Thursday, April 17, 2008

March Open Mic


March Open Mic
Originally uploaded by TreeBed
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.

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.

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.