Delta Strummers in concert 2019

[Tom]

Preparing for an upcoming concert, the Delta Strummers have been practicing approx 42 songs in various genres. The practice list will be cut to 26 by next week (22/23 for the show, and a few 'backups'). We're back at El Campanil Theatre in Antioch this year. A refurbished Vaudeville theatre, and a great venue for performers and audiences.

The final choice will be made by our music committee, but I expect that at least 40% of the program will be new-to-us numbers, introduced to the band through open mic' sessions. We expect to have 55 performers on stage, a challenge to fit with band risers that we'll rent for the day.

[Tom]

The music committee has spoken, and the short list has 25 songs, 13 of which are new-to-us numbers. Some of them need a lot of work (practice) before they're ready for prime time. I have every confidence that our MD will whip us into shape; He wouldn't let us perform a number we can't do well, and would rather remove a song from the program.

[Arch Hoagland]

How much time do you spend practicing ?  I suspect quite a bit. 

[Tom]

The Band practices 2 hours one evening a week, and members also practice in their own time at home. If a subset needs additional help, they'll get together among themselves &/or with the Music Director. I've gained a lot of respect/admiration for groups that pull off good performances (and without the aid of music or lead sheets).

We're fortunate to have a talented MD who is a good musician & singer, and was previously MD of an 80-voice local mixed choral group. I've known him a long time and recall telling his wife years ago that he has more musical talent in his big toe than I could accumulate in a lifetime.

[Tom]

We have the final 24 selections for the June 1 ukulele concert, in addition to an encore number. 13 are new-to-us numbers. My personal favorite new-to-us songs are Down By The Lazy River by the Osmonds, and The Unicorn Song.

[Tom]

Yesterday, 58 Delta Strummers performed for a sold-out audience at El Campanil Theatre in Antioch, CA. 13 of the 24 program numbers were "new" to us this season, and we added a couple of encore numbers (San Francisco Bay Blues and The Saints). Music included a mix of genres, instrumental and vocal solos, various instruments (ukulele, banjo ukes, dulcimer, guitar, mandolin and cajon), and group playing/singing.
Chris video'd the show, and I'll upload individual numbers to YouTube after some editing.

[Tom]

While we're waiting for our own video to be edited, here's a feed of video taken by a small camera in the sound booth at yesterday's concert. Our own video will be individual song clips with closeups of soloists and better audio of the unmic'd band.

https://vimeo.com/340029145

[DavidM]

You guys are really great!  Everyone looks like they are having a lot of fun too.  Congrats! 

[Tom]

Aye David, that's what it's all about. We're just a bunch of retired folks, many of whom hadn't previously played an instrument, and who enjoy making music.

[Tom]

I now have half of the show on YouTube, one song to a video clip. All from the video that Chris took using an inexpensive Canon videocam and a stereo super cardioid external mic'.The YouTube playlist is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ldztkmx38IYgVblZkFZ3DXoo9WT-nYh

Several latecomers blocked the camera view in a few places on the first number, although the audio continued in the background.

I'll continue adding as time permits.

[Tom]

I was finally able to get the remainder of our June 2 concert uploaded. The YouTube playlist for all 24 program numbers and the 2 encore numbers is here:
 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ldztkmx38IYgVblZkFZ3DXoo9WT-nYh