Alabama Tornado Relief

On our local news yesterday evening, I was astonished to see that, besides the incredible devestation that still wracks Northern Alabama, there are still roughly 300 people still unaccounted for in that hard hit area. And the state is expecting a round of heavy rain today.  

Here are a bunch of links that you can use if you are able to help:

 - text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or follow this link to the Red Cross website:

http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG00100E013&s_subsrc=ONR_MainDonateButton

- You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army's tornado disaster fund by texting GIVE to 80888.

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

-The Governor of Alabama has set up an Emergency Relief Fund to Help Tornado Victims.  The fund is accepting both check and online credit card donations. The website will also show you how to donate goods and materials: http://www.servealabama.gov/2010/2011%20Tornadoes/Response.aspx

- There is also a Facebook page dedicated to helping people find pictures and documents that were carried miles away by the storms: https://www.facebook.com/PicturesandDocumentsfoundafterAprilTornadoes

 There are also a bunch of benefit concerts going on in the Southeast.  If you can, go soak up some music and help those in need all at the same time.

- TODAY, May 3rd at the Rogue Tavern in Birmingham, AL: starting at 4:30p

 https://www.facebook.com/RogueTavern

- Music for Alabama Red Cross event in Tuscaloosa, AL, Wed. May 4th: 

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183302545050276

-Michelel Malone Birthday Bash and Fundraiser for the Red Cross: Sat, May 7th at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, GA: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159710857425392

-Auburn, AL benefit for the Red Cross: Sunday, June 5th at the War Eagle Supper Club:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198700160167274

Please help spread the good word around folks and do what you can.  It takes a village on this big blue ball that we all share. 

It's Suwannee Springfest time!

One of the best music festivals in the Southeast is about to start- that's right, it's time for the annual fun at Suwannee Springfest at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.  The festival officially starts on Thursday and goes until Sunday night with a PACKED schedule including performances by: The Avett Brothers, David Grisman Sextet, Donna the Buffalo, Scythian, Cornmeal, Danny Barnes, and Adelle Cotton and many, many more.  Tickets are on sale and day and weekend passes, student and military prices are still available.  Get all the information you need and plan to stop by the WildmanSteve Radio booth!
www.suwanneespringfest.com

Buddy Miller and The Majestic Silver Strings

"New Tunes at 2" on WildmanSteve Radio at (www.WildmanSteve.com) has the new work from BUDDY MILLER "The Majestic Silver Strings" (New West).  Buddy is a musician's musician and gets to play with the best of the best.  In this latest musical adventure, Buddy hooked up with Greg Leisz, Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot and recorded a bunch of Country tunes in the living room of his house.  Guests include: Emmylou Harris, Lee Ann Womack, Anne McCrary and more. The album is out now.  Get a copy from Buddy: www.BuddyMiller.com

"The Best of Times" benefits arts education

"New Tunes at 2"  on WildmanSteve Radio ( www.WildmanSteve.com ) has an important new compilation to present called "The Best of Times- Texas artists performing the music of Sara Hickman" (Sleeveless Records).  A totally cool concept by Texas' state musician of the year, Sara Hickman, who brainstormed an idea on how to benefit arts education. This various artists work includes Willie Nelson, Marcia Ball, Edie Brickell, Shelley King and more and is available right now.  Go get a copy and have great tunes for you, and actively participate in tomorrow's generation! www.bestoftimescd.com

The name is just the beginning of compelling: Brushfire Stankgrass

"New Tunes at 2" on WildmanSteve Radio at www.WildmanSteve.com has GREAT new music from BRUSHFIRE STANKGRASS "One for the Salamanders" (self-released).  An impressive quartet from Asheville, NC that describes their sound as "mountain newgrass" with jazz and reggae influences, moog effects and more, peppering their bluegrass roots for some seriously gratifying music.  Check their site for more: www.stankgrass.com

Exene Cervenka's "The Excitement of Maybe"

‎"New Tunes at 2" on WildmanSteve Radio at www.WildmanSteve.com has the first solo album since 1991 from EXENE CERVENKA "The Excitement of Maybe" (Bloodshot Records). Seminal member of post-modern punk band "X", Exene continues to make music, write poetry and produce visual art. See her this week in Austin, Texas at SXSW; and then at points beyond. The album is out now- details at: www.ExeneCervenka.net

Roll with the punches (or progress of the uke-baby)

It's official- I have just been awarded the BIG DUH award.  I realized that the spray primer and paint I used on my ukulele is oil based, thus totally negating my plan of decorating and painting a motif on the back with acrylic paint.  DRAT.  All is not lost, except lost time.  I will just have to use oil paints instead, which will just increase the working time.  Patience, they say Is a virtue.....

And a word about workspace.  Naturally I have been using the spray paint outside.  I've also been leaving the uke outside to dry.  Well what else, might you ask, is outside?  Bugs. Bugs also LOVE paint. Oh bug death! Needless to say, I also have a couple of spots to "mend" on the front of the body as well.  Looks like more sandpaper is in my future.

During the stages of spraying and drying and re-spraying, I have been working on the design for the body. Really the body of the ukulele is so small that I have decided to paint the main motif on the back with some small details on the front.  Wanting to pay homage to the roots of the ukulele (which originated in Portugal) as well as it's "seaside" charm, I thought that some sort of nautical theme would be best (the first uke did not travel by plane after all)!

I really love the graphic nature of tattoos and thought I could find a sailor motif that would work. I have also been thinking about birds (since my uke will eventually 'sing'), so a sparrow tattoo seems just about perfect.  Sparrow tattoos have become multi-facted in meaning over time.  Originally, for sailors, the bird signified logging so many nautical miles (I keep seeing reference to 5000) or was marked before a maiden voyage as a talisman for good luck.   They also signify love, loyalty (sparrows mate for life) and freedom; some also use as memorial art for a passed loved one.                                                




Taking in all the visual inspiration, I have made my initial sketch.  There is still lot of tweaking to do until I have it just right but and plan to add in text in the ribbon that quotes the great Frank Zappa, "Music is the Best."  Indeed.
More to come...