Music Monday: Keith Harkin Band

So it took me absolute ages to post this feature…I’m sorry but vacations, sickness, and just the fact that I took a ton of pictures meant I had my work cut out for me. I swear all of my posts these day’s begin with an excuse…shame on me. Anyway back in December I had the great pleasure of attending a Keith Harkin Band gig, yep that’s right a Keith Harking BAND! I’ve seen Keith perform many a times and I am always blown away by his artistry and musicality, but oh my goodness to experience the kind of energy that is brought to the stage when there is a full band is nothing short of AMAZING! I had such an incredible time and I’m sure you can tell from the pictures everyone else was too! 

If you weren’t fortunate enough to catch Keith at Poor Davids back in December fret not because he’s coming back March 18th and you can reserve your tickets here if you’re not able to make the gig might I suggest purchasing Keith’s LONG AWAITED SECOND ALBUM: On Mercy Street Here. Every song is so raw and honest you feel as if you have your own private show with Keith right there. I hope that you all enjoyed the pictures and that you all continue to support true artists like these lads here! Cheers!

 

Merry Keithmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Boy oh boy are you guys in for a treat.

The Sunday before last I had the great pleasure of seeing the incomparable Dave Bakey and Keith Harkin in concert at Poor Davids Pub. You may be asking yourself why is this good news for you? Well I didn’t go to the concert by myself, my wildly talented photographer friend Amanda of James Seip Photography came with and took PHENOMENAL pictures of the gig. Seriously this girl is  a photography God! Bow down to her greatness!

These guys were my last concert of 2014 (as far as I know none of my other bands are coming back through Dallas in the next few days) and what a way to cap off the year. Honestly there is nothing I enjoy more than going to gigs, I may have zero musical talents of my own but being surrounded by incredible music and real musicians is my idea of heaven on earth.

*angelic lighting for heaven on earth reference*

I know I say this every time guys, but seriously this show was even better than the last. Keith is a real artists’ artist, his vocals are nothing short of amazing, his stage presence is undeniable, and his lyrics are pure genius, and Dave, well where does one even begin with Dave? Dave is hand to God one of the most incredible guitarists I’ve ever had to good fortune to hear. So when he’s inducted into the rock n roll hall of fame just remember I called that one coming from a mile away 😉Awe that smile. Now if you were unable to see Keith this year fret not, because tomorrow he is having an online gig on Stageit that everyone is invited to attend. So if you need a last minute gift idea, or to make up for buying a not so well received gift, or want to buy yourself something nice simply buy a ticket to the best online concert ever. Also be on the look out for Keith’s second album next year. Anyone who listens to this gentleman’s music has been excited for the long awaited second album…but I don’t know that anyone’s more excited than Keith himself.

Clearly excited 😉 and with good reason. After an er… um…less than ideal experience with a record label, Keith found he works much better without restraints and busted out to produce an album that is 100% him, and I for one could not be more thrilled by this. You cannot put this man’s talent into an “appeal to the masses water down your artistry kind of box”. So let’s stick it to the record labels and buy the hell out of Keith’s album the minute it drops, ok?

Again I want to extend a huge thank you to my dear friend Amanda for taking such incredible photos, to everyone at Poor Davids for being total sweethearts, and to Dave and Keith for filling our lives with incredible music and joy. I’m very excited to see what this next year holds in store for you both. Come back to Dallas soon!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! XOXO

Keith Harkin at Poor Davids

Hello all! Today’s post is all about my fabulous Saturday night. I was fortunate to attend/handle merch at Poor Davids Pub for the Keith Harkin gig, and man it just never gets old…I look forward to every gig of Keith’s like its the first time, and when its all over I leave even happier than the last.

Fortunately this go around I was actually able to step away from the merch table for a bit and snap a couple of pics of the opening act, Phoebe Hunt and Connor Forsyth. All I can say is wow! The amount of style and artistry they brought to each song was astounding. Both are phenomenal writers Connor is master of the keys and Phoebe’s voice is the kind of voice that you would want to have singing the soundtrack of your life. The depth, soul, and incredible variety this lady displays is absolutely mind blowing, not only does she have the voice of an Americana bluesy gypsy angel she can tear it up on the fiddle as well as the guitar. Can you tell I have a bit of a girl crush working? This duo is musical perfection and I implore you to see them live. Keep up to date with Phoebe and Connor through http://phoebehuntmusic.com/home 

Odds are if you’re a regular here on my blog you know my love for Keith Harkin’s music. If this guy is in town I go to his show, simple as that. Keith is not to be missed. I am constantly in awe of this gentleman, his vocals are so strong and invoke so much emotion, his skills as a song writer are incomparable, and his ability to merely play the guitar in such a way you’d swear he was playing with a full band is just outstanding.  I’ve been pretty blessed in my concert outings and have see many a highly skilled artists, but I can truly say Keith still stands out as one of the most talented acts I’ve ever seen. The man doesn’t hold back, he pours his heart and soul into everything he does and it so evident in his music. The crowd, setting, and how tired this weary traveler is have no bearing on his performance he truly lays it all out there and its pretty magical to experience firsthand. If you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere Keith has a gig you really HAVE TO GO! Keep up to date with this phenomenal guy through his website and his various social media platforms (facebook, twitter, and instagram )

As always Keith absolutely killed it, and was kind enough to play several of his new songs. Just when I think this guy cannot get any better he does, the new songs are just out of this world amazing and have me chomping at the bit for his next album…which according to Keith shouldn’t be too far off now. YAY! So now more than ever is the time to hop onto the Harkin bandwagon because I know he’s only going to continue to grow stronger and stronger as an artist, which is really saying something because this guy has Herculean musical strengths 😉
describing his parents’ “domestic bliss” 😉
Everytime this guy plays he shares his soul and its just beautiful.

This guy is the best and that’s all there is to it.

Now here are some pics my sister snapped of me working the merch table…and amazingly I don’t look as lazy as last time 😉
See I’m even grabbing shirts here!Of course it wasn’t all hard work though haha 😉

I had such a wonderful time and want to thank everyone of you who came out to show your support, and an extra thank you to those of you who had to put up with me selling merch again. I really hope you all enjoyed this post and that you show these multi-talented musicians your love because they really deserve it. Happy Wednesday.

An Evening with Keith Harkin

Last Thursday I was fortunate enough to attend/work the merch table for the Keith Harkin gig at Poor Davids Pub.

The night started off with a stellar performance from The O’s (sorry I didn’t take any pictures I was manning the merch table at that time). I must say Poor David’s certainly knows how to pick talent, not once has there been an opener that I was unimpressed with. But I have to admit The O’s particularly blew my mind. They are true performers, their music is absolutely spectacular, and their between song banters are priceless. Lucky for me The O’s are a Dallas based band so they have lots of local gigs coming up, but they also do quite a bit of expansive touring so if you’re not a local fret not. Check out their site http://wearetheos.com/ listen to their music, go to a gig, and have a blast!

Now for everyone who bought merch thanks for being so sweet and patient with me, I’ve never worked in any form of retail (I’ve always been on the creative side of work) so this was quite a new experience for me. Despite being “out of my element” I had an absolute blast, interacting with everyone was quite a fun experience, and I hope I get to go it again soon! I think I met just about everyone who came out that night, you all are excellent shoppers 😉

Here are some pictures my sis took of me looking like the least helpful merch worker in the world. To be fair though these were taken after the show when less shopping took place.

I swear I did more than just stand around with my hands on my hips. 

Keith you sir are a joy to work with.

After the O’s Keith took the stage and delivered an incredible performance as per usual. After seeing an artist perform live several times suddenly their shows can seem a little less exciting, but I’ve seen Keith on multiple occasions and I still walk away saying “That was the best show yet”. I think its because Keith has found the perfect balance to his gigs. By playing his own original songs, Celtic Thunder favorites, and classical covers like End of Innocence and Heart of Saturday Night Harkin has insured that no matter your musical taste there will be something that you will absolutely love. You can check out his site here http://www.keithharkin.com/ and keep up to date on touring and find all the links to his other social media platforms that are full of good craic!

Now Thursday was a good night, but it was a very emotional one too. Just the night before, fellow Celtic Thunder performer George Donaldson passed away. One particularly touching moment of the night was when Keith performed Caledonia as a beautiful tribute to his dear friend. George is a great man and will be sorely missed.

As you can imagine everyone who knew George is incredibly shaken, and his friends and family would really appreciate that you respect their privacy as they go through the difficult grieving process. Should you wish to make a gesture to George’s family you can make a donation to help further his daughter’s education through the Celtic Thunder site https://www.celticthunder.ie/content/george-donaldson-0

Let us remember to tell those in our life how much we love them, we never know long we have on this earth. God bless you all and Rest in Peace George.

Fashion Friday Featuring Malco Modes

This week’s Fashion Friday will be featuring Malco Modes. Malco Modes is a 100% made in the USA establishment that specializes in petticoats, underskirts, crinolines, pettipants, and even square/western dance apparel. All of the garments are hand-sewn and made with the highest quality materials, ensuring not only a beautiful piece but one that is also made to be sturdy enough for dancers and performers. There is a great variety of pieces to choose from, but if you cannot find quite what you’re looking for, you can give this Eastern Tennessee based company a call and they will do a custom order for you! How great is that? I cannot encourage you enough to give this company a try. You will not be dissapointed http://www.malcomodes.biz/default.asp

So I am still waiting on a swing dress to arrive in the mail (curse you Dallas Icestorm) but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from showing you all my beautiful new petticoat. So being as it is an “undergarment” I decided to have a bit of fun and do a “getting ready” type shoot.

Pearl necklace and earrings: Birthday present. But Macy’s has an excellent deal on a freshwater pearl set http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/sterling-silver-freshwater-pearl-necklace-bracelet-and-earring-set?ID=324942&cm_mmc=Google_Jewelry_PLA-_-Jewelry+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21231719103_-_-_mkwid_IBGtfBhs|d{device}_21231719103%7C-%7CIBGtfBhs

Crop top: Charlotte Russe which no longer has any but Forever 21 has some wonderful options http://www.forever21.com/Search/SearchResult.aspx?dsNav=Ntk:primary%7cpolka+crop+top%7c3%7c,Ny:True,Ro:0,Up:regular&dsDimensionSearch=D:polka+crop+top,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&dsCompoundDimensionSearch=D:polka+crop+top,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&keyword=polka+crop+top&fromsearch=true

Petticoat: Malco Modes http://www.malcomodes.biz/petticoats-petticoats-Jennifer-p/582.htm I must shout it from the rooftops, this petticoat is a fluffy cloud of perfection. The beautiful nylon chiffon is incredibly soft, but the double layer gives that wonderful fullness one so desires! Plus the adjustable waist and length make it a piece that is versatile, so no need buy tons of different petticoats. Of course after you experience this petticoat you might feel the need to buy more colors 😉

I am over the moon thrilled with my petticoat and I hope you all give Malco Modes a look. Happy Friday guys I love ya!

Keith Harkin at Poor Davids Pub

On Saturday I had the great pleasure of seeing Keith Harkin perform at the awesome venue that is Poor Davids Pub. If you aren’t familiar with Mr Harkin I demand you remedy that this instant! The blog can wait http://www.keithharkin.com/videos/ So good right? Well let me tell you this Keith is just as amazing (if not more so) live as he is recorded. Keith’s talent feels of a different time, like back when musicians were musician, not just people with the right connections, and is it any wonder? Keith has been passionate about music since he was a small child, singing at the age of four, and learning classic songs like “Everybody’s Talking At Me” and “Where Do You Go To My Lovely” from his father. His father is also the man who gave him the push (and cab fare) to audition for the Irish singing group Celtic Thunder, that he has been with since its very beginning in 2007 and continues to sing and write songs for to this day. As if that wasn’t enough Harkin is also signed with Verve, put out his debut self titled album in 2012, which he wrote several songs for, and even managed to do a solo tour across America last spring. Just thinking of all the work this man does makes me tired 😉That smile thoughDave Bakey, a badass guitar player and all around great guy, was supposed to accompany Keith, but unfortunately he fell sick and couldn’t make it. So not wanting Dave to miss out on some of the fun Keith gave him a call that way we could all tell him how much we love him. Too sweet.The man sings his heart out!Sassy face 😉Even though he was super busy needing to pack up and hit the road he stuck around to talk to fans and sign merch…and even take a pic with little sis and I. What a guy!
Regardless of your personal taste in music I can guarantee you will enjoy the musical stylings of Mr Harkin. Keep up to date with Keith through Celtic Thunder http://www.celticthunder.ie/tour his official website http://www.keithharkin.com/ and/or through his various social media platforms https://www.facebook.com/pages/Keith-Harkin/110997345657482 https://twitter.com/keithharkin http://instagram.com/keithharkin

PS the holidays are fast approaching and nothing could make a better gift than Keith’s self titled album which can be purchased anywhere you find music really, but here are some links through Celtic Thunder http://www.celticthunder.ie/content/keith-harkin-keith-harkin-cd Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Harkin/e/B0090QIRDW/ref=sr_1_2_acs_ent_artist?qid=1385510527&sr=8-2-acs and Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keith-harkin-keith-harkin/24997900?ean=602537115488

Hope you all enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Music Recommendation: Bottle Cap Rockets

If you’re anything like me you’re always on the hunt for some new music to listen to. I especially search for good rockabilly bands, I cannot get enough of the stuff and let me tell you The Bottle Cap Rockets are “The Stuff” of Rockabilly. Strong vocals, killer bass, clever lyrics, and that constant driving guitar that will get you dancing whether you want to or not.Who else is guilty of dancing in their car and getting caught by other drivers? Hopefully it’s not just me 😉Can we talk about how cool these cats are?

The Bottle Cap Rockets consists of Alan Gross on lead vocals/guitar, Chris Wolfer recruiting bassist/back up vocals, and different drummers are brought in to form a trio for shows. 

Alan Gross

Chris Wolfer. *All photos were taken from The Bottle Cap Rockets Facebook page and website. I do not own them*

The band is based out of Ringwood NJ and since forming back in 2010 has released their first album First Seven which is available on itunes, amazon, and cd baby, performed with the likes of The Ultra Kings, Crash Gordon with Debra Dynamite on vocals, and Nikki Hill. Opened for Eric Lindell at Mexicali Live in Teaneck NJ, and plan to release their second album Go Ape sometime early 2014.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/first-seven/id551150143

http://www.amazon.com/First-Seven-Bottle-Cap-Rockets/dp/B008U9BVOW

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bottlecaprockets

Even if you’re not necessarily a fan of rockabilly you will like this band, they have a good mix of that classic rockabilly sound people like me will want, but they’re not a “time capsule” band. You can definitely hear the influences of Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Eddy Cochrin. Yet there is still something new and fresh offered with their tunes. So I highly suggest you check em out and let me know what you think! http://bottlecaprockets.com/ Hope all enjoyed this post and found a new band to listen to. Cheers!

Jake Shimabukuro Concert.

On Sunday night I had the great pleasure of attending the Jake Shimabukuro at The Kessler concert with my family. We had first heard of Jake through a PBS special and we were instantly captivated by this incredible musician. Jake grew up in Hawaii and began playing the ukulele from a very young age, as the years went by and Jake grew up he found himself inspired by “Guitar heros”. While at a Van Halen concert he couldn’t help but feel “that’s what an ukulele concert should be like” this lead him to experiment with different styles of playing resulting in the amazing sound he has now, mixing the traditional Hawaiian with classic rock and roll guitar riffs, and let me tell you I never knew that someone could shred on a ukulele like that! The variety of styles of music Jake can play on one ukulele is truly something incredible to behold! If you ever have the opportunity to see Mr Shimabukuro you must seize the day and buy those tickets, you are in for such a treat.

Like I said…the man can shred!

I hope you all enjoyed my pictures, and that you all check Jake out http://jakeshimabukuro.com/ the man is the stuff of musical legends! Have a very happy Tuesday.

Ronnie Fauss and JD McPherson Concert.

Last Thursday I had the great pleasure of seeing Ronnie Fauss and JD McPherson in concert. The show had sold out, but since the original venue was outdoors (The Belmont) and it had been raining all day, it was moved to The Kessler, well a change of venues and a change of plans meant I was going to be able to have an incredible night full of music, dancing, and of course some concert photography, this is me we’re talking about afterall.

First act was Ronnie Fauss. Admittedly my expectations are never really high to opening acts…I’ve heard some great ones and I have heard some real doozies, much to my delight Ronnie was fabulous! He is a Dallas based singer songwriter who draws influences from John Prine and Steve Earle. His music ranges from moody “bad boy country” to upbeat storytelling country. You can check out his page here  http://www.ronniefauss.com/ and if you have to opportunity to see him you should!

 Then JD McPherson took the stage. JD McPherson has something for everyone, honestly if you have the ability to hear I cannot comprehend you not liking these guys. There style is a mix of the kind of music they like, Rock n Roll, Rhythm and blues, rockabilly, etc. JD’s current album Signs and Signifiers is the perfect blend of old and new and shows the true artistry of these incredible musicians! You can find out more about the band here http://www.jdmcpherson.com/news.html

Almost as soon as they hit the stage people were out front just ready to start dancing, and oh boy did they dance! Seriously if you ever have the opportunity to see these guys DO NOT HESITATE! BUY THOSE TICKETS! You will not be sorry you did. I have been to my share of concerts and these guys are the best band I have ever seen!

Jimmy Sutton kills it on the bass!

Ray is a mad man on the keys! I’m pretty sure his hands move at the speed of light!

JD is just a rock star I mean really.

Doug is a phenomenal saxophone player!

Jason is an incredible drummer, I have no idea how he does it!

I love how JD and Jason are basically making the same face.

 Love the way this shot turned out.

 I had the most amazing time and cannot express how wonderful these guys are, just do yourself a favor and go see them. Hope you all liked the pictures Happy Wednesday.

Fashion Friday is Back.

I am sorry I become so lapsed in my blogging. I think having a weekly built in theme of a blog post should do either one of two things, motivate to blog more, or really expose how lazy I truly am 😉 So here it goes I am returning to Fashion Friday posts. This is an outfit I wore on Wednesday when I met up with my friend Lauren and the other bridesmaids, for a girls night out, good food, and some shopping, so I tried to keep it stylish without being stuffy. The weather was absolutely gorgeous so I was able to wear shorts, but I knew night would become a little chilled so I grabbed “my” beloved denim jacket.

Seriously folks this is what happens when I try to model…sigh…such a dork.

Earrings: Charlotte Russe.

Jacket: Stole it from my mothers closet.

Polka dot tank: Charlotte Russe.

Shorts: Cotton On.

Ballet flats: Payless.

Turquoise ring: Bought from a Native American vender up in OK.

Gold Bracelet. Sorry it was a gift so I haven’t a clue.

Purse. Charming Charlies. So I am not a bag person but I absolutely adore this bag. One of the best gifts ever!

I hope you all enjoyed this outfit and post! Happy Friday my lovelies!