This months Tosco House Party held at the Evening Muse continues to reflect the fun atmosphere that has become a tradition. Promptly at 8 the musicians as well as others in attendance formed a circle so the sing-a-long could commence. It's a great way to break the ice as well as to warm up a bit before the performances begin. Tonight's warm-up songs included:
"Takin' it Easy" - Doobie Brothers; Introductions of the folks in the room; "Revolution" - Beatles; "Treat Your Children" - CSNY; "Southern Cross" - CSNY; "Ring Of Fire" - J. Cash; "Folsom Prison" - J. Cash; "Ain't That America" - John Cougar; "American Pie" - Don McLean; "The Boxer" - Simon and Garfunkel; "Rocky Top"- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; "Country Roads" - John Denver.
A seldom discussed but very important benefit of these Music Party's results from the $2 cover that everyone in attendance must pay. The $2 goes into a traveling musicians fund which helps musicians who play at the Evening Muse on a slow night by perhaps providing gas money to get them to their next gig. It helps and all goes to traveling musicians! As usual with John - it's all about the musicians.
A Recap of tonight's performers - images link:
Katie Oates - Performed "I Shall Believe" by Sheryl Crowe
Sara Scott accompanied by band-mate and sister Katie Scott performed a wonderful new song which is part of a batch of new material she's been writing to include on her new album scheduled for release next spring. Sarah will be at the Muse this Friday night at 8 PM as she leads off the Gallery Crawl performances. Catch her hour long set and pick up a copy of some acoustic work she'll be handing out!
Jake Bartholomew - Jake shared that his song came from his productive use of the Internet where he found the lyrics and tabs for "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Jake had the house singing right along with him.. I love the way that Jake continually stretches himself each month. It's always something different for this young man - getting better all the time!
The Lemonds Family were up next performing a Bluegrass number with the whole family on stage. This was followed by Clint & Sarah belting out a fiddle / banjo duet - simple mountain music of the best kind.
Bryan Cahall is from Greensboro - He shared a Storytelling song which was rich with very creative lyrics of meaning within meaning and delivered it with heart and an upbeat tempo. Titled "Battleground USA" it's about finding habitable spaces. While its aweful hard to pick a favorite song when choosing from the talented performers attending a Tosco House Party, this was an easy choice. This song stood out!!
John Korbel from Orlando, FL was up next. This was Johns first time at the Muse as he is in town on business and stopped by the Muse. All about timing!! A blues tune called "Wheels Up and Gone".
Kevin Marshall - Within his element, Kevin delivered a very good rendition of Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is", both with his guitar and vocally. Kevin is opening a guitar repair shop here in Charlotte over on Wendover Road - open for business!
Chuck (CW) Johnson - Chuck put on a vocal demonstration as his powerful voice resonated through the Muse - an original bluesy rock-a-billy ballad by this singer-songwriter titled "There's a Rain Coming". Check out his online pages to hear more from him!
Songsmith Assembly - Dan O., Chris & Jason. "Some Dreams" - A very nice rock tune which featured some deft acoustic guitar picking. Dan's voice lends itself very well to these rock style ballads in the vain of Aerosmith or Guns'n Roses.
Amy Royal - Amy recalls that it has been 30 years since she wrote a song and then performed it live. A touching song about motherhood and children growing up.
Brett Greer - A very nice country tune written for Brett by his father. Brett plays a really nice guitar and has a voice that is well suited to ballads and country songs. His was a different sound that was very welcomed at the House Party.
Tod Schadler - Tod's plan translated into a ploy to set John up a little having him "accompany" on the Mandolin - in reality John took the lead both vocally and on Mandolin with the song "May The Circle Be Unbroken". The entire house joined in as a sing-along. Good to hear John on Mandolin!!
Tina Penn - And if Bretts song was a little different than the norm, Tina's was a little more different on the opposite end of the Musical spectrum. John Tosco accompanied on guitar while Tina provide a pretty version of "When I Fall I Love", most recently done by Celine Dion and Nat King Cole before that.
Joe Campo - Joe started with an announcement for Rescued Me - a non-profit that foster cares for abused dogs - on Oct 23rd there's a fundraiser being held at Sing-Sing on North Davidson down the road from the Muse. The fundraiser is a food, arts and craft fair featuring music, including The Drive By Truckers among others. Many other groups performing as well. The fundraiser is called "Raise the Woof" - check it out on facebook. Joe Sang "Without You - written by Badfinger.. Joe said Harry Nelson did it the right way - Joe's accapella version suited him well..
Jennifer Hardy - The last performer of the night - She shared that "Weight of The World" is a song she has written, but is not the song she performed. She decided to sing a powerful and emotive song that highlighted destinations which she would like to visit. Places like London, Lisbon, Paris, New York, Sydney and Los Angeles.
Images of tonight's performances.
Special shout-out goes to Shaun who ran the sound board as well as Chris and Don at the bar tonight!
Remember to get your tickets for the Tosco Music Party being held on Sept 11th at the CPCC Halton Theatre. This will be another magical night of music!
Keepin' it live...
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