Here is perhaps the only surviving full length video of our performance. This is our first song of the night, Blue Devils. This was a song that Ben wrote before Finding Reason. We rescued it and resurrected it. I was quite nervous, since i lead this song off...all by my lonesome (no drums, no bass, no vocals). The "seagull" sounds you hear at the beginning are from Ben's guitar, but the rest is me. I also get to finish out the song...just me and Ben. I'm glad this first song went as well as it did. This is a song i never thought i'd get down. I did...it just takes practice.
Hope you enjoy...
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Stills from the Blur
Here are a few of the pictures taken during the Finding Reason set. These pictures were enhanced a bit, for the originals weren't the greatest. Not the fault of the photographer but rather the camera and lighting. Anyway...i think maybe next performance i'll bring the big camera. And at some point, i'm sure we'll hire a professional photographer to get those CD-liner worthy photos.
Also, a bit of sad news on the video/webcast front. As mentioned earlier, we lost the live webcast part way through our set. We did have another camera running, but unfortunately, in our extreme nervousness, we forgot to change to a fresh tape. So, there is very little video footage of our performance. There is some (very limited) video footage out there, and i'm not sure that it'll ever make it to our website and then to your eyes. Sorry. We'll try harder next time.
For now, you'll have to enjoy these few photos...
Also, a bit of sad news on the video/webcast front. As mentioned earlier, we lost the live webcast part way through our set. We did have another camera running, but unfortunately, in our extreme nervousness, we forgot to change to a fresh tape. So, there is very little video footage of our performance. There is some (very limited) video footage out there, and i'm not sure that it'll ever make it to our website and then to your eyes. Sorry. We'll try harder next time.
For now, you'll have to enjoy these few photos...
 |
| FR_JenFest |
Sunday, May 25, 2008
An Amazing Blur
JenFest 2008 is complete. It was a complete success, more or less. At last count, we raised over $750 for the charities. There were some issues with the night though. Since Matt was recovering from laryngitis, Less Than Serious didn't play. And during our set, we had some technical difficulties. We also think we lost the live webcast part way through our set. Aside from the technical difficulties, the night was quite a success.
Jen was an awesome host and we thank her for all of her hospitality. The food was great, the drinks were great, the crowd was great!
I'm quite tired right now and don't have the energy to do justice on this post. So, i'll be back later to update the post about the specifics.
**UPDATE(5/26/2008)**
The final tally is in, and we raised a grand total of $1130. That's quite a success if you ask me.
First up was Liquid Casing. I think i may have seen these guys at Barnstock several years ago. They are a different style of band. Some like 'em and some don't. They are talented musicians for sure. They used a lot of effects and i was a fan of the sound of the distortion on the guitar. Liquid Casing played a longer set than originally scheduled. Again, this was due to the fact that Less Than Serious was not going to play their set.
The in-between-set entertainment consisted of raffle drawings. Many prizes were up for grabs...gift certificates, free panties, art books, coffee basket, and the grand prize was a color copier, scanner, fax...
Next up was Death Carpet Trio. I really enjoy these guys. If you have access to the iTunes store, go check them out. They have an eclectic mix of guitar, trumpet, and a thick layering of cowbell! If you are looking for a tasty funkcicle, these guys can provide it. It was a bit surreal as part way through their set they announced that Finding Reason was up next. It was at about that time that i really started to get nervous. The heart rate increased, the sweat came pouring out (well, it was hot outside, so that was already happening), and i started to shake...more or less.
Death Carpet Trio put on a great set and i hope we can play with these guys in the future!
I had to perform a wardrobe change before our set, and make a visit to the nearest bush (ha...just kidding). I went from comfortable shorts to tight jeans and my "Fear the Walken" tshirt. It got even hotter...and i don't think it was all because of the added clothing. The nerves were running fast... I think that our first show in Jen's Birthday Party, i was much more of a wreck. So, i suppose the more often i do this, the easier it'll get? That's the hope anyway.
While DC3 was breaking down their equipment, it was time for Finding Reason to start setting up ours. This is where things started to get blurry. I was a little apprehensive because we hadn't done a sound check earlier in the day, like i wanted to. I would've been less apprehensive had i had one less thing to worry about. Oh well...perhaps the next show we'll get it right. During our set up, Jen's oldest son, Jack, wanted to do a little saxophone solo that he wrote himself. I give the kid props for getting up on stage and doing his thing. Mad props, Jack! Keep it up.
And...so it was time. Time for us to do our thing...time to rock! We did an impromtu sound check and i wasn't sure how it was all going to work out. The in-ear monitors are hard to get used to. I wasn't sure if i was hearing everything that i need to hear. I expected the drums to be louder, but i really didn't hear them...i don't think. Ahhh, i don't remember. I suppose i heard enough of what i needed to because i think things (more or less) turned out okay. I sure hope the sound was better for the crowd than what i heard.
The first song was key, for me. This was a song that we hadn't done live before and i start this song off, by myself for the first few measures. The arpeggios are a bit more difficult to do than chords. But thankfully, i hit all the notes and the first song was done well...for the most part. Blue Devils was a song that i'd never thought i'd get down...but i enjoy playing that song now.
After a quick sound monitor mix tweak, we got into our second song. Songs 2 and 3 were done fairly well, only minor screw ups. Song 4, which is the one i really wanted to nail, i think worked out okay. i know there were a few places where i messed up, which was disappointing. I'll wait to see the video or hear the recorded song to see how it turned out. As a reminder folks, 6 of the songs we played were the first time that we played them live.
The 5th and 6th songs are my weakest. It was at this time that i was thinking, "Don't fudge this up..." Although i wasn't thinking candy confection. Song 5 wasn't that bad. Song 6 was horrendous...we had some technical difficulties and i was off. Oh well...i really don't want to listen/watch that song.
I had some issues during the 7th song. My wireless transmitter pack fell off my guitar strap. I tried to find some time to re-attach it, but just let it hang for the song. I had a feeling that would happen. Luckily it didn't distract me too much. So, today, i ordered two wireless transmitter pouches that should eliminate that issue. The final song wasn't perfect for me...and i really wanted it to be...of course i wanted them all to be perfect. The parts that i was worried about i, did nail those...as far as i remember.
Eight songs/45 minutes sure flew by. It was all a blur. A wonderful blur. I think overall it was a great success. Once again, we received a lot of positive comments. Although it's hard to tell if people are just being nice. I'll just assume they are speaking the truth...it makes me feel better that way.
The rest of the night was very enjoyable and very relaxing. I want to do that again!!
I want to thank Jen and all those that made this event possible. I also want to thank those that believed in me, those that kept pushing me to practice, and those that made me feel like a rockstar...even though i'm not. I want to also thank Ron for devoting his time to our cause. I wish we could keep him. And a big thanks goes out to Ben and Greg...those guys help me keep going...even through all the frustrating times of not getting the music right...
And finally, i'd like to thank Carla. Thank you, Carla, for everything!
For those of you that didn't get to see the partial webcast or couldn't be there in person (and there's a lot of you), have no fear...Finding Reason will be back soon!
Rock on...
The setlist
Finding Reason rocks it!
Yours truly
Carla and Me...post set relaxation.
Jen was an awesome host and we thank her for all of her hospitality. The food was great, the drinks were great, the crowd was great!
I'm quite tired right now and don't have the energy to do justice on this post. So, i'll be back later to update the post about the specifics.
**UPDATE(5/26/2008)**
The final tally is in, and we raised a grand total of $1130. That's quite a success if you ask me.
First up was Liquid Casing. I think i may have seen these guys at Barnstock several years ago. They are a different style of band. Some like 'em and some don't. They are talented musicians for sure. They used a lot of effects and i was a fan of the sound of the distortion on the guitar. Liquid Casing played a longer set than originally scheduled. Again, this was due to the fact that Less Than Serious was not going to play their set.
The in-between-set entertainment consisted of raffle drawings. Many prizes were up for grabs...gift certificates, free panties, art books, coffee basket, and the grand prize was a color copier, scanner, fax...
Next up was Death Carpet Trio. I really enjoy these guys. If you have access to the iTunes store, go check them out. They have an eclectic mix of guitar, trumpet, and a thick layering of cowbell! If you are looking for a tasty funkcicle, these guys can provide it. It was a bit surreal as part way through their set they announced that Finding Reason was up next. It was at about that time that i really started to get nervous. The heart rate increased, the sweat came pouring out (well, it was hot outside, so that was already happening), and i started to shake...more or less.
Death Carpet Trio put on a great set and i hope we can play with these guys in the future!
I had to perform a wardrobe change before our set, and make a visit to the nearest bush (ha...just kidding). I went from comfortable shorts to tight jeans and my "Fear the Walken" tshirt. It got even hotter...and i don't think it was all because of the added clothing. The nerves were running fast... I think that our first show in Jen's Birthday Party, i was much more of a wreck. So, i suppose the more often i do this, the easier it'll get? That's the hope anyway.
While DC3 was breaking down their equipment, it was time for Finding Reason to start setting up ours. This is where things started to get blurry. I was a little apprehensive because we hadn't done a sound check earlier in the day, like i wanted to. I would've been less apprehensive had i had one less thing to worry about. Oh well...perhaps the next show we'll get it right. During our set up, Jen's oldest son, Jack, wanted to do a little saxophone solo that he wrote himself. I give the kid props for getting up on stage and doing his thing. Mad props, Jack! Keep it up.
And...so it was time. Time for us to do our thing...time to rock! We did an impromtu sound check and i wasn't sure how it was all going to work out. The in-ear monitors are hard to get used to. I wasn't sure if i was hearing everything that i need to hear. I expected the drums to be louder, but i really didn't hear them...i don't think. Ahhh, i don't remember. I suppose i heard enough of what i needed to because i think things (more or less) turned out okay. I sure hope the sound was better for the crowd than what i heard.
The first song was key, for me. This was a song that we hadn't done live before and i start this song off, by myself for the first few measures. The arpeggios are a bit more difficult to do than chords. But thankfully, i hit all the notes and the first song was done well...for the most part. Blue Devils was a song that i'd never thought i'd get down...but i enjoy playing that song now.
After a quick sound monitor mix tweak, we got into our second song. Songs 2 and 3 were done fairly well, only minor screw ups. Song 4, which is the one i really wanted to nail, i think worked out okay. i know there were a few places where i messed up, which was disappointing. I'll wait to see the video or hear the recorded song to see how it turned out. As a reminder folks, 6 of the songs we played were the first time that we played them live.
The 5th and 6th songs are my weakest. It was at this time that i was thinking, "Don't fudge this up..." Although i wasn't thinking candy confection. Song 5 wasn't that bad. Song 6 was horrendous...we had some technical difficulties and i was off. Oh well...i really don't want to listen/watch that song.
I had some issues during the 7th song. My wireless transmitter pack fell off my guitar strap. I tried to find some time to re-attach it, but just let it hang for the song. I had a feeling that would happen. Luckily it didn't distract me too much. So, today, i ordered two wireless transmitter pouches that should eliminate that issue. The final song wasn't perfect for me...and i really wanted it to be...of course i wanted them all to be perfect. The parts that i was worried about i, did nail those...as far as i remember.
Eight songs/45 minutes sure flew by. It was all a blur. A wonderful blur. I think overall it was a great success. Once again, we received a lot of positive comments. Although it's hard to tell if people are just being nice. I'll just assume they are speaking the truth...it makes me feel better that way.
The rest of the night was very enjoyable and very relaxing. I want to do that again!!
I want to thank Jen and all those that made this event possible. I also want to thank those that believed in me, those that kept pushing me to practice, and those that made me feel like a rockstar...even though i'm not. I want to also thank Ron for devoting his time to our cause. I wish we could keep him. And a big thanks goes out to Ben and Greg...those guys help me keep going...even through all the frustrating times of not getting the music right...
And finally, i'd like to thank Carla. Thank you, Carla, for everything!
For those of you that didn't get to see the partial webcast or couldn't be there in person (and there's a lot of you), have no fear...Finding Reason will be back soon!
Rock on...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Hours Away
Today is the day. It's here. JenFest 2008 will be going down in a matter of hours. Finding Reason will be on the stage about 12 hours from now. I'll be working through the set list a few times this morning. The few songs i got done last night, i felt really comfortable with so, i have a good feeling about tonight.
Don't forget to tune in to the live webcast. I really hope that we don't have any technical difficulties with that.
JenFest starts at 4pm (CST). Liquid Casing at 5pm. Less Than Serious at 6pm. Death Carpet Trio at 7pm. Finding Reason at 8:15pm. Times are subject to change with set list length and set up/tear down times. But i imagine they'll be somewhat close. I believe we'll have some additional video footage that will make it to youtube. So, in the coming days following the show, checkout the websites.
It's gonna be a good day!
Rock on...
Don't forget to tune in to the live webcast. I really hope that we don't have any technical difficulties with that.
JenFest starts at 4pm (CST). Liquid Casing at 5pm. Less Than Serious at 6pm. Death Carpet Trio at 7pm. Finding Reason at 8:15pm. Times are subject to change with set list length and set up/tear down times. But i imagine they'll be somewhat close. I believe we'll have some additional video footage that will make it to youtube. So, in the coming days following the show, checkout the websites.
It's gonna be a good day!
Rock on...
Sunday, May 18, 2008
JenFest 2008 Promo, May 24, 2008
Time is tickin' away. We had final practice tonight...and while it was a rough start, we finished strong. I'll be a shaky mess prior to and after the show...but i love that adrenaline rush. I think it'll be a good show. I wanted to invite all of you, but there just wasn't room.
Don't miss the LIVE webcast. You can find the details here at GroovyB.net. The audio should be good quality, but the video may be lacking.
I hope you tune in...
...and if you can't tune in or can't make the show, don't worry. I'm sure i'll be posting pictures of the show later. And quite possibly more video.
It's gonna be an exciting weekend! I can't wait...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
A Wii Bit O' Fun
Yesterday, for Josh's birthday, a group of us had a nice dinner at Texas Land and Cattle Company. There we enjoyed a fine meal, fine conversation, and a tasty cookie cake.
We then moved the party to my house. And the main event was gettin' down and dirty on the Wii. We had a few rounds of Guitar Hero, some boxing, some tennis, some bowling and some mario cart. No doubt some people will be rather sore in the morning. Wii will do that to you. I'm glad i have the space to accomodate such an event. And, i'm sure there will be more Wii parties. They are just too much fun!
Here are some pictures from the night's event.
We then moved the party to my house. And the main event was gettin' down and dirty on the Wii. We had a few rounds of Guitar Hero, some boxing, some tennis, some bowling and some mario cart. No doubt some people will be rather sore in the morning. Wii will do that to you. I'm glad i have the space to accomodate such an event. And, i'm sure there will be more Wii parties. They are just too much fun!
Here are some pictures from the night's event.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
JenFest 2008 is Approaching!
Not only is JenFest 2008 going to be a rockin' festival...we're there to raise some money for two local organizations.
GroovyB.net has the details.
And for those of you who won't be able to make the show, we're trying to broadcast it (JenFest2008 Live) so that you may enjoy it. I can't promise that the audio or video will be anything but abysmal, but you'll be able to get the vibe...
I am still working on some getting the music down, but i hope to have it down enough to play a good show. The excitement builds...can you feel it?
GroovyB.net has the details.
And for those of you who won't be able to make the show, we're trying to broadcast it (JenFest2008 Live) so that you may enjoy it. I can't promise that the audio or video will be anything but abysmal, but you'll be able to get the vibe...
I am still working on some getting the music down, but i hope to have it down enough to play a good show. The excitement builds...can you feel it?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
New Phone
Wednesday of last week I picked up a new cell phone. I didn't really need a new cell phone, but it was time for a change. I wanted a new cell phone with bluetooth, so that i could use the phone with Delilah. I've been using my cell a lot more recently and it would make things a lot easier (and safer) if i didn't have a cell phone glued to my ear. Now it just looks as though i'm talking to myself.
What did i get you ask? I got the Palm Centro...in black.
There is a lot to learn on this phone, so it may take me a while to get back up to speed on using it. I was actually looking at the Blackberry Pearl, but Best Buy didn't have it in any of their stores. I know a few people that have this phone and they seem to really like it, so i figured i'd give it a shot. So far, i like it a lot.
One feature i like is that i can sync it to my work calendar and email. That way i'll have my schedule, and access to my email, in the Palm of my hand. Unfortunately, i'm having issues getting the software to load on my work laptop. Guess i'll have to call the IT guys.
Well, i'm going to go visit with the family some more...i'm camped out here in EB.
What did i get you ask? I got the Palm Centro...in black.
There is a lot to learn on this phone, so it may take me a while to get back up to speed on using it. I was actually looking at the Blackberry Pearl, but Best Buy didn't have it in any of their stores. I know a few people that have this phone and they seem to really like it, so i figured i'd give it a shot. So far, i like it a lot.
One feature i like is that i can sync it to my work calendar and email. That way i'll have my schedule, and access to my email, in the Palm of my hand. Unfortunately, i'm having issues getting the software to load on my work laptop. Guess i'll have to call the IT guys.
Well, i'm going to go visit with the family some more...i'm camped out here in EB.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Triumphant Return
Ok...it's not really that triumphant, and i wouldn't call it a return either. I know you've missed me. For that i am sorry. Over the past few weeks there actually has been much to talk about. And some of that i wish i would've written down, for it is a long faded memory. Some things i can share...and then some things are just for me.
Be it known that i'm having a fantastic time. Once again, i'm amazed at what life can offer you. How i got here is still a little bit of a mystery, and if you would've told me a year ago, or even two years ago, that i'd be here...i wouldn't have believed you. There is still much to be discovered...and that's the beauty of it.
Just want to wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day! We love you!
Be it known that i'm having a fantastic time. Once again, i'm amazed at what life can offer you. How i got here is still a little bit of a mystery, and if you would've told me a year ago, or even two years ago, that i'd be here...i wouldn't have believed you. There is still much to be discovered...and that's the beauty of it.
Just want to wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day! We love you!
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