Where Does the Time Go???
June 27, 2009 - Jackson, Michigan
REVIEW – THE PAST MONTH!
So much has happened since I posted last back about a month ago. Right after my last post I played in Chelsea at Zou Zou’s again. Daryl, Monica, Marv and Peggy all came out to offer their support. Place was pretty busy as well.
Probably the biggest news of the past month or so is the formation of a new Americana/Folk/Roots duo! I’m happy and proud to announce that Rochelle Clark and I will be playing together as a duo from time to time. Looking forward to it!
Here’s the Press Release:
Rochelle Clark, from Chelsea, Michigan and John Natiw, from Canton, Michigan, are teaming up to form a new Folk/Americana/Roots duo! What started as simply sharing the stage for a song at a local open mic a few months ago, then a few loose gatherings in John’s family room has blossomed into a new musical project. Rochelle and John will be drawing from their diverse musical backgrounds and love for various musical styles to craft their own sound.
Although they have already appeared, and will be appearing together, on various stages around town, look for their first (official) gig as a duo at the Farmington Founders Festival, Sunday, July 19 at 2pm on the Art on the Grand Outdoor Stage!
Here we go!
Rochelle Clark & John Natiw
June 26, 2009
The next weekend was festival-ville! Friday night Jim and I were up in Mio at the Nor-East’r Festval. I hosted the open mic in the parlor and Jimmy and I got to play a few tunes as well as sneak out and check out the entertainment on the main stage. The next day was the Ella Sharp Festival in Jackson. Jim and I ended up doing almost two full sets. Festival organizer (and my new duo parter) Rochelle Clark came up to sing a few songs too! Also, I got to hear a two hour set by two of my songwriting heroes, Jan Krist and Jim Bizer.
A couple weeks later Ro got a gig for us at the Lone Oak Vineyard and Estate in Jackson. We traded sets for four hours and even played together for a set.
The day before Independence Day Keith Howard and I headed up to the Blue Gill Grill to rock out the place for a few hours. Rochelle and I ran through all of our material as well. Karen and Vicki were joined at “table one” by fellow groupies, Marv and Peggy! The house was hoppin’ and we were asked back by our gracious hostess, Paige! See you soon!
And, finally, I managed to squeak out another new song this week. See the post below!
NEXT SHOW - CRAZY WISDOM BOOKSTORE AND TEAROOM, ANN ARBOR, MI – SATURDAY, JULY 11, 8:30-10:30PM
UPCOMING SHOWS - FARMINGTON FOUNDERS FESTIVAL OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE, FARMINGTON, MI – SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2PM
Lookin’ Forward, Lookin’ Back
What’s been happening –
The past few weeks have been busy! The main focus has been the Assembly Line Concert at AJ’s Cafe in Ferndale. This has been madness for the past few days. I was supposed to play Saturday (day 2), but a scheduling snafu prevented that. A couple days later I showed up for my 4am shift and Monday and had a blast.
Had a bit of a run in with the local law that morning. Pulled into my parking spot on 9 mile at 3:30am and got out of my car to see a Ferndale police car do a u-turn, put his lights on, pull up behind me and spot me. Needless to say, this was not a hassle I needed at that hour! A couple seconds later, the car pulled next to me and rolled his window down. My buddy Ed Ungerman, instructor for the PFDC and one of Ferndale’s finest, decided to wish me a good morning in his own way. What, Ed, you’re not gonna pull your taser on me? No pepper spray? Weak, man! Hahaha…
Tuesday night I went out to the Solid Grounds open mic like always and played a few tunes to warm up for my midnight shift later. One of the songs I played was a new one called Home (Momma was a Cross to Bear). See the post below for info on this new one!
Jim Humphries came out and played some awesome harp for me out at AJ’s that night! Also, thanks to Rick, Nichole and Tina for coming out so late to catch the set. AJ was very cool and jumped up at the beginning of my set to say a few very kind words about me. Thanks AJ!
Dar and Jim break it down at the Assembly Line Concert
Thursday night, Jim and I headed out to catch Darwin Mamassian, host of the Solid Grounds open mic, do a set out at AJ’s. He did a great job! I took a bunch of photos and Jim got up and played some harp with him. Lots of Tuesday night regulars were there!
Last night was a show at the South Lyon VFW Hall with my friend and fellow musician AT Smith. AT is a bluegrass,-old-timey wonder to behold. We played for over four hours and had a ball.
What’s happening -
Tonight will be the second of three straight shows in three days for me. Jim and I will be playing at Solid Grounds from 6-9pm. Tomorrow night is going to be a real treat! John D. Lamb has invited me to play at his Songwriters Showcase at Memphis Smoke. I’ll be performing alongside a few other amazing talents. Not to mention the man himself! JDL.
Thursday, April 2nd I’ll be at the Assembly Line Concert again doing a set from 3-4pm. I think this will be the LAST ONE! Haha…
Friday, April 3rd is going to be a very fun evening! I’ve been asked to play at a wonderful store in downtown Northville called Gardenviews. Jim and I will be rocking out during the First Friday Art Walk from 6-9pm!
I’m really excited to be hosting an open mic fundraiser for the Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps on Friday, April 10th at Solid Grounds. We hope to have a bunch of performers from our various corps families. Fun goes from 6-9pm!
On May 16th, I’ll be doing an open mic spot right before the Kitty Donohoe show. Jim Bizer hosts an open mic show called Mama’s Coffee House.
Also, a couple of music/arts festivals have booked me for the summer. First, I’ll be playing at the Ella Sharp Art and Wine Festival in Jackson Michigan on Saturday, June 13th. I hear that Jan Krist and Jim Bizer will be there, so you KNOW it will be a great show! Not sure what time I’ll be going on. Stay tuned.
And finally, I’ve been asked me to host the open mic show on Friday night of the Nor-East’r festival in Mio on Friday, June 12th. Thanks for thinking of me for this Craig! Looking forward to a fantastic summer full of music, fellowship and fun!
Hope to see you soon!
John
March 28, 2009
