You’ve cybered into a performance artist’s place. Most of my time
is devoted to the worlds of live performance, songwriting, recording and
sound design. I dabble in computers, EDI networks, airplanes, bicycles,
alternative power solutions, domes, terra and geotecture. I keep a LONG, journal style
page in two sections (not including my bio or the BENT
ZEN CIRCLE press kit). The first section lists upcoming
events, dates going forward. Dates and times listed in the second section are
past events, starting back in October, 2000, last date to most recent.
A virgin white female wolf hybrid named Raz owns me. She treats me like an animal.
As Field Commander for the most famous disorganization in the world - the Sons of the Beach - I have been seen onstage with Amazin’ Walter and Sandy Feet, performing their raucous and uplifting brand of Texas beach music.
I am the great Leo Teel’s last recording and performance student.
I’ve had numerous requests from my web page readers for a bio/resume. I’ve avoided it for numerous reasons, the most up-front being that self aggrandizement isn’t one of my fortes. I am primarily an opening solo act on the commercial level, but I’ve gone down many musical roads in my life. My main criteria are challenge and fun. To make peace, I’ve posted a very short one here. I drop a few names that had an impact on my life. Just because yours isn’t here doesn’t mean you didn’t impact my life. I just didn’t know you when I was very young and met someone who set my path before me - and caused me to meet you.
1955 Solo performance for the Republican Party in Dallas, Texas (Dwight David Eisenhower’s re-election campaign: no, I’m not political) - this performance whet my appetite - I was given all the ice cream, cake and soda I could eat
1956 Met Woody Guthrie who told me how to be a journeyman and explained to me that folk music was an evolving beast, that it was “changing” and I would be in the midst of this as an observer and participant
1956 - 60 Played several folk clubs in NYC’s Greenwich Village, used to play in Washington Square Park (eventually the city outlawed this)
1956 - Tomorrow Started playing traditional house concerts before they were cool
1959 Penned first composition, “Transcontinental Breakdown” after meeting Bill Monroe
1964 Met Phil Ochs and Pete Seeger
1969 - 1972 Band leader for Dr. Buzz (toured all over the US - we were the last caravan touring band that I know of)
1971 Played at the first “street level” venue in Dallas, Texas (The Pub) north of downtown and introduced the street here to everything from classical ensembles to power trio work
1972 - 1975 House act at Mother Blues in Dallas, Texas. Mother Blues was the top venue in the nation at that time. Opened for everyone who came through
1974 - 1996 Worked with a whole crew of artists in Texas. Everything from film and TV scores (Willie Who?; The Weaving; Outright; Escape From Paradise), a CETA performance or two, performances at all the schools of higher learning in the Dallas area, a banned in Dallas musical called Dope, Sex and Violins, experiments in production, venue revival successes and failures {see Sons of Hermann Hall}, performance coach, and a performance for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
1996 - 2000 Opening act, soloist for several dozen shows and festivals around the country
1998 Lots of house concerts done in the traditional manner, Alaska “tour” - some clubs in Anchorage (I was really on vacation)
2000- ? House concerts (old and new style), studio work, performance and songwriting coach, sideman for Annie Benjamin, founder/member of Bent Zen Circle (a Dallas songwriter/singer touring group: Jeff Williamson, Aubrey Teeter, Annie Benjamin), and the honor of being named the “house” guitar player at CAMP, STUPID in Kerrville, Texas and "Left Seat" guitarist at Camp Cuisine in Kerrville, Solo concerts
2002 Formed an ensemble called SWANK with partner Annie Benjamin.
A little more on Bent Zen Circle below from the press kit. Thank you Rocket Girl.
RENE LAWRENCE is a veteran of the music community, having performed live music for over four decades. He has opened for a diverse group of top name artists ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to Steve Fromholz. He's done TV and film scores, musicals and stage production work. He has also earned the dubious (but honorable) distinction of being the “official house guitar player” at Camp, Stupid, left seat at Camp Cuisine and Best Acoustic Guitarist in Texas (the straw poll) during the Kerrville Folk Festival.
ANNIE BENJAMIN started out playing the flute, and around age sixteen she woke up one morning with a voice that could stop traffic. She has performed throughout Texas both as a solo act and in several groups including Colorwheel and Chattervox. She has appeared with Lisa Loeb, Dana Cooper and Jack Hardy. In January 2001 she released her debut CD, Life’s Blessings, which is a mix of country, jazz and folk styles.
AUBREY TEETER has worn lots of hats in the music world. He has performed in operas and musicals. He toured with Pearl River as stage manager. He has shared guitars and stages with artists including Garth Brooks and Guy Clark. He also worked on the business side of music as a song plugger on Music Row in Nashville and with Alan Jackson’s management company. He sings on Monday's at the Balcony Club in Dallas with the Heavenly Heathens. Aubrey is known for his incredible voice, looks, true western feel, and being BLONDE.
JEFF WILLIAMSON is considered by many to be the finest young songwriter in Texas; many artists have expressed interest in covering his songs. He attended boarding school in Georgia, and the traditional Appalachian style folk music and blues he heard while living there are major influences upon his work. He has appeared on several prestigious stages, including Anderson Fair in Houston and Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas. At age 21, he’s the oldest member of the group.
There are also inductees that do not regularly tour with the core members: Lou Vargo, Christy Claxton, Mark Zeus, Tom Gruning, Jeff Hoofard (Honorary), Ken Gaines, Sue Gaines (Honorary), Dan DeGrado, Mike Shaw, Wrecks Bell, Saylor White, Larry Lyon and Lucky Boyd.
March 1st, Annie and I, as SWANK, will be playing at the Main Street Coffee Haus, 620 Main Street, 972-485-1461, in Garland. we start at 8PM.
Annie and I are starting a CD of our work together at Greg Wietzel’s Arsfilia studio. Our new name is SWANK. We’ll have our new site http://www.hotswank.com up soon. There are some quick mix samples of our work on Annie’s site if you're chompin’ at the bit.
My friend Jed Marum’s new CD is now available. Visit his site to purchase it and check out his busy schedule. Jed is a sentimental Irish rogue. His originals are top flight. He landed a deal for a series on MTV recently.
My old friend Greg Wietzel, the terror of Nashville road shows, has his site up now, along with his Arsfilia record label. He has a brand new release called Learn To Sail. Pop on over and pick it up or grab his true Texas classic album, Old Hotel. Greg also has his new studio and rehearsal space up and running. Great prices and equipment. Annie and I are using his facility to record the first SWANK CD and Steve “Tabasco” Shipley is recording his first demo there.
Thursday nights I like to go to Ranger Randall’s Electric Campfire at the Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street, in Deep Ellum.
October 15th found me at DOTCOMGUY’S hot-wired pad for a little listening pleasure - T-Roy Miller and Generation teX were havin’ a party. I discovered something interesting about the way things work there. You must have a product, like a CD or video to sell in order to do a live concert there. I found this out after asking if I could do a show. No. Turns out, I don’t have a CD, but I’ve been selling my “product” since I was five years old. I think the marketing mind over there is a wee bit too whiz-bang. They seem to have forgotten the fact that artists’ can “sell” their show anywhere (and have been for centuries). Gosh Dotcomguy, put me on and watch me sell another $50,000 worth of private concerts this year (2000). Recent update (12/ 01/ 00): 95% of the people who have compared my live art to Dotcomguy’s find mine to be of a more lasting, educational, spiritual, emotional and beautiful value, even though they “can’t take it with them” on a CD. The other 5% refused to answer on the grounds they thought I might think they gave a damn about Dotcomguy. More recent update (01/ 01/ 01): He ain’t Dotcomguy no more. I’m still René. Go figure.
On October 16th I played some lead guitar for Annie Benjamin at the A.R.T.S. for People Benefit at Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street, in Deep Ellum. Then, on October 17th I played with Annie live, on KHYI at Bill’s Records, 8118 Spring Valley Road, (972) 234-1496 in the morning. The 27th of October found us both at the Café Brazil on Central Expressway in Dallas. We have been asked to return as often as possible.
My Lavender Lounge friend Christy Claxton asked Annie Benjamin to share the stage with her on November 10th at Gaby and Mo’s in Austin, 1809 Manor, (512) 457-9027. I played some lead for Annie and Christy. They also let me cut loose with a few songs of my own. It was a great night.
On November 17th, Annie, Aubrey, Jeff and I headed down to Houston to do a special concert for the kids at South Houston Intermediate. Christy Claxton and Mark Zeus met up with us there. It was a blast. I’d like to thank Carole Cline for the invitation, coffee, sandwiches and cake. By the way, Carole’s birthday is December 24th, so please click her name there and send her a birthday greeting.
December 7th, I was in the studio with Annie Benjamin recording her song, “Glory” -- and it is a great tune. It was an honor. We did it live (two complete takes to make sure). Her album, Life’s Blessings, will be in her hand January 15th. The album is selling for less if you buy it pre-sales. Check out her site and buy her CD (it is a real taste treat - no kidding). She needs the money to support my habits (no kidding).
And yes, the rumors are true. I am devoting much of my time to Annie’s music. Her work ethic is wonderful (quite similar to mine) and her compositions make me push my envelope right to the edge. I have to use everything I know, feel and suspect -- plus things I have never approached before. We’ve had several serious laugh-a-thons over a tune turning into a completely different style. I look forward to a long run with Annie, the Rocket Girl.
On December 9th, Christy Claxton asked me to travel down to the Quick Stop Lounge in Giddings, Texas to play the night away. I asked “Young” Jeff Williamson to go with me. Jeff is the most highly respected young songwriter in Dallas. Christy is a bombshell (that’s a quote from the press).
Thursday, December 14th, I played at Anderson Fair in Houston for a songwriter’s night with “Young” Jeff Williamson. Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson were there to host and add their wonderful sounds to the mix. The moon must have been in the right place because David Mills (ViolsaBob) and Dad (Jeff Hoofard) showed up and played with us all through the night. Ken said it was one of the top three shows of 2000.
On Sunday, the 17th of December, I backed Aubrey Teeter at a show for the North Texas Food Bank at Adair’s. Lots of food money poured in and the doors were kept open to handle the huge crowd’s oxygen demands.
December 23d, I wanted to head down to San Marcos to watch my old friend Ken Smith graduate from SWT and see my godson, Watson Smith and Ken’s wife Mary. Circumstances prevented this at that time, but congrats to my old friend.
January 20th, I was with Annie Benjamin at the Camden Avenue Coffee Haus (at the Village Country Club), 8310 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas from 7:00 to Midnight. Robert Gotcher was there, too. We had a good time playing to a packed house.
January 23d, Greg Wietzel invited me down to the REDBLOOD CLUB for a short performance. I hadn’t been there before so I was looking forward to it. I played a set and listened to one by Ray Sanchiz from FreeSpirit Studio. Then Greg and I played a few duets together to end the evening.
Road trip down to Austin with Annie on Friday, the 26th to the Tres Hombres Songwriters Showcase at Café Mia, 3563 Far West Blvd., (512) 327-1795. We played from 9-9:30 PM. Aubrey Teeter was there and played from 8:30-9:00 PM.
On Saturday, the 27th , we played on Humble Time Radio in Freheit. Mo Humble told us we “made the show (number 181).” Aubrey was there too, and did a killer opening set. Then we headed on over to B.B. Rovers, 12836 Research Blvd., (512) 335-9504 for an “in-the-round” circle from 7 to 9 PM with Christy Claxton and Aubrey Teeter. Ken and Mary (the parents of my godchildren, Elora and Watson) made it, driving up from San Marcos. Christy was inducted into Bent Zen Circle. We all went over to watch Steve Hopkins at the Live Oak Coffee House when we finished.
Annie got interviewed live on KNON 89.3, Texas Renegade Radio with David Besonen, 4415 San Jacinto, (214) 828-9500 on January 30th. We played during “drive time,” 5:30 to 6:00 PM.
On Friday, February 2d, I played with Annie live, on the KHYI Live Lunch Series at Bill’s Records, 8118 Spring Valley Road, (972) 234-1496 in the late morning.
Sunday, February 4th Annie and I were in Mansfield at the Main Street Theater, 107 Main Street, (817) 473-6060. This was a benefit for Anne Parsons. Time: 2:30 PM. Many other local artists performed. $5,500 came in to lend a hand for Anne.
Bent Zen Circle played live on KPFT 90.1 radio, early Friday morning, the 9th (at midnight), with host Christi Schwanbeck for the Midnight Album Show in Houston. Christi said she really enjoyed the show. Mark Zeus was instrumental in getting us on the air. He performed and was inducted into Bent Zen Circle.
Later on Friday morning, we were on Glenn & Jinelle’s radio show on KGBC, 1540 AM out of Galveston at 9 AM. Tickets for the Bent Zen Circle performance at the The Old Quarter Acoustic Café were given away on the air and lots of calls came in.
The performance by the mythical Bent Zen Circle at The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, (409) 762-9199 on the 10th with “Young” Jeff Williamson, Annie Benjamin, and Aubrey Teeter was a rousing success. The room was wall to wall and at several points in the show, people were dancing in the aisles. Mom (Elizabeth Foster) brought Dad (Jeff Hoofard), the CAMP, STUPID percussionist (Kerrville Folk Festival) and his quiet percussion kit. Host Wrecks Bell set the stage and our tour guest Lou Vargo opened. Larry Lyon and Lucky Boyd came in and played a couple of tunes (again they rocked the house). A live album of the night was recorded. Wrecks, Larry and Lucky were inducted into Bent Zen Circle.
LOU VARGO was our guest artist for this tour. He performs solo and with his group, Four Mile Mule. We used to think Lou was smart until he opted for this trip. His tunes and lyrics have a haunting feel and they paint poignant pictures of unexpected discovery. Live and alone with his guitar, Lou is both intimate, disarming and gets to the absolute core and spirit of roots music.
On the 17th, Annie and I opened for Susan Werner at the Trinity Coffee House, 3401 Bellaire Drive South, Ft. Worth, (817) 926-4631. Tickets were $12, $10 in advance. Doors opened at 7:00 PM and the room filled up to capacity in 15 minutes. What a great night. Susan asked Annie for a copy of her song, Gasoline.
February 24th, I was in Clark Findley’s Phattman Communications studio with Annie Benjamin, recording three of her songs: Snow, Texas Star and Gasoline. Gasoline will be sent to Susan Werner in Nashville at her request.
March 3d, Annie and I were at the Coit Road Borders Books, 15757 Coit Road, (972) 458-0400 from 7 - 8 PM.
March 22d, Annie and I headlined at the Cuckoo’s Nest, 4814 Greenville Ave., (214) 691-4399 from 10 - Midnight. The management said we were the best performers they'd ever had in the club and promised us many a return visit.
March 23d, Annie and I were at the Coit Road Borders Books, 15757 Coit Road, (972) 458-0400 from 7 - 9 PM.
March 23d through the 25th I was at the Lute Hole Company booth at the Dallas Guitar Show. Frank, Uly, Annie Benjamin, Magda Hiller and I held forth and had a wonderful time. I talked to Chris Heerlein of Batson Guitar Company about the possibility of a full endorsement for me and Annie. He told us two months. Also, I talked to Timothy Weaver of Midco International about a full endorsement for us from Gretsch, using their archtop electric guitars. We were offered a 60% endorsement there on the spot. And last but not least, Bruce Mariano, the National Sales Manager at Martin Guitar Company, told me to “send my stuff” to Martin for full consideration of a René Lawrence, Signature Model Martin.
April 6th, I performed at Lou Vargo’s CD release party along with a stellar lineup of local, master songwriters including Jeff Williamson, and Aubrey Teeter. We performed at Sons of Hermann Hall.
April 10th, Bent Zen Circle played live on KNON 89.3, Texas Renegade Radio with David Besonen, 4415 San Jacinto, (214) 828-9500 at 6 PM, right after the Gypsy Troubadors.
April 12th, Bent Zen Circle played live on KBEC 1390AM radio, 711 Ferris Ave, Waxahachie, 972-938-1390, at 4 PM. Drop Grumpy a line at their site, kbec.com.
April 12th, Annie, Aubrey, Jeff and I were at Café Brazil, 6420 N. Central Expwy, Dallas, (214) 691-7791 from 8 to 11 PM. Dan had to book us on Thursday. He was running out of seats on Friday and Saturday nights and told us this was the only way he knew of to eliminate the crush. What a nice way to say a nice thing.
April the 14th
TEXAS SONGWRITER'S SERENADE
3414 Elm Street (at Exposition), (214) 747-4422, Dallas, Texas
I launched the Texas Songwriter’s Serenade concert series. I will try to keep the series up every four months for the year 2001. Performances will be by the best in Dallas and the best guest performer(s) I can find. For the first of the series, Annie Benjamin, Aubrey Teeter, Jeff Williamson and I appeared as songwriters in the round, giving brief form to the mythical Bent Zen Circle. Annie just released her first solo CD and is already getting airplay (“in rotation” for you experts) on several radio stations. Aubrey is known for his incredible voice, looks, true western feel, and being blonde. He’s getting straight rotation on several Texas radio stations and pulling a check from his online offerings. Jeff Williamson is recognized by many as the best young songwriter in Texas, maybe the country. Several artists have expressed great interest in covering his songs. Tom Gruning was our out-of-town guest and opening act. Tom has produced, performed and recorded all over the country, is a favorite at Anderson Fair in Houston and has some of the most melodic compositions for 7 string guitar I’ve ever heard. He’s eclectic and twisted. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music composition and is one dissertation away from his PhD. Tom was inducted into Bent Zen Circle. 70 people came to hear a great mix of Dallas’ performing songwriters and Tom Gruning, one of CAMP, STUPID’s favorite guests at Kerrville. I’ll try to keep ticket prices at $10.00 throughout the series. A live album of the night was recorded and will be compiled soon. It may be a double CD this time.
April 19th, Annie and I played Café Brazil, 6420 N. Central Expwy, Dallas, (214) 691-7791 from 8 to 11 PM. Dan has set us the pleasant task of bringing the first live music to the Richardson Cafe Brazil location in May.
April 20th and 21st, Annie and I were at Buffalo Joe’s in historic downtown McKinney, on the corner of the square. We had a great time. Annie got called at the last minute and up we went. GREAT place. Wonderful menu and atmosphere. Upstairs for ambience and dinner only, downstairs like a Mom and Pop where the music is performed. Personable staff and very nice audience.
April 26th, Annie and I played at Anderson Fair in Houston for the Thursday songwriter’s night. Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson were our hosts and added their wonderful sounds to the mix. Thaddeus Brenneman his great blue self was there. It was a great night. Annie was new to the stage there, but after the performance, I believe she’ll have the opportunity to learn every inch of it in the near future - she stunned the audience and performers alike with her voice and choice of material. Ken graciously allowed me to do one of my own songs. Anderson Fair is located at 2007 Grant Street, one block east of Montrose at the corner of Welch and Grant, right behind Texas Art Supply, (713) 528-8576. Doors open at 8:00 PM.
Annie and I had the honor of bringing the first live music to the Richardson Café Brazil location on the 2nd of May and we've been asked back for the 10th. We’ll be playing from 7 to 10 PM. This is a great room. Jim Schenk (Magda Hiller recommended) came in from Florida with Ana and Yuri and sat in on a tune or two and Dan came from the University Café Brazil location to relax and finally listen to us (he’s usually to busy).
May 12th, Bent Zen Circle went back to The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, in Galveston (409) 762-9199 with “Young” Jeff Williamson, Annie Benjamin, and Aubrey Teeter. Host Wrecks Bell set the stage. A live album of the night was recorded. We did it “in-the-round” again. Jeff Hoofard brought his quiet percussion kit. We had a great time.
Back to Café Brazil on the 17th of May from 8 to 11 PM., 6420 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, (214) 691-7791.
May 19th I was swingin’ with Annie for Women Rockin 4 Women. Multiple stages this year, set in Deep Ellum. Help support the New Beginnings Women’s Shelter. We were on the acoustic stage at the Main Street Internet Company at 8:45 PM.
May 24th - June 10th, I was in Kerrville, Texas at the Kerrville Folk Festival performing as the house guitar player at CAMP, STUPID.
June 14th, Annie, and I played at Café Brazil, 6420 N. Central Expwy, Dallas, (214) 691-7791 from 8 to 11 PM.
June 16th, Annie, and I were at the Starbucks on Abrams and Royal, (214) 342-6985 from 7 to 8:30 PM.
June 23d, Annie and I played at the Flying Saucer (Dallas Location), 1520 (Lowest) Greenville Avenue, (214) 824-PINT, or (214) 887-1995.
June 24th, Annie and I provided music at the Lakeview Christian Church, 9100 Diceman Drive, Dallas, (214) 324-2441, from 2:00 to 5:-- PM, during a showing of the artwork of nationally recognized painter Beverly Parson White of Parson-White Studios. Beverly created the artwork for the cover of Annie’s CD, Life’s Blessings.
July 11th, Annie and I played Café Brazil from 8 to 11 PM., 2221 Abrams, Dallas, (214) 826-9522.
July 19th, Annie and I played Café Brazil from 8 to 11 PM, 6420 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, (214) 691-7791.
July 21st, I played solo for the first of the Bear Creek Concerts in Warrenton, Texas at the Neese Ballroom thanks to my friend, Christy Claxton. For the second time in my career, I can say that the entire town plus some, turned out for my show. The doors opened at 7 PM. Christy wowed ’em with a short opener and then I played for an hour and a half to a very vocal and responsive audience. Annie Benjamin made a surprise visit and graced the stage after playing a concert of her own in Austin. She performed several of her compositions with me. On Life's Blessing’s (Christy joined us for that one) the audience sang along. Tickets were $10 adults, $7 seniors and $5 for children 12 and under. The series hosts’, Christy and Lane, offer limited camping at their place for $5 per person per night. There are a number of inexpensive B&B’s in this area, and folks can call Christy at 979-249-2519 or log onto christyclaxton.com/bearcreekconcerts.htm for that info. They have an accommodation link there. Warrenton is part of the center of the antique universe. It is 2 miles from Round Top and these small communities host a huge antique festival twice a year. They are rich in Texas history and pioneer culture. From Dallas, take I-35 S to Waco, take 77 S to La Grange. Take a left at the second light in La Grange (yup), then go left at the Family Dollar/Bealls onto 159. 159 becomes 237 and Warrenton is on 237, with the Neese house on the left next to the antique car museum. You can’t get lost.
July 26th, I played solo at Café Brazil from 8 to 11 PM, 2221 Abrams, Dallas, (214) 826-9522. Annie had strep throat and bowed out. The Lightningrod made a surprise visit and played his candycane flute along with me on some compositions we had worked on - 20 plus years ago. Tracie Merchant dropped in and played one of those, “oooh” kinda tunes. Jazzy, tasty night.
July 28th, Annie and I opened the show for the Banded Geckos at the Jefferson Freedom Café in Fort Worth, 1959 Sandy Lane, (817) 424-2727. We had a wonderful time. Great atmosphere, great coffee, “goodies” and staff. Everyone was very receptive and sophisticated. The show started at 8 PM. The cover was $10.00.
August 3d, Bent Zen Circle played live on KPFT 90.1 radio, early Friday morning, (at midnight), with host Christi Schwanbeck for the Midnight Album Show in Houston. Christi enjoyed the show so much she invited us back for three hours next time.
August 4th, Bent Zen Circle went back to The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, in Galveston (409) 762-9199 with “Young” Jeff Williamson, Annie Benjamin, and Aubrey Teeter. Jeff Hoofard brought his quiet percussion kit. Courtney Fairchild opened and host Wrecks Bell gave his set to Ken Gaines. Both Courtney and Ken were inducted into Bent Zen Circle. A live album of the night was recorded.
COURTNEY FAIRCHILD was our tour guest this trip. Her material covers the edge sound, reminiscent of the Seattle genre. She adds a little tenderness to it, though she may not be a "fair child" about it. She's currently working on a CD project in LA and the first mixes are hot.
August 10th, Annie and I played on the KHYI Live Lunch Hour at Bill’s Records, 8118 Spring Valley Road, (972) 234-1496 at 11:30 in the morning.
August 10th, Annie and I played at the world famous Uncle Calvin’s Coffee Emporium at the Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 North Central Expressway, (214)363-0044. We shared the evening with an old acquaintance and Lunatic Fringe alumnus of mine, Wayne Greene. Wayne opened the evening with his typically humorous set and played for about an hour. It was great to see him again (it had been almost 10 years). Woody ran sound and soloed (train whistle) on Annie’s tune, Great Divide - it brought the house down.
August 16th, Annie and I played at Café Brazil from 8 to 11 PM., 6420 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, (214) 691-7791.
September 1- 3, I was a fellow traveler at the Kerrville Wine and Music Fest in Kerrville, Texas, holding forth with my fellow STUPIDIAN’S in the lower meadow.
September 7- 9, I was at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance in Kerrville with Annie and friends. We had a C.O.D.A. table set up to display the efforts of the membership. Annie set up some showcases:
Thursday night was the C.O.D.A. Showcase (Coalition of Dallas Artists), 11:00 - 11:30 PM, room 127 (Alex Whitmore’s room).
Friday night, we were in room #120 for Jaime Micheals’ Showcase from 11:30 to 11:50 PM.
Saturday “night” was Handshake Management’s Showcase, room #108, Midnight to 12:20, then from 1:30 to 2 AM, room #232 courtesy of The Austin Conspiracy of Performing Songwriters.
Friday and Saturday nights, I performed as the opening act (where else?) in the Martin Guitar Showcase from 10:30 to 10:50 PM, room #103. Robin Greenstein was the host. The Rocket Girl made a surprise visit both nights.
September 13th, Annie and I played at Café Brazil from 8 to 11 PM., 6420 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, (214) 691-7791. Dan DeGrado stopped by and sang a few of the tunes he’s putting onto his new, solo CD. Hot stuff!
September 15th, I was back in Fayette County playing with Annie for another of the Bear Creek Concert Series shows. We had a great time. Annie sold a CD to everyone who came to the show. It was perfect weather for the show, out under the stars. Christy Claxton has more information - directions, times and the like, on her site for other shows in the series. Take the family out to one of these concerts. Bring your guitar and lawn chairs. Best entertainment value in the area.
September 16th, I played a private concert in Red Oak at Thomas’. Beautiful night and lots of good people.
September 29th, I played with Annie (as headliners) at Trinity Coffee House, 3401 Bellaire Drive South, Ft. Worth, (817) 926-4631. Doors opened at 6 PM and the tickets were $5.00, $3.00 for students. We played retro - all acoustic, no mic’s. Great show sound in that 200 person hall. Then Annie and I snuck over to Pam’s housewarming party for a bit. Dan Degrado, Bob (of Bob and Pam) and Young Jeff Williamson were there and we all played a tune or twelve out in the back forty. Another beautiful Texas night.
October 13th, I was with Annie at Tom and Carrie’s house concert in Dallas. We shared the night with wild man Gary Sapone. Cover charge was $12.00 per person -- all proceeds went the artists. Tom cooked up his famous beans and there were all kinds of goodies to go with it. Tom had asked for RSVP’s by October 6 - I heard a few late calls come in and the house was packed. Young Jeff Williamson made a surprise showing and performed some of his incredible material. Here is Tom’s number (214) 827-8627 and email: dbdesk@swbell.net in case you’re interested in going to his next offering. The music starts at 7:00 pm (door opens at 6:00). The address : 615 Valencia Street (in East Dallas) very near Woodrow Wilson High School. The performance usually happens outside under the oak tree and stars.
October 14th, I played with Annie at the Party Barn in Wylie, Texas (about 10 miles east of Plano) for the Arts Fall Festival. The Festival started around noon and went until 11 PM. Tickets were $10 advance, $15 at the door and children under 12 free. Many local artists played. It was a beautiful day and evening for it. Organizer's were very happy and promised to do it on a yearly basis.
On November 1st, Bent Zen Circle members Annie Benjamin, Dan De Grado, Mark Zeus and myself played a special concert for the kids at South Houston Intermediate. We did one last year and it was a blast. I’d like to thank Carole Cline for inviting us again.
November 2nd, Bent Zen Circle went back to The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, in Galveston (409) 762-9199 with “Young” Jeff Williamson, Annie Benjamin, and Aubrey Teeter. Host and BZC member Wrecks Bell recorded the show. Tour guest Dan DeGrado did his first live, solo set at the OQ. Saylor White stepped up to the mic for a short set and Wrecks made me write his name down for future dates. Blues pianist and singer Big Momma Cotton, radio goddess Jinelle Boyd and BZC members Lucky Boyd and Larry Lyon popped in to say hello.
DAN DEGRADO is perhaps the oldest, younger hippie I know. He's been playing Texas as a sideman and is in the process of stretching his fingers (er, wings) and embarking on his first CD project. He's played many a Texas Tonk and Festival. He's put together a short collection of his tunes for this show. He's a solo virgin folks - come on out and see him lose it with us. Very powerful voice and a great stage presence.
November 3d, I performed with Annie at Larry Lyon’s Texas Firelight Theater Concert series. We opened for Emily Kaitz. Larry has been going great guns on his house concert series. Click the link for directions and times for this and all his offerings.
Saturday night, November 17th, the Lavender Lounge Showcase featured Roberta Donnay, Christene LeDoux and Dani Linnetz at the Sons of Hermann Hall. Please visit the Lavendar Lounge Web Site for bios and artist information. I was there as a volunteer for my friend, Christy Claxton who couldn’t make it - she was hosting one of my favorite artist’s, Ken Gaines, down at her Bear Creek Concert Series. (christyclaxton.com/bearcreekconcerts.htm)
February 2d, Annie Benjamin and I performed at The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, in Galveston (409) 762-9199 as SWANK. This marked the first booked gig for our new act. Saylor White opened for us and BENT ZEN CIRCLE member Mark Zeus dropped in with his mandolin. Jonsie, an Island stalwart, opened the whole shebang with his transplanted, “no Tonk spoke here” songs and attitude. Very refreshing.
February 23d, BENT ZEN CIRCLE returned to The Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 413 20th Street @ Market, in Galveston (409) 762-9199. Mike Shaw, our tour guest, opened the show and BZC member and OQ host Wrecks Bell gave his slot to transplant native Jonsie. New BZC member Saylor White came up and played some incredible tunes.
MIKE SHAW was our guest artist for this tour. Don't cut him any slack - he invented it. Mike's tunes will just plum tickle you. He's played all over Texas and picked cotton too. He's one of my very favorite performers. A real comfort to hear. Zero pretense.
It happened -- I found a product line I could endorse in good faith -- the Lute Hole. I like them so much I became a distributor as well. Want to know what a Lute Hole is? Want to see the finest, thick leather strap in the world, too? Click away to get to the Lute Hole Company. I have stock on hand and I’ll be happy to get with you and fit your guitar. Drop me a line.
And more: Vintage Ventures, makers of exquisite ivory accessory products for guitars has done the same for me. I am now a dealer and endorser of their beautiful line. Check out their site and then drop me an email. Karen Adams (the boss) says custom orders are available for an added premium. Noteworthy: Karen has moved family and business from Anchorage, Alaska to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
And still more: GoldBug Products designs handcrafted, ornamental hardware for guitars. I’ve been looking for handcrafted gold and sterling silver tuning knobs and bridge pins for a few years. I’ve now found them in GoldBug. They also make their line in jewelers bronze, plain or plated. I am now a dealer and endorser. Take a look at the designs they offer and drop me an email. I’ll be glad to help you out.
And, just because I love ’em I endorse ’em- not because they pay me, the professionals at Charley’s Guitar Shop, 2720 Royal Lane, Suite 100, 972-243-4187, in Dallas, Texas. The best considerations available for the guitarist in you.
The MIDI file and format used here are Copyright ©1997 by the following individuals or a combination of these individuals:
René d’Edmon
Lawrence
Christye Olivia
John
Lightning
Rod
(Arrangements and MIDI production by René Lawrence)
Where Did Garbo Go? was written by Christye John and her brother Clay January (Lightning Rod).
I helped arrange the song and
have performed it for twenty years in rock band and solo formats.
This orchestration however, is a brand new approach for me (THX
LadyTall).
This page last updated
February 27, 2001
Thank you so much for stopping by. Please drop me a line.
