Jeff Hartman

Hometown/Homegrown Talent Showcase

September 10, 2006
jshartman

This Saturday proves to be no exception to the blessing it has been working with world-class, area musicians such as drummer Rick Cline, double bassist Brandon Miller, and saxist Phillip Whack. Here’s what the PR team at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center is saying about the event. Thank you for supporting the performing arts!

“Hometown/Homegrown Talent Showcase at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, NC is the first of what is planned to be a series of events featuring local entertainers showcasing a variety of talents and skills on Saturday, September 16th at 7:30 pm. The inaugural event will feature three performers; MusicSmyth, featuring the music of Rhonda & David Smith and their very talented family of musicians, singing and playing musical standards. Jeff Hartman is a local singer/songwriter with talent galore. Jeff’s music runs from rock to jazz to music of the 80s and beyond. Sammy Cortino, Magic’s Royal Duke will round out the showcase with some incredible illusions. This young magician is just bursting on the scene. You’ll be delighted with his adroit skill and style. Tickets are available online at broyhillcenter.com or by phone at 828-726-2407.”

Good Vibrations

August 13, 2006
jshartman

Our quintet appearance as at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte before Steely Dan and Michael McDonald was a huge success and very well received. Special thanks to Carol Anne, musicians Mason Bissett, Brian Burton, Jeremy Shaw and Chick Tsikouras, the event staff, the sea of folks listening and, of course, Steely Dan and Michael McDonald. It was our pleasure! I can’t say enough nice things about the experience.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

August 7, 2006
jshartman

We are very blessed and very pleased to announce we’ll be appearing with legends Steely Dan and Michael McDonald at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte, NC on 8/12 from 6 pm featuring bassist Mason Bissett (Irongrass, Cast Iron Filter, The Pocket), drummer Brian Burton (Cast Iron Filter), guitarist Jeremy Shaw (Full Grown Band, Ponder, Banks & Shaw, Hank Smith Group, Spincycle, Sophisticats) and guitarist Chick Tsikouras (Big Bus Dream, Theatre Gallery).

Left and Right

July 30, 2006
jshartman

I agree the United States continues to grow more and more secular as a society, subcategorized if you will; Liberal, Conservative, Black, White, Baldwins, Wayans, Oompa Loompa, as opposed to uniting under one “American” umbrella.

I agree Bush, Jr. is not the poster child for international diplomacy. He is not well-spoken. He is not a uniter. His administration has certainly polarized the left and right. I concede “W” doesn’t have the luxury of being judged under normal circumstances. His legacy will certainly be unpopular if we don’t succeed sooner than later against terrorism. I say “we,” because it is, after all, “We the people…”

I often estrange from but applaud political and religious discussions, if it’s a discussion. Dissent is healthy and necessary. It’s the yin and yang we endorse that makes this country what it is. When I don’t hear alternatives to current domestic or foreign policy vs. criticism or cynicism, it’s apparent to me no real solution is being offered up for debate.

I’m not a fan of politicians. I’m not a fan of slaughterers, but I love me some bacon. Like anything, I believe there are good politicians and bad ones. They are smarter than this Jersey boy and certainly more qualified to make the complicated decisions they are faced with. I’ve made enough errors in judgment. I’ve seen enough life-swapping 80’s films to realize you can’t be too critical of others until you’ve walked a mile in his or her shoes.

Brad Dad Returns

July 27, 2006
jshartman

Some of the best moments I shared with my father growing up were when it was just the two of us out and about. When I saw the trailer for “Superman Returns,” it reminded me of all the Christopher Reeves Superman films he took me to see back in Jersey. The movies were great, but it was special to me because my daddy took me to see them. Total hero moment the first time I saw him flash his police badge and they let us in for free. I was able to return the feeling and take him and Timmy to see “Superman Returns” in Hickory on Wednesday, July 19th at 12:30 pm (spared no details) for his 55th birthday.

Timmy’s still talking about it and it meant the world to me. I know Dad’s in a lot of pain. He’s always been Superman to me. He’s just got some Kryptonite jammed in his back somewhere, but I know he’ll rise above it. He’s Superman! He’s always had a talent for rising above the bad hands he’s been dealt. That’s one of the qualities I admire most about him.

A Cause For The “Paws”

July 17, 2006
jshartman

The trio will be performing a benefit for Project H.A.L.O. this coming Tuesday, 7/18 from 7 pm at Dilworth Billiards in Charlotte. Project H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live On) is a non-profit, no-kill rescue organization based in Charlotte, NC. Currently, they are a 100% volunteer organization and are privately funded. Without volunteers and private donations, they would not exist. They rescue homeless, stray, and unwanted dogs and cats. They take care of all the vet work including shots, sterilization, and heartworm treatment, when necessary. All of Project H.A.L.O.’s animals are vet-current and sterilized prior to adoption. They feel that this is the only way to run an animal shelter in a responsible manner. If you would like to know how you can help, please visit projecthalo.net for more information. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Additionally, you can make donations of any denomination through PayPal. Your patronage is much appreciated!

S.A.L.T. Block and Big River

May 24, 2006
jshartman

I hope you peeps are having a fantastic week! I want to let everyone know that Carol Anne will be performing with Paul Cummings and Heavy Handed Praise this coming Sunday, May 28TH at the S.A.L.T. Block. Proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Care Center in Hickory. Doors open at 5:45 pm with worship and praise from 6 pm. More information is available by visiting heavyhandedpraise.com.

“Big River” at Hickory Theatre will be closing this weekend. Thursday’s performance begins at 7:30 pm. Friday and Saturday begin at 8 pm and Sunday begins at 2:30 pm.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play Roger Miller’s famous bluegrass and country score on acoustic guitar in the orchestra pit with some fantastic area musicians including harmonica legend David Lovatto from “Spellbound,” percussionist David Abernathy of “Puddingstone” and horn player Jason Childers. The rest of the cast and orchestra are equally impressive and worth the price of admission.

You can order tickets by visiting hickorytheatre.org or calling 828-328-2283.

Thank you and God bless you for supporting the performing arts.