Humboldt Street Music Tomorrow (Tuesday May 13)

Join us for an afternoon delight of music. Sarah Torres and I will be playing and singing down at Clarke Plaza, corner of 3rd and E, tomorrow noon til 3 or so. Weather permitting, but its looking good.

I will be rolling my street amp rig down there and Sarah and I will take turns. Bring something to sit on (or join our Bucket Brigade) , something to munch on, wear a hat (avoid sunburn!) and the beverage of your choice.  Please no alcohol there will be children around.

The weather looks good all week, we will see how it goes tomorrow maybe we can do more. If you are a musician who would like to play a half hour or hour set with my rig please email me at Humboldt.organizer@gmail.com and put “street music” in the subject. We plan on doing lots of free street concerts this year.

Free Concert!
Sarah Torres, Electric Bill,

Tuesday May 13
noon til 3, Clarke Plaza, Old Town Eureka, 3rd and E.

have a peaceful day,
Bill

Humboldt Street Music Concert – NOON TODAY! (MONDAY MAY 12)

THIS ONE IS DONE THANKS IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON IN CLARKE PLAZA, OLD TOWN EUREKA

 

Join us for an afternoon delight of music. Sarah Torres and I will be playing and singing down at Clarke Plaza, corner of 3rd and E, tomorrow noon til 3 or so. Weather permitting, but its looking good.

I will be rolling my street amp rig down there and Sarah and I will take turns. Bring something to sit on, something to munch on, wear a hat (avoid sunburn!) and the beverage of your choice. Please no alcohol there will be children around.

The weather looks good all week, we will see how it goes tomorrow maybe we can do more. If you are a musician who would like to play a half hour or hour set with my rig please email me at Humboldt.organizer@gmail.com and put “street music” in the subject. We plan on doing lots of free street concerts this year.

Free Concert!
Sarah Torres, Electric Bill,

MONDAY MAY 12
noon til 3, Clarke Plaza, Old Town Eureka, 3rd and E.

have a peaceful day,
Bill

Rise Up (And Raise Our Wages) – Electric Bill – Free MP3

shortlink here: http://wp.me/pbr9G-3Xj

mnemonic link here:  http://urlet.com/live.late

Rise Up (And Raise Our Wages) listen on Box.net:

https://app.box.com/s/sb4lobou6wwkfm5dj84b

Rise Up (And Raise Our Wages)

copyright 2014 Bill Holmes

E G A C

Feb . 8 2014

I can’t make it on what they pay

Get a 2nd job is what they say

I got three jobs and I’ll tell you what

I’m sick and tired I’ve had enough

[chorus]

Rise Up and Raise Our Wages,

Rise Up, Rise Up

Rise Up and Raise Our Wages,

Rise Up, Rise Up

40 hours don’t pay the rent

30 hours don’t make a dent

20 hours its killin me

Aint no hope for my family

Chorus

They tell you to educate yourself

My degree is sittin on the shelf

These student loans are killin me

My only hope is a Jubilee.

Chorus

repeat chorus and out.

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Electric Bill ~ LIVE ~ THE WORKS ~ aRtS aLIVe eUrEka ~ Dec. 7, 6-9 PM

@ the works, amplified acoustic-eclectic.   This will be Electric Bill, big keyboard amp.  Lets have fun.

come to the works for arts alive.

The Works

210 C St, Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-8121

buy my cd “Two Smooth Stones Solstice Sessions”  its for sale @ the Works along with a bunch of other local artist cds!  Solstice Sessions was recorded here in Eureka with my friend Jimmy Mandich in 2009.   I am working on a new song collection now.

have a peaceful day,

Bill

Fundraising Season

shortlink here: http://wp.me/pbr9G-3PC

mnemonic here: http://urlet.com/over.input

Hi Everyone,

It is fund raising season again and I would like to raise some funds for my friends at PARC, People’s Action for Rights and Community here in Eureka. https://highboldtage.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/donations-requested-to-keep-parc-perking/

So between now and New Year’s I want to do some house party fund raisers for PARC.

If you would like to support the vital community work and activism that radiates from PARC you can host a neighborhood house party.

Invite 15 or more of your friends and neighbors to your house (or other reasonable venue) and I will come and give you two hours of my best acoustic eclectic singing. Here is a link to my music page: http://4or.us You may have to provide me transport to and from.

Listen to and or download “Free the Weed”

https://sites.google.com/site/wholmes/FreeTheWeed.mp3

This can be completely acoustic or amplified acoustic as your needs require. I can be loud enough to be enjoyed but not so loud as to anger your neighbors.

I will ask Verbena and the other PARCers to come and sit with you and speak for a few minutes about the work that is being done at PARC, and the work that needs to be done in our community.

I am just looking for a roughly 10 dollar or more contribution from each attendee. So roughly 150 bucks + for the party. Obviously some attendees may not have money and some may be able to donate a bit more. It is all good. But we will have a good time even if we fall short.

For me its a win win. I enjoy singing and I enjoy helping my friends at PARC.

You and your friends can enjoy a special and memorable day or evening. You supply the venue and the food and beverage and I will supply the music. We can enjoy life and strengthen our community together.

I will also do fund raisers gratis for other movements, campaigns and organizations, contact me:

Bill Holmes Humboldt.organizer@gmail.com

Here is a link to my music page:

http://www.4or.us

Listen to and or download “Free the Weed”

https://sites.google.com/site/wholmes/FreeTheWeed.mp3

OH and if you want some live music for your harvest party, email me. I love harvest parties!

have a peaceful day,

Bill

Anchor Audio AN-Mini 30 Watt Battery Powered Speaker

shortlink here:  http://wp.me/pbr9G-3M5

mnemonic here: http://urlet.com/mask.computation

So this summer I have been trying to step up my game out in the street music scene here.

I started the summer with a Zoom A3 pedal, been great, I use it both in my street rig and my club rig.  I started with a Roland Microcube and I pushed the hell out of it.   It’s 2.5 watts and proud of it.   It really is a remarkable product and though I am about to retire mine I think I will keep it.  It has been a good friend.

The Anchor Audio AN-MINI

I ordered this online on last Thursday, it arrived Monday afternoon.   I have used it twice out in Clarke Plaza for 3 and a half hours each  session.

All I can say is WOW.

I got mine online direct from the manufacturer Anchor Audio in Carlsbad California.

http://www.anchoraudiohome.com/index.php?id=17

It is available from B & H Photo and Adorama as well, but I suspect they drop ship it from the manufacturer, just a guess.

I paid $183 plus California sales tax.

When you look around for these you will see some scary prices, these are available in some expensive packages/bundles with wireless  mics etc etc.  but the basic 30 watt powered speaker is $183 from the manufacturer.

It comes in basic black, or clear, or red plastic (choices).   It is a plastic case, it is not luggage tough built like a Roland Microcube, I will have to be gentle with it.  I may build a roll cage for it out of some pvc pipe and some foam.

But at a price less than half of a Roland KC 33 or AC 110 (or is it the other way around?) or less than half the cost of a 50 watt Crate Limo (50 watts but 28 pounds)   I can deal with it.   It weighs 3 pounds with batteries and it is half the size of the Roland Microcube I have been using.

What you get is a plain jane powered speaker, runs on 10 AA batteries (I use rechargeables)  they are in a tray so they are easy to change, it has one 1/4 in mic input, a 3.5 mm line in and a line out, I think,   I just use the quarter inch mic input.

I use my Zoom A3 as a preamp/mixer with my guitar and vocal mic running into the Zoom, and the zoom running into the mic input of the Anchor Audio AN-MINI.  I set the Anchor Audio AN-MINI at noon (halfway or 5)  and I haven’t had to push the Zoom A3 past 3.  I am filling the plaza with clear, undistorted musical sound.   🙂  Oh and one set of rechargeables easily lasted the 3 and one half hours, the sound was just as strong at the end.   Beyond that I can’t say, I use NiMH and recharge them every day.

There is a cool factor here too.   It is very tiny sitting on top of the mic stand but it puts out amazing sound, especially with the Zoom A3 preamp.   I use a little slap back echo and some compression and it goes a long way towards making my sound quality on the guitar and vocals.  The extra sustain is wonderful since I am a solo performer the sustain and reverb helps fill a few voids if you know what I mean.  One person can only cover so much ground, or fill so much musical space.

At less than half the cost of an equivalent Roland or Crate Limo this is an awesome choice (so far, depending on durablilty) for the street musician.  No effects here, that’s part of the cost of these guitar amps, and the luggage is not robust.   And to be honest about it, the quality of the effects on the Zoom are far superior to the built in effects on the amps.  The Roland effects are fine for what they are, but the delays and reverbs and choruses on the Zoom are pristine.  Bottom line  it seems like the battery amp power is there.  I think it will work quite well with out the Zoom too, I will try it with the Morely ABY switch (my back up “mixer”) one of these days in place of the Zoom.   but right now I am so happy with the Zoom I am going to use it every chance I get.

UPDATE Today (sat sept 14) I set up and did a sidewalk fundraiser in front of the Humboldt County Library.   I was facing the parking lot with my back to the library, and the parking lot is the size at least of a football field.  People standing at the back of the lot were applauding me.   A guy working in his yard across the street was applauding me.   After an hour and a half the library lady asked me to quit and I did.   She said it was too loud.  My little speaker wasn’t even aimed in their direction.  🙂

2nd update:   Well I got my Crate Limo and I am currently using that so the AN mini is now in reserve.   After using it for a few days I started using it like I was using the Roland Microcube –  and that is facing tilted upwards towards a stone inner corner, using the masonry as a big horn, and shooting  the sound in the air.   It works pretty good.  Using the stone corners of these old buildings in Eureka really boosts the bass response of these little amps, as there is a lot of natural bass resonance outside, you just need the horn to instigate it.   One thing I will say about Old Town Eureka, there are several really lovely outdoor acoustic venues, if you look for them.

have a peaceful day,

Bill

Bill Holmes, Troubadour, Acoustic/Eclectic – Small Victories Tour – 2013

Rise Up (And Raise Our Wages) listen on Box.net:

https://app.box.com/s/sb4lobou6wwkfm5dj84b

shortlink here http://4or.us

mnemonic here:  http://urlet.com/invisible.sometimes

update Electric Bill, 2014!

Bill Holmes, troubadour, acoustic/eclectic, rock, folk, country, blues, americana, comedy, outlaw country, pop, originals.

Bill Holmes, former singer and songwriter of Two Smooth Stones.

Listen to and or download “Free the Weed”

https://sites.google.com/site/wholmes/FreeTheWeed.mp3

For Booking:  humboldt.organizer@gmail.com

I am available for bookings from Santa Cruz to Portland on the West Coast.  I am looking for weekend gigs in this area.  I do up to 3 one hour sets of acoustic/eclectic music either full on acoustic or amplified acoustic.  You will need to provide the sound system or I am happy to play full on acoustic in appropriate context.  I have acoustic/electric guitar will travel but I am too old to haul amps and p.a.s around, sorry.

I am looking for a booking agent.  contact me  humboldt.organizer@gmail.com

I am looking for a producer for a cd project towards the end of the year. contact me  humboldt.organizer@gmail.com

I am looking for a rhythm section, drums and bass, prob should be proficient in simple country lines and also able to follow and learn chord progressions.  I do one or two twelve bar blues a night the rest you will have to learn.  I would like to do some honky Tonkin in the area this winter.   contact me Humboldt.organizer@gmail.com.

also looking for an accompanist comfortable in full acoustic and amplified acoustic contexts.   Prob a lead guitar but not in stone, could be some other lead instrument.   Some one to do tasteful fills while I am singing and to take an occasional lead part (few times a set).

Next appearances:

ITS BEEN A GREAT YEAR FOR MUSIC.  HOPE IT WILL BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR.

update Electric Bill, 2014!

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Eureka Fair Wage Café, January 11,  Labor Temple Eureka noon to 5 we will have five music acts.  I will prob be one of them.

E. St. where 9th dead ends into it, its the Carpenters Union Hall.

January 17 Homeless Awareness Day Concert in Old Town Friday Jan. 17 Details TBA

contact Kathy Anderson

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Clarke Plaza, 3rd and E, Old Town Eureka, Noon Lunch Bucket concert, weather permitting.  I do this when I can, if I am not too tired.  I do it often I enjoy it.  Bring your lunch.  This will end in general around mid October, but might continue on really good weather days during the winter.

or Eureka Coop 10 am to 1 pm sometimes tabling for the Eureka Fair Wage Act.  When its not raining.

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completed

Sat. Dec. 21  Homeless Memorial Day/Winter Solstice/Verbenas Birthday PARC Eureka 1 PM til   Sat. Dec. 21

Monday Dec. 16 Street Show for Robbie – Homeless Died on Sidelwalks of Eureka

Tues Dec 17 Courthouse Rally for Community Forest

Tues dec 17 Josephine Johnsons Open Mic – Siren Song

sat Dec 7 arts alive the Works Eureka

Sat Nov 24 coop

Mon nov 25 coop

Tues Nov 26 Coop

Fri Nov 22 Eureka Coop 10 to 1

Thur Nov 21 Eureka Coop 10 to 1

Sat Nov 16 Eureka Coop 10 to 1

Sat Nov 9 Eureka Coop 10 to 1

Fri Nov 8 Eureka Coop 10 to 1

Thurs Oct 31 Clarke Plaza lunch bucket with several interuptions I may blog about this event in the future.   the weather is getting way sketchy, clouds and fog roll in fast, and these old hands don’t take the cold too well.   Just saying.

Tues Oct 22 Carson Park 6PM  Music and Speak Out Against Police Brutality – non violent free community gathering, food music.
corner of Carson & H st, central Eureka.

Sat Oct 19 Clarke Plaza Lunch bucket

Thurs Oct 17 Food for People W. 14th Eureka

Wed Oct 16, Clarke Plaza lunch bucket

Tues Oct 15, open Siren Song Tavern, 2nd St. Eureka – Josephine Johnsons open mic.  7 pm

Tues Oct 15 Clarke Plaza lunch bucket

Sat Oct 12 Eureka Coop

Sun Oct 13 Clarke Plaza

Mon Oct 14 Clarke Plaza

Sun Oct 6 Lunchbox Clarke Plaza

Sat.  Oct 5, Fair Wage Café, Highland Park  Eureka

Thurs Sept 26 Clarke Plaza Lunchbucket

Tues Sept 24 Lil Red Lion

Thur Sept 19 Clarke Plaza

Wed sept 18 Clarke Plaza lunchbucket

Tues Sept. 17 Lil Red Lion  5th st.  8 pm til 11 pm 3 sets….   5th St next to N & S Liquors

MON SEPT 16 CLARKE PLAZA NOON- 3

SUN SEPT 15 CLARKE PLAZA NOON 3

Sat Sept 14,  PARC Fundraiser – In front of Humboldt County Library – 1100 am til 2 pm Bring some cash support community activism!

Thurs 9/12 Clarke Plaza lunchbucket

Wed 9/11 Clarke Plaza lunchbucket
Tues Sept 10 Lil Red Lion

Mon. Sept. 9 Clarke Plaza lunchbucket concert

Sat. Sept 7 (Arts Alive)   Roses Billiards 5th and E Eureka 6 pm til 9 pm  (formerly the Alibi and Aunty Mo’s)

sat sept 7 Clarke plaza lunchbox concert noon

fri Sept 6 Roses Billiards

thur. Sept 5 Clarke Plaza

Wed Sept 4 Clarke Plaza

Tues Sept 3 Lil Red Lion

Sun Sept 1 Clarke Plaza

Fri Aug 30 Lunchbox concert Clarke Plaza 12 noon 330

Wed Aug 28 Lunchbox Concert Clarke Plaza 12 noon- 3 pm

Tues Aug 27, Lil Red Lion on 5th, 8 pm til 11 pm

Tues Aug 13 Lil Red Lion

Sat Aug 24 Fair Wage Café, Labor Temple

Mon Aug 26 Clark Plaza Lunch box

Tues Aug 20 Lil Red Lion

Mon Aug 21 Clark Plaza Lunch Concert

Saturday June 29 Fair Wage Café Labor Temple 800 E. St. Eureka noon – 5:00 pm

Saturday June 29 Little Red Lion 5th St. Eureka 8 PM to 11 PM NO COVER

Tues July 16 Eureka farmers market old town 10 am – 1 pm amplified acoustic

Tues June 18  Lil Red Lion 5th St. Eureka  8 pm – 11 pm no cover
Tues June 25 Lil Red Lion 5th St. Eureka  8 pm – 11 pm no cover

Tues Apr. 23 Lil Red Lion

Tues Apr. 30  Lil Red Lion 5th St. Eureka  8 pm – 11 pm no cover

Sat.  May 4     Speakeasy Bar  Opera Alley Eureka  Arts Alive  6 pm – 9 pm no cover

Tues May 7     Lil Red Lion, Eureka  8 pm – 11 pm

Tues May 14 Lil Red Lion Eureka 8 to 11

Tues May 21  Lil  Red lion 8-11

Tues May 28 Lil Red Lion 8-11

Tues. June 4, Lil Red Lion, Eureka

Friday June 7 Benefit Ink People Annex 7 PM Multiple Music Artist Benefit (incl. Yellabird & Sunshine)

Tues June 11, Lil Red Lion 5th St. Eureka  8 pm – 11 pm no cover

Thurs June 13th Eureka farmers market Henderson Center 10 am – 1 pm amplified acoustic

1,000 Songs, 1,000 Sigs

I will sing 1,000 songs.   I want 1,000 sigs. 

If you want me to sing you a song email me @ humboldt.organizer@gmail.com and put “sing me a song” in the subject.  Throughout the next several months, weather permitting, I will do a concert in an outdoor public venue in Eureka.  Most likely this will be Clarke Plaza but it could be anywhere in Eureka.  If you want a song I will add you to my music list and I will try to give you 24 hour notice of my next show.

While you are listening I will invite you to support the Eureka Fair Wage Act.  Everything I make playing music in the next several months I will devote to raising wages in Eureka.   If you support my music (which you can for free just by showing up) you will be doing your part in raising wages for Eureka’s hardest working people.

I am also available for musical appearances, acoustic/eclectic folk, rock, roots rock, americana, country with a bit of humor and pop.

This is my/our work with Jimmie Mandich:

http://www.myspace.com/twosmoothstones

I am available for Arts Alive Eureka Saturday Jan. 5.  I will  give you a professional level show email me humboldt.organizer@gmail.com

You can hire me also to sing you a song.  I can be hired to sing you a $1.00 song, a $10.00 song or a $100.00 song.  I promise that the free song will be just as good as the $1.00 song and  the $10.00 song and the $100.00 song, they are just more expensive.  If you want to hire me to sing a song email me humboldt.organizer@gmail.com and put “sing me a song” in the subject just like you would for a free song but in the body of the message offer to pay me 1, 10 or 100 dollars.  I’ll add you to my music list like above and keep you notified of my upcoming shows and you can come to one of them and hear me sing your song and you can pay me.

I expect that there will be six or seven nice days in January alone so you will have multiple chances to hear songs.

have a peaceful day,

Bill

~please forward~

Remembering Jimmie

Today I am remembering Jimmie Mandich, my friend and musical partner who died a year ago.

This afternoon I took advantage of a beautiful sunny afternoon here in Eureka and went out and played a few songs for you, Jimmie.

Good times, bro.

 

Bill H Live @ Farmers Market Thursday 10 AM to 1 PM EUREKA

Hi Everyone,

I will be performing three full sets of acoustic / eclectic music @ the Eureka Farmers Market Henderson Center on F St. in Eureka tomorrow October 21 from 10 AM til 1.

Come on out and enjoy the music and get yourself some healthy organic produce.

We will hope for good weather. 🙂

Join me on myspace or listen to some of my music from my recent cd (with Jimmie):

http://myspace.com/twosmoothstones