12/3/2009 3:20:00 PM
Open mic benefit set Dec. 7 at Old Town Center for the Arts
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| Greg Tauriello operates Sweet 16 Studios in Cornville and is one of the top recording and live mixing engineers in the area. He is also a very talented singer-songwriter. |
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| Joe Neri |
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The theme for open mic at Old Town Center for the Arts Monday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., is "With a little help from my friends."
Beginning last summer, local musician Don Whitcher began hosting an open mic night each week at La Bella Café at Fifth and Main streets in Old Town. A group of regular attendees and new participants have come to try out their songs in this intimate and supportive environment. This week, Don will have surgery on his left wrist and hand, and will be unable to lead off the open mic event.
But the show will continue to go on!
On Dec. 7, the open mic event will move next door to the theater space at Old Town Center for the Arts. "We continue to support the local music scene and offer musicians an opportunity to perform in a professional setting," co-Director of OTCA William Eaton said. "We'll use the same sound and lighting system that our regional and national acts use. And, if you're interested in learning about the technical aspects of a concert production, you can show up to take notes and learn about this, too."
Eaton continued: "In support of Don Whitcher, we'll be collecting donations to help cover the cost of Don's surgery. Whether you'd like to come and play a few songs or just sit in to listen to the music, you're invited to attend and help pitch in along 'with a little help from all our friends.' In addition to many of the regular open mic folks who have been coming each week, we've received word that Joe Neri, Greg Tauriello and Gary Simpkins will also be there to support this event and Don."
Joe Neri is best known in the Verde Valley as the front-man for Blues Dawg, a contemporary electric blues band steeped in the traditions of American blues and roots music. Its repertoire consists of both originals and covers, greatly influenced by the great blues masters of Chicago, Memphis, Texas and California. Blues Dawg was founded by Neri in the mid-90's in Los Angeles, playing all of the Southern California venues and recording two studio and three live albums. After moving to Sedona in early 2005, he re-formed the band, keeping the same basic sound of covers and original blues.
Greg Tauriello operates Sweet 16 Studios in Cornville and is one of the top recording and live mixing engineers in the area. He is also a very talented singer-songwriter.
Gary Simpkins, from Camp Verde will also perform. Gary, along with Don, are the two that really got the open mic going at La Bella. Gary is originally from the Boston area where he performed for many years, as well as New Haven, Conn., and Newport, RI. He has been in Arizona for the past 20 years performing a variety of styles including folk, blues and country. He also accompanies other musicians from time to time on guitar, bass, mountain dulcimer, percussion, and harmony vocals.
Don Whitcher, who recently moved to Cottonwood, has the distinction of making the Americana and Roots Country charts, and has played several "Music in the Garden" events at La Bella Cafe and also played for the Open House party at OTCA to kickoff the new season.
When Don started inviting other musicians to come over and "sit in," the Monday night event took hold and has attracted musicians from Cottonwood, Cornville, Camp Verde and Sedona.
"It's a comfortable place to share your music," Don has said, "Low key, no pressure. We've had both beginners and professionals show up to play folk, country, blues, and more. And we have musicians who are writing their own original songs, and this is a good environment to try out new ideas."
The Open Mic event will begin at 6 p.m. This event will feature acoustic music. Anything goes, so bring your guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica, or whatever instrument you choose, to accompany your voice, or to play an instrumental song.
You can check in with Dan Engler when you arrive to sign up for your time to play. The event will be informal and all are welcome, to play or just to listen. There is no admission.
Open Mic will return to the La Bella Café the following Monday, Dec. 14.
Old Town Center for the Arts is located at 5th Street and Main, in Old Town Cottonwood. To learn more about events at OTCA please visit the website: www.oldtowncenter.org. Concerts this weekend will feature a dance, theater, live music event on Saturday, Dec. 5th entitled "Flying At Night" by Human Nature Dance Theater. On Sunday, three of the regions best belly dancers who also teach this ancient dance form will present a student showcase at 1:30 p.m., and later at 7 p.m. Fitzhugh Jenkins, Eric Zang and Vincent Z will present a multi-media concert that features new music inspired by recent travels to India.
Tickets for OTCA events are available online at www.showtix4u.com and at La Bella Café, Jerona Java Café and Desert Dancer in Cottonwood, and Crystal Magic and Golden Word Bookstore in Sedona.
For more information call 634-0940, or for more info about the Open Mic event call Don Whitcher at 634-2429.
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Posted: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Article comment by:
Stephan
If you haven't yet checked out the OTCA, this is a good opportunity. The sound system is superb, and everything in that facility is quality.
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