Lost in America Bill Deasy

Bill Deasy is one of this regions finest singer songwriters. I became a fan of his shortly after the release of The Gathering Field's Lost In America CD. I had purchased it back then and had since lost it, so I thought.

The other day while shuffling through some old CD boxes, I found it.. It was brand new again.. I put in in my Car CD player there is was ...Ray Defade on drums Dave Brown on electric guitar Jim Dispirito on tambourine, Eric Riebling on bass and Bill Deasy singing Lost In America. You know the feeling when you play a great tune, and then hear it again after a very long period of time, ..oh you know the feeling!

Alot has happened since becoming a Bill Deasy/Gathering Field Fan,. I met and became friends with Chuck Olson who is also an oustanding singer and lover of music and art. He's lives in Indiana with his family and teaches Art at St. Francis University. He facilitates tthe Cafe' Voltare. It's a coffee house type event when local and regional artists can perform on stage live for the students. This is when I got my first opportunity to open for Bill Deasy.

I took my buddy Barry Little (Brian Miller and Tanoma Road lead guitarist) with me and we had an awesome time. I had the please of having Bill on the Acoustic Hour Radio show(via Phone) He was a cool guest and an an even cooler person to finally meet.
During my shows, I perform Bill Deasy tunes. The audience responses to "Dyland Thomas Day's has always been cool. I recently performed at the MAATI (Mid Atlantic Addiction Training Inistute)luncheon at IUP and that song was so appropriate. "My Dyland Thomas Days are finally over"! Maybe they should adopt that song...humm!

Anyway, Bill Deasy has a long musical history with Indiana Country and this region. He's a regular at Club Cafe in Pittsburgh and has a very active following according to his website message board.

I've always believed that this region has some of the best talent in the Country. Bill Deasy is an example of that and I'm glad that I found my lost CD.
"Smoke on the railroad track, Dogs in the Moonlight..I have to get back to my new old CD........." Keep the music playing Bill. Tune in to the Acostic Hour Radio show and you'll hear Bill music. Make it a point to check him out when he's in concert.

Thanks for listening!

The Polka Beat

Who would have ever thought that the long running Polka Beat (Nick Kanyan) would have anything to do with the Acoustic Hour being on the air. Well, thanks to Ron Nocco, and the go-a-head from Mark Bertig, The Acoustic Hour Radio show got the hour spot because the Polka Beat was cutting back from 3 Hours to 2.

It was at that point that I started really listening to The Polka Beat and really got to know a very nice and professional radio DJ Nick Kaynan. He is a veteran of radio and has hosted the Polka Beat for over 18 years. Nick is an accomplished musician and professional DJ. He really loves what he is doing and it's has been great working with him. He has always treated me as well as the countless guests that visited the station for my show. It would be nice if Nick is reconginzed for his work. Whether or not you like Polka, tune in and check it out Sunday Mornings from 10-12am. Thanks Nick and keep up the great work.

Resurrection Christian Store Grand Opening

I had the wonderful opportunity to check out the Grand Opening of the Resurrection Christian Store at the South 6th Street Ext. It was another really humid and hot day in Indiana County. I must say at the start that the Resurrection Christian Store air conditioning was working perfectly. I and other people took the time to cool off and browse around the new store.

This was the Plaza's first event to get the word out about new businesses on that end of town. It's easy to get to... just a few miles past the Indiana Regional Hospital.

There was live music from 11:00-8:00pm and a live broadcast remote from WDAD and WMUG radio, respectfully. I got a chance to check out the musicians, of which some traveled far distances to participate. Crosswinds was the first group I caught and they sounded excellent. They recently appeared on the Acoustic Hour Radio show and the WMUG 4th of July showcase. I then got a chance to listen to Pastor Ed Billock and his group.

They had a great sound also. But there was something that happened afterwards that to me spoke volumes. After the Pastor finished, Soul Patch was performing and the lead singer broke a string. He didn't have an extra one, or another guitar (dont' you just hate that) anyways, the Pastor saw what happed and allowed Soul Patch to use his guitar. While the show continued, Paster Ed changed strings on that guitar and had it tuned and ready after the next song.

So what you may say? Think about it... that was an awesome act of kindness.

Soul Patch was good as well. They had a Dave Mathews -- John Mayer Style..

The last group was "August". I heard that they traveled from Ohio to be a part of the Event. That's awesome. Think about it .. A group of young guys traveled all that way to play Christian music... They had a nice sound as well.

I got a chance to see some old friends and met some new ones.

On they were also offering "Free Car Washing" Of course I took them up on it. The kids at Grace Church really worked hard.

Eventhough it was " Hot" out, I had a nice time. The sound was handled by Doug Varner sound and all was well.

I'm gald that I took the time to stop by today. There was great conversations, awesome new talent and music, cool water and a few new business that Indiana and the surrounding communities should embrace.

I took a few pictures of the event and posted on my site. If you'd like to see them click here.

You may have seen the signs on the road and was too busy to stop by.

You may have been planning on going but something came up... or didn't even know that this event even happened. Check out the pictures and know that alot of hard work, scheduling, driving, planning, organizing, sacrificing, worring and of course praying played key parts in this event.

I very much appreciate the team's efforts and do hope that they continue to make Indiana County and visitors a better place to live, work, worship and visit.

We Are Country - A tribute song for our service personell

I took a look up in the sky
I saw the terror of that black smoke,
the fear in your eyes

And I know it ain't a dream,
cause dreams aren't suppose
to hurt And now it's
time to show the world
this is how we work

Cause we are country, we are free
Living life the way we want to, what
else could there be

We are country in a timeless age
In the land of the free and the home of the brave

Now I look to the sky, and now I seeRed, white,
and blue on every house and street

Waving in the wind for the souls of our lost
Stronger than ever, and
proud of what we've got

Cause we are country, we are free
Living life the way we want to, what else could there be

We are country in a timeless age
In the land of the free and
the home of the braveIn the land of the
free and the home of the brave

by Brian Miller
To view the DVD go here + some other cool vids from fanzo productions

Musical Journey to LA

It' was so cool !! If you tuned in, you would've heard live, guests from LA, California. That's right, They called in to the Acoustic Hour Radio show. It all started with Chuck Madien. He's been a guest on the show several times. Check out his site to find out more about him. The he referred folks to us, ... Julie Gribble, Witts End, Bill Reveles, Nathaniel Street-West (He's coming on the show in August.

We are going to continue to feature these outstanding artists from the left cosast. Let me say a word about their agents..They have been great! Most of the communication has been through email and when I do talk to them on the phone, they are professional, energetic and funny.

From the feedback, that I have gotten from our listeners, they really enjoy the LA segments.
I hear, that they would like to take a road trip to play live on this end of the Country. Maybe that will happen. In the meantime, take a minute to check out their respective websites. Feel free to comment on them here on the Acoustic Hour Blog.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Band should have gotten chance to perform full set

I have had the professional pleasure of working with one of this region’s premier country bands. They began as the Country Knights and have evolved into Brian Miller and Tanoma Road.
Collectively, these professionals have given this region countless shows, charity and/or fundraising benefits. They’ve opened for national recording artists and musicians during previous FOP concerts in Indiana County and in major venues throughout western Pennsylvania. The Brian Miller Band no doubt has its roots in Western Pennsylvania. All the members live here and in some cases raise their families here as well. ...

This brings me to my point. I got the chance to check out this year’s edition of the FOP concert at Mack Park on Sunday. Brian Miller and Tanoma Road were on the bill.
By the time I got settled in my seat, they were on the last song. They only played about four songs. What’s up with that?

Brian Miller and Tanoma Road should have been given the opportunity to play at least one set. That’s what openers usually do. In previous years they had been granted as much. To give them less shows a lack of respect! The band also didn’t get the chance to play their new tribute-to-the-troops song, "We are Country," at either of the two shows.

As a promoter of local and regional music in this area, I would encourage the organizers to take this into consideration the next time local and/or regional talent is invited to open for "big events."

Anthony Frazier

Here's the actual letter that appeared in the Indiana Gazette Newspaper

Sponsors, Sponsorship

The Acoustic Hour Radio Show values its sponsors. Since the show's birth, Several businesses such as The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, The Music House, The Grapevine Restaurant and others. During this last year the show was sponsored by, The Music Box, Spotts Music Center and The Homemade Restaurant. Now it's The Home made Restaurant

The Acoustic Hour Radio show is one of the most popular and listened to show in the region. The show has featured live countless artists and musicians from all parts of the country. We are not kidding... we've featured artists from South and North Carolina, California, Canada, New York Washington DC, Pittsburgh and other local and regional communities.

The Acoustic Hour Radio show has not only brought new listeners but live guests with family and friends.

The Acoustic Hour show has been featured in the Indiana Gazette, Small Town Magazine, and W-IUP Channel 20; where we have had 2 of our benefit showcases featured. Look for the Kids and Teens DVD to air during the upcoming holidays.

The Acoustic Hour showcases the talents of Artists and Musicians who, live, work, have families, raise kids, go to church, own businesses, and pay taxes. They are regular folk, professionals, amateurs, and intermediates.

Being a sponsor of the show helps us continue to bring their, talents, stories to you each and every Sunday Morning.

It's been 4 years and the show continues to grow..

If you'd like to know more about sponsorship contact our sales team at 724-465-4700. Or visit the stations website for more about AM1160WCCS.

We need your help Indiana County if the show is to continue on the air.

A letter to Carol Lee Espy

Over the years I've had the pleasure of interviewing so many cool artists and musicians on the show. Each Month I'm going to post their contact information so that you can check out their websites, find out more about their music and hopefully share their links with others.

Here's the first list that I have forwarded to Carol Lee Espy in Pittsburgh. She's got talent and is now a fellow Radio Host on KDKA

1. KuKu (Washington DC)
A realy cool guy and awesome performer
www.mrkuku.com
mr_kuku@hotmail.com

2. Brian Miller and Tanoma Road
We are Country is the New CD with DVD
webmaster@brianmillermusic.com
www.brianmillermusic.com

3. Julie Gribble. (LA)
What a great voice!!
julie@juliegribble.com
www.juliegribble.com

4. Bill Reveles (LA)
Check out the sounds clips and his myspace!!
laura@lauraroot.com
www.billreveles.com

5. Leslie Bowe (Chicago)
New CD is due out in a few weeks
lvogl@lesliebowe.com
www.lesliebowe.com

6. Tim Dabbs (Johnstown PA)
New CD Safely Home is due out in August
September 06 Johnstown Folk Fest
tdabbs@hhstudios.com
www.hhstudios.com

I'm sending you this email in hopes that all is well with family friends and fans. I wanted to take this opportunity and pass some of the acoustic hour radio show favorites to a dear friend of mine in Pittsburgh. Her name is Carol Lee Espy. She is an incredible singer/songwriter/performer and supporter of live and local music. Our listeners have enjoyed your live interviews and great music over the years. ... and we will continue to feature your music on our show. Carol Lee Espy She now is on the radio on one of the regions biggest markets KDKA. Please send her your music/press packets. She might be up for interviewing you on her show and possibly sharing your music. You can check out her at www.jimdispirito.com They (along with her husband Jim,) are frequent stars at Club Cafe in Pittsburgh. Leslie knows all about that. Anyways..Please make the contact and let me know how it goes.

Oh and feel free to blog!!

Do you HEAR what I play?

For years people have asked me about the show's listenership. To be honest, I don't really know. We had callers from around the region from Chambersburg, home, south Butler, Blairsville, Homer City.. Johnstown and many other places in between.

I've heard that people listen in their car on the way to work; in the backyard relaxing on a Sunday morning.. I'm sure that their are a 1000 stories out there and we'd love to hear them.

If you are a loyal listener to the show please let us know the town or area you listen from. If you have comments on the show you can share them as well.

Let's get started again!!

It's time to get this blog going again. Alot has been happening on the show and with the artists and musicians. So feel free to jump in at anytime.

For the past 2 years we have recorded both video and audio each show. The quests usually receives a copy of the audio show. In some cases, Videos are made of the music. Some of the videos have been posted online. Some of the projects/benefits are on sale at the Music Box in downtown Indiana PA. All the money received from the sale of thouse items go directly to the organizations. How cool is that? So stop down and support us. In turn you will be supporting local organizations in this region that need funding help.

I think we've had a good thing going here Indiana PA with the show, web, CD's and DVD's. So let's get going!!

Oh and always remember... Always hang out with people who appreciate your songs!!