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...

Jeff Beck featured today on WildmanSteve Radio

‎"New Tunes at 2"  on WildmanSteve Radio has the brand new release from JEFF BECK "Rock'n'Roll Party Honoring Les Paul" (Atco Records). GREAT playing of course from Jeff with guests including Imelda May, Brian Setzer, Trombone Shorty and more. This is a fun live album recorded at NYC's Iriduim Jazz Club.   Visit his website for details: jeffbeck.com

To catch our 24/7 Internet Radio station stream, visit on your computer, PDA or iPhone : WildmanSteve.com

Band of Heathens new album featured on WildmanSteve Radio

"New Tunes at 2" has a preview of the upcoming release from Austin, Texas' THE BAND OF HEATHENS "Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster's Son" (BOH Records).  Pre-order this album, which is due out on the 29th of this month) or pick up a copy from one of their CD release events (like this Friday in San Antonio, TX!)  More info: bandofheathens.com

Truck Drivin' w Watermelon Slim at FAI 2011

My Bird Can Sing- a work in progress- the Wolfelele Uke

I had the great fortune to be able to participate in a Ukulele building workshop at FAI 2011 a few weeks back and have continued working towards my goal of a one of a kind, hand painted uke.  The folks at Wolfelele, a small Canadian maker of ukulele kits, provided several for the workshop and boy, how cute!  The super cute, triangular "travel style" that I have only seen as vintage "beach" ukuleles.  Here is a shot with uke finished (without strings) at the end of the workshop.  To get a a very affordable instrument, checkout Wolfelele's website: www.wolfelele.com

Since getting home, I have taken off the strings, fretboard, tuning pegs and gears and the bridge and sanded the entire body really well.  After seeking some advice, I plunged into the painting.  I started with a spray primer and then decided to use some glossy, blue spray paint I had on hand.  Here are a couple of working shots....

Now of course, as my luck had it, I started running out of the blue paint in my efforts to do the final spraying. Unfortunately, this has led to some puddling in places, so I am back to sanding those areas.  Ugh...off to tend to this right now.  I'll keep you posted, if the sanding goes well, I'll launch into the hand painted bird motif on front and back!  I cannot wait for my bird to sing!

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears "Scandalous"

"New Tunes at 2" on WildmanSteve Radio has the new release from BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS "Scandalous" (Lost Highway).  Another high energy, neo-Soul release that hits on March 15th. (Hint: pre-order now)
blackjoelewis.com

Joe Bonamassa's DUST BOWL featured today on WildmanSteve Radio

"New Tunes at 2" on WildmanSteve Radio has new music from JOE BONAMASSA "Dust Bowl" (J & R Adventures). Joe has been putting out album after album of great, rocking Blues, this album is no exception. Guests include John Hiatt and Vince Gill....get in line to pre-order as the album; it hits on March 22nd.

www.jbonamassa.com

Wrangle that overly creative mind

Think, think, think, think, think.  I have a non-stop, creativity expressway going on in my mind right now. Blame it on Spring bursting out or blame it on necessity (music festival and art fair season are both swiftly approaching), the feeling of being overwhelmed is a reality. After a couple of days of thinking myself to a state of immobility, the ideas are starting to filter and become more "do-able".  Oh the trials and tribulations of the overly creative mind....onward, spray paint, onward upcycled t-shirts, onward "gnome homes".....pictures to come....

Fortunately, there are some of us that are able to channel our creative ideas in a concrete and meaningful way. I ran across this blog a few months ago and keep finding inspiration therein. I might not look at the postings in a literal way (like "I want to make that'), but find the inspiration, rather, in the
over-riding ideas.   Repurposing/upcycling is so appealing and frankly, just smart. Waste not, want not!  Here is a lady that has brilliant ideas- check out her blog: www.newdressaday.com

Read a bit and find your muse.  Take her ideas (even if you do not sew) and run wild with your creativity!  For me, it's just time to do, do, do! Now back to painting my ukulele...

Another Folk Alliance teaser...

I am really still recovering from our trip to Memphis but wanted to share a great little song from Matt the Electrician. I had the intention of catching one of his scheduled performances, but instead, ended up accidentally crossing paths with his private showcase (and with the huge bonus of the banjo ukulele).

The Farewell Drifters at FAI 2011 in Memphis

The FAREWELL DRIFTERS; just one of dozens of incredible showcases at FAI this past week in Memphis....more video and pictures to come.  I just had to get this up!

WildmanSteve Radio is at the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis

Yes sir-ree, we are at the ground zero of all things musical: The Folk Alliance Festival in Memphis, TN.  This is our first time to attend this conference and look forward to the next few days where we plan to soak up some great musical showcases, snatch up some interviews and pictures and meet some fellow music lovers, musicians and industry peers.

A few artists that we are looking forward to seeing perform over the next four days are: the Hot Club of Cowtown, Paul Thorn, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the John Hartford String Band, Ruthie Foster, The Bo-Keys and Watermelon Slim.  

In addition to the musical showcases, there are all sorts of workshops and panels during the day hours.  I hope to get on a ukulele building workshop on Friday. Fingers are crossed...

We are off to the opening reception today in just a few and then off to get some famous Memphis BBQ at Rendezvous; then we have a full evening of showcases!  I'll be posting photos over the next few days.

Get more information about this event at:
www.folk.org

Bowing to the fiber gods

Ok, it's not that I need another hobby but the longer I play with yarn, the more I want to play with an increasing variety of natural fiber yarns.  They feel good, they dye to incredibly saturated hues and they are a dream to use, plus they come from all sorts of cute animals.

I just received my first batch of hand dyed and combed wool roving from Fat Cat Knits in Ilion,  New York.  The proprietor is so friendly and helpful and her wide variety of roving and yarns are simply gorgeous.  Here is a link to her storefront (you can also find her on Etsy.com).
http://stores.fatcatknits.com/StoreFront.bok

Here is  a picture my first batch of "Magnolia" Falkland wool roving (DROOL):

After crocheting for about 10 years, it's high time to learn this next step in the evolution of "yarn fever."  I have been watching Youtube footage on how to use a drop spindle.
Check out Megan LaCore's tutorial for a demo:




I have even made my own drop spindle on the cheap from a 3/8" wooden dowel, some 3/8" rubber o-rings and two old CDs.  Wish me luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Electronic geekery for your Valentine's Day! Here's a fun project I ran across in my latest adventures in poking around the 'net.
http://jimmieprodgers.com/kits/openheart/

Ukulele funk is YUMMY

THE GREAT RECESSION ORCHESTRA featured today on WildmanSteve Radio

So each and every day of the work week, I do a live internet radio show called "The Mid-Day Cafe" from 1p-5p central time on WildmanSteve Radio at www.WildmanSteve.com. This is a professional internet-only radio station that broadcasts great music from all genres; mixing up new music, deep cut classics, and specialty shows from dee-jays worldwide. We pump out the good stuff to a hardcore, music loving, global audience. You can access the stream by visiting the preceding url and listen from any computer or mobile device. Check out our homepage for the details.

You will start seeing a daily post (through the work week, that is) from my "New Tunes at 2" segment, highlighting an artist and their new album. This is a great way to learn about new releases from musicians that deserve your attention. You might learn something new. Here is my initial installment (which, by the way, is also found on our Facebook fanpage): www.facebook.com/WildmanSteveRadio

‎"New Tunes at 2" features a truly wonderful, eponymous album from THE GREAT RECESSION ORCHESTRA (NewTex Records). This Fort Worth based band begs the question "Have you ever even heard of Milton Brown?" Get the album (and a history lesson) for your Western Swing fix. Check out their website at: www.New TexasSwing.com

Re:evolution

So today begins a new dawn in this sorely unused blog-- new transformation of the blog, the purpose, the layout.... you get the idea. I'm keeping this short and sweet for right now as I continue tweaking things... keep posted for all kinds of cool things...