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Lenny Morris will be hosting a new local singer/songwriter showcase every other Wednesday at Jolt 'N' Joe's downtown on 4th and J Street, beginning December 7 and December 21.
He'll continue hosting the Acoustic & Live monthly local showcase on the first Saturday of every month at the Salty Frog in Imperial Beach.
“I’ve managed to generate a very sustainable income in less than a year as a full-time musician,” says Morris, “playing three to four shows a week for private events, upscale restaurants, and wine bistros.”
Until April 2011, Morris wore a paper hat and apron at In-N-Out Burger. “I was laid off three times, from three jobs in three years. I accepted a paltry position and hourly pay at In-N-Out after I became desperate.... My starting pay was $10 an hour. I was there for two years and became miserable. I realized I could make more money working a fraction of the hours doing what I love to do.”
He began playing solo acoustic sets for Listen Local showcases at House of Blues and the Stage Bar and Grill, as well as landing a Wednesday residency at Mosaic Wine Bar. “The more free I was during the day, the more time I had pounce on opportunities by answering and writing emails, making calls, and [self-]marketing. I usually spend time online finding new restaurants or venues that might not have music.... Since I designed and run my website daily, and my calendar is always updated, it helps to have a full calendar when trying to convince an upscale restaurant to pay you.”
He says intensive follow-ups have been the key. “Music is probably the last thing on a restaurants priority list, so sometimes it takes ten classy and nonabrasive calls or emails to get someone to take notice. Plus, most restaurants and private events require you to provide your own sound. I have a PA system that works for anything as small as a house reception to a large venue.”
Based in La Mesa, Morris began singing at age five. When his cousin handed him an old Harmony guitar around his 12th birthday, his passion for guitar and songwriting quickly grew.
He released his debut acoustic EP Lenny Morris Music in November 2010. His band Lenny Morris and the Native Tongue (aka TNT) debuted March 12, 2011, at IndieFest 7, held at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. Guitarist Patrick Romero and drummer Carlos Ortiz are no longer with the band.
“I think there’s kind of an ‘indie’ attitude that limits people. I’ve been criticized simply because I make good money playing music for private events and restaurants. But I’m able to comfortably pay my bills. I don’t think a lot of people have the patience for the business side. Most musicians just want to play music.”
In late 2011, Morris began recording a sophomore album No Secret, as well as launching a Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute project. He recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for recording it.
“I’ve set my goal at $7,500...anything helps, as small as $1.00. I have great rewards for all my backers, based off of your level of pledge. You will only be charged on December 11 if I reach my goal.”
Lenny Morris will be hosting a new local singer/songwriter showcase every other Wednesday at Jolt 'N' Joe's downtown on 4th and J Street, beginning December 7 and December 21.
He'll continue hosting the Acoustic & Live monthly local showcase on the first Saturday of every month at the Salty Frog in Imperial Beach.
“I’ve managed to generate a very sustainable income in less than a year as a full-time musician,” says Morris, “playing three to four shows a week for private events, upscale restaurants, and wine bistros.”
Until April 2011, Morris wore a paper hat and apron at In-N-Out Burger. “I was laid off three times, from three jobs in three years. I accepted a paltry position and hourly pay at In-N-Out after I became desperate.... My starting pay was $10 an hour. I was there for two years and became miserable. I realized I could make more money working a fraction of the hours doing what I love to do.”
He began playing solo acoustic sets for Listen Local showcases at House of Blues and the Stage Bar and Grill, as well as landing a Wednesday residency at Mosaic Wine Bar. “The more free I was during the day, the more time I had pounce on opportunities by answering and writing emails, making calls, and [self-]marketing. I usually spend time online finding new restaurants or venues that might not have music.... Since I designed and run my website daily, and my calendar is always updated, it helps to have a full calendar when trying to convince an upscale restaurant to pay you.”
He says intensive follow-ups have been the key. “Music is probably the last thing on a restaurants priority list, so sometimes it takes ten classy and nonabrasive calls or emails to get someone to take notice. Plus, most restaurants and private events require you to provide your own sound. I have a PA system that works for anything as small as a house reception to a large venue.”
Based in La Mesa, Morris began singing at age five. When his cousin handed him an old Harmony guitar around his 12th birthday, his passion for guitar and songwriting quickly grew.
He released his debut acoustic EP Lenny Morris Music in November 2010. His band Lenny Morris and the Native Tongue (aka TNT) debuted March 12, 2011, at IndieFest 7, held at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. Guitarist Patrick Romero and drummer Carlos Ortiz are no longer with the band.
“I think there’s kind of an ‘indie’ attitude that limits people. I’ve been criticized simply because I make good money playing music for private events and restaurants. But I’m able to comfortably pay my bills. I don’t think a lot of people have the patience for the business side. Most musicians just want to play music.”
In late 2011, Morris began recording a sophomore album No Secret, as well as launching a Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute project. He recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for recording it.
“I’ve set my goal at $7,500...anything helps, as small as $1.00. I have great rewards for all my backers, based off of your level of pledge. You will only be charged on December 11 if I reach my goal.”