I get a lot of dross in the mail, from horrible CDs to irrelevant press releases and silly marketing ploys. But a packet caught my eye last week, the contents of which I thought I should pass along to you. It's called Leeway's Home Grown Music Network and it might be something the band-inclined among you might consider.

According to its press release, the HGMN is a "groundbreaking network integrating bands, venues, retail outlets, catalog sales, and the Internet to create a community that has been bypassing established avenues of distribution and promotion for eight years." Essentially, the network provides bands of all stripes with a different way of doing things, and if that isn't good news I don't know what is.

Based in North Carolina and founded by East Carolina University grad Lee Crumpton, HGMN provides member artists with an array of services, from marketing and distribution to publicity and promotion. "I was in radio for a long time and I just got so burned out on the same old crap," says Crumpton. "I knew there was all this great music out there that wasn't getting a fair chance. That's what drove me to start the Network."

Members are featured in the HGMN catalog and newsletters, on the HGMN web site (www.homegrownmusic.net), and network compilations. Members also receive access to the org's online database and e-mail lists, which have updates on
venues, radio shows, press lists, and other vital elements of the industry. Basically, when you join this community, you're able to tap into a vast resource of information, all of which is designed to make your life in a band that much easier. Poof! It's a scene in a bottle.

According to HGMN's publicist, Randy Alexander, there are no official member venues in Providence or the surrounding area just yet. But, he says, Lupo's and the Living Room are popular venues for many of HGMN's member bands. Alexander says member bands Max Creek and the Slip are due soon at Lupo's, while Uncle Sammy and Psychedelic Breakfast are coming up at the Living Room. Distribution points in the Biggest Little include Richie's down at URI, Narragansett Disc in 'Gansett, and Newbury Comics in Warwick.

Currently, HGMN's label arm, Harmonized Records, is working two of its latest and biggest releases: the Codetalkers' debut with Colonel Bruce Hampton, and a live album from the Motet. HGMN is also working to develop a radio promotions service to leap that seemingly insurmountable hurdle of hearing your own music on the airwaves. Definitely worth looking into.

So for those of you who have been stymied by the industry, intimidated by it, or just plain pissed off about it, look into the Leeway's HGMN. It sounds and feels like a great grassroots network ready to embrace its members with open arms and prepared to provide a friendly alternative to the chew 'em up, spit 'em out record biz we know today. I'm just glad to report that the old adage remains true: There's more than one way to skin a cat.

GIVE IT A CHANCE. A family concert with the theme "Songs and Stories of Peace" will be held on Sunday, December 8 at 4 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church (372 Wayland Avenue, Providence). Sponsored by the Rhode Island Peace Mission, a coalition of 24 religious and community organizations committed to peaceful, multilateral approaches to global security, the night promises to be an outstanding assembly of good vibes. The Peace Mission co-sponsored the September Gathering for Peace held at the Rhode Island State House prior to the Congressional vote authorizing military action against Iraq. It also sponsored six regional gatherings around the state on October 30, including vigils in Westerly, Wakefield, and Warwick, and programs with speakers and music in Providence, Barrington, and Newport.

Performers will include mezzo-soprano Nancy Hood, accompanied by Rick Keller on the keyboard. Otis Read and Phil Edmonds will perform pieces from their new CD Under the Arch and other selections. Read is a singer/songwriter and the producer of the New England Christmastide recordings. Edmonds, originally from Ireland, plays Irish whistles and button accordion. Joyce Katzberg, a veteran peace activist and one of the founding members of Stone Soup Coffeehouse, will perform songs from her wide-ranging repertoire from the labor, civil rights, and peace movements. Cheryl Albright will share selections from the musical play Proclaim Jubilee, accompanied by Jim Tull on guitar and Nisha Purushotham on drums. Author and storyteller Mark Binder will tell a story or two. Binder's storytelling programs include "Tales of Peace," "Americana," "Jewish Folk Tales and Tales of Chelm," plus some seasonal specials. The One Voice Band from Newman Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Rumford will provide instrumental selections. And refreshments will be served. The suggested donation is $8 for adults, $4 for children, or $25 per family. Proceeds will benefit the work of the Rhode Island Peace Mission. For more information, call (401) 724-7700.

SAL'S DOES ZYDECO! Do you know about Sal's Rhythm &Blues Club in Johnston? Neither did I till co-owner Joe Giocastro let me know about it. Sal's is dedicated to blues, zydeco, and swing and features local and national acts. They're the only club in Rhode Island actively booking Louisiana Cajun and zydeco bands on a regular basis. Last Sunday night they hosted L'il Anne & Hot Cayenne. This Saturday (the 6th), they bring in the Love Dogs, and on Sunday they'll feature the Bruce Katz Band. On Sunday (the 15th), Sal's will welcome Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners. Thomas is a cousin to Geno Delafose, a neighbor of Step Rideau and the son of a zydeco originator, and he sure does know the style. The man is a non-stop dance machine, guaranteed to make you sweat. For more info on Sal's, which is located at 200 George Waterman Road in Johnston, go to www.salsrbclub.com.

WANDERING EYE. Good news from the Donnybrook camp. The band just returned from Chicago where they recorded their new EP, due out any day now. They worked with Johnny K, the same guy who did the new Disturbed and Soil albums. Now they're back and ready to go at it. They have publishing, management, and booking situations in place now and they're poised to pounce on an unsuspecting public. Watch yer bad selves. Their next local gigs happen on 12/15 at Jarrod's in Attleboro, Massachusetts (it's a Toys for Tots benefit), and on 12/20 at Lupo's. The disc's official release will be in January. Look for monstrous parties then.

Grandizer Punch also spent most of last month recording a five-song EP with DLS Mobile in Rockland, Mass. This week they start playing again; catch 'em tonight (the 5th) at the Blackstone with Nils and Natalie Flanagan, and on Saturday (the 7th) at Sh-Na-Na's on Airport Road inWarwick.

Chris and Meredith Thompson have quite literally grown up on the stage at Stone Soup. They began as high school performers more than 10 years ago, and have steadily developed into premier singer-songwriters. This Saturday (the 7th), they'll share a double bill with Liz Queler, who has traveled from New York City twice to share her talent as an opening act for Stone Soup audiences. They'll all make beautiful music at the Slater Mill Historic Site (67 Roosevelt Avenue, in downtown Pawtucket). The gig begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10. Call (401) 457-7147.

E-mail me with your music news at big.daddy1@cox.net.

Issue Date: December 6 - 12, 2002