Madison Lights & Megan Burt

Guitarist and Lead Singer of Madison Lights

After a short leave of absence, I finally made it to another concert on the quad. It was a great concert. The opening act, Madison Lights, was really high energy and fun. It was the best opening band yet. Talented vocalist, great guitar work and they were so engaging and playful. I was really impressed because, unlike some of the earlier bands, they were in tune THE ENTIRE TIME and their vocalist had agility and accuracy... okay... taking off the music nerd hat.

Dastardly Bassinet

Not to mention that the weather was well-behaved... not a cloud in sight! People were there with their babies, friends, family and dogs. The best thing about gatherings like that is people watching. There were all sorts of interesting things to watch. There was an adorable 3 or 4 year old girl pretending to conduct the band. There was a bassinet suited for a Tim Burton-esque baby. There were dogs of all sort! But the most amazing was the Great Dane that was the size of a baby horse.

Hula-Hoop Contest Winner

It was very fortunate circumstance that brought us our headliner, Megan Burt. The artist that was originally scheduled, Rachel Loy, cancelled on Wednesday. Luckily, Amanda on SAB got in touch with Megan and she hit the road at 4 a.m. in order to make it on time for our Thursday concert. She was lovely and very unpretentious. She proclaimed her love for having contests and giving away free CDs. And encouraged audience members to get up and have a hula-hoop off. She gave away two free CDs and drew everyone's attention to the fact that she had a table to sell goods... very savvy. She has an acoustic indie sound. It inspired dancing among the younger and it was so pleasant to listen to. It was great music to accompany sitting in the sunshine.

Megan Burt

The merchandise table has done so well this summer. I made a call to the SAB office and they told me people have donated 2076 pounds of food to the food bank. The last concert set the record for donations with a whopping 594 pounds donated. Cory also told me that it's been a record setting summer. Attendance is at the highest it's been in a few years! At this last concert there were 585 people in attendance. Which is lovely... but the Clumsy Lovers concert has set this summer's record at 975 attendees. A few more amazing statistics... 31% of people at the concert are women between 18 and 24 years old and 69% of people in attendance are female. Are you listening men? Think that it's hard to meet girls?!?!?   Well, you've got one concert left to get numbers and meet new girls, no pressure, just sayin'.

This Thursday is something completely different. 1) No opening act. 2) BLUES. 3) PURELY LOCAL! Come out and support Soulful Blues! Expect a Billie Holiday and Etta James influenced sound.
                      XO, Nanette

Like that old saying goes...

No news is good news, right? The last two silent weeks have been so much fun and so busy, definitely defining the phrase "summer in full-swing." Funny how that works, the crescendo of summer, things getting so fun so fast that it's almost time to start wanting structure and for life to slow down again.

4th of July wasn't super eventful. I was home nursing my 3rd of July sunburn. But the 3rd was awesome. I went with Justin, Aaron, David and Trent down to Glendale Reservoir. It's near Preston. It has boat access, allows booze, campfire, campers and dogs, but it's pretty clean in comparison to the typical lake party places like Twin Lakes. Even on the 4th of July weekend, there was a shore space and it wasn't crazy busy. However, all five of us had not applied enough sunscreen to be out there for four hours.

New Student Orientation (NSO) was last week. The campus was teeming with Freshmen. I missed the morning sessions of information because I was at my other job. However, I made it in time for the ballroom event where all the organizations on campus are invited to set up informational booths.I compiled a video of the people I talked to that represented different departments and clubs. There were so many that I missed getting a good interview with... LGBTSA, Swing Club, Help Desk, Greek Life etc. There were also so many booths that were too busy to get footage of as well, basically all things dealing with financial aid, class schedules and tours of campus. The whole day was topped off with an AMAZING rainstorm. Consequentially, concert on the quad was moved indoors and I just couldn't talk myself into walking there in that stormy weather.

I hit the jackpot thrifting and yard sale-ing this weekend. I found some italian leather shoes and an amazing brass bottle opener in the shape of an owl. I don't even drink stuff that needs a bottle opener. It was just that cool. These are the moving days though. There are yard sales every weekend. One of my friends expressed that she doesn't particularly like yard sales because there's more crap to sift through than at the thrift stores and that she doesn't like to know who had it before her. But I disagree...   at a yard sale, I'm less likely to feel like I need to immediately wash my hands upon leaving as opposed to going to a thrift store and feeling filmy when you're done. Yard sales are super interesting to me. It's an opportunity to see what people will part with and how much it costs to get them to part with it.

One of my friends has been in the moving process. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff one person can collect over 5 years. I was helping pack boxes and unpack boxes. Which I really don't mind doing, but I know many who find it tedious and honestly, it's not the most efficient way to get from one place to another. Having moved 3 times in the past few years I've learned the following things.

• Pick a moving day. 
• Collect enough boxes to move all of your stuff (from grocery stores, walmart, liquor stores)
• Set aside what you think you'll need for the two weeks prior to moving, also set aside a tote or box in which to carry said items. 
• PACK EVERYTHING ELSE BEFORE MOVING DAY. (If you're so inclined, mark the contents of boxes and clearly mark the heavy boxes)
• Advertise among friends that you need help moving. Be kind. Give them advance notice. Acknowledge that they may only be able (or want) to help for an hour or two. Maybe throw in free pizza and beverage to entice them. They don't have to help you and your move depends entirely on their graciousness and willingness to assist. 
• Find one friend with a truck to help, especially. Maybe consider getting them a gift card for helping and a little cash for gas. 

My dear friend has been moving for over a week now. I really don't think it needs to take that long. My last move from a house to a studio (so yes, enough stuff to furnish a house) took an hour and fifteen minutes. Of course, I'm subtracting the packing time. Having done this process with many friends in different states of disorganization, please consider the people you're asking the favor of and be prepared to make the most of their time. 

Also, I'd love to acknowledge the office of Financial Aid for getting my loans and grants figured out a MONTH earlier this year! My stress levels thank you... and so does my savings account (it wasn't fully prepared to take on the responsibility of paying for school entirely). 

43 days until school starts...   

XO, Nanette

A Little Thinking...

Hey! 

So it's been a long week and it's only Wednesday morning. I'm working on a new project at work. I'm finally digging into a video project. Okay... I was hired based on my YouTube stuff and my previous promotional work. I'm finding it much harder to find my professional voice and find happy shiny faces to be in front of the camera while I'm behind it, whereas I'm used to sitting in front of my iSight cam and just goofing from there. So far I've learned:

1.  Big expensive camera equipment is scary and intimidating. 
2.  The only way to get this project rolling is by failing some and taking something from those failures.
3.  There are a lot of REALLY cool people on campus willing to help out if you just ask.  

This week's concert on the quad is a little country. That means I'll probably require some severe motivational speaking to get myself there. That's something I can say for college, I'm becoming a better self-motivational speaker: convincing myself to get out of bed, convincing myself to wear clothing, convincing myself that I should go to class, convincing myself to go to work. I blame my couch. If I sit on it, there is little else I want in life. I also blame my computer... glowing screen of hypnotic doom. From these multiple motivational speeches I've learned:

1.  I really stink at going to class/work/social events before 10 a.m.
2.  It's easier to get going if I pick out clothing the night before or at least between snoozes on the alarm clock. 
3. I could sell sand to a camel. Too bad that sometimes that sand is sleep and the camel is myself.

Photo by Philip Murphey - Ashley Kirby. 

I went to Coho (big yellow building on 4th near Elmer's) last night for the open mic night. I was informed that it happens every Tuesday. I'm seriously considering getting a little jazz set together. My voice student, an enthusiastic 12 year old, is doing a set there soon. Maybe I'll do one too. It's a good little venue, intimate and small. Phil, the owner, has it rigged with mics, a keyboard, music stands, stools as needed and a little extra light in the performing area. Last night there were a few acoustic guitar sets and one guy read some poetry he wrote. It seemed like a great place to just try stuff out. People were very forgiving of mistakes because they're there to enjoy themselves, not listen analytically (dang that classical music training). If you're ever bumming around on a Tuesday night, try heading over there... maybe sing something, maybe read something.... maybe just take it all in. 

XO, Nanette

Quad Concert - Round Three: Somewhere In The Middle and Truman.

Hello Readers and Listeners!

FINALLY... The concert was out on the quad. It's almost been a week of real summer without rain. Attendance was up. Still haven't run into many of you who I KNOW read this blog {hint, hint}. People showed up with camp chairs, blankets, footballs, coolers, bikes and sweatshirts.

Somewhere In The Middle did a great cover of Gaga's "Bad Romance." Of course, minus the meat dresses and lingerie (at least that I could tell). They got a pretty good crowd dancing. They also announced that they're performing at the upcoming RiverFest on June 18.

By the time Truman took the stage, clouds came rolling in and the wind picked up. Poor guys, trying to play the keyboard and guitar with frozen fingers. They brought some excellent energy, read the crowd really well and played some good John Mayer covers. They come from Nashville. It came through, they played a little country next to their more popular stuff. Not as many dancers... except that guy in the blue shirt...   He was really into it.

Next week is the Orange Promo. It's going to be a bit more country with Brody and The Outlaws. Ryan Horne will be headlining.  Don't forget your canned food donations. Donation might not be the right word... you DO get a T-shirt or hammock, etc in return.

xo, Nanette

Quad Concert... Round Two

I'm sitting in the SUB again for another quad concert (rained out again). Now, I looked up both of the bands before I came so I'd know what to expect. I'd suggest it, so you know what you're getting yourself into. Though next week's opener is a great local band, Somewhere In The Middle. They've played all the bars and performed at RiverFest last year. Okay... I might be biased. My friend, Chris McElprang, is their bassist.

At the Student Activities table they had T-shirts and fun trinkets for purchase. T-shirts can be purchased  for 3 cans of food or a $5 donation to the food bank... just like last time. But apparently they're color coordinated to the promo material. Each event is a different color. Tonight's is yellow. So even if you've never heard of the band... if you think you'll look good in green, come to the green concert. Or The red, or the blue, or the purple... you get the idea. 

The opening act, Vestige Vindicated, is a local band from McCammon. Now, I'm not well-versed in acoustic emo-punk-esque bands, but I guess I'd could compare their sound to Strung Out's "Velvet Alley" on the Punk Goes Acoustic album. 

It was an interesting contrast with the main act JD Eichner. He played his own guitar, wrote some of his own music and did a GREAT cover of "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson. It was a really chill, coffeehouse sort of vibe. It was disappointing that the audience was so much smaller than last time (I think they had 900 people here last time?)... JD was great. He was musical, personable with the audience and not to mention pretty attractive. From the rumor mill, I hear that Student Activities Board (SAB) is trying to bring him back (with the rest of his band this time) for another gig this fall. I hope they do. That's something I'd go to.

I made a new friend while at the concert, Phillip. He's on the Student Activity Board. I was glad on two accounts - A) it's always lovely to meet new people and B) It made me look busy when I ran into the ex AGAIN. I will give Mr. ex points for liking live music.

Next week is the blue week. Come grab a T-shirt, donate to the food bank, run into friends (or foes), listen to Somewhere In The Middle and Truman 

XO, Nanette

Summer Working... Reading...

Hello again!

It's been a slow few days as far as student life on campus goes. But that's typical for summer... There's plenty of time to read books, watch all the TV and movies that you've missed during the last school year, not to mention friends to catch up with, parties to attend, house to clean and non-procrastination tainted relaxation. Plus with this bipolar weather, it's a good idea to have plenty of inside and outside activities available.

Like a lot of students, I'm working this summer. Two jobs actually, this one - which is more fun than a job - and at the library Distance Learning Center (DL in future references). I couldn't be a bigger fan of working on campus, particularly work study jobs. In the summer, when the work is slow and you don't have anything to study, it's almost like designated reading time. It's not for everyone (particularly if you don't like down-time... or reading) but if you enjoy a little forced quietude, it makes for an excellent environment.

Last summer I made it through 26 books (not all at work, they keep you busier than THAT). This year, I'm taking it easy on the reading. I can't recommend everything I read, but I've weeded out the tedious novels. If you're looking for suggestions, look no further.

Uplifting - Same Kind of Different As Me - Hall + Moore
Short Stories - Couldn't Keep It To Myself* - Wally Lamb and a bunch of lady prisoners
Young Adult - An Abundance of Katherines* - John Green
Mystery - The Body of Christopher Creed - Carol Plum-Ucci
Historical Fiction - The Heretic's Daughter - Kent
Fiction - The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Holocaust - The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Series - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo* - Steig Larsson
Last Year's Campus Read - The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time - Mark Haddon

*Disclaimer:  These books contain adult language, violence and/or suggestive content and could be rated R.

That's one thing that can be said for all of this rainy weather... perfect timing for curling up with your beverage of choice and good novel. Too bad I've burned through most of my "To Read" list. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for me or other readers, please feel free to leave them in the comments! :)

XO, Nanette

My First Concert On The Quad

Okay... well, the cool kids never show up right when the gig starts right? WRONG. I showed up 30 minutes late and they were already putting out more seats. Apparently this concert thing is a big deal. Due to poor weather it was held in the Student Union Building (SUB)... Which is tough because there's infinitely more seating on the quad. There were short food lines for free BBQ and soda (with "summer" student ID).  And summer program t-shirts and lunch boxes and merchandise available for trade - they accept canned goods as monetary compensation.

There were all folks of all ages running around. Little kids spinning in circles to the music and elderly people clapping along. A smattering of college students here and there. I ran into a few friends like Emma Doupe, Cory Winter and Natalie Keezer, along with a couple of ex-boyfriends that shall not be named... and few kids who I went to high school with. Seems to be a great mixing place.

Now the thing about concerts and being schooled in the way of classical music...  I feel so out of place at things like this. Because people are standing and dancing... talking... cellphones going off... running... eating. This is nothing like what i'm used to. I had Emma remind me on two different occasions "Relax Nanette, this is not a symphony."

That being said... I have an appreciation for music of all sorts. The opening band, The Wild Coyotes, was something that should be enjoyed on a front porch while enjoying sweet tea, or whiskey sours. It was a blue grass night. However, I will give it up for The Clumsy Lovers... they started slow with a violin solo but as soon as the rest of the group joined in they had the audience clapping and children spinning and dancing all over again. Bouncy and fun... the bluegrass just seemed so out of place in the Canoe Room. It belongs in a field, or barn, or county fair or place where the feet are free and skirts are flow-y. Though that didn't stop people from kicking off their shoes and dancing away.

I'm sure that once i break through this shell of discomfort these events will turn into really cool experiences. Probably even meet a concert going crowd... or create my own and bring them. but I still just cannot wait until the sun comes out and we get to have fun outdoors on blankets... it's a great venue for a picnic with friends, lovers or whole family. Plus, it was a lovely walk home.

XO, Nanette