Join me on Dec 3rd for A Very Sheeler Christmas at Zeke's in Ames. My special guest will be Elizabeth Zimmerman. Elizabeth and I will each be performing our original Christmas songs as well as some of our own holiday favorites.
Ryan Sheeler - Christmas acoustic show
"A Very Sheeler Christmas"
an evening of songs and stories
with special guest Elizabeth Zimmerman
Saturday night December 3rd 2016, 7PM
Zeke's, Live Music and Performing Arts Center,
3329 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
http://www.zekesames.com/event/a-very-sheeler-christmas-ryan-sheeler-with-elizabeth-zimmerman/
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Thursday, April 14, 2016
my friend Jenny
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Jennifer-McMeel&lc=2573&pid=179547611&mid=6879367
I've been looking through old yearbooks...
Recently, my friend Jenny passed away. She had a sudden, massive stroke and passed less than a week later from the complications. She was a friend of mine from middle school and high school at Carl Sandburg Middle School and Mundelein High School. I lived in Illinois from 1987-91; I moved out from Ames IA, and returned later both due to divorces in my family.
Jenny was one of us -- we were all band, choir, and theater kids and we all stuck together. Being "artsy" kids already kinda made us different from the other cliques at school. I played guitar in Carl Sandburg and MHS pep and jazz bands, and was always called to play for assemblies, musicals and other things. I'll never forget Jenny's smile and the way that she and her friend Marilee always lit up a room. I think back to going to all the 8th grade dances at Carl Sandburg middle school, playing assemblies and basketball games at Mundelein High, playing for 'Man From La Mancha', and dozens of other memories that at the time maybe seemed inconsequential. We all hung out together; and for me those times and those friends looking back helped me get through some tough times in my life.
Since I moved away one year shy of our 1992 graduation, I didn't make it over the graduation finish line with Jenny and all of our friends. And I slowly lost touch with everyone through the rest of the 1990s. But with social media, I slowly was able to re-connect with many of them. I cherished their friendships a lot - a lot more than I probably let on. I was able to re-connect with Jenny and many of our friends during the 20 year Class of 1992 reunion back in Mundelein several years ago. Pictures from that night in my Facebook photo albums and links. You could see the smiles on everyone's faces - 20 years of catching up! A few of our friends from that time had already passed away, and that was bittersweet...
And now Jenny is gone - and like the others, far too soon. It sure doesn't seem fair to lose someone so young and vibrant. But we don't know what tomorrow will bring, and it's too sad that we have to lose another of our friends to bring that realization home.
I hope that you will join me in praying for Jenny and her family this weekend. She leaves behind cherished family members and friends, and three children of her own.
Jenny - thank you for being a friend to me and to all of us. Your light and smile spread all around us, and we are so much the better for having you in our lives. I pray that you would know how much you were and are loved by your family and friends. You were loved and cherished, far more than you were probably aware. May you rest in the arms of God. Your friend, Ryan
I've been looking through old yearbooks...
Recently, my friend Jenny passed away. She had a sudden, massive stroke and passed less than a week later from the complications. She was a friend of mine from middle school and high school at Carl Sandburg Middle School and Mundelein High School. I lived in Illinois from 1987-91; I moved out from Ames IA, and returned later both due to divorces in my family.
Jenny was one of us -- we were all band, choir, and theater kids and we all stuck together. Being "artsy" kids already kinda made us different from the other cliques at school. I played guitar in Carl Sandburg and MHS pep and jazz bands, and was always called to play for assemblies, musicals and other things. I'll never forget Jenny's smile and the way that she and her friend Marilee always lit up a room. I think back to going to all the 8th grade dances at Carl Sandburg middle school, playing assemblies and basketball games at Mundelein High, playing for 'Man From La Mancha', and dozens of other memories that at the time maybe seemed inconsequential. We all hung out together; and for me those times and those friends looking back helped me get through some tough times in my life.
Since I moved away one year shy of our 1992 graduation, I didn't make it over the graduation finish line with Jenny and all of our friends. And I slowly lost touch with everyone through the rest of the 1990s. But with social media, I slowly was able to re-connect with many of them. I cherished their friendships a lot - a lot more than I probably let on. I was able to re-connect with Jenny and many of our friends during the 20 year Class of 1992 reunion back in Mundelein several years ago. Pictures from that night in my Facebook photo albums and links. You could see the smiles on everyone's faces - 20 years of catching up! A few of our friends from that time had already passed away, and that was bittersweet...
And now Jenny is gone - and like the others, far too soon. It sure doesn't seem fair to lose someone so young and vibrant. But we don't know what tomorrow will bring, and it's too sad that we have to lose another of our friends to bring that realization home.
I hope that you will join me in praying for Jenny and her family this weekend. She leaves behind cherished family members and friends, and three children of her own.
Jenny - thank you for being a friend to me and to all of us. Your light and smile spread all around us, and we are so much the better for having you in our lives. I pray that you would know how much you were and are loved by your family and friends. You were loved and cherished, far more than you were probably aware. May you rest in the arms of God. Your friend, Ryan
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Baptism - Easter 2016
43 years later....
I was baptized this morning, something I had done as an infant (so I'm told) decades ago. Which is OK. But I really didn't even begin to know Christ or really know about Him, or experience Him in my life until much later.
I'm so humbled and thankful to serve on the worship team and with the body of Christ at Christ Community Church -- I felt held by God and very loved this morning as I shared my story. I was one of 15 baptisms today and there were some amazing stories of God's love and faithfulness - He is truly the God of 2nd chances. To have His only Son defeat death on my behalf and walk out of that tomb wholly alive is something beyond amazing to me. 25 years of ministry really came together today for me in ways I hadn't seen before. God is truly good. If He can use someone like me, He can surely use someone like you. #Grace
I'm so humbled and thankful to serve on the worship team and with the body of Christ at Christ Community Church -- I felt held by God and very loved this morning as I shared my story. I was one of 15 baptisms today and there were some amazing stories of God's love and faithfulness - He is truly the God of 2nd chances. To have His only Son defeat death on my behalf and walk out of that tomb wholly alive is something beyond amazing to me. 25 years of ministry really came together today for me in ways I hadn't seen before. God is truly good. If He can use someone like me, He can surely use someone like you. #Grace
Friday, March 25, 2016
Easter 2016
"...And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." (1 Corinthians 15:14)
We know and are certain that He was crucified and died; the blood and water poured out from His side when they pierced it, and they didn't have to break His legs before they took Him down from the cross. The temple curtain was torn in two from top-to-bottom, so that we can enter into the presence to the Holy of Holies.
We know and are certain that He is Risen, because the tomb was empty. He was seen alive in bodily form by the women first, then the disciples, then to more than 500 others, and finally to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.
The work is finished - it is now the end of the beginning. He did all of this for you and me, so that we may share in His abundant life. He Is Risen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrhSjP5988E
We know and are certain that He was crucified and died; the blood and water poured out from His side when they pierced it, and they didn't have to break His legs before they took Him down from the cross. The temple curtain was torn in two from top-to-bottom, so that we can enter into the presence to the Holy of Holies.
We know and are certain that He is Risen, because the tomb was empty. He was seen alive in bodily form by the women first, then the disciples, then to more than 500 others, and finally to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.
The work is finished - it is now the end of the beginning. He did all of this for you and me, so that we may share in His abundant life. He Is Risen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrhSjP5988E
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Reviews requested for 'A Star Above The Highway'
Hi all,
I'd humbly to request you all to consider writing a review for my Christmas album 'A Star Above The Highway' on either CDBABY or Amazon. I really feel the album is my best overall work yet, because it showcases all the musical styles I love, features some great performances by some great friends of mine, and shares the subjects and ideas that are very dear to my heart.
In return, I want to offer one *FREE* MP3 download of any other album of mine that you'd like to have. Please go to either one of the direct links below at CDBABY or Amazon and share your review. Once the review is accepted and posted, please let me know by email at ryan@ryansheeler.com and also let me know which album of mine you would like to download (Skies and Shadows, Polk County Line, Light In The Rain, Letters From North of Town, or Prayers and Promises)
CDBABY: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ryansheeler6
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018X9OAW8
I'd humbly to request you all to consider writing a review for my Christmas album 'A Star Above The Highway' on either CDBABY or Amazon. I really feel the album is my best overall work yet, because it showcases all the musical styles I love, features some great performances by some great friends of mine, and shares the subjects and ideas that are very dear to my heart.
In return, I want to offer one *FREE* MP3 download of any other album of mine that you'd like to have. Please go to either one of the direct links below at CDBABY or Amazon and share your review. Once the review is accepted and posted, please let me know by email at ryan@ryansheeler.com and also let me know which album of mine you would like to download (Skies and Shadows, Polk County Line, Light In The Rain, Letters From North of Town, or Prayers and Promises)
CDBABY: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ryansheeler6
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018X9OAW8
Iowa Music Project - Vote for Ryan
I am in the running to have one of my songs featured in the upcoming Iowa Music Project
compilation. 25 songs from Iowa artists will be featured on the
album project to be released this summer, and winners will receive some
great prizes. I would humbly ask for your vote. Help me spread the
word, and vote here!
http://littlevillagemag.com/imp/
http://littlevillagemag.com/imp/
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Winter Dance Party 2016 - Clear Lake
Just got back from Clear Lake Iowa - my 2nd time at the Annual Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom. I'm now part of the "February Family". Another great time. Some highlights:
Such a great time - I'm starting to look forward to next year!
- Got autographs from The Valens Family, Tommy Allsup, The Coasters, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, and The Holy Rocka Rollaz
- finally got to meet and talk to Bob Hale - original emcee and DJ of the 1959 show
- attended a great lecture by Dr. Jonas Westover on the History of The Surf
- met Sheryl and Sherry Davis - two sisters who are also musicologists from Ohio. They are doing very unique project on The Surf Ballroom and the stories of the fans that come out every year, decade after decades. Their project site "The Surf Speaks" is here: http://www.thesurfspeaks.com/
Such a great time - I'm starting to look forward to next year!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
new blog testing
I'm in the process of starting my new blog with Blogger. I may not move a lot of my old Wordpress stuff over, will mostly just start fresh. Stay tuned!!
Inspired Performances recap 1/14/16
Our local library has started a concert series called "Inspired
Performances" where each night two local artists share a set each of the
music from an artist who inspired them. I got to share the evening
with Maia Hartwigsen - who performed music from Of Monsters and Men - a
band I hadn't really heard of before and whom I learned to enjoy very
much. It was really great to hear Maia re-imagine those tunes and share
the stories of how that music had influenced her.
I shared a set of Dan Fogelberg's music. As a songwriter, Dan's music was the biggest influence on me, both in his lyrics and his musicianship/composition. He not only had great stories in his songs, but put them together with great melodies and interesting music. Dan did things with his music and his lyrics that I hadn't ever heard done by other songwriters, and that always stuck with me over the years
It was a special night. I so enjoyed sharing songs and stories with everyone. Our good friend Jim Coppoc ran sound and made us sound so very good. I'd have to count it as the most special solo gig I've ever done. Special thanks to Mary Logsdon for hosting us, and to Elizabeth Zimmerman for coming up with the great idea for the series (note: Elizabeth kicked off the series herself last October with a great set of jazz piano/vocal renditions of Beatles tunes.) It is events like this that make me very happy and humbled to be in a local music scene such as Ames' - with people who really support the music and each other.
Here is my set list with clips to listen to. I also included the album info and year if you want to reminisce or look them up. As an added bonus I included ‘Scarecrow’s Dream’ which was in my set list but I omitted due to time.
1. Crow (from Captured Angel, 1976) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS8BaYxkRbc
2. Old Tennessee (from Captured Angel, 1976) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhAxBmyWu2c
3. Believe In Me (from Windows and Walls, 1984 - this version live from St Louis in 1991) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8DuDXlZ3nU&
4. Scarecrow’s Dream (from Nether Lands, 1977) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29ZJ4XzzMQ
5. Sweet Magnolia and the Traveling Salesman (from Windows and Walls, 1984) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnuAwMWM5FY
6. Bones In The Sky (The Wild Places, 1990) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P4VnBYAvS4
7. Same Old Lang Syne (The Innocent Age, 1981) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfAxWtcfDUk
8. The Colors Of Eve (Love In Time, 2009) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g6M5hxdJls
9. Forefathers (The Wild Places, 1991) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYbgC2vW9dk
10. Leader Of The Band (The Innocent Age, 1981) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQmkoMZyvOQ&
11. There's A Place In The World For A Gambler (Souvenirs, 1975) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUrDo3WMs8
I shared a set of Dan Fogelberg's music. As a songwriter, Dan's music was the biggest influence on me, both in his lyrics and his musicianship/composition. He not only had great stories in his songs, but put them together with great melodies and interesting music. Dan did things with his music and his lyrics that I hadn't ever heard done by other songwriters, and that always stuck with me over the years
It was a special night. I so enjoyed sharing songs and stories with everyone. Our good friend Jim Coppoc ran sound and made us sound so very good. I'd have to count it as the most special solo gig I've ever done. Special thanks to Mary Logsdon for hosting us, and to Elizabeth Zimmerman for coming up with the great idea for the series (note: Elizabeth kicked off the series herself last October with a great set of jazz piano/vocal renditions of Beatles tunes.) It is events like this that make me very happy and humbled to be in a local music scene such as Ames' - with people who really support the music and each other.
Here is my set list with clips to listen to. I also included the album info and year if you want to reminisce or look them up. As an added bonus I included ‘Scarecrow’s Dream’ which was in my set list but I omitted due to time.
1. Crow (from Captured Angel, 1976) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS8BaYxkRbc
2. Old Tennessee (from Captured Angel, 1976) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhAxBmyWu2c
3. Believe In Me (from Windows and Walls, 1984 - this version live from St Louis in 1991) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8DuDXlZ3nU&
4. Scarecrow’s Dream (from Nether Lands, 1977) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29ZJ4XzzMQ
5. Sweet Magnolia and the Traveling Salesman (from Windows and Walls, 1984) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnuAwMWM5FY
6. Bones In The Sky (The Wild Places, 1990) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P4VnBYAvS4
7. Same Old Lang Syne (The Innocent Age, 1981) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfAxWtcfDUk
8. The Colors Of Eve (Love In Time, 2009) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g6M5hxdJls
9. Forefathers (The Wild Places, 1991) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYbgC2vW9dk
10. Leader Of The Band (The Innocent Age, 1981) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQmkoMZyvOQ&
11. There's A Place In The World For A Gambler (Souvenirs, 1975) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUrDo3WMs8
About The Song: "Iowa Country Christmas"
About The Song...."Iowa Country Christmas" - the last of 4 new original songs on my Christmas album. This song has been a sleeper "hit" of sorts . The song originally came about because I had in mind a different cover for this slot on the album, but it turned out I couldn't use the song I wanted to. So I set out to create a Christmas song that had some of my favorite influences and story settings in it. Growing up in the upper Midwest and always having one foot in the rural small-town culture, and the other in a city environment; I always wanted to have a song that remembered the special times of a family Christmas.
I want to thank a few people in particular. Clark Bishop - for the great drum feel that nailed the vibe perfectly. Wayne Stewart- for the sweet Nashville/Floyd Cramer-esque piano. And Desi Martinez for the backing vocals
About the song... "Another Story"
About the song... "Another Story" another one of the 4 new songs from my Christmas album. This is sort of a "Chasing Heaven" commentary song but for Christmas how so many of us miss the real Christmas, and tend to get caught up in the commercialization of the holiday. There is another story - and it's waiting for you!.
After all these years I still like to rock out every once and a while, so this one is a musical nod to some of the stuff I listened to like VH, Boston etc. And by turning the guitar riff into a piano riff, it ended up sounding a bit like Billy Joel's mid-period rock-ier stuff. A fun song and unique twist on the modern Christmas song.
With Wayne Stewart, Christopher Akers, Nick Gallus and Clark Bishop.
About The Song: "A Star Above The Highway"
About the song.... this is the title track and one of 4 new originals on my Christmas album. My friend Chris Akers (who sings the background vocals here...) says it's one his very favorite songs of mine. In my life I've had several friends who were truck drivers - and I always wondered and thought about how they felt around Christmas time as they tried to work their schedules around the season and being with their families. This song wasn't even planned for the project - I wrote in the middle of planning for it, and it ended up being a centerpiece for the project. Enjoy!
With Wayne Stewart, Christopher Akers, Clark Bishop and Nick Gallus
About The Song: "We Are Waiting"
A walk through the new original songs on my Christmas album.
About the song: "We Are Waiting" - wanted to share about each of the new original songs on my Christmas album. A lot of Christmas songs are about remembering Jesus's birth and that's good. I wanted to write an Advent song that looked forward to the joyous time that we believe when He will come again and join in celebrating that. Many thanks to Todd Teske for the lyric wordsmithing, and to Wayne Stewart and Chris Akers for the great arrangement.
New song "Mercy Has Come" - Wayne Stewart
new song from Wayne Stewart with Emi Stewart and yours truly on the electric guitar goodness. great song!
New Christmas CD "A Star Above The Highway"
December 7th 2015 - New CD Release "A Star Above The Highway"
http://www.cdbaby.com/ryansheeler6
I'd like to announce the release of my new Christmas CD "A Star Above The Highway". There were a lot of hurdles big and small to cross, and even a few short months ago I wasn't sure if I was going to get this done. But here it is! 14 tracks including 4 brand-new original songs including the title track, "We Are Waiting", "Another Story" and "Iowa Country Christmas". This CD has a very wide range of styles from rock, pop, country, blues, jazz, Americana/roots, and Gospel music. I am very happy with this project and I hope you will be too.
The CD is available for purchase or download at CDBABY, Amazon, Apple ITunes, Google Play, Spotify and other online retailers. In the Central Iowa area it is available at the following stores:
CD RELEASE CONCERT: https://www.facebook.com/events/583094968506475/
Saturday, December 12th 2015 at Christ Community Church - during The Perfect Gift
with special guests: harpists Rachel Greene and Katie Quandt
Saturday, December 12th 2015; 2PM-3:30PM
During “The Perfect Gift” - in Gather 1 venue
Christ Community Church
5501 George Washington Carver, Ames IA 50010
http://www.cdbaby.com/ryansheeler6
I'd like to announce the release of my new Christmas CD "A Star Above The Highway". There were a lot of hurdles big and small to cross, and even a few short months ago I wasn't sure if I was going to get this done. But here it is! 14 tracks including 4 brand-new original songs including the title track, "We Are Waiting", "Another Story" and "Iowa Country Christmas". This CD has a very wide range of styles from rock, pop, country, blues, jazz, Americana/roots, and Gospel music. I am very happy with this project and I hope you will be too.
The CD is available for purchase or download at CDBABY, Amazon, Apple ITunes, Google Play, Spotify and other online retailers. In the Central Iowa area it is available at the following stores:
| Ames Vinyl Cafe 303 Kellogg Ave, Ames IA 50010 https://www.facebook.com/vinylcafeames | Iowa Music Store 300 Main Street, Ames IA 50010 http://iowamusicstore.com | ZZZ Records - Des Moines 2200 Ingersoll, Des Moines IA 50312 http://www.zzzrecords.com |
CD RELEASE CONCERT: https://www.facebook.com/events/583094968506475/
Saturday, December 12th 2015 at Christ Community Church - during The Perfect Gift
with special guests: harpists Rachel Greene and Katie Quandt
Saturday, December 12th 2015; 2PM-3:30PM
During “The Perfect Gift” - in Gather 1 venue
Christ Community Church
5501 George Washington Carver, Ames IA 50010
Iowa Music Showcase, Epsiode 13: Iowa Folk and Acoustic Music
Hey all,
I'm thankful to be featured in this installment with some other great Iowa songwriters. I put on my folk/roots hat for this one, on a turn for a song from back in my repertoire that I haven't pulled out for a long time -- 'Johnny Fire'
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2015/07/epsiode-13-iowa-folk-and-acoustic-music.html
I'm thankful to be featured in this installment with some other great Iowa songwriters. I put on my folk/roots hat for this one, on a turn for a song from back in my repertoire that I haven't pulled out for a long time -- 'Johnny Fire'
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2015/07/epsiode-13-iowa-folk-and-acoustic-music.html
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