minstrelette

A New York Minute

2009-04-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

My friends and I discovered The Kills at our first visit to the CMJ Music Festival in New York City. First night, first show, first band. We were drawn to that particular show because The Von Bondies were on the bill, and I had already fallen for them earlier that year at the Sirenfest. It was Halloween and the beginning of our three day stay in the city, and three nights of new music experiences. We were full of enthusiasm and ready to engage in the business of “rockin” as Jack Black would say. Not much could surpass what we were about to see.
We stood fairly close to the front, about twenty feet from the stage and began to watch this band that consisted of only two members, both on guitars. After a few songs we looked at each other with a collective gasp, as if we had just seen something we weren’t suppose to see, some forbidden pleasure, something that would take place behind closed doors, not up on a stage in front of an audience. The intensity of their interaction was off the chart and stronger than almost any I had ever seen before. They were a revelation, and played as if they didn’t even know we were there, staring at each other and pounding out the chords. Suffice it to say, we bought the cd, and the t-shirt.
March 21, 2009

I wrote this in response to the call from WRXP to describe a musical experience that you have had in New York City, but I can't seem to register to "The Rock Republic."
This is one of many.

Represent BGP, you were there. And remind me, how many years ago this was, and why does it take so long for the rest of the world to catch up?

My Grand Opening

2008-11-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

As much as I'm against unnecessary consumption, and the not shopping on Black Friday theory (Buy Nothing Day), I really do want the economic situation to improve for our country. And now that I am a seller, I want people to shop. I believe that selling on etsy is a step in the right direction toward keeping the circle of previously consumed resources going to good use rather than to the waste stream. I have always been a believer in finding a new purpose for anything that has already had some use, rather than trashing it, and this has led me to keep an awful lot of things that most would have tossed soon after receiving. This includes clothing, magazines, and various and sundry other items that I would now like to share with the world since I can only re-purpose so much by myself. I am thus officially announcing the opening of my online salon, Re:finery Designs. I am located in the fantastic community marketplace known as www.etsy.com, and I am inspired and awed constantly by the talents and resourcefulness of my fellow participants. There, I will bring for your shopping pleasure, a portion of the accumulation my lifelong hunting and gathering instincts have amassed. I am so happy that there are so many others who share my love of pre-owned objects, saving our precious resources and an interest in a time and place that we can revisit only in memory.

Nice to Meet You

2008-10-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have not finished my header yet, but when you see it you'll know why I've linked to this photo. It's screams minstrelette and reminds me of my original inspiration, which you will see when I finish my header. The Clever Nettle is an awesome lady who loves fashion and thrifting, and has been known to strike a pose or two. I found her when I saw a pic of her in a dress that I have had since I was a preteen. Strange coincedence, she has religious pictures on her walls too!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anjalouise/2950071563/
Sorry, but I'm not sure how to embed the direct link yet.

Update: Finally learned to create a link. Thanks, Roxy!

The Back of Love

2008-10-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

In reference to my last post, I did attempt to meet people with similar interests earlier this year. I joined The Indie Britpop Meetup group on meetup.com. I haven't met anyone there yet, but I am happy to say they are keeping the ball rolling with lots of events that would be great fun. Most are concerts and clubbing in NYC, so when I am inclined to be up that way, I hope to be checking the "Attend" button.
I missed what was probably my most-want-to-see show of the year last night, Echo and the Bunnymen at Radio City Music Hall. I can't even express my disappointment in myself for not going. No words. But when I did see E & TB at the Fenix in Seattle in October 1999, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Not only because it was Seattle, and not only because they're one of my favorite bands. They were so "on" something, the buzz spread through the club along with their glorious music and lights. Here's to next time.
Seven seas
Swimming them so well
Glad to see
My face among them
Kissing the tortoise shell
(excerpted from "Seven Seas")

to-go or where-to-go

2008-09-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Why is it that with so many choice activities, I have to go it alone?
I try to keep my friends up to date on fun things-to-do, places-to-go, etc.,
and yet, everyone has their own to-do lists, and we rarely ever coincide.
Guess I need more friends who like some of the things that I like.
See you on the road.