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Live Music Capitol of the World InspirationSometimes there really is nothing like going out to see live music to find inspiration. I sure the heck did tonight!
I only meant to go out for a wee bit to chat with some friends and see Chelle Murrey perform, but the evening took over. One of my friends didn't show. Then I heard Chelle as not going to play, so I went to see John Pointer perform. Wow! The guy is amazing. He really has done a brilliant job at turning himself into a one-man band.
John is best known for his acapella group, Schrodinger's Cat. Now he's performing around town as a solo artist. And he's fantastic. Some be-box combined with amazing guitar playing (I first met John while he was studying cello in college) and some groovin' funky soul vocals. The guy poors his heart out into the performance, and it shows.
A couple songs into his set, I got a call from my friend who was still at the Lavaca Street Pub. Chelle was playing. So I ran over there and caught her short 20 minute set, beautiful lyrics, vocals, smile, and personality. Sat enchanted drinking.
Well after she stopped, I went back to see John, but his set was over, so having drunk a wee bit and not in a good condition to drive, I decided to walk down to Sixth Street. I saw B.D. Riley's and figured I'd stop in and network with the owner. He wasn't there, but I walked in to hear the most delightful music. Stand-up bass, fiddle, flute, and guitar creating an old-timey dance tune that was just enchanting. John wasn't there, but soon I grabbed a seat, finally ate and watched some Americana at it's finest.
The group was somebody's sister... oh, no, that was the name of the band, Somebody's Sister. I haven't had a chance to find out if they have a website, but they were a beautiful bunch with beautiful music. Well, they played some great original songs and some old-timey songs including a very bluesy version of "Oh Susanna!".
Well on the drive home, I was inspired. Hmm? Mayhaps I can finally figure out how to play "Clementine". I was working on the song. Just didn't like the performance. So I turned it into a blues song. WHAM! Sounded great. So then I went to "Bard of Armagh," and played it in a more traditional fashion. Fantastic!
Finally, I came to "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye". WOW! I loved it so much, I had to record it. So I made a rough mix with my rough recording. There's a quite a few problems with the autoharp performance, but I love it nonetheless. I'd love to know what you think of it. Please post comments in my forum.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, July 31, 2003 |
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Finding your voiceWell after a wonderful weekend I got home to a pleasant surprise--my kitties are finding their voices. They're starting to talk at long last. And it's a challenge to keep from nibbling them ferociously every time they say something!
But that's a necessity. I'd hate it if they got to be a bit like Jasper who would wake up in the middle of the night, chat and sing. I mean, I love the kitty talk and all, but there's a time and a place.
So what's been up with me? Yeah, I know I kinda disappeared. Well, I'm busy as usual. Been out of town the past couple weekends. Last week, though I finished one project that I've been sitting on for a while. Coventina's Well is a new compilation CD I put together to help promote Celtic musicians through my Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. I finished mastering the album just last week before I started recording some bard material. The album sounds fantastic and fantasy artist, Jen Clower-Brown put together an incredible CD cover to compliment the music. The proceeds of the album goes to help out the Austin Celtic Association, so if I'd appreciate it if you would help out by ordering a copy of the album if ye can. And right now, it's on sale too.
If you're looking for some great music, this Thursday I'll be at the Lavaca Street Pub to listen to Chelle Murrey. It really is nice to get out and hear some great new musicians. There's a lot of great music out there, so keep on the lookout for it.
Oh, and a final note, I'm still looking for sticker ideas. Please drop by the forum and make a suggestion.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 |
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The afterglow--shining brightlyI'm still aglow from last night's show at the Cactus Cafe. Man, what an evening.
I know it's silly with as many shows as we've had since the Bards formed in 1999, but there are still things out there that I've placed on a pedestal. The Cactus was one of those.
The pedestal is a combination of things. It's partly the prestige that is associated with this venue. But there's something else too. It's the honor that comes to think that over fifty people came out to see us perform.
That's nothing to be scoffed at. My biggest fear was that no one would show up. Okay, I knew that wouldn't happen. Before the show, I was counting and thought, okay, 20 people. The capacity of the venue is 150. So then came the attempt to remind myself that 20 people is nothing to scoff at.
The problem though is that it's not about a one-time gig. It's about repeat performances. I want to play there again. And if we didn't have a decent-size crowd..., well, they wouldn't have us back.
So it's so humbling and touching that so many people considered us important enough, considered our show enjoyable enough, that they decided to come out and see us perform...
Let me just say that if I died tomorrow, you would know I died a Happy Bard...a happy person. Thank you! (okay, hold back the tears, it's just a journal entry...oy!)What's next?I haven't really gotten that far yet. Started chatting with people and that arose. I guess the next big event is Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Georgia, but tonight, I want to rest with my kitties, watch a movie, answer a few emails, and glow in night well-spent. But at the same time, I don't want to stop writing. My mind is going a zillion miles a minute.
Earlier, I was in the restroom looking in the mirror, and a huge dorky smile engulfed my face as I recalled our first song, "Moria". Shouting out the "hey's" to Andrew's "What the heck are you doing?" look was just too much fun. I jumped up and clicked my heels in delight.
That's another thing. Once of those big worries is instrumental music. I love playing our instrumental music, but to some degree, I've always felt it was better suited to our strolling minstrel routine. Stage shows... it just didn't work as well. Maybe I just haven't been able to decently judge the instrumental responses of the audience?
Everytime we made a setlist in the past with instrumental music, it seems like we totally scratched it. And I think a lot of that was because of me. Some sort of insecurity, I guess? I like to see and hear a response from the music, and the claps and cheers are always slightly... less.
So I'd change the set, and next thing ye know were doing another comical set. Comedy is fine and all, but that added to my worries. The plan was to do a set that reflected MOME. And, well, that means instrumental...
So yeah, we were able to add a little comedy to a couple instrumentals like "Moria", but for the most part, it was just the music. And I was delighted to still hear a great response.
A part of me wondered if people would leave or something, with boredom. But the energy was throughout. My fears were put to rest. It all flowed...magically.
Sorry, my descriptions suck. I can't think of a better adjective than "magical", but that's what it was to me. Alrighty, guess I'll stop there for now. But thanks to all who made it out and to those who just sent their well wishes to us by telepathy. Thank you!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 |
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Weekend of preparation and sleep deprivationOy! I'm still in a daze from this weekend. Wish I could say I've been partying down, but that's not the case. Found other more profitable ventures for my time. Austin Rennies GatheringFriday, I went down to Mother Egan's to enjoy the companionship of some fellow Rennies. Had a great time and got to meet a few new RenFolks even though I got there late.
Yeah, that's one of the probs with scheduling anything that is not right after work. When I go home, I go home! Hate to leave, but a wee bit'o'unwinding, and I made it out there an hour late. Sadly, half the group had left by then. So those who remained had a wonderful time chatting and goofing around. Ah those spoons on my nose pictures should be beautiful blackmail in the future...assuming I really cared. But I don't really, so instead, they should just be fun. You'll have to post to the forums if ye want a copy. Staying up too lateIt was about 12:30am when the last of us headed home. But I didn't go to bed immediately. Friday, I got a message from one of my newsletters, AssociatesPrograms.com. The author was boasting about a new revenue source online--Google Adsense.
If you do any searching on Google, look to the right hand side of the screen, and you will see some text ads. Well, now Google allows website owners to add some code to their website that creates ads specifically catering to your website. I tested it out and was blown away with the results. So Friday night, I began adding the Google Adsense to my websites. I even setup a couple o'small sites to get it all rolling.
Thus arose Houston Web Hosting Discount & Austin Web Design Magic. Click those links and you can see what the ads are like.
That left me really excited about my online future. You see, most of my websites don't generate much money. Occasionally, I make a wee bit from Amazon or an autoharp sale, but as much time as I spend messing with websites, you'd think I was earning a fortune. Sadly, no. Most of my online income is split with Andrew for CD sales and that is reinvested to promote us. So online profits kinda stink.
This is a great opportunity. I love click-thru ads like this because not only are these ads relevant to the particular webpage, but they are also interesting websites usually. And every time someone clicks one of those ads, I earn a tiny bit'o'money. Well, that wee bit can add up over time.
I remember back when MP3.com had click-thru advertising. I earned over a thousand dollars in one month (unfortunately, that advertising died entirely the following month)! Okay, Google is no where near as flexible as those old MP3.com ads, nor nearly as profitable, but it's exciting nonetheless. I strongly recommend any website owners to check out Google Adsense if ye get a chance. Waking up is hard to doNeedless to say, I was not enthusiastic about getting up at noon when I had to so Andrew and I could practice. But I did. We had an inspiring practice together and then off I went to Tandy's Leather to meet with a Jim Cook. Jim is making me boots to wear at faire. He's been making them for a number of years now, and I got a glimpse of his work. Looks very talented. The boots are a wee bit expensive, but considering I've been dreading wearing a kilt or any garb as long as I have to wear my old boots, I'm happy to pay it! The boys together again!Well, Jasper went back to his mother last weekend, but I was able to talk her into getting custody once a week. So Saturday night, Jasper came over to play with his nephews (not really nephews, but we can pretend;).
They had a ball and Sunday morning was a total delight when I woke with no plans scheduled. I lounged in bed for a long while. Flipped on a movie, never moving. The kitties got up, stretched. Walked in front of the TV. Jasper was up there too and when ever the TnT walked by, he licked their coat. It was wonderful! Made me soooo giddy... oy!
When I finally did get up, I kinda planned on going out to at least get the groceries, but the hermit in me stopped me. So I messed around on the net, cleaned the house, played with kitties, did laundry, drank some wine, ripped some of my CDs, and just relaxed. Course, I still stayed up too late last night, but hey it was a nice break. I'm gonna miss all this in a few weeks.
Guess I'll just have to live it up while it's here!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Monday, July 14, 2003 |
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Wierd DreamI had a wierd dream last night. I don't really remember much about it, but let's see what I can place down.
It was the night of the Memories of Middle Earth CD Release. Someone told me to check the calendar or something. I found out that our show had been rescheduled. There were a good 200 people being turned away from the Cactus when they found out they were looking for us.
I was obviously very pissed that they rescheduled our date, especially when we ran into some Nagians who'd driven from Oklahoma, methinks to come watch us perform.
Needless to say, I double checked the date. All is still good to go for next Tuesday's show. Hope to see ye there!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 |
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Life is beautifulI just got done seeing Bella é la vita again. Once again, I was left in tears. They well up even just thinking about the movie. Yeah, a real good cry. If ye haven't seen it, it's a must. Yes, it shows the evils of humanity, but it also shows the brilliance of love.
I remember the first few times I saw Anne of Green Gables, I would always end in tears when Matthew Cuthbert died. But this is so much more powerful. Truly a brilliant movie. Life really is beautiful.
I had a lovely time this 4th of July visiting friends in Houston, and share memories together. I don't really have a lot of close friends. Many times I prefer to spend time at home alone, particularly now that we travel so much. Just me and the kitties is plenty, but nevertheless, those I do have are truly wonderful and warm amici.
I remember a long time ago, I interviewed my mom's mom for a school project. It was a way for me to get to know her, though I think the topic had something to do with the perceptions of nuclear war or some such.
My grandma was always very quiet. She spent much of her time reading. Granddad did his thing, working out in the garden, she did hers. And ye know, I really don't know what all she did during the day. It's kinda sad thinking about it.
But one of the things I remember most in this interview was I asked her something about her friends, and she told me, "Well, I never had too many friends. We travelled a lot, and I just never really got that close." It was much more than just the travelling.
She like my mom and like me is an introvert. Yeah, I know some of you are laughing, saying, "Yeah, right!" But we are. Alone time is very important to me. Often I prefer being alone. I once mentioned that I always thought what would be nicest is having someone who was like my grandparents. They spent time together, but sometimes did separate things.
I don't think ye have to do Everything together. It's not always the healthiest thing in the world. Here and there, sure, but not always. Just a wee bit o'alone time now and then.
That's one thing I kinda adore about my kitties. They'll just come into my studio and lie down at my feet or on my synth or a chair, just to be near me. And that fills me with so much pleasure. Because I like being around them too.
Sure, it's wierd when ye have nothing in common. I always thought that I wanted a woman who could talk more than I do. Mind ye, not non-stop. That's the worst for me, but someone who will tell about their day and that I'll find interesting enough to respond to. Two-way conversation, most-often led by her.
Like in the morning, there's nothing worse than having people try to talk to me. I really detest that. I don't really want to interact with others first thing in the morn. I want to be alone with my thoughts. That's what makes me happiest.
That and just taking a vacation. I was dreading leaving town on Thursday night, but I sure am glad I did. I had such a marvelous time visiting dear friends and sharing moments that'll be with me forever. Hope yours was at least half as nice.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Sunday, July 06, 2003 |
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Celtic MP3s Music Magazine compilations coming soon!I've been trying to put together some new compilations all year, and at long last, I'm nearly there! Hope to have some compilations soon. Meantime, listen to some music at the Celtic MP3s download site.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, July 03, 2003 |
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Life is Like a PoemWell, that's just silly...or rather blatently obvious. I think all my poems are based on life events, real or imagined in the past, present, or future.
Had some great progress with my audio poetry last night. Three poems were recorded, and hopefully, will be up on MP3.com by the end of the day.
Meanwhile, America's day of independence arrives tomorrow, and what a busy weekend. I was chatting with a friend today, that I really need to take a break away from Everything. Gotta stop committing myself to so many things 'less, I end up getting committed. Eck!
Driving to Houston tonight to see some friends having a party, and then I see some other friends tomorrow, pickup another friend from the airport on Saturday. Oh, I miss my kitties just thinking about it.
I need a good week off to recover from this holiday...that hasn't even started yet!
Happy Fourth of July!
Posted by Marc Gunn on Thursday, July 03, 2003 |
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Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
