The Amazing Mittens at Cupcake!

Come one, come all! See! The! Amazing Mittens at Cupcake on Thursday, August 30th, from 7-9pm.  Eden and Noodle explore the limits of Cuteness as they hoist the Flag of Silliness versus the All Too Serious State of the World. It's an old Dada gesture, sure, but as Charlesy Mccallister once said, "We'll keep doing it until it works!"  The event is sure to delight die hard Mittens' fans as well as the random passerby. Enjoy cupcakes? This concert is not too be missed!  Musically, we'll be playing music of the 1920s and 30s, but with our own nutty spin. It's a wild ride with Mr. and Mrs. Ridiculous. Not for Everyone! Designed with your mind in mind.

She Goes, He Goes Swing Dance Friday 24th

She Goes, He Goes, a fun Swing ensemble wherein I play the tenor banjo, will be swingin' on Friday the 24th! We'll be back at good old Spirit Moves, and kicking off about 9pm. Stephen Duane will offer lessons beforehand: advanced at 7:15pm, and beginner's at 8pm. Plus snacks and AC! All this and lively music for just $10. It's a great crowd, too---you should be there!

Yes Sir, That's My Lindy!

Lindyhop, groove-rock, the Charleston, Swing Dance, whatever you do, do it with style at the Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club on Friday, August 17th. The V-Tones will be there, providing the soundtrack for the party. We'll be at the Spirit Moves Dance Studio, just across the street from the Ye Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in West Ashley. $10 at the door gets you live music, snacks, and lessons if you want (adv, at 7:15pm, beginner's at 8pm). We'll start up around 8:45pm. Come on out y'all! I've started to take the dance lessons (I'm a klutz) so if I can do it, anyone can! Join the too Much Fun Club!

"Sittin' In"

To my fellow, budding musicians out there, I'd like to discuss the fine art of "sittin' in". You might find yourself at a jam, or even on stage playing music with people you've only just met, playing songs you might never have even heard. What do you do? The first rule is Stay Out Of The Way--which means to let the leader, or singer do their thing and don't clutter up the mix. Listen first, then add something subtle. Don't play too much.  Keep it quiet at first. Follow the singer--if they go to the bridge, go to the bridge! Don't fight the flow! Go with the flow.
  The second rule is Support The Song.  Try to find out the key. Just fill in little spaces. Take turns. Listen. If someone else is playing chords, don't double that, just add what you can. Try to illustrate the meaning of the song with your contributions. For soloing, do your thing, then stop! Let somebody else take over.  There's nothing worse than a virtuoso who can't stop playing over everybody. Think about playing behind them.  If they get lost, jump in and steer them back to the melody.  You don't have to be in the foreground all the time, do you?  Add color and texture.
  The third rule is, If You Know What You're Doing, Bring It On Stong. That means if you're swingin', swing hard! If you've got something to say, say it! Now, don't go on forever---but your confidence and energy can bring the whole band together. The great musicians I've had the pleasure of playing with could match their style to the group.  Don't ditch the group--keep with them. Music isn't a competition.
  In general, if you've been asked to 'sit in' by a band that is on stage, just play a song or two and get off.  The old jazz etiquette is a lost treasure, so we're not too sure how do these things anymore, but from what I've been told by the Wise Ones: Don't assume that you get to sit in just because you came to the gig, and if you do get asked to sit in, take a little time to warm up (tune) before getting on stage, and once on stage just play one or two songs unless the band begs you to stay. Just remember, folks, music is the universal language--you can play music even with folks you don't know! It's magic, so treat it as a precious gift!