This was one of my favorite interviews to date.  Thomas Reed Smith is an accomplished musician in Northeast Ohio that can be found playing the local winery/restaurant circuit.  He played in a true rock-n-roll bands in the 90s.  He is a singer/songwriter with multiple records released that you can find at https://thomasreedsmith.bandcamp.com/.  He has a passion for Harley Davidson's and is just a really nice guy.  Enjoy this interview - lots of great content.  

This was a fun interview I did with Jim Ales from the Lost Sheep Band among others right before Christmas.  Very entertaining conversation - give it a listen! 

The Lost Sheep Band | Facebook

Catch my interview with local musician Rob Lundi.  Lots of great info packed into this episode!  Enjoy. 

https://roblundi.com/home

I played a show with Mike Mannarino this weekend and he did a really good job engaging with the crowd.  I thought it would make a good topic to talk about.  Mike is an experienced solo musician in north east Ohio western Pennsylvania.  I met him a few years ago on the strip in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio,  where we both play in the summer.  He also travels and plays in Key West in the winter months.  He’s a pro.

I consider myself average on stage banter.  I can hold my own and I am comfortable on stage especially when I know people and they are pretty active.  However, I was reminded Friday at how good Mike really is at this.  Listen to this episode as I explain how he tactfully got thing going..

1. Speaking between songs is an art.
2. When do you need to speak between songs
3. Go to other peoples shows, watch on YouTube - both famous and locals.  See what they do.
4. Be yourself - do YOUR thing.  You don’t have to be Mike Mannarino, but you can learn and do your own thing.  Be yourself and dont force it.
5. Have some “go-to” subjects or things to talk about.
   1. “The more wine you drink the better i sound”.
   2. “Whos celebrating something tonight?”
   3. Who’s first time here?  Is anyone visiting from out of state?”
   4. Thank the staff - point out their tip jar….and yours.
   5. Introduce the song - or experience that relates you to the song.
   6. Announcements from the venue (drink specials, food specials).
6. Write stuff down on your set list
7. Practice/ Plan
   1. Look up the venues website - get the history
   2. Look up the city history for interesting facts
8. Be flexible and “present” to the room.  Keep observant and be spontaneous.  Read the room.
9. Ask the crowd easy yes / no questions.  How great are the bartenders here?  How’s the wine?  Are you ready to rock?
10. Don’t talk about technical difficulties - PA system problems or broken guitar strings.  Don’t make a bunch of excuses - keep entertaining.  People are there to forget their problems - they don’t want to hear about yours.  Tell them to time you while you change your strings.
11. Mix it up - dont say the same things between each song.
12. Thank everyone that tips you - even during songs and between songs.
    1. “Thanks for the love”
    2. If you like what you hear and can help me with a gallon of gas I would appreciate it.
13. Try different things - see what works for you.

I was talking with another local musician this week at one of my shows and we were talking about how to read the room.  Sometimes you are the focal point and sometimes you are background music.  Either is fine and can be a great show but you need to be aware of the mood of the room.  Todays show looks at how to read the room.

1. Noise level
   • Check with management
   • Look at people
   • Set up in front of your Stick or use a monitor
2. Song Choice
   • Be flexible
   • Wagon Wheel vs Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald
   • 70’s, 80’s,90’s
3. Mood Can Change - look for it
   • Ask for special occasions
   • Bachelorette parties
   • People’s moods after some wine