CIYH Newsletter #9, June 2008 Recap
Posted by admin on 09 Jul 2008 at 12:14 am | Tagged as: CIYH Newsletter
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Message from Fran:
97 degrees. In Kansas. Our pool is 4 feet wide, 6 inches deep, and made of 1/8 thick blue plastic. And yes, we’re using it. Best $7.99 I’ve ever spent. Kiddie pool my …
CIYH stats and developments:
Most of our hosts (200 or so) have now updated their information, and have their own, edit-anytime page on the site. I’m committed to providing accurate (and helpful) information, so our hosting community will be a little smaller until our remaining hosts complete the transition. (Email me if you aren’t sure if that means you.)
We’ve fixed most of the bugs with the login and search issues, with a few remaining tweaks necessary for Windows XP users. (Firefox seems more stable than Internet Explorer). I appreciate everyone’s help and patience in improving this site.
I’m pleased to announce a new feature, “Letters from Ned.” Ned Treanor’s unique and quirky stories about folk music and Woodstock era superstars are a joy to read. With some positive feedback from (YOU) our readers, I think we can make this a monthly feature.
June was hectic, with 36 new artists, and 15 new hosts. It was especially fun to chat with Jack Williams (one of the busiest and most respected house concert acts) about his experience, and chatting with Larry Hoppen (of Orleans… “Still the One,” “Dance with Me”) about his desire to do more house concerts. Steve McCarty (guitarist and co-writer with Steve Miller Band) also jumped into the house concert world - and might just sit in with me in Phoenix this fall.
The talent on this site keeps getting better and better. I encourage you to browse, and check out some names you don’t recognize.
New CIYH Hosts:
New CIYH Artists: (A big thank you for your support.)
Ali Weiss, Arthur Yoria, Bill Whyte, Cady Finlayson & Vita Tanga, Chris Foster, Dean Station, Debbie Zepick, Jack Williams, Julius Curcio, Kaleo Wheeler, Kathy Zimmer, Kelly’s Lot, Kory Wilcox, Kurt Michaels, Larkin Gayl, Larry Hoppen & Fly Amero, Laura Zucker, Lou & Peter Berryman, Luke Sayers, Maria DuBiel, Melissa Greener, Noah Earle, Ray Peal and Friends, Rich Wyman, Shotgun Party, Sing along with Phoebe, Siobhán O’Brien, Spencer Brewer, Stephen Foster (Howler), Steve Eulberg, Steve McCarty & Friends, Teri Wilder, Tey, The Border Blasters, The Hayburners, Tracy Kash Thomas
Renewed Artists: (A HUGE thank you for your continued support!)
Arlon Bennett, John Batdorf, Sonya Heller, Renee Mixon, Jim Patton, Shay Watson, Five Little Monkeys.
Artist of the Month: Jack Williams
This month we feature Jack Williams, who some might call the “House Concert King.” I forgot to ask him about how he’s managed to avoid “trucker’s back,” after touring 50,000+ miles per year, for decades (and decades.) Somehow, he feels like he’s just hitting his prime, and I bet many of our hosts would agree. Read about Jack…
Host of the Month: James Casto
It’s one thing for an artist to have an impact with their music. A great lyric, a memorable message, an unforgettable performance. For some artists, that’s only the beginning. Visit James Casto, an compelling artist who tirelessly (yes, he gets tired - but you’d never know it) promotes the music of his friends, co-writers, and other fine artists who have the good fortune to cross his path. Read about James…
Tip for Artists: Create a regional network of house concerts.
With the escalating costs of travel, it’s important to develop local opportunities… here’s an idea. Will this be the post that inspires you, or will you wait until next month?
Tip for Hosts: Video Your Next Event
Just like artists, I’m sure you have trouble getting the concept of a “house concert” to resonate with some people when you invite them to your events. I’m doing my best to create some video to help you, but I think you could do even better with some footage of your next event.
What if you could put up a video of a great song (all you need is one!) from your next act on the web! You could link to it whenever you send out an email invitation, to give your friends are real taste of how fun these events can be.
Take a look at these videos, and see how simple (and low-tech!) it can be to put a little charm in your invitations. If you don’t have a website, you can upload it to YouTube, and send us the link.
If you or one of your guests has a camcorder (DVR), but you don’t know how to manipulate or upload the footage, you can mail me the tape. Get the artists permission (ahead of time) and read these tips…
New Feature: Letters from Ned
I’ve recently exchanged some emails with Ned Treanor, who has a rich history (and memory!) of the folk music heroes that many of you will be familiar with. This one is a funny story about Don McLean and Lee Hays.
This website is sponsored by: D’Addario, Artist Direct, and our Member Artists!
Please share this information with people you like. — fran
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