When did this start?

So.  I am not someone who usually talks about believing in hidden messages, or that everything in life has some greater meaning.  But.  Then my brain decides to run away with me.  Especially with music.  Especially with dreams.  I talked about the last time a song was in my head every time that I woke up here.  Well - my mind must be working overtime now.

For the past two weeks or so, I have woken up with the same song in my head.  It doesn't matter what music I am listening to in the car, what television I watched before bed - nothing has made a difference.  I have woken up with "Insomnia" by Tyler Hilton in my head.

I'm thinking that it has something to do with the fact that I have been getting way less sleep than normal.  This is due to a variety of causes.  Work is crazy stressful - with way too much to do, I have had lots going on - from church services to concerts, to the fact that I simply can't seem to get comfortable at night.  Whatever the reason - I am not sleeping well and Tyler seems to be reminding me of it every morning.

Now I love Tyler Hilton's music.  I am counting down to seeing him again in concert this summer.  However, I would be more than happy to give this song up if it made me sleep better.

Until that time, I will be grateful that it is music that I enjoy.

Here it is - "Insomnia" by Tyler Hilton. (sorry for the quality - it was the only option I could find.)

Whiskey makes everything better...Right?

The place: Seven Steps Up
The time: 8pm on 4/10/14
The artist: None other than the amazing Teddy Geiger

So here we are, back in our little slice of heaven.  Beth, Lainie, and I were at a front table and excited.  Lainie & I met Beth at a Teddy Geiger show last year.  It was wonderful to make a full circle back to see this amazing musician.

This was an acoustic show featuring just Teddy.  A great chance to interact and hang out.

Yep, I was totally one of those people - took a picture of the set list.

I have to give you some amazing news - Teddy did not follow his set list  Now, he really did play everything on it - but he played so much more than that!!!

As you know - I like to record favorite songs - or new songs.  For proof on how wonderful this show was, I took a few more videos than normal.  A few more - meaning....12.  Yeah - may have gone overboard there.

So - back to the actual show.  This was Teddy's first show at Seven Steps Up.  For those who have never been there before, it is a very unique environment.  You have a silent crowd (well - silent as in outside of cheering or singing along) who is paying more attention than you have probably ever had before.  I have to imagine that it can be a little unsettling.  Teddy told us that he has been performing a little sporadically - which also doesn't help the whole live show thing.

If you haven't read my past comments about this venue - one amazing part is that if you want a drink, you raise your hand and they will bring you what you want - and you pay at the end.

We were about 1/3 of the way through the show and Teddy sees several people ordering drinks.  He then asks if he can get a drink.  Of course, they say yes and offer whatever he wants.  He requests whiskey and it was on its way.

Gotta say - whiskey does help make things better.  Teddy's music was wonderful, before he ever touched a drink, but the show certainly got more entertaining afterwards.  From jokes about 2 nips - to experiencing new and incomplete songs - to having a chance to hang out afterwards and discuss life and dreams and goals.

So, it is ridiculously hard to catch a photo of Teddy performing with his eyes open.  Not such a big deal when he was chatting with us - but while singing - it just doesn't happen. :)

Here are a few of the songs that Teddy performed - including some of the music that he is currently working on.

Random picture of our M&Ms - a perk to having a table

So then...it was time for Teddy's finale.  I have to say - we could not have asked for more.  Teddy was great, his music was great, the venue was great.  And then he did his last song.  Ummm - just watch this!

Yep, he rocks!!!!!

So sadly, the show was over.  But part of the highlights were yet to come.  We hung out, chatted with the staff, and waited for the crowd to thin.  Then spent about 20 minutes chatting with Teddy.  As he didn't bring any merch, we had him sign copies of the set list - which mine will be proudly hung and added to the wall of music that is developing in our home.

So thank you Teddy - thank you Seven Steps Up - thank you to my rockin' friends for being part of the crazy journey.  It was a wonderful night.

The best venue - The best artist - The best night

Have I mentioned how much we love Dan Godlin?  I mean seriously - he is wonderful.  His music is beautiful, he is a blast on stage, and is the most welcoming performer we have ever met.  We. Love. Dan. Godlin.

Okay.  Gushing done.

In my last post I mentioned that we went to the Anna Nalick show to see the opener, being Dan Godlin.  He made a huge impression on us when we saw him in the fall - and we want to help support him, his music, and hang out whenever we can.

As usual - Dan put on a great show.  His energy is infectious.  His pure joy in enviable. 

Have to say - I love this picture!!!

(So every time that Dan performs this song "Dance Baby" he says that despite what it might sound like - it does not say Dan's Baby - but now that is all I hear!)

Dan has promised us a new album soon - hopefully this summer - and also promised another trip back to Seven Steps Up (cause really there is no better venue out there).  The next trip he will be headlining with a full band.  In return we have promised him that we will be front row and cheering.

There is something truly amazing about an artist who loves his fans.  If you follow him on Twitter, or have ever met him in person, you know that he really appreciates everyone who supports him.  We are stoked for a new album - as all of his music is amazing. 

This is my song of the day the day - in honor of Dan's amazing show.  It is one of his new ones and I cannot wait to hear it performed again.

So here it is - "Love You Forever" by Dan Godlin

Breathe...Applaud....Repeat

Next up - time to get back to my favorite venue in the world...Seven Steps Up.

I have to say - Beth and I were thrilled when we heard about a concert that was coming at the end of March.  Won't lie - we were going to see the opener.  But I will talk more about that amazingness in my next installment.

But first - the star of the night was none other than Anna Nalick.  You may not immediately recognize her name, but trust me, you know her music.  In fact, I blogged about it here.

Anna was a wonderful entertainer.  She has great stories, a beautiful spirit, and even more amazing music.  We were thrilled to hear a lot of new music that she is working towards putting on a new album. 

As continues to be one of the perks of Seven Steps Up - we got to meet and hang with the artists after the show.  It was an honor to meet Anna.  I am truly looking forward to her next album as I am sure that it will be the best one yet.

For my song of the day - I am giving you one of Anna's older songs - one that wasn't played that night, but I love nonetheless.  "Sort of Delilah" by Anna Nalick

Was it worth it? Yep. It was!

So...we made it.  It was finally time for Wakey!Wakey!

I have to say, there are not a lot of bands that I will drive, take a train, stay overnight, and go to a VERY late show (started at 12am Central), to see.  And seriously, it was worth it all.

Michael Grubbs put on a wonderful show.  Great music, a few stories, and getting to hear all of my favorite songs - live.

I love live music.  (if you haven't already picked that up)  I love the energy, I love when the music live is even better than it is recorded, I love the feeling of a crowd coming together rather than pulling against one another.

This concert was the epitome of those feelings.  We were all there for the same thing, we were all enamored, we were all feeling the joy.

So rather than continuing to blather on, enjoy the pics, watch the videos - oh, and go buy the music (wakeywakeymusic.com).  Seriously.  He has a new EP out and a new album is coming at the end of May. 

After the show, we waited to be able to meet Michael Grubbs - the man that is Wakey!Wakey!  Well worth the extra time and energy.

He is a very kind and generous man who took the time to talk to each of us and signed my new poster - which is now hanging amongst my vinyl covers.  And now I just hope that he will actually come to Michigan on the second leg of his tour. :) 

For my song of the day - I give you "Call Me Up" - a song off of the new EP, Irresistible.

Chicago...Concert....Artist #2

What can I say about Jillette Johnson?

Have you ever heard her music?  Have you ever seen her perform?  Have you ever read her lyrics?

No?

Well...You should have.  I should have.  I am grateful that I now have.

I tend to be extremely picky with female artists.  I don't know why, I just am.  I did not have high hopes before this concert.  Like I said - female artists don't tend to make my top list.

Wow.  I was blown away.  Liz was blown away.  Lainie was blown away.

And this was the night after she couldn't perform as she was so sick.  If she can sound this good when her voice is not up to par - what must she sound like when she is healthy?

My song for today - for remembering this show - is Torpedo from Jillette Johnson.  Again - may I stress - please check her out.  You won't regret it!

The start of an epic night

Okay...going back a bit.  We are still in Chicago.  And now...it's time!  Time for Wakey!Wakey!  Honestly, I was really excited.  We had spent our evening relaxing in the hotel and headed out for the venue. 

 And what is a show without a selfie in the hotel?!?

So we headed down to the city and got a cab to the venue, Schubas Tavern.  We got there a few minutes before the doors opened, I believe that was 9pm.  9pm central.  Yeah - kind of a late night for us - but so worth it.

We found spots on the floor - then changed as there were spots along the wall with coat hooks and seats if we wanted.  First up for the night was Casey Shea.  Honestly, hadn't heard of him - but I always love finding new artists.  

Casey took the stage - and we just started laughing.  The first bit of his set he spent chatting, telling stories, and was even sitting on the stage.  

Yeah - that's him in plaid....

It was a great start to the night.  We then got the opportunity to hear his music.  He is extremely talented and for some strange reason I haven't ordered his music yet - but I will.  Trust me on that.

For his final song of the night, he brought some guests out on stage.  And honestly - I do not know that anybody recognized them - for there was far less excitement than I would have predicted. 

Yeah - that's Jillette Johnson (next on deck for the night) and Michael Grubbs (aka Wakey!Wakey!) and their bands.

Beautiful music by wonderful musicians.

I do have to say that the highlight of Casey's show was a song that he played called "I Don't Wanna Wait."  It was a riot.  We loved it!  

So, in honor of a long awaited evening - I give you "I Don't Wanna Wait" by Casey Shea