Whatcha Got Moon
Herewith detailed is one of our early plaintive petitions for benefaction, as we looked around and saw how insubstantial this rawboned enterprise actually was, especially for the perilous economic times within which it were launched. In response to these super-specific requests, we did collect a smattering of arcane artworks that found their places on the wall, and two couples began a tradition of bringing in fresh-bought bags of tea lights every time they attended a show— all welcomed as earnest honorariums, and evidence of our clientele’s affection for the project.
What we didn’t get was what we probably needed most— tech support, social media gurus, and magical marketing guidance that could be implemented at zero expense. In hindsight, it appears that Fate never intended to strap on any rocket boosters to increase Moonlight’s trajectory, but who’s to say that we’d have met our own expectations any better at higher altitudes. Our players and patrons both seemed to relish the warmth and accessibility that little room offered, so it’s ultimately a good thing we never got too big fer our britches.
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October 20, 2010
Friends of The Moonlight---
From the very beginning, we agreed that our little live music room strays widely from the banker's definition of a "viable business"--- a quick look at the P&L ledger underscores that notion, as the everyday expense of operating The Moonlight consistently outstrips the cash we generate by doing so. Of course, we are by no means the only commercial venture that finds itself in that untenable position--- these is extraordinarily tough times indeed, top to bottom. We take heart, though, in the nightly commendations offered by near a hundred percent of our patrons--- the folks who come out to our shows, be they first-timers or regulars, say they love what we're doing so far, and seem to look for ways to tell us so.
That being the case, we have to believe that a future exists for The Moonlight--- if we can count on our most ardent advocates to show their support with small contributions, either by the folding variety, or in goods and services. If you believe in the worth of what we are trying to bring to our local cultural landscape, and you are in a position to help out with one of the following needs, we'd be delighted to hear from you--- as always, ideas and suggestions are welcome as well. You have our many thanks!
GOODS--- (stuff you may have taking up space in your attic or garage)
* A rack-mount single disc CD player to become part of the house sound system, to replace the little portable dime-store model we're using now
* Tea lights and scented candles for the tables and rest rooms-- man, we go through them things!
* Art work--- big pieces and small-- to add some personality to all these beige walls
* An 8 X 10 area rug for the artists' backstage green room--- and long as we're asking, some for the main area as well
* Strands of white Christmas lights, to bring back the ambiance of the original Moonlight
SERVICES AND SKILLS--- (just a few hours of your time and expertise--- teach us, we'll take it from there)
* Email consulting-- need to make this frumpy newsletter LOTS better looking, with graphics and photos--- HTML, anybody?
* Facebook guidance-- it's supposed to be the answer to our prayers, how come it ain't working so hot for us?
* General internet advice-- like everybody else, we have questions, and don't quite understand the answers--- ?!!!
* Stage lighting upgrade--- we know it can look better, help us figure out how, and help us find the extra hardware
* Video consultant-- we want to document and livestream some of our performances on the internet
* PR and Marketing specialist-- more people need to know about The Moonlight, what else can we do to reach them?
FINANCIALS--- (the root of all evils, which must be why we don't have much of it)
* Possible sponsors-- seeking constructive, tax-deductible havens for their contributions and resources
* Advisors-- in case we ever get enough leftover moolah to require management
It's been said before--- Moonlight on the Mountain is not so much a business as a social experiment... a community exercise in willful collaboration, to create a space for an all-inclusive celebration of original music and performance. The whole enterprise is grounded on giving the best of what we have to give... we hope you'll join us in that spirit, and in whatever way you can offer, help us keep The Moonlight shining--- thank you!
SHOWS FOR THIS WEEK--->
Thursday the 21st--- SAVE OUR STRAYS BENEFIT, 7-10 pm, $10 tax-deductible donation
Kitties and puppies just don't know any better than to count on humans to look after them--- sad that only a portion of us do a decent job of it. SOS is a no-kill, humane organization of volunteers dedicated to the hands-on job of feeding and caring for those lost and abandoned pets in greatest need... their ceaseless commitment is funded entirely by individual contributions, which we hope will spike as a result of our hosting this house party.
Live music is to be provided by Nathan Peek & Friends, and some other promised entertainers yet unnamed--- there will be light food and beverages served, and some donated items for sale at steep discounts. Get off a sawbuck, and come out to see what an event can be like when it is, um....NOT overplanned.... 7pm
Friday the 22nd-- JASON HARROD, and THE TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS, $12
Here we have a fellow who brought his bluegrass leanings out of North Carolina all the way to his current digs in New York City, collecting songwriting awards and showcase gigs alongside the likes of Alison Krauss and Tift Merritt. Songs from Jason's original release, Living in Skin, have found a home on regular NPR programming and in new releases spotlighted by Paste Magazine.
Two of Nashville's most experienced and honored studio stalwarts combine to create The Twangtown Paramours, a dapper country-folk duo with their own ideas of what you might find enchanting--- Mike's guitar skills and tunecrafting have brought him, among other things, a huge #1 hit in South Korea (!), and Mary Beth has become one of Middle Tennessee's most sought-after vocalists. They take their fun just seriously enough to be impressive--- 7:30pm
www.jasonharrod.com
www.twangtownparamours.com
Jason Harrod, October 22 2010, 28 present
The Twangtown Paramours, October 22 2010
Saturday the 23rd-- THE SWEETBACK SISTERS, $12
How we'll get 'em all on our compact stage, we're not sure, but no doubt they've played in tighter quarters--- look too quick, and you'll think what we have here is a Hee-Haw novelty act, all costumes and early-50's TV posturing. Doesn't take long, though, to realize the reverence with which these people regard classic country music of the silver-screen era, and how admirably they re-interpret it for modern audiences... ringing vocal harmonies, and precisely-peppered picking on your favorite traditional instruments. You don't have to be that old to let confident country-swing pick you up and start you rockin'--- you WILL leave happy!
7:30pm
www.thesweetbacksisters.com
The Sweetback Sisters, October 23 2010, 17 present
Sunday the 24th--- NAKED BLUE, and ELLEN CHERRY, $12
Two area house concerts in recent times should have generated a proper appreciation for the duo of Jen and Scott Smith, a Baltimore-based couple who have rounded the bases several times in their ten-year run though the top ranks of American folk/pop. They are among the warmest and friendliest people you could find on a stage of any size--- with a sureness grounded in the strength of their near-perfect list of engaging original songs.
We are fortunate indeed that they are bringing along their close friend and neighbor Ellen Cherry, an ingenuous and radiant nightingale--- part chanteuse, part chronicler, part comedienne--- her beguiling voice and artful guitar always find us irresistibly bewitched. 7:30pm
www.nakedblue.com
www.ellencherry.com
Ellen Cherry, October 24 2010, 14 present
Naked Blue, with guest Sam Pointer, October 24 2010
NEXT WEEK we finish out October with a triple helping of NewGrass---
Tuesday the 26th-- STEEL WHEELS, Virginia-bred foursome bustin' out some new-country blues and old-time fiddle tunes
Thursday the 28th-- MATT FLINNER TRIO, Nashville's finest mandolin-monger, a pick-fest of preponderous proportions
Friday the 29th-- THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS, quintet marries traditional folk/grass with rock energy
Saturday the 30th-- WACKY WES' HALLOWEEN MAGIC--- an all-ages pumpkin party, with a mystifying illusionist
Thanks for reading this far--- and our endless thanks for your support of The Moonlight!
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