Never A Critic

The Generation One Roadshow

2010-05-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

"Andrew was not asking for their money, but, simply, a commitment to lead by example."

Generation One's, Andrew Forrest

The Dichotomy of Andrew Forrest is, indeed, intriguing. Fabulously
loved by one group of people, and in a moment toppled from the
graces of 'the others' to be the whipping post of the moment. Big
business... you can Keep it!
Smart, funny, generous and kind. A good sport - even as I,
unintentionally, interrupted his walk into a media scrum, filmed by the
networks and out to the nation within hours via ABC News!

AF: "Hey ..."
CL: "Hey Farm Boy. Looks like you are a big deal in these here parts..."

We are all smiles on the t.v. that night.
I adore country boys. Real.

click here to watch
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/05/19/2904228.htm

In Perth, Andrew's wife, Nicola, was beautiful and kindly as she and
Andrew held breakfast for a large audience of corporate and community
leaders - those who could assist the project in changing the minds and
practices of business owners, and aboriginal communities, throughout
Australia. Andrew was not asking for their financial support, but, simply,
a commitment to Lead by Example.
This is a man to watch in the global, philanthropic community. Now that
he has started, there is no stopping him. GenerationOne will do what it
sets out to with the support from Australians who care to move forward.
There is no doubt in my mind this man can move his countryman to a
change that will benefit all.
re: Main Picture - I LOVE that I got this shot. He seems to BE just as he looks here.....
relaxed AND stately. Again with the dichotomy...

Stay tuned for ten-segment blog, On The Road With Generation One

a 2011 Offering...

2010-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

'Sweet Bits, Dirty Bits, & Downright Nasty Bits'.

This compilation includes writings in all forms, featuring lyrics to 100 songs, photos and video, blog entries, and interactive features including:

Excerpts from future offering, 'The Erotic Erudite' - a compilation of short stories - will be found in the online version, hidden throughout in links of made up words or torn corners of the virtual page.

Excepts of the Screen Plays, 'The Lives of L.E. Cooper' and 'The Wrangler', will feature throughout.

This offering will include MP3's and full quality download of the new release, 'Americana Gold', by Carolyna Loveless & Her BIG Shiny Friends.

*Hard copy of book and album will be available as a short-run, Limited Edition.

**Limited Edition download cards of book and album, featuring original artwork, will be available on site and at shows!

The digital creation and distribution of said materials is brought to you by Pollyanna Publishing and Swamp FOlk Records in co-operation with some FABULOUS writers, producers, performers, road crew, club owners, studio crews, D.J.s, live show promoters, web crew, editors, photographers, Nerds i love, GREAT venue staff from around the world... and YOU the FAN!!!

The Month After Christmas

2010-01-07T12:44:00.001-08:00

I lost 5lbs over Christmas...ahhh the one sweet effect of Divorce hell.
That said, most i know are complaining about their Christmas fat so I thought i'd share a giggle my mama sent along.
enjoy it ladies and remember.... eat a cookie AFTER the uphill walk and you'll get all you need and want!
read on....

T'was the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the chocolate I'd taste
At the holiday parties
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet.

Great Summer – First: The Warped 45’s

2009-08-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

1000 Is. Music Festival – August ‘09

Carolyna: “Eric (Alper), I want tickets”.

Eric: “I can give you a pair, Carolyna”.

Carolyna": Excellent, I’ll set up an interview with The Warped 45’s and a a few other bands and would love an interview with you”.

Eric: “I’ll arrange All-Access media passes for you +2 … and i look forward to it”.

… and that is how this fabulously entertaining weekend started.

Now, I’ve never been a fan of most of the acts performing on the main stage, but then I’d never seen them live, and THAT is always where the standard is set and the fandom begins, for me. I’ll return to the best performance, Snoop, soon…. but first to one of my new favourites from the Toronto/Waterloo areas.

I bought an EP from the Warped 45’s tent at the Burlington Music Festival where they were opening for Tom Cochrane. I immediately heard what i love to hear… a band that sounds as though they recorded live-off-the-floor with the core of a unit – a tight unit – then only added what made it sweeter. Man is this a good listen.

My first favourite was, Why Have You Passed Me By Grim Reaper. I am always enamoured with an act that makes old-time, gospel-blues sound new again. Fresh. LOVED it!

The Warped 45’s

Then slowly creeping up was the track on the album, that i, humbly, consider to be the world class track of their newest work, Radio Sky. This track is the one that the whole world can hear and enjoy and nothing too heavy or harsh of too soft or smarmy is here.

The best of musicianship on the album is found on this track and it stands out from the rest to me because it feels good always. No matter what mood i was in the entire month long THIS track was always great!

Dave McEathron and Ryan Wayne McEathron

Now that i have heard the pre-release there are a few other standouts. The album is HOT! The New Depression is a very Memories Of The ‘HIP piece, but really great lyrics found here.

Now to their LIVE show at the festival. The boys of The Warped 45’s, Alex, Dave, Ryan, Kevin, Hamal, and JP, are players. Fun, dynamic, tight, songwriters and players that move with their music and move their audience.

It was a small but grateful crowd in attendance. We watched for the better part of 45 minutes while they played their album with a sound remnant of the cd - enough to make me very pleased to have been there.

The 45’s were great backstage as they interviewed for the Vanhattan Project Podcast. I was very disappointed to have burned a hard drive right in the middle of editing their interview, pre-back-up.

*** Watch here as I’ll get an interview at The Warped 45’s show at This Aint Hollywood, in Hamilton, on September 24th, and post it afterward ***

The Photos remain and can give you an idea of the beauty of the festival with these boys in it!

Click for Warped 45's photos by Carolyna

Dave and JP Desaulniers

The Warped 45’s ONLINE: Official Site, Myspace, The Ampersand - National Post or just GOOGLE them here!

*Onstage with Snoop Dogg coming up in the following blogs.

ALSO, Kardinall Offishall, Akon, The Arkells, KO, Randy and Mr. Lahey, The Joys… oh THE JOYS!!!

Free download at Swamp Folk Records

Password: CarolynaLovesEverybody

Swamp FOlk Records Quarterly - The LEG

2009-05-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

Watch for it in your e-box or subscribe to Never a Critic or any of the Swamp Folk Records' team sites.

ONTARIO:

2009-03-05T23:52:00.001-08:00

Paul Riemens; Grant Avenue Studio; Joe Clark; Alfie Smith; Michael J. Berthelmer; Brian Griffiths, and more...

Sweet sounds in the freekin' freezing cold. I'm in this area of Ontario to date my husband, complete a Web 2.0 project, and to play with, and for, a few of my long time friends and peers in this chilly 'hood.

Hamilton is heavily soaked with seriously talented musicians and writers. For as much as I cannot abide this toxic nightmare of a steel town, I adore the creative people I have met here. It is my experience (well-traveled Canadian) that while every corner of Canada has fabulous players and writers, this town has the greatest number of Americana writers and performers in my country. My kind of music. Players that can cross platforms that they don't care exist. Conformity to major-industry genre constraints has no place here. In the same show you'll hear Robert Johnson-influenced 12 bar, then a sweet, love-dripped lyric atop a jazz-flavoured piece of country sadness. I LOVE the music here.

below: Paul Riemens

Take the local Tuesday night songwriters review at The West Town, on Locke Street. Producer Paul Riemens has hosted this event for 6 years, attracting some of the areas finest talent. Every week! On this night it felt like an old homecoming. I saw some friends and players I have jammed or recorded with over the past two decades.

Paul plays first and does a few of his well-written songs from some of his 5 releases, and a new gem from the new release (April), called Marionette.

Then blues beauty, Alfie Smith, knocks out some hotness with super-talent, Joe Clark. It's a sound that makes you say "Hells Ya"! Alfie is a screamin' hot player and Joe, well, Joe Clark from Virginia, has played mandolin with all of the great bluegrass players, and proved to be an aural delight tonight. Pure Heaven, boys. THANKS!

below: Alfie Smith

When it was my turn to play I said to Joe, "Stay here, Beauty".... he did. We ripped into my newest three: Down to the River; Give Your Love to Me; and Chris Robinson. Wicked FUN to hammer out new material with this seasoned player!!!

Michael J. Berthelmer got up and nailed some Civil War sweetness with Virginia Joe. It sounded like they'd been playing together for years. They just fell in and stayed up for more than half a dozen songs.

All this gorgeousness and still, not finished. Rae Billings got up and wooed the crowd. Tim Gibbons did because he could, and performed a solo that was entirely memorable (read it as you will), with a songwriter named Joe, who resembled an Allman brother with all that Rock n' Roll hair.

below: Joe Clark and the Mandolin he made (seriously) - workin' it at Grant Avenue Studio

...

It's Wednesday afternoon now and I'm off to Grant Avenue to see Paul and have a listen to mixes from his new album. He has written some real beauties. I am listening to Paul, Brian Griffiths, Danny Lockwood, Joe Clark... on some sweet pieces. The track 'If Love is a Dog You're the Bone', Is the track we work on together. I growl out a few BG vox for the super- fun number... and call it an afternoon.

I love Grant Avenue Studio. I love Paul and Bob. I loved playing with these boys again.

I 'm having a great week.

Next week: See you in Barrie at D.O.S. Guitars.

Hal's Bar and Grill - Sunday night Jazz

2009-03-05T19:09:00.001-08:00

Hal's is a Venice, CA. establishment - just swank enough to be cool and not too cool to be thrown off of Abbot Kinney.

The fabulous band made for a joyful dinner and entertaining hang with musician/producer friend, Jon Jay. We dined on the perfectly prepared vegetarian sampler - complete with buttered brussel sprouts; risotto; seared tofu; Capellini with tomato, basil, and garlic; and a Caesar salad. Fabulous food and the perfect music to pair it with (I'm a teetotaler - I don't pair wine & food but music & food).

Live Music: - Louis Van Taylor: Unfu@(ing real!

Let's talk Louis Van Taylor a moment. This Guy is a King in the Jazz scene in more places than L.A. Louis leads a band of notable performers including: Robert Russell - bass; Joel Scott - keys; Steve Theard - drums; and joining the band this night Keiko Okamotoon - flute. What a delicious lineup.

Bass player, Robert Russell, felt the love we were sending out and came to our table between sets to thank us for our attentive love-shower. We gushed about the bands prowess and he graciously accepted the kudos. 15 minute break only and the boys were back at it.

Louis is mesmerizing. One of those players who doesn't just because he can, but when called for can break it wide open and thrill deep to the core of a music lover. He played sax and flute this night, both perfectly prodigiously.

Equally talented, his entire band walked off with parts of my soul during their solos and as solid, always in-the-pocket, backing musos for their super-talented front-man. I cannot recommend this band, and this spot to see them in, highly enough. When in L.A. make the trip to Abbot Kinney for the food, music, galleries, and people-watching. You will not be disappointed.

Louis and Band will be back at Hal's on March 8th, '09. Don't miss it!

Weapon of Choice

2009-03-03T10:48:00.001-08:00

Jon Jay and I in Venice, CA. - Feb'09

Jon Jay and I have seen a few good shows together this month. Tonight we missed the first few acts at the A/C as we were with Rootsgirl, watching the 1988 cult hit, VIBES, with Jeff Goldbloom and Cyndi Lauper. Talk about fabulous film performances... Lauper is freakin' unreal and Goldbloom's master thespianism was already apparent in this film (like that? erudite slang! heehee... my blog - my prerogative).

back to the club...

LIVE @ The A/C Supper Club, Venice Beach

'Terraplane Sun' and 'Soccer Mom' started the show. 'Meet Me At The Pub' were in their last song as we entered and high energy is the best description i can give with such a limited viewing.

Weapon of Choice formed in late 1992 by South Central L.A. native Lonnie “ Mega*Nut ” Marshall, were an unbelievably-super-high-energy, rockin' alternative, funk, hip hop, jazz, reggae, band to see LIVE!

Mega*Nut, named among the Top 8 Funk bass players in music, (along with Flea, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten and others - Bass Player Magazine), set my week rockin!

“Lonnie's one of the funkiest bass players alive today - I've totally copped stuff off him...” (Flea - source: Bass Player Magazine).

Seeing Mega*Nut LIVE, I believe he is among the funkiest i've seen in a thousand shows (though M.J. Dandeneau and Keith Lowe are serious contenders for my favourite Live-Player position).

Stone Gossard said: “I signed this band (to Sony550) first and foremost because of their musicianship and stage personality... they're the kind of band that likes to tour to break down barriers, so nothing's going to stop them.”

On this night, Lonnie "Meganut" Marshall (bass/lead vocals), and his band of sweetness: e# - aka eurie (vocals, bellydance/hiptonite); Marc Rey (guitar); Lamont Sydnor (drums); Elizabeth Lea (trombone, vocals); and John Kirby (keys, talkbox) were joined by the hot sounds of Norwood Fisher (from Fishbone).

Norwood took the mic and went off on a perfectly placed rant of political descent - all the while Mega*Nut and W.O.C voraciously wacked us off (aurally speaking of course).

This is my new favourite live show!

*** NEVER underestimate the value of putting a belly dancer with great pipes in the band!

What a SHOW!!!

Weapon Of Choice and Lonnie Marshall tour the world and have toured and performed with:

The Red Hot Chili Peppers
George Clinton
Pearl Jam
No Doubt
Primus
Incubus
Joe Strummer (The Clash)
Run DMC
Les Claypool
Ice Cube
Sublime
Ziggy Marley
Fishbone
Snoop Dogg on Jay Leno
Macy Gray
Brad (with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam and Sean Smith)
Spearhead
Kim Manning (of George Clinton)
De La Soul
and many others...

Weapon of Choice Film Credits:
• Grammy Awards
Performance with Red Hot Chili Peppers/George Clinton
• Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Performance with Snoop Dogg
• “Spiderman” the Blockbuster Movie
Song “Nutty Nutmeg Phantasy”
• “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer”
Song “U Owe it to U”
• “Stomp the Yard” the Blockbuster Movie
Meganut feature role as MC Madd

Lonnie Marshall Credits:
• Joe Strummer (The Clash)
Bass, record “Earthquake Weather,” live tour
• George Clinton / Funkadelic
Touring & Bass / vocals “Asswipe”
• Les Claypool - Purple Onion
Touring & Bass “Dee’s Diner”
• Perry Farrell - Jane’s Addiction
Bass “Song Yet to Be Sung”
• Tone Loc
Bass “On Fire”
• Macy Gray “Spderman” soundtrack
“Nutty Nutmeg Phantasy”
• Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam)/Sean Smith
Bass / vocals “Brad” record
• Bette Midler
Rap on the “Bette Midler Show”
• Dionne Farris
Bass on record “Wild Seed-Wild Flower

I love Hollywood/I hate Hollywood

2009-02-27T18:05:00.001-08:00

The Music Only

For those of you readers who only want the goods on the bands and clubs, here are links to some great acts i saw this month, excerpts from previous blogs, and some recent bits of musical bliss...

I hear it was once the "place to be" in L.A., but today it resembles the last place on earth I want to hang. Hollywood is dirty. Filthy in fact, and littered with the sad and sorry never-were's begging for your money and calling it busking as they sit in their belongings screeching out for a "spare dollar" - a crack-head on every corner doing the fancy-dance that comes with excessive use of any mind-freaking substance. There is a stench to the place that takes a hot shower to rid yourself of the memory... BUT the fabulous clubs where Live music plays nightly is THE reason to go to Hollywood for this LIVE music aficionado.

The Mint: small room - really cool. The Hellen Back Quartet (below); The Dallies; Relentless (Ben Harper's L.A. outfit)

The Unknown Theatre: Open theatre stage with ok sound. I look forward to coming back when they get the LIVE sound right for bands. Scott Goldman; The Karabal Nightlife; Toy Robot (below);

Molly Malone's: Hollywood version of a Rough 'n tumble with great sound. Fun room. The Kings Royal

The Troubadour: Good room. Best live sound I heard in Hollywood. Sex Cobra; Ayn Mor; Army of Kings; Tonight She'll Love; The Leather Souls; Anna Vexa

The House Of Blues (Sunset Strip) - in the Foundation Room - Peter Goetz (below)

I got my very own LIVE show from Peter, in Venice, the night before the Sunset Strip show. Sweet as honey, this boy!

The next few blogs contain reviews from shows at clubs in L.A. outside of Hollywood - venues with great acts...

Getting the Boot!

2009-02-12T15:42:00.001-08:00

Well, not literally, but to be able to work legitimately, in this country (U.S.), I must go home (CAN) and get the proper paperwork filled out, signed and, most importantly to this archaic system, paid for. If they would only trim the fat off of the management of world governments there would be no need to travel back home to pay for such pieces of paper. With this lot of old-timers a 'paperless society' still seems a generation off. I'll stop here, on this issue of government waste, or I'll prove my Blog Title a misnomer.

Erin Alden Meeting

Today is Friday. I'm having tea at my local (lol, I have a "local" in about 20 countries...love it!), waiting for the talented Erin Alden to join me for an afternoon of lunch and brain-storming - "what project can we work together and what would that partnership look like"?

Erin Alden

Erin, like me, works with other artists to improve their work - recordings mostly - whereas I am a Live Performance Improvement Specialist. We both write/arrange/produce and tweak artists in each other's area of expertise so keeping off of one another's toes long enough to create something fun is imperative. Erin is working with S. Africa's Shaun V., brought to her by the lovely, British producer, Lizard - he's a real piece. I've yet to meet him in person, only online, as it has been with Erin until today...

We met at The Omelette Parlour, on Main, in Venice. She is fabulously beautiful with the most killer blue eyes... and smart. We ate, became part of the Mutual Admiration Society - chatting about how wonderful the other's work was - and walked the beach to the Santa Monica Pier out into the Promenade. We talked for hours, discussing our projects and the new-music-industry as it pertains to our Internet marketing and social networking. We got caught in a downpour on the walk back to Venice, and laughed all the way through it. This was my kind of meeting!!!

Sunny California

2009-02-04T10:29:00.001-08:00

From the San Francisco marina to the Castro. Venice Beach and the Canal Club to the Mint and the Unknown Theatre, in Hollywood. Electric Avenue to The Santa Monica Pier and, of course, the beaches. Some fast moving Rock shows and some slow moving waves.

Its been a crazy few weeks. Fabulous moments both entertaining others and of being entertained. Played for and to and with... I am happy in this area. I'm halfway between Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Just off Main and Ocean Park. From my window an insane sunrise and sunset on the ocean (pollution makes for some unreal sky-shows every evening between 5:30 and 6pm at this time). A few blocks to the beach and I am out for my walk in the morning, sucking in the vitD and salt water views. My laptop bag is full of portable hard drive, power cables, bluetooth mouse, and stuff and more stuff, making it almost twenty-five extra lbs I'm carrying every day (*** just had a "Been There" FLASHBACK ***).

Most days I stop into the The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, at Ashland and Main, on the way back home. They have great, unsweetened, green tea on ice. I get a large one and work online for a few hours thanks to their free WiFi. On my way there, today, a young man seated on the wall near the Santa Monica Farmer's Market said to me, "Back the fuck off, Bitch"! And then... "Charles Manson told him to tell you that". I just keep walking, breathing, walking.

I`m not terribly L.A. - I am entirely Venice Beach. I wake up with all my curls about my head and splash water on my face, brush my teeth, grab my Levis from the floor where they dropped the night before, a clean t-shirt and I`m out the door, barefoot, with laptop and shoes dangling off my shoulder. I`ve met a group of slightly ruffled-in-the-morning musicians and writer-types at the local cafe. There is always a rocker or a princess on site, making it entirely entertaining just going out to tea. There is, also, that one character, it seems his face changes every day, but every day he appears, that one character who really must believe the more obnoxiously loud he discusses the next big movie he is going to take to Cannes, the more those beautiful young things in LuLulemon or Juicy Couture are going to want him, despite the fact that he is 60 something and leers to almost drooling as he spits into his iphone.

Friday night I meet up with musicians, Jon Jay and Brian Boland, at the Canal Club in Venice. The boys love this place. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed. People dropped by all night to say hello and I met the fabulously talented songwriter-performer, and an award winning documentary director, Peter Goetz. Click the Pic. Pretty, I mean Peter, made me dinner and we played guitar and uke, and talked shop and talked art and listened to music and each others stories. Very interesting man and super sweet. I will enjoy podcasting him and his work (no not his work on Survivor) when i come back down.

Peter Goetz

Ladies! We must bring him up North.

The boys tell me how much they love Venice, and relay stories of sitting next to a guy for months and sharing drinks, televised sports events, and pleasant conversation, before they even find out he was Paris Hilton`s manager - that kind of cool and relaxed. The food is great, during happy hour it even tastes better ($$), and there is always something going on or someone going off.

On this night we met the smarmy gentleman from Venice, via the rest of the planet. According to him he is a pretty big guy, carrying a "just in case i get into trouble", $1300 gold coin precisely placed next to his Republican card (my first, admitted, card-carrying Republican). He introduced himself a few times before he started handing me his cards. Perhaps four times he tried to offer me one or another of his many cards, forgetting the entire conversation we just had. Well, mostly he had. Sir Smarm owns just about everything and everyone in music and film... or at least his cards say so. He would just get through an enormous monologue then he would start over again, and again. Approximately five times he told me I was adorable and said "look at those cheekbones"... the fifth time he repeated it, he poked my cheeks! That was it for me. I had already smiled through the "you have a smashing touche", and deflected "are you kinky?" with "no I'm 40". But seriously Sir Smarmsalot!!!

Now, If you know me at all, you know I can pull the blond out as quickly as is needed to amuse myself and a few others at times. That said, I work very hard in this business and, at 40, I don`t expect to be poked in the cheeks. I don't care who or what you think you own. I wonder, did someone poke Ray Lamontagne in the cheeks (If i was Ray and they poked my cheeks I'd beat them with my heaviest guitar and send them the bill for the new one - Ray's likely more evolved than I). Still smiling, I kiss the boys goodbye and they walked me to a cab.

Me n' Brian on Electric Avenue

Saturday afternoon - Brian (Boland) called around 3pm with news that he was on his way to get me in Santa Monica and take me down the road to the studio he works at on Electric Avenue (if you're my age the song has already entered your mind and you're humming along...heeehe). Jon Jay stops in when we're mic'ing the live room. Brian hits record, gets behind the kit and out comes his inner Ringo. I start into a jam I`ve written, 'Down to the River'... the boys fall in and we're off!

This raw, off the floor lovely will be given as a free download to all who follow my tweets and pulses, or have joined any of the Swamp FOlk Records Groups on my social networking sites and on my official sites. ( i dropped layered vox on top of the live, so the ladies up north can get an idea of their parts).

Here first, for my blog subscribers: Down to the River

After the session, we ate Indian food and went to Hollywood to see Toy Robot at the Unknown Theatre. I love the relaxed feel of the clubs I've been hanging out in and am pleased with the bands I've seen so far. Could be that my favourite to date is Toy Robot, and not just because our lovely Dave Krusen plays in the band, but they were high-energy power-pop and showed off a bit. Frontman gutarist/singer Lord Loren, was fun to watch. Good player. This pic below was my favourite angle.

Toy Robot

Dave plays again Wednesday night with yet another act Puppies and Kittens... oh wait no, that is another band he plays in... awe hell whatever! Just go to Molly Malone's on Wednesday night for smashing sounds. Dave ROCKS!

Another few worth mentioning are The Hellen Back Quartet, whom I chirped about extensively in the last blog.

The delightful finger-style artist, Scott Goldman, was playing when we entered the Unknown Theatre. He was mesmerizing. I always prefer this kind of music to come on after the headliner as it brings me right down... ready to fall into lala land. Tonight it was the first offering and as it was still quiet in the place, it was a delight to get right up to the stage and watch his fingers go. His eclectic, well-played CD, Trial and Terror, is on offer at his shows. Check out track 9, 'Waltz Garage'. At cdbaby: Scott Goldman - Trial And Terror Enjoy!

Also that night, 'The Karabal Nightlife' took the stage. Lead singer/guitarist, Jesse Davis, stressed me out just watching his intensive showmanship (resembling some of the seriously messed up crack-addicts i've seen at Pain & Hastings). But the kids love that stuff. Good sound, LOUD, but good. The bass and drums were a treat. These women played really well together. Bass player, Lindsay Mancha, cute as cute gets in her long socks and short skirt, almost dwarfed by her enormous bass, actually slid up and down the fret board a few impressive times. Drummer, Courtney, was the rock star in the band, for sure. She is so relaxed behind her kit. Her precisely lazy fills and sparse bits were all in the pocket - she didn't miss a thing. Lovely player. EK and I gushed about her just before I had her sign my copy of their album. I'll find her last name and fill it in here. Watch for her in more and more working bands in the next few years.

I'm thinking Krusen at Molly Malone's on Wednesday with his mates, and Thursday night at the House of Blues for the Peter Goetz show (Brian's playing bass... Yay).

L.A. is huge. Hard to band-hop as the good Live clubs, while many, are spread out all over town. This place could use a Hess Village (Hamilton Ontario). L.A. would actually know what to do with it if they had it! Put it near a beach though folks because seriously, how much better is it walking home from the live show along the ocean on the beach? I Really, Really like it here. Only thing it doesn't have is Mikey. I have to leave in ten days and work out a deal with this country to get back here to work. I found a good group of artists/producer/creators here that are into hard workin' and hard playin'. My kinda business!!

The Hellen Back Quartet - Live at The Mint

2009-02-01T23:55:00.001-08:00

Hollywood, California, Jan. 29, 09

Pics graciously supplied by the Goddess: Rootsgirl

I land in Santa Monica and within hours I have an invite to a show at the Mint, by the lovely creator and Goddess, Rootsgirl. Outside of the club we join new friend LuLu and the gorgeously talented artist, Kathlene Cohen. After a 40 minute wait outside (Ben Harper was sound-checking late), the hostess escorted us to our table. Within moments, and 5 feet from my face, the strangest little bird took the stage disguised in a blonde/pink wig, serious 1970's Mrs. Roaper glasses, a flap-eared hat, a girly pea-coat, tights and boots. "That's Hellen" says Rootsgirl.

The Hellen Back Quartet is a fabulously fun band to see LIVE. Hellen is talented, cheeky, an idiot-savant-like creator, and "on the run".

As the story goes... "HELLEN IS MORE KNOWN IN THE UNITED STATES FOR FLEEING HER NATIVE COUNTRY ON TAX EVASION CHARGES. SHE AND THE BAND HAVE BEEN ON THE RUN AND LIVING OFF THE GRID EVER SINCE. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS ANYWHERE BUT THEIR WHEREBOUTS ARE A SECRET FOR OBVIOUS REASONS." Doolittle Management

Even the invites to shows, via their blog on Myspace, are creatively enticing... but still do not do this crazy-ass show justice:

"Again Hellen will reinvent the brazillian-rock-latin-jazz-disco-punk show....you've been warned....", and "If any one has seen Hellen, please tell her, her band is looking for her."

** Don't let this odd duck fool you. This hot little number is as smart as she is creative **

The show started with a full on rant from our foul-mouthed girly-girl, as the band was kept waiting to sound-check, because Ben Harper was on later that night and "he needed the stage". Hellen chewed Ben a new sphincter more than a few times during the show. While flailing about in Rock n' Roll ecstasy, she stopped dead and said things like, "I fucked Ben. He doesn't remember, but I do. He was Good"... "Ben wont share his coke...", or "Fuck Ben"! This kind of monologue goes on all night while Hellen attempts to dry hump her "ex-husband, Newt" (on Harmonica - nice player). The Hellen Back show also had one of the more interesting additions to the live rock show I've seen - the auctioning off of minute paintings created during "Hellen's last stint in rehab".

This woman is a rock show on her own. She'd make great t.v. ;) The band keeps up as best they can. Guitarist, Kevin Holmes, plays a solid rock guitar and sings when Hellen "needs a moment". Turning down the stage sound of the guitar would let the sound man get a better room sound for the whole show, but if its going to be a loud guitar, at least he's more than competent to rock your world. Drummer Denise Saffren, and bassist Jeremy hold their own and even thrill at moments. Laural's BG Vox were super solid (and entirely necessary to keep Hellen in when she goes off).

I went, I saw, I was thoroughly entertained, and I was home and all tucked in by 10pm. Exactly how this tired ol' rocker likes it when there is a meeting at 8am.

*** LIVE News*** According to a recent email from Denise, " [The Hellen Back Quartet] is planning a '10 Day/5 White Collar Prison Tour'. We are going to film it for some webisode thingy".

SFO - LAX

2009-01-27T11:17:00.001-08:00

The folks at Virgin Air ROCK!

70lbs allowed in one bag. I only managed 56lbs this time but they also allow my guitar as a carry on so I am delighted. Their overhead compartments are large enough for my guitar and my laptop bag. SWEET! The planes are fabulously comfortable with built in entertainment units and hand-helds to use for video games, or surf the web, or order food and drinks from beautiful flight attendants.

I LOVE VIRGIN!

The drama of finding a place, loosing a place, and finding another, just today, has exhausted me. I am so happy to have met the fabulous Ryan Patterson, Massage Therapist and sometimes Yogi, and exceptional human. Now I have a home for all of February, AND it's closer to Santa Monica, which the girliest part of me just adores.

There is something comforting, having a place to call home, even for a short time, when i have felt homeless. I have been working hard on the Create-a-Career initiative this past few months, and perhaps because I am giving to others at a time I have little more than my wits, is why lovely people, like Ryan, appear in my life at just the right moment. Let's send you a link to his work site.

www.rpbodyworks.com

... and to the Create-a-Career initiative, so you can understand what it is I am always going on about here.

Create-a-Career

I am more than pleased to be in L.A., talking shop for Carolyna Loveless & Her BIG Shiny Friends, and really excited about branding opportunities, in America, for the band... but the Create-a-Career venture has stolen my heart. While others wait on my plans for 'The Great Canadian Cougar Party', and 'The Clean & Green Tour', I work on the Create-a-Career initiative like it was my baby. Proud and conscious, and entirely engrossed in the development of something based less in Me Me Me land and more in We We We land.

I am sitting on the tarmac in San Francisco, awaiting takeoff, and I am happy.

I wish the same for you all.

Hanging in the Castro & I LOVE Obama!

2009-01-20T17:31:00.001-08:00

After a clothing change, i walked back out into the Dolores/Mission area and into the heart of the Castro. Great designer shops found among homeless refuges and hostels. It looks nothing like it did in Milk. But then i knew that. I was here a few times before the movie was made, and though I had never heard of Mr. Milk, I knew the Castro and Mission area well enough to know that the creative folk, gay and straight, the weak and impoverished, and the debauchers live among one another in a weird harmony.

It was a lovely afternoon. I spent it blogging in great smelling cafes and wandering the Castro, happening across a used bookstore that had a well-kept copy of The Trial (Kafka), a book i meant to read after reading Metamorphosis a decade ago. A great read to amuse me on the next flight.

A slightly disturbing site was that of a young man riding his bike, carrying a beer, screaming "Castro my ass. It should be called Castrate! Fucking sissies"... He repeated this over and over until he was out of ear-shot. He is not the norm here. Not today, especially.

Today is Obama's coronation... um, i mean inauguration. Oh who's kidding whom. Obama is King of the World today (just ask Marcus - a Canadian ex-pat addicted to all things Obama). It wont last long, as although he is a refreshing change to the face of politics in America and the world, he is, yet, a politician! Not a "spiritual leader", though he is as articulate as any I've heard. Not a "saviour", as so many in the streets today have been spouting... but a politician.

I LOVE OBAMA!

As much as I've loved any heart-throb, political brainiac... but i am not confused as to his position in this country i am visiting. They adore him here. And so they should after that last joker they had in office. But let us remember, please, no man is an island. Least of all President of the United States. He seems a kind, sensitive, articulate, intelligent man. MAN! But there is a TEAM of folks behind him and a load of favours are owed. He will do good things for this country and for that, alone, the people should respect this administration.

Remember this though (the cliche that became so because of its truth)... The bigger they are the harder they fall.

And you, dear Americans, have made him LARGER THAN LIFE.

Be kind when he falters. It is you and the media that made him a God-Like caricature of the Man he is. You must bare the responsibility of tolerance when he fails, holding him to the same bar you have set for your own lives. You ARE this nation. He is just running it for a while.

Good Luck.

I LOVE your country!!!

(thanks for letting me in crazy lady at the Buffalo border)

I LOVE San Francisco!

2009-01-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

Can you say "overdressed"?

I awakened in the lovely apt. of my dear friend, Marcus. A comfy, clean home with a bed that forms to my body.,..sweet sleep after such a hell day yesterday.

It was cool in the apt, and at 8:30am i saw the temp was just around 13C so i hit the shower and dressed for 13C.

In the hour and a half it took to groom and catch up on mail and publish yesterday's drama-blogs, the temp rose to 17C. Unaware of the change in temperature, I don jeans and a t-shirt, black leather vest and a cream, wool jacket (Louie Louie for Roxy).

I leave the apt, stepping out into the shady side of the street. I can feel the warmth, as i tuck my red gloves into my laptop bag, smiling like a tourist who has just arrived from -28C before the wind chill... oh wait! I AM a tourist who just....

When i hit the sunshine it was like being home again. You know that feeling of comfort one gets when home is the best place they know. Well my home is Vancouver, BC. And when the sun is shining it is, to me, the BEST place i've ever been. Every time I cross the Lion's gate bridge, on my bike, in the sunshine, i think to myself, "I live in Heaven".

Here in San Francisco, at Maxfield's cafe, drinking an organic Americano in the bright sunshine, i am warmed to my core, knowing that my friend Marcus, too, lives in Heaven.

I LOVE San Francisco!

This week I am meeting with some women from the film and t.v. industry to discuss the social initiative i have created, Create-a-Career. I am thrilled to have been invited to present my ideas to this very talented group of professional, philanthropic women in this industry. As i just said to Marcus over lunch at Maxfield's, sometimes in my business, the Me Me Me factor of selling one's self and product, gets to be far too much for me.

I love playing and writing music, and live performance is what it is ALL about for me, but the constant self-promo-thing is where i find my humility. I SUCK at it. Don't get me wrong, I am one of the finest promoters of live music in my community and beyond, my own included.

BUT I HATE IT!!!!

No-one has ever offered to take the job from me though... well, no-one that offered to do more for me than i was doing for myself. Should the day come, i will give it up so quickly you will think Flash Gordon was my Pa.

Back to Create-a-Career - It is a joy to take moments away from my own projects in music to create and pitch this project to other women in the industry that i love. I am a huge fan of film making. I have been podcasting since before most in my community knew what a podcast was. Though i am just getting the hang of film quality and production techniques (no teacher so self exploration, though fun, is a much longer process), I am jumping straight in head first. Developing this project helps me help others while exploring my new love.

I am excited about 2009.

I hope you all have found something that brings you joy. Dive in to your hobby with a conscious intention attached and watch it gleefully consume you.

Happy days all!

Delayed

2009-01-20T09:33:00.001-08:00

Marcus is texting with arrival questions as i am listening to an electronic message, complete with one of those "comforting voices", tell me that my flight is delayed - in English and in Spanish. Even in the romance languages "DELAYED" is a horrible sounding word to a frequent traveller.

Last March I was one of a few hundred travellers stranded at the Toronto airport for more than 20 hours as we waited for "weather" to stop hindering our flights. I hooked up with a few other musicians and we kept ourselves, and a few others, entertained. A delightful Jamaican man served up the rum he had brought from home, making eveeryone forget for a moment that they were not at a party. I was the only teetotaller among the jammers so i was entirely aware of the hours passing, no matter how delightful the sounds.

I have issues with touching things that i perceive as unclean, so imagine my creped out feeling as i tried to manoeuvre my long body and head onto my yoga mat, without touching the carpet, floor, or worse, another person. I am sure, once i have settled into my own skin, i will not fly public air too often. I want to be a pilot when i grow up so flying will always be a joy. The airport experience however... not so much. Can't imagine i'll miss a thing.

It's not just airports, but borders. I get hassled everywhere, EXCEPT coming home (Thank you Canada). Korea was the only one to make me grab my ankles, but some others have threatened.

Buffalo, N.Y. - In this latest event, Mick and i crossed the border into Buffalo for this trip to New York, and we were pulled into the office because i didn't have a return ticket. I tell her i never buy return tickets as last minute deals are the best - and at times, on one way flights, they are as low as $100 bucks! That saves me almost $300.00! Nope. Not good enough. They want all our information. Mick and I are separately interviewed.

What's under your jacket? Why is your husband not going with you? Why is your husband "letting you" (i choke on this one) go to another man's house.

Um SERIOUSLY!!!! I am a musician of 20+ years - FULL TIME! If i didn't hang with the boys i'd be alone more than 80% of my life. SOMEONE educate these people. They finally let us go with "I'll let you in this time but make sure next time you have stronger TIES to Canada - own a home or at least have a return ticket".

Again, I'm ready to choke.

[From inside my head...] So what you are telling me lady, is that people who are musicians, that move house during the holiday season, and are on the road a lot, don't get to come into America unless they first get bent over in the purchase dept. buying a return ticket... unless they OWN a home.

???

Doesn't matter that you can see i have never had an issue with your government or mine. That i enter your country ALL the time and ALWAYS leave before i've overstayed my welcome. Or that i would rather go walkabout, at this time of my life, in your country, spreading love and music, than raise a little hell. Do i fit the Terrorist profile really? Does having a husband and business in Canada not TIE me enough to Canada. YOUR closest Ali. Your dearest friend. Your #1 trade partner. What the Hell are you thinking? Be NICE!

I came from Canada. EVERYTHING is better in Canada! Why on earth would i want to stay in America? Do your homework lady, then look at the entrant from our country as a friend, a tourist, whatever.

But making me tear up because i am on a budget and will likely miss my plane if you keep talking to me and my travel insurance does not cover my trip cancellation if I AM LATE for my flight.... is not COOL!

L.A.X. tarmac - So, now in New York, we sit on the tarmac - nearing 3 hours inside the plane ... waiting. This is CRIMINAL! Screaming babies and a fellow passenger coughing every 30-45 seconds, is making me feel ill. I pop some super greens (i make the best ones ever!!!), and drink some water and beg for death.... well, something slightly less dramatic perhaps.

Then it comes like the voice of God, "we are next in line for de-icing. 15 minutes to take off folks."

I coulda kissed him, except with my luck i'd be hauled off the plane and taken into some other official's office and made to grab my ankles, yet.

lol

I am tired now. You can tell by how much sillier this blog ends than how it began.

So i feel sad for my friend Marcus. My very busy friend who no doubt cancelled something to come get me in the first place... just to be made to stay up way past his bedtime to pick me up hours later than expected.

I think i will cease flying in the East coast of N.America throughout the winter months... and when Vancouver has a freak storm as we had this year, i will just hunker down with friends and my lover and stay put like a civilized person does.

I am getting far too old for this!

See you in San Francisco!

The Next Leg - Back in Ontario

2009-01-20T09:30:00.001-08:00

OTTAWA - I love Leenie. Great times in Ottawa and Kingston. Fabulous family time - friends old and new - jammin' and recording with Ryan - a JOY to hear his originals taking shape on tape.

I should have stayed in OTTAWA!

'nuff said.

EXCEPT for the love affair i had with my Mikey... ya that Mikey.

Still separated (as i sit in the Legends Sports Bar in New York)... but even physical distance can't stop a great love affair.

Mick picked me up in Ottawa and took me to a fantasy suite at the Colonial in Belleville. We both highly recommend the Ali Baba Room, complete with walk-up Jacuzzi and fireplace. Perfect room for a genie.

TORONTO - After yet another cancelled meeting, complete with an after-party I was told would be "a fabulous jam filled with players", I just had that feeling. You know the one.. you feel its all about to go the wrong way because there are only two ways things can go and well... the horseshoe fell from my bottom long ago.

As it was to go then, I made a quick exit from the place i had set up to stay for a week. Though a lovely offer was extended from an old friend who's heart was in the right place, the place was no bigger than a closet. A dirty, cluttered closet...I'M a 40yr old WOMAN! I don't do filth! And "sharing a bed"? YaaaaaaaNO! Mick was right there and whisked me away to Hamilton (um..ya... Car's back in the Hammer dolls! eeeek!!!).

HAMILTON - It was 10:30pm by the time we hit Hamilton, so we pulled into the Hamilton Inn and got a room.

um .. UGH! Don't stay here. EVER! Even if you think you just must lay your head down that very minute... drive on!

The next morning we went to breakfast and then checked into the Marriott for two nights. AHHHHHHHHH. This is the place to stay in Hamilton. The town has little redeeming qualities in my opinion... Great Musicians and studios and some nice folks... and Mikey, Jameso, and Lolo. That's it. Well, now the Marriott makes the short list.

I finished up a contract (i set up the social networking platforms for companies who understand the importance of online marketing and the usefulness of the social networking platform to assist in building their online presence... blah blah blah ... it brings in the $ to fly off and pretend i'm still free!!!)

I rested a few hours with Mick, before the stop in New York and the trip back to Sunny California. After this day, I will need to sleep for a week, but i am still humming with good lovin... and am thrilled about the meetings in San Fran and L.A. Still trying to get into Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival. Friends are promising its a go but you know promises...lol. Hoping to hop a plane for two weeks in late March and early April to Australia. Then back to BC for May and June on Savory Island - Canada's Hawaii. Check it out! No Cars on the Island! My kinda town!!!

For now i attempt to get through this flight without being arrested for murdering a screaming child's mother - seriously... she is just sitting there with headphones on letting him scream. I wanna.... enough!

Next Stop, SAN FRANCISCO!

Carolyna Loveless & Her BIG Shiny Friends @ Studio Litho, Seattle

2008-11-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

Seattle Sessions at Litho Studios

Here is a clip filmed and edited by 20 something Erik from Martyr Reef and ErikJohnsFilms. Recording sessions at Litho Studio in Seattle. Featuring the tracks "Workin'", and "Indie Girl". Very interesting to see what footage and music the 20 something male pieced together. Thanks Erik.

Never A Critic - Book Launch Review

2008-11-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

Poet/Author: Marni Norwich - Wildflowers at my doorstep

Publisher: Karma Press
Category: Writing and Poetry

You know those nights where the last thing you want to do is
is to get into the shower after a hard, long day at work, just to get
all dolled up to go out again? If you are at all like me you want to
relax in the bath with great music playing, loud enough to fill the
house with sound... fall out of the tub and eat something fresh, drink
some herbal tea, and chill with a lover for the night.
But again, if you are at all like me, you would never miss this kind of
show.
Quiet and kind. That was the feel at the book launch of my very sweet
and articulately gifted friend, poet Marni Norwich. Marni read poems
from her first publication, Wildflowers at my doorstep, to a fabulously
grateful crowd at the Quaker House, in Vancouver on Saturday night.
Poems like "Sanctum", and "An insomniac's bed", ring so familiar to me that
I am moved to a silent giggle throughout the author's read, and at times
burst into laughter or applause with the rest of the crowd.
Marni is the voice of the 40ish and feminine: strong and kind,
offering her work with love and adoration for a lifetime of experiences.
Positive and not-so-much positive had their places observed by the poet,
the thoughtful, feminine creator, who then articulated her observations
without great judgment. Quite contrarily, Marni laughed at her life
with such gentle humor that I left feeling I could be a bit easier on
myself and laugh at my own mistakes more often. She was glowing with the
knowledge that she had created something so special for her friends and readers.
It was an extraordinarily good evening, bolstered by performers Joanna
Chapman Smith (guitar), Zoey Wren (piano), and Marni's great supporter
and friend, singer-songwriter, Tim Mar.
Publisher Harreson Sito, (Karma Press) gave a glowing introduction to
Ms. Norwich, as he walked the audience through a wonderfully
entertaining description of "how the universe came together to make this
happen..."
It was a great night, and a great read. I cannot recommend this poetic
offering enough. Wildflowers at my doorstep is a gem.
Congratulations to Marni Norwich and everyone at Karma Press. Continued
joy and
success.
Carolyna

www.inkcatmedia.com
www.karmapress.com
www.zoeywren.com
www.joannacs.com

When WILD meets WYRD - On the ROAD with the Wyrd Sisters

2008-11-21T13:30:00.001-08:00

June 28th '08

Id Guiness - "Carolyna, our drummer quit and we have our first show on the fifth. Can you..."

Id sends digital files of 23 songs

June 30th

I roll up to Id's beautiful Mission, BC home to start first rehearsals with Id and San Fransisco guitarist, Ledenhed. Lovely space to rehearse. Id's family are so kind and hospitable and Id is patient in educating me in the Wyrd way, and accepting of the changes needed to accommodate my rather obscure kit of Snare, Hi-hat, Two Djembe, and a tambourine on my right foot.

July 1st

Lots of rehearsals and then a night of bonding with Id and Leddy, and Id's wife Sandra (a fabulous hostess and gentlewoman).

July 2nd

I turned 40 this morning. FUN!

I am now a Cougar and the planning of the Great Canadian Cougar Party is fresh in my mind... back to the Wyrd's...

Today we await the arrival of the Goddess, Kim Baryluk and band-mates Dem McCleod and Johannah Hildebrand, brought from Winnipeg by the charming Darren Parfeniuk, our motor home-away-from-home driver, and all around go-to-guy that hands us money (I LOVE Darren).

Kim, Johannah, and Dem join rehearsals and change all the parts...lol. no seriously... heehe

We roll a bit looser the next while, but then gel on enough tunes to see that progress is quick - that it will be a challenge, but doable.

After rehearsals i am so tired i do not notice that the lovely Sandra and daughter, Casey, and her friend Monique, have slipped out and bought Happy 40th napkins and table top settings as i just reach for vegetables and head to the patio.

The crew are amused and bring the party to me.

They are all singing "happy birthday", and I am given a lovely present by the girls... and Kim Baryluk is singing in my face.. :)

***I ate white things today - the cake was sweet and white and ice creamy - yummy but i see i will need a detox after this tour।

I love these people

I am overwhelmed at the kindness of near strangers. Id is a fine. His family adore him. He is a kind father. It is a joy to spend time in his home and in a band together. He is very kind to me.

Back to the Wyrds...

July 3rd.

2pm and MJ arrives fresh from Milwaukee and a tour with Toby (Aus) http://www.myspace.com/tobybeard

We set about to rehearse and MJ changes all the parts...lol.. no seriously... :)

we adjust.

We have the most delightful misunderstandings due to the mis-translation of certain words and expressions - MJ is Metis, and French her first language - and I am a hand drummer and percussionist and LIVE in a 12 count with emphasis on 1 and 3 - African drum mates.

*** Broke my finger today. Wrapped it and started compresses of Blood and Grasses at noon (don't ask unless you really really want to know)***

July 4th

Rehearsals and everyone is a bit stressed as our first show is in one day and its not gelling hard yet. Oh the expectations one places on oneself.

***Broke blood vessel in another finger today - while trying to avoid smashing broken finger on rim of Djembe. Arnica and Clay. It has swelled like a bulb... ummm ouch***

July 5th we hit the road

First Stop - Penticton, BC - The Can Can

We arrive at 5ish to set up and sound check. The place is cool.

Open to the outside.

Staff and sound man were great and we had a good first show. I could see Kim relaxing more after the first show was complete and that put us all a bit more at ease.

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

We stayed at Sound man Bill's house and awoke to a scenery that would rival the finest of Tuscany views. I am surrounded by cherry trees and water and olive gardens, and wineries and... i LOVE this place. Not the house...but i wont trash talk the place when a kindness was MEANT... only "the Best Of"... बुत ब्लड ओं थे वाल्स... अरे यू किद्डिंग फोल्क्स!

Darren just about takes out a tree turning the motor home around. Once we replace the trailer on the hitch we are off to Oliver and to the Sold Out, outdoor concert at Elm Tree Farm and B&B.

June 6th

The scenery in the wine and alfalfa portion or this trip is magnificent and inviting and i feel i can live anywhere again.

Tom and Hillery's place, the Elm Tree Farm and B&B, was the comfort and hospitality we were in need of.

What a Fabulous group of people at the show. Hill's band, Doug and The Juggs, opened the show for us. Great fun!!!

July 7th

Our gracious hosts treated us to a great time and a second night at the B&B. We rehearsed in the great room - it has a tree growing through it.. Tom built it...WE LOVE TOM!

Tom took MJ and Johannah (herein referred to as "the girls") and Id and I for a tube ride down the River. 1 hr and a half of tubing and i was elated. The scenery in the Oliver area is much different then in my coastal BC.
Dry. Differently beautiful. I was having a wonderful day.

Johannah, however, was injured by a river-rock smash on the head and lost her glasses (they were hot on her, for sure). Id managed to carry "the girls" flip flops, his own glasses on his head, and not spill a drop of beer. Id is KING of the river.

Tom swapped tubes with Johannah and then it deflated just before we ended our trip. We giggled hard.. fun stuff.

MJ took good care of Johannah. I saw their protective sides this night.

I adore love.

I went for a night walk outside with Leddy. It was dark and I fell into the burn pile, complete with concrete to the skull and a smashing and bruising to the arms and legs that still make my calves look like those of a twelve year old boy on summer vacation. Better get back in the motor home.

Ledenhed is kind and talented and loves much of the same things as me - I am enjoying learning about him and his music. He and Id are long-time friends and it is really nice to see such strong ties between the men in the band. Good men.

July 8th

Off to Fort Socs Ranch,Kelowna, BC

*happy birthday, Monique*

It started out...well..WYRD!

But turned out to be a fabulous time and a great place to hang for a day off on the 9th. Silverado, our hostess, led us through the "tricks" the horses performed and introduced us to Harley, her pig.

Big ol' boy that wandered through the audience throughout the show (i swear it is all true...lol).

Then... off to Karen's place.

With Bart there to greet us we were immediately welcomed and given a lovely place in the mountains outside of Kelowna, to relax.

Bart - what a character. And the Kind and generous Karen is a beautiful, articulate, accomplished woman. It was an honor to spend the evening talking and discussing our love of The Blues and the old-boy players.

Her cottages and the Tree House are filled with posters and signatures of the greats that stayed and PLAYED with Karen. She is a real GEM and i can't wait to see her again.

** Got an offer to do my own show here in Kelowna with the Bues and Jazz Society.... sweet!***

July 9th

Day off at Karen's in Kelowna mountains

Dem, "the girls", and I walked to the lake and drank in the fresh air and ate from the berry trees. Tonight we dine in. MJ and i played a bit as Dem and Johannah cleared away the dinner Bart and i prepared.

I Love playing with MJ. She is a delight - a rhythm head and a tech-head. The Nerd in her is similar enough to the nerd in me to find a common interest. FUN girl. And beautiful.

Her Love, earth-angel Johanna, is to me the strongest little bird on planet earth. I adore her beautiful heart. "the girls" are so very talented. I will post links to their sites here so you can listen to the lovely works of all of the gorgeous characters i am on tour with at this time.

Our fearless leader incorporates a song of each of ours into the show.

*** I will post podcasts of the live shows at the Wise Hall, Ashcroft Opera house, and a few more segments, as soon as the Goddess Baryluk gets a copy to me ***

It is a delight to share this moment with the Wyrds. Where we all joined together in a version of each others tunes... and it goes off. The crowd gets hot for it all and then the gushing toward Kim and her band is in overdrive. I have not seen many command an audience to LOVE HER, and receive that love immediately back. Kim Baryluk is a powerhouse on stage and she puts together a team she is proud of.

I feel great!

July 10th

Happy Birthday Gumpy, David, and Chrissy

Lorenzo's Cafe, Enderby, BC

We LOVE Lorenzo!

Good show... crowd loved it. Heaps of kudos from owner Loren.
Drummer Tony Chamberlist played there the next weekend and told
us how Loren went off about us... nice

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

July 11th

MJ recorded last night's show and Kim and i listened in morning...

Finally... "please Carolyna, play the 2 and 4 through the verses as the rhythm needs tightening... here".

Done! Now we are cleaner. Now there is more room for others.

WISE HALL show

Playing well this night. MJ smiles all night so i am feeling good...lol

We have learned who to look toward at this point.

And when the Goddess and "the girls" are happy... we are all happy.

heehe

This crowd IS the Wyrd Sisters crowd.

They LOVE her. And Dem's KD LANG cover of Crying is a hit with the women in the audience... i believe you call that "swooning" folks.

;)

I adore Dem and her beautiful pipes (she also has perfect feet and boobs... seriously... she a fox!)

The fans lined up for photo signing and cd's flew off the table. Kim was a perfect delight to all. She strikes some women dumb. I saw a girl lower her eyes after every statement. Intoxicating to watch Kim work. She singed and chatted an hour after the show - in TRUE Canadian Indie Godess style.

July 12th - Mission Wine Region

This is now called the Bugs and All Tour (MJ so named it this because we all look as though we have been buck-shot!

Kermode Wildberry Organic Winery. Mission, BC
Cost : $35.00

Sold Out

Joan Anderson was the CHAMP of the night here. A neighbor to the winery, she let us set up on her lawn rather than play in the area the winery thought to put us - too noisy and no atmosphere.

So good-neighbor Joan, allowed us to set up, took photos,

and blogged about the affair http://inanticipation.blogspot.com:80/2008/07/wyrd-sisters.html

... SWEET lady.

Great guys at the winery too. The band enjoyed the wines and i enjoyed the band enjoying the wines ( i am a tea-totaler ).

We had the next three days off so that night we all headed back to ID's and partied with Sandra and their son, Shawn, until the early hours. Even "the girls" stayed up and blew off a bit with us all. It was great to relax together.

July 13th-15th

Home to relax, do laundry ( it is not hard to become part of the Great Unwashed on tour, but we have been lucky at certain spots to have had laundry. I am tired. Sleep a bit - play my own guitar a while - sleep a bit more - eat at the local (i love the girls of Burgoo, North Van) - and walk my neighborhood. ang with some new friends.

I love Vancouver.

Part Two of the Wyrd Sisters BC Tour:

July 16th - Duncan Garage

Duncan, BC

I LOVE Vancouver Island, Duncan Garage, and Longevity John!

We had a great show tonight.

Loved it sooo much.

The audience was blissfully happy and Kim was on top of her game.

The band shot pretty hot and we all felt good after some time off. A little rusty in places, but overall, a good show. John was happy.

I'll see him again in the fall.

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

xx

July 17th - House Concert - Port Alberni, BC

I LOVE house concerts. This crowd was not the regular Wyrd Sister crowd and still Kim wowed them all into joy. We played well together.

What a spread here on Sprout Lake.

Christoff and his Daddy even made us a bonfire after the show. It was almost a full moon... and it was magnificently peaceful here.

July 18th - Ashcroft Opera House

Ashcroft, BC

We loved this gig.

We were happy with this show and felt great. Martin and MJ got us a fabulous sound in the opera house. Filled with history - greatness has graced this stage more than once and i felt honored to be playing here with such a strong presence as the Wyrd Sisters. I love this stage set up best... Id and MJ on my left and Leddy on my right.

It works best for cues from Id and MJ. They both smile when we all hit the shots. It is mostly common now. Feels great here.

Martin gave me his Poor Boy hat for the second set and Johanna loved it! We LOVE Johanna.

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

Musicians and producers, Leslie Alexander and John Ellis, moved here recently, and leslie picked me up to join her and 15 women for a full moon ritual.

We hiked to the Slew and howled at the moon and did laughter yoga and chanted and laughed at ourselves and graced each other with a truth and an intention... it was entirely girly and EXACTLY what i was in need of.

Sometimes being on the road can be like staying at your little brother's friend's house.

This was my kind of reprieve.

Les took me back to her palatial spread and i slept in a King size bed with fine sheets and my own bathroom... and i was comforted by womanly things around me.

Kim Baryluk to Carolyna - "you are such a girl".

xx

July 19th - Gumboot Cafe - Roberts Creek, BC

***Official Road Trash Talk ***

I have received the most phone s from this trip... giggle

Some of the girls have received Love Letters... sweet!

WHOTRSOTR

Logan and her beautiful sister greet us and scare the hell out of us, momentarily, as we see only 5 feet to play in - we are a band of 7 - not so much workable in 5 feet.

Then the place opens it up for us and we are pleasantly surprised at how much we all enjoyed this show.

Promoter Katherine pulled together a great group and Logan was a delightful hostess. Beautiful (girl crush - and YES, i got her number;).

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

We stayed at David Valentine's place. A kind guy with a great Zen spread tucked into the woods. He shared his home and his food and his great stories.

*** I want the French car, David. Love the racing truck, too. Let me know when we are taking it out to the track. I am so there.***

July 20th - McKinney's Pub (in the New Rodmay Hotel) Powell River, BC

This hotel is just shy of 100 years old and is haunted by an old Chinese man in the basement, a young boy child on the 3rd floor, and a woman who hangs out in the lounge and the bar.

We had a fun show. Dance floor Packed... the fine family of Shawn's (owner) was happy when the place filled as promoter Katherine, booked us on Sunday and the club is usually closed on Sunday... started out a worry - then it filled and the bar was happy... good showing by the band here...

** Got an offer to do my own show here.... sweet!***

**OFFICIAL ROAD TRASH TALK**

love notes from Wise hall and Mckinney's arrive in my facebook this morning. Nice!

July 21st- Long ride home from Powell River, Sunshine Coast

What beauty. Two ferries... hours of winding roads. I forgot my ginger and i am ill with all the weaving... but almost home for two full days.

Then back to Id's and off at 8:30 on the 24th.

July 22/23 - rest , laundry, playing slide, local food...ahhh home

coming soon - the tour Part three.........

The Clean and Green Tour

2008-11-21T13:23:00.001-08:00

A lot of planning... logistical nightmare if not worked consciously... but HERE WE GO!!!

Watch for Carolyna Loveless & Her BIG Shiny Friends in your community in '10... following The GREAT Canadian COUGAR Party....
you know you are just DYING to ask...xx

*** you can navigate through this Sprout site by clicking on the About, Gallery, Video, and Audio links embedded into the site.
ENJOY!!!

Ryan McMahon CD Release Party

2008-11-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

'Never A Critic' - Live Music Review - Ryan McMahon

Written by Carolyna Loveless

Monday, 31 March 2008

Mission Entertainment brought Ryan McMahon to the Media Club for the release of his most recent offering, "Weeks, Months, Years". It was great to catch Ryan mid-tour when the band had been hammering it out for a number of shows together. His performance was tight and solid players joined Ryan to bring to life the party that was "packed to the rafters".

There are many types of music fans among musicians. Me - I'm the "If i don't like your live show i don't buy your product". Simple. I don't like the con-job bands that a producer pieces all together in a studio so they can grab their glam-rock 15 minutes and take work from the young and old masters among us. Let me say at this time, that Ryan McMahon is no poseur. This boy can write a beautiful song.. and rock it live. As the lovely Nat Jay said while selling HEAPS of merch for Ryan, "This is a compilation of 10 years of Ryan's work." You can hear it in the recording.

I find i either love the songs OR the production of an album. I am always delighted when the production, of a well written and performed group of songs, is complimentary and sparse - only what the rhythm and melody demands and not much more (think Ray Lamontagne, and Johnny Cash...). "Weeks, Months, Years" has "Road Signs", "Good Timing", and my album favourite, "Lights Out in New Orleans". I look forward to catching the live show when the band has performed 200 shows together.

I reckon these boys did some good work on "W,M,Y"... but don't take my word for it. Keep an eye out for Ryan's show in your town. He is on tour across Canada at this time. You can find his music and tour schedule at: http://www.ryanmcmahon.com

*** I shot some live footage of Ryan and band, and interviewed him backstage where friends, producer Garth Richardson, and one of my favourite rock star locals, Ridley Bent, gave a shout out to Ryan and his band. Said footage will be in the next season of 'The Vanhattan Project' Podcast, brought to you by Swamp FOlk Records. http://www.swampfolk.com