Volume 17 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - November 2010

2 Seconds of Fame

Last month I made my first national television debut.  (well...not really)  There was about a 2 second....yes count em' 2 second flash of me on the Today Show.  I just happen to be playing at Robert's Western World in Nashville when the Today Show was in town filming a piece about a photographer from New York City. 
 
Watch the video and find me if you can!

Christmas Shopping Season is Here
 

Click on images below to check out my secure online store for gift ideas. 

Holy Guitar!

My Taylor guitar is showing some early signs of a "Willie hole".  I bought this guitar brand new about 5 years ago and I finally wore a small hole through the top of it a couple days ago.  This guitar has earned every ding, scratch and splinter.  As you can see I don't sit around and polish it much. 

Tools Of The Trade

Here are some pictures of my 1952 Fender Telecaster Reissue.   I bought this guitar a couple of years ago at Gruhn Guitars here in Nashville.   I remember the day I bought it, I was playing it through a little Goodsell amp that they had in the back room of the store.  Looking back I wish I would have bought the amp too!     If you listen to my Guitar Man cd you will hear this guitar on several of the songs. 

Volume 16 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - October 2010

An Interesting Story to Share

from my life here in Nashville 

  A couple of months ago I was playing a show at Robert's Western World in Nashville when a woman came through the front door with a film crew following her every move.  I continued playing as they made their way through the room, filming rolling the entire time. 
 
Seeing a camera crew following someone around in Nashville is nothing out of the norm so I took it all in as "just another day at the office".  But I must admit that I was less then thrilled when suddenly..... here she comes running like she was late for the gig across the dance floor....up the stairs and onto the stage taking the role of my backup singer. 
 
I've been playing live music for a long time and have been in situations in the past were I've had to kick, punch, push and throw uninvited guests off the stage, but something told me to just go with the flow this time. 

 
I managed to get through the song with my new found band member and when the song was over she kindly thanked me for letting her sing, (like I really had a choice LOL! :)  She said her name was Marshall Chapman, and that she was writing a book called They Came To Nashville.  The film crew was there to make a video trailer to help promote the book.  Soon she and the film crew made their way out the door and vanished.  
 
2 months later......
(earlier this week).........I'm walking down Lower Broadway when a women comes up to me and says  "Hey....you're the guy that plays guitar across the street at Roberts".  I said, "yes that would be me".    Then she says "Hi, I'm Marshall Chapman.  You're in my video trailer for my new book and by the way....you play the hell out of that guitar".

 
She went on to apoligize for jumping up on stage with me univited two months earlier.  We then had a nice five minute friendly conversation, exchanged contact info, posed for a picture then went our separate ways. 
 
Turns out she is also a songwriter and has had her songs recorded by several artist such as Jimmy Buffet, Joe Cocker, Wynonna and Tanya Tucker to name a few.
 
You never know who you're going to run into in this town.  I love it!
 
CLICK HERE  to watch the video trailer for Marshall Chapmans new book "They Came to Nashville".

Thank You For Your Support

On behalf of myself and the Firemen I would like to personally thank everyone for your huge show of support last month at the 2nd Annual Firemens Festival.  Although the weather was a little chilly when the sun went down, almost everyone hung in there and stuck it out till the end of the show. 

New Bottle Coozies

CLICK HERE to order yours online through my website.  All kinds of colors.  Keep your drink cold and your hand warm this fall season. 

With friends like mine I felt the need to add the following.................
..........(BEER NOT INCLUDED)  
 
                                            More color options now in can coozies too. 

Tools Of The Trade

This hand me down guitar is where it all started for me.  The good ole'  red, white and blue "Buck Owens" model made by Egmond.  This was originally my brother's first guitar - so after he played the hell out of it for a couple of years it was then passed down to me - although I still consider my brother to be the official owner of this guitar today.  Between the two of us we really give this guitar a good workout and I'm surprised it has held up this well through the years.  It was built like a tank..... and played like one too.  If you look close at the tuning pegs you will see that all but one of the "knobs" are missing and have been that way for years.  I can remember clamping vise grips onto the tuning pegs to tune this guitar.  It also used to have a "star spangled" pick guard that has vanished through the years.  I have many memories growing up with this guitar and I'm sure my brother does too. 
 
CLICK HERE and look at the little boy in the bottom right hand corner of my Cd "The Boy in the Man".   Yes......that's me "back in the day" playing this very guitar.  
 

Volume 15 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - September 2010

Get all the latest updates on facebook
 
Click on the link below to find my official facebook page (or log onto your account and search "Pork McElhinny" ) then send me a friend request. 
 

  

Help Them Help You -  Attend the Firemens Celebration on September 10th & 11th
 
  

2nd Annual Firemen's Days September 10th & 11th
 
Jefferson County Fair Grounds - Brookville, Pa
 
Every night: Food - Adult Beverage - Games - Venders - Kids Games and much, much more!
 
Friday, September 10th:

• MegaRock "Smokin' Cook Off" 5pm-7pm (fee to enter submission)
• Pork McElhinny & The Fender Benders 7pm-10pm
• Monte Carlo Night (ticket required) 7:30pm-10pm
• Miss Pennsylvania (Courtney Thomas) will join Pork on stage Friday night for a song or two.

• Grand Parade at noon
• Johnny Angel and the Halos 7pm-9:30pm
• Fireworks following concert

ORDER ALL 3 CDs AND SAVE
Includes the latest Double CD "Guitar Man"
Click on photo to go to the online store

JUST $ 29.99 for the complete set
( + $2.50 S&H )
 

Tools Of The Trade

 
Wanna get a good amplified acoustic sound without feedback?
 

This is basically a hot rodded direct box for acoustic instruments.  It is made by LR Baggs and is officially called the PARA ACOUSTIC D.I.  It will give you enough adjustable gain for any situation you should find yourself in.  It has an awesome EQ section including controls for Low, Mid, Treble, Presence and my favorite - an adjustable notch filter.  I find myself using the notch filter along with the phase invert button all the time to eliminate feedback problems.  I love this little box because it doesn't "color" your sound at all.  If you buy one of these thinking it will magically turn bad sounds into good sounds don't waste  your money.  It won't make a diamond out of a terd but it will sure help knock down the stench a little.

Volume 14 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - August 2010

July was a busy month for me.  I traveled through 8 states playing shows in Illinois, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennesee and Pennsylvania.  I will get a much needed break as my schedule for August will be much less grueling.

It's Time!
for the 6th Annual Pork McElhinny and the Fender Benders Golf Outing
 
- Saturday, July 31st. 
- Bavarian Hills Golf Course - St. Marys, PA.
- Golfers:
        -Sign in at noon. 
        -Tee off at 1pm
 
-Golfers & Concert Goers:
        - Dinner around 6pm w/ music immediately following

Fill The Seats
 
               HELP WANTED
                               Job Description: Fill The Seats September 10th, 2010
 
 
 
I'm sure some of you were wondering what this was all about in last month's newsletter? 
 
Below is a picture of the empty grandstands at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Brookville, Pa.  This will be the location for the Firesmans Celebration on September 10th.  I will be performing at this year's event and will be joined by the Fender Benders.
 

 

That's a lot of empty seats isn't it?   Approx. 6000 seats.  WOW! 
 
Can I alone draw enough people to fill the seats?  Nope. 
Can the Fireman alone draw enough people to fill the seats?  I don't think so.
Can the Fireman and myself together draw enough people to fill the seats?  Probably not.  But I believe that with your help we can all work together to Fill The Seats and make this a reality. 
 
The Fireman sacrifice much of there time by volunteering to be on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year to ensure our safety.  So lets sacrifice just one evening to show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication by attending this years event and bringing all of our friends with us.  Whoooora!
 

 
Tools Of The Trade
 

When I was a kid growing up there was always a guitar sitting around the house to play.  My Dad and my Brother both played guitar and my Mom played bass.  I had owned a couple cheap guitars when I first started playing but this was the first "real" guitar that I ever owned.  It's a 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.  This one has a "tobacco sunburts" finish and still has the original mini humbuckers intact.  (alot of Les Paul owners at the time would "break out the router" and enlarge the pickup cavity so they could install the bigger humbuckers.) 
 
 I found this guitar for sale in a Barber Shop in Reynoldsville, Pa.  when I was 15 or 16 years old.  I'm glad that I've managed to hold on to this one through the years.  Several years ago I had it signed by Donnie Van Zant from the band 38 Special.  
 
 
 

Volume 13 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - July 2010

I'm On Facebook Now
 
I have finally hopped on the band wagon and joined facebook.  I'm still learning the ropes of how facebook works, but plan to keep the page interactive as much as possible.  Feel free to email me with any suggestions you may have.
 
 
6th Annual Pork McElhinny & the Fender Bender's Golf Outing
 
It's almost time for the Annual Pork McElhinny and The Fender Benders Golf Outing.  The date is set for Saturday, July 31st.  Come out and join us for a great day of fun.  This event will be open to the public.  Non-golfers are welcome to join us back at the clubhouse for dinner and/or live music.  If you are planning on golfing you must sign up ahead of time by calling the Bavarian Hills ProShop at 814-834-3602- ext. 2.  We are limited on the amount of golfers we can accommodate so please CALL TODAY.  See poster below for full details.
 
 
 

 
 
New Venues Added For July
 
Bogie's on the Lake - Centralia, IL - July 1st

 
VFW - Mount Carmel, IL - July 3rd

 
L'Auberge Du Lac Casino - Lake Charles, LA - July 9th (private event)

 
Humphrey's Bar & Grill - Huntsville, AL - July 16th

 

 
Tools Of The Trade
 

The last couple of months I have included some of my acoustic guitars in the Tools of the Trade section.  This month I thought I would switch it up a little and show you one of my amps.  This is my Fender Blues Jr amplifier.  For all you gear heads - it's all tube (2- EL84's for power) and 12AX7's for the preamp tubes.  15 watts. 12'' speaker Fender Special Design speaker.  This is a very simple amp design.  It has a single channel with a fat boost. (which I usually have on all the time)  The control knobs include volume, master volume, treble, bass and reverb.  That's it ....and that's all you need!  I love this amp.  It's very small and portable but loud enough to cut through the mix on stage with a full band as long as the drummer doesn't get too carried away.
 
I bought this one on ebay several years before they became so popular and you could still get them cheap.  Now the secrect is out on how great these amps are so the price went up too.  Glad I got mine before.  If you come to see me play with The Fender Benders at the golf outing on July 31st - this is the amp you will most likely see. (and hear :) 
 
 
 

 
T-shirt, Coozie and window decal combo - On sale now
 
Click on the graphic below to view and purchase the combo pack while supplies last.
 
 
 

 
Fill The Seats
 
               HELP WANTED
                               Job Description: Fill The Seats September 10th, 2010
 
 
 
I'm sure some of you were wondering what this was all about in last month's newsletter? 
 
Below is a picture of the empty grandstands at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Brookville, Pa.  This will be the location for the Firesmans Celebration on September 10th.  I will be performing at this year's event and will be joined by the Fender Benders.
 

 
That's a lot of empty seats isn't it?   Approx. 6000 seats.  WOW! 
 
Can I alone draw enough people to fill the seats?  Nope. 
Can the Fireman alone draw enough people to fill the seats?  I don't think so.
Can the Fireman and myself together draw enough people to fill the seats?  Probably not.  But I believe that with your help we can all work together to Fill The Seats and make this a reality. 
 
The Fireman sacrifice much of there time by volunteering to be on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year to ensure our safety.  So lets sacrifice just one evening to show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication by attending this years event and bringing all of our friends with us.  Whoooora!

Volume 12 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - June 2010

New Merchandise for the Hardcore Pork Fans
 
Wanna see all the new goodies?  Click here or on the photo below.   

Get em' while they're hot!
 
 
 

 
Hourglass shows
 
I had a blast last month at the Hourglass in Brookville, Pa.  Four sold out shows with requests for a fifth was proof enough for me that I have the best fans anyone could ever ask for.  The only problem is me trying to keep pace with you all!  Thank you to Bud and Tracy at the Hourglass and everyone else for your continued support - including everyone that couldn't get tickets.
                                         

 

 
Virginia show June 5th.
 
I will be playing a book-signing show in Deltaville, VA this month to help celebrate the release of Andrea Zug's latest novel - DEAth Conspiracy.  If you are anywhere near this area please stop by KoKomo Joe's between 1:30pm-5:30pm to listen to some tunes, purchase a copy of the new book and have Andrea sign it for you while you're there. 
 
 

 

 
Tools of the Trade

Here's a picture of my Martin D-28.   This is a great guitar and is the favorite model among alot of the bluegrass pickers out there.  I bought this guitar new a few years back and have since installed a LR Baggs Dual Source pickup that I am very pleased with.  By now I'm sure you are aware that I am a big endorser of the LR Baggs pickup systems and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a top of the line amplified sound for their acoustic guitar.  This guitar was used for recording several of the songs on my Guitar Man CD.
 
 
 

 

 
6th Annual Pork McElhinny and The Fender Benders Golf Outing and concert Saturday, July 31st
 
Just a heads up to let everyone know that the date is coming up soon! 

Call the Bavarian Hills C.C. in St. Marys now at (814) 834-3602 ext. 2 for information on when and how to sign up for this years golf outing. 
 

 
 
  
 
                HELP WANTED
                            Job Description: Fill The Seats September 10th, 2010

Volume 11 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - May 2010

 
4 nights SOLD OUT  at the Hourglass in Brookville, Pa.
 
You had to be on the ball to get tickets to the shows coming up April 29th - May 2nd at the Hourglass.  Tickets went on sale online april 1st at 8:00 a.m. but didn't last long.  The first show sold out in an amazing 8 minutes!  31 minutes later two more shows had sold out.   I can't thank you all enough for all of your continued support.  I'm looking forward to the trip back home as well as seeing some familiar faces. 
 
For those that were unable to get tickets to one of the Hourglass shows - mark your calendars now for these upcoming shows:
 
Saturday, July 29th - 6th annual Fender Bender Golf Outing and Concert at the Bavarian Hills  C.C. in St. Mary's, Pa
Friday, Sept 10th -   Fireman's Celebration at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds
 
Keep an eye on the newsletter for details on these shows in the coming months.
 
  
Book Signing
 
A couple months ago I mentioned that author Andrea Zug was going to use my name for one of the characters in her latest novel titled DEAth Conspiracy.  The book is completed and Andrea will be holding a book signing on Sunday, May 2nd from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Grill & Pub in Brookville, Pa.  Stop by and purchase a signed copy of Andrea's latest novel.  If you like mystery/suspense you will love DEAth Conspiracy.  Be sure to check out Andrea's earlier novels as well.
 

New T-shirts coming soon
 
I have been getting alot of questions about  when I will be getting more T-Shirts.  We have been working on a new  T- shirt  design as well as beer coozies and  hope to have them in time for the Hourglass shows.  Be sure to check them out.
 

 

 
New Venue
 
I have another new venue that I will be playing at this month.  I will be at BooneDocks in Piney Flats, TN on the 14th and 15th.   If you live near this area or have any friends that do - please spread the word.
 
 
 


     

Tools of the Trade
 

This months Tool of the Trade is a one of a kind custom built electric guitar.  This guitar was assembled from individual parts and is modeled after a Fender Telecaster.  It was custom built for me by my friend Jim Frye.  It even has a name....  "The Pig".  Jim added some special touches to it by hand carving my name and a picture of a pig on it.  He also signed and dated it on the back of the headstock.   Jim has modified it over the past couple of years with the addition of locking tuners, graphite nut and saddles as well as a redesigned bridge to load strings through the guitar body.  This guitar is very special to me and represents an important era in my career.  Thanks Jim!
 
Jim has been playing some acoustic shows around the Punxsutawney, Pa. area.  Stop by & catch one of his shows sometime and ask him about "The Pig" while your there.
 
 
 
 
  
 

Volume 10 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - April 2010

 
4  shows at the Hourglass in Brookville, Pa. - Tickets on sale Now
 
 
                              Thursday, April 29th 
                                Friday, April 30th
                                Saturday, May 1st
                                Sunday, May 2nd

                Must be 21 or over
 
 **Get your tickets one of two ways**
 
- Click here to purchase your tickets now online and pick them up at the door the night of the show 
- Or get your tickets in person at the Hourglass
 
Limited seating (only125 tickets per show) so don't wait.
 
  
New Venues for April
 
I have once again added two new venues to the calander this month.  Ray's in Knoxville, Tn and Mickey Roo's in Franklin, TN.  Check the calander for the dates.  If you live near any of these places or have any friends that do.....come on out and have some fun.
 
 

Ray's
7355 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN. 37919
 

Mickey Roo's - Franklin, TN
509 Hillsboro Rd.
Franklin, TN 37064
 

 

Tools of the Trade
 
I promised everyone last month that I would be adding a special section to the newsletter that will feature pictures of some of my own personal "tools of the trade" along with a brief description telling you about each one.   I hope everyone enjoys it.   I welcome any feedback you may have.  I hope to get better at taking and resizing the pictures in the months ahead. 
 

This is the guitar that I am currently playing at all of my solo acoustic shows.  It is a 2005 Taylor 414-CE-L10 model.  I never really liked the sound of the stock expression system pickup so I had John from Levanns guitar shop in Nashville, TN replace it with a LR Baggs Imix pickup which I think sounds 200% better.  (Sorry Taylor.....I love the guitar but the stock pickup just doesn't work for me)  I bought this guitar brand new but if you look close around the pickguard and sound hole you will see that it is very well worn for a five year old guitar.  I guess I'm kind of hard on it when I play.   I would much rather play it than polish it anyway.

Volume 9 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - March 2010

Johnsonburg, PA Bicentennial "Benefit" Concert March 20
 
This show will be a fundraiser for the Johnsonburg Bicentennial Celebration and I will be performing with The Fender Benders.  I'm looking forward to playing with my old band members Dave Hawk, Dave Foote and Bernie Rekowski.  Should be a blast.  Here's all the info:
 
March 20, 2010
9pm-midnight (Doors open at 8pm)
 
Johnsonburg Fire Hall
99 Clarion Rd
Johnsonburg, Pa.
 
Ticket: $10 advance/ $12 at the door
Cash bar and food available
 
Tickets available at the following locations: Johnsonburg Borough Office,  Johnsonburg New Agency,  Johnsonburg Press,  Beck's Bar and Grill,  The Old Brickyard,  Wilcox Public Library in Wilcox,  Cliffe's Pharmacy in Ridgway,  Suzy's in St. Marys,  Q102 in Dubois. Foote Stompin Drums in St. Marys.
 
For those of you outside the St. Marys / Johnsonburg area - you may make arrangements to reserve tickets and pick them up at the door the night of the show by calling Dave Foote at Foote Stomping Drums anytime between 10am - 8pm.  (814) 834-1016  If no answer - please leave your name, phone number, and number of tickets to be reserved on the answering machine.
 
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FUNDRAISER:  You will be expected to pay for the number of tickets you reserve.  If for some reason you must cancel your reservations - please do so by March 18, 2010 so your tickets can be made available to others who wish to attend.
 
 
My name used in the Fiction Novel: DEAth Conspiracy by Andrea Zug
 
My friend Andrea Zug asked me a while back if she could use my name for one of the characters in her latest novel titled DEAth Conspiracy.  Of course I said yes.  The book is now finished and can be purchased at the following locations:  www.publishamerica.com,   www.amazon.com, or from Borders online.  You can also go into Amazon or Borders bookstores and order the book.  
 
Andrea is a great writer from Western Pennsylvania. She writes a weekly column for The Forest Press in addition to the work she puts into her novels.  This latest novel is the third title of an ongoing series.  Previous titles include: Lancer, Inc. and Lancer, Inc. South of the Border. 
 
 
Tickets on sale soon for Solo Acoustic Show in Brookville, Pa.
 
My last couple shows in Pa. have been amazing with record breaking attendance in larger venues.  That goes to show how hardcore and loyal you all are and I am thankful to be blessed with your continued support.  However with the crowds getting so big there have been several people that have drove a long distance only to be turned away at the door and others getting in but not being able to see, hear or find a seat.   That has left me with two choices.  Find a bigger venue.... or limit the seating and play multiple shows at a smaller venue with an intimate setting.
 
I have decided to perform a solo acoustic show at the Hourglass in Brookville, Pa.  Tickets will be pre-sale with limited seating. (125 tickets per show)  The 1st show will be Thursday, April 29th.   If a show sells out... an additional show will be added for the evening immediately following.   I will play as many shows as I have to.  This way everyone that wants to come to a show will be garanteed a seat and will be able to see and hear the show in an intimate setting.  We'll give it a try and see how it works.  Tickets will go on sale April 1st.  Stay tuned for details on how and where to get tickets.
 
 
New "Tools of the Trade" section to be added to Newsletter
 
I am always being asked "hey.........what kind of guitar are you playing" or "what kind of amp is that" so I've decided to address the issue and find a way to put everybody in the know.  Starting next month I will be adding a special "Tools of the Trade" section to my newsletter.  Each month I will feature a different..... you guessed it.....Tool of the Trade of a working musician.  This section should really appeal to all of the musicians out there as well as anyone else who just likes to know about this stuff. 
 
 
New Venues for March
 
I'm happy to be adding 2 new venues to my gig schedule this month.  If you know anyone who lives in any of these areas let em' know I'm coming.
 
Bennings - Decatur, AL
The Sports Page - Huntsville, AL

Volume 8 Pork McElhinny Newsletter - February 2010

Song to be used in Film Documentary

The title track to my latest CD Guitar Man has recently been licensed to Canadian recording artist Sam Bradley for use in a Film Documentary to be released later this month.   Sam just came off a huge US tour this past fall after gaining fame from having one of his songs featured on the Motion Picture Soundtrack Twilight.  The Twilight  soundtrack went on to reach number one on the Billboard Charts and Sam has been a busy man ever since.  The Documentory entitled "Manila Diaries" is the filmed events of his recent trip to the Philippines and will feature a small segment of Sam performing his version of my song Guitar Man.


New Venues

I'm happy to be adding five new venues this month including my first gigs in the states of Kentucky and Indiana.  Hope to be adding more soon.  If you know anyone who lives in any of these areas let em' know I'm coming. 

The Fox & Hound - Evansville, IN
3 Pines - Lebanon, KY
Barley's Tap Room - Knoxville, TN
Big Daddy's - Erin, TN
The Bull & Whistle - Lebanon, TN

Pennsylvania Shows in 2010

Here's a heads up on a show I will be doing at the Johnsonburg Firehall March 20th with my former bandmates that make up The Fender Benders.  This event will be a fundraiser for the Johnsonburg BiCentennial Celebration.  I will provide all the details as they unfold in the weeks ahead.

In response to a huge demand of email requests to play more gigs in PA  I am planning to schedule a few solo acoustic shows this year throughout my old stumping grounds.  And of course we will still have the Annual Fender Bender Golf Outing & Concert held the last Saturday of July.  I will keep everyone informed through the newsletter when the dates are official.


 Barefoot Charlies Every Thursday in February

After two great Friday nights last month at Barefoot Charlies in Hendersonville, TN,  they have decided to have me back evey Thursday this month.  I'll be playing 6pm-9pm so if your in the area stop in for a cold one and some tunes.