Project Management Techniques

Hey Project Management curious folks. Here is a deck you can use that provides an introduction to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. It tries to clear up what a project manager does versus other roles you’ve heard about. It walks you through the “Integration” process group and touches on some key concepts.

Enjoy!

Click HERE to download the deck.

Family, Gatherings and Community

I was sad to miss last month’s Open Mic. Travels this time returned me to the city by the bay via a stop in Denver, Co.

The all new Bay Bridge in San Francisco

San Francisco reminded me of all the fun gatherings we had when I lived here oh so long ago. Especially when walking past Specs, wistfully thinking of ales drunk with many a dynamic community member of the North Beach.

Nice new sign, same old spot

So now I am looking forward to seeing y’all again at The Drake on December 13th. Our theme will be Family, Gatherings and Community.

Heck, I am feeling so community centered I even went ahead and made a facebook page to share all the Open Mic events! Let’s see how that works out.

https://fb.me/e/2QscwDiSY

Oh yeh, I also stopped in Denver and played this guitar – which I liked enough to buy off ebay when I returned.

The epiphone casino. Not spectacular – but a cool look.

Decide & Be Grateful

Open Mic Crew:

What will we do with the next Open Mic only two weeks away on November 8th and Captain Jack away on yet another Open Mic related cross country mission?

The joys of modern travel

“Orion can run the show all night,” you say. Well of course, but you may not know that our steadfast early set MC suffers from a pumpkin allergy. No, not that he is allergenic to pumpkin (as far as I know) but more that he will become a pumpkin should the clock strike 8:30 PM and he is still to be found at The Drake.

What shall we decided? November 8th. So many choices. November 8th so many opinions. How to choose on November 8th. Thankfully, this is all we have to think about on November 8th. Nothing else going on that day requiring such pain staking critical thinking and decision making. Phew!

Gentleman Bill playing those blues standards

Haza – we have an answer. Our pal and Drake sound system enthusiast – Gentleman Bill will be our second set MC. After we asked, Bill decided: “sure” and we said “grateful.”

  • Open Mic @ The Drake
  • Tuesday, November 8th
  • Theme: Decisions & Gratitude

Haunted, Dark & Ghostly

Are those low moaning spirits in the crisp autumn night? Calling, perhaps, from the altered realms?

A banshee, ghoul or some citizen of Gormengahst lost in the dark woods?

Follow as you dare! The Drake invites you to howl along at October’s Open Mic night.

See you all again October 11th. Our theme: Haunted, Dark and Ghostly.

Secrets, Naivete and Unexpected Realities

Dear Performers,

What is happening?

Is what happens what you really think is happening? Do you ever guess a simple thing is happening – but in reality it’s a more complex happening?

It happens.

Five is a number of uncertain transition toward a deeper understanding. I think the fifth open mic should be a time for us to reflect on our possible callowness in the face of great or mundane events.

Come be with us in just two short weeks from tonight. Together, dear performers, we may find the gift of a deeper humility in our art and perhaps some shocking revelations.

Open Mic at The Drake
Tuesday, September 13
Theme: Secrets, Naivete and Unexpected Realities

This Tuesday – Explore, Sojourn and Discover

Bonjour mes amis!

Où est passé le temps?

This Tuesday, Open Mic returns to the The Drake with a theme to inspire tales from your adventures.

Boscastle, Cornwall near Tintagel

Our fourth Open Mic at The Drake is this Tuesday, August 23rd – the fourth Tuesday in August. Explore, sojourn and discover is the theme as we approach the end of summer ramblings.

Decrees from Avalon

The TOR in Glastonbury…perhaps the location of fabled Avalon?

A reminder of our new format as has come to us from the Lady of the Lake:

  1. Stage time is 6PM to 10PM. Arrive by 5:30 to make the early set. If we don’t get to everyone by 10PM – sorry.
  2. Plan no more than 2 songs and possibly just one depending on attendance. The MC will let you know. 
  3. Keep it PG before 8PM – under 21 and anyone with strict bed time will be prioritized to the first set (see the MC)
  4. Sign Up order is not necessarily the order we will call you in – some acts may be prioritized
  5. Only 1 sign up list and 1 slot per performer/group (Sorry, no more performing in first set and second set)
  6. The Drake is a not-for-profit joint – consider leaving a donation at the door
  7. Be kind – give performers your attention & try to stay for the entire show
  8. Be generous to our sound man. Let the MC know any special requirements before you get called and be careful with the equipment
  9. Be kind to your bartenders – have a drink – leave a tip
  10. Hungry? Get some food and bring it back in – we like that
  11. Try new and different things. 
  12. Be open to new and different things.
Gros-Horloge – Rouen, France

We are but brief passengers here it seems. Let us share the time we have will our fellows and endeavor to create meaningful memories.

Orion and I look forward to being together with you again after this long break. Our hope is that you have sojourned in space or thought over this time and will share with us what that experience has allowed you to discover.

Surprises are sometimes just over the other side of the hill.

Rainbows near Versailles

See you on Tuesday!

-Cpt.Jack

Open Mic – August 23rd

Explore, Sojourn and Discover

Salutations Friends,

New truths present themselves in the month of August. Our fourth Open Mic at The Drake will be August 23rd – the fourth Tuesday in August. Explore, sojourn and discover is the theme as we approach the end of summer ramblings.

A Capital Idea

We have all been simply delighted and inspired, but not surprised, by the many talented poets, guitarists, pianists, comedians and more who come out on a Tuesday night. Your hosts seek to increase opportunities for sharing and discovery. Thus we have compiled a list of 12 expectations for our performers. Stay with us a while longer to explore with these in mind:

  1. Stage time is 6PM to 10PM. Arrive by 5:30 to make the early set. If we don’t get to everyone by 10PM – sorry.
  2. Plan no more than 2 songs and possibly just one depending on attendance. The MC will let you know. 
  3. Keep it PG before 8PM – under 21 and anyone with strict bed time will be prioritized to the first set (see the MC)
  4. Sign Up order is not necessarily the order we will call you in – some acts may be prioritized
  5. Only 1 sign up list and 1 slot per performer/group (Sorry, no more performing in first set and second set)
  6. The Drake is a not-for-profit joint – consider leaving a donation at the door
  7. Be kind – give performers your attention & try to stay for the entire show
  8. Be generous to our sound man. Let the MC know any special requirements before you get called and be careful with the equipment
  9. Be kind to your bartenders – have a drink – leave a tip
  10. Hungry? Get some food and bring it back in – we like that
  11. Try new and different things. 
  12. Be open to new and different things.

Orion and I are having a fabulous time keeping this show alive. Our community is amazing, and we know there is so much more to come.

See you in August!

-Cpt.Jack

Open Mic July 12th @ The Drake

Friends & Performers! 

What will the future bring? Can we know?

Sure…just check The Drake schedule for events in July! 

The next big open mic night at The Drake is scheduled for Tuesday July 12th. Our theme this time around: Divination, Intuition & Shadows.

I have a feeling this will be a fun night. The stars point to a first set from 5PM to 8PM hosted by the most excellent MC ORION and out of the shadows for the 8PM set will be Captain Jack.

Come on back, tell your friends, reach out with your feelings!

Also in the cards that week – our good friend Troy Gonyea is headlining the main stage of the The Drake on Friday July 15th. Plan to come see that show too. What a week the spirits are promising us.

Open Mic Coming June 14th

Greetings from the twisty hills of Hollywood!

Am I out here talking to agents and A&R types about all the excellent talent and tremendous potential packed into one little old happy valley open mic?

…well, am I? …Who knows?

But I do know this: our very first open mic was fantastic, unsurprisingly good and just a swell thing to do on a Tuesday night.

Get those riffs and rhythms in good working order for our next event on Tuesday, June 14th.

As a reminder, the under 21 show starts some time after 5PM and goes until 8PM. Our pal Orion will be there to lead you through. Let’s try to keep it PG if we can.

For those interested in a theme, I am thinking of “Vacation”, “Vacating”, “Departing”, “Time Out” and “Time Off” as a theme. Use it to inspire if you like and I will try the same.

TTFN!

Captain Jack

Open Mic Night @ The Drake

After many years hiatus, I am happy to be hosting an Open Mic night once again!

Especially exciting is that this one will be hosted at The Drake, a brand new venue for music opening this month in Amherst.

As with the “dinner salon” open mic parties in the past, I hope this event proves to be a welcoming and fun experience for all those who wish to express themselves and to share in the experience of creativity and performance.

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month. The debut event is just 2 weeks away on May 10th.

Under 21 and new to open mic nights are invited to perform 5PM to 8PM. We are also looking for a young person who might be interested in hosting this part of the night.  More experienced performers are encouraged to attend our 8PM onward slot. 

Hoping to see you at an Open Mic night soon! 

Debut Event: Tuesday, May 10th