Where did we get the name The Blacksheep Ranch?:
Well, growing up as a young boy, my mother would always tell me that I seemed to march to the beat of a different drummer. I always seemed to go against the grain so to speak.
My wife and co-host Suzanne, the same. It seems that many people we meet announce that THEY as well have always felt were the black sheep of there family.
When we purchased our home, an average “raised ranch” style house we though that it needs a name. A name unlike the cute little beach cottages we’ve seen like “The Sand Castle” The Blue Sky Cottage” or “The Holy House”. We wanted something that represented *US*(I came up with ”The Mojo Mansion”), it was Suzanne that came up with “The Blacksheep Ranch” and we both agreed that that’s what it has to be! This way, it not only represents US, but all will feel welcome.
We very much enjoy opening up our home to friends, family, neighbors and music enthusiasts alike. Suzanne and I have grown discouraged of the lack of good acoustic music venues in our area. We though that there needs to be a place where the music is the sole focus, where people can enjoy live music in a more relaxed atmosphere and where these people are attentive to the artist before them. Where the music isn’t being drowned out by the loud chatter of people talking or cappuccino/espresso machines buzzing.
The Black sheep Ranch Saturday, July 18th Lauren Zettler, Mary Bee and Cynthia PostLIVE AT THE BLACKSHEEP RANCH 5PM bring yourself, bring friends! view more
About me: THE BLACKSHEEP RANCH
121 IRONWORKS RD
CLINTON, CT
860 304 -3056.............................................................................................................................................................................
Inspired by independent music and the idea to bring the music to your attention.
The Blacksheep Ranch house concert series is an acoustic music venue hosted by husband and wife, Andrew and Suzanne Wallach of Clinton, CT.
We hold one show per month beginning in May and run through to October. All shows are held outdoors in a beautiful woodland setting, a modest rock mountain overlooking the sprawling green yard and the canopy of the flowering dogwood trees above the stage make for a majestic setting for live acoustic music. Think Red Rocks meets Central Park.
The Idea of hosting house concerts at our home was given to us by singer songwriter Ian Charles, as Ian came by to pick-up some photographs that I had taken of him during a benefit concert on December 2nd 2006, Ian mentioned the subject of “house concerts”, he spoke of getting a couple musicians to perform in your living room, inviting about twenty people, have each person give a suggested donation of $10.00 and have people bring a dish of food to share.
Early April of 2007 my wife Suzanne and I were relaxing by the fire pit, Suzanne mentioned how wonderful it would be to have Mike Lasala sit here and sing and play the guitar for us. I looked around the spacious yard and got a better idea.
The next day I coincidently received an email from Ian Charles about whether or not I was interested in having a concert at our home at the end of May. Ian mentioned that he would book the musicians: Barclay Martin out of Kansas City Missouri, John Holt out of Woodstock New York and *our* choice, Mike Lasala of New Haven, CT.
Unfortunately, there were only twelve people to witness such an incredible set of music. The musicians decided to do a type of singer songwriter circle, with each artist taking the mic then passing it to the next.
I stood in back of those who attended and thought, well it *was* a good idea. As disappointed as I was, Mr. Barclay Martin looked out to me and told us to keep doing this, keep hosting house concerts, he said “if he stopped performing after his first show he performed at in front of three people he wouldn’t be here at this beautiful place.
We did continue and the attendance continues to grow. We now have many musicians calling about wanting to perform at the Blacksheep Ranch. We have been contacted by at least three booking promoters wanting to get their clients a gig here.
It’s all very overwhelming really, but such an incredible feeling non the less.
We finished out the 2007 season on a very high note(no pun intended) and we kicked of the 2008 season with an even bigger success. As the 2008 season is coming to a close, we hope that it is a successful grand finale’.
I would like to personally invite you all to come out to The Blacksheep Ranch and celebrate with us on Saturday, October, 11th at 12:00 pm
Please read the appropriately titled blogs posted above for more information on just how things work here and if you have ANY questions, please do not hesitate to call or message us.
All our warmest thanks to the musicians who make the music and those who enjoy and support the independent musicians.
Cheers,
Andrew and Suzanne Wallach
Who I'd like to meet: All local, unsigned bands and musicians!
just want to thank you again for having me over to perform. it was a great night and i enjoyed playing and hangin with good company. great vibe! see you guys soon, take care, glenn
Hi Andrew - hey whaddya know we're already friends! Great meeting you both on Saturday. You helped make what would have been a quiet night a whole lot of fun. Thanks! Jenny
Hey! I'm playing a show at The Buttonwood Tree (605 Main St.) in Middletown on Friday night at 9 p.m.. Stop in if you're around!! Take care, Kristen Graves
Hey there Andrew.. it was good talking to you yesterday! I hope you are feeling better today.. be careful! and I thought your bday was on the 6th? this says the 3rd.. but I have it marked on the calendar as the 6th?? well.. if today is your bday!! Happy Birthday .. if not .. Happy Tues! HUGS.. I'll talk to you soon! give the family a hugs from all of us!
The Craic Festival 2009 has invited FairplayCollective to play at this years Festival. All members will be playing in the round. The show is at The Mercury Lounge, March 14th at 8pm. This is the last night of the festival and Foy Vance is also on the bill.
What more can I say, a great night for music and film, with the odd star thrown in. Come show your support.
Hi guys! Thank you for adding us. :-) Did you listen to our new album "Balumba Tombo reloaded"? We'd really love to get your opinion. We're still looking for "the right deal" to make it "real", so every suggestion/help will be appreciated! Thanks a lot once again and talk to you soon. :-)
