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The Loonan News

LOONANEWS

The official Michael Loonan online newsletter
 
Last updated 10/16/2003

Welcome!  This is the place to find facts, news and upcoming gig information.

NEWS:

* MICHAEL PLAYS MUSIC IN SCOTLAND & LONDON FOR TWO WEEKS!

 

In August, 2003, Michael was invited to join Park Center High School in a 14-day trip to the International Fringe Festival, held in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Park Center was invited to perform “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and Michael was invited to play bass guitar in the ‘pit band.’  They performed 4 shows in 14 days, which allowed for some great sightseeing.  “We spent two days in London,” Michael said, “where the heat was sweltering, but the sights were cool!”  Cool indeed – Michael fulfilled a lifelong dream by walking across the “Abbey Road” intersection.  “That was a great experience, to stand right where the Beatles stood.”  After the two days in London, the group took a train to Edinburgh, where they stayed for the remaining 12 days.  “Edinburgh is a great city,” Michael said.  “The people were wonderful, the weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful.”   The pit band was rounded out by Rick Prescott (producer of Michael’s CD, Share the Disguise) on piano and Todd Prout on drums.   The musical was directed by Grif Sadow, whom Michael admires greatly.  “Grif did an exceptional job keeping the kids focused and driven, and the shows were all top-notch.”  Would Michael do experience it all over again?  “Definitely.  I was fortunate to go;  I had one week to get a passport, make arrangements to be gone, and learn about 20 new songs.  It was all worth it!”

MICHAEL AND SON RECORD NEW SONG!   

Michael recently recorded a collaborative track with 17-year old son, Jimmy.  Jimmy wrote the music and recorded the foundation tracks at dad’s studio.  Dad added a few instruments and wrote some words.  As of this writing, the song is entitled “Again.”  Dad is beaming:  “both Jim and I are pumped about it,” he said.  “It felt good to bring a song to the finish line and I’m sure there’s more to come.”  Jimmy has been showing great chops on the guitar, where he likes to utilize alternate tunings.   In addition to being a great player, Jimmy loves

to change dad’s guitar strings.  “That rocks,” says Dad.  Stay tuned for more tunes…

MICHAEL PLAYS FOR THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS!

On October 21st, 2003, Michael will play at another benefit for Minnesota Viking Matt Birk’s HIKE Foundation, which has been established to provide the Twin Cities’ at-risk young people with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The mission of the HIKE Foundation is “to provide educational opportunities and resources needed to excel in the classroom and in life.”  Matt Birk attended Nativity Grade School and Cretin-Derham High School, same alma maters as Michael!  Matt then went onto Harvard, where he earned a Finance Degree. 

 

MICHAEL PRODUCES WENDY VICKERS CD, “Out of the Jar…And Into the World”

Michael teamed up with Wendy Vickers, helping produce her new CD, "Out of the Jar...And Into the World," a follow-up to her 1997 audiotape "Dreams Don't Live In A Jar."   On the CD, Wendy -- known as ‘the guardian angel of Twin Cities acoustic musicians’ -- shares practical tips and encouragement for musicians just beginning to ‘bloom where they're planted’ (or starting to think about it), or those who have started playing and wondering what steps to take next on their musical journey. It's a ‘seminar on CD’ on self -promotion for musicians!  Check out Wendy’s website to hear audio excerpts and to order a copy!   There are some great testimonials from Singer/Songwriter Mark Lowry, Music Biz guru Chris Osgood, and many others!   Wendy has been an inspiration and supporter of Michael’s music for years, and she’s a whiz in the recording studio.  “She’s a true pro, always prepared,” says Michael.  “I like to think of her as ‘one-take’ Wendy!”  

MICHAEL WRITES SPORTS (and Health Company) JINGLES FOR MIKE VEECK

Michael continues to write and produce jingles for Promotional Guru, Mike Veeck, who is involved with several professional baseball teams.  Loonan has a great relationship with Veeck, whom he met through T.D. Mischke.   Michael (Loonan) writes the jingles for TV/Radio, in 30 and 60 second format.  “Veeck is a hoot to work for – he’s very honest about what style he’s looking for.”  Jingles have been composed for:  The Detroit Tigers, The Charleston Riverdogs, The Brockton Rox, The Carolina Stingrays (a minor league hockey team), and also – First Choice Health Care Company.  “For that one, Veeck told me to come up with something as catchy and memorable as ‘American Family Insurance,’” said Loonan.  “I got lucky on the first pass and he sounded real pleased with the final result!”  Loonan does all of his recording at home, where he uses a Roland VS1680 Digital 16-Track.  A key for the Veeck connection is having access to today’s technology:  “I can record a half-finished jingle, send Veeck a MP3 file for him to listen to, and then – pending his approval – send a CD out the same day.”   Veeck is still involved with the Saint Paul Saints, whom Michael will perfom for on Wednesday, June 18th, 2003 (as well as Friday, August 15th, 2003)

 

 UPDATE - OTHER PROJECTS:

MUSIC / RECORDING:

  • Finished projects: Wayne Hamilton, whose CD "Lucky That Way" was released in early February. Visit Wayne’s website for ordering details! "Wayne’s a great songwriter," said Michael, "and I know he’ll do a great job marketing his CD. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on some copies!"
  • Josh Misner - "In These Woods of Wander" now available.

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