CD Anyone?

The discussion last night was around the process of putting together a CD. Rob Hayes has put together 2 of his own CD's and is now working with a friend on his next release.

We shared ideas on types of recording devices -- digital versus traditional. Sampling -- repeating of the same sound throughout a song. Combining old and new styles to create different results.

Donnie had some great input on the classic bands of the past. Recording techniques of Guns N Roses and Aerosmith as compared to their live shows. A lot of talk was on the pros and cons of using too much or too little of the technology that's available today. Bands can sabotage themselves by using so much technology that their live shows are a complete disappointment to their fans. On the other hand, if too little technology is used, a CD can sound too basic and rudimentary to even gain a fan base in the first place.

Rob & Chris have a gig lined up at Java Mountain this coming Friday night (August 4). Come check out Rob's original songs with Chris accompanying on d'jembe. Rob will also have his CD for sale Friday night.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mike Kelly has been making the rounds of the Winner's Circles lately.

After winning 1st place in the category of "50-50 Short Fiction Contest" through Ramble Underground Summer '06 writers contest for his entry of "The Mad Cow" (http://www.rambleunderground.org/), Mike also won Honorable mention in the "Comics" category of the Metro Times contest (http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=9483)

This is a HUGE reminder to any creative person: You've gotta get your work out there for it to be seen and appreciated!

-- Find a means to display your art.
-- Submit your writings into contests.
-- Book your music at clubs.

SHARE your talents and -- in turn -- reap the rewards!

End of the Line

"Unfiltered" closed with a flourish tonight. Several of the purchased pieces were taken by their new owners, but there was plenty of art still on display at Octane Photographic. Octane is actually the photographic studio of Jeff Matlock -- but was used for the past 2 months as a gallery of art from around the world.

The closing reception featured a terrific singer/songwriter "Steffie". Her unique voice and guitar riffs put a great finish to a great Art Show.

Thanks to everyone that supported the show by handing out promo-cards, connecting people to the links, and viewing the gallery in person!

Metal WORKS

Now that we're reformatting to more specific discussions, last night's meeting featured a Q & A with David Sabbagh, our metal/glass/wood creationist. David's art is a a combination of steel, stone, glass, wood and other bizarre materials that he uses to create furniture, garden art and sculptures.

David is currently in the process of creating a new kitchen in his home. His completely finished bathroom will be featured on HGTV this coming January. David enjoys experimenting with different materials and techniques to come up with unique designs that can't be found in typical catalogs or stores. His individual pieces are often custom-made for clients, but he's also working in connection with DeGiulio's a specialty kitchen shop in Birmingham -- who have a custom-made range (stove) hood unit of David's. DeGiulio's is located on the east side of Old
Woodward on the upslope of the hill.

Check out his website to see the amazing talent: www.dasadesigns.com

POP ART

Jon has a traditional talent -- but a very unique way of displaying it. He paints onto sheets of glass -- both front and back -- to create a 3-dimensional feel to his work.

After taking classes in painting and beginning on canvas, Jon couldn't find the "right" surface that would give him the look he was searching for. He's experimented with canvas, wood and tile -- all with nice results -- but has found his niche to be GLASS. By using different thicknesses of glass, his 3-D effect can be suppressed or intensified.

Jon paints a lot of celebrity art. 50's, 60's & 70's musicians and actors seem to dominate his collection. He also does custom-made pieces -- from typical framed sized to entire doors -- for clients that have a specific picture or idea for a piece.

He brought in three of his paintings to our meeting last week. I see now why he hesitated to bring them -- one slip and the sheet of glass would be shattered!

The front/back style can only be appreciated in person. Photos can't capture the COOL depth of these paintings!

You can contact Joni directly with inquiries: Jonihazelpark@aol.com

SING IT !!

Rob was raised taking "classical" music lesson, but has always felt a passion for a wide variety of styles in music. Although Rob enjoys playing well known songs -- his calling is to perform his own material. Some of his pieces revolve around his own life-experiences and relationships. Others are written from his imagination, his ideals and his personal views.

This past meeting was a Showcase for Rob's music writing talents -- both the tunes and the lyrics.

After performing 4 original songs, Rob was wiling to take questions from the others in the group. We ended up having a "round-table" discussion that cycled from lyrics writing -- to past influences -- to educational training -- to how everyone sees and interprets each other's art in a different, unique way.

It's amazing to hear how similar -- and how drastically different -- we each think and express our views.

Rob enjoys other forms of art as well as playing and writing music. He's experimented with painting, stenciling and other modes of expression. We're hoping to get him to bring some samples of his work to future meetings.

ANOTHER Holiday Weekend

Somehow, the calendar keeps dropping our meetings on "holiday" weekends (4th of July, St. Patricks Day, Memorial Day) -- but people are still showing up and our meetings are great!

Yet another Don joined our group last night. That makes THREE Dons now. We also have 2 Mikes and 2 Robs -- what's up with the duplicate names???? Artists parents must think alike -- just like the similarity in the artists themselves!

It's great to have people that are curious about the group show up and take part in the discussions. Supporting this group doesn't need to be limited to artists that have something physical to carry through the door. We welcome people that appreciate all styles of art.

We're trying a little different structure with our meetings these days. Two weeks ago, we had 3 film makers (Terence, Marquis & Sam) show their vignettes and take questions from the group. This week we featured a singer/songwriter -- Rob Hayes. Rob plays guitar and performs his original songs at several clubs and coffee houses in the area.

As with all our previous meetings, we displayed art. Joni brought in three of his Pop-Art paintings on glass.

Check back for pix and details soon!