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Let Your Light Shine!
Summer 2018 Newsletter
Join Our List
CabaretFest
Provincetown,
Cape Cod
May 31 to June 3 
Ryles Jazz Club Closes in July. But
Singer/Showcase Continues in Belmont
BACA Mission Statement
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BACA Leadership

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Good-bye to Ryles Jazz Club
Cambridge, MA

 
Ryles Jazz Club (212 Hampshire St., Cambridge) - an Inman Square haunt for more than four decades - is closing, reports The Boston Globe. The late Jack Reilly - who died at 98 in 2016 - opened Ryles in the 1970s, providing a platform for musicians to perform, whether they were Berklee students just starting out or much bigger names.

After more than 40 years, Ryles Jazz Club is closing its doors. Gary Mitchell said he's selling the Ryles property so that his family can focus its attention on the adjacent S&S Restaurant, which it's owned for nearly a century.

"We're still booking shows [at Ryles] and nothing is imminent, but, yes, we're selling," said Mitchell, whose family has operated the Inman Square jazz club for the past 25 years. "We've enjoyed every minute of it and it's been very successful, but based on our age and our lifestyle, this is the decision we've made."

Located on Hampshire Street in Cambridge, Ryles has played host to a who's who of jazz acts, including Pat Metheny, Grover Washington Jr., Arturo Sandoval, McCoy Tyner, and Maynard Ferguson, to name just a few.
 
From Our Archives . . . 
By Tom LaMark 
"How to Get Started on Making Your CD"

Ever wonder what's involved in making a CD? Not surprisingly, Tom has done it all in the music business and in a former BACA newsletter Tom shares his insights on the process. Take his words to heart - "Do not be afraid! This can and should be a rewarding experience." Check out the Spring/Summer 2009 archived newsletter (Q3). 

Download the full PDF and read his article on pages 14-15.   
Welcome, Jim Keating
Our New President

 
Hello! Before the all-member meeting last month I was considering what this organization means to me. I have been involved for over 15 years and it has been a huge part of my life. As was evident from the meeting, I'm not alone. BACA has contributed to many performers literally 'finding their voice.' The organization was (and still is) in some jeopardy. Some medical terms were used to describe BACA and, while "cancerous" was deemed too grim, the term 'anemic' seemed to be rather apt. This is not to disparage the hard work that has gone on and continues to go on. I'm immensely grateful for the support of the board and everyone working to keep BACA running.
 
There was discussion among the board last fall about BACA's future. There was jeopardy that there might not be one! Our membership levels were slowly declining, the open mics lose money, but we choose to keep producing them as a way to attract new members.
 
We held the All-Member's Meeting in April and had a nice showing from many members. Most had been involved with BACA for years. The general sense of appreciation for the camaraderie and opportunities to sing was heartwarming. What's clear is that BACA needs more member engagement-more folks at our events, and more volunteerism to keep things going.
 
I'll be putting out more posts in the future, with more specific ideas and requests. Start thinking about how you want to participate with BACA. I believe our organization can really help us all. As photographer extraordinaire, Bob Bond put it on our banner, "Find your light and shine!"
Thank You, Kevin Luey 
Our Outgoing President

 
How can we even begin to capture all the effort and drive and tenacious TLC Kevin put into this job and the many wonderful things he's stepped up to help with over these past 12 years.

Thank you, Kevin, thank you deeply. We know you're still nearby to help and we appreciate it. We wish you time for all the new and exciting adventures before you and all the very best with work and family and your beautiful music. We look forward to hearing you try out a new song by voice or piano and to hear a story shared. A big THANK YOU and all the best from all of us!
 
 
Looking Ahead to Our Future 
BACA Held a General Membership Meeting
by Robby Williamson

In April, BACA held a general membership meeting. And the good news is that we left with two specific outcomes that made us feel optimistic about times ahead.
 
We came together on Sunday afternoon April 8 at the Somerville Armory to review our present and plan our future. Linda Marks expertly facilitated the meeting dividing the almost 20 members attending into small groups to discuss and report on what they most valued about BACA and what they saw as BACA's greatest needs. Enthusiasm and ideas were both in plentiful supply.
 
As a result of the meeting, Jim Keating volunteered to assume BACA's Presidency, a role he once held in the past. Two new committees were also formed, 'Publicity,' led by Jim Keating, and 'Venue Exploration,' led by Richard York.
 
These are positive and important steps. As BACA moves forward, we all realize there's much work to be done-to reach our audience, to attract new members, to serve the community, and to ensure BACA remains a strong and vibrant organization. And there are multiple ways for all members to become involved. If everyone pitches in, even if modestly, a bright future for BACA will be assured.
BACA Showcase Program
 
by Carole Bundy, Board, Treasurer
 
Hear ye, hear ye! There are three more BACA showcases coming up in 2018!
 
June 10 (Pianist: Tom LaMark) at ATAC, Performers: Carol Robinson, Robby Williamson, Wendy Wolfberg, and Richard York, accompanied by Tom LaMark, will entertain.

Please come out to hear and support these wonderful performers!

 

Spots are still available in the following showcases:
  • October 14  (Pianist: Steve Heck) - ATAC
  • December 9 (Pianist: Tom LaMark) - ATAC
ATAC = Amazing Things Art Center, Framingham

Please email Carole Bundy if you are interested or would like more information (
carolebundy@gmail.com ). 
 
CabaretFest, May 31 to June 3
Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA

The largest Cabaret Festival in MA... 

There's a grand weekend of cabaret going on at the land's end of Cape Cod. It's a wonderful weekend full of performances, open mics, master classes, and a panel discussion. Organizers will proudly honor Boston's own Carol O'Shaughnessy for her many years in the world of cabaret with special recognition of her contributions to the New England cabaret scene.

On June 2, acclaimed cabaret star Jeff Harnar brings his show "The 1959 Broadway Songbook" to Provincetown's CabaretFest, as the festival headliner. Performers' workshop spots have sold out for the masterclasses of renowned cabaret performer Marilyn Maye, but tickets are still available for observation spots.
 
For complete information about CabaretFest 2018, please visit the Facebook page Provincetown CabaretFest or the website at www.provincetowncabaretfest.com. All tickets must be purchased at www.onlyatthecrown.com.

BACA Open Mics
 
by Linda Marks,
Board, Open Mic Director
    
Open Mics serve many purposes. They bring together like-minded people and provide a ready-made audience. Open Mics enable singers to test out new material, prepare for upcoming gigs, or simply sing a favorite song.

Our open mics provide a high quality professional pianist so you can focus on the performance of your song. Open Mics also provide a a high quality and affordable way to enjoy live music. Come enjoy a fun evening supporting the arts and budding artists! 

2018 Open Mics
  • June 27 (Accompanist: Joe Reid)
  • July 25 (Accompanist: Joe Mulholland)
  • August 22 (Accompanist: Bobby Gadoury)
  • September 26 (Accompanist: Steve Heck)
  • October 24 (Accompanist: Tom LaMark)
  • November 28 (Accompanist: Tom LaMark)
  • December 19 (Accompanist: Joe Reid)
For more information, please visit the BACA Open Mic webpage or contact Linda Marks, our monthly host.
 
ATAC Cabaret Open Mics
 
by Leslie Holmes
Advisory Board, Chair
   
We welcome new faces and gather the seco n d Wednesday of every month.

Come join us at Amazing Things Arts Center for a cabaret open mike. Cabaret can be singing, reciting poetry, dance, performance art...it is a window on the soul. Here, you can feel comfortable performing, knowing you are among a community that shares your joys and sorrows. Bring two songs. Sign-up is from 6:30-7:00 pm.

ATAC Cabaret Open Mics

  • June 13 - (F)Teddy Edgar with pianist Angela Gooch, and for the Open Mic pianist, Tom LaMark
  • September 12 - (F)Molly Ruggles, (P)Tom LaMark
  • October 10 - (F)TBA, (P)Tom LaMark 
  • November 14 - (F)TBA, (P)Tom LaMark
  • December 12 - (F)TBA, (P)Tom LaMark
F = Feature, P - Pianist
 
For more information, please visit the ATAC Cabaret Open Mic webpage or contact Leslie Holmes, our monthly host. 

Member Highlights
Bob DiCicco and Wendee Glick
(Featuring what BACA members are up to...)

Love Letters from The Front 
Amazing Things, Framingham 
Sunday, June 3, 5:00-6:30 pm 
                -------- 
Vocalists Bob DiCicco and Wendee Glick perform a musical love story that centers around soldiers and their loved ones sharing letters from home and abroad during WWII, with Steve Heck on piano and Michael Ball on bass.

Bob DiCicco has been entertaining audiences since his teen years, and continues to do so. His love for the 'American Popular Songbook' allows him to create a whole new fan base who appreciates this wonderful style of music.

Wendee Glick is an experienced jazz/cabaret vocalist with a strong stage presence, sense of humor, and ability to belt out a tune. She has performed at many a New England jazz club, as well as in NYC and St. Louis.

Pianist Steve Heck is an alum and Assistant Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music and an active performing and recording artist in the Midwest and New England. Bassist Michael Ball is in demand throughout the area. 
 
Thank you for supporting live music!
                     ----------------------------------
Member Highlights
Molly Ruggles, Mary Crowe, and Linda Marks
(Featuring what BACA members are up to...)

Singer/Songwriter Showcase, Newton  
Saturday, June 9, from 12-5 pm
                -------- 
 Giving back to the community, BACA professional members Linda Marks, Mary Crowe, and Molly Ruggles will be performing in a singer/songwriter showcase at the Newton Centre Artful Pianos, part of the Newton Festival of the Arts. Come, enjoy!! 
  Newton is filling its city with music. It has placed old pianos, freshly painted, on prominent parts of Newton's village centers....It's holding arts events around the pianos.
 
 
Thank you for supporting live music!
                     ----------------------------------
Dear BACA Members,
Please let me know if you'd like to see changes. Our goal is to build community among our wonderful, talented membership and to highlight the many resource connections available through BACA. Thanks to our volunteers and for your help!

Have a great Summer!  See you onstage.

Sincerely,
Wendy Wolfberg, BACA Newsletter Editor
Board, Communications