I finally remembered my login

Okay, I know this isn't a good excuse but I haven't posted lately because I couldn't remember my login. Between my email, my web site, my blog account, my myspace and my computer login, things get a little confusing.

Okay, so Friday night I played at the Loft in Dover and did my first all electric solo show. It's been three years since I played my electric at a gig. That is when my former band, Tone Salad, played last. I've missed playing my electric so I just decided to give it a try at a solo gig.

It was great. It really changed up the feel of the show and I was really happy with the result. Of course, it means lugging my amp but it's a small price to pay. So look for more electric shows.

In other equipment news, I'm using a new mic. I got a AKG D-5 and I like it very much. I've been using the same EV-257ND for more years than I want to admit too so I decided it was time to try something new. The AKG is great. Very responsive and great tonal range. It's a keeper.

That's all for now. Summer is coming and if you have a party or event planned don't forget to book me.

Rock on
John

Solo update

I'm really enjoying playing solo. I wasn't sure how I'd like it but it really opens the door to some flexibility with songs. I can change tempo and even arrangements on the fly. Sometimes when I'm playing I'll get inspired to do things a little different and its not easy to communicate this with other musicians in the middle of a song.

I also bought a vocal harmonizer. This is a very cool pedal from DigiTech called the vocalist live 2. I just plug my mic and my guitar into it and when I want harmonies, I just step on the pedal. I can choose a 5th above, third above, 5th below, third below or any combination of two harmonies.

A few years ago I wouldn't have considered using something like this but the sound is really incredible. The first song clip that plays on my web site home page http://www.openwindowmusic.com uses this pedal. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

That's all for now. I have some other news brewing that I'm excited to tell you about. Stay tuned.

John

A new Year and a new direction

With the start of 2009 there are changes in Open Window Land. My partner for the last two years, Kevin Ronkko is moving to the west coast. And since that would make for a killer commute, he will no longer be a part of the acoustic duo. I've very sad about this because not only is Kevin a terrific musician but he is a really terrific guy and I will miss sharing the stage with him.

Our final gig together is this Friday at a very swanky restaurant in Andover, MA called Glory. It would be great to see you all at this show so we can bid Kevin a fond farewell.

So what now? Well, I have been auditioning people to play with as a duo and I haven't found anyone who is a good fit yet. Its not easy finding someone with the same availability, musical tastes, and a compatible personality. If you know anyone who might be interested, feel free to email me: info@openwindowmusic.com

In the mean time I've decided to go solo. I have two gigs booked as a solo act at The Loft at Strafford farms in Dover, NH. Check out the web site for details www.openwindowmusic.com Open Window had a great relationship with The Loft and I'm thrilled to continue to work there as a solo performer. I'll be booking more solo gigs at the Loft and other places but I'm still keeping the door open for a new partner.

Best of luck to Kevin and his wife as they start a new life on the west coast. I'm going to miss you.

A Great last gig of the season.

Well our last scheduled gig of the season was a good one as usual at the Parker House Grille. We really like playing there. It's a nice cozy atmosphere. You'd never know it from the look of the exterior of the place, since they are located in a strip mall but it really is nice inside.

I'm still working on a few things that may pan out before the end of the year but it looks like Open Window will be off until early next year. It was a terrific year with lots of great gigs.

There will be some changes coming in the next couple of weeks that I hope to be able to tell you about soon. So stay tuned, as soon as I can, I'll post the news.

Take care
John
www.openwindowmusic.com

Three for Three

Well it was a great week, last week. We had three terrific shows. The Community Child Care Center at the Community Campus in Portsmouth was Rockin'. It was a fun time with people of all ages enjoying the tunes. Thanks to the CCCC for the pizza. We'd enjoyed donating our time for your open house.

The private gig at the Hilton was like two gigs in one. We began as very light background music for the event. Then after some speeches and whatnot, we started rocking it up a bit and transitioned to a club gig with people dancing, requesting tunes and having fun. Thanks to The Seacoast Board of Realtors for having us at your event.

Finally the Parker House Grille in Dracut was great too. We had a good crowd and hit our stride with some terrific tunes. Our next gig is at the PHG December 6th.

There are some big changes coming with Open Window that we hope to be able to tell you about soon. Keep checking here for a big announcement. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

A busy week this week

This week is going to be very busy. We just took a last minute booking for the Community Child Care Center in Portsmouth. We'll be playing at their Open House at the Community Campus from 5:30 to 7:00PM. We are happy to be volunteering our services for a community organization that does wonderful work for kids.

Friday night we'll be doing a private event at the Hilton Garden Inn and Saturday night we'll be back at the Parker House Grille in Dracut, MA. 

Three gigs in one week is a lot for us. Plus we don't normally book back to back gigs but we're really looking forward to all of these so are just going to rock 'til we drop. Stay tuned I'll let you know how it all went.

Public and Private

Next week we actually have two gigs. The first is a private event held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Portsmouth. We're looking forward to playing at this swanky hotel. Which reminds me, if you have a private event coming up, please consider the live rocking acoustic stylings of Open Window. We are available for holiday parties and just about any other private affair. Check out our booking form on the web site to reserve us for your event.

On Saturday the 22nd we are back at our regular spot in Dracut, MA. Yes, we'll be at Parker House Grill. Thanks to those of you who have come to see us there. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should. Its a great spot.

Kevin and I have been working on some new songs, keep an eye on the web site for tunes added to the song list. Let us know if there are any songs you want to hear us do in the future.

That's all for now. Hope to see you at a show soon.
John