Dance My Pain Away

Kinda feel like things haven't been going my way lately. But Spring is here, the sky is blue, and I'm feeling hopeful that good things are to come!

Parenting

If I ever decide to become a parent, I hope I am at least half as awesome as this guy.

Opening Night!

Tonight is the night! I've been rehearsing with some very talented actors and musicians for a local production of Man of La Mancha. It's been years since I've done anything like this so I am very excited/ nervous/tired/happy!

I'm listening to Lisa Hannigan to calm my opening night jitters. Even the way she speaks is soothing.

Knots by Lisa Hannigan

Been listening to this song on repeat all day. LOVE

St. Vincent

At first I thought this album was a little strange but now it's growing on me.

The Legwarmers

After years of hearing about how totally awesome 80's tribute band The Legwarmers are, we finally went. I think it's so much fun to "dress up". And how often does that happen when it's not Halloween?  Not very often.

Jesca Hoop & The Superbowl

So I found out, thanks to my buddy Chris, that the term "haunting vocals" is totally overused and cliche. So I will refrain from putting on my music critic hat and just say Jesca Hoop is great. Like, really, really great.  I've been listening her album "Hunting My Dress" non-stop this week. Can't get enough.





In other news, Mike returned from Pittsburgh yesterday. He went to his first ever Steelers game. That was quite the game to attend and he had a blast! As for me, after a few years of attempting to get into football, I can now say I am pretty excited about the Superbowl this year. I even have my very own Steelers shirt to boot! HERE WE GO!

Black Prairie

My next entry was going to be about the weekend's camping trip, but I am too excited about last night's fantastic performance by the band Black Prairie at Iota Club in Arlington.

On the one hand, I was somewhat disappointed and surprised that the small club was not packed, since three of the five members are also part of the popular band The Decemberists. But the small crowd of less than 80 people made the performance that much more intimate.

I would describe the music as folk/bluegrass meets old world European (think Amalie soundtrack but not so Parisian). That's the extent of my music review vernacular, but you can get a taste of their songs on their website.

I had the opportunity to chat with accordionist Jenny Conlee who was sitting at the door upon my entry. No pretentious, too cool for school Indie rockers here. Just a group of talented musicians playing original, eclectic music.

The highlight of the show was the encore. After playing an amazing set they had the sound guy shut everything off, came down onto the floor and played a couple of songs with the crowd surrounding them. I could have practically touched the violinist, Annalisa Tornfelt, if I felt so inclined. Well after soaking up her haunting vocals, I did feel so inclined but resisted the urge.

The show was honestly one of the best live music experiences I've had. Ever. If Black Prairie is coming to a town near you. GO! I mean it. GO!