1. Election of two HAAM Wheel Members replacing Kat Rose and Ken Gaines
2. Report on International Folk Alliance
a. Folk Alliance (http://www.folkalliance.org/ dates Feb. 16-20, 2011 in Memphis, TN
b. SWRFA (Southwest Regional Folk Alliance) http://www.swrfa.com dates Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010 in Austin, TX
3. Report on Kerrville Folk Festival http://www.kerrville-music.com
a. Dates May 27-June 13, 2010
b. New Folk accepting submissions through March 15, 2010
c. Newbies can throw in with either Camp Stupid, Camp CALM, or Camp Toto Grande
4. Report on Wildflower Festival http://www.wildflowerfestival.com
a. Performing Songwriters Content submissions until March 8, 2010. For flyer email Ken Gaines ken’@’kengaines.com
b. Dates May 14-16, 2010
5. Academy of Texas Music Awards http://www.texasmusicawards.org
a. Academy members voting until March 4, 2010
b. May 15, 2010 at the Marshall Convention Center, Marshall, Texas, with Guest Host B. J. Thomas
6. HAAM Radio Show
7. New Business

Thanks so much to Ken Gaines our MC for this meeting and his opening remarks. All of us thank him and Kat Rose for their years of service and innumerable contributions to HAAM.

1. Election of two HAAM Wheel Members replacing Kat Rose and Ken Gaines

The HAAM “Wheel” is comprised of 7 members, 3 permanent and 4 elected on a rotating basis, who are in charge of voting in new policy, keeping records and administering and approving HAAM events. With Ken Gaines and Kat Rose completing their 4 year rotations, Brian Kalinec and Pete Lippincott a/k/a Pete Simple were nominated and elected as our two new Wheelies!

2. Report on International Folk Alliance

Tom Tranchilla gave us an inside look at this year’s International Folk Alliance which was held Feb. 17-21 in Memphis. For the sixth year, HAAM hosted an in-room showcase, exposing our organization to attendees from all over North America, the UK, Canada, Europe and Australia. Keep this event in mind for next year, Feb. 16-20, 2011. For more information, contact Tom at Tomtranchilla2’@’aol.com. Ken Gaines also hosts an Anderson Fair show case, and Glynace Eastham hosts the Sugar Babies show case. Email: Easthamg’@’yahoo.com

Start planning now to attend the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance to be held in Austin Sept. 30-Oct. 3. This Conference represents Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico. HAAM and Anderson Fair will be hosting rooms. Reduced rates are available for HAAM members. The seminar topics address many facets of the music business – booking and tour planning, agents and managers, music law, the internet, getting airplay, studio know-how, song sharing and discussion, wellness while on the road and looking for alternate ways to get our music to the world, such as in schools and film. Artists, managers, agents, venue operators, as well as folks who come to listen enthusiastically find a common bond, make new friends, discover new music, have fun and learn. So come on down and enjoy some Southwestern hospitality in the Capitol City! Contact Ken Gaines at ken’@’kengaines.com.

3. Report on Kerrville Folk Festival

The Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles south of the Texas Hill Country resort community of Kerrville, has announced an exciting festival schedule for its 39th annual events. Once again, this legendary songwriters’ festival will run for 18 straight days, from May 27 through June 13, 2010.

The entry period for the prestigious New Folk is open only until March 15!! They have received 475 applicants toward the cut off number of 800. Go immediately to www.kerrville-music.com for complete entry guidelines!

If you have never attended the Folk Festival, there is truly something for everyone at this festival. Held each year since 1972, it is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. Over the years it has become known internationally as a Mecca for singer songwriters of varying musical styles – a place where those just beginning to develop their skills have an opportunity to play their music along with those who are masters. Emerging songwriters as well as teachers are drawn to the festival’s many learning opportunities, such as the Annual Songwriters School, the Roots/Blues Guitar Workshop, Harmonica Workshop, and the Professional Development Program for Teachers. Camping, campfire jam sessions, concerts, activities for kids, “Ballad Tree” song sharing sessions, Hill Country bikes rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe, Sunday Folk Song Services, Saturday Shabbat Services, and much more. For a complete festival schedule, including performers, visit www.kerrville-music.com. Campers can find a place to pitch their tent at Camp Stupid, Camp CALM (Conroe Association of Live Music), or Camp Toto Grande.

4. Report on Wildflower Festival

The 18th annual award winning multi-day arts and music festival in Richardson, Texas takes place May 14-16, 2010. The deadline for submissions to the 2010 Performing Songwriter Contest is March 8!!! For a flyer, you can contact Ken Gaines or visit the website at www.wildflowerfestival.com.

5. Academy of Texas Music Awards ward-w

The 8th Annual Texas Music Awards will be held May 15, 2010, at the Marshall Convention Center in Marshall, Texas, with guest host, B. J. Thomas. Voting is open until March 4th. To vote, please join at www.academyoftexasmusic.org.
The following HAAM members are Nominees:
Male Vocalist of the Year:
Mark Beets
Vocal Duo or Group of the Year:
Shake Russell
Producer of the Year:
Robert Frith
Randy Thomas for Larry Sepulvado
Singer/Songwriter of the Year:
Steve Brooks
Robert Frith
Album of the Year:
Matt Harlan Tips & Compliments
Rising Star:
Dewey Wayne
Broadcast Radio Station of the Year:
KPFT 90.1
6. HAAM Radio Show

As you should know by now, the HAAM Radio Show previously broadcast was cancelled in July. However, we still have a 30 minute presence on 90.1 KPFT on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. with a Songwriters Studio which does air interviews and live performances, but does not allow the opportunity to play CD’s.

Pete Simple volunteered to check into the viability of a podcast show. The advantage to internet radio is that it can be listened to at any time. Mark Zeus and Jim Kam will be working with Pete on this project.

7. New Business

April Kelly asked for a volunteer writer for the HAAM newsletter, as this will be my last post. Bruce Poppe will be your new news writer.

April will continue posting to the HAAM Group on Facebook, so if you are a Facebook member, please add us as your friend!

In other news, Pete has added a Twitter feed to the www.haam.us website.

The Texas Songwriters Serenade is April 23-24, 2010, in Hallettsville, Texas. For rules and information, visit www.fiddlersfrolic.com, or contact Mike Stroup at 713-598-6331.

Mark Zeus welcomed us to Lynn’s Longbranch Saloon. Mark hosts an open mic night on Mondays at 8 p.m. Thanks Lynn’s management and staff for hosting our meeting and for the hot dogs!

Danny Everitt announced that Main Street Crossing in Tomball is no longer hosting open mics. But a new venue, the Crescent Moon Wine Bar, 440 Rayford Road #115, Spring, TX 77386 (281) 364-9463 www.crescentmoonwinebar.com will hold open mic Wednesday nights. And Thursday nights, there is an open mic at Zachary’s Cajun Café 716 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 – (281) 359-2256
(www.zacharyscajuncafe.com)
Send Pete pete’@’petesimple.com an email for updated open mic information.
Christy Claxton, formerly Bear Creek Concerts, shared information with us on the Peace from the Porch project that benefits community agencies that support victims of domestic violence, and the ezine, Stave, which recently featured an article on Glynace Eastham’s musical childhood in Louisiana. For complete information and opportunities, please visit www.christyclaxton.com.
Once again, we are asking you to update your HAAM email address and tell everyone you know to do so! Without this, our numbers and outreach dwindle. April Kelly and Chris Collins founded this organization to (1) develop and share resources with our membership and the greater Houston Community (2) to create an identity for the Houston acoustic music scene by encouraging awareness (3) to provide and explore opportunities for social and professional development and networking. There are no financial dues and there is not a president or chairperson. All members are equal. Our dues are the effort that each individual puts forward to promote Houston acoustic music. It’s all up to you! Together we do a lot! Spread the word any way you can – tell people what we’re doing!
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life!”
Sheryl

Originally posted by April Kelly on Facebook:

Hello HAAMsters! Long time no see! I have a few HAAMy items to share with you in this newsletter:

1.) Big HAAM General Meeting and Family Reunion! Sunday, Feb 28, 3pm at Lynn’s Longbranch Saloon, 5505 Pinemont (just E. of Antoine) Houston, TX 713/686-8668

It’s been QUITE awhile but it’s time for a HAAM meeting! Ken Gaines will be officiating this time (thanks, Ken!) and there’s a lot to cover:

** Two new HAAMster Wheel members will be elected to two posts for 4 year terms, taking the place of former wheelies Ken Gaines and Kat Rose. Anyone within the HAAM organization can be nominated for a wheel position. There are 7 Wheel Members, 3 permanent and 4 elected on a rotating basis, which are in charge of voting in new policy, keeping records and administering and approving HAAM events. If you are interested in nominating someone, please post your nomination onto the HAAM Facebook site. Nominated members need to be able to commit to meetings and responsibilities over the next 4 years, so please make sure that they WANT to be nominated before nominating!!

** Wildflower Music Festival Songwriting Contest, International Folk Alliance, Upcoming Kerrville Folk Festival and where HAAMsters can hang out over there plus various other music oriented issues and opportunities. If you have something that you’d like to discuss at the meeting, please contact Ken Gaines via Facebook to let him know so that he can get you on the agenda.

Be sure to bring your instruments ‘cause we’ll be taking over the open mic until 6pm after the meeting! (Mark Zeus will be hosting the open mic.) All interested parties- performers, venues, fans – all are welcome to attend. No dues – HAAM is a very informal group. For those not familiar, here’s the mission info:

HAAM- The Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians is a not-for-profit community of Acoustic Musicians and those who support acoustic music in the Greater Houston Area.
OUR MISSION
* To develop and share resources with our membership and the Greater Houston Community.
* To create an identity for the Houston acoustic music scene by encouraging awareness.
* To provide and explore opportunities for social and professional
development and networking.

Directions:
GENERAL LANDMARK- There is a CVS Pharmacy on the SE corner of Antoine and Pinemont. Lynn’s Longbranch is one block behind it on Pinemont.

From 610 or 290 W.- Take 290 W. to 34th St./Antoine exit, pass 34th to next light Antoine, take a right (N.) pass 43rd St., approx. 3/4 mi. to Pinemont, take a right (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.

From Beltway or 290 E.- Take 290 E. to Pinemont/Bingle/ 43rd St. exit, immediately get to right of feeder, first overpass is Pinemont, take cloverleaf on right the other side of the overpass, you will be heading on Pinemont E. continue past Bingle, approx. 3/4 mi. pass Antoine, Lynn’s Longbranch is on the right 1 block up.

From I-45:
From the South- Take 45 N. to 610 W. to 290 W. then follow directions from 290 W. above.
From the North- Take 45 S. to Tidwell Rd. exit, take a right on Tidwell
(W.) cruise about 3 mi. you’ll pass Shepherd, Wheatley and TC Jester, next main road is Antoine, take a left on Antoine (S.) go approx. 1/2 mi. to Pinemont, take a left on Pinemont (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.

From 249/Tomball:
Take 249 S. past the beltway to Antoine, take a right on Antoine (S.) go approx. 5 mi. You’ll pass W. Mount Houston, W. Gulf Bank, Victory, W.
Little York, and Tidwell. Next main street is Pinemont, take a left on Pinemont (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.
~~~~~~~~~~

2. Wildflower Music Festival Songwriting Contest & NewFolk Songwriting Contest (KFF) Information:

Two major songwriting contests are now calling for entrants and we sure would like to see some HAAMsters winning these events! The following links should take you to the appropriate places to sign on:

A. Wildflower Festival – Deadline is March 8, 2010. Our man Matt Harlan was one of the 4 winners last year – Maybe he’ll do it again…Or, you could be next! Here’s the link:

http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/content/SingerSongwriter.html

B. Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Contest – Deadline is March 30, 2010. First 800 entries will be accepted before then. 300 have entered already, so get your songs in! Here’s the link:

http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm

~~~~~~~~~~

3. International Folk Alliance – February 17-21 in Memphis, TN
Brian Kalinec and Tom Tranchilla are in charge of our HAAM presence in Memphis this year. Several Austin artists and Berkalin Recording artists will join HAAM in our showcase room, I’m hearing. If you wish to attend, please contact Brian Kalinec or Tom Tranchilla via Facebook or post your request to the HAAM Facebook page and we’ll get you hooked up. Better hurry, though!
~~~~~~~~~~
That’s it for now! I hope to see SCADS at the meeting!! Get your songs out to the contests and get involved within your local music community – Great things are happening!!
Your sister in song, ) April Kelly
(aka: April Kelly Clark Hilland, on Facebook)

In case you missed it, voting for the 8th Annual Texas Music Awards is open until March 5th. To vote, please join at www.academyoftexasmusic.org.

The following HAAM members are Nominees:

Male Vocalist of the Year:
Mark Beets

Vocal Duo or Group of the Year:
Shake Russell

Producer of the Year:
Robert Frith
Randy Thomas for Larry Sepulvado

Singer/Songwriter of the Year:
Steve Brooks
Robert Frith

Album of the Year:
Matt Harlan Tips & Compliments

Broadcast Radio Station of the Year:
KPFT 90.1

1.) Big HAAM General Meeting and Family Reunion! Sunday, Feb 28, 3pm at Lynn’s Longbranch Saloon, 5505 Pinemont (just E. of Antoine) Houston, TX 713/686-8668

It’s been QUITE awhile but it’s time for a HAAM meeting! Ken Gaines will be officiating this time (thanks, Ken!) and there’s a lot to cover:

** Two new HAAMster Wheel members will be elected to two posts for 4 year terms, taking the place of former wheelies Ken Gaines and Kat Rose. Anyone within the HAAM organization can be nominated for a wheel position. There are 7 Wheel Members, 3 permanent and 4 elected on a rotating basis, who are in charge of voting in new policy, keeping records and administering and approving HAAM events. If you are interested in nominating someone, please post your nomination onto the HAAM Facebook site. Nominated members need to be able to commit to meetings and responsibilities over the next 2 years, so please make sure that they WANT to be nominated before nominating!!

** Wildflower Music Festival Songwriting Contest, International Folk Alliance, Upcoming Kerrville Folk Festival and where HAAMsters can hang out over there plus various other music oriented issues and opportunities. If you have something that you’d like to discuss at the meeting, please contact Ken Gaines via Facebook to let him know so that he can get you on the agenda.

Be sure to bring your instruments ‘cause we’ll be taking over the open mic until 6pm after the meeting! (Mark Zeus will be hosting the open mic.) All interested parties- performers, venues, fans – all are welcome to attend. No dues – HAAM is a very informal group. For those not familiar, here’s the mission info:

HAAM- The Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians is a not-for-profit community of Acoustic Musicians and those who support acoustic music in the Greater Houston Area.
OUR MISSION
* To develop and share resources with our membership and the Greater Houston Community.
* To create an identity for the Houston acoustic music scene by encouraging awareness.
* To provide and explore opportunities for social and professional
development and networking.

Directions:
GENERAL LANDMARK- There is a CVS Pharmacy on the SE corner of Antoine and Pinemont. Lynn’s Longbranch is one block behind it on Pinemont.

From 610 or 290 W.- Take 290 W. to 34th St./Antoine exit, pass 34th to next light Antoine, take a right (N.) pass 43rd St., approx. 3/4 mi. to Pinemont, take a right (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.

From Beltway or 290 E.- Take 290 E. to Pinemont/Bingle/ 43rd St. exit, immediately get to right of feeder, first overpass is Pinemont, take cloverleaf on right jthe other side of the overpass, you will be heading on Pinemont E. continue past Bingle, approx. 3/4 mi. pass Antoine, Lynn’s Longbranch is on the right 1 block up.

From I-45:
From the South- Take 45 N. to 610 W. to 290 W. then follow directions from 290 W. above.
From the North- Take 45 S. to Tidwell Rd. exit, take a right on Tidwell
(W.) cruise about 3 mi. you’ll pass Shepherd, Wheatley and TC Jester, next main road is Antoine, take a left on Antoine (S.) go approx. 1/2 mi. to Pinemont, take a left on Pinemont (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.

From 249/Tomball:
Take 249 S. past the beltway to Antoine, take a right on Antoine (S.) go approx. 5 mi. You’ll pass W. Mount Houston, W. Gulf Bank, Victory, W.
Little York, and Tidwell. Next main street is Pinemont, take a left on Pinemont (E.) Lynn’s Longbranch is 1 block up on right.
~~~~~~~~~~

2. Wildflower Music Festival Songwriting Contest & NewFolk Songwriting Contest (KFF) Information:

Two major songwriting contests are now calling for entrants and we sure would like to see some HAAMsters winning these events! The following links should take you to the appropriate places to sign on:

A. Wildflower Festival – Deadline is March 8, 2010. Our man Matt Harlan was one of the 4 winners last year – Maybe he’ll do it again…Or, you could be next! Here’s the link:

http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/content/SingerSongwriter.html

B. Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Contest – Deadline is March 30, 2010. First 800 entries will be accepted before then. 300 have entered already, so get your songs in! Here’s the link:

http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm

~~~~~~~~~~

3. International Folk Alliance – February 17-21 in Memphis, TN
Brian Kalinec and Tom Tranchilla are in charge of our HAAM presence in Memphis this year. Several Austin artists and Berkalin Recording artists will join HAAM in our showcase room, I’m hearing. If you wish to attend, please contact Brian Kalinec or Tom Tranchilla via Facebook or post your request to the HAAM Facebook page and we’ll get you hooked up. Better hurry, though!
~~~~~~~~~~
That’s it for now! I regret that I’m going to have to miss this upcoming HAAM meeting on the 28th because I will be helping with a benefit for a friend in NW Houston during that time but I hope to hear that SCADS of you showed up to the meeting!! Get your songs out to the contests and get involved within your local music community – Great things are happening!!
Your sister in song, ) April Kelly
(aka: April Kelly Clark Hilland, on Facebook)

The HAAM radio show is about come to the end of a wonderful journey. KPFT has informed us that their programming is about to make some radical changes and that the HAAM radio show will no longer air. It is a bittersweet end to five + years of playing your music for KPFT’s music loving audience. Tom and I both consider it an honor to have represented HAAM on the Houston air waves.

KPFT always encourages feedback from listeners and members.
If you would like to express your opinion about the HAAM radio show being removed. Please phone 713-526-4000 and ask for the Dwayne Bradley or Ernesto Augilar. Your voices do count. HAAM and KPFT have had a good partnership for the last five years.

As a last hoorah, we would like to invite anyone who would like to come to KPFT on Monday, July 20, for our last show.
The station is located at 419 Lovett. If you would like to join us please come a little early, say around 2:30 and stay as long as you like.

Tom is writing letters to other stations to find a new home for HAAM. There is also the possibility that Ernesto Augilar, program director at KPFT, may offer up some other music show to us. Things are still playing out and I’ll keep you posted as we know more.

Hope to see you at the radio station,
Chris

This is an important announcement!
All the musicians who performed last Sunday for the “Movie Test Shoot” are invited back next Monday, July 20, 2009 for a short personal interview between the hours of 6pm and midnight. Each interview will be about 2 minutes long on camera. Be prepared to perform on stage again after your interview – like another open mic. If you have a bio and/or demo of any kind, please bring it with you. Global TV Productions will be making a casting call from these interviews.
Just as you did last week, wear what you would normally wear to open mic.
The musicians will still need their fans on Monday night, so I hope to see many others here to support our musicians and cheer them on. Just as last time – this is suppose to be fun!
Sorry, no one under 21 allowed.
Thanks for reading my email last week!!! Somebody had to read it because over 150 of you showed up for the “Movie Test Shoot” last Sunday and that did us proud! Thank you for making “your bar” look good in the eyes of Global TV Productions. They loved us! And we love all of you! Congratulations to all musicians who showed up to play! Big thanks to the music fans who were here to lend moral support and good wishes. Thanks to Willie B for being such a great host and to Tony Ryan for helping out with sound. And thanks to Bob Yoh for helping Jim and I fill all those thirsty orders.

Breaking news courtesy of Jim Fowler and Pam Herndon of JP Hops House:
That’s right! There will a test shoot for a major motion picture (Universal Studios) this Sunday, July 12, 2009 at JP Hops House! Now don’t get all geeked out on us – just come as you normally would to open mic. Global TV Productions will do a test shoot for local musicians and extras. I do know this will be a comedy with Adam Sandler. Please do not email or call me with a thousand questions, I won’t have any answers other than what I have already stated in this paragraph. Wear normal clothes unless you have a leisure suit, then wear that! (I’m not kidding about the leisure suit) And yes, open mic will go on as usual. I hope to see a full house on Sunday of both musicians and non-musicians. This is suppose to be fun! And I can’t believe they picked the Hops House for this! 2317 Highway 6 S Houston, TX 77077-5229 – (281) 496-0623
Sorry, no one under 21 allowed.
Universal, TuneCore join in quest for new talent
This article published by the Houston Chronicle, Business Section, July 9, 2009, caught my eye:
LOS ANGELES — Universal Music Group’s distribution arm is teaming up with digital track distributor TuneCore, a move it says will give it a leg up in signing up-and-coming artists who don’t have recording deals yet.
TuneCore, which lets musicians upload digital songs for distribution on iTunes and Amazon.com for a flat annual fee, has become one of several ways for unsigned acts to sell songs before getting record label deals.
Several big TuneCore sellers have gone on to sign deals with labels recently, including NeverShoutNever! to Warner Bros. Records and Drake to Universal’s Young Money label.
“This gives our labels a wonderful look at potential new upcoming talent long before they would even come close to be on anybody’s radar otherwise,” said Jim Urie, president and CEO of Universal Music Group Distribution.
Under the deal, TuneCore will support new Web sites for Universal that will host uploaded songs from unsigned artists. Universal is the world’s largest recording company and a unit of France’s Vivendi.
TuneCore financial backer Guitar Center has also agreed to sell Universal and TuneCore CDs at more than 200 of its retail stores in the U.S.
TuneCore founder and CEO Jeff Price said the deal will give the artists a better chance of interacting with record label executives and having their music at retail outlets beside established acts.
“What’s in it for the artist is the opportunity to move up into a larger system,” he said. Placement of CDs in Guitar Center stores, he added, also “helps a band feel more legitimate and more real.”

To volunteer, please contact Chris Collins at 281-236-4355 or Tom Tranchilla at 832-724-3982.

Event: KPFT Spring 2009 Membership Drive “Big goal, big dreams and we need your help!” What: Benefit Host: 90.1 FM KPFT Houston  Where: KPFT Studios To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=66154664660&mid=532775G47e89b72G768adbG7

Event: KPFT Spring 2009 Membership Drive
“Big goal, big dreams and we need your help!”
What: Benefit
Host: 90.1 FM KPFT Houston
Start Time: Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00am
End Time: Sunday, May 24 at 6:00pm
Where: KPFT Studios

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=66154664660&mid=532775G47e89b72G768adbG7

1. Texas Music Awards
2. HAAM on Facebook
3. HAAM Radio Show
4. Kerrville Folk Festival
5. North American Folk Alliance (Memphis)
6. Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (Austin)
7. Discovery Green (Houston)
8. 2009 SXSW (Austin) March 18 – 22, 2009
9. In Memoriam
10. Lagniappe (a little extra)

1. Texas Music Awards

T.C. Smythe gave us an inside look at the 7th Annual Texas Music Awards to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Palestine Civic Center in Palestine, Texas. Our own “Texas Grammys” are presented by the Academy of Texas Music which evolved from MyTexasMusic. ALL of the singer songwriter nominees for this year are members of HAAM! Congratulations to Derek Aramburu Danny Everitt, Brian Kalinec, Connie Mims and Hank Woji. Twenty percent of all nominees are from Houston including Jonathon Dewveall, T. C. Smythe, Smythe and Taylor, John Evans, and Kelly McGuire. Voting ended February 20th but seats are still available for this 4 hour show! Here’s a great opportunity for you to find out what’s going on in Texas music statewide. Check it all out at www.texasmusicawards.org. For carpool information contact T. C. Smythe at 832.715.5226.

2. HAAM on Facebook

April Kelly cleverly set up an account for HAAM on Facebook. Here is the link for the group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=84150656280&ref=ts
Look up your friends/musicians and use it to invite them to join HAAM. It is a great bulletin board! April will be posting socializing, networking and gig opportunities, as well as general information for all musicians and music lovers.

3. HAAM Radio Show

Tom Tranchilla reported that our radio show surpassed its goal for the last fund drive! Contact Tom at Tomtranchilla2’@’aol.com (remove the apostrophes before and after the @ symbol) if you are interested in playing on the show. Everybody gets a reasonable shot! Tune in to KPFT 90.1 on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.!

4. Kerrville Folk Festival

http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/festival_info.htm

The Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch, nine miles South of the Texas Hill Country resort community of Kerrville, has announced an exciting 2009 festival schedule for its 38th annual event. Once again this legendary songwriter’s festival will run for 18 straight days, from Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, June 7, 2009.

This year’s talent-packed festival lineup includes our own Ken Gaines performing on the main stage opening night and Brian Kalinec playing on the Threadgill stage on May 28th.

Held each year since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. Over the years it has become known internationally as a Mecca for singer songwriters of varying musical styles… a place where those just beginning to develop their skills have the opportunity to play their music along side those who are masters. Emerging songwriters as well as teachers are drawn to the festival’s many learning opportunities, such as the 29th Annual Songwriters School, the Roots / Blues Guitar Workshop, Harmonica Workshop and the 8th Annual Professional Development Program for Teachers..

There’s truly something for everyone at this festival, camping, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for kids, “Ballad Tree” song sharing sessions, Hill Country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe, Sunday Folk Song Services, Saturday Shabbat Services and much more. This is one musical celebration that must not be missed! A complete festival schedule, information and tickets can be found at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com or by calling the festival office at (830) 257-3600.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $35 depending on the particular day, although you can save from 20% to 30% by purchasing your tickets in advance. Parking fees are $3 per day per vehicle.
The Kerrville Folk Festival is owned by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to the support of emerging songwriters and folk music in all its forms. (http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/media/2009/press%20releases/KFF%20Press%20release%204_1_09b.pdf)

5. North American Folk Alliance (Memphis)

Thanks to this year’s organizers and attendees Ken Gaines, Tom Tranchilla, Brian and Pam Kalinec, Glynace Eastham, Matt Harlan, Steve Price, Azalea Cervantes and Cheryl Duckett.
The Folk Alliance is an annual convention of over 2,000 folk artists, dominated by singer songwriters. Attendees come from all over North America, the UK, Canada, Europe and Australia for the music seminars, exhibits, juried official showcases, and the guerilla (unofficial) showcases, where venue owners scout for new talent. For the past 5 years HAAM has sponsored a guerilla showcase. This year HAAM hosted 38 artists from the U.S., Canada and the UK. Keep this event in mind. Contact Tom Tranchilla for more information about next year. Anderson Fair will also host a showcase next year; for more information contact Ken Gaines.

6. Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (Austin)

Start planning now to attend the 10th Annual Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference to be held in Austin, Texas at the Radisson Austin North on Sept 23 – 27, 2009. This conference represents Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico. HAAM and Anderson Fair will be hosting rooms. Reduced rates are available for HAAM members. Contact Ken Gaines at ken’@’kengaines.com. (remove the apostrophes before and after the @ symbol).
The seminar topics address many facets of the music business – booking and tour planning, agents and managers, music law, the internet, getting airplay, studio know how, song sharing and discussion, wellness while on the road and looking for alternate ways to get our music to the world – such as in schools and films.
Artists, managers, agents, venue operators as well as folks who come to listen enthusiastically find a common bond, make new friends, discover new music, have fun and learn. So come on down and enjoy some Southwestern hospitality in the Capitol City. (http://swrfa.com/2009/news_from_swrfa.htm)
7. Discovery Green (Houston)
Sundays In The Park Presented by the Four Seasons Hotel Houston: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF ACOUSTIC MUSICIANS
Back to Event List
Event Time:
Sunday Jun 7, 2009
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Afternoon concerts and park features to entertain children of all ages make for an idyllic Sunday in the Park. June 7 – Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians showcase featuring Chris Collins, Ken Gaines, Dave Ransom and Pete Simple.

Location
Anheuser-Busch Stage or Transier Bandstand, depending on weather
Event Venue
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Additional Information
Free Admission

http://www.discoverygreen.com/en/cev/eb/3579241/

8. 2009 SXSW (Austin) March 18 – 22, 2009

Congratulations to Pete Simple and band for their SXSW performances. The SXSW MUSIC AND MEDIA CONFERENCE features a legendary festival showcasing more than 1,800 musical acts of all genres from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin. If you are interested in next year’s performance, Pete starts booking in November and has contact information for Austin Gigs. You can contact him at petesimple’@’gmail. (remove the apostrophes before and after the @ symbol).

9. In Memoriam

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Freddie Everett. Freddie passed on April 2nd, 2009 after a long battle with ALS.

Our heart felt grief for Monte Montgomery. His daughter Sofie was killed last week.

10. Lagniappe (a little extra)

Several HAAMsters are members of Linked In and reported getting gigs through the website. See if it’s for you at http://www.linkedin.com/

Our next general meeting (not scheduled at this time) will be held at Bohemeo’s, Houston’s East End’s first music and art coffee house, 708 Telephone Road, at the invitation of Hank Woji. (http://www.bohemeos.com/)

Once again, we are asking you to update your HAAM email address and tell everyone you know to do so! Without this, our numbers and outreach dwindle. April Kelly and Chris Collins founded this organization to (1) develop and share resources with our membership and the greater Houston Community (2) to create an identity for the Houston acoustic music scene by encouraging awareness (3) to provide and explore opportunities for social and professional development and networking. There are no financial dues and there is not a president or chairperson. All members are equal. Our dues are the effort that each individual puts forward to promote Houston acoustic music. It’s all up to you! Together we do a lot! Spread the word any way you can – tell people what we’re doing!

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life!”

Sheryl