Feb 2010
The Pooh on Winnie's
16/02/10
This e-mail was sent by me to Richard Baschak of Churchill Park United Church after a strategy session:
Richard,
Thanks for taking the time to chat about the project. These are my notes of our preliminary thoughts. How the coffee house turns out in details will of course be up to you and the rest of the good folks at the Church.
Churchill Park United Church Coffee House (Winnies?)
1. Opening Night: March 24, 2009 (theme?)
2. Recurrence:
Monthly at first
3. Promotion:
Announcements at Sunday services (beginning February 21?)
Winnipeg Presbytry website
John Hodgert’s website (ask others in church with websites to do same?)
4. Venue:
Fix couches
Configured as groups but oriented to stage
Stage in corner near piano
Test equipment and configuration after JH return March 1
5. Hospitality:
Hosts (2 or 3) , hopefully 1 or 2 musicians
One of Host MC, controlling mike (John at first, then Richard)
Coffee, tea, and treats makers/servers (2 or 3)
Roadies to set-up PA and move furniture (2)
Contributed treats (sweet and crunchy)
Contributed coffee, repaid from proceeds
6. Program:
Greetings, intros, ground rules (approx. 5 mins.)
Opening Feature: individuals or groups doing “something different” or “crossing boundaries” e.g mixed media, experimental, etc. (words/music/visuals/etc.) (approx. 30 min. at first, later to one hour?) *
Break to set up (approx. 15 min.)
Open mike:
Per sign-up sheet - first come, first served , except as adjusted by hosts for variety or continuity
Max. 3 songs/bits/etc. or 15 mins.
Jam, if time allows?
* March 24 Opening Feature by the Winnie’s, as a hello from Churchill Park United Church, and to set the right tone of welcome to all. On an on-going basis, the Opening Feature can be established acts like Doug Glen and his group – and maybe will be lengthened to one hour. Doug and his musicians are welcome at the March 24 and subsequent shows, perhaps with the group (and/or others) eventually forming the Winnie’s Band to accompany artists who so desire
So far, the March 24 show includes Richard’s improv group, and John Hodgert (with one or two others?). John and Richard will be approaching others with a view to having an Opening Feature, plus at least 6? open mike acts. That would amount to a total evening of 2 hours and 20 minutes. With clean-up that would take the night to about 11:00PM – about right.
We should target to attract an audience of from 15 to 30 people.
Principles/Rules of The Road
The mission is to provide the venue and the support to allow artistic expression to flourish in our community
All styles and types or artistic expression are welcome (music, poetry, prose readings, stories, improv or stand-up comedy, drama, photos, videos, whatever)
Admission is free
Voluntary contributions are welcome, with proceeds to Winnie’s and to eventually to the featured artists
Coffee costs $1:00 , treats costs $2, with proceeds first to cover costs, then to Winnie’s
The show starts at 8:00PM start, with a loose end time of 11:00PM
Opening Features will be arranged by the Hosts
Open mike performers will appear as shown on the sign-up sheet (first come first served, subject to Hosts discretion)
Each open mike performer/presenter may perform up to 3 songs/pieces, to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Volume and content of any presentation should be compatible with the venue and the audience
The intent is to be inclusive, non-judgmental, non-competitive, celebratory, and inspirational
Richard – the above contains some details not discussed but that occured to me later. Feel free to use or disregard any of it. Good luck. See you March 1
John
Richard,
Thanks for taking the time to chat about the project. These are my notes of our preliminary thoughts. How the coffee house turns out in details will of course be up to you and the rest of the good folks at the Church.
Churchill Park United Church Coffee House (Winnies?)
1. Opening Night: March 24, 2009 (theme?)
2. Recurrence:
Monthly at first
3. Promotion:
Announcements at Sunday services (beginning February 21?)
Winnipeg Presbytry website
John Hodgert’s website (ask others in church with websites to do same?)
4. Venue:
Fix couches
Configured as groups but oriented to stage
Stage in corner near piano
Test equipment and configuration after JH return March 1
5. Hospitality:
Hosts (2 or 3) , hopefully 1 or 2 musicians
One of Host MC, controlling mike (John at first, then Richard)
Coffee, tea, and treats makers/servers (2 or 3)
Roadies to set-up PA and move furniture (2)
Contributed treats (sweet and crunchy)
Contributed coffee, repaid from proceeds
6. Program:
Greetings, intros, ground rules (approx. 5 mins.)
Opening Feature: individuals or groups doing “something different” or “crossing boundaries” e.g mixed media, experimental, etc. (words/music/visuals/etc.) (approx. 30 min. at first, later to one hour?) *
Break to set up (approx. 15 min.)
Open mike:
Per sign-up sheet - first come, first served , except as adjusted by hosts for variety or continuity
Max. 3 songs/bits/etc. or 15 mins.
Jam, if time allows?
* March 24 Opening Feature by the Winnie’s, as a hello from Churchill Park United Church, and to set the right tone of welcome to all. On an on-going basis, the Opening Feature can be established acts like Doug Glen and his group – and maybe will be lengthened to one hour. Doug and his musicians are welcome at the March 24 and subsequent shows, perhaps with the group (and/or others) eventually forming the Winnie’s Band to accompany artists who so desire
So far, the March 24 show includes Richard’s improv group, and John Hodgert (with one or two others?). John and Richard will be approaching others with a view to having an Opening Feature, plus at least 6? open mike acts. That would amount to a total evening of 2 hours and 20 minutes. With clean-up that would take the night to about 11:00PM – about right.
We should target to attract an audience of from 15 to 30 people.
Principles/Rules of The Road
The mission is to provide the venue and the support to allow artistic expression to flourish in our community
All styles and types or artistic expression are welcome (music, poetry, prose readings, stories, improv or stand-up comedy, drama, photos, videos, whatever)
Admission is free
Voluntary contributions are welcome, with proceeds to Winnie’s and to eventually to the featured artists
Coffee costs $1:00 , treats costs $2, with proceeds first to cover costs, then to Winnie’s
The show starts at 8:00PM start, with a loose end time of 11:00PM
Opening Features will be arranged by the Hosts
Open mike performers will appear as shown on the sign-up sheet (first come first served, subject to Hosts discretion)
Each open mike performer/presenter may perform up to 3 songs/pieces, to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Volume and content of any presentation should be compatible with the venue and the audience
The intent is to be inclusive, non-judgmental, non-competitive, celebratory, and inspirational
Richard – the above contains some details not discussed but that occured to me later. Feel free to use or disregard any of it. Good luck. See you March 1
John
0 Comments
My Funny Valentine
14/02/10
Happy Valentines Day!
I am at the Fyxx St. Vital on Sunday afternoon, taking advantage of their free wireless internet. Here’s the latest mes amis:
1) My son Paul Hodgert, my record producer, will be spending much of his spring break time finishing the recording project that goes along with my novel ‘Except My Love For You’. (click ‘Buy the Book’ on this site of you wanna, ya know, buy the book) At the time of the novel’s launch in May 2009, we did a show at the Park Theatre instead of the normal type of cocktail party kind of launch. I had assembled a band composed of me on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul (the Public) on bass, Tony Buchner on lead, Luke Bergen (Boats) on drums, Vanessa Kuzina (Oh My Darling) on back-up vocals, Ashli Hodgert on trombone, and Jane Helbrecht and the band on chorus. Paul had produced the recording of three songs from the ‘soundtrack’ to the novel and three associated readings from the text - using the named musicians plus Nick Mullin on piano. Lori Reimer played piano for the show. The Launch show was the same as the CD, which we gave out as complimentary souvenirs to anyone who attended the Launch or follow-on events, or who subsequently bought the book on-line. Copies of the CD are still available. Just use the ‘comment’ button to get a hold of me and ask for a CD (and/or comment or course!) The three songs on the CD are Except My Love For You, Angel of Truth, and Across the Norwood Bridge.
Over the following months Paul supervised the same musicians in recording the other three songs mentioned and quoted in the novel. These were posted on this site when completed. So far, Hopelessly Lost in Love, and Mercy Mild Have been posted. To hear any of the five songs, just click ‘Hear the Songs’. The last song, ‘The Boat Song’ has been tracked (after overcoming many challenges), but is not yet fully mixed and mastered. Paul will finish the job over spring break. He may work with someone else on the mastering, (to take it a yet higher level) but that’s another story. (see 2) below) For those new to this website, the background stories behind the writing, editing, and publishing of Except My Love For You, and behind the composition of the songs, their selection for the novel, and their recording and performance, are contained in the blogs herein - beginning in April 2009 and continuing till now. I’m told it’s fun to start at the beginning and read them in chrono order. I recommend this, because its fun, and because my goofy titles do not always suggest the content of the blog!
Anyway, Paul will also be re-mastering the entire six songs and three readings group - so we can put together another CD! This is for use regarding point 2) below.
2) As advised earlier, Except My Love For You has reached break-even sales, for which my publisher Bendecido Books is most grateful, I can assure you! Not content with that, or with continuing to market the book to stores, book clubs, and others (have guitar and big mouth, will travel), Bendecido’s owner and my literary agent, Ray Blumenfeld, has succeeded in having the book reviewed by a major international publisher. So far they like it. I’m busting to say who and how far its gone, but mum’s the word yet. Regardless, a next step in the process may be personal delivery of a new six song, three readings CD to the major. That’s why Paul will be re-mastering the whole bunch in the next few weeks. Pat and I will be away for a few weeks, so we’ll be out of his hair. I need the break because...
3) I have been working diligently for the last many months on the draft of my second novel (working title ‘The Tourist). Having a follow-up in the works is important to secure the deal mentioned in 2). I have been turning over in my mind whether there should be soundtrack songs in The Tourist, and if so which? Existing or new ones? What styles, etc? To help me work this out, I have been trying various things out at open mikes around town. The best one for my purposes has been Gordie’s, where I have been performing for the last six weeks. Gordie’s is a sixties style coffee house that happens every Thursday night at 8:00PM out of Gordon King United Church on Cobourg Street in Elmwood. It is well worth visiting. Lots of different styles, ages, and skill levels are featured, in a relaxed atmosphere. It has been great, but it’s a drive for me and my south-side music buddies. As well, I only get to do two or three songs a week, so....
4) I have been talking to the good people at Churchill Park United Church on Beresford Avenue, just off south Osborne Street in Fort Rouge. Their Leadership Committee met last week and approved a coffee house experiment. The details are still to be fully worked out, but will probably be something like:
1) Once a week on a weekday night. Wednesday?
2) Hosted by me, with use of my PA equipment
3) All open mike to start, featured acts in due course?
4) All styles and types welcome (music, poetry, prose readings, stories, comedy, whatever)
5) 8:00PM start?
6) Sign-up sheet, first come first served.
7) Max 3 pieces, with 10 minute maximum per performer
8) Free admission
9) Coffee $1?, treats $2?, proceeds to run the coffee house
10) Voluntary collection for the house, later for featured performers?
11) Volume and content suitable for the venue and for all ages in attendance (common sense please)
12) Inclusive, supportive, celebratory, and non-competitive
I’ll post the final details asap.
Please give me any feedback about anything. It really helps.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of Valentines’ Day
Love (for the day and in every way)
John
I am at the Fyxx St. Vital on Sunday afternoon, taking advantage of their free wireless internet. Here’s the latest mes amis:
1) My son Paul Hodgert, my record producer, will be spending much of his spring break time finishing the recording project that goes along with my novel ‘Except My Love For You’. (click ‘Buy the Book’ on this site of you wanna, ya know, buy the book) At the time of the novel’s launch in May 2009, we did a show at the Park Theatre instead of the normal type of cocktail party kind of launch. I had assembled a band composed of me on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul (the Public) on bass, Tony Buchner on lead, Luke Bergen (Boats) on drums, Vanessa Kuzina (Oh My Darling) on back-up vocals, Ashli Hodgert on trombone, and Jane Helbrecht and the band on chorus. Paul had produced the recording of three songs from the ‘soundtrack’ to the novel and three associated readings from the text - using the named musicians plus Nick Mullin on piano. Lori Reimer played piano for the show. The Launch show was the same as the CD, which we gave out as complimentary souvenirs to anyone who attended the Launch or follow-on events, or who subsequently bought the book on-line. Copies of the CD are still available. Just use the ‘comment’ button to get a hold of me and ask for a CD (and/or comment or course!) The three songs on the CD are Except My Love For You, Angel of Truth, and Across the Norwood Bridge.
Over the following months Paul supervised the same musicians in recording the other three songs mentioned and quoted in the novel. These were posted on this site when completed. So far, Hopelessly Lost in Love, and Mercy Mild Have been posted. To hear any of the five songs, just click ‘Hear the Songs’. The last song, ‘The Boat Song’ has been tracked (after overcoming many challenges), but is not yet fully mixed and mastered. Paul will finish the job over spring break. He may work with someone else on the mastering, (to take it a yet higher level) but that’s another story. (see 2) below) For those new to this website, the background stories behind the writing, editing, and publishing of Except My Love For You, and behind the composition of the songs, their selection for the novel, and their recording and performance, are contained in the blogs herein - beginning in April 2009 and continuing till now. I’m told it’s fun to start at the beginning and read them in chrono order. I recommend this, because its fun, and because my goofy titles do not always suggest the content of the blog!
Anyway, Paul will also be re-mastering the entire six songs and three readings group - so we can put together another CD! This is for use regarding point 2) below.
2) As advised earlier, Except My Love For You has reached break-even sales, for which my publisher Bendecido Books is most grateful, I can assure you! Not content with that, or with continuing to market the book to stores, book clubs, and others (have guitar and big mouth, will travel), Bendecido’s owner and my literary agent, Ray Blumenfeld, has succeeded in having the book reviewed by a major international publisher. So far they like it. I’m busting to say who and how far its gone, but mum’s the word yet. Regardless, a next step in the process may be personal delivery of a new six song, three readings CD to the major. That’s why Paul will be re-mastering the whole bunch in the next few weeks. Pat and I will be away for a few weeks, so we’ll be out of his hair. I need the break because...
3) I have been working diligently for the last many months on the draft of my second novel (working title ‘The Tourist). Having a follow-up in the works is important to secure the deal mentioned in 2). I have been turning over in my mind whether there should be soundtrack songs in The Tourist, and if so which? Existing or new ones? What styles, etc? To help me work this out, I have been trying various things out at open mikes around town. The best one for my purposes has been Gordie’s, where I have been performing for the last six weeks. Gordie’s is a sixties style coffee house that happens every Thursday night at 8:00PM out of Gordon King United Church on Cobourg Street in Elmwood. It is well worth visiting. Lots of different styles, ages, and skill levels are featured, in a relaxed atmosphere. It has been great, but it’s a drive for me and my south-side music buddies. As well, I only get to do two or three songs a week, so....
4) I have been talking to the good people at Churchill Park United Church on Beresford Avenue, just off south Osborne Street in Fort Rouge. Their Leadership Committee met last week and approved a coffee house experiment. The details are still to be fully worked out, but will probably be something like:
1) Once a week on a weekday night. Wednesday?
2) Hosted by me, with use of my PA equipment
3) All open mike to start, featured acts in due course?
4) All styles and types welcome (music, poetry, prose readings, stories, comedy, whatever)
5) 8:00PM start?
6) Sign-up sheet, first come first served.
7) Max 3 pieces, with 10 minute maximum per performer
8) Free admission
9) Coffee $1?, treats $2?, proceeds to run the coffee house
10) Voluntary collection for the house, later for featured performers?
11) Volume and content suitable for the venue and for all ages in attendance (common sense please)
12) Inclusive, supportive, celebratory, and non-competitive
I’ll post the final details asap.
Please give me any feedback about anything. It really helps.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of Valentines’ Day
Love (for the day and in every way)
John
Notes to You
01/02/10
On Sunday, I spoke again to a few folks at Churchill Park United Church. There is real interest. The concept will be discussed at their Leadership Committee on February 12. If they agree, the idea is to have a launch some time in March, perhaps associated with a theme, like the Ides of March, or St. Patrick’s Day. I told them I am available any time to test out the equipment and the layout of the room. At this point it seems likely that something will happen (touch wood)! As a nice side-bar, I gave Except My Love For You and the associated CD to the music director - and she likes it so far. Maybe do a gig for the church’s book club? But, first things first. Let’s get a coffee house. If anyone is interested in being involved, as a performer, or as a volunteer, or just in attending, please let me know by using the ‘Comment’ button below.
The Boat Song is finished tracking. I did the lead vocals last Tuesday. Paul did the harmony vocals. He and Luke sang the bridge, and Paul put a new piano track over the bridge and the last verse of the song. All that’s left is some very finicky mixing and mastering. It’s worth noting that this is the first of my recordings where I played no instruments, but merely wrote the song, and sang lead vocal. Now if we can just get a new vocalist, we’d be somewhere!
The writing and editing of the new novel proceeds methodically. At this point, it looks like working with a collaborator will be a slow process. So it’s just me for now.
The Boat Song is finished tracking. I did the lead vocals last Tuesday. Paul did the harmony vocals. He and Luke sang the bridge, and Paul put a new piano track over the bridge and the last verse of the song. All that’s left is some very finicky mixing and mastering. It’s worth noting that this is the first of my recordings where I played no instruments, but merely wrote the song, and sang lead vocal. Now if we can just get a new vocalist, we’d be somewhere!
The writing and editing of the new novel proceeds methodically. At this point, it looks like working with a collaborator will be a slow process. So it’s just me for now.