A banner day for OB musician Chuck Schiele
by BART MENDOZA

PENINSULA BEACON
03.04.09 - 04:52 pm

Ocean Beach musician Chuck Schiele will be recognized on a banner of accomplishment along Rosecrans Boulevard beginning in May. The honor is sponsored by the Point Loma Association as a tie-in to the annual San Diego County Fair. (Same thing as NY State Fair...)

While musicians are often the first to contribute whenever a community or individual needs help — from fundraisers and benefit concerts to education — it’s rare for them to receive recognition for their contributions.

This year, a one-time program in the Peninsula area will place the spotlight firmly on the area’s music makers.

Beginning in late May, a series of 48 banners, featuring the likeness of deserving musicians from the Peninsula area, will go up along Rosecrans Boulevard in the Point Loma Village.

Sponsored by the Point Loma Association (PLA), the event will tie-in to the annual San Diego County Fair, opening June 12, which this year features a motif of “Music Mania.”

“Each year the fair has a theme, such as last year’s, which was athletes. We like to use the occasion to celebrate local residents who have risen to prominence in their field,” said PLA chair Bill Klees.

The banners feature portraits that are shot specifically for the musician, so a sitting is required. While the lineup was still being confirmed at press time, at least one Ocean Beach artist has already been named — Chuck Schiele.

Best known as a frontman for the group, the Grams, and a multiple San Diego Music Awards winner, Schiele has also produced numerous local performers at his StudiOB recording studio, including John Miller and Podunk Nowhere.

Perhaps more importantly, Schiele is also heavily involved in the community, helping with everything from fund raisers to the annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade.

Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA), nominated Schiele for banner recognition. Knox said Schiele was a unanimous choice among board members.

“His was the first name that came up and everyone was in instant agreement,” Knox said. “He’s given so much of his time and done so much for the community that there was no dissension at all.

“(Schiele) is such a good musician; we’re all really excited that this honor is going to him,” she said.

Schiele jokingly considers the accolade to be well-timed.

“I’m glad I got it when I was too old to be egotistical,” he said.

He admits to being surprised when informed of the honor, but he said he’s thrilled.

“It’s wonderful to know that somebody notices the good you do,” Schiele said. “When you sit down and write a song, you might think, ‘Maybe someday, I’ll be on the cover of Rolling Stone or might get to do a cool show.’

“But something like this is beyond all that. To have your community give you a nod, let alone put your face on a banner as a representation of good things in the community, it makes me appreciate where I live even more,” he said.

INFORMATION FOR MUSICIANS

Every Wednesday from 4-8pm, summer time .
Every Wednesday from 4-7pm, summer time
The seasonal schedule changes in conjunction with Daylight Savings.

All styles of LIVE music welcome.

Booking
All booking is done via email.
Please email Chuck Schiele: mysteriouschuck@cox.net
Please include your website and any online press-kits such as Myspace, Sonicbids, etc....

Compensation
This is not a paying gig.
However, musicians are permitted to receive tips and sell their merchandise (at the stage area only).

Equipment and Set-up
• 8-Channel powered PA provided, with 2 mics, stands and cables.
• Musicians need to bring their own Instruments, instrument cables, tuners and performance gear, etc.
• Neither drums nor bass will will be routed through the house PA for amplification.
• There will be one extension cord with power strip provided, but its a good idea for bands to bring a power strip and extension cord, also.
• TIP! • Drummers please remember to bring your own carpet.

Tone of the Event
This is a farmers market, not a rock festival.
Its all about neighbors coming out to mingle, including all types, young old, kids. Its about carrots and stuff, art and community.
And of course, its about music, too.
The music program is actually a big deal down here, and the neighborhood truly looks forward to it.
To keep our good thing going, we follow a few simple guidelines that fall under the categories of neighborhood class, respect and common sense. If you cannot incorporate the following guidelines into your appearance, then this gig is not for you.
• Always be courteous with anyone you encounter at this event.
• No swearing.
• No aggressive, lewd or inciting language or behavior. This is a family event. Be cool like "that."
• No alcohol, open containers, whatsoever.
• Go ahead... rock out, we dig it..... but we do have a power and volume max limit. This is not the gig to haul all your extra NASA gear. Play your basic gear and you'll have more fun - and will also play more.
• TIP! Be on time. There are a lot of bands in line to play on time. If you're late, why book you in the first place? No-shows will not be asked back.

Location
The music takes place at the corner of Newport Ave and Bacon Street.
If you are not familiar with this location, please visit www.MapQuest.com: and search: 4997 Newport Ave, SD 92107 . We play in the street approximate to this location.

Parking
Parking is not convenient. It takes longer than you think. Musicians should plan to arrive one full hour prior to their show time. Remember, you can start as late as you like, but we always stop on time.
It works like this.
• Drop off your equipment to the stage - then park your car and walk back to stage. This takes 20 minutes.. (It takes 35 mins if you start talking with someone while doing all this.).
Park the car within a block or so of the stage. Walk back, set up, and presto: you're having a good time.

• The locals will approach you if they like you... "nice Gig, man"....or (my personal favorite) "yer kinda pretty how much is your CD?"... stuff like that. eat it up, sell your CDs, recruit em to your mailing list, etc. That's why we're here. However, as to remain courteous to the other bands playing we think its really cool of you to get your gear cleared out of the stage area, first, so that the following band doesn't get chumped for their playtime. All the nice people waiting to talk to you, will wait. • TIP! Carpooling in your buddy's van is pure genius.

With the nation in an economic downturn, Christmas this year might be a bleak proposition for many families across San Diego. Luckily for Ocean Beach residents, who both want to give or find themselves in need of a little friendly help, a music event has been put together to fill that role by local activist Chuck Schiele.

For three consecutive Wednesday afternoons beginning Dec. 3, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market will be the scene of the Fourth Annual Holiday Magic Food and Toy Drive. Each week will feature nine of the area's top acoustic musicians playing roughly 20- minute sets in a drive to collect nonperishable food items and new unopened toys.

"This event is more or less appended to the efforts of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA)," Schiele said. "When I heard about their efforts to help local families, I just wanted to be involved and help in any way I can."

Schiele traces his social consciousness to a sign he saw as a youth, which hung in his uncle's New York restaurant: "If everybody did half of what they expect everybody else to do, this team would be the best."

"That sentiment really inspired me," said Schiele.

He and all the musicians connected with the event are donating their time and services.

"With economic times the way they are, these sorts of events have become even more important," said Schiele.

Donations will be given directly to area residents.

"More people than ever need a hand and that's particularly evident during the holidays," he said. "Families have enough on their plate with bills, housing and other essentials. Hopefully, a delivery from one of our Santas can take a little of the burden off and make the kids' day brighter."

According to Claudia Jack of the OBMA, 70 families were assisted in 2008. For anyone wishing to contribute but who can't make it to one of the shows, 10 donation boxes have been set up around Ocean Beach, including at People's Food Co-op and Union Bank. Larger donations to the program can be made by calling Jack at (619) 226-8613.

Schiele noted that finding performers for the event is not difficult.

"We always end up with more than enough volunteers to fill the slots," Schiele said. "The only thing that limits us is the fact that we only have so many hours to fill."

Opening day will feature performances from Megan Combs, Alyssa Jacey, Sirens Lure, Jeff Berkley, Jason Drummer, The Bass Clef Experiment and Eben Brooks. Following weeks will feature Joey Harris, Anna Troy, John Miller and Danielle Lo Presti.

"This is something I really look forward to each year," said Berkley. "Playing music in OB is always fun. There is such a cool vibe to the place. But this is special. It's the time of year when we're thinking of those who don't have much to look forward to and it feels good to be able to help someone out."

Troy agrees.

"What might seem like a small effort can have such a big effect on people's lives," Troy said. "I think it's important that people know someone cares — especially this year."

Schiele said he is thrilled with the response from the artists involved.

"I'm always impressed by how many people want to be involved each year," Schiele said. "After all, the artists have to find parking and lug their gear — all for a few minutes of stage time. It just goes to show what a giving music community we have here."

The Holiday Magic Food and Toy Drive takes place at the OB Farmers Market, Newport Avenue, on Wednesday Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. 4 p.m. The event is open to all ages. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/beachmusicmafia.

Schiele honored for continued community contributions in OB
by BART MENDOZA

It's possible that there are few area music fans who aren't familiar with Chuck Schiele and his work. With his trademark pork pie-styled hat and cool demeanor, he is easily one of Ocean Beach's best-known residents. But on Oct. 23, he was surprised to find recognition of his community service had reached the state senate. At that evening's Ocean Beach MainStreet Association meeting, Schiele was awarded a certificate of recognition for dedicated service to the community of Ocean Beach by state Sen. Christine Kehoe.

Always ready with a kind word and a smile, Schiele has emerged as one of the lynchpins of San Diego's musical community. His group, The Grams, has drawn the biggest amount of attention to date, having scored San Diego Music Awards for "Best Americana" in 2006 and 2007. He has also become a noted producer with numerous album credits, including music from SDMA nominees Podunk Nowhere and John Miller.

But it is his less visible work in the community that is making the biggest impact.

It is clear Schiele loves his community, working tirelessly with the Ocean Beach Merchants Association. From designing graphics for the area's marketing plan to hosting music acts at the weekly farmers market and booking performers at the annual Ocean Beach Street Festival and Chili Cook-Off, Schiele gets involved.

"We just wanted to give Chuck some well-deserved recognition," said Cordelia Mendoza, head of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association's Promotions Committee. "He always volunteers to help out with just about whatever comes up and has so many creative and insightful ideas to promote the area that we thought this was a good way of saying thank you."

Mendoza cites Schiele's work in bringing music to Ocean Beach as particularly impressive, but notes Schiele has taken on all manner of tasks on behalf of the community.

"So many people volunteer to do things and never follow through," Mendoza said. "But with Chuck, he gives even more than we expect. He is just great to work with."

Schiele was genuinely surprised by the recognition.

"Shocked is a good word," he said.

When the presentation was announced, Schiele was sure he had misheard.

"It was sort of, 'Did she just say what I think she said?,'" he said.

Asked how he feels about his hometown, Schiele is succinct.

"I've been around the world three times," Schiele said. "I could live anywhere. I want to live here. Ocean Beach is the friendliest collection of neighbors you will find anywhere. We have changed a lot down here while remaining loyal to our California surf town heritage, which remains impeccably intact.

"We live up to the idea of what a community is all about," Schiele continued. "I've been involved with the OB civic system — full-stride — for about four years now. What we discuss in the meeting room vs. the progress I see on the street is incredible. I can go on all day about the good culture here."

Amongst new projects Schiele is helming is a compilation album featuring Ocean Beach artists singing songs about OB, set for release at the 2009 street festival and chili cook-off.

In his long career, Schiele has received several awards. But he said this one is special.

"It means a lot because it comes from the community where I choose to live and where I invest my efforts," Schiele said. "I feel like I did something good and that my purpose in life is in the right place. That is a very powerful and satisfying feeling."

In typical Schiele fashion, the award has sparked another flurry of activity for him.

"I'm thrilled with the honor," Schiele said. "Its been so rejuvenating. I feel charged up for 2009."

Calling Ocean Beach Musicians for Compilation CD

When one thinks of New Orleans, Austin, Seattle or Nashville, one is likely to recall their rich music communities. Ocean Beach ("OB"), an eclectic San Diego community, also prides itself in its rich music culture. Combine a great wealth of musical talent with strong community pride and you get a musical gem.

The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, on behalf of the community of OB, is proud to announce a "CALL FOR PARTICIPATION" for our forthcoming compilation CD to include songs written about, and performed- by Ocean Beach (92107) residents.

The compilation CD celebrates Ocean Beach's 120-year history while supporting the 30th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival to take place Saturday, June 27th, 2009.

WAVES
A COMPILATION FEATURING SONGS
ABOUT, FOR & OF THE PEOPLE OF 92107
VOLUME ONE

The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, in conjunction with Chuck Schiele from Beach Music Mafia (a music/events/activism organization), owner and producer of StudiOB92107.com (recording studio) are working together to make the CD a reality.

"OB has 18,000 people living here…17,000 of them play music," said Schiele. "Let's make a record! Imagine a community that released its own record."

"We're excited to celebrate Ocean Beach through music," said Mike Akey, President of the OB MainStreet Association. "We feel music is a viable resource for our community."

Musicians are invited to participate in the fund-raising project, where all proceeds go to the Ocean Beach Community Foundation.

To participate, please contact Chuck Schiele:

By email: mysteriouschuck@cox.net

Send songs and promotional packages to:

Chuck Schiele
C/O: OBCD09V1
PO Box 7175
San Diego, CA 92107.

Please keep in mind the following criteria:


Songs must be about Ocean Beach and written by Ocean Beach residents.
Songs must not contain profanity or negative language.
All songs submitted are to be donated only for the use of this project. Artist agrees to allow use of their material at no charge to the OBMA exclusively for this publishing, with the exception of possibly including the song(s) on the OBMA website for promotional purposes. Aside from this project the artist maintains all ownership of their material.
Song must be of a professional level including mastering process and submitted in hi res format (not mp3). Check our website in the near future for technical criteria regarding your song submission. www.oceanbeachsandiego.com
DEADLINE FOR SONG SUBMISSION IS: JANUARY 23RD, 2009, MIDNIGHT.

The CD RELEASE is scheduled for JUNE 27, 2009 at the 30th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival.

Ocean Beach looks forward to hearing from you!......... http://oceanbeachsandiego.com/OceanBeachNews.shtml?248

MUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS INTERESTED IN PERFORMING AT THE 30TH ANNUAL OCEAN BEACH CHILI COOKOFF FESTIVAL.

THIS IS A VERY BIG YEAR AND WE'RE GOING BIG.

We're also starting early.

Please submit your press kit to :
Chuck Schiele
c/o: Beach Music Mafia / OBMA
PO BOX 7175
SAN DIEGO, CA 92107

Deadline for entry submission is Dec 31, 2008.

www.OBStreetFair.com

Winston's to play host to Johnny Cash tribute gala
by Bart Mendoza
February 20, 2008
Though country legend Johnny Cash passed away in 2003, it's almost as if he's still wooing audiences. Five decades past his heyday, Cash's music has become a staple of any modern-day hipster's music collection, with most Americana-based performers including at least one of his tracks in their set list.
While the seaside community of San Diego might seem a less-than-likely place for the man-in-black's country sounds to take hold, Cash was always a big draw locally and continues to have a fervent fan base.
One clear indicator of his continued popularity is the annual "Cash Only – A Tribute to the Music & Legend of Johnny Cash" mini-festival.
Now in its fourth year, the event will take place on Feb. 26 at Winston's, with ten of San Diego's best-known, roots-based musicians, including Joey Harris, Eve Selis, Nisha Rose, The Palominos, The Tornado Magnets and event organizer Chuck Schiele, along with three of the area's best Johnny Cash tribute groups: Cash'd Out, The Cash Kings and The Band in Black. Topping the bill is "Cactus" Jim Soldi, who was Cash's lead guitarist.
The inspiration for the show came to Schiele while he was in Memphis recording at the legendary Sun Studios, where Cash and many others got their start.
"While singing my tracks they had me stand on an 'x' on the floor made out of electrical tape, claiming this was the spot where Elvis sang," Schiele said.
Adjacent to the spot was a giant photo of Johnny Cash.
"After a while it started to speak to me, and by the time the session was over I had the idea for a Johnny Cash tribute," said Schiele.
Though he is a huge Cash fan, Schiele has a hard time picking a favorite song.
"It changes from time to time. After all, he recorded something like 1,500 songs," Schiele said. Though Cash's early material is usually cited, Schiele points to one of Cash's last recordings as special. "The one that really puts a lump in my throat is the way he covered 'Hurt,' originally by Nine Inch Nails," he said. "The level of honesty in this song requires the bravest of men to express it."
Palominos singer Mark Merrell agrees the emotion in Cash's music is a key to its endurance in the public eye.
"The stories he tells, the emotions he pulls from us all are just as relevant today as when they were written. If they don't touch your heart, then you don't have one," Merrell said.
Singer Eve Selis concurs.
"I think Johnny Cash has a voice and a message filled with passion. People want to listen to what he's singing about because it comes from his soul and it's real," Selis said. "I think people are searching for the truth and are starved for it. Johnny Cash is a place they can find it every time."
Selis discovered Cash's music when she was learning to play guitar.
"Most of his songs have the same three chords in them, so I learned Folsom Prison Blues," she said. "I was so happy I could play along and sing this song that when my band recorded it, I played badly on it and sang it live. We mixed it low," Selis said.
Merell came to be a Johnny Cash fan in a more roundabout way.
"My father hated country music but brought home the album Live at San Quentin, because the single 'A Boy Named Sue' had become such a crossover hit," Merell said. "I soon fell in love with all the rest of the music."
Schiele said organizing the event and juggling so many acts is a major undertaking, but he considers the end result well worth it.
"Four hundred or so people singing along with all of the great bands in unison is a truly amazing thing to witness," Schiele said.
He considers the communal aspect of the show to be a highlight.
"There is a great sense of communion between the bands, the audience and the ghost of Johnny Cash," Schiele said. "I've never been at a show where everyone's sense of respect was so heightened. You can feel it. It's thick."
"Cash Only — A Tribute to the Music & Legend of Johnny Cash" takes place at Winston's, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Tickets are $10. Showtime is 9 p.m. and is geared to those 21 and up. For more information, visit www.winstonsob.com.

OB well-represented at SD Music Awards
by Bart Mendoza
September 06, 2007


COURTESY PHOTO TO THE?BEACON BY DAN CHUSID
The Grams, of Ocean Beach, winners during last year's San Diego Music Awards, have again been nominated. Members of the Grams are: top-side-down, Chuck Schiele; left, Craig Yerkes and Sweet Elise. Other OB bands are up for awards this year as well: acoustic duo Podunk Nowhere, indie-rockers Vinyl Radio, reggae group Vegitation and three-time hip-hop award winners Al Howard & The K23 Orchestra.

For area musicians, there is probably no more important annual event than the San Diego Music Awards. Taking place this year on Sept. 17, the ceremony has had an impact for bands even outside the local music community, earning international press for both the artists and the local music scene in general. Major labels have also taken notice, placing nomination announcement stickers on albums by their performers.
Though dividing the dozens of nominees by neighborhood is no easy task, it's clear that Ocean Beach is once again well-represented. At least five artists from the area are among the potential winners this year. It's a diverse group, including acoustic duo Podunk Nowhere, indie-rockers Vinyl Radio, reggae group Vegitation, the Grams — last year's winners in the Americana category — and three-time hip-hop award winners Al Howard & The K23 Orchestra.
Though artists do their best to win the category by getting the word out to potential voters, there is surprisingly little competition between the acts and zero friction. Within San Diego's tight-knit music community a "one for all" attitude prevails.
"Anyone in this group is worthy of the prize in our opinion," said Heather Janiga of Podunk Nowhere. The sentiment is echoed by Vinyl Radio's frontman, Matt Binder, who said he is a major fan of the other nominees in the "Best Rock Album" category.
"It's a real honor to be in the same category as Delta Spirit and Dirty Sweet," said Binder. "I think Delta Spirit is just about the best thing going this side of Arcade Fire."
Grams frontman Chuck Schiele noted the benefits of an award nomination.
"It doesn't change your life or anything like that," he said. "But it opens a few doors at the point-of-sale when locating shows, radio play, exposure, etc. It has more impact when we're reaching out-of-town venues than it does in San Diego, actually."
For Al Howard, there is a degree of validation in nominations and more so in winning multiple awards.
"It feels good to be recognized for doing something that you feel is different," Howard said. "Being within that creative circle, we recognize it, but it adds a degree of credibility, fortification and legitimacy when someone else does as well."
Schiele agrees.
"I suppose it looks pretty good on our resume," he said. "(Plus) the exposure from being part of event grew our fan base. And club owners only respect fan base.
Schiele considers the media's focus on San Diego's music community during the time surrounding the event a great way to introduce new listeners to artists.
"I think it's cool in that it creates awareness of our thriving scene," he said. "People definitely start talking about the music in San Diego and it introduces a lot of people to (it)."
He considers the awards ceremony to be one of the year's highlights.
"It's one of the few nights in a year where all the musicians have the night off," he said. "So it's a good visit among us, while also being a good networking situation."
Once the glitz and the glamour of the ceremonies dies down, what might become of the coveted trophies? Ocean Beach's potential winners have already made plans. Schiele will place it on a shelf in their recording studio with a bunch of other San Diego Music Scene souvenirs.
Janiga will make a shrine for it and place it next to her duo's guitars.
Howard will place his in a more down-to-earth location — his bathroom.
"I spend a lot of time there," he said.
Finally, Vegitation's guitarist, Mason Boogie, knows where the trophy will end up, though it might take a while to get there.
"We'll probably keep it in the jam room where we practice," he said. "Although I could see it going on a little tour from house to house before that, like the Stanley Cup."
The San Diego Music Awards will take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Viejas Concert in the Park, 5005 Willows Road, No. 213, in Alpine. Tickets are $30 and $50.
For more information, visit www.sdmusicawards.com.

It is the idle pedestrain that criticizes the effort of the hard-working "doer."

It is the insecure pedestrian that attempts to undermine the efforts of the hard-working "doer."

Yet it is the achievments of the persistent hard-working "doer" that is amused by it all.