On yer mark--
Readers of this blog may have found their interest dulled by the numerous lead-up notices of The Moonlight’s impending launch— I can assure you this was the last of our preliminary arm-waving, and you’ll see subsequent posts describing actual events that began to take place on the venue’s fledgling stage.
Of note, however—- this particular mailing marks the first appearance of the “Protocol” rundown, wherein I try to educate the coming clientele to our inclinations and practicalities— from parking, to purchases, to proper behavior during our performances—- something that I worried might not be well understood by local live music patrons. As it turned out, many attendees either remembered our etiquette guidelines from the original venue, or would learn them apace, from this, our first official acoustic concert in the new room.
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March 30, 2010
Friends of The Moonlight--
The day is almost here--- or the the night, actually--- after so much hard work and anticipation, we are less than two weeks from the grand opening of Moonlight on the Mountain. There are still many details to which we must attend, and every hour counts in these last few laps... but much like the homework that isn't yet finished, there's some time on the school bus, and an hour in study hall before it has to be actually handed in. We'll make it... we have no choice.
That first night--- Thursday, April 8th--- we welcome KEVIN WELCH to the new stage, in a transplanted version of what was to be a private house concert. Our friend Kathy Troup had arranged for Kevin to do a living room show at her home, which might have accommodated fifteen or twenty lucky listeners... we suggested that having as many as 85 in front of him would be a better outcome for all concerned. Though reservations have been snapped up quickly, there is still room for more--- we'd love to have you on hand for The Moonlight's first official show, and the chance to pick up Kevin's brand new CD, "The Great Emancipation", just released mere days before our concert. To make reservations, got to our website and open the Calendar link... the rest is easy. And while you're waiting for the date to get here, enjoy this MOST appropriate video of what you might expect to hear that evening:
We expect every seat to be taken for our first show--- as we reach capacity, we'll start to put names on a waiting list, since there are sometimes last-minute cancellations. We'll ask for a $15 cash donation to the artist at the door, no checks or credit cards, please...hit the link now, don't wait to save yourself a place in the audience!
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MORE MUSIC NEXT---
As you are connected to the Calendar page on our website, have a look at the upcoming artists we have managed to book on short notice--- some of our favorites from the original Moonlight, and crowd-pleasers from recent house concerts. Many more are selecting specific dates to add to their travel routes, and will be listed on the Calendar shortly... bookmark the page, and check it often so you can make plans to be on hand when they come through. We promise to offer a mix of styles and genres of music from outside our region, and to season the schedule with a hearty mix of top-notch local players as well. Your suggestions are welcome--- we want to know who you'd like to see and hear!
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WANT TO HELP?
Because we see The Moonlight as becoming much more than one person's vision, we hope to recruit a core group of volunteers who'd like to help with the many little duties involved in running an event venue. We need someone to work the door and collect admission donations; we would like to have people who could act as artists' hospitality guides, helping out-of-town performers find food, lodging, and odd items they may need to locate in a strange city; we can really use help with the setup and pickup of the room before and after the shows. We'd appreciate your offer of whatever time you have to help us operate smoothly.
IN FACT, we will host a "Clean, Paint, and Garnish" gathering on Sunday, April 4th--- a general evening of tidying up the room for our Grand Opening a few days later. Yes, that's Easter, but if you are all done with your holiday observances, come by the Moonlight between 2 and 6pm to swing a broom or a paintbrush for a few minutes, and to talk about what special skills you might have to contribute. Go to the website for directions, if you don't yet know how to find us, or call 243-8**1 to say you're coming.
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PROTOCOL---
There are a few things to be aware of when attending events at our one-of-a-kind venue--- after your first visit, you'll have a better idea of the considerations we ask of our audience:
PARKING--- should be adequate for all but our most heavily-attended shows. Please remember that we are located in a residential area, and hard by a main road with lots of passing traffic. If you're part of a group, give some of those friends a ride, to keep the number of vehicles to a minimum--- and try to be mindful of nearby private property and right of way when you choose where to park your car. Thank you!
SEATS--- will not be available for everybody when the attendance is large. We have about 50 heavy wooden chairs on hand, but you should bring your own portable festival chairs as a precaution, especially if you aren't among the first to arrive when the doors open. We want everyone to be comfortable and happy during the show, but we can't currently guarantee everyone a house chair at every event.... you may not need to use your own, but if you do, you'll be glad you remembered to bring it!
BEVERAGES AND FOOD-- are not offered for sale at The Moonlight, which means you aren't limited to our selection in your choice of comestibles for the evening. Keep in mind that our venue is family-friendly, and we may have patrons of all ages in the audience... that being said, you are welcome to bring a small cooler with you, containing a reasonable amount of whatever refreshments you may legally possess on private property. Cheers!
PURCHASES--- are by CASH ONLY, from the suggested artists' donation we collect at the door, to the merchandise you may buy directly from the performer. Unless we decide at some future date to add food and drinks to our offerings, we will not have a system for taking payment in any other form. The nearest ATM is a couple of miles
down the road... please bring your folding money with you to avoid inconvenience and disappointment!
LISTENING--- is what makes The Moonlight different from other live music venues. Here, the performing artist is the most important person in the room while they are on the stage, and we cater to an audience who comes to pay respectful attention to the talent being presented. Our town has plenty of other places where comrades can gather to drink, talk, smoke, and horse around with each other during a live performance---- this ain't one of 'em. Our events are bona fide concerts, and anyone whose behavior disturbs others' right to enjoy the show will be asked to leave. Let's keep it special!
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OTHER EVENTS YOU MAY ENJOY---
In an effort to promote the support of original acoustic music in our community, we are glad to make note of some other remarkable performers appearing in this area soon--- so long as they don't conflict with our own schedule!
***PETER SEARCY and BRIGID KAELIN***
Thursday, April 15th, 7:30pm
A Small Stages house concert in a private residence--- learn more and make reservations at:
www.smallstages.com
***AMY SPEACE***
Thursday, April 15th, 7pm
Caffe C, 2117 University Blvd, Birmingham 35233
The ongoing series hosted at a Southside church facility, more info at:
www.birminghamfolk.org
***KATE CAMPBELL***
Saturday, April 17th, 7pm
East Lake United Methodist Church
Literate Southern singer/songwriter, worth hearing in any setting, more info at:
www.eastlakeumc.net
***JENNIFER DANIELS***
Saturday, April 17th, 8:30pm
The Red Cat, 2901 2nd Avenue South, B'ham 35233
Lookout Mountain's beguiling siren, part tease and part tantrum, info at:
www.okafes.com
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THANKS for your interest and support... see you on the hilltop!
www.moonlightonthemtn.com
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