ROBERT A. WAGNER | T. MITCHELL BELL

Saturday August 23 at 8pm
412.818.3817 for details
$5 suggested donation

Three Penny Opry is only one of many things that Robert Wagner has started. He has fronted two great bands, The Little Wretches, and The Mercenes. And he has been a driving force in the Pittsburgh music scene. His craftsmanship, honesty, and intensity have been inspirations to me, and he remains one of the standards against which I measure my fumbling progress as a songwriter, and as a performer.

I always think of Robert as the singing Poet Laureate of Pittsburgh. He paints startling portraits of Pittsburgh's people, history, and places. If you've heard him, I need say no more. If you haven't, you're missing more than you can imagine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T. Mitchell Bell is also a great singer-songwriter. He brings an expansive conscious-ness, compassion, and soul to his craft. I've shared stages with him a couple times and have always been impressed by his style and capacity.

He has a new CD, recorded and mixed in Nashville, called The Ballad of Philo Paul, and I hope it'll be available for sale at the show.

Steve Vesolich | George Kantor & Dave LaRose

Saturday April 12 at 8pm
George Kantor & Dave LaRose plus
Steve Vesolich
412.818.3817 for details
$5 suggested donation

George and Dave are wonderful songwriters/performers full of melodic and lyrical surprises. I find them both to make music that is like comfort food with an edge. Their styles are different enough to lend a nice dramatic tension, but compatible enough to get everybody wondering how these magical combos find each other. They'll be doing covers by Pittsburgh singer-songwriters, so ego and curiosity ought to bring us out. Their deft musicality ought to bring everybody else.

Steve Vesolich blew me away when I first heard him at Club Cafe playing gospel, country blues, Americana, and just a touch of grunge sensibility in some of his vocals. I thought, "Where'd this guy come from?" You'll ask yourself the same. And you'll be, as I was, eager to hear him again.

Please join us.

www.myspace.com/3pennyopry
www.myspace.com/jackpittsburgh
www.myspace.com/stevevesolich

Bill Toms & Tom Breiding

Saturday, March 22, 8pm

The Pittsburgh Calliope Folk Music Society presents
Three Penny Opry featuring
Bill Toms & Tom Breiding at
The Starlite Lounge
364 Freeport Rd. Blawnox PA 15238
Suggested Donation: $5

For more info: 412.818.3817

Twas the night before Easter, and all through the town
All the candy was nestled in shredded green down
The slackers were drooling from gluttonous dreams
Of gorging on eggs till they burst at the seams
Then loudly Pete Cottontail started to spring
"What's any of that got to do Spring?!?"
So, shake off the stupor of cold hibernation
And come cure your soul of it's Winter starvation
With heartfelt and thoughtful love offerings of song
And leave fit for life again, hopeful and strong!

I've had the honor of co-billing with Bill Toms several times, and with Tom Breiding at least once - though I've heard them both on many other occasions.
And every time I've heard them, I've become an exponentially greater fan. How many people's songs can you say that about. Most of them catch you with a hook, hook you with a catch, and get you tricked into indiscriminately listening over and over again till you say, "Wait, there's no substance! Wait, I've just wasted a chunk of life. I want my money back."
This music is the diametric opposite. You'll like it at first. We like to see great gardens as we drive by. After a while though, the great gardens of song pull us in, and we get to feel the depth of the roots, the variety of the crops, the nourishment of the harvest. There's a bounty to be had in this music. And you get it by repeatedly hearing the songs.

Those of you who haven't been introduced to their bodies of work, you're in for a treat, an introduction to a great adventure.

Check them out:

Bill Toms
Tom Breiding

And then, Check them out with me!

Your Servant in Song,

Jack Erdie
www.myspace.com/3pennyopry

Dennis McCurdy & The Lonesome No More Band | Plus Jeff Wiley

SATURDAY, MARCH 15 @ 8PM
The Calliope Folk Music Society Presents
Three Penny Opry [LISTENING ROOM] featuring:

I've had both of these performers play for me at various other venues and, no matter how jaded or unmotivated the audiences, they got great and varied reactions, for great and varied reasons. It's been too long since I've heard them, and I can't wait to hear them again, and to share them with you.

About Dennis & Lonesome No More:

"The sound is pure Americana with pedal steel, dobro, fiddle, mandolin and lush harmony vocals, wrapped around the acoustic guitar, bass and drums." Jim Hoehn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

About Jeff:

Jeff is a vetran songwriter, entertaining in and around the Pittsburgh ares for over twenty years. Bringing to the stage melodies of haunting beauty and lyrics welcoming slices of inspiration, loneliness, and relationship. Together forming delicately crafted pop folk music of the highest order.

See you there,

Jack Erdie

Dennis McCurdy & The Lonesome No More Band

Coming Distractions

MARCH 15
Dennis McCurdy Lonesome No More Band
& Jeff Wiley

MARCH 22
Bill Toms & Tom Breiding

APRIL 12
Alicia Romano | George Kantor & Dave LaRose

ERIN DRAGAN (The Meridians) & JACKSON MONSOUR

SATURDAY, FEB 23 at 8 PM
The Calliope Folk Music Society Presents
Three Penny Opry [LISTENING ROOM] featuring:

Erin Dragan with The Meridians

AND Jackson Monsour

The Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Rd. Blawnox PA 15238
$5 Suggested Donation (meaning you can always give more)

About the Artists: WORD

THE MERIDIANS:

There's a mystical thread running through the lyrics, driving guitar, flavorful bass riffs, and rock solid drumming. Their performance is dynamic, with three part-harmonies that wisk the listener to bygone eras. An infectious blend of classic rock, blues and punk.
They won the opening band slot at the Pitt Program Council's Fall Fest '07.

JACKSON MONSOUR:

...is an engaging, upbeat Americana artist, described as "ridiculously good-looking." He doesn't let that get in the way of his talent though. Since performing in the Johnstown Folk Festival last year, he has been touring the western PA region, and is building quite a following. Don't miss this up-close-and-personal with one of the region's brightest young stars.

I'll be hosting, and look fondly forward to seeing you all there.

Your Servant in Song,

Jack Erdie

www.myspace.com/themeridiansmusic
www.myspace.com/jacksonmonsour

Peter King and Todd Burge

Saturday, January 26, 8pm at
The Starlite Lounge 364 Freeport Rd. Blawnox PA 15238
$5 (suggested donation)
For more info, call: 412.818.3817

Peter King and Todd Burge are both exceptional performers and world class gentlemen.

Here's what people have said about Peter's music:

“Intricate guitar work, exciting singing and evocative, richly melodic songs.” — Philadelphia City Line News

“Proof yet again that we don't have to look any further than our own back yard for great talent.” — Shadyside Summer Arts Festival

You won't believe how easy he makes it look when you hear how masterfully he plays. Great passion and poignant humor subtly seep through his songs.

www.peterkingmusic.com

Todd Burge is considered by many to be the best singer-songwriter in West Virginia. You may have heard him on Mountain Stage, jamming with Tim O'Brien. He also hosts a radio show, called Songwriter Night with Todd Burge .

Here's what people are saying about Todd:

"A prolific songwriter with melody, passion, and wit to spare."

"The hardest thing for a singer/songwriter to do is distinguish yourself to be original. [Todd's] music is unmistakable. The very best songwriters share a common trait: they all have a great, ironic sense of humor. Todd is West Virginia's contribution to this tradition." -- Larry Groce, Host of PBS's Mountain Stage

www.toddburge.com

You won't believe you paid so little and received so much. You'll hug yourself for not going elsewhere and paying a prince's ransom to receive so much less.

Heather Kropf & Keith Hershberger

FOLKS,

Heather Kropf, Keith Hershberger
The Too Tall Americanos
Saturday, November 17, from 8 to 10pm at:
The Starlite Lounge
364 Freeport Rd. Blawnox PA 15238
412.828.9842
Suggested Donation: $5


"Pittsburgh singer/songwriter Heather Kropf debuts her group, the Too Tall Americanos, at the Three Penny Opry. The other half of the Americanos is singer/songwriter Keith Hershberger. They will be joined at the show by Vince Camut on pedal steel and banjo and will do a combination of original tunes and covers.

"Heather (originally from Portland, OR) and Keith (from Lancaster, PA) have been performing together since the early 90s when they were in a college cover/alter ego band called Schpaklava. Voted as the campus's "Fun Band", Schpaklava shows were best known for their zany cameos, choreography and unconventional instrumentation (i.e. kazooz on Jimi Hendrix's "Cross Town Traffic").

"Both Heather and Keith moved to Pittsburgh in the mid-90s and have self-produced a collection of albums with original songs that range from folk to rootsy americana, neo-soul and pop rock. After years of performing as a duo they've decided to make it official with a name...and possibly someday: a THEME SONG.

"When they aren't recording and performing, Keith is working at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild. Heather works at an afternoon tutoring center in East Liberty and Starbucks, which is where the group’s name was inspired.

"The Too Tall Americanos have been stealthily performing private functions as a trio with Vince all summer; this is their first public show. The Americanos’ shows aren't quite as rowdy as the Schpaklava days, but then, no one's getting any younger."


Except Me, Your Servant in Song,

Jack Erdie

Return of Son of 3PO!!!

On Saturday, September 22, the year of discord 2007, Three Penny Opry gets back to doin' what it always did best: giving you modern music in touch with its roots.

This time, it's a leaner, hungrier show. Two hours tops. You're in, you're out, your head is spinning, heart's brimming... YOU WANT MORE. The show starts at 8pm, 8:05 at the latest. If you're not there, you miss out on a song or two. It ends at 10pm, 10:05 at the latest. You want to hang afterwards and swap songs, fantastic. Everybody who doesn't want to commit a huge chunk of their overtaxed weekends can go home, humming, drumming, and eager to come back.

Mike Strasser will play first. He came into Moondog's with Anne Feeney and the otherwise oblivious crowd hung on his every phrase. He's been in Sacramento for 28 years, but he's a 'Burgh native, and we're lucky to have him back.

Then Jack Erdie will play with his band, The Insubordinates. Most of you haven't heard the Insubs since the release party for Jack's Pumpkin CD. They fully intend to rock the house in a rootsy way, with a surprising cover song.

As always, there'll be a $5 suggested donation, but feel free to give more. How much has music done for you???

Come out and help start the new season off proper. We promise to make it a night for you to remember, and want to relive.

Spooks, specters and space

Float over to the Starlite on Saturday the 28th for songs of spooks,
specters, and space! It's time once again for a night of 'filk,' the folk music of science fiction, fantasy, and horror -- focusing on the horror this time in honor of Halloween (costumes are optional). Come 'howl in' the witching hour with us!

8:00 pm or thereabouts...

www.calliopehouse.org

songwriters from ohio, ontario, pennsylvania and west virginia

The Threepenny Opry at The Starlite Lounge goes international this weekend:
Ohio's Jason Quicksall;
Ontario, Canada's John Allaire;
Pennsylvania's Robert Wagner;
and West Virginia expatriate Tom Breiding

The backroom of The Starlite opens at 8:00, and the music starts at 8:30. There is no cover, but we suggest a $10 donation to keep these traveling minstrels safe and well-fed. (And we hope you come out to support these guys. We'd want them to tell people in other cities that Pittsburgh is a great town that supports music.)

As you know, we invite you to bring your kids.
Later Saturday night after the Pirate game, Jack Erdie and Robert Wagner will appear on KDKA-Radio with Carol Lee Espy to talk about The Threepenny Opry and play a few songs.

And next week, we have Jack Harlan coming all the way from Vancouver.

www.calliopehouse.org

songwriters from ohio, ontario, pennsylvania and west virginia

The Threepenny Opry at The Starlite Lounge goes international this weekend:
Ohio's Jason Quicksall;
Ontario, Canada's John Allaire;
Pennsylvania's Robert Wagner;
and West Virginia expatriate Tom Breiding

The backroom of The Starlite opens at 8:00, and the music starts at 8:30. There is no cover, but we suggest a $10 donation to keep these traveling minstrels safe and well-fed. (And we hope you come out to support these guys. We'd want them to tell people in other cities that Pittsburgh is a great town that supports music.)

As you know, we invite you to bring your kids.
Later Saturday night after the Pirate game, Jack Erdie and Robert Wagner will appear on KDKA-Radio with Carol Lee Espy to talk about The Threepenny Opry and play a few songs.

And next week, we have Jack Harlan coming all the way from Vancouver.

www.calliopehouse.org

songwriters from ohio, ontario, pennsylvania and west virginia

The Threepenny Opry at The Starlite Lounge goes international this weekend:
Ohio's Jason Quicksall;
Ontario, Canada's John Allaire;
Pennsylvania's Robert Wagner;
and West Virginia expatriate Tom Breiding

The backroom of The Starlite opens at 8:00, and the music starts at 8:30. There is no cover, but we suggest a $10 donation to keep these traveling minstrels safe and well-fed. (And we hope you come out to support these guys. We'd want them to tell people in other cities that Pittsburgh is a great town that supports music.)

As you know, we invite you to bring your kids.
Later Saturday night after the Pirate game, Jack Erdie and Robert Wagner will appear on KDKA-Radio with Carol Lee Espy to talk about The Threepenny Opry and play a few songs.

And next week, we have Jack Harlan coming all the way from Vancouver.

www.calliopehouse.org

more songs from the land of unimarts,pit bulls+ karaoke machines

This Saturday, September 23rd, Robert Wagner debuts all new songs, joined by Steve Sciulli of Life in Balance on lap steel guitar and various flutes.

www.lifeinbalancemusic.com
www.littlewretches.com

Sounds from South of the Border

This Saturday features Peter B. King and Emily Pinkerton. The sounds of Brazil resonate through Peter's "Road to Ubatuba," and Emily is an ethnomusicologist who did her fieldwork in Chile.

www.peterkingmusic.com www.emilypinkerton.com

Sing Around the Campfire at the Three Penny Opry

"Hey, Mrs. Wilson, can Bobby come out and play?"

"No, Bobby has to stay at home and babysit on Saturday nights."

"But Mrs. Wilson, didn't Bobby tell you that he's allowed to bring his little baby sister to The Starlite Lounge for Campfire Night?"

"No, he didn't. Are you sure Campfire Night is safe for baby girls?"

"Well, sure it is. We start at 8:30. We're done at 11:00. And all we do is sit around and play songs, and everybody can either sing along or play along or just listen. Everybody's invited."

"Would I be allowed to sing 'Take These Chains from My Heart'?"

"Why, sure you would, Mrs. Wilson!"

"Well, then. To heck with Bobby. Me and Mister Wilson are bringing our baby girl to Campfire Night and Bobby can stay home and wash the dishes."

"How about, to heck with the dishes and bring the whole family instead!"

"Why, that's a lovely idea. Bobby, go fetch your guitar and your baby sister's diaper bag..."

CAMPFIRE NIGHT IS AN OPEN SONG-SWAP.
NO COVER. CHILDREN WELCOME. ALL MUSICIANS INVITED.

Sam Flesher and Dave Hart

Sam is the shepherd of love--teacher, mentor, doctor of beauty. He is one of the few songwriters you'll ever meet whose songs are known and sung around the world.
He sings when he can't talk and dances when he can't walk.
May we all do the same.

Kids welcome.
No cover charge.
Calliope

We Like Big Buts

Robert writes . . .

Our controversial 42nd President turns 60 years old on Saturday, August 19. And we're celebrating with song at The Starlite Lounge.

At 9:00 pm, Jack Erdie, Sue Gartland, Kate Snow, Van Stragand and Robert Wagner will be performing “in the round” in the back room of The Starlite. If you want to join the circle, bring your guitar. We’ll have some cake and ice cream, and maybe some chicken wings. Feel free to bring your kids.

When NBA superstar Charles Barkley said, “If ifs and buts were beer and nuts, we’d have a hell of a party,” he was NOT talking about Bill Clinton.

President Clinton is considered by many to be among the most intelligent and charismatic men of the twentieth century (and now, the twenty-first), BUT . . .

Was there ever a guy who so polarized the public? Leftists accused him of acting like a Republican. Rightists accused him of being a closet socialist. People doubted his sincerity, his honesty. A cottage industry of conspiracy theorists made big bucks of his alleged misdeeds. IF he’d have kept his zipper zipped

IF, IF, IF


Maybe eight years of relative peace and prosperity wasn’t enough.

Wouldn’t it be cool if Presidents were like professional wrestlers and they never really retired? Wouldn’t have been cool to see Bill Clinton square off against Ronald Reagan to settle once and for all who was the REAL great communicator?

How about Clinton versus FDR? Roosevelt retired with the belt, like Rocky Marciano, but he never had to square off against a guy like Bill Clinton. Clinton would have been the “heavy” in the match, having had to turn Republican just to get a chance to get in the ring with the champ. Maybe Clinton would overturn the wheelchair while the ref’s back is turned, get the pin on a fast count and run for the exit, waving the championship belt in the air while pelted by debris from the angry mob.

Clinton would proceed to defend his title against Richard Nixon, a fighter so dirty and vicious that even Bill Clinton would come out as the good guy. Nixon would tear him to shreds but get himself disqualified by using foreign objects and refusing to break a choke hold by the count of four.

The biggest showdown of all, of course, would be Clinton versus JFK. JFK would show up with Jackie and Marilyn and all that glitz and panache. Clinton would enter the ring with an entourage of trailer park hairdressers and truck stop waitresses. A huge battle royale would erupt, and in the confusion, one of Clinton’s floozies would seduce Kennedy, allowing Clinton to steal a thrilling victory.

Anyhow

Clinton wasn’t a wrestler, just another MIGHT HAVE BEEN
..

Calliope

Eve Goodman this Saturday

Saturday, August 12 9:00 pm
The Starlite Lounge proudly features Eve Goodman and Jim Hart.
Love offering requested.
Here's what people have said about Eve Goodman:

"... (an) amazing singer and songwriter and guitar player who has songs that are somehow complex and simple at the same time and of the heart." - Larry Berger, The Saturday Light Brigade

"...Goodman's vocals are gentle and unassuming, yet there's a rock-ribbed confidence under the surface....her strength lies in her straightforward poignancy." - Kris Fell, The Boston Phoenix

"...Goodman sings like a seasoned blues performer, squeezing and wringing the words from her throat....her (guitar) style is as unassuming as her personality...graceful and effortless playing that could have entertained on its own all night." - Madeleine G. Eno, South End News

"...My thoughts, my feelings, reflections of parts of myself that I try to keep hidden -- somehow I find them revealed in the songs of Eve Goodman and realize that I no longer have to feel that way alone.". - John Hayes, Staff Writer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"...the music is top notch". - Bill Jackson, Boston Rock

www.calliopehouse.org
www.evegoodman.com