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Member Showcases
Ron is known by some people as an impresario (who
likes to emcee with attempts at humor), by others as a hand drummer,
and by others as a drum set drummer who likes to sing, especially
harmonies. He's on dozens of CD's and enjoys helping songwriters
with their projects.
He played with rock bands in his native Shenandoah Valley back when
the Everly Brothers influenced him and the Beatles were rising stars.
He first put others onstage in the '60's when he produced a sold-out
college concert for Jesse Colin Young & The Youngbloods. He
likes to perform, but gets as much joy from "making a spectacle
out of you," whether you are an amateur or a world-touring
songwriter.
He taught English and Creative Writing courses for several decades,
a rewarding career that proved to be a smooth segue into the realm
of songwriters. He was asked by fellow board member Dan Grove to
judge SAW's MASC in 2001 and soon thereafter joined the Board of
Directors. Once the vice president of FocusMusic.org, an organization
he continues to endorse, Ron is honored to affiliate with SAW.
In 2003 Ron retired from teaching and began producing
more shows and performing more; in 2005 SAW awarded him a Certificate
of Appreciation for Community Building Beyond the Call of Duty.
"What a shock that was!" he says. "Now everybody
knows how carried away I am with these showcases."
In 2008 he caught of the attention of revered BMI.com leader, Fred
Cannon (who first knew the young Beatles in Germany); Ron became
a consultant for this nonprofit organization, coining the slogan
"Learn how to earn the royalties you deserve." He says,
"It makes no sense to be getting airplay and not be signed
up with BMI."
He adds, "I like to develop the talent of aspiring musicians,
to direct them toward higher levels of professionalism. The first
steps for some is finishing a song, getting it recorded; the first
step for others is to overcome stage fright and learn to enjoy performing
and to do better and better. "When a gig is over, do not sink
into that common affliction I call 'Gig Remorse,'" says Ron.
"Some people think I'm the face of SAW because
I am in direct contact with hundreds of musicians, but I'm only
one of many crusaders who continually mprove SAW and its already
excellent Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. I am in awe of the SAW board
and their mind-boggling endeavors."
For four consecutive years he was nominated for the WAMMIES for
Most Supportive of Washington Music and was given that coveted award
at ceremonies in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He also performs on WAMMIE-winning
and MASC-winning recordings. "I'm proud to ride on bluesman
Ray Kaminsky's coattails." Ray is the president of RestonHerndonFolkClub.com,
and Ron is on the Board of Directors.
"I put just as much energy into organizing your showcases as
I do my own personal gigs," Regularly scheduled showcases are
with British bluesman Rod Deacey in Frederick, Darrell Taylor in
Falls Church, the Brindley brothers in Vienna.
Ron performs with Nightmusic (which he joined in '83, and is STILL
the new guy in this tux band), The All-New Genetically Altered Jug
Band (Ron's on the washboard), Gina DeSimone & the Moaners,
Bill Mulroney & the Second Wind Bandits, The Zen Consultants,
and he works with countless other bands and small folk acts.
"It's a challenge and a thrill to be with such talents as Australia's
Fred/Iain Campbell Smith, Brazil's Rick Udler, Frederick's Hard
Swimmin' Fish. "I feel privileged to work and play at several
levels over a period of years with such creative songwriters as
Paula Monks, Isabella Perelman, Laura Baron, Dulcie Taylor, Jean
Bayou, Lori Grigsby...."and the list goes on and on.
He concludes, "I can be reached at mistergoad@gmail.com (be
patient, please). I'm continually adding musicians to my ever-growing
family who are talented and pleasant, easy to get along with, who
take music somewhat more seriously than they take themselves. I
especially respect musicians who come out to listen when they are
not going to be onstage themselves."
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