Singing Lessons

All my life I wanted to be a singer, but I was never very good. One day I decided I would get out a tape recorder, record myself, and try to figure out how to improve. As I got better, I tried singing in public with some success.

Before long my wife suggested that if I was a going to sing I should take some voice lessons. Rather that take that as a criticism, I decided she was right.

I signed up with a voice coach named Ronni Ward. mailto:rwsings@att.net Ronni helped me learn to breathe, to get more sound out. She helped me with phrasing and getting more emotion and energy into my voice. With her help I was able to expand my range by several octaves.

In short, spending three years with Ronni was one of the best things I ever did. I still have a long way to go, and I practice everyday, but I am now confident of my singing, I've been able to develop my own style, and I am not afraid to sing any place.

I regularly hear people who could be very good singers with a little bit of training and coaching. The most common problem is weak sound and wimpy tone due to poor breathing techinique.

Ronni says that singing is about energy and communicating emotion. If people start yawning or head for the door when you start to sing, you are ready for voice lessons.

Singing is learned skill just like playing an instrument. If you want to be a better singing, I would strongly encourage you to enlist a voice coach, sing everyday, and come to Pickin on the Patio to practice in front of an audience. Jim Mathis

One week to go for the season.

Next Monday night, August 30, will be the last Pickin' on the Patio for 2010.

Theresa has given us all the assignment of only happy uplifting songs for the final week of this, our seventh season. I guess that means no "Eve of Distruction," or other songs about murder and mahem. She would probably even censor, "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive, " and "Mama Tried." This will be a smiley week!

The weather was great last night and I am sure that the 30th will be even better.

If all goes well, the Lord is willing, and the creek don't rise, the next Pickin' on the Patio will be June 6, 2011.

Two Weeks to Go

It has been a good season for Pickin' on the Patio with good attendance every Monday night. There are just two weeks to go before we close for the season, so come and join the fun.

We still have Pickin' on the Patio T-shirts, so get yours soon. We will also have them on sale this Saturday night when Sky Blue will be playing a two hour concert at Homer's.

Thanks to all.

T-shirts are in!

Pickin' on the Patio T-shirts are here!

We have a selection of colors and sizes. Theresa's smiling face is on the front and the back says, "Pickin' Til Dark," with the web address. The price is $15. You can get them any Monday night at Homer's or call Jim at 913 269-6709, Jim@SkyBlueBand.net, and we will get one to you.

Pick up your shirt on the 9th and then wear it on the 16th and we will get a group photo.

A hot night!

You people are amazing! On one of the hottest nights of the year, the parking lot was full of people to hear the dozen or so musicans who came to share their talents.

We had some great singers and players as well, and as the temperature on the bank clock across the street slowly slid back to double digits from the low 100's, those of who came to play or just listen, enjoyed the slight breeze.

Overall, one of the best nights yet in spite of the high temperatures. Four more weeks to go for the season.

Pickin on the Patio T-shirts should be here next week. They are $15 with Theresa's picture on the front and "Pickin' til Dark" on the back.

Pickin' on the Patio T-shirts

Pickin' on the Patio T-shirts are in the works. They are soooo cool!

Save your pennies. They will be $15 and be ready in a week or two.

Theresa fans (and who isn't?) will love them.

Rain or shine

Pickin' on the Patio is "on" for tonight. If it is raining at 7:00, we will setup under the shelter.

Attendance is Up

Now into our seventh year, it appears that Pickin' on the Patio has become an institution in Downtown Overland Park. For the past several weeks we have had record attendance with many new players and well as a growing audience.

Thank you to everybody who is making POTP a success.

First Night of 2010

Thanks to all who came out last night for the first night of our seventh season of Pickin' on the Patio. It was good to see a lot of our old friends from last year as well as our good friends who have become faithful followers of SKY BLUE.

The rain held off and the weather was great. We will be on the patio outside of Homer's for the next 12 Mondays, so come when you can.

We are beginning to think about this year's Pickin' on the Patio season. All the principals are on board for a June 7 kick-off. Theresa and Bob are all set, Jim is ready, and Glenn, the manager at Homer's is excited. We are waiting on the official OK from the building owner and then the City of OP and we will be ready to go.

I hope you have all been practicing up over the winter, getting ready for your big moment at the mike.

We'll see you Monday, June 7 at 7:30 unless there is an unforeseen hitch.