glimpses of tom

It's me - in candle form!

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here's an item that stands proudly on my kitch shelf. It was given to me as a gift one summer.

All you need is some ukulele music to go with it. And here's the music for you (free download).

Enjoy! ~Tom~

DIY musicians - do your homework!

2012-01-24T14:48:00.000-08:00

DIY musicians - do your homework!

To my fellow DIY musicians out there- I know you've heard that you need to use Facebook, Twitter and other social media to keep your fans engaged. Most of us run into a problem when we sign on and start the process.

It just seems there is not enough time to get it all done!

A good place to start is to subscribe to various

BLOGS that are dedicated to solving just those kinds of problems. As you study these articles you'll notice some redundant information. Happily, you don't need to use every tool that these articles suggest. Try some out and see what works best for YOU.

FOR EXAMPLE: I'm currently using Buffer to help me populate my Twitter feed. It allows me to create a backlog of Tweets that will be posted to my feed at specific times each day.

Buffer's free profile account allows you to cue up to ten tweets (if you click the Buffer link here and create a free account, they'll give us both an extra tweet, pushing our limit to eleven. This one goes to eleven!). If you want to store up to 50 tweets for future posting you can pay a $10 per month subscription, but I find the free account sufficient for me at the moment.

All Under Control!

Each morning one of my daily actions is to check my RSS Reader for helpful articles pertinent to my current interests. If I find a particularly helpful post I can easily share it to my twitter followers by simply adding a link to the article in a tweet. Done! Best of all, I do the heavy lifting for my fans (like you) by basically screening through all the articles.

I also help out the blog that I'm pointing to, helping them gain more fans. AND- I got to learn something helpful too - yay! It's a Win-Win-Win for everyone.

As you begin putting your own system together remember; not every online tool will be perfect for how YOU work. Find the tools that help you be more efficient, and learn to disregard the tools that don't fit your work style.

I'll be adding more content like this to my blog, so if you found the article useful please subscribe to my Fan Email. Thanks!

Good luck in all of your musical endeavors! ~Tom Hitt~

If you found this information helpful, sign onto my Fan Email List, thanks! ~TH~

Now is the time!

2012-01-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is over, back to the real world. I'm hitting the deck with both feet running, my 2012 studio setup is ready to go- new song recordings coming up soon!

If you're already a fan - YAY! If not, you'll want in on this- at LEAST one FREE song per month - only for my email list fans.

Sign up, don't miss out; the songs will be available for streaming AND download.
Think about it, if you download all the songs in a year you'll have a full CD's worth of music that NO ONE ELSE can get. Yeah! You'll want to sign on now!

Have a GREAT 2012, and as always, thanks for listening! ~Tom~

2011-12-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

Here's a short preview for a new documentary about Joyce McKinney. Those of you who have my CD "Glimpses" know about this bizarre tale. Enjoy the video! You can hear my song about her by clicking here. Like the music? Sign the email list so you don't miss the newest goodies! http://tomhitt.fanbridge.com ~TH~

HELLO DALI music video

2011-12-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a little ditty, hope it makes you smile - "Hello Dali" ~TH~

Want to keep up in 2012? Here's how! ---> http://tomhitt.fanbridge.com

I have exciting news for YOU!

2011-12-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Greetings intrepid music lovers!

Join my email list today and you will be receiving EXCLUSIVE music throughout 2012... for free.

Best of all, you won't have to do anything! Just read my monthly newsletter - simple!

Each newsletter I send out in 2012 will have a link to a free song JUST FOR YOU. These songs will not be released to the public, only to my devoted fans (like YOU!). It's my way of saying thank you for all of your support.

If you decide to download each song over the course of the year you'll end up with a FULL CD of songs that no one else can get -- Cool ! ! SIGN UP NOW!

I sincerely wish you a fun, safe holiday and a wonderful new year.

I'm very excited for 2012! You can expect some great music in your future! Again, thanks so much for your support.

You're musical Scribe And Jester, ~Tom~

Selling equipment from the studio

2011-12-09T04:25:00.001-08:00

This little baby is for sale - just $229!

As part of my ongoing efforts to organize the office and the studio, I'm selling off some equipment. Available to folks near the Erie area first! I'm looking forward to recovering some storage space!

http://eriebargainbin.blogspot.com/

Should be sleeping...

2011-12-07T00:51:00.001-08:00

Greetings fans and blog enthusiasts!

This guy's supposed to be asleep.

Well, I tossed and turned for an hour, and finally decided to give up on sleep for a while - but I do have some cool news to share with you + some free downloads!

RADIO INTERVIEW

I was recently interviewed on the Pittsburgh radio program "The Saturday Light Brigade". What a hoot! Jay and Judy came in to watch and listen to me play- had a chance to perform some of my fan favorites live including "Elizabeth Off And On". Click the link to listen online, or you can download and listen in your car, just like it was live!

FREE, EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOADS!

If you're already a fan, good for you - thanks! If not, you'll want to keep up with this blog and sign up for my fan newsletter. In January 2012 I will begin offering exclusive song downloads, just for my faithful, fun-loving, far-from-frivolous fans! These will be brand new songs recorded just for release to my fan list. If you're not on the list yet, now is the time to hop on board! Name and email address, that's all I need - and it's easy to unsubscribe if you decide to leave the list. Free, exclusive fan songs just for you -- yay!!

That's the big news for now- thanks for checking in, talk to you again soon (when I'm not so sleepy...)

Hugs - ~Tom~

A little, um, free music

2011-10-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm having a marvelous time writing up some new songs and promoting the new CD. Got a nice quote on my music from a buddy in England; "Crazy good music!!!! Love the

sounds; fun, playful and musical."

TA-DA! I knew I could be fun! Free downloads here... http://soundcloud.com/tomhitt-1

Like it? Sign on for the newsletter!! http://tomhitt.fanbridge.com/

Thanks, I Love you internets nuts!! ~TH~

Give up on your music?? Never!!

2011-09-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a short blog post that all song writers should read:

Throw In The Towel?

New gizmo for the stage!

2011-08-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it's not about the toys... but this time it is! Just got done rehearsing with an onstage harmonizer, I can now perform some of my more complex songs live without feeling like I'm cheating the audience. Yay!

Florida for some R & R (not rock and roll)

2011-08-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Currently down south with the family - had a great time in Florida - here I am with a famous rodent. Heading northward beginning tomorrow. When I get home, the song mill begins rolling again.

Skittered outa Indiana

2011-07-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!
Today I zipped back into Ohio from Indiana. Tonight's gig is at Sonnets, in Wadsworth.

At the previous hotel my GPS went whacko and tried to take me three miles past the actual hotel. At one point it actually started blurting out nonsensical directions. I'm happy to report that I ignored it. No easy feat, I assure you...

Notice that there's really not much difference from this pic and yesterdays, except a bit more facial hair, and I did change my shirt. I have also discovered that when traveling alone, a great CD to listen to is Tom Waits' "ORPHANS; Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards". It's a remarkable collection of songs and stories.

That's it from the road kids! Tomorrow, house concert and a LONG overdue visit with friends. ~TH~ http://tomhitt.com

Lost (but not really) in Indiana

2011-07-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

On the road, somewhere in Indiana

I don't know if you're aware of it, but there are a great many farm fields in Indiana; I'm guessing there are at least a dozen, if not more... (yes, that's sarcasm). And I assume that the state also has the highest rate of dead skunks in the middle of the road per capita. -- And every skunk is well centered, go figger.

(note well-worn Toledo Mudhens cap)

On my way to the next town today I saw a church right next to a self storage facility... and NOTHING else nearby. At all. Struck me as peculiar...

Last night's gig was a great deal of fun - talked at length with the owner of Beatniks Cafe in Marion IN. Trace is definitely one of the coolest cats I have ever met- and Beatniks is a really cool place to play too! My buddies Paul and Jim drove out of their way to catch my show - so, big thanks to them!

Tonight I'm at The Electric Brew in the land of Goshen IN. Tomorrow I'm playing in Wadsworth Ohio... onward and eastward. Check in later, more tales from the road soon -- ~TH~

Info on the new CD? - click me

The Melody Lingers On - complete

2011-03-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Laurie's production of the Irving Berlin Revue "The Melody Lingers On" is finished as of last night. The kids did a great job onstage! Owen played his bugle for the show, he did a really good job with that.
Today is Sunday, a usual 'chill' day for me, but this past week has put me a bit behind for my next CD project, so I'll be in the studio quite a bit today and this week. I hope to get another "behind the scenes" video produced as well. Oh yeah, and a haircut too!

Have a great week folks! ~TH~

http://tomhitt.com

ERIE- the Tall Ships event you might not remember... part 1

2011-01-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

In 1994 I was hired as an audio engineer to capture the music that occurred during that year's Tall Ships Erie event in ERIE PA. At that time CD technology was still very young, and direct-to-CD recording was in it's infancy and of course, expensive and not all-together reliable. SO-

I rented a state-of-the-art DAT stereo tape recorder (Digital Audio Tape- wow, aren't engineers the most creative people??).

I used two microphones in an X/Y position (which simply means the mics are aimed so that when you listen to the recording in stereo it's almost like you're there; especially in headphones - it gives the recording a three dimensional sense).

The event had a number of fantastic musicians and a great array of tall ships anchored in harbor.

I write this because I am currently archiving those very tapes to CD. I'm reviewing the audio as I type this, and I realize that there is much to tell. If you're interested in hearing and seeing ephemera from that experience, please subscribe. I can say that I'll have a jolly experience putting it together, and you might have a jolly nice experience reading, listening and viewing. Stay tuned... ~TH~

OK Steelers, just 2 easy games to go...

2011-01-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

OK - Steelers on Sunday. May have to have a beer while I watch that game...

Wow - I don't know about you but MY January is flyng by! I've been busy in the studio rehearsing and recording. also getting new songs written- AND preparing my gig bookings for the spring!
I'm getting great responses on my newest songs, check back soon for more news on the recordings. I also have a radio interview coming up in a month, you'll hear more about that as the date gets closer.

If you're like me and you have many things rattling in your head, sign up for my newsletter here so you don't miss any of my current shenanigans. I send out 1-3 emails per month, and it's easy to unsubscribe anytime if you need to- Thanks! ~TH~

a well deserved breather

2010-12-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had 3 gigs in the past two days, all of them fun. Last night I had a chance to share some new songs with old friends at a party - a successful surprise birthday party in fact. Delightful! Big thanks to Doug and Amanda for including me in the musical part of the evening.

I'll be at The Coffee Station in Fairview PA this Thursday at 11AM. I'll pull together a few holiday songs for that one...

Today I'll be laying low, maybe watch a little football and gear up for the busy week ahead.

The new year promises to be productive, I have a backlog of songs to record for you. Stay tuned in here, and stay warm! ~TH~

Your Folk Find 005 - "Moonswept" by The Roches

2010-11-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Today's folk find is especially nice for me to present. To any of you newbies out there who have not heard of the Roche sisters, I say - welcome! You're in for a treat. My sister turned me on to them years ago and I've loved their writing and singing since then. Their most recent release is Moonswept. It has all the great writing and harmony singing you come to expect from these three talented gals. If you want inspiration on how to write better songs yourself, you deserve to start with The Roches. Check out their back catalog, you'll thank me later. ~TH~

Your Folk Find 004 - Cobirds Unite

2010-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Your Folk Find 004 - Cobirds Unite

Wow. I'm so pleased to be a part of the social network when it yields this kind of talent for my meaningful audio consumption. A twitter crossed my eyes via http://www.nodepression.com/ - a group out of Seattle called COBIRDS UNITE ----
The sound is sublime, the writing subdued, the rhythm intoxicating. Huzzah to you, Cobirds, continue on this path, please, please, please... ~TH~

Your Folk Find 003 - Winterpills

2010-11-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

Your Folk Find 003

I'm currently listening to 'Central Chambers' by WINTERPILLS. I discovered this group through a tweet from a trusted musician I follow on Twitter. The CD (music collection? - Does anyone buy CDs anymore?) was released in 2008. It's very good. Their sound has a slight lo-fi vibe to it, the mixes are great, and the song arrangements are tight. Their website is laid out very well, you can listen to any of the songs in their entirety, and currently all of their digital downloads are just $5 each (for the entire album). Take some time and check them out. ~TH~

Your Folk Find 002

2010-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's folk find is a great one - Shinyribs. This is music I discovered at the website known as "The Alternate Root", a marvelous resource if you're looking for great music that is produced by independent artists.

The music is well produced, well played and very intriguing lyrically. If you're looking for inspiration to get you thinking outside the box, this is the music to listen to. Check it out! ~TH~

Your Folk Find 001

2010-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi folks! I've decided to share the wealth with all you fellow Americana/Folk music lovers out there. It's impossible to keep up with all the great under-the-radar artists out there, so let me be your guide! I'll tell you where to find the music and videos - all you have to do is click and go! If you like this series of posts, PLEASE hit the FOLLOW button on the right. I'd love your feedback too - email to cyclingtroll@gmail.com -- thanks!

TODAY's folk find is a trio from Ohio called HEY MAVIS

Their newest release is Red Wine -- an addictive and dynamic mix of traditional instruments and contemporary sounding vocal blends. Fiddle player Eddie Caner is not above reaching beyond the standard ways of sawing on that thang. Vocalists Laurie and Sarah have a fabulous blend on songs like the long phrased "Tell Me Lover True" (track 2).

I discovered them by a shotgun mailing to our house concert series. I'm happy to report that they will be playing our series this November. These folks have been producing some fun videos and performing in the northeast portion of the U.S., greasing those wheels and making it work!

* Definitely an original sounding CD - no doubt helped along by the tasty, tasty production work of Don Dixon. I was blown away, and you will be too... check them out!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://heymavis.com/

DO YOU LIKE THIS BLOG? Please hit the FOLLOW button on the right - thanks for visiting! ~TH~

The great computer shuffle

2010-08-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Owen has been the recipient of various hand-me-down computers, and they were not up to the task. He just received a newer computer that's pretty powerful, so now the systems he was using before are no longer in service. I am now typing this on one of the older computers, and having a doggon good time refurbing it for my own purposes.

Barefoot Movement house concert - that was great!

2010-06-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Laurie and I hosted our first house concert for the summer. The performers were The Barefoot Movement - wow! They are really good - and - BONUS! They helped me out with one of my new songs for my upcoming CD; a new song called 'Hey Mister Brown'. They lifted that baby right up off the ground! I'm really looking forward to having my fans hear it!

I'm not gigging very much right now, really trying to concentrate on writing and recording. To that end, I shall sign off for now... I shall speak with thee again anon. Thanks for reading... stay tuned...

~TH~

A month? Between posts? What's up with THAT?

2010-06-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

Shouting at the rain, I suppose. Welcome folks!

Laurie and I have been ever so busy getting ready for our first house concert. I have also been writing and recording in preparation for my next CD. The music is based on the events surrounding the dust bowl that occurred in America in the early part of the 20th century. I'm really looking forward to sharing that music with you.

Our first house concert is tonight - I'm hoping the weather will remain perfect so we can present the performers outside.

Stay tuned, thanks for checking in!

~TH~

will it ever warm up?

2010-04-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

So here it is, coming up on May, and I'm STILL waiting for "shorts" weather!

Studio work goes well, albeit a bit disorganized. Great gigs this past weekend, no gigs this weekend- which is good because then I'll be able to finish up some new songs! I'm also planning some fun surprises for my live gigs coming up - stay tuned!! ~TH~

Spring has sproinged, and I am springing

2010-04-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow web browsers -

I have been happily writing new songs and recording when I can. I have a back log of audio to edit which I hope to get to today. All my gigs are going great - lots of positive feedback from the audiences-

April newsletter coming soon, if I can find the time to finish it! Say tuned... thanks!

Tom
edgy folk music for not-so-edgy people

2010-03-27T20:45:00.001-07:00

ah spring... cats mewling outside at each other...

Wow- couldn't be better

2010-03-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well, all things being equal, I have to say things are going swimmingly (what a goofy saying). Nice gig at the PI, then I had a BLAST playing guitar, singing and playing drums at the Creekside with some seriously talented friends.

Busy week coming up in the studio, plus regular domestic juggling. It's all good... lovin' every minute of it-- oh yeah.

~TH~

domestics and songwriting collide!

2010-03-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings fans and other dropper-inners,

My family/domestic life is chock full of seemingly endless jobs. I recently wrote a song called "I never Throw Anything Away", and it certainly appears that's true- but not for long! Spring has sprung, and we are in the midst of some serious spring cleaning and re-organization.

In between moving furniture around and working for other clients I'm writing every chance I get. My next CD should have a more cohesive sound, not so spread out style-wise.

I have two solo gigs booked this weekend, hoping to have some new folks to play for- if you live nearby, come and check out the new songs, tell me what you think! Enjoy the music of the spring, made by musicians and nature. :-)

~Tom~
http://reverbnation.com/tomhitt

Half - a - way done

2010-03-13T03:32:00.000-08:00

I now have quite a few songs in various stages of "doneness". I finished a nice country crossover song yesterday that I plan to cut a demo for this morning. For my live playing I have a strong compulsion to change up my entire sets (not a very realistic thing to do).

So basically, just working on new material... you'll always know when I'm blocked or burned out because I'll be on Facebook seeing what YOU are doing! Have a great weekend! ~TH~

Click here to see my current gig schedule :-)

2010-03-09T04:01:00.001-08:00

Up and ready to roll! Busy day ahead with errands, a recording session and some music arranging. Coffee, stat!

Quick post before bed time

2010-03-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

All is well here in Fairview PA. The weather is slowly getting milder and I am slowly finishing songs for my next project.

I played a House Concert this past Saturday that was really fun! Had a chance to share the stage with friends Frank Marzano, Paul Gall and house hosts Marty and Linda. I tested out a small recording rig that night too, it works pretty well.

Next gig on the book is the Main Perk- a fave place of mine to play. Hope to see you soon! ~TH~

2010-03-05T16:38:00.001-08:00

Yet another song in the works. BUT- taking a break tonight to hear the Heliotropes!

Adventures in real life

2010-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

This pesky "real life" keeps getting in the way! BUT - in a good waytoday. I took some students to songfest for the day - wow! What a great group of singers this year- about 100 elem/middle school kids from the area; they rehearse all day, then perform in the evening. I even got to direct them through their warm-ups this morning- fun! BUT - it did eat up my day...

Tomorrow; practice and record. I got a new ukulele today! Woo hoo! I'll be playing it AND the funky instrument known as the Bul Bul Tarang this Saturday at a house concert in Lake City. Check http://reverbnation.com/tomhitt for more information -if you live near me, come on out! Wine, women and song! ...Well, I can't promise the WOMEN, but I guarantee the wine and the song- hope to see you there! ~TH~

2010-03-03T05:41:00.001-08:00

Just listened to a tasty track off of Joe Iadanza's latest release. Sounds Great!!!

Fan newsletter - March 2, 2010

2010-03-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings!
I sure hope everyone is pleased to see that we are now in the melty month of March. Any Erie veteran knows that we're not finished with cold snowy weather yet, but the end is surely in sight!

I'm happy to report that I've been busy writing and recording for my next CD. The work is a little scattered right now since I'm basically in the creation stages. My next goal for March is to tidy up the work and get it recorded and out to you by early summer.

I've really enjoyed gigging in the Erie area these past two months. Thanks to all of you that come out to hear me. Come out soon and hear some of my latest creations!

This Saturday March 6 I will be performing at Marty's House Concert in Lake City. The address is 1942 Lake St, Lake City, PA. The doors open at 7PM and the show begins at 7:30. This is a great way to enjoy some new music. No admission fee, but a donation is appreciated. The artists playing are Frank Marzano, Paul Gall, Tom Hitt and also the host Marty. Please email me if you want any other information or if you have any questions.

Regarding this email newsletter, I have discovered a great internet site that is helpful to both singer/songwriters AND fans - http://reverbnation.com. I will be using this site for my fan newsletter within the next few weeks (replacing this email), so please join that mailing list soon- I'll even make it worth your while! There is currently a free mp3 download there of "Animal Cracker Jackpot", my ode to the perpetually kooky Joyce McKinney. You will see the 'download' icon next to the song. It's available as a FREE DOWNLOAD until March 10. If you already have that song, never fear! I will be posting new songs there for my fans regularly as FREE downloads! What's not to like about free?

As always you can check my playing schedule online at http://tomhitt.com or at http://reverbnation.com/tomhitt. Thanks for listening! I hope to sing for you soon- ~TH~

2010-02-28T05:06:00.001-08:00

Gotta finish cleaning up the studio today, and practice that guitar.

Brrrrr! Cold days for inspiring music writing

2010-02-25T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been avidly pushing the music promotion boulder up the hill, hoping it does not roll back over me! If you have not already become a fan at http://reverbnation.com/tomhitt I encourage you to do so. I have some musical promotions planned for spring and summer that will be available to those fans EXCLUSIVELY- AND, you'll be helping me get my late-starting career going- ("consarn it Mabel, hand me my cane! Eh?"). Best of all, it's FREE! So, do me a favor - click on the link and become a fan - thanks so much.

Currently I have three brand new half-songs done. After Friday I do not have any other gigs this weekend, so I hope to complete the other halves of all three this weekend. Make sense? I knew you dug my music for a reason!

I've been experimenting with a new instrument in my arsenal. It's an Indian string instrument called the bul bul tarang. A unique instrument to play, and it definitely makes for some interesting tonal colors. I'm looking forward to bringing it out to some live gigs as soon as I put some material together for it.

Finally, if you have not already heard the music from my debut CD GLIMPSES, you can easily check it out by clicking the reverbnation link, or heading over to my own website tomhitt.com. My playing schedule is also available at both sites, should you care to mark up your calendar.

Thanks so much for your support. Hang in there, spring is coming soon (at least according to the calendar)!

Peace,

~Tom Hitt~
tomhitt@ymail.com

Thanks as always

Interview from January 2010

2010-02-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

Fellow guitarist/songwriter Tony Kellogg sent me some interview questions recently for his blog. I've taken the liberty of inserting the results here as well... thanks again Tony.
------------------------------

At what age did you start playing guitar? Do you remember your first instrument?
I started guitar (self taught) when I was 15. I was anxious to start writing songs, so as soon as I could move back and forth between 2 chords smoothly I wrote my first song. The first guitar I played was an atrocious 12 string that I strung as a six string. It was in our basement – my brother Jay referred to it as the “baseball bat”. A very fat neck for a beginner! About a year later I got a Martin/Sigma for Christmas. It was great because all the work I did on that awful 12 string paid off when I strummed my first E chord across that REAL guitar neck! I still have that guitar; it saw me through high school and college.

What made you want to pick up guitar playing?
I was a huge CSNY and Neil Young fan at the time. The drive to play guitar came primarily from my interest in songwriting. I was pretty young though, so the songs I wrote were atrocious, but you have to start somewhere. I actually focused on drums from the age of 9 and took drum lessons for years, so I was a drummer first and foremost. In fact my college degree is in percussion. Guitar was always secondary for me until about two years ago; now I focus most of my time on guitar.

What artists, if any, influence your music?
Well, I have a huge music collection of about 1500 LP’s and about 1200 CD’s, mostly rock and pop from the 70’s and 80’s. I was listening to Pink Floyd, Zep, Beatles, Stones, – stuff everyone else was listening to. But as I worked more on my own songwriting I came to appreciate lyric writers like Dylan, Don McLean, Dan Fogelberg, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie. Now that I’m older I really appreciate the work a lot of folk artists did to craft their stories into music. Right now I’m really studying what Jack White has done recently, especially the Raconteurs record; I think that’s a phenomenal record.

What is the biggest venue you’ve played in?
As a drummer I’ve played clubs all over the Pittsburgh area, but as a performing singer/songwriter I’m just getting started, so no large venues to speak of as yet. It’s cool feeling like a novice though – I love to reinvent myself, so hopefully 2010 will be my year to nurture an ever larger audience for my songs.

What was the worst gig situation you’ve ever found yourself in?
Wow! Lots of great stories for this one! The one that pops into my head though is a gig in Washington PA at a Ramada Inn. I was playing drums in my brother’s band; we were a popular top 40 cover band in the area so we worked a lot. This bar was always packed when we played and there was quite a bit of hmmm, cross dating shall we say? The gig I’m thinking of wasn’t bad per se, but the night ended with a surprise. We loaded out after the gig and hit the highway in my Ford Torino (ever see Starsky and Hutch?). Anyway, we must have pissed off a patron at the bar that night..I’m guessing it had to do with a girl… at about 50 MPH, one of my rear wheels comes flying off! Not good. So at 3AM we walk back to get the wheel/tire and borrow one lug nut from each of the other wheels so we can reattach the renegade wheel and get home. Yes, someone had removed all the lugs from that wheel. I’m amazed how far we got – we were about 3 miles from the hotel when the thing flew off. Happily, no one was injured.

Tell me the story behind one of your songs.
A current favorite among my faithful fans is a song called ‘Outside And Smile’. The seed for this one came when I focused on my own inner dialog while waiting in line at the grocery store. Everyone can relate to that; you look at stuff people are putting on the belt, or how they talk, or what they say; and in your own head you hear yourself say stuff like “gosh they’re not very nice” or “you mean someone really eats THAT?” or some other nonsense.
I love the fact that you can’t turn that voice off; we are always assessing our own place in the world by comparing our lives to the people we see and hear around us. I now make a concerted effort to force that inner voice to say NICE things; but I think it’s pretty common for most folks to focus on what’s “wrong” with other people first. Luckily we have that luxury because no one can HEAR that voice but you. So ‘Outside And Smile’ is my invitation for the audience to hear some of the kinds of things that race through my head when I unleash the voice. Oops, did I say that out loud? Well, in this case, yeah, I did.

What are your future goals as a musician?
I really want to improve my guitar playing and my songwriting chops. After years of “noodling” at it, I plan to push my self in practicing more and gigging more. I’ll be focusing more specifically on the folk/Americana genre. Folk is a great style/genre because you can create amazing music with one guitar (or zither, autoharp, ukelele, fiddle) and one voice, but it’s easily adaptable to additional instruments and voices; and you don’t need electricity to perform it!

What comprises your dream equipment?
I’ve had a recording studio for over 16 years and I own over a dozen guitars, so my gear lust is pretty well satisfied. My new purchases will be custom made acoustic instruments for live performances.

Where are you playing next? Do you have a CD?
Next gigs are the Main Perk coffeehouse in Girard on Saturday, January 9 from 6-8Pm, and Eclectic Etceteras coffeehouse in Edinboro on Saturday January 23 2010 from 1-3PM. You can always check out my current gigs by visiting the links at my website!

Tom’s current CD is called ‘Glimpses’ under the band name Jangle Pete. It’s available by visiting http://tomhitt.com. Its very catchy and I listen to it all the time!

END

Oh, the drama!!

2010-02-18T03:33:00.000-08:00

Well, this has been one busy week! I'm running sound for the upcoming High School presentation of 'Les Miserable', and that alone has all three family members scrambling. The show opens tonight and runs through Saturday.

Two upcoming performances for me this Sunday; I'll be at PI coffeehouse at 1:30PM, then I think I'll scoot down to the Creekside for open mic.

I'll be upgrading my live sound system soon. I'm picking up a Bose L1 compact system. I have really enjoyed working through them before, so I bit the bullet and purchased one.

I'll be spending the next two days practicing and looking for new venues to play...

Everyone be good! Come out and see me sometime, and introduce yourself... Thanks!

~Tom Hitt~
http://tomhitt.com

2010-02-13T14:43:00.001-08:00

fun gig. thanks to the folks who came out :-)

Tom Hitt NEWSLETTER - February 13 2010

2010-02-13T04:19:00.000-08:00

TOM HITT - NEWSLETTER 1 - February 13, 2010

Greetings - and happy Valentine's day!

Thanks for taking a moment to read this missive. I have been updating my Internet profiles, practicing my guitar and taking any local gigs that come my way, all in the hope of entertaining you - yay!

GIG TODAY - Tom Hitt - live - Eclectic Etceteras, Edinboro PA -
Saturday February 13, 1-3PM

SHAMELESS PROMOTION DEPARTMENT:
Please note that you may soon get an email from a website called reverbnation.com - I have set up this site to help me promote my music. If you get a moment you might want to visit there, it's a phenomenal site for finding new (and used) independent artists. Since you're on my newsletter mailing list I have added you to my fan base from there. Please feel free to adjust your involvement to your own comfort level. My main page there is http://www.reverbnation.com/tomhitt#

Thanks to Jim for the live photos that you'll see there :-)
--------
NEW MUSIC DEPARTMENT:
In case you're not aware, I have a new CD out under the band name Jangle Pete entitled GLIMPSES. I wrote all of the songs and played most of the instruments, though I did elicit some help from local talent to fill in the gaps. I got some great drum sounds thanks to Mike over at Norwegian Wood Recording Studio - thanks Mike! I also got some terrific vocal and guitar help from my brother Jay Hitt, and some tasty guitar tracks were laid down by Eric Brewer and Gary Prisby. Dave Sturtevant also came through for me on 'Animal Cracker Jackpot', a current favorite at my live gigs. Initial response to the songs has been great! If you'd like to hear some of the tunes, just visit my main website and you'll find a link to take you to your own private listening booth. If you like what you hear, you can download some or (dare I dream?) ALL of the songs- cheap! The compact disc is available there too, shipped right to your doorstep! Thanks for checking it out!

In the REALLY new music area, I'm writing voraciously so I can get a new CD out to you. I already have about half the songs written, so I'll be flashing my pen as fast as possible through the spring to get it finished (hopefully) by summer 2010. I'll be posting some preview mixes soon as a temptation... stay tuned...

Finally - just a reminder that you can always find my most up-to-date news by visiting my main site tomhitt.com -- The site contains links to all other pertinent sites about my most recent shenanigans, including my twitter tweets, gig schedule, and myspace page for your music listening pleasure. When you visit, please feel free to contact me any ol' time with your comments- tell me which songs are your favorites - I'd love to hear from you!

Hope to see you soon at a gig, I'll sing like a bird for you (albeit, a really BIG, flightless bird). Happy days...

Tom Hitt
tomhitt@ymail.com
http://tomhitt.com

2010-02-07T14:47:00.001-08:00

Listening to Cheap Trick's latest release, called "The Latest". WOW! Still in love with it. Heading to a superbowl party too!

2010-02-06T13:36:00.001-08:00

Working on my live rig- now it's set up to record too! Hee hee...

2010-02-05T17:14:00.001-08:00

Nice gig at EE - met Rasta Mike! And I got to play through the new electronic toy... new songs too! YAY!

2010-02-05T10:13:00.001-08:00

OOPS! Eclectic Etceteras open mic is from 4-6PM! Sorry about the red herring- hope to see you there at 4PM!

2010-02-05T09:38:00.001-08:00

I'll be playing at open mic tonight at 6PM-Eclectic Etceteras in Edinboro. I have a new song for you! http://ping.fm/yYRBe

2010-02-05T04:34:00.001-08:00

I'm posted in Erie Showcase to play at Creekside open mic this Sunday- but- NO OPEN MIC this week because of Super Bowl.

2010-02-04T05:53:00.001-08:00

Crazy week, but I should be able to catch up within the next 4 days... yeesh...

2010-02-01T05:53:00.001-08:00

Creekside open mic yesterday; wow. Everyone who hit the stage was on top of their game. The wings were tasty too! Thx to Ro and Michelle!

2010-01-31T13:09:00.001-08:00

Heading to creekside for open mic :-)

2010-01-30T20:25:00.001-08:00

Nice gig tonight at the Main Perk! Thanks to Frank, Paul and Brad for sitting in- thanks to all the swell folks who listened! :-)

2010-01-30T20:24:00.001-08:00

Nice gig tonight at the Main Perk! Thanks to Frank, Paul and Brad for sitting in- thanks to all the swell folks who listened! :-)

Good friend and writer helps me with my bio

2010-01-30T04:24:00.001-08:00

Greetings! My good friend Deb halped me with my updated performance bio:

Versatile fails to encompass the full range of ability that musician Tom Hitt brings to the stage. An innovative singer/song-writer, guitarist, drummer, and performer, Tom creates music because he’s enamored with the world around him. He observes myriad circumstances, incidents, lives, and happenings with a sense of whimsical wonder and a bit of social commentary. A teacher of Fairview and McKean public school students, as well as private individuals, Tom is also the professional owner/producer of Cycling Troll Recording Studio. Tom has performed at a number of national venues as well as local performances at Docksider, The Coffee Station, Brewerie, and Eclectic Etceteras. A prolific music collector, he revels in discovering, promoting, and producing music with creative artists who fall outside the mainstream - a calling of sorts for him.

Thanks Deb!!

2010-01-29T15:09:00.001-08:00

Wow- EXCELLENT gig today at the Coffee Station- thanks so much to all the folks who came out to enjoy my music! Hope to see you again!

2010-01-28T17:25:00.001-08:00

Dark Star is playing as I sip a beer at a local tavern.

2010-01-28T04:19:00.001-08:00

Hoping to be at the Brew Erie open mic tonight, 7PM.

2010-01-24T19:56:00.001-08:00

Another GREAT open mic! Creekside is the new PTB! (place to be)

2010-01-23T14:38:00.001-08:00

Wow! Gig at EE was BIG FUN! Thanks to Frank and Paul for joining me - thanks to all the folks who stayed and listened.

2010-01-23T05:18:00.001-08:00

Ahhh... good night sleep! Prepping for my 1PM gig - Eclectic Etceteras. Edinboro- it's gonna be fun! Come on out! http://janglepete.com/

2010-01-22T05:04:00.001-08:00

Blurry week; too many irons in too many fires. I'll be regrouping this weekend.

2010-01-18T14:58:00.001-08:00

DATE NIGHT! Waiting for my honey...

2010-01-17T12:19:00.001-08:00

prepping to go play open mic at creekside - come on out! 4PM START TIME http://ping.fm/edgtc

Come on baby, drive south...

2010-01-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

I'm heading south to Edinboro again today to see Frank Marzano play. Then just a bit further south to Meadville for a bluegrass festival. Hoping to find some players that can help me out in the studio for my latest music.

Folks here in the Erie area are really in the midst of the winter, but my thoughts are already aimed at springtime. I hope to help organize some house concerts and get involved with more musical festivals. Other than that, writing and performing. That's all for now! ~TH~

2010-01-16T05:36:00.001-08:00

sitting in with Frank Marzano today- 1PM at Eclectic Etceteras, Edinboro. Then off to a bluegrass fest in Meadville

2010-01-14T12:16:00.001-08:00

GIG CHANGE! I will NOT be at the Coffee Station tomorrow. I WILL be at Eclectic Etceteras in Edinboro on Friday from 4-6 for open mic.

2010-01-12T06:55:00.001-08:00

Trying to get motivated to do today's work.

2 fun gigs, 2 more coming up

2010-01-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun playing at the Main Perk this past Saturday. Fun crowd- and Frank Marzano joined me for some tunes too. The gig at PI coffeehouse was really nice (but wow is the weather COLD! Brrrrr....)

I've been diligently practicing my new hammered dulcimer when I can. It's a very interesting instrument, and a great sound!

NEXT GIG: The Coffee Station, Fairview PA on Friday January 15 at 4PM. Hope to see you there.

Visit
http://www.myspace.com/janglepete

for all my upcoming gigs, visit
http://janglepete.com/

for all other information. Thanks for checking in! ~TH~

2010-01-10T10:48:00.001-08:00

Bummer - no open mic at creekside tonight :-(

2010-01-10T10:35:00.001-08:00

Chomping on a BLT before showtime

2010-01-10T04:26:00.001-08:00

Erie folks- I'll be playing today at the PI coffeehouse from 2-4PM today! I'd love to see ya! Details at http://ping.fm/fU8te

2010-01-09T18:39:00.001-08:00

BIG thanks to all the folks who came to Main Perk tonight to hear me play- it was great fun playing/singing for you!!

2010-01-09T10:50:00.001-08:00

I'm playing the Main Perk coffeehouse at 6PM tonight- come on out! http://ping.fm/XeE3W

2010-01-08T14:32:00.001-08:00

My fellow area musician friend Tony Kellogg interviewed me recently for his blog. When you have some time check it out - I'd love to hear from you about it, or about my music, or about anything! http://ping.fm/1nOrI

2010-01-07T03:58:00.001-08:00

Had fun playing last night at the PI coffeehouse - next stop: open mic at E.E. in Edinboro Friday at 4PM!

2010-01-04T13:55:00.001-08:00

Date night with my wife tonight! We get a whole hour to ourselves! :-)

Tom Hitt interview- posted this Friday

2010-01-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

Fellow Erie area musician TONY KELLOGG has started up a daily blog. His Friday feature will be interviews with area musicians- Tony was kind enough to put me on the hot seat for his initial interview - thanks Tony! The posting date will be Friday January 8 2010. You can read the interview then by visiting http://tonykellogg.wordpress.com/ Tony has set up an RSS feed so you can easily subscribe to the blog.

I'll be performing this Saturday January 9 at the Main Perk coffeehouse in Girard PA from 6-8 PM. Come out if you can, I'd love to see you there! As always you can get the most up-to-date info by visiting my website - http://tomhitt.com

~TH~

2010-01-03T12:29:00.001-08:00

No open mic at Creekside today due to weather.

2010-01-03T06:09:00.001-08:00

Off to church to sing. Then some studio time- how predictable...

2010-01-01T11:58:00.001-08:00

My 2010 drink recipe; pour over ice-2 oz. Bombay Saphire gin; 4 oz. Trader Joe's MaiTai mix; a splash of Glaceau VitaminWater energy drink.

2010-01-01T10:52:00.001-08:00

Enough of this jocularity - back to the studio!

Happy New Year - off to a fine start!

2009-12-31T22:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Well, I completed a song yesterday - I'm quite pleased with it. It's called "Elizabeth Off And On". It's about dating the Queen of England on a semi-regular basis- happens all the time, right?

The upcoming music collection will be more acoustic in nature and my plan is to style it all in a more folk/Americana style. If you'd like to hear the ongoing results visit http://www.myspace.com/janglepete

Have a great January! Hope to see you soon! Thanks for checking in-- ~TH~

2009-12-31T22:11:00.001-08:00

Uploaded a new song for the new year; check it out at http://ping.fm/bwkdG

2009-12-31T09:16:00.001-08:00

Just finished a vocal take for a new song. Coming soon to MySpace for your enjoyment!

2009-12-30T17:56:00.001-08:00

Hangin with friends

2009-12-30T03:32:00.001-08:00

Good night sleep- good shower- already in the studio. Time to hammer out some new songs.

2009-12-25T19:16:00.001-08:00

Wow... long day, but fun - ate too much though. Off to bed.

2009-12-24T06:19:00.001-08:00

My song 'outside and smile' will be played on internet radio right now! VISIT http://ping.fm/TrfLk

O.K. - the holiday has arrived, so HAPPY DAYS to you!

2009-12-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings JP/TH fans --

I have been busy busy getting all of my music and lyrics into some kind of order so I can find the information when I need it! Now I feel more confident writing new songs knowing I can actually find stuff!

I played the Presque Isle Coffeehouse open mic tonight and got a really nice response from the audience. If you were there and you're reading this- thanks! Also a big thanks to Dennis for running the sound. This open mic runs every other week so the next one will be on Wednesday, January 6 2010 from 6-8PM.

I am starting to get some regular bookings in the area now, so if you'd like to know where I'll be and when, please visit my myspace page for upcoming shows. The next gig I have scheduled is a really nice coffee house in Girard PA called The Main Perk; I'll be there on Saturday January 9 2010 from 6-8PM. Hope to see you there!

As always, you can find all the links you need to keep track of me by visiting my main web page at tomhitt.com

Thanks for checking in- I hope to play and sing for you soon.

~Tom~

2009-12-23T17:42:00.001-08:00

Played the PI Coffeehouse open mic tonight - fun! Met some cool musicians and some very nice patrons- Thanks to Dennis for the sound!

2009-12-22T03:48:00.001-08:00

Found the lyrics to many a song I never finished; a trove of inspiration! Yay for not throwing away!

2009-12-20T13:20:00.001-08:00

Off to party number 3 for this weekend. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm about partied out!

2009-12-19T14:14:00.001-08:00

Must crow- rolled a 186 on game 3 tonight.

2009-12-18T08:54:00.001-08:00

Broke a molar on a lifesaver- now I get to have a crown put in- oh goodie.

2009-12-17T14:27:00.001-08:00

getting Chinese for dinner - then hanging out with Lynn and Emily - woo hoo!

2009-12-17T04:13:00.001-08:00

Must get the last gifties secured in the next two days!

Happy impending Holidays!

2009-12-16T03:50:00.000-08:00

Well, December has certainly shaped up to be a productive month; and I'm only halfway through with it! I have a few new gigs and quite a few recording sessions booked up. I have not had much time to write lately, but I plan to carve out more time for that next week. In the meantime, family, friends and holiday cheer are taking up most of my time. I hope you have an absolutely joyous holiday season! Stay tuned, there's a lot more TOM HITT coming your way in 2010!

New gig dates are posted here - click here and find out where I'll be! I'd love to see you and sing for ya! Thanks!

~Tom~

Juggling blogs

2009-12-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings music fans. I'm attempting to find the best solution for my blog needs to keep you posted on the zany activity of - me.