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Jeff has been meandering his way through life with songs and stories for many years. Finding the humor in unexpected places and delivering it in a way that only Jeff can. Connecting the dots, or maybe helping to erase them. It is a delightful blend of music that has flavors of blues, gospel and hints of The American Songbook.
For a new twist on some old yarn....
Read more here.
Various ensembles over thirty-ish years.
I play bass guitar (currently a five string "MTD").
I've played in churches (I'm part of a folk group in a Catholic church at present), pubs - nasty and nice, concerts, coffee houses and assorted other environments.
I've played in duos, full bands (three, four, five piece) and other configurations. I've had the good fortune to be part of a number of recording sessions as well.
I play by ear and use chord charts frequently. I am learning to "read" but am at a beginner level in that regard.
There are very few types of music that I don't like. I've played rock, country, gospel, reggae, folk and even some classical at a semi-serious to pretty serious level.
I'm a sucker for a great melody, a cool riff or a worthwhile lyric. If all three elements converge in a song great; I will, however, settle for one or two of them. :-)
Read more here.
Mennofolk Sound in the Land
Mennofolk will take place Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Conrad Grebel University College (Waterloo, Ontario), in conjunction with the "Sound in the Land" conference on the theme of music and the environment - discovering Mennonite perspectives. Weather permitting, this year’s concert will take place outdoors.
For more information on the Sound in the Land conference, click HERE
The Mennofolk 2014 Planning Team is Mike Erb, Bryan Moyer Suderman, & Joanne Moyer.
The submission process to perform at Mennofolk/Sound-in-the-Land 2014 involves several steps:
- read the FAQ (below)
- fill out the performer application form (link below)
- upload one song (instructions in performer application)
- review and consider participation in the "Songs of Place" project (links below)
Once all submission materials are received, the committee will review your submission and respond in a timely manner. (Please keep in mind that we’re all volunteers, but we’re very excited about this event and working hard to make it happen, so we’ll be in touch as promptly as we can.)
Mennofolk 'Sound in the Land' performer application form
'Songs of Place' information page
'Songs of Place' application form
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sort of performers and styles of music are you looking for?
A: Mennofolk is calling for performers with a connection/affiliation to Mennonite/Anabaptist identity. The Mennofolk website (www.mennofolk.org) puts it this way: "Mennofolk is not just for Mennonites, but it is from Mennonites - a gallery of delightful sounds and sights to be offered to the world, which come out of our collective experience of faith, music, and Anabaptist values." We are looking for a diversity of musical styles, but as suggested by the "folk" in "Mennofolk," there is an emphasis/focus on "folk" and acoustic styles. We encourage songs that fit within the Sound in the Land's environmental theme, and we welcome other submissions as well.
Q: Are you looking for all original music, or are cover songs ok too?
A: Except in the case of 'traditional' musicians who represent certain kinds of 'roots music,' we are looking for original music, not covers (unless you are covering a Mennonite songwriter). Priority will also be given to those who participate in the "Songs of Place" project (click here to submit songs for the "Songs of Place" project).
Q: If I am chosen to perform at Mennofolk, will there be an honorarium?
A: Mennofolk 2014 should be considered a volunteer gig. We are hoping to have some budget available for modest travel subsidies for some performers coming from a significant distance. Priority will be given to performers who are also participating in the "Songs of Place" project.