and Salvage 2020 Addison Street Berkeley, California Phone 510-644-2020 http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris May 30, 2015 - 9:00 AM Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering -- Workshops Freight and Salvage 2020 Addison Street Berkeley, California http://www.thefreight.org/berkeley-dulcimer-gathering-dj-hamouris May 31, 2015 - 4:00 PM Workshop and Ukulele Concert The Strum Shop 408 Roseville Square Roseville (Sacramento), CA $20 per person admission to concert is free (if you attend workshop) http://thestrumshop.com/calendar
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
This Weekend in VA and Chatt! Plus Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival and a new Beatles for Uke book.
This weekend! Saturday, March 21st -- all day Gathering of Sweet Folk Instruments Mountain Empire Community College Phillips-Taylor Hall 3441 Mountain Empire Road Big Stone Gap, Virginia, 24219 Phone 276-523-2400 9am - 9pm $25 per workshop plus $10 for lunch. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dqjx5dkab&oeidk=a07eafs3ocsde3e50fe Sunday, March 22nd Days of Wine and Ukulele Club Song Workshop: Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" $5 suggested donation. Contact Trish to RSVP: (941) 330-5547 tfwileman at gmail.com Friday, March 27 - Saturday March 28th Chattanooga Dulcimer Fest Featuring: Dan Landrum, Lisa Ferguson, Katie Moritz, Steve Seifert, Aaron O'Rourke and myself. Sign up soon, REGISTRATION IS ALMOST FULL! Signal Mountain Arts Center. 809 Kentucky Ave, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Price: $50 - $100 depending I had a great time at the Ohio Valley Gathering last week. And if you were there, I hope you had a great time too. To me the Ohio Valley Gathering is the official kickoff of the Festival Season*, and this year more than ever. I'm already jumping into two great festivals before the month is even out. The Mountain Empire Community College has been a regular Johnny Appleseed for the dulcimer, and this year they're adding intermediate and advanced dulcimers to their "Gathering of Sweet Folk" event on Saturday. I'll be teaching there this summer as part of a week-long event as well. Then next weekend the Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival is back! Dan and Angie have designed this year's festival to be a small and focused affair, with a limited registration that is nearly sold out. But still, despite the small class sizes, the festival features Steve Seifert, Aaron O'Rourke and myself. Even if I wasn't on the bill, I'd have to think about going! I also always use OVG as an excuse to get off my butt and make some new product. I've debuted pretty much all my books, as well as my last 2 CDs there. This year was no exception; I released a new book of Beatles songs for the Ukulele. This two sections: A simple strum and sing version of the songs, as well as comprehensive finger style arrangements for the Ukulele. That makes this book perfect for Uke players of any level. I'll have it available for sale on my web site soon, so what this space! Okay that's all for now, more stuff coming. Hope you all have survived the winter and I hope to see you soon. C-ya out there. -Br This weekend! Saturday, March 21st -- all day Gathering of Sweet Folk Instruments Mountain Empire Community College Phillips-Taylor Hall 3441 Mountain Empire Road Big Stone Gap, Virginia, 24219 Phone 276-523-2400 9am - 9pm $25 per workshop plus $10 for lunch. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dqjx5dkab&oeidk=a07eafs3ocsde3e50fe Sunday, March 22nd Days of Wine and Ukulele Club Song Workshop: Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" $5 suggested donation. Contact Trish to RSVP: (941) 330-5547 tfwileman at gmail.com Friday, March 27 - Saturday March 28th Chattanooga Dulcimer Fest Featuring: Dan Landrum, Lisa Ferguson, Katie Moritz, Steve Seifert, Aaron O'Rourke and myself. Sign up soon, REGISTRATION IS ALMOST FULL! Signal Mountain Arts Center. 809 Kentucky Ave, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Price: $50 - $100 depending *I just learned yesterday that for Ohioans, it's the Buckeye Festival that starts the season.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
In Dalton, Georgia this weekend and the Chattanooga Uke Weekend next month.
Saturday, Jan. 31st - 7pm $15 Woodsongs Dalton Concert Series 2015 kick-off show Becky Buller with Butch Ross Stage 123 123 W Gordon St, Dalton, Georgia 30720 http://woodsongsdalton.com/ I don't know if her name is pronounced "Bull-er" or "Beuller" but I think you can guess which one I'm gonna default to. Proceeds from this show benefit Providence House Ministries. February 27-28 Chattanooga UKE weekend Mountain Arts Community Center (MACC) 809 Kentucky Ave, Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377 Friday Night Jam. Saturday Lessons with me and Jamming Saturday Evening a House Concert featuring me and Ken Hicks $60 for the day plus $5 for lunch I'm a little early, but "Happy February" First off, THANK YOU to everyone who came out all the shows and workshops down in Florida. I had a great time, and by looks of it, you did too. I'll be back in April, let me now if you want me to come to your club! Just a couple of shows in this the longest/shortest month while I continue to lay the groundwork for world domination. But the events great ones. The Woodsongs Concert series is one I've been hoping to get into since before I got into the nationally televised Woodsongs, and Becky Buller looks to be fantastic. And, I'm doing--for the first time--a Ukulele Weekend here in Chattanooga. It'll be a two day affair with lots of jamming and classes, and ending up with a house concert starring your truly. We're structuring it so you can come for the day or the weekend, whatever you wish. If you'd like to know more please contact Trish Wileman at 941-330-5547 or by email at tfwileman at gmail.com. That's all for now. I was reading over some older emails to you all, and I realized that I used to write a lot more. Stories, tales from the road. Some of it was complete jibberish, but some of it not so bad. Grad school, I think pretty much stomped the love of writing out of me, and Facebook allows me to tell tiny stories with out having to be clear or indeed any good at it. But I think my New Year's resolution (insomuch as I ever bother to have those) is to make this email list something more than dates and times, if only a little bit more. Of course I'll keep those dates and time right up from, so you can skip the later blather if you're in a hurry. That's all for now, hope to see you at one of these gigs. Those shows again... Saturday, Jan. 31st - 7pm $15 Woodsongs Dalton Concert Series 2015 kick-off show Becky Buller with Butch Ross Stage 123 123 W Gordon St, Dalton, Georgia 30720 http://woodsongsdalton.com/ I don't know if her name is pronounced "Bull-er" or "Beuller" but I think you can guess which one I'm gonna default to. Proceeds from this show benefit Providence House Ministries. February 27-28 Chattanooga UKE weekend Mountain Arts Community Center (MACC) 809 Kentucky Ave, Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377 Friday Night Jam. Saturday Lessons with me and Jamming Saturday Evening a House Concert featuring me and Ken Hicks $60 for the day plus $5 for lunch C-ya out there. --Br
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Florida Tour Starts Staurday!
Saturday, Jan. 10 - 10am 10am – Lakeland Farmer’s Curb Market N. Kentucky Ave at E. Pine St. & Bay St. in Downtown Lakeland. 863.687.8910 Sat., Jan. 10 - 8pm Tony B’s Wine Bar 213 East Bay Street Lakeland, FL 863. 688.3469 http://www.tonystudiob.com Sun., Jan. 11 - 10am-12pm Uke Brunch and Workshop at the home of Becky Abel Contact: Becky 863.640.1763 Monday, January 12 - 7:30 Cabin Hill House Concerts Tallahassee, FL Contact: Linda Collins to RSVP 850.671.3674 Thurs, Jan. 15 The Hideaway Café 1756 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 727-644-7895 <727 .=""> www.hideawaycafe.biz/ Sat, Jan 17 - Sun. Jan 18 South Florida Folk Festival Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale with Brother Sun, David Roth, Harpeth Rising and many, many more. Tuesday, January 20 - 12pm Dulcimer Workshop Whitfield Epicurean Church 7045 Tamiami Trl. Sarasota, FL Contact: Carolyn to register 941.807.3673 Hello all: The Florida Tour starts this weekend, and looking at the weather forecast not a moment too soon! Before I went to Florida for the first time, I never really felt the need to go to Florida. As a nearly lifelong Yankee, I felt toughing it out all winter was my duty. Then Bing Futch invited me to the first Key West Dulcimer Fest. and 5 inches of snow fell in Chattanooga. I know 5 inches isn't much if you live in say Chicago, but here in Chatt' it's a thing. So now I try to get myself down there once a year, to soak up the sun and get my feet in the sand. Never thought I was that kinda person. But it turns out I am. :-) So anyway, teaching a few Uke and Dulcimer workshops, but mostly playing gigs, seeing old friends and staying warm. If you, or someone you know, is in the area and wants to come check out one of the shows, by all means do. There may some other things happening down there during this tour. Last minute stuff that is still in the works. If so, I'll let you know. Watch this space. Here's hoping you all had a great holiday season, and that your 2015 is filled with success, love and happiness And come out to a show! Those shows again... Saturday, Jan. 10 - 10am 10am – Lakeland Farmer’s Curb Market N. Kentucky Ave at E. Pine St. & Bay St. in Downtown Lakeland. 863.687.8910 Sat., Jan. 10 - 8pm Tony B’s Wine Bar 213 East Bay Street Lakeland, FL 863. 688.3469 http://www.tonystudiob.com Sun., Jan. 11 - 10am-12pm Uke Brunch and Workshop at the home of Becky Abel Contact: Becky 863.640.1763 Monday, January 12 - 7:30 Cabin Hill House Concerts Tallahassee, FL Contact: Linda Collins to RSVP 850.671.3674 Thurs, Jan. 15 The Hideaway Café 1756 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 727-644-7895 <727 .=""> www.hideawaycafe.biz/ Sat, Jan 17 - Sun. Jan 18 South Florida Folk Festival Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale with Brother Sun, David Roth, Harpeth Rising and many, many more. Tuesday, January 20 - 12pm Dulcimer Workshop Whitfield Epicurean Church 7045 Tamiami Trl. Sarasota, FL Contact: Carolyn to register 941.807.3673 C-ya out there. --Br www.butchross.com "Now I know what a dulcimer is supposed to sound like" —Jake Shimabukuro
Monday, November 10, 2014
Classical dulcimer music webcast TONIGHT!
I'll keep this short and sweet. I've been working on some classical music for a show I'm doing tonight here in Chattanooga at 7:30est. I'll have some friends joining me on flute, guitar, viola and violin. Plus some singing. I figure you'd like to see it too, and since I can't afford to put the show on the road, I put it here. http://static.viewer.dacast.com/b/45188/c/55921 Also, you can just go to butchross.com and watch it there as well. --Br
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
October Tour: Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan
Upcoming Shows: Oct 11, 2014 10:00 AM – 6PM $10 - $75 depending Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming Clinton, TN 865-494-7680 museumofappalachia.org Oct 12, 2014 2:00 PM – $20- $120 depending Fly Free Free Fest with Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers Cherokee Farms - Lafayette, GA www.flyfreefest.com Oct 13, 2014 8:00 PM – Free Bloomington Songwriters Showcase the Player's Pub 424 South Walnut Street Bloomington, IN 812 334-2080 http://www.theplayerspub.com/ Oct 15, 2014 7:00 PM – Free J.K. O'Donnell's 121 W. Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN www.jkodonnells.com Oct 18, 2014 12:00 PM - $20 Workshops at the Rock Mill 6:30 PM - $15 Doug Berch and Butch Ross in concert at the Rock Mill 1429 Rock Mill Place NW, Lancaster, OH 23936 October 22, 2014 7pm - $20 Workshop: Subject TBD Robin Run Village, 5354 West 62nd Street, Indianapolis IN Oct 24, 2014 8:00 PM - $15 Ten Pound Fiddle Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing 855 Grove St, East Lansing, MI East Lansing, MI With Doug Berch http://www.tenpoundfiddle.org Oct 24, 2014 2:00 PM -$20 Workshop at Elderly Instruments 1100 N. Washington Lansing, Michigan Teaching a Dulcimer workshop at 2 and a Ukulele Workshop at 3:30 This tour has quite a few more days off than my tours usually do. But I like to stay busy when I’m on the road. So, if you’d like to have me come visit your club to teach or perform, or perhaps put on a house concert, I’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t need to be a big production, as I’m going to be in the area anyway. 4-5 people could make a great workshop and 7 to 10 could be a wonderful intimate house concert. If you live within two to four of hours of the places I’m playing, and would love to have me come visit you, please contact me at butch at butchross.com and put “October Tour” as the subject line. As for the rest of these shows and workshops, they’re gonna be great. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be performing and teaching with Doug Berch again (twice!). Hope you can make it to one. C-ya out there. --Br
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
The August Tour starts now (well Friday)
As always, first the dates.
Friday, Aug 1-3, all day and all night (no really)
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Dodd's Farm, Hillsdale, NY
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Dodd's Farm, Hillsdale, NY
Sunday, Aug 3, 7:00 PM
House concert @ G's Spot
Ridgefield Park, NJ
Suggested Donation $15
House concert @ G's Spot
Ridgefield Park, NJ
Suggested Donation $15
Aug 4, 7:30 PM
Grace United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pa
Donations suggested - Workshop at 5pm
Grace United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pa
Donations suggested - Workshop at 5pm
Aug 5, 5:30 PM
Rock n Roll Dulcimer Workshop with Buckeye Strings Dulcimer Club
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church - Kenwood, OH
Two workshops: Rock-n-roll chord progressions and Rhythms of Rock with a mini concert in between. Plus we'll learn a Sam Cooke song!
$20 for one or $35 for both
Contact Vickey Sasser - vjsuc79@fuse.net if you'd like to attend
Rock n Roll Dulcimer Workshop with Buckeye Strings Dulcimer Club
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church - Kenwood, OH
Two workshops: Rock-n-roll chord progressions and Rhythms of Rock with a mini concert in between. Plus we'll learn a Sam Cooke song!
$20 for one or $35 for both
Contact Vickey Sasser - vjsuc79@fuse.net if you'd like to attend
Aug 7, 2014 7pm
Workshop and concert at the Corydon Dulcimer Club
Harrison County Community Foundation Bldg.
1523 Foundation Way
Corydon, Indiana (United States) 47112
$25 for all.
Workshop and concert at the Corydon Dulcimer Club
Harrison County Community Foundation Bldg.
1523 Foundation Way
Corydon, Indiana (United States) 47112
$25 for all.
Aug 8, 2014 6:00 PM
House Concert at Toya and Gary's place
Hagerstown, MD
Suggested donation $10
House Concert at Toya and Gary's place
Hagerstown, MD
Suggested donation $10
Aug 9, 2014 8:00 PM
Taffy's of Eaton
123 main st.
Eaton, OH
Pass the hat, jam session afterwards!
Taffy's of Eaton
123 main st.
Eaton, OH
Pass the hat, jam session afterwards!
Aug 10, 2014 - 5:30
House Concert
Wellington Reservation
535 Jones Road
Wellington, OH
Pass the hat
Light dinner served
House Concert
Wellington Reservation
535 Jones Road
Wellington, OH
Pass the hat
Light dinner served
Well it’s August again and that means it’s time for me to
head north. Chattanooga is amazing 10 months out of the year, but one of the
months it ain’t is this one.
But I’m also getting to get back to some of my favorite
places, as well as a few new one. Hope to see you a one of them.
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.
This is not a gig per se, but a chance to catch up with old friends, relax a bit and hear a ton of great music (and most of it won’t be on the main stage) It’s been ten years since I last went up there, and I’m really looking forward to it (after the initial 15 hour [!] drive that is)
This is not a gig per se, but a chance to catch up with old friends, relax a bit and hear a ton of great music (and most of it won’t be on the main stage) It’s been ten years since I last went up there, and I’m really looking forward to it (after the initial 15 hour [!] drive that is)
G-Spot House Concert
Gandharva Earl Sauls is a Jazz bassist in Teaneck New Jersey who host’s concerts out of his home. He also has a grand piano in his living room, come watch me discover I’m not as good at something as I think I am!
Gandharva Earl Sauls is a Jazz bassist in Teaneck New Jersey who host’s concerts out of his home. He also has a grand piano in his living room, come watch me discover I’m not as good at something as I think I am!
Concert at Grace United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pa
I get to Pennsylvania very rarely, and to Amish country even more infrequently. It’s a Monday, but it’s an early show, I promise you won’t be too tried at work on Tuesday.
Also teaching a workshop (form tune to arrangement) beforehand at 5pm
I get to Pennsylvania very rarely, and to Amish country even more infrequently. It’s a Monday, but it’s an early show, I promise you won’t be too tried at work on Tuesday.
Also teaching a workshop (form tune to arrangement) beforehand at 5pm
Rock n Roll Dulcimer Workshop with Buckeye Strings Dulcimer
Club
Teaching the Roots of Rock AND a Sam Cooke song, this’ll be a blast!
Workshop and concert at the Corydon Dulcimer Club
Back to in Indiana, teaching a workshop and then playing afterwards. Contact Russ Emery if you just want to attend the show.
Teaching the Roots of Rock AND a Sam Cooke song, this’ll be a blast!
Workshop and concert at the Corydon Dulcimer Club
Back to in Indiana, teaching a workshop and then playing afterwards. Contact Russ Emery if you just want to attend the show.
House Concert at Toya and Gary's place
It’s always so kind of Toya and Gary to invite me into their home, and it’s always a good time. And if this is a little far away for you, remember that this is a very early show!
Taffy's of Eaton.
It’s Taffy’s, and until you’ve been it’s hard to describe, but once you have there’s no need to explain. J I always look forward to the amazing venue.
It’s always so kind of Toya and Gary to invite me into their home, and it’s always a good time. And if this is a little far away for you, remember that this is a very early show!
Taffy's of Eaton.
It’s Taffy’s, and until you’ve been it’s hard to describe, but once you have there’s no need to explain. J I always look forward to the amazing venue.
House Concert at the Gwinn’s
Steve and Linda are far better to me than I deserve, and
they love to cook! There’s far more than one good reason to make it to this
show.
Not a whole lot of announce-able news this time, but that
doesn’t mean there’s not lots going on! Watch this space for some cool stuff
coming this fall.
C-ya out there.
--Br
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Friday, September 20, 2013
Kickstarter Campaign to launched to fund the new record.
Yes, it's true. I'm working on a new record. I've been working on one for a
good long while now. So long, that some of you didn't believe it existed.
:-)
But it's actually two records, or more accurately, one record, one EP*, and
a 7" single.
Recording this record has been quite a challenge for me. Time and money
have been constant and pernicious issues. And I've also had serious issues
with my voice over the last few years, and have been working with a vocal
coach to fix that. Finally, this is the first record in a LONG time that is
mostly songs that I've written. And while I feel strongly about these songs
and am proud of them, there is always that nagging sense of "but what if
they don't like it?". But like I say on 'Longway From Settling Down', "I'm
here 'cuz I got a song to sing."
Here's how Kickstarter works:
Kickstarter is a “crowdfunding” site. That’s a hipster way of saying “I’ll
gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” You pledge money to me that
will go to funding the record, and in turn I will send you downloads, CDs,
t-shirts, vinyl records or whatever, once our goal is reached. You can give
as little as one dollar and there’s no limit to how much you can
contribute. However, there are specific rewards are given for specific
levels of giving. Remember how I pre-sold “A Long Way From Shady Grove”
before it was released? Well, this works like that, except that Kickstarter
handles the payments through Amazon and that makes it safe and secure to
pledge online.
But here’s the catch:
Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. If I don’t make my goal of $4600, NO ONE is
charged. So it becomes a bit of a race, and if I don’t make my goal in 30
days (well, 29 now) I’m going to have to find some way to get this album to
you…and “Gone” will be, well, gone.
I really like Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing policy. It forces me to rely on
you guys to make it happen, and it means that we are literally in this
together. Of course, this is true EVERY DAY, it’s just that a Kickstarter
campaign puts it into high relief.
The good news is that as of this writing, I’m over 25% there!
Here's what I'm hoping to create:
PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS: This is a CD of 11 songs, most of which I've
written, that tell a story. Sometimes the story is personal, sometimes it's
not (and which is which is not as obvious as you might think) but all tell
the story of people or places or things, hence the title. I've treated this
album very much as a collection of short stories. (here's one of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KtdmHs_x8ck). I call
it an album because it is one; a collection of songs that sonically and
thematically relate.
GONE: This was originally my "808 and Heartbreak," meaning an album that
was related to two specific concepts. In this case, loops and loss. These
songs were all contenders for the record when I did the webcast back in
February of 2012 (which, if you missed it, you can still see here:
http://vimeo.com/37430256). The eight or nine songs I played here, got
whittled down to the five or six that will end up on the album. Still,
they're all based around loops, vaguely revolve around the idea of being
"gone," and most importantly, hang together sonically.
“Gone” is only available as part of this Kickstarter campaign. You will not
be able to get it at shows or anywhere else.
THE 7" SINGLE: This is an elegant solution to a very inelegant problem. I
have, for years, REALLY wanted to make a vinyl record. But vinyl is VERY
expensive, and the demand potentially very small. But it felt important to
me to have it. I'm not that old, or that old school, but after all these
years vinyl still feels more real than a CD, or worse, a download. At the
same time I had been grappling with a tune that I really liked (“All I Need
Is You”) that didn't really fit the overall vibe of "People, Places,
Things." So when someone suggested to me that I could release a 7" single
that came with a download of the whole album, an elegant solution was
formed. That's how the single will be sold at shows, but through the
Kickstarter campaign you will also get physical copies of "PPT" and "Gone,"
a t-shirt, and a bunch of other stuff. (check it out here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/503728969/help-me-fund-my-new-cd-people-places-things
)
Okay, this is getting a little long-winded, so I’ll stop here. Please go
check out the video at the above link. It’s about 5 minutes long and will
explain all the perks of pledging as well as a good look at the album art
and the music that will be on the CD, the EP, and the 7”.
As the campaign progresses I’ll be sending you updates. You’ll be hearing
from me a little more than usual, but I promise to keep it brief,
interesting, and relevant to you.
Thank you for reading this far.
C-ya out there.
--Br
www.butchross.com
*I don't know how this happened, but no one seems to remember what an "EP"
is, it's stands for "extended play" record, and was a reference to ten inch
vinyl records that were sometimes released. An EP is usually 4 to 6 songs,
but sometimes as many as 8. It's way too much music to fit on a 7" single,
but if you tried to sell it as an LP you'd make a bunch of people mad.
good long while now. So long, that some of you didn't believe it existed.
:-)
But it's actually two records, or more accurately, one record, one EP*, and
a 7" single.
Recording this record has been quite a challenge for me. Time and money
have been constant and pernicious issues. And I've also had serious issues
with my voice over the last few years, and have been working with a vocal
coach to fix that. Finally, this is the first record in a LONG time that is
mostly songs that I've written. And while I feel strongly about these songs
and am proud of them, there is always that nagging sense of "but what if
they don't like it?". But like I say on 'Longway From Settling Down', "I'm
here 'cuz I got a song to sing."
Here's how Kickstarter works:
Kickstarter is a “crowdfunding” site. That’s a hipster way of saying “I’ll
gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” You pledge money to me that
will go to funding the record, and in turn I will send you downloads, CDs,
t-shirts, vinyl records or whatever, once our goal is reached. You can give
as little as one dollar and there’s no limit to how much you can
contribute. However, there are specific rewards are given for specific
levels of giving. Remember how I pre-sold “A Long Way From Shady Grove”
before it was released? Well, this works like that, except that Kickstarter
handles the payments through Amazon and that makes it safe and secure to
pledge online.
But here’s the catch:
Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. If I don’t make my goal of $4600, NO ONE is
charged. So it becomes a bit of a race, and if I don’t make my goal in 30
days (well, 29 now) I’m going to have to find some way to get this album to
you…and “Gone” will be, well, gone.
I really like Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing policy. It forces me to rely on
you guys to make it happen, and it means that we are literally in this
together. Of course, this is true EVERY DAY, it’s just that a Kickstarter
campaign puts it into high relief.
The good news is that as of this writing, I’m over 25% there!
Here's what I'm hoping to create:
PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS: This is a CD of 11 songs, most of which I've
written, that tell a story. Sometimes the story is personal, sometimes it's
not (and which is which is not as obvious as you might think) but all tell
the story of people or places or things, hence the title. I've treated this
album very much as a collection of short stories. (here's one of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KtdmHs_x8ck). I call
it an album because it is one; a collection of songs that sonically and
thematically relate.
GONE: This was originally my "808 and Heartbreak," meaning an album that
was related to two specific concepts. In this case, loops and loss. These
songs were all contenders for the record when I did the webcast back in
February of 2012 (which, if you missed it, you can still see here:
http://vimeo.com/37430256). The eight or nine songs I played here, got
whittled down to the five or six that will end up on the album. Still,
they're all based around loops, vaguely revolve around the idea of being
"gone," and most importantly, hang together sonically.
“Gone” is only available as part of this Kickstarter campaign. You will not
be able to get it at shows or anywhere else.
THE 7" SINGLE: This is an elegant solution to a very inelegant problem. I
have, for years, REALLY wanted to make a vinyl record. But vinyl is VERY
expensive, and the demand potentially very small. But it felt important to
me to have it. I'm not that old, or that old school, but after all these
years vinyl still feels more real than a CD, or worse, a download. At the
same time I had been grappling with a tune that I really liked (“All I Need
Is You”) that didn't really fit the overall vibe of "People, Places,
Things." So when someone suggested to me that I could release a 7" single
that came with a download of the whole album, an elegant solution was
formed. That's how the single will be sold at shows, but through the
Kickstarter campaign you will also get physical copies of "PPT" and "Gone,"
a t-shirt, and a bunch of other stuff. (check it out here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/503728969/help-me-fund-my-new-cd-people-places-things
)
Okay, this is getting a little long-winded, so I’ll stop here. Please go
check out the video at the above link. It’s about 5 minutes long and will
explain all the perks of pledging as well as a good look at the album art
and the music that will be on the CD, the EP, and the 7”.
As the campaign progresses I’ll be sending you updates. You’ll be hearing
from me a little more than usual, but I promise to keep it brief,
interesting, and relevant to you.
Thank you for reading this far.
C-ya out there.
--Br
www.butchross.com
*I don't know how this happened, but no one seems to remember what an "EP"
is, it's stands for "extended play" record, and was a reference to ten inch
vinyl records that were sometimes released. An EP is usually 4 to 6 songs,
but sometimes as many as 8. It's way too much music to fit on a 7" single,
but if you tried to sell it as an LP you'd make a bunch of people mad.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
RINGTONES!!!
I took a break from finishing up the Album and putting together the
Kickstarter Campaign to make a few ringtones from some of my earlier albums.
They are in two formats .m4r for iPhone users, and .mp3 for Android phone
users (Droid, Samsung etc.)
You can find them here: http://butchross.com/ringtones.html
They're free and available to everyone, tell your friends!
Kickstarter Campaign to make a few ringtones from some of my earlier albums.
They are in two formats .m4r for iPhone users, and .mp3 for Android phone
users (Droid, Samsung etc.)
You can find them here: http://butchross.com/ringtones.html
They're free and available to everyone, tell your friends!
Thursday, August 01, 2013
August Tour begins! (and there's a lot of Ukulele in it!!!)
Upcoming Shows:
This Saturday and Sunday! Aug 3 - 4, 2013
Midwest Uke FestFolkcraft Instruments Store and Factory
Woodburn, IN
Tuesday, Aug 6, 2013 - $20 per workshop
A day of workshops in Marine City, MIMarine City, MI
Contact Tom Hoy if you'd like to attend.
(586) 747-4197 thoy999@yahoo.com
Thursday, Aug 8, 2013 - $25
A day of workshops in Findlay, OHCollege First Church of God
Findlay, OH
Contact Phyllis Schaffer if you'd like to attend. (419) 424‐0213
Friday, Aug 9, 2013 - 8pm
Taffy's of EatonEaton, OH
http://www.taffysofeaton.com/
LOVE this place!!!
Saturday, Aug 10, 2013 -
Second Saturday ClinicFolkcraft Instruments
22133 Main St.
Woodburn, IN
There might be some stuff happening in central Ohio too. I'll be sure and let you know when that gets finalized.
LOVE this place!!!
Saturday, Aug 10, 2013 -
Second Saturday ClinicFolkcraft Instruments
22133 Main St.
Woodburn, IN
More Uke wondrousness! (is that a word?)
Friday, Aug 16, 2013 - 7:30 - $10.00
333 Coffeehouse351 DuBois Rd
Annapolis, MD
Saturday, Aug 17. 2013 - 7:30pm - Free
Taylors Books226 Capitol Street,
Charleston, WV
(304) 342-1461
Friday, Aug 16, 2013 - 7:30 - $10.00
333 Coffeehouse351 DuBois Rd
Annapolis, MD
Saturday, Aug 17. 2013 - 7:30pm - Free
Taylors Books226 Capitol Street,
Charleston, WV
(304) 342-1461
There might be some stuff happening in central Ohio too. I'll be sure and let you know when that gets finalized.
So, I'm going to let you in on a little secret; August is the one month of the year where it's no fun to be in Chattanooga. As a result, I try and book myself out of town for as much of it as I can. Of course, I heard just yesterday that it's been reasonably mild this summer and that we can expect those mild, wonderful conditions to continue throughout the month of August. Well my loss is your gain (or something like that 'cuz I'm headed your way).
Although I have no intention of giving up the dulcimer anytime soon, and am, in fact, looking forward to playing some new clubs and festivals in the coming year. I have to say that attending last year's Midwest Uke Fest was a revelation. Richard Ash and company know how to put on a festival that is fun and informative, and even the threat of a tornado didn't stop us from having a blast whatever we were doing. I'm very excited to get back up there with Bing, Ehukai, Gerald Ross (no relation), and YOU!!!
After a week that will find me teaching some nice all-day workshops in Michigan and Northern Ohio, I'll be back at Folkcraft for the Second Saturday Clinic. I'll be teaching Uke and Maureen Sellers will be handling the Dulcimer stuff. The Second Saturday Clinic manages to cram workshops, jamming, and concerts all into a jam-packed afternoon that you can still get to and back in a single day, and all for just $20 dollars.
Finally, I'll be performing at a new (to me) coffeehouse. The 333 Coffeehouse in Annapolis, Maryland is a fun series that has, in the past, hosted some of my favorite performers. I don't know how they found me, but I'm happy to be a part of this lively concert series.
News on the new CD
Nothing too much to report here. Progress IS being made, but you gotta be in town to record so it's been catch as catch can. But, the hard work is getting done, The guest musicians are coming and going, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been saying this for a while, but I'm pretty sure that when this tour ends we'll be kicking off the Kickstarter campaign.
Kickstarter, for those of you who don't know, is a "crowdfunding" site where "backers" (that's you) pledge to give some amount toward the completion of my financial goal, in exchange for some level of reward. This can be everything from a download of the album, to a physical CD, to Vinyl, T-shirts and even House Concerts. It's very Public Radio except that the pleas will come mostly via email and I won't be holding your programming hostage until I make a certain amount. Also, Kickstarter is an all or nothing thing: If I don't make my goal, nobody gets charged. This last bit is actually my favorite part—it means we're literally in this together.
This record has taken a long time to get off the ground, but that's because it is an ambitious and emotional undertaking. I'm excited for you guys to hear the results, and one of the levels on the Kickstarter campaign will be just that: the ability to hear mixes of things and the work in progress.
That's all the news I got for you, come see a show, take a workshop or just say hi.
C-ya out there.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Spring Ohio Tour (and Indiana), plus info on how to get the NEW CD!!!
Upcoming Shows:
Wed. May 1, 2013 – 7pm. Free (eat something)
JK O'Donnell's
121 Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN
www.jkodonnells.com
They like me, I like them; what else can I say? Oh yeah, GREAT FOOD!
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 7pm $20 per person
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Workshop: Beatles tunes for Dulcimer
as I am only teaching one dulcimer workshop at COFF, this'll be another opportunity to learn some stuff.
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 8:15 or so $8 (free to workshop attendees)
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Mini-concert
Friday, May, 3rd Potluck and Jam @ Grandview Park – Free
We do this every year; contact Doug Snapp for more information (dmsnapp at wowway.com or phone at 313-6424).
Friday, May 3 - 5 2013 - all day $10 to $30 depending.
Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park - Central Ohio Folk Festival
I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve been doing this, but it’s a great festival, teaching a Uke workshop this year too!
Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 8pm (tip jar)
Taffy's of Eaton
123 east main street Eaton, OH
My first time at this very cool and completely improbable venue just outside of Dayton, Ohio, you Cinci and Dayton folks TOTALLY need to check this place out.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 – 6pm - $3
Leo's Coffeehouse
@Zion United Church of Christ
2301 Indian Mound Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
And a workshop at 5:30
Rock Rhythm Primer: Learn the basics of rhythm from the early days of Rock-n-Roll, some rhythms will be harder than others, but you'll be surprised by which is which.
Phew! That’s a busy long weekend. And I haven’t mentioned the school program I’ve managed to squeeze in the middle (thanks Laura!)
I am procrastinator to beat the band, especially when it comes to the day-to-day minutia of my business (like writing this email). But I don’t get to do what I do, if you don’t know about it, so eventually it gets done. I suppose that the procrastination comes from (as Bing Futch has suggested) knowing the time commitment involved. I think he's right, I am a slow writer. This email is long, (not Moby Dick, but still) and took the better part of three hours to finish.
That’s not, however, why it’s taken FOUR YEARS to complete my most recent CD (I had wanted it to be out in 2011). It’s taken so long because, as I’m fond of saying “things take the time that they take”. Add to that, life, vocal issues and the fact that this is a major work that I’ve undertaken and you start to get a vague understanding of why it’s taken so long. But I am far enough along in the process that I can start to talk about the new CD (and take pre-orders).
It’s going to be called “People, Places, Things” and it will showcase my songwriting—something that I’ve not been able to do on the last two CDs. “Moonshiner’s Atlas” was a document of my learning to play my instrument, while “Shady Grove” was an exhibit of my dulcimer explorations. But this one—for better or worse—is my voice. These songs are both new and very old, and the whole project runs a thru line from my first CD (the out-of-print “Selected Works of Friction”) to earlier this afternoon. The songs are sweet, sad and funny (like life) and while my dulcimer chops are still amply showcased, it takes a back seat to the story being told.
Along the way I’ve rounded up some friends to help me out: vocalists, guitarists, piano, cello, drums, violin and viola all make an appearance; great friends and greater musicians who generously donated their time and talent to make this thing a reality. It’s been a huge undertaking and is by far the most ambitious work I’ve done thus far.
And it’s not just a CD, there’s a whole other EP to go with it. I’ve decided to separate out some of the loop-based tunes I do into a collection I’m calling “Gone.” If you got to see the web cast I did in February 2012, you saw a lot of that material. This EP is NOT FOR SALE, but you can get it by either pre-ordering the CD (there will be sign up sheets available at the gigs) or by contributing to my Kickstarter campaign.
What is Kickstarter you ask? Well not to be too dramatic, but it’s how we make music for a living now. Kickstarter refers to itself, as “Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.” But I call it a bet. A bet that you people, who—though your gracious support have allowed me to have a career for the last four years—will show as much faith in me as I have in myself. Does that seem a little dramatic? Well it is. But I have gotten as far as I have because of…and solely because of…your support. Kickstarter is a bet on that premise; if I don’t make my goal (probably in the neighborhood of $4,500.00) you don’t pay a penny. It’s all or nothing, and frankly, I’m fine with that.
There are different levels of giving, with different perks at each level. These include: exclusive T-shirts, a pdf of lyrics and track notes, Vinyl (that’s right I’m making a RECORD), online access to works in progress, and THE CASSETTE: a usb jump drive housed in an old cassette case with which you will receive every record I’ve put out (including “Friction” and the two {and eventually three} Christmas CDs) as well as EVERY CD I WILL EVER RECORD FOR AS LONG AS I CHOOSE TO DO THIS (which in all probability will be until I die). Plus house concerts and whatever else I can dream up. Also, even at the lowest levels of support you will be able to download the CD on the day it’s finished; no waiting on me to mail it to you.
I do all of this because it’s how records get made these days. If we’re being honest, it’s how records have always been made, at least at this level. This just cuts out the middleman.
The Kickstarter campaign will kick off next week, and the details will be available on my Facebook page(s) as well as this here mailing list.
Wed. May 1, 2013 – 7pm. Free (eat something)
JK O'Donnell's
121 Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN
www.jkodonnells.com
They like me, I like them; what else can I say? Oh yeah, GREAT FOOD!
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 7pm $20 per person
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Workshop: Beatles tunes for Dulcimer
as I am only teaching one dulcimer workshop at COFF, this'll be another opportunity to learn some stuff.
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 8:15 or so $8 (free to workshop attendees)
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Mini-concert
Friday, May, 3rd Potluck and Jam @ Grandview Park – Free
We do this every year; contact Doug Snapp for more information (dmsnapp at wowway.com or phone at 313-6424).
Friday, May 3 - 5 2013 - all day $10 to $30 depending.
Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park - Central Ohio Folk Festival
I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve been doing this, but it’s a great festival, teaching a Uke workshop this year too!
Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 8pm (tip jar)
Taffy's of Eaton
123 east main street Eaton, OH
My first time at this very cool and completely improbable venue just outside of Dayton, Ohio, you Cinci and Dayton folks TOTALLY need to check this place out.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 – 6pm - $3
Leo's Coffeehouse
@Zion United Church of Christ
2301 Indian Mound Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
And a workshop at 5:30
Rock Rhythm Primer: Learn the basics of rhythm from the early days of Rock-n-Roll, some rhythms will be harder than others, but you'll be surprised by which is which.
Phew! That’s a busy long weekend. And I haven’t mentioned the school program I’ve managed to squeeze in the middle (thanks Laura!)
I am procrastinator to beat the band, especially when it comes to the day-to-day minutia of my business (like writing this email). But I don’t get to do what I do, if you don’t know about it, so eventually it gets done. I suppose that the procrastination comes from (as Bing Futch has suggested) knowing the time commitment involved. I think he's right, I am a slow writer. This email is long, (not Moby Dick, but still) and took the better part of three hours to finish.
That’s not, however, why it’s taken FOUR YEARS to complete my most recent CD (I had wanted it to be out in 2011). It’s taken so long because, as I’m fond of saying “things take the time that they take”. Add to that, life, vocal issues and the fact that this is a major work that I’ve undertaken and you start to get a vague understanding of why it’s taken so long. But I am far enough along in the process that I can start to talk about the new CD (and take pre-orders).
It’s going to be called “People, Places, Things” and it will showcase my songwriting—something that I’ve not been able to do on the last two CDs. “Moonshiner’s Atlas” was a document of my learning to play my instrument, while “Shady Grove” was an exhibit of my dulcimer explorations. But this one—for better or worse—is my voice. These songs are both new and very old, and the whole project runs a thru line from my first CD (the out-of-print “Selected Works of Friction”) to earlier this afternoon. The songs are sweet, sad and funny (like life) and while my dulcimer chops are still amply showcased, it takes a back seat to the story being told.
Along the way I’ve rounded up some friends to help me out: vocalists, guitarists, piano, cello, drums, violin and viola all make an appearance; great friends and greater musicians who generously donated their time and talent to make this thing a reality. It’s been a huge undertaking and is by far the most ambitious work I’ve done thus far.
And it’s not just a CD, there’s a whole other EP to go with it. I’ve decided to separate out some of the loop-based tunes I do into a collection I’m calling “Gone.” If you got to see the web cast I did in February 2012, you saw a lot of that material. This EP is NOT FOR SALE, but you can get it by either pre-ordering the CD (there will be sign up sheets available at the gigs) or by contributing to my Kickstarter campaign.
What is Kickstarter you ask? Well not to be too dramatic, but it’s how we make music for a living now. Kickstarter refers to itself, as “Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.” But I call it a bet. A bet that you people, who—though your gracious support have allowed me to have a career for the last four years—will show as much faith in me as I have in myself. Does that seem a little dramatic? Well it is. But I have gotten as far as I have because of…and solely because of…your support. Kickstarter is a bet on that premise; if I don’t make my goal (probably in the neighborhood of $4,500.00) you don’t pay a penny. It’s all or nothing, and frankly, I’m fine with that.
There are different levels of giving, with different perks at each level. These include: exclusive T-shirts, a pdf of lyrics and track notes, Vinyl (that’s right I’m making a RECORD), online access to works in progress, and THE CASSETTE: a usb jump drive housed in an old cassette case with which you will receive every record I’ve put out (including “Friction” and the two {and eventually three} Christmas CDs) as well as EVERY CD I WILL EVER RECORD FOR AS LONG AS I CHOOSE TO DO THIS (which in all probability will be until I die). Plus house concerts and whatever else I can dream up. Also, even at the lowest levels of support you will be able to download the CD on the day it’s finished; no waiting on me to mail it to you.
I do all of this because it’s how records get made these days. If we’re being honest, it’s how records have always been made, at least at this level. This just cuts out the middleman.
The Kickstarter campaign will kick off next week, and the details will be available on my Facebook page(s) as well as this here mailing list.
Thank you for reading this far.
Those shows again.
Wed. May 1, 2013 – 7pm Free (eat something)
JK O'Donnell's
121 Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN
www.jkodonnells.com
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 7pm $20 per person
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Workshop: Beatles tunes for Dulcimer
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 8:15 or so $8 (free to workshop attendees)
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Mini-concert
Friday, May, 3rd Potluck and Jam @ Grandview Park – Free
Contact Doug Snapp for more information (dmsnapp at wowway.com or phone at 313-6424).
Friday, May 3 - 5 2013 - all day $10 to $30 depending.
Central Ohio Folk Festival
Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park
Galloway, OH
Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 8pm (tip jar)
Taffy's of Eaton
123 east main street Eaton, OH
Sunday, May 5, 2013 – 6pm - $3
Leo's Coffeehouse
@Zion United Church of Christ
2301 Indian Mound Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
And a workshop at 5:30: Rock Rhythm Primer
C-ya out there.
-Br
www.butchross.com
Those shows again.
Wed. May 1, 2013 – 7pm Free (eat something)
JK O'Donnell's
121 Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN
www.jkodonnells.com
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 7pm $20 per person
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Workshop: Beatles tunes for Dulcimer
Thurs. May 2, 2013 – 8:15 or so $8 (free to workshop attendees)
Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop
122 Main St. Waverly, OH
Mini-concert
Friday, May, 3rd Potluck and Jam @ Grandview Park – Free
Contact Doug Snapp for more information (dmsnapp at wowway.com or phone at 313-6424).
Friday, May 3 - 5 2013 - all day $10 to $30 depending.
Central Ohio Folk Festival
Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park
Galloway, OH
Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 8pm (tip jar)
Taffy's of Eaton
123 east main street Eaton, OH
Sunday, May 5, 2013 – 6pm - $3
Leo's Coffeehouse
@Zion United Church of Christ
2301 Indian Mound Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
And a workshop at 5:30: Rock Rhythm Primer
C-ya out there.
-Br
www.butchross.com
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
A Little Christmas Tune for Y'all
So a student of mine wanted to learn this song, and I decided to make a recording of it, so that they'd have something to follow along to while they were practicing at home. But of course, I can just bang out a simple run through, I have to do a whole full-blown arrangement. So, add this one to your Xmas IPod Playlist if you want. The music is below if you want that (it borrows heavily from Bing Futch's version) and there's a "Karaoke version" (backing tracks but no dulcimer) if you want to play along as well.
Merry Christmas!!!
Download the tune here (right click or ctrl click and "save link as")
Download the Karaoke version here (right click or ctrl click and "save link as")
Download the music (as a .pdf)
Download the music (as a .tef file)
And while it's too late for the USPS to reliably get you any of my Christmas CDs in time for the holiday, you can still download them. More importantly, you can listen to both CDs online for free!
To listen to the Dulcimer Christmas Card Click here.
To listen to the Dulcimer Christmas Card 2 Click here.
Merry Christmas!!!
Download the tune here (right click or ctrl click and "save link as")
Download the Karaoke version here (right click or ctrl click and "save link as")
Download the music (as a .pdf)
Download the music (as a .tef file)
And while it's too late for the USPS to reliably get you any of my Christmas CDs in time for the holiday, you can still download them. More importantly, you can listen to both CDs online for free!
To listen to the Dulcimer Christmas Card Click here.
To listen to the Dulcimer Christmas Card 2 Click here.
Friday, September 07, 2012
House Concerts in NJ and MD this weekend.
Saturday, September 8 - 7pm
Juke Joint House Concert Series
Denville, NJ
Cocktails at 5, show at 7
RSVP Mike @973 328-3723, or missycat10@verizon.net
Sunday, Sept. 9 - 4pm
House Concert at the home of Gary and Toya Koch
RSVP Toya at dulcimerjoy@gmail.com
Fall has fell but I'm no less busy than I was this summer. Got fun new stuff to tell you about, but it'll have to wait until next week. Meanwhile, If yr anywhere near these two places, I'd love to see you.
C-ya out there.
Juke Joint House Concert Series
Denville, NJ
Cocktails at 5, show at 7
RSVP Mike @973 328-3723, or missycat10@verizon.net
Sunday, Sept. 9 - 4pm
House Concert at the home of Gary and Toya Koch
RSVP Toya at dulcimerjoy@gmail.com
Fall has fell but I'm no less busy than I was this summer. Got fun new stuff to tell you about, but it'll have to wait until next week. Meanwhile, If yr anywhere near these two places, I'd love to see you.
C-ya out there.
--Br
www.butchross.comThursday, May 03, 2012
Spring Tour! OH, IN, PA, KY --A new Book!-- New Album Update
It’s taken me literally all day to get this thing written but there’s a lot to tell. I’ve been out of sight, but doing anything but relaxing. Here’s what’s inside.
1. Spring Tour
2. New Beginner Book
3. Album Update
4. Help me get on Prairie Home Companion
1. SPRING TOUR
The spring tour still has some free dates in it and I’ll be
in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana for most of it. If you’re in these states and
would like to me to come to your club, for a workshop or a house concert, drop
me a line at butch@butchross.com
This need not be a big event; a few folks and a place to
stay can very often make the whole thing worth my while. Especially, if I’m
only a couple of hours away (maybe too far for you to come to me, but nothing
for me to come to you)
Friday, May 4th - 5ish Free but RSVP preferred.
Festival kickoff potluck at the shelter house in McKinley
Field Park,
1661 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212 (Grandview Heights).
1661 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212 (Grandview Heights).
Not really a gig or workshop, just a potluck/jam
session/hangout with dulcimer folk. It’s a lot of fun. Contact Doug Snapp for
more information. dougsnapp@gmail.com or 614 313-6424
May 4-6, 2012
Central Ohio Folk Festival
Battelle-Darby Creek Park - Columbus, OH
My sixth year at this great festival!
Check website for workshop times dates and costs.
http://cfms-inc.org/
Thursday, May 10, 2012 – 7pm Free (pass the hat)
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe
133 E Beaver Ave, State College PA 16801
814-272-1410
My first time here, if you got peeps in the area, send ‘em
my way.
Friday, May 11, 2012 – 8pm $16.50 (Reservations Recommended)
Godfrey Daniels - Possibilities of the Mountain Dulcimer.
Alf Bashore opens
7 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015-1601
610-867-2390
Another first, one for the bucket list, tell your friends
and carpool!
May 12, 2012 – EARLY SHOW! 3pm
Lili's Coffee Shop
3138 Dobson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States) 15219
412.682.3600
Co-bill w/Panther Hollow String Band
(pantherhollowstringband.wordpress.com)
May 13, 2012 – 5:30pm
Dulcimer Workshop
Zion United Church of Christ
2332 Sherwood Lane, Norwood, Ohio (United States) 45212
May 13, 2012 – 7pm Leo Coffeehouse
Zion United Church of Christ
2332 Sherwood Lane, Norwood, Ohio (United States) 45212
May 16, 2012 – 7pm Free
J.K. O'Donnell's
121 W. Wayne Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana (United States) 46802
I’d say come for the food anyway, that I’ll be there is just
a bonus.
May 19, 2012 – A day of FREE Dulcimer Workshops at the
Intergenerational Center
214 W. Jefferson St. Berea, KY, 40403
9:30 – 11am Workshop I – Rhythms Beyond 4/4 (explore
waltzes, hornpipes, jigs and more) All levels encouraged.
11-1 lunch on your own.
1 – 2pm Post lunch Q&A; ask me your dulcimer questions!
2 – 3:30pm Workshop II – Different levels playing together.
Arrangements so folks of all levels can play the same songs together. All
levels encouraged.
Contact Adrian at Madison.dulcimers@gmail.com
or Nancy 859 624-2721
May 19, 2012 - 6:30pm $20 suggested donation
Richmond, KY
House Concert at the home of Tommy and Nancy Adams
Contact Nancy Adams to RSVP: 859 624-2721
THIS SHOW WILL LIKELY SELL OUT!
And still to come…
May 26, 2012 workshops and concert at The Pickin’ Porch
Wood-n-Strings Dulcimer Shop - Townsend, TN
May 27, 2012 - The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN
Jun 17-24, 2012 - Kentucky Music Week in Bardstown, KY
(New location and a new hotel, PLUS Jerry Rockwell
and Joellen Lapidus will be there)
2. New beginner’s book:
All The Strings, All The Time
Inspired by Danny Shepherd’s excellent “Mountain Dulcimer
for Children (and the young at heart),” this is a book of 21 well-known
traditional tunes, arranged in order of difficulty from super easy to
not-terribly-hard-at-all. It’s a simple, but thorough way to get a solid start
playing the mountain dulcimer.
3. Album update:
So, it seems that I’ve been in the beginning stages of
recording this record for over a year now, but finally there is some light at
the end of the tunnel. Demos are beginning to get to the various musicians who
will be playing on the record, and I’m working out arrangements with new
instruments (bass drum, cello, Edison Wax Cylinders) as well as new techniques
(like drone and noter!) that I’m really excited about. I’m sure I’ve said this
before, but musically it will be closer to Moonshiner’s Atlas, with more original
tunes and lots of singing (tho’ I just wrote a tune today that would be a great
fit).
To fund this thing I’m planning on selling pre-release CDs
like I did with Shady Grove, but I’m also kicking around the idea of a
Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is a web site where they collect donations
for various projects. Each project has a fiscal goal, and you’re not charged
until the end of the donation period (usually 30 days) AND when I’ve made the
stated goal. I’d love to know what y’all think about that idea.
In any case, stay tuned here. Or—if you do these
things—“Like” me on Facebook, as I’ll be posting new demos there as well.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butch-Ross/55431615966
4. Help me get on Prairie Home Companion
A fan of mine started this Facebook page, kind of an online
petition; to have me on Garrison Keilor’s long running and much loved show. I
think it’s a great idea, and would be a real hoot if I got to do it. Right now
there are 416 “likes” which is impressive, but not nearly enough to make the
folks at PHC take notice. So, if you Facebook, go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-want-Butch-Ross-on-Prairie-Home-Companion/132568563454384
and “like” it. And Hurry! Rumor has it that Garrison may retire soon, and I
don’t think I’ll be able to keep a straight face if the “News from Lake
Woebegone” is read by Ryan Seacrest.
Okay that’s all the news I got. Thanks for reading this far.
C-ya Out there
-Br
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Spring Thaw Fling this weekend, with DOUG BERCH!!!! and web cast is now up online
Happy Leap Day to you!
Spring Thaw Fling - with Butch Ross and Doug Berch!
Charles F. Alley Memorial Park (Geneva Hills)
2805 Old Logan Road
Lancaster, OH 43130
United States
740-243-4210
http://www.genevahills.com/directions/
Teaching two workshops
Beyond Beginner and up - I Don't Improvise, I Just Make Stuff Up: Using a series of games and exercises we'll learn how to free up inhibitions and start improvising. Make your favorite tunes better, keep yourself interested in lengthy jams and maybe eventually create your own arrangements or tunes!
Intermediate/Advanced - Contemporary Rhythm Workshop.
Ready to graduate from Bum Ditty? Learn rhythmic forms from genres such as jazz, rock and world music. learn to swing and shuffle, syncopate and and play poly-rhythms that breath new life in to old war horses.
The flyer's up on my facebook page if you need more info (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150636879369712&set=a.10150116331884712.296967.768934711&type=1&theater)
Well this has got to be fun. An chance to jam and hang out with Doug Berch is time well spent. Oh and he's pretty good on them dulcimers of his.
Also, the web cast is now available for viewing online at http://vimeo.com/37430256 in shockingly vivid HD (well, shocking to me anyway) there's a little tech glitch with the sound at 4:11 that you need to be prepared for (it's a bad cable) but overall I think Phillip Luckey did a really great job of it.
The tunes on it are ones I've been kicking around for a while, like "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" but also some old folk songs and some really old original tunes, including one i wrote for a band I was in in College. It's kind of amazing to me that with a loop pedal and a mountain dulcimer I can recreate an arrangement that two guitar and a drummer did all those years ago.
Of course, we weren't as good them. :-)
Anyway, if you want to watch it (or watch it again) it's here: http://vimeo.com/37430256
No word on when (or if) the EP will be done, but I got plenty of ideas to kick around.
So again this weekend...
Spring Thaw Fling - with Butch Ross and Doug Berch!
Charles F. Alley Memorial Park (Geneva Hills)
2805 Old Logan Road
Lancaster, OH 43130
United States
740-243-4210
http://www.genevahills.com/directions/
Oh, I just saw as I was typing this that Davy Jones died. Too bad, I liked him.
C-ya out there.
--Br
www.butchross.com
Spring Thaw Fling - with Butch Ross and Doug Berch!
Charles F. Alley Memorial Park (Geneva Hills)
2805 Old Logan Road
Lancaster, OH 43130
United States
740-243-4210
http://www.genevahills.com/directions/
Teaching two workshops
Beyond Beginner and up - I Don't Improvise, I Just Make Stuff Up: Using a series of games and exercises we'll learn how to free up inhibitions and start improvising. Make your favorite tunes better, keep yourself interested in lengthy jams and maybe eventually create your own arrangements or tunes!
Intermediate/Advanced - Contemporary Rhythm Workshop.
Ready to graduate from Bum Ditty? Learn rhythmic forms from genres such as jazz, rock and world music. learn to swing and shuffle, syncopate and and play poly-rhythms that breath new life in to old war horses.
The flyer's up on my facebook page if you need more info (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150636879369712&set=a.10150116331884712.296967.768934711&type=1&theater)
Well this has got to be fun. An chance to jam and hang out with Doug Berch is time well spent. Oh and he's pretty good on them dulcimers of his.
Also, the web cast is now available for viewing online at http://vimeo.com/37430256 in shockingly vivid HD (well, shocking to me anyway) there's a little tech glitch with the sound at 4:11 that you need to be prepared for (it's a bad cable) but overall I think Phillip Luckey did a really great job of it.
The tunes on it are ones I've been kicking around for a while, like "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" but also some old folk songs and some really old original tunes, including one i wrote for a band I was in in College. It's kind of amazing to me that with a loop pedal and a mountain dulcimer I can recreate an arrangement that two guitar and a drummer did all those years ago.
Of course, we weren't as good them. :-)
Anyway, if you want to watch it (or watch it again) it's here: http://vimeo.com/37430256
No word on when (or if) the EP will be done, but I got plenty of ideas to kick around.
So again this weekend...
Spring Thaw Fling - with Butch Ross and Doug Berch!
Charles F. Alley Memorial Park (Geneva Hills)
2805 Old Logan Road
Lancaster, OH 43130
United States
740-243-4210
http://www.genevahills.com/directions/
Oh, I just saw as I was typing this that Davy Jones died. Too bad, I liked him.
C-ya out there.
--Br
www.butchross.com
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Chattanooga show this weekend with a WEBCAST, New EP preview... Plus New Video online.
Friday, Feb 24th - 8:30pm
Market Street Tavern
850 Market St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 634-0260
http://www.marketstreettavern.com/ (site is under construction)
I'm much later getting this out than I would have liked, but a lot of
things have come together at the last minute, and I wanted to get them
all nailed down before I announced them.
This Friday (that's tomorrow for most of you) I'll be doing something
that I haven't done in Chattanooga for quite some time...Play a show.
No bells no whistles, no scratch my back, no Christmas spectacular, no
tributes to Springsteen, or Dylan or Emmit Rhodes. Just me doing what
i do when I'm not in my hometown. I'll be previewing a bunch (if not
all) of the songs in contention for my new EP "Gone"
Oh and it's gonna be webcast. So maybe there is a bell or whistle after all.
Details to follow probably tomorrow, but the long and the short of it,
you will be able to watch on my facebook page (the band page, not the
personal page) and even if you can't make it live there will be video
posted after the fact.
But me playing to an empty room and having that broadcast across the
many tubes of the interwebs is not my idea of a good time. So, if you
can make it, I'd love to see ya there. If you're too far away, there's
always facebook.
In other news, I've posted a real simple video for the song Pole
Position from my 2009 album "A Long Way From Shady Grove" it features
the old video game Pole Position (natch), played by someone who was
way better at that game than I was. It's not a great video, but
especially useful as an office time-waster. You can watch it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEVQn1TST7M
Okay, that's all, I'll C-ya tomorrow (one way or another).
--Br
Market Street Tavern
850 Market St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 634-0260
http://www.marketstreettavern.com/ (site is under construction)
I'm much later getting this out than I would have liked, but a lot of
things have come together at the last minute, and I wanted to get them
all nailed down before I announced them.
This Friday (that's tomorrow for most of you) I'll be doing something
that I haven't done in Chattanooga for quite some time...Play a show.
No bells no whistles, no scratch my back, no Christmas spectacular, no
tributes to Springsteen, or Dylan or Emmit Rhodes. Just me doing what
i do when I'm not in my hometown. I'll be previewing a bunch (if not
all) of the songs in contention for my new EP "Gone"
Oh and it's gonna be webcast. So maybe there is a bell or whistle after all.
Details to follow probably tomorrow, but the long and the short of it,
you will be able to watch on my facebook page (the band page, not the
personal page) and even if you can't make it live there will be video
posted after the fact.
But me playing to an empty room and having that broadcast across the
many tubes of the interwebs is not my idea of a good time. So, if you
can make it, I'd love to see ya there. If you're too far away, there's
always facebook.
In other news, I've posted a real simple video for the song Pole
Position from my 2009 album "A Long Way From Shady Grove" it features
the old video game Pole Position (natch), played by someone who was
way better at that game than I was. It's not a great video, but
especially useful as an office time-waster. You can watch it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEVQn1TST7M
Okay, that's all, I'll C-ya tomorrow (one way or another).
--Br
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)