Friends &
Neighbors! Wanted to let you know about this Red Dirt girl's
musical doin's for the next month... sure would like to have ya'll join me!
April 4th, Thursday 6-7pm The Monica Taylor
Trio will be performing at
the OSU Little Theater in the Student Union,
in Stillwater, OK on the beautiful Oklahoma
State University campus.
This trio is made up of myself, my Uncle Don Morris, and Gene Williams. We'll be playing all Woody Guthrie songs from 6-7pm to help get the audience ready for the movie "Bound for Glory." This is a great old movie about Woody Guthrie's life, written by Guthrie as well. Our friend and Oklahoma Folk music historian, songwriter, author Guy Logsdon has recorded the introduction to this movie. This year would have been Woody's 100th year... the movie begins at 7pm. Free to all! More information for this event can be found here: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/onebook/images/OBOC0404.pdf
April 12th, Friday 8-11pm
at Eskimo Joe's in
Stillwater, OK A Red Dirt
Rendezvous, with our special guest this month: Tom Skinner!
Here's a picture of Tom, doing one of the things he loves most.
Along with Uncle Don Morris, myself, and Gene Williams, I am happy to say
that Tom Skinner will be rendering and sharing the evening with us for our
second gathering of kindred Red Dirt songwriters, musicians, and souls. Skinner, one of our Red Dirt music
godfathers, fabulous songwriters & performers, and dear friend of ours
for 2-3 decades, is loved by artists throughout the spectrum of the Oklahoma,
Texas... regional music scene, and many countries beyond America.
Together with Morris and Williams, Tom has traveled to Europe on a few
occasions. They have a CD together. The Wednesday Night Science
Project is a show that Tulsans have been enjoying on a weekly basis for
15 years at least. Led by these three men and including other cream of
the crop musicians, they welcome other working musicians who 'drop in' for the
show to get up play a song- and many touring artists will make The Colony
their first stop after sound check at their own gig. Skinner has a new CD
out this year that as been long-awaited by fans.
Two great videos of Tom,
Don, and Gene while on tour in the Netherlands last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyw7yO23X4g
and http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/kCiP4ectRrY
I always include a Tom
Skinner tune in my shows- or a song that I once heard him sing and said
"Dog-gonnit! I gotta learn that song!" These Red Dirt
Rendezvous shows are a great time to hear a Red Dirt performer of renown share
stories about his or her own music... and this particular night of Friday, April 12th will be
such a treat for all who come out! The shows will be up on top of Joe's
on the new rooftop patio! We had such an awesome time last month performing
under the stars with our special guest Bill Erickson!
See ya'll there~ Monica
Jimmy Lafave returns to Payne county with his fabulous Night Tribe
band! Thursday, April 25th at 7pm in Perkins,
OK at the old church in the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza!
From the beginning of the Red Dirt music scene of writers and performers, there was Bob Childers and Jimmy Lafave. Best of friends and both great songwriters n Stillwater, OK back in the late 70's and early '80s, they started playing their original songs out for Payne county folks. They also applauded and respected other songwriters in the area, and this pretty large group of friends coined the term Red Dirt to explain their style of music... the name stuck. Now 35 years later,so many artists carry the label 'Red Dirt' along with the other labels that fans put on them. The music that Lafave and Childers started has now been sung and played all across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and so many other corners of the globe. Pretty cool, huh?
Please visit his website and read- and grin- as you read his remarkable road to becoming an Americanna icon and songwriter of world renown.... he's also a downhome feller who has the Texas and Oklahoma roots seeded deep in his being. A man who appreciates and supports music folks everywhere he goes. He's a good man with a good heart. Woody Guthrie would be proud to say- "Jimmy Lafave is carrying on my music and has helped my family begin a darn good folk festival in my home town of Okemah... they didn't need to put my name on the front of the festival name, though..." (Woody probably wouldn't have wanted his name so big and bold as "The Woody Guthrie Free Folk Festival" ...might have been happy to see that it is 'free' to all who want to come though!)
The following is the first paragraph of Lafave's website... http://www.jimmylafave.com/biography/bio.html
Jimmy LaFave was born in Wills Point, Texas, a small town 30 miles east of Dallas. He began school down the road in Mesquite and by Junior High was making music perched behind his Sears & Roebuck drum kit. It wasn’t long before his mother traded a drawer full of green stamps for his first guitar and the switch to singer–songwriter was in progress. His family later moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he finished high school. Although he has lived in Austin for over 20 years, many people think of him as being from Oklahoma, because of his strong musical ties to the state and what he often refers to as its “red dirt music.” It was in this landscape that he began to define his sound and soak up a combination of his experiences among authentic songwriters from the tradition of Woody Guthrie. Before leaving Oklahoma for Austin, Jimmy did some independent recording and toured the southwest with the first version of his band Night Tribe.
From the beginning of the Red Dirt music scene of writers and performers, there was Bob Childers and Jimmy Lafave. Best of friends and both great songwriters n Stillwater, OK back in the late 70's and early '80s, they started playing their original songs out for Payne county folks. They also applauded and respected other songwriters in the area, and this pretty large group of friends coined the term Red Dirt to explain their style of music... the name stuck. Now 35 years later,so many artists carry the label 'Red Dirt' along with the other labels that fans put on them. The music that Lafave and Childers started has now been sung and played all across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and so many other corners of the globe. Pretty cool, huh?Please visit his website and read- and grin- as you read his remarkable road to becoming an Americanna icon and songwriter of world renown.... he's also a downhome feller who has the Texas and Oklahoma roots seeded deep in his being. A man who appreciates and supports music folks everywhere he goes. He's a good man with a good heart. Woody Guthrie would be proud to say- "Jimmy Lafave is carrying on my music and has helped my family begin a darn good folk festival in my home town of Okemah... they didn't need to put my name on the front of the festival name, though..." (Woody probably wouldn't have wanted his name so big and bold as "The Woody Guthrie Free Folk Festival" ...might have been happy to see that it is 'free' to all who want to come though!)
The following is the first paragraph of Lafave's website... http://www.jimmylafave.com/biography/bio.html
Jimmy LaFave was born in Wills Point, Texas, a small town 30 miles east of Dallas. He began school down the road in Mesquite and by Junior High was making music perched behind his Sears & Roebuck drum kit. It wasn’t long before his mother traded a drawer full of green stamps for his first guitar and the switch to singer–songwriter was in progress. His family later moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he finished high school. Although he has lived in Austin for over 20 years, many people think of him as being from Oklahoma, because of his strong musical ties to the state and what he often refers to as its “red dirt music.” It was in this landscape that he began to define his sound and soak up a combination of his experiences among authentic songwriters from the tradition of Woody Guthrie. Before leaving Oklahoma for Austin, Jimmy did some independent recording and toured the southwest with the first version of his band Night Tribe.
I've known Jimmy since I was 20 years old... a couple of decades (smile!) My bluegrass-folk band in college was called The Wayfaring Strangers: Brett Franzmann, Pam Potts, Mark Mars, and myself. We played the Stillwater Musicians Reunion at Willie's that Jimmy put together... he was setting up my microphone for me and I remember asking him, "Oh, thank you...and what is your name?" Thought he was the soundman. He smiled at me and said "I'm Jimmy... glad ya'll could come play." I had just Bob Childers for the first time that evening, and then I met Jimmy.
He's been a friend ever since that night.... so has Bob. (grin) I sure would love to pack the house and to give each of you an evening of great music and laughs and maybe tears for the next few months... beginning with the first Cimarron Breeze concert on Thursday, April 25th at the old Methodist church, now sitting in the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza in Perkins, OK. The show begins at 7pm, tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door... or you can purchase the Season Ticket for $100 that gives you an hour before the show with the artist or band, hor' derves and such, and a comfy chair for every show. Contact me here, or go to the website link that is on this letter, for more info about getting your name on our list for these 6 great Cimarron Breeze concerts, and information on the Songwriter Showcases that feature many regional artists of high acclaim.
.
Other April shows that I’ll be a part of, or attending:
April 13th, at the Stillwater Community Center at 7pm, 'Time Changes Everything' is a two man play that focuses on the possibility of Bob Wills and Woody Guthrie and a chance meeting they didn't have... but what they might have talked about, and the music they would have played, had they met. John Cooper and Brad Piccolo(of the Rangers) do a great job portraying Bob Wills & Woody Guthrie and a meeting on the road maybe in the 30's or 40's. The Red Dirt Rangers band will do a concert following the play. The play was written by John Woolley and Thomas Conner - two well known writers from Tulsa, and directed by Vern Stefanics. It is awesome and has received high accolades across the state. It will be the last of the Stillwater Public library, OSU Library, and OSU Student Union collaboration on "Woody Guthrie Celebrations!" SO, ya'll come out to enjoy this evening of fine writing and acting, and then a concert by the whole band of Red Dirt Rangers! I'll see you there... AND, it's my darling feller husband's birthday, so wish him a 'Happy Birthday!' when you see us.
Look at Robin's fabulous schedule of performers for this art and antiques show. Also, look at the list music performances she has coming to the Arb to perform for her spring, summer, and fall concert series: The Tree House Concerts. http://www.bartlettarboretum.com/ Good golly, Miss Molly!
AND...Our western swing band- The Cherokee Maidens- is playing on Mother's Day! It is a lovely time where folks enjoy sitting under the trees and picnicking with mom, or anyone! We'll sing so many great old songs, you are promised an afternoon you will not forget! We also do our own tunes... three part harmonies and amazing musicians... come on up, friends!
April 24th, Wednesday 5-9pm at Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater,
OK The Annual Bob Childers Tribute …with more Red Dirt musicians than you can
shake a stick at! Love this time spent with fellow musicians who treasure our dear Bobarah... and all of the folks who loved him and his music!
Performing for the Grand Opening of the
Woody Guthrie Archives, are: Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Jimmy LaFave, Sarah Lee Guthrie and
Johnny Irion, The Red Dirt Rangers, and Parker Milsap.
*I am going to be hanging
here the whole day and night- hope to see you there?
SOOOO excited that the
Guthrie family and the Kaiser Foundation (and so many others who have helped to make this
happen) have decided to bring Woody’s archives home to Oklahoma! I say ‘home’ because this state is where Woody grew
up, but so many of the writings and such in the archives will be stepping ‘foot’
in this state for the very first time.
The Rangers have a great new website that has some information for the new archives, follow this link. http://www.reddirtrangers.com/2013/03/red-dirt-rangers-in-tulsa-on-42713/
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series
The concerts will occur
twice a month with a national touring artist and a regional songwriter. I
am proud to say that I have helped with the booking and will also host the
evening concerts. My band will open the evening with few songs at each
concert.
Newly renovated, good sound system and
professional sound man Rusty Reed (Tulsa, OK) comfortable chairs, and potlucks
and a BBQ for a couple of shows at the old church in the Oklahoma
Territorial Plaza on the north side of Perkins, OK! Absolutely beautiful
old Methodist church from the 1890's- moved last year down the streets of
Perkins to it's location amidst other old historic buildings. Frank
Eaton's old home- most people known Eaton as Pistol Pete (OSU's mascot)
old barn, school houses, Santa Fe railroad station, original cabin from just
down the road. Check out their website here http://www.okterritory.org/
and the click on events for the full schedule of shows and songwriter showcase
nights!
Season tickets for the 2013 Cimarron Breeze Concert Series are now on sale! Season tickets are $100 and season ticket holders will be admitted one hour before the doors open for an artist reception and to choose their seat. Tickets are available at The Perkins Journal, 222 N. Main, Perkins, OK or calling (405) 547-2411.
April 2013
Thursday, April 25 • 7 p.m. Jimmy LaFave & Night Tribe (Austin, TX)
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase
May 2013
Amazing hard-driving bluegrass but also great songwriting, harmonies, multi-instrumentalist, great performers! This husband and wife band have won the hearts of Nashville ...and also of Oklahoma from their many years of traversing thru the state. Their songwriting is an art that you need to hear, their driving performance will keep you on your heals the whole show... you'll love the beautiful harmonies ad playing! I've known Jeff & Vida for a dozen years, have played a number of shows with them, and love their true blueness for life, people, and bluegrass!
Old Church Center, 780 N.
Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase.
Thursday, May 23 • 7 p.m. Songwriter Showcase featuring Joe Baxter (OKC, OK) Joining Joe for the second set 'Songwriters in the Round' will be Monica, Don, Chuck Dunlap, and Rick Reilly.
Hosted by Monica Taylor & Don Morris
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
This is a free event- with a suggested donation of $5-10, if you would like.
Thursday, May 30 • 7 p.m. Red Dirt Rangers (Oklahoma) CD release concert for their new recording “Lone Chimney” produced by Steve Ripley.
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase
June 2013
Monday, June 10 • 7 p.m. Claire Lynch Band (Nashville, TN) *Bluegrass Female vocalist of the year, award winning songwriter, ‘best of bluegrass’ musicians in her band~ you do not want to miss this amazing evening.
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase.
Saturday, June 15 • 7 p.m. Songwriter Showcase featuring Sarah Barker (Tulsa, OK)
Hosted by Monica Taylor & Don Morris.
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Potluck at 6pm- bring a dish & your favorite beverages! Soda pop and iced tea will be available. This is a free event- with a suggested donation of $5-10, if you would like.
Saturday, June 29 • 7 p.m.
Cherokee Maidens
& Sycamore Swing! (Wichita, KS & Perkins, OK!) *This
is my western swing band… I think you’ll love it- you might even have to get up
and dance to the old Bob Wills & Texas Playboys tunes that we sing in three
part harmony, the old country, western, jazz tunes…hang on to yer hats- we even
yodel in three part harmony! (grin…)We
are recording a CD this summer, will be out in the fall- yipyoooo! Check out Robin's doin's at her beautiful home: the historic Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, KS! And the talented Jenny Lou! And here's a look at my music and sucheroo- www.monicataylormusic.com!
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street, Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase
July 2013
Monday,
July 15 • 7 p.m. Joel Rafael (Bonsall, CA) & Friends… I hear
tell a few of the artists from the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival are going to
hang around the state and come ‘render’ some tunes at this Woody gathering! Just got a note from the fabulous Don Conoscenti (Taos, NM)- he's in, too!
Old Church Center, 780 N. Main Street,
Perkins • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase
Cimarron Breeze Concert Series • $15 tickets advance purchase
We
will begin the Cimarron Concert Series back up in September, 2013! I will be traveling & performing throughout
the north and northwest states from the end of July until September…
If you are interested in sponsoring the
Cimarron Breeze Concert series and the Songwriter Showcase concerts, please
call David Sasser or email me. We have
a few businesses and individuals signed up to sponsor and to buy season tickets… would love to have you on board, too! Appreciate your help!
~love from this Red Dirt girl,
Monica Taylor Johnson
www.monicataylormusic.com 405-612-3183 mtaylorok@yahoo.com
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