February News
Greetings All,
NEWS:
*** This week, Mon.2/6 & Wed 2/8... Bob Marley's Birthday / Reggae Open Mic!!!
Come to Porter Belly's on Monday in Brighton, and/or Ward 4 on Wednesday in Newton. Bring your best Bob song, or any Reggae, (or just bring your regular material and enjoy the night!). Bob Marley is an underrated songwriter. If you don't know his stuff, take some time for a deep dive. He's got great lyrics, song structure, hooks and melodies. If you can't "get into" reggae, try focussing on the bass lines over the guitar parts. It's good stuff. Jah!!!
*** FAT Tuesday at Tommy Doyle's with TIMKO's Mojo Jubilee Swamp Band at 7pm, w/ open mic to follow.
?What? yes. It's back!!!! For several years before covid, we did a Fat Tuesday jam at Tommy Doyle's in Newton, followed by the open mic. We're bringing it back on Tues. Feb. 21st for a one night only jamboree. Band starts at 7pm. This will be the fattest of them all!!! The full band will feature Timko on electric guitar, Michael O'Keefe on drums/guitar/vocs, Micki Dupnik on keys/vocs and featured guest stars melting faces. Keep up to date about it on our socials... and a shout out to our our friend in Heaven, Brian Reilly, who was the Mojo bass player for many years. We miss you, Brian!
*** Ward 4 One Year Anniversary!!!
Wednesday, Feb 22nd, join us for a special open mic celebrating a full year at the new venue. We love Ward 4 and they love us!!! Music begins at 7pm. Also, please keep your ear to the ground... we are discucssing starting the weekly open mic earlier but have not yet committed. If so, we'll announce on the website and socials.
*** My last name is 'Kochanski', which in Polish means 'loving'. Happy Valentine's Day!!!
UPCOMING SHOWS:
Cold Car
- Feb 4th/ Raven's Nest, Walpole, 8-11 PM w/ Ken Carter & Timko
TIMKO & Co. ( www.facebook.com/timkomotion )
- Jan 13th / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 9pm - 12
- Feb 3 / City Streets, Waltham, 9-12
- Feb 4 / Raven's Nest, Walpole, 8-11, playing w/ Cold Car
- Feb 5 / Devlins, Brighton, 12-3 Sunday Brunch
- Feb 5 / Donohue's, Watertown, 7-10pm, Sunday Funday
- Feb 10 / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 9pm - 12
- Feb 18 / Biltmore, Newton, 8-11pm
- Feb 21 / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 7 til? Fat Tuesday Jam
- Mar 2 / Ward 4/ Newton, 6-9, Timko & Co.
Micki & Michael
- Feb 16th / Ward 4, Auburndale, 6:30 - 9:30
The Nick Haddad Trio (an Acemakers spin-off)
- Feb 18th / Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick, 6-8 PM
NEW RELEASES:
*** George Woods celebrates the release of his new single, "Wanted Man"
He is a local open mic host, Professor of Songwriting at Berklee, Admin for the EBASS Facebook Group, and more... check out the single here:
https://www.georgewoodsmusic.com/
*** Crowes Pasture celebrate the release of their latest single, "Agree On"
Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin perform moving and inspirational songs that are sometimes joyful, sometimes wistful, and oftentimes, poignant, and that reflect a mutual passion for life, family and humanity.... find their single here:
(Special thanks to Ace Productions for helping compile the Upcoming Shows list)
+++++++++++++++++
*** Acoustic Open Mics, Hosted by TIMKO...
MONDAYS
at Porter Belly's Pub
338 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
Sign-up starts: 8:00pm
Open Mic starts: 8:30pm
Ends at 12:00am
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
WEDNESDAYS
at Ward 4
277 Auburn St, Newton, MA 02466
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
THURSDAYS
at KoC (Knights of Columbus)
23 W. Foster St., Melrose
Second Floor
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10:30pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO & Friends
Details: 3 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
count the typos:______
January News
TONIGHT, Jan. 23rd,
Open Mic CANCELLED due to snow BUT Porter Belly's Pub is still open until 2am!
See you next week.
Greetings All,
*** TONIGHT ~ TIMKO & Co. at Tommy Doyle's Pub (First time since Feb 28th 2020)
This is interesting! (I'm sure there's a better word.) If you don't know, Tommy Doyle's in Newton is where I first started hosting open mics, thanks to our friend, Brian Burrill, who passed me the torch, and then manager, Tricia Medias, who liked what I did. She eventually got me into several other restaurants, Mick Morgan's, Devlin's, all the way up to most recently, Porter Belly's. Eleven years ago, I wasn't playing any music at all whatsoever... just caught up in career work, family life etc. etc., and I was frustrated! Hosting that open mic at Tommy Doyle's changed my world for the better. At Tommy Doyle's, we also hosted many "Acoustic Showcases" which would feature one or two open mics acts for their own 45 min. set, plus compensation. T'was grand! And then I would also play covers solo or with groups and great friends. Cold Car, Bourbon Chasers, The Lucky Fun, Mojo Jubilee Swamp Band, and the Boston version of The Almighty Buck all grew from there. Tonight will be a normal gig I imagine, but the memories will come rushing back! 9 - Midnight
***A stellar 2023 to you all, ~ TIMKO
*** Upcoming Shows to check out:
Micki & Michael
- Jan 19th / Ward 4, Auburndale, 6:30 - 9:30
The Nick Haddad Trio (an Acemakers spin-off)
- Dec 17th / The Biltmore, Newton Upper Falls, 8:30-11pm
Cold Car
- Feb 4th/ Raven's Nest, Walpole, 8-11 PM
Sam Little & Mike P as ZEDERVAN
- Jan 18th/ Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, 8:30 - 11pm with Stacking Turtles.
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/zedervan-stacking-turtles-middle-east-upstairs-tickets/12837265
Jadon and Emi
- Jan 20 & 21/ Punchbowl, Brookline
The Nick Haddad Trio (an Acemakers spin-off)
- Jan 14 / Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick, 6-8 PM
- Jan 19th / Biltmore Bar & Grill, Newton, 8:30-11:30 PM
The Acemakers
- Jan 28/ J&G Hillside Grill at the Cedar Hill Golf Course, Stoughton, 8:30-11:00 PM
TIMKO & Co. ( www.facebook.com/timkomotion )
- Jan 13th / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 9pm - 12
- Feb 3 / City Streets, Waltham, 9-12
- Feb 5 / Devlins, Brighton, 12-3 Sunday Brunch
- Feb 10th / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 9pm - 12
(Special thanks to Ace Productions for helping compile the Upcoming Shows list)
+++++++++++++++++
*** Acoustic Open Mics, Hosted by TIMKO...
MONDAYS
at Porter Belly's Pub
338 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
Sign-up starts: 8:00pm
Open Mic starts: 8:30pm
Ends at 12:00am
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
WEDNESDAYS
at Ward 4
277 Auburn St, Newton, MA 02466
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
THURSDAYS
at KoC (Knights of Columbus)
23 W. Foster St., Melrose
Second Floor
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10:30pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO & Friends
Details: 3 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
count the typos:______
December News
*** Year's End.
What a year it's been?!?! Looking back, there was still very little music going on. Porter Belly's was the lone open mic for us. Then came Ward 4's open mic at the end of February, then April began the KoC open mic in Melrose. And all of a sudden, the summer blew up with gigs... many gigs for many people at many places, along with evermore porchfest opportunities. Live music exploded! What a thing, after being gone for so long. Amen and Halleluia!
*** Holiday parties and tunes.
The week Dec 19th, please bring your Holiday tunes & cheer for all open mics that week. It's always a warm occasion.
*** Goodbye Gafft
The Gafft in Waltham had been a long running open mic, with Trevor as host pre-pandemic, and then this past year, run by Lady Malory. Just a few weeks ago, the Gafft closed. The last night was a who's who of the open mic scene and a real hoot. We thank Lady Malory for running such a fun open mic in its final stretch!!! We'll also miss doubling up 2 open mics in a night, from the early Ward 4 to the late Gafft. Much fun.
*** Pavilions and Performance Spaces?
My town often ponders and dreams of having a public performance space, indoor or outdoor. If you know of any good examples in your town or such, please feel free to message me with the intel. It would be much appreciated!
***Happy Holidays to you all, ~ TIMKO
*** Upcoming Shows to check out:
Tom Anderson EP Release
- Dec 15 / The Burren, Somerville, 7 - 9pm
http://tomandersonpunkfolk.com/
Featuring:
•Ethan Mackler, a bass guitarist from Boston. He performs all around the city and online with different musicians and bands - and poets. At the best open mics he a solo performer, as well as the go-to collaborator for the hosts and songwriters.
•Yulia Price, a violinist from Boston by way of North Carolina and Japan and New England Conservatory. Mozart let her off for a night of punk folk. She knows the best restaurants in Jamaica Plain
•Pat Guilin, a Jesuit-trained drummer, also Berklee and Scullers and New Orleans. Leads a Jazz trio, mainly, but does it all, and punk folk.
GET TIX here: https://24hourconcerts.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=950
Arron Bear and the Forest Collective
- Dec 22 / Ward 4, Auburndale, 6:30 - 9:30
Conor Ryan Hennessy
- Dec 12 / The Silhouette, Allston, 8pm with Tiffy, The Calendars, Tiny the Bear. Bring unwrapped toys for tots.
Micki & Michael
- Dec 15th / Ward 4, Auburndale, 6:30 - 9:30
- Dec 11th / Trillium Canton Winter Market, 12 - 2pm
The Nick Haddad Trio (an Acemakers spin-off)
- Dec 17th / The Biltmore, Newton Upper Falls, 8:30-11pm
Cold Car, The Acemakers, The Haymakers,
- Dec 10th / The Square Root, Roslindale, 8-11 PM / Triple Bill $10
Andrew Geano
- Dec 11 / Donahue's Pub, Holbrook, 3-6pm
Brian Burrill
- Dec 9th / Tessie's, Waltham, 8 - 11pm
TIMKO & Co. ( www.facebook.com/timkomotion )
- Dec 23rd / Tessie's, Waltham, 8 - 11pm
- Dec 26th / Brunch at Devlin's, Brighton, 12 - 3pm
- Jan 13th / Tommy Doyle's, Newton, 9pm - 12.
(Special thanks to Ace Productions for helping compile the Upcoming Shows list)
November News
*** NERFA review.
The North East Regional Folk Alliance held its annual conference in Asbury Park, NJ. I had to go, I mean, come on?!?!? It's Asbury Park?!?!? But, I could only make one day : ( I'll try for more next time. If you've never been, NERFA is four days of music awesomeness. Imagine hundreds of open mic'rs converging to one hotel for a humungous hootenanny. They had business/career focussed workshops during the morning/afternoons, and short open mic style performances all through out the day, including late night performances in several hotel rooms that were like mini showcases running until 2:00am (or later!).
Here are some key takeaways from my perspective:
- I really enjoyed and appreciated the mini mentorships. You sign up for a 20min time-slot, and chat with a veteran industry pro. Ask them anything and get experienced feedback. Very cool.
- From the co-writing workshop, I'll note two things. 1. just split the writing credits, don't bother trying to split hairs. 2. don't be a bull, if you don't like an idea, find a gentle way to say it, so your partner remains engaged.
- From the "Lifecycle of Record Production", the most driven home point was the importance of a musician's social media accounts. Oh man, I HATE doing social, but alas, it is the current vehicle for which all things grow. They also spoke a ton about Spotify numbers! I was surprised at that.
*** Pavilions and Performance Spaces?
My town often ponders and dreams of having a public performance space, indoor or outdoor. If you know of any good examples in your town or such, please feel free to message me with the intel. It would be much appreciated!
***Happy Thanksgiving to you all, ~ TIMKO
*** Upcoming Shows to check out:
Micki & Michael
- Nov 26th / The Biltmore, Newton Upper Falls, 9-11:30
- Dec 3rd / City Streets, Waltham, 9-Midnight
The Nick Haddad Trio (an Acemakers spin-off)
- Nov 19th / The Biltmore, Newton Upper Falls, 9-11:30
- Dec 4th / The Square Root, Roslindale, 8-11 PM / Triple Bill: Cold Car, The Acemakers, The Haymakers
Brian Burrill
- Nov 18th / Trillium Brewery, Canton, 6:30-9:30
- Nov 19th / Lookout Farm, Natick, 6-8pm
TIMKO & Co. ( www.facebook.com/timkomotion )
- Nov 19th / Trillium Brewery, Canton, 6:00-9:00
- Nov 20th / Melrose Kindness Day, YMCA, 10 - 10:30am
- Dec 23rd / Tessie's, Waltham, 8 - 11pm
(Special thanks to Ace Productions for helping compiles the Upcoming Shows list)
+++++++++++++++++
*** Acoustic Open Mics, Hosted by TIMKO...
MONDAYS
at Porter Belly's Pub
338 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
Sign-up starts: 8:00pm
Open Mic starts: 8:30pm
Ends at 12:00am
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
WEDNESDAYS
at Ward 4
277 Auburn St, Newton, MA 02466
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO
Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
THURSDAYS
at KoC (Knights of Columbus)
23 W. Foster St., Melrose
Second Floor
Sign up starts at 7pm
Open Mic starts: 7:30pm
Ends at 10:30pm
Music Only!
Hosted by TIMKO & Friends
Details: 3 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
count the typos:______