Tina, Becky and Nick...and "The Three Curly's"

Tina at her persimmons opening.

Just a few Flickr pics from Becky's gig last Friday. What a trooper...not feeling good and she still played a spirited set that was enjoyed by everyone. Have a few pics from Tina Kugler's Persimmons art opening a couple weeks ago mixed in with Bec's. Click here for the set.

Pat, Chad, David...I've been waiting for the three of us to all be in the house at the same time...

...just so I could take this picture!

Click here for way too many pics from Nick Venturella's gig on Saturday. What a blast...too dang hot in the Stump but dang fun regardless. Nick will be back in a few short months...if you missed this show don't be a chump and miss him again.

Nick in his signature pose

nV tees in my grubby hands

T-shirt model Jesse models one of the new nV shirts. Click the image to enlarge it and getter a better view of the tee (yes, that's Nick's poster in the window...clever, huh?).

Dig this...Nick Venturella (ok, I know you think his name sounds like he should be Formula One race car driver from the 60s...go ahead, say it again and paint the picture)...where was I...oh...Nick Venturella, who will be jamming here tonight read my post below where I gave justifiable props to our pal Dave Theiss and Lakeside Apparel, called Dave at his shop and ordered a bunch of cool new tees. A couple days ago Dave called me to say thanks for the shout we gave him and to tell me that Nick read the blog, ordered some shirts and could he drop them off over here for Nick to pick up when he gets to town (no mention of buying me a beer or anything for the sale that I, yes that's right, I facilitated...I know you're reading this Dave, cheap bugger!!!). Hoohaa!

A crappy picture (too much reflection on the lower letters, but you get the idea) of Nick's cool new logo design.

Seriously though, that's cool is it not. The guy comes to perform in town and even helps support local business while he's here...props to Nick for that and props to Dave again for doing quality work. So, I emailed Nick and asked him if he would like me to show the tees on here. He of course said sure thing. So here they are, official Nick Venturella designed nV logo shirts in a beautiful cherry red with black screen print on the front. I don't know what he has for sizes as I only pulled one out for Jesse to model here, but I imagine it's the usual mix. They're only $15 apiece, of which I don't get a stinkin' dime (yeah, I know you're reading this too Nick, cheap bugger!!!). I better get a song played just for me outta this, and it better be suitably stupid!

Get one tonight, hold it up when I snap some pics and you might make the cover of a CD.

Nick Venturella at Stumpjack this Saturday!

Becky Markvart will be performing at the Stump this Friday at 8:00. More to come...

But first I want to post this excellent press release from Nick Venturella announcing his show here this coming Saturday (that's KiteFest weekend in Two Rivers). Nick's shows are simply the most fun shows of just about anyone who plays here, you will thoroughly have a blast, I promise.

Here's the release:

Nick Venturella is a folk/rock/garage/pop singer-songwriter who delivers smart songs with simplistic savvy and contagious enthusiasm.

While only 28 years old, Venturella has been writing and performing his music for 14+ years. On more of a pertinent note, Venturella has been performing locally in Two Rivers, Wisconsin at Stumpjack Coffee Company regularly for close to a year now. So, if you’ve missed his previous shows the upcoming August 30^th performance will be your next opportunity to catch Nick Venturella.

Venturella's music stems from personal experiences and observations of life, relationships and self-awareness…think John Mayer and The BoDeans meet Ryan Adams, Roger Clyne and Dashboard Confessional. Plus, with a loose personable performance style, Venturella connects well with his audiences making each show a memorable one (be sure to have a joke in mind if you plan to attend the show).

Venturella is originally from St. Louis, MO, but got his musical start in Waukesha, WI. For the last few years he has lived in Madison. However, in the last year Venturella traveled across the country from Anchorage, Alaska to Raleigh, North Carolina trying to figure out where he might land next and decided on a little spot just north of the Milwaukee area. Nick Venturella performs throughout the upper Midwest at colleges, coffee shops, restaurants/bars, and private parties.

Venturella has had the opportunity to open for and work with some outstanding performers, including: Jason LaVasseur (Authentic Records), Copeland (The Militia Group), Catchpenny, John Hermanson (of Storyhill & Alva Star), Sean Michael Dargan, Mark Croft (Abacus Records), Ryan McIntyre and many more.

Coming off of the momentum recently created from his appearance at Summerfest 2008 Venturella is gaining a loyal following through his live performances, online social networks, college radio, and "through the grapevine" fan distribution of his music.

Venturella has six albums available for sale. His latest is primarily a live album, Premium Blend, as well as his latest full-length studio album, SweetSonic.

Don’t forget to check out Venturella’s website, MySpace and Facebook pages:
www.nickvmusic.net (official site)

www.myspace.com/nickventurella (MySpace)

http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick_Venturella/519525136 (Facebook)


See you at the show…

Check the Kites Over Lake Michigan kite festival then come out to the show…

Saturday August 30, 2008

Show starts at 8:00 p.m. at…

Nick's post-Stumpjack gig blog post

Kind words from Mr. Venturella on his MySpace blog (click "Stumpjack re-cap" link), about Stumpjack Coffee and our fair city of Two Rivers. Nick came in for a little breakfast and conversation Sunday morning following his performance the night before...hung around and chatted with the Svatek clan, Greg Buckley, Lucy Z., et al.

My favorite line from Nick's post: "Even new folks who walk in are greeted and treated like they've been in there a hundred times before."

I was just going to link to Nick's blog, but just realized that I think you have to have a myspace account to get into someone else's myspace to view their stuff. So, I've copied and pasted it here for everyone who doesn't have a myspace account (if you don't have one it'll only take you a couple minutes to sign up for one). Here's Nick's post:

Monday, April 28, 2008

Stumpjack re-cap Category: Music Well, I first want to thank everyone who came out to Stumpjack Coffee Company last Saturday (April 26th) to see me perform. It's always a great time at the Stump, and of course, I'd like to thank David Smith and his lovely wife Kim for their generous hospitality. The whole Stumpjack crew, Glen and Stefanie, as well as all the regulars, make this an inviting community in and of itself. Even new folks who walk in are greeted and treated like they've been in there a hundred times before. The coolest part about Stumpjack, besides the great people and coffee, is that David keeps the Stumpjack community up-to-date with new happenings, thoughts, events, and pictures all available online for you to follow along throughout the daily Stumpjack journey…I check out the blog regularly just to find out what new happenstance David is writing about, and check out pics of other music performances and events. If you haven't already ventured up to Two Rivers, WI, I urge you to soon, and be sure that when you do you check out Stumpjack Coffee Company…and tell David I sent you. So, if you didn't already gather, I had a wonderful time at the show Saturday. There was a really great crowd that seemed to enjoy the show and, more importantly, each other's company, as part of the show involved a pedestrian comedy routine performed by audience members. We were all feeling so good that I ended up playing almost 40 minutes more than I was scheduled to…a thousand thanks yous to all of you that encouraged my goofiness throughout the evening. I'm working with David to schedule another time, possibly this summer ('08), to come back. I will be sure to keep you all informed of exactly when that will be. In the meantime, check out the pics below to jog your memory of what happened that night (if you were there and partaking in any libations), or to see what you missed (if you weren't there…why weren't you there?)

Nick Venturella is the man

We have the absolute most fun when Nick Venturella comes to town to perform at Stumpjack Coffee. Nick has a wonderfully earthy and upbeat musical style, that comes across as very immediate and spontaneous. That impression is a testament to his stage presence and competence, because with over 14 years of performing experience and a half-dozen CD's under his belt the man is as prepared and professional as can be. But that's the old saw isn't it...the people who make it look easy are most often the ones who work the hardest and are the best prepared. And Nick does make it look easy. He's got a great sense of humor and wonderful ability to connect with his audience, and if you check out the pics from last night that I just placed on Flickr you will see an awful lot of smiles and laughs in the house. I defy anyone to not have a good time at a Nick Venturella concert and to not immediately like this guy. This might sound a little corny but Nick is just a heckuva decent guy, without pretense or conceit, and generous with his knowledge and time...a straight arrow, as they say. It's a real pleasure to work with someone of his character and talent. And the music is pretty dang awesome too!

I just woke up from a long nap on the couch at the Stump...it's been a long couple of weeks and I'm going home now to go to bed early, but I wanted to get this post in and put the pictures on before hitting the hay. We're working on having Nick back sometime this summer and will hopefully post the date in the next day or two...when we do, make sure to mark it on your kitchen calendar and set that night aside...you will be glad you did, guaranteed.

NICK VENTURELLA tonight

This animated gentleman will be here tonight at 8:00. The first 50 people through the door will receive a hardy welcome, completely free of charge! (everyone else will be welcomed in a lukewarm and disinterested manner).

Music this weekend

Friday night at 8:00pm: Bill Walkner, guitarist/singer/songwriter/humorist. I have to be honest and say that the first time I heard Bill I was genuinely surprised...his musical talent and skill might only be matched by his good humor and joyfulness in performing. He's a wonderfully talented songwriter and his humor and personality show up in all of his sings.

Saturday night at 8:00pm: Nick Venturella, Madisonian singer/songwriter, folk and indie music. Nick was here a few months ago and we had a blast, and he's back this Saturday night. He's got a half-dozen or so CDs to his credit, along with a ton of performing experience that makes his gigs just a heck of a lot of fun. Check out the Flickr pics from Nick's last gig at the Stump.

Updates and Flickr photos

Nick doin' his thang...

Ok, these last couple weeks have seemed hectic, yet I can't really think of anything substantively out of the ordinary that I got accomplished. Here, finally, are some images from the last few weeks of partying and music. Click on the purple text links for the Flickr pic.

November 3, 2007: Stumpjack One-Year Anniversary Party
Marty's Flickr pics of the evening again.


Nick Venturella Nov 9, 2007

Full house for Nick Venturella...Nick was a blast, lots of fun and silliness, interaction with the crowd, and some mighty fine music from this singer/songwriter from my old stompin' ground in Madison. We're planning on having Nick back sometime soon.


TRiP Nov 16, 2007

TRiP was just that...not music in the familiar, traditional sense. Here's what I wrote on the HTR Forum, along with a couple of responses from people who were here.

"The trio of upright bass, electronic cello and keyboard/accordion, performed what was in many ways an experiment in aural stimulation and sound. It was very much a free form, electronica and jazz improvisation performance from the three artists (from Chicago, Milwaukee and Manitowoc, respectively).

If I had to describe what they did I might also add that it was at times very intriguing and engrossing, and at times almost painful and unsettling...but always interesting. The interesting thing, as it relates to the subject of this thread on the power of music, is how people reacted to it. There were those who were totally into it, trying to follow and figure out where the piece might be going, and how each musician was playing off the others. And then there were those who thought it was just too weird, too harsh, too non-melodic, too unfamiliar...those people didn't like it at all, even to the point of appearing irritated and expressing themselves rudely to what they were hearing. Attentiveness and applause from one contingent...disregard and disrespect from another.

I occasionally wonder if the prevailing musical taste in our area is automatically antagonistic to anything that ISN'T a polka, punk or pop cover band. It was nice to see at least a few folks last night who were willing to entertain the idea of something completely different."

A few responses:

My family appreciates the local injection of diverse musical styles found at Stumpjacks. Thanks, David, for taking the risk of doing something new. We had fun last night and were lucky to get a table. You may have to invest in some folding chairs - or knock out a wall.

The urban atmosphere at Stumpjacks reminded us of being downtown Mad Town. If I didn't recognize the building across the street...

-- Gopnot

Although the music last night at the Stump was not 'my cup of tea' I am continually thankful for David broadening my mind. We were pretty sure we hear a rendition of happy birthday in there - and David - I would have applauded - but I was never quite sure when a song ended. lol.

-- Outnabout

I appreciate most sorts of music and was at Stumpjack for TrIP. I didn't recognize it as music at all, but it's great that [Stumpjack] brings those types of performers to Two Rivers. I didn't stay to listen because I just couldn't get into it at all - but it would have been the same case if it would have been a old style country band.

-- TR

Y'all have an outstanding Thanksgiving now! Be thankful for, among many other things, your family and friends...and for good coffee too!

Nick Venturella...This Friday, Live Baby!

I'll post some images and whatnot from Saturday night's anniversary party, but first I need to let you know that this Friday night we will having another fan-freaking-tastic night of live music, with Nick Venturella. We're not doing many Friday night gigs this year so this is an extra special night in that regard. Nick will have his CDs available for signing as well. Here's the press release:

Friday, November 9th at 8:00 pm...Nick Venturella at Stumpjack Coffee!

Nick is a folk-rock/garage/pop singer-songwriter who delivers smart songs with simplistic savvy. He has been writing and performing his music for a little over a decade. His music stems from personal experiences and observations of life, relationships and self-awareness.

Nick's acceptance of various influences allows his sound to be versatile and forever evolving. Plus, with a loose personable performance style, Venturella connects well with his audiences making each show a memorable one.

Music has afforded Nick the opportunity to open for and work with some outstanding performers, including: Jason LaVasseur, Copeland (Yes, the same Copeland that is on the MySpace Records Compilation), Catchpenny, Life in General, Fade 2 Shade, John Hermanson (of Alva Star and Storyhill), and Ryan McIntyre (formerly of EXIT).

Nick has recorded and released six CDs, including the just released "Premium Blend," a collection of live performances, demos and Holiday tracks. He is also currently compiling information for a book on independent musicians and performers in Wisconsin. College radio, word-of-mouth and "through the grapevine" fan distribution have grown a loyal following for this Midwestern D.I.Y. independent.

As with all shows at Stumpjack Coffee the only cover charge required is the purchase of a drink.