Cavalcade Fruita; Concerts, Open Mic, Poetry, Downtown Events

March 3, 2016: Open Mic Night at 7pm! All ages welcome!

2/25/2016

2/26/2016 10:32:13 am

It wasn't too many weeks ago that open mikes were not very "well attended" but THAT apparently is changing. Old faces, new faces, and a few more (than usual) non-performers sitting out just to listen --

Amber (hope I have the name right) was re-hearsing with "the house band" (Rudy, Jared, Thad, Alex) and I can't remember the song but she was, vocally, very good -- with tight competent accompaniment.

Deb/Jay (they want to call themselves "Dostoyevsky"?) were having what has come to "the usual sound problems" but still were able to play, including a tribute to Dave Bowie. if ever they sort out whatever sound irregularities, I'm sure they (especially Deb) will find something else to complain about next. Still, basically, entertaining ...

Martin (Selby) -- just his voice and guitar, is a solid dependably-consistent performer. His "set" had good variety as well.

Speaking (well, writing) of good vocals, Amanda (will eventually get her last name) also excels in that category. Her guitar playin' ain't bad, either.

Ethan (Archer) is always a delight to listen to -- and he did "Pretty Woman" pretty well. I think he should take a chance and invite accompanying musicians from among those in attendance.

The "mystery woman" (friend of Amanda's) was up next and I hope to hear, again, the song about (the singer's would be boyfriend?) dying in so many horrible ways and lying about it, etc. That song would be a hit next Variety show !

And Jessie and Ellis showed-up, mostly to say they haven't left for Texas yet, and played (Ellis)/ sang (Jessie) for us again.

Thanks Jared and Thad for hosting !

Jubilation T. Cornpone link

3/4/2016 09:30:36 am

Oh!penMikeDate: March 3: we missed the earlier (& later) performances -- but were fortunate to hear (and see, and sense) Amanda (Joy) Blehm --> who, like more than just a couple other Cavalcade "regulars" could be poised to be in the category "We Knew Her Back When ...". she's that good. Great (palpable?) stage presence and projection.

Preceding her was a male/female couple, who we've seen at open-mike before. Competent tight harmonies and no doubt semi-professional musicians.

Hmmm: apparently the Benhams and Julian played previously.

The fellow who just lost his job at the Railroad -- no he DID NOT sing "I've (not) been working on the railroad ..." -- but he did "channel" Hank Williams pretty convincingly. Good set.

Another male guitar/vocal soloist -- also new (for us) to the Cav O.M. -- good to see SO MANY PEOPLE, compared to a few months back where on more than one occasion whoever was on stage would play to the sound-man and maybe one or two others.
Amanda's friend (who did not play the "many weird ways to die" song we heard the week before) also returned for a set.

The male/female duo ("Dostoyevsky?" are they kidding?) announced that one of their important jobs at the Cavalcade was to be the performer(s) who have to follow The Tough Act To Follow -- being Amanda, of course. They didn't do half bad ...

Rachel Ohanzee link

3/18/2016 11:59:48 am

March 17: Not as well-attended as recent open-mike nights, but a fun evening for everybody. I think.

First up was the "Harp Guy" -- who played a song with Amanda and then one with Trevor. For not having played together before, these duets weren't half-bad. Duet? -- a Trio: Jared backed up Trevor on bass and was integral and smooth.

Trevor (vocalist accompanied by his guitar) played original tunes -- it is amazing how many people at Cavalcade Open Mikes play their own tunes ~

Amanda: always a JOY (her middle name, I think) to hear. She obviously has fun and makes it fun for all in attendance.

Sidney -- who was a guitarist here previously, brought her keyboard -- which she was very good on. And another dark-macabre (yet comical) song about death, dying, bad-mad-ness. She should do such a song at a Variety show !

"Joy-a" (?) -- I think that's her name. Judging from her Goth appearance I expected dark and sinister music but her bright crisp voice and more-than-merely-adequate guitar stylings were upbeat (mostly) and a good solid conclusion to the first round of all this evening's performers. --

"Mr. Harp" got up again with a flautist (you know: "flute-player") -- Ed, to play with Amanda and Trevor.

Soundman Ron, resplendent? in his St. Patrick's shirt was appreciated, as were MC's Thad and Jared.

Bitter Ben link

3/25/2016 10:16:48 am

no comment on the first couple ("group"?) up, then

Trevor playing "covers" with a guitar he made himself!

and Butch, who was there because Amanda (who wasn't there) recommended that he go to Cav Open Mike. He was pretty good and solid, good guitar, smooth soothing vocals.

Another couple (didn't catch their names) -- she sang, he sat with guitar, drum-box under his feet -- and they were entertaining and fun to watch. Hope they're on the next Variety Show ~

"regulars" Jim Moran and Josh were there, as well as maybe soon-to-be regular Joya.

did I miss anyone?

Thanks, Thad and Jared !

señor Tenedor del Diablo link

4/1/2016 09:32:02 am

Thursday nite open mike: Last day of March, 2016:

briefly there was (were) one couple there to play, an initial "audience" of 1 (not counting Cavalcade-personnel) -- but things picked up (well, maybe the first male/female duo didn't pick it up much, but)

BUTCH was probably the "most solid" & well-rounded (no, he ain't fat) performer here tonight-- good presence, and an original about "the River" -- upper Roaring Fork where he once lived. I detected more than a hint of what I presume the Troubadours of yore were like ~

TREVOR's first song was a good match for his vocal range. and, yes, another "new" (old, "from the '60's") guitar -- which he plays pretty well. then an original -- he's got quite a collection of those -- at least one song about water and/or the river. Maybe it was rain ...

ALEX ... was it his intention to torture everyone there? (granted, in addition to his superlative percussion skills, he demonstrated that he is competent on the guitar ... and if the vocal mike isn't turned up too high, maybe he could help with background singing ...)

LLOYD Otero: the surprise of the evening! usually he's here to listen, and mingle, but his guitar-accompanied singing was pretty good !

JOYA: I'll be a little critical, and you'll see why. Basically, SHE HAS "IT". "It" is the gift -- of her blend of guitar and voice, conveying a song, carrying the listener along with it. She expressed a bit of concern about being nervous. THAT could be a good thing! Nervousness can be channelled. Though her songs were fun and a joy to listen to (really!) she couldn't END (you know, stop? terminate? bring the song to conclusion) convincingly. minor things, like maybe a mis-strum, or out-of-key few notes -- but I really hope she "keeps this music thing" UP and continues to go with it. She should not only get better, but become a integral presence in whatever musical community she decides to run with.

Thanks to our hosts -- Thad, Jared, Ron !

March 3, 2016: Open Mic Night at 7pm! All ages welcome!

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