Making Music That Cooks...For Empowerment

"Read All About It!"...Foxfire Magazine Interview Published! Woo-hoo!!!

2012-02-28T11:49:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited because today I received notice that Foxfire Magazine has published an interview-article about my musical adventures as The Rhythm Chef, in their fall/winter 2011 issue (it's late from the printer but will be out soon.) I hope you'll get a copy and write to me with your feedback.Now, I suppose I should keep the moniker Rhythm Chef, since the article will serve to support my career and marketing endeavors. On to the world record and the children's hospital tour--where I'll be able to spread some smiles and do some good!Thanks for caring.

Setting a World Record... but Where?

2012-02-27T09:55:00.001-05:00

I have a plan to set a world record for the benefit of children's hospitals. And I'm seeking an interesting entertainment venue to hold the record-setting event. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've written to the Children's Miracle Network for advice and input, as well, and am awaiting their response, so I'll keep you all posted!

Happy New Year @ Los Cerritos!!!

2011-12-28T14:36:00.002-05:00

End 2011 right at Los Cerritos Mexican Restaurant in Baldwin, Georgia. I will be hosting the evening of karaoke fun, and the owner is providing a free champaign toast (Ginger Ale) for those of us who don't imbibe. Regular karaoke times apply--6:30 until 10:30, as usual. Be there or be square!!!

Hard vs Challenging

2011-10-05T14:10:00.006-04:00

Over the years, as I've worked with teaching and coaching children, I've learned how mental blocks create difficulty in achieving goals. Often, the anticipation of difficulty causes a concern that can undermine progress. Now, I'm not a psychologist, but when one listens to children, or our own inner fears, we can see a problem with negative "self-talk". Many times it is the little thought that seems to warn "This is going to be hard!"

I've learned to watch for such signs in the children I've taught, and many times the negative thought is verbalized, "This is hard!". That's when I feel I should get down on the child's level, smile big, and correct their thinking to an empowered perspective "Digging a ditch is hard, and no matter how many times you have to do it, it's still going to be hard. But learning to do this is challenging, not hard. When something is challenging you can develop skills that will help make it easier. Just as spoons-playing is the easiest thing I know how to do, and for you just starting out, it is challenging. But I promise that if you continue to try, and not quit, you will develop skills, and before long, you will master spoons-playing (or whatever you are learning to do.)"

I feel that if I can help them make an accurate evaluation of whether something is truly HARD, or simply CHALLENGING, and then help them learn to be determined to meet challenges, it can help them in their future endeavors.

Empowering children has been my passion for many years, and I particularly enjoy that I can use music as a catalist for learning, motivation and fun. And using the right music that makes learning fun is like sprinkling magic can-do dust over the challenge.

A New Focus...Never Felt So Empowered!

2011-06-08T13:21:00.000-04:00

Today I have a driving desire to share observations and experiences I've had over many years, having to do with the joy and awe of having the priviledge of working with children in their process of learning. Although, much of my interactions started with me preparing learning experiences for them, they always turned the tables, and taught me something, as well, and something often more profound.

Because my mind is flooding with stories and feelings of the wonder involved with the blossoming of childhood awareness, I feel happily compelled to change the primary focus of my blog from myself and my performing schedules--although I've promised many that they can find such info here, and must continue to keep my current readers up on my whereabouts, now I will turn the spotlight onto the empowered kids I have known; observations of HOW they have learned; and what they have taught ME about empowerment...a higher purpose for my blog, I think you will agree.

I could not be more excited to share what I have learned, not only while I've been in Edutainment, but also as a 6-time youth-league coach, a cubmaster, a home-school teacher, a sunday school teacher, and a concerned and an engaged father. I don't pretend to be a child psychologist, or even a music therapist... I have high regard and respect for them all. I fall more into the category perhaps of one of their case studies. They could tell you the whys and hows of what works--I can only convey to you what my experiences and observations have been. I look forward to it, and I hope you do too. Seek the help and guidance of a trained and certified professional if you have a person in your life who you think may have problems, and needs therapy or treatment. I've just put a gadget at the lower right of this page to enable my readers to follow the updates in my blog, if they are so inclined. And I invite all to contact me for any reason, and especially to share your child/self empowering experiences. Please, only send them if you intend to give me pemission to share them with others, bacause if I read and remember your story, I will likely share it with someone someday, so be advised. :o)
Thanks for reading. Now, why not go listen to the song "I Can Go The Distance" by Michael Bolton, for a few minutes of personal empowerment music?

Children's Hospitals Gigs

2011-06-05T01:50:00.000-04:00

Recently I've been online checking out the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals work, and found that most children's hospitals need entertainment, soooo I have a new goal to play all of the 170 children's hospitals in the United States! I'm excited by the idea, so I made a plan... the plan starts with me setting a world record in spoons playing, then I'll travel to each hospital and break my record, and also set a new record that the kids at the hospital can help me accomplish... an empowering event for them! Like the idea? My next goal is to get corporate sponsorship. I've discovered that there are 10 places on a chef coat to display logos of corporate sponsors, so I'm looking for the corporations who will share my vision and heart to empower the kids who are facing health challenges.

It's Jam Time! Lots to report...

2011-06-05T01:40:00.000-04:00

Hey, thanks for checking in on me and my doings, there are several performance dates coming up, and I hope to see your smiling face in the crowds.

June 9th Rabun County Library has invited me back for their Summer Reading Program edutainment where I'll perform a bit and talk to the kiddies about journaling and researching their family history/genealogy.

June 16th Rabun County Elementary has asked me to perform at a school function.

June 23rd I'll be performing at a private party at Highlands Country Club.

June 30th Chickamauga Public Library's Summer Reading show (same as Rabun's)

And afterward you can find me at Mama G's Restaurant on Thursdays and Fridays as usual.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Sadie, Faith, Jess and VeatriceH!!!

Warm Sunshine, Yummy Food and Karaoke Parites!

2011-04-14T15:56:00.004-04:00

Well, Spring has sprung, the sun is back and the patio at Mama G's Italian Restaurant in Clayton, GA is waiting for us to begin another season of karaoke partying!!! We'll be partying each Friday evening starting April 29th, until autumn. We have a new system and many more songs in my database, and it's easy to check because it's all on my new laptop!!! So, no more dealing with my old super cdgs! I can still play your cd-gs, or you can ask for whatever song you'd like to sing and I'll do a quick search and voila!

Remember, you'll win AWARDS again like last year, so bring friends and an appetite because the food is wonderful. And Mama G's is providing the entertainment, so Karaoke is FREE. Even if you don't sing, come and watch. We'll also be line-dancing, too. It's the most musical fun you can have in Northeastern Georgia on a Friday night!

I hope to see you there!

Thank you for your testimonials!!!

2011-03-28T15:56:00.009-04:00

Everywhere I perform people are so gracious in telling me how very much they enjoy my show, and I just want to express my appreciation, and suggest that if you are so inclined, you may want to visit my new entertainment services page on Thumbtack and express your thoughts in the testimonials area. I'm excited about my new page regarding my DJ and MC services on Thumbtack, so please check it out by clicking the link below.
Music + Karaoke DJ and Entertainer Extraordinaire

Remember, on my blog you can scroll over the videos on the bar to see a clip of Mama G's Rhythm Chef Karaoke Dance Party. And you can find the videos on http://youtube.com/rhythmchef as well.

Thanks!
P.S. See you at Mama G's Italian Restaurant in Clayton for the Rhythm Chef Karaoke Dance Party every Friday evening 6:30 to 9:30 starting April 29.
P.P.S. Happy Birthday Sadie!

Private Parties!!!

2010-10-19T15:51:00.003-04:00

The annual Mountaineer Festival in Clayton, GA was a lot of fun, and I met some interesting people there, too. Including a clown named Skeeter, what a hoot! Rumor has it that he'll be making a personal appearance at the Hay Day event in Clayton, GA on October 30. It should be a site to see.

This time of the year is Private Party Time season, and I always look forward to seeing the many smiling little elves in their red and white hats, bopping to the music while I play!

Keep those cards and letters coming, and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Be sure to checkout my videos at the bottom of the page (scroll down). :o)

Cancer Survivors' Benefit Dinner

2010-07-28T16:07:00.002-04:00

If you are a survivor of cancer, or a volunteer for the Georgia Power sponsored fundraising run, I may see you at the dinner this Thursday evening at the Clayton Baptist Church where Miss Rabun Idol will open the show. Sentient Souls will also debut, as well! The band name means "the feeling of being alive", and I'm honored to be the percussionist for these fine musicians and singers.

Besides MCing the entertainment portion of the evening, I'll also be making music cook with my silver spoons and rhythm bones.

Hope to see you there!

Library Show this Tuesday afternoon.

2010-07-12T17:00:00.002-04:00

See you Tuesday @ 2:30 for my show at the Fayette County Public Library!

Mama G's extended Karaoke dates!!!

2010-06-11T14:18:00.006-04:00

Thank you to everyone at Mama G's Italian Restaurant who have extended my bookings to include July and August dates. I'll be there to DJ Karaoke on 7/23, 8/7, 13, 20 and 27, 6:30 to 9 p.m. So bring your friends for a fun time... the karaoke singing is FREE (and with 3700 songs in my library I'm sure we'll find some you'll want to sing), the service is excellent, and the delicious food is priced right! See you there!

Win My Karaoke Party!!!

2010-05-11T17:32:00.012-04:00

If you've ever partied with me at an event when we're rockin the Karaoke player, you know how much fun it can be. My goal is to make sure everyone has a great time, whether they want to sing, or dance, or just watch. I start a group song just to get people used to the feeling of hearing their voice over the mic, and then I'll also play the spoons and rhythm bones to a lively song that will get the whooping and hollering going (people usually get out their cameras and take vids at that point.) We have a blast.

I've played at music festivals, restaurants, clubs, retirement communities, libraries, private homes, schools, and such, and now I want to play for YOU, and your friends and family. Lets sing together and have a time they will never forget.

Some of my favorite local places to perform and/or DJ karaoke, have been

Mama G's Italian Restaurant
Cannonwood
Dillard House
Old Clayton Inn
The Lodge At Tallulah Falls
Woody's Filling Station
Java Mama Cafe
Rabun County Library
The Rock House
The Smokey Mountain Performing Arts Center
Tallulah Gorge Music Festival
and others.

I am honored to have played with some outstanding musicians including Mountain Hoodoo, and The Foxfire Boys.

Anyway...I'm running a contest for a private Karaoke Party in the home of one of the lucky contestants!

Just send me an email with Karaoke Party Entry in the subject line. Let me know the type of party you want to do: Birthday, Cookout, Anniversary, Wedding Reception, etc. and the date/time of the event you have planned, along with your name, location and contact info. (Your information will stay confidential, with the only exception being a form of the winner's name being posted on this blog, and IF you give me permission to post a video of the event online.) The Rhythm Chef's Karaoke Party consists of my personal appearance, spoons/bones song performance, spoons lesson, 1 1/2 hours of karaoke singing, and specially-selected silly recognition awards such as: You Take The Cake, Tear-jerker, You Rocked Our Socks Off! , Best Song/Dance Combo, Whoopee!, and more.

The Party is a $150 value!

The winner will be posted on my blog, and, if you take a video, it will be uploaded to youtube and linked to my blog site--unless you request it not be posted online, of course.

So email your entry today to rhythmchef@gmail.com Then tell your friends to enter, too, to increase your chances of winning!

Now, just for laughs... check out my vids at the bottom of this page!

New Venues for Karaoke!

2010-05-10T16:07:00.003-04:00

Karaoke is getting even more popular in Rabun County Georgia, and I'll continue to be at Woody's Filling Station in Clayton on Saturday evenings... 'cause we're all having a ball there!

AND... The Rhythm Chef's Karaoke Party will be hosted by Mama G's restaurant on Fridays throughout June, starting at 6:30 and going 'til 9pm. Come hungry because Mama G's has the best pizza and pasta dishes in the area (I'm gonna get me some.)

Bring your CDG's or pick from my collection of 3700 songs to sing to.

See you there!

KARAOKE is ON tonight at Woody's!!!

2010-04-17T11:39:00.004-04:00

If my heading seems to indicate that I'm excited, well, I am. The last time, singers like Brandie Lane, Carol and her crew, and a newcomer Herb, blew the lid off the place and delighted the packed house.

Today we'll Sing In The Sunshine on the outdoor stage. The canopy is up and the patio is dressed for company, so come out and party with us at Woody's, adjacent to the post office on Main Street in Clayton. I'll be your MC... playing dance music, Karaoke backgrounds and surely a few hot tunes with the spoons. And if you ask nicely (as "Q" did last week) I'll even show you how to play them.

Hope to see you there... from 6:30 p.m. 'til closing!

Rumor Has it that Rumor Hazit...

2010-04-17T11:34:00.002-04:00

Well, what a time we had at Rumor Hazit in Clayton, GA last night! Steve and Lisa McAdams a.k.a Mountain Hoodoo performed their unique blend of mountain folk music in a style all their own, and the crowd was very responsive and appreciative. It was obvious that they made some new fans, as they always do when performing live events. They graciously asked me to sit-in with them on a few tunes and we stirred up a little crowd reaction, and had some smiles.

2010 Perfomances booked...

2010-04-06T11:57:00.005-04:00

Well, after checking my phone's calendar, I am excited to announce some upcoming events... some where you are welcome to come see me perform (smiling faces in the audience bring out my best, and add to the fun!)

May 27, 2010: A special performance for members of the Rabun County (GA) Chamber of Commerce @ The Cupboard Cafe (banquet room) Dillard, GA.

June 15, 2010: Eatonton Putnam Public Library, Eatonton, GA, 2:00 p.m. Info call (706) 485-6768

June 23, 2010: Laurens County Public Library, Dublin, GA 10:30 a.m., and again at 6 p.m. Info call (478) 272-5710

July 6, 2010: Decatur Library, Decatur Georgia. 7:00 p.m. Info call (404) 370-3070 Ext. 2012

Be there or be square! :o) JK!

A little "catch-up" is in order...

2010-04-06T11:40:00.005-04:00

Well, since my last post soooo much has happened...
First, the A. Mitchell Powell, Jr. Public Library hosted an evening with the Rhythm Chef in March, and a fun time was had by all. Congrats to those who won prizes for "almost remembering the name of the song Sugar Blues" LOL, and for most accomplished spoons student!

I auditioned for Who's Got Talent, at the Smokey Mountain Performing Arts Center, and was one of 24 selected to compete on March 23rd 2010, and it was a total blast! A wonderful female vocalist won by giving a stirring performance of one my all-time favorite songs At Last , originally made famous by Etta James. The entire experience of being in the "green room" with so many exciting entertainers was an experience that was unique and fun. The folks at SMPAC were delightful to work with, and they made is all feel like stars.

America's Got Talent held their preliminary auditions in late February, and I decided to quiet the encouraging throngs who have forever prodded me to try out, so I did, and I'm glad I did because it was so much fun.

I've also finally started a Blues band!!! (No name yet... any suggestions?)Some of you know that it has been a long-standing dream of mine to play drums in a blues band, but I didn't even dream as big as what has come about. I am privileged to play with seasoned pros who have blues running through their veins, I'm sure. I can hardly wait to take our original songs into the studio so I can share them with everyone. Some of the songs I'll play to with the spoons, and some on the drums (Roland TD4 Electronic Drumkit.) We're just rehearsing songs, and developing new songs, at the moment, but I'll let everyone know when we have some definite gig dates scheduled.

TTFN

New Years Blast!

2010-01-02T17:35:00.003-05:00

Well I hope you had as much fun on New Years Eve as all of us at Woody's in Clayton, GA. A band of studio musicians were rocking the house all evening, but I didn't get a chance to arrive until 11:45 p.m. I ordered a soft drink and immediately was asked to take the front of the band and jam along. What a blast!!!

Happy New Year to all.

Trunk Or Treat performance

2009-10-27T12:58:00.002-04:00

On 28 October I'm scheduled to perform for the LDS church's Trunk Or Treat party. I know it's going to be fun because playing for the kids always tickles me. It's guaranteed that a new little spoon-player will be launched that night.

Rhythm Chef's Karaoke Party goes "POSTAL"

2009-10-27T12:51:00.003-04:00

Well, things are progressing nicely... I've developed the Rhythm Chef's Karaoke Dance Party for special occasions, and I'll be hosting the entertainment segment of the state's meeting of postmasters soon. I can hardly wait to hear the singing postal administrators. It is sure to be a blast!

See you at the Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival in Franklin, NC

2009-08-06T10:42:00.003-04:00

I hope to see some friendly faces in the crowd when I play the Mountain High BBQ and Music Festival in Franklin, NC this Friday. I go on stage at about 5:30, and am the last performance before the Shenandoah concert at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts later that evening.

Click on the heading above to hyperlink to the event's webpage for directions to the festival and other info.

It's a bargain @ only $5.00, so come on out to get some tasty BBQ and enjoy some fine musicians.

Dillard Bluegrass BBQ Blast

2009-08-06T10:37:00.002-04:00

A good time was had by all at the Dillard Bluegrass BBQ last Friday and Saturday. For the first time in my life I played The Devil Went Down To Georgia and Thank God I'm A Country Boy, and it was so much fun! I've never played so fast in a public performance and the crowd really showed their appreciation.

Since I'm in the heart of Bluegrass country I think I'll play more of that kind of music (it speaks to the hearts of locals) while I'm here.

I'm also looking into performing on cruise ships, so if you know anything about that subject please write.

Hoedown @ The Dillard House!

2009-07-16T12:43:00.005-04:00

It will be a knee-slappin' time, for sure, when the music starts at the Dillard House Hoedown!!! And it benefits Habitat For Humanity, one of the best causes out there.

I hope you'll bring your spoons and join me in some serious fun for a great cause... 6 to 10pm, Thursday 16 July 2009. Click on Hoedown @ The Dillard House! above to link over to learn more about the event.

Have you checked my vids at the bottom of this page?

Cya there.

Edutainment @ Rabun Library

2009-06-08T18:52:00.002-04:00

It's so exciting to see Spring turning into Summer here in the beautiful mountains of Georgia, and even though school is out, the public library is a buzz with programs and events for school-age folk. Upon their request I've put together a little program that includes The Rhythm Chef playing spoons and bones to a variety of eclectic song styles, as well as providing some background info on my father's vaudeville adventure. I'm also going to be encouraging genealogical research to attendees, since the local library has some impressive resources.

My instructional DVD has dropped (that's entertainment industry speak for "arrived") and I'll be giving a copy to some unsuspecting child this Thursday @ 10:30 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

Let's Celebrate Clayton Together!

2009-04-20T14:47:00.002-04:00

The annual music and arts festival Celebrate Clayton will be in the swing Saturday and Sunday April 25th and 26th, and it promises to be a fun time for all. I'll be hosting the Old Clayton Inn's Karaoke Bar-B-Q Lunch on the front porch, and looking for some new singing talent to add to our Karaoke roster of singers, so come on by and let us hear your favorite songs sung the way YOU like to do it.

I'll even accompany you on the musical spoons, if you like. After all...it's all about having a good time, and there is no better place to do it than at the beautiful Old Clayton Inn this weekend.

Hope to see you there!

OMG! The Karaoke Dance Party @ Old Clayton Inn Is My Fav!

2009-04-20T14:20:00.007-04:00

"Come on, Baby, let's do the twist"... and the Electric Slide, and the Slow Drag, and the Buck Dance! The Karaoke Dance Party is getting to be even more fun each week with the addition of prizes for dancing and singing (such as the Tear-Jerker Award, the Buck-Dance Contests, and the Goose-Bump Awards.)

MCing the karaoke dance is soooo much fun, and my circle of really good friends is growing fast! I hope to meet you at the Old Clayton Inn on Saturday nights from 7 to 11 p.m.

Swing and Sip With Me @ Java Mama in Dillard Saturday March 7

2009-03-05T17:02:00.005-05:00

If you haven't been to Java Mama in Dillard, you have been missing one of the best little treasures in the area. Now, everyone who knows me probably knows I'm not a coffee drinker, and you may not be either...BUT, don't let that stop you from coming by Java Mama on Saturday the 7th between 2 and 4 for a uniquely delicious sandwich or a cup of the best hot chocolate you've ever tasted--guaranteed! Janet is the chef and owner, and makes the most wonderful baked treats, too. She has music playing every minute Java Mama is open, and we're going to have some fun playing the spoons and bones to Swing and Jazz this Saturday for the 1 year anniversary celebration--and we're sure to have a ball! And if you happen to be a coffee connoisseur, I hear that Janet has a way with special blends that keeps her customers coming back for more. So come discover Java Mama's and swing a little with us this Saturday!

See you there!

Discovering Karaoke

2008-11-04T17:12:00.002-05:00

While looking for amusement in Clayton, Georgia, I discovered Karaoke at the Old Clayton Inn's banquet room on Main Street, and WHAT A BLAST! I don't sing, but I love music and enjoy hearing those who do, and even those who wish they could--and try.

Last Saturday they hosted Haunted Karaoke, so I put on my chef coat and joined in the fun. Dewight, the DJ asked me to tell a little about myself and to play a song with my spoons, so naturally I obliged. Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy by Bette Midler turned out to be just what the crowd was needing, so we had some serious fun and, again "It's a Party Now" was the attitude after the song.

I'm meeting the nicest people here, and although the music scene is a little different than I'm used to, it's more fun than I would have imagined. I'm even getting in a fair amount of dancing and meeting some rather interesting and attractive people.

Come join us if you're in the area, otherwise, check out http://www.diamondeight.net for videos of what's going on hereabouts.

I'll be doing an anniversary party on November 22nd in Gainesville, GA, and am hoping to hear about the exciting things in your life, so email mail me. I'll respond personally.

Fun in Rabun County... and beyond!

2008-11-03T08:38:00.002-05:00

Well, "It's a party now!" is becoming my frequent exclamation wherever I find music here in Rabun county. As it turned out, I did end up playing at the Tallulah Gorge Music and Folk Festival, and what a time we all had there! The Foxfire boys hosted the event and were in fine form, but there were several talented bands playing that day as well. The Beans were my favorite, though, because they played happy, upbeat music for the most part. We talked after the show and expressed our mutual admirations and the lead singer said she'd like to have me sit in on a song whenever we're playing an event together again. I'm really looking forward to that.

After an introduction to the audience, and the obligatory announcement that I'm a YANKEE, The Foxfire boys asked me to sit in on a swinging number that really cooked and we all had a blast.

Relocated to Georgia and met the Foxfire Boys

2008-09-26T12:56:00.004-04:00

Hi, All! I've made the relocation to the mountains of Georgia... Clayton, GA to be exact, and immediately found a music store, Blue Ridge Music, perched on a hill overlooking Route 441 (the main highway through the area).

It wasn't long before I was playing the spoons and bones for the store owners, who I soon found out were members of a renown Bluegrass band--The Foxfire Boys, and are they talented!

They are in the process of expanding their "Jam Room" and recording studio, and will soon increase their retail area where they offer a variety of guitars, mandolins and banjos (some are even custom assembled and setup for peak performance by Dean English, a master of banjo playing.

With all that, Tom Nixon tells me their most active area has been their teaching studios with a variety of teachers and over 80 music students.

Anyhow, I can't wait to see them perform at the Tallulah Gorge Music and Folk Festival on October 11. Maybe I'll even get a chance to play with them on one of their tunes.

I'm also supporting a new web endeavor called DiamondEight.net, a site featuring videos of local interest... some funny, some informational, and some entertaining. Look for me on their over the next week or so. I'm performing at the Old Clayton Inn this Saturday evening, and it should be fun!

Send me an email and let me know if you can make it on Saturday and/or to the festival on October 11, or just to say "Hi".

Grand Openings and Special Events are Cooking and Swinging!

2008-06-11T15:37:00.018-04:00

People often ask me where I like to perform, and that got me thinking. So here is a list of the types of performance venues and events where you'll be most likely to find me:
Grand Openings and Special Events for: Restaurants; Dinner Theaters; Music Stores; etc.

But I am open to other suggestions, too.

You may also find me putting on Surprise Performances at almost any type of catered event, which could include private parties and corporate meetings, including conventions, trade shows, banquets and other festive celebrations.

With a background that includes marketing and sales, I know how to appropriately interact in a situation that has marketing potential for the companies for whom I perform, such as when we are at trade shows, etc.

As always, I love putting smiles on faces at Elementary Schools, Senior Centers, Retirement Communities, Hospitals, and Birthday Parties for all ages. The best part is instructing little hands on the basics of Making Music That Cooks with the spoons.

I have most of the music loaded in the MP3 player feature of my cell phone, and I jack it out to a small 120 watt PA cabinet to amplify the music and sound of my percussion instruments (spoons/bones and sometimes, electronic drum-set.) So I can entertain in a small room or large hall, with the same toe-tapping results.

If you would like to forward this post to a friend, just click on the little envelope (in the last line of each blog post) to send me an email from you to your friend, and my blog post will be included with your message. How cool is that?!

If you have a question for me, The Rhythm Chef, you can send me a message or comment on my blog by clicking on the word COMMENTs in the last line of each blog post, and I'll do my level best to get back to you quickly.

And remember to check out my video samples of how I Make Music That Cooks by clicking on the videos at the bottom of this page.

Thanks for visiting... Why not bookmark this page now???

Now Performing Safely...with DineSafe!

2008-06-09T22:06:00.011-04:00

After making plans to expand my performance venues to include restaurants and the occasional birthday or anniversary party setting, I decided it would only be good business to get my certification for DineSafe--the food service industry's most authoritative course in safe food handling for servers. After all, I think it's important that I know better than to accidentally contaminate things in the very likely event that I find myself in a situation where I might be asked to present a birthday-cake-laden cart while setting up a surprise performance of Happy Birthday with my spoons, for instance. Or perhaps while helping out with serving at a buffet table before springing a performance on a group of unsuspecting revelers.

And today I accomplished my DineSafe certification goal through the New Castle County Cooperative Extension office at the University of Delaware!

Maria Pippidis, the director, and instructor of the class, was not only very knowledgeable, but presented the information in a fun, palatable (pun intended) manner, as well.

An admitted amateur germophobe, I was happy to expand my knowledge of controlling microorganisms in the kitchen and dining-room. Truth-be-told, I enjoy cooking for loved-ones, and feel better knowing I'll be serving healthy, safe food to them. And when I find an opportunity to sneak-up on a non-suspecting, birthday-celebrating diner, I'll be armed with my spoons and my DineSafe knowledge, and with the confidence that I will provide a pleasant musical surprise, without leaving them with an unpleasant intestinal surprise (LOL... sorry if I went a little too far with the concept.) LOL

Anyway, thanks to Maria, and to the other members of the class (whose questions, answers, and comments contributed so very much to my understanding of safe food handling practices,) I'm DineSafe certified!

Now remember to check out my videos at the bottom of this page... I hope they'll put a big smile on your face!

I'm Soooo excited... The Globetrotter's Theme Song!

2008-05-29T13:04:00.004-04:00

I can hardly believe it... while poking around on Amazon.com I found the original theme song of the Globetrotters basketball team featuring Brother Bones playing the Rhythm Bones and whistling Sweet Georgia Brown, just like my grandfather used to do as he taught me to play the Bones when I was a boy in the 1960s! Click on the arrow and have a listen...

Amazon.com Widgets

If you want to download the whole song just click on BUY MP3 on the album cover.

Or check out my videos at the bottom of this page to see how I play the spoons to Swing music. Thanks for visiting! Why not bookmark this page now?

A Closer Look...

2008-03-31T16:19:00.006-04:00

Wherever I perform, people ask for a little closer look at how I play the spoons to Rock-and-Roll, Jazz and Swing music. So, I've created a video to give you a closer look, and linked it from YouTube to my video bar at the bottom of this page. Enjoy it, then email me and let me know what you think. I always enjoy comments from my audiences and blog visitors.

Thanks for visiting MusicThatCooks.blogspot.com!
Why not bookmark this page now?

<----<< Then check out my other posts by clicking on the links to the left.

New Fun Videos on my Video-Bar

2008-03-29T13:43:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I posted a new video to YouTube, and today it showed up on my video-bar at the bottom of my blog! What a fun and easy-to-use feature! The new video features the Rhythm Bones (the rhythm instrument some archeologists have deemed to be the oldest of all.)

Today I uploaded a video of me demonstrating the easy-play spoons I mentioned in my previous blog posting. It should show up on my video-bar sometime today or tomorrow.

Thanks again for checking my MusicThatCooks blog. And please remember to bookmark it!

Making Music ..... easily

2008-03-27T20:29:00.018-04:00

On my videos, and in performances too, I play regular spoons right out of the kitchen drawer (actually, I often play spoons from the silver drawer), but since holding the spoons properly is tricky for younger children, I'm including a link to some spoons that are fastened at the handle. The MUSICAL SPOONS by Trophy Music will serve with minor adjustment. The pair I bought came out of the box with a little too much space between, but can easily be squeezed together to bring them about 1/8 inch apart (as long as they are close but not touching.) The price is nominal at $5.29 plus shipping. If you purchase from the linked text, Amazon pays me a tiny commission, but either way, I wanted to make the link accessible to my site visitors.

I also sometimes accompany myself with songs that are preloaded on my Yamaha keyboard--as on my DVD: The Rhythm Chef's Secrets to Making Music that Cooks with the SPOONS. The keyboard that Amazon has that is similar to my own, and at the time of this writing is an unusually good bargain, is the Yamaha YPT-220 portable keyboard with 102 songs loaded into it's internal database of music. Besides the discount, it's an even better bargain considering the fact that a keyboard stand is included.) Also, the keyboard has the same amazing Y.E.S. learning system built in that my children used to learn to play. It is both helpful and fun to use. The quality is very good--after years of use, mine still works perfectly, even the speakers. The best part is that the built-in songs make a great accompaniment while performing the spoons!

A Video To Put a Grin On YOUR Face...

2008-03-27T16:48:00.007-04:00

I made a home-video for you all, and I posted it to YouTube for laughs. I'm embedding the link here to make it easy to view. I hope it lifts your spirits!

I've also put a video bar at the bottom of the page, so watch this bar as my videos grow in number, then click on the images and a video frame with open and play my video to make you smile. :0)

FIY: The videos that appear at the bottom of the video, after you view mine, are automatically loaded from YouTube, and most are unrelated to my blog.

Thanks for visiting MusicThatCooks!

The Rhythm Chef

Welcome to The Rhythm Chef's new Online home!!!

2008-03-25T19:04:00.002-04:00

Hello to all my friends! I'm happy to have you as a visitor to my new online home, and hope you find everything you're looking for to help you enjoy making music that cooks!

I want to begin by giving a heartfelt THANK YOU to Mark Jones of Mark Jones Video Productions for his stellar work in recording and editing my new DVD: The Rhythm Chef's Secrets to Making Music that Cooks on the SPOONS. Mark, your advice was invaluable, and I could not have created this project without your expertise and videography skills. So, thank you again.

Why not bookmark this page now, so you can easily check it again the next time you're online?