News - August 2007

Hey everybody......it's mid-Summer already. You know that rumor about life going faster as you get older.....well, so much for that being just a "rumor".

We're kind of hitting a stride with the group again. The "post Tahoe" adjustment took awhile. First off a few observations.....this group has really gelled. The co-write exercises and group practices have really paid off. I keep hearing that people are finding who they want to write with and branching out with it. It really does help! For any of you who aren't onboard with the co-writing, you're missing what most of the songwriting world already knows. The power of multiple minds collaborating. Songwriter's don't have to be individual islands! Another thought for those of you who are serious about writing at a market. It's a good idea to join a P.R.O. (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC). It looks more professional when you're pitching to a pro. It's something that you have to do if and when you get a publishing deal. As aspiring songwriters, it might be a good idea to join one. People debate over the minutely negligible differences between the organizations. I join ASCAP because I like Ralph Murphy's humor ( VP ASCAP Nashville) how's that for a great reason?

Marc Alan Barnette is coming.......! In late August to early September, we're still waiting for his exact schedule. So why is this written in red.....? If you don't know the answer to that....you obviously don't know Marc Alan! Also the Luboff's in November. More on both of these guests soon.

We'll continue with our monthly "Thursday Night Co-write" session. August 16th from 7 PM - 10 PM at our house (address at the bottom of the page). Bring titles, ideas, outlines....anything "except" a completed song. As usual we'll break into random groups of two or three. For any of you who want to use this time to work with a particular co-writer, just say so. This is just an open house for co-writers.

Our regular meeting will be on Sunday August 5th, from 1 PM - 4 PM...again at our house. Bring songs and lyric sheets for group critiques, and Chris has a music theory DVD that we're going to take a look at, 30 - 45 minutes or so (it's not heavy theory, it's songwriter stuff).

Our next BBQ Music gathering will be on Saturday August 25th at our house. We'll start this one at 3 PM and go until....., with food at 6 PM give or take. This will be like the last one....no PA, just a guitar pull "in the round" format. Translation: a circle of chairs, bring a guitar....take a seat and take turns doing a song or three. Cover songs or originals. As usual, we'll supply the main dishes.....something that once walked or had wings. Every one bring a side dish, dessert or specialty dish, and your desired fluids. I'll make Margaritas....it's the law. As always, this is a family event. Spouses, well behaved kids or friends are welcome. I always joke about no "party type drinking" although we've never had an issue with it. But just the thought of 30 or 40 drunken musicians in my house.......no, I'll pass on that. This is about friends, music and family style fun.

So that's the basic schedule for the month. For anyone who's playing out...send me your schedule. Any other requests? I'm adding a couple of clips from other folks here below. Thanks to Denny Russell and Norma Lee......

Check it out - go to charts then scroll down to western swing.

www.powersourcemagazine.com
Norma-Lee
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Message:
Hey Larry - Thought you might want to share this with the group. Denny

URL: http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20070723/D8QIEFCG0.html

That's all for now folks. In a week or so, we might be hard to reach from time to time. Neil and Jodi are expecting anytime now.... it's time for grandchild number two (so to speak). But all the scheduled events will be happening. For those of you who are younger.....trust me on this. There's nothing like your own children reproducing to make you feel really old. I'm guessing that's why God created Margaritas..... :-)

Larry & Beckett Singleton - NSAI Sacramento
8333 Shilling Court
Granite Bay, CA 95746

(916) 797-3767

Larry Singleton:  4singletons@msn.com

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