Jim's Blogarhythms

Les Paul - Inventor, Guitarist, Legend

2009-08-14T15:33:00.004-04:00

We say farewell to an icon of American music. Les Paul, 94, died on August 13, 2009. It is hard to imagine what our music would sound like today without his innovations. The best-known is the electric guitar. Elvis, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Matthews, and other rock stars would have had very different effects on society, if they would have been noticed at all. Besides the guitar, Mr. Paul constantly looked for ways to manipulate the sound. Amplifiers and effects were very important interests as well. He would look for places with different reverberation. He even told of a story when he and Mary Ford were traveling. He wanted her to come into the bathroom of a hotel to hear what it sounded like.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to see Les Paul live. In fall of 2006, I traveled to New York City.y daughter, Katie who was 14 at the time, and I went to the Iridium Jazz Club for his show. I will never forget how we were waiting outside, first in line along Broadway, and Katie was listening to her iPod. The music of choice? Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The man we were about to see was responsible for that classic work. The show itself was outstanding partly because our table was right at his feet, but also because of the musicians around him. At 91, he could entertain like few others of any age. That was an unforgettable experience.

Most of us have heard of Les Paul, but few take the time to imagine what his life was like. We look back on reverb and delay effects and they seem so obvious and common, but he had the vision of what these things could do for music. We hear of the Les Paul guitar, but not everyone knows how much of a musician he was.

He was a true living legend in the 20th and into the 21st century. Les Paul will be a permanent fixture in any respectable history book. He not only affected music, he affected our society. Debate may rage on as to whether the music was positive or negative to our culture, but there is no doubt Mr. Paul had an impact. I encourage your thoughts and memories.

Jim Meck

www.jimmeck.com

Facebook group: "Jim Meck - official group"
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JimMeck
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Jim earned his B.S. in Music Ed from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He is also a gigging local musician. He will be appearing in Eastern PA nearly every weekend. Check his website for more info.

"Music Man" comes to Brandywine Heights

2009-06-11T16:18:00.003-04:00

Even as budget cuts are ripping through school districts, school musicals are becoming more popular than ever. There are even awards for high school actors and productions. I'm not sure I like when competition comes into play with the arts, but it is the reality we all witness. I realize they can encourage participants to do their best; it can raise the bar on the quality of the production. There is also a dark side of competitions - it can exclude those who do not thrive on the fierce battles for greatness. Blame can be placed on mediocre actors or musicians if a certain award is not won. Many students may not partake in the experience because of the pressure and some of them might be the ones who need the arts the most.

With that said, Brandywine Heights is not involved in such competitions (at this point) and children of varying abilities are enjoying theatre for what it is - art. They learn about acting and all the elements of a production without fear of "ruining" the show. All are welcome. The Topton Arts Alliance began the latest surge in local theatre and has now teamed with the school district to continue the program. It's nice to see how many people work together to make it all happen.

Unfortunately, the local community has not fully embraced the productions lately. Ticket sales are not what they could be, though many come to the door at the time of the show. It is a shame when the kids and parents work so hard and the house is not full.

I saw the preview last night. The kids did a great job and the show is well worth the time and money. "Music Man" begins Friday, June 12th at 7:30. Shows are also presented on Saturday, June 13th at 7:30 and a matinee on Sunday, June 14th at 2:00. All shows are held in the auditorium at Brandywine Heights Area High School in Topton, PA. Visit http://www.toptonarts.com/ for more details.

A Day in the Life - Substitute Teacher

2009-04-22T16:00:00.003-04:00

Woke up, crawled out of bed, dragged a comb…well, you know the song. Some of you who teach music in public schools are well aware how the rest of the song goes. My experience was a new one for me. Sure, I did all the observation hours, completed my student teaching experiences, graduated, passed my Praxis tests for certification, but this is different. And I knew it would be. During my time at Kutztown University I was seriously interested in being a music teacher. After a few setbacks with my vision, I put it aside wondering how that could happen. Almost three years later, I became active in my pursuit of finding a way to make it work.

I received a lot of encouragement from family and friends and decided to at least become a substitute for now to see how it goes. I even took some classes at our county’s intermediate unit in order to receive my emergency certification in various subjects other than music. Since my certification is only in the music area, I cannot sub in other classrooms. It was a little strange that people who had a Bachelor’s degree in any major could simply go to a two-day session and be qualified to sub, but that is the way the system works.

Last Thursday and Friday were my first days in the classroom. The first day was nice since there was a student teacher who taught most of the time with some help from me. On the second day, I was on my own. For the most part it went well. Most of the students were actually excited that I was there since I knew several of them as friends or acquaintances of my own children. It was fun to share what I know about music with them. Unfortunately, there were a few who took away from that experience by behaving in ways inconsistent with effective learning. Did I mention I was in a middle school with 5th through 8th graders? There is a natural restlessness in this age group and knowing that fact goes a long way in dealing with them. They are also very compassionate and willing to help. For one class, I needed to cover for another teacher instead of enjoying a prep period. Two students helped me find the room. Other students helped me take role in some of the classes. Then there was a problem.

One student was very rude and did not seem to even care if he was written up for disciplinary action. I can’t help but wonder what goes on in the life of a child like that. At the same time I am frustrated that other students do not get the full benefits of the instruction. As a teacher, your hands are often tied with situations like this. As a sub, it’s even worse so you try your best to get through the class.

It was quite an experience complete with service lunch duty (Ugh) and bus duty. The schedule is very tight so everything has to be ready for the next class before you can catch your breath. I led guitar classes, general music classes, and some student instrumental lessons. It was mentally exhausting with some of the behavior issues, but also very rewarding with so many more kids who were truly interested in learning.

If you ever question a day in the life of a teacher, please sign up for subbing and do it. Live it for a few days. You get a whole new perspective of the challenges and hard work involved. It’s true there are some who may not put forth as much effort as others, but with more regulations, requirements, and expectations, it is no wonder that many do not survive the profession more than a few years. Take care of the good teachers. We need them.

Jim Meck
www.jimmeck.com
Facebook group: "Jim Meck - official group"

Jim earned his B.S. in Music Ed from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He is also a gigging local musician. He will be appearing at the White Palm Tavern on April 23, 2009; Valentino’s on April 24, 2009; and Market Café on April 25, 2009. Check his website for more details.

Keys and Drums

2009-04-06T21:09:00.003-04:00

Berks Jazz Fest at Cousin’s Pub last Friday (April 3, 2009) was a blast. I play so many solo gigs so it is always a lot of fun to have a drummer with me. I have worked with many drummers in the past and to avoid leaving anyone out, I won't mention names. No matter who it is, the percussion adds an extra element to any performance. Each drummer has a different style which keeps the music fresh.

I am not a fan of pre-recorded tracks, using a sequencer, or other pre-arranged accompaniment. I feel that music is about the emotions and excitement of real human beings. I don’t mind if the sounds are synthesized. I use an electronic piano and I add bass, strings, sax, or guitar, but I play each instrument live. The closest I have gotten to pre-recorded drums is using an arpeggiator, which automatically plays notes in one of many orders – by notes held, by pre-determined interval, or likewise. This is different from pre-recorded drums in that there is no specific drum pattern or track. I set the arpeggiator on an auxiliary percussion set so the sounds are seemingly random, but they follow my playing, not the other way around. The advantage is I don’t need to stick to the same arrangement; I am free to improvise. I can extend the song or shorten it if desired.

A live drummer gives me a similar ability to change the performance in the middle of a song. There are several advantages. First, the drummer is a real person with whom to interact. This cannot be underestimated. It is much more fun to have an ally on the stage. Unlike a guitarist or bass player, we don’t need to worry about what key the song is in, or the chord progression. Much of my music is too difficult for many local musicians to play unless an enormous amount of time is spent in rehearsal. The song list becomes very limited. Even if they know the song, there’s a good chance it is not in the same key that I use; I drop a lot of songs down a whole step. One of the biggest reasons to use a live drummer is just the sound. It is amazing how full the sound can be with two people. The fact that I have learned to play intricate bass lines while chording and adding solos certainly is key. There have been so many instances where guests/customers have commented that they never would have believed two guys could sound like a band.

I remember a groom’s parents being very upset at the bride’s parents when they saw only two people as “the band” in an outdoor reception tent. After the festivities, the groom’s parents could hardly apologize enough for underestimating us. That was one of the biggest compliments we could have received.

So…Jazz Fest with a drummer was a blast. The benefit of having a full sound with the ultimate in flexibility with limited rehearsal time makes the Keys and Drums combination a very desirable combo. I’m sure you would agree if you heard it live.

Jim Meck
www.jimmeck.com
Facebook group: "Jim Meck - official group"

Jim will be appearing at Market Café on Saturday, April 11th at 11am; Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Thursday, April 16th at 7pm; Inn at Moselem Springs on April 17th at 7pm; Conway’s Pub @ Conway’s BBQ on April 18th at 8pm. See website for more info.

Berks Jazz Fest at Cousin's Pub

2009-03-30T16:41:00.005-04:00

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.

Hockey Organists - End of the Period?

2009-03-24T14:00:00.005-04:00

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.

Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic

2009-03-16T20:40:00.001-04:00

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.

Autographs

2009-03-09T19:43:00.002-04:00

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.

Blog Published!

2009-03-03T11:45:00.002-05:00

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.

Community of Music

2009-02-23T20:35:00.002-05:00

I was just thinking about how music is so unusual in its power to draw people together. This in itself is not really surprising, at least for those of us involved in the business. We see it first-hand. People who enjoy a particular band or musician attend a show, not as individuals, but as a crowd who share a common thing. Before, after and at breaks, they talk with strangers and friends alike about the music. People rarely spend an evening going on and on about the particular entree special or the draft of the month. Okay, there are certain Peel-your-own-shrimp nights and other events that draw customers, but not quite the same way. With food and coupons or atmosphere, people are drawn to a place, not each other. Does the steak taste better if the club is full? Not likely, but the joy of the music and fellowship in a crowded (not over-crowded) room somehow enhances the experience.

Music is not meant to be enjoyed alone. This is why so many people share (often illegaly) music they enjoy. Even if the friend is not there, just knowing that they at some point listened to the song gives one a sense of community. People join singing groups like choirs, whether at a church or community, not necessarily to be heard, but to enjoy the company of others enjoying music. And then there are those who go to hear them. We are social creatures and somehow music binds us together.

Given the knowledge of this power, which you surely already realized, isn't it odd that some establishments see live music as an expense which needs to be cut rather than an asset? There are those venues who understand this and appreciate live music and if all else is in order - the food, the service - they will do well even in this economy.

Jim Meck

Jim will be appearing at Valentino's on Feb. 27th at 8PM. Go to www.jimmeck.com for more info.

The Day the Music Died

2009-02-17T20:11:00.005-05:00

We have read the articles, watched or listened to television and radio specials, and have sung “Bye-bye Miss American Pie” as we reflected on the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens. Some remember where they were when they heard the news, others weren’t even born yet. Unlike the vigils held at Graceland for Elvis or at Central Park for John Lennon, there were no mobs of people to honor these musicians afterward. Buddy Holly became more popular after his death than he was at the time of the accident. His influence was only noted later. No one noticed when the plane crashed on February 3, 1959. The cornfield was quiet for hours. Only the snow witnessed the carnage as it tried to cover it up. It wasn’t until much later that anybody cared. There was a Grand Pause…

In March, many school districts will celebrate Music in Our Schools month (MIOS). There are numerous ways in which the students will demonstrate what they have learned, the skills the have acquired, and the gifts they have to share with the community. There will be concerts, clinics, and dinners. But, there are schools where only silence will grace the auditoriums, wishes for instruments will not be realized, and a chance to enjoy and explore one of life’s basic pleasures will be denied. These schools have cut their music programs or have severely disabled them due to economic hardships or competing interests.

Psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner referred to music as one of the seven intelligences in his Multiple Intelligence Theory (MI Theory). The others are logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Others have been added, but the point is that music is a basic important part of life and not just a leisure activity. It needs to remain in the core curriculum.

While difficult choices will need to be made in the coming months, we need to remember that thriving societies cherished the arts. We can all help in our own districts by supporting the music programs, buying fundraising items, attending concerts, participating in our child’s music booster organization (sometimes the only thing keeping the music alive!), and communicating to school officials how important these programs are to you, the community, and the generations to follow. Don’t stay as silent as the snow in that Iowa cornfield or blanket the wreckage with snowdrifts of excuses. The children need to know you care. There would be many more casualties if the blizzards of budget cut threats are ignored and that would truly be “The Day the Music Died”.

Jim Meck
http://www.jimmeck.com/
February 19, 2009 - Bear Creek Mountain Resort 7:00
February 21, 2009 - Conway's BBQ 8:00

For more information about MIOS or how you can make a difference, see http://www.menc.org/.

Jim earned his B.S. in Music Education from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and holds his professional teaching certification for the Commonwealth of PA.

Blog Followers

2009-02-10T13:11:00.002-05:00

Writing a blog to an anonymous audience is a challenge for sure. Who is reading what I write? What would people like to see? Is anyone reading at all?

I've found through so many years of performing that some of the most difficult gigs are those with little or no crowd reaction. I enjoy a small vibrant table of four in an otherwise empty room to a full house who seem to care less about my music. Of course, generally speakng, a large crowd offers a better chance that someone is listening and makes the manager happy - no crowds, no gigs. For those who have been somewhere that I've been playing, you know how much I try to honor requests if possible and usually as soon as I can (I don't want to forget the request). I feel my job is to provide entertainment for the people who are present, not so much for the manager or the hired help, though they are important, too. The best way for me to know how I can best accomplish that is to receive feedback. Otherwise, I keep experimenting until I get a reaction. The evening is about you, not me and I hope to help you escape whatever your day to day life hands you or help you celebrate a positive experience.

Your feedback on my blog works the same way. It lets me know what your interests are and lets me answer any questions you might have. Some of them might very well be shared by others. Also, by clicking on the "Follow this Blog" gives me an idea who my readers are, especially those who may not comment as readily. So, the comment is sort of the request line, but the followers are the rest of the crowd who are present at the gig.

I hope you enjoy this blog and share it with all your friends.

Thank you,

Jim
www.jimmeck.com
Feb 13 Bridge Inn
Feb 14 Market Cafe

Facebook group

2009-02-06T15:35:00.002-05:00

After resisting the Facebook movement, I finally discovered the power of such a tool. A bit late perhaps, but at least it happened. My group "Jim Meck - official group" is a great way for me to inform people of upcoming gigs and other things going on in my musical life. You can also see photos of the Hockey This Morning guys from SiriusXM NHL Home Ice (Sirius 208/XM 204) for whom I wrote a song. They play it on occasion, but your requests would be appreciated. The show airs M-F from 7-11am. The name of the song is "Hockey This Morning" or as they call it "The Hockey This Morning Song". Their email is htm@nhlhomeice.com or you can call them at 877-645-6696 during open phone times.

My daughter created a group for her Relay for Life team - "K8 the Gr8 Relay for Life Team". This group is dedicated to raising funds for Relay for Life, an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Many of these funds support local people who are battling this disease. The Facebook group is only intended to be an information source and will direct you to the site where you can actually join her team or make a donation. See the link on my site www.jimmeck.com.

Other groups I have created include the Brandywine Heights Indoor Drum Line group and the Brandywine Heights Indoor Color Guard group. These are school ensembles which encourage local students to be involved in the music program in more ways than just band or chorus. The more positive opportunities our young people have, the better. Their home show is on March 21, 2009 at the Brandywine Heights High School near Topton, PA.

So even after much negativity about such community type sites, and there certainly are reasons to be cautious, there are many positive aspects to this technology. If you have a Facebook account, I hope you will consider joining one of these groups and

Suddenly flying in

2009-01-23T15:19:00.003-05:00

In the last few days, several bookings have come in. You can always view my schedule at http://www.jimmeck.com/, but these are the latest notes:
Bridge Inn booked more dates - Feb 13 and Mar 13
Market Cafe special dinner on Feb 14 - call for reservations; they are going fast.
VALENTINO'S has booked me again for Feb 27. It's great to be back there.
Berks Jazz Fest - April 3 marks my return to Jazz Fest at Cousin's Pub in Shoemakersville with drummer Keith Hohl.

It's interesting how these things happen in bunches. I guess a lot of things happen like that. Even my songwriting has happened that way. It's soon time for another round I think, but I am still trying to perfect what I have. As I play my songs during a gig, I get new ideas about what I like. I'm not sure when I will settle in and finally record a few of these things, but hopefully I will start soon - one at a time. I am interested in what you think about some of my tunes and which ones you like and why. You can hear some of them on http://www.youtube.com/ by searching "Jim Meck". Others can be heard through my Electronic Press Kit at www.sonicbids.com/JimMeck. Both links are accessible from my website. In the future, I would like to dissect some of these songs, their origins, and inspirations. Some might be quite interesting, others maybe not so much.

You can sign up to receive updates when I post a new blog. It's free and you won't have to constantly remember to check back.

Thanks for all your support and as always, I hope to see you soon...

Jim

January 12, 2009 latest happenings

2009-01-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay in my blog. It's been quite hectic lately. My bout with pneumonia gave me a lot to think about. The music business is very fragile and missing just one gig or not feeling 100% is difficult for those who want to be at their best every day. I am working at expanding my horizons and will get to that in later blogs as things develop.

This weekend I will be at The Bridge Inn in Pleasantville (near Oley) on Friday at 7:00. This martini bar is a great little spot that everyone should experience. Saturday, I will be at Conway's BBQ in Kuhnsville (Allentown) at 8:00. This may be the last time drummer David Reppert will be with me at this venue. The economy woes are hitting everyone. It trickles down to the restaurants and musicians for sure.

Here is my theory on the bar/club scene and the economy:

Many people are feeling the crunch and looking for ways to save money or get a good value when they spend it. Everyone knows that. I sense that people might be foregoing their bigger trips and luxuries and enjoying smaller treats. So many do not want to just stay home every night and like to be around their friends. Going to a club or bar gives a good value. Most of the places I play do not have a cover charge. So, if you add the meal and entertainment together and you are only paying for the meal, try thinking about the money you saved. If you go to a club in New York, you might pay a high cover charge plus have to buy a minimum dollar amount of food and/or drinks. Wise people see this value and elect to enjoy local music instead of big name concerts or events that feature superstars who leave the stage without regard for the individuals who took time out to see them. Obviously, the stars can not practically spend time with 18,000 people, but you get the point. I'd like to read your comments.

So, unless you like to lock yourself in your home with your DVD player, choose live local music for the best entertainment value. Go to www.livelocalmusicnow.com to find out what is going on near you.

Don't forget to check my website at www.jimmeck.com to view my schedule.

Thank you for your support and I "hope to see you soon..."

Jim

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you all for your support throughout the year.

Tonight I will be at Golden Oaks Golf Club at 6:00. Tomorrow I will be enjoying the NHL Winter Classic, an outdoor hockey game between two of the original six NHL teams, the Red Wings and Blackhawks. This year they are playing at Wrigley Field in Chicago at 1 EST and hopefully there will be some snow. Of course, the Rose Bowl will also be exciting for Penn State fans as well.

I'm looking forward to returning to Bear Creek on the 8th and Market Cafe is having another special dinner on the 10th. These dinners will occur almost monthly in '09. Check my schedule for dates (www.jimmeck.com).

Enjoy the holiday and best wishes to you, your family, and friends in '09. Hope to see you soon...

Jim

Welcome!

2008-12-29T12:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog and thank you for supporting my musical efforts. In the next few weeks, I hope to sort out a lot of the available tecnnologies to find the best way to provide fans with information concerning gigs and news. I currently have a website at www.jimmeck.com as well as a Facebook profile. With the help of Sam Fritch of Sam Fritch Photography, I may be able to streamline and coordinate these locations. The use of Facebook and Blogger, as well as other community-type sites helps me reach more potential fans, which can help create bigger opportunities. Of course, managing many different sites is very cumbersome and time-consuming, so synchronizing them will be a help. Your support as fans is the lifeblood of this type of business and I am always grateful for people who take time from their busy lives to come out and enjoy the music I play. Your feedback is always welcome and you can always email me at jim@jimmeck.com.