The Next Chapter

As I write this blog entry from Houston, I'm jumping with excitement to start this next chapter of my life.  I have been on this music journey for several years now.  It has taken me from being based in Memphis, to Charlotte, to Nashville, and now I'm coming full circle back to Memphis for a time! Nashville is very interesting. I'm really glad we moved there and the short time we spent there helped to clarify a few things for me. I am now more convinced than ever that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Based on the response I got from performing out in Nashville, I feel confident saying that what I have to offer is good music. The people in Nashville are mostly musicians themselves and if you can make a good impression there, you have as good a chance at making a good impression anywhere.  I'm taking that back to Memphis for the time being, where my family and friends are and where I have a great support system.

I'm not sure how long we will be in Memphis! We are currently staying with some friends until we have something more permanent.  I know we'll be in Memphis for at least 6 months, but it could be as long as a year.

Meanwhile we are in Houston visiting Rob's family and friends. We also went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and we went on a cruise after that.  Our idea was to take about a month off before we get settled into Memphis.

Here is a picture of me in New Orleans. We were on our way to a parade and this quote stopped me in my tracks.

There are so many things going on in this world right now but the rich just keep getting richer. I'm starting to awaken to the reality of what lies under the surface. Things are not always what they seem, and once you start to question them, you finally start getting answers. It is both scary and empowering. We have to open our minds and think critically about everything- politics, government, medicine, and everything else even the music industry. The truth is out there. You just have to look for it.

My First Shows in Nashville

Since moving to Nashville, I have been looking forward to performing locally!  Just being here and being a part of the energy is encouraging in itself.  There seems to be something in the air.  I feel more inspired and even more creative.  After just a couple months I was able to book two venues to perform at in the Nashville area.

Here is a picture of me performing at Ugly Mugs Coffee, a listening room venue in East Nashville.  The place was packed.  I put up flyers, promo CDs, and posters.  I also added my show to various online calendars in Nashville.  I was amazed at how many people actually came to see me because I barely know anyone in the area.  I personally drew about 15 people.  It's not much, but for a person just arriving to the music scene, I'd say that's pretty decent.  Add that to the 25 people who were already there, we had a full house.  I was a tad nervous because people were coming up to me saying that they had come to see me perform and they were looking forward to hearing me.  My stomach was in knots.  The pressure was on.  I had better give them a good show, I thought!

Well the first song was a huge success.  We opened with "My Red Shoes."  Although I didn't have my red shoes on, the people were pleased, especially the ladies.  We had a 30 minute set so we kept it to originals and high energy up-beat songs.  Most of the people signed up to my mailing list and a we sold a few merchandise items.  All in all it was a great show.  The best part about it, Ugly Mugs invited us back to perform there again in April.

I also performed at Ri'chard's Louisiana Cafe in Whites Creek, TN, a suburb about 20 minutes northwesterly of Nashville.  Ri'chard's is a nice quaint cajun restaurant.  Richard the owner has a love for New Orleans and decided to bring a piece of it to Nashville.  God bless that man!  We did a 45 minute set there.  We played only originals and Richard himself sat in with us on his harmonica and guitar.  It was magical.  Not as many people came to this show because the venue is a little farther out, but even still, 3 people did come to see me perform specifically!  I was very happy to see them. :)

These shows were very encouraging to me. Before performing, I was feeling a bit intimidated being a part of such a competitive music scene.  But these shows confirmed that I can hold my own.  Next time you're in town, please come by and see me.  I'd love to have you.