SHAMc's First Conference Scheduled!

Dear SHAMc friends, supporters, and curious onlookers,

With thanks to the Safety Harbor Library Foundation for their support.

I am writing with great news. On November 8, 2015, the Safety Harbor Writers & Poets Conference 2015: A Focus on Craft, will be SHAMC's very first major event. I am thrilled to be facilitating something so worthwhile and I know that the building and the people who have helped to make it happen will also make it a success.

For those who don't know me, I run Safety Harbor Writers & Poets. I facilitate two writers groups, one of which is open to the public every 4th Thursday of the month at the Safety Harbor Library. I am also going to start a Teen Writers Group at the library in October. I host Safety Harbor's own Writers & Poets Open Mic Night. Our next event will be at Tapping the Vine on October 14th at 7 p.m.

But let's talk about the conference. We have two amazing Keynote Speakers: Roy Peter Clark and Ray Arsenault. These accomplished authors have the ability to attract the masses, but I won't stop there! There are going to be workshops from completing a novel,  turbocharging your sentences, to publishing, to writing your life purpose.

The cost for this full day conference is $65 if you register by September 30. As of October 1, the price will change to $75. and $85 the day of the event. If you are a student with valid ID, you qualify for the student rate of $45. If any of you would like to sponsor a writer, I know several who'd sincerely appreciate a scholarship, including teens. Any help is appreciated and your name will be publicly recognized.

My root dream for this conference is to help others find their happiness. I am living the life I always wanted and if I can help other writers to grow, it's all worth it. Space will be limited, so please take advantage of the early price ticket if possible. I hope to see you on November 8th at the amazing Safety Harbor Art and Music Center!

Words change lives. It's your time to write.

FEAST IV: Who, What, When, and Wow!

If you follow us on Facebook, you've likely seen all the recent postings about FEAST IV, happening this Thursday, May 9 at the Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center. 

Why and I excited? First, it's happening in OUR TOWN. Second, I get to present my idea and compete for a grant! Third, I am competing against two wonderful artistic women who are also my friends. I'll tell you about my idea, but I'd also like to highlight the art of the other two women who are going for this same grant. 

Heather Richardson is a wonderful mosaic artist. Her mosaics are created from glass, tile, found objects and can be seen throughout the county, including her most recent public art in Safety Harbor's newest park, Mullet Creek Park.

Heather is going for the grant so that she can teach basic community-based mosaic workshops to people of all ages.  During one of Heather's workshops students will create a small piece for themselves and once some skills are learned, they can help to create a piece or pieces to be donated to the community as a public art installation. "When people participate in creating something for their community it really gives them a sense of ownership and personal pride within their community," Heather said. 

Janet Lee Stinson is a beautiful soul who has brought the art of Journey Dance to Safety Harbor. She is going for the grant so that she can teach this free-spirited dance downtown at the gazebo in John Wilson Park. (The dance lessons will be free to anyone interested in learning them!)

Four different dances will be created around different themes that will build upon each other, and dancers may join for the journey of all four dances or drop in to sample just a few.  

“Safety Harbor is home to me and I am thrilled to see the way we are transforming in to a caring community through love and support of each other," she said. "What better way to catapult the future of this artistic community than with dancing?”

And my project? Well, I want to create a literary festival --- Safety Harbor's first Writers and Poets conference. I see this happening in about a year, starting small and hopefully growing into an annual or bi-annual event. 

I am a writer and also the founder of the Safety Harbor Writers and Poets group, which hosts talented local wordsmiths for open mics and workshops across the area. I also teach writing at the library, at the museum, and this summer I will be teaching a summer camp through the City for adolescents learning the art of good reporting and journalism. 

For this Writers and Poets Conference, I'll bring in a couple well-known authors or poets, perhaps a few local authors and poets, and we'll fill this town with word art! There will be discussions, workshops and most especially, writers will feel empowered. It's a way for writers to come together and experience the creative culture of Safety Harbor. I want to offer a way, even if it’s the smallest spark, for people who attend such a conference to begin their own journeys into writing. 

Please help make any of these artistic dreams come true. Click this link and purchase your ticket for only $20. You'll be given samplings of some of the best food our town has to offer, and you'll receive four tokens to vote for one or all the projects presented. Additional tokens will be available for purchase. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center,  329 Bayshore Blvd. South, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. 

When we come together, either by applying for grants, or by supporting such applicants, we make art happen in our community. I am thrilled that it's happening in Safety Harbor. Thanks, everyone.

No matter who "wins" the grant, this community is going to be better for it! I am cheering us all on!  

  

                                       

Interview with Randall Bramblett

Randall Bramblett had just finished a salad from one of Safety Harbor’s finest eateries when we (Debby & Laura) interrupted him for a short interview before the concert on March 25. Todd filled him in on the history of Safety Harbor as we settled comfortably on the bright, flowered cushions adorning the wicker couches in Casa Loco. The Casa is across from Todd and Kiaralinda’s house, Whimzey. Casa Loco belongs to them and is used for travelling artists and musicians, as well as friends. It doubles as a studio when necessary.

I was impressed with Todd’s knowledge of the local history, but it didn’t surprise me, because he and K. have a child’s enthusiasm for as much information as they can absorb about everything and everyone.

Laura is the consummate professional and had her pen poised and her I-phone set on record, but only after requesting permission. I was more or less a loose cannon who started out by informing Mr. Bramblett that I’d never heard of him before. If we hadn’t had the recorder, we wouldn’t have this interview because I didn’t write one damned thing down, and barely shut up the whole time.

Randall Bramblett is small in stature but has that certain “aura” of a person who’s special. He’s the guy you see on a subway and think, “He’s probably someone.” He settled on the couch across from us and had an easy smile as he crossed his ankle over his knee. He was wearing worn jeans and a black on black, buttoned shirt. It seems like he had blue eyes, because they twinkled. He ran his hand through tousled blonde/gray hair.

I asked him if he’d ever stayed in a place that had copper Bundt pans for a ceiling. He hadn’t.

We wanted to know if he was related to Bonnie Bramlett, even though the spelling is different. He’s not, but he knows her, (pretty awesome in and of itself). I asked him if he ever ran in to R.E.M. (They live in Athens, Georgia also). He said no, because he’s older. Again I had to make another needless comment by pointing out that R.E.M. is pretty old these days. His eyes twinkled when he said, “Yes, but I’m still older.” His wife has a restaurant in Athens called the Creole Market and he speculated that maybe Mike Mills had dined there.

So, armed with a recorder and excited about the house concert that we were soon to enjoy, we asked him a few questions…

LK: What should we know about your music? You’re kind of jazzy, bluesy?
DK: (Not really a category)
RB: It’s hard to categorize. It’s a mix of a lot of different music. I grew up playing and singing Soul music, but I was also influenced by Dylon, he had a sort of funky thing going too. Country rock, Americana. Gospel. I’m not a Jazz player.
LK: I don’t know where I heard that!
DK: When you listened to music when you growing up what sort of music would most embarrassing thing to admit to? I’m talking about when you were little. Not toddler, but you know, the gawky age…
RB: I used to listen to these piano records that were really schmaltzy. Andre Previn, Peter Yarrow. My older sister’s records – I think they came from her, or maybe my parents bought one of those Columbia “You get all the Classics” collections.
DK: Did you have a stereo?
RB: Yeah, if you could call it that. I don’t know if you could call it a stereo. A hi-fi.
DK: Did anybody else in your family play music?
RB: My sister played piano some. My mom was a kindergarten teacher. She played enough for Sunday school and kindergarten.
DK: Were you good church goers?
RB: Yeah. Southern Baptists.
DK: Where’d you grow up?
RB: Jessop Georgia. It’s in southeast Georgia, near Brunswick, near Savannah. Flat woods, swamp. Omaha River swamp. I spent a lot of time in the river. That made a big impression on me. It’s such a prehistoric looking place.
DK: Did you write things down?
RB: I tried to write some poetry back then. Mostly I was singing in the local high school band.
DK: Like a garage band?
RB: Yeah, a dance band really.
RB: So you guys all got together like in junior high or high school and decided who would do what?
DK: In high school we really started getting paid. We were playing all over by the time we were seniors in high school we were playing all over.
DK: All over Georgia?
RB: Yeah, and South Carolina. Occasionally North Carolina.
DK: Did you play guitar?
RB: I just sang.
DK: You wrote most of the music?
RB: It was all cover music.
DK: So you did covers, but you were good.
RB: Yes.
DK: There were some really bad bands back then too…
RB: I played through college with that band.
DK: So you all went to college and kept in touch?
RB: Yeah, we all played together all through college. I went to UNC some of them went to college at Georgia. I would hitchhike and meet where ever they were.
DK: Chapel Hill is a good fertile place for writers isn’t it?
RB: I think that was when I first heard James Taylor. And Dylon … I never really thought I could write until my senior year. I started fooling around more with the guitar. It was the hippie days too. UNC didn’t really even have graduation. There were so many protests going on. After that I stopped doing cover music and started trying to write songs. I played guitar since junior high but never really wrote until then.
DK: Self taught?
RB: Yeah
DK: We interviewed on of your fans who traveled a long way to see you tonight. Sheila says you play a bunch of different music – different instruments.
RB: Keyboards, sax, guitar… (chuckling) Sheila comes to God knows how many gigs. I’m not sure why
DK: She loves you, that’s why.
RB: She’s showed up in Tennessee, various places…
DK: North Carolina. She said she’s been as far as NC. And you have people coming from Naples.
LK: Who inspires you now?
RB: Occasionally I get inspired. I don’t listen to enough music. But when I heard Elbow this year – an English group – they’re huge - I got inspired. Unbelievable stuff.
DK: Have you ever heard of Chuck Prophet?
RB: Sure. Chuck was on the same label as me out west. I like him. I like hearing quirky things like Cake. I like Lucinda Williams a lot. A great poet. She likes to write lyrics.
DK: So you write all your stuff now?
RB: I have some co writers I work with sometimes. Mostly it’s me.
LK: So how’d you hook up with Todd and Kiaralinda?
RB: The 38 Festival in the Panhandle . It’s where they have this great singer/songwriter festival. Lots of venues. You play at different ones every night. There are probably a hundred or more different people playing.
This seems like a really cool community of people.
DK: We spread the love. You’re in good company playing here. We’re excited. We’re happy you’re here.
DK: Did you bring a road wrangler?
RB: I am the road crew. I was a social worker for a while. So, if you have any problems … (Laughing)
DK: So you did have a real job for a while…
RB: I’ll tell you what happened. I played strictly music for about 10 or 11 years. Had my own group and played with other groups, then I bottomed out in every way with alcohol drugs and everything. I was in New Orleans. Got sober, met my wife. Figured at some point my career was over so I needed to find another career. I want to University of Georgia. Got my MSW there. I got the experience. I was a drug and alcohol counselor. In the middle of school I got a call from Steve Winwood’s people. His music director heard me from Sea Level. He was always one of my favorites – and Traffic ― but I hadn’t picked up a horn in years. I could play sax keyboard and strings. I started getting calls back. It was a great experience.
I Just played with Greg Allman last week. And Leon Helm is one of my heroes. I just played with him. Playing with Steve [Winwood] was a great experience too. Right now I’m doing solo stuff, playing with Geoff Achison, … he is an Australian guitar player. His stuff is bluesy. He comes over for a few weeks. We always play together. It’s a fun life.

(Hi, this is Laura. I just have to say something before we run the credits...)

This was an amazing concert (March 25) and if you were there, you might like to know a little more about this man who should be even more famous than he is. I mean, like as famous as Steve Winwood, Greg Allman, Bonnie Raitt and others who he’s played with. Did you know that about him? He's just as talented as those artists, and in some ways, he shouldn't even be compared. His voice is nice, not overpowering, but rather easy on the ears and leaving you somewhat addicted. I'd say he is as talented with words as Bonnie Raitt ... His lyrics made my mouth water. Yeah, they're savory to the senses, and beautifully crafted.

Honestly, go buy his music. It won’t disappoint, I promise. In fact, there's a FREE song available, too - just in case you want to sample before you buy. His new CD The Meantime, and his older stuff, can be purchased through his website.

I'd love to compare notes and hear which song is your favorite. Drop us a line in the comment section. Are you an old fan or have you recently discovered Bramblett's music? And Mr. Bramblett, if you find your way here for some reason – maybe wondering what happened after those two writers sat you down and plied you with odd questions – well, rock on, man. You impressed the hell out of me.

And the amazing photos are by Holly Apperson. Thank you, Holly. You have a gift with a lens...

In The Spirit of SHAMc

Safety Harbor is full of creative types: artists, writers, craftspeople, singers, musicians, florists, chefs...(who am I forgetting?)

I see the future Safety Harbor Art and Music Center as a place for those who are already using their gifts to express ideas, to generate income, to help others, and to inspire. I also see SHAMc as a place for those who might feel the first spark of that creative urge, but have not yet found a way to express it. SHAMc will be a place to generate and showcase creativity.

So, in the spirit of SHAMc, I have been organizing a museum fundraiser called Monday Nights at the Museum. Each class is affordable at only $15.00 per person. The classes begin April 4 and will run every Monday night in April. All teachers are donating their time, and 100% of proceeds benefit the Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History.

Also, beginning March 15th, Taste Cafe will host Paint With Monet and Merlot.
You'll complete a wall-ready 16 x 20 painting in one evening while enjoying special happy hour and tapas pricing. No experience necessary. Check their website for more information.

Monday Nights at the Museum:

I Want to Be an Author: Now What?
April 4th, 7 to 9 pm
Known as “The Wedding Writer,” Kimberly Llewellyn is the award-winning author of five novels. Her last two were published as humorous women's fiction in trade paperback by Berkley Books (The Quest for the Holy Veil and Tulle Little, Tulle Late, a Book Sense Notable Pick List from the Independent Booksellers Association). Kimberly has written nonfiction articles as well as stories for the confessions magazine market. She enjoys promoting "fiction for women" to the media and to various organizations, such as the Arts Council, Miss Florida State Pageant for Miss America, and bridal expos. She's made guest appearances on television, including the shows Daytime, Mornings Around the Bay, and Kathy Fountain’s Your Turn. I Want to Be an Author: Now What? will be available to purchase after the class, along with some of her fiction (optional). Check out Kimberly's website for more information about her books.

Forget Me Nots
April 11th, 7 to 9 pm
Kathy Ayres is known as The Junk Drawer Diva. Her unique jewelry has been sold in several Safety Harbor gift shops and online. She will help you create a one-of- a-kind pendant from items found around the house. Bring copies of old pictures and any small memorabilia and curious items that can be put together, sealed with resin, and attached to a bale to form a pendant. It will fit into a beer bottle cap or any other small "cup." You can see Kathy’s "Forget Me Not" pendants as a point of reference on Etsy.com. Go to "sellers" and type in junkdrawerdivas.

Kathy will bring some of her creations to purchase after the class (optional).

Find an Agent or Publisher for your Novel
April 18th, 7 – 9 pm
Laura Kepner is a freelance writer and editor. She has written for answerbag.com, eHow.com, Examiner.com, Weyerhaeuser, Destination Tampa Bay, and more. She is currently working with a top New York agent to sell her young adult novel. If you are interested in the process of finding an agent or publisher for your book, and want to learn about the many choices available to you, this workshop will guide you through the query letter and the necessary steps toward publication.

Introduction to the Acoustic Guitar
April 25, 7 - 8:30 pm
Understand the basics of playing the acoustic guitar as musician, singer and songwriter, Regina Aamacha helps you understand the instrument. Regina’s unique style has been enjoyed in Delaware, Virginia, New York, France, and Florida. Shortly after moving to Safety Harbor, Regina formed CC Beaglehead, which quickly found a fan base. Her music has been enjoyed at the 8thAvenue Pub, Taste Café, Harbor Sounds, The Wine Festival, Jannus Landing (to benefit Habitat for Humanity), and more. Regina also hosts The 3rd Sunday Songwriters’ Showcase at Heather’s Place every month. If you have a guitar, please bring it, but we want you there even if you don’t own one. Visit her website, and listen to her music on www.myspace.com/reginaaamacha
Regina will have CDs available to purchase after class (Optional).

To reserve a spot for any of these classes, please e-mail Laura at SafetyHarborWritersGroup@gmail.com