*** 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
***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, Porter Belly's Pub, 338 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
- https://porterbellyspub.com/
- Sign-up starts: 8:00pm, Open Mic starts: 8:30pm, Ends at 12:00am
- Music Only!
- Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
***WEDNESDAYS, Ward 4, 277 Auburn St, Newton, MA 02466
- https://www.ward-4.com/
- Sign up starts at 7pm, Open Mic starts: 7:30pm, Ends at 10pm
- Music Only!
- Details: 2 song sets. Gear: 2 mics, 3 guitar cables, keyboard upon request. Percussion welcome.
***THURSDAYS, 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:______