Joe's Cafe Blog by Rupert Wates

A new review in advance of our final SF Fringe performance of "Joe's Cafe" tonight at 5:30pm

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:40:00 GMT

We're doing our final San Francisco Fringe Festival performance of "Joe's Cafe" tonight at 5:30pm at the Exit Theatre Main, 156 Eddy Street in San Francisco. We enjoyed seeing this kind review this morning, and we hope that if you're in the Bay Area you can come to the show tonight. It's been a great run. "After reading through all the reviews on here of this show I really don’t know what I could possible add. But here it goes. I went to see Joe’s Cafe on a whim. I am very lucky I did. Beautifully written, beautifully sung. All the performers had such a great talent for storytelling, which is something that the majority of singers in the world are lacking. If you are looking for variety in Fringe shows then Joe’s Cafe better be on your list. Heart-Breaking at times, funny at others, angry even at times but always honest and enjoyable." (JayeOfManyHats, 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews)

Two more reviews from San Francisco: 'Arresting...' and simply, 'See it'

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 02:29:52 GMT

We have two more "Joe's Cafe" shows to perform in the San Francisco Fringe Festival—tonight (Saturday, September 17) at 9pm and tomorrow (Sunday, September 18) at 5:30pm. See our calendar for more information. m'Arresting, heart-warming, and soulful' | "Beautiful, arresting, heart-warming, and soulful storytelling set to music. The different vocal styles of the four singers made the various songs seem both fresh and yet familiar. Truly an enjoyable evening, well worth your time!" (Sarah J. Lau, 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews) 'See it.' | "An hour of original music. Two men and two women. Some funny. Some touching. The themes of the songs are from (estimated), 1860′s through late 1960′s. Bring in a glass of wine or some other libation for this show. Then [sit] back and relax... This performance isn’t fringy. It’s just relaxing. See it." (Craig Kensek, 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews)

Review from San Francisco Fringe Festival: 'Emotionally rich...meaningful'

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:40:00 GMT

Here's a review just posted about one of our performances in the San Francisco Fringe Festival. (Thanks, Greg!) "Genuine commitment from all four musicians, emotionally rich original songs with meaningful historical elements, and once you’ve seen the show the CD is absolutely indispensable (and still very much worth having even if you can’t see the show). Moments of celebration and humor, moments of bittersweet melancholy, and everything in between….sometimes all at once." (Greg, 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews) We have three more performances in the SF Fringe — tonight at 10:30pm, Saturday, 9/17, at 9pm, and Sunday, 9/18, at 5:30pm — all at the Exit Theatre Main, 156 Eddy Street in San Francisco. For details click here.

Online ticket sales available for "Joe's Cafe" in San Francisco and Colorado Springs

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT

For anyone planning to attend our performances of "Joe's Cafe" at the San Francisco Fringe Festival or at Assemble in Colorado Springs, CO, you can purchase tickets online in advance by clicking on the following links:

"Joe's Cafe" at the San Francisco Fringe Festival September 9-18:
Click here to buy tickets

"Joe's Cafe" at Assemble in Colorado Springs Saturday, September 24:
Click here to buy tickets

Hope to see you soon!

IndyFringe 2011 review: 'Taken back to the rich days of my youth... Indulge your ears.'

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:58:51 GMT

"Since we see as many shows as we can (16 in 4 days this year) the challenge is to maximize variety and quality. Joe's Cafe was a rich dose of both. For me, I was taken back to the rich days of my youth when this style of music was called 'folk' and many great artists contributed to the legacy. Rupert Wates and his two excellent singers are a proud extension of the folk tradition with stories that reveal so much about the lifes we as people have led. Indulge your ears and drop in on Joe's Cafe." (Randy Waterhous, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews)

Many thanks to the IndyFringe audience members who authored these latest reviews

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:31:19 GMT

'Wonderful, masterful, must see' | "This was a very heartfelt show. All singers were really wonderful. The lyrics were masterful. This is a must see show. (Sue, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews) 'Don't miss' | "Joe's Cafe is a terrific performance by three very talented folks. I enjoyed every minute. Beautiful lyrics, stunning melodies, remarkable vocals, and virtuoso guitar. Don't miss this one! (John, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews) 'Haunting with simplicity and beauty - Sweet' | "We chose this show at random, and we were stunned by the ability of these three performers to communicate their haunting tales with such simplicity and beauty. Every musical "story" created a clear picture in the mind of the listener, and each was tender in its own way. What a sweet, sweet show. We are so happy we stumbled into it. (Laura Harris, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews) 'Best musical experience of my life' | "Joes cafe may be the best musical experience of my life. My heart was glowing and breakage at the same time. Amazing." (Tweet from Splanice on IndyFringe 2011 performance)

First reviews from 2011 IndyFringe

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:18:05 GMT

Stacey, Penelope and I are enjoying our run at the 2011 IndyFringe in Indianapolis. Here are the first two reviews here: 'Marvelous' | Wow—what a terrific show. The original songs are based on true stories, and the performers sang them with such skill and care. Such marvelous voices...these folks know how to interpret a song! (Mary Armstrong-Smith, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews) 'Simply breathtaking' | Wow! What a show! I've rarely enjoyed a fringe show as much as I enjoyed this one. It far exceeded my expectations. The songs were beautiful and sung from the heart. Some of Rupert's lyrics were simply breathtaking. They reminded me of the best of Harry Chapin's story songs. [Rupert Wate's] guitar playing was exceptional and the two female singers were outstanding. My favorite song had to be The Skies of South Dakota. Stacey Lorin's near accapella vocals were hauntingly beautiful. [Penelope Thomas'] voice was incredible on Sally's Farm. You should definitely go see this show if you're a lover of music and lyrics. (Mike Smith, 2011 IndyFringe audience reviews)

Stunning voices, welcoming atmosphere with story-driven songs

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:49:53 GMT

From a "Joe's Cafe" review in Saskatoon: "Folksy and comfortable, the hour-long musical revue features songs about America — from the Civil War through present day — written by British ex-pat Rupert Wates. Based in New York City, the musician invites the audience into a friendly cafe to listen to tales of hope, sorrow, love and loss. Wates, whose guitar skills and vocals are excellent, performs his work with Meghan Lofgren and Tara Stadnyk, whose stunning voices add character to the musical stories. As the trio performs — usually with each singer taking turns with solo pieces — old photos (and sometimes photos made to look old) illustrate the emotions the songs work to invoke in the audience. From interracial marriage in the 1950s to travelling across the United States during the Great Depression, the images quietly add to the experience. A welcoming atmosphere with story-driven songs and lovely vocals..." (Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

'Hearty meal for the ears and the soul'

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:55:00 GMT

Review from the London Fringe, London, Ontario: "Most Fringe shows are one story, or maybe two. At Joe’s Café, Rupert Wates and friends...tell more than a dozen true stories in song. Wates is British, but now lives in the U.S., and while these are songs of people from his adopted home, they ring true for all of us, with tales that are inspiring, sad, and honest. And equally important, the songs, all written by Wates, and accompanied by his skilled acoustic guitar playing, are well crafted and beautifully performed. While Joe’s Café doesn’t serve up traditional Fringe fare, it’s a hearty meal for the ears and the soul. (And you can get take-out: Joe’s Café is available on CD as well.) (Laurie Bursch, London Fringe Reviews, London, Ontario, June 18, 2011) And a response: "Agree entirely. Wates pulled me almost physically into Joe's Cafe and I just sat down and was immersed in the "stories". Stacey Lorin, his wife and fellow performer, has such a lovely voice. The two of them are fine musicians, but, above all, each knows how to tell a story in song. A delightful performance. And I have the CD, so I can re-live the pleasure." (Joe, London Fringe Reviews, London, Ontario, June 19, 2011)

'Joe's Cafe' Fringe review: 'A breath of fresh air'

Tue, 24 May 2011 19:28:49 GMT

From a review by Elizabeth Maupin in "Elizabeth Maupin on Theater" (May 23, 2011)

"If you hang out at Joe’s Cafe, you’re taking a relaxing visit to the past. Not the oldies-but-goodies kind of past, because several of Rupert Wates’ story songs take place in recent times. But a musical style of the past — specifically the era of 1960s folk music, which guitarist/singer Wates and singer Kellie Amend re-create in such an authentic way that you feel transported to a circa-1968 coffee-house in Harvard Square.

"Wates is a British-born songwriter who moved to the U.S. about five years ago; he has worked in jazz, but he’s so masterly on acoustic folk guitar that it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. With Joe’s Cafe he has written more than a dozen songs telling the stories of ordinary Americans, most of whom have faced one trouble or another (war, the Dust Bowl, the fight for civil rights).

"Some are right out of the headlines (the story of a police shooting in Queens in 2006), and others are out of history books (the lovely, moving song about Maj. Robert Gould Shaw’s African-American regiment during the Civil War).

"Throughout, Amend’s light, shimmery voice may remind you of the young Judy Collins, and the sweet combination of that voice and Wates’ guitar draws any tension right out of you... The musicality in this little revue makes it a breath of fresh air among the din of the Fringe."

Remaining shows:
Wednesday May 25, 8:40 p.m.
Friday May 27, 5:15 p.m.
Saturday May 28, 6:50 p.m.

Orlando Fringe Festival review: 'Joe's Cafe'

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Here's the first of our reviews from the 2011 Orlando Fringe Festival Orlando Fringe Festival. (Many thanks to our audiences so far, who have given us standing ovations.)
From: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_stage_theat/2011/05/orlando-fringe-festival-review-joes-cafe.html

By Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel music critic

If they told American history in songs instead of textbooks, maybe more people would remember it.

Of course, the songs would have to be compelling and beautiful, like the ones featured in the delicate, folk-tinged “Joe’s Café.”

That wonderful musical revue features the songwriting of British-born New Yorker Rupert Wates, whose narrative storytelling is superb – even by the highest folk-music standards.

These tales revolve around crimes, compassion, nostalgia and social commentary, all wrapped in the exploits of characters that are remarkably well-drawn in compact songs.

Rupert sings some, but distinguishes himself more with his fluid acoustic guitar picking. His partner, singer Kellie Amend, handles most of the vocals in a crystalline voice vaguely reminiscent of Joni Mitchell.

Her voice was sweet in the gentle “Snow in New York,” then haunting in an a cappella interlude in the tragic “Skies of South Dakota.” Together, Rupert and Amend were joyous in “Days of Mercy,” a Dust Bowl ode that ended the show on a high note.

“Here’s to you and here’s to me,” they sang. “Here’s to all we’ve ever seen.”

With graceful words and music, “Joe’s Café” offers yet another look at that incredible past.

Blue venue, 60 minutes, $10.

Remaining shows:

5/23 MON 6:10PM
5/25 WED 8:40PM
5/27 FRI 5:15PM
5/28 SAT 6:50PM

Joe's Cafe performance calendar

New recording and video of 'Genevieve' released

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:38:49 GMT

My friend Kellie Amend just put together a video to accompany a recording we made last night of my 2010 song Genevieve. Kellie will be singing with me (under her stage name Vivian Gail) in the Joe's Cafe performances at the Orlando and Indianapolis Fringe Festivals. This recording, engineered by Chris Medrano, also features me on guitar and backing vocals, and Stacey Lorin on backing vocals.

'Joe's Café' to be performed at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre in New York April 15 and 22

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:11:27 GMT

For immediate release: March 24, 2011

Contact: Rupert Wates | (206) 354-4122 | bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com | http://www.bitemusiclimited.com
Or Dave Turner | (828) 713-9206 | dave@daveturnermusic.com

Photo: http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg
Audio, video and more info: http://www.bitemusiclimited.com
More photos and info: http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe

True stories ring truer in ‘Joe’s Café,’ a critically acclaimed musical revue to be performed at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre April 15 and 22

Winner, Best Music Revue, San Francisco Fringe Festival

NEW YORK -- Rupert Wates And Friends are bringing “Joe's Café,” a critically acclaimed musical revue of songs based on true stories, to The Duplex Cabaret Theatre (http://www.theduplex.com) in New York at 7pm Friday, April 15, and 9:30pm Friday, April 22. Helping Wates perform the songs in “Joe’s Café” will be Safiya Fredericks, Vivian Gail, Stacey Lorin, Chris Medrano and Marc Schmied (bass).

In the “Joe’s Café” show, the audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, six consummate performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.

Stories behind the songs:
There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself. This performance of "Joe's Cafe" will include:

SALLY'S FARM
Based on the life of one of the leaders of the commune movement in the 1960s. Her story parallels the history of the US over the same period, from innocence to disillusion (flower power to Watergate) and back again.

MISS BURGOYNE AND THE OLD MILWAUKEE
A story that tells of the life of a spinster in one of the midwestern states between the world wars, her dreams of another life symbolized by the train that calls regularly at her town.

STAND UP COMEDIANS
The life of George Carlin, in which his own misfortunes and failures gave him fuel for his most successful gags.

THE SKIES OF SOUTH DAKOTA
The story of a young girl at a time when class and religious prejudices sometimes had fatal consequences.

SNOW IN NEW YORK
An elderly woman recalls an early morning during the blizzard of 1947 in New York City, when she and her brother found the city to be a strange new playground.

A SUNNY AFTERNOON IN THE BRONX
The frustrated efforts of a couple of blue collar guys to shoot some pool in the Bronx.

OLD MAN ON A MOUNTAIN
An officer serving in the army in Afghanistan remembers the hospitality shown him by some of the local people, whose land he and his men are occupying.

WE REGRET
In the last autumn of the second world war, a family in Connecticut receives a government telegram that begins with five words they have come to dread more than any others.

DARKNESS, DARKNESS
A hideous double murder in southern Louisiana leads to the electric chair, to retribution and forgiveness.

DICK AND DELORES (THE LOVING KIND)
An interracial couple in Virginia take their right to marry all the way to the supreme court, and later become figureheads for fighters for other kinds of civil rights.

THE VOODOO DOLL
A doll awakens memories of a superstitious past, and at the same time seems to heal a young black man's bitter memories.

DAYS OF MERCY
The exodus of a poor family across America during the dust bowl depression, at a time when the women literally kept the show on the road.

MORE HOLY GROUND
The story of Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first all black Infantry regiment to be recruited during the Civil War.

FIFTY SHOTS
The story of Sean Bell, an unarmed man shot to death by undercover police officers in Queens, New York City, in fall 2006.

Reviews of Joe's Cafe:
LATEST REVIEWS FROM RECENT FRINGE FESTIVAL TOUR: http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm

WINNER, BEST MUSIC REVUE, SAN FRANCISCO FRINGE FESTIVAL 2010

“A real treat. Don’t miss this show.” - Tim Koetting, Artword.net
“Truly magical.” - Katie Penrose, View Magazine Online
“Warm, witty, tender, poignant—you'll take something powerfully important away.” - Rita Kohn, Nuvo
“Haunting and powerful.” - Adrian Chamberlain, Times-Colonist
“Touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices. Run to see it!” - Bill Bourus, Indianapolis Fringe Festival
“Riveting stories, told in song.” - Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. Joe's Cafe burrows deeply into heart and mind.” - Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” - Alt Country Forum

Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City. “Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages.” (Leith FM Radio Scotland) | “A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work.” (Mark S. Tucker)

Rupert Wates’ Full Bio:
http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm

Performers
Rupert Wates - http://www.bitemusiclimited.com - Guitar and voice
Safiya Fredericks
Vivian Gail - http://www.myspace.com/viviangailanddougzinn - Voice
Stacey Lorin - http://www.staceylorin.com - Voice
Chris Medrano - http://www.myspace.com/christopherjmedrano - Voice
Marc Schmied - bass

Performances
7pm Friday, April 15
9:30pm Friday, April 22
$12 cover, 2-drink minimum

Venue
The Duplex Cabaret Theatre
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Avenue)
New York, NY 10014
212-255-5438
http://www.theduplex.com

'Joe's Café' to be performed at The Psalm Salon in Philadelphia April 2

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:15:00 GMT

For immediate release:
March 7, 2011

Contact:
Rupert Wates
(206) 354-4122
bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com
http://www.bitemusiclimited.com

Or Dave Turner
(828) 713-9206
dave@daveturnermusic.com

Photo: http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg
Audio, video and more info: http://www.bitemusiclimited.com
More photos and info: http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe

True stories ring truer in ‘Joe’s Café,’ a critically acclaimed musical revue to be performed at The Psalm Salon April 2

Winner, Best Music Revue, San Francisco Fringe Festival

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. -- Rupert Wates And Friends are bringing “Joe's Café,” a critically acclaimed musical revue of songs based on true stories, to the Psalm Salon (http://www.psalmsalon.com) in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 2 – show starts at 8pm. Helping Wates perform the songs in “Joe’s Café” will be Stacey Lorin, Craig Bickhardt, JD Malone, Elle, Cassendre Xavier, Gina Blechman, Lizanne Knott and Ed Wise (bass). The evening will begin with a half hour showcase section, in which some or all of the vocalists will perform one song from their own solo repertoire.

In the “Joe’s Café” show, the audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, nine consummate performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.

Stories behind the songs
There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself. This performance of "Joe's Cafe" will include:

SALLY'S FARM
Based on the life of one of the leaders of the commune movement in the 1960s. Her story parallels the history of the US over the same period, from innocence to disillusion (flower power to Watergate) and back again.

MISS BURGOYNE AND THE OLD MILWAUKEE
A story that tells of the life of a spinster in one of the midwestern states between the world wars, her dreams of another life symbolized by the train that calls regularly at her town.

STAND UP COMEDIANS
The life of George Carlin, in which his own misfortunes and failures gave him fuel for his most successful gags.

THE SKIES OF SOUTH DAKOTA
The story of a young girl at a time when class and religious prejudices sometimes had fatal consequences.

SNOW IN NEW YORK
An elderly woman recalls an early morning during the blizzard of 1947 in New York City, when she and her brother found the city to be a strange new playground.

A SUNNY AFTERNOON IN THE BRONX
The frustrated efforts of a couple of blue collar guys to shoot some pool in the Bronx.

OLD MAN ON A MOUNTAIN
An officer serving in the army in Afghanistan remembers the hospitality shown him by some of the local people, whose land he and his men are occupying.

WE REGRET
In the last autumn of the second world war, a family in Connecticut receives a government telegram that begins with five words they have come to dread more than any others.

DARKNESS, DARKNESS
A hideous double murder in southern Louisiana leads to the electric chair, to retribution and forgiveness.

DICK AND DELORES (THE LOVING KIND)
An interracial couple in Virginia take their right to marry all the way to the supreme court, and later become figureheads for fighters for other kinds of civil rights.

THE VOODOO DOLL
A doll awakens memories of a superstitious past, and at the same time seems to heal a young black man's bitter memories.

DAYS OF MERCY
The exodus of a poor family across America during the dust bowl depression, at a time when the women literally kept the show on the road.

MORE HOLY GROUND
The story of Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first all black Infantry regiment to be recruited during the Civil War.

FIFTY SHOTS
The story of Sean Bell, an unarmed man shot to death by undercover police officers in Queens, New York City, in fall 2006.

Reviews of Joe's Cafe:
LATEST REVIEWS FROM RECENT FRINGE FESTIVAL TOUR: http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm

WINNER, BEST MUSIC REVUE, SAN FRANCISCO FRINGE FESTIVAL 2010

“A real treat. Don’t miss this show.” - Tim Koetting, Artword.net
“Truly magical.” - Katie Penrose, View Magazine Online
“Warm, witty, tender, poignant—you'll take something powerfully important away.” - Rita Kohn, Nuvo
“Haunting and powerful.” - Adrian Chamberlain, Times-Colonist
“Touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices. Run to see it!” - Bill Bourus, Indianapolis Fringe Festival
“Riveting stories, told in song.” - Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. Joe's Cafe burrows deeply into heart and mind.” - Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” - Alt Country Forum

Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City. “Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages.” (Leith FM Radio Scotland) | “A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work.” (Mark S. Tucker)

Rupert Wates’ Full Bio:
http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm

Performers
Rupert Wates - http://www.bitemusiclimited.com - Guitar and voice
Stacey Lorin - http://www.staceylorin.com - Voice
Craig Bickhardt - http://www.craigbickhardt.com - Voice
JD Malone http://www.jdmalone.com - Voice
Elle – http://www.cdbaby.com/elletunes - Voice
Cassendre Xavier - http://www.cassendrexavier.com - Voice
Gina Blechman – http://www.myspace.com/ginablechman - Voice
Lizanne Knott - http://www.lizanneknott.com - Voice
Ed Wise - http://www.pennjazz.com/ewise.html - Bass

Performance
Saturday, April 2, 8pm, $16 advance/$20 at the door

Venue
The Psalm Salon
5841 Overbrook Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19131
215-477-7578
http://www.psalmsalon.com/

San Francisco Fringe Festival accepts "Joe's Cafe" for September shows

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 05:55:00 GMT

We were pleased to hear on February 16th that "Joe's Cafe" has been accepted for the 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival. So to date, here is the "Joe's Cafe" performance schedule for 2011 Fringe Festivals in North America:

Orlando, FL
May 19-30, 2011
(specific dates/show times TBA)
Orlando Fringe Festival
The Blue Venue, Studio B
The Orlando Shakespeare Theater
812 E Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803
407-648-0077

London, Ontario
June 16-26, 2011
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)
London Fringe Festival
519-434-0606
London, ON (Canada)

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
July 28-August 6, 2011
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)
Saskatoon Fringe Festival
306-664-2239
Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

Indianapolis, IN
August 2011
(specific dates/show times TBA)
IndyFringe Festival at the IndyFringe Theatre
719 E St Clair Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-721-9458

San Francisco, CA
September 7-18, 2011
(specific dates/show times TBA)
San Francisco Fringe Festival at the Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.931.1094

'Joe's Cafe' to be offered as performance piece to high schools and small theatre companies

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 01:21:36 GMT

One year after the landmark recording of the album, a goal for 2011 is to offer 'Joe's Cafe' as a performance piece to high schools and small theatre companies. To this end, pianist/arranger Natalie Lovejoy has been commissioned to arrange the show for solo piano accompaniment. For more information, contact Bite Music Limited.

Three 'Joe's Cafe' recordings win awards

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:50:00 GMT

We are pleased to have learned today that three tracks from 'Joe's Cafe' have won awards: 1. The album track 'Prayer' is one of 10 Semi-finalists in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011. 2. The recording 'More Holy Ground' (listen here) from the stage version of 'Joe's Cafe' is one of 10 Semi-finalists in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011. 3. The album track 'Days Of Mercy' receives Honorable Mention in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011. If you'd like a copy of 'Joe's Cafe,' the album is available here.

Ectophiles' Guide review: 'A brilliant album all told'

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:07:29 GMT

A new review "The new record by Rupert Wates has a neat, sometimes jazzy sound and some inspired songs. The ambitious album shares stories of ordinary people in the U.S in the last century. He runs the gamut from comedians to serial killers and never wavers once. The vocals are handled by Wates himself and guest singers. Gretchen Witt acquits herself well on "Sally's Farm" and Ashley Gonzalez is superb on "The skies of South Dakota." It's a brilliant album all told." The Ectophiles' Guide to Good Music starnell@yahoo.com

Joe's Cafe in Top 20 on KRSC in Tulsa

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 04:58:42 GMT

We've just heard that "Joe's Cafe" is number five in the top 20 most played albums for December on a program called "Innervisions" on KRSC Radio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Innervisions" is hosted by Dave Butler and broadcasts at 91.3 FM on Sunday mornings. The Top 20 includes albums by people like Jackson Browne (who didn't place as high)!

'More Holy Ground' wins honorable mention in Mid-Atlantic Song Contest

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:30:00 GMT

We were very pleased to hear that "More Holy Ground" written by Rupert Wates and sung by Alissa Stahler won an honorable mention in the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest of the Songwriters' Association of Washington. Included in this post is a podcast of the song, recorded June 15, 2010 at Hard Luck Recording studios in Brooklyn, N.Y. This recording features a superb string arrangement by John Guari. The song is the story of Robert Gould Shaw, the colonel of the first all-black regiment recruited in the Civil War. It didn't make it onto the "Joe's Cafe" album, but it's a great addition to the live show, and to the roster at Joe's Cafe.