Well now,
Our first journey is complete. The maiden voyage set sail on a two year voyage into uncharted waters on January 31, 2007 and has just returned to port. We discovered a lot of things out there. Like the enthusiasim of formerly unheard voices. And the shared encouragment for new players and up and coming performers. As temporary captain of Open Mic Nights I must say it was a very rewarding experience.
When I first started out, it was the awesome room that inspired me to take on this task. I had No experience what-so-ever in running Open Mics. I was "playing" Open Mic nights with Worcesters Best host Bill McCarthy. I observed his excellent tecniqes & put my own spin on his tried and true formula. It worked!
Soon though, It was the Music that became the driving force.
Original and cover material of all genres filled the room. You never knew what was going to come next. Very exciting! Then it changed again. It turns out that the "People"... the players who bother to get out of their chairs and come out and share their passion for music.
Al levels of experience came out from the beginner to the semi-pro.
There was no competitiveness between players. Just support and encoragment. A beautiful thing. I've made some great friendships here. Now it's Katies turn to take the wheel. Get on board and take a spin at the Hotel Vernon Ship room. It's a Great Adventure.
Thank you for an Excellent Adventure!
See you out there
Dana Lewis

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Hey Dana,

Just a note (B#) to tell you that Madame Rhubarb's Open Mike is a real treat --
a great room to play. Thanks for running it!

Tom Ewart

Yeah,dittos to what Tom said !
Amazing Dick

Amen, my brothers... Congrats on the Anniversary, Dana and many more to come!
Carolyn

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We saw a couple of firsts tonite.
First time I ever saw Berkeley play "Plugged In" sacriliage! He was demonstrating the sonic differences of Sean Fullertons awesome Gibson guitar plugged in and miked up with a Shure SM57. The tone was infinately better unplugged and miked to our ears. Sean went on to play some instrumentals that way. Nice! We even "allowed" him to play the blues! Miguel Melendez played a new original that was fantastic! Tom Ewart did my favorite version of Over the Rainbow. Rich AD Leufstedt did Christmas toons. The thing I like about the Ship is you can stop, and experiment. No pressure to "perform" It's a free-form format. Come on down and try it yourself.

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That was interesting.
Tonight (11/28/2007) was an eclectic mix of players and audience. Eric Hart launched the ship with cover tunes and some of his great originals. Jim Lloyd made his second appearance on the ship and was well settled in. He's developing nicely. Stalwart Tom Ewart does a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace using harmonic tones. Then, we were oncec again graced with Ringer, Sean Fullerton who is honing a new solo carreer. Rich A/D Lufstedt hit the deck with stuff he'll be preforming this Sat. at the Hotel Vernon Holiday Uke Bash. Jim Berkeley Played Banjo Uke and guitar with a great mix of tuneage. He'll be doing a solo concert at the Ship room on Sat Dec. 15. BE There! Next up, Chewey with his own interpretation of musicality. Ari closed out the night But wait....theres more!..........
Sean Fullerton needed to noodle out a brand new tune on his Uke. There was a crowd of young girls and they swooned over him so he hung in there and played till way past midnight. Thanks for that Sean! Also In the audience was Lou Falcone and Jeff Chapman of the Mason Tyler Trio (my favorite oldies band). Next, the Holiday season begins. Come on down and see what happens next....

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Tonite we competed with the Red Sox first World Series game at Fenway. It was a blow out...For both events. Sox crushed the Rocks and players at the Ship Rocked the boat. Eric Hart played some new originals and brought a drummer for emPHA sis. Then Gary Simpson took the wheel with a nice Martin guitar borrowed from his son. Then, occasional player and GREAT song writer Paul Richardson wowed us with his latest originals. Just Great! Rich Leufsteadt filled out the set with some not ready for prime time music on his Uke. Stalwart Tom Ewart joined Rich for some duets and smooth, solo guitar work. Great team of Mike and Amanda were next. She's got a ripping vocal style and Mikes guitar accompanyment complimented her nicely. We ain't seen Funky Mark in a while and it was great to have him back. Tom Ewart hopped back up on stage and did a few sweet tunes with the Funkman.
By now the Sox were beating Colorados ass 13 to 1 and when mighty Jim Berkeley took the helm we were ready for a great closing. I even got a chance to acompany Jim on Black Mountain Rag. Wikkid fun! Jim played about an hour and a half. You can read about it here, butt, it's better to Be there to see and hear for yourself.
Next Open Mic
Wed, Nov 7, 2007
BE There!!!!!!!!!!!

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Tonights performers were tops! Eric Hart did some of his original material, sounded great! We were then treated to the return of Lisa Lawrence. Her vocals are sweet and performance strong. Tom Ewart played some great classic guitar instrumentals and did a duet with Amazing Dick on vocals. Then Rich A/D Leufsteadt played a great mix of Rock Classics on his Ukes. Jim Berkeley closed out the night with an extended set and the PA was mixed just right for his Big Hand music. Thanks everyone for coming out. See y'all next week.
Your host,
Dana Lewis

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The Great thing about these Open Mic Nights is how each one is completely different. Every night takes on a life of its own. I am constantly surprised by the diversity of talent. We had a young man, Mathew take the helm and preach Christianity via rap. So now the ship has its own on board chaplin. Local, long time musician Bob Jordan played a couple old chestunts followed by our usual suspects Chip Karley, Tom &Miguel Rich Leufstedt, Young T Peavy and Jim Berkely. Thanks for coming out. I'll be rolling out New hours soon. From 8:00 to 11:30 we'll be offering eight 30 minute sets for your performances. Keep coming back kids. Next step, how to build an audience.
Your Host,
Dana Lewis

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Two New players climbed aboard tonight. First up, my good buddy Chip Carley finally made it aboard the Ship. He opened the night with a great set using his acoustic guitar instead of his usual electric exploder gear.
Chip invited me up to play along. Then Pilot of Hope took the wheel and did their original tunes. These guys were very good and we hope they come back to the Ship often. Dave Blodget is one of the best acts in our stable of players and his set was just great. Steady legs Tom Ewart played "and sang" some classics I dig his singing.
Rich Leufsteadt acompanied Tom on Bass. Then Amazing Dick did his own set polishing up his toonz for this Saturdays UKAPALOOZA at the Hotel Vernon Ship Room. Jim Berkeley rounded out the night with a solid set and never once touched a guitar.
People are already booking Next Weeks Line-Up so get on board before we set sail. Arrrrgh!

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A no show and a late arrival made for an Interesting night of shuffleling the players list. I stepped in to play what was more or less an extended sound check. Miguel Melendez show up early to play the 8:00 slot along with Tom Ewart. T-Peavy stopped by on his way home from work at Union Music. Ship Room Newby, Rufus Leaking stepped up next and did a good set. Rufus has a great voice! Worcester Magazine sent in a top reporter to cover the night for an upcoming article. They interviewed Deb Baron of "For Love or Money" Tom Ropers new guitar set-up sounded really nice. Monique was next. She brought her own special brand of music to the helm. She also brought her own very enthusiastic audience!
The night ended in the steady hands of 2 time Turtle Boy Award winner Jim Bekeley. Those of us who hung around late got the 5 cent tour of the Hotel Vernon Speakeasy with owner Bob Largess.
Way Cool! The Ship Room just keeps getting more interesting.
Get on board!

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Wednesday April 11, 2007on the Ship was really a trip!
Guitarist, Tom Ewart kicked off the night with some great jazz instrumentals. Rich Arsenault followed with a fine finger picking acoustic set. Kevin Braney knocked out some new material with the help of Ken Latham and Dana Lewis. Next, an impromptu set of comedy from a local patron helped set up a Special appearence from the BaysicS. I've been trying to get these guys in for a while and was thrilled to have them take the helm. They drew the Biggest crowd so far with a terriffic set of Simon and Garfunkel and Beatles material. We can now add the BaysicS as another ringer to Wed Open Mic Night at the Ship Room line up. Next, local impersarrio/musician Al Bombz took the stage with Timmy Fuckin' Lynch and played the original score for the upcoming movie "Nautical but Nice" Then, Rich Amazing Dick Leufstedt busted out his collection of Ukeleles to do a great set that will be featured at the Hotel Vernon on May 5 during Uke-A-Palooza. The night ended in the capable hands of Jim Berkeley who always sounds Awesome in this room. Lots of special guests passed thru. Including Jonny Dollar Experiment keyboard player Mauro DePasquale with drummer John Murzycki. Another magic night on the Ship. It just keeps getting better! Keep coming back folks.

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