10/25/23

Hello Everyone,
Here’s the latest Leo Coffeehouse/QCB news:

Covid

In the past week we have learned that two members have tested positive for Covid after attending Leo Coffeehouse. Both attended other public events besides Leo, so it is unknown where they contracted the virus.

One is vaccinated, is recovering, and is planning to stay at home for the requisite period after testing negative. The other is a new case, so I don’t know their status.

Covid is still with us folks. Unfortunately, given the limited ventilation systems in our meeting rooms at Zion, the best protection, beyond being up to date on your Covid vaccinations, is wearing an N-95 mask (especially for those who are not vaccinated). 

Masks are not required at Leo, most of us are depending on the protection provided by our vaccinations, however, if you would like to wear a mask to give yourself more protection, you are more than welcome to.

If you do get sick, stay home, test for Covid and let us know if you have tested positive so we can gauge the risk for us all. 

Thanks and stay well.

This Sunday: 
Leo Coffeehouse, October 29, 2023

5:15 PM: Performance workshop led by Alan Rhody
Alan “Rhody has provided tunes to a staggering list of radio stars and held on to his best instincts in carving out lyrics of uncommon poetry—this man has a lot of say and he long ago figured out how it needs to be said.” Keith Harrelson, “Moonlight on the Mountain”

5:15 PM:  Open Jam
Musicians bring songs to lead in the circle while others provide backup and harmony. This jam continues upstairs during the concert.

Performances, 6:45 - 9:00 PM

1st Set: Janice Sunflower 
A professional musician in two worlds: French Horn and Native Flutes, Janice came from Oklahoma to attend CCM. From her first custom made red cedar flute, her collection has grown to over three dozen made from a wide variety of woods including a deer leg bone and a sunflower stalk. She has recorded four Native Flute CDs and recently performed with the Cincinnati Pops. sunflowertones.bigcartel.com  

2nd Set: Skirt and Boots
Skirt and Boots is a four piece Americana, folk, acoustic band. Check out their music on Apple Music or YouTube. Our members are Janice Brown, Trina Emig, John Murray, and Barb Blasch.

3rd Set: Alan Rhody 
"Music City troubadour Alan Rhody's latest CD titled 'Farther On’ features a songwriting collaboration with the late Guy Clark, as well as a feast of solo works, not the least which is his No. 1 hit sung by The Oak Ridge Boys. Rhody’s guitar-vocal version is stunning, revealing just how powerful the original version of the song really is. This fellow is one of those rare individuals who can hold you completely spellbound with just his axe and his voice.”

-Robert K. Oermann, music critic, author, historian   
alanrhody.com 

Looking Ahead:
Leo Coffeehouse, November 5, 2023

5:15 PM: Open Jam
Musicians bring songs to lead in the circle while others provide backup and harmony. This jam continues upstairs during the concert.

Performances, 6:45 - 9:00 PM

1st Set: Scott Nutter and Jeff Gushin
Expect a few rags from Jeff on fiddle and mandolin accompanied by Scott’s guitar. Jeff developed an interest in traditional music in the 1960s and was a member of the Grammy nominated Buzzard Rock String Band. He currently performs with old-time string bands, The Corncobs, and the Laurelview Ramblers. Scott returned to the guitar, the passion of his youth, about 15 years ago when he joined the Leo. He loves to explore a wide variety of musical styles.

2nd Set: Seldom the Same
Seldom the Same gets their name from the fact that not all members are able to play all their gigs. They are a group of retirees who share their love for Americana music. Dean Vamvas, lead vocalist, plays guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. Tom McDonald is our primary harmonica and mountain dulcimer player. Vocalist Tom Laskey also plays lead guitar and percussion. Dave Martin supplies keyboard, fiddle and dobro and sings. Dave Sanders plays cello, acoustic guitar, banjo and sings both lead and harmony. Karen Shrock plays guitar and provides both lead and harmony vocals.

3rd Set: Lisa Biales and Bill Littleford
Lisa’s new record "At Christmas" blends her love of roots, New Orleans jazz, musical theatre, and blues into a tapestry of music that has become her signature style. It’s made up of nine original tunes and one Louis Prima cover that Lisa makes all her own. "From Blues to Jazz she can do it all. Biales and Braunagel’s production are perfect together." (Richard Ludmerer/Making A Scene)

QCB/Leo Coffeehouse Membership

We are keeping our standard annual QCB membership dues at $20.00 for a family, or for a single person plus a guest. Last year, knowing that the pandemic cut into our contingency funds, as we continued to pay overhead expenses with no income, some members donated larger amounts to QCB. We very much appreciate the support of all QCB members at all levels.

We are exploring setting up our website to allow the payment of different levels of dues support.  For now, if you’d like to pay the standard dues, you can pay them online here or by a check at Leo. (We’ve discontinued our P.O. Box, I will have a mailing address in the next newsletter for those who wish to mail their membership dues.)

If you would like to donate more than the $20.00 standard dues, you can do so by check, or through our website. When you get to the page with the box to relay instructions, just note that you are paying a larger amount for your dues.

For visitors who prefer not to become a member, a donation of $5.00 (cash) per person helps us pay the rent for our non-profit organization.  Donations can be slipped in the box at the welcome table outside our performance room, Founders Hall.  If you can’t afford that, pay what you can afford or nothing at all.  We will welcome you to join us either way.

Neil Harrell
President, Queen City Balladeers/Leo Coffeehouse

President’s Letter