The 19th Annual Berks Jazz Fest continues this week with many big ticket performers. There are also many venues throughout the county which are on the schedule for non-ticketed events. One of these places is Cousin’s Pub in Shoemakersville, right on Pottsville Pike (Rt. 61). I will be there this Friday, April 3rd beginning at 8PM.
I played there last year for Jazz Fest and it was a blast. I was joined by drummer Keith Hohl, formerly of bands Cheyenne and Common Dream. Cousin’s is a sports bar with plenty of TVs to see the latest action, but transforms well for music. There are many tables and booths for those who want to be closer to the music, but the bar is also in the same room at the back. I’ve eaten there a few times and the food is excellent. For those who like German beer, they have Spaten Optimator on tap. Alfredo and Sue are great hosts even though Alfredo is a NY Rangers fan and I am a Flyers fan.
While this is part of jazz fest, be prepared to enjoy a wider range of styles. Last year I had a plan to stick with more jazz and blues, but as the party started rolling, all bets were off. I sense this year will be similar to that experience. It’s great to have drums with me as a change to so many solo gigs. The sound is incredibly full and we’ve often had comments such as, “I can’t believe it’s only two guys. You sound like a full band, unbelievable.” It’s great to hear that since I think it also sounds full, but that is from where I am sitting.
Many of the gigs I play with a drummer are private functions. This is a great time to come out and hear it for yourself. Call Cousin’s at 610-562-5202 for more information or to make reservations. Last year, tables filled up rather quickly.
I look forward to seeing you there this Friday.
Jim Meck
www.jimmeck.com
Jim will be appearing at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in the Grille on Thursday, April 2nd at 7PM and at Cousin’s Pub on April 3rd at 8PM. See website for more info.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Hockey Organists - End of the Period?
I love music. I love hockey. The two have been partners for years. It may go back to old skating rinks where people would rent figure skates and go in circles like a slow-paced NASCAR caution for hours while the organist would play the theatre-style music like “The Skater’s Waltz” or some Tchaikovsky from Sleeping Beauty – “Once upon a Dream”.
Hockey embraced the rink organist who stuck around after the open skate to provide music between stoppages of play. The music changed over the years, but the style still reflected the old theatre sound. Even “Smoke on the Water” was used, but with a twist. One of the largest organs was the pipe organ in the old Chicago Stadium. When the Blackhawks and Bulls built a new home, The United Center, they used a much smaller electronic organ which was miked. True, it wasn’t the grand multi-manual console, but it still provided organ music (as it does today) for the games. It is more protected than the puck-damaged King of Instruments of the old place.
Last week I attended an ECHL Reading Royals' game and thought how over the years I've noticed the organ music is disappearing. I enjoy pop music and classic rock and it can fit well into the energy of a good hockey game, but we seem to be losing the personal touch of a real live musician. It happens at baseball games as well. I’ll never forget the commentary made when a call was made against the home team and the three referees (technically one ref and two linesmen) were subjected to a rendition of the politically incorrect “Three Blind Mice”. I think of that when I hear Aron "Paperboy" Papernick doing the same thing with audio clips on NHL Home Ice's "Hockey This Morning" show (XM204/Sirius208). Music can be quite entertaining, but it goes beyond that. I remember my Mom’s Aunt Beulah, a former Kentucky missionary, remarking how she loved to watch hockey because it seemed so graceful. It seems to me that the music from the theatre organ enhances the grace of these athletes who are often mis-portrayed as fighting goons , but can direct a puck from their skate to their stick and ease it toward the net while a teammate re-directs it between the sliding goalie’s pads for a goal – all while on skates. Graceful, for sure and the music begins as a punctuation on the action.
I would love to see a more personal accompaniment in my favorite sporting event. The pre-programmed same-ol’-same-ol’ gets annoying, especially now that rinks look the same, the horn sounds the same, and the mini-games between periods follow a pattern. Sure, go ahead and use some pop tunes and other audio clips, but don’t lose the tradition of the customizable soundtrack of the sport.
Jim Meck
Staff Musician - Meck Music Inc.
http://www.meckmusic.com/
Jim will be appearing at Bear Creek Ski Resort on March 26, 2009 and Market
Café on March 28, 2009. Check www.jimmeck.com for details.
Hockey embraced the rink organist who stuck around after the open skate to provide music between stoppages of play. The music changed over the years, but the style still reflected the old theatre sound. Even “Smoke on the Water” was used, but with a twist. One of the largest organs was the pipe organ in the old Chicago Stadium. When the Blackhawks and Bulls built a new home, The United Center, they used a much smaller electronic organ which was miked. True, it wasn’t the grand multi-manual console, but it still provided organ music (as it does today) for the games. It is more protected than the puck-damaged King of Instruments of the old place.
Last week I attended an ECHL Reading Royals' game and thought how over the years I've noticed the organ music is disappearing. I enjoy pop music and classic rock and it can fit well into the energy of a good hockey game, but we seem to be losing the personal touch of a real live musician. It happens at baseball games as well. I’ll never forget the commentary made when a call was made against the home team and the three referees (technically one ref and two linesmen) were subjected to a rendition of the politically incorrect “Three Blind Mice”. I think of that when I hear Aron "Paperboy" Papernick doing the same thing with audio clips on NHL Home Ice's "Hockey This Morning" show (XM204/Sirius208). Music can be quite entertaining, but it goes beyond that. I remember my Mom’s Aunt Beulah, a former Kentucky missionary, remarking how she loved to watch hockey because it seemed so graceful. It seems to me that the music from the theatre organ enhances the grace of these athletes who are often mis-portrayed as fighting goons , but can direct a puck from their skate to their stick and ease it toward the net while a teammate re-directs it between the sliding goalie’s pads for a goal – all while on skates. Graceful, for sure and the music begins as a punctuation on the action.
I would love to see a more personal accompaniment in my favorite sporting event. The pre-programmed same-ol’-same-ol’ gets annoying, especially now that rinks look the same, the horn sounds the same, and the mini-games between periods follow a pattern. Sure, go ahead and use some pop tunes and other audio clips, but don’t lose the tradition of the customizable soundtrack of the sport.
Jim Meck
Staff Musician - Meck Music Inc.
http://www.meckmusic.com/
Jim will be appearing at Bear Creek Ski Resort on March 26, 2009 and Market
Café on March 28, 2009. Check www.jimmeck.com for details.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic
In my column “Meck’s Music Mix” which appeared in last week’s Kutztown Patriot, I wrote about the phenomenon of Indoor shows. Basically, these shows are competitions between various schools and private organizations involving drum lines, color guard units, dance teams, and twirlers. While there are many groups who compete and many shows, I have more interaction with the Brandywine group.
This year is special, not only because my children are all involved in the drum line and my daughters are part of the color guard group, but this is the first year for a home show at Brandywine’s new high school. It has been several years since a show was hosted by Brandywine and held at Kutztown University. It was a few years before that when the show was held at what was then the high school. This year also marks the return of the color guard unit. This particular event is billed as the Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic and is already causing quite a buzz in the community as there is a lot of effort being made to make people aware of this terrific program.
The drum line’s performance is based on music from The Who including two songs which are signature tunes for this classic rock band. As the battery (those who provide movement around the floor a la field show) provides much of the rhythmic and interpretive elements, the pit (stationary instruments such as keyboard percussion and drum set) add melody and additional rhythms to the show. The music is live and not pre-recorded so each performer has to learn their instrument well. Many of this year’s group have not participated in drum line before, but they are doing extremely well.
The color guard is using the Guns and Roses version of “Live and Let Die” for their routine. This is accomplished by employing several items such as flags, rifles, and sabers as they move to the recording of this song. Not only is the ability to spin and throw the objects important, but so is the overall effect of the show. Uniforms/costumes as well as make-up and the unbelievable BIG 80’s hair play an important role in the scoring of this competition.
The Brandywine Indoor Classic will be held this Saturday, March 21st beginning at noon in the high school gym. The high school is located near Topton PA. Please visit www.biggetybop.com for more details about the show. There will be food available as well as opportunities to buy items for the individual performers as a momento of the historic show.
The Brandywine Heights Drum Line and Color Guard are proud to host this event and hope you will be able to attend and support the performing arts. There will be many groups performing that afternoon including your hosts. The Brandywine Twirlers will also take the floor in competition during the Majorette portion of the show.
Thanks to all the parents and students involved in the planning and work which make this event possible. Special thanks goes to Bill and Amy Snook for their tireless and selfless dedication to see that the indoor program continues to be successful and grow.
See you there!
Jim
Jim is appearing this week at Conway’s BBQ on Saturday, March 21 (after the Indoor Classic) beginning at 8PM. Check www.jimmeck.com for more info.
This year is special, not only because my children are all involved in the drum line and my daughters are part of the color guard group, but this is the first year for a home show at Brandywine’s new high school. It has been several years since a show was hosted by Brandywine and held at Kutztown University. It was a few years before that when the show was held at what was then the high school. This year also marks the return of the color guard unit. This particular event is billed as the Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic and is already causing quite a buzz in the community as there is a lot of effort being made to make people aware of this terrific program.
The drum line’s performance is based on music from The Who including two songs which are signature tunes for this classic rock band. As the battery (those who provide movement around the floor a la field show) provides much of the rhythmic and interpretive elements, the pit (stationary instruments such as keyboard percussion and drum set) add melody and additional rhythms to the show. The music is live and not pre-recorded so each performer has to learn their instrument well. Many of this year’s group have not participated in drum line before, but they are doing extremely well.
The color guard is using the Guns and Roses version of “Live and Let Die” for their routine. This is accomplished by employing several items such as flags, rifles, and sabers as they move to the recording of this song. Not only is the ability to spin and throw the objects important, but so is the overall effect of the show. Uniforms/costumes as well as make-up and the unbelievable BIG 80’s hair play an important role in the scoring of this competition.
The Brandywine Indoor Classic will be held this Saturday, March 21st beginning at noon in the high school gym. The high school is located near Topton PA. Please visit www.biggetybop.com for more details about the show. There will be food available as well as opportunities to buy items for the individual performers as a momento of the historic show.
The Brandywine Heights Drum Line and Color Guard are proud to host this event and hope you will be able to attend and support the performing arts. There will be many groups performing that afternoon including your hosts. The Brandywine Twirlers will also take the floor in competition during the Majorette portion of the show.
Thanks to all the parents and students involved in the planning and work which make this event possible. Special thanks goes to Bill and Amy Snook for their tireless and selfless dedication to see that the indoor program continues to be successful and grow.
See you there!
Jim
Jim is appearing this week at Conway’s BBQ on Saturday, March 21 (after the Indoor Classic) beginning at 8PM. Check www.jimmeck.com for more info.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Autographs
From some people, they are worth a lot of money. For most of us, not so much except if it is on a check or contract of some sort. Autographs can be really cool, but at the same time are a little weird. Someone simply signs their name or something similar to it. I've gotten several autographs. The first I remember was from former Philadelphia Eagle and five-time Pro Bowler Pete Retzlaff. It was at the Landis Store Hotel in Berks County, PA. I was a little kid and had no idea who this guy was, but I was told by adults that he was a football player and I should ask for his autograph. Since then, I got many from the Reading Phillies, the minor league affiliate of the big boys. Some of my other favorites are those of Billy Joel when we had backstage passes in Hershey, Maynard Ferguson at the Blue Note in NYC, and Paul "The Pope" Owens at Reading Stadium.
I don't ask for many anymore since I don't need proof that I met someone and I don't know how it proves it anyway. In a day of forgeries, I wonder how any autograph can be worth anything to others. There was a former NHL player on NHL Home Ice today who said he was told to only autograph photos, not hockey cards since that would actually lower the value of the card. I remember playing the local carnival circuit many years ago and kids would come up to the band and ask for autographs. To me, it felt like the big time. To them, we were famous. Over the years I've tried to keep an even keel and worked hard at not becoming egotistical. I've encountered too many people like that and didn't like their company. I may have gone too far. I only recently started to understand that what I do is important to people, and that's okay. Finding the balance is important. Here's what I mean:
Last week, a couple who has been following me for years threw a party before a gig I had at the Fogelsville Hotel - a pre-event party. I was invited, but knowing we had to set up equipment, I initially thought I would pass, but appreciated the effort. After I saw the on-line invitation and all the guests as well as the praises I received in their invitation, I changed my mind. I saw how important this was to them that I attend. They were telling their friends who have never met me that they hoped I would be able to make it. Not being used to such attention, I was amazed and humbled. While trying to avoid being cocky, I almost risked that perception by ignoring their generous offer.
A few months ago I wrote a song for Sirius XM Radio station NHL Home Ice's show "Hockey This Morning" with Scott Laughlin, Shawn Lavigne, and the Paperboy (XM204, Sirius 208). To my surprise they actually played it several times earlier this season. As a thank you, I sent a few of my shirts to the guys in Toronto, the show's home. In return, though they had already given me the gift of airplay, they sent me a care package of several items including a large book of pictures - "2008 The Year in Photographs" which they autographed. It was at that moment that I realized I never signed the shirts. I was thrilled to have their autographs, but never thought of mine as a bonus to a gift.
I guess the value of an autograph is in the eyes of the beholder. To those who give them, it is an inexpensive gift. To those who receive them, it can be priceless. I cringe when I hear of stars charging for autographs, though I understand it, because I know there are people who sell autographs. To me, unless I received it in person as a connection and memory of an event, it really doesn't have much value. In a way, an autograph is a way to be a part of someone's life for at least an instant, not as a spectator, but as an actual actor in the play of their life.
What do you think about autographs? From whom is your favorite? Do we take on their greatness through this ritual? Or is it just cool that we met the person?
Jim Meck
Jim will be playing at Bear Creek on March 12th 7PM, Bridge Inn on March 13th at 7PM, and at the Grand Opening of the White Palm Tavern (formerly Topton House) on March 14th at 7PM. See www.jimmeck.com for more info.
I don't ask for many anymore since I don't need proof that I met someone and I don't know how it proves it anyway. In a day of forgeries, I wonder how any autograph can be worth anything to others. There was a former NHL player on NHL Home Ice today who said he was told to only autograph photos, not hockey cards since that would actually lower the value of the card. I remember playing the local carnival circuit many years ago and kids would come up to the band and ask for autographs. To me, it felt like the big time. To them, we were famous. Over the years I've tried to keep an even keel and worked hard at not becoming egotistical. I've encountered too many people like that and didn't like their company. I may have gone too far. I only recently started to understand that what I do is important to people, and that's okay. Finding the balance is important. Here's what I mean:
Last week, a couple who has been following me for years threw a party before a gig I had at the Fogelsville Hotel - a pre-event party. I was invited, but knowing we had to set up equipment, I initially thought I would pass, but appreciated the effort. After I saw the on-line invitation and all the guests as well as the praises I received in their invitation, I changed my mind. I saw how important this was to them that I attend. They were telling their friends who have never met me that they hoped I would be able to make it. Not being used to such attention, I was amazed and humbled. While trying to avoid being cocky, I almost risked that perception by ignoring their generous offer.
A few months ago I wrote a song for Sirius XM Radio station NHL Home Ice's show "Hockey This Morning" with Scott Laughlin, Shawn Lavigne, and the Paperboy (XM204, Sirius 208). To my surprise they actually played it several times earlier this season. As a thank you, I sent a few of my shirts to the guys in Toronto, the show's home. In return, though they had already given me the gift of airplay, they sent me a care package of several items including a large book of pictures - "2008 The Year in Photographs" which they autographed. It was at that moment that I realized I never signed the shirts. I was thrilled to have their autographs, but never thought of mine as a bonus to a gift.
I guess the value of an autograph is in the eyes of the beholder. To those who give them, it is an inexpensive gift. To those who receive them, it can be priceless. I cringe when I hear of stars charging for autographs, though I understand it, because I know there are people who sell autographs. To me, unless I received it in person as a connection and memory of an event, it really doesn't have much value. In a way, an autograph is a way to be a part of someone's life for at least an instant, not as a spectator, but as an actual actor in the play of their life.
What do you think about autographs? From whom is your favorite? Do we take on their greatness through this ritual? Or is it just cool that we met the person?
Jim Meck
Jim will be playing at Bear Creek on March 12th 7PM, Bridge Inn on March 13th at 7PM, and at the Grand Opening of the White Palm Tavern (formerly Topton House) on March 14th at 7PM. See www.jimmeck.com for more info.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Blog Published!
Just when you think you have a handle on where you are headed, it changes. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not so much. Last week there was a good twist for me, and I hope for the local music community in the Fleetwood-Kutztown-Topton area of Berks County, PA.
A local newspaper, the Kutztown Patriot, accepted my submission for publcation. I asked if my blog post ("The Day the Music Died") would be worthy of printing. They often look for local news so I am not completely surprised that they accepted it. What shocked me was the offer to write a regular column which will appear every two weeks. The wheels have been turning since that offer and I hope it is a positive impact on local music and musicians.
My intention is to generate more interest and awareness in many areas including school music programs, local entertainers and venues, music in churches, and other community groups and events. This will be less of a reporting of information, but more of a local musician's opinion and perspective on the state of the art of music while being an advocate for local involvement and support. I will try to give resources for people to find more information.
Now, onto a new chapter. Though the first writing was a repeat of my blog, future columns will not be. So be sure to check back here as well as find a copy of the Patriot. Any ideas you may have are welcome. Just email me at jim@jimmeck.com.
I thank all of you for your ever-increasing support.
Jim Meck
Local events this week include: Brandywine Heights Jazz Festival - Friday, March 6th and Kutztown Indoor Home Show - Saturday, March 7th.
Jim will be appearing March 5th at HOPS Fogelsville Hotel at 9PM and at the Market Cafe on March 7th at 11AM. See www.jimmeck.com for details.
A local newspaper, the Kutztown Patriot, accepted my submission for publcation. I asked if my blog post ("The Day the Music Died") would be worthy of printing. They often look for local news so I am not completely surprised that they accepted it. What shocked me was the offer to write a regular column which will appear every two weeks. The wheels have been turning since that offer and I hope it is a positive impact on local music and musicians.
My intention is to generate more interest and awareness in many areas including school music programs, local entertainers and venues, music in churches, and other community groups and events. This will be less of a reporting of information, but more of a local musician's opinion and perspective on the state of the art of music while being an advocate for local involvement and support. I will try to give resources for people to find more information.
Now, onto a new chapter. Though the first writing was a repeat of my blog, future columns will not be. So be sure to check back here as well as find a copy of the Patriot. Any ideas you may have are welcome. Just email me at jim@jimmeck.com.
I thank all of you for your ever-increasing support.
Jim Meck
Local events this week include: Brandywine Heights Jazz Festival - Friday, March 6th and Kutztown Indoor Home Show - Saturday, March 7th.
Jim will be appearing March 5th at HOPS Fogelsville Hotel at 9PM and at the Market Cafe on March 7th at 11AM. See www.jimmeck.com for details.
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