House of Blues

Wednesday was a fun day. With the weather in the 50's, Charlie and I went down to the University of Akron to flier and promote the upcoming March 4th Northside band show. We met many cool and interesting people, pinned up a few fliers and got our excersize walking all over campus. Then, we headed down to Highland Square, Chipotle, and Square Records (to flier). At Square records, I found a 12" 45 of Prince's Let's Go Crazy (the dance mix with Erotic City as the B-side). That was a nice plus!

Then it was on to the House of Blues.

The Cambridge Room is one of my favourite rooms to play in Cleveland. The walls are adorned with Eastern statues, and is generally adorned with Eastern/Indian decor. Beautiful rugs carpet the floor, and there is at least one couch and several chairs.

Plus, a great sound system ,and wonderful sound man (thanks, Steve)!

This night, I was supporting Trevor Hall. He has a cool sound similar to Matisyahu (who is a friend of his). And he has a wonderful air about him of calm and peacefulness. As I walked in with my guitars, he and his band all said hello, and asked if they could help me load in. (Certainly a first for me with any fairly large act I've supported). After soundcheck, some friends of his made him this huge home cooked meal (of which he offered me some). And his band was as sweet as he, which made for an incredibly enjoyable evening!

Speaking of incredible: Chris Steele - Trevor's drummer/percussionist. Wow. He did a couple of songs on this percussion set of cajones, cowbells, tambourine, his hands and a brush. And on this he did a drum solo that honestly blew my mind. More so than the Kin's drummer who was quite impressive.

It was nice to meet so many folks and see some old friends. There was a lot of love in the room.

That love really was prevailing during my set. The crowd was energetic and supportive of my music - singing along with Perfect, dancing with me during Life, and taking Manifest to heart. It was truly a very beautiful performing experience for me. It was an energy that only happens once in a while. It was the sort of energy that makes you feel the light of a higher thought glowing all around.

The highlight for me was in Trevor's set. He wrote a song with Matisyahu called Unity. Such a gorgeous song. It's going to be on his upcoming CD. I reccomend buying that song (if not the record). I am trying to remember the exact chorus, but I wouldn't be doing it justice. If i find the lyrics or a clip online, I will post it. It is one of the most inspired lyrics I think I have heard.

The other plus side - T-Shirts are sold out! The first design sold out in less than 2 weeks. Not too bad. Lets see if we can make the 2nd design sell as quickly!

I hope to do more shows with Trevor and his band.

Until then - March 4th @ Northside. 8pm. The full band being moving and uplifting. And it's Free!

Sonnet's

Last night, as the snow was falling in on Northeast Ohio, I had the pleasure of performing at Sonnet's in Wadsworth. This was my first time. The place has a nice atmosphere, and attracts regional acts that tour through.

Such was the case last night. My new friends from Grand Rapids, MI - Valentiger - were passing through this stretch of Ohio. They were an enjoyable acoustic guitar/drums duo, and fans of Bon Iver would I think much enjoy their music. Check them out at www.valentigermusic.com.

It was a fun show, and a pretty full room, too. With some dancing, as well!

And they substitute soy milk in their drinks. Which is so nice, I must say. They don't have much in terms of vegan options, but they do have a veggie wrap that would suffice (as well as a salad).

It turned out to be a wonderful night. I hope y'all come back out when I'm there next.

NYC and Mythology

NYC is always one of those places that breathes some life into you. Maybe not the soul-filling breath of the western Mountains, but a buzz of life nonetheless. And it is a place i love to be. This was my first time in NYC not actually performing. It was all meetings, mostly. All of which went very well, by the way. But in my travels about the city, I got to experience some wonderful things. Things like the largest used book store in the WORLD! We're talking some 5 floors of used books... Yes. I think I could go bakc and spend a weekend just going there!

Things like Kate's Joint, an awesome, funky, little dive Vegan restaurant in the East Village - they make most of their own non-meats (and are known for their veggie burgers). I had a Super Vegi-Burger (a pretty thick patty, actually), topped with this amazing sause I can only describe as a Vegan Raising Cane's sause, and mashed yams. It wa sa wonderful hole-in-the-wall kind of place that you'd only know about if you were looking for it. And the same goes for ? Cafe Express off of 7th Ave in Midtown. They had THE most amazing Falafal and Hummus pita sandwich wrap I have ever had! So tasty. And I don't think it had anything to do with me walking 60 some blocks lugging a nearly 10 pound bag.

Things like the Brazilian Consollate.

A random encounter with Padre Pio (thanks, Dad.)

And snow, big fluffy flakes in NYC. Big, fluffy, movie-quality flakes drifting down on the dozens of people manoevering through the cold streets.

And of course some very cool and surreal moments at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

On the drive up, I put in an audiobook called Joseph Cambell and the Power of Myth. It is a 6-disc series of talks between Joseph Cambpell and Bill Moyers. Each disc is a separate topic, yet builds upon the last in one way or another. Quite a brilliant and interesting work. I highly reccomend it. Joseph Cambpell was the preeminant voice about mythology. And he communicated it perfectly and clearly in this account. An obvious highlight for me was him calling Artists the modern mythmakers.

I saw a place for rent in a sketchy path in the East Village. The sign said "1,000 sq. ft. Only $4,500/mo." So, who's moving with me? :-)

Z Valentine's for that special someone part2

Both of these cards were designed by fan Angie Rutter. If you want to send these out as your own Valentine's, please feel free to do so!

Z Valentine's for that special someone

So good

This is my favourite song of all time. Absolutely gorgeous. The harmonies on this version are Angellic. Mmm. Yes. If anyone knows Nina, it's been a goal of mine to meet her. I do have that cute Ohio accent...

seriously...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq_3S-77tiM

Live This Thursday!