A Window and a Mirror

A couple of weeks ago, I got a bulletin on myspace letting me know that Melissa Etheridge's single "Christmas in America" was being offered as a "Holiday Single of the Week" free download on iTunes. While I am not what you would call a die hard Melissa fan, I do like most of her music and was in the mood for some new holiday tunes on the iPod so I hustled on over there to iTunes to take advantage of their timely offer. As the single was downloading, I decided to read some of the reviews that other listeners had written. I rarely do this because I like to hear a song and form my own opinion based on the music rather than the things people have said about it, but you know...my connection was slow and I was fighting boredom. I have to say, I was REALLY disturbed by some of the things I was reading. This single, and Melissa herself, were being slammed left and right as being too "political," "self indulgent," and "whiny," just to name a few.

Too political??? What is that??? Music has been a vehicle for political messages and protest for ages. U2 has practically taken over the world with politically charged music. John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Band - Aid, Live - Aid, USA for Africa, Pink, The Dixie Chicks, the list could, literally, go on for days. Politicians use popular music to define their campaigns and platforms - what is the problem with musicians using their own talents to express their own opinions about the state of current events and world issues? Have we really reached a point where we want music that's all beat with nothing to say?

In a world with obscenely popular songs with lyrics like "I'm bringing sexy back," and "I like big butts and I cannot lie," and, well, don't let me leave out Britney's new masterpiece "Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer"...it would seem like that is exactly where we are going.

Frankly, I prefer music with a message - doesn't have to be political, but if it is, I am not offended. I want music to say something to me about the world, and I want the music that I choose to say something to the world about me. I want the music that I love to be a window and a mirror - to show me things about the world and myself that I might otherwise miss. I want stories, and opinions, and confrontations, confessions, and revelations. This is probably why I lean so far towards indie music...

Anyway, that is my rant for the day...I happen to like "Christmas in America" ...political? Maybe. But loneliness and wanting to be with far away loved ones during the holidays are themes I relate to...

Imagine...

It was the first event in my life in which I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news...

October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980

Video of the Year!!! LOGO's Best of 2008...

Congratulations to Jen Foster for making it into the running for this list....

Watch the video...click to vote !!!!

Patrice Pike is Rockin' For Rescue on the Levee!!!!

The time is drawing near for another Salon Nights on the Levee and Rockin’ for Rescue art and music event, featuring artists: Matt Anzak, Tamara White, Marie Troute, and Christiane Ertmer; and great live music by Fishing for Comets and the Patrice Pike Band. This event will also include an auction with many animal friendly goodies and services, just in time for the holidays! Proceeds from the auction, door, and portion of the fine art sales will be donated to Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions, a no-kill 501 ( c ) 3 North Texas Shelter.
Mark your calendars, bring a bottle of wine, and come on down to Lower Oak Lawn and enjoy the fun!

PATRICE PIKE



FISHING FOR COMETS

The holidays are upon us once again - Time to start thinking about those pesky stocking stuffers....

Well, it's that time again - have you started shopping yet??

I decided to put together a list of my favorite music for the year. CD's always make great gifts, and some of the online download sites like iTunes offer a "gifting" option so that you can give by the album or by the song...

Check out my favorites this year...

Jen Foster - "Songs from Thirty Nine"

Was there any doubt that Jen Foster would top my list? "Songs from Thirty Nine" is the latest award winning release from this really cool artist. This 4 song EP paves the way for the release of a full album sometime next year, and it's lower price makes it a great stocking stuffer for everyone on your list. The EP features "Closer to Nowhere" and "Venice Beach" - both songs that have been highly acclaimed by the who's who types on the indie music scene. If you are looking for a full length release, Jen has a couple of those available as well. Check them out and pick your favorite - which will not be an easy task - at Amazon.com, CDBaby, iTunes (where you can also buy a great video for "Closer to Nowhere"), and other online sites. Learn more about Jen Foster here.


Fishing for Comets - "Scattered Among the Archipelago"

If you like 10,000 Maniacs, you will love this band. The music is acoustic, upbeat, and filled with standout guitar and vocals. This band, I think, has become my official local Dallas favorite for this year. I bought this CD at a gig and it has been in heavy rotation on my iPod ever since. I am a sucker for acoustic music, and these folks have really caught my attention - and I am really excited to see them live again on Nov. 22 at Salon Nights on the Levee (For all of you Dallas people, advance tickets for this show are available at the Salon Nights web site) Check out Fishing for Comets and find links to purchase the CD here.


Sarah Bettens - "Shine"

Remember K's Choice? The singer in that band is on her own and making a name for herself. This latest release, along with her last release "Scream," is great for everyone who loves a great female vocal, and the super hot sex appeal of a chick playing a telecaster. The tracks on both CD's range from sweet and melodic, all the way to a grungy sort of alternative pop - Great Stuff... Check out all things Sarah Bettens here.


The Katie Todd Band - "Make Some Time for Wasting"

Katie Todd is a new artist to me this year (Thanks Becca!!). My favorites on this CD are "Leave" and "Face Down." If you like artists like Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, and Jewel...you will love this CD. I am keeping my ears open for a show date in Dallas - I would love to see these folks live!! Learn more HERE.


Jessi Lynn - "You Ain't Seen Nothing Like This"

I first heard about Jessi Lynn from my friends over at Salon Nights on the Levee. Then I saw her live and was totally hooked. Jessi Lynn's grammy nominated music reminds me a bit of Mary Chapin Carpenter - kind of pop/country. My favorite song on this record is "Anywhere but Here." Jessi Lynn has several releases available on her web site, ranging from a 4 song EP of yet to be released music, including one live track, to a collectors item CD that will not go to press again - definitely something for everyone on your list. Check out all that Jessi Lynn has to offer - including a couple of free downloads here


Finally, I wanted to include a couple of offerings for all of my friends who are interested in giving back this holiday season...here are a couple of great opportunities to help out AND get some really great music...


Rockin' For Rescue Compilation CD

Rockin' for Rescue is an organization that promotes live music events to raise money for animal rescue organizations that find forever homes for homeless animals that, for whatever reason, might not make it through an overcrowded shelter system. This CD features tracks donated by several awesome artists including Edie Brickell, The Clicks, Jen Foster, and Sarah Bettens. For a $10.00 tax deductible donation to this 501C3 non profit organization, you can give this CD to all of the animal loving rockers in your life. Learn more and make a donation HERE.


500,000 hits in 365 Days For Singer Songwriter Katie Reider

www.500kin365.org

Learn the story of this incredible artist who died last summer after a lengthy battle with a rare tumor that stole her voice, but not her spirit. At this site, you can listen to, and share Katie's music and, for a 1.00 donation, download a couple of tracks for yourself. Proceeds will go to Katie's family to help pay for the enormous medical bills that were built up over the course of her illness.


So, there you have it, my picks for the year...hope everyone is in good health, good spirits, and ready for a rockin' holiday season!!!




----------------
Now playing: Jen Foster - A Day in the Life of a Rock Star
via FoxyTunes

A busy couple of months...but so much great music!!!

Wow, this last couple of months has just flown by - so many things happening in my world.

Can I just say, my birthday ROCKED!!! I just want to thank everyone so much for making that whole weekend an amazing and unforgettable few days. Rayn & Donna, all of the good friends that I haven't seen in ages that came out for the party, my new friends from Rockin' for Rescue, Salon Nights on the Levee, and the flea market circuit...and the incredible Jen Foster. It meant so much to me to celebrate my 40th birthday and 5 years of sobriety with great friends and, of course, great music.

Speaking of Salon Nights on the Levee...the shows just keep getting better and better. Late September brought Jessi Lynn all the way from Newnan, GA. with her unique style of country music to the Levee stage. Sporting a brand new custom built Pawless guitar, Jessi Lynn engaged the crowd with music and stories reminiscent of a "VH1 Storytellers" set. The show was opened up by local Dallas artist, Tiffany Dawn. It was my first time to hear Tiffany's music and I was impressed. She is definitely someone I want to hear again.

I will remember Texas/OU weekend 2008 for 2 things...Rayn and Jen Foster at Salon Nights on the Levee, and, of course...my birthday party!! If you had told me that I would ever hear Rayn perform live at a venue again, I would have laughed at you. Frankly, I expected that she would seem a bit tight and nervous, but that was not so at all. In the same way that I always remember her performances, Rayn owned the stage and the crowd while she performed the opening set. Performing old favorites like "Just by Chance" along with her newer compositions like "When She Cries/Saying Goodbye," and even a brand new unrecorded tune called "Warm Wet Kiss," Rayn demonstrated, once again, that when she has a guitar in her hands and an attentive audience...the result is nothing short of magic. After Rayn finished up, it was time for Jen Foster to take the stage. I don't suppose I have to tell anyone how long awaited or eagerly anticipated this show was. I thought October would NEVER get here. But, alas, it did... Jen was amazing, as expected. She engaged the crowd early and kept everyone rocking and singing along with award winning favorites "Closer to Nowhere," and "Taking Bob Dylan." She brought new material along as well, singing "The Sweet Song," a tune that has just been selected as the new theme song for Sweet cruise lines. Of course, no evening with Jen Foster would be complete without "The Home Depot Song,"... What an incredible night at Salon Nights on the Levee!!

It took me a hot minute to recover from all of the birthday festivities and, no sooner than I was back up on my feet after an ugly cold, Sarah Bettens was arriving in Dallas to play at the Granada Theater. I loved her show in Austin in July...I loved her show in Dallas more. I don't really know what's up with Dallas music fans - but they are really missing out when they let these shows pass them by. Sarah hit the Granada stage with a full band and put on an incredible show. I have to take an aside here and mention the drummer. You don't see that many really good female drummers around - I haven't really seen one in Dallas since Heidi Pyron sort of dropped off the scene a few years ago. Sarah Betten's drummer, Karen Teperberg, is AMAZING. I was really loving her. The whole band was awesome and Sarah, well, was Sarah...what can you say about that. She is a really intense performer - one of those singers that you just can't take your eyes off of when she is really into the music because you can just see it moving through her. I think I have found yet another favorite to add to my list...

So that about sums up the last month...Rockin' for Rescue and Salon Nights on the Levee are revving up for our November show with the Patrice Pike Band. I have not yet heard Patrice live, but I have checked out a few of her tunes and really like them. Everyone I know that has seen her perform says that she puts on a great show, so I am very excited about seeing her at the Levee on Nov. 22nd - AND, Fishing For Comets will be opening that show up...I LOVE them!!! So, buy your tickets now, because we really are expecting that this will probably be a sellout show with Patrice coming from Austin...you can get advance tickets at www.salonnightsonthelevee.com or www.rockinforrescue.com - Hope to see you there!!!

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Now playing: Fishing For Comets - Hope Is Calling
via FoxyTunes

Bring Jen Foster to the Ellen Show!!!

Hey to all of my fellow indie music fans...

I want to see Jen Foster on Ellen!!!! Click on the link below to visit my page at the Ellen Show and feel free to look around my page, and leave comments - hopefully, as more and more folks ask for Jen, the producers of the Ellen show will start to listen...

See ya at the show;)


View my page on The Ellen DeGeneres Show



and don't forget about Jen's mailing list - the ONLY way to keep up with all of the Jen Foster happenings!!!

Rockin' for Rescue presents Sarah Bettens Live at the Granada Theater

Join Rockin' for Rescue as we present Sarah Bettens live at the Granada Theater. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear this internationally renowned artist, with a full band, right here in Dallas. Tickets are $12 for General Admission and $17 for reserved seating.

Congratulations to Jen Foster - top 12 Finalist in the 2008 New York Songwriter's Circle

*Jen has made the Top 12 Finalists for the 2008 New York Songwriter's Circle with her song "Venice Beach." (This organization was instrumental in breaking Kate Voegele, etc... Gavin DeGraw is also involved with them). The next step? Going to NYC to perform at The Bitter End on November 5 and 6 to play the song before a panel of judges. Win or lose, the song is going on their compilation CD of the finalists! Find out more about the contest and organization.

Show your support for Jen!! Visit her on MySpace at www.myspace.com/jenfoster and sign up for Jen's mailing list to keep up with all of the latest news...

Jen Foster is Rockin' For Rescue in Dallas - Check it Out!!!

You know I will be there - I hope all of my peeps will be joining me!!!!

The Good Ol' Boy Network at Austin City Limits...

The good ol' boy network is rearing it's ugly head once again in Texas....

I'm not bitter or anything....

Jen Foster climbed to number 1 in the Dell Sound and Jury contest for a spot in the Austin City Limits Music Festival during the first week of fan voting and stayed solidly there for the duration of the preliminary voting phase.

How is it that, from that lofty spot, she did not make it into the Top 20 in the judging round? Can almost 7000 votes really be rendered irrelevant that easily??

Honestly, I would like to see the written criteria that the judges followed in selecting the top 20 bands to move forward in the contest.

After a brief look at the field, it seems that I should be certain to find something that says "the judges shall give favor to male dominated non solo acts based in Texas." Certainly, that would describe the vast majority of the Dell Lounge Sound and Jury Contest top 20.

I know, I know....you are thinking I am just an angry woman with a mouth full of sour grapes...

Here are the numbers -

5 of the 20 artists are from outside of the Lone Star State

2 of the 20 are fronted by a female vocalist

3 of the 20 are solo acts and exactly ZERO of those 3 are female artists

Tell me there doesn't seem to be some odd bias here - no, don't tell me, because I won't believe you anyway - I am from Texas, and have spent the last many years being vaguely disappointed in the music scene here. I don't know about anyone else, but what really burns me up the most about the whole thing is the these judges basically ignored the voices of hundreds of fans. How dare these judges ask me what I like and then turn an OBVIOUSLY deaf ear to the answer being shouted at them almost 7000 times!!!! I mean, I know the judging job is probably not easy - so many very talented bands - but COME ON PEOPLE!!!!! How can you ignore the very fans that make it possible for you to make money on your little talent show to begin with???? I hate being disregarded....

I will shake my head about this for a while...

and then I will boycott Austin City Limits this year -

***Oh, and a note to Austin City Limits about Jen Foster -

You missed it, man. Next year, you won't be able to afford her. Oh, AND... you are out of the Grammy speech .... fuckers....

The Best of Dallas - "Salon Nights on the Levee" at Luminarte Design

.



Finally...finally...finally!!!!! A grown up space for live music in Dallas...

Salon Nights on the Levee is an independent music series at Luminarte Design, located in the Oak Lawn design district and, as the name would imply, right on the Trinity River levee. The space will amaze you from the moment you walk into the door. I had the privilege of going to a preview show last weekend and was truly inspired by whole experience.

While primarily a design studio, this huge warehouse/gallery space lends itself beautifully to live music in a way that nurtures both the artists and the audience. The ambiance is strictly adult, and yet, it provokes your imagination and all of your senses. There is incense burning and art on every wall. The stage and listening room are outfitted with state of the art sound and lighting. There are tables with chairs and barstools placed around the room, there is a "pit" of sorts front and center stage for those of us who want to be right in the middle of the music, enough space between seating and stage for those who would like to dance, and a lounge area in the front of the studio for those who might want to chat over a glass of wine (BYOB) and simply have the music in the background. For the artist, and I KNOW they will love this, there is a "green room," which is actually painted green by the way, that offers a private bathroom and lounge area - along with their very own microwave and refrigerator. There is also a side stage door for direct access to the stage from this area.

Saturday night, 2 bands played - Fishing for Comets, and Lovie (check them both out on their respective myspace pages) - along with a really cool fire dancer that entertained during the intermission. Fishing for Comets was all acoustic and harmony, and Lovie was decidedly plugged in. Both bands sounded amazing - and neither band was having to compete with the crowd for sound space, struggle to keep their voice in a cloud of cigarette smoke, or try to steal the attention back from a drunk 19 year old trying to climb atop a table to dance.

The ladies behind this whole idea have done an incredible job in bringing their vision to life. Salon Nights on the Levee is sure to be a favorite of artists and fans alike and has already been named as the Dallas headquarters for Rockin' for Rescue - an organization that sponsors and produces concerts to raise money for animal rescue. Upcoming events at Salon Nights include Grammy award nominated Jessi Lynn (Tiffany Dawn to open) on September 26th, and Jen Foster - winner in this year's International Songwriting Competition AAA Category- on October 10th. Check out this link for more information, reservations, or advance ticket purchase - (Events are not open for general admission - reservations or advance ticket purchase are a must).

www.salonnightsonthelevee.com

Salon Nights on the Levee is 5 star live music entertainment in Dallas...

...and it is about time.

----------------
Now playing: Fishing For Comets - Waves
via FoxyTunes .

"Closer to Nowhere" up for voting on LOGO!!!

Jen Foster's new video "Closer to Nowhere" is up on Logo for voting.

Wow!!! Talk about going places - Jen is currently in the #1 spot in the Dell Sound and Jury contest and I am certain that we will be seeing her playing Austin City Limits very soon!!!

Now, we have the opportunity to see this video go to the top of the charts on LOGO -

Jen Foster is on fire right now and I can't think of a more deserving artist.

Here is the video - I know you love it - now GO VOTE!!!! You can vote as many times as your little heart desires - - -




And don't forget to keep up the voting in the Dell / Austin City Limits contest!!!
Vote here...


Bring Jen Foster to Austin City Limits

The full version of Jen's cd "Thirty Nine" is set to happen very soon - sign up for the mailing list to be among the first to know when it is available and to keep up with Jen's upcoming tour dates!!

Sarah Bettens, Jen Foster, and Amy Cook at Momo's - 7/25/08

Typically, I am not a traveler, but when I heard that Jen Foster would be opening for Sarah Bettens in Austin, TX, I knew I had to find a way to get there. After a little foot stomping at work, my plans were made and I was on my way to the capitol city.

Can I begin by saying that traffic in Austin sucks...it really really sucks. If you plan a trip down there - try to avoid being on the road during rush hour, which seems to be from like noon to 9 pm or so...lol.

On to the show - which was sponsored by Rockin' for Rescue (see previous blog) - an organization devoted making life better for abandoned animals by finding them good homes and ending animal euthanasia as a form of population control. It is a really great cause and needs all the help and support that we can give them - for more information, great merchandise (including a brand new cd featuring several independent artists who partner with Rockin' for Rescue), or to make a tax deductible donation, visit Rockin' for Rescue at www.myspace.com/rockinforrescue

Jen Foster was the opening act. If you know me, you know that this was the reason that I was there. She was amazing. It is not easy for an artist to pull off an acoustic set by themselves and keep the audience completely engaged. Jen does it, and she does it very well - joking and interacting with the audience, sharing details and stories behind the music. This is the second time I have seen Jen Foster live - both great performances by Jen - but the Austin audience was better BY FAR than the one she had in Dallas, which is, sadly, typically a bit more closed to new music. Jen will be returning to Texas (Dallas) in October and I plan on doing everything I can to get the word out and get alot of people out to her show - I don't typically latch onto any one performer the way I have with this one, but she really is just that good. The two live shows that I have seen have been short sets rather than full shows - so I am excited to hear Jen in a show all of her own. You can hear Jen's music and watch her new video "Closer to Nowhere" at www.myspace.com/jenfoster

You can also buy all of her stuff at Amazon.com, iTunes, and CDBaby.com

Also, Jen is currently in the running for a spot on Austin City Limits. The contest is in preliminary public voting until August 22. As of this writing, Jen is holding on to the #1 spot. You can help by voting for her daily from every email address that you have - let's support this incredible independent artist...


Bring Jen Foster to Austin City Limits


Next up was Amy Cook - who took the stage very quickly after Jen Foster was finished. This was the first time I have seen her - actually that I have even heard of her (where have I been??) I must admit that there were several things distracting me - namely getting something to drink from the one lonely bartender (yeah, that could have been planned a bit better). What I did hear was a solid performance - I didn't notice much interaction with the crowd, but she kept the music going. She is a really great guitar player and has a really nice sounding vocal. I really hope to hear more from her in the future - hopefully she will make her way to Dallas soon. I will definitely be watching out for her. Check out Amy Cook's music at
www.myspace.com/amycookmusic

Finally - the headliner for the evening was Sarah Bettens of K's choice. Sarah put on an amazing show. I really have not heard much about or from Sarah since the very popular K's Choice song "Not an Addict." I did see her once at Lillith Fair years ago, but due to a number of circumstances, only vaguely remember that show. She played with a full band - and all of them were awesome. I have to specifically point out that the drummer, whose name I did not catch, was particularly amazing. I really enjoyed her alot. Sarah performed much music from her latest release "Shine" - and yes...she did "Not an Addict" and made me fall in love with her all over again:) Sarah is coming back to Texas in October - Houston on the 25th and Dallas' Granada Theater on the 26th. Check her official website or her myspace page for more information on those shows. Sarah Bettens is a must see live show!!!

www.myspace.com/sarahbettens

www.sarahbettens.com


All of the artists made themselves available after the show for photos and autographs -which is something that I am always happy to see. So many artists reach a certain level of success and forget that without their fans, they would have never gotten there - but not these artists. The fun continued late into the evening, with several happy fans going home with permanent sharpie on clothing, undergarments, and even the occasional bare ass or chest...kudos to those who were brave enough for THAT!!!

Check out all of these artists and remember that independent artists depend on you to buy their stuff if you like it - they work hard for you - the independent music fan...

Bring Jen Foster to Austin City Limits

Hey All my Music Lovin' Friends!!!

Dell is sponsoring a contest called "The Sound and the Jury." The winner will be featured on Austin City Limits.


We can all help Jen Foster win - let's bring her to Texas!!!!

Here is the link to vote...you can vote once a day per email address (yep, you can vote with every email address you have!!!)...

Bring Jen to Austin City Limits

AND...don't forget to catch Jen's new video "Closer to Nowhere" on LOGO this Sunday night - 7/13/08 at 11pm cst and cast your vote to bring her to the top of the charts there as well!!!







Sing up for Jen's mailing list HERE to get updates about when she might be in your area!!!