Workshop and musical swap meet slated for early September
WEST MILFORD Music at the Mission presents The Vance Gilbert Performance Workshop and a Musical Swap Meet on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the West Milford Presbyterian Church. This is a fundraising event for Music at the Mission a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that presents a concert and an open mic night each month. For nearly 10 years Vance Gilbert has been teaching live performance skills at the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Song School. He has recently taught this workshop at Kerrville Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. Gilbert gives a hands-on critique and makes recommendations for the live show. He describes it as “examining songwriting through the eyes of performance.” From a stage-side vantage point Gilbert looks at the lyrical content of the song, stage patter, microphone technique, guitar arrangement to suit the song any and all things that affect performance. It is a chance for performers to get a professional outside look at what they are doing and get some input on how to improve. Those interested in participating should come prepared to play something in front of a group, in an “open mike” type format. Absolute beginners and working pros are all welcome. This is an appropriate workshop for non-performers as well as it is highly entertaining and a show unto itself. Gilberte is a singer songwriter who came onto the scene in the late 90s and was immediately signed to Rounder Records. He embarked on his first national tour opening for Shawn Colvin. Since that time, Vance performs about 150 shows a year. Most recently, comedian George Carlin asked Gilbert to open 50 of his shows all over the US and Canada. Gilbert’s Performance Workshop will begin at 2 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. Admission is $35 and includes admission into the Musical Swap Meet. The Swap Meet begins at 1 p.m. and admission is $5. You can bring musical instruments and/or musical equipment to sell, swap, or donate. You may also rent a table for $20 to sell your wares. Donated items will be sold and the proceeds will benefit Music at the Mission. The Swap Meet will run from 1 to 6 p.m. Music at the Mission will present it’s regularly scheduled Open Mic Night that same evening at 8 p.m. Doors open and sign up begins at 7:30 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m. Come to perform or to just relax and listen to an evening of talented performers. Admission is $5. Refreshments are available. For further information, please call 973-728-4201 or visit our Web site - www.MusicattheMission.org