Special Songwriting Salon at Inn @ Saratoga Sunday
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Bear with me a moment… We can say that this is a case of: “The Salon must go on!”
“So, a little over a month ago,” Songwriter Dan Bern recalled, “I’m running my snowblower and tried to free up a jam – not the smartest move with it running.” A few damaged fingers and a lifelong lesson later, Dan can still play piano, but not his primary instrument – guitar.
But, being a part of a vibrant musical community such as Saratoga Springs, Dan has enlisted the help of Mike O’Donnell from the group Motorbike to back him on guitar – and lo and behold, the Salon will go on! Specifically, it is on this Sunday, May 6 as part of The Inn at Saratoga’s (231 Broadway) unique and eclectic Salon Series (See the entire schedule HERE), which covers discussions on a wide variety of topics from technology and foreign policy to, in this case – songcraft.
He certainly has the credentials to speak (and sing) authoritatively on this topic. Dan has released some two dozen studio albums, EPs, and live recordings since his first CD on Sony/Work in 1997. Either fronting various bands or as a solo performer, he is convincing, funny and timely, with an unassuming tip of the hat to the spirits of the past greats, all while sounding fresh and original. Dan’s songs pack a punch, and are engaging and often cinematic.
Bern’s singular songwriting has led to work on such projects as Judd Apatow features Walk Hard—the Dewey Cox Story and Get Him to the Greek. His songs have appeared in countless TV shows and independent films, been covered by The Who’s Roger Daltrey, and lately, comprise all the songs for Amazon Prime’s The Stinky and Dirty Show, a cartoon for youngsters, now in its second season.
In addition to the music, Dan Bern is a prolific painter, with works hanging in The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and The Bobby Feller Museum. He has published several books, the latest being a collection of poems, “encounters,” which recount his real-life encounters with, among others, Wilt Chamberlain, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Carter and Hunter S. Thompson.
Exciting new projects in the works include new recordings with his much beloved band, “The International Jewish Banking Conspiracy” (IJBC)
Like many of the Salon presenters, Dan has several intriguing Saratoga connections. His wife is native to the area, and they have lived here for the past 1 1/2 years. He has played Caffe’ Lena and frequents various locales to support and enjoy other songwriters. He is also the host of a Kids’ songwriting workshop at Division Street Elementary, for 3rd through 5th graders, which meets every other week. “We go through short exercises,” Dan explains, “the building blocks that would lead to a complete song.”
Another big connection is his musical homage to the racecourse – Saratoga Afternoon – Recorded by Garland Nelson. Here’s a YouTube taste of summer on Derby Day- you might even see yourself!
I asked him if there were some themes that are universal to each song; the principles of which would be be revealed at Sunday’s Salon. “For me, its what hits you emotionally,” he said. “It’s definitely more ethos than formula.
“Most importantly, you’ve got to keep your songwriter muscles well-oiled.”
The Salon begins at 5:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese social, followed by the speaker’s presentation and follow-up discussion. Live entertainment will follow the speaker and discussion.
The cost of each evening’s program is $25. To reserve your spot or for more information, contact the Inn at Saratoga at 518.583.1890 ext. 0 or info@theinnatsaratoga.com. Their website is HERE.
Daily Planet Arthur is thrilled to have The Inn @ Saratoga as a Sponsor.
Arthur Gonick
May 5, 2018
