tag:mootownproductions.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=1News2023-10-16T09:55:42-05:00Moo-Town Productionsfalsetag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854622013-09-12T19:00:00-05:002022-08-04T09:22:44-05:00Molasses strikes again!
<p>There is nothing new under the sun. This week news leaked out of a huge molasses spill in Honolulu harbor in Hawaii. Several folks have pointed out the connection to Jym's song "Molasses" from his CD East Side Guy, which chronicles the Great Molasses Flood in Boston in 1919. For your pleasure, we have made the entire song available on our Music page for streaming. Enjoy this sweet treat!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854612011-09-11T19:00:00-05:002022-02-18T06:43:17-06:00Radio play for "Sisters" on 9/11
<p>We were very gratified to hear the Moxie Chicks' recording of Jym's song "Sisters" played Sunday on Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk and on WUNH's The Folk Show in Durham, NH. Thanks to Stephanie and Jack for their support!
This recording is available on our anthology CD One Ball of Clay - Songs of Peace and Hope, which is available on-line from CD Baby. Click on the Buy link to your left for more information.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854602011-09-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:59-06:00"Sisters" streaming in honor of 9/11
<p>You can now listen on-line to the full recording of "Sisters" recorded by the Moxie Chicks from the anthology CD One Ball of Clay - Songs of Peace and Hope. Click on our Music page to listen.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854592011-04-06T19:00:00-05:002020-09-14T01:28:55-05:00New song from Jym Mooney available exclusively on this website
<p>Jym's newest song, "Last of the April Fools," is available for streaming on our Music page. It was recorded live during the Moxie Chicks' performance in the April Fools Concert at The Coffee House last week.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854582011-01-19T18:00:00-06:002022-05-23T03:15:30-05:00Positive review of Middle Aged Garage Band in this week's Shepherd Express!
<p>We are delighted to receive a very nice review in this week's Shepherd Express. If you are not in the area to pick up a copy at your local store, you can read the review on-line here: http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-13584-the-moxie-chicks.html or read it on our Press page.
Thanks a lot to Jamie Lee Rake, who writes local music reviews for the Shepherd!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854572010-11-07T18:00:00-06:002023-12-10T11:31:42-06:00Middle Aged Garage Band now available from CD Baby
<p>You can order your very own copy of our new CD, Middle Aged Garage Band, from the good folks at CD Baby. Just click here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/moxiechicks2
And you can listen to samples from each track of the CD here on our website. Click on the Music icon in the menu.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854562010-10-09T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T10:42:16-06:00That three-legged beer-swillin' hound gets around!
<p>We just got word that Jym's song "Murphy (The Three-Legged Beer-Swillin' Hound)" aired this morning on The Folk Show on WUNH at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Today's show theme was Dogs and Cats, and Murphy slipped in right between Utah Phillips' "Queen of the Rails" and Mike Seeger's "Tennessee Hound." Thanks to Erin for suggesting Murphy, and to host Jack Beard for playing it.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854552010-10-05T19:00:00-05:002021-06-14T12:02:12-05:00The Moxie Chicks' new CD is almost here!
<p>We are thrilled to announce that our new CD, MIDDLE AGED GARAGE BAND, is completed and is now at the manufacturer. Recorded at our 100th gig last April at The Coffee House, our second album features favorite pop songs from the 1920s through today, plus two great new songs: Jonnie's "Tinker Bell Blues" and our friend Brett Kemnitz's classic "Living in Waltztime." Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 6th, when we will host our CD release concert at The Coffee House. You can see the cover art for MIDDLE AGED GARAGE BAND on our Photos page.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854542010-02-26T18:00:00-06:002022-05-27T06:38:12-05:00Milwaukee's Shepherd Express likes Jym's Live CD
<p>This week's Shepherd Express includes a very positive review of Jym's "Live...Now and Then" CD. You can read the full review here: http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9943-jym-mooney.html</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854532010-02-23T18:00:00-06:002021-02-05T15:05:35-06:00New recording of Jym's "I Have Come to Take My Boy Home"
<p>The Texas filk duo Ghost of a Rose has released their take on Jym's song "I Have Come to Take My Boy Home" on their first CD, "Plaid & Personal." You can hear the song on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/ghostofarose2007</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854522010-02-06T18:00:00-06:002021-04-16T04:04:57-05:00Carol on the radio!
<p>Simply Folk played "Women Be Wise (Don't Advertise Your Man)" from Carol's new CD tonight. Host Tom Martin-Erickson also gave a nice mention of Carol and Jym's upcoming concert this Saturday night at the Sweet Water Sea Concert Series in Manitowoc (see our Calendar page for details). Thanks for the support, Tom!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854512010-01-30T18:00:00-06:002021-10-23T09:03:20-05:00Carol releases her first solo CD
<p>We are delighted to announce the release of Carol Lee Hopkins' first solo CD, "Live at The Coffee House." This exciting album features a baker's dozen of classic and traditional folk and country songs. Carol's strong, bluesy vocals are tastefully backed by her Band of Angels: Brett Kemnitz, Chris "Ives" Iverson, and Moxie Chicks Jym Mooney and Jon "Sly Dog" Pagenkopf. You can pick up your very own copy at any Moxie Chicks performance.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854502010-01-18T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Simply Folk strikes again
<p>Tom Martin-Erickson was apparently stricken with a surge of nostalgia Sunday night, and played two songs from a 1981 concert by Jym with Brett Kemnitz. "Chocolate Chip Cookies" and "289-0465" appear on Jym's newest CD, "LIVE...now and then." Thanks, Tom!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854492010-01-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00This year's project - Chris Straw's solo CD
<p>Moxie Chick Chris Straw is finally getting serious about making her first solo CD. The album will feature all original compositions from Chris. She is co-producing the project with Jym, and we are working with our favorite recording engineer, Jonathon Leubner. So far we've recorded basic tracks for five songs, including two with the Moxie Chicks. So a good start has been made! We'll keep everyone posted as the project continues.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854482009-12-11T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00More radio play for "LIVE...now and then"
<p>"Down in New Orleans" from Jym's new CD was played this week by Tom Bingham on his "General Eclectic" show on WCVF-FM in Fredonia, NY. Thanks for the support, Tom!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854472009-10-24T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00"LIVE...now and then" on Simply Folk
<p>Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk aired "Sisters" from Jym's new CD on tonight's show. Thanks to Simply Folk host Tom Martin-Erickson for the support! (Tom also recorded the 1981 concert set included on "LIVE...now and then.")</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854462009-10-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Jym's new CD available as a download
<p>Yes, all of you tech-savvy hipsters can now purchase downloads of Jym's new CD, "LIVE...now and then." It is available by individual song or entire album from iTunes, Napster, and Amazon. (Jym's 1999 CD "East Side Guy" is also available for download from Amazon.)
For those of you who still enjoy holding a solid product in your hands, you can purchase CDs on-line from www.CDBaby.com or from Jym in person.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854452009-06-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Jym's new CD - "LIVE...now and then" - is available now!
<p>Jym's brand new CD is now available for purchase. You can order online from CD Baby (see the Buy link on your left), or you can pick up a copy at any Moxie Chicks performance. You can listen to excerpts from the CD by clicking on the Music link.
Here are some of Jym's thoughts on this new project:
As much fun, and as creatively satisfying, as it is to work in the recording studio, carefully crafting and polishing a musical statement from the raw materials of words and music and the talents of the contributing musicians, there is something transcendent in a live performance when everyone is synched together and feeding off each other’s and the audience’s energy. Twenty-five years ago I recorded my first solo album, The Lines Are Open, live in concert at The Coffee House, assisted by my friend Brett Kemnitz and recording engineer Jonathon Leubner (Jon’s and my first project together). When Brett proposed that he put together a band to back me up on some of my songs as an added feature for his annual spring concert at The Coffee House, I jumped at the chance to complete a circle of sorts and invited Jonathon to record the performance.
For my set I chose half a dozen songs that I had not yet recorded on my own albums (three songs – “Down in New Orleans,” “Sisters,” and “Springtime in Ohio” – had appeared on recordings by the Moxie Chicks, the band that my wife Carol Lee Hopkins and I are part of). Brett played acoustic bass guitar, and rounded up lead guitarist Craig Siemsen and Dobro whiz Jerry Danks, both of whom I had worked with on past recordings, and also brought in Chris “Ives” Iverson, who played banjo and harmonica. We had two rehearsals to learn the songs, and another run-through the evening of the concert. The resulting performance was loose and relaxed, but with an energy and enthusiasm that kicked the songs up another level.
Six songs, however, do not an album make, so I dug back into the archives and dusted off a set Brett and I performed at the Old Time Music & Crafts Festival in Shawano, WI in August 1981. A chance mid-winter encounter with one of the organizers of the festival had led to an invitation for me to perform. I invited Brett to come along, and we had a great time playing at the afternoon workshops and making new friends. Brett had a new song called “Reagan Time” that was a huge hit at the workshops, and went over quite well at the evening concert. The reception that we received was so encouraging that it led directly to the recording of Reagan Time & Other Love Songs for the 80s, our joint record released in 1982. The evening concert was recorded for broadcast on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Simply Folk program, and now after near 30 years it makes it appearance on an album. [These six songs (re-recorded later) appeared on Reagan Time & Other Love Songs for the 80s and The Lines Are Open. With the exception of “Holidays,” which (in a different live recording) appeared on my album East Side Guy, all of these songs make their CD debut on LIVE…now and then.]
Two more live tracks are included as a bonus. “Frank Said,” recorded at The Coffee House’s 40th Anniversary Concert in 2007, has previously been available for download from my website and on the CD Songs for Frank Zeidler, which also includes Larry Penn’s “In My Father’s Mansion.” “House of Cards” was recorded at The Coffee House in 2008, and features my wife Carol on vocals and our friend and fellow Moxie Chick Jon Pagenkopf on slide guitar.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854442009-05-18T19:00:00-05:002021-02-05T07:42:37-06:00Cover art for Jym's new CD posted
<p>Click on the Photos link to your left and you can see the cover art for Jym's new CD.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854432009-04-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00New solo CD from Jym in the works!
<p>Those of you who enjoyed the one-time-only appearance by the Jym Mooney Band (Jym with Brett Kemnitz, Craig Siemsen, Jerry Danks, and Chris "Ives" Iverson) at The Coffee House on March 28th will be pleased to know that the recording of the concert came out very well, and will be incorporated into a new live CD due for release later this year. In addition to the March 28th set, an archival performance by Jym with Brett from 1981 will be included, plus a couple of surprises. Keep tuned in for more information as it happens!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854422009-03-20T19:00:00-05:002020-10-07T05:44:32-05:00New music feature on our website
<p>When you visit our site, an audio clip will now play automatically. Currently we have some clips from our recent Valentine's Day concert loaded. We hope you will enjoy this new feature!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854412008-12-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Jonathon Leubner's new CD includes a song written by Jym
<p>Our longtime recording engineer, collaborator, and friend Jonathon Leubner has a new CD out called Something Borrowed, which features his recordings of songs written by his friends. He has included his take on Jym's song "The Robert Burns Statue," as well as songs by Brett Kemnitz, Larry Penn, Kevin Mulvenna, and more. Jonathon will feature the CD this Saturday night, Dec. 20th, at The Coffee House, 631 N. 19th Street in Milwaukee. He is opening the show for Larry Penn. Showtime is 8 p.m.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854402008-10-18T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Neil Young adds link to Jym's "I Have Come To Take My Boy Home"
<p>When Neil Young released his Living With War CD in 2006, he complained that "no one is writing protest songs anymore." He was quickly corrected, and his website now has links to nearly 3,000 topical songs. Jym's song "I Have Come To Take My Boy Home" has recently been added to the list. Click here to go straight to the page with song links: http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwsongspage.html (the rest of the website is pretty fun to explore, too: www.neilyoung.com).</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854392008-08-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Vote Moxie Chicks!
<p>The Shepherd Express is running its annual Best Of Milwaukee reader's poll now through September 26th. You can vote for your favorite restaurants, politicians, clubs, stores, etc. In the Arts & Entertainment section you can vote for your favorite Acoustic Musician and for Vocalist - Female (that's spelled M-O-X-I-E C-H-I-C-K-S). Last year YOUR VOTES put the Moxie Chicks among the top three finalists for Best Acoustic Musicians. Let's see if we can do even better this year!
You can vote by filling out the paper ballot available in your weekly Shepherd Express, or you can vote on-line at http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/flex-76-best-of-the-city.html
One vote per person, please. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't encourage all of your friends to join the vote, of course! Thanks for your support!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854382008-07-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Positive review for Songs for Frank Zeidler in the Shepherd Express
<p>This week's Shepherd Express newspaper has a very nice review of Jym and Larry's Songs for Frank Zeidler CD.
You can read the review on-line by clicking here: http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-2809-jym-mooney-and-larry-penn.html</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854372008-06-05T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Songwriters article in MKE features Jym
<p>This week's issue of MKE has a feature article called Tune Tales in which six area songwriters discuss their craft. The artists include the Bodeans, Blonde on Blonde, Bear Proof Suit, John Sieger, Flights, and Jym, who talks about "Frank Said." If you live outside of Milwaukee, you can read the story on-line at http://www.mkeonline.com/story.asp?id=1403835
Contrary to what the story says, The Coffee House was founded in 1967 by Agnes Zeidler, Frank Zeidler's wife, and NOT by Jym (which would have been a neat trick, seeing as he was only 10 years old at the time!).</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854362008-05-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00CD review: War Stories - Larry Penn (Cookie Man Music 2008)
<p>I am so excited about Larry's new CD that I wanted to share my thoughts with all of you. Jym
Larry Penn's new CD, War Stories, is a masterwork by one of Milwaukee's
finest folk music performers. On this excellent CD Larry explores the feelings and concerns of working people serving in times of war. He collects satirical ballads made up and sung in barracks by the working stiffs in uniform ("Army Life," "The Daring Young Man in a P-39") and popular songs like "Lili Marlene" and Woody Guthrie's "Reuben James," then adds some of his own well-crafted songs ("The Sullivans," "Dewey Pratt," "Sins of the Father") for a whole that is very much more than the sum of its parts. The songs reference America's wars from World War I up through Iraq, with echoes of earlier conflicts (note the inclusion of the Civil War era fiddle tune "Soldier's Joy" in "Dewey Pratt").
Larry has never been captured in better performing shape. His guitar
picking is rock solid, and he sings with a confidence and nuance that many a
younger performer would well envy. Just listen to the sweet sadness he
brings to "Lili Marlene," or the anger that drives "Sins of the Father." The original songs reflect a lifetime of careful thought and observation of human nature. Whether he is creating a portrait of a demanding drill instructor ("Sgt. Plisco") or bringing the WWI chestnut "Hinky Dinky Parley Vous" to new life in a wickedly funny 21st century update, Larry displays again and again why his songwriting is deeply respected across the country. The songs are arranged with a spare grace, featuring occasional embellishments of banjo, guitar, and accordion that enhance but never detract from the heart of each song.
War Stories may well be Larry's finest achievement to date, a deeply mature
and riveting work that bears repeated listenings well. Each song is a delight, and taken as a whole the result is a stunning and moving tribute to our citizen soldiers.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854352008-05-25T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Simply Folk's Memorial Day program airs Jym and Larry's tributes to Frank Zeidler
<p>Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk program celebrated Memorial Day with a special Memories, Memorials, and Tributes show. Host Tom Martin-Erickson took the opportunity to play both tracks from Songs For Frank Zeidler, the new CD from Larry Penn and Jym. Thanks, Tom!
Speaking of Larry, don't miss the release celebration for his new CD, War Stories, at Cafe Carpe in Ft. Atkinson on June 7th! The album is possibly Larry's finest work, and the Moxie Chicks (who contributed a song to the project) will be on hand to help Larry launch the album's release with a special concert. See our Calendar page for details!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854342008-04-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Mooney Tunes gets reviewed in the Shepherd Express
<p>Milwaukee's Shepherd Express newspaper gave Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies a nice review in this week's issue. If you live outside of the area, you can read the review on-line at http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-1745-jym-mooney.html</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854332008-04-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00New CD - Songs for Frank Zeidler
<p>"Frank Said," Jym's wonderful tribute to the late Milwaukee mayor and longtime community activist, Frank Zeidler, has long been available for download from this website. At the request of the Zeidler family, this song is now being released on a specially-priced CD. Jym is deeply honored to have his song share the CD with "In My Father's Mansion," written and performed by the Dean of Milwaukee folksingers, Larry Penn. Together, Jym and Larry pay tribute to the life and work of one of Milwaukee's greatest and most beloved citizens. This CD is available at performances by Jym, Larry, and the Moxie Chicks. You can view the cover art on our Photos page.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854322008-03-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:58-06:00Simply Folk celebrates "Springtime"
<p>Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk played the Moxie Chicks' recording of "Springtime in Ohio" tonight, and host Tom Martin-Erickson gave Jym "extra credit" for rhyming guano with Capistrano. You can request more Moxie tunes by emailing Simply Folk at martin-erickson@wpr.org or by visiting their weppage: http://www.wpr.org/simplyfolk/folk_request.cfm
On another note, we really enjoyed our premier performance at Fixx Coffee House in St. Francis last night. It's a great venue for acoustic music, with delicious coffees, teas, and other beverages, tasty food, and a comfortable atmosphere. We'll be back there again soon, we promise!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854312008-02-02T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Jym's CD release concert filled with love and fun
<p>Last night's CD release concert for Mooney Tunes And Maynard Melodies at The Coffee House was a big success. Francesca (Her Highness of Small Fryness) and Jerry Danks (the Duke of Dobro) warmed the crowd up with a set of Frannie's wonderful songs, then Jym performed a set featuring the songs from his new CD. Jym's second set highlighted old favorites and several unrecorded gems from his songbag. Jym was aided through the evening by Carol, Jerry, and the Moxie Chicks. Surprise guests on stage included Brett Kemnitz, Jonathon Leubner (happy birthday, Jon!), and nephew Jim Hopkins. The enthusiastic crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves, singing along lustily to several songs. Judging by comments from many members of the audience, one of the night's highlights was a moving rendition of a song that Jym wrote for his late father, "When You Tried." Thanks to everyone for coming out and giving Jym's new CD such a successful launch! (If you missed the concert, you can pick up a copy of Jym's CD either through CD Baby or at the next Moxie Chicks performance.) Jym would like to thank Carol for making the beautiful Hawaiian shirt that he wore at the concert, and Barb Webber for bringing a batch of tasty homemade oatmeal cookies to share.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854302008-01-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Radio play for Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies
<p>Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk gave Jym's upcoming CD release concert a plug on tonight's show, then played "The Tree" from the CD. Thanks to Tom and Randall for the support!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854292008-01-15T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Samples from Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies now available
<p>Click on the Music button in the Destinations column to your left to listen to excerpts from Jym's new CD.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854282008-01-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies now available for sale on-line
<p>For those of you who don't want to wait for the CD release concert in February, Jym's new CD is now available on-line at CD Baby. Click on the Buy link in the Destinations column to your left for more info.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854272007-12-29T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00In Memory of John Sutte (1946-2007)
<p>My high school music teacher, John Sutte, died on Christmas Day 2007. John's music classes were creative laboratories for aspiring performers. We spent every class hour jamming in classrooms and hallways, learning to play with other musicians and sharpening our own skills. John helped us put on concerts at the school and produced an LP featuring several of his students in 1975. On a personal note, he slipped me albums from his own collection that helped expand my musical ear (he very carefully warned me not to tell anyone who had loaned me the Mothers of Invention album!). The experience I got as a performer with John's guidance set me well on the way to who I am today. Sadly, I was not able to share with John the fruits of the seeds he planted so long ago. He suffered a catastrophic stroke over 20 years ago, and was confined to a nursing home for the rest of his life. I lost track of his whereabouts, and I regret not being able to keep in touch with him over the years. He was an inspiring teacher with a wacky sense of humor and a genuine love of music, and he shared those things with the lucky ones who were able to be his students. I salute his life and his work.
Good night, Mr. Sutte.
Jym</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854262007-12-24T18:00:00-06:002022-05-23T03:23:13-05:00Jym Mooney announces release of new solo CD, Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies
<p>Moxie Chicks songwriter/guitarist Jym Mooney will release his first new solo album since 1999 with a special concert on Feb. 2, 2008 at The Coffee House. "Mooney Tunes and Maynard Melodies" collects over a dozen songs Jym has written over the years celebrating the lives and quirks of his large family. Many wonderful Milwaukee musicians joined Jym in the studio to create this highly personal and whimsical CD, including Craig Siemsen, David Fox, Jerry Danks, Sandy Stehling & Ruth Williams, Barb & Tom Webber, Larry Penn, Brett Kemnitz, and, of course, the Moxie Chicks. Special guests on the CD include Jym's nieces and nephews Grace, Seth, Jimmy, and Hannah, and his granddaughter Kara. The talented and delightful Francesca, who contributed a specially written song to the project, will open the concert. Mark your calendars now for this very special event! (You can see the cover art for this CD on our Photos page.)</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854252007-12-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00The Moxie Chicks congratulate Evan Christian
<p>Our sincere congratulations and best wishes go out to Evan Christian, winner of the Best Acoustic Musician category in the Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Reader's Poll. And our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you whose votes put us among the top three finalists. You folks are the best!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854242007-11-30T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Tonight's concert is CANCELLED
<p>Tonight's concert at The Coffee House has been cancelled due to the winter storm and severe road conditions predicted for the evening. We apologize to everyone, and hope to reschedule later this season for The Coffee House.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854222007-11-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00The Moxie Chicks make the finals in the Shepherd Express Reader's Poll
<p>We learned yesterday that your votes helped land the Moxie Chicks in the top three of the Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Reader's Poll for Best Acoustic Musicians. Wow! We are honored by your support! The final winner will be announced on December 4th at a fund-raising event for the Hunger Task Force (details at www.shepherd-express.com).</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854232007-11-10T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Jym unveils his own MySpace page
<p>Jym has launched his own MySpace page, in preparation for the release of his new solo CD in early 2008. Come on by and sign up on his Friends list, so you'll get all the news on this exciting project when it happens. Just click here: http://www.myspace.com/jymmooney</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854212007-11-03T19:00:00-05:002021-11-24T04:38:44-06:00Simply Folk salutes Jym's shirt
<p>Tonight Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk aired highlights from The Coffee House's 40th Anniversary Concert recorded last May. After playing Jym and Carol's set, host Tom Martin-Erickson commented, "I wish you could have seen Jym's shirt that night. Well, you didn't really have to see it, you could HEAR it! It was the wildest Hawaiian shirt I've ever seen." Thanks for the fine compliment, Tom! (And thanks to John and Sue Hrobar, who gave me that shirt for my birthday!)</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854202007-09-14T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Working for the Cookie Man
<p>This week Jym joined Tom Webber and Brett Kemnitz to record some backing vocals for a track on Larry Penn's upcoming CD, which will feature songs about working people in wartime. It's always a pleasure working with Larry!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854192007-08-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Vote Moxie Chicks!
<p>The Shepherd Express is running its annual Best Of Milwaukee reader's poll now through September 19th. You can vote for your favorite restaurants, politicians, clubs, stores, etc. In the Arts & Entertainment section you can vote for your favorite Acoustic Musician (that's spelled M-O-X-I-E C-H-I-C-K-S).
You can vote by filling out the paper ballot available in your weekly Shepherd Express, or you can vote on-line at http://www.shepherd-express.com/115447.113121body.lasso
One vote per person, please. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't encourage all of your friends to join the vote, of course! Thanks for your support!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854182007-07-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Jym entertains at the Socialist Party picnic
<p>Jym sang his tribute to the late Socialist Milwaukee mayor Frank Zeidler this afternoon at the 110th Anniversary Picnic of the Wisconsin Socialist Party. "Frank Said" was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the attendees.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854172007-07-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Dirty Linen reviews Cross Me, Fool!
<p>Dirty Linen, the nationally distributed folk and world music magazine, gave Cross Me, Fool! a positive review in their latest (August/September 2007) issue. Thanks for the support, Dirty Linen!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854162007-06-16T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00The Moxie Chicks are now on MySpace
<p>The Moxie Chicks have a page set up on MySpace, and we invite you to visit us there to listen to our music and discover our "friends." Come on over and join us! If you are already a MySpace participant, just do a search for Moxie Chicks, or else just click here: http://www.myspace.com/themoxiechicks</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854152007-06-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Dr. Demento strikes again!
<p>Radio host Dr. Demento played Jym's song "Murphy (The Three-Legged Beer Swillin' Hound)" this past weekend on his nationally syndicated show. This is the third time the good doctor has aired "Murphy."</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854142007-06-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Jym's tribute to Frank Zeidler now available exclusively on our website
<p>Jym's song "Frank Said," recorded live at The Coffee House's 40th Anniversary Concert, is now available for listening or downloading. Just go to our music page by clicking on Music in the Destinations column to your left.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854132007-05-25T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Photo gallery from The Coffee House's 40th Anniversary Concert
<p>Photographer George Lottermoser took lots of wonderful photos at The Coffee House's 40th Anniversary Concert. You can view a slideshow at this link: http://www.imagist.com/coffee_house</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854122007-05-21T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00The Coffee House's 40th Anniversary Concert a big success!
<p>Well over 135 people packed into The Coffee House last Saturday night to celebrate 40 years of folk music and volunteer activism. The performers sang old favorites from the 60s and new songs, and a marvelous time was had by all. WorkingWriter mentioned Jym's performance in his blog: "Agnes Zeidler, lifelong companion of the late Mayor, was honored for her role in getting The Coffee House started back in the day. She attended with friends and several family members, and was able to stay for Jym Mooney's fabulous tribute to Frank Zeidler, which starts out with a lyric something like this: 'He was a politician / and he was an honest man / a combination rare to find these days.' The Zeidlers were not the only ones moved." You can read the entire review at http://www.onmilwaukee.com/myOMC/blog/show/579</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854112007-03-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Nominate Pete Seeger for the Nobel Peace Prize
<p>Please visit our links page to go to a website where names are being collected to get Pete Seeger nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I can't think of anyone more deserving of such an honor for his life's work.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854102007-03-14T19:00:00-05:002022-05-14T02:26:03-05:00Urban Ecology Center show rescheduled
<p>Due to a scheduling conflict at the Urban Ecology Center, our Friday Fire performance has been rescheduled for September 21st. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this might cause.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854092007-01-06T18:00:00-06:002022-01-31T00:52:54-06:00WMSE Female Focus
<p>It has just come to our attention that our music has been aired on WMSE's Female Focus program. Thanks, WMSE! You can listen to WMSE in Milwaukee on 91.7 FM, or hear them on-line at www.wmse.org</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854082006-12-09T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Simply Folk plays The Moxie Chicks
<p>Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk played two songs from our new CD on tonight's show. Host Tom Martin-Erickson plugged our upcoming Sherman Perk concert and played "Cross Me, Fool" and "Last Call." Simply Folk airs every Sunday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. on stations across Wisconsin. You can listen to a web simulcast by visiting http://www.wpr.org/simplyfolk/index.cfm, where you can also send in requests for more Moxie Chicks songs!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854072006-11-28T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00The Moxies record for Larry Penn
<p>Tonight the Moxie Chicks had the honor of recording a track for a planned CD from Larry Penn. The CD's theme will be working people in wartime, and Larry asked us to record "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," an old barracks ballad from the Women's Army Air Corps in WWII. Larry sat beaming beatifically as Carol, Jonnie, and Chris harmonized and improvized in the studio. Thanks for asking us to help, Larry!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854062006-11-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00CD release concert a big success!
<p>Thanks to all of our friends, family, and fans who helped make our CD release concert such a rousing success! We packed about 100 people into The Coffee House, and they responded enthusiastically as we performed our new CD in its entirety, then did a second set of audience favorites. Jym's brother Chris Mooney joined us on upright bass for the whole first set, and did a stand-up job! Our engineer Jonathon Leubner also joined us, playing percussion on Genesis And Revelation . Lots of people went home with copies of our CD in hand (some with multiple copies...do that holiday shopping early, you know!). The Moxie Chicks are so grateful for such loyal, supportive, and PATIENT fans! Thank you all!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854052006-10-31T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Cross Me, Fool! now available for sale on-line
<p>You can purchase Cross Me, Fool! on-line from those wonderful folks at CDBaby! Follow the link on the Buy page on the navigation bar to your left, or go directly to http://cdbaby.com/cd/moxiechicks</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854042006-10-24T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Cross Me, Fool! on the radio
<p>Our new CD has already started to receive some airplay, debuting last night on Calamity Jane's Cafe Vaquera on KMUN in Astoria, Oregon. Cafe Vaquera airs every Tuesday evening from 9 to 11 p.m. Pacific Time, and can be heard in a live webcast at www.coastradio.org</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854032006-10-02T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00CD cover art on our website
<p>Click on Photos in the Destinations column to your left and you can see the cover of our soon-to-be-released CD. The package was designed by Jon Baade, using handmade paper designed by Mary Lou Mooney (Jym's mom!).</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854022006-09-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Moxie Chicks CD release concert announced
<p>Yes, our debut CD is finally finished, and today we shipped it off to the manufacturer! So mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 4th, when we will have our big CD release celebration at The Coffee House. We will perform the CD in its entirety, as well as some of your other favorite songs. Bring your friends, bring your family, we're all going to have a wonderful time together! We are delighted with our finished CD, and we think that you will be, too! Visit our Calendar page for details on the concert.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854012006-07-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00"La Tierra Misma (The Same Ball Of Clay)" featured in new film
<p>We are excited to announce the release of "I Am Clay," a 30-minute documentary for educators and parents that explores the power of natural clay in early childhood development. Produced and directed by Kathleen Bailer for K-Play, this captivating and entertaining film features Linda Beck's recording of her song "La Tierra Misma (The Same Ball Of Clay)" from the CD "One Ball Of Clay - Songs Of Peace And Hope," produced by Jym and Carol. The film is available on DVD and VHS at www.k-play.com</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60854002006-07-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Back to full strength
<p>If you weren't one of the lucky people to hear the Moxie Chicks today at the Fox Point Farmer's Market, you missed a great show! For the first time in over a year, the whole band was healthy and on stage, including Carol, who is recovering rapidly from her recent heart surgery. Check out our calendar page for future dates where we hope that we'll be seeing you!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853992006-05-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:57-06:00Carol's surgery a success!
<p>Carol Lee is recovering nicely from open heart surgery which was performed on Friday, May 26th. They had to replace a heart valve that had been damaged by a bacterial infection. She is already out of the Intensive Care Unit and back on a regular floor, and hopes to be coming home in a week or so. We thank all of our friends and fans for their prayers, love, and support for Carol during this challenging time. She'll be back singing with the Moxies as soon as possible.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853982006-05-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00La Taza date cancelled
<p>In late-breaking news, La Taza has changed hands recently and they are discontinuing live music, so our June 24th concert there has been cancelled.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853972006-03-22T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00CD Journal Part 6
<p>Last night the Moxies went into the studio to record Carol's song "Running Circles." We were joined by special guest Joseph T. Ruback on mountain dulcimer. This is the final song for our CD. We still have some tweaking to do, but the basic recording is now completed. Watch this space for more news!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853962006-01-24T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00CD Journal Part 5
<p>Tonight the Moxie Chicks were delighted to bring their friend Patty Stevenson into the studio to add her well-known delicate touch on keyboard to Jonnie's song "If You Knew Who Walked Beside You."</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853952006-01-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:0090th anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood
<p>Today is the 90th anniversary of Boston's Great Molasses Flood, which saw 21 people dead and over 150 more injured when a giant tank of molasses (destined for rum) burst and cascaded through the heart of the city. Tom Martin-Erickson, host of Wisconsin Public Radio's Simply Folk program, commemorated the event by playing Jym's song "Molasses" on tonight's show. This recording, from Jym's CD East Side Guy, features first class backing by Lil' Rev, Dave Fox, and Brennan Cornwell.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853942005-12-09T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Jym returns to the performing line-up
<p>At tonight's Coffee House concert, the Moxie Chicks welcomed guitarist Jym Mooney back to the line-up. Jym played 12-string guitar with the group for two songs, his first performance with the Moxies since his February accident. It won't be long now before he will be back full-time, and work will begin on the final phase of our CD. Stay tuned!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853932005-11-19T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Carol Lee & Jym make guest concert appearance
<p>Last night Carol and Jym made a surprise guest appearance at Sandy Stehling and Ruth Williams' annual "Friends" concert at The Coffee House in Milwaukee. In addition to announced guests John Granzow, Dodgeville's Scott Stieber, and Jim Meyers (of the Men Of Constant Sorrow), the enthusiastic audience was treated to backing vocals on several songs by Carol and Jym. This concert marked Jym's first stage appearance since his injury last winter.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853922005-11-16T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00CD Journal Part 4
<p>Last night the Moxie Chicks returned to the studio to record basic tracks for another song for our long-awaited CD. We recorded the vocals and Jon's guitar part for Jonnie's lovely song "If You Knew Who Walked Beside You." Jym, although still sidelined by his arm injury (he had successful surgery two weeks ago, when a titanium rod was implanted in his arm to hold the bone together), assisted with thoughtful advice and encouragement throughout the session.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853912005-08-17T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Ft. Wayne sings Jym's song
<p>Word has reached us that Jym's song "I Have Come To Take My Boy Home" was sung last night in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, at a candlelight vigil held in support of Cindy Sheehan, the mother leading the Camp Casey anti-war encampment in Crawford, Texas.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853902005-08-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00CD Journal Part 3
<p>The good news is, the Moxie Chicks been keeping busy this summer, playing outdoor events and private gatherings, making new friends and catching up with old ones! But the not so good news is, Jym's arm is not healing as quickly as had been hoped. His doctor is applying some new techniques to stimulate bone growth, but progress is slow. Jonnie has been playing guitar in the interim, but looks forward to the day when Jym can return full-time to the band (as do we all). As a result, our not-quite-finished CD remains on the back burner. We will keep everyone posted on project news as we know it. Until then, we look forward to seeing you at a show sometime soon!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853892005-05-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Song list for upcoming Moxie Chicks CD
<p>At our Coffee House show tonight (and if you missed it, you missed a lot of fun!), we were asked, "What songs are going to be on the CD you're working on?" Good question! The songs, in no particular order, are as follows: Genesis And Revelations (Chris Straw), Take My Time (Jym Mooney-Carol Lee Hopkins), Finding Your Way To Love (Straw), Must Be Love (Craig Siemsen), Like A Moth To A Flame (Mooney), Running Circles (Hopkins), If You Knew Who Walked Beside You (Jonnie Guernsey), Cross Me, Fool! (Straw), I Have Come To Take My Boy Home (Mooney), Last Call (Julie Kane), Down In New Orleans (Hopkins-Mooney), Wash Away/Talk About Suffering (Straw/traditional), Let Peace Prevail (Margaret Nelson), and Springtime In Ohio (Mooney). Stay tuned for more information as work continues on this exciting project!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853882005-05-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Exclusive bonus track added to website
<p>We've just added a bonus track to our Music page that is available nowhere else. It is the original 1985 recording of Jym's song "Blues For Stevie," featuring a full rock band arrangement with the Kanieski family.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853872005-04-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Samples from East Side Guy added to website
<p>You can now listen to brief excerpts from several songs from Jym's CD East Side Guy. Just visit our Music page!</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853862005-03-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Working with Larry
<p>Tonight Jym joined Brett Kemnitz and Craig Siemsen in the recording studio to add backing vocals to Larry Penn's new recording of Larry's song "The Edmund Fitzgerald." Larry has done background vocals on Jym's song "Murphy" on East Side Guy as well as on a track for the upcoming Moxie Chicks CD, and Jym was honored to be able to return the favor.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853852005-03-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00CD Journal Part 2
<p>Yesterday fiddler Ben Sanders and Moxie Chicks lead guitarist Jon Pagenkopf were in the studio recording overdubs on "I Have Come To Take My Boy Home." Ben is the current Wisconsin State Champion fiddler (for the second year running), and his bluegrass trio Superstarr just won the annual Mid-Winter Talent Contest at The Coffee House. Ben is the son of Sweet Diversity's Carrie Sanders.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853842005-03-11T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Music samples added to website
<p>You can now hear short samples of several songs from One Ball Of Clay simply by visiting our Music page. Also available is the complete MP3 of Jym's recording of "I Have Come To Take My Boy Home."</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853832005-03-05T18:00:00-06:002022-05-16T01:28:15-05:00CD Journal Part 1
<p>Folks have been asking us about progress on the Moxie Chicks CD, especially in light of Jym's recent accident (as many of you already know, he slipped on an icy sidewalk last month and broke his right arm). The good news is that work continues on this project. We already had the basic tracks for 12 out of 14 songs recorded before the accident. While Jym's arm heals we will complete overdubs on the existing tracks (yesterday Jym's brother, Chris Mooney, came up from Illinois to record bass tracks for three songs). Never fear, we will have our CD in your hands this year! Thanks for your interest and patience.</p>
Moo-Town Productionstag:mootownproductions.com,2005:Post/60853822005-03-01T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T17:39:56-06:00Welcome to our redesigned website!
<p>We are delighted to bring you our new and improved website. We’ll keep you posted on all the Moxie Chicks news, including gigs and developing news on our forthcoming CD. Among the new features on this site are a Guestbook (let us hear from you!) and the ability for you to sign up for our email list right on the website.</p>
Moo-Town Productions