Introduction

So let me introduce myself to you. My name is Brian Schmuck

I returned to my home town, Cleveland in 2003. After spending the previous 20 years in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas region.

It was in Texas that I came upon the great singer song writers of the area. Names like Lyle Lovett / Nanci Griffith / Joe Ely / Towens Van Zant / Robert Earl Keen / Guy Clark / Steve Earl / Jimmy Dale Gilmore Butch Hancock and many more.

Most of them I caught on their ride up before they became big names in places like the Caravan of Dreams in Fort Worth. Texas was also the place where I discovered the not so discovered singer / songwriters as there was such an abundance of talent Places like the Kerrville Folk festivals / Uncle Calvin’s / Anderson‘s fair as well as a few house concert. And oh what a joy when you are in a small venue or a house concert and you are Blown away by someone you had never seen before. Folks like Lynn Miles ( with Keith Glass ) / Annie Gallup / Carrie Newcomer /Elizia Gilkson / Jack Williams / Sahara Hickman / Groovelilly and many more.

So I took notes and I spoke to the artist after the shows, I befriended Michael who runs the Famed Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House and asked a ton of questions . Because I knew that this is what I wanted to do, to present the undiscovered, the below the radar , the very approachable artist who regularly blew me away with their talent. Upon my return to Cleveland, in the land of Rock and Roll I knew it was time to share these discoveries with my friends and like minded music lovers. There is this great big musical world out there and I hope to show you what I've discovered as well as make a few new discoveries with you. Thanks for visiting our web page. Come back often and come and be a part of our little community and see a show.

From House concert to Coffeehouse

We started as a Butternut Ridge House Concerts in N. Olmsted Ohio. I will be forever grateful to Annie Gallup who agreed to be our very first featured artist. As well as my friend Alexis Antes who not only agreed to open the show for us, her help and advice was instrumental in helping us kick off the concept.

It had always been my vision to move from house concert to Coffeehouse setting. There is little difference from one to the other. A Coffeehouse in theory is a bit larger venue, Both focus on an intimate "Listening Room" experience that can not be found in a commercial venue. Additionally both are works of passion, they are non Profit ventures supported by volunteers and wonderful patrons.
 
It was a fortunate day when Tamara Leback emailed to order tickets to the Edie Carey at Butternut Ridge. She signed her email as the associate minister of West shore UU church. I knew from tracking artist, that they often played Unitarian churches. I inquired of Tamara if her church or anythat she knew of put on these type of shows. Tamara advised that it was something that she wanted to do herself as she was a retired folk artist herself.

We agreed to meet to explore the possibilities of moving to West Shore UU Church. It did not take long to agree that we were on to something. In addition to discovering a mutual love for music, we also learned that we both lived in Dallas and that we had been to some of the same show and venue in the area. It's was however - the CD of the Weepies from the Butternut Ridge show that I gave to Tamara that sealed the deal.
 
Thus Uncle Waldo's was born - Tamara named the venue, The name serves to honor our inspirations. The " Uncle " is a nod to our mentor venue Uncle Calvin's in Texas. The "Waldo" portion is to honor Waldo Emerson.
 
What to expect once you get here

Listening Room
We are first and foremost a “ listening room “…. Where music lovers can gather to hear the intimate stories and lyrics of some of the best indie artist touring the country.

Doors open
30 minutes prior to the announced show time.

Interview 
You are welcome to set in on our artist interview, conducted by Tom Ball of 91.3 the Summit. These interviews are done just prior to the show. The shows along with the interviews are replayed at a latter date on 91.3

Concession stand
Serving snacks, pastries , bottled water, soda, Tea and of course coffee.
All moneys collected from the concessions go to the maintenance of the venue and are greatly appreciated.

Alcohol Policy
We do have a limited BYOB policy. We asked that all BYOB beverages be stored in our designated area, to keep in compliance with our NO glass in the venue policy ..

We ask a small donation for “ Uncorking “ or "storage".

We will provide you with a cup for your beverage. Please be sure to mark or tag your beverage container so it can be easily identified in the storage area. Please limit yourself to one container per person ..I.E One Bottle of wine, one 6 pack of Beer, one 4 pack of wine coolers. This will allow others to store their beverages as well.

This is a new policy and a privilage - We reserve the right to ask any person(s) to leave who may become disruptive. 

Volunteers
We are an all volunteer, non profit venue.

Meeting the Artist
Access to the Artist is one of the features of the venue. Our headliners generally will play a two set show, with a 15 minute break between sets. This will allow you to meet the artist between sets and after the show.

They are extremely excited to sign your Cds, take your song request, and generally chit chat with you.

CD’s and merchandise 
Consider purchasing your music directly from the artist the night of the show. You can have them personally autographed. Understand that CD sales are a big part of the artist income on the road. Direct sales from the artist to the fan cuts out the middle man for the artist. It also allows us to keep down the cost of shows tickets. Not unlike tipping for great service, if you enjoy the performance by the artist , express it by purchasing their music.

I am very proud that as a venue we have an outstanding reputation for CD sales. This reputation travels the musician grapevine and contributes to allowing us to attract the finest Indie musicians touring the country .

A Church venue ? Church Music ?
Uncle Waldo’s is not an official church program or fund raiser. We are grateful for the use of the room with the gracious supported of West Shore’s Support of the Arts Program. ( shows are held in Baker Hall )

To share a personal story - I originally had trepidation before I attended my first show at my mentor venue Uncle Calvin’s in Dallas TX. I had no idea of what to expect. Wow what a waste of time that was….I wonder how many great shows I missed because I was unsure of what to expect.

What I found there and would like to share with you at Uncle Waldo’s is great music, with some of the worlds greatest musicians and songwriters. Or audience are filled with die hard music fans, many of whom themselves are musicians. We have even had our share of celebrity musicians and industry audience members.

The artist will perform the same set list that you would hear if you seen them in a bar, a theater or a festival.

Share the Experience
You are our best form of advertising. enjoy the experience, share it with your friends, co workers and family.
Sign up to be added to our news letter...Forward them to your friends and ask that they sign up as well as attend a show.
All addresses will never be sold or abused in any way. We general send out 2 newsletters per upcoming show.
( send your request to be added to info@unclewaldos.org )

Your Support
We are here because we love the music and want to share this experience with you and your friends.
Jack Williams who headlined a 2006 show may have expressed it best to that audience.
Venues like Uncle Waldo's are special and that they can only survive with the support of an active audience, never assume that such venues will always be there, because sadly so many have faded away.

Well, we sure don't want to fade away...We greatly appreciate all your support in the past and encourage your continued support in the future.

We will soon post a page with details on how you can further suport our efforts.....thank you to all !!!!

Brian