Cue The Music

Happy almost weekend everyone!
I'm bored tonight. Crystal is in Vegas for the week...jealous...and I don't have much money to go out and spend. I had to smog my car and pay registration yesterday so I'm spending whether I like it or not. I did have a $20 off coupon that took some of the sting out of smoging the car.
I can't believe it's already the 11th. How is time moving sooo fast?!? July ended pretty shitty for me. Two concerts got messed up for me by means beyond my control. I didn't/couldn't go to either one. Needless to say I was pretty heartbroken, especially missing Matt Costa. We did have the kids (Dillon & Stevie) up from the bay area for two weeks. They had a good time while they were here. Dillon went to Ramp Rats almost everyday and spent a lot of time with his friends. Stevie was content to spend time at home with us which was nice since we don't see her nearly as often. One of the days we spent at the Sonoma County Fair. I met up with everyone after I got off work. It was a bracelet day and even Travis was big enough to enjoy the rides. He was the cutest flipping thing.

I'm living vicariously through NPR tonight and listening to sets from Newport Folk Festival. This Middle Brother set is killing me in the best way possible. I want to travel and see these things live so badly. Music saves me everyday so I feel lucky to be in CA where live music is prevalent. Those festivals and the Daytrotter Barnstormer tour are brilliant events that I'm going to need to attend at least once. Lollapalooza was last weekend, Austin City Limits is coming up and Outside Lands is this weekend. I feel very lucky to be going to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival this year. Unlike all the previously mentioned, Hardly Strictly is free and has an amazing line-up to boot! No word on Dawes being there but I still think it's possible if they back M.Ward like a week longer. ;) I've been wishing those boys would come back to Northern CA and then they announced a tour that begins and ends here! It's a co-headlining thing with Blitzen Trapper which is kind of a bummer but I refuse to complain. I'm still shocked that they are kicking it off in Petaluma, seriously Petaluma! Anyone who wants to go with is absolutely invited. I bought tickets for the Petaluma show and the SF show. I am super excited! My Delta Spirit boys have been on the down-low recording some new stuff. They are all of a sudden hitting a bunch of these festivals and bringing some of those new tunes. I'm hearing new album buzz for February and couldn't be happier. This is a new song called "Empty House" that they performed at Lolla. I like!


So I'm going to try and go concert crazy since I feel like I've been slacking. You should come with, because they are good times!
Enjoy the rest of this foggy summer. I'm curious to see how the harvest pans out around here. Hopefully we get some hot August nights pretty soon...

Ready, Willing & Able

Delta Spirit "White Table" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
Meet me darlin', won't you?
I've been waiting for you
At my lonesome white table
Ready, willing, and able

Hello, Hello...

What's new? Unfortunately, not much. Working all the days and trying to save for my big escape early next year. Plans are very vague right now but I'll keep you informed. It's basically going to consist of visiting some people I haven't seen in a really long time.
Hope everyone had a good 4th! My store was closed so bonus holiday. Our camping trip got canceled while my parents house goes through some changes. The fireworks I did see were pretty good. Plans got a bit weird-ed out, so next year I'll probably going with other folks. Travis enjoyed the little poppers you throw at the ground...well he did once he figured out how hard he had to throw them to make them pop.
Celebrated some birthday's last weekend. Crystal's is a week from today. I'm not real excited about floating down the river, especially out of Forestville, but it's her birthday so we'll see. Healdsburg is having the Water Carnival next Saturday. It's this big celebration they used to do way back when and they're trying to bring it back. Looks like a lot of fun. Maybe, we could check that out instead?...
I made a tumblr account two days ago. I know I'll be a habitual re-blogger. I've been looking at different peoples and I'm finding some really cool stuff. So far it seems easier to use than this but I think it will be a more interactive twitter-like-thing. I like writing stuff out here more. Man, I'm such a nerd...I need a life! We'll see how long it lasts.

And now for my favorite things...
I heard an announcement that Matt Nathanson will be playing an evening concert at Mill Creek Winery in Healdsburg on Wed. the 27th. I went down to the radio station and got on the guest list. I have the day off so Matt and I will be going. I was so bummed when I missed him at Latitude a while back so I'm excited to get a second chance. His new album seems to be getting good reviews.
Three days later I'll be seeing none other than Mr. Matt Costa in Berkeley. I saw this quick little post on Facebook.

I went down there and was amazed at the cute little shopping district that I never even knew existed.
So awesome! I got tickets and couldn't be more excited to see Costa again. It has been way too long and for it to be such a small little gig makes it ten times better!
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival is beginning to announce acts. I'm absolutely going. I have the weekend off and will even spend the weekend at Uncle John's & take BART if need be. The lineup already looks good but I'll be crossing fingers for The Civil Wars, Dawes, Delta Spirit, you know...all my people!

Sorry for the short update but that's just how it goes these days.

Time Flies

Time is flying... I can't keep up. The odd thing is that I'm not even that busy. Same old work and babysitting makes up the majority of my days.
It's finally starting to feel like summer around here. ( Thank Goodness! ) We have had about a week of sun now and temperatures are rising. I did manage to catch a non-rainy Sunday and ripped out the ugliest plant you've ever seen. It was right next to the steps on my porch. I haven't replaced it with anything but just not seeing the old plant is a million times better. I also got some sunflowers into the ground but the snails got to them... replanting tomorrow.
For mother's day I got my mom and I tickets to see Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt at the Marin Civic Center.

The show was just over a week ago. They did an acoustic 2hr+ session. They would chat and then one would play a song, some more banter and then the other would do a song. It was a good time with my mom. She played John Hiatt all the time when I was growing up. His entire music catalog is embedded in my childhood, and I'm not complaining. Now I need to figure out something special for Dad and I. I can tell he is going to be a bit more tricky.
As far as the music lately, I missed a lot of shows I would like to have gone to. Money is tight and I don't always have someone to go with. To top if off, usually, the act I want to see is just an opener. A 30-45min set doesn't outweigh the drive and cost of going to the city. The one I did catch, spur of the moment, was The Romany Rye opening for Hayes Carl at Slims. I went with Matt and we met this cute couple from TX that now live in Napa. Apparently they are big Hayes fans. When the girl asked how long/familiar with Hayes I was, I told her I was there for The Romany Rye so she was all interested. She and her husband really liked the set and wanted to get their cd and to know more about them. I thought that was pretty cool. Anyways, it was fun to get out and see The Romany Rye again especially since they couldn't make it to the Dawes show that last time.
Speaking of Dawes, their new album came out on the 7th and it's as brilliant as I expected! Hearing the studio arrangements is awesome. I'm so glad that their albums sound different from their live shows. It makes each a little more special. They seriously can do no wrong in my book! I hope Alex Casnoff is getting all the props he deserves for his work on the album. Seeing Tay with Dawes again will be fun. I see them open for Brett Dennen next Saturday at The Fox Theater. I wish (and I'm kinda shocked their not) that Dawes was doing some headlining shows. Maybe next time around?!
Although we might not have had this amazing cover... (Seriously Griffin's vocals?!) <3

Pretty mundane stuff going on. This sunshine should be bringing some more excitement, like a KRSH Backyard concert with Everest and a camping trip after the 4th. I promise I'll check in sooner than later this time ;)

Spring Fever

...more like Dawes fever!

Hello Hello, lots to update on tonight...
On the 3rd I saw Middle Brother at The Independent with Blake Mills (and The Botticellis) opening. Needless to say, I was kind of freaking out.
Blake's set was brilliant! Danielle Haim was on drums and Taylor Goldsmith sat in on bass for most of the set. It was so neat to see them play together. I know they've been friends forever and their chemistry is obvious. "Wintersong" is my favorite and I was so excited to hear it live. I wish there was some footage of the set but a few pictures will just have to do.

Photo by Jay Blakesberg

Then it was time for Middle Brother! Everything sounded great and they performed every song on the album. They just have a ton of fun with each other. Matt ran from mic to mic during a song, John was dressed like a hippie after he claimed to have ventured to Haight & Ashbury during the day, and at one point Matt carried John offstage so Taylor could perform a song. They were joined onstage by Griffin Goldsmith on drums, Wylie Gelber on bass for some songs, and of course Blake Mills. Jonny Corndawg was missed but not forgotten. They evening was perfectly wrapped up with Matt Vasquez, acoustic, on the sidewalk of Divisadero St. I heard him do "Lovers Waltz" by AA Bondy and then "Trashcan" by Delta Spirit. So much fun but made me really antsy for some new Dawes and Delta Spirit.

Which leads me to this amazing news...
New Dawes album "Nothing Is Wrong" is set to be released on June 7th!

 

I could go on about the new album for days so I'll restrain myself tonight.

Continuing on the music theme I got The Head and The Heart's album this week. I was hoping to see them Wednesday but the show sold out before I got my act together. So sad... Next time maybe?!
Dillon and I went to see Young the Giant at Slim's on Friday. That was good times. Strange Birds and Man In Space opened. Strange Birds are from southern CA and are good friends, if not related to, the guys in Young the Giant. Man In Space is a local group who are mostly ex-members of Dizzy Balloon. Their set was great. You can tell they know what they're doing. Their music is just really fun and has a unique funk/pop/hip-hop sound. I got their, I guess it's an EP. Listen to it here!
Now, this was my 3rd time seeing Young the Giant. The first time they played to about 40 of us while a rave was going on in the other, larger, room. The second time was at The Rickshaw Stop to a decent but comfortable crowd. This was little more crazy. I felt like one of the older folks in the audience. People were pushing and fighting their way to the front. Super rude and annoying. Just tried to not trip off it and enjoy the show. As you can see, by the last song craziness ensued. Caught my first stage dive ;)


This post is taking me forever to put together but I have to at least tell you about Travis' Birthday. The little man is 2 now! Ashley had his party at Howarth Park and he loved it. Every time the whistle on the train would blow he would stop, and his eyes would get all big, and he'd grab the nearest person and try to run to the train. So cute! James and his mom and aunt came. Candy, Vicki and Matthew came. Also, some of Ashley's friends including Matilda and her dad. They watch Travis every Tuesday so it was nice to finally meet them. Lots of toys, cake and the park. Mother Nature was on our side and gave us some sun too!

I still feel like there are things I'm leaving out but this will just have to do for tonight! Hope you had a Happy Easter!

Let's Change The Song

Via: This Is Not Porn

Man oh man, I'm glad I don't own a TV. The news is about as depressing as it gets these days.
I really shouldn't say things like that because I have it sooo good compared to so many right now.
The other night I was babysitting Travis at my parents house. He had gotten out of bed and so I let him cuddle with me on the couch. Wanting to see what has been going on, I decided to watch the 11pm news as Travis fell back to sleep. After only a few minutes I started crying. Here I sit with a sweet baby boy in my arms, an entire life before him, and all that is on the news is death & destruction and the possibility of more war.  I was incredibly overwhelmed and felt absolutely helpless. Needless to say it's been hard to come back from that... I'm just trying to be grateful for what I have and make the most of my actions.
In addition to that we had a time change, lots of rain, St. Patty's Day and more rain. I'm ready for some sun and a better mood. I have the day off tomorrow so this evening I'm determined to start improving it.
Tomorrow will consist of getting new shoes, a haircut, and investigating the cost of 4 new tires. I got my tax refund so new tires it is.

And now to the music...

The big news is that SXSW was last week. Overhyped but still fun. Maybe I'll go someday. Anyhoo, Dawes did a gig for Rolling Stone where they announced the name of their new album. It's called "Nothing Is Wrong" I haven't seen a track listing yet but I'm 90% sure I've heard almost all the songs live because I love them that much ;) I was surprised to hear that "Million Dollar Bill" will be on the new album. Speaking of Middle Brother, their show here in SF is right around the corner! I'm going to spend that afternoon in the city. I planned a little picnic at Alamo Square for before the show. I think Ashley is going to come with. To bad more people don't want to come because I think it's going to be a ton of fun. I get all excited and then remember Blake Mills will be there too!! Hello gentlemen...

Photo by Doug Seymour

A little over a week ago I discovered this band from Seattle that I'm now seeing everywhere. They are called The Head and The Heart. They have such a sweet but raw sound that I quickly was hooked on. Lucky me they are playing in SF next month too. I'm going to try and go but we'll see.

Here is my list of shows coming up... join me, won't you?!

Middle Brother @ The Independent - Sun. April 3
Young The Giant @ Slims - Fri. April 22
The Head and The Heart @ Bottom of the Hill - Wed. April 27
The Boxer Rebellion @ Slims - Fri. April 29
Nathaniel Rateliff @ Bottom of the Hill - Sat. April 30
Other Lives @ Cafe Du Nord - Tues. May 24
Brett Dennen with Dawes @ The Fox Theater - Sat. June 25

A Day Of My Own

I wish I knew someone who loves music like I do.

I've really been enjoying the new Middle Brother album. I'm super excited for the show on April 3rd (Looks like quite the party if you watch below). There has been so much press for the release. It's been cool to see mostly because it has all been so positive but also that the guys are getting recognized. It seems like more press than I've seen for any one of these bands (maybe not Delta Spirit, but close). Congrats though, it's a pretty special album.

It sure does make me ache for a new Dawes album though...
The Fling's Daytrotter session went up today!!!
How cool is this?! The Railroad Revival Tour

Today has been a pretty productive day off. I finally got some books from the library. Without TV I've been trying to read more, so I finally took some time to find a couple of interesting books to get me started. If anyone has any recommendations, I'm all ears. After the library I went to Pier 1 and got some new dishes for my place. They were expensive, although I've never bought dishes before. Anyways, I love them. They are fun enough but not crazy over the top.

After a trip to Target and dumping my life savings into my gas tank, Ashley brought lunch to my house. The weather was nice so it was fun to have doors & windows open while we ate and Travis played on the porch.
Work has been picking up finally. It's so hard to be there with nothing to do when I have a million little things waiting for me at home. Plus, the day just drags by.
Unfortunately I don't have much more to update on. So, enjoy this clip!

Blake Mills and Jesca Hoop perform "Murder of Birds," at the Fretboard Journal from fretboardjournal on Vimeo.

The Show Must Go On

No matter how you may be feeling, the world around you doesn't stop. For me, that might be a good thing.

Music is my medicine, so I knew I was going to see Dawes in Davis on the 1st.
I got off work a touch early, (Thanks Brad!) grabbed my sister, and we were off. Now, I have only driven to Davis one other time but I felt pretty good about getting there. As luck would have it, no traffic, and we made excellent time! I parked right up the street for free. As we walked, we passed the band so I knew we were in the right place. It was like a little community center in downtown Davis. Not many people were there and a local girl started the show. Jonny Corndawg had Dawes to back him up and that set was a ton of fun! Then Dawes came on and, once again, knocked it out of the park. Ashley and I had so much fun!!! It's rare that we hang out and have such a fun time being silly anymore. I'm so overly excited for Dawes' new album... After the show, I was lucky and got to talk to Griffin and then to Taylor. (Never did figure out where Alex has gone) They are all such nice regular guys...all good.
*This one is for Taylor who didn't know who Charlie Musslewhite is.


The following Saturday I was in Yesenia's Wedding!
It started off super early. I had to be at the Mary Agatha Furth Center, with my hair done, by 9am. We set up the hall for over an hour and then got all dressed up. The limo came to take us girls to the church in Calistoga. Now, I'm not Catholic and this wedding was a Spanish Catholic wedding. I was a little out of place to say the least.  I just went with it and for the most part and did alright. The ceremony was beautiful. The mariachi band was by far the coolest thing. ;) Pictures followed and then back to the reception hall. I was home by 1am and absolutely exhausted, but it was a great day that I was super honored to be a part of!

Life is beginning to settle down into new routines. The future holds new goals and uncertainties. Overall, all is good and things keep on keepin' on.


P.S.
There are a bunch of shows I'm going to in the coming months. You are more than invited to join me!
Middle Brother feat. Blake Mills April 3 @ The Independent
Young The Giant April 22 @ Slims
The Boxer Rebellion April 29 @ Slims
Brett Dennen w/ Dawes June 25 @ The Fox Theater