Cincy Local Music

The whole room gave a standing ovation at the end of the show. Ok, there were only 4 people in the room, but I'll explain.

“Raucous, deep, honkytonk rock 'n' roll. This ain't your modern pop country.”

rau·cous

/ˈrôkəs/

adjective

making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise.

About 5 months ago, we went to Southgate House to see Wonky Tonk with another band that we'd never seen before. I was excited to see them because Wonky had been advertising for this show pretty hard. I figured if she loved them that much, I would too. I had no idea how true that would come to be.

The band, The Fighting Side, is on tour from Missouri. This man steps on stage, with the towering appearance of a viking that may tear the walls down in a single swipe. Then he bellows out the first note and I'm truly captivated. Disturbingly harsh? I don't think so! This was the deepest, richest most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Their music is rock, country, blue grass, outlaw, every genre you can think of rolled into one amazing sound. Once the show ends, I already can't wait to hear them again so I follow them to see when they'll be back, although I'm contemplating going to Missouri myself just to see them.

Then, months later, I see their event coming back to Southgate House. I got so excited that I hurriedly marked it in my calendar. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing them again! Except that in my rush, I put it on the wrong day. On the post I made about them the first time, they went back and said, “Can't wait to see you again Friday.” WHAT! It was for Friday, not Saturday. Of course I already made other plans for Friday, but now I must figure out how to do both. We left the first event early and headed straight to Southgate House. When we walked in, the room was completely empty even though it was only 15 minutes until show time. Cue my devastation. I felt like and probably looked like a little kid who was just told Christmas had been canceled.

So, we sat there talking and catching up with a PBR and a Coke, hoping that they were just late. If I only got to hear one song, it would be worth it. A few minutes after 10pm, I was just about to give up. I hoped they were ok and not broken down somewhere on the road. Then BOOM...

The side door flies open and half a dozen vikings come tearing through the room, equipment and hair flying everywhere. Apparently when you're on tour, time zones can throw things off if you're not careful. I was just glad they were here. As Brad, the lead singer, starts the show, he apologizes for being late and I yell out “IT WAS WORTH IT!” Pretty sure they're thinking, Ok weirdos.

They perform one of the best shows I've ever seen, despite panicking being late, driving over 5 hours AND the lead singer just had surgery. I feel sad that the room is empty aside from myself, Mike, the bartender, and one lone gentleman at the bar. But for whatever reason, that all fades away as I watch them put on a show that would've rocked a sold out arena. And that's where the standing ovation comes in.

Ok, it was just me and Mike, but still.

After the show, I decide to ignore that I'm Queen of Awkward and I'm going to tell them just what I think of them. I may have used the word obsessed and had that crazed, fan girl look in my eyes. And I don't regret one second of it because I got the biggest, sweatiest, bear hug ever. We talked, laughed, traded stickers and hugged again. Brad gave me his last band shirt and wouldn't let me pay him so I gave him a Puking Unicorn bottle coozie that he happily put over his Ale 8 on the spot. My only regret was not getting a picture of that because it was adorable.

I'm not sure exactly how to get people out to awesome shows like this. But I'll never give up.

Until next time, my Fighting Friends. Rock on!

Brad Jackson - vocals

Seth Barnhart - rhythm guitar

Josh Eaker - lead guitar

Ben Gastman - bass

Timmy Kendrick - drums

Find them on Spotify here at The Fighting Side and subscribe to their YouTube here.

• Joellen Whetstone 7/1/2022

Our website is considered a blog, but the blogging is the least of what we do. We mostly want to support musicians, help get their music out there and connect people to each other. After all, music brings people together from all walks of life that may never have crossed paths without it. It's a wonderful thing. So when I blog about something, it's because there was a very special moment that I want to bring into the light and talk about. And what was hiding in a dark corner this night definitely needed to be brought into the light.

Last night at Southgate House was one of those moments and I'm lucky that I caught it on video. We were attending Coy Comer and Aimee Jo's show in the Lounge. There weren't many people there on a Thursday evening. We had gone for pizza earlier at dinner and brought the rest back with us, which ended up being a good idea because we could share it. Let me tell you, Bourbon House Pizza in Newport has amazing Chicago style pizza! (The link provided is the Florence location, but their newest location is in Newport, KY.)

If you've never been to the Southgate House, you should consider a visit. Originally built in 1866 as Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, it was converted to a music venue in 2012 that has hosted tons of notable musicians on their three stages: the sanctuary, the lounge and the revival room. We have visited many times in all three rooms and always have fun. The venue, music and staff are all incredible. The Lounge shows are free and they host an open artist night every Wednesday called Show and Tell.

The chairs in the lounge were a topic of discussion last night and we concluded that these large, wooden rolling chairs must have always been there. These chairs will come in handy for my story.

Aimee Jo and Coy Comer take the stage around 9pm under the red lights in front of the gigantic Southgate pipe organ logo. Aimee, originally from Michigan, has been in Cincinnati now for several years and is making new music frequently, been featured at Crooner Circus and is collaborating with new musicians. Coy, originally from Kentucky, is also blowing up the music scene. He has been featured at Crooner Circus and is putting out great original music. These two have been writing and singing together this past year and their musical chemistry is undeniable. Be sure to check them out on all streaming platforms.

As the night went on, they sang solo, then together, and took turns on and off stage. Toward the end of the evening, they decide to cover “Tennessee Whiskey” in a simple, yet beautiful way. About a minute and a half into the song, you can hear a fiddle start to play. You see their faces find the player and they lock onto him. It's coming from behind the bar... the bartender is playing softly in the dark corner. About four minutes in, Coy unplugs and makes his way over to the bar. I can't see them from behind the pillar, so I take advantage of the wooden rolling chair and wheel my way into view, capturing this amazing moment.

The old saying goes, stop and smell the roses. When the world seems too much, too sad, too dark, take time to slow down and pay attention to beautiful moments like this, savor it and rejoice in it. It's all the small, precious gems that make up our big, beautiful world. I want to thank Aimee, Coy, Southgate House and their staff for providing the opportunities for us to do just that. Thank you to Coy and Aimee for locking onto this moment and helping everyone else see it too.

After a little bit of research, I learn the bartender fiddler’s name. It’s Aaron Cordell. I feel I need to mention this because he deserves to be recognized for his part in making this evening so wonderful. He didn’t ask for the attention, after all, he was hiding in the corner. But hey Aaron, we see you, we thank you, we love you.

This past weekend was a whirlwind of fun. Had someone told my angsty 15 year old self that one day I'd get a selfie with Vinny Appice and Angelo Arcuri, I guess my first question would have been, “What's a selfie?”

Angelo Arcuri is the producer of Black Sabbath, Dokken, Dio and many others that have had a huge impact in the music world. Vinny Appice is an absolute drumming legend. He was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History for his contribution to Heavy Metal Drumming. He has quite the resume over the last 40+ years, but this is a simple story about my own experience with Vinny, Angelo, Mike Carr and a seven year old drummer named Double Bass Jace.

One of my good friends, Mike Carr, invited Vinny Appice to visit Cincinnati and put on a show together called Vinny Appice's Sabbath Knights. They had a show last year at the Blue Note, but it was scheduled in March right as the pandemic hit. Once people started getting sick and things were closing down, we weren't sure if we should attend. Sadly, we missed the show to stay on the safe side. Even after all this time, I still wonder if we made the right choice but I guess we did. The time rolled back around this year to do it again, so we made the first show of the Sabbath weekend at the Moodbird in Dry Ridge Kentucky. The only thing I had to dodge this year was the cicadas.

In the meantime, a father from Colorado made the decision to load up his kids and drive all the way to Cincinnati for the shows. Little did I know, we would meet them a week ahead of time at one of Mike Carr's (OMEB) shows at Foley's Irish Pub in Reading. All during Mike's performance, I saw a little boy and girl just loving life and throwing horns. The boy was drumming along with Mike on a plastic tub full of cords. I became transfixed on watching him watch Mike. After the show, we all introduced ourselves and I learned that this kid named Jace is a seven year old drummer. And a good one at that! The father is Dave and the daughter is a 9 year old artist named Angel. Both kids have youtube channels with videos of drumming and artwork. I was seriously impressed! At that age, I was probably still deciding between eating dirt and playing with Barbies.

Friday rolled around and we set out for the show at the Moonbird in Kentucky. Dave and his kids were already there with a table, so they invited us to sit with them. Before the show started, I noticed Vinny Appice and Angelo Arcuri standing off to the side of the stage, probably discussing technicalities of the performance. I knew this was my one and only chance to say hello to them. Usually an extrovert, I really had to muster up the nerve to walk over to them and form words that made a complete sentence. But I did it and asked for a selfie. They obliged to my fan girling and my husband snapped a quick pic.

During the show, I was in disbelief that I was watching Vinny Appice on drums in person. I spent my whole life listening to him play and never dreamed I would see him in real life, much less get to have a picture! Even my 5 year old granddaughter is obsessed with Holy Diver. On Halloween last year, she attended an OMEB show with us. When he sat down and sang Holy Diver to her, she must have looked what I looked like meeting Vinny and Angelo. Eyes as big as saucers and not really knowing what to do with my hands.

I decided to invite Dave and his kids to some local open mics and just see what would happen. They came out to the one at Fretboard the Wednesday before the show and the place went wild when they heard him rock out on Sepia Heyday's drums. The next open mic we could all attend was at Fairfield Pub on Sunday. Michelle, aka “Chainsaw” from Sepia Heyday, knew they would be there before they drove back to Colorado, so she brought her drums and let Jace go wild on them. It was an absolute blast watching him keep up with seasoned musicians. But mostly, I loved watching the older guys watch him, and the looks on their faces when he played.

All through our adventures supporting Cincinnati's local musicians, there are times we have the honor to meet the bigger guys. This past weekend, the biggest guy was the littlest guy, Double Bass Jace. Rock on my dude! It was an honor.

Joellen Whetstone, June 6, 2021

If the word forgiveness could be in a painting, it would come from this video. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness. Forgiveness is not a dismissal or justification of the actual wrong doing itself. To forgive is a sign of true strength. It takes strength and courage to stand up for yourself and walk away. But it takes all of the rest of your strength to truly forgive, whether the person you forgive is worthy or not.

There are plenty of songs about heartbreak, anger, pain, revenge and the strength it takes to walk away. People are capable of holding onto anger and hate for years. Sometimes for the rest of their lives, whether they admit it or not. But like Will Smith said, "Hate in your heart will consume you too."

You can forgive someone and be in the same room as them. You may even be able to speak to them again without losing your cool. But this woman, in all of her pain, stepped onto a stage in front of a crowd and sat down next to the person who shattered her heart into pieces. She then sang a haunting song she wrote about him, with him. On this night, Pam (KY Myle) was a featured musician at a local event and was in need of a temporary guitarist to fill in with her. Her ex stepped up to the plate. She poured out all of her pain in front of everyone in that room. She then looked into his eyes and wiped the tears from his face. I can't speak for everyone in the room, but this simple action shook me to my core.

How many years have I been holding onto anger and hate? Decades, to be honest. How many sleepless nights have I had, wishing I could get revenge for the pain I endured? I've wasted too much energy on it all, pretending to be just fine. And I am fine but the truth is, whether that person deserved to be forgiven is not the point. Let go of the anger no matter where it comes from: a lover, a friend, a family member or anyone that has hurt you. Because if your heart is filled with anger, it leaves less room for love and peace.

I sat there in the front row listening and watching this strong woman pour out her heart, all the while biting my tongue to hold in my own tears. As they finished the song, she stood up and hugged him. She hugged him in front of all those people. Pam is a picture of strength and grace that we can all learn from.

On our adventures as Cincy Local Music, our goal always remains the same: to support local musicians and share their music with the community. But there are those special moments and unforgettable events that we just have to write about. Sometimes the right words are hard to find to explain how beautiful a moment can be. We want to share with you our experience listening to Michael Moeller.

Last Thursday, we were able to attend a show at Big Ash Brewery. As you can imagine, this year has been a trying time and learning experience with musicians and performances. Big Ash Brewery has done an amazing job at keeping the live music going and their venue sanitary for the customers. Like most places, masks are required and hand sanitizer bottles decorate the tables.

We first met Michael Moeller at the Crooner Circus and fell head over heels for his music. When someone sings and I get chills, tears, joy and sadness all at the same time, that's how I know they have it. That thing that draws you in and keeps you wanting to hear more. By the end of Michael's 3 hour show, we felt like we'd known him forever. His music is real, relatable, and straight from the heart. When he sings, you don't just hear it but you can feel it too. He sings about everything in life from joy and sorrow to love and loss to faith and fear. His lyrics paint the pictures of life.

Even though it’s nearly impossible to do, I personally found a favorite song from Michael. It’s called “Keep On”. This song absolutely touched my heart. All those times you wonder where you’re going, if you’ll ever get there, if it’s even worth it, you just keep on. You never give up, you keep on because it IS all worth it.

Michael has a tattoo on his arm with that motto, KEEP ON. As awkward as it may have been, I just had to ask for a picture of it at the end of the show. I knew right then that I had no choice but to share this with the world. Isn’t that what we’re here for? To keep on? To help build each other up, support each other and just keep on. Two of the simplest words can mean so much.

You can find his events on his Facebook music page here. If you ever get the chance to hear him, I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

Check out some of these videos of Michael at Big Ash Brewery and a couple from the Crooner Circus.

Foley's Irish Pub

200 W Benson St

Reading, Ohio

Foley's isn't just a pub, it's an entire experience. Even before the pandemic hit, it's been one of my favorite places to hang out. They have great food, service and are centrally located in downtown Reading. It may sound silly, but I love it when we walk in and our waitress serves up a Diet Coke and my favorite beer without even asking! It really is a place where everyone knows your name.

On Wednesdays, they have Queen of Hearts Drawings (beginning in January 2021, there will be music every Wednesday). On Fridays, they host a great karaoke night with Russ and Deb. They have live music every Thursday and Saturday. Then on Sundays, they have one of the best open mics in town. Their walls are decorated with local artwork in one room and firefighter pieces in another. Now that it's cooler weather, they have an outdoor tent as well. Foley's offers delicious daily lunch specials Monday – Friday for $6.99. There's something for everyone!

Like most venues, they're doing their best to remain open and follow all of the Governor's guidelines. Masks, hand sanitizer, curfews. They have also done their best to keep local music alive. If you've been following us even for a little while, you'll know that our mission as Cincy Local Music is always the same: to support local music and share it with our community. Foley's has given the community a great opportunity to do just that.

Daily Mon - Fri $6.99 Lunch Special's

Wednesdays - Queen Of Heart Drawing at 7:30pm

Thursday - Live Music 6pm-9:45pm

Friday - Karaoke Night - 6pm - 9:45pm

Saturday - Live Music - 6pm- 9:45pm

Sunday- Open Mic Night - 6pm - 9:45pm

Check out Foley’s Irish Pub here on Facebook to follow their events.

Join Foley’s Music Social Facebook group here to enjoy the music.

“It All Starts With a Song”

croon·er

/ˈkro͞onər/

noun

a singer who sings sentimental songs in a soft, low voice

The Crooner Circus Event:

“This event will be held outdoors with plenty of spaced seating available. Please join us for a night of sharing songs and stories. The Crooner Circus is a songwriting event focused around songwriters and the songs that they write.”

Featuring Noah Smith, Michael Moeller, Ryan Mallot, Jimmy Clepper, Sundae Drives, Lo Hartman, Harry Pedigo, Chase Rosselot, Brandon Gray, and Jake Dyer

I wake up Saturday feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. The Crooner Circus is tonight and I'm so excited to go. They are featuring local musicians who will sing their original music. I know a handful of them already and adore them. Harry Pedigo, Noah Smith, Jake Dyer. I'm looking forward to meeting even more and hearing new music. This event will be at the Bean & Brew Cafe in Batavia, Ohio. We've never been there before, so I creep them a bit on Facebook to check out the lay of the land and parking options. It will be held outside on the patio overlooking the river.

Then I check the weather and my heart breaks. Today's forecast: RAIN ALL DARNED DAY.

I already figure they can't hold this event inside the cafe because we're in the middle of a pandemic and businesses must follow social distancing guidelines, so I doubt there's any way to pull this off. I check the weather 12 more times and drink my usual 3 cups of coffee.

I've heard of the Crooner Circus but never been able to make it. Then, the pandemic hits and shuts down the world. Events are canceled one after the other, hearts break, bank accounts break, people are suffering and if we're honest about this, most of our spirits break. We miss our friends. We miss the music. We miss the community. And now the rain is about to ruin an incredible event.

The final morning decision turns out that we go anyway and see what happens. This is all thanks to my friend Shelly. She isn't one to panic and just rolls with the punches. I, on the other hand, continue to check the radar every few minutes and the Facebook event for any updates.

Noah posts, “We are planning to still set up the circus tonight! (RAIN OR SHINE). We'll roll with the punches baby! “

He rolls with the punches too I guess.

All day long, the rain comes and goes. Even on our way to the cafe, we drive through a pretty bad downpour and I wonder if it will stop as fast as it started. Sure enough, we pull up to park and the rain stops. We arrive an hour early to see about getting a good spot to claim and the boys are already unloading their gear and plugging in. Cords, guitars, speakers and mic stands cover the patio.

We are Cincy Local Music and our mission statement is this: “Cincinnati local musicians, we are your number one fans.  This is a collection of musicians that we have come to know and love like family.  Our mission is to share the music, stories and support each other as we grow.”

I've heard Noah's music and have featured him on our website, but tonight, I learn something else. I learn the real side of him. As he introduces each round of musicians, his connection to the music community is so obvious. The love and support he has for each one is overwhelming. This guy absolutely gets what the music community is all about. He goes on to explain the reason why we're all here at this event: It's not the lights or the drinks. It's that we need to believe in each other. If our hometown can believe in these songs, it will change our lives. “It all starts with a song.”

I put my sunglasses back on. It's cloudy and I don't need them. But I don't want anyone seeing me cry.

It rains two more times. Musicians, waiters and listeners spring into action and move instruments safely inside and cover the sound system with tarps. After the skies clear, they set back up and we wipe down all the tables and chairs. At this point, we don't mind being the Soggy Bottom Boys, but we want to keep the gear dry. Maybe under normal circumstances, the event would have been rescheduled. Not tonight. Not after being locked down in a pandemic for months. After all the broken hearts and spirits comes mending and healing. Tears have been shed during the lock down and friends have been missed. But the music never faltered. Lyrics were formed, notes were strung together and tonight I've heard some of the most beautiful songs I've ever had the honor to hear.

It's cloudy most of the evening. I keep my sunglasses close by. I need them more than once tonight.

“Thanks for Being Awesome!”

The first time that I heard Wonky Tonk was at the winter concert series at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton. I was completely mesmerized by this girl. Her unique music, her wacky outfit, her adorable personality. I was as confused as I was amazed. Her songs brought up feelings and memories that I never realized were there. What was I feeling? Where in my memory files are they coming from? Am I even allowed to feel this? It felt like she was singing about all of the things that never made sense to me, lessons I had to learn about over a span of 20 years and probably still don't understand. Yet somehow, she makes them make sense. She's giving me the validity to the emotions.

The next time I saw her was at Urban Artifact in Clifton. I was thrilled to hear her again and surprised that after only hearing her music once before, I found myself humming along. Jasmine Poole. She has a real name! This time I was able to introduce myself and chat just for a minute. It didn't take long to want to hear more of her music. It was like nothing I'd ever heard before. I couldn't decide if it was country, folk, or Indie. Maybe John Prine, and Guy Clark, plus a little Loretta Lynn with a twist of bonkers. It was Wonky and I needed to hear more.

Over the last few years, we have been fortunate to attend more of Jasmine's shows at places like Listing Loon, Northside Tavern and Neltner's Farm. Her latest album, “Lessons & Lovers”, is set to be released on April 24th, 2020. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview and I've listened to it 3 times already. Asking me to pick a favorite song would be like asking which child I loved the most. But, gun to my head, I would have to pick “Suitors” with “Stock Market” coming in at a close second. These songs will get stuck in your head, I promise. No matter the feelings her music will invoke, you will end on a happy note.

I am always thrilled to see Jasmine perform. I sometimes wonder, “What is she going to be wearing today?” A red shiny onsie? A green fur hat? A pink cowgirl hat? Whatever the outfit, you're always guaranteed a fantastic performance and the same wonderful, shining personality. Jasmine is truly an angel spreading love and light in the world.

You can find her music and merchandise at www.wonkytonkmusic.com and find her shows on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wonkytonktunes/. You can find her Youtube channel here to watch all 190 of her videos . Get Wonked.

“keep on wonkin' in the free world” - Wonk

Joellen Whetstone – Cincy Local Music

“Living the Life”

Last night, we went out to a Song Writer's Night at MVP Sports Bar hosted by Kevin Fox. In our quest to support local musicians, one of our favorite shows to attend are the ones when we get to listen to original music. This particular night would be more special than I anticipated. It was a last minute decision to go, and man, I'm glad we did.

We have been supporting local musicians for a few years now with our website and Facebook page. We try to go see as many people as we can and occasionally get videos for them. On this night, the plan was to see Josh Ferreira and listen to his original songs.

But it turned into even more. This would be the night we got to meet Kevin.

Kevin opened the show with a few of his songs and I was blown away by his talent. I looked him up on Facebook to find his music page. I realized we had over 50 friends in common and wondered how we hadn't met yet.

Next up was Alexandria Hunter. I couldn't stop looking at her shiny red pants! She was an absolute beauty and very talented musician. I posted a video and picture of her and some of my friends commented that they also knew her, so that was a win.

Then it was Josh's turn. He sang all of my favorite songs, “Road Songs”, “Right as Rain', “Virginia” and “Run Honey Run”. It's so hard to pick a favorite with Josh because all of his songs are so good and catchy.

By the time Josh's set was over, it was getting late and people were starting to head out. But I was too curious to hear more of Kevin that we just couldn't bring ourselves to leave. Then it happened.

Kevin started singing an original song, but I knew this song! I knew all the words and found myself singing along. How could this be when I had never even met him yet? He was singing, “Living the Life” and I had heard it on the other side of town last summer at Paradise Pavilion with Ronnie Vaughn. Then Kevin explained that he, Ronnie and Debbie Schroeder had written this song. The story goes that they had written a toast together. Kevin said, “The original toast was 'to living the life we love and to loving the the life we live and to loving the ones who love you'. We turned it into the song.”

It felt like everything came full circle.

If we had a theme song, I think it would be this one. It feels like every musician and even the audience can relate to the lyrics. We all want to live the life we love. We have to work to make it, but we also have to find the time to spend with our friends for a quality life. Don't forget to tell your friends that you love them, you miss them, and you need them. Live the life you love and love the life you live. Give it your all. Celebrate everything. Here’s to us, cheers to us!

Are you living the life you love? ~ Joellen Whetstone

“Joellen and I obviously spend a lot of time, energy, and money supporting local music. So often we hear "You guys must really love music!" Well, we do enjoy hearing all the music. But the music is just the door to where the real magic exists...the people. We really love our people and music opens that door for us. Find your door to your people and open it up, and love your people, and support your people, and enjoy your people. You will be blessed in the most unexpected and amazing ways!” ~ Mike Whetstone

Connect the Dots

Last Sunday, we attended a School of Rock Tribute to The Who show at the Woodward Theater in Over The Rhine. Like usual, we arrived early in order to find the best out-of-the-way seats to set up our cameras. We settled on the balcony and started the process of unpacking the camera bags and positioning the tripod.

A few minutes later, a gentleman approached me and we chatted about concerts and various venues around town. In just the little time we talked, I learned that this man, John Cole, had spent the last 30+ years creating beautiful artwork of musicians. John offered to give me a print of his Stevie Nicks portrait from the album “Rock a Little”. The entire portrait was created using only tiny dots.

Once John handed me the print, I was completely floored. I couldn't imagine the time and patience it took to put it together. I felt honored that he would share his artwork with me.

In moments like these, I think about the reasons we support local music. It's not just the love and passion we have for the music, but it's the connections to the people that make it so special. As I look closer and closer at the portrait, I see all of the tiny dots that have come together to make something so beautiful. Some of the dots are alone, some are connected to others. Just like real life, the big picture can be stunning and beautiful, but it's nice to take a closer look and learn what makes it all come together.

Keep supporting each other out there. Make the connections. People need all the love they can get.

Jo

10/20/2019

Last Sunday, we hosted another Picnic in the Park at Miami Meadows. We celebrated many things: Mother’s Day, music, friends, and Bruce Beverly’s 40th birthday.

We grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs and had an Open Mic hosted by Lars Noble featuring many talented musicians. We love to come together, get to know each other more and enjoy new friendships and music.

Since the picnic we hosted last year up to this year, we’ve been so lucky to make even more friends to expand our support system and music family.

Thank you to everyone who attended, sang, brought food, cooked food and cleaned up. Here’s to many more!

On Sunday, we went to MVP for Nick Giese's Art and Music showcase featuring Kyla Mainous. It was nice to see two hard working musicians get together and put on such a great performance. Nick had many of his art pieces on display and for sale during the show. To purchase Nick's original artwork and prints, visit NickGiese.online. 

Enjoy some photos and videos taken from Nick and Kyla's art and music show at MVP's on 2/18/2018.

Kyla Mainous is a hard working, motivated musician.  We had the pleasure of attending one of her shows this weekend with Nick Giese at MVP's sports bar. 

Kyla writes her own music and is always busy with her shows.  You can find her music anywhere digital music is sold.  Check the Calendar of Events to attend her shows.

Kyla recently has started her own booking company helping other musicians with their shows. Contact her on facebook for booking information at KylaCo Productions.

Check out some of the videos and pictures from 2-18-2018.

This story is about the Fenner Family, "The Sugar Camp String Band".  We've known them for a few years now, even back when the girls first started singing.  They seemed so tiny then, looking back.  It's been a joy to watch them learn and grow, becoming not only amazing musicians, but well-rounded, beautiful, loving and caring individuals.  They have a strong, supportive family.  Their father, Lee, plays the banjo and encourages the girls to continue singing and learning their instruments.  Their mother, Sondra, born in Lithuania, is a teacher and a beautiful, nurturing soul.  

Every weekend, the girls pack their equipment into the family van.  Their father custom built shelving to fit everything, and it's like a rolling band room!  They travel to various nursing homes and sing for the residents.  Many of the residents have come to know and love them like family and look forward to the visits from the Fenners.  One nursing home in particular houses residents who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. 

I had the pleasure of attending one of the shows at a nursing home with the Sugar Camp String Band.  I had heard the girls sing many times before, but watching them sing for the residents was so heart warming.  Lee played the banjo and instructed the girls with each song.  Sondra happily watched in the audience, took pictures (like every mother would) and sang and clapped along with the residents.  The girls, after completing their set, walked around to each resident and shook their hands, welcoming them like they had done so many times before.  I found myself in awe of this beautiful family, even holding back my own tears of joy and delight.

This story, written by their mother Sondra, is about their last visit with these patients.  I hope it touches your heart like it did mine.  

"I had a very touching experience today during our musical performance at an Alzheimer's ward where we play once a month and the patients there are suffering from a huge memory loss and mental weakness. Mariam, a lady who usually just walks back and forth while we sing, mumbling some nonsense words all to herself, really "woke up" to music this afternoon. As soon as she heard our music, she grabbed the nurse by both hands, started singing, dancing and got very excited about the concert. She could remember a lot of the lyrics and sang along enthusiastically as much as she could. She wanted to touch the musicians at one point, so I took her by the hands and we danced together, singing along, and holding hands. Whenever she couldn't remember the lyrics, she watched my mouth intently, so that she could continue singing. Her face was all lit up with joy and filled with satisfaction. Seeing the joy and the memory wakefulness in Mariam was priceless ❤" - Sondra Fenner

Music touches every soul. I am proud to call this family my friends. It's stories like this that make all the energy spent on music worth every note.

To all musicians, keep playing and warming hearts. You never know who needs to hear your song.