Finding new music

Okay, the Grammys are one of my favorite nights. No, I don't care about the awards, I love the performances--sometimes you only get one or two amazing ones, but it is worth it for the new artists I find.  I'll never forget seeing Adele for the first time. . .



By the end of the night, I downloaded her entire album, 19. I like all the music awards because of the performances--there was nothing redeeming about the VMAs, except for Adele's moment.



Here is this year's (How much do I want to be one of her backup singers???):



I will never forget hearing Empire State of Mind or being a proud Mama when Mumford and Sons performed last year because I had been listening to them for a while--and it had to be a dream come true to play with Dylan. I've found many, many other bands whose albums have had an impact in different places of my life.

My favorite from last year was the tribute to Amy Winehouse, in particular Bruno Mars' portion. Love the shot of Adele singing along.



He was actually one of my favorites from this year, too. He seems like he would be an amazing show--very throwback to an older type of music, but still fresh.



The band I found this year?  The Civil Wars. Their intro to Taylor Swift sold me--tongue in cheek they implied that all the groups before were their opening acts (including a "very promising young man from Liverpool"--Paul McCartney). I cannot find it on youtube or it would be up. I ended up downloading the entire CD, and I love the whole thing--they sing in that key that makes you feel it deep in your soul. . .

As a side note, I was shocked to love a Miley Cyrus performance (of a Bob Dylan song) recently. . . I know, I hate to admit it, too.

A Post-Valentine's Surprise

Tomorrow, I'm stopping in at The Depot once more.  In honor of a late Valentine's, we're throwing in Bewitched, a revamped version of All of Me, and this one. . .



Airy will be sad she missed that one.

B wants me to learn this one:



Maybe next time. . .

A New Open Mic

This past Wednesday, I checked out the Depot in Hillsborough. It was a cute little bar and store similar to Foster's Market--only not as high end. It was fun--Maple View Ice Cream and local hot dogs with funky toppings like blue cheese slaw and apple mustard. A few poets, a lot of guitarists, an electric violinist.

It was really an off-the-cuff open mic. When JK (the guitarist) got there, we decided the songs we would do. The Countess DeWinters very nicely filmed the first two of the three songs.  And the electric violinist stepped in with us for fun. We called it the St. set.

St. Louis Blues. . .  This one is just fun to sing. When I started, it felt like the whole room took a deep breath--not quite a gasp, but close. At that moment, I knew that it was going to be a good night.



St. James Infirmary--you can tell, I needed more water by this one--and that I hadn't practiced it in a while. Also, I kind of let the ending go. . . sad.  Oh well--it is fun because in the middle of the song on stage we made decisions about things, which made it an event in and of itself. Realize that all of this is improvised by the two instrumentalists. . . and myself, a little.



St. Ormy Weather - still needs work. It was our first time performing this one.  I got a few calls for encores (which was awesome!). Multiple people came up to hug me afterwards, and they asked me to come back--as a regular. We'll see.

I think the best was having a night out with the Countess.

Further Afield. . .

This is partially for my friends further west.  This next Wednesday, I'm trying out a new open mic night.  If you are bored, see you at the Depot in Hillsborough.  Not sure what I am singing (or when), but it should be fun!  And the menu looks good, too (the Dog toppings alone!)!

Meet the Julep!

Thanks for your help! After many suggestions N's brother and Ash get the props for the suggestion!  The Mint Julep rides--a perfect blend of our life in the semi-south, and the minty refreshing spritz of a julep.

Also, I am official.  I got my license plate (a few days late), and I realized that I forgot a phillips-head screwdriver.  Luckily, my student at work was a doll and helped me out.

PS. We didn't get great video at Guglhupf, but it went well.  

Going Downton

Yes, we're totally addicted at our house. . . But I had to laugh at these spoofs that they did for Comic Relief.  All your favorites are there--and they blend Upstairs Downstairs with Downton Abbey for Upton Downstairs Abbey.  I loved the Lark Rise to Candleford allusion, as well as the "looks" moment.  Hi-larious.





Slate's TV Club has been debating it, and I've loved all of their comments! I especially enjoyed the "Most Hated Crawleys list."  B wailed last night, "We can download it illegally, right?"  No, we're going to wait it out. . . Only three episodes left--but will we get to see the Christmas episode?!? I just looked it up--February 19th!  Sigh. . .

Reading. . .

I realize my mental health lately has taken a blow, and I just figured out why.  I haven't read a new book since Christmas!  Sigh. . .  It must be withdrawal. . .