We are always trying to build “team spirit” within TSF and when this exercise is coupled with charitable work…Well, I love the idea! I’ve watched a few videos and noticed that older women and younger men, Jesus look-alikes and all shapes seem to be enjoying this trek through mud, ice water, fire and more. The idea that an obstacle course is about the collective and having a good time, rather than a testosterone-filled macho fest of secret ops woodsmen who live at Anytime Fitness (You know who you are sir) is quite appealing, and September cannot come fast enough for me. That being said, I now must lace up my running shoes and down a protein shake. I don’t know if Mark will be able to carry me over the finish line, so I better start training with a bit more intensity.
So……last summer it was “what can we do for charity this year that’s different than year’s past?” Apparently the answer was skydiving. Jumping out of a plane. From 13,000 feet. In the air. Above clouds. Now don’t get me wrong, although I was apprehensive about the prospect, it was something I had always wanted to do but never got around to. I liked the idea that not only was this something helpful for those less fortunate, but it fulfilled a small wish of mine at the same time. So, we did it. Good times (and hugs) were had by all.
This year when discussing the same question, someone mentioned the Wounded Warrior Project as a possible charity. That led to someone bringing up the “Tough Mudder”. I’d heard of this event, but never looked into it. About 10 minutes after it had been brought up, we all had a pretty good understanding of what it was about, thanks to the good old interlink.
Now that we knew what it was about, it was time to decide if we were going to do it. A few questions arose. Can we get our friends and fans to join us? What date can we make work? Will we be able to handle the very intensive course designed by British Special Forces? (one of my favorite groups of special forces by the way). Why does Greg’s car smell like oranges and Jared’s smells like Cheetos? When will these questions end? Who shot J.R.?
With a resounding “Let’s go for it! Seriously? Yeah, seriously – what are you, scared? No, you are! No, you are! Whatever! You whatever! You’re mean! No, you’re mean! Your mom goes to college.” (and that was all just Mark), we were off and running! And lifting. And eating a little better. Seriously – this is Tough Mudder folks. Yeah, seriously – what are you, scared? No? Then join us. Gonna be fun. Gonna be exciting. Gonna be tired. Gonna love it!
Gonna go to bed now. Tired just thinking about it.
Not entirely sure what we’re thinking when signing up for this event. Sure, last year we jumped out of a plane, but once you’re out the door, gravity (and your tandem instructor) does the rest. This is a whole different ball of wax. You’ve gotta watch the video to get a real idea of what this is all about.
The Tough Mudder boasts “hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.” Now, we can’t adequately describe all four of our current physical fitness status with a single word or phrase, but suffice to say we have some work to do before September.
Once September comes, we’re doing this thing whether or not the aforementioned have spent their time wisely training for the course, or vegging out on the couch for the previous eight months.
We welcome any involvement you’re able to muster. Form a team of your own, or enter as an individual. Either way, you can help push, pull, and kick us over the finish line. Maybe you want to volunteer to help at the course. Cool. You can also purchase a spectator ticket, and snap some awesome candid shots of us hurling on the sidelines, bawling in the fetal position ten yards from the starting gate, or the crème de la crème, the shot of three of us carrying numero four across the finish line. We’d love to see you there!
For our Tough Mudder run, we’ve chosen the Wounded Warrior Project as our charity, because only a course this tough gives us a tiny ability to live vicariously through our service-men and women. As we’ve seen our fellow Americans step forward to do the impossible job of keeping our country free, protecting our families, and giving so much of themselves, we felt compelled to answer the call of making the transition home for them, a better one.
The Wounded Warrior Project does an amazing job of helping service members recover and transition back into civilian life.
Please join Tonic Sol-fa in raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps provide programs and services for our injured service members!
Tonic Sol-fa will be taking part in the 2012 Tough Mudder (Wisconsin) event as a way to raise awareness for this cause, excite our fanbase, and challenge our physical and mental abilities. We encourage you to make a tax-deductible gift of any amount, and watch as we work towards our goal.
In addition, you might consider joining us at the event. Take some pics, cheer us on, point and laugh! Better yet, sign up to run the course as an individual, or form another team. We can use all the help we can get!
Holiday tour 2011 over. Check. Santa showed up. Check. Rang in the New Year with great crowds in St. Cloud. Check. Plastic Santa put back in shed until next holiday season. Check. Washed and returned tights, had some lovely time off to spend with my family, and am geared up and ready to go for 2012. Check, check, check.
As I look out the window at this ridiculously gorgeous January (May) Minnesota day, I have time to contemplate my 2012 resolutions. Wait, have I really made any yet? Sort of. Still deciding which ones I will actually stick to so I don’t feel like a complete failure by next week…..any more than usual that is. Jared, you know what I’m talking about.
Looking forward to getting the shows in the new year off to a rocking start (as rocking as a cappella gets that is), learning and writing new songs, meeting new people on the road, and generally making 2012 the best year yet! That’s the plan anyway.
In the meantime, we would love to see all your smiling faces at as many concerts as possible this year, and for those of you who have only checked out our holiday shows in the past, come on out and see one of our non holiday ones as well……trust me, I’ve seen them, they’re worth it!
And, who knows, maybe by that time, I’ll still have stuck to those resolutions. Or not. Oh well.
I was asked on Monday what I thought TSF’s image would be and I stopped. Were we the “boys next door” or Midwestern vocalists? Soulful? Innovative? Quirky? Did we push envelopes or play it safe? Were we at the top of a genre or somewhere in the middle? Humorists remembered for a lawn ornament? Underrated? Overrated? How would our friends, family or fans describe us in a tweet to someone without seeing a picture or hearing a song?
People typically relate very short stories to others about someone who is not familiar. Typically these colorful anecdotes follow a similar vein… “My Grandmother always dresses in orange pantsuits” or “Our third grade teacher was that guy with a lisp.” Hmmm… Tonic Sol-fa in 10 words or less?
The holidays are right around the corner, and with it comes big dinners and parties. We’ve been lucky enough to have our very own wine connoisseur friends, at Cru Wine Online, professionally pair each song from our new album, “March of the Kings”, with an appropriate vintage. You’re wondering if this is even possible. Below, we’ve included the Cru Wine’s actual pairings for your enjoyment, and invite you to experience their remarkable ability.
All of the wines are pretty easy to find and are all under $20 retail, with most of them coming in under $15.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Pairing: Shooting Star – Zinfandel – Lake County, California
Tasting Note: Fruit forward and juicy with well balanced characteristics this jammy red pairs well with comfort food and winter dishes as well as the soothing, smooth, warm sounds of I Head the Bells on Christmas Day by Tonic Sol-FA.
Last Christmas
Pairing: Frisk – Prickly Riesling – Victoria, Australia
Tasting Note: This modern, fresh, bright, slightly effervescent, sweet white from Down Under is a great partner to light spicy and sweet dishes and this upbeat, modern holiday tune. This could be my favorite pairing on the CD!
Angels We Have Heard on High
Pairing: Yalumba – Y-Series Viognier – South Australia, Australia
Tasting Note: To quote Karen McNeil of the Wine Bible “If a good German Riesling is like an ice skater (fast, racy, with a cutting edge) and chardonnay is like a middle-heavyweight boxer (punchy, solid, powerful) then Viognier would have to be described as a female gymnast—beautiful and perfectly shaped, with muscle but superb agility and elegance.” Just replace Viognier with Angels We Have Heard on High by Tonic Sol-FA, enough said.
Away in a Manger/O Come Emmanuel
Pairing: J. L. Wolf – Gewurztraminer – Pfalz, Germany
Tasting Note: This well balanced, off-dry German white has ripe fruit aromas and flavors with a spicy twist making it a great partner to this traditional holiday classic.
North to Alaska
Pairing: Enrique Foster – ‘IQUE’ Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Note: This bright, fruit forward red from Argentina hasn’t seen a lick of oak making it a unique example of this hearty French native grape (since perfected by the Argentinians). AK is my alma mater and Horton is one of my favorite classic singer/songwriter so I took a special interest in this pairing. The bass influence in this song lead me to reach for a hearty red but the fun, upbeat rendition made select something with bright, peppy characteristics. Since this wine hasn’t seen any oak you get the hearty characteristics of the Malbec variety with a dash of bright fruit not spice.
Deck the Halls
Pairing: Rio Madre – ‘Graciano’ – Rioja, Spain
Tasting Note: With this wine we get to see a modern style wine produced from a classic region, Rioja. The ripe fruit profile, smooth tannins, and well balanced acidity makes it a great partner for this classic holiday tune, of course produced with a modern twist.
Oh, Christmas Tree
Pairing: Hahn Estates – Merlot- Monterey, California
Tasting Note: A juicy, smooth, succulent red from California’s central coast makes a great pairing to this warm Christmas classic.
Carol of the Bells
Pairing: 14 Hands ‘Hot to Trot’ White Blend – Columbia Valley, Washington State
Tasting Note: This Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier white blend highlights how awesome blending can be both in wine and in the case of a kick-a$$ A Capella group from MN. Both the boys of Tonic Sol-FA and the grapes used to make this white wine blend together to create soul pleasing sensations. Plus the name of the producer, 14 Hands, is inspired by their love for horses, and the song has kind of a horse trot beat. This is my second favorite pairing!
All Will Be Well
Pairing: Castle Rock – Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon
Tasting Note: Pinot Noir is considered to be incredibly food friendly. And here the grape shows how versatile it truly is as it pairs perfectly to the steady, layered sounds of All Will Be Well.
Santa’s Serenade
Pairing: Bricco Riella – Moscato d’Asti – Piedmont, Italy
Tasting Note: This sweet, lean, sparkler from Italy makes for the perfect partner to this easy-listening, up-beat holiday instant classic! Like the song, this wine begins with a fresh, approachable flavors that are enhanced by a wonderful bubbly base.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Pairing: Byron – Chardonnay – California
Tasting Note: The rich, creamy profile of this California Chard creates a symphony when paired with this well rounded holiday album anchor. It has the well-balanced base to keep beat with the tune with enough punch and zest to hit the “high notes.”
A huge thank you to Blue Bunny, our fabulous corporate sponsor, for allowing us to give away free ice cream to winners at each of our holiday tour stops! Too, we have enjoyed our backstage meet and greets with others who “texted to win” this holiday season and thank everyone for entering. We feel it is such a good fit to be collaborating with a company that wishes to engage people across all mediums in a new and innovative way… just like us!!! Here’s to Blue Bunny Ice Cream!
“Hey Turkey!” or “Jared, move your big feet, you just about tryptophan…..of Tonic Sol-fa!”
OK…..so we now have 6 shows under our belt for the 2011 holiday tour…….that’s a record for us for November! Sometimes it’s hard for us to get into the holiday spirit prior to Thanksgiving – especially if there’s no snow on the ground – but the crowds thus far have been amazing and have pulled us through on some of the tougher nights. Right on, crowds!
In the middle of all of this was one of my favorite holidays of the season – the aforementioned Thanksgiving. This year I have a lot to be thankful for, both personally and professionally – which I plan to celebrate by overeating and falling asleep on the couch. Party on.
But for realsies, thank you to all of you who keep buying tickets and our music – which by the by, we’ve now added our brand new holiday cd “March of the Kings” to the fold – you should really get it as it’s fantastic! Trust me, I’ve heard it!
If you can, we’d love to see you at any one (or more) of our holiday shows, because as we all know, Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat. So please, put a penny in the old man’s (Mark) hat. If you haven ‘t got a penny, a ha’penny will do (actually it won’t, as that currency is long gone, we do take gold though). And so on and so on. And. So. On.
Contemplation from Shaun. We are always trying to build "team spirit" within TSF and when this exercise is coupled with charitable work...Well, I [...]
