Singers, pickers and players: musicians group offers it all

They came in shorts and sandals, Levi's and leather, slacks and pumps, cowboy hats and chaps. One brave fellow even wore a dress... make that a kilt. Unalike in outward appearances to be sure, but they had the same goal - to hear area musicians sing and play acoustic instruments in a "caring, family atmosphere."

They all showed up at open stage night at the Black Rose Acoustic Society, a nonprofit group whose common link is a love for live and traditional acoustic music - although it did make an exception recently when it invited a New Mexico group called "South by Southwest" to its stage.

Because most featured events take place at the Black Forest Community Center, many people are unaware of its existence. However, it regularly holds open stage events to give local artists a chance to perform in an intimate setting, before an audience of family and friends. Managed open stage evens start at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month in the Black Forest Community Club on Black Forest Road.

It is now just a few minutes before the open stage events are set to start, and people are staking claim to the best seats, grabbing a cup of coffee and maybe a homemade brownie. Meanwhile, guitarists Dan Kirchner and Jim Robbins are in a back room warming up. They have only practiced together a few times, and their performance is only the third time they have played together on stage. Kirchner is flawlessly running jazzy scales behind Robbins' meaty chording.

After a brief introduction, the two are full tilt into their own renditions of several popular songs, one that Robbins dedicates to his wife. The audience loves them and when their time is up, another anxious performer takes the stage.

This time its Colorado Springs resident Joleen Bell. She plays several numbers, on some she sings and plays, on some she just plays, and one she sings unaccompanied.

Next up, though he is not scheduled to perform, is Phil Volan, a professional musician that makes his living by performing and giving lessons. And so it goes, until each of the open stage folks get their turn. The audience claps enthusiastically for each one.

Finally, it's time for the featured act, which according to Bill and Bonnie Hearne, "South by Southwest is the best darn two- steppin', honky-tonk and dance band in New Mexico."

The pair even recorded two SBS songs on their own album. "Their songs come from the heart and soul of the Southwest...we were proud to have recorded 'New Mexico Rain' and 'River of Love' on our album projects."

The group's songs have also been recorded by Johnny Rodriguez, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Gary P. Nunn. They have shared the stage with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Nancy Griffith, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Michael Martin Murphey. Unlike the open mike entrants, these folks are pro, but not more dedicated.

The sold-out audience at this performance - maybe 200 people, clap, stomp and holler enthusiastically as South by Southwest leaves the stage.

BRAS is more than just a place for people to perform and watch performers. It is also an educational facility, and offers a variety of lessons on voice, guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, and more.

"The best thing about the Black Rose is that the audience is so respectful," Robbins said. "They pay attention and appreciate what you are doing."

Robbins said he practices about an hour daily and that he and Kirchner met by being in the same guitar shop one day. "He's a great picker," Robbins said.

The BRAS is also active in building and improving its community, and in 1997 won the Community Weaver award by the Colorado Springs Independent and KRCC.

The group also donates money for improvements to the Black Forest Community Center, which is its home base. It also has a music scholarship fund, and donates money to numerous organizations, including the Colorado Springs Boys and Girls Club and several homeless shelters.

The BRAS works hard to be inclusive, and offers its programs and services not just at its Black Forest home, but also throughout the community. Check out its schedule on www.blackroseacoustic.org.

Copyright 2002 Dolan Media Newswires
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