News, Jams & Music Happenings

An uplifting post to mark midsummer; for as the character Pyramus said in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream– “My soul is in the sky.” That’s what midsummer does; it makes us entirely unable to ponder heavy things. I’m listening to a lot of Rising Appalachia and Elephant Revival these sultry, hot days; shying away from my Tyler Childers and Willy Tea Taylor. Willy and Tyler are much more suited to grey, wind-brushed skies, falling leaves.

HERFORD MUSICIANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE !

Emily Potter and Jason Brown – @lightworkermusicians

I recently met Emily and Jason after seeing a video of them at the Hereford Farmer’s Market. I’m sure glad I did! This fully energized couple have a burning desire to directly impact individuals in need.

Emily is the founder of a program called Light Worker Musicians, an organization formed to bring songwriters together in building healing energy, mainly for chronically ill and homebound persons. She organizes healing sessions held via Zoom involving a compassionate chorus of musicians worldwide. Emily’s inspiration comes from having struggled through a medical condition that left her homebound and isolated.

She and Jason have also just launched their Patron Project–a groundbreaking discount program that blends commercial interests with the critical need to fulfill underfunded GoFundMe programs. Commercial products, health and nutrition coaches and others pledge substantial discounts to “patrons” who donate from $5 to $20 a month to GoFundMe users who’ve expended their funding.

There are many people who talk about making a difference, but these two put ideas into action. I don’t think I’ve ever met two more positive and caring people.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

If you’d like to help Emily and Jason in their efforts (or become a business affiliate in the discount program), please feel free to reach out at lightworkermusicians@protonmail.com. They could use help with web graphics, administration, marketing, vendor connections and events.

Performing Next: Saturday, Aug 5. Hampstead Farm Market. 8.30 am – 12 p.m.

CONSTANT FAN INTERACTION – MUSIC’S FUTURE

“Music streaming and the attention recession have turned music into a background activity. Artists en masse are struggling to cut through the noise, realizing that streaming is neither a place to build deeper relationships with fans nor to generate meaningful income.

Midia Research (1)

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THERE’S A LOCAL MUSIC REVOLUTION GOING ON

A revolution is going on in both the music industry – and– for we, the listeners. With so many platforms like Spotify and Sirius (and many more to come), we live our daily lives with music playing as if it were from the sky. In order for musicians to stand out, they have to engage their audiences (in-person and online) CONSTANTLY.

This can take a toll. For example, Sierra Ferrell (featured above) had to cancel some of her July shows because of exhaustion. Sierra started out busking on street corners and used social media to launch her career. She went from Instagram to Grand Ol’ Opry in a blink.

Other artists struggle with the demands of producing continuous social media. I heard this directly from the band Humbletown, who I saw last month at the Manor Mill. They started a YouTube channel and vlog to document their 2023 tour and from what I can see, they’ve only posted a few videos–and who can blame them! They’re travelling the country with two kids and a band stuffed into a panel van! How punk rock is that! (To quote Jack Black in School of Rock). They’re a super talented and genuinely NICE band – check them out.

Wallflower Wanderer Films is there to help!

Wallflower Wanderer Films is a Northern Baltimore-based film company who’s 501K non-profit operation films upstart Bluegrass and Americana singers/bands. It’s definitely worth checking out his website and YouTube (and following his Instagram @wallflowerwanderer.) Daniel Regner (Founder) and his crew are gifted at bringing out the personalities of the next Sierra Ferrells. In a later post I’ll show a recently filmed segment done at Manor Mill. Stay tuned!

Others Making a Difference

Westminster’s Most Friendly Jam!

Now that Common Ground on the Hill has passed, I’d like to give a shout-out to two area volunteers who continuously give to the music community. Tom and Laurie Precht are part of the face of Common Ground, giving countless hours in planning, assisting guests and teaching courses. But their year-round acoustic jam, which has been in operation for more than five years and now being launched in a newly constructed “Jam Room” at their house, will be a magnet for musicians seeking camaraderie and for eventual house concerts. Both Tom and Laurie have also been strong supporters of Hootenanny, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Tom and Laurie Precht’s CARROLL JAM – If you’re looking for a friendly group to explore your musical passion, please sign up on Meetup. Jams fill up quickly. Jams are 2nd Sundays of every month. Next jam is on August 13th at 2 pm.

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Jazz and Brass Coming to the North County!

Two events in the next few months involve stepping out of my acoustic/bluegrass boots. Second to Roots music, I have a passion for all things brass. As part of Hootenanny’s commitment to expanding music in the North County, I’ve assisted in arranging two events, with more to follow. News on efforts to expand Jazz and Brass performances in the area will be in future posts as well.

Alesia Brass Band – Based in Glenville Pa.

The Alesia Brass Band (along with other musical guests) are coming to Immanuel Church in Glencoe on October 1st for the 150th anniversary of the church’s founding. The music and activities of that event will be in the spirit of “days gone by.” Alesia is the last “Town Band” standing in the Hereford area, having been in operation for over 100 years!

And for something more modern, I’ve secured the performance of upcoming Trumpet player, Brandon Woody and his band to perform at the Manor Mill on September 23rd. I’ll definitely expand on this exciting event in August’s post. Please spread the word to Jazz friends!

Upendo Live at the 2022 Monument Lighting in Baltimore

RECOMMENDED SHOW OF THE MONTH!

Melody Trucks and the Fitzkee Brothers playing at The Park Inn in Parkton on July 27th at 6 pm. $10 cover. Melody is daughter of the Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks and this looks like a rocking show. And the Fitzkee Brothers are kids – hardly 18! Well done, Park Inn, for pulling this one in!

PA Events News – Where Country Rules!

Great lineup at Wyndridge Farm! Remember we featured Jake Mach on a previous post. Also, Olds Sleeper will be there Thursday (20th) 6pm – 10pm. He’s a must see!

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And finally, THANK YOU Black Locust Brewing for your Support of “Hootenanny” in our efforts to bring out new musicians, make new friends, build community through music, and help the critters at Hodgepodge Pets! Join us on First Thursdays for great beer, food and relaxation on the hilltop!

MUSICIANS! COME OUT AND SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE! Thursday August 3rd – 6 – 8 pm: Hootenanny! – Open Jam at Black Locust – This will be a fun Bluegrass/Americana jam with all proceeds from the jar going to Hodgepodge Animal Rescue. One dollar per pour donated by Black Locust Brewery in Freeland. All levels of players and singers are welcome.

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Editorial Note:

Thank you to all the readers who’ve followed or liked our Hootenanny Facebook site and Insta at @herefordhoot. We’ll be meeting again at Black Locust on August 3rd at 6 pm. Please come on out and say hello. We’re happy to hear your stories about music in the Hereford area and toast a beer to the players not with us anymore. It’s all about new friends and community!

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Thinking about selling? Contact emerson.probst@gmail.com or call 443.996.5555 for free home price assessment.

REMEMBER TO “LIKE” AND FOLLOW HEREFORD MUSIC NEWS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM — @herefordhoot

Until next time…keep Loving these Unclouded Summer Days!