Check the "Links" section on the right side of this page for not only other areas of the web I've infiltrated, but also some organizations and friends who I support.
I promise (thank you, GGD) to be more diligent about keeping this list up to date :)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Rock Academy Gig
The concert that marks the culmination of the most recent session of Rock Academy is coming up this weekend. Our 13 year-old, Alayne, is singing for two of the bands this time around.
Place and time:
Ballydoyle Irish Pub
Downers Grove, IL
Sunday, November 1st
3:00 pm
In a world where the words "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" make people think of video games before they think of actual musicians, Rock Academy gives teenagers a chance to learn what it's like to play in a band and gig for real. They rehearse for 8 weeks, then do at least one gig at the end of the session.
Usually about 6 or 7 bands play, so if you're in the neighborhood stop by and support these kids. They always put on a great show.
Place and time:
Ballydoyle Irish Pub
Downers Grove, IL
Sunday, November 1st
3:00 pm
In a world where the words "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" make people think of video games before they think of actual musicians, Rock Academy gives teenagers a chance to learn what it's like to play in a band and gig for real. They rehearse for 8 weeks, then do at least one gig at the end of the session.
Usually about 6 or 7 bands play, so if you're in the neighborhood stop by and support these kids. They always put on a great show.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Building an Underground
Rock fans have long been attracted to bands that they think are the "next big thing." They love going to dingy clubs and listening to local, "underground" bands. They go so far as to form street teams and fan clubs for bands that don't even have a record deal.
So why doesn't country work like that? Is it that the country fans are less loyal?
I don't believe so. I think it's the overall culture of what most venues are looking for in a country act. If you want to get a gig at most music venues in my area, they absolutely positively do not want original music. They want songs that everybody knows, and they don't care how prolific or talented you are as a writer.
That, my friends, is crap.
Country fans don't follow original acts around, form street teams, put up posters, etc because they don't get exposure to the people performing the original music. Outside of coffeehouses and open mic nights, most bars are featuring cover bands every Friday and Saturday.
Originality, artistry, and any attempt at all to break out of the mold is frowned upon.
I'm not even sure it's the fault of the bars and clubs, frankly. I believe the structure of Nashville is feeding this mindset. Nashville believes they hold the patent on country music. They take in artists, trim the rough edges with their cookie cutter, hand them the songs they're going to sing, and send them on their way.
Country songwriters, unless they're working for a Music Row record label, are stifled and silenced at every turn. We're caged up and muzzled by the system and not given the opportunity to get ourselves heard for who we really are as artists...not just as the lead singers of cover bands forced to rehash Chesney songs every night.
Nashville's doing their very best to ensure this poisonous attitude trickles down from the record labels to the radio stations to the venues to you. Don't take it. Don't let Nashville tell you what you should and shouldn't be listening to. Support your local original artists. Demand bookings. Demand airplay. Spread the word.
Build the underground.
So why doesn't country work like that? Is it that the country fans are less loyal?
I don't believe so. I think it's the overall culture of what most venues are looking for in a country act. If you want to get a gig at most music venues in my area, they absolutely positively do not want original music. They want songs that everybody knows, and they don't care how prolific or talented you are as a writer.
That, my friends, is crap.
Country fans don't follow original acts around, form street teams, put up posters, etc because they don't get exposure to the people performing the original music. Outside of coffeehouses and open mic nights, most bars are featuring cover bands every Friday and Saturday.
Originality, artistry, and any attempt at all to break out of the mold is frowned upon.
I'm not even sure it's the fault of the bars and clubs, frankly. I believe the structure of Nashville is feeding this mindset. Nashville believes they hold the patent on country music. They take in artists, trim the rough edges with their cookie cutter, hand them the songs they're going to sing, and send them on their way.
Country songwriters, unless they're working for a Music Row record label, are stifled and silenced at every turn. We're caged up and muzzled by the system and not given the opportunity to get ourselves heard for who we really are as artists...not just as the lead singers of cover bands forced to rehash Chesney songs every night.
Nashville's doing their very best to ensure this poisonous attitude trickles down from the record labels to the radio stations to the venues to you. Don't take it. Don't let Nashville tell you what you should and shouldn't be listening to. Support your local original artists. Demand bookings. Demand airplay. Spread the word.
Build the underground.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Random Thought
The problem with the music industry, from the local level to the international, is that artists take themselves far too seriously and don't take their music seriously enough.
That's all. Could have probably tweeted that.
That's all. Could have probably tweeted that.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Weekend That Wasn't
Those of you following the action on Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook know that my Dad had emergency surgery over the weekend to remove his gall bladder, which was seriously infected. We waited, literally, all day on Saturday for them to perform the surgery, expecting it to happen first thing in the morning but having it put off until 9:00 pm. The surgery was a success and he's doing well. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Now here I am with a nasty case of the Mondays amplified by a weekend cut in half by a hospital visit. It's really hard to get up and moving on days like this.
I'm getting some things in order, hoping to get out and make some music soon. I've had flashes of songs in my head that haven't materialized into much of anything, but the flashes themselves are encouraging.
On a side note, I highly recommend the new Chickenfoot record. It's incredible. Sammy sounds as good, if not better, now than he ever has. Great stuff.
Anyway, stay with me and stay tuned. Rome wasn't burned in a day.
Now here I am with a nasty case of the Mondays amplified by a weekend cut in half by a hospital visit. It's really hard to get up and moving on days like this.
I'm getting some things in order, hoping to get out and make some music soon. I've had flashes of songs in my head that haven't materialized into much of anything, but the flashes themselves are encouraging.
On a side note, I highly recommend the new Chickenfoot record. It's incredible. Sammy sounds as good, if not better, now than he ever has. Great stuff.
Anyway, stay with me and stay tuned. Rome wasn't burned in a day.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Quick Shout Out
I've met my share of performers over the years. Many of them, regardless of genre or celebrity status, have egos that encourage them to take themselves way too seriously and, subsequently, are petty, competitive jerks.
That kind of attitude permeates even Gospel music...sometimes, unfortunately, even more so.
However, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Martin (of the Martin Trio) at our church's Hymn Sing. He was the special guest and was one of the coolest, most genuine artists I've ever met.
If you're into Gospel, or even if you're not, check the guy out and show him some love. He's incredibly talented and has a great heart. He deserves all the success that comes his way.
Great to meet you, man.
That kind of attitude permeates even Gospel music...sometimes, unfortunately, even more so.
However, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Martin (of the Martin Trio) at our church's Hymn Sing. He was the special guest and was one of the coolest, most genuine artists I've ever met.
If you're into Gospel, or even if you're not, check the guy out and show him some love. He's incredibly talented and has a great heart. He deserves all the success that comes his way.
Great to meet you, man.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Quiet on the Home Front
Haven't really been posting here much lately, mainly because I haven't been doing much in the way of music stuff.
I don't know when I'll be out gigging again, but in the meantime I'm still leading music at the First Baptist Church of Wood Dale every Sunday. Anyone is more than welcome to stop by.
If you'd like to have me lower the class of your establishment by bringing my circus act, give me a holler. I'd be glad to dust off the old guitar and give it a go.
I'll be around.
I don't know when I'll be out gigging again, but in the meantime I'm still leading music at the First Baptist Church of Wood Dale every Sunday. Anyone is more than welcome to stop by.
If you'd like to have me lower the class of your establishment by bringing my circus act, give me a holler. I'd be glad to dust off the old guitar and give it a go.
I'll be around.
Friday, July 17, 2009
In Memorium: Rick Roy
We've lost one of the greatest musicians I've ever had the pleasure of performing with.
Rick, you'll be missed and never forgotten.
Heaven just got a piano player.
Rick, you'll be missed and never forgotten.
Heaven just got a piano player.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hymn Sing this Friday
Another Hymn Sing is coming up this Friday, May 29th, at the First Baptist Church of Wood Dale.
What's a Hymn Sing, you ask?
It's actually kind of cool...something I haven't seen done since I was really young. Everybody grabs a hymnal and shouts out a hymn number. The pianist, Celeste Sebastian, and I then lead the congregation in the song...whether we know it or not. I enjoy it because it really keeps me on my toes and forces me to be a better sight-reading vocalist.
We also have special guests who do two sets throughout the evening. This time around our guest is Narrow Path.
FBC Wood Dale is located at:
292 Oak Meadows Drive
Wood Dale, IL
(630) 766-9365
I'm expecting a great time this Friday. Hope you can make it out.
What's a Hymn Sing, you ask?
It's actually kind of cool...something I haven't seen done since I was really young. Everybody grabs a hymnal and shouts out a hymn number. The pianist, Celeste Sebastian, and I then lead the congregation in the song...whether we know it or not. I enjoy it because it really keeps me on my toes and forces me to be a better sight-reading vocalist.
We also have special guests who do two sets throughout the evening. This time around our guest is Narrow Path.
FBC Wood Dale is located at:
292 Oak Meadows Drive
Wood Dale, IL
(630) 766-9365
I'm expecting a great time this Friday. Hope you can make it out.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cancelled Shows
Quick update:
Due to circumstances beyond my control, the Decatur and Taylorville gigs I had scheduled for next week have been cancelled. Hopefully I can get Sliderz and Bailey's back on my calendar soon.
I'll still be attending the Benefit for Rick Roy this Sunday, though. Wouldn't miss that for the world.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, the Decatur and Taylorville gigs I had scheduled for next week have been cancelled. Hopefully I can get Sliderz and Bailey's back on my calendar soon.
I'll still be attending the Benefit for Rick Roy this Sunday, though. Wouldn't miss that for the world.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Back to Central Illinois
I had a great time this past weekend running around in the middle of the state making some music. Got to reconnect with some old friends and make a couple of new ones.
I was also reminded just how much talent this state has. There are some amazing country artists in Illinois...young, old, and in-between.
In a couple of weeks I'm going back down there for some shows in Taylorville and Decatur. Check my Myspace for details.
Also, because I'm an electronics junkie, I picked up a GPS system for the car. I don't know how I was a travelling musician without it....I love it.
I'm such a geek.
I was also reminded just how much talent this state has. There are some amazing country artists in Illinois...young, old, and in-between.
In a couple of weeks I'm going back down there for some shows in Taylorville and Decatur. Check my Myspace for details.
Also, because I'm an electronics junkie, I picked up a GPS system for the car. I don't know how I was a travelling musician without it....I love it.
I'm such a geek.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Shows This Weekend
Couple of things going on this weekend, and they're mostly Gospel shows.
Saturday night there's a Hymn Sing at my church, FBC Wood Dale. Starts at 7:00 pm. I'm hosting and our special guests for the evening are the Calvarymen.
Sunday, after church at FBC, I'm heading down to try and make a quick appearance at the ICMA Spring Showcase. Don't know if I'll be singing or not, but I do know that I'm looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting some new ones.
After that, I'm heading over to play the Cowboy Church at the First Christian Church of Farm City, IL. Dinner at 5:00 pm. Service at 6:00.
Busy weekend coming up with a lot of driving. If you make it to one of the events, please make sure to say hi.
Saturday night there's a Hymn Sing at my church, FBC Wood Dale. Starts at 7:00 pm. I'm hosting and our special guests for the evening are the Calvarymen.
Sunday, after church at FBC, I'm heading down to try and make a quick appearance at the ICMA Spring Showcase. Don't know if I'll be singing or not, but I do know that I'm looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting some new ones.
After that, I'm heading over to play the Cowboy Church at the First Christian Church of Farm City, IL. Dinner at 5:00 pm. Service at 6:00.
Busy weekend coming up with a lot of driving. If you make it to one of the events, please make sure to say hi.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Picking Merchandise
It's Friday, it's been a long week, and I'm tired. As a result, this was the best title I could come up with. I apologize.
Yesterday I received my custom guitar picks from Steve Clayton, USA. I absolutely love them.
If you're an artist (or really anyone) who wants custom guitar picks, I highly recommend checking them out. Professional work, great design interface, reasonable pricing, and they're a pleasure to do business with.
Thanks, guys!
Yesterday I received my custom guitar picks from Steve Clayton, USA. I absolutely love them.
If you're an artist (or really anyone) who wants custom guitar picks, I highly recommend checking them out. Professional work, great design interface, reasonable pricing, and they're a pleasure to do business with.
Thanks, guys!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Alayne at Ballydoyle's
Here's a shot of Alayne at her Rock Academy gig at Ballydoyle's in Downers Grove, IL. The name of her band is Hospital Bill, so the wrap on her wrist is part of the outfit.
She's just shy of 13 but looked like a seasoned pro up there. Great job, kiddo!
I'll post the info for their next session when I get it.
Gamer Geek Post
I've come to the conclusion that perhaps I need to create a WoW-related blog. Both my wife and I have started playing again, and the happenings in our crazy little guild could probably provide me with enough information for about 3 additional blogs. Stay tuned for that.
On a related note, one of my favorite WoW blogs is closing down.
BRK/Daniel, if you happen to read this, you'll be missed.
On a music note, I've got a flurry of shows coming up in the next couple of months. There's a lot of stress happening in the JB house at the moment, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to take out some aggression on stage.
On a related note, one of my favorite WoW blogs is closing down.
BRK/Daniel, if you happen to read this, you'll be missed.
On a music note, I've got a flurry of shows coming up in the next couple of months. There's a lot of stress happening in the JB house at the moment, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to take out some aggression on stage.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I Shall Call Her...Mini-Me
My oldest stepdaughter, Alayne, played a Rock Academy gig today. She was awesome. Sounded great, had a lot of poise on the stage, and acted like she plays to standing-room only crowds all the time. I'm really proud.
I'm sure this is just the beginning for this one.
Stay tuned.
I'm sure this is just the beginning for this one.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Yet Another AI Rant
It's Grand Ole Opry Week.
Are you kidding me?
Look, I know you're going to ask, "If you hate the show so much, why do you watch it?" Well, the fact of the matter is that once in a great while something worthwhile happens on this weekly karaoke contest that I actually enjoy. Secondly, I'm an avid reader of Vote for the Worst, and my enjoyment of that website would not be as great if I were not properly primed for the commentary.
Here's the deal. I love country music. Some people don't, and I get that. In fact, I respect that. I'm not going to cram anything down anybody's throat. If you don't like country, I'm not offended. It's cool. People enjoy what they enjoy and there's no sense in trying to change that.
I, however, was raised on country music. It's in my blood and I'm proud to carry the flag of what I consider to be a great American art form. As a result, I'm less than enthusiastic about the prospect of 11 contestants and 4 judges defecating on the music I love.
In my opinion, they should do away with country week altogether. I've seen it in seasons past, and it's rarely pretty. Aside from one and a half notable exceptions (Kelly Clarkson being the half, as she leans country on occasion), AI is looking for a commercial pop star. Why even bother making country music look bad by having these people hack through a genre they likely won't ever touch professionally? Having a range is one thing, but if you're never going to sing a country song in your professional career what does is matter if you can or not? As far as I'm concerned, it's pointless and damaging to the genre.
Benefield out.
Addendum: I watched the show tonight and felt that some of the contestants did a fantastic job. They really dug into the tunes, told the stories, and felt the emotion upon which country music is built. I'm incredibly relieved that this wasn't as gimmicky as I feared it would be when I wrote this blog earlier today. All I asked for was respect and, for the most part, I saw that.
The Wrath of J has been averted......for now.
Are you kidding me?
Look, I know you're going to ask, "If you hate the show so much, why do you watch it?" Well, the fact of the matter is that once in a great while something worthwhile happens on this weekly karaoke contest that I actually enjoy. Secondly, I'm an avid reader of Vote for the Worst, and my enjoyment of that website would not be as great if I were not properly primed for the commentary.
Here's the deal. I love country music. Some people don't, and I get that. In fact, I respect that. I'm not going to cram anything down anybody's throat. If you don't like country, I'm not offended. It's cool. People enjoy what they enjoy and there's no sense in trying to change that.
I, however, was raised on country music. It's in my blood and I'm proud to carry the flag of what I consider to be a great American art form. As a result, I'm less than enthusiastic about the prospect of 11 contestants and 4 judges defecating on the music I love.
In my opinion, they should do away with country week altogether. I've seen it in seasons past, and it's rarely pretty. Aside from one and a half notable exceptions (Kelly Clarkson being the half, as she leans country on occasion), AI is looking for a commercial pop star. Why even bother making country music look bad by having these people hack through a genre they likely won't ever touch professionally? Having a range is one thing, but if you're never going to sing a country song in your professional career what does is matter if you can or not? As far as I'm concerned, it's pointless and damaging to the genre.
Benefield out.
Addendum: I watched the show tonight and felt that some of the contestants did a fantastic job. They really dug into the tunes, told the stories, and felt the emotion upon which country music is built. I'm incredibly relieved that this wasn't as gimmicky as I feared it would be when I wrote this blog earlier today. All I asked for was respect and, for the most part, I saw that.
The Wrath of J has been averted......for now.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Renovation
So it seems that the Batcave will be renovated, waterproof, and ready to use by Thursday. That's good, because I have quite a bit of work to do.
I'm trying to maintain some songwriting momentum so I can keep pumping out new material, I need to chart Colleen Wild's songs as I'm now her "official" accompanyist, and I also have my own gigs coming up.
On a side note, if you live in Illinois and are a country music fan/artist, please check out the ICMA. Membership is cheap and the benefits are great. The crappy economy is hurting this great organization that has given so many opportunities to myself and others. Most of the action happens in Central IL, but there is a Southern IL chapter and I'd love to see more activity up here in the Northern third of the state. Let's take country back!
I'm trying to maintain some songwriting momentum so I can keep pumping out new material, I need to chart Colleen Wild's songs as I'm now her "official" accompanyist, and I also have my own gigs coming up.
On a side note, if you live in Illinois and are a country music fan/artist, please check out the ICMA. Membership is cheap and the benefits are great. The crappy economy is hurting this great organization that has given so many opportunities to myself and others. Most of the action happens in Central IL, but there is a Southern IL chapter and I'd love to see more activity up here in the Northern third of the state. Let's take country back!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
"It's fine being artistic, just not on this show."
Thank you, Simon, for confirming my decision to never audition for American Idol.
That being said, support local music! The people truly paving the musical landscape of this country are in your own hometown.
Mini-rant over.
That being said, support local music! The people truly paving the musical landscape of this country are in your own hometown.
Mini-rant over.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Relapse
As I mentioned previously, I'm a recovering WoW addict....well, no longer recovering. I've taken to playing again, albeit not as often as I used to.
So, if you're roaming around the Bloodhoof server and you happen upon a n00b human prot warrior named Misneach, feel free to start the intervention.
So, if you're roaming around the Bloodhoof server and you happen upon a n00b human prot warrior named Misneach, feel free to start the intervention.
Holy 2 Inches of Water, Batman!
My little slice of Illinois was hit with a good deal of rain this past weekend, which led to a flooded basement. Unfortunately for me, flooded basement = flooded Batcave. Mercifully, all of my instruments which are not in cases are hanging on the wall.
The bad news is that I'm prevented from having a kid-free place to work on some music. The good news is that Colleen texted me with a charity show opportunity that I'm very excited about. Once the deal's finalized, I'll be posting about it.
In the meantime, stop by and see me on Myspace, Facebook, and www.jasonbenefield.com.
The bad news is that I'm prevented from having a kid-free place to work on some music. The good news is that Colleen texted me with a charity show opportunity that I'm very excited about. Once the deal's finalized, I'll be posting about it.
In the meantime, stop by and see me on Myspace, Facebook, and www.jasonbenefield.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
This Much I Know....
My wife and I will watch American Idol tonight, and, as a result, my dear friend Colleen Wild will be disappointed with me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Few Random Thoughts
A small peek inside my brain:
- Hugh Jackman did an incredible job hosting the Oscars last night.
- House is on tonight. Love me some House.
- Heroes is on tonight. Love me some Heroes.
- I need to do a better job hydrating. Gotta drink more water.
- I'm a recovering WoW addict, and I'm jonesing. Gotta stop reading WoW blogs.
That is all.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The "What's On Your iPod" Question
A few of the songs which are on heavy rotation on my iPod at the moment:
- Feel Alright - Steve Earle
- Tear-Stained Eye - Son Volt
- Big Sky Country - Chris Whitley
- Washed By the Water - Needtobreathe
- Home - Marc Broussard
- Landing In London - 3 Doors Down w/ Bob Seger
- Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash (Yeah, I know Kristofferson wrote it)
Anybody wanna share their list?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Writer's Block? What Writer's Block?
Last night I wrote three songs.
Let me qualify that a bit: I rewrote one song that I originally wrote several years ago but never did anything with, I finally put on paper a song I've had in my head for like a week and a half, and I wrote one from scratch.
Still, that's almost a third of an album. I'm pleased.
On a related note, my Muse is back on my Christmas card list.
Let me qualify that a bit: I rewrote one song that I originally wrote several years ago but never did anything with, I finally put on paper a song I've had in my head for like a week and a half, and I wrote one from scratch.
Still, that's almost a third of an album. I'm pleased.
On a related note, my Muse is back on my Christmas card list.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
News from the Batcave
Haven't posted in a bit. Our youngest, Ruby, ended up in the hospital over the weekend with pneumonia. She's out now and feeling better.
What's the Batcave, you ask? It's my den of musical inspiration. A couple of houses ago, we had an upstairs room that was originally intended to be my music room. I called it my Fortress of Solitude. However, it quickly became an all-purpose office of sorts and a computer room. After that, Ruby was born and it became her nursery.
When we moved into our current house, my lovely wife Lara was determined to give me a place to play and write music free from the distractions of a house full of kids. As a surprise Christmas gift, she designed a beautiful music room for me in our finished basement. I couldn't have been happier when she unveiled it.
Lara said, "Now you finally have your Fortress of Solitude."
After thinking about that a second, I responded, "No, since it's in the basement and all my 'gadgets' are in here, this is my Batcave."
So what's happening in the Batcave? Quite a lot.
I'm booking 2009 and I have some gigs coming up. If anybody knows of any cool places where they wouldn't mind seeing a JB gig, please let me know. I'm always looking for new venues.
I'm also writing new songs and finding some cool covers that I can put my own spin on. I'm really excited to get back on a stage.
Stay tuned. Same Bat-time, same Bat-blog.
What's the Batcave, you ask? It's my den of musical inspiration. A couple of houses ago, we had an upstairs room that was originally intended to be my music room. I called it my Fortress of Solitude. However, it quickly became an all-purpose office of sorts and a computer room. After that, Ruby was born and it became her nursery.
When we moved into our current house, my lovely wife Lara was determined to give me a place to play and write music free from the distractions of a house full of kids. As a surprise Christmas gift, she designed a beautiful music room for me in our finished basement. I couldn't have been happier when she unveiled it.
Lara said, "Now you finally have your Fortress of Solitude."
After thinking about that a second, I responded, "No, since it's in the basement and all my 'gadgets' are in here, this is my Batcave."
So what's happening in the Batcave? Quite a lot.
I'm booking 2009 and I have some gigs coming up. If anybody knows of any cool places where they wouldn't mind seeing a JB gig, please let me know. I'm always looking for new venues.
I'm also writing new songs and finding some cool covers that I can put my own spin on. I'm really excited to get back on a stage.
Stay tuned. Same Bat-time, same Bat-blog.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
NACMAI Music Week
I'm not making the trip to Pigeon Forge this year for the NACMAI competition in March, but I'd like to take a moment to wish the best of luck to my friends in the ICMA who are.
I went down there a couple of years ago and had an incredible time. I'm not the world's biggest fan of "competitive music," but the opportunity to get up and sing in front of talented people from all over the country is entirely worth it. Not to mention the fact that you've got countless country artists crammed in a hotel for a week, which leads to nothing but shenanigans.
Illinois generally brings home quite a few NACMAI awards, and I'm sure this year will be no exception.
Remember my fellow ICMAers, don't do anything I wouldn't do...and if you do, take pictures.
I went down there a couple of years ago and had an incredible time. I'm not the world's biggest fan of "competitive music," but the opportunity to get up and sing in front of talented people from all over the country is entirely worth it. Not to mention the fact that you've got countless country artists crammed in a hotel for a week, which leads to nothing but shenanigans.
Illinois generally brings home quite a few NACMAI awards, and I'm sure this year will be no exception.
Remember my fellow ICMAers, don't do anything I wouldn't do...and if you do, take pictures.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Illinois Country Music Association
Illinois is loaded with talented country artists and die-hard country fans, and one of the best resources for artists and fans is the Illinois Country Music Association. The ICMA gives artists, both new and established, a chance to get out and get themselves heard. Also, it gives fans a chance to find new artists that they otherwise may have never heard.
If you live in or near Illinois and are interested, go to their website and download the application form. For a ridiculously reasonable annual fee, you get access to discounted prices at ICMA events, a newsletter with show listings, and a chance to vote for their annual People's Choice awards.
The ICMA brings artists and fans together. Instead of waiting around for the next big Nashville act to make a stop in your town, you can find a great local band playing just down the street and have an amazing night out listening to some awesome music.
Please get out and support local country music, whether you live in Illinois or not. Country music has always been the people's music, so let's keep it that way.
If you live in or near Illinois and are interested, go to their website and download the application form. For a ridiculously reasonable annual fee, you get access to discounted prices at ICMA events, a newsletter with show listings, and a chance to vote for their annual People's Choice awards.
The ICMA brings artists and fans together. Instead of waiting around for the next big Nashville act to make a stop in your town, you can find a great local band playing just down the street and have an amazing night out listening to some awesome music.
Please get out and support local country music, whether you live in Illinois or not. Country music has always been the people's music, so let's keep it that way.
Ramping Up
Some really exciting things are happening in the JB camp. I'm working on some new material (and, in some cases, rewritten old material that never saw the light of day), which is a pretty big deal considering I've been fighting writer's block for a very, very long time. Colleen Wild and I had the first of many writing sessions this past weekend, so I'm very excited about what may come of that.
I've been trying to find some new places to play and reconnect with old venues so I can get back out and play some shows. It feels good to be back in the game.
For those of you who don't know, I've been on a hiatus due to my daughter's condition. She was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and she's already had more surgeries than most adults I know. Things are slowly settling down, however, and it's about time she got a chance to see Daddy doing what he does best.
Elsewhere in the JB camp, my stepdaughter Alayne enrolled in the Rock Academy of DuPage. I can't wait to see her tear it up. I swear that kid was born to be a rock star. The Rock Academy is an awesome place. It gives kids the opportunity to learn what it's like to play in a band and collaborate with other musicians. If you have a pre-teen/teenager who likes to play music and you live in the Downers Grove, IL area, check it out.
Check back for more updates. Exciting things are happening.
I've been trying to find some new places to play and reconnect with old venues so I can get back out and play some shows. It feels good to be back in the game.
For those of you who don't know, I've been on a hiatus due to my daughter's condition. She was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and she's already had more surgeries than most adults I know. Things are slowly settling down, however, and it's about time she got a chance to see Daddy doing what he does best.
Elsewhere in the JB camp, my stepdaughter Alayne enrolled in the Rock Academy of DuPage. I can't wait to see her tear it up. I swear that kid was born to be a rock star. The Rock Academy is an awesome place. It gives kids the opportunity to learn what it's like to play in a band and collaborate with other musicians. If you have a pre-teen/teenager who likes to play music and you live in the Downers Grove, IL area, check it out.
Check back for more updates. Exciting things are happening.
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