Peggy Ratusz | thesofiamagazine

The Practitioners of Feel Good!

by Peggy Ratusz | Jun 5, 2020 | Asheville, Musician, Women, Women Empowerment

When the going gets tough, the creatives get more creative! It’s profoundly evident that artists, musicians and writers are juiced up and acting out the inspirations this pandemic has evoked, by sharing their various talents over social media just to make us feel better during our lockdown. I feel blessed that we dwell among these practitioners of feel-good. It’s as if all of them simultaneously began to brainstorm ways they could bring comfort to our community, as a way to ease fear and boredom that seemed to quickly and firmly take hold. Watching live stream concerts and the like, has now become ‘regular TV viewing.’

Cellist and songwriter sublime, Melissa Hyman and her husband, Ryan the “lion-hearted” Furstenberg, were the first artists I saw performing on “Facebook Live” from their dining room. With playful penguin props and jovial jive, their viewership reached into the hundreds. Others like troubadour extraordinaire Blake Elledge and local music giant Josh Blake collaborated with The Orange Peel to raise money for local musicians by introducing nightly “Quarantine Concerts,” before the “stay home/stay safe” ordinance took effect and the series had to be suspended. Since then, a plethora of musicians including yours truly, have put ourselves out there, offering virtual live stream concerts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, as a way to do our best to counterbalance the need to entertain with our need to make money to live on during a time when all of us have lost all our gig dates.

Since bands are no longer able to get together and rehearse much less do shows together, music makers are getting mighty innovative and energized in order to keep up their connections and co-ops. Video sharing platforms are being utilized which allow musicians to video record themselves playing or singing parts of a composition from their home studios and/or computers, and then send those files electronically onto the next person, so they can add their parts. This has become as popular as live stream concerts! Jason DeCristafaro, “Asheville’s Patron Saint of Musicians,” has successfully kept weekly jazz music nights alive by collaborating in this way. Once he marries each track together, he uploads the completed video on social media and YouTube for all who choose to watch. Each musician and vocalist donates their time and talent to benefit the venues that sponsored these showcases and that Jason hopes to resume hosting, very soon!

CaroMia Tiller chooses original songs of other area singer/songwriters, puts her own magic on them, asks others to do the same, and uses the same kind of video recording and sharing app that Jason does, to submit the finished video for the public and the songwriter to view and enjoy. With hundreds of views for each one so far, this concept is well “liked” not only because she’s brilliant, but for the way this lovingly honors her peer songsmiths!

There are couples and soloists who stage live stream concerts from home, as a way to establish their own ‘residencies’ as it were, taking over time slots for weekly or nightly concerts. Caitlin Krisko and her live-in guitarist boyfriend, Aaron Austin from The Broadcast, play each Thursday evening, a 30 minute set starting at 6:30pm called “Jamdemic.” Newcomer, bassist and guitarist Kim Butler plays a weekly happy hour called “Facemask Fridays” where she reminds everyone to BYOB! With my Corona Premier beer and lime within reach, I do my bi-weekly Saturday evening happy hour, called Silver Linings Live Streams, and Nikki Talley does “Porch Sessions” every morning complete with coffee, guitar, banjo, and song!

“Keep Music Live Project” is an online streaming of music featuring Asheville acts and was spearheaded by bassist and Girls Rock Asheville faculty member, and creator of Streamside House Concerts, Sally Sparks. Singer Songwriter, Hannah Kaminer organized a service called “Music for Quarantine.” She designed it so the public can order a personal virtual concert and conversation from a list of participating local music artists, to celebrate a special occasion for a loved one they are unable to be with during this outbreak.

Now, much to our surprise and delight, there are those in our sphere whose hidden talents have suddenly surfaced due to this unforeseen pandemic. Singer Songwriter Leigh Glass, along with Echo Mountain Recording Studio Manager, Jessica Tomasin and vocalist, Kendra Penland, merged to bring us their original character-friends, “Memaw, Granny and Abuela.” They hilariously improv their way through posted video conference calls, and we are laughing all the while. The women-of-a-certain-age they portray, are decked out in full southern regalia, with support hose, wigs, warts, and all. They scuttlebutt through hot topics like religion, pornography and liquor brands, all while giving each other delirious and mad cap, unsolicited advice about love and life.

Ashley Heath, known as the ‘hardest working musician in Asheville,’ compiles videos texted by area musicians telling ‘stupid jokes’ and posts them on her social media profile pages. Heath is now offering singing telegrams too, where she’ll call a recipient of your choice, and sing them a special song for any occasion! Lee Barker, a farmer and charcoal portraitist from Polk County started a group called “Plague Artists 2020” where artists and crafts people can post and share photos of their works as a way to get to know one another. In just a week, Lee had garnered hundreds of members from all over the globe!

As a way to assist and ease the mental strain that this pandemic creates on many levels, singer songwriter, Asher Leigh and others started a group called “Pandemic Expressions.” It’s a place to share art, conversation and opportunity. The intention of this group is creating, celebrating and supporting. It meets an extremely important need in our community.

Finally and notably, I’d like to give a huge shout out to local musician and singer, Pam Jones (The Business, Dirty Logic) as well as accordionist and Gypsy Jazz trobairitz, Sparrow Pants. The two of them have been making protective masks for the community at large as well as health care professionals in our area and in other parts of the country too. Thank you!

In closing I share with you an encouraging quote I meditate on daily that comes from my favorite spiritual guru, Abraham- Hicks: Normal will never be what it was; it’s going to be so much better.

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]

Rachael Waterhouse – The Voice of the Vine

by Peggy Ratusz | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Ten years ago, Rachel Waterhouse and I met for a vocal coaching session. As we greeted one another, I found her to be open and alluring. I knew that we would be acquainted for a long time to come. I sat in my chair as her fingers floated over the keyboard. At once I allowed her voice to take my heart
hostage, as she cast her spell on a Stevie Wonder tune.

I didn’t even try to hide how much I was enjoying this private performance. I felt privileged to witness her virtuosity and expressiveness. When she was through, I told her, “All I can do for you as a new fan, is help you put a band together; as a vocal coach, I should sign up for sessions with you instead.” An emancipated musician and poet, new to town as Ms. Waterhouse was at that time, doesn’t have to play but one open mic, to create enduring synergy.

Rachel and I have collaborated a few times over the years. I find her sensitivity to arrangements and content, even with pastiches, refreshing. This predisposition is a continuation of her aptitude for songwriting. With the “soft-release” of her first full-length recording with her trio “Sister Ivy” wrapped last month to a capacity crowd at The Mothlight, we excavate some of the nooks and crannies of her process.

Your melodies meander fluidly over the chord progressions. Please delve into your process for marrying melodies with chord progressions.

I feel less like I impose melodies and chords and more like I gather them as different ingredients separately, pair them later. Often, I mess around with a theoretical concept and stumble upon a chord progression that I just get absolutely lost in. I write melodies on the fly and record them when appropriate. I write lyrics in random places, and then forget about them. I let all those things sit and mature in the recesses of my mind until they find each other and make sense. It’s kind of like making a collage.

What’s your process for choosing instrumentation for your songs?

I find the part that is missing the most, after that is low end and rhythm, so I commonly play with a bassist and drummer as my core group. It’s simpler to orchestrate that way and it allows the three of us to be free at live performances. If I had my way, I would have a horn section, choir, guitarist, organ and synth, guitarist, and percussionist on every show. For this album, we went all out with guest musicians, creating a fuller, lush sound.

The vivid stories that will be on the new record truly feel like poetry set in motion.

I write a lot of poetry. I was an English major with a professional writing concentration, which I skewed entirely to the creative writing. The vocal ditties that survive audition, plus the triumphant experiments on keyboard are the main ingredients.

Vocally it’s obvious that you’re fearless.

I have ignored every impulse to fit into a particular style of singing. I just try to be really honest about the emotions and experiences that have moved the music. I’m not scared to go in and out of different parts of my range. I don’t feel the need to remain consistent in my range.

Where does inspiration come from?

I swear the textures I want to create come from the scratched Nutcracker album I listened to on repeat when I was no more than six years old. Musically, I grew up listening to and playing a good deal of Classical music: Chopin, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Bach. My father played a lot of Rush in the house as well, so that progressive element worked its way in nice and early. I spent a good bit of time in choirs and musicals and very nearly went into opera. But for me, writing my own music is more fun than learning Arias. I branched out to discover artists like Regina Spektor, The Gorillaz, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Mars Volta, Herbie Hancock, Funkadelic, Galactic, Air, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder. The new waves of fusion and neo-soul, like Erykah Badu, Little Dragon, Hiatus Kaiyote, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Lalah Hathaway, Moonchild, James Blake, and Moses Sumney have been a major influence in the sound on this new record.

Lyrically: What I write precipitates from what I feel and what I feel precipitates from what I experience. Writing is an excellent avenue to process emotional waves. I am an idealist and I pepper in some of my opinions about the state of the world. Much of my inspiration comes from masks of myths, fairy tales or omens, which clothe my emotions and ideals to give them a more concrete presence without being too specific about their personal origin. I prefer to present a channel for the expression of universal emotions even though, at the root, my writing is not dissimilar to journaling.”

Listeners will discover Rachel’s introspective identity within the meditations, reflections and missives inside the new collection. “Sepia Sun” is one of my personal favorites: “Submerge yourself again, beneath the current. You’ll need a warrior’s heart to brave the dark. Or have you been in Oz too long, accustomed to the colors? When you’re living only to consume all, why would you choose a world of grey?”

A pass from the Sister Ivy website’s homepage illuminates:

Sister Ivy is the voice of the vine that weaves in and out of roots and open air. It mixes with the weeds, and climbs to lofty vistas on the limbs of grand trees. A quizzical poet with a voice brimming with turbulent emotion and heartfelt presence, she moves to join the juxtaposed, not only lyrically, but musically, with careful dissonance and timely resolve, blending the mundane with the magical, providing unexpected nourishment and plenty of food for thought. Listen at your own risk. Sister Ivy may attempt to challenge your core beliefs or (gasp) move your feet a little.

Website: sisterivy.com

Meet local Jazz Singer Julie McConnell

by Peggy Ratusz | Feb 28, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

For this sensual, intentional and emotive Jazzebelle singer and pianist, Julie McConnell, the music gene dates far back and on both sides of her family tree. Her older brother Jack was a successful classical singer by the time he was 15. Her father played piano and her mom sang in choirs most of her life. Her paternal grandfather played double bass in big bands here in Asheville during the 1930’s and 40’s, and her maternal grandfather was a crooner and played mountain music with his six brothers in Bent Mountain, VA.

How/when did you discover you had the music gene?

“I knew I was meant to be creative and when I was five, it looked like I was to be a dancer. I was quite good. But I longed to learn to play the music I danced to. We had a beat-up, painted-green piano with no bench. I would stand at that piano and pick out melodies. Though I desperately wanted piano lessons, my parents wanted me to stay focused on dance. So, I decided to learn on my own. I found an erasable marker and labeled the keys with numbers one through eight over and over until every key was labeled. After dance class, I’d hit the piano and try to figure out the melody I had heard that day. This led me to writing songs. When my parents realized what I was doing, they had me play some of my pieces, and within two weeks I was taking piano lessons. By ninth grade, I was a musician.”

Talk about your mentors

“Kathy Coe, my piano teacher, the choral and theater director at our church, Marvin Williams, were my early years’ mentors. My brother was in the choir which made me want to be a part of the choir too, but I was only ten years old. So I learned the alto arias from The Messiah and sang them for anyone who would listen. Within a month, Marvin invited me to join the adult choir. I sang with them until I left for college.

By the time I got to high school, following in my brother’s footsteps became very difficult. I realized I wanted to be recognized more for playing the piano. Maggie Hawks, the Junior High and High School Choral & Drama teacher believed in me. I had a freakish ability to learn difficult pieces without being able to “read” that well, and I was a wonderful harmony singer. I might not have been in every choral group in high school without her confidence in my abilities.

Four colleges offered me vocal scholarships, including my Alma Mater Appalachian State University. I was singing professionally by the time I was 17, and I won Vocal Student of the year at my high school. Convinced that voice and singing was my destiny, I’ve never looked back.”

What led you to Jazz music?

“At most colleges in the late 70’s and early 80’s you couldn’t major in any other genre but classical. So after struggling to survive financially being a professional classical singer, I delved into musical theater again with big bands and combo groups, and this soon expanded and changed almost exclusively into Jazz.”

What do you ultimately hope to achieve as an artist?

“It’s important for me to stay relative in the local music scene. My destiny is to sing and help others reach their vocal and musical goals. As long as those two things are my compass, I’m happy. I taught music and choral privately and in public schools, and I found it as rewarding as it was for me to perform. Since moving back to WNC, I teach at Haywood Community college, and my husband and I have a private music studio: McConnell’s Music, in Pisgah Forest.”

Who are your current band members?

“I’m fortunate to have a smokin’ hot four-piece band! They speak my language and can create the space I need to deliver. Bill Gerhardt, piano, Chris Beyt, guitar, Bryan McConnell, my very talented husband is on bass and Justin Watt, drums.”

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.

“I’m down to earth and accessible, but also a private person. I’ve learned how to save some for myself. Everyone likes praise but I’m not driven by the need for “followers.” If what I sing resonates with someone, then I’m happy to hear it. I tell the audience stories about my life and I risk being vulnerable because that’s what makes a song mean something and allows it to be felt by all.”

What advice would you give a female Jazz musician starting out?

“It’s work. You have to know you HAVE to do it. The more honest you are about your strengths and shortcomings, the sooner neither will hold power over you. People attend concerts to feel and to relate. Keep this front and center and your ego in check. Give from your heart, be generous, and you’ll be successful and fulfilled.”

The Julie McConnell Quintet has a show on Saturday, March 7th at the DFR Room in Brevard starting at 8pm. For details, visit her website. And for voice and piano lessons, as well as learning about and registering for the vocal workshops Julie facilitates, visit the website or email her at [email protected]

Website link: mcconnellsmusic.com

Facebook link: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030654901658

Love Stories: Couples make sweet music together

by Peggy Ratusz | Jan 31, 2020 | Asheville, Love Stories, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Since its Valentine’s month, I reached out to several area twosomes who make beautiful music together, both on and off stage.

Where and how they met

Nicole and Spiro Nicolopoulos (The Paper Crowns) met at a music store in California. Both instructors there, their relationship developed into a secret office romance. Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter, Eleanor Underhill’s (Underhill Rose) initial crush came and went, by the time she actually started dating guitarist/singer/songwriter Silas Durocher (Get Right Band). Drummer/percussionist Nancy Asch and pianist Beth Heinberg met in Boston 28 years ago. Their first encounter happened at an audition they both attended for a spot in a queer cabaret band. Nancy questioned Beth: ‘Can you commit?’ and that’s all she wrote. “We’re not entirely sure when we first met,” acknowledges cellist, singer-songwriter Melissa Hyman of The Moon & You, a duo she shares with husband, guitarist singer-songwriter, Ryan Furstenberg. Jazz musicians, Wendy Jones (vocals) and Rick Dilling (drums) met in 1991 but opposite trajectories prevented any true connection until 2010. Like Leigh Glass and Corey Bullman (guitarists/singer songwriters) of Devils in Dust, Wendy hired Rick to play drums for a recording and Leigh hired Corey to fill in on guitar for a show. Scintillating serendipity eventually ensued. Sometimes it’s musician friends who bring couples together. It was bassist Dave Mac that set romance in motion for parents of three boys, Marisa and Josh Blake. A drummer friend stoked the flame for two-year-old Eva’s mommy and daddy, who happen to be Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp.

Inspirations

The Nicolopoulos’s bonded over Jimi Hendrix. Both Strat players, they are drawn to his psychedelic sound and out of the box rhythm guitar artistry. “We constantly find ourselves inspired by the same artists,” says Dilling about him and Jones. They listen to recordings together and discuss what the other appreciates: vocal technique, feel, comping patterns or “the elusive sound of Tony Williams’ dang cymbals.” Wendy adds with a chuckle.” For Nancy and Beth? Joni Mitchell is their cat’s name, if that tells you anything. “We both dig her poetry, obviously, and Nancy has been obsessed with her since summer camp as a kid.”

Collaborations and Co-Writing

Eleanor and Silas collaborate together and with others. She says, “Anytime I’m collaborating, I’m more open and communicative and cautious of others feelings.” He says, “Collaborating brings certain things to the table: ideas or predilections, strengths and weaknesses that inspire me in different ways. It’s helpful to know what the final vision is, who’s in charge of steering the ship toward it. We are passionate about each other’s projects; but ultimately we respect the choice each one makes for their own art.” When Corey and Leigh co-write, “One of us has an idea for a song worked out. Then we work it together.” Leigh tends to be driven by lyrics and Corey pays attention to the arrangement. But for Melissa and Ryan, “It’s common for us to work out arrangements through experimentation onstage.” It’s important to them “to keep levity in our creative collaborations.” “I am the songwriter by default,” says Nikki Talley. “We arrange together so we know what each is hearing. Once we figure out the song skeleton we go to our separate corners and work out details appropriate for each tune.” Beth and Nancy “like to work with musicians who are good listeners, flexible and fun to be with.” Their co-creation with Beth’s sister Sarah Kim called The Honey Music Collective teams up talented female players and singers for showcases and dance party nights. Nicole and Spiro lift up the community indeed and in 2019 alone, hired 35 area musicians for their groups, Grateful Asheville Music Experience and the Very Jerry Band. Spiro says, “It keeps things fun and fresh to play with different people, oftentimes on the fly. Nicole looks “for people who appreciate working together and share a mutual respect.”

Touring and Delegating

Marisa Blake says, “I keep our family on schedule and Josh can fold some mean laundry. Our kids are lucky to have him as a father. He cares and he’s present.” Talley and Sharp say they don’t have time for burnout. “Being partners in all aspects of our lives 24/7 is tough. We unwind from the road when we come home to the mountains.” They split parenting duties, “Giving the other time to work on a song.” Seeing it through their daughter’s eyes has been a sweet, new perspective. Glass and Bullman admit, “We don’t always agree musically, but there is baseline trust in the other person’s vision. We make all decisions together (even though Corey says Leigh’s the boss and Leigh says Corey’s the boss.) For Wendy and Rick, “We check in with each other once a week over Sunday breakfast to confirm schedules. We’re a good fit.”

Special project

IamAvl is the brainchild of Josh Blake and is a platform that integrates video production, in-studio recording sessions (Echo Sessions) and live performances into one seamless channel for the creation of high-quality content. Established in 2012 (Marisa was pregnant with their youngest) with the intention to preserve, promote the growing music culture in WNC, which Josh noticed starting to take shape as a modern day cultural renaissance. Marisa joined the team a few years later. “My role revolves around Echo Sessions. I am the host, camera operator and facilitate hospitality. Josh manages daily operations, works with bands and venues getting live-streams and productions setup, and dreaming the endeavor into the future. IamAvl would be nothing without the crew that has been working for years to put the local scene
on the map.”

How it feels to perform together on stage

Hyman and Furstenberg say, “Our onstage partnership is a microcosm of the larger relationship; we get an intensive in communication, helping each shine even if it means getting out of the way.” Nicole proclaims, “There’s nothing more satisfying then playing together in an organic way where we’re both aware of our dynamic and can take the music to nuanced spaces.” Beth and Nancy gush, “It’s the best feeling in the world when the audience is right there with you. Sometimes that’s a crowd of nursing home residents; other times dancing fools in a crazy loud bar.” “We’ve been playing so long together that if feels completely natural,” explains Leigh Glass. “However, there are times when it gets mushy, particularly during an autobiographical tune we wrote together about falling in love.” Rick feels pride when he performs with Wendy. “I like observing the reaction of the audience when Wendy sings a ballad.” For Wendy, “He knows how to challenge me and make me sound good. What’s not to love?” Mrs. Blake comes clean, “If we are being honest with the lovers out there, it’s not always perfect. Josh and I butt heads sometimes when we are recording or if I am writing a tune and he makes a suggestion I don’t like. But in general, we both feel lucky to make art together.” Eleanor’s wise words, “One of the challenges about being in a relationship with another musician is that you’re always talking about your work. One of the best things about being in a relationship with another musician is that you’re always talking about your work.” Talley’s poignant perspective, “There are moments when I shut my eyes and let the music wash over me. It becomes more than a gig. It’s religion; knowing the sounds enchanting you are being made by your love, is beyond words.”

marisablake.com

iamavl.com

joshblakemusic.com

devilsindust.com

themoonandyou.com

wendyljonesmusic.com

nikkitalley.com

facebook.com/pg/honeymusiccollective/posts

thepapercrowns.com

Spotlight on Christine Breininger

by Peggy Ratusz | Dec 31, 2019 | Asheville, Musician, Vocal Coach, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Where would we be without our local, live music lovers? Live music fans are cultural catalysts, for sure. Research says that those who attend concerts are generally happier and healthier people. In Asheville, there are a plethora of rosy-cheeked devotees who spread the word and plan their weekends around who is playing where. But, there is a queen among these enthusiasts, and I feel it’s time to shine a spotlight on the one and only, crazy and fabulous, mega advocate, Christine OntheScene!

You’re probably familiar, acquainted, or friends with the red-headed firecracker whose given name is Christine Breininger. If you haven’t met her, then be delightfully forewarned: sparks from her vivacious and exuberant personality will surely fly when you do.

That’s what happened to me 15 years ago when I first met Chris at a local pub in Hendersonville. A friend brought her in for dinner on a night that my blues band, The Daddy Longlegs was playing in the lounge. On our first break she approached me with urgency, calling out to me, “Hey! You are fabulous! Where did you come from? I’m so glad I came here tonight! I think we could be great friends!” With her infectious laugh and unabashed overture, I knew I’d just met a friend for life.

Christine deserves this recognition because she’s the type of super-fan that helps make livelihoods thrive. She epitomizes community cultural and arts patronage; namely, the live, local, music scene.

Hendersonville singer-songwriter, Eric Congdon christened her “Christine Onthe Scene” a few years back, inspired by her tireless and thoughtful, colorful posts on Facebook and Instagram that to this day consist of high praise for, and video snippets of bands and solo artist’s shows and gigs she attends as well as creative, grassroots marketing strategies she implements to promote upcoming events. Today she’s revered as the champion for musicians, bands and vocalists. Practically anyone who plays regularly in town knows they can count on Christine to cultivate a crowd. We shared a lovely conversation, and the gist of it consisted of the following questions:

Your championing of musicians, bands and singers from every genre and generation started how and why? “Eight years ago, my path began to shift. With the end of my marriage and an abrupt change in my fifteen year career as a math and science teacher, I simultaneously realized I needed a new start. After I moved here from Florida, I went into semi-retirement but knew I had to try new things to figure out what was next for me.

When I was a kid, all I liked to listen to was rock music. The night I met you at Cypress Cellar was the catalyst, reigniting a passion for music that lay dormant and lost in me since my teen years. I heard your style of music and it touched my soul. You introduced me to dozens of other musicians and it moved that something inside me that had long been put away. What with being in academia, a teacher, wife, and stepmother, I thought that was the path I’d always be on.

And yes, now I promote, support, and share my joy for many genres. My motivation to continue comes from a yearning to inspire more people to get up and get out so they can experience what I experience. If I can get one person to go to one show to hear one band, then I’ve done the community and my heart a good turn.”

Your reputation has garnered requests for collaborating. In particular, a new business called Asheville Explore Tours employs you as a part time music blogger. How did that happened?

“Former 98.1 radio Disc Jockey, Heather Hogsed mentioned me to the owner and operator of Asheville Explore Tours, Kristin Shelly. Heather graciously described me as ‘The Music Guru of Asheville’ and felt our alignment would enhance AET’s structure. The model for Kristin’s business is guided van tours where clients customize their trips to popular locations and events that interest them. When Kristin and I met, it was a passion for entertainment promotion that inspired the inclusion of my music blog on her website. The blog informs potential customers who together with Kristin, plan an evening’s music-related tour. Chauffeuring riders to concerts and music events within the city is an element to her business called, Music After Dark.”

Seems to me, it all began when you started taking tip jars around to collect gratuity for whatever act at whatever venue you were there to hear. You’re still doing it. What’s your secret when soliciting tips?

“For one thing, if a venue doesn’t allow a tip jar or someone to take a tip jar around, I respect it though I totally disagree with the practice of not allowing a band to have a tip jar. People can be shy or apprehensive about getting up and putting money in a tip jar. Those instances where it’s appropriate, I approach patrons with authentic spirit and my intention is not to intrude, but to share with them how a particular act is helping me feel right then, that night. “What a band, right? Gosh I admire their expertise, don’t you? Can you believe this show is free (or can you believe you only paid $5) to hear this incredible music?” When the person drops money in the jar, I offer a hug or a kiss on the cheek and these days, if I forget a hug or a kiss on the cheek, they let me know it!” Like I always say, it’s all about love.”

facebook.com/christine.breininger.96?ref=br_rs

ashevilleexploretours.com/asheville
musicblog

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]

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