Song Interpretation Workshop

Our TCCAN Education Committee is jumping into gear this very first week of 2014!

On Sunday Jan 5th @ 2:00-5:00 PM, we are hosting a workshop on how to take a song; from the words and notes on the page, and make it a unique interpretation to tell a story that has your own spin on it. This is more than transposing to a better key for your voice or finding the right tempo. It is about digging into the core of both yourself and the song to say exactly what you mean to, just as we do to sculpt our patter.

It will demonstrate techniques on up to 8 of our members and will be led and moderated by others on the TCCAN team. As part of our outreach in education, this and all workshops are open to both members and fans of our organization. However only active and current members may participate while anyone else is welcome to observe and learn. Please keep the afternoon open and share it with us.

Sunday, January 5, 2:00-5:00

MacPhail Center for Arts - Music Room 607

501 S. 2nd St.

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Happy Holidays

TCCAN had our annual holiday soiree last week. It was a great chance for us to get together and talk about life as well as work and cabaret. Kevin graciously donned his gay apparel and hosted us at his lovely house in Robbinsdale. We all proved to be great bakers and chefs with a veritable feast at the table and plenty to drink. A warm fireplace was on hand. Songs were shared. And even spouses joined in the fun. We were lucky to have such a great gathering to cap off the fabulous year we have had as an organization.

More to come in 2014 as we grow and flourish.

Acting the Song

Jumping on the band wagon of upcoming events from our fabulous Education Committee. This is something to ponder as we continue to grow. It is from a friend in NYC who is starting out his own producing theater company. And this is a published ad in Backstage.

It comes from Three Act Theater Company. It is educational in the sense that it involves 6 rehearsals of coaching cabaret artists. And then culminates in a public performance at the Metropolitan Room and is called In The Spotlight; a Cabaret Event. Of course being New York, they are auditioning for the 12 participants who will be part of the program. But it is still an interesting concept of both education and performance. Wishing them luck and attaching the audition notice - just in case anyone is going out East!


Acting the Song

Street Corner Caroling in NYC

I thought it was time for another mindless post that has very little to do with cabaret, but muses on the songs of the holiday season. Especially keeping in mind we have our gathering this weekend and everyone should be coming with a song in hand to share with the group.

If you have not caught any of his antics, Billy Eichner is a NY fixture who accosts pedestrians on the street and bombards them with inane questions, giving them a dollar bill if they answer correctly. He is typical Manhattan in-your-face. He posts regularly on Funny Or Die.

This week's topic is stumping street carolers on lyrics to well known carols. His partner in crime is the hysterical Amy Poehler donned in a frumpy Mrs Claus wrap. Most passerbys are so stunned they have no idea how to react. But it is festive and funny. So a reminder before Saturday - look at your lyrics. Maybe Erin will pay you a dollar if you get them right???

Phil Mattson interviews

Our very own Phil Mattson is featured in a deluxe two part interview and broadcast as 2 episodes on YouTube. It is a special program from advocate David Cummings on KFAI. In addition to Phil, it also interviews Sheridan Zuther and Les Block. It looks at Phil's huge legacy and in particular his fabulous vocal arrangements over decades now. Heavy on jazz with intricate vocalese passages. Stories about his career and the work he has brought to life with the Phil Mattson Singers, and the PM Singers among others.

If you are working on your laptop, cue it up and take it in over an hour or two. Great music from a great man. Takes great chops to do his material well! From Duluth, to Brainerd to the world at large. From swing choir to vocal jazz.

Phil Mattson interview part 1
Phil Mattson interview part 2

Lucia Newell: Song and Lyric Writing

This tip from member Vicky Mountain. It is a workshop being led by friend and colleague of hers - Lucia Newell. Lucia is a well known local artist and this is being presented as part of the Jazz at Studio Z series in St Paul. It is a dual evening of both workshop and concert titled Song and Lyric Writing - Emerging, Unfolding, Transpiring. It begins with a free workshop at 6 PM that is 40 minutes of discussion on the origins of her material through realization. She will hit on improvisation for discovery as well as her musical influences.

Following the workshop, there is a full concert along with musicians Zacc Harris, Phil Aaron, Jeff Bailey and Joe Pulice. Concert tickets are $10. Studio Z is located at 275 E 4th St @ St Paul in the second floor studios.

Be aware that this all takes place on Dec 14th - which is also the night of our holiday party!! But if there are any ambitious takers, you could do the workshop 1st and then zoom on over to Kevin's for the festivities.