pale beneath the blue

Road stories and more from singer/songwriter, pale beneath the blue.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

You missed it...

Awesome show last night at Canal Street Tavern. Yes, we rocked, I brought out the Daisy Rock and we did a fun new song called, Stethoscope that I co-wrote with James' daughter. But the other two bands had some really cool things going on. Far From Eden would like to play with us again sometime, so you may have your chance to see their rockin' out acoustic thing. But Cella Dor Ideal ? had their drummer in town from Berklee and he's going to be leaving to do some touring in Japan over the summer. We chatted a bit--it seems he also plays piano so we might get together next week and he will show me some things. That entire band is immensely talented. They jam, but in a Dave Matthews kind of way...

Oh, which brings me to another interesting subject. James told me recently that his still in high school nephew was asked to audition for a Dave Matthews sanctioned tribute band. I haven't heard anymore about it, but the kid is really good. I'll keep you posted.

See you in Cleveland,
Rhonda

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Rhonda's Movie Madness

It's been a little while since I've done this...Patrice and I have been so busy playing shows that I haven't had a lot of time to watch many movies. I have caught a few though, and here's my take:

Ocean's 12: Didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Enjoyable if you like this sort of theivery thing and it's fun to see Matt Damon as a geek.

The Incredibles: This is really good for a Disney movie. Pixar has a way of taking something that we accepted as children and twisting it into this entirely new thing--they do a great job at it. Very fun.

After the Sunset: I don't care what anyone says, Pierce Brosnan is still hot--who decided that he was no longer "Bond"-worthy? This was actually a really good film, funny with lots of twists and turns right to the end. And guys, there's a little something for you as well, Salma Hayek.

Finding Neverland: It's no secret that I'm not a Johnny Depp fan (it's nothing personal, John, you just remind me of my brother-in-law so much that it's pretty creepy) and I'm not a fan of those borish British dramas--they go on forever at a monotonous pace and I generally fall asleep. And truly, how many movies do we need about Peter Pan? Really? Well, I have to say, I was surprised. I was dreading this film but Johnny and Kate put on spectacular performances and James and I both were crying by the end. Good film, but bring some tissues.

King of the Hill--Season 3: I love this. King of the Hill is the best.

Have you seen anything good?
Rhonda

Yes, this is Miami County. Posted by Hello

Ray, I always thought you were inhabited by an alien. Now we all know... Posted by Hello

We were great, why is he so sad? Oh, yeah, we took his land and left him with only a lousy cigar. Posted by Hello

Monday, April 18, 2005

Weekend Wrap-up

A huge thank you to the Leaf and Vine and Borders Deerfield for having us out this weekend. It was so nice to see my friends (Dawn, Dane, Jennifer, Herb, Donovan, Susie, Todd, Brent, Camplings, Karen, Ray) and family (Mom) and make some new friends in the process. We hope to head back to Troy again in a few months. Our merch guy, Ray, took some photos. I'll post when I get them. Hope you all had as much fun as we did.

After the Borders gig on Sunday, roadie James and I decided to try some new food. Mason has exploded with restaurants since we moved there in August and we still keep doing the same ol' thing. We wanted something kinda light, so we hit Qdoba Mexican Grill. When you read the menu, it sounds exactly like Chipotle. Since I eat Chipotle about twice a year and swear I'll never have it again, I was a little concerned. The folks there were very nice and explained that though, the food is similar to Chipotle, it's fresher, less spicy and tastes better. Oh my gosh---they were not kidding. I had Chicken Quesadillas and they literally melted in my mouth. I didn't regret it either. Looking forward to going back in the near future. James concurred.

Tomorrow--Movie Madness. Stay tuned.
Rhonda

Friday, April 15, 2005

Growth

Drove to Pittsburgh to see the PushStars last night--got lost (that's a shocker) 3 times but finally made it. Club Cafe is a really nice place if you can find it. Awesome show--awesome guys--everyone loves them and rightfully so. They always deliver.

While driving to the club, I was a little tired and was trying to stay awake with the sun beating down on me. I found a shaker egg in my purse that I had picked up from SXSW. I have never been able to actually play the egg or the tambourine (it looks easy, I know, but I'm percussionally challenged.) I was however, in the car for 5 1/2 hours on the way there so after about hour 2 and working on one of my own new tunes, I decided to break out some PushStars, "After the Party" and attempt to play along with my egg.

Thank God I wasn't being filmed for an episode of "Motormouth" --I would have won for sure. Truly, I have never laughed at myself that hard, at least not in a good long while. However, after several songs, I started to get better at it. I just had to figure out how to "feel" the rhythm of the egg. On the way back I played so much that my neck and triceps hurt and I had to switch to my left hand--a little less dangerous when no one else is on the road. And I think I decided that the truck driver that Patrice and I called 1-800-GRAB-DUI on (Canton trip) was maybe actually not trying to get some "satisfaction" after all. Maybe he was just trying to play the harmonica to stay awake.

Oh, and I didn't have to turn around once on the way home. That's real progress.

Other recommeded CDs to play along with:

PushStars--Opening Time
Rhett Miller--The Instigator (probably his Old 97's stuff would work as well)

Drive safely... see you in Troy.
Rhonda

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Good news!

I went to see my Doctor this week and he said that my tibia is finally starting to beef up a bit. I go back in 6 weeks and if all is good he's going to go in and take out the broken plate and rod that aren't doing anything. He said that he may need to leave the other rod for now, just to be safe. And he hopes that eventually, he'll be able to re-break and move my fibula back to it's normal position. He was really happy to see the progress I had made. No marathons in the near future, but no more crutches either--yippie!

See you all soon!
Rhonda (I'll be the one without the sticks)

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Chicks Rock Fest top 10

Wow, what a weekend--so much good music, so little time. I'm exhausted and haven't slept more than 4 hours since Thursday night. However, it was an incredible weekend and I wanted to share my most memorable moments:

10. The new Reach for the Sky and Chicks Rock Fest T's
9. The creepy Southgate House ghost stories that people tell you while you are sitting in the place where they say they "saw" something. Oh, and the ghost guy that Felix and I "talked" to.
8. Deogracias taking pictures of me in the lounge while the other photographers were shooting behind him.
7. Having Scott Preston be my personal lackey all day Friday
6. Meeting Elliot from Blessid Union of Souls
5. My Jonda "kiss"
4. Wendy from Sunspot dressed as Racquel from the CRF logo on the website
3. The Bands!
2. The red patent leather boots worn by Adam Evil's violinist
1. The look of shock and horror on Dale Johnson's face when he realized that he had not been taking pictures of Adam Evil's violinst.

As I mentioned the bands were awesome. A few of us were talking in the lounge about how an event such as this tends to bring out the best in performers. Artists tend to practice more and actually refine their show a bit. I was very impressed with all the locals that I heard--The Walker Project, Whitney Barricklow Band, Hungry Lucy, The Fairmount Girls, Foxy McCoy, Jayne Sachs, Soul Casket. And the out-of -towners blew me away--Stephanie's Id, Fabrik, Julie Lloyd, Alison Tartalia, Red Dahlia, Holly Spears, The Pink Slips, Adam Evil and the Outside Royalty, and Fluttr Effect.

It was an amazing weekend and I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. I'm proud to have been a part of such an event.

What were your favorite moments?

Friday, April 08, 2005

Chicks Rockfest Tonite!

Just a reminder that Chicks Rockfest is tonite and tomorrow at Southgate House in Newport, KY. As promised, we will be doing a new song at each show this month and tonite we're unveiling a little guitar pop number currently titled, "Stethoscope." You'll want to be there to find out what that is all about.

Also, bring money. Reach for the Sky Records (our label) has some cool new shirts, there are new Chicks Rockfest shirts, and there will be a little mall in the balcony for all the artists merchandise, some jewelry and other fun stuff. There will also be some sort of pretzel vendor just in case you need something to munch on.

You will not want to miss this. $8 for one night and $15 for two. We play tonite at 9:45p upstairs in the Parlour. I'll also be doing an acoustic set at Newport on the Levee for lunch if anyone will be down that way today.

Come down see the sharks and listen to great girl bands. See you there!

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

The beauty of the Suburbs in the Spring

It's a beautiful day in the suburbs today--the birds are chirping, the daffodils are blooming, the sun glistens off the fastfood restaurant signs jutting into the cloudless sky. Now I remember why I moved out here to "the sticks." I don't play golf, but you know that it's springtime when you see grown men driving around in little electric carts chasing after a ball. So, why did I move into a golf community when my knowledge of golf is Putt-Putt and Happy Gilmore? I think I was lured by the swimming pool and the thought of being able to surf everyday at Kings Island during the summer. Oh, and I finally have a front porch again. I've lived here 6 months and this was the first morning that I actually ate breakfast on the porch--mmmm...chocolate poptarts have never tasted so good.

Later, I'll go out and fight traffic, but for now, I'll enjoy my little vacation-like haven. What's your favorite part of spring?
Rhonda

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Thanks and Congrats

Thank you to all of you who came out to shows this weekend. We had a good time, eh? For you folks from Borders...I think the bird scared himself yesterday with the rain--he left muddy footprints on the door.

Congrats to Angie Doyle who won the Kings Island tickets. It's a beautiful day, hope that she and her friend have a good time.

We look forward to seeing you next week at Chicks Rock Fest!
Have a great week!

Friday, April 01, 2005

Have you seen that commercial...

The one where the guy gets his staff together and they meet in the shower. He says he has the best ideas there. I saw that tonite and could really relate--I write alot of songs in the shower, like, Little Secrets, for example.

So, I was in my guest bath today, removing caulk so that I can recaulk it tomorrow and I had a great idea. I have a pair of tickets to Paramount's Kings Island for Sunday and I have a family thing and cannot go. My big idea is this: I'm going to give the tickets away to one lucky show-goer this weekend. It even includes free parking!

The only catch is that you must be signed up for the mailing list. We will draw a winner from entries gathered at both the Borders show and the Mad Frog show and announce the winner Saturday night at the Mad Frog. I live right next to King's Island so there shouldn't be a problem getting the tickets to the lucky winner if they aren't actually present at the drawing.

Yes, it's April Fool's Day, but this is no joke. Bring your friends for an extra chance to win.