DAGMAR: CALENDAR

This was DAGMAR's first visit to Tupelo in Londonderry, where we were delighted to bump into a number of the new friends we've made in southern NH.  What an excellent night this was.  What a great room, and what a great crowd of people it is that gathers there to both play and listen at this popular and much-admired monthly open mic.  The place is a favorite stop along the way for national touring acts, and it's easy to why.  The room is spacious and homey, the sound system is gorgeous, and the people turning the dials and working the faders know exactly what they're doing.  We tip our hats to host ROBERT HAIGH and his trusted lieutenant DALE REYNOLDS for putting on a great show every month.  Calling it an open mic is sort of misleading; it's something much more than "that".  Click here to get the details on the open mic night particulars.

You win some, you lose some, and some are rained out.  Only three other people showed up to play on this "miss" night of our first visit to this "hit-or-miss" open mic.  We made two nice new friends, however, in Jeff and Dan, who happened to be sitting at the bar, and we had a good time in any case.

Guest of the Julie Dougherty Band.

Trio gig with Steve Latt.  Three long sets from 9 to closing.  Great crowd and great fun in this cozy, music-friendly place.  Many thanks to Eric Reardon and The Pig for having us!

At the invitation of our lovely, charming and very generous and very talented new friend GARY ST. LAURENT, who we met on the open mic circuit this past fall, and ELISE MACDONALD, the lovely and charming, incredibly hard-working weekly host & Queen of Studio 99, DAGMAR did the "open mic feature" thing at this venerable institution, playing a half-hour set in the middle of the evening.  The people were wonderful and generous, and we had a great time.  Elise posts videos of open mic performances on the STUDIO 99 YOUTUBE CHANNEL.  Thanks, Gary and Elise, for having us!  

This was one of the most inspiring nights of music-making (and listening) we've had in a long time.  Host DAVE OGDEN put together a fabulous, well-matched selection of three bands for his inaugural "Songwriter Showcase" evening at The Stone Church and we all had a blast.  A bizarre, powerful storm that night had its own blast with flooding and hurricane-force winds that tore trees out of the ground from the roots and knocked out power for much of southern New Hampshire, including -- after we got there -- The Church,.  But instead of cancelling, we gathered in the middle of the room and traded songs in the round with lots of candles and no PA in a jolly, to-hell-with-the-storm "songwriter smackdown".  A dozen or so hearty audience members, unmoved by the storm, stuck around to hoot and holler.  Joining DAGMAR were the spectacularly unique, talented and entertaining trio WHEN GEEKS UNITE, and equally unique and talented SHANE WATKINS, joined by SCOTT LANPHEAR, the keyboard player/multi-intstrument utility man from Shane's band N.S.I..  Scott played guitar on this occasion, and played beautifully.

DAGMAR's first visit to this charming, completely acoustic open mic in the library of an old estate.  An excellent blend of music and spoken word by a lovely collection of people who know well how to play, speak, and read.

DAGMAR's first visit to this spectacularly good open mic, which has been hosted for 20 years now by the seriously talented  PETER DONNELLY and MEWS owner RON ROBIN.  Our first trip to Provincetown -- in the nearly silent, huddled,  mysterious winter off-season in this alt-life resort beach town -- and god willin', the creek don't rise, not our last.  Met charismatic SHAWN NIGHTINGALE, the owner of THE PILGRIM HOUSE HOTEL and VIXEN CABARET, who seemed to think there may be a Vixen appearance for DAGMAR sometime in the not-too-distant future.

DAGMAR's first visit to this spoken word open mic that also welcomes the occasional errant musician.  It's supposed to start at 8, but when we arrived on the button, it was explained to us that no one really shows up before 9, because no one wants to be there when nobody else is there.  Makes perfect sense.  So we went out for a cup of coffee with dread-locked Out Of The Blue regular YVES, the only other person there, inviting himself along.  He asked if we would buy him a cup of coffee.  We of course said yes.  So we bought Yves a cup of coffee and heard his tale, returning to the gallery about an hour later, when no longer was nobody there.  It's an eccentric assembly of off-beat poets hosted by DEBORAH PRIESTLY in a tiny community art gallery that has every inch of wall space covered with various paintings, drawings and photographs.  We were pleased when Squawk professor MICK CUSIMANO stopped by for a poem or two at about the mid-way point.  We hadn't seen him in awhile.  BILLY BARNUM, Squawk regular and 87-year-old Cambridge performance poet and local institution also made a late evening appearance.

A fun and successful 3-set night, our second gig with new Dagmarbander STEVE LATT, who with his many talents continues to latch on nicely to the music.  Thanks to Dog Bar owner ANDY MULHOLLAND, thanks to old friends we haven't seen in many moons, and many thanks to a number of new friends who came from both near and far.

DAGMAR's first visit to this open mic that has a different host every Wednesday.  This time, there was a very nice substitute host and only three people showed up to play, including ANDY PRATT, veteran Boston-area songwriter and rocker from the past.  He played a fabulous cover of the James Bond theme from "Goldfinger".  The open mic area was set up to the side of the bar area, with a PA speaker pointed toward the bar, pleading for people to pay attention.  But it wouldn't matter how big the speaker was; they had other fish to fry.  So we played two songs, thanked our host, and made our escape.  Maybe it's better on other nights.  Onward through the fog . . .

Valentines Day, 2010:  You know when you're in love and when you're not, when you belong and when you don't.  We will never cease to be amazed by the odd pockets and weird corners of the world we find.  DAGMAR made its first, last and only visit to the final installment of this 10-year old open mic hosted by the wife/husband team of songwriter/music healer Angela Masciali and sculptor/poet Dan Zampino that has taken place in the third-floor ballroom of a colonial mansion built in 1728 that now houses the Marblehead Art Association.  Dan and Angela are kind and generous people to their friends, and we wish them all the best in whatever comes next.  It was odd, as total strangers, to be two of the few people remaining at the end of the night to help turn out the lights on a long history in a very personal and intimate moment for everyone around us.  It felt like we shouldn't be there.  But we were, and we wish Angela and Dan the best in whatever the next chapter might be . . .

DAGMAR joined talented songwriter and delightfully manic FREDDY K in a fundraising concert night hosted by the delightfully delightful "SAFARI" STEVE MARTIN and his equally delightful if laconic good buddy SNAKE, to benefit the not-for-profit NEW ENGLAND WILDLIFE CENTER, which takes care of wild (undomesticated) animals to whom mother nature has not been so kind.  DAGMAR and Freddy will each do hour-long sets inside the Wildlife Center, where the Catbird Cafe finds its nest.  For a place where the wild things are, everything about it is refined and civilized, highly evolved, a place where human beings can learn a thing or two.  If you haven't been there, you should go sometime. 

CANCELLED DUE TO PREDICTIONS OF SNOW AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS . . . which never arrived.  The gig has been RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEB. 27TH.

DAGMAR's first visit to this open mic hosted by Louie Leeman, in a gorgeous airy space on the top floor of an old textile mill with a wonderful sound system, great acoustics, artist loft spaces, an art gallery, and beautiful views of the water through large windows spanning an enormous wall.  If it sounds nice, it is.

DAGMAR's third visit to one of our absolute favorite New England open mikes, populated by a room full of talented and cheerful people, and hosted by one of our absolute favorite open mike hosts, the steady, serious, affable, extraordinarily talented Steve Martin look-alike, BRUCE MARSHALL.

DAGMAR's second visit to this open mic frequented by a regular assortment of very talented musicians.  This time, it was hosted by a new, great friend of DAGMAR, GARY ST. LAURENT, who plays and sings like an angel.

DAGMAR was what is known as "the feature"at this lovely open mic hosted by gifted songwriter and musician DAN CLOUTIER.  We played a half hour set a night or two after a Republican took Edward Kennedy's Senate seat in Massachusetts, changing the political landscape in a disturbing way.  It's been a depressing week in politics. 

Played three full sets to a packed and buoyant Gulu crowd.  Meghan's new GONG made it's DAGMAR debut to the delight of many, including two birthday girls who got to bang it as a special treat on their special day.  One has to appreciate the little things.  Otherwise, who knows what well we might find ourselves at the bottom of.

For the second night in a row opened for THE WIYOS, and had an equally amazing time.  Portland is COLD in January.

Had an amazing time playing a half-hour set to open for our good friends THE WIYOS, who rocked the joint as expected.  Don't miss The Wiyos when they come to your town.  The band is something special.

New open mike friend/supporter BOB ELSASSER put us on the bill with BRITT SAWDON, another of his open mike discoveries, on what turned out to be a bitterly cold night in downtown Beantown.   A number of other new open mike friends showed up to light a flame.

Another great spot in Gloucester, just a couple doors down from the Community Cinema, so after finishing up at CC we strolled down to the Dog Bar and found another excellent open mike, hosted by the friendly and talented STEVE CARAWAY.  Everyone seems to know everyone in Gloucester.  We like it there very much.  

DAGMAR's first visit to this fabulous spot hosted by the talented and charming James Buhrendorf.  A huge, living-room atmosphere, a large room used other times for film showings, full of couches, an amazing sound system, and a concession stand with gourmet popcorn and movie candy.  Anyone wanting something other than coffee and gourmet soda can bring your own whatever.  Great people, eclectic.  Anyone touring open mikes has to check this one out.  It's in the special category.

DAGMAR's second visit to this open mic, to promote upcoming show at TCAN with the WIYOS

DAGMAR's second visit to this open mike, this time hosted by talented guitarist ERIC REARDON.  Saw local friend Judy and met her drummer friend Rory; saw local friends Tom and Linda, Bill and Greg from Toronto, and Eric's music partner Brian.   A low-key but fun bitter cold night on winter solstice, two days after a big snowstorm and a few days before Christmas.

DAGMAR went to the SQUAWK COFFEEHOUSE for its annual Winter Solstice Celebration, the last Squawk of the decade.   Special guests were the  SECOND LINE AID & PLEASURE SOCIETY MARCHING BAND from Somerville.  A large number of extremely talented people rolled through the heavy wooden doors to jubie up instead of hunker down, Squawk Shaman Lee Kidd was at the peak of his powers of agitation, and it turned into one of the finest Squawks we've been to.

Dagmar's first visit to this "Open mic", which is more like an evening with the house band, "Maggie's Gang", along with whoever shows up to play.  Friendly folks, nice restaurant, charming New England town-from-another-era.

DAGMAR's first visit to this excellent open mic hosted by the very talented JULIE DOUGHERTY.  A bunch of lively, music-loving, fun-loving and talented people gather here on what appears to be a regular basis.  Safe to say everyone knew everybody, but strangers quickly become friends.  Huge plus:  no TV.  We'll be going back.

DAGMAR was invited to appear on "The Derby Variety Show", a sort of other-worldly open mic-on-video at this charming local public access television station.  It was one of those "what planet have we landed on" moments.  Life is funny.  Sometimes.

Dagmar's second visit to this entirely excellent open mic hosted by the consummate open mic host BRUCE MARSHALL.  This is easily one of the very best open mics we've found in our travels, with pretty much great everything:  great food, great beers, and best of all, great people who know how to be lively and fun, play and listen to music all at the same time.  There's a great feeling in the room all night long.

Dagmar's first visit to this quiet open mic with a grand piano in what used to be a grand old 19th century firehouse in what used to be an old New England mill town.  The host again was DAVE OGDEN, who we had met the previous night at The Stone Church.

Dagmar's first visit to this very cool open mic hosted by the charming and laconic DAVE OGDEN in a gorgeous old 19th century church-turned-music-venue-on-a-hill in the "Haight-Ashbury" of New England.

Dagmar's first visit to this very acoustic open mic hosted by Elise MacDonald.  Happened to be on the annual christmas-tree lighting-slash-"Holiday Stroll" night, during which the streets of downtown Nashua are closed and tens of thousands of people stroll around eating Italian sausage and fried dough while contemplating some holiday shopping ideas in stores that stay open for the occasion.

DAGMAR did the early set to a full house of new DAGMAR friends garnered from street performances in Boston and Cambridge over the summer and fall.  We were here through the kind invitation of good friend BRENDAN HOGAN, who has a residency here in November.

DAGMAR was declared the winner of this night's LIZARD LOUNGE OPEN MIC CHALLENGE, and walked away with the prize:  cold hard cash in the "envelope of love".  Hearty thanks to celebrity judge MATT "PIE" BEAULIEU (drummer for local soul-funk hero JESSE DEE), to the tirelessly entertaining host TOM BIANCHI (aka 24 HouR ToM), and to the many fabulous losers out there who make such winning possible. 

DAGMAR's first visit to this new (?) and lovely tables-and-table-cloth once-a-month open mic an hour west of Boston in a rambling, charmingly creaky old colonial farmhouse with its own covered bridge reaching over a babbling brook to some remote overflow parking.  Our host, the fun and sassy GAYLE PICARD, invited us back to perform in the Bull Run concert series, sharing a bill with the talented MR. BILL KASPER, who we had met the previous week in NH at the Round Room open mic.  The Bull Run had been recommended to us by angelic-voiced and new friend GARY ST. LAURENT, who we also met at the Round Room.  More info on the Bull Run open mic is available at MYSPACE.COM/bullrunthursdaysounstage.  More info on the Thursday night Soundstage concert series can be found at www.bullrunrestaurant.com

Dagmar continues stretching the open mic radius south, west and in this case north of Boston, heading into the woods of New Hampshire.  This was a jewel.  No amplification, totally acoustic in a round room with beautiful natural acoustics, lined by stained glass in a classic New England wood church.  Great people, high level of musicianship and . . . humor.  These people know how to both listen and laugh.  A highlight on our scorched-earth New England open mic tour.

Dagmar's first visit to this friendly open mic hosted by Peter McHugh and Rhiannon Trajlinek in a strip-mall coffee shop filled with couches occupied by 20-somethings.  Thanks, Peter & Rhia, for being such good and welcoming hosts. 

Dagmar's first visit to this rambling Victorian home-turned restaurant/night spot in the middle of the woods west of Boston.  The once-a-month open mic is hosted expertly by Bruce Marshall, who hosts two other open mics in "metro west" Dagmar visited in the past week.  

Took advantage of an unusually warm November day to spend a few very pleasant and profitable hours busking in Harvard Square, by the kiosk. 

Another ear-splitting trip across the stage of perhaps the loudest, rudest, booziest chatter box of an open mic in the region.

Dagmar's first visit to this well-established "metro-west" open mic hosted by MARK STEPAKOFF and TRISHA and PHIL KNUDSEN at THE CENTER FOR ARTS IN NATICK.  Met superb musician and songwriter JON McAULIFFE, who has subsequently been extremely kind and  generous in guiding us to other performance opportunities in the region.

First trip to this remote open mic in the middle of axe-murderer-type woods, at the end of some dark and winding roads.  The glow of neon beer signs in the window was like a tiny beacon in the blackness of space.  The bar downstairs was packed with drinkers, and the restaurant upstairs was half-full of people looking at us like we just got off a spaceship.  Never really went up from there.  Made it out without any untidy incidents, and felt good about that.

Dagmar's first visit to this warm and inviting open mic in a surprising location, hosted by gifted musician/singer/songwriter Bruce Marshall.  Good people, and just as at his other open mic at the Main St. Market in Concord, MA, Bruce does a wonderful job of hosting.

Dagmar's first visit to this warm, focused and exceedingly friendly open mic in the heart of American colonial history run carefully and caringly by gifted musician BRUCE MARSHALL.  

Dagmar's first visit to this venerable open mic in a classic beer-and-shots bar that has held its own in Central Square for decades.  Host Geoff Bartley, guitar god and all around good guy, has been running the open mic for 18 years and counting.  We had a great time there, and heard some excellent musicians.

1st visit to this open mic west of the city in a community arts center, hosted by talented singer-songwriter Dan Cloutier

After over a year, a return to this great venue, now packed-to-the-gills every Wednesday night for a lively and loud open mic hosted by Brian Donnelly and Jeff Savlon

First visit to this very friendly and off-beat open mic in Rick's Music World, south of Boston

Boston radio busk, WERS; Tremont & Boylston; a brief "thank-you" to WERS. Might be the last street busk of the season, with the temperatures in the low 40's

First visit to this friendly open mic in the Roslindale Congregational Church.

Columbus Day busk in Harvard Square, at the "point". Good day. Met Tom O'Donnell of the Mos Eisley studio, who booked us for his private loft party Friday night. Temperatures are dropping.

Newbury Street @ Fairfield, in gusting fall breezes. The temperature is dropping.

2nd visit to the open mic at this fabled folk joint. 1st time was back in 2007.

Cambridge, MA; Harvard Square, in "the pit"

Sunday afternoon on Newbury Street, at the corner of Dartmouth. Nice fall day, people in a good mood, an excellent day.

1st visit to this completely unique and friendly open mic in the New England Wildlife Center, with warm, elegant and charming host Steve Martin, who invited us back for a concert performance there in November.

Continuing a tour of New England open mics, one coffeehouse at a time.

Harvard Square, in "the pit"; stretched it out from 1-7 pm on an unseasonably warm Monday afternoon

1st appearance at the Alchemist open mic

newspaper interview w/ Josh Sackheim

Harvard Square, Brattle St & Mt. Auburn, in the triangle park

Our 3rd time busking in front of WERS radio in the last three weeks.  Third time seemed to be the charm.  Met all kinds of people from the radio station, the online radio station, the Emerson television station, and the newspaper.  We're on their radar in a good way.

impromptu visit and performance at the open mic hosted by Hugh McGowan; saw some old friends from earlier Boston days, and made a few new ones

Newbury Street @ Dartmouth; gorgeous fall day, and everyone was feeling very generous

Cambridge, Harvard Square, "The Pit"

Cambridge, Harvard Square, "The Pit"; Sunday afternoon

special guest band for this college TV station talk show

Copley Square, on Boylston b/w Clarendon & Dartmouth, by the fountain near Trinity Church

Cambridge, Harvard Square, Brattle St., near Bertucci's; quiet Labor Day weekend

in front of WERS radio station, second try

in front of WERS radio station, corner of Tremont & Boylston

Cambridge, Harvard Square, "The Pit"

Somerville, Davis Square; 1st time in Davis Sq.

Newbury Street @ Hereford, in front of the Boston Architectural Center. Rcvd much enthusiasm & encouragement from the locals (manager of the BAC and the resident of the penthouse apt across the street)

Cambridge, Harvard Square, Brattle St., across from the main plaza, on the corner in front of the bank.

Newbury Street @ Fairfield, in front of the CVS

Cambridge, Central Square, outside Cafe Luna. Were asked to leave by Cafe Luna folks, because they felt we were taking away audience from their performers. We accommodated.

Cambridge, Harvard Square, "The Pit". Our first Boston busk, and an auspicious beginning