Old News
This page is an archive for old items from "Here's the Latest" on the Home page.
3/31/26
The show at Artisan Coffeehouse on the 7th went very well. I had a good time at the Dive Bar event. As always the seniors shows went well and resulted in more dates through the year.
The recording project is moving ahead with 5 tracks complete and many more in process. I hope to have a video for “Winston” to share privately to mailing list members by the next mail blast. I may have to delay the mail blast a day or two to make sure the video is the best it can be.
Join me on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/edmanwalkin/
I’m only playing for senior friends in April but May has three public shows. On May 3rd, I’ll be taking part in the Mountain Rose Hootenanny. I return to the Rialto Theatre Living Room on the 23rd and White Timbers Winery on the 30th.
2/28/26
My return to Artisan Coffee on the 2/3 went very well. Always a welcoming room. The Rialto Living Room show was a blast even if the weather kept some folks away.. Such a great room, if you’re local to Akron you should check it out.
“Winston” has been completed on the recording project. A more rock n’ roll telling of George Orwell’s famous novel 1984 At present it looks like there will be 12 tracks. Six will be new, six, re-imaginings of older songs.
Two shows coming up in March. On the 7th I'll be back at Artisan Coffeehouse. On the 27th I'll be participating in the Acoustic Showcase at the Dive Bar in Canton. Go to the “Calendar” page for details.
2/28/26
The new year is live now. I’m looking forward appearing in more places for more folks this year. As always, I’m changing up my catalog of memorized songs.
The Artisan Coffee show was a great success. The first show back in August was good but this one was even better. Even with the long time off there were more enthusiastic folks in the house on a cold night. The weather cost me the show at Das Weinhaus. Hazard of living in the North.
Played a new senior place this month. Very large and enthusiastic audience. I’ll be back there more. Shows like this let me be a “people pleaser” without the usual cost to one’s soul. More on this subject in the next mail blast. Sign up to find out.
Progress on the recording project is slow but steady. Another old song has been completed and the new songs are all in process now. “Five Hundred Miles Away” is a gentle reminder not to forget your friends. https://open.spotify.com/track/4rGS0dk91mjFOKJxkLLR6N?si=903f90189f3f42fc
Wishing you and yours all the best this season and hoping to see you at a show in the coming year.
1/31/26
The new year is live now. I’m looking forward appearing in more places for more folks this year. As always, I’m changing up my catalog of memorized songs.
The Artisan Coffee show was a great success. The first show back in August was good but this one was even better. Even with the long time off there were more enthusiastic folks in the house on a cold night. The weather cost me the show at Das Weinhaus. Hazard of living in the North.
Played a new senior place this month. Very large and enthusiastic audience. I’ll be back there more. Shows like this let me be a “people pleaser” without the usual cost to one’s soul. More on this subject in the next mail blast. Sign up to find out.
Progress on the recording project is slow but steady. Another old song has been completed and the new songs are all in process now. “Five Hundred Miles Away” is a gentle reminder not to forget your friends.
12/31/25
The old year is at its end and it is time to look both ways. Back to what we accomplished in the past year and ahead to what we can get done in the coming year. I sincerely wish all a good 2026 filled with love, courage and good health.
The recording project is coming along. One new and one old song are complete, several others are near complete. Here is a link to a video one of the older singles we are reworking for the project. The rework will be better but still fit to this video: https://youtu.be/RjsewRKeSYY?si=VG_9ZeVEMLgD7RLx
Bookings for 2026 are coming in albeit a little slowly. At least I’m adding new venues both public and private. Shows are starting early in the new year with a return to Artisan Coffee on Jan 3rd. a first time at Das Weinhaus on the 25th and 2 private shows.
11/30/25
The Rialto show was a blast. Started a little slow but it really picked up in the last hour. I’m very thankful for my friends who show up to these events.
I usually think of the senior shows as a fairly fixed audience. That got challenged at one of them as I’ve had a larger and very appreciative audience each time.
The recording project is still growing. It turns out I’ve gotten back to writing and I’m keeping Wes busy with more new songs. Here is a link to one of the older singles we are reworking for the project. A gentle reminder to remember your friends.
December has only one senior show. I’m already getting bookings for ’26 though.
Wishing you and yours all the best this season and hoping to see you at a show in the coming year.
10/31/25
The show at CBG went pretty well. A few more folks than last time. Wylie Green played the break set. I’m very thankful for my friends who show up to these events.
Work on the recording is moving ahead. Wes McCraw is adding some great instruments in addition to his work on production and recording. The terrific Lauren Brabson is adding backing vocals. You can find her solo work here.
November has only one public show, Rialto Theatre Living Room at 5:30 11/8/25. As always I’m out there performing for senior friends.
I think I should mention that I’m on the board of Folknet.org [Link Here] Folknet is Northeast Ohio’s Folk, Traditional Music and Dance Society.
9/30/25
The show in the Transmission Shop at the Jenks Building was pretty good. Could’ve used a few more folks but those there enjoyed it. The Art in the Park show was much better attended. Sadly, the Sense by the Falls show will be my last there as they’ve decided close the brick and mortar venue.
October has only 3 shows. Chestnut Beer Garden on the 8th and shows for Senior friends. The Chestnut Beer Garden is old school neighborhood bar. Intimate space with lots of ambience.
I’m truly not to proud to beg. I’ve found a producer and studio and started work on at least an EP. Expenses are mounting quickly. Because I’m primarily a live performer, rather than straight up ask y’all for money, I’ll ask for attendance at my shows. The more bodies in the room the more shows I’ll play so I can make enough money to pay for this project myself. When I know more about the project I may offer advance sales. It would be great to bump this up to an entire album.
8/31/25
The Rialto Theater Living room was an absolute blast. Started a little slow but ended up with a near capacity audience. The show at Artisan was good for a first time. Audience was a little light but very appreciative.
On the 24th I took part in a very special show celebrating the life of Faith Petric. An excellent movie was followed by 8 of us folk singers sharing protest songs.
September has me back at Jenks 1929, Art in the Park in Kent and returning to Sense by the Falls.
6/30/25
Summer is here! The heat is on. June shows for old friends went well. Jenks Brown bag show was even better than the short notice show last month. They got a new mixer and sound was great. The show in the Rialto Living Room went really well. Audience started out with just close friends but later the main stage band and their followers came in and enjoyed the show.
July has two shows a week apart at Sense by the Falls. The second one will be a feature on the Cuyahoga Falls Country Crawl. The Jenks Brown Bag show has been rescheduled to the 30th.
Besides my music I’ve been standing up for our country at local “No Kings” events. It’s encouraging to see the turnouts increasing at the events.
5/31/25
Had more public shows this time around. Returned to Sense by the Falls for a good albeit sparsely attended show. Got called in on short notice to play an extra Brown Bag show at the Jenks Building. This week I made my first of hopefully many appearances at CBG in the Falls.
In June I have several shows for old friends plus appearances at the Jenks Building and Rialto Living room. Sadly the scheduled show at Fehr’s Corner was cancelled due to unforeseen events.
The Jenks Building will probably become one of my favorite venues. The first “listening” room I’ve played in a long time.
4/30/25
Spring has sprung in Ohio. Things are growing, including my calendar. In May I’m at Sense by the Falls on the 2nd. I’ll be starting Brown Bag lunches at Jenks 1929 in June. I’ve been adding new shows on a regular basis. Stay tuned for more updates.
The Rialto Living Room show with Wylie Green was an absolute blast. We had a few songs rehearsed to play together then we took turns jamming on each other’s songs unrehearsed.
4/1/25
I’m still playing for old friends and showing up at open mics. I do have a new local show on 4/25 with Wylie Green in the Rialto Theatre Living Room. Should be a fun show with two songwriters bouncing off each other.
Yes, some of my songs are “finger pointing songs”. There’s just so much to point the finger at lately. Sign up for my mailing list to find out more about these special cover tunes.
3/1/25
Winter drags on in Ohio, we haven’t even had False Spring yet. Right now I’m mostly playing for old friends who can’t get out. I’ve been to a few open mics where I can do my original songs and the lesser known great cover tunes I seem to always find.
Some possible festival shows are showing up on the horizon now. I'll keep looking for more. In the meantime, look for me at some open mics if you're in my area.
2/2/25
I'm back and I'm ready to play/ Looking forward to a good year in 20225. First show was at Sense by the Falls. Unfortunately they called me in on short notice. That and bad weather led to a pretty thin house. Still had some good response from the folks that did brave the weather.
Went to CBG yesterday to hear my friend Gretchen Pleuss who came back from Michigan to put on a great mid-afternoon show.
10/13/24
Kind of a lean time this time around. One public show at Sense by the Falls and it to pick up a half show for a young artist without a full catalog. Too short of notice to get out any promo at all.
I went to Lauren Brabson’s EP release party this weekend. What a great show from an artist I’ve know since before when. While I’m semi gig less I’ll try to get out and support some friends from time to time.
I still have my private shows and the money comes in handy. Wish I could book public shows as easily as I book the private ones.
8/26/24
The shows at Finny's, Sense by the Falls and Afterlife have come and gone. While I'm between public shows I'll be working on learning some more cover songs and maybe writing some new ones.
I really will get back to work on the Afterlife videos and get them up for you. They will probably come a little bit at a time as I've got quite a few irons in the fire right now.
I've been busy on social media sharing my tracks and videos and those of my friends. I do this because I want everyone to succeed. If you're on there and see these posts, please share them on and help us all and the venues that support us.
Speaking of these venues, if you're in one for an open mic night please remember to spend some money. These are businesses, they can only support us if we support them.
7/10/24
I had a little delay getting the video from Afterlife but it is coming. Getting ready for Finny's on the Towpath this week. I'm getting pretty good response to my promotion so it should be good show.
Speaking of these public shows, they are all custom efforts. A touring act gets to fine tune a show and take it to new audience every night. Because I'm not playing often or far between I generally see quite a few of the same folks. I don't mind. It's like a house party for friends and I like to keep it fresh. Besides the audience I have to consider the venues. What gear should bring? What is the “vibe” of the place?
I'll be playing my first show at Sense by the Falls. This is a unique and truly beautiful space. Lots of art objects for viewing and sale.
Don't forget, on 8/16 I will be returning to the Afterlife. These are very special shows because I get to play some of my edgier and electric songs.
6/16/24
Here we are at the edge of Summer and things are still picking up. The show at Finny's Sports Bar went well and the show at The Afterlife went great. I'm hoping to post some video from The Afterlife on my next update.
I've added a couple more public shows and several more private ones. I'll be returning to Finny's on the Towpath on 7/12. On 8/16 I will be returning to the Afterlife
In between those shows I'll be playing my first show at Sense by the Falls. This is a unique and truly beautiful space. Lots of art objects for viewing and sale.
5/8/24
Spring is in full swing and things are growing for me. I've added several shows, including a new listening room in Goodyear Heights. Afterlife is a new performance and recording venue. I'll be playing there on Friday 6/7/24.
Before Afterlife, I'll be playing at the original Finny's Sports Bar in Norton on 5/18. It will be my first time in this popular venue.
4/1/24
Just enjoying this sunny day. April fool's, it looks like Seattle East in Akron today, rain and cold abound.
So far this year things are going much better than last, more shows and health is good. I could still use more shows in “listening” venues. I have a lot of songs, both original and cover that are worthy of a deep listen.
I'm hoping to return to Folk Alliance Region Midwest Conference this year. It was great last year but I was new to it. I'll get a lot more out of it this year if I can make it. It's a great gathering of folk artists and presenters.
As always, I'm seeking bookings to play for all kinds of folks in 2024. Find out where I will be on the “Calendar” page.
2/13/24
Here's the first update of the new year. This year looks like a big improvement over last. Events are multiplying and I'll be doing more public shows.
I'm hoping to return to Folk Alliance Region Midwest Conference this year. It was great last year but I was new to it. I'll get a lot more out of it this year if I can make it. It's a great gathering of folk artists and presenters.
Just a reminder, I did Project D.R.E.W. with my dear friend Gretchen last year. Here's the page with our song, "Just the Rain". Project D.R.E.W.
As always, I'm seeking bookings to play for all kinds of folks in 2024.
I hope this update finds you and yours well and happy.
New poem today. Check the blogs and poems here: Poetry Page.
12/30/23
Here it is the last weekend of 2023. It's been a momentous year even if I haven't been out in public much. Moved across town in June. In early October I attended Project D.R.E.W. to do a song with my dear friend Gretchen Pleuss. Later in October I attended the Folk Alliance Region Midwest Conference (F.A.R.M.) later in October. Ended up with some downtime being a caregiver after that.
Speaking of F.A.R.M., I had a great time there meeting with dozens of fellow folk artists and performing at some showcases. The event was well worth the trip and I made a lot of new friends and business connections.
Here's the page with our song, "Just the Rain". Project D.R.E.W.
As always, I'm seeking bookings to play for all kinds of folks in 2024.
I hope this update finds you and yours well and happy.
10/17/23
The show at Jilly's was a total blast. Songwriters in the round, showcasing their best. Proud to have been among them. Last week I did Project D.R.E.W. with my dear friend Gretchen Pleuss. Here's the page with our song, "Just the Rain". Project D.R.E.W.
Getting ready for Folk Alliance Midwest Conference. Getting ready to travel.
I'm still looking for more public shows but I am adding some private shows and other non-show events.
I hope this update finds you and yours well and happy.
No poem today. Check the existing blogs and poems here:
8/15/23
Still unpacking some things but at least I'm back to getting some stuff done. I've been practicing a lot and starting to get out to some open mics.
I'm still looking for more public shows but I am adding some private shows and other non-show events. In September I will be performing a brief set along with other NSAI songwriters at Jilly's Music Room. In October I'll be in Chicago for the Folk Alliance Midwest Conference.
I hope this update finds you and yours well and happy.
6/27/23
Got the move mostly finished but I'll be unpacking for quite a while. Things change so much when you move to a new place, even if it's just across town. Had a small accident due to hard floor in new workspace. I'm okay but one of my guitars suffered a broken machine head. Also broke my bad habit of leaving it on the stand instead of in the case.
Played a solo show earlier in the month at an upscale retirement place. It went very well. It felt really good to be playing for folks again.
I hope this update finds you and yours well and happy.
New poem today. Check the existing blogs and poems here: Poetry Page.
[ Removed link to Carmen] [possibly to be restored]
5/6/23
Small update while I struggle with a “simple” cross town move. Not much update on the music front while I deal with getting my house in order. In the meanwhile, look me up on your favorite streaming channel.
3/18/23
Been a while since my last update. There's been a lot going on around here.
I got to few open mics with good results despite some technical issues. Thank you B.C. Rich for the use of your guitar when mine went South.
Speaking of open mics, I don't think it is right to allow folks to sign up via phone. Folks who sign up via phone, deny slots to those who show up in person. In my experience, the folks who sign in by phone tend to show up just in time for their slot and leave right after taking their posse with them. This does little for the venue or the other performers.
New "unplugged" release come on Friday the 24th. "The Prayer, Unplugged" is one of my more recent tracks, calling attention to the spiritual benefit of getting out in Nature.
11/19/22
Hi folks. I know it’s been a while. I’ve been recovering from a surgical intervention for a while. The recovery is going well, I’m sure I’ll be back out there in the Spring.
Now that I can work in my studio again I can start preparing and releasing several “unplugged” tracks that I recorded at Realgrey in September
9/23/22
"Stuck in the Clouds ...Again" is here today for a return to the retro feeling in an all new recording of this crowd favorite tune about missing someone who must leave home for a while to earn a living.
9/17/22
I took some time and money and went into a real studio for a change. Results are coming. First release will be “Stuck in the Clouds …Again”, a completely redone version of a show favorite. Following that, there will be a series of unplugged versions of previously released produced songs. I will be down for the Winter as far as performing. I will be back in the Spring.
New poem today. Check the existing blogs poems here: Poetry Page.
Look at the top of this page to see how to join my mailing list. No spam, just some updates every once in awhile.
You can find more videos at my YouTube page. Find it here.
You can find nearly all my music on Spotify at. Ed Amann's Songs
Check out Folknet.org Folknet is a not-for-profit educational organization that exists to nurture the development and expansion of a vibrant folk and traditional arts community
of performers, organizations and advocates throughout Northeast Ohio.
Check out my friend Carmen Kelley. She is a first rate solo singer-songwriter in her own right. Here is a link to her website. Carmen Kelley Music
Yes, I do play private parties and assisted living events. Send an email to ed@edmanwalkin.com for details.
Still looking for some new “listening room” type bookings. Watch this space for updates and new shows.
Thank you all so much for your support and for supporting the venues where I perform.
You can find previous "Here's the Latest" entries at Old News.
8/6/22
Not a lot to post here this cycle. Between the endless pandemic and some other health issues I’ve played my last show for a while. I did have a good time playing for some assisted living folks yesterday. I hope to be back in business by Spring.
I do have a note about the recordings on the “Audio” page. While these songs are all in release, I consider them rough demos and hope to re- release them in more polished form in the coming days.
6/30/22
I hope this finds you and all of yours well and happy. Summer is here and even with the all the things happening in the world we are in the top season of the year. Get out and enjoy it. I know gas is high, but you really shouldn’t need to go far to find a connection with nature.
The Alliance Farmer’s Market show went well. It was a beautiful morning and the four hours I ws worried about sort of flew by. I’m really glad to be playing for folks again.
No poem today but an important blog post today. Check the existing blogs poems here:
5/7/22
Better late than never. Here’s the much promised update.
The Mountain Rose shows on 4/3 and 5/1 went well. Madison Cummins performed on 4/3 for an appreciative audience. The 5/1 show featured Magpie for an enthusiastic and full house. The June show features International champion Fingerstyle guitarist, Jesse Smith on June 5th.
I finally have a show booked at Alliance Farmer’s Market at 9:00 am on June 25th. The market is at its new location on the corner of Union and State streets.
In the meantime I’ll be working on the Mountain Rose Concert series. Mountain Rose is the longest running small hall concert series in Kent Ohio. Folknet.org is keeping the series alive. See posters for both the next Mountain Rose and Folknet shows below.
3/26/22
The Mountain Rose Show for March was a blast. We had six performers, Robin Stratton, myself, Rick Feinberg, Steve Madewell and Bill Schilling with all six of us closing the show with “This Land Is Your Land” A good time was had by all in attendance.
I’m running sound for The Mountain Rose Concert series April 3rd show. If you’re anywhere near Kent, OH on Sunday 4/3 at 7:30, Stop by Standing Rock Cultural Arts And listen to Madison Cummins. She’s a singer songwriter well worth a listen. If you come in say “Hi” to the man behind the mixer.
2/25/22
“When There Is No More” is here. The tracks asks what would happen if everything we’ve ever known fell into a black hole? Everything, cars, politicians, stores, even time itself. My love for you would still persist. I would still long for your company.
This is the Podunk Virtual Band version of a song from a previous acoustic album. Plenty of twelve string chime and jangle here.
On Sunday March 6th, I will be joining members of the Folknet.org board to perform a live show in Kent at the Standing Rock Cultural Arts Center.
It will feel great to get out and play in front of people again. I hope to see you out there soon. Be well, stay safe and have fun.