Friday, December 05, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Artisans Road Trip
This weekend (4th/5th) Shaky Tree will play host to the art of Chad Elliott as he shows off his artwork during Artisans Road Trip.
You can see Chad's art on display in Shaky Tree everyday through the permanent murals both inside on our bar, and outside on the ally side of the building. Chad's talent were a valuable part of bringing Shaky Tree to life as an artist hang out, and much of the visual (and musical) art that he has created over the past few years has been created in the Tree.
Artisans Road Trip is a great opportunity to get out and see artists in the spaces that they work. Northwest Iowa is a rich environment for the arts and this is a wonderful showcase of what is going on. Check it out. Also check out Shaky Tree's feature in the fall issue of Midwest Living Magazine.
You can see Chad's art on display in Shaky Tree everyday through the permanent murals both inside on our bar, and outside on the ally side of the building. Chad's talent were a valuable part of bringing Shaky Tree to life as an artist hang out, and much of the visual (and musical) art that he has created over the past few years has been created in the Tree.
Artisans Road Trip is a great opportunity to get out and see artists in the spaces that they work. Northwest Iowa is a rich environment for the arts and this is a wonderful showcase of what is going on. Check it out. Also check out Shaky Tree's feature in the fall issue of Midwest Living Magazine.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Clay County Fair is Over...
And the music is about to begin...
Tonight (9/18/2008) Chad Elliott is playing down in Cherokee at the Gathering Place.
Saturday (9/19 - 8pm) The Starlings take the Shaky Tree stage. Join us for what is sure to be a great evening of Americana tunes all the way from Seattle.
Next week we'll be treated to Spencer native Amber Norgaard (9/26 - 8pm) on Friday... and another Shaky Tree favorite, Mat D. plays Saturday (9/27 - 8pm).
Fall is in the air, and it is a perfect time to join us for live music at the Tree.
Tonight (9/18/2008) Chad Elliott is playing down in Cherokee at the Gathering Place.
Saturday (9/19 - 8pm) The Starlings take the Shaky Tree stage. Join us for what is sure to be a great evening of Americana tunes all the way from Seattle.
Next week we'll be treated to Spencer native Amber Norgaard (9/26 - 8pm) on Friday... and another Shaky Tree favorite, Mat D. plays Saturday (9/27 - 8pm).
Fall is in the air, and it is a perfect time to join us for live music at the Tree.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Danny Santos
The first live music that I heard in Spencer was Danny Santos at Martin's newly started house concert series. As you can imagine it is pretty cool to have him coming to play at Shaky Tree this week (8/22/08 - 8pm)... we weren't even open the last time he was in town.
Danny had a showed scheduled at the Tree over a year ago, but was snowed out... but I promise it will be a show worth the wait. A true Texas troubadour, Danny Santos will entertain you with his clever commentary and trunk full of stories from the road.
Danny had a showed scheduled at the Tree over a year ago, but was snowed out... but I promise it will be a show worth the wait. A true Texas troubadour, Danny Santos will entertain you with his clever commentary and trunk full of stories from the road.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
God In A Cup
When I was in Portland last month I saw the book, God in a Cup, by Michaele Weissman on the shelf at Powell's... after deciding that I could exercise my will power and not buy it... I ended up getting it to send to Levi.
It lead to $100 dollar half pound of the Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda gourmet “geisha” coffee being ordered... which is covered extensively in the book.
There are lots of different views about this unprecedented coffee, but regardless of whether you think coffee is ready for that kind of price or not... it is a little marker in the history of the coffee industry. Levi now has a piece of that, and if you get the chance you should ask him about it.
It lead to $100 dollar half pound of the Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda gourmet “geisha” coffee being ordered... which is covered extensively in the book.
There are lots of different views about this unprecedented coffee, but regardless of whether you think coffee is ready for that kind of price or not... it is a little marker in the history of the coffee industry. Levi now has a piece of that, and if you get the chance you should ask him about it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
the StereoFidelics
Not a whole lot of time to elaborate... but I didn't want to miss the chance to highly suggest getting down to the Tree for this multi-instrument duo from North Carolina. The StereoFidelics have a unique sound that is versatile and works on many levels (many HIGH levels). Their first show at the Tree prompted the audience to start a petition for a full length album from the duo (which they are in the process of working on, due out in October)... so they listened to the audience demands... and return to the Spencer this Saturday (8pm) share more of their music. You can also follow along on their tour at their Blog.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
the Gypsy Dave Connection
A few weeks ago when we had the pleasure of hosting Noah Earle (another great show from him BTW), he spotted a poster on the the Shaky Tree community door... "You have Gypsy Dave coming?"
Noah went on to talk about their connection, and I knew this to be a good sign for the upcoming show. It is fun to see how the relationships that Shaky Tree has formed during our short time are part of a larger woven fabric of community. During the past year I have met musicians coming through Spencer that wrote songs I have been listening to for years (long before I even knew Spencer existed), or who know musicians that I know... and played venues I have played/been to many miles away.
Shaky Tree (and Spencer as a whole) is fast becoming a beautiful part of a larger community. It is a community that values live music, and the authentic interaction that happens when a listening environment is nurtured for that creativity. This larger movement has little pieces all over this country (and the world), as well as connecters that travel these roads sharing one place's stories with another. When you make it down to the Tree to support a live show... you are supporting this larger community, and then you become a part of it. Your energy gets woven into the mix, and a piece of your story travels along with the musician to the next spot.
The next chance to weave yourself into that larger fabric is this Saturday (6/7/08 @ 8pm) with Gypsy Dave & the Stumpjumpers. The Shaky Tree stage will highlight the bands rootsy sound covering all sorts of genres, and it is sure to be a fun evening... providing something for everyone.
Noah went on to talk about their connection, and I knew this to be a good sign for the upcoming show. It is fun to see how the relationships that Shaky Tree has formed during our short time are part of a larger woven fabric of community. During the past year I have met musicians coming through Spencer that wrote songs I have been listening to for years (long before I even knew Spencer existed), or who know musicians that I know... and played venues I have played/been to many miles away.
Shaky Tree (and Spencer as a whole) is fast becoming a beautiful part of a larger community. It is a community that values live music, and the authentic interaction that happens when a listening environment is nurtured for that creativity. This larger movement has little pieces all over this country (and the world), as well as connecters that travel these roads sharing one place's stories with another. When you make it down to the Tree to support a live show... you are supporting this larger community, and then you become a part of it. Your energy gets woven into the mix, and a piece of your story travels along with the musician to the next spot.
The next chance to weave yourself into that larger fabric is this Saturday (6/7/08 @ 8pm) with Gypsy Dave & the Stumpjumpers. The Shaky Tree stage will highlight the bands rootsy sound covering all sorts of genres, and it is sure to be a fun evening... providing something for everyone.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Noah Earle Returns
Noah Earle will be coming back to the Shaky Tree stage this Sunday for a rare afternoon show (3pm).
If you didn't catch Noah's first show at Shaky Tree... I'm sorry. His performance last December during our big weekend of music and events was certainly a highlight. Noah is putting out some of the best stuff I have seen and heard rolling around the mid-west (and all across this country). With laid-back-intensity, unique humor, and solid musicianship as tools to showcase talented song-writing... Noah Earle is a force to be reckoned with (kazoo and all), and not to be missed.
If you didn't catch Noah's first show at Shaky Tree... I'm sorry. His performance last December during our big weekend of music and events was certainly a highlight. Noah is putting out some of the best stuff I have seen and heard rolling around the mid-west (and all across this country). With laid-back-intensity, unique humor, and solid musicianship as tools to showcase talented song-writing... Noah Earle is a force to be reckoned with (kazoo and all), and not to be missed.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
March Open Mic
With our Open Mic coming up on Friday (7:30 sign up/8pm start)... I wanted to mention how great last month's Community Open Mic was, and post some photos of the fun. This month when you take the stage you can get hooked up with a Shaky Tree Community Open Mic magnet or button.
Our open mic has become a signature event at the Tree... and in many ways is a great definition of what Shaky Tree is all about. I say this because it is an event where we create an intentional, safe space for the community to gather and share their stories.
Never been? Here is how it works: If you are interested in sharing (a song, a poem, or just about anything), show up around 7:30pm to get a 10min slot. You do not have to fill that 10 minutes, but please don't go over it. We will make a roster for the night, filling the time between 8pm-10pm (with a short break in the middle). Shaky Tree is a listening environment, and open mic is no exception... so you will have an attentive, and supportive audience. We encourage people to stick around and listen to what everyone has to offer.
Through our open mic I have witnessed first time performances of original songs, people transforming perceptions from stage, tears, laughter, seasoned professionals trying new songs, self therapy, fun, growth... and most of all community. And I am so thankful for it all.
Our open mic has become a signature event at the Tree... and in many ways is a great definition of what Shaky Tree is all about. I say this because it is an event where we create an intentional, safe space for the community to gather and share their stories.
Never been? Here is how it works: If you are interested in sharing (a song, a poem, or just about anything), show up around 7:30pm to get a 10min slot. You do not have to fill that 10 minutes, but please don't go over it. We will make a roster for the night, filling the time between 8pm-10pm (with a short break in the middle). Shaky Tree is a listening environment, and open mic is no exception... so you will have an attentive, and supportive audience. We encourage people to stick around and listen to what everyone has to offer.
Through our open mic I have witnessed first time performances of original songs, people transforming perceptions from stage, tears, laughter, seasoned professionals trying new songs, self therapy, fun, growth... and most of all community. And I am so thankful for it all.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Indie Coffee Shops!
Just found a site devoted to Indie Coffee Shops on a random google search of Shaky Tree... here is our page.
Good stuff.
P.S. if you are ever traveling some where and want to find coffee (good coffee), ask us for some our favorites around the country... or check great sites like Indie Coffee Shops, or Espresso Map (devoted to 'spro)... they have maps to get you to your beautiful cup on the road.
Good stuff.
P.S. if you are ever traveling some where and want to find coffee (good coffee), ask us for some our favorites around the country... or check great sites like Indie Coffee Shops, or Espresso Map (devoted to 'spro)... they have maps to get you to your beautiful cup on the road.
Friday, April 04, 2008
No Foolin' In April
This month has a diverse and exciting line up...
April will kick off with Michael Murphy on Saturday the 5th (8pm). Michael will bring his respected storytelling to the Shaky Tree, playing both guitar and Native American flute.
Next in line will be YOUR chance to take the stage... with the Shaky Tree Community Open Mic. We had a really great turn out last month with lots of first time performers. Get there early (by 7:30pm) to reserve your spot (please keep it to 10min or under)... show will start at 8pm. If you have any questions about how Open Mic works or other details give us a call (or drop by) and ask.
If you like a well worn, Americana/Country sound... then don’t miss Mike McDermott of Silverhands
on a rare Wednesday night show, April 23rd (7:30pm). With both Seattle and Iowa ties... this show is sure to be a unique show for our Spencer music scene.
Two nights later don’t miss the return of Dan Cohen... more than a few people count Dan’s first show at the Tree among their favorite shows... so we are all excited for the sounds of Dan’s excellent guitar work, clever lyrics and enjoyable stage presence. Make sure you get to the Tree April 25th (8pm) for this great show.
Lots of new stuff has been added to our online shop... stop by and check it out.
April will kick off with Michael Murphy on Saturday the 5th (8pm). Michael will bring his respected storytelling to the Shaky Tree, playing both guitar and Native American flute.
Next in line will be YOUR chance to take the stage... with the Shaky Tree Community Open Mic. We had a really great turn out last month with lots of first time performers. Get there early (by 7:30pm) to reserve your spot (please keep it to 10min or under)... show will start at 8pm. If you have any questions about how Open Mic works or other details give us a call (or drop by) and ask.
If you like a well worn, Americana/Country sound... then don’t miss Mike McDermott of Silverhands
on a rare Wednesday night show, April 23rd (7:30pm). With both Seattle and Iowa ties... this show is sure to be a unique show for our Spencer music scene.
Two nights later don’t miss the return of Dan Cohen... more than a few people count Dan’s first show at the Tree among their favorite shows... so we are all excited for the sounds of Dan’s excellent guitar work, clever lyrics and enjoyable stage presence. Make sure you get to the Tree April 25th (8pm) for this great show.
Lots of new stuff has been added to our online shop... stop by and check it out.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Shaky Tree Field Trip to Cherokee
Chad Elliott had a show down in Cherokee at The Gathering Place... we had heard good things about what was going on down there... so we loaded up, and went.
What we found was a great venue, full of great people, ready for great live music... and I am pretty sure no one left disappointed. At one point I couldn't help but smile, because I was fully aware that this was what it is all about. It doesn't get much better than people gathering in community to enjoy being alive.
In the smaller context of NW Iowa... it was a chance for the "cross-pollination" of energy in the the growing music/art culture. I hope to see further collaboration between Shaky Tree/Spencer and The Gathering Place/Cherokee in the future.
Thank you to the Gathering Place for hosting, thank you Chad and crew for performing, and thanks to all the people who made their way to the show (many of whom came down from Spencer).
What we found was a great venue, full of great people, ready for great live music... and I am pretty sure no one left disappointed. At one point I couldn't help but smile, because I was fully aware that this was what it is all about. It doesn't get much better than people gathering in community to enjoy being alive.
In the smaller context of NW Iowa... it was a chance for the "cross-pollination" of energy in the the growing music/art culture. I hope to see further collaboration between Shaky Tree/Spencer and The Gathering Place/Cherokee in the future.
Thank you to the Gathering Place for hosting, thank you Chad and crew for performing, and thanks to all the people who made their way to the show (many of whom came down from Spencer).
Friday, March 07, 2008
March Madness... without the Hoops
March is jam packed with tunes at the Shaky Tree... If you missed the first show of the month with the Stereofidelics... I highly suggest you keep your ears open for the next time they roll through (maybe this summer). They were awesome!!!
However, don't be too sad... you can still catch plenty of GREAT music this month... starting Saturday the 8th, with Mat D. This is a re-scheduled show that you don't want to miss, and Mat will put on a show that will be heartfelt as well as fun. Catch one of the best, in a growing movement of mid-west song writers, for his second appearance on our stage.
Next in line is Kevin Mileski (canceled). This Colorado based singer/songwriter is sure to create a fan-base in Spencer, with his finger-style guitar playing and vocals hailed as, the "new style for any generation". Come support live music in Spencer March 15th, with Kevin Mileski.
Come out to the Tree for a rare Wednesday night show (March 26th - 7:30pm) with Lou Brown. Lou wins the award for "longest distance traveled to play at the Tree"... Lou brings her musical talent all the way from England to share with us. We want to show Lou why musicians across the country (and the world) are wanting to play at the Tree... the amazing audiences we create!!!
Right after Lou is YOUR chance to take the Shaky Tree stage... at the Shaky Tree Community Open-Mic, March 28th-8pm. We are cultivating local talent and building community in one jam-packed night. If you are interested in participating... show up at 7:30 and sign-up for a 10 min slot (you may get multiple slots if available, but please keep each spot to ten min or less)... performers start at 8pm. If you have ever wondered what its like to share your songs, poems, comedy, magic tricks (or about anything else) with the world from a stage... then our Community Open-Mic is your chance. This is a safe and supportive atmosphere (we ask all participants and audience members to work towards this), so stop by and check it out.
Winter is on its way out... what better way to celebrate than to get out and see friends and family at Shaky Tree Coffee... where Coffee, Creativity & Community meet.
However, don't be too sad... you can still catch plenty of GREAT music this month... starting Saturday the 8th, with Mat D. This is a re-scheduled show that you don't want to miss, and Mat will put on a show that will be heartfelt as well as fun. Catch one of the best, in a growing movement of mid-west song writers, for his second appearance on our stage.
Next in line is Kevin Mileski (canceled). This Colorado based singer/songwriter is sure to create a fan-base in Spencer, with his finger-style guitar playing and vocals hailed as, the "new style for any generation". Come support live music in Spencer March 15th, with Kevin Mileski.
Come out to the Tree for a rare Wednesday night show (March 26th - 7:30pm) with Lou Brown. Lou wins the award for "longest distance traveled to play at the Tree"... Lou brings her musical talent all the way from England to share with us. We want to show Lou why musicians across the country (and the world) are wanting to play at the Tree... the amazing audiences we create!!!
Right after Lou is YOUR chance to take the Shaky Tree stage... at the Shaky Tree Community Open-Mic, March 28th-8pm. We are cultivating local talent and building community in one jam-packed night. If you are interested in participating... show up at 7:30 and sign-up for a 10 min slot (you may get multiple slots if available, but please keep each spot to ten min or less)... performers start at 8pm. If you have ever wondered what its like to share your songs, poems, comedy, magic tricks (or about anything else) with the world from a stage... then our Community Open-Mic is your chance. This is a safe and supportive atmosphere (we ask all participants and audience members to work towards this), so stop by and check it out.
Winter is on its way out... what better way to celebrate than to get out and see friends and family at Shaky Tree Coffee... where Coffee, Creativity & Community meet.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
BIG Weekend!!!
December is generally a busy time of year, filled with many events and special occasions... The weekend of December 14-16th was a trio of such events at the Tree.
The weekend started off with the saying, "third time is the charm" in bringing Truck Stop Souvenir to the Shaky Tree stage. After being scheduled for two other occasions and being foiled by illness, and vehicle breakdown (you can't really call yourself a musician unless you have car trouble along the way)... we were finally treated to the pleasures of listening to this married duo. I particularly enjoyed hearing other "coast dwellers" (they moved to Iowa from Seattle) talk about the joys that could be found in rural Iowa life.
The next night I was blown away by the presence and depth of performance by Noah Earle. Chad and I met Noah's brother this summer in Portland, and he mentioned that Noah played Iowa a fair bit and we should get him up to the Tree... I did not know at the time we would be in for such a show. We also didn't know that when we rescheduled Truck Stop Souvenir and Noah for the same weekend, that they knew each other. This was a highly anticipated weekend that lived up to its billing in every respect. Both nights of music pushed me to want to elevate my own music. I am continually amazed at the amazing talent I have heard while in Spencer.
To round out the weekend we had a "caucus-know-how" night. Growing up in the NW, I had never caucused... nor did I really understand how it worked. As this "circus", known as the Iowa campaign, progressed I found I was not alone in my lack of understanding about the caucus. There are many who have lived here their whole lives and have never caucused. So, we got some of the campaign organizers from the different candidates in town, and we put together and evening to educate people about the process. This was not a night about Obama, Hilary, or Edwards (or any other presidential hopeful), but rather deciding the important race for which Shaky Tree drink should represent the Tree. The goal was to have a non-intimidating environment to understand the caucus, and hopefully make it more accessible to those who might not seek out the normal political channels. I also wanted to get people together (campaign organizers included) and do something "fun", and recognize no matter which side you are on (party, candidate, even nation)... we all need to be on the same team at some point... we are a community of people in need of many things, and the only way those things will happen is if we work together as people.
Results: 27 people turned out to caucus (on a cold Sunday night during the holidays... pretty good). Coffee had the most supporters (by one), but will be sending the same number of delegates (4) as Chai Latte (who picked up the Tea supporters when it was clear that Tea would not be a viable candidate). Latte had the remaining delegates (3) after bringing Hot Chocolate supporters on board. There was some great campaigning for drinks, "Coffee fueling the American worker", the "Health benefits, and Popularity of Tea around the world". All in all it was a fun night, and a great community event at the Tree that I was proud to be a part of.
Check out our article in the Spencer Daily Reporter.
The weekend started off with the saying, "third time is the charm" in bringing Truck Stop Souvenir to the Shaky Tree stage. After being scheduled for two other occasions and being foiled by illness, and vehicle breakdown (you can't really call yourself a musician unless you have car trouble along the way)... we were finally treated to the pleasures of listening to this married duo. I particularly enjoyed hearing other "coast dwellers" (they moved to Iowa from Seattle) talk about the joys that could be found in rural Iowa life.
The next night I was blown away by the presence and depth of performance by Noah Earle. Chad and I met Noah's brother this summer in Portland, and he mentioned that Noah played Iowa a fair bit and we should get him up to the Tree... I did not know at the time we would be in for such a show. We also didn't know that when we rescheduled Truck Stop Souvenir and Noah for the same weekend, that they knew each other. This was a highly anticipated weekend that lived up to its billing in every respect. Both nights of music pushed me to want to elevate my own music. I am continually amazed at the amazing talent I have heard while in Spencer.
To round out the weekend we had a "caucus-know-how" night. Growing up in the NW, I had never caucused... nor did I really understand how it worked. As this "circus", known as the Iowa campaign, progressed I found I was not alone in my lack of understanding about the caucus. There are many who have lived here their whole lives and have never caucused. So, we got some of the campaign organizers from the different candidates in town, and we put together and evening to educate people about the process. This was not a night about Obama, Hilary, or Edwards (or any other presidential hopeful), but rather deciding the important race for which Shaky Tree drink should represent the Tree. The goal was to have a non-intimidating environment to understand the caucus, and hopefully make it more accessible to those who might not seek out the normal political channels. I also wanted to get people together (campaign organizers included) and do something "fun", and recognize no matter which side you are on (party, candidate, even nation)... we all need to be on the same team at some point... we are a community of people in need of many things, and the only way those things will happen is if we work together as people.
Results: 27 people turned out to caucus (on a cold Sunday night during the holidays... pretty good). Coffee had the most supporters (by one), but will be sending the same number of delegates (4) as Chai Latte (who picked up the Tea supporters when it was clear that Tea would not be a viable candidate). Latte had the remaining delegates (3) after bringing Hot Chocolate supporters on board. There was some great campaigning for drinks, "Coffee fueling the American worker", the "Health benefits, and Popularity of Tea around the world". All in all it was a fun night, and a great community event at the Tree that I was proud to be a part of.
Check out our article in the Spencer Daily Reporter.
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