Chuck McCabe Benefit Concert

Singer-songwriter Chuck McCabe endeared himself to local audiences with his clever song "I'd Rather Be in Redding." He endeared himself to me with his enthusiastic support of the local songwriting community.

Chuck had a brilliant sense of humor and a generous spirit and he left a great big hole in the folk music world - and in our hearts -when he passed away in July.

His friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute to Chuck and celebrate his life and his music at a benefit concert at Old City Hall on Friday December 3rd. Steve Kritzer, Jay Howlett, and Rolfe Wyer, Dennis McGregor, Willie Carmichael, Michael Gaither and Redding’s Jim Dyar will take the stage to raise funds.

Old City Hall is where I first met Chuck, and the encouragement and advice he gave that day were precious gifts. It is a perfect place and a perfect way to celebrate the man and his music.

From the press release:

"All musicians, production staff and friends are volunteering and the Shasta County Arts Council is contributing its performance hall.

Friday, December 3rd

Old City Hall, 1313 Market St, Redding

Doors open at 6:30, Concert at 7:00Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or in advance at Bernie's Guitar, (530) 223-2040, 3086 Bechelli Lane or at People of Progress, 1242 Center Street in downtown Redding (530) 243-3811

For more information or if not able to attend due to ticket price, please call Melinda at People of Progress (530) 243-3811"

Help for Chuck McCabe's Family

Chuck has a whole lot of devoted fans and friends here in the North State. Here's a chance to help his wife, Cindy.

According to Chuck's website:

"Both Chuck and his wife Cindy encountered challenging circumstances in the last two years of his life. Contributions toward expenses will be graciously accepted and deeply appreciated.

To make a donation, please write a check out to Cindy Costa and mail it to:

Cindy Costa

15466 Los Gatos Blvd.
#109-161
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Thank you for your generosity."

Chuck McCabe

Singer songwriter Chuck McCabe lost a battle with cancer last Friday, and the North State music community lost a dear friend.

I met Chuck when he offered a weekend songwriting workshop through the Shasta County Arts Council several years ago. He listened to us -- all rank amateurs - and he shared stories and advice and he encouraged each and every student. Lunch time came around, and he worked right through, smiling, laughing and answering questions and sharing the insights that only come from years of experience on the front lines of the music industry.

Chuck listened to a rough version of a song I wrote, "Heart Shaped Stones," and made kind comments. "Do you have more?" he asked. When I nodded, he said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Get 'em recorded." His encouragement was a precious gift.

Chuck was a most gracious and generous performer. He was never impressed with his own talent, though everyone else was, and he always took the time to chat, ask about the local songwriting scene and to listen. When Chuck was on stage, I never saw ego -- only a talented entertainer who loved picking and singing and sharing the laughter. His performances were all about the song - funny, poignant and brilliantly crafted, and delivered with sincerity.

The last time I saw him at The Post Office, Chuck beamed like a proud Papa when local musician Richard Horner played his song "I'd Rather be in Redding."

Chuck left us a whole heap of great songs - available on CDBaby - and these last few days, I've found comfort listening to "My Prayer for You."

You can listen to it here: Chuck McCabe on Podsafe

Listen to clips and purchase Chuck's music at: CDBaby

There is a guestbook at Chuck's website for remembrances: Chuck McCabe

I'd Rather be in Redding was his gift to the North State - enjoy:

Playing to the Crowd

My Granddad - a comedy writer in the Golden Age of Radio - always said: "Know your audience."

Richard Horner played to the crowd when he chose Chuck McCabe's song, "I'd Rather be in Redding" for the Redding Senior Idol Contest. He took second place in the contest, on stage at the Cascade Theatre in front of a sell-out crowd.

We heard him sing this at the Post Office -- backed up by songwriter Chuck McCabe - and Horner did a terrific job.

Enjoy:

On Thursday "I'd Rather be in Redding," Again

They're back!

In town from the Bay Area: Blah Blah Woof Woof. If you like smart, well-crafted songs, you'll show up at the Post Office in Redding's Downtown Mall on Thursday evening (8ish) and enjoy some first-rate songwriting and excellent musicianship from Jay Howlett, Chuck McCabe and Rolfe Wyer.

Chuck was nominated for the Just Plain Folks New Folk Album of the Year for his last release "Creature's of Habit in a World of Change," and his song "Minimum Wager" won the Woody Guthrie Songwriting Competition. Jay Howlett was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Competition and wrote the West Coast Songwriters Song of the Year. The stories are compelling and delivered sincerely - with emotion that makes listening a true pleasure. And the three of them seem to have a grand time playing together.

C'mon out and hear Chuck's local anthem: "I'd Rather be in Redding." And maybe this pretty one from Jay:

I'd Rather Be in Redding: On Thursday

Chuck McCabe's clever song "I'd Rather be in Redding" has played on KPIG, circulated through email boxes and entertained locals. Chuck will be in town this week, performing at The Post Office in the Downtown Mall this Thursday evening, starting at around 7 ish.

Here's a YOUTUBE video of "I'd Rather be in Redding" -- c'mon down to the Post Office this week and hear it live. 25,000 youtube listeners can't be wrong.

Also playing with him will be Jay Howlett and on bass, Rolfe Wyer. In the Small World Department: Twenty-some years ago, back when I lived in San Mateo, Rolfe was my first songwriting instructor.

Enjoy the tune:

More on Chuck McCabe: HERE.

Just Plain Folks - Just Plain Amazing Chuck McCabe

Chuck McCabe's album Creatures of Habit in a World of Change, featuring the song "I'd Rather Be in Redding," is a nominee in the Just Plain Folks music contest. There are 10 nominees in the New Folk category - and Chuck's in good company. Janis Ian is also nominated.


Just how competitive is the JPF contest? Very, very competitive. 42,000 CDs were entered. It is "the largest music awards of any kind in world history."

Congratulations to Chuck -- way to go!

You can buy Chuck's albums at CDBaby.

People of Progress: Chuck McCabe

Chuck McCabe is an award-winning songwriter, a delightful entertainer and an amazingly talented musician. His new CD, Creatures of Habit, even features a song that locals can appreciate: "I'd Rather be in Redding." He has a humorous way of looking at the world and his lyrics tell stories that will stay with you.

Chuck is coming all the way from the Bay Area to play a couple gigs this week.

The first is a fundraiser on Thursday evening for People of Progress
Tel: 530-243-3811
Please call for times and ticket availability.

Chuck will be joined by Rolfe Wyer and the two of them will entertain on Friday night at the North Star Brewery:

3501 Iron Ct.,
Shasta Lake, CA 96019
530-275-BREW (2739)

Listen to Chuck's music at CD Baby - then come on out and enjoy the shows.