Local musicians swap gear in Cedar
By Pat Stinson
Sun contributor
Cedar resident and musician Bill Dungjen was looking for other music makers who wanted to clear their homes and garages of unused sound and music gear. So on Sunday. Jan. 17, the WNMC Roundup radio show host and coordinator of Open Mic Thursdays at The Hay-loft Inn on M-72 (and occasional Glen Arbor Sun contributor) invited musicians, music stores, instrument repair persons and music lovers to converge at the Solon Township Hall in Cedar from 1 to 7 p.m. for a public gear-and-instrument “Swap Meet” that included live music and food.
The day was, in Dungjen’s opinion, a terrific success. Attendance estimates reached 225, though folks came and went all day. “I learned a lot and am excited to begin planning more events in the hall,” he continued. “We had a full day of great live music and lots of old friends and catching up. The food was great and many of the folks there wanted to do it again soon!”
The event, the first of its kind in the area, was partly inspired by the region’s annual and highly successful ski swap.
“Everyone’s always carping about stuff they don’t use,” Dungjen said. “My hope and my aim with the swap is for people who are musicians to pass on gear that’s stagnant and, second, to get out and play music with it, and (for younger or new performers) to meet more experienced hands.”
Dungjen remembered assuming hosting duties years ago for Open Mic night at the Cedar Tavern — but not having any equipment. His predecessor, Patrick Niemisto of “New Third Coast,” wrangled some gear for him.
“He sold me a plunked-together rig full of stuff,” Dungjen said with a loud chuckle. “Later, I put an ad in the newspaper to sell that rig to kids just starting out in a band.”
Swapping tunes
Participating “swap” musicians took the stage and were recorded for possible inclusion in an upcoming Roundup show, which airs Sundays at 5:30 p.m. on 90.7 FM. Dungjen explained that the goal of the radio program is to provide “a ton of great, local music” that isn’t necessarily performed by “hardcore” local musicians, such as Angelo Melo or Don Julin, but by others he affectionately calls “goobers,” who play in their living rooms or at the Open Mic nights.
“You may not hear the best out there, but (you’ll listen to) those who love it the most.”
Dungjen also viewed the swap as an opportunity for the music community to gather and talk about things that are important to them — such as not being able to make money as a professional musician in the area. He said that other communities of musicians are working together: “Solidarity is the key.”
Musicians who attended the swap included Patrick Niemisto, Cedar Valley Boys, CR616, Pat Michael, Tom Carr, the North Country String Band, Dennis Palmer, and the Curtiss Family Band. Other invited groups included members of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and Interlochen Arts Academy musicians.
The public enjoyed the music, and food was provided by Buntings Cedar Market for a nominal charge of $5.
For more information, visit www.cedarvalleyproductions.us or call Dungjen at (231) 342-1062.