Uncle Waldo's Coffeehouse Concerts
20401 Hilliard Blvd , Rocky River, OH 44116 Rocky River, Ohio
" We're Listening "
Ink Interviews / News / Reviews
Thanks to the folks who have written about our Concert series.
Click on the hyper text below to go to any indivdual article.
Charles Cassady West Life " Clif Notes " 05/30/07 [ Jeff Black's return visitto Uncle Waldo's ]
Terri Simons ProArtist Magizine
Hal Wharton Joe Crookston show review 02/03/07
Charles Cassady’s Noteworthy West Life [Humble Beginnings - Butternut Ridge house concert series 2005 ]
Stacey Mieyal Higgins Set to bring Down The House Sun News
Jennifer Mitchell Happenings
Annie Gallup Thank You note
Brian Schmuck Aniie Gallup Show review ( first show )
Press Release Kim Stanuch
Springsteen -Like Musician
set to play ‘house concert’
Clef Notes
E
ver wonder what it takes to become a music impresario? From whence spring the next Blue Note, or Fillmore West? Do you need to be a software Zillionaire, like the dude who started the House of Blues?Or do you just need a house? The Latter is closer to the case with Brian Schmuck of Old Brooklyn. He started out with a humble house-concert series in his apartment building ( see he didn’t even have a house) and now brings in national acts to Uncle Waldo’s concert series, located in the West shore Unitarian Universalist Church. 20401 Hilliard Road in Rocky River.
The next one happens this Saturday - Jeff Black in concert With the opening act Diesel.
But what is a “house concert” anyway ? No, it’s nothing to do with ‘house’ music, that modern instrumental dance-music usually shoehorned between techno and acid, Nor is it songs about a crusty brilliant TV doctor with a cane. House concerts are basically, public performances given in the privacy of ones own home or rental, and they are best with performers in an acoustic-music vein. Audiences can get up close and personal with the troubadours, and there’s minimal chance of the traffic jams, street noise and special - event parking problems.
It’s known as the ’Listening Room’ concept, said Schmuck, the opposite of arena-music spectacle. “ You will be able to hear and hang on every word ” Schmuck said.” The first timer to Uncle Waldo’s will be surprised at how intimate the shows are. You can meet the artist right after the show and hang out and get autographs, or just chit-chat.”
Schmuck, a native of Brookpark, learned about the house-concert scene while living and working in Texas. When he moved to North Olmsted he researched the scant house-concert scene here and opened up the rec. room of the Butternut Ridge Apartments, bringing in artist as close as Alexis Antes and as far as the California - based duo The Weepies.
Eventually he relocated his program to the church in Rocky River, where acoustic touring acts now maintain a regular presence as the Uncle Waldo’s Coffeehouse Concerts.
“ As we are a not-for -profit venue, our advertising dollars are zero. We have our Web page and Newsletter. Word of mouth seemed to be our best advertising. I receive e-mails from folks around the country expressing their amazement at the quality of the artist that we are able to draw “
Who has been Schmuck’s Favorite? “Coincidentally, it is Jeff Black.” he said. The Nashville-based Black is now out with “Tin Lily,” his forth CD. Black’s bluesy folk-rock styling have earned comparison to no less then early Bruce Springsteen. Schmuck calls the Missouri native “ the greatest songwriter that has yet to be discovered by the masses.’
I discovered Jeff on a house-concert blog page. Someone had come into this little group of house concert host and started extolling the virtues of the artist Jeff Black…I did my research and I liked what I read. I requested a promotional package from his management team. They sent me the CD ‘B-Side confessions’. One Play-through and I was hooked.
“ Jeff has played the Beachland Ballroom a few years back. I was all set to go to that show when I turned the key in my car and - nothing. It died on me. Missed the show. Well, I was taking no chances with his return. I booked him myself for the Uncle Waldo’s venue. As it turned out it was on his birthday - December 2005. We started the show by asking him to step back from the microphone and the audience sang “ Happy Birthday “ to Jeff.”
Schmuck affirms the Springsteen description. “ I used to see Bruce Springsteen in the early days, “ I was front row for the Agora show in ‘78. I remember thinking how come this guy is still fighting to get the recognition that he so deserves ? I told every one that I knew about him, played his records to anyone who would sit still ....I preached the gospel of the Boss ! Jeff Black is the only artist since who has ever stirred me in that same way. I want to shout from the rooftops that you need to hear this guy, you need to listen to his lyrics. “
Schmuck worries that Black will, like Springsteen someday hit it so big, he fills stadiums, antithetical to the listening room sensation that Uncle Waldo’s and house concerts evoke. “ There is no stopping talent this large. What I need to do, what we all need to do, is catch this extraordinary artist in these intimate venues, while the are so accessible.”
Opening for Jeff Black is a woman who goes by the name, Diesel. “Diesel is a 5’7’’ thin -as-a-rail, knockout gorgeous blond with a voice that is on the far side of Amazing “ said Schmuck. “ For me it is her drive to succeed in this rough-and -tumble business that makes the name Diesel fit this young lady like a glove. After a long e-mail correspondence, I was able to scout her singing at Wilbert’s downtown. She was still kind of new on the scene so I offered her an opening slot playing in front of the great Peter Mayer. We had 150 plus in the audience that night, and she just sang her heart out. “
One questions remains; who’s Waldo? Said Schmuck, “ When I was living in Dallas I was a regular at the famed coffee house series Uncle Calvin’s . I had dreamed of duplicating what I loved so much from that venue. I started with the house-concert series Butternut Ridge. One day I received an e-mail from a person who was seeking tickets to Edie Carey. She signed he name as Tamara Lebak and included her title as associate minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Well, I did not know much about the UU Church. However, I noted as I would track artist that I liked, that they often would play Coffee-house shows held in UU churches. I wrote back to Tamara and asked if West Shore did such shows?
“ After our first meeting it became clear that we needed to work together. Tamara came up with the name. The ’Uncle’ portion was a nod to my mentor-facility Uncle Calvin’s. The Waldo was added as a nod to Ralph Waldo Emerson, a hero of Tamara’s and a well known UU member…… I hope that by printing this story folks will stop calling 'me' Waldo. Okay just kidding.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $12 in advance ( via the web site
http://unclewaldos.org ) pr $15 at the door. Jeff Black’s own site is www.Jeffblack.comProArtist
February 2007
Uncle Waldo's Coffeehouse Concert Series.
By Terri Simons
There is an underground musical movement out there that you may not be aware of.Musicians are no longer awaiting permission form the big record labels or radio Giants to find their place in your I-pod. Self made promoters are no longer waiting for their local venues to book the artist that they want to see perform live. Die hard music fans who seek the alternatives venues that feature the musicians that they have discovered with out the assistance of the industry giants, thank you very much..
We are with Brian Schmuck who founded the Uncle Waldo's Concert Series in Rocky River Ohio,
Brian has been presenting these alternative shows at the West Shore UU church's Baker's Hall since 2005 and at the Butternut Ridge House concert series since 2003.
Cleveland's own Miss Jane Scott the legendary music writer from the Plain Dealer.
with the Kennedy's After our 2006 show
TS - Hello and welcome. So what distinguishes Uncle Waldo's from traditional venues ?
BS - Uncle Waldo's is first and foremost a 'Listening Room'.
Our shows are intimate & casual . We move the Lyric and Story telling aspect of the experience to the forefront. Although the majority of our artist record and at times tour with a full band, We present them more in a Solo, Duo or small band format.
This offers our listeners a chance to hear the songs in there purest forms. You could fairly compare this experience to MTV's Unplugged or Storytellers series.
We are an all volunteer non profit venue. We do it for the love of the music.
TS - What type of artists do you promote?
BS -
Original / Acoustic Singer Songwriters
Our Headliners are National touring Artist .
It is not unusual for these Artist to be booked a year in advance. They have recorded a minimum of 3 Cds while others have recorded upwards of 20+ Cds ….some like " The Weepies" were 'undiscovered' when they played sold out shows for us in 2004 and 2005 and are now playing larger venues. Their songs are playing on T.V. shows and featured in several Movies.
Others are legendary like Butch Hancock who has been round the world as one of the founding members of the Flatlanders. These days Butch does not tour often, Making his 2004 appearance quite a rare treat indeed.
We're not mainstream, you won't find these artist while flipping around the dial on your FM station.
You are more likely to hear or see them on a PBS station or Austin City Limits. Or perhaps on a college or internet radio station.
Nanci Griffith once called it, The Dreaded four letter "F" word.
Folk Music is at once the most misunderstood and most encompassing musical terms.
We have Acoustic Rockers, Americana, Roots, Blues, Pop, Alt Country, Twang, Funk, World, Guitar craft.
Story tellers all, and that essentially is what a folk musician is ….a musical story teller. So yeah we are a folk venue in the broadest scenes of the word.
TS - Tell us about your musical background,. What is your promotional history?
BS -
In the late 70s I ran live sound for some friends . I graduated from the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe Ohio and started working as a engineer and producer in North Royalton recording studio doing mostly demo tapes for local bands in the early 80s.
I attended Ohio School of Broadcasting, but it was there that I switched my major to Telephony. I was hired three day after I graduated and moved to Texas in 1983 to work for MCI where I had a very successful 20 year career going, up till the time that the bottom fell out with the WorldCom scandal.
While I continue to search to restart my Telecom career or it's equivalent , I thought that I would peruse my passion for music. I founded Butternut Ridge House concert series in 2003. That evolved into the Uncle Waldo's coffeehouse series starting in August of 2005 till the present . Additionally I do artist management on a limited basis.
TS - Who or What inspires you ?
BS -
I'm inspired by discovery. And shared experiences .
I was awed by the experience of my first Coffeehouse concert at Uncle Calvin's in Dallas Tx. That it was held in a church had me a bit tentative about showing up. Finally I just did it.
I never had seen nor heard Carrie Newcomer, however the write up in the local paper made it sound like something that I would really enjoy.
I braved off alone, I managed to purchase my ticket and a beverage in the most inconspicuous manor, and quietly found a seat near the back. During the introduction of the opening act a very attractive lady asked if the seat next to me was taken and sat down. It was enjoyable to chit chat with her in between songs, She clearly was knowledgeable about music and the whole singer songwriter scene.
At the intermission she excused herself , latter,as the audience made their way back to their seats …I was hoping that my new music friend did not upgrade her seat ….The lights dimmed, and as the host Michael Terry was making his introduction to the evenings headline Artist, I was a bit sad that my new friend had not returned to the empty seat.. As Carrie Newcomer took the stage, guitar in hand. It was clear why that seat next to me was still empty. Apparently Carrie could not be in two places at one time. As much as I enjoyed my pre show chit chat with her, I was mesmerized by her show.
That was my introduction to this world of singer songwriters, coffeehouses and the like, a powerful first impression indeed. There has been something magical at every one of the shows that I have attended.
The desire to share these experiences is what inspires me.
TS - Do you have a personal musical philosophy?
BS-
As a host I can sum it up quickly visa vi the motto's that I have used for my venues.
At Butternut Ridge I used the motto
' Respect the art, Absorb the music & Share the experience'
The Uncle Waldo's motto is
' We're Listening '
As a consumer …with few exceptions I no longer attend shows that exceed $15.-$20
.
There is a huge word of talented artist out there who are worthy of our attention. The quality of shows that I attend meets or exceeds the quality of show that I would see with an established artist., as it turns out, my self imposed budget allows me to see more shows .
The more I work with the great artist on the folk /Indie circuit the more I am exposed to the hard work dedication and sacrifice that they are making.
I was profoundly influenced on a night when Lynn Miles was going to quit the business. Her show at the Beachland Ballroom drew a very small crowed. Latter, I closed the bar with just, Lynn and Keith Glass her Guitar Player and Cindy the Ballroom owner.
To Lynn's credit she earlier gave one of the best performances that I have ever seen. To see her heartbroken to the point of considering not touring any more was a powerful moment for me to witness. I had just started promoting shows on my own at that point.
By the end of the night Lynn's spirits were lifted.
By the end of the year she had delivered a stunning new CD " Love Sweet Love "
and had taken home two CFMA awards for best female singer and best female writer.
Lynn showing off her pair of CFMA awards !!!
I have seen some of my artist friends go thru similar ups and downs, while they are trying to make it in the music world. I admire them in their struggle, but most of all I revel in their Joy. While they are up on the stage singing with a guitar in their hands. I'm clapping and smiling with a $15 ticket stub in my back pocket.
TS - Who are some of your favorite artists?
All of the artist who have played Uncle Waldo's of course , you can see a list of these folks on our website
http://unclewaldos.org
To pick a few from that list I would have to say. Jeff Black, The Weepies, Peter Mayer and Greg Trooper are some of my favorites.
At the Top of my wish list for Uncle Waldo's - Lynn Miles. Lori McKenna. Kevin Welch, Jeffrey Foucault. Freebo, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely., Amy Rigby, Eric Taylor, Vince Bell. Guy Clark.
Outside of Uncle Waldo's - Bruce Springsteen is still my all time favorite, Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith, Jimmy Buffet and Stevie Ray Vaughn the Flatlanders and Los Lobos are my favorite established or main stream artist. I have a large collection of music ranging from Opera to Jazz. My time in Texas played a large part in my focusing on the singer songwriter style that is at the forefront of my musical preference.
TS - . What was the First or Best concert that you ever attended?
BS -
Well I did see the Raspberries at a CYO dance in the church basement once but that does not count as a concert.
My first honest to goodness concert was in 75 at the old Allen Theater. Patti Smith was the headliner. But I was there to see the opening act Niles Lofgrin.
Best concert ever - Easy -!!!
August 9, 1978 Bruce Springsteen at the Agora .
WMMS 10th anniversary show.
that is Brian first row, just left of the bouncer in red.
My friends spent the night before in line so we could get first row seats. They latter went searching for Springsteen at the hotels. In the lobby while waiting on the elevator, the bell rings and out pops the Boss himself.
Completely stunned that they actually found Springsteen they were near speechless for a second when Bruce said hi. My friend Scott having nothing better prepared for this moment, reached in his survival bag and offer Bruce a baloney sandwich. Bruce not only took the sandwich and chatted with my friends for a while.
The Next day with out prompting or fair warning he dedicated the song Factory to " Scott and the Guys from Brook Park " ..WOW ….if you have the bootleg recording from that show as so many in Cleveland do, you now know the rest of the story......and.... if that was not enough , we were given the password to get into the after the show party that was held downstairs in the Mistake bar room. One by one the E-street band came down the stairs to meet every one.
A good thing as I broke a date to be at that show, the autographed 'Darkness on the edge of town' record cover..that I gave my girlfriend, was the only thing that saved me the next day.
I'm pretty sure that show / evening will never be toped no matter how many shows I attend in the future.
TS- Do you have some amusing or otherwise- stories you'd like to share?
BS -
One of my favorite shows at Uncle Waldo's was Jeff Black's December 2005.
It was his birthday, so the first song of the evening was the audience singing happy birthday to Jeff.
Jeff really liked the piano we have. Jeff continued playing it long after the show had ended as we were finishing the clean up. He can play such soft beautiful lyrical songs that you can't help but to be touched deeply by.
We drove thru the years heaviest snow fall to finally arrive at the Sly Fox…our options were limited due to the downfall of snow. But it was Jeff's Birthday and we were going to celebrate it.
My friend Heather, Jeff and I walked in to the sound of wailing guitar riffs and power chords from a Long Hair Heavy Metal Tribute band.
My Immediate thought was Oh we're going to drive this snow storm and find another bar.
I turned to Jeff who already had one hand in the air, rhythmically moving to the throbbing beat.
He said "this is what all my buddies back in Missouri still listen to …I love it '….well if it's good enough for Jeff on his birthday then it was good enough for Heather and I….
We had a great time, I could not help to chuckle thinking about Jeff playing softly at the piano only a short while ago and now "HAIR METAL"
I can't wait to see what we do on his return in June this year !
-----
Word about the Uncle Waldo's series apparently has made it through the Musicians Grapevine.
One day out of the blue I got a call from Bonnie Raitt's long time Bass player Freebo.
He said that he was in town for a gig that night and that he would like to meet me. And add me to his guest list for his show that evening with Jim Photoglo.
Wow, a great show, a great guy and a great feeling to know that artist are aware of our venue and are seeking us out.
Thanks Jack Williams for spreading the good word..
---
I had a very interesting interview for a job with the Cleveland Opera. Turns out I was being interviewed by Hilly Michaels a solo Pop artist of the 80s of some note. And a renowned session musician out of NYC.
The Interview quickly got less formal as we discussed music, Hilly mentioned that he had played in the band Sparks and asked if I had ever heard of them. I kind of smiled and taped out a 4/4 beat on his desk witch cued us both to sing the one line chorus and title of the Sparks song " Something for the girl with every thing " …..needless to say I got the Job. ( it was not the quality of my voice I assure you )
I spent a lot of time with Hilly that season, This man should write a book. A venerable who's who in the Rock and roll world of the 80s. From his days with Ian Hunter & Mic Ronson, To being the only person on the planet to turn down Gene Simons not once but twice when asked to tour as the Drummer for Kiss.He was one of the original artist on MTV.
We even connected a time and place that we shared, On Ian Hunters " Your never alone " tour at the Palace...Hilly was the Drummer and when he mentioned that show , I smiled and told him I remember the drumming on the song 'Bastard' ...Hilly light up as he went into great detail about that particular performance of that song. Saying something to the effect that it was the best that, that song had been played on the tour. He was very proud of that moment and was blown away that I remembered it so well. Like I said a great guy.
TS - What are your interests outside of music?
BS-
I have a great interest in History, mostly leadership in History. Rome and the American founding fathers are a particular interest periods for me. At the moment I am really loving reading Radio Daze, written about the rise of FM radio in Cleveland.
I am a political Junkie, Though I choose not to mix my politics with my music. I think music is a place to seek agreement not discourse.
I love to Vacation , to see new places, learn new cultures. My favorite travel destination is Australia. I've dove the great barrier reef, and seen the Southern Cross while sailing the Tasman sea to New Zealand…two of my life goals.
I still follow the Cleveland sports teams as well as Columbus and Dallas hockey.
TS - . How can you be contacted ? .
BS -
Http://unclewaldo.org is our new web site.
There you will find ticket information, Past shows, Concert reviews, Links to friends.
You can also link to My, my-space at
http://www.myspace.com/brianschmuck
This is a good source to link to the musicians that I have been in contact with. You can quickly link to their sites and hear a sampling of their music. Many have already Played UW's , some are coming in the near future and others I may just find interesting and have added them to my Radar list with the thought of possibly hosting them some day.
AN UNSOLICITED REVIEW
Of
JOE CROOKSTON
At
Uncle Waldo's in Rocky River
By; Hal Wharton - February 3, 2007
In a world cursed with instant communication, competing ideologies and emerging political trends, History reigns down and people get lost. In days long gone bye a people's history was a fabric woven of threads of personal triumph and tragedy and individual struggle and survival.
It usually fell to a small band of minstrels roving among us to unearth the untold stories, give them voice in poetry and set them to song to be passed from generation to generation. Simple? Try setting "Don't Hang Your Straight Door On Someone Else's Crooked Wooden Frame" to music. No wonder the band has all but disappeared!
But, there is good news. A modern minstrel walks among us and his name is Joe Crookston. In "Hand, Steel and Wood" he tells us of a Father's loving preparation of his son for his life's work and reminds us that lessons learned often yield to could instead of should. "Able, Baker, Charlie and Dog" reveals an aging Seabee's story of his unforeseen presence at the dawning of a new age.
And in his own words Joe tells us that he "plays because he's able and he plays because he can" and he "sings because he has a voice and he sings 'cause he has no choice!" A Crookston concert is a spiritual revelation. His gift is something to be generously shared and his talent is an artistry to be much admired and greatly appreciated.
------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. from Brian -
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Hal as yet.
This was Hal's first show at Uncle Waldo's he was so moved by the experience that he wrote the above review.
Hal latter wrote in an email to me -
"Music comes in two basic forms - good and bad - and the particular venue really isn't determinate of its worth.
Folk music has never been my thing. I'm deep into classical, jazz and some selective pop.
I can now add folk to my list"
Wow , I'm so glad that Hal wrote , I'm thrilled that he was so moved by the show that he sent this as he calls it an Unsolicited review .
It's wonderful to know that we are reaching new folks out there....thanks so very much Hal for sharing your experience.
Brian Schmuck
A note From : Annie Gallup
Dear Brian..( Butternut Ridge House Concert).
I enjoyed the evening enormously, thanks so much for introducing me to your friends, It was a wonderful time, and it makes me very happy to see your beautiful flowers on my table, that was a very sweet gift... It was a huge honor to initiate your series... I look forward to watching it evolve and grow, and wish you all the best.... many thanks... Annie
Here is the set list for the evening.... thanks for asking:
Enough / 1917 / Max / Blue Dress / Circle / Grandma's Best China / Skinny Arms / Santa / Isabella / Jack/ Fight the Devil / Tulsa James / The Synopsis / Saftey / Great Distance / Three Bills / Dirty Linen Annie's Web site Enough reading I want to hear Annie Return to Home page
02/28/04 Annie Gallup / Alexis Antes Review
A baptism with grace and style was how one of the patrons, or should we call her a convert? Described her evening.
Indeed there were many whom were uplifted and expressed their ‘conversion’ in a multitude of ways. Were they speaking of the newest Mark Burnett reality Television series ? Professing some new age religion ?
No they were professing their conversion and swearing their new allegiance to the House Concert phenomenon that has made it’s way to the suburbs of Cleveland.
Jack and Jennifer Gould who run Acoustic Avenue house concerts in Avon Lake were there, As was Larry Bruner who writes for the Continuum on Folk Net, they may have known what to expect at a house concert. Unlike the majority of guest who had RSVP, not quite sure of what they were getting into with their $10 donation.
The lights dimmed, the crowed hushed and the house glowed crimson from the wall mounted candelabra, as BRHC host Brian Schmuck introduced “ My friend Alexis Antes “ our first artist of the evening. With her angelic vocals, creative lyrics and winning smile, Alexis sung her way into the hearts of her fellow Clevelanders, who were just discovering that this jewel of a performer is indeed one of their very own.
Clevelanders are always searching for something to be proud of. For many of the new converts this night Alexis filled that vacancy.
With the completion of her set, the house now had an idea of what it is that they indeed had got them selves into. “I understand now,” one patron remarked, “ the BRHC series motto,” “ Respect the Art, Absorb the music and Share the experience “
They were now ready for their headliner. “If you have never seen Annie Gallup,” BRHC host Brian Schmuck said. “Then you have never seen anyone like her! ” ....... Annie Gallup took the stage.
After completing her opening number ‘Enough,’ With a delivery that was at times, slightly above a librarians whisper and containing a wit that is the equivalent of Woody Allen’s ‘better hold on and try not to let anything fly over your head’ style. Annie began telling the story of “Max,” who works at Radio Shack and has a “very small telescope.”
Annie would occasionally interrupt herself to add greater detail to Max, who was proud of his pocket protector. Max often had fun with the label gun in the back room, as he frequently changed his Radio Shack name tag. Providing himself with an ascension of his version of ingenious identities.
The audience now fully immersed knew that they had better hold onto their assorted folding chairs, because Annie was taking them places that they had never explored.
Like a glowing parent on Christmas morning, the few seasoned Annie Gallup fans sat back satisfied , while waves of pleasure broke on the faces of each exuberant new fan as they discovered joy with every gift unwrapped, that Annie presented in story and song.
We were 4 songs into the show when Annie introduced us to “Pearl Street “ her long awaited new release ( since the highly acclaimed 2001 release of 'Swerve') So new in fact, Annie remarked, that she just received shipment of the CDs 2 days prior and that they have yet to select an official release date, but the new CD would be available for the first time tonight. ‘Christmas for every one’ I thought to myself and leaned in to hear every word as Annie prefaced the introduction of “ Pearl Street “ . Her first concept album.
“I started with a rhyme that cracked me up, rhyming Horse with Divorce,” Annie said. That lead to telling the 10 year story of Kate through the 10 songs on “Pearl Street”. Annie introduced us to Kate, Jack, Betsi, Dean, Richard, & Grace as she strung together 4 new pearls (Skinny Arms / Jack / Tulsa and Synopsis) form the new CD. She closed her first set with the humorous crowd pleaser “ 3 Bills “
After a short break, a coffee refill and a fresh cookie, we found our seat again to hear the final set of the evening . Highlighted by ‘ Grandma's best china’ and ‘Blue Dress’ Annie’s touching story about moving back to her childhood home after her mothers passing.
‘I used to like your blue dress and I still do, but in a different way. I like the ink stain on the skirt and how the hem is frayed. I see it on a different scale and from a different angle now, Than when I'd look up at you looking down In your blue dress on a summer night, going out for the evening. Well, I still cry sometimes when I think about you leaving me. Your blue dress’
Completing the set with “safety’ Annie joined her new friends and chatted and signed newly purchased CDs. The Butternut Ridge House Concert’s series has now been officially christened, no loner a concept it’s now a reality and with new converts who are ready to spread the word and eagerly await the next show, with their help the house concert series concept will prosper, adding one more thing for us to be proud of right here in Cleveland.
Brian Schmuck
Press release created by Kim Stanach
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rocky River, Ohio, March 15, 2006 - There's something wonderful going on in Rocky River - the creation of Uncle Waldo's Coffee House, a nonprofit venue presenting live acoustic music by nationally touring singer/songwriters in a smoke free listening room environment.
NONPROFIT VENUE
This venue came about as the result of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church's Intern Minister, Tamara Lebak, looking for tickets to Brian Schmuck's Butternut Ridge House Concerts series. Brian's passion for music, the industry connections he has developed and his knowledge of the music business have merged with West Shore's space, volunteers and Support of the Arts Program to create Uncle Waldo's Coffee House.
The only individuals making money in this undertaking are the singer/songwriters. Brian's time and talents, and the work of the volunteers are all done for the love of music and to make a contribution to the community. This is not a church fundraising event.
PRESENTING LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Acoustic is the most appropriate description of the music presented at Uncle Waldo's. To date we have done shows that were pop (The Weepies), folk (The Kennedys), country (The Hummingbirds), funk (Robin Stone) and Jeff Black (who we can only describe as Jeff Black). We are very excited to have the incredible Peter Mayer appearing on April 1 at 7:30PM.
NATIONALLY TOURING SINGER/SONWRITERS
Our rule of thumb is to search out quality artists doing national tours who have at least three produced CDs of original material to their credit. We have now gained enough of a reputation that highly regarded artists are contacting us with interest in playing at Uncle Waldo’s. Local musicians are given the opportunity to be openers for the main acts. The intimate, down to earth setting of Uncle Waldo’s allows patrons to meet these gifted performers before and after the show, making it a more personal experience. If they come early they can hear the performers being interviewed by Tom Ball of 91.3 (The Summit) radio station out of Akron. Tom replays the interviews and the concert a few weeks later on his radio show.
A SMOKE FREE LISTENING ROOM ENVIRONMENT
A concert is much more enjoyable when you can comfortably and clearly see the performers without your burning eyes squinting through a smoky haze while you're coughing. The experience is also enhanced when you hear the music, and just the music, rather than straining to hear through a constant drone of chitchat. That's our theory. That's probably the most special thing about Uncle Waldo's Coffee House - we're listening, really listening. That makes it a wonderful experience for the audience as well as the performers.
Uncle Waldo's Coffee House is located at:
West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church
20401 Hilliard Blvd
Rocky River, OH 44116
CONTACT:
Brian Schmuck email:Brianschmuck@adelphia.net or (440)625-1272
Rev. Wayne Arnason email:bergthor@aol.com or (440)333-2255
