The Post-Make Music Happen Post, part 2

Some thoughts and thank-yous from the Make Music Happen Conference, part 2: The Sponsors.

The conference is unlike most of my other shows, in that it has a budget and, compared to my other shows, the budget is roughly 100x more than I usually spend. No exaggeration.

The artists that I choose to have participate in my conferences are artists that I respect and admire, both as skilled musicians and as most excellent human beings, so I want to pay them properly. Especially if they're travelling across the island (or, in the case of Danielle Smith, across the St. Lawrence, then across the island), they need to be fairly compensated. How can I this but keep the registration price affordable for any student who wants to attend? Sponsorship.

This time around, I had twenty business and organizations sign up to contribute cash, services, and/or products that either kept my break-even point lower, or added value to the conference for those involved (ie: cost-free lunch for every body, courtesty of Louis Gee's (students & crew), or Coleman's (artist)). I won't get into who gave what, but it's enough to say that the following organizations helped make the Make Music Happen Conference the success that it was. My deep gratitude to: Brewed Awakening, Citadel House, Coleman's, the City of Corner Brook, Corner Brook Regional High, Cornerbrooker.com, Conway's Towing Service, David's Tea, Dominion, Fred's Records, Gary Bennett Music, GCSU Backlot, Greenwood Inn, H M Audio, MusicNL, Nortrax,Rob Thomas of Western Mazda, Rotary Arts Centre, Sobey's, Trophy Shop,Village Music Inc, and Walmart Canada

The Post-Make Music Happen Conference Post

Yesterday, I held my second Make Music Happen Conference, and it was fantastic! 25 students from across the island got to workshop songs, learn from pros, and perform for, and network with, each other. My tired brain is running a continuous loop now of wonderful memories of student performances - some showing abilities far beyond their years, some taking the stage for the first time; everybody seemed to reach deep within themselves to be sure to get the most out of the day. I can't imagine being more pleased with what came of the conference. 

To the established artists who lead workshops: Sherman Downey, Danielle Elizabeth Smith, Mark Bragg, Nick Hamlyn, and Ian Cornelissen & Sandy May, I love you. Really. Just as I expected, you not only inspired the students you worked with, but you seemed energized by them as well. I would choose you all again in a heartbeat.

To the industry-types who lead sessions: Dave Connors, Nick Hamlyn (on the fly, no less), and Tom Cochrane, thank you for adding further depth to the scope of the day. 

To the crew who made things happen at CBRH: Dave Connors, Mike Broadbent, Bill Allan, and Jonny Payne, I am deeply grateful. Given the scope of the day, I'd be forgiven for feeling stressed, but I never really did, which is odd, because I'm naturally prone to feeling stressed. But, even with some hiccups that messed with the timing a bit, I knew everything was going to work out fine.

To my lieutenant, Krista Conway: without you, the event wouldn't have the polish, nor the cohesion, and I wouldn't have felt as steady. I can't say it enough. Thank you.

Thanks to all who attended the concert last night. And, to all who did not attend, you really missed something special. Stay tuned for performance videos in the coming weeks.

Make Music Happen CONCERT

With the student workshop portion of the Make Music Happen Conference booked up, all that's left is to make sure everybody comes out for the Songwriters' Circle Concert, tomorrow evening. 

Featuring Sherman Downey, Danielle Smith, Mark Bragg, and the Domestics, this all-ages event is really for anybody who loves good music. So bring the kids, bring Nan and Pop, and share in a very special evening with us. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1619841724926756/

Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case - Annalee

One sweet Three Bear video deserves another: check out Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case perform "Annalee."

Sherman will be on stage this Saturday night, as a part of the Make Music Happen Songwriters' Circle, along with Danielle Smith, Mark Bragg, and the Domestics. 

Mark Bragg and the Butchers - Born Trade

Here's a great video of Mark Bragg from his visit to the west coast last fall, as a part of the Three Bear Music Festival. Absolutely riveting.  

Come catch him live this Saturday night, as a part of the Make Music Happen Songwriters' Circle Concert, along with Sherman Downey, Danielle Smith, and the Domestics.

Make Music Happen Conference Update - Workshops full!

Well, this is exciting: we have taken all the students we can take for the daytime portion of the Make Music Happen Conference! We have, however, started a wait list, so if you're a young songwriter and you missed being in the first group, get your name on the wait list - things can change pretty quickly. 

And just a reminder that the evening portion of MMHC is open to the public, and we've got space for lots of people. All of them, really, so get down to either location of Brewed Awakening to get your tickets, or message me, and I will deliver them to you.

Thanks for all the love, gang. I can't wait for this Saturday. See you there.

Click the link for more deets: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1427485100890847/

ROCKETROCKETSHIP FREE ALL-AGES SHOW IN CORNER BROOK TODAY!!! YES, CAPS LOCK ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY

Hi gang;
Our pals from Village Music have got a sweet all-ages show for you today: RocketRocketShip, with special guest, Coffin Rock.
It's a free show, and space is pretty limited, as it's happening in the store, so make sure to get there early. 
Mr. H

Make Music Happen Conference - Bailey Jordan-Neil

Allow me introduce you to Bailey Jordan-Neil, another one of the regulars at the Open Stage for the Underage shows.  Bailey's skills were pretty solid when I first met him, and they've only grown since.

Mr. H Presents is for students like Bailey, and the Make Music Happen Conference is meant to help him in creating his own songs; he already sings other people's songs with such ownership, imagine if his words came from within him.

Make Music Happen Conference - Caylie Hopkins

Next up in the stream of videos promoting the Make Music Happen Conference, here's a video of Caylie Hopkins, a regular of the Open Stage for the Underage shows.

Mr. H Presents is for students like Caylie, who are honing their skills, building their confidence, and expressing themselves through music.

Make Music Happen Conference: Mark Bragg

Mark Bragg is one of the most captivating performers I know. I got to speak with him at length - over coffee and Breakfast Bombs (at Fixed, in St. John's) - about his creative processes, he was tops on my list of artists for this conference.
I'd love to sit in on a session myself...

Mr. H Presents and Cole Clark Guitars

Anyone who has been to an Open Stage for the Underage in the last four years has undoubted seen and heard my acoustic guitar (Cole Clark Fat Lady 1); it's on stage for anybody to use, and many often do. Now, there is also a beautiful Cole Clark Ukelady ready to be played too.
Take a minute to check out and like their page on FB, as their instruments are fantastic, and they are also proud sponsors of Mr. H Presents.

https://www.facebook.com/coleclarkguitarsusa

And now, a word about our sponsors...

Over the next couple of weeks, along with posts giving all kinds of reasons to come to the Make Music Happen Conference, there will also be posts highlighting my sponsors. 
Mr. H Presents was, is, and always will be not-for-profit, so in order to put together an event that pays artists fairly yet remains affordable for students, I must rely on community-minded businesses for sponsorship. The organizations that come on board see the value in what I do through Mr. H Presents, and recognize the ways music brings sweetness and light to our lives. 
I am grateful for their support, because it helps me do more of what I do for you.

Make Music Happen Conference 2013 - A favourite moment.

Here's a highlight from the first conference, in 2013. Seeing one of my students, the multi-talented Danny Staples, take the stage with the multi-talented Meg Warren, was the icing on the cherry on the icing on the cake. The day was full of deeply satisfying moments for me (more of which I will share in the coming days), and this still resonates with me as one of my favourites.

Make Music Happen Conference

I have been waiting for two years to do another songwriting conference, and it's finally time!

With talented, well-established artists travelling from across the island - and across the St. Laurence - the second Make Music Happen Conference promises to be a great time. Featuring Sherman Downey, Danielle Smith, Mark Bragg, and Ian & Sandy of The Domestics, this whole-day event will provide a unique learning opportunity for young songwriters, as well as a memorable concert for the public.

Check the details below, click the link to see the Facebook page, and please, spread the word.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1427485100890847/