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***Sigh***Ah, how nice. I got to practice at U.T. today, and it was everything I loved and remembered. How nice! I've decided to make it a regular thing again. Just me and anyone who wants to drop by.
Ye see, I need to make more time to practice. And lunch time is the time to do it. Now I just need to find a decent location, because as humid as it was today, this summer is gonna be hell!
Course one of the big reasons I need more practice is because I'm learning a new chord bar setup on my autoharp. I changed the locations of my 21-chords so it should be easier to play...that is, once I finally learn where all those buttons are. It's getting easier, but it's gonna take a lot more work.
Well, if I figure out where I plan to play, I'll let ye know. Ciao!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 |
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Learning from the Austin Music FoundationLast night, I went to meeting for the Austin Music Foundation. The AMF is an organization promoting Austin music and educating Austin musicians about the music biz. (It's free to join!)
The topic was "Management from the Pros". Normally, this whole meeting might've been kinda wasteful to me. Ye see, I like hardcore examples and facts when it comes to success in the music biz, not should'ves and could'ves and intangibles. But last night, it was mostly intangible discussions. But I needed that.
One of the cooler people to see and hear was Chopper from the Austin rock band Kissinger. I remember when they got started. I was running the Texas Musicians Network with my brother and they were one of the first to submit info to our site. And I got to hear about them as they climbed the ranks of successful Austin indie rock groups.
Then last night, I got to hear from their side. Chopper was invited to the panel, because he has successfully managed his band alone. This year they've had four mid-West tours and their popularity is growing one city at a time. It's kinda inspiring even if hearing the amount of money they make was not. Sure we might make much more, but they're out living their dream while building a great solid fan base in the process. We still haven't achieved the "living the dream" thing. Sure we're doing extremely well, but I still do desktop publishing during the day at UT, and Andrew still does computer repair.
That's kinda frustrating. Sure, the idea of doing a two week tour and making only $900 isn't very inspiring when we've got big bills to pay. But it's all a fine balance.
So then last night, I was feeling a bit compulsive. And ye know about six or seven years ago, I first emailed my mailing list and told them I was gonna working on my next solo album after Geography. The album is still not done. So last night I decided that is my next big project...to finally finish a solo album...filled with ANYTHING I want. Songs that I know and love. Yeah, their might be some crossover with the Bards, but I can pretty much do it my way. The first recording I made of "Whiskey in the Jar" was slow, smooth and with a groove, but it was nixed by Andrew. And that's cool. I love the one we have, but I might go back to this version too.
I also want to catch up on all those originals. "When She Held Me In Her Arms" was recorded initially wayyy too fast which is why it wasn't on Gullible's Travels. It turned into a bonus that became very popular with the Celtic Ren Wedding CD, but it's still not how I wanted it. I want to fix that.
And there are many others. It'll take some time filtering through them all.
I was also inspired to go back and remix and master many of the songs I've already recorded. I'm still not pleased with several of them. That's why Celtic Love & War is no longer available. It'll take some time, but I'll get thereSetting GoalsThe other thing I got out of the meeting was goal-setting. Ye really don't hear musicians talk about it. Andrew and I set some when we started, but haven't done anything about them since. So it was cool to hear Chopper say he and his band actually set goals and carry them through.
I've thrown out that I wanted three albums done this year. But there's no plan on how to get there. So more than likely, we'll be lucky to get one. Well, that's gonna change too. I'm gonna get a meeting with Andrew and try to fix that.
In the meantime, I'm setting some personal goals. My album. I'm gonna aim to complete it by Dragon*Con at the very end of August. I still need to break that up into baby steps, but I will get to it. I started last night by remixing a couple songs. Still not quite what I wanted, but at least I started. I'll try and keep ye posted on the success. And if you're a member of Marc's Musings, I'll be sure to post a bunch of MP3s as I come to completion of each.
Any case, I just wanted to state this as a first step for me. It wasn't until last month that I found Yahoo Calendar, which is an easy way for me to keep track of my life. All of a sudden I can focus a little better and plan even better. So now that I know what the future holds, I can start planning how I'll meet those goals.
Thanks a lot for all your support. Oh, and if you'd like to read a great article I found on taking charge of your life as a musician, About.com has one entitled, "Looking Out For Yourself.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 |
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Waiting for GattoToday's been a pretty nice day. Got to sleep late for the first time in who knows when. Then Andrew and I got some new luggage for our increasing number of travels around that nation. Now I'm back home taking care of biz. I just took a brief break to sit with the kitties.
 It must be cool to be a cat. Here they run around the house, exploring and making the same old thing interesting. Or they do what we were doing a few minutes ago. Just lounging.
The three of us lay on the floor. Arms and legs relaxed. Head lifted up exchanging gazes with one another. I'm sure they were thinking, "What the hell are you doing down here?" But it was kinda nice.
I think I prefer using my arm to prop up my head though. It's a lot less tiring that way.
Then ye see something dangling and it's off to go pounce. Yeah, must be a good life.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Sunday, April 27, 2003 |
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Tired, Pensive...slightly intoxicatedJust got back from playing a fun wedding of some friends. Beautiful wedding. It fit their personality. There was a lot of life, energy and humor. Not to mention some wonderful people.
It's been a while since I've been dancing. Oy! Got to swing dance and waltz and rhumba, the dance of love. Yeah, it's been wayyyyy too long since I've been dancing. Ah and the sunset. The setting at Colo Vista out by Bastrop was exquisite. The clubhouse is located up on this hill overlooking some beautiful fields and a glorious sunset. I wish I got out there sooner. You could see it all. The reds and oranges. Ah...
Course I also drank a bit too much. Luckily, Andrew was driving. Sometimes it's Really nice having a sober music partner.
I guess I wasn't really feeling like being social. Our performance wasn't as good as I'd've liked it to be, but I don't think anyone really noticed. But I did. That kinda bummed me out. I want to be more than just a top band in downloads. I love all of you who read this and listen to our music so frequently, but I want to be much better than I feel I am. I think it's time I start heading out to the South Mall again. Anyone up for Tuesday? Good. I'll see ye there. :)
Actually, summer at UT sucks--hot, humid, and too many broken strings. So I really need to find another place to practice. Something will come up though.
I guess I'm feeling the bug again. I want to FINALLY finish a solo album of songs I love to play and sing. Maybe that should be my criteria. I've had this continuing debate with myself trying to figure out what to record. A mix between traditional and original pieces. Yet, it seems redundant recording stuff that The Bards will one day record. But some songs, I just want to do. And I want them done yesterday.
I got an email yesterday by a DJ from Vermont saying he really enjoyed some of the songs from Mountain Rain. I kinda threw it together, but I think I'll try and get something started by remixing and mastering some of those songs. And then see about making room for some new stuff. I haven't been writing too much recently, but I'd like too. I still have a couple song requests by people and I'd like to make it all great.
It's one of those constant dilemnas I have. You see, I love marketing and promotion. It's kinda exciting to me. I also LOVE playing in front of a live audience. Now get ready... I'm about to explain some of my motivations behind music.
I love playing, performing. I love meeting new people, but I also want to make this a living. I'm fortunate now to have fairly low debt. Mainly that of The Bards trying to put out all the albums we have. But I realize now, I need a decent income. It's one of my big motivations for recording so many albums. The more we have, the more we'll sell. Yes, I love getting the feedback. I also love giving away my music freely. But it's the product sales that will liberate Andrew and me from our day jobs.
So meanwhile, I've done internet promoting out the wazzoo. If you're looking for anyone who needs an internet promoter. I'm fairly decent, and getting better. But I've still a looonng way to go. One day. Patience Danielson!
So any case, if ye know anyone interested in sponsoring a couple'a'bards, let me know. Or heck, I'll have a solo CD complete One day. Mayhaps you'd be interested in helping us along in that too. :)
If not, that's okay too. Just do me a wee favor. Keep listening and forwarding our music to your friends. I'm extremely thankful to have friends like you to help us along. Thank you!
Guess that's enough babbling, huh? Okay, time to call it quits, maybe upload a couple'o'poems I wrote and keep listening to Gerry O'Beirne. Slainte and goodnight!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Sunday, April 27, 2003 |
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Brainstorming that SticksI had planned on writing about this last week, but oy, busy week. This week is no less. I'm fighting off another sinus infection, and it has me wiped out. But hey, at least I finally figured out what my chronic problem is--Post Nasal Drip. I know, you've been dying to hear about snot. What can I say...it haunts me.
Any case, that's not what I was writing about. For the past few weeks, I've been trying to come up with some cool original bumpersticker ideas. I've been beating my head with no luck whatsoever. Then I thought, hey, let's pool the potential of people who read my journal and ask them. So here it is. Got any cool ideas that'd be good to combine with my photos?
And a more focused question, can you think of anything that'd be cool as a bumpersticker for The Bards Memories of Middle Earth CD promotion?
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, April 24, 2003 |
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A Shocking Discovery...One's perception of oneself can be a deceiving thing. I was just remembering Excalibur a few weeks back. I was chatting with a friend on the phone and she pointed out how much of a socialite I am. I said, "What?"
I've never seen myself as a very social person. I am an introvert, but lo and behold, the next day at Excalibur, I realized she was right. Course, I'm the webmaster for an a wonderful faire that is also a bit disorganized. And I, being the sorta control freak I can be, was busy trying to take care of business, but it's a rush. When I get out there I'm really a bit different from everyday life.
I mean, I really don't like large groups. One-on-one is my preferred lifestyle. Andrew's having a movie night, and I don't want to go, b/c I just don't feel like interacting with a lot of people.
And on the flip side of things, I've always seen Andrew as the bigger talker. Man, when we go on trips, the guy talks and talks...or so it seems. But maybe not?
On stage...it's me. I'm sorta realizing that I talk more. When it comes to networking, that's all me. Course online stuff is mostly me too, but then, I sit in front of a computer all day at work...
Well, it was kinda a surprise to me to realize at times I'm not quite as introverted as I imagine. Well, off to Colorado!
(meanwhile, everyone who knows me and is reading this is saying, "Yeah? So what I knew that all along." DOH!)
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, April 17, 2003 |
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The World According to CarrollLife was a bit stressful yesterday. Had all sorts of problems I dug while attempting to book a gig at the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games. I know... I said I wasn't doing any more booking, but I had already started communication with Ray, the director, so I was gonna finish it up.
Basically, the problem I started was to email the Nagians and ask them to go ahead and email the festival since they weren't gonna book us. This started an avalanche of emails to them, and I forgot that whole "thinking" thing.
Yeah, I'm pretty impulsive. I mean, Ray was very cool about having us out there in the first place. Said we'd be at the top of his list for next year. I think part of it was that I forgot that they had already booked up all the slots when I contacted him in February. So he was just trying to help us out a wee bit.
Ah well, one day mayhaps I'll learn. I'm getting better...No really. I started using Yahoo Calendar to keep track of my life and things I need to get done, and man, is it working beautifully! It's the perfect thing for me. As much time as I spend online, it works great to have my life and calendar online. So I'm very, very happy about it.
All of a sudden, my mind is much more clear to think about other things. I carry around a print out of things to do, and add stuff to the list later, if need be. I feel like I'm finally getting stuff done, and I can see it happen daily. I love that feeling of accomplishment. Kitty ReportI haven't figured out where the problem arose, but seems one of the kitties had a bladder problem a couple nights ago. Right on my bed. Ugh! Now, comes the joy of figuring out how to clean it and keep them from repeating this problem. Any suggestions would be grand! Musical Planning for Live ShowsYe know, one of the problems with becoming popular, musically, is there are greater demands and expectations. While watching Patrice Pike the other night, I sat there brainstorming and lamenting the fact that we don't play around town more than we do.
I love to play live. It's my biggest motivation for learning new songs and growing musically. Cafe Mundi was a great venue. Sure it wasn't very profitable financially, but man, did I enjoy that a helluva lot. Okay, admittedly, I didn't enjoy playing outside as much as I did inside the venue. Inside, I don't feel like I have to go all out to be heard. Plus, I don't have to worry about breaking quite so many strings.
The biggest problem near the end was that we brought in too many people for that tiny little room. So now we need to find a new venue. Andrew's looking, and we're trying to figure out how to handle it. Hopefully, he'll get something for next month b/c if not, I'm gonna have to go out and play "somewhere" solo.
Actually, I've been planning on going to the South Mall again to practice. And I think next week I will. But nothing quite so organized as "I'll be out on Fridays." Just not quite feeling up to something that organized.
Oh yeah, I was talking about popularity. There's a fine balance between getting paid what you deserve and playing because you love to play.
When it comes to out-of-town gigs, yeah, pretty much, I would usually like to get paid, if at least just to make up for expenses since there's no guarantee we'll earn tips or sell CDs. But I'm still open to all possibilities.
I'd love to head back to the Castle Muskogee in Oklahoma and play there when it starts up next week or two. But it's a 10-12 hour car drive, followed by camping that Andrew doesn't want to do again. It's understandable. And if I was doing music full-time, I might make some adjustments to my plans and stay up there. But I'm not yet.
We just need to start booking gigs with consistency and then mayhaps it'll be a regular plan.
Oh, last night, I got to talking with Bethany, a fellow musician. She was talking about busking. I've been wanting to busk for a long time. But I didn't know any of the laws regarding it, and sometimes, I'm a wuss when it comes to messing with the law.
Well, I got a lot of insight on that. And who knows, maybe I'll look into some of that this summer. I do definitely want to play music much more though, and if it means having a private concert at my apartment, I might just do that.
Okay, I've rambled long enough. Maybe I'll get back to work on that Lewis Carroll-style poem I started this morn. Slainte!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, April 17, 2003 |
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Musical Genius at the Saxon PubI saw Patrice Pike perform tonight at the Saxon Pub. Man, she is one amazing performer and vocalist. Her voice left me mesmerized and still haunts my memories. I feel inspired and alive, ready to start playing music with renewed vigor. She’s going on tour this summer, if you get a chance, drop by and see her perform. She is magic!
Check out her band and website, Patrice Pike and the Blackbox Rebellion.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 |
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Heirlooms of the EarthA while back, a friend of mine made an extremely cool pair of earrings, metal entwined with fossils. She started wearing them, and everywhere she went, she got a plethora of compliments.
I finally talked her into selling them. She calls them "Heirlooms of the Earth." Each pair of earrings is custom designed with copper wire entwined around a Texas fossil. They are beautiful. And you can now order your heirlooms. They make exquisite Mother's Day gifts.
She normally sells them for $40.00, but I talked her into making a special offer of just $30. There are a currently only a limited number of these earrings available. Find out more about them and how to order here.
Attention Austin EditorsWell, I just got the word a few minutes ago that one of our Editors was quitting. I'm a wee bit in shock about it. Wow!
Nevertheless, this has opened up a position in my office for an Editor. I'm not sure when or if this position will become available, but if you're looking for a good steady job, you can come work at UT next to me. :)
I'll try to keep ye informed about what happens.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 |
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I don't mean to brag, but...I'm such a proud little daddy. I have the sweetest kitties in the world!
Right now, Torre is sitting in my lap as I type. He and Tiziano this evening were napping my lazy boy, snuzzling each other. And then earlier, Torre got into the closet and climbed up onto the top shelves, and looked down at me so sweetly, as if to say, "Look at me, Daddy! I'm up high."
Yes. I missed me little kitties this weekend. So wonderful to have them back with me. I should go to sleep now so that they'll come nap with me. :-)
But I did have a wonderful time in Corpus this weekend. It was so nice to take it easy and swim. I just wish I brought my goggles so I could see underwater. I love to look around.
Well for those looking for my free Celtic Folk music downloads, I decided once again to make all my old MP3s fully downloadable. I wan to get my music out as much as possible. I haven't made it all downloadable yet. I'm still waiting to come up with final song versions for an upcoming album I hope one day to release. Until then, you can still order Mountain Rain. *hint, hint*
Posted by Marc Gunn on Monday, April 14, 2003 |
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Excalibur Comes to a CloseWell, the faire comes to another year's end. I miss it already. I love that faire. It's my home. It's what I love most about Renaissance Festivals. Yes, it is small. You can walk the site in two hours. Then what?
That's the point. Renaissance Festivals to me are about experiencing a different culture. Whether that is a reenactment of a different period in time and history, or experiencing the culture of the Rennie, faires to me are about experiencing something new and different.
My entire life I've tried to "fit in." I remember being miserable through much of my high school. I always wanted to be a part of the glamorous "In" crowd. But I never fit.
I don't know why? But I'm different. I'm not like everyone else in the world (but then is anybody?). It wasn't until college that I began to accept and celebrate my differences. That was the beginning of a more peaceful co-existence with myself.
But it wasn't until I really entered the Ren Faire circuit that I realized that I'm not alone. There are a lot of people out there who share a similar "vision" as I. It's just a matter of finding them.
My people are artists. They are the ones who stand apart from society. They are the ones who don't mind standing out in a crowd. They're performers. Sure, some of them quietly sit in the background and watch. And there's diverseness among these outcasts of society. And we celebrate that diverseness. I love the people.So when someone walks into a tiny faire like Excalibur and says there's nothing to do, I say, it's your loss. I wish I could take them by the end and introduce them to some of the characters and persona who attend our lovely faire. I wish I could share with them the magic that extends beyond the weeks of rehearsals. But I can't. They have to experience it for themselves.
So how does one do that? You start by watching.
Watch the wenches at the pub. They drink. They flirt. They play. They laugh. They celebrate the beauty of this glorious life God has given us.
Then watch The Rogues. Sharp, debonair, flirtatious. You won't catch them that way at their day job. Talk to Tyrail, he makes Loki. Or Selena, she has a beautiful smile and a warm heart. Cindy is playful and loving. Brandy is drop-dead gorgeous and a playful flirt. Jack is sarcastic and will hit on any woman. Penny is a woman of love. Becky is a mother.
It's like that to me. Excalibur feels almost as much like my family as my own. There's all family drama junk, but there's also the Godly love that overwhelms me with satisfaction. It makes me smile.
So the passing of another year at Excalibur is a kinda sad time for me. It's another year until I'll see my family again. And a year is too long.
I miss the sounds, the smell, the sites, the hugs. I miss the camaraderie. And I'll miss it all until next year.
Once you've had an opportunity to watch. Once you've visited for a while. You'll begin to see a lot of familiar faces. Then you too will start to join the family.
Or, do what some of our friends are planning, join the cast. Excalibur is one of the most-friendly out there, but no doubt, there's one just as friendly in your neighborhood. All you have to do is look around.
So for all my Excalibur family out there, don't be strangers. Please drop me a line. Lets stay in touch. Lets get together and make our family reunions a wee bit more frequent!
Draw your sword.
Raise up your arms…
No the other ones!
Now prepare yourself for the joust of a lifetime.
Prepare for an experience that will engulf your soul
If you let it.
It's Excalibur. My home away from home.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 |
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Celtic Community RelaxationWell, I've lightened up a wee bit. I get very emotional at times. But it always helps to have a good open discussion with someone before letting emotions get the better of me. But I'm only human.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 |
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Another Rockin' Weekend at I-ConGot back from a most interesting weekend. It began with Andrew and I heading out for New York. There was a bit beefed up security, but we made it through fairly nicely. Then as we waited for the plane, Andrew dumped a big wake-up call to me.
Too often, I find myself dissing Andrew. I'm not sure of the exact motivations, but a lot of it is frustration with the fact that he says he'll do something, doesn't and makes up an excuse why. Whereas, I learned in ROTC, there are no excuses. Rather, I don't want to hear an excuse. I want to know he's getting stuff done!
In any case, it's gotten a bit much. The pressure of trying to get this CD out hasn't helped much, nor has the single life. So I found myself humbled once again, which is always a good thing, IMO. I'd hate to become that egotistical nemesis that despise in other people so much, yet maybe it's just something buried inside me.
The talk had a great effect on me. I started thinking about the whys and reasonings and how we both could correct the situation. And so we worked out some duties. The whole discussion got my mind working once again on introspection. And I think I benefitted immensely, and Andrew benefitted from less passive aggressive insults. Our performance also benefitted quite a bit from it this weekend.
The final outcome was that Andrew would completely handle booking, and I'd stick with promotion and avoid badgering him on booking. I admit I'm a little skeptical. But he feels he has a good program that will encourage him to get more booking done. So I'm gonna do as much support as possible. I mean, if we don't, I'm not sure how booking'll take place, but it may be very slow. Friday night in Stony BrookAfter arriving in New York, we caught the thirty minute shuttle to Stony Brook University for I-Con, and decided to find out where we would be performing and where our booth would be. The booth location was less than diserable, but Saturday morning we fixed that.
Then we wandered through the vendor's room and ran into a Nagian, Chelsea, and her friends. Sadly, we were instrument-less, so unable to play music though we did singer her the "Scotsman". Made me wish we'd brought our instruments. Or at the very least had done a better job letting people know when we would be performing. My apologies to all who couldn't make it. I'm not a starFunny thing about this meeting was afterwards, Chelsea made a comment that she was glad to see we were so open to communicate. Me, I wish we could've talked more. I love to meet Nagians, and learn more about them. But it wasn't until today that I realized my goof-up, no Nagian get together.
If I forget in the future, please remind me to have a Nagian Social sometime after our show. I really want to meet people when possible. Because we are nothing without you who support our music. So thank you! Oh, the Horror...Rocky Horror, that isFortunately, we did end up hanging with Chelsea and her friends at the Rocky Horror Picture Show preview while looking for Kate, our "rent-a-wench", as she called herself. We finally found Kate back at the dealer's room, and setup plans for the morn.
The next morning, we arose too early and started a quick day at the Con. Our table location was dreadful, but we talked to the staff and set it up so it worked better. Then we started roaming the dealer's room playing music for the dealers.
As usual, the music went over splendidly and brought many smiles to their faces. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing their smiles, and helping them wake up to a marvelous convention day. I wish we could've done more, but before I knew it, it was time for 2pm show. Live from Stony Brook New York...We hit the stage and were mildly awake for a great show. I did my best to just add energy to the stage with my normal antics, but oddly enough, it was another one of those seemingly dead crowds. There was little interaction. Quite a few BLANK faces. I didn't know WHAT to make of it!?
But once again, we got off the stage, and there were lots of compliments. I started putting names with faces, and it turns out some of the blank stares were Nagians from last year! I didn't know What to make of that, but they enjoyed themselves, and for that I'm happy. Shall we [belly] dance, bum bum bumAs we got off the stage, the Belly Dancers came in. Aviva was next up. Immediately, I noticed a few very hot women among the dancers, but I was exhausted from the show. So after our goodbyes to fans, we made our way back to our booth to give some relief to Kate.
In my exhaustion, I forgot my autoharp case. So I went back to get it. On the way back, I ran into Kerry, the Event Coordinator who hired us. She was performing as a belly dancer with Aviva. I totally forgot that when she mentioned it to me on the phone. And again she invited me to come watch. I made no commitment though.
But as I walked away, I thought, "It'll be good P.R. Probably ought to go." Admittedly, I've had little interest until recently in bellydancing. I guess it always embarrassed me, Mr. Sexually Repressed. But at Excalibur I got to watch a little and wasn't bothered. Then the Lady in Green mentioned she wanted to learn a wee bit o'bellydancing. So when I got back to the booth and found myself falling asleep, I thought I'd go find a place to crash and maybe stop by the bellydancing show while I was at it. I told Andrew I'd be back in about 20 minutes, ended up taking a good hour, methinks.
I got to the show, and by then I was having a wee bit o'trouble staying awake, but I did learn a little. Seems there's a bit o'difference between the dancing here and well at faires in any case. Much more improv at faires, while this was all danced to pre-recorded music instead of pounding drums. Even some modern Middle Eastern dance music. Some kinda cool stuff. Bellydancers and ElvesI did however arrive a wee bit late for Kerry's solo, but stuck around trying my best to stay awake and make a good impression. The show ended, and I hung around to chat with Kerry some. In walked a cute blonde dancer. I attempted to flirt and found myself in an awkward position when another beautiful dancer...this one an elf, joined the conversation.
The elf, Kyara, and I chatted and flirted a bit. She was wearing a tight suede outfit that had my eyes dropping a bit low, but I did my best to keep from staring at her chest. Finally, I had to get back to my booth, so we parted company. Time flies...Got back and already it was five o'clock. The dealer's room would close very soon and then the Cabaret.
The Cabaret arrived, and I sat outside flirting more with Kyara. We had a wonderful discussion on a variety of topics. Then after watching the audience diminish due to a couple of rock bands in the cabaret, we put on our show and were cut off at midnight by the university. Filkin' AThen Andrew and I head back to join the filking. I thought this would be a bother, but I'm really loving filking! Yes, it kept us up too late, but we had fun introducing our Tolkien songs and listening to some other great songs. We stayed up wayyyy too late, but had a great time doing it. So I have NO regrets. All the world's a stage, except when you don't get enough sleepThree or four hours later, I got up and got to the Con early fumbling around waiting for our noon show. I really didn't expect people to be there. I was so exhausted I thought EVERYONE would be extremely exhausted.
Lo and behold, come noon, the audience started filling up with people lead off by our now-known online friend Cereal Killer. Turned out to be a fairly decent sized audience who all seemed to get involve. We put on a much better show IMO and then headed back to the booth for a new show.
At the booth, we started playing and Leonora plopped down by our booth and started listening to our music. Then she began asking for more songs, and more songs, and more songs... oh, and more songs. Fortunately, I was having a pretty good voice weekend, methinks. And I love having such an enthusiastic audience. We must've played two hours, and before long, more and more people joined her.
Finally, my mind was going dead from exhaustion, and Leonora's friends dragged her away and told her to stop being a nuisance. No, it was just a joy. I love sharing my music.
We then had a bunch of CDs to sign. And Debra, Steve and Vicki were all gathered getting ready to go. I had a wonderful time escaping from the world by chatting with Vicki, Debra and Steve's 10-year old daughter.
One of the reasons, I enjoy photography so much is that it gives me time to escape. But oddly enough, even chatting with Vicki was a bit of an escape from the real world. She's a delightfully smart and sweet girl. She became a fan last year, thanks to "Donald, Where's Your Trousers? Medley", and the whole family is not much dearer to my heart. Filk PizzaSoon they departed. Then the Con came to a close. We packed up our stuff then headed upstairs to join Lenny and some of the other filkers for some more filk music.
But hunger got the best of me, and I decided to head out to dinner with Kyara while Andrew filked some more. Kyara took me to a cool little pizza joint somewhere not to far from the Con. It was a cool experience. As we drove to the pizza place, it started to snow. Oh, how I love and miss the snow!
Meanwhile, she and the rest of New York were cursing it, remembering their harsh Winter. I got a Calzone. It was different. I can't say it was anything spectacular, but it was good. Still no Veneto pizza, to be sure! But mine was tasty.
Even more, I enjoyed listening to the pizza employees chat in their New Yowrk ack-cent. That was a delight.
Finally, Kyara dropped me off at the hotel. She headed home. I headed to bed.
All in all, I had a fantastic time. I'm hoping we'll be able to get back next year, but only time, and now Andrew will tell.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 |
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Celtic Community FrustrationsSometimes I wonder why I even try?
Last night, I got an email from the Austin Celtic Association on which I'm currently a board member. The Board is putting together a benefit concert for the ACA. These concerts are typically decently promoted and well-attended. Often, they take place a the Cactus Cafe. The bands are vary in quality. My take, good bands, bad performers. But the sets are short enough that the last one went over fairly well.
Any case, I decided to go ahead and volunteer The Bards for a performance. At which point, I get this lovely email from the President who is another neo-Nazi traditionalist. Meaning, she doesn't like our music because we don't play reels and jigs. So she promptly belittles us and our music and looks to put us in a more subdued position.
So I emailed back, forget it. And at this point, I'm in the mood of even dropping the ACA. Over the past couple years, I've done my best to make us popular band in the Austin Celtic community, but the neo-Nazi Trads do their best to block us. I'm about at the point of saying, "what's the use?" and withdrawing all my support for an organization seeped in debt and that refuses to support us in return.
Actually, that's not entirely true. Actually, there are a number of ACA members and Board Members are extremely fond of the Brobdingnagian Bards and our music. The neo-Nazis are miniscule part of this problem, yet they still end up in prominent positions.
So now, I'm thinking of a new marketing strategy--"Celtic folk music that the Traditionalists are upset about." It'll create division in the community, but not really. Actually, it'll only make an already divided community more visible. Could be some decent publicity. Who knows?
All I know is I'm sick of the Trad attitude. It's narrow-minded and stupid! Celtic music has many different faces. If the Traditionalists are too blind to see that, then they need to be shut up in other ways. If ye have any suggestions, please drop me a line.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 |
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Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
