Making It Big: Grammy nominations and other events

I apologize that it has been quite a while since I have posted.  I warned you all that I am new to this blogging thing, and one thing I lack is consistency.  Anyways, I have been fortunate to have been able to perform a couple times now, and to even attend the Grammy award nominations concert!

My debut performance as a solo, singer songwriter in Nashville actually took place in Franklin, TN at the Bunganut Pig bar and restaurant.  I had a contact from a show that I played with The Pretty Darns two summers ago at this same location-Doc Bennett.  Doc has been awesome ever since I told him I was in Nashville about trying to get me some gigs to play.  Unfortunately, none of the options were panning out because of my nanny job.  But he was able to get me on a songwriter's night at the end of November.  I was last on the roster, which was good for my schedule, but not for the attendance.  There weren't too many people there, which wasn't so surprising for a Wednesday night.  I was actually ok with that, since it gave me a little more "rehearsal" time.  I actually had about 5 people from LDS single's branch come out to support me, which was awesome!  They are super stars!  When I told Doc I had some friends coming, he asked if they were drinking friends.  I told him no, but they may be hungry.....These places like you to bring your friends, but mostly if they drink, because that's how they make most of their money.  I'm afraid that most venues I play will not benefit from my friends' attendance, since most of them don't drink, but I guess that is just the risk they run with me:)

                                                    Bunganut Pig in Franklin, TN
                                                                

My next big musical event was not something that I performed at (someday, though:), but it was the Grammy Nominations Concert Live, which was at the Bridgestone Arena.  For those that know Salt Lake, you could compare it to the Energy Solutions Arena, or Delta Center as most of us know it as.  I have a friend, Hayden Heftel, that attends Vanderbilt University, who was given free tickets because of a student group he is in.  I can't remember the exact title of it, but I know that it must be awesome because he got free tickets from it!  We had tickets for the floor, which means we were able to get close to the stage.  I heard that the retail on these tickets was about $250.  We were required to wear "upscale, clubbing outfits."  This was perfect, because I have a ton of upscale, clubbing clothing since I go clubbing all the time.  Oh, wait.  That's a lie.  I don't believe I can think of a single instance when I have legitimately gone "clubbing."  So, I scoured my closet for some appropriate attire, and came up with skinny jeans, a belted top, and boots.  We were able to get about 50-100 ft from the stage (my estimation could be way off) and we were even in some of the camera shots.  I can not prove this, since I did not watch the CBS airing of the program yet, but we'll say that we were.  Taylor Swift and LL Cool J were the hosts, and at one point, (seen above. Bad picture, but it really is them!) we were only 15 feet away from them!  We got to hear performances from Fun, Luke Bryan,  Maroon 5, and others that I can't remember at the moment....but there were other artists there that announced the nominations.  These artists included Hunter Hayes, Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Chris Brown, and others that I didn't really know, but they were BIG artists.  Luckily, I brought ear plugs, so I was actually able to hear the music without all the extra ear damaging sound.  I plan to be able to hear for the rest of my life, and a lot of people don't realize how easily their hearing can be damaged from just one concert.  I encourage everyone to wear ear plugs at concerts, or in loud work environments.  Ok, I'm going to get off my soap box now.  The program lasted only about an hour, but the audience got an extra treat of a 20 minute Maroon 5 concert.  So good!  Hayden and I caught up with Britney Holman afterwards to head downtown.  She was also a beneficiary of a free ticket from Hayden, but her ticket was up in the stands, so we unfortunately didn't get to enjoy the concert next to her.  She is a singer songerwriter also, btw, so check her out when you get a chance. She is fantastic! http://www.reverbnation.com/britneyholman
We went down to Broadway where all the honky tonks are located.  This is where you go to really have the Nashville experience.  There are about 2 blocks of honky tonks, which are essentially bars, and there is always live music playing.  We ate at a burger joint where I got some sweet potato fries, a must in southern food culture.  Such a great night!




My most most recent performance was a last minute spot on a singer songwriter round at Judge's Vinegaroon down on Church Street in downtown Nashville.  I have some friends from my LDS single's branch that were performing on the round, but one got sick last minute, so they asked if I could fill in.  It actually seemed to be fate that it worked out, because there was a guy visiting from Nevada that was in town that night, and asked if I was performing anywhere.  I never had met him, but I got a call from Neil McQueary in Ruby Valley saying that his friend Pete Ferraro was visiting, and that I was the only one that he (Neil) knew of that was in Nashville.  He gave me Pete's number to meet up with him, and when we first talked, I said I didn't have any performances coming up, but to stay in touch.  Then, later that day, I was asked to play on the round.  I called Pete back to tell him of the last minute show, and fortunately, he was able to come with his friends he was visiting.  So, I got to meet a fellow Nevadan, and actually be performing on a night that he was here.  One coincidence that happened was that one of his friends is in the music business here, and works with artists on career start ups and marketing, etc.  She was so awesome and told me to call her anytime if I had any questions or needed contacts and such.  So, hopefully I will be working with her in the future.  It's funny how fate works sometimes.  The Lord is definitely mindful of me.  Love it!  Well, that is my update for now.  I guess I could mention about my participation in a community choir that has been performing Handel's Messiah.  We have done two performances so far, and have one more, the day before I fly home for Christmas!  So, it is nice to be doing some classical music stuff as well.  Alright, I'm done.  Hopefully I will post sooner than later, but if not, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!