Been a busy few days in the (cold) Wind City! In case any of you have been wondering, here's what I've been up to:
Monday: I went to The Gala, a one-of-a-kind open mic/party that features anything from slam poetry, to freestyle rap, to break dancing, to singer/songwriters, to visual artists, to beatbox saxophone-ing (???). Well, sadly the last item in this list didn't actually happen. But you can't say I didn't try! I brought my horn and tried to arrive early to sign up, but by the time doors opened, I was already a few names down on the wait list. Bummer. But hey, this was a pretty cool, unique spot with amazing diversity and good vibes. They even have an extra late jam session at a different "super secret location" (that's their words, not mine). At the end, the MC puts the address into a rap/chant so every can remember and meet them there. Kinda reminds me of a secret society in a Dan Brown book... but way more musical and fun! (though yes, I have to admit I have a guilty pleasure of Dan Brown books. I know, you can hate me, but it's true)
Tuesday: Daytime: Released my BEATBoX SAX video! (see above or click here) This was a lot of fun to make, and has been really fun hearing people's reactions. It's also been really cool to meet new people online that somehow came across the video. Thanks a TON to all of you who shared the link and/or commented and whatnot. As you probably know, we musicians can NOT do any of this without support from our fans. So I REALLY appreciate your support! (Ok, now enough with the random capitalized words for emphasis. Maybe...)
Nighttime: Jammed at @North "Space Jam" jam. (Did you get that? If you're counting, that was 3 "jam" words and 2 "at" words in one sentence. Oh yeah.)
Wednesday: Daytime: Taught private lessons in Wheaton, IL at Jerry Evan's School of Music. This has been a great way to stay connected with my music instructor side (In case you didn't know, I was a jazz instructor at Abilene Christian University for 6 years before this). Plus, an actual paycheck once in a while does wonders for the soul!
Nighttime: Last minute (meaning after 11:30pm) headed back to the @North Bar for "Sliced Beetz" with DJ/MC Marcos Rivera. I've been looking around Chicago lately for various Hip Hop musicians/turntablists/beatboxers lately to see about possible collaborations with my own sax style. I'll keep you posted on how this pans out, of course.
Thursday: Just about to head off to another "super secret location" for a "super secret" event. But actually, in all seriousness, I really can't tell you what this is. Sorry. At least not right now. Don't worry, it's legal, and if I can tell more in a future post, I definitely will.
So there you have it. Been a great week so far. Thanks again for helping to make it great with your sharing of my video and whatnot.
Also, be on the lookout for my next video release this coming Tuesday. It'll be a bit different, but I think you'll dig it!
Monday: I went to The Gala, a one-of-a-kind open mic/party that features anything from slam poetry, to freestyle rap, to break dancing, to singer/songwriters, to visual artists, to beatbox saxophone-ing (???). Well, sadly the last item in this list didn't actually happen. But you can't say I didn't try! I brought my horn and tried to arrive early to sign up, but by the time doors opened, I was already a few names down on the wait list. Bummer. But hey, this was a pretty cool, unique spot with amazing diversity and good vibes. They even have an extra late jam session at a different "super secret location" (that's their words, not mine). At the end, the MC puts the address into a rap/chant so every can remember and meet them there. Kinda reminds me of a secret society in a Dan Brown book... but way more musical and fun! (though yes, I have to admit I have a guilty pleasure of Dan Brown books. I know, you can hate me, but it's true)
Tuesday: Daytime: Released my BEATBoX SAX video! (see above or click here) This was a lot of fun to make, and has been really fun hearing people's reactions. It's also been really cool to meet new people online that somehow came across the video. Thanks a TON to all of you who shared the link and/or commented and whatnot. As you probably know, we musicians can NOT do any of this without support from our fans. So I REALLY appreciate your support! (Ok, now enough with the random capitalized words for emphasis. Maybe...)
Nighttime: Jammed at @North "Space Jam" jam. (Did you get that? If you're counting, that was 3 "jam" words and 2 "at" words in one sentence. Oh yeah.)
Wednesday: Daytime: Taught private lessons in Wheaton, IL at Jerry Evan's School of Music. This has been a great way to stay connected with my music instructor side (In case you didn't know, I was a jazz instructor at Abilene Christian University for 6 years before this). Plus, an actual paycheck once in a while does wonders for the soul!
Nighttime: Last minute (meaning after 11:30pm) headed back to the @North Bar for "Sliced Beetz" with DJ/MC Marcos Rivera. I've been looking around Chicago lately for various Hip Hop musicians/turntablists/beatboxers lately to see about possible collaborations with my own sax style. I'll keep you posted on how this pans out, of course.
Thursday: Just about to head off to another "super secret location" for a "super secret" event. But actually, in all seriousness, I really can't tell you what this is. Sorry. At least not right now. Don't worry, it's legal, and if I can tell more in a future post, I definitely will.
So there you have it. Been a great week so far. Thanks again for helping to make it great with your sharing of my video and whatnot.
Also, be on the lookout for my next video release this coming Tuesday. It'll be a bit different, but I think you'll dig it!