The Mmming Report: Local Music News from Kharlie M

Issue #11 — Thursday, April 6, 2017


New Host Kicks Off Open Mic

Kharlie M sings “Best Messed Up Life.” (screenshot from Tim’s video)

Our new host, Tim Gilbertson, did a great job at Mocha Moment on Wednesday night, April 5. The program ran from 6:30 to 8:30 pm as usual. The sound system was great (the same system Ken was using), and even the mic’d acoustic instruments sounded good. Four of the eight performers were from the Southern Wisconsin Guitar League that meets once a month; they did covers of some older songs, including these (this is not a complete list):

I (Kharlie M) played at 8:00, with an acoustic Kala concert ukulele, tuned in fifths (CGDA, top to bottom) like a tenor guitar. The instrument, and the songs, went over very well. I played three originals:

  1. Best Messed Up Life
  2. Minnesota Highway
  3. The Little Mmm Guy

Other regular performers included Robbie Haas, Jesse Ramirez, and Mark (sorry, I don’t know his last name). It was a great show, and everyone had fun.


Kharlie’s Program at Rock Haven Goes Well

Kharlie M played a 52-minute show with the keyboard at Rock Haven nursing home on March 28. The set of 16 songs included five originals, four covers, two old standards, two hymns, and three patriotic songs, and was well received. Residents sang along when familiar songs were played. This will become a monthly show.


Local Music Briefs

Kat and the Hurricane (Kat Farnsworth) just completed a brief tour playing bass with The Apollo Affair, March 25 through April 1. The tour included stops in Holland, MI; El Dorado, KS; Colorado Springs, CO; Iowa City, IA; and Kenosha, WI.

Candace Griffin’s latest videos: a lovely rendition of “Greensleeves” with the guitalele, and a bit of humorous (but true) commentary on traditional folk songs (March 19; duration 4:50). ~ Her first vlog entry, just a run-through of her typical day (March 27; duration 12:34), but it provides a nice window into her thoughts. More of these may follow.

Mystery Mirrors (Jesse Ramirez) will be doing his first regular shows: April 22 (Record Store Day) at Exclusive Company in Janesville, WI (other bands will also be there), and April 29 at 7 pm, at the Blue Devil’s Challenge Arcade in Evansville, WI. That show will also include Elmer and the Ceramic Trees, and Prone To Sorrow, performing their original music.

Elmer and the Ceramic Trees (Robbie Haas) did a show at Grayslake Oasis (Grayslake, IL) on March 25.

Jennifer Ruse is posting regularly on Facebook, a variety of her own songs and plugs for other musicians. Hers is a good page to watch.


© 2017 Charles D. Petitt and Ummamum Music. The Mmming Report is published about every three weeks. Please send all correspondence to m@kharlie.com.

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