As some of you may know, I am a fan of good, harmony based music. I know, shocker, right? Anyway, some of the bands that in my mind are always included in this are The Beatles, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, Alabama, and Steelheart. OK, maybe not Steelheart, (however, how that lead singer belts out the high notes on “Never let you go” is beyond me).
Now, some of you may also know that I have two children and I have been subjecting them so some of the aforementioned bands (minus Steelheart.) It’s interesting to note that some of the same music I was forced to listen to as a child (since my parents only ever listened to oldies on A.M. 1320) is now becoming a staple with my own children. I have to admit it’s fun listening to my children sing along with “HELP!” and “Fun, Fun, Fun” while I roll the windows down in the Grand Caravan, and look way too hip.
While these are just a sampling of the groups where my arranging inspiration comes from, it is important that we all get along. I’m sorry, I didn’t know how to end this, so I’m just going to put random good thoughts together. Like puppies frolicking with butterflies, or Mark staring out a window watching puppies frolicking with butterflies while Steelheart blares through the headphones attached to his Sony Walkman.
We need to find an independent producer or up and coming filmmaker to shoot a reality show revolving around TSF. What a crazy career this has been replete with the highest of highs and ego bursting lows. Yet the genuine thrill of what we do lies almost always in the behind the scenes escapades…in the “Rat Pack” like existence we lead. Almost every week I can envision a new episode… This week we sang for thousands of women at 8:00 in the morning and followed it up on a football field in Tilden, NE, where they have a cow chip throwing contest the very next day. We received emails asking for tips on starting a classic rock band as well as writing the music to a fan’s wedding vows. We managed to get pulled over (again), visit with some Special Olympians, work out Christmas production, etc, all the while cracking jokes, pulling pranks, and enjoying what we do. We don’t make cakes or dress in Kiss makeup and we have never belonged to the cast of Saved By The Bell, but I might watch it just to see what happens next.
One of the main questions we get asked during interviews, is “What is something you can tell us about the other guys that the audience might not know?”. So I’m going to let you in on some little known facts about my three compadres.
- If you catch Mark, you will get his pot of gold (minus the gold). If you wrestle Mark to the ground on St. Patrick’s Day in front of the other three TSF members (and preferably a large group of people), he turns into five gold coins. Offer ends soon, so act now!
- Greg is a sedatephobiac (fear of silence). We’re not entirely sure the level of fear involved, but the necessity for noise is prevalent. A recent fact-finding mission turned up a long history of the disease, reaching as far back as his infancy, when he cried for no reason whatsoever.
- Shaun has webbed toes. Fortunately, with his love for all things water, and his time spent at the lake, it has proved quite the blessing. He holds the record at his junior high school for modified dog paddle.
Glad that’s off my chest. I feel quite refreshed, as though a huge burden has been lifted. I think I’ll have some ice-cream.
“Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe”……..to get enough oxygen to live. OK, so maybe that’s not as poetic as the Hollies version, but it still rings true.
But enough of the science lesson for today, let’s talk about summertime shows! They happen to be my favorite shows of the year…..there’s nothing like being outdoors in the beautiful sunshine, singing your heart out on some mega ballad, and watching some guy down a pulled pork pork sandwich like it was his last meal, then wiping his face on his shirt before starting on his ice cream cup.
Seriously though, they are quite fun, and it is always cool to be able to see everyone during the show and constantly be thinking of the next interesting or funny thing to point out in between songs…..or if you’re Jared, be thinking of your next meal, or if you’re Mark, be thinking “where am I?”
No matter what, the outdoor shows are more fun the more people get into them. For example, sometimes people like to dance in front of the stage, or yell appropriate things at inappropriate times, or vice versa, or vice versa versa. Or just versa.
I guess what my friend trying to say is – love is blind.
Today is the first day of July. And never do I get to this point without wishing I had done a few more outdoor performances, or wakeboarded an extra hour or even attended one outdoor barbeque. Since summer seems to start in June and end after the State Fair seasons, I can’t help but feel the weight of time’s second hand. I know I’ll wake tomorrow to find September’s falling leaves but in the meantime, I’d like to ensure a thousand memories. And so I push, pull and charge. Isn’t there some cliche about screeching into your last day out of breath with a glass of champagne in one hand? If so, I think I’d like to be the poster child.
Many of you asked who you could write to help Tonic Sol-fa get noticed by some of the talk-show celebrities. Here’s your perfect opportunity to tell Ellen about TSF! Go to her page promoting her new record label called eleveneleven. Fill out the form, using our promo video on YouTube, located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHgXJe1feZo . Then write a short, flattering story about why you think she should consider us. There’s even a link from Ellen’s page for you to pass it on to your friends, to get their help as well. Let’s give this a shot and see if we can get Ellen tuned in to Tonic Sol-fa. Thanks for your help!
“Rain, rain go away – I want to go outside and play……today……..hey!” (quote from my daughter this morning after 5 straight rainy days)……
I think that says it all…..I mean, seriously, who thought it would be a good idea to have this little spell of precip start the day school was out for the summer…..not cool.
At any rate, I’m sure we’ll get back to our cheery sunshiny(sp?) selves in no time, and before you know it, I’ll be asking for the rain again as I watch the grass in my yard turn a nice brown color and the plants around the house dry up……such is life……”what a world, what a world” *Wicked Witch of the West….
Alright already – who’s ready for the new TSF Holiday Special on Public Television?
Me too! It’s been fun putting it together once again, and so far, it looks very tight…..now if we can just get rid of all shots with Jared in them……HA! I kid! Or do I? Just kidding! Or am I?
No matter who gets put on the cutting room floor, one thing’s for sure – we couldn’t have done it without all the people working with us through Kickstarter! Seriously, could we have better fans and friends? Surely we can’t, can we? No, we can’t, and don’t call me Shirley. *Michael Scott – The Office via Airplane…..good movie…..
We had a birthday in our group this week. Our vice president (the title seemed to fit a person who is involved in nearly every aspect of TSF), celebrated in style on Thursday and we got the ball rolling with Post-it’s and candy, as she LOVES her Post-its (she also loves spreadsheets which she’ll readily deny if asked). My point? If you see Michelle at an upcoming show helping with product, or arranging meet and greets, or hobnobbing with fans, please pinch her. She loves that. Or slap a Post-it on her back with a wish for the new birthday year. She likes that too. Next up is Jared’s birthday. What does the big guy want? Clean socks and a new iPhone 4. But then who doesn’t (want clean socks).
Come see us in July! There are still tickets available for our July shows. Check out our calendar for a show near you. [...]
Jul 6
Tell Ellen about Tonic Sol-fa! Many of you asked who you could write to help Tonic Sol-fa get noticed by some of the talk-show celebrities. Here's your [...]
