Archives
''What's up Jose?"
Getting my act together?
I'm starting to get my act together... slowly... I think. First of all, I've got several videos on YouTube. This is useful in a few ways: you can let people sample your music, people can check whether you look ugly (not necessarily a good thing) and you can network with other like-minded individuals without the same level of social networking on Facebook. I'll slowly make my way around the folk circuit again, starting first at Berwick. The City of Melbourne has licensed me (got the ticket to prove it) to perform as a busker, so you can toss your fifty dollar notes at me legally (I will accept smaller denominations like $20 notes). You may find me at Southbank or any number of sidewalk venues in the city.
The marketing people at Westfield Shopping Centre, Fountain Gate, Narre Warren have let me loose on their shoppers on a regular basis, so you may see me there from time to time either near K-Mart or in the Restaurant section. In the new year I hope to re-visit and complete my side-lined CD recording project. Lastly I've taken on the task of writing an on-line education module for the National Folk Festival on the very fine subject - "The Guitar". This is a great little project and look to finish that soon.
The marketing people at Westfield Shopping Centre, Fountain Gate, Narre Warren have let me loose on their shoppers on a regular basis, so you may see me there from time to time either near K-Mart or in the Restaurant section. In the new year I hope to re-visit and complete my side-lined CD recording project. Lastly I've taken on the task of writing an on-line education module for the National Folk Festival on the very fine subject - "The Guitar". This is a great little project and look to finish that soon.
Newport RSL
Nia Robertson and Bill McMartin
Little Miss Country, Jan Dandridge puts in a lot of work to organise the regular concert there. So it was no surprise that The Christmas BBQ at the Newport RSL Club went well. There is nothing quite like having some snags washed down with a couple of beers (courtesy of management) at an RSL. I used my TC Helicon Harmony generator for a few of the them. It's really useful to have a second or third voice backing you up with this device when you don't have a band. One just has to remember to turn it off when speaking to the audience again otherwise you end up sounding like Darth Vader. Nia Robertson and Bill McMartin played a great set. Also playing was Jan Dandridge and Chris Newman, most performers coming from Melbourne's South East. Jan set the mood with her Christmas outfit. Chris worked hard to seek favour from the audience and belted out his numbers in search of Christmas pudding. See some photos of this in the Gallery.
BAD Folk being good
Edward and crew always put on a good night and December's concert was no exception. The Christmas night for the Berwick and District Folk Club was a good chance to catch up with people after a very long absence. In my set, the favourite (surprisingly) turned out to be Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" rather than some of the traditional tunes I played. Maurice had a bluegrass number that needed some backing so we got up on stage together with our guitars and violin. I look forward to doing more of that next year.
Canberra news
John Stokes Award to Michael and Dianne Porter
Congratulations to Dianne and Michael Porter on receiving the John Stokes Award from the Country Music Association of Canberra. Well done and well deserved. Gosh I miss our jams!
Hosts of the regular ACT "Jammalong", Michael and Dianne are now also encouraging those in Bluegrass/acoustic circles to start their own groups. Click on the image for more information.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a safe new year!
Congratulations to Dianne and Michael Porter on receiving the John Stokes Award from the Country Music Association of Canberra. Well done and well deserved. Gosh I miss our jams!
Hosts of the regular ACT "Jammalong", Michael and Dianne are now also encouraging those in Bluegrass/acoustic circles to start their own groups. Click on the image for more information.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a safe new year!
Now on YouTube
There are now several video clips of me on YouTube now - it had to happen sometime. To distinguish myself from the millions of other Jose Garcia's pretending to be me, I've used the username "TheOKJose". Under the music banner there's a page which presents some of these videos, alternatively click on the heading above or icon to the left, to take you to this page. YouTube has an amazing amount of good music, including original work is. Unfortunately there are some pitfalls and nasty people as well - just like Bourke Street.
