Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 3:45 PM Pics from Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest - Sept '07 Hello Wail friends, Just got this email from a wonderful wail fan - thought you might want to see it. -Sims Gypsy Swing at the Barn In a barn just outside of Madison, Wisconsin, musicians and fans gather in the fall to enjoy an evening of gypsy swing, a jazz style that originated with guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grapelli. These photos capture the performers and the spirit of the 2007 Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival. Link: http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDFg3YtmLhg3bA0xoRDM Feel free to pass this along. Meanwhile, thanks for your music. I look forward to hearing you again. Regards, Kerry Hill Friday, January 18th, 2008 4:43 PM The Midwest Midwinter Gypsy Swing Festival **************** for immediate release ***************** Harmonious Wail presents and WORT welcomes The Midwest Midwinter Gypsy Swing Festival Friday February 8th and Saturday February 9th, 2008, 8:30pm ___________________________________________ The Brink Lounge 701 E. Washington Ave. Madison, WI 608-661-8589 Ticket Pricing and Information Fri 2/8/08 –8:30 Caravan GSE, Harmonious Wail, Robin Nolan & Alfonso Ponticelli Duo $15 adv / $18 day of show Sat 2/9/08 –8:30 Robin Nolan Trio, Swing Gitan, Hot Club of Detroit $25 adv / $28 day of show both Fri and Sat $35 adv / $40 day of show Tickets Available; Lane's Lutherie - 4253 W.Beltline Hwy (at Seminole Hwy) 442-0315 Spruce Tree Music - 851 E.Johnson 255-2254 Green Earth - 6771 University Ave. 831-2845 B-Side Records - 436 State St. 255-1977 Frugal Muse Books - 7475 Mineral Point Rd and 1193 N. Sherman Ave 833-8668 The Brink Lounge - 701-E.Washington 608-661-8589 also sims@wail.com The Midwest Midwinter Gypsy Swing Festival On the heels of the annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival, held in Fitchburg, this additional "Midwinter" Gypsy Swing festival is sure to cement Madison as the capital of Gypsy Jazz in the Midwest. Come immerse yourself in this unique European music. This festival´s lineup features some unique performances, including a very special and very rare duo performance by Amsterdam´s Robin Nolan and Chicago´s Alfonso Ponticelli on Friday. Both of their respective bands will also take the stage Saturday. We are also proud and excited to announce the premiere performance in Madison of The Hot Club of Detroit in the headlining slot on Saturday. Gypsy Gutiar Workshop Lead and rhythm guitar workshops are to be held on Saturday February 9th at 2:00. Robin Nolan and Alfonzo Ponticelli will teach the art of Gypsy Jazz guitar. Ted Gottsegan will be on hand to teach "Le Pomp" rhythm technique. Please contact Chris Ruppenthal (608)217-2758 or caravan@gypsyswing.com for reservations and details. The Midwest Midwinter Gypsy Swing Festival Lineup FEATURING: The Hot Club OF Detroit – (Detroit, MI) "The key to the group's success is that they value both the sound and spirit of Reinhardt and are able to capture some of each." Stephen Thomas Erlewine - All Music Guide Robin Nolan Trio – (Amsterdam) "One of today´s smoothest and most soulful Gypsy guitarists" David McCarthy – Acoustic Guitar Magazine Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan – (Chicago) "Django Reinhardt clearly is alive and well and swinging in Chicago." Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune Also featuring performances by great Madison bands: Harmonious Wail and Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble Fri 2/8 8:30 Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble Harmonious Wail Robin Nolan & Alfonso Ponticelli Duo with Ted Gottsegan(Rhythm Guitar) John Christianson(Bass) Saturday 2/9 2pm workshops Lead Guitar - Robin Nolan, Alfonso Ponticelli Rhythm Guitar - Ted Gottsegan 8:30 Swing Gitan Robin Nolan Trio with Ted Gottsegan(Rhythm Guitar) John Christianson(Bass) Hot Club of Detroit closing with a grande finale jam Website Information The Hot Club Of Detroit - www.hotclubofdetroit.com Robin Nolan – www.robinnolan.com Swing Gitan - www.swinggitan.com Harmonious Wail - www.wail.com Caravan G.S.E. website - www.gypsyswing.com Still seeking sponsors for info email sims@wail.com Saturday, November 10th, 2007 2:42 PM Hi All, Happy November to ye. I just realized that I never put this note of thanks from and about the 2007 Gypsy Swing Fest into the news sectio - here it is -- Hi Music Lovers! Well we are full into the autumn here in the north woods and I for one love it! First real news is a huge (HUGE) round of thank you's to all who attended and helped out with the 5th annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival at the Art in the Barn - it was a success of gargantuous proportions! - ok here goes - Stephane Wrembel, Kruno Spisic, Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan, H Wail, Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, The Gadjo Players, Anne & Bill Conzemius, Sara & Jim VandeGrift, Lynn C, Tom Blain & Aubrey - sound guys extraordinaire, Amanda, Allison, Doris, Hannes and any other volunteers I'm woe-fully overlooking - our revered and honored sponsors - Park Printing, The Brink Lounge (http://www.thebrinklounge.com), Sandy Wright, Erica Serlin,Rick & Vicki Palagi,Dan Talmo, annonomous Ms.D, Gail Morton, Mike & Lynette Poirer, Linda & Dan O'Connell, Deb Erstland, Francois Ford in Bellville WI, WORT and of course all of you who came out to enjoy and support such a wonderful and magical event. These guys are really REALLY talented and to be wow'd by them all is a blessing. Thank you all Now for 2008 -- if you are interested in helping out in any way please send me a note and I will respond. I put some pics on line - eventually they will be here; http://www.wail.com/html/photos.htm untill they get there they will be here http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/ArBarn2.JPG "sold out!" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/Barndusk2.jpg "a nice shot of the Barn at Dusk" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/emptystage.jpg "the Art in the Barn stage ready and waiting" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/fire1.jpg "as the night winds down, jamming around a campfire" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/APTB.jpg "Alfonso and Tony of Swing Gitan" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/APwrk.jpg "Alfonso Ponticelli at the guitar workshop" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/GadjoCRjam.jpg "the Gadjo Payers jamming with Chris Ruppenthal of Caravan GSE" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/HW2.jpg "Harmonious Wail openned the concerts - we had a wonderful time" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/Kruno2.jpg "Kruno Spisic" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/SG1.jpg "Swing Gitan" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/SW2.jpg "Stephane Wrembel" http://www.wail.com/images/MGSF07/SWwrkshp.jpg "Stephane at the guitar workshop" So there it is - in the books - thank you all once again! Back to November - I was thinking of you all this morning and had the thought of sending a pre shopping season reminder that Wail CD's are the perfect gift , fit neatly into any holiday stocking and we all here in wail world feel the lift and are sincerely thankful to you for the love and support -- I was going to write that but instead decided to simply send a note saying hi - after all it is more the season of love (which season was it again that is NOT the season of love?) than the season of spend, right? So simply HI, how ya doin'? I was also thinking of offering a very special cassette give away. If you can list the names of the civic minded five - kind of a no brainer what with wikapedia on the scene -- I will send you a free cassette version of Airborne AND Live at the ZMF -- --- but wait , there's more -- if you can bring five new people to the wail mail list - have them put your name in the notes field -- I will send you a FREE CD of your choosing - free Harmonious Wail CD that is. How about we set this contest / give-away to run through-out the 2007 calendar year - ends midnight 12.31.07 okay, SDP over and out -- thank you all sincerely for digging the music - we will try to get to your neck of the woods asap. Harmoniously, sims p.s. I just re read what I wrote -- if you happen to live in a far away place - far away from Wisconsin - a little help with the postage would be great - even if it is simply buying a CD that you might not have bought if I hadn't tempted you with free cassettes. ok, enough of me. Saturday, August 25th, 2007 4:16 PM 5th annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival Hi Music Lovers, 2 weeks and counting to the 5th Annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival - and this is going to be a great one!! >>>>>>>For Immediate Release<<<<<<<<< Harmonious Wail and Art in the Barn present and WORT welcomes the 5th annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival Saturday, September 8, 2007 4 – 10pm ___________________________________________ This is the best line up ever – Stephane Wrembel – (Paris, France & NYC) "Don´t miss this opportunity to see a truly astonishing talent in action " All About Jazz Kruno Spisic – (Croatia, Philadelphia) Kruno wishes to share his love of "Balkan Gypsy Swing" with new listeners, and to captivate them with the seductive sounds of the guitar. Swing Gitan featuring Alfonso Ponticelli. Harmonious Wail, Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble and The Gadjo Players. Come and immerse yourself in this unique European-style jazz festival. 4pm - Gadjo Players hosting Jam in the Tent 4:45 - Stephane. Kruno, Alfonso, & TomWaselchuck – gypsy guitar workshop - tent 5:15 - HWail concert in the Barn 6:15 - Swing Gitan – concert in the Barn 7:pm Caravan -- in theTent 8:pm Kruno -- concert in the Barn 9pm Stephane -concert in the Barn Monsters of Manouche – 9:45 – 10:15 Barn Gypsy campfire & jam after the performance. Art in the Barn encourages you to come early, bring a picnic or enjoy the Mediterranean delicacies offered by the Dardanelles Restaurant. Be part of this truly unique concert experience in this beautifully restored 1870's barn. Straw bale seats are limited! -- 5th annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival Art in the Barn 5927 Adams Rd. Saturday, September 8, 2007 Madison, WI Fish Hatchery Rd. south of Hwy 12/18 for 5miles – right on Adams Rd – 2nd barn on the left For more info call 608-221-3966 or email; sims@wail.com Stephane´s website is at www.stephanewrembel.com Kruno´s website is at www.kruno.net Swing Gitan´s web site is at www.swinggitan.com Caravan's website http://www.gypsyswing.com The Gadjo Players http://www.thegadjoplayers.com Tickets are $30 at the Barn Door Chairs will be provided - We want to thank our sponsors; Park Printing, The Brink Lounge, Sandy Wright, Deb Ersland. Sponsorship packages are still available - for more info http://www.wail.com/gypsyfestsponsor.pdf Thursday, June 14th, 2007 7:20 AM Sept 8, 2007 Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest Dear Art in Barn fans and friends, It is once again the time of year to seek financial support for the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest - this year's fest is Sept 8'07. ANY and ALL financial support is deeply appreciated and valued to help bring this year's incredible line up of these world class gypsy swing guitarists to the barn: Stephane Wrembel(France) - http://www.stephanewrebel.com Kruno (Croatia) http://www.kruno.net Alfonso Ponticelli (Chicago) http://www.swinggitan.com Here is a link for a pdf of our sponsorship levels and benefits letter; http://www.wail.com/gypsyfestsponsor.pdf As you know the mission of the barn is to offer superior talent, without increasing our ticket prices. Alll of this year's line have been featured at Gypsy Festivals all around the world and we are honored to have them at our little fest. Please show your support. -- Harmoniously, Sims 608-221-3966 cell 608-658-6988 http://www.wail.com http://www.broadjam.com/harmoniouswail Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 10:55 AM H Wail - Best Ensemble Vocalist - MAMA Awards 2007 The annual MAMA (Madison Area Music Awards) are in the bag for 2007 and we are pleased to announce that for the second year -, Harmonious Wail was awarded the honors for Best Ensemble Vocalists. http://www.wail.com/images/MAMA07.JPG For a list of all the winners, check out the MAMA site http://www.themamas.org/news Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We sure have a gaggle of great talent here in Madison. We are proud to be cohorts and comrades to such diverse and fabulous musicians. Huge appreciation and a million thanks to Rick Tvedt (Mr.MAMA) and Roy Elkins (Mr. Broadjam), all the volunteers and workers who put so much great energy into making MAMA 2007 a huge success. Also thanks to Tom W and John C and Maggie DP for singing their little hearts out and bringing such excellent music to the stage and recordings. And finally and most important - THANK YOU to all of you. There aren't enough words in the world to even aproximate how much you all mean to us. We will keep at it and work till we drop to bring fresh energy and fresh music to you as we all get older, and older and older. a very harmonious thank you, - sims & the wail Friday, November 3rd, 2006 2:10 PM gypsy violinist Roby Lakatos Hi Wail fans - I just received this from the Madison Overture Center - half-price tickets for a wonderful gypsy violinist concert -- this from the Overture Center ... "On November 15, Overture Center is presenting a concert by the stunning gypsy violinist Roby Lakatos and his Ensemble. (http://www.overturecenter.com/0607/Performances/lakatos.htm) We would like to encourage Harmonious Wail musicians and fans to attend this concert, so much so that we would like to offer half-price tickets to the Harmonious Wail family, effective immediately. Regular ticket prices are $35 and $31, so the price for Harmonious Wail musicians and fans will be $17.50 or $15.50, depending on the seat location.  The discount can be redeemed at the ticket office or on the phone. Musicians and fans should mention offer code "ROBYFAN" in order to receive the discount. The discount does not apply to previous purchases. *As a side note, K-12 students can purchase $10 tickets for the Roby Lakatos performance under the new Take 10 program. We are thrilled about Mr. Lakatos' upcoming performance and hope this offer will enable more of our local musicians (and their  fans and students) to attend the concert. " Amber Dolphin Public Relations Assistant | Marketing Overture Center for the Arts 201 State Street, Madison, WI 53703 phone 608.258.4438 | fax 608.258.4971 Friday, July 28th, 2006 8:09 AM Wail from the Road - Philly Hi All, With a few more days on this great tour I found another chance to drop a line with a bit of Wail news. First off, I just received word that "People Stuff" has been chosen to be one of ten songs on a compilation entitled "Songs for a Better Planet" - all part of our plot to become Jackson Browne's openning act! This really is pretty exciting and we are thrilled. Hopefully this link will take you to an info page --- http://www.sonicbids.com/whosplaying/event_view.asp?event_id=413 One more bit of info to pass on. A friend of ours in Madison is helping out with a rare Wanda Jackson concert at the High Noon Saloon (in Madison, WI) on Aug. 6, 2006 at 8pm.  Often called the "Queen of Rockabilly," Wanda is now being hailed the "queen of rock n' roll" in an upcoming documentary of her life and her career.  She has been performing for 55 years. For more info contact the High Noon or Bridget at Thanks once again for all !! Hope to see you soon! Harmoniously, --Sims Friday, July 28th, 2006 8:08 AM Wail from the Road - NC Hi All, I am sending this to you from Beaufort NC - I am also getting our myspace site and blog up and running. Please click on over to it and leave us a blog note - comments on the myspace site are always welcomed. Thanks to you all -- we really do feel that we have the best fans in the world. -- sims & the wail http://blog.myspace.com/harmoniouswail http://www.myspace.com/harmoniouswail Tuesday, June 27th, 2006 12:47 PM Wail News June 27 '06 well the strawberries have all been picked and the blackberries are comin'in and we are full into a beautiful summer. Here's all the news that's fit to print. Brink Lounge stuff -- Our buddy Robin Nolan has taken a big hit - broke his wrist (left one, his picking hand) and has to cancel his tour. I made a quick call to Alfonso Ponticelli and he is coming up from Chicago with his group Swing Gitan. http://www.swinggitan.com July 7 - 8pm - Swing Gitan at The Brink Lounge http://www.thebrinklounge.com Alfonse is Chicago's premier gypsy jazz guitarist and one hellofa flamenco player as well. This promises to be a gem and a high light of the great summer schedule at The Brink. Don't miss it -- only $5 at the door. July 7 at 8pm Wail stuff -- we are hunkering down to a ton of Madison area shows in early June -- see the wail gigs page - and then off to Philly & D.C. for the last two weeks of June. Wail web is being worked on and we should be launching the new pages very soon - photo gallery and other easily navigable goodies. okay back to the Mando Next page >>