I did it! (Again!)
Last Sunday was the free Intro to Musical Improv class offered by the Magnet Theater, and it was... pretty easy! And all because of teacher Tara Copeland and accompanist extraordinaire Frank Spitznagel, as well as the incredibly supportive class.
To be honest, I was nervous going in. It's not often that I take classes anymore, and I always feel like I've gotta prove my "veteran" status to the other students. Maybe everyone feels that way, I dunno. But it was a heck of a lot easier to have a handful of friends and teammates in there (plus it's always exciting to see Ari and Betsy rap), and the environment was blessedly free from any critical eyes.
Luckily, there wasn't much actual improvising, so I felt better - and yes, I'm aware it seems weird for an improviser to be relieved he wouldn't have to do any actual improvising in a Musical Improv class.
Since it was an introductory class, Tara ran a lot of warm-ups and simple musical exercises. To analogize this to my katana class from January, we were just learning how to hold the sword and swing it properly, not how to kill in one slice. You know, the basics. And since I've run a number of these exercises before, it was even less stressful. Also, it's hard to be nervous with Tara around, as she is one of the most incredibly supportive teachers I've ever had (also in that category: Ari).
Throw in the fact that Frank underscored all of the exercises with his epic level piano playing and it threw everything into a whole new dimension. Seriously, with him on the keys, even a simple game like Hot Spot felt performance-worthy.
About halfway through, I became delightedly aware that we were being trained somehow. And this sounds like a redundantly thing to realize while in a classroom, but it was pretty exciting to me. Tara explicitly taught us to not be ashamed of our singing or our lyrics, to never apologize, to love what we sing and to have fun. And those are all lessons I never tire of hearing. It's like walking past those guardians in The NeverEnding Story - you won't fail unless you let yourself fail. But if you live it, love it, sing it... you'll get whatever it is beyond those guardians.
And implicitly, we were learning to trust the piano, to realize the accompanist had our back and would only make things better, not make them harder. Maybe this li'l lesson delighted me so because that's something I've always worried about. As stated before, chord progression and crap like that is alien to me, and God knows I never want to be the performer who's singing off-key. Now I know that such a thing won't happen, the accompanist can handle it. Whew!
Our final exercise was, actually, improvising a song. Four people to a group, one person would come up with the chorus, two would each do a verse, and one would make up the bridge. I would've been happy doing any of those, but I got the bridge, which was probably the best choice, because I wasn't sure what one was until Tara explained it for us. And we sang a silly song about air pollution, and it was pretty great, and I loved it.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Let's Distant Worlds! (II)
Last weekend Sarah and I went to Chicago, mostly to see the Distant Worlds concert, and let me tell you, I can understand why people fly in from around the world to attend these shows.
It was a harrowing journey from downtown Chicago to the Rosemont Theater, and I was pretty scared that we'd be late, because of course the first song is probably one of the most vital: the prelude. Luckily, we made it just as the lights were dimming. This was as close a shave as when you're waiting for Shadow at the edge of that flying island. (If you don't understand or appreciate this reference, you might as well stop reading this entry right now.)
The prelude means nothing if you aren't familiar with Final Fantasy, but if you are, oh, man, it conjures up so much! Mostly I remember the excitement of first playing Final Fantasy II and the III, not knowing what exactly the adventure would be like, but knowing it'd be epic... and being right.
Man, oh, man. Those were some good times. Those are some great games.
The concert was a little FF8-heavy for me (I never played Final Fantasy VIII) and a lot of the vocal songs weren't my cup of tea. I was mostly hoping for a lot of VI, since that's probably the best video game ever made, but sadly, they did not play the Opera. As a consolation, we got the world premiere of Dancing Mad...
...and they concluded with the much beloved Terra's Theme, so I was pretty satisfied. The ending, especially, with the credits showing and the character sketches, that got to me. Just remembering poor Cyan, beautiful, suicidal Celes and Gau, the worst boy in the world. I could (and would) fly anywhere to see a fully orchestrated version of Final Fantasy VI, that's how much I love those songs.
But the highlight of the show was the attendance of the man himself, Nobuo Uematsu, who composed this great music. And during the encore (One-Winged Angel, of course), he played a kick-ass solo on the Hammond organ... while dressed in a ninja costume. Then, as a second encore, they played it again. The audience roared.
It was a very inspiring night. It's pretty amazing to think that this humble little ninja could create such amazing music, music that'll stick with millions of people for their entire lives, and it made me think of creating art as opposed to just creating a product, and there's something to be said for that. (I was in a pretty weird head space last week, but that's another story.)
Out of everything I got out of that concert, I'm probably most grateful for that li'l lesson. So much emotion was poured into this music (man, I even got misty-eyed during To Zanarkand and Aerith's Theme), and, I dunno, life's just too short to make some bullshit project for the sake of throwing something out there.
I feel that way about movies and television and books and everything, and we're overwhelmed with choices, most of which are empty and subpar (Four Christmases, our in-flight movie, comes to mind)... and is it worth it? Couldn't we just focus on what we love and what means something to us?
I know it seems ridiculous to think such thoughts while attending a video game concert, but eff that, it's good music, it stays with you, you care about the characters, they have a soul, and that's the sort of thing I want to make.
So I thank you, Nobuo Uematsu. I thank you very much.
It was a harrowing journey from downtown Chicago to the Rosemont Theater, and I was pretty scared that we'd be late, because of course the first song is probably one of the most vital: the prelude. Luckily, we made it just as the lights were dimming. This was as close a shave as when you're waiting for Shadow at the edge of that flying island. (If you don't understand or appreciate this reference, you might as well stop reading this entry right now.)
The prelude means nothing if you aren't familiar with Final Fantasy, but if you are, oh, man, it conjures up so much! Mostly I remember the excitement of first playing Final Fantasy II and the III, not knowing what exactly the adventure would be like, but knowing it'd be epic... and being right.
Man, oh, man. Those were some good times. Those are some great games.
The concert was a little FF8-heavy for me (I never played Final Fantasy VIII) and a lot of the vocal songs weren't my cup of tea. I was mostly hoping for a lot of VI, since that's probably the best video game ever made, but sadly, they did not play the Opera. As a consolation, we got the world premiere of Dancing Mad...
...and they concluded with the much beloved Terra's Theme, so I was pretty satisfied. The ending, especially, with the credits showing and the character sketches, that got to me. Just remembering poor Cyan, beautiful, suicidal Celes and Gau, the worst boy in the world. I could (and would) fly anywhere to see a fully orchestrated version of Final Fantasy VI, that's how much I love those songs.
But the highlight of the show was the attendance of the man himself, Nobuo Uematsu, who composed this great music. And during the encore (One-Winged Angel, of course), he played a kick-ass solo on the Hammond organ... while dressed in a ninja costume. Then, as a second encore, they played it again. The audience roared.
It was a very inspiring night. It's pretty amazing to think that this humble little ninja could create such amazing music, music that'll stick with millions of people for their entire lives, and it made me think of creating art as opposed to just creating a product, and there's something to be said for that. (I was in a pretty weird head space last week, but that's another story.)
Out of everything I got out of that concert, I'm probably most grateful for that li'l lesson. So much emotion was poured into this music (man, I even got misty-eyed during To Zanarkand and Aerith's Theme), and, I dunno, life's just too short to make some bullshit project for the sake of throwing something out there.
I feel that way about movies and television and books and everything, and we're overwhelmed with choices, most of which are empty and subpar (Four Christmases, our in-flight movie, comes to mind)... and is it worth it? Couldn't we just focus on what we love and what means something to us?
I know it seems ridiculous to think such thoughts while attending a video game concert, but eff that, it's good music, it stays with you, you care about the characters, they have a soul, and that's the sort of thing I want to make.
So I thank you, Nobuo Uematsu. I thank you very much.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Let's Musical Improv! (III)
I did it!
It was... not easy. But not hard, I guess. I dunno. It's hard to remember.
My favorite part was warming up vocally with everyone, since that's something I haven't done in almost ten years. Yeowch! And I thought, "Oh, right, we're also supposed to actually sing well."
And beforehand I'd asked some folks for simple advice, like, "What's the one thing you should know if you're going to do a musical improv set?" And the best answer I got was that your character should have a strong want - that's what you're probably gonna end up singing about.
And it was fun! A little nutso, but what improv isn't, and I actually sang two songs.
I've never been smart when it comes to musical machinations (I dunno the proper term for this, but things like fifths and eighths mean nothing to me), so I think I was paying too much attention to what the piano player (who did an incredible job all night) was up to, like if the chords were going to change or if we were moving into a different direction.
Then on top of that, there's the lyrics, which I'm responsible for. Yeowch! For some reason, despite being told to the contrary, I kept thinking the song should rhyme, and so that was a hard habit to break. I think that tripped me up the most. But I love rhyming so much, I don't know if I WANT to break that habit.
So we'll see how things go on Sunday. I hope it is a fun day. Four people are going - will my love of musical improv be growing?
See? Rhymes.
It was... not easy. But not hard, I guess. I dunno. It's hard to remember.
My favorite part was warming up vocally with everyone, since that's something I haven't done in almost ten years. Yeowch! And I thought, "Oh, right, we're also supposed to actually sing well."
And beforehand I'd asked some folks for simple advice, like, "What's the one thing you should know if you're going to do a musical improv set?" And the best answer I got was that your character should have a strong want - that's what you're probably gonna end up singing about.
And it was fun! A little nutso, but what improv isn't, and I actually sang two songs.
I've never been smart when it comes to musical machinations (I dunno the proper term for this, but things like fifths and eighths mean nothing to me), so I think I was paying too much attention to what the piano player (who did an incredible job all night) was up to, like if the chords were going to change or if we were moving into a different direction.
Then on top of that, there's the lyrics, which I'm responsible for. Yeowch! For some reason, despite being told to the contrary, I kept thinking the song should rhyme, and so that was a hard habit to break. I think that tripped me up the most. But I love rhyming so much, I don't know if I WANT to break that habit.
So we'll see how things go on Sunday. I hope it is a fun day. Four people are going - will my love of musical improv be growing?
See? Rhymes.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Let's Musical Improv! (II)
Before Tara's introductory class, I'm gonna just try performing it. Tonight. Whoa Mama!
Musical Kaleidoscope
Monday, Dec. 14th, 7:30 p.m.
The Creek, 10-93 Jackson Ave.
Free, but the experience is priceless
Very appreciative to Jeremy for inviting me on his team, and, yeah, I'm kind of nervous! More nervous than I normally get before a show because I don't really know how to properly improvise a song. And by "don't really know" I mean "don't know at all."
There's a chorus in there somewhere, probably, and that's a big part, and there are also verses, and it should rhyme, but other than that, I just don't know. I kind of hope we don't go first so I can watch a group and try to figure this stuff out.
It'd be cool if I end up being this savant about musical improv (much like Charlie Sanders's legendary first Harold, where he came to class late, jumped in at the opening, did a hilarious and awesome set, and then after the teacher said, "So what'd you think of that Harold?" asked, "What the heck is a Harold?"), but I'll settle for not ruining the show.
Monday, Dec. 14th, 7:30 p.m.
The Creek, 10-93 Jackson Ave.
Free, but the experience is priceless
Very appreciative to Jeremy for inviting me on his team, and, yeah, I'm kind of nervous! More nervous than I normally get before a show because I don't really know how to properly improvise a song. And by "don't really know" I mean "don't know at all."
There's a chorus in there somewhere, probably, and that's a big part, and there are also verses, and it should rhyme, but other than that, I just don't know. I kind of hope we don't go first so I can watch a group and try to figure this stuff out.
It'd be cool if I end up being this savant about musical improv (much like Charlie Sanders's legendary first Harold, where he came to class late, jumped in at the opening, did a hilarious and awesome set, and then after the teacher said, "So what'd you think of that Harold?" asked, "What the heck is a Harold?"), but I'll settle for not ruining the show.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Let's Musical Improv!
I signed up for a free Intro to Musical Improv class over at the Magnet Theater. It's Sunday the 20th from 3:30-5:30, and you can register for it, too - just click that link! Do it. Do it now.
I'm pretty psyched, actually. Musical Improv is something I've always wanted to do, since I like singing and making up songs and I really ought to have piano accompaniment in my life, but I never seem to have the free time/cash when classes come rolling around.
So this time I'm gonna do it... and I'm a bit excited/nervous about trying some skill that I have absolutely zero experience in (if you don't count the countless hours I've spent making up annoying songs around the house). It's like when I took rollerskating lessons - my body just had no idea what muscles to use, how to balance, anything, it was an entirely alien thing. Actually, that was worse, since it was physical. This should be easier.
As adults, I don't think we have many opportunities to be exposed to such newness, and in fact we probably avoid it a little - it's weird being uncomfortable and unsure and like, "I just don't know what's going on!" Hence my excitement/nervousness.
Maybe that's why I keep telling my friends (including you) about this intro class - so that I'm not stepping onto that stage with a bunch of strangers. To misquote Calvin and Hobbes, the unknown is never quite so scary when you're with a friend. So sign up!
That's what this blog's been about all along, I suppose. I don't mind doing it alone - sometimes it's fun to face weirdness alone - but shared experiences have their own power, too.
[Edited to add: Pam just signed up for it, so now the entire class is ruined.]
[Edited further to add: Ari and Betsy and Katey signed up, so now it sort of evens out.]
I'm pretty psyched, actually. Musical Improv is something I've always wanted to do, since I like singing and making up songs and I really ought to have piano accompaniment in my life, but I never seem to have the free time/cash when classes come rolling around.
So this time I'm gonna do it... and I'm a bit excited/nervous about trying some skill that I have absolutely zero experience in (if you don't count the countless hours I've spent making up annoying songs around the house). It's like when I took rollerskating lessons - my body just had no idea what muscles to use, how to balance, anything, it was an entirely alien thing. Actually, that was worse, since it was physical. This should be easier.
As adults, I don't think we have many opportunities to be exposed to such newness, and in fact we probably avoid it a little - it's weird being uncomfortable and unsure and like, "I just don't know what's going on!" Hence my excitement/nervousness.
Maybe that's why I keep telling my friends (including you) about this intro class - so that I'm not stepping onto that stage with a bunch of strangers. To misquote Calvin and Hobbes, the unknown is never quite so scary when you're with a friend. So sign up!
That's what this blog's been about all along, I suppose. I don't mind doing it alone - sometimes it's fun to face weirdness alone - but shared experiences have their own power, too.
[Edited to add: Pam just signed up for it, so now the entire class is ruined.]
[Edited further to add: Ari and Betsy and Katey signed up, so now it sort of evens out.]
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Let's Birthday!
Yesterday was my birthday, but since I'm working crazy hours this week, I don't have the time to go into all the crazy antics just yet.
But I WILL say this: watch tonight's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (specifically when the band is playing) to witness the best birthday surprise ever... and it's not just a Cookie Puss (although I got one of those, too).
But I WILL say this: watch tonight's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (specifically when the band is playing) to witness the best birthday surprise ever... and it's not just a Cookie Puss (although I got one of those, too).
Friday, August 28, 2009
Let's ETV 8!
Enormous Television 8
a rock and roll music revue
Your favorite NYC comedians sing rock songs accompanied by the ETV band.
They chose the songs, we rehearse it extensively and present it to you in a genuine rock music venue.
at Kenny's Castaways
157 Bleecker Street, NYC between Sullivan & Thompson Street.
Friday, August 28th, 2009
7pm
$5 cover
http://www.kennyscastaways.net/
Starring:
Jessica Allen
Tony Carnevale
Tara Copeland
Kirk Damato
James Eason
Brian Fountain
Kate Hess
Will Hines
Tabitha Lee
Maddy Mako
Shannon Manning
Robin Rothman
Alexis Saarela
Risa Sang-urai
Andrew Secunda
Ashley Ward
The ETV Band:
Dan Goodman - Bass
Ernie Privetera - Keyboards
Andrew Dickerson - Guitar
Mark Lee - Guitar
Lou Iacobelli - Drums
&
Terry Jinn - Guitar
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Let's Keyboard Karaoke!
Like Druids drawn to a moonlit glade, a number of folks convened at a tiny tiki bar last night to worship one of the greatest forces in the universe: music.
"Who are these people?" I briefly wondered, only to realize that I'm one of these people.
Despite sending out invitations to fellow die-hard karaoke aficionados, none of them made it out. Understandable, since late-night outings on a Monday are tough, so I found myself alone in a roomful of strangers (except, of course, for the talented pianist and ringleader, Joe McGinty).
At first I wished that I had braver/less-responsible/unemployed friends, or at least a sidekick with whom I could converse. Heck, in those first desperate and awkward minutes, I'd gladly have been the sidekick, just so I wouldn't feel the weirdness of being by myself.
But it reminded me of my early days in the city when I'd go out on my own and do all sorts of interesting things all the time (seeing underground plays or burlesque shows or secret magician stuff). It was a strange, lonely time, but also an interesting one, and it might do me good to have more solo adventures.
(Who knows, maybe when the weather isn't so unbearably hot I'll lug my accordion down to the Irish pub and join one of those old-timey jam sessions. I do love old-timey anything.)
The night took on a surreal haze though, possibly fueled by booze, but I got the distinct feeling that everyone else was some (in)famous indie musician. Joe runs in some interesting circles, so this could very well be true. But, since I know nothing about music nowadays, I couldn't identify anyone for sure.
Who were all these Australians? Is some band on tour in NYC right now? And this Asian-looking guy with the bushy hair who introduced me to the song "Stop Your Sobbing"? What about this apple-cheeked gentleman who sang Roy Orbison's "Crying" so perfectly? His voice was so good, he's gotta be famous.
The lure of piano karaoke brought out such an unlikely and talented group, and I'm sure a hipster-in-the-know would have given their prized neckerchiefs to have been in their presence, but for me, I only had awe for the music.
And there was a moment of perfect comfort and ease as I stood there, the whole room was singing "Daydream Believer," and I realized, "This is what my personal Heaven is like. Just a bunch of people singing a song in a room and enjoying themselves. And if this isn't nice, what is?"
"Who are these people?" I briefly wondered, only to realize that I'm one of these people.
Despite sending out invitations to fellow die-hard karaoke aficionados, none of them made it out. Understandable, since late-night outings on a Monday are tough, so I found myself alone in a roomful of strangers (except, of course, for the talented pianist and ringleader, Joe McGinty).
At first I wished that I had braver/less-responsible/unemployed friends, or at least a sidekick with whom I could converse. Heck, in those first desperate and awkward minutes, I'd gladly have been the sidekick, just so I wouldn't feel the weirdness of being by myself.
But it reminded me of my early days in the city when I'd go out on my own and do all sorts of interesting things all the time (seeing underground plays or burlesque shows or secret magician stuff). It was a strange, lonely time, but also an interesting one, and it might do me good to have more solo adventures.
(Who knows, maybe when the weather isn't so unbearably hot I'll lug my accordion down to the Irish pub and join one of those old-timey jam sessions. I do love old-timey anything.)
The night took on a surreal haze though, possibly fueled by booze, but I got the distinct feeling that everyone else was some (in)famous indie musician. Joe runs in some interesting circles, so this could very well be true. But, since I know nothing about music nowadays, I couldn't identify anyone for sure.
Who were all these Australians? Is some band on tour in NYC right now? And this Asian-looking guy with the bushy hair who introduced me to the song "Stop Your Sobbing"? What about this apple-cheeked gentleman who sang Roy Orbison's "Crying" so perfectly? His voice was so good, he's gotta be famous.
The lure of piano karaoke brought out such an unlikely and talented group, and I'm sure a hipster-in-the-know would have given their prized neckerchiefs to have been in their presence, but for me, I only had awe for the music.
And there was a moment of perfect comfort and ease as I stood there, the whole room was singing "Daydream Believer," and I realized, "This is what my personal Heaven is like. Just a bunch of people singing a song in a room and enjoying themselves. And if this isn't nice, what is?"
Monday, July 27, 2009
Let's Distant Worlds!
Sarah: Do you wanna go to a Final Fantasy concert in December?
Kirk: Yeah.
Sarah: It's in Chicago.
Kirk: OK.
Easy as that.
I'd go just to hear them play the opera song, possibly the greatest moment in Final Fantasy history.
Kirk: Yeah.
Sarah: It's in Chicago.
Kirk: OK.
Easy as that.
I'd go just to hear them play the opera song, possibly the greatest moment in Final Fantasy history.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Let's Folk! (The Recap)
Boy, I must sound like a Johnny Come Lately, but Flight of the Conchords was an incredible show! What a great time! So inspiring!
I thought I wasn't gonna like it that much since I didn't know any of their songs, but that just made it better. Each song told a story, so I was always engaged (lyrics are usually my weak point in music... I never listen to them), and since it was my first time hearing the funny bits, I laughed a lot. Also, most of the ha-ha had to do with rhyming, and rhyming is one of my three favorite things.
Another realization that everyone else who's ever heard them has already realized: they're very good songwriters! Even if I didn't understand English, I'd still be like "What a great song!" Some of them were just so damn pretty, it made me wanna weep. In particular, that song about Jemaine's ex-girlfriends, which people know, and the one about a tour guide giving a tour of his town, which I don't think people do (a friend of a friend remarked that he'd only heard it on a rare mp3... but who knows, maybe everyone knows that one. I am ignorant of everything.).
Also, music is fun. Seeing two guys (well, three including Nigel, who played one of my three favorite instruments ever, the cello... He also played the steel drum and the shakers, which aren't so high up on my list) play guitar and a toy piano and a keyboard and an OmniChord, that's pretty good.
And their banter is pretty spectacular. Just low-key and nice. If that's what the New Zealand sense of humor is, then I'm a fan.
I thought I wasn't gonna like it that much since I didn't know any of their songs, but that just made it better. Each song told a story, so I was always engaged (lyrics are usually my weak point in music... I never listen to them), and since it was my first time hearing the funny bits, I laughed a lot. Also, most of the ha-ha had to do with rhyming, and rhyming is one of my three favorite things.
Another realization that everyone else who's ever heard them has already realized: they're very good songwriters! Even if I didn't understand English, I'd still be like "What a great song!" Some of them were just so damn pretty, it made me wanna weep. In particular, that song about Jemaine's ex-girlfriends, which people know, and the one about a tour guide giving a tour of his town, which I don't think people do (a friend of a friend remarked that he'd only heard it on a rare mp3... but who knows, maybe everyone knows that one. I am ignorant of everything.).
Also, music is fun. Seeing two guys (well, three including Nigel, who played one of my three favorite instruments ever, the cello... He also played the steel drum and the shakers, which aren't so high up on my list) play guitar and a toy piano and a keyboard and an OmniChord, that's pretty good.
And their banter is pretty spectacular. Just low-key and nice. If that's what the New Zealand sense of humor is, then I'm a fan.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Let's Folk!
Last night I had a dream about LOST. I had moved in with Sawyer and Kate in their New Otherton house because I was sick of Jack and his ways. Pam visited me and thought I was crazy for leaving the safety of the beach, and then commented on how much grapefruit soda I was drinking. I explained to her that I was an adult, I could drink as much soda as I wanted. I believe in Jack's camp, we were limited to one soda per day.
Then John Locke appeared, and Pam warned me that he was gonna take me back to the beach by force. I didn't believe her; he's not like that. Plus, he had a big can of paint, and I think he was going to come help us paint some rooms. "John Locke is my friend," I told Pam defiantly, and when I woke up, those words still in my mouth.
Typical Wednesday anticipation. I dream about LOST pretty frequently nowadays; the last one involved me trying desperately to remember the original British version, which I remembered as being superior, but I couldn't remember any of the differences.
Anyway, eff all that, because I just got two free tickets to see Flight of the Conchords (before you ask, I can't tell you how I got them, but let's just say I'm very good friends with someone named Jermaine) this evening, so LOST will have to wait.
Don't think this blog post is just me flaunting my free tickets and my famous friends in your face (though, of course, I am). I actually had to force myself to say Yes to this one, since I am lazy and unfamiliar with their show and Wednesday nights are my double-date with Ben Linus and Allison the Big-Eyed Model Who Won't Win America's Next Top Model.
But Sarah is a really big fan of Flight of the Conchords, and I can only say no so many times before it sounds a bit insulting.
"Hey, Kirk, you wanna see us do a show on Tuesday?"
"Ooh, sorry, man, I wish I could, but I have a show that night." (This is true.)
"No worries, mate. We've got another one on Wednesday."
"Oh. Hmm, I dunno, I've got..." But then the slight shimmer of tears in his eye makes me reconsider. "Sure, thanks!"
So... let's folk! I'm pretty psyched.
(To be honest, parts of this entry are real, parts are a dream, and parts are fan fiction, but I can't differentiate between the three anymore.)
Then John Locke appeared, and Pam warned me that he was gonna take me back to the beach by force. I didn't believe her; he's not like that. Plus, he had a big can of paint, and I think he was going to come help us paint some rooms. "John Locke is my friend," I told Pam defiantly, and when I woke up, those words still in my mouth.
Typical Wednesday anticipation. I dream about LOST pretty frequently nowadays; the last one involved me trying desperately to remember the original British version, which I remembered as being superior, but I couldn't remember any of the differences.
Anyway, eff all that, because I just got two free tickets to see Flight of the Conchords (before you ask, I can't tell you how I got them, but let's just say I'm very good friends with someone named Jermaine) this evening, so LOST will have to wait.
Don't think this blog post is just me flaunting my free tickets and my famous friends in your face (though, of course, I am). I actually had to force myself to say Yes to this one, since I am lazy and unfamiliar with their show and Wednesday nights are my double-date with Ben Linus and Allison the Big-Eyed Model Who Won't Win America's Next Top Model.
But Sarah is a really big fan of Flight of the Conchords, and I can only say no so many times before it sounds a bit insulting.
"Hey, Kirk, you wanna see us do a show on Tuesday?"
"Ooh, sorry, man, I wish I could, but I have a show that night." (This is true.)
"No worries, mate. We've got another one on Wednesday."
"Oh. Hmm, I dunno, I've got..." But then the slight shimmer of tears in his eye makes me reconsider. "Sure, thanks!"
So... let's folk! I'm pretty psyched.
(To be honest, parts of this entry are real, parts are a dream, and parts are fan fiction, but I can't differentiate between the three anymore.)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Let's Drums!
This Thursday is Terry Jinn's Enormous Television 7.5, and during Sunday's rehearsal, Lou the drummer asked if Robin or I (the only two singers present) could help out with the drums for one song.
Here's a pretty standard Year of Yes decision. I can't play the drums; my only experience with them is from Rock Band. But I know they're fun to bash and bash and bash and watching Lou is lots of awesome. So, Yes, I wanted to help. Hitting things is fun. But No, I'd be terrified and probably bad at it and didn't want to screw up the song.
But since I'm blogging about it instead of hiding my shame, I obviously said Yes, and so I got to be up there playing the hi-hat and learning what a triplet is while Lou could whale (wail?) away during the very extended solo.
[It might not make sense why a drummer needs a second set of hands to play a neverending triplet on a hi-hat, but if I named the song, you'd go, "Oh, that makes sense..." (or should I say "cents?" No, I shouldn't.) but that would also spoil the song, and part of what I like about ETV is keeping the set list a surprise.]
It was really cool. I had this stupid smile on my face like a baby discovering how much fun it is to bang two pots together, and it just got bigger and bigger and bigger as the music grew and grew. Because this is one hell of a solo.
Man, I like music. Doesn't everyone? Even cavemen loved making things toot, whistle, plunk and boom, and I've never really gotten to experience the fun in boom.
Drumming's amazing! Watching a drummer up close, I always knew but never appreciated how complex it all is. There's so much going on that it just seems like a good drummer has to be ambidextrous. There's the standard one-two-three-four rhythm with one hand and the other is either one-two or one-three or two-four and every fourth beat comes the foot pedal and there's another pedal for a cymbal and then you spice it up every two measures, or maybe four. It's all numbers and math and runs like clockwork but it's also this great-sounding chaos.
And you can experience this great-sounding chaos over at Kenny's Castaways, Thursday at 8 p.m. at ETV 7.5.
Also, you can watch this cartoon to learn about music's humble beginnings, as taught by Professor Owl.
Here's a pretty standard Year of Yes decision. I can't play the drums; my only experience with them is from Rock Band. But I know they're fun to bash and bash and bash and watching Lou is lots of awesome. So, Yes, I wanted to help. Hitting things is fun. But No, I'd be terrified and probably bad at it and didn't want to screw up the song.
But since I'm blogging about it instead of hiding my shame, I obviously said Yes, and so I got to be up there playing the hi-hat and learning what a triplet is while Lou could whale (wail?) away during the very extended solo.
[It might not make sense why a drummer needs a second set of hands to play a neverending triplet on a hi-hat, but if I named the song, you'd go, "Oh, that makes sense..." (or should I say "cents?" No, I shouldn't.) but that would also spoil the song, and part of what I like about ETV is keeping the set list a surprise.]
It was really cool. I had this stupid smile on my face like a baby discovering how much fun it is to bang two pots together, and it just got bigger and bigger and bigger as the music grew and grew. Because this is one hell of a solo.
Man, I like music. Doesn't everyone? Even cavemen loved making things toot, whistle, plunk and boom, and I've never really gotten to experience the fun in boom.
Drumming's amazing! Watching a drummer up close, I always knew but never appreciated how complex it all is. There's so much going on that it just seems like a good drummer has to be ambidextrous. There's the standard one-two-three-four rhythm with one hand and the other is either one-two or one-three or two-four and every fourth beat comes the foot pedal and there's another pedal for a cymbal and then you spice it up every two measures, or maybe four. It's all numbers and math and runs like clockwork but it's also this great-sounding chaos.
And you can experience this great-sounding chaos over at Kenny's Castaways, Thursday at 8 p.m. at ETV 7.5.
Also, you can watch this cartoon to learn about music's humble beginnings, as taught by Professor Owl.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Let's Unlovables!
Last night was a good old-fashioned Year2 of Yes dilemma: Should I spend a restful evening at home or should I drag my lazy butt out to Brooklyn to see a rock show featuring Hallie's amazing band The Unlovables?
Reasons to stay home: It had been a long day, I was tired, the show was far away and late at night and I'd be going alone and I only had oatmeal and carrot cake to eat all day and my life is very hard and wah-wah-wah.
Reasons to go: I wanted to. They hadn't played in what seems like a year, so I ought to take the opportunity. And it had been a pretty craptastic week, perhaps these minstrels would soothe my jangled nerves and get me psyched once more.
Obviously, I went, otherwise the entry's title would've been "Let's (Not) Unlovables!", or I wouldn't have written anything at all, like my unwritten entry "Let's (Not) Go to the Two-Day Employment Seminar Thing Because They Never Sent Me a Confirmation Email and I Didn't Want to Go at, Like, 8:00 in the Morning!"
And it was fun (the Unlovables show, not skipping the seminar, though skipping that was fun, too). It reminded me of the old days, when I'd go out alone (because I didn't know anyone) to some random event, be it a crazy $5 play, burlesque show, band, a "quiet party," whatever.
It was a good, strange nostalgia to have to fend for myself for a few hours, with no one to talk to and trying not to feel too alone or awkward, while slowly drinking my drink so I'd appear somewhat busy.
But I feel like I've gotta go to music shows by myself. I don't want to drag someone to see an unfamiliar band, because what if they hate it? That would suck. And even if they liked them, they wouldn't know their songs, so it isn't as much fun.
At least, that's how it is for me, so I assume it's the same for everyone else in my circle of life. I don't want them to have to sit in a dank bar basement (aw, but the dank, Moe, the dank!), listen to unfamiliar bands (though one had a nice cover of "You May Be Right" and another did a cover of the Night Court theme song, which pleased me to no end), and wait a few hours for the main event.
Actually, maybe this is learned behavior, because once I took a girl I'd just started dating to a similar show featuring similar bands at a similar venue. And in my fictionalized memory, I remember her smiling politely as people bopped. We broke up soon afterward.
Anyway, the night (both last night and the night of the half-imagined bopping) was worth it, because the Unlovables rocked. They always do.
The only thing I wanted was to hear Hallie sing "Samantha," which is my favorite song of theirs, and then they played it for their final number, so I chalked the night up to a success.
Then, as an added bonus, I got to briefly meet the actual Samantha afterward, which is like meeting Superman or Gordon Ramsay or Kermit the Frog face to face. You always figured he existed, but weren't sure, but then there he is, looking just the way you always imagined.
For all my whinging and hand-wringing beforehand (although I always knew, deep down, that I'd go to the show - there was a reason I spent about two hours killing time at Borders reading Death Note), their songs did indeed soothe my jangled nerves, and I traveled home, probably the only psyched person in Astoria at 1:30 in the morning.
Reasons to stay home: It had been a long day, I was tired, the show was far away and late at night and I'd be going alone and I only had oatmeal and carrot cake to eat all day and my life is very hard and wah-wah-wah.
Reasons to go: I wanted to. They hadn't played in what seems like a year, so I ought to take the opportunity. And it had been a pretty craptastic week, perhaps these minstrels would soothe my jangled nerves and get me psyched once more.
Obviously, I went, otherwise the entry's title would've been "Let's (Not) Unlovables!", or I wouldn't have written anything at all, like my unwritten entry "Let's (Not) Go to the Two-Day Employment Seminar Thing Because They Never Sent Me a Confirmation Email and I Didn't Want to Go at, Like, 8:00 in the Morning!"
And it was fun (the Unlovables show, not skipping the seminar, though skipping that was fun, too). It reminded me of the old days, when I'd go out alone (because I didn't know anyone) to some random event, be it a crazy $5 play, burlesque show, band, a "quiet party," whatever.
It was a good, strange nostalgia to have to fend for myself for a few hours, with no one to talk to and trying not to feel too alone or awkward, while slowly drinking my drink so I'd appear somewhat busy.
But I feel like I've gotta go to music shows by myself. I don't want to drag someone to see an unfamiliar band, because what if they hate it? That would suck. And even if they liked them, they wouldn't know their songs, so it isn't as much fun.
At least, that's how it is for me, so I assume it's the same for everyone else in my circle of life. I don't want them to have to sit in a dank bar basement (aw, but the dank, Moe, the dank!), listen to unfamiliar bands (though one had a nice cover of "You May Be Right" and another did a cover of the Night Court theme song, which pleased me to no end), and wait a few hours for the main event.
Actually, maybe this is learned behavior, because once I took a girl I'd just started dating to a similar show featuring similar bands at a similar venue. And in my fictionalized memory, I remember her smiling politely as people bopped. We broke up soon afterward.
Anyway, the night (both last night and the night of the half-imagined bopping) was worth it, because the Unlovables rocked. They always do.
The only thing I wanted was to hear Hallie sing "Samantha," which is my favorite song of theirs, and then they played it for their final number, so I chalked the night up to a success.
Then, as an added bonus, I got to briefly meet the actual Samantha afterward, which is like meeting Superman or Gordon Ramsay or Kermit the Frog face to face. You always figured he existed, but weren't sure, but then there he is, looking just the way you always imagined.
For all my whinging and hand-wringing beforehand (although I always knew, deep down, that I'd go to the show - there was a reason I spent about two hours killing time at Borders reading Death Note), their songs did indeed soothe my jangled nerves, and I traveled home, probably the only psyched person in Astoria at 1:30 in the morning.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Grandma and the F*ck Yous: Last Show Ever!
Tonight is the LAST SHOW EVER by the awesomest riot grrl band to ever come out of Elizabeth College, Grandma and the F*ck Yous. Come see it!
Grandma and the F*ck Yous: Last Show Ever!
A timeless tale of Riot Grrrls, Punk Rock, Love, Violence, Queer Action, Betrayal, Activism, & Hair Dye.
December 3rd, 9:30 PM
$5
WRITTEN BY: Lynn Bixenspan & Betsy Todd
DIRECTED BY: Kirk Damato
FEATURING: Bob Acevedo, Eric Bernat, Lynn Bixenspan, Stan Laikowski, Sarah Nowak, Betsy Todd
LOCATION: UCB Theatre 307 W. 26th Street (@ 8th Ave.)
Call 212-366-9176 or click here for reservations.
A timeless tale of Riot Grrrls, Punk Rock, Love, Violence, Queer Action, Betrayal, Activism, & Hair Dye.
December 3rd, 9:30 PM
$5
WRITTEN BY: Lynn Bixenspan & Betsy Todd
DIRECTED BY: Kirk Damato
FEATURING: Bob Acevedo, Eric Bernat, Lynn Bixenspan, Stan Laikowski, Sarah Nowak, Betsy Todd
LOCATION: UCB Theatre 307 W. 26th Street (@ 8th Ave.)
Call 212-366-9176 or click here for reservations.
Monday, September 29, 2008
There May Be Giants
Here's some concert clips I found on YouTube, and the set list. Seriously, what an awesome show. West Virginia!
S-E-X-X-Y
Unsupervised, I Hit My Head
Which Describes How You're Feeling All the Time
Cowtown
I'm super-psyched that they're gonna be doing a monthly concert series.
S-E-X-X-Y
Unsupervised, I Hit My Head
Which Describes How You're Feeling All the Time
Cowtown
I'm super-psyched that they're gonna be doing a monthly concert series.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Flansburgh and Linnell's Miracle Elixir
I'm cured, and I owe it all to Flansburgh and Linnell's Miracle Elixir! And rest assured, this is no ordinary tantimonious tonic, but a magical medicine of music and melody!
Because, really, I'm talking about They Might Be Giants and their concert last night at Le Poisson Rouge.
Yesterday I finally decided that I was done with being sick and tired, and if my wisdom teeth weren't gonna heal, eff it, I'd just return to my regular life and let them catch up. Because, seriously, a week and a half of only oatmeal and milkshakes gets to you.
So I bought some solid food and tried to eat it. I never realized that a Subway sandwich was so tall. Apparently I can't open my mouth as wide as I used to, but I was triumphant in my quest.
A minor, minor victory, and I wish that I could say it was the best sub I've ever had, or it was this delectable return to solid foods, but it was just all right.
Then, because I didn't want to spend another night cooped up indoors, I decided to see the TMBG concert.
And at first I regretted it. I felt a little woozy on painkillers, standing in place waiting for the show to start was hard, and I just really wanted to rest, but when John and John came on stage... seriously, I was cured.
It was like a blast of energy from the sun (which is not a mass of incandescent gas, actually, but a miasma of incandescent plasma) and boom, Kirk was back.
I bopped and enjoyed a good 90-minute set where they played at least one song from every one of their albums. And let me tell you, They Might Be Giants puts on a great show. I've seen them easily a dozen times since moving to New York, and I have to say this was one of my favorite concerts. Three or four encores! And they played "Cowtown" and "I Hit My Head," neither of which I'd heard live before.
This was probably my favorite Year of Yes moment so far.
Because, really, I'm talking about They Might Be Giants and their concert last night at Le Poisson Rouge.
Yesterday I finally decided that I was done with being sick and tired, and if my wisdom teeth weren't gonna heal, eff it, I'd just return to my regular life and let them catch up. Because, seriously, a week and a half of only oatmeal and milkshakes gets to you.
So I bought some solid food and tried to eat it. I never realized that a Subway sandwich was so tall. Apparently I can't open my mouth as wide as I used to, but I was triumphant in my quest.
A minor, minor victory, and I wish that I could say it was the best sub I've ever had, or it was this delectable return to solid foods, but it was just all right.
Then, because I didn't want to spend another night cooped up indoors, I decided to see the TMBG concert.
And at first I regretted it. I felt a little woozy on painkillers, standing in place waiting for the show to start was hard, and I just really wanted to rest, but when John and John came on stage... seriously, I was cured.
It was like a blast of energy from the sun (which is not a mass of incandescent gas, actually, but a miasma of incandescent plasma) and boom, Kirk was back.
I bopped and enjoyed a good 90-minute set where they played at least one song from every one of their albums. And let me tell you, They Might Be Giants puts on a great show. I've seen them easily a dozen times since moving to New York, and I have to say this was one of my favorite concerts. Three or four encores! And they played "Cowtown" and "I Hit My Head," neither of which I'd heard live before.
This was probably my favorite Year of Yes moment so far.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Terry Jinn's Enormous Television 7
This isn't really something I can take credit for as a Year of Yes moment, but it's incredibly awesome and I'm somewhat involved, so it deserves blogging.
Previously-mentioned friend and incredible guitarist Terry Jinn celebrates his birthday the old-fashioned way: with a covers concert.
And I don't mean he goes to see one - he makes one. In the ultimate act of Yes, for the past several years, Terry's organized and set up a "rock and roll music revue" known as Terry Jinn's Enormous Television, and asks his friends to sing a cover song.
The amount of work that goes into this is ridonk, as the ETV band has to learn a good 20 songs a year for 20 singers of various talent, let alone organizing and scheduling everything, but Terry wants to rock, so rock we shall.
And it's happening this Friday.
It is no exaggeration when I say ETV is one of my favorite nights of the year, and I am super, super psyched.
And yes, one of the bands covered is Yes.
Terry Jinn's Enormous Television 7
Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10 p.m.
Kenny's Castaways, 157 Bleecker Street (b/w Sullivan and Thompson)
No Cover
Starring: Jessica Allen, Tony Carnevale, Tara Copeland, Kirk Damato, James Eason, Brian Fountain, Dan Goodman, Kate Hess, Will Hines, Mark Lee, Marc Liepis, Jen MacNeil, Maddy Mako, Shannon Manning, Ernie Privetera, Ari Scott, Andrew Secunda, Ptolemy Slocum, Shelly Slocum
The ETV Band:
Dan Goodman - Bass
Ernie Privetera - Keyboards
Lou Iacobelli - Drums
Terry Jinn - Electric Guitar
Featuring the songs of:
The Buggles, Prince, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, The Who, The Kinks, Faith No More, Bon Jovi, Jefferson Airplane, Aerosmith, The Gin Blossoms, Yes, Cream, Kathleen Edwards, Bruce Springsteen, Journey, Night Ranger, Rush, and more...
Year of Yes! You gotta be in it to Jinn it!
Previously-mentioned friend and incredible guitarist Terry Jinn celebrates his birthday the old-fashioned way: with a covers concert.
And I don't mean he goes to see one - he makes one. In the ultimate act of Yes, for the past several years, Terry's organized and set up a "rock and roll music revue" known as Terry Jinn's Enormous Television, and asks his friends to sing a cover song.
The amount of work that goes into this is ridonk, as the ETV band has to learn a good 20 songs a year for 20 singers of various talent, let alone organizing and scheduling everything, but Terry wants to rock, so rock we shall.
And it's happening this Friday.
It is no exaggeration when I say ETV is one of my favorite nights of the year, and I am super, super psyched.
And yes, one of the bands covered is Yes.
Terry Jinn's Enormous Television 7
Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10 p.m.
Kenny's Castaways, 157 Bleecker Street (b/w Sullivan and Thompson)
No Cover
Starring: Jessica Allen, Tony Carnevale, Tara Copeland, Kirk Damato, James Eason, Brian Fountain, Dan Goodman, Kate Hess, Will Hines, Mark Lee, Marc Liepis, Jen MacNeil, Maddy Mako, Shannon Manning, Ernie Privetera, Ari Scott, Andrew Secunda, Ptolemy Slocum, Shelly Slocum
The ETV Band:
Dan Goodman - Bass
Ernie Privetera - Keyboards
Lou Iacobelli - Drums
Terry Jinn - Electric Guitar
Featuring the songs of:
The Buggles, Prince, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, The Who, The Kinks, Faith No More, Bon Jovi, Jefferson Airplane, Aerosmith, The Gin Blossoms, Yes, Cream, Kathleen Edwards, Bruce Springsteen, Journey, Night Ranger, Rush, and more...
Year of Yes! You gotta be in it to Jinn it!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Saturday of Singing and Wrestling
This month was pretty heavy with Year of Yes action. So much so that I've felt a bit overwhelmed with all these projects, fun as they might be. Irish Peddlers is done for now (although we could very well return!), and this Saturday marks two other performances that are worth noting...
1) In conjunction with Jen365's blog, I'll be doing a bit of the song and dance for a Big Splashy Musical. I don't want to give away any surprises, but if you come over to the Peoples Improv Theatre at 11 p.m., you'll have a good time. Or you can buy tickets here.
2) Afterwards, what better way to start off Easter than with some good old-fashioned comedy wrestling? I'll be over at the UCBW Arena at midnight for the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, WrestleSlamMania III. As always www.ucbw.info has all the info-mation on the PPV.
PS: Please keep the comments coming on the last post about eating - it's a pretty interesting discussion. Incidentally, last night we took Sarah out for her birthday dinner and went to a vegeterian restaurant. Again, delicious.
1) In conjunction with Jen365's blog, I'll be doing a bit of the song and dance for a Big Splashy Musical. I don't want to give away any surprises, but if you come over to the Peoples Improv Theatre at 11 p.m., you'll have a good time. Or you can buy tickets here.
2) Afterwards, what better way to start off Easter than with some good old-fashioned comedy wrestling? I'll be over at the UCBW Arena at midnight for the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, WrestleSlamMania III. As always www.ucbw.info has all the info-mation on the PPV.
PS: Please keep the comments coming on the last post about eating - it's a pretty interesting discussion. Incidentally, last night we took Sarah out for her birthday dinner and went to a vegeterian restaurant. Again, delicious.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Song of the Irish Peddler
About a month ago, Terry forwarded me somebody's request for musicians. Specifically, they were looking for a banjo player and an accordionist.
Now I don't know anything about banjos, but as I've mentioned before, I can sort of play the accordion. So I responded.
Year of Yes, you know.
And that's how I became a member of the fictional folk band The Irish Peddlers, who will be appearing in a show called "The Song of the Irish Peddler" this St. Patrick's Day.
I was actually pretty nervous going into that first rehearsal, because I didn't want everyone to think that I suck and then get kicked out of the band.
I don't normally publicly demonstrate skills that I'm insecure about (I guess most people don't). I'm usually very comfortable on stage or in front of a camera, but when I'm in a room full of musicians... not so much.
But it was a good Year of Yes task - playing accordion in front of other people is the only way I'm gonna ever get comfortable playing, right?
And it's been a lot of fun so far. Very challenging, definitely, but I'm exercising a part of my brain (and my hands and forearms) that I don't normally get to.
And the feeling I get from making music with people... it's pretty great. That sounds dumb, but you really get connected with each other. And it's not just listening, it's watching when strings are gonna get hit or chords are gonna be changed. Music is more than just the audible.
Anyway, I have a show on Monday. If you have no plans for St. Patrick's Day, here is one of many possibilities.
The Song of the Irish Peddler
book by BJ Gallagher, music by Chris Caniglia
Monday, March 17 at 9:30 p.m.
The Peoples Improv Theater
154 W. 29th Street (west of 7th Ave.), 2nd floor
$5
Now I don't know anything about banjos, but as I've mentioned before, I can sort of play the accordion. So I responded.
Year of Yes, you know.
And that's how I became a member of the fictional folk band The Irish Peddlers, who will be appearing in a show called "The Song of the Irish Peddler" this St. Patrick's Day.
I was actually pretty nervous going into that first rehearsal, because I didn't want everyone to think that I suck and then get kicked out of the band.
I don't normally publicly demonstrate skills that I'm insecure about (I guess most people don't). I'm usually very comfortable on stage or in front of a camera, but when I'm in a room full of musicians... not so much.
But it was a good Year of Yes task - playing accordion in front of other people is the only way I'm gonna ever get comfortable playing, right?
And it's been a lot of fun so far. Very challenging, definitely, but I'm exercising a part of my brain (and my hands and forearms) that I don't normally get to.
And the feeling I get from making music with people... it's pretty great. That sounds dumb, but you really get connected with each other. And it's not just listening, it's watching when strings are gonna get hit or chords are gonna be changed. Music is more than just the audible.
Anyway, I have a show on Monday. If you have no plans for St. Patrick's Day, here is one of many possibilities.
The Song of the Irish Peddler
book by BJ Gallagher, music by Chris Caniglia
Monday, March 17 at 9:30 p.m.
The Peoples Improv Theater
154 W. 29th Street (west of 7th Ave.), 2nd floor
$5
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