Christmas Carols and More: The Best Music Festivals in December 2011

Music has always been a part of festive celebrations, and what month is more festive than December? No matter your religious convictions or geographic location, you are sure to find a great music festival to put you in the holiday spirit. Here are HillTop Records' picks for the best music festivals this month:

- Christmas New Orleans Style (12/1/2011 - 12/31/2011) in New Orleans, Louisiana
This month-long celebration of all things Christmas takes visitors back in time to the 1800's. New Orleans' oldest restaurants serve traditional Creole cuisine, while enthusiastic tour guides take you past the most stately homes in the French Quarter--which are, of course, bedecked in the finest holiday decorations. All the while, carolers and local musicians provide the perfect yuletide soundtrack. From cooking demonstrations to lively concerts and dances, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event.

- A Night On The Town (12/2/2011) in Beaufort, South Carolina
Downtown Beaufort celebrates Christmas early this year with local dance troupes, choir performances, and tons of holiday decorations. Join in the yuletide fun this Friday evening, as the entire downtown area is magically transformed into a winter wonderland full of music, food and culture.

- Christmas in Chester (12/2/2011 - 12/4/2011) in Chester, South Carolina
Each year, the historic town of Chester, South Carolina draws hundreds of visitors to its holiday-themed exhibits. The entire town participates in a wide array of activities, from a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to kid-friendly events like Breakfast with Santa and Story Time with Mrs. Claus. Families can decorate their own gingerbread houses to enter into the annual contest, tour the life-like Nativity Scene complete with live animals, get a head start on their Christmas shopping--and, of course, enjoy live music throughout the day and into the night.

- National Talent Search Atlanta Music Festival (12/2/2011 - 12/4/2011) in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Need a break from the holiday festivities? If you are in Georgia this December, you can head to this annual event to enjoy some fantastic music that has nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas! This popular TV talent competition acts as a live performance platform and showcase for unsigned talent. It features categories like Solo Vocalists and Hip Hop Groups, covering a wide range of genres. You can register your band today, or simply participate as an audience member.

- Festivals of Lights and Carols (12/3/2011) in Fairfax, Virginia
This annual Christmas festival has all the requisite events, including a tree lighting ceremony and lunch with Santa. However, the main draw to this festival is its abundance of live music. Organized carolers and other performers are sure to get you in the holiday spirit, right in the heart of Fairfax's Historic District.

- Holiday Symphony in the Park (12/3/2011) in DeBary, Florida
This Saturday, Florida takes advantage of its temperate climate by hosting a festive concert outdoors at Gemini Springs Park. The holiday-themed music festival is set to feature local institutions like the University High School Jazz Band, the DeBary Elementary School Choir, and Stetson University's own Orchestra.

- Merry Tuba Christmas Concert (12/3/2011) in Harriman, Tennessee
An annual music festival now in its 23rd year, the Merry Tuba Christmas Concert is a Tennessee tradition. The event honors the most influential tuba and euphonium players with live concerts and workshops. And the date is no coincidence: The festival was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist and teacher William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day, 1902. To this day, it includes a lot of carols and traditional Christmas songs.

- 2011 San Antonio Reggae Festival (12/17/2011 - 12/18/2011) in San Antonio, Texas
Proud to be San Antonio's last festival of the year, this large event gathers crowds of music lovers to the downtown area. Along with live performances by the likes of One Destiny and Ashes of Babylon, this year's festival will include kid-friendly activities, dancers and drum circles, a beer garden, and vendors selling everything from craft items to Caribbean food.

- New Years Bluegrass Festival (12/29/2011 - 12/31/2011) in Jekyll Island, Georgia
This fun-filled celebration honors December's largest cultural event. No, not Christmas--New Year's Eve! The global holiday comes alive with traditional Bluegrass music, played by acts from around the United States. The James King Band, Cedar Hill and others are set to headline this year.

- TheBond-fire Art and Music Festival (12/29/2011 - 1/2/2012) in Groveland, Florida
This non-commercial, homegrown music festival offers a laidback alternative to your hectic holiday festivities. However, do not mistake this music festival's easygoing atmosphere for a lack of activity! Two side-by-side stages on the main concert field are set to provide over fifty hours of live music by more than forty bands! The weekend will include great headliners like the North Mississippi Allstars and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Late-Night Tent Parties, workshops, and a collection of craft, food and beverage vendors.

- Gypsy Roots on the Traditional Stage at First Night (12/31/2011) in Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh rings in the New Year with a French-themed concert event featuring Django Reinhardt-inspired band, Gypsy. The romantic, bohemian French gypsy theme will be evident in every aspect of the celebration, from the food and drink to the hours of live entertainment.

- Music City New Years Eve Bash On Broadway (12/31/2011) in Nashville, Tennessee
It should come as no surprise that the city of Nashville is planning to ring in the New Year with live music. This annual festival will once again take over Broadway Street in the heart of downtown. It will include a beer garden, special partner exhibits, a countdown to midnight with a guitar drop and fireworks display, and hours upon hours of live music.

For more information on upcoming music festivals and events, check out Festivals.com. Also be sure to keep checking back with us here at HillTop Records, as we celebrate the 2011 Holiday Season right along with you!

HillTop Records' Thanksgiving Playlist

As far as major Holidays go, Thanksgiving does not rank first for music. That award would most likely go to Christmas. After that might come New Year's Eve, or maybe even the Fourth of July. However, we at HillTop Records believe that it's just not a proper celebration without music--and so we'd like to offer, for your consideration, our picks for the best Thanksgiving-themed (or at least Thanksgiving-appropriate) songs for your supper:

1.) “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant
This sweet and honest song is about thanking friends and family--and isn't that exactly what this holiday is about?

2.) “Peanuts Thanksgiving Theme” by Guaraldi Trio
Like us, Charlie Brown and the gang like to celebrate with song.

3.) “Thank You” by Dave Brubeck
A smooth, soulful, jazzy homage to gratitude.

4.) “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
The lyrics may be more romantic than others on this list, but the overall message is the same: Thank you.

5.) “Alice’s Restaurant” by Arlo Guthrie
Less about gratitude and more about the plight of the American pacifist, this song is still played on radio stations across the U.S. each Thanksgiving. Over the impressive course of nearly nineteen minutes, "Alice's Restaurant" describes many events that took place on (you guessed it) Thanksgiving Day.

6.) “Thank You Too” by My Morning Jacket
Another song about giving thanks to a loved one.

7.) “Thanks a Lot” by Johnny Cash
What could be more American than Johnny Cash?

8.) "Turkey in The Straw"
This well-known American folk song dates from the early 19th century. Today, you probably won't hear it much--unless it happens to be Thanksgiving Day.

9.) "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA
The 25th and final hit single for Swedish pop group ABBA, this song might not be American--but it definitely gives thanks.

10.) "Colors of the Wind" by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
Originally written for the Disney animated film Pocahontas, this song won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for its poetic depiction of the relationship between mankind and nature. It would be a great way bring some Native American culture to the dinner table without getting too political.

11.) "We Gather Together"
A prayer of Thanksgiving brought to the New World by Dutch settlers, this one's about as traditional as you can get.

12.) “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler
Always the champion for non-religious holidays, Adam Sandler celebrates Thanksgiving with a song that... Well, that doesn't really make much sense. However, its title alone makes the song impossible to leave off of a Thanksgiving playlist.

And last but by no means least, the many songs of Thanksgiving and Praise written by Our Songwriters. Go to any of Our Songwriters' pages and Click to Listen.

From all of us here at HillTop Records... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Good Pop Song, Deconstructed

Of course, the idea of a song being "good" is highly subjective. However, the pop songs that reach a certain level of success--recognition and appreciation from fans and critics, continuous airplay--do tend to have some important things in common. These things are the key ingredients of a good pop song, and necessary tools for every songwriter's tool belt. Break down any pop song currently being played on commercial radio, and you will most likely find these major parts at play:

A Strong Intro
Like any other type of story, a good song consists of a beginning, a middle and an end. As the beginning to your song's story, the intro is the listener's first impression--and therefore an extremely important component. In most pop songs, the intro is a variation of the verse or chorus. It typically contains the hook (see below) or turnaround (a transitional passage found at the end of a section.) Also, like the song as a whole, the intro should be short and sweet--no longer than 20 seconds, max. Most pop songs contain intros of about 15 seconds.

An Identifiable Lyric Subject
We have written before about the importance of the lyric--what makes a strong one, how to overcome writer's block, and the art of transforming personal experience or beliefs into song. A successful pop song must contain a great lyric--one that touches listeners and connects them to your message. Of course, a well-written lyric must be accompanied by great music. Marrying these two elements may just be the most important step in the entire songwriting process. For tips on how to create the musical component of your song, see our blog post on musical form.

A Memorable Title
Like the name of a child or company, the name of a song is not something to be taken lightly. A song's title should be an extension of the song itself--and, most importantly, it needs to be memorable. If the title of your song is unique, people will have a better time remembering the song. And in order to like a song, you need to first remember it. One last thing to consider is the title's length; don't make it too long--short and simple is best.

A Catchy Chorus
The chorus is the selling point of the song--what drives it home. The sooner it hits your listener's ear, the better (which is why it is typically found within the intro.) The chorus is then repeated throughout the song, with or without variation. Because of this repetition, it must be catchy but not annoying. This is the fine line that good pop songs walk. You must make the chorus catchy, powerful and memorable.

Hooks
Like the chorus, the hook of a song is often repeated. It is the part of the song that people most often remember and sing along to--like a fisherman's hook catches a fish, a song's hook catches a listener's ear. In many genres (including hip hop, rock, dance and pop) the hook is found in (or consists of) the chorus. It can be melodic or rhythmic, and it often incorporates the main motif or theme of the song. However, the hook does not have to be words--it can also be instrumental, such as a guitar or piano riff. An example of a famous and unique "hook" is in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony: those distinctive three G notes followed by an E-flat.

Length
The length of a song can easily be dismissed as trivial. However, doing so would be a mistake. Especially in popular music by lesser-known songwriters, the length is a very important element to consider. For radio airplay reasons, most successful songs are kept under 4 minutes. Sometimes, a song will have multiple versions at varying lengths--for example, an already established artist may record a shorter version for the radio and an extended version (like the director's cut of a film) available on the album. Songwriters and artists who have already established themselves can get away with releasing a longer song. This is not really the case with lesser-known artists and, either way, there is a risk to consider: The longer a song is, the more likely a listener is to tire of it--or, even worse, become annoyed.

Powerful Vocal Delivery
Especially in the world of pop music, the voice is the most dominant instrument. Powerful vocal delivery can make or break a song--and keep in mind that "powerful" does not mean loud. You want the sound of the voice to match the sound of the lyric--melancholy, joyous, angry, etc.

The art of piecing these parts together is all part of songwriting, and the process it a very personal one; it can vary greatly from songwriter to songwriter. However, most songwriters (including those with HillTop Records) will say that they do not focus on each of these elements systematically, as if they are constructing something tangible like a building or a machine. Instead, they will concentrate on one key element--whether that be the lyric, the message or the feeling they wish to convey--and allow the rest to fall into place naturally.

This process, like any art form, takes time to master--and it can be difficult to describe. Art Garfunkel put it this way:

"I would start seeing, in just the sense I was saying now, the kind of record it was going to be and what the arrangement demands, and what my vocal part should be in the record. This was all emerging as the song was emerging."

Mark Knopfler said: "Each song has its own secret that's different from another song, and each has its own life. Sometimes it has to be teased out, whereas other times it might come fast. There are no laws about songwriting or producing."

Here are some other quotes from successful songwriters that you might find helpful or inspiring:

"For me, songwriting is something I have to do ritually. I don't just wait for inspiration; I try to write a little bit every day." - Sean Lennon

"For me, songwriting is something like breathing: I just do it. But that doesn't mean you're fantastic." - Adam Duritz

"I love the art form of songwriting. I get to carry a lot of vibes to a lot of people. My songs are all about the human condition, and people will be able to find themselves in my songs." - Glenn Hughes

"My songwriting and my style became more complex as I listened, learned, borrowed and stole and put my music together." - Boz Scaggs

"Songwriting is a very mysterious process. It feels like creating something from nothing. It's something I don't feel like I really control." - Tracy Chapman

Great American Songwriters: Tom Petty

What do Muddy Wilbury, Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Thomas Earl Petty have in common? Well, that is actually a trick question--because they are all the same person! Ultimately, the American songwriter and musician decided to drop his pseudonyms--and he continues to enjoy a successful career under his real name: Tom Petty. With a story that follows the American dream (from modest upbringings to international fame) and music that often celebrates our national culture, Tom Petty is a true icon of American rock music. He continues to inspire listeners of all ages, including many of our HillTop Records songwriters.

Born in 1950 in the city of Gainesville, Florida, Petty was just an ordinary kid--until one fateful day. When he was 10, young Tom was invited to visit the film set where his uncle was working at the time. There, on the set of Follow That Dream, he met Elvis Presley and immediately became an aspiring rock star. Once he saw The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, he not only knew that he wanted to be a musician but that he also wanted to be part of a band. Of course, this is not an unusual aspiration for a young boy. Petty, however, had something that other kids his age did not: The innate sensitivity and natural talent of an artist. He began taking lessons in several instruments. One of his first guitar teachers was fellow Gainesville resident Don Felder, who would later go on to join The Eagles.

Petty formed his first band, The Epics, early on. The name was eventually changed to Mudcrutch, and the band (which also included Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench) enjoyed some success in the Gainesville area before splitting up. Immediately following the split, Petty pursued a solo career--but reluctantly, as he much preferred to work with a band. Tench, meanwhile, formed his own group and created with them a sound that Petty was attracted to. Petty, Tench and Campbell eventually reunited and were joined by Ron Blair and Stan Lynch. Together, they formed the first line-up of the now-famous band, The Heartbreakers--and even released an album. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers was only mildly successful in the United States. However, when the single "Breakdown" was re-released in 1977, it managed to reach the #40 spot on the charts.

The Heartbreakers' second album, You're Gonna Get It!, fared better. It included the singles "I Need to Know" and "Listen To Her Heart", and it became the band's first Top 40 album. Damn the Torpedoes came next, and it immediately confirmed Top Petty and the Heartbreakers' newfound success. The band's third album went platinum, quickly selling nearly two million copies. It featured the breakthrough singles "Don't Do Me Like That", "Here Comes My Girl" and "Refugee".

Tom Petty's first duet, "Insider" with Stevie Nicks, made its appearance on 1981's platinum-selling album Hard Promises (which also featured the hit single "The Waiting".) This album was followed by Long After Dark in 1982, and then Southern Accents in '85. That particular album included the hit single "Don't Come Around Here No More" (made famous by a controversial music video inspired by the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) and prompted an exciting invitation from Bob Dylan: Tom Petty & the Beartbreakers were asked to join Dylan on his True Confessions tour; they did, and also played some dates with the Grateful Dead in 1986-'87. While on tour together, Petty and Dylan wrote "Jammin' Me" together; the single was released as part of 1987's Let Me Up (I've Had Enough).

Petty and Dylan's working relationship did not stop at that song. On the contrary, the two went on to team up with George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne to form the Traveling Wilburys. This "dream team" of a band originally wrote their first song, "Handle With Care", to be the B-side of one of Harrison's singles. However, upon its completion, the song was deemed to good for that purpose--and the Traveling Wilburys decided to record a full album together. That album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, was not followed by a second (incongruously titled Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3, in response to a series of bootlegged studio sessions that were being sold as Traveling Wilburys Vol. 2) until 1990, after the untimely death of Orbison. In recent years, Petty has been incorporating Traveling Wilburys songs--most notably "Handle With Care" and "End of the Line"--into his live performances.

Tom Petty released his first solo album, Full Moon Fever, in 1989. It featured "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin'" and "Runnin' Down a Dream" as well as appearances by an array of well-known musicians. Despite the fact that Petty has proven to be successful as a solo artist, however, he continues to prefer the collaborative environment of a group. In 1991, The Heartbreakers reunited to release Into the Great Wide Open--an album with a hit single of the same name, and "Learning To Fly". Of the time he spends as frontman for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the songwriter has said: "We enjoy playing with each other, which I think is a pretty important part of this. If we didn't, we'd have given it up a long time ago. The idea when we started was to take five people and keep 'em together no matter what and see what we could get out of it, and we've pretty much stuck to that plan.”

Before leaving MCA Records for Warner Bros., the Heartbreakers got together to record two new songs for their Greatest Hits package: "Mary Jane's Last Dance" and Thunderclap Newman's "Something in the Air". With Warner Bros., Petty released his second solo album: Wildflowers (1994.) The album, which included the hit singles "You Don't Know How It Feels" and "You Wreck Me", sold over three million copies in the U.S. A couple years later, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released a soundtrack to the 1996 movie She's the One; this marked their first foray into the world of film. Another departure from the norm came in 2002, when the band released The Last DJ. This album featured several attacks on the music industry, critizing it for succumbing to the pressures of corporate greed and watering down the music to turn a quick profit. Despite the fact that the album caused an uneasy stir among music execs--or perhaps because of it?--it was popular on the charts; it reached Number 9 in the U.S. In response to questions about the album's message, Tom has responded that he does not see it as negative or bitter; in fact, he maintains that the songs carry with them a great deal of hope--you just have to look for it.

This positive outlook is typical of Tom Petty, who tends to be gentle with the industry and fellow musicians. Following claims that the Red Hot Chili Peppers' single "Dani California" borrowed too much from "Mary Jane's Last Dance", Petty tolled Rolling Stone Magazine:

"I seriously doubt that there is any negative intent there. And a lot of rock 'n' roll songs sound alike. Ask Chuck Berry. The Strokes took 'American Girl' [for their song 'Last Nite'], and I saw an interview with them where they actually admitted it. That made me laugh out loud. I was like, 'OK, good for you' ... If someone took my song note for note and stole it maliciously, then maybe [I'd sue]. But I don't believe in lawsuits much. I think there are enough frivolous lawsuits in this country without people fighting over pop songs."

Of his own songwriting abilities, Petty tends to be modest--even self-deprecating. “I'm barely prolific and incredibly lazy," he has said. However, we at HillTop Records strongly disagree--as do Petty's peers. In 1994, bands like Everclear and Silkworm got together to release the Tom Petty tribute album, You Got Lucky. In '96, the songwriter received UCLA's George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement the same month he won the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers' Golden Note Award. In 1999, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers received a star on the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then, in 2002, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of that particular achievement, Petty said: “It's very easy to be cynical about the hall of fame. But on the other hand, it's really a beautiful thing for someone like me. I dedicated my entire life to this music.”

You can learn more about this life of Petty's by reading Conversations with Tom Petty (an oral history/biography composed of interviews conducted in 2004 and 2005 with Petty by music journalist Paul Zollo) or watching Peter Bogdanovich's documentary film Runnin' Down A Dream, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2007. Or you can simply listen to the "barely prolific" songwriter's music: "Don't Do Me Like That", "American Girl", "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin'", "Runnin' Down a Dream"--these and others have withstood the test of time, and even become representative of American music as a whole. Throughout his career, Tom Petty has sold over 60 million albums. He continues to tour and write--and he does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

The Best Music Festivals of November 2011

The month marking the annual transition from fall to winter, November is not known for its music festivals. As people head indoors to prepare for winter, local parks and fairgrounds feel deserted. However, that does not mean that there are no events to look forward to! Here are HillTop Records' picks for November's best music festivals:

- 21th Annual Sarasota Bluesfest (11/5/2011) in Sarasota, Florida
Thumbing its nose at the parts of the country already covered in snow, the city of Sarasota celebrates its still temperate weather with an all-day outdoor music festival. Along with craft vendors and delicious food, the festival highlights live entertainment at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex. Past performers have included everyone from Booker T & The MGs to Gregg Allman. This year's installment--the 21st annual event--will included performances by Legendary Los Lobos, Lightnin Malcolm, 2011 Grammy Award Nominee Ryan Shaw, and others.

- Bluegrass, Barbeque, and Brew Festival (11/5/2011) in Brookneal, Virginia
A ticket to this beloved annual event costs $20 at the door. It includes a 16 oz commemorative Pilsner glass, tastings from Legend and Starr Hill breweries, 2 full glasses of beer, and authentic bluegrass music by three bands--The Bluegrass Brothers, Willow Branch, and Robbie Wells and the Wells Clan. Visitors can relax on the beautiful grounds of Red Hill--and even take a guided tour of Patrick Henry's reconstructed home, original law office, and other historical buildings--while enjoying local barbeque and craft ales.

- Brazos Valley Worldfest (11/11/2011 - 11/12/2011) in College Station, Texas
Bringing the world to the Brazos Valley, this annual festival celebrates the vast diversity of the local population. Thanks to Texas A&M University and Blinn College, there are 120 different countries being represented by the residents of College Station/Bryan, Texas. The Brazos Valley Worldfest will feature live performances by local groups and renowned artists from other cities as well as country information booths, craft and skill demonstrations, interactive presentations, special exhibits for children, and plenty of great international cuisine.

- Florida Cajun Zydeco Festival (11/11/2011 - 11/13/2011) in Hollywood, Florida
This festive event brings the bayou to Florida with the best Cajun zydeco acts! It fills three full days with continuous live music on several stages, as well as Louisiana food and beverages. Arts and crafts vendors and activities provide fun for the whole family--but what really draws the crowds is the fantastic music. If you like zydeco, then this event is not to be missed.

- String Guitar Festival (11/11/2011 - 11/13/2011) in Massillon, Ohio
Bring your love and passion for the guitar to the Massillon Museum, and experience a new kind of music festival. The Ananda Center is set to hold its inaugural guitar festival, featuring premier players and technicians from two continents. Made possible in part by a grant from ArtsInStark, String will kick off with an intimate concert by Les Freres Meduses in the museum's Main Gallery and continue with a series of performances as well as professional workshops and seminars. Tickets are still on sale; purchase a Weekend Pass, and you will also receive a ticket for the movie, Sweet and Lowdown, to the shown throughout the festival at the historic Lincoln Theater

- The South Shore Music Festival (11/12/2011) in Riverview, Florida
Building on the success of last year's festival, the 2nd Annual South Shore Music Festival is set to be even bigger and better. Bands from across South Florida are gearing up to take the stage, with Heidi Decker from 106.5 CTQ acting as MC. Genres will range from old-school country to blues to rock and roll. The most exciting addition to the festival is, however, a 10,000-square-food Kids Zone with inflatable rides, climbing walls, games and a "Reptile Discovery" show.

- Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra: New Beginnings (11/12/2011 - 11/13/2011) in Bainbridge Island, Washington
The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra is a local institution, known for holding wonderful concerts throughout the year. This November, it offers a new event to welcome its new Music Director and Conductor, Wesley Schulz. The series of concerts will feature high-energy, celebratory works by Brahms, Bizet, Sibelius, Rachmaninoff and Whitacre at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center.

- Zydeco Swamp Stomp (11/13/2011) in Marietta, OhioStraight from the Louisiana bayou to the Adelphia Music Hall, this annual event makes for a great night out. With help from Jeffery Broussard & The Zydeco Cowboys (not to mention a cash bar), attendees are encouraged to kick up their heels on the large dance floor.

- The Kickin It Country Music Festival (11/18/2011 - 11/20/2011) in Conroe, Texas
With top Texas country musical acts and carnival rides, the Kickin It Country Music Festival offers fun for the whole family.

- 12th Annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival (11/19/2011) in Cape Coral, Florida
A laidback event now in its twelfth year, this blues festival draws some of the best entertainers of the genre. Pull up a blanket or beach chair--and don't forget the sunscreen--and relax to the musical stylings of Southern Hospitality, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King, and others. Kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult, and proceeds benefit organizations dedicated to improving music education, youth groups, senior citizen support groups, and other local charities.

- 18th Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival Kauai Style (11/20/2011 - 11/21/2011) in Lihue, Hawaii
The beautiful island of Kauai is the perfect setting for this annual gathering of the best slack key guitar players. Headliners include Makana, Paul Togioka, and David Kahiapo.

- South Carolina Bluegrass Festival (11/24/2011 - 11/26/2011) in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina
If you can bear to tear yourself away from your Thanksgiving feast, check out the live music and other offerings of this annual festival. The best of bluegrass will be in attendance at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

... And then, once November ends, December will begin--and bring with it dozens of great holiday-themed music events! We at HillTop Records will, of course, do our best to keep you in the know.

Sage Advice, Words of Wisdom--and a Sense of Humor

A few years back, an issue of Wired Magazine included an article by renowned musician (and founding member of The Talking Heads) David Byrne--David Byrne's Survival Strategies for Emerging Artists--and Megastars. In it, Byrne offers his take on the future of the music industry--and dishes out some useful advice to up-and-coming songwriters. The article, chock-full as it is of tips and tricks of the trade, led us to wonder--what other bits of helpful advice are floating around the Internet, straight from the mouths of the music industry's heavy-hitters?

"How do you know if your song is any good? ...A song that expresses what you feel is a good song, even if no one else thinks so. A song that expresses your thoughts and feelings in a way that reaches other people, helps them feel something deeper or understand something better - that's a really good song and probably one that cold earn you some money!" - Robin Frederick, songwriter, music exec and author of Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell.

"A songwriter should have friends who are similarly interested; should move about in the milieu of work he has chosen for himself." - Dorothy Fields

"As a songwriter, if you can touch people and make them feel a little less alone in the world, then you've done your job." - Tom Cochrane

"I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could." - James Taylor

"Being a good songwriter means paying attention and sticking your hand out the window to catch the song on the way to someone else's house!" - Nanci Griffith

"Being a songwriter does not rely on an audience or other band members or a camera. I can just sit in a room and write songs." Rick Springfield

"I may not be the most famous songwriter in the world, but you know a David Friedman song when you hear it. It took me a long time to appreciate that." - David Friedman

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola

"Art doesn't need an audience to exist, it ensures our existence" - Jim Morrison

"I'm not really a songwriter - I'm an interpreter. So in a sense I am an actress first and foremost. I act out the songs, and I lead with my heart." - Diana Ross

"The hack songwriter will write the absolute truth every single word, whether it makes a great song or not." - Paul Westerberg

"The songwriter mustn't fall in love with his own song. If it doesn't belong, he can't push it into a show. Let him save it; maybe it'll fit in another show." - Dorothy Fields

"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art." - Charlie "YardBird" Parker

"Just as Jesus created wine from water, we humans are capable of transmuting emotion into music..." - Carlos Santana

"Wes Montgomery played impossible things on the guitar because it was never pointed out to him that they were impossible. " - Ronnie Scott, jazz saxophonist

"Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung." - Voltaire

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best." - Henry Van Dyke

"I wanted to create music that was so different that my mother could tell me from anyone else." - Les Paul

"I would advise you to keep your overhead down; avoid a major drug habit; play everyday and take it in front of other people. They need to hear it and you need them to hear it." - James Taylor

"There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself." -Johann Sebastian Bach

Lastly, below is a copy of a page torn from saxophonist Steve Lacy's notebook. It contains notes that Lacy took during the time he spent playing with--and collecting priceless bits of wisdom from--Thelonius Monk in 1960: