Bob Sima: News
NEW CD PROJECT RELEASE NOVEMBER 28, 2010! - November 18, 2010
NEW CD PROJECT: Going Home: The Tour : LIVE Songs and Stories By Author Mary
Batson and Singer-Songwriter Bob Sima
This new CD Project is special. It is more than a CD, it goes deeper, much
deeper. The project is the culmination of almost a year of writing, performing
and then finally recording, what has become a magical project. The concept is
simple - songs and stories weaved together seamlessly, words flowing from the
pages of a book called "Going Home" from my partner, author- Mary Batson, and songs
from my songbook, new and old, and a few surprises thrown in. The CD is an
experience. The story of Going Home is one of finding your home, finding your
way, told from the perspective of 5 year old Mikey and her Grandmother,
affectionately called "Gran". Gran is every grandmother, she is wisdom, she is
love she is comfort and she represents all that we consider home. We can all
relate to Gran, in more ways than one. She is a guide to us in many ways,
showing us our way home. She is truly an inspiring character. As it turns out,
Mikey thinks my song "Amazed By You" reminds her of Gran!
The CD is a 2-Disc Set, nearly 40 tracks in all, recorded by Mr. Rob Thorworth.
He captured it perfectly- voices clear, guitar crisp, emotions coming through, we are truly
truly proud and very excited. There are no special effects, drums, bass or big production,
but instead a very live feel, just like the Going Home: The Tour sounds on the stage, it
just happens to be your very own copy. Just me n' Mary...oh, and Mikey
Bob Sima Teams Up With Author Mary Batson for GOING HOME TOUR - April 3, 2010
Bob Sima and Mary Batson have formed a unique combination. They have taken their talents (Mary as an author and Bob as a singer-songwriter) and formed a unique combination of spoken word (Mary reading sections of her book called "Going Home" and Bob singing his songs). The show is called the "Going Home Tour". Bob sings songs (Mary sings too!) from his satchel of material from his first 2 cd's - "Pour It On" and "Periphery", as well as some brand new songs written specifically for the show.
The show is heartwarming and highly entertaining mix of compelling readings read by Mary from the book which tends to focus on life's lessons as told through the character of Gran, the sage from the front porch. The readings weave themes and lessons on life, love, happiness all tied to the concept of "going home". We spend all our lives "going home" in one way or another – coming home inside ourselves, coming home from school or work, going home to visit family, or, in the end, our final Going Home. The stages and emotions of each journey are the same – the preparation, the packing, the journey itself – each is merely a reflection of the others. Our concepts of home are all the same too, if we’ll only open our eyes wide enough to see. Five-year-old Mikale Ann, nicknamed "Mikey" because she’s a tomboy, has a better memory than most children. And her grandma is smarter than most grown-ups. Going Home opens on Gran’s front porch as the two write together about these journeys, then blossoms into something else entirely as a grown-up Mikey begins to remember Gran's guidelines for going home.
The show's debut in Ellicott City, MD on April 18 at the Howard County Historical Society Museum. Tickets are $20 and can purchased at www.frontporchrambles.com. The tour will continue at select dates across the US.
The show is heartwarming and highly entertaining mix of compelling readings read by Mary from the book which tends to focus on life's lessons as told through the character of Gran, the sage from the front porch. The readings weave themes and lessons on life, love, happiness all tied to the concept of "going home". We spend all our lives "going home" in one way or another – coming home inside ourselves, coming home from school or work, going home to visit family, or, in the end, our final Going Home. The stages and emotions of each journey are the same – the preparation, the packing, the journey itself – each is merely a reflection of the others. Our concepts of home are all the same too, if we’ll only open our eyes wide enough to see. Five-year-old Mikale Ann, nicknamed "Mikey" because she’s a tomboy, has a better memory than most children. And her grandma is smarter than most grown-ups. Going Home opens on Gran’s front porch as the two write together about these journeys, then blossoms into something else entirely as a grown-up Mikey begins to remember Gran's guidelines for going home.
The show's debut in Ellicott City, MD on April 18 at the Howard County Historical Society Museum. Tickets are $20 and can purchased at www.frontporchrambles.com. The tour will continue at select dates across the US.
Kerrville Finalist 2 Years in a Row - May 23, 2009
Each May and June, the Kerrville Folk Festival welcomes tens of thousands of people, many of whom camp on the grounds of the ranch in a veritable tent community. The festival places a strong emphasis on songwriting, though the performances encompass a variety of styles. The idea behind the festivals is to "promote emerging artists while giving our audience exposure to both new and recognized, seasoned talent", according to the festival's official website.
Since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival has been known internationally as a mecca for singer songwriters of various musical styles. For 18 straight days and nights each May and June, over 30,000 guests come from around the world to experience the magic of what they simply call “Kerrville”. More than just a folk music festival, the event is intended to promote emerging artists as well as recognized, seasoned talent, the likes of which have included musicians such as Peter, Paul and & Mary, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Michelle Shocked, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, and Nanci Griffith.
One of the high points of the festival since 1972 has been the annual New Folk Competition. Thirty-two finalists are selected from a field of 800 entries to share two of their original songs in an afternoon appearance on the stage of the Threadgill Theater. From these 32 finalists, six winners are selected by a small group of well-established performing songwriters. In addition to cash and other tangible prizes, the six winners are invited to the main stage to perform a 20-minute set.
Bob was selected as a finalist in NewFolk in 2008 and now again in 2009. "What an HONOR", Bob says after learning the news. "I feel so fortunate and so humbled....I know so many writers that I would love to see up on that stage, and here I am selected again (back to back years), so perhaps I feel a slight bit guilty. I realize this is a very unusual occurence, knowing that many strive their whole careers to get a slot at Kerrville. I will get up there and play my songs (with David Glaser playing along) and hope for the best".
A win at Kerrville carries considerable prestige in the singer-songwriter community. This is in part due to the peer-professional judging and the festival’s long history of recognizing emerging artists who have later gone on to wider success. There have also been examples of notable performers who have appeared as finalists in the competition without ever earning a win. Artists who have performed in the competition include:
Steve Earle (1978)
John Gorka (1984)
Nanci Griffith (1978)
Tish Hinojosa (1979)
Robert Earl Keen (1983)
Lyle Lovett (1980, 1982)
Ellis Paul (1994)
Slaid Cleaves (1992)
Cosy Sheridan (1992)
Johnsmith (1990)
Anne Feeney (1989)
James McMurtry (1987)
Pierce Pettis (1987)
Buddy Mondlock (1987)
David Wilcox(1988)
Since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival has been known internationally as a mecca for singer songwriters of various musical styles. For 18 straight days and nights each May and June, over 30,000 guests come from around the world to experience the magic of what they simply call “Kerrville”. More than just a folk music festival, the event is intended to promote emerging artists as well as recognized, seasoned talent, the likes of which have included musicians such as Peter, Paul and & Mary, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Michelle Shocked, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, and Nanci Griffith.
One of the high points of the festival since 1972 has been the annual New Folk Competition. Thirty-two finalists are selected from a field of 800 entries to share two of their original songs in an afternoon appearance on the stage of the Threadgill Theater. From these 32 finalists, six winners are selected by a small group of well-established performing songwriters. In addition to cash and other tangible prizes, the six winners are invited to the main stage to perform a 20-minute set.
Bob was selected as a finalist in NewFolk in 2008 and now again in 2009. "What an HONOR", Bob says after learning the news. "I feel so fortunate and so humbled....I know so many writers that I would love to see up on that stage, and here I am selected again (back to back years), so perhaps I feel a slight bit guilty. I realize this is a very unusual occurence, knowing that many strive their whole careers to get a slot at Kerrville. I will get up there and play my songs (with David Glaser playing along) and hope for the best".
A win at Kerrville carries considerable prestige in the singer-songwriter community. This is in part due to the peer-professional judging and the festival’s long history of recognizing emerging artists who have later gone on to wider success. There have also been examples of notable performers who have appeared as finalists in the competition without ever earning a win. Artists who have performed in the competition include:
Steve Earle (1978)
John Gorka (1984)
Nanci Griffith (1978)
Tish Hinojosa (1979)
Robert Earl Keen (1983)
Lyle Lovett (1980, 1982)
Ellis Paul (1994)
Slaid Cleaves (1992)
Cosy Sheridan (1992)
Johnsmith (1990)
Anne Feeney (1989)
James McMurtry (1987)
Pierce Pettis (1987)
Buddy Mondlock (1987)
David Wilcox(1988)
GREAT PRESS FOR CD from IOWA DJ - July 27, 2008
This In From the Heartland...
"There are special moments in life that remain immortalized within the mind and heart. For me, it was 18 years old, all of my belongings in a tiny rental truck, driving through the hills of Wisconsin, the sun shining on my face, my future ahead of me and Van Morrison providing the ultimate soundtrack to my new beginning. And since then, no other artist has elicited the pure joy, depth and heart that I felt on that day listening to Van Morrison. Until now. Bob Sima’s POUR IT ON has 'held me captivated.' The warmth and sincerity of Bob’s tone, matched with his delicious words are a powerful pairing. And in a time when even the singer/songwriter is becoming a trite, molded commodity, Bob stands out as the real thing. So grab POUR IT ON and set out on a joyous new beginning of your own."
-Jeni Grouws - Station Manager, KDEC FM 100.5 and Host of Artist Direct on KDEC FM 100.5, Decorah, Iowa)
"There are special moments in life that remain immortalized within the mind and heart. For me, it was 18 years old, all of my belongings in a tiny rental truck, driving through the hills of Wisconsin, the sun shining on my face, my future ahead of me and Van Morrison providing the ultimate soundtrack to my new beginning. And since then, no other artist has elicited the pure joy, depth and heart that I felt on that day listening to Van Morrison. Until now. Bob Sima’s POUR IT ON has 'held me captivated.' The warmth and sincerity of Bob’s tone, matched with his delicious words are a powerful pairing. And in a time when even the singer/songwriter is becoming a trite, molded commodity, Bob stands out as the real thing. So grab POUR IT ON and set out on a joyous new beginning of your own."
-Jeni Grouws - Station Manager, KDEC FM 100.5 and Host of Artist Direct on KDEC FM 100.5, Decorah, Iowa)
Bob Wins Grand Prize at Wildflower! - May 25, 2008
Bob is the 2008 Wildflower Singer/Songwriter Contest WINNER!
Chosen from over 400 entries and after a live performance by the Top 10 finalists, Bob takes home the GRAND PRIZE at the 2008 Wildflower Songwriting Contest! Bob performed Map In My Lap and Periphery to take home the top prize: a brand new OM2H Collings Guitar. Check out the photos page for some pix!
Chosen from over 400 entries and after a live performance by the Top 10 finalists, Bob takes home the GRAND PRIZE at the 2008 Wildflower Songwriting Contest! Bob performed Map In My Lap and Periphery to take home the top prize: a brand new OM2H Collings Guitar. Check out the photos page for some pix!
Mountain Stage NEW SONG CONTEST LIVE ROUND! - June 8, 2007
Bob was selected as a regional finalist in the Mountain Stage New Song Contest LIVE ROUND! So,he will be performing a few songs for the judges at Jammin Java on July 15 for a chance to move on to the finals in New York later this year.
New Song is an event and festival and Bob is excited to be have been selected for the live round!
Read More www.newsongfestival.com/contest
New Song is an event and festival and Bob is excited to be have been selected for the live round!
Read More www.newsongfestival.com/contest
Bob Selected for Emerging Artist Showcase at Falcon Ridge! - June 7, 2007
FALCON RIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE!
Bob was selected to play a showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival as a part of their Emerging Artist Showcase. He will perform a few tunes on the main stage on Friday, July 27. Accompanying Bob will be David Glaser (www.davidglaser.net)who will also playing with Lowen and Navarro who are head lining the event.
Bob will also be working with Sherry and Steve Panzer at the Festival in their house concert workshop.
Bob's pretty excited to be going to Falcon Ridge for the first time, and now VERY excited to be performing!
www.frff.org
Bob was selected to play a showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival as a part of their Emerging Artist Showcase. He will perform a few tunes on the main stage on Friday, July 27. Accompanying Bob will be David Glaser (www.davidglaser.net)who will also playing with Lowen and Navarro who are head lining the event.
Bob will also be working with Sherry and Steve Panzer at the Festival in their house concert workshop.
Bob's pretty excited to be going to Falcon Ridge for the first time, and now VERY excited to be performing!
www.frff.org
Bob in the Songwriting Contest Finals (SMAF)! - April 6, 2007
April 5, 2007 Bob has been selected as a finalist in the 2007 Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival Songwriting Contest. He will appear on the main-stage to kick off the festival playing a few songs as one of the finalists. The winner will then play the main stage on Saturday May 11. Stiff competition awaits!