Two Gigs in One Day

This blog wasn't meant to promote my music. "Yeah, right!" you say? No really, I promise that's not my intention. But since I haven't written in this blog in 3-4 years, I do feel like I'd like to give you a sense of where I"m coming from for my first post "back". On Sat. I played two gigs. I only do kids music in case you're wondering. No moonlighting at night as a "grown-up" musician.

The first one was a band show at the Hideout, a well-known hipster bar in Chicago that looks like something from WI. We were playing a show with a band called "Future Hits".  Matt Baron, the leader of indie rock band, Future Hits, is an ESL teacher and writes curriculum based songs.  This was our 3rd time playing at this venue with them.  The music started at 3pm but we had to be there at 1pm to load-in, sound-check, etc.  Anyways, we had a great crowd and everyone was happy to be out because we've been having a harsh winter of blizzards and sub-zero weather. Some people have been calling it "Polar Vortex" or "Chiberia".  The show went really well. See above video for a reference. Also, since it was a kids show at a bar, I have to admit, it was really nice to have a drink with my band (including my husband) after the show. While enjoying my "free" drink,  I said to my band members, "Why is it always that the more fun gig comes before the less fun gig?" as I got ready to leave the Hideout to go do a birthday party an hour away.

After leaving the Hideout, I drove out to Orland Park. It was completely out in the middle of nowhere compared to Chicago.  "Oh my gosh. Where am I?" I just left my family and friends on a cold winter Sat. night to come out to no man's land.  I was starving and had a little time so I stopped into some random Italian deli.  I ordered a sandwich and bought a bunch of stuff like anchovies, pesto, ladyfingers, etc. I talked to the owner for a little while. Everyone who worked there was very friendly. Afterwards, I scarfed down 1/2 my sandwich which was super yummy in the car. They forgot to put in a napkin so I had to use my mitten to wipe my face.

I got to the party and let me tell you I was SO wrong about it being a "less" fun gig. I walked into this house and everybody was dressed in beautiful Indian garb. Wow, the woman, the men, and the children all looked stunning to me. And what a wonderful community. Everybody was friendly and engaged in my show. They were laughing and singing along. Even the elderly grandma came up and sang a song into my microphone. After my show, when I told them I already ate, they sent me home with a huge to go bag of authentic Indian food. 

I really enjoyed this party because although it was chaotic there was a ton of community. It really reminded me of filipino parties growing up.  I told the kids at the end of my little concert, "Embrace your culture and don't conform to be like others. That's boring!" The parents all cheered after I said that.

Psychobaby: The hardest working mom in kids' showbiz

I haven't done barely any self-promotion you know on this blog but. . .

Psychobaby: The hardest working mom in kids' showbiz

The Power of Music

A couple weeks ago, several parents that happen to also be musicians at my daughter's school got together to do a fundraiser called Burleypalooza. Several of the parents were professional musicians but all of us did it for free. The parents represented all types of music from classical to Irish to folk to 80's music to indie rock to jazz and even some spoken word. Together we were able to raise a good chunk of change. More importantly, the energy in our school seemed to have been lifted up by this event. With all the budget cuts, the economy, not winning the US cellular money, etc. it was music that brought us al together through this tough year. It was music that filled our souls with hope.

Feist on Sesame Street 1234

I must admit I've been singing this song in my Wiggleworms music classes - a parent/baby interactive music class at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. I've been singing this version. Of course, I'm giving Feist full credit so please don't sue me anyone out there. This version is great because unlike Feist's real 1234 song, the counting is accurate in the Sesame Street version. I'd hate to be sending babies into the world learning to count incorrectly. So anyways, it's a real hit in class for the indie-rock parents out there.

I heart Sufjan Stevens

My all time favorate Christmas music is from Sufjan's Stevens Christmas box set. The video itself is kind of lame but it's got a nice heartwarming message. Anyways, this is one of my favorate songs from the box set. I love all the quirky instruments and harmonies. Happy Holidays to my 2 readers out there!

Chairlift - Bruises

So I've mentioned that I teach Wiggleworms at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I basically bring my guitar and sing tunes for babies and caregivers. Last Tuesday, was the last class of the 16 week session so of course we had a little holiday party. I must say that there are some very generous people in the world. Along with some nice gift cards, I received some heartfelt thank you cards from several moms. A little affirmation goes a long way. Anyways, Hal, one of my little babies, and his mom, Nanette, made me a mix cd as a thank you gift. This is the second cd she has made me. I'm always trying to find fun "grown-up" pop songs that I can bring into the classroom to play on my guitar or even just to play while I blow some bubbles. Here is the one that stuck out the most for me. I love this song!

Old Town School of Folk Music Holiday Party

So . . it's late right now and I've had a couple mixed drinks. I'm allowed to say that right? Anyways, I went to the Old Town School of Folk Music Holiday Party. That's the place where I work as a Wiggleworms instructor. The party was at a place called Schuba's in Chicago. Honestly, I'm a little sweaty because I spent the last 2 hours dancing my you-know-what off. Here's why I'm writing though. Here's the cool part. Well Old Town has this thing where employees can sign up at the party to play 2 songs on the stage. If you know anything about Old Town, you know there is a very talented pool of musicians who work there. It's is really quite amazing. I didn't get up and sing. It was really nice to sit back and drink my drinks and watch the talent. But there were a few kids musicians who went up on stage. There was Lindsey, and there was Tisa who don't have kids cd's but should. Then there was Jeremy Babcock of the "Dreamtree Shakers' who got the crowd going and also Joel Frankel who is a kids musician that I just adore. In the audience, there was Laura Doherty and Mr. Singer of Sharp Cookies. As well some other Wiggleworm instructors who are very talented like Lisa and Anne-marie. Anyways, I'm feeling a bit inspired these days especially with this blog. I watched Julie and Julia today and that inspired me. I guess I've been feeling a bit confused as to why I write this thing. I think I felt like I had to just write reviews of cd's and concerts. But lately I"m seeing the possibilities with this thing. Kids Music is so much more than just that. And overall I live it everyday in some shape or form. I'm going to find a way to share this world with you if you'll let me.