Folknotes 7/16/26

Hello Everyone,

Here’s the latest Leo summer news:

• Board Election Results

• Recycling Items for the Recycle and Reuse Hub

• Leo Summer Schedule, Sunday, July 19th: Open Mic

• Appalachian Songwriters Retreat, August 14-16, 2026 

• Acoustic Open Jam at Wiedemann's Brewery, Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM

• Music Gear Trade, Swap, Sale, Giveaway, August 9, 2026

• Reference Information/QCB Membership (Below my sign off)

Board Election Results

From Dick Males:

The election is closed. A total of 18 ballots were submitted. Each of us got either 17 or 18 votes. There were no write-ins. I did not get any questions or concerns about the process.

9 comments received, as follows:

Dear Board Members, I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for your hard work, dedication, and support of the Queen City Balladeers. The time and effort you give behind the scenes make a tremendous difference and help keep our organization strong, active, and enjoyable for all of us. I truly appreciate your leadership, your willingness to serve, and everything you do to make our events and activities successful. It is a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful group. Thank you again for all you do. Your contributions are valued more than you know. Warm regards.

Thank-you to the Board Members for all that you do for QCB!

Great job everyone!!! Thank You!!

We need a Treasurer’s report once a year. A quick members only would take care of that.

Thank you for being willing to serve, you fine folk.

Love it! Keep up the great work!

It’s more enjoyable an evening when politics are not mentioned from the stage by the emcee. It's discouraging to return when politics are mentioned from the stage by the emcee and/or the performers.

Thanks to all who are willing to continue in these volunteer positions!

We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and to leave comments. It really is a privilege and a labor of love helping keep the Queen City Balladeers and Leo Coffeehouse operating. We couldn’t do it without the help of our members and the volunteer musicians who play for us throughout the year.

—Neil

Leo Summer Schedule

We plan to open Leo Coffeehouse at Zion United Church of Christ every  Sunday this summer: June, July, and August, from 3:00-9:00 PM on 1st Sundays, and from 5:00-9:00 PM on all other Sundays.

Double check the schedule on the QCB website and the QCB Members Facebook page in case, for some reason, we can’t open. The schedule will always be updated as soon as changes are decided. I will also send out a Folknotes with any changes to the schedule.

Rise Up Singings: June 7, July 5, August 2
On 1st Sundays, the Leo will open early at 3:00 PM for Rise Up Singing.

Song Circles: June 7, 14, 28, July 5, 12, 26, August 2, 9, 23, 30
Except for 3rd Sunday open mics, we will have song circles downstairs and up.

Summer Open Mics: June 21, July 19, August 16
On the 3rd Sundays we will have a song circle and an open mic, very likely with the sound system set up.  With all the summer activities, it’s possible we will not have the sound system set up. I’ll let you know if that happens.

The sign up sheet will go out at 6:00 PM and performers will start playing at 6:30 PM.

As normal, upstairs rooms will be available for those who would like to sing in a song circle.

Appalachian Songwriters Retreat
August 14-16, 2026

From Robin Roland:

The Appalachian Songwriters Retreat, held on the historic campus of Hindman Settlement School, Hindman, KY, features songwriting workshops, concerts, open mics, and educational sessions on navigating the music business as an independent songwriter, as well as, a workshop on how to record and mix your own original songs. More information here.

Acoustic Open Jam
at Wiedemann's Brewery
Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
St. Bernard, Ohio

Kelli Domke asked me to publish this again this week. She and Dean Kotchka are filling in for Karen Woellert as hosts for the next two Tuesdays.

Join us every Tuesday from 7:00–9:00 PM at Wiedemann's Brewery, 4811 Vine St., St. Bernard for a fun, welcoming acoustic music jam!

Whether you're an experienced musician or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. We'll gather in a song circle where everyone has the opportunity to lead a song when it's their turn, while the rest of the group joins in.

Acoustic instruments are encouraged, including guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles, upright bass, ukuleles, dobros, and other unplugged instruments. Not an instrumentalist? No problem! Singers are always welcome to join the circle.

Please bring your own phone, tablet, or other device with the lyrics and chords for the songs you'd like to share so you're ready when it's your turn to lead.

Come enjoy an evening of great music, good company, and community in the relaxed atmosphere of Wiedemann's Brewery. Delicious food and handcrafted beer will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Whether you're coming to play, sing, or simply enjoy the music, we'd love to have you with us!

Music Gear Trade, Swap,
Sale, Giveaway
August 9, 2026

From Alana Johnson:

Trade, Swap, Sell, Giveaway your musical instruments. Sunday August 9th from 6 to 8:30pm. Upstairs room. Get some new gear…get rid of stuff that you don’t use. Sellers are responsible for their equipment and for their own transactions.

Sheryl Pockrose asked if she could advertise the guitar she’s planning on bringing to this event on our QCB Members Group Facebook page. In fact, members of our group page can advertise music gear for sale anytime.

So, if you plan to bring music gear to this event, you can indeed advertise your gear with photos on the QCB Members Group page.

That’s all for this Folknotes, I hope to see you soon.

Neil Harrell
President, Queen City Balladeers/Leo Coffeehouse

President’s Letter