I had the honor and privilege this past week to see Pat Donohue in concert at the Strand Theater in Waynesville, NC. Pat spent 20 years (I believe he said) as a band member and leader for "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show. He has now decided to tour on his own. He is a Grammy winning finger style guitarist and one heck of a great song writer. The Strand is a small 88 seat theater, very intimate with great acoustics. The room was only 3/4 full so everyone was able to have a great seat for the show.
Saturday morning I drove to Asheville to attend a work shop Pat was giving on fingerstyle blues. There were 11 of us there. Pat was was charming, patient and totally into helping us learn some great techniques. I truly appreciate that a man of his stature is willing to sit with us lesser players and help us learn!! Pat.... you are awesome!!!
If you haven't listened to his music you can find it and his schedule at www.patdonohue.com!!
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Spring has arrived in the North Carolina mountains!! The cherry trees are almost done blooming, the dogwood and redbud are in full swing. I'm even beginning to see leaves popping through the blossoms!! I've taken some video and a lot of pictures. I'll try to get some posted - to music - when I can.
I didn't qualify for SERFA but no matter. It was a long shot. I can still go and enjoy the music in May!! Maybe ya'll come down and hang out with me? I wish you all a safe and prosperous spring!!
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I decided to catch the wave and join!! Now that I have moved to Asheville NC (this is the official announcement by the way) I have decided to join the Folk Alliance, and by doing so join the South East Regional Folk Alliance that represents my new hometown!!As an added incentive, and way to force myself to get involved, I have thrown my pick into the ring to try and become a Showcase Artist. May as well go big or go home. In my case...... home will be 20 minutes from going big!! I'll keep you posted on how this plays out. I will also post any upcoming gigs once I get some!! Enjoy your winter!!!
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Ah! Winter is upon us and we wallow in the dark of self pity!! What better way to dig yourself out of the depths of depression than to go out and catch some live entertainment! Anything will work.... art galleries, theater companies or local musicians. It's all good and good for the soul. Take my advice.... it's free after all.... and do yourself a favor. Get out of the house and see something local!! Life IS good!!
Reply
Summer 2014 is finally here and heating up!! In addition to my regular gigs at the Casablanca and Pie In The Sky I also have a couple of really cool shows in July. On the 10th I will be at Max & Erma's fro 7 to 9. This is always a great time. Make sure you come out and share a Thursday evening with me. I also will be appearing at The Blue Planet in Meadville, PA. This venue is an old theater in the top of the historic Markethouse building. It is cozy and intimate and is, without a doubt, my very favorite place to play in this area. If you have never been to one of my shows this would be the one to see. Shows here are always so special. You can see my 2012 show in the video section of my RN page. It's an hour long but well worth the time!! I hope to see you out and about this summer!!
Reply
My new CD (Sojourn) was released on Christmas Eve, 2013. It has received critical acclaim from the public and the press (http://erijams.com/jerry-gaffs-sojourn-in-review/). In addition, I am now one of the top three finalists in the solo/acoustic category for the local Blue Pike Independent Music Awards here in Erie. I am both very excited and extremely humbled by the support and love that this community is showing me. You are the people that I love to play for so much!! Thank you!
I have updated my performance schedule into March but expect to add additional shows as they present themselves. Spring is coming and brings with it Festivals!! If you know of any that you would like me to play at please let me know and send me what ever contact information that you have.
Thank you for being my greatest fans!!
Reply
Due to some last minute changes by me the arrival date of the new CD moved to December 24! Just in time for a local Christmas stocking stuffer!! Once I have them in my hand I will post as such and you can all last minute order to complete your Christmas shopping!!
Reply
I am working on the finishing touches of my first "real" album. It has been recorded at Cycling Troll Studio in Fairview, PA. It is a collection of fingerstyle and slide pieces for acoustic guitar. I have added one vocal piece to the mix due to popular demand!! I hope to have it available in early November!! Wisj me luck!!
Reply
Jerry Gaff / Blog
Pat Donohue
I had the honor and privilege this past week to see Pat Donohue in concert at the Strand Theater in Waynesville, NC. Pat spent 20 years (I believe he said) as a band member and leader for "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show. He has now decided to tour on his own. He is a Grammy winning finger style guitarist and one heck of a great song writer. The Strand is a small 88 seat theater, very intimate with great acoustics. The room was only 3/4 full so everyone was able to have a great seat for the show. Saturday morning I drove to Asheville to attend a work shop Pat was giving on fingerstyle blues. There were 11 of us there. Pat was was charming, patient and totally into helping us learn some great techniques. I truly appreciate that a man of his stature is willing to sit with us lesser players and help us learn!! Pat.... you are awesome!!! If you haven't listened to his music you can find it and his schedule at www.patdonohue.com!!
Reply
Springtime in the mountains
Spring has arrived in the North Carolina mountains!! The cherry trees are almost done blooming, the dogwood and redbud are in full swing. I'm even beginning to see leaves popping through the blossoms!! I've taken some video and a lot of pictures. I'll try to get some posted - to music - when I can. I didn't qualify for SERFA but no matter. It was a long shot. I can still go and enjoy the music in May!! Maybe ya'll come down and hang out with me? I wish you all a safe and prosperous spring!!
Reply
Going SERFA!!
I decided to catch the wave and join!! Now that I have moved to Asheville NC (this is the official announcement by the way) I have decided to join the Folk Alliance, and by doing so join the South East Regional Folk Alliance that represents my new hometown!!As an added incentive, and way to force myself to get involved, I have thrown my pick into the ring to try and become a Showcase Artist. May as well go big or go home. In my case...... home will be 20 minutes from going big!! I'll keep you posted on how this plays out. I will also post any upcoming gigs once I get some!! Enjoy your winter!!!
Reply
Mid-Winter Blahs!!
Ah! Winter is upon us and we wallow in the dark of self pity!! What better way to dig yourself out of the depths of depression than to go out and catch some live entertainment! Anything will work.... art galleries, theater companies or local musicians. It's all good and good for the soul. Take my advice.... it's free after all.... and do yourself a favor. Get out of the house and see something local!! Life IS good!!
Reply
Summer's Heat
Summer 2014 is finally here and heating up!! In addition to my regular gigs at the Casablanca and Pie In The Sky I also have a couple of really cool shows in July. On the 10th I will be at Max & Erma's fro 7 to 9. This is always a great time. Make sure you come out and share a Thursday evening with me. I also will be appearing at The Blue Planet in Meadville, PA. This venue is an old theater in the top of the historic Markethouse building. It is cozy and intimate and is, without a doubt, my very favorite place to play in this area. If you have never been to one of my shows this would be the one to see. Shows here are always so special. You can see my 2012 show in the video section of my RN page. It's an hour long but well worth the time!! I hope to see you out and about this summer!!
Reply
February 2014 Update
My new CD (Sojourn) was released on Christmas Eve, 2013. It has received critical acclaim from the public and the press (http://erijams.com/jerry-gaffs-sojourn-in-review/). In addition, I am now one of the top three finalists in the solo/acoustic category for the local Blue Pike Independent Music Awards here in Erie. I am both very excited and extremely humbled by the support and love that this community is showing me. You are the people that I love to play for so much!! Thank you!
I have updated my performance schedule into March but expect to add additional shows as they present themselves. Spring is coming and brings with it Festivals!! If you know of any that you would like me to play at please let me know and send me what ever contact information that you have.
Thank you for being my greatest fans!!
Reply
CD Update
Due to some last minute changes by me the arrival date of the new CD moved to December 24! Just in time for a local Christmas stocking stuffer!! Once I have them in my hand I will post as such and you can all last minute order to complete your Christmas shopping!!
Reply
Appearing soon!!
I am working on the finishing touches of my first "real" album. It has been recorded at Cycling Troll Studio in Fairview, PA. It is a collection of fingerstyle and slide pieces for acoustic guitar. I have added one vocal piece to the mix due to popular demand!! I hope to have it available in early November!! Wisj me luck!!
Reply