Archive for the ‘Live Music’ Category

Abbey Road on The River Sets

It’s that time again! This year marks my 6th year performing at Abbey Road on the River and I’m looking forward to it with equal excitement as every other year.

I’ve performed as a solo ukulele player, with a huge band, with a 4 piece band, and a solo guitar player. And I always try to come up with a unique set every year.

This year was no different, of course. I’ve spent months thinking about sets, themes, mashups, angles, and more. I’ve thought about audience appeal, I’ve thought outside of the box, I’ve thought inside of the box, and from every corner.

Finally, inspiration struck while I was listening to The Rolling Stones. Yes, I know, that seems wrong. But like I said, I considered a huge range of possibilities when preparing for this year’s Abbey Road on the River festival.

Anyway, it’s not exactly clear where this inspiration came from, or why it hit while I was listening to The Rolling Stones, instead of say, The Beatles (like I should have been listening to). But there it was. And after a little digging and research, the idea grew and inspiration became motivation.

I started learning songs, practicing, experimenting, testing, and building a set.

I’ve played a few songs from my set at some lives shows recently and they’ve gone really well. So I’m even more excited to share this new set with everyone at Abbey Road on the River!

So, what is this new set I’m performing? Well, you’ll just have to come out this weekend and hear it for yourself! I think you’ll like it.

You’ll have 3 chances to catch my set this year.

Friday, May 25th at 7:30pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Saturday May 26th at 8pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Sunday May 27th at 1:30pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Check out arotr.com for more info on the schedule and locations.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Sing Along For The Soul

The last few weeks have been crazy-busy. We’ve been in and out of town several times and had lots of commitments on our calendar. It was all fun and we really had a great time. But after so much on-the-go, we’ve started to feel completely worn out.

I knew July was going to be busy. But I had no idea how much it was going to wear us down. I thought doing all of these fun things and adventures were going to invigorate our zest for life. All it’s done for us recently is invigorate the ability to sleep through alarms.

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Abbey Road on the River 2016

This year’s Abbey Road on the River Festival, like every year’s, seemed to take forever to get here and then, before you knew it, it was over. It came and went faster than a two-minute pop song. But like every year, the memories, the love and the music will stay with us all year long.

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B-b-b-Burns! A Simpson’s Musical

photo 3February went by really fast! And there was a lot going on, as usual. But one of the really cool things that I got to be a part of last month, was Theatre 502’s production of Mr. Burns. It was a post-apocalyptic play that ended in a Simpson’s musical. Yes, a Simpson’s musical.

Do you remember the Cape Fear episode of the Simpson’s? How well do you remember it? That’s exactly how Mr. Burns begins. Well, I mean, in a way. I guess technically it began with an apocalyptic event.

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Live From Your Living Room, From My Living Room

I host a monthly show called “Live From Your Living” on the last Thursday of every month. A new guest joins me every month on my couch to share some songs. The 45 minute show is streamed live via YouTube (previously StageIt) so anyone can watch it online, from their living, hence the name. The original title was “Live From My Living Room.” After the third email asking for my address, I changed it to “Your Living Room.

Nick & Champ - Live From Your Living Room

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It’s Show Time!

I haven’t played a live show since some time in December. I think it’s safe to say it’s been about a month. I love playing shows. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. On the one hand, it’s almost like I’m in my own little world when I’m performing. I often clothes my eyes and get lost in the emotion of the song. On the other hand, I love connecting with the audience, whether it’s eye contact during a song, or having a conversation with them from the stage between songs.

Usually from about November through March of the next year, I don’t book any shows. I use that time to write new songs, record them, plan for the coming year, and sometimes, just take a break.

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