Songwriter in Search of a Medium …
What part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
Mandarin in Jacksonville, have been in this area for 30 years.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
I was five years old. Grew up singing in school chorales and later in church music, where you really learn the harmonies and dynamics to impart the message.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
The most active band currently is the trio UnderDawg, band leader Frank Smith, and my husband Patrick Plumlee (Dr. P).
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
My voice was my first instrument, picked up a guitar in high school. Currently exploring ukelele and autoharp.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
EmmyLou Harris, I relate to her musical career trajectory. She was not considered country flavor enough in the early part of her career. She has crossed over into many genres with a spectacular voice that keeps on shining.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
A fun experience in 2021 has been assisting the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair develop and offering a Community Stage during its November dates. It’s a great venue to spotlight local artists and bands you won’t hear on the Top 40! We have great musicians in the area and they get access to a wider audience. For the past four years, I’ve been on the team to host the WWALS Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest, as their Inaugural Contest winner. The fourth Contest will be held on August 20, 2022 in Valdosta Georgia. They are accepting originals song now for consideration. Go to http://www.wwals.org for contest details.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
Acoustic Fluctuations, New Moon Ramblers, the ByStanders. The last two years have been really difficult with the CoVid.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
My favorite spots include a monthly at the North Beaches Art Walk and another monthly at the Shoppes of Avondale. It’s the spontaneity and interaction with people on the street that make for memorable music moments!
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Social media is the medium of the moment. Get the word out through the platforms currently in vogue.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
Tom at Pubs ‘N Pits runs the nicest, friendliest pub with really cool graphics on the walls! He welcomes us UnderDawg when we are trying new music. Trevor and Eileen Bild run a showcase at Dees Music Bar in Orange Park, where he hosted UnderDawg on April 7 with awesome video footage! My nearest and dearest is the North Florida Folk Network, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging and promoting traditional and contemporary folk and acoustic music. We’ve had the privilege of playing many venues thanks to their event sponsorship. I have the utmost respect for Ray Lewis who has booked the Mudville Music Room for many years. You can’t go wrong for evening’s entertainment with any act in that venue.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
The first thing I want to know, is what inspires you to make music?
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
This area has been so good to me and my family. Relocated here in the 80s from Texas and I definitely got sand between my toes.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Music is in everyone. Don’t be afraid to make music. What I do isn’t for everyone, but for people that get me, understand the attraction!
Why did I sit out from playing music for so long? I had a career and family in between my music years; finally, my guitar started screaming at me to be let out of the closet.
Who do you enjoy playing with? I love making music with my folk family and friends. It is great to sit in a circle and trade off lead instruments and vocals with gifted musicians.
Where is the Jacksonville Songwriters venue these days? We’re looking for a new home as the last venue is up for sale.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
