Silence the Voices

Been under a lot of stress the past couple of weeks. I mean, a lot. I won't go into detail as this blog is public, but there has been turmoil in my life. My husband, my friends, my family, have all been very supportive--but sometimes there's just nothing anyone can do. Nothing can fix it but time and opportunity. Even the book I was reading was stressing me out, it was so emotional. Sometimes it's just all more than you can handle.

One of the biggest disappointments has been that the stress has strangled my ability to write. I don't think I've written a word since my last blog post. It hasn't even been lack of time or energy, either. The story is on pause, the voices have stopped. And you know, you don't realize how quiet it is without them.

I had some time to recharge this week, though. I had the pleasure of seeing Tab Benoit perform again, at one of my favorite places, the Double Door. The show always blows me away, the sound is pure and raw, uplifting when you really need it. The audience is genuine and good natured, and it's all around fun. Always a privilege, we got to spend some time with Tab Benoit and bassist Corey Duplechin after the show. Talking and joking at the bar, just like regular people. That's what's so good about it. However, it is always disappointing when it's over, knowing it will be awhile before they come back to town. But at least I know when this time. July!!!!

So the story has turned back on a little, I just haven't been able to calm down enough to write anything yet. Sometimes life gets in the way. But we'll see how it all plays out, won't we? Until next time...

Where are the songs from the sane minds?
And where are words from the sound mouths?
I can't understand how they silence the voices.
-Chris Cornell

Better Late Than Never

So I haven't posted in a long time. But let's face it, who's really reading this anyway? A lot has happened since my last post. Work has been crazy so I haven't had much time for anything but eat. sleep. work. eat. sleep. work. Which is a cycle I don't miss from working at ITAH. But unfortunately this is our busy season. Not much time for writing right now, unfortunately. :-/

I've been going to a lot of concerts lately, too. It's funny, because I don't really like concerts, considering my claustrophobia, agoraphobia, and general anxieties.... but I'll deal with it if it's someone I really, really like. And apparently this is the year that everyone I really, really like is coming to Charlotte.

First was Jonny Lang of course. You can read about that in a previous post. Next was the Avett Brothers who actually sold out Bojangles Coliseum. They were amazing, as always. But we were really far away, and sitting around some really obnoxious people. But I will always be there when they come to Charlotte, no matter how many panic attacks want to come out. James went with me to that one, of course.

Next was a favorite of mine, Tab Benoit and Voices of the Wetlands Allstars. I went with my buddy Amanda, same one who went to Jonny with me. I've got her addicted to Tab almost as much as I am. Anyway, VOWA is Tab's non-profit organization and music side project. While the show was absolutely awesome because we were right up front, basically touching the stage, I really want Tab Benoit to come back to Charlotte with his band and play his music. Because it is made of awesome! So I have been making a general pest of myself by posting on FB, emailing booking agents, managers, potential venues, etc, to make sure that people know there are a lot of fans out there. Then maybe Jonny will swing by again soon, too. This has also inspired me to try to make the trip down to NOLA next year for JazzFest. This year, Tab Benoit & The Avett Brothers played at the same time, different stages, so that would have been a disaster for me!

After that, Amanda and I went to a FREE concert in Charlotte for a personal favorite of both of ours, Josh Kelley!!!!! I have been listening to Josh Kelley since James and I started dating, so his older music reminds me of our early years. That concert was outdoors, and super fun although they ONLY had COORS! Blech. Josh is usually very fan friendly so we stalked for awhile, but he never came out. Also saw Gary Allen on that one, who I don't really listen to, but he puts on a really decent live show.

Coming up next, Amanda (assuming I can convince her), Chad and I will drive to Asheville to see Adele on June 18th!

After that, Anders Osborne is headlining a FREE concert at the WWC on the 4th. He is a sick guitarist too. He plays with Tab on the VOWA project, but his solo stuff is bluesy rock and he is a really, really cool guy. He came out and talked to fans at the VOWA show! He also interacts with fans on his FB page.

That is probably it unless OCMS comes to Charlotte, or until Tab Benoit comes back. Of course, my goal whenever I go to a concert or anywhere where there will be famous people, is to meet and possibly get pictures with, any of said famous people. So stay tuned for my stalking adventures.

In other news, my cousin Andrew married a wonderful lady named Tiffany, and I got to have an adventure out west to Jackson Hole, WY to see it!

My childhood friend Travis got married as well and that was really great to see.

My cousin Philip has moved back up this way to raise some hell (and go to school) so that is awesome, as we rarely got to see each other before.

Well, my battery is dying so that is the best recap I have. Stay tuned for more fun filled posts! Hopefully....