Steve Key: News/Blog

11 new shows announced! http://feeds.artistdata.com/bitwlWKI

While self-googling, I discovered a podcast called "The Eclectic Review". Hosted by husband-wife team Stuart and Glory Jaffe, the half hour show includes discussions of science, science fiction, and pop culture. Clips of my song "Windchimes" are heard on "Show #146 - Dangling Trophies" between segments on comedian Mike Birbiglia and a review of the Nicholas Cage movie, "Next".
http://eclectic.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=438975

I'm grateful to the performers and the listeners at the two standing-room-only showcases this week. Website links are listed below, for the performers who have them. Vicki Genfan was featured both nights, and the duo of Rhythm & Laura also played both nights, right before Vicki. I couldn't resist adding a few songs in each show. Can we do it again next week? And the week after that...??? Your host--SK

Mia Riddle, www.miariddle.com
JoanMarie, www.myspace.com/joanmarieasher
Tim Jackson, www.timjackson.net
Laura Payne & Rhythm Turner, www.myspace.com/rhythmandthemethod
Vicki Genfan, www.myspace.com/vickigenfan
Brett Perkins, www.myspace.com/brettperkinslisteningroom
Amalie Riis, www.myspace.com/amalieriis
Craig Louis Dingman (a great writer who needs a website!)
Logan Tavelli, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ErTLTsMi3s
Diane Arkenstone, www.myspace.com/dianearkenstone
Sean Hutchinson, Duke of d'uke
Lisa Danhi (check my friends list on Facebook)
Ben Melosh, www.myspace.com/benmeloshmusic
Jean-Luc Fraikin, www.myspace.com/jeanlucfraikin
Steve Key, www.myspace.com/stevekey

My song, "New Olde Town", charted at #11 on the December 2008 playlist of the internet radio show Acoustic Pie, hosted by Kelley Martin, San Diego-based folk music enthusiast.
www.AcousticPie.com

I wrote the song with Erik Balkey, who recorded it on his Deadpan Alley CD.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/balkey7
It's Erik's version that made the Acoustic Pie Top 20, alongside Damien Rice, Stacey Earle, Darrell Scott, Storyhill, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

Acoustic Pie airs 24/7 on live365.com. I'm honored to have my song on such a cool show. Thanks, Kelley!

Last night's show at the Studio Theatre of the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande was great -- pro sound by Barry Hamlin, which included recording studio-quality mics; a concert audience paying attention to every note and lyric; and a lineup of performers who gave them their money's worth. The show was called the Second Annual Central Coast Songwriters Festival. I'm told The Studio Theatre can seat 225, but we had about 75 people there, and it was pretty cozy! I was the MC, also opened with a 3-song set (a recent ballad, "Windchimes", written at my Central Coast residence in Pismo Beach, then two songs from the House Blend CD, "Ree and Bull" and "33, 45, 78 (Record Time)." I sold 3 CDs, so I guess the strategy worked...). Devin Wallace followed me -- I love his "Great American Wall" song, a tongue-in-cheek promotion of the wall on the Mexican border as a tourist attraction "like Berlin in the old days." Nataly Lola closed out the first set, then the second set of Loren Radis, Tim Jackson (with lead guitarist Dave Miller), and Jody Mulgrew closing out. Jody came back for an encore sing-along, "Til My Peace Be Made", giving us that folk festival-style good feeling at the end of the night. I wasn't sure we'd get a crowd on a Sunday, particularly since I booked this show less than 3 weeks in advance, but we got a cover story in the Tribune and support from the family and fans of the performers. I'm still smiling here on Monday morning.

1. It's another perfect day in Pismo Beach, CA
2. I'm headed up to San Francisco today for a two-night stay with…
3. …my girlfriend, Bonnie, whom I love very much
4. This three-year-old laptop still works
5. My '97 Saturn still runs
6. I'm in relatively good health, no major complaints
7. No health insurance, but some free meds thanks to Rusty
8. I have a place to live, thanks to my Mom
9. I get paid to host a weekly songwriters showcase at the Clubhouse
10. I get paid to book music for Linnaea's Café
11. I'm starting a weekly showcase next week in Santa Maria
12. I'm starting weekly concerts next month in Morro Bay
13. I'm still writing songs on occasion, including two last week
14. I can still sing -- I performed three songs last night at the Clubhouse
15. Good strong coffee this morning from SLO Roasters
16. Fresh blueberries from Trader Joe's
17. Oatmeal -- regular, not the instant stuff
18. Enjoyed the Bonnie Raitt concert last Sunday
19. I'm doing additional booking work for the Clubhouse so I get…
20. …a trade account for dinners and drinks I can share with friends.
21. I can walk to the beach
22. Most of the tourists are gone
23. I love the Honeymoon Café -- Tofu tacos, strong coffee, funky vibe
24. I like the old Esquire news stand -- cash only
25. I'm reading a collection of Anthony Burgess short stories
26. I'm listening to an audio book, Ann Patchett's "Run".
27. Bonnie has satellite radio in her car; we often listen to The Village on XM
28. Got a birthday e-mail from Candy, reminding me of good times in Alexandria
29. Enjoyed seeing Ralph Nader last week at Cal Poly, plan to vote for him again.
30. I have dinner reservations tonight at Greens, my favorite veggie restaurant
31. It's been really hot lately, but the AC in my car still works, surprisingly
32. Typing -- one skill I picked up in high school, still use every day
33. I'm still proud of my most successful song, "Record Time (33, 45, 78)"
34. Heard Angela Reed for the first time last night -- what a voice!
35. JoanMarie is refreshing -- a positive presence on the showcase last night.
36. Anthony is there every Tuesday, setting up the PA, running sound all night
37. Rob the bartender is fun to banter with, even more sarcastic than me
38. Clubhouse owner Andy gives me that nod of approval at the end of the night
39. I enjoy talking politics with Dan, the dread-locked bartender
40. Glad I can drink one beer and stop, haven't been drunk in a long time
41. Bonnie and I have almost six months together, fitting together so well…
42. …in ways that I probably shouldn't discuss in public, enough said?
43. I can provide paying work for local and touring musicians
44. I can bring people together, create networks and community
45. I benefit from those networks, continue to find new places to play
46. Musicians play shows with me, on short notice, like Bishop Peak school last week
47. People appreciate my efforts to present live music
48. I get satisfaction from someone discovering a new favorite musician
49. I enjoy finding new favorites -- such as Tom Freund, Jon T. Howard
50. I had a good time last year doing my 50th birthday party, but this year…
51. …I'm content with finding 51 things I'm grateful for, and amazed I could do it.

Today I read about the early passing of a friend from the DC area.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/26/jay-votel-times-editor-folk-musician-dies-at-52/
I met Jay when I was hosting Monday open mikes at a club in Vienna, VA (DC suburb). He played often. He was also a writer for the Washington Times, reviewed many of the artists I sent to him. When I started a music non-profit in 2002, Jay was the first person I approached for membership, and he was very supportive. We had one of our early organizing meetings at his house.

Canadian singer-songwriter Wainwright (Mike, not Rufus) documented his visit to the Clubhouse in San Luis Obispo, "Guitar and a Car Tour Day 12", posted here:
http://www. youtube. com/wainwright747

I'm singing "Heinz 57 American", accompanied by JoanMarie on the drum. The duo, Great American Youth, are also featured.

Erik's latest CD includes our co-write "New Old Town". I started the song when I lived in Old Town Alexandria (VA), and I finished it with Erik in Old Town Frederick (MD). I love Tom Prasada-Rao's production, and Beth Wood's harmony. Buy it:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/balkey7

Remember the woman who was shooting all those photos at the Jill Knight showcase? That was Candice Conti, and her feature about Tuesdays at the Clubhouse is in the current issue of SLO City News. http://slocitynews.ca.newsmemory.com/
(it's a little complicated -- there's a toggle on the left that will allow you to pick a page to view: look for "Musical Tuesdays" headline on page A8).

Mark Ludmer of the Indie Music Show, broadcast on Santa Barbara's TV Channel 17, has added two of my performances to YouTube:

"33, 45, 78 (Record Time)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTFikpyhvjY

"If You Can Walk"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BTBq3qMK1Y

Christina Grimm posted two clips of my performance on her Santa Barbara Songwriters TV show. I did "Here for the Runnin" with Christina singing harmony, Bob Liepman on mandocello, and Tim Novoa on snare drum. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/v/HOIcGbodKf4

I also performed Michael Fracasso's "All or Nothing", with Bob, Tim, plus Wendy Liepman on harmony vocal. Bob & Wendy are touring with Michael Fracasso later this month, including a stop in Santa Barbara. I love Michael's songs, thought it would be fun to talk up Michael's tour and do a cover.
http://www.youtube.com/v/qlDOiOnbeLE

I added two radio appearances:

Friday, July 6, 8:20am on KSTT-FM 103.1 San Luis Obispo, www.kstt.com. The program is called "The Coast Lounge" -- doesn't look like they do live streaming, but they do weekly podcasts and archive the performances at http://www.kstt.com/pages/coastmornings.html

Sunday, July 29, 10am-noon, KPIG 107.5 Freedom CA, KPYG 94.9 Cambria/SLO, www.kpig.com. This is a weekly show called "Please Stand By" hosted by Sleepy John. I won't know the exact time I play my three songs until the week before. You may be able to listen live on the website, too.

Media Month starts a few days early -- The Tribune newspaper in SLO is scheduled to run a feature on the Linnaea's showcase in the June 28 ticket section. Buy five copies for your mother, or read it online: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/ticket/story/79432.html

I placed second among eight finalists in the song contest held last night at the Britannia Arms Pub in Aptos CA. I got a gift certificate for four hours studio recording at Music Art Recording Studio (MARS). I was particularly impressed with my fellow finalists James Hurley, Amy Obenski, Amee Chapman, Lee Garland, and Chris Hanson.

I played "Exercise" and "Here for the Runnin'", both available as free downloads on this site.

My new song, "The Chinese Embassy" won the "Best Song" prize last night at the West Coast Songwriters Showcase Competition at Mission City Coffee in Santa Clara CA. I won three hours recording time at Tone Freq Studios in San Jose, and I'll return for the South Bay Showcase play-offs in August. Thanks to guest judge Chuck McCabe and to showcase manager Deb Thacker. Mission City Coffee is a beautiful room -- big stage, great PA -- so I can't wait to play there again.

It was a wild night Sunday in SLO for the first in a series of monthly songwriters showcases at Linnaea's Cafe. Here's the press release I sent out the day after:

Former prison guard Don Lampson and college student Michael Shelton were the top award winners at the West Coast Songwriters (WCS) Showcase competition held on May 6 at Linnaea's Café in San Luis Obispo. It was the debut of a monthly showcase, which includes an open mic for songwriters, composers and poets, as well as a song contest for WCS members. A total of 18 performers filled the 3-hour show, hosted by Sonnie Brown of public radio station KCBX.

Lampson, of Santa Margarita, won "Best Song" for his humorous waltz, "Bakersfield Girl". The song was recorded on Lampson's CD "Years and Miles", a collection of songs written, as Lampson says, "throughout my rambles as a beach bum, factory hand, soldier, lumberjack, on into the newspaper biz and finally as a prison guard."

Shelton, an Orcutt resident, played in the modern "acoustic-pop" style of his musical heroes Ben Harper and Elvis Costello, and was named "Best Performer" of the evening. Shelton is a full-time student at Chapman University, and is the Sales Director for CFS Products, Inc. He and his wife Susie produce a concert series called The Acoustic Lounge at the Town Center in Santa Maria.

Each winner received a pair of tickets to the First Annual Songwriters Festival on May 10 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. The "Best Song" Award also included recording time at Painted Sky Studio in Cambria. "Best Song" winners will compete in an August play-off for a chance to perform at the annual WCS conference Sept. 7-9 at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills.

West Coast Songwriters is an educational non-profit organization based in San Carlos. WCS sponsors nine showcases a month, as well as songwriting workshops and seminars for its approximately 1,200 members.

WCS member Steve Key of Pismo Beach is the manager of the San Luis Obispo showcase. Professional songwriters Doug Clegg of Santa Barbara and Jill Knight of Cambria were the guest judges for the May 6 showcase. June 3 showcase judges will be Cliff Stepp, local blues performer and wine marketer; and Bent Myggen, a Denmark native who has recorded and published more than 300 songs, as well working as a soundtrack composer and documentary filmmaker based in Los Olivos.

www.myspace.com/wcsslo
www.westcoastsongwriters.org
www.linnaeas.com
www.michaelshelton.com

I recorded some new songs at Sutton Sound in Atascadero last week. Thanks to engineer Rick Sutton for a smooth session. Three of those songs are now available here for free download: Suicide Shoes, www.stevekey.com/music-53.html
The Chinese Embassy, www.stevekey.com/music-52.html
and Clemency, www.stevekey.com/music-54.html

Tuesday night at the Britannia Arms Pub in Aptos CA, I shared top honors in the Songwriters Contest sponsored by West Coast Songwriters and Music Art Recording Studios. I was selected, along with an amazing young man named Seraphim Zupan, to advance to the semi-finals of the contest, which will be held in June. I played "Here for the Runnin" and "Broken Branches". Thanks to Ken Capitanich of MARS, the guest judges and volunteers for creating this opportunity. See you June 12 for my semi-final round.

Last night, I won "Best Song" at the West Coast Songwriters Showcase held at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley CA. I get 3 hours of studio time from the showcase sponsor, Studio 4D8 in Brisbane CA. I'll also return to Berkeley in August for the Showcase playoffs, to see if can represent the East Bay showcase in the Best Song finals. If I win there, I return to Berkeley yet again for the finals, where the top 3 winners perform in a special concert at the WCS conference at Foothill College in Los Altos this Sept. 7-9. The winning song was "Broken Branches", co-written with David Mallett. http://www.stevekey.com/music-41.html
Thank you WCS guest judge Mary Watkins, showcase co-managers Phil and Nomi, and my college buddy Minerva for coming out to support me and for letting me crash on her sofabed.

I've added my 1991 performance of "Shoeless Joe Jackson" to the Songs/Lyrics section here: http://www.stevekey.com/music-51.html

It was written by Jeff Deitchman, who I met at the Washington (DC) Folk Festival in the late '80s. Jeff had given up on music, even though his songs had been performed and recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter, legendary British guitarist Nic Jones, Boston folk duo Rick & Lorraine Lee, among others. You can still hear DC acts like Magpie and Second Story doing some of Jeff's songs, and I've worked up several. Jeff is now a high school teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland. My version of "Shoeless Joe" was originally recorded for my "Record Time" CD (on Rochester NY's Local Folkel label, 1992, now out of print), re-released on "Diamond Cuts: Turning Two" (Hungry for Music, 1998), available at www.hungryformusic.com