Methinks being home right now after the last few months you’ve had is a perfectly logical and well-deserved thing… Revel in it… Do some serious freaking reveling… Rest, put up sparkly things, listen to music, and maybe even eat some cookies eh? Oh, and catch the cellist under the mistletoe!
Some other kind of physical release perhaps? I hear chopping wood is good for anger issues! On another note, I’ve made your Christmas tree the lock screen on my phone!
The video, close-ups, and soundtrack are absolutely hysterical and Ever so festive as well! I thought the tree looked a little small at first but you guys did a great job of making it taller with ornaments and it looks great! Enjoy
Oh my articulate and earnest friend….how you pour out your feelings and impressions like a fountain. I know you didn’t intend a eulogy…but a more intuitive and heartfelt piece cannot be imagined. Please write for me when I pass….
And my deepest sympathy to his friends and family….may he rest in peace.
I know – I kind of Love rediscovering the origin of things. And being reminded of their value. This Thunderhawk is valued originally at around $1200 (or less than that + a Takamine acoustic / electric guitar) or later, a couple of month’s rent, or one car repair… Divide that by two or three songs to find the worth of songs… but it’s brought a couple of Rowan tunes back to the fold too!
Yep… The Belleville summer solstice singer songwriter festival 2004 pre-party Was the fateful moment of my meeting rob and Heather. rob somehow (I can’t quite remember the details) summoned me from behind his open laptop to take a peek at the website he was working on… Probably typing in the Journal as he scoped out the other singer songwriters in the room as well as a few hangers on like myself. When I got home that night, I started reading the Journal…And never stopped!
It’s crazy to re-read this and know that I wasn’t GRASPING what was happening. I still didn’t believe that my father was dying. Stumbling across this and knowing what I know now is hard //
Julie Loyd. I recall booking it and connecting Lloyd to Loyd. Took me a second to remember the first name, but then I found her on fb playing that same red Yairi.
It’s amazing to see a lot of comments like these in the early days of the Journal. Nowadays plenty of people don’t even realize that Heather and I were an item – of course there are plenty of people that don’t realize we’re NOT… or that call Heather Kristen or Kristen Heather or Heather my wife or Kristen Kristy (Rowan’s wife)… it’s all incestuous. But it’s amazing to think we’ve all been through so MUCH and yet the music has overridden ALL of it, keeping the family together tighter than blood…
So much insight…so much perspective….so much love. You’ve written about your father before and I, for one, hope most earnestly that you will again. I can tell you for certain that, as a parent, I couldn’t possibly wish for more than this kind of heartfelt and thoughtful remembrance from my daughter when I’m gone.
Sanford, your boy turned out swell and I think we have you to thank for a chunk of that!
I Remember back when I was a Volunteer Fire Fighter we got called out to a very similar situation, but there were power lines, cable lines and telephone lines also involved when the tree snapped in half and landed on the house. Fortunately no one was hurt and the people were able to make repairs to their roof and side of their house rather quickly. They ended up taking the rest of the tree down.
Also I remember during one bad storm, we had the tree that was right next to our house snap in half, Fortunately most of it fell the opposite way away from our house! The only damage it caused was crushing a swing set that my nephew had for his 2 children and 1 piece of the tree had damage our spouting/gutters on that side of the house, when the branch just clipped the house as it fell to the ground! We cleaned up the mess and a few years later we ended up taking the rest of the tree down before it would fall down during another storm.
I am glad everyone is safe and was not injured! Hope they can get their house repaired quickly and get moved back in before the spring storms start up!
These last five posts…Journal perfection…..with eloquence and expressive word work, you pour out your thoughts and feelings…..which is so brave and causes me to consider so many things in my own life. You describe the world around you so I feel as if I’m there. The Journal is immense and sprawling and I continue to be mesmerized by it. Don’t stop…….
I love this post! It SO highlights what a researcher, documenter and crazy perspective taker is the Lovely Ms. Lloyd! Dearest Journal readers, you KNOW I adore rob’s commitment to and contributions to the Journal….but I do get giddy when Heather posts!
See I think people look at you and see fire and passion and fucking amazing talent pouring right off the stage, whether it’s duo, trio, or full band. You never judge people by “how they look”…. “we”(those of us you really give a shit about, you see) don’t judge you that way either. Bring on the lines and gray….just keep creating music and art and community! As for Kristen and new stories, well, your fierce love for her is a new story every single day….never worry when it started…you both HAVE IT now!
Aging is hard…it’s just hard…..I can talk more about that another time…maybe….
I think I will go look at some more Journal entries…even though I should be packing!
ilyaimy……..
Hi Rob, rain, oh pain( unless no rain, then even more pain), heard Ellicott City had a cloud that decided it really, really liked EC and parked itself there. Glub. Glub. In Silver Spring, nothing. Glad you had fun and heard good music down south. I suspect many in the audience at music things are musicians, just as many people at art shows are artists. Not to mention the crossover. Rick
yeah…iffin’ I ever decide to plan a Baltimore visit time frame around full band gig opportunities, I shall be sure they are INDOORS!!!!! And I’ll hope for the Journal entry encompassing my visit not to be titled, “A Bad Week”…sigh….Hey…I got a duo version of Gaze at Teavolve and the hope for a return of said song to present day set lists!!!
Hrm. Re-reading 14 years later, do I question my “modern music sucking cock” statement? Though I’m not quite sure I’d word it the same way today… I STAND BY IT!!! (i’m uncooooth)
Wow. Gone are the days when Heather and I can squeeze together in a college dorm twin bed. I mean, we could, but it’d be weird. Also – who is this rob who says “tube stations”? Jeezoflip.
And “take over the driving” she did – nowadays I can go a full week without getting behind the wheel. I’ll come home from tours with… unsure automobile reflexes. It’s no good.
…nope, the daughter of your cousin is your first cousin, once removed. Your children (or your brother’s) would be her second cousins. Your first cousins are offspring of your parent’s siblings
But he was at Rams Head, right? Maryland Hall’s a totally different space in association w Rams Head – also – last open mic, my friend Ray totally did a Chris Smither tune!
I’ve never, ever, EVER, been able to believe just HOW MANY words you people keep in your heads and then spew out complete with playing and singing! And I see lots of peeps onstage with their lyrics…..
Do what you must……
It’s amusing that you know Susan and I are the ones most attentively watching the transfer, via IP address or whatever. Yes, I think this is the first KJ in the Journal.
Not recently. We’ve played Musikfest up there a couple of times but have never quite landed a Godfrey Daniel’s booking! I agree though, we’d be perfect!
Holy cow that swirly twirly brain of yours! The analogies are sharp and compelling even if I don’t fully understand the gaming references… And you know I’m super glad about your journaling obsession!
Ah….Heinlein!!! During the most voracious reading phase of my life, my pre VW years, I valued nothing as highly as controversial ideas articulately expressed. Well maybe a really long kiss…but I digress. Stranger in a Strange Land and especially Farnham’s Freehold had such an impact on my thinking….sigh. I believe I dabbled in Freud’s Studies in Hysteria around the same time but, you know…..I was weird.
My “recreational” reading dropped off with the demands of college studies and later keeping up with professional reading and the exhaustion of chronic disease and parenting….I should get back to it…you are my inspiration, rob……again!
Heh. I just unpacked my RAH shelf. REH: you can borrow some, but most must be returned. I can also guide to the good stuff. The thinking stuff, the secretly really prescient YA stuff.
Suzi…. I am with you on Stranger… but Farnham I view as one of his absolute most cringeworthy. Possibly apocryphally, I believe that was one he was more forced into writing than inspired into, along with Sixth Column.
Just now seeing this Brennan….yeah well I was 15!! lol…not exactly at the peak of my literary analysis skills…but def intrigued by the unconventional relationship scaffold presented. As to the “Good Stuff”…guide away, I’m all ears….. Hope all is well with you and the fam!!
Your friend is a superb example of a master TEACHER!! You were astute in your observations of his teaching style and strategies….many people wouldn’t even notice much less be able to articulate those techniques. I believe teaching, good teaching, is an art more than a set of skills…although both do play a role in success.
This was a cool experience to read about!
You ALWAYS count down the hours to home…usually starting about 48 hours out……and it always seemed to land squarely on your stay at the birdhouse!! But dat’s ok…do it again!
Hi Josh – Great article. Thanks for taking the time to write this. I’ve been arguing with my musician friends about this since the article came out. I don’t think there are many comparable models out there. Musician’s don’t want to hear this, but in the case of Sofar, they are more of the customer of something that has taken 10 years and millions of dollars to build, more than they are the product. I liken it to touring and you pop in to do a radio spot at a local station, you pay a 20 minute set and you NEVER get paid for this. You do it to reach new listeners. Meanwhile, the radio station is promoting your appearance and making money on you as the sell advertising. Sofar also regularly tweets to promote the shows of their “alumni” at non-Sofar shows. I could go on! BTW – I shared your article on twitter with the author from Techcrunch. He responded and said he would contact you. I expect he will dig in and try to convince you of his position. I’d love to know how he replies if you’re comfortable sharing. Best, Paul
Thanks for your thoughtful response to my article. Overall, I hear you that Sofar’s exposure can help artists. My point is that they should fairly pay them too given they’re becoming a big business. Regardless of what a band’s alternatives are, if they’re being used to make Sofar money, they deserve a reasonable cut for their time, effort, and talent.
A few more details:
-Who am I? I’m not a touring musician, but I’ve been producing concerts for 15 years, booking artists like Janelle Monáe, Girl Talk, Jose Gonzalez, and The Roots back in 2006-2007. Around then I also produced an annual compilation album and put on shows for emerging artists like K.Flay, Jidenna, and Young The Giant that have gotten huge since. I also project managed all of Bon Jovi’s ticketing, merch, sites, & fan clubs in 2010 when he was the highest grossing touring act in the world (also worked with The Killers, Wolfmother, & Slipknot. More recently I’ve helped host Sofar Sounds concerts at an art gallery warehouse in SF and attended over a half dozen of them. I’ve reported on music startups since 2011 and have spoken at SXSW 7 times. I’m definitely familiar with working in the arts where people want you to work for exposure. My first blogging gig paid $20 per article.
Anyways, that all doesn’t matter as much as the facts here.
-Sofar is aiming to become the new Ticketmaster but with less overhead. That’s fine, like Spotify isn’t inherently problematic, as long as it pays artists fairly. Right now it doesn’t.
-Sofar only upped its payouts to artists to $100 due to critical press questioning their low payouts. If you say that’s the right direction, this is how that momentum is maintained. If you day OF COURSE you want to be paid, then you should see the importance of press that doesn’t minimize the problem like Billboard did.
-I absolutely care about the profitability of venues. Right now Sofar pays the zero, and that makes it tougher on clubs trying to get promoters to pay them more.
-Sofar absolutely cannibalizes hardcore music fans from smaller venues and house shows. Dedicated concert going Facebook Groups often see Sofar shows shared. This is not just bringing in a new audience.
-it’s great that Sofar puts work into planning and booking the shows. Maybe it still deserves the majority of revenue, but not 75-85%. Spotify keeps 30% for comparison. And when they promote shows, the lineup is secret, so bands don’t benefit from getting their name out there.
-Sofar has been saying for years that it will add more artist touring help and ways for fans to follow them after shows in response to criticism, but little progress has been made. Judging by there being almost no mention of payouts, or even lasting value for artists in their investor Union Square’s two blog posts about funding Sofar. Helping artists hasn’t been prioritized.
-Tons of musicians and former staffers have privately spoken to me since the article saying they cut ties with Sofar after an inside look left them feeling it exploits artists.
-I don’t want Sofar to go away. I’ve enjoyed attending their shows. But I want them to pay fairly. And if we don’t have this conversation now, it will be a lot harder in 5 years when they’re even bigger and can say “no one’s had a problem with us before”. I think we actually largely agree, I just think payments should play a bigger role in a $25M funded startup. Exposure = good. Exposure + pay = better. Labels negotiate for fair payouts from streaming startups. Touring bands deserve more people sticking up for their honest treatment. Best of luck with ilyaimy. I dig the harmonies on Oklahoma Revival.
Gosh – thanks for a direct (and thorough) response! A lot of my blog post was in response to just how viral the negative articles had spread – and I wanted to share my own experience and view point because I feel like educated artists and audiences will make better decisions.
I sort of feel like chatting point by point – but I’ve got to go run a show! However – I think one very key point is this “And when they promote shows, the lineup is secret, so bands don’t benefit from getting their name out there.” – no they don’t, outside of the pickup of fans / sales of merch outside of the show they benefit post IF the video ever materializes (don’t worry, I’m PARANOID about this!) and is good quality (even MORE paranoid!) – but this is the exact reason why I don’t see them as competition for “real venues” or more traditional house concerts – fans of ilyAIMY don’t want to see us for four songs. They want a show. They’re not going to get that from Sofar. It’s a different animal. Ticketmaster can be priced exorbitantly because they have a monopoly on highly recognizable names – people don’t just go to shows because they’re Ticketmaster events.
Because of the format this is MUCH more like attending a conference (Folk Alliance or Adobe Summit or LAUNCH) where networking and a showcase are something you’re paying for rather than someone’s offering for free. I worry that many musicians apply to Sofar because… it’s an application. They think they’re “winning” something (and the juried format means that yeah, you’re getting through a gateway, but you’re not winning a prize per se, you’ve been deemed a good match for their aesthetic) and sometimes when you “win” something you stop reading… about the opportunity, about who the opportunity’s from. I think artists are especially subject to this because you’re working soooo hard to get ANYONE’S attention, and when something comes along that seems like a great opportunity – and it’s not, or it’s DIFFERENT from what they were expecting, they feel bitten.
It’s an interesting moral / business question : if someone makes a thousand bucks off of me while providing me a service, is that better or worse than the person who I spend a thousand dollars on to provide the same service? In this instance I’d argue it’s better because the Sofar model is incentivized to continue sharing my material long after the gig has taken place because (in theory) we’re representative of great stuff that’s happening under their brand, but this in no way detracts from the fact that ilyAIMY generated said great stuff… the latter may keep the material as part of their portfolio, but is not incentivized to share THAT video too far and wide because they want to sell me the next one.
This is a longer conversation – but thank you for having it!
OH. MY. GOD!!!!! This collaboration is so good!! I better check flights into BWI!! Also..ONLY rob could beatbox while filming and I love Heather’s directing!! The website is looking good as well…just sayin’
On behalf Of Djangolaya, it was a pleasure to be the featured group at the first (of hopefully many) open mics at el Golfo. It was a large and talented crowd and Rob was a masterful MC. Congratulations to all.
Great evening Rob & David! Man you bring the energy on all cylinders! Hopefully this will continue long into the misty future…So much talent. Where else can you hear a washtub bass? Bring it ON!!
We were sooo glad to have all y’all! I would say that the show exceeded my expectations, but my expectations were pretty extreme and you did not disappoint. It was a profoundly awesome display of your individual and collective talents on our stage. We look forward to having you back again soon!
Thank you so much guys for coming in to play. You’re set was wonderful, especially the unexpected inclusion of heavy hip hop rhythms. You’ll be glad to know that Coffee Amici is continuing to bring in new and interesting performers. Good fortune on your travels!
Hi Rob – Dan Robinson here. I’m the Dan who was on stage with David Potts-Dupre. David and I have been playing, composing and performing together for 20 years, and it was a pleasure to be at your El Golfo open mike with him. Also with us were Bill Jenkins on bass and Ted Porter on bagpipe and banjolin. You wondered in your comments about Ted’s bagpipes – they’re Sweedish, and are quite delicate. Ted is a principal member of Big Blow and the Bushwackers – a local band with deep roots, and Bill is a master of many styles, including percussion. All three joined me on a recent album – Karma Casino. We hope to come back on another Wednesday. Thanks!
hmmmm….I am on exactly your timeline….Mar 11. But YOU are getting LOTS more accomplished than I am. The last person I hugged was 3 year old Evan and I live in agony that he will forget how cool and awesome his Grammybird is to him……*sob*
Wow! I need to be getting back to more Journal reading … Because doing so inevitably kickstarts the bus of my brain into some more productive thinking or at least more complex thinking… You are my hero rockstar! I love you and I miss you…
Points so important and well made using either small or BIG words….
If all of us did as much thinking as You do….I think LOTS would be much better…but not everyone CAN at an effective level…so a ton of re-spewing happens….ICK!
Just for the record I think your virtual performances ARE Real performances and just because everything in that regard isn’t exactly what I’d like it to be I’m going to continue to tune in and rock out even if it’s in my living room… Don’t stop now rockstar
As a fan who lives across the universe, and may never get to see you perform in person again, I have been thrilled with the virtual performances when I can watch them. And the same goes for other performers. This change in The Way Things are Being Done Now has expanded my exposure to talent.
Some day if you find yourselves in the upper midwest and get to Minnesota you must contact Dawn Statine of the Grassroots concert series in Nisswa, Minnesota and have her book you. It is a perfect setting for your music. If I find myself on the east coast I will find your gig cause I would like to hear it in person, Thank you for making such good music.
Just a thought. If it really was a ‘virtual’ open mic night. Wouldn’t all the performers be represented by avatars playing virtual instruments? The only reason I mention this is because I spent 5 years as a resident in a virtual world and the term just doesn’t make sense. The events are as real as they have ever been. Just streamed live using modern tech. I’m not suggesting you change the name at this point. I just wanted to say my thoughts out loud. Maybe I shouldn’t but I did. Sorry lol.
Hrm. Well, you’re right – I’m gonna stick with the name, but you’re also right that it’s not entirely virtual… though I guess I could argue that we’re all in the a simulation and you can’t prove that ALL open mic nights aren’t virtual and that actually the name’s an exercise in redundancy. I hope we can agree that it’s VIRTUALLY virtual if not fully LITERALLY virtual… but then I looked it up via a Dictionary that I’m pretty confident IS virtual :
not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so.
“a virtual computer” [okay, you’ve sort of got me by the first definition]
carried out, accessed, or stored by means of a computer, especially over a network.
“a virtual library”
[never mind! TOTALLY ‘literally’ virtual and I’m sticking to it!]
…..And what do you mean no one would ever read the whole thing? I will read the whole thing I always read the whole thing and you can count on that! I also heavily count on you to point out bullshit wherever you see it because you really are good at the math… I love you and I miss you…
sometimes I feel like reading the journal it’s like having a little chitchat with you even though I’m far away… Your dedication to journal writing is really quite amazing and speaks to your stick to it of Ness and I don’t mean the loch kind. I sort of miss not knowing what page number I’m on but it’s got to be thousands at this point and every one has been enlightening, interesting, enjoyable, and even educational in some fashion… Always articulate… Don’t stop!
For a minute there I thought you where referencing ‘The Social Dilemma’ currently #4 on Netflix most watched list. “Facebook is bigger than God”. Now there’s an incendiary comment if I ever heard one and I am not religious. I have to point out that Christianity isn’t exclusive when it comes to god so no. They are categorically not bigger than God but I get your point. Maybe it would be a better demographic to use the love of money since data has risen higher than oil in commodities. Maybe you should watch the social dilemma (sounds like what you saw on YouTube was part of or one of the same group of disgruntled employees). I haven’t but then I don’t need to. I ditched my Facebook account nearly two years ago and have been dumping everything Google since then. The only device I have now that isn’t Apple is an old Aspire laptop with Windows 10 on it. That’s being replaced soon. It’s easy to ignore social networking once you get used to it but I personally am not interested in promoting by investing in the products of the huge software corporations that are consistently getting it wrong. There are alternatives for everything out there. Everything Google, everything Microsoft and definitely everything Facebook. Peace bro.
Yeah – I’m definitely guilty of writing while grumpy. A better statement perhaps would be “Facebook is more popular than God”? Perhaps at least a little more factually accurate. I HATE when someone says “literally” and still REALLY means figuratively! Guilty.
Note that the article is ABOUT YouTube – not ON YouTube. There ARE alternatives for everything – except my damned audience – and I hate that they’re not coming with me if / when I ditch the Social Medias (as evidenced by how few people still read the Journal!) le sigh.
Wow! So beautiful… But my favorite pictures are of you and kristen… And kristen‘s cooking. And thank you for taking part of your Saturday to write words to “me”…I swear I really can sit quietly…
Fuck them… There’s a lot more of us out here who agree with your take on taking something old and making it new… And part of that is changing things without the angry spewing.
Crying can be so cathartic… There, there my friend…Go ahead and feel your feels. You have always been so in touch with your intellectual side, I think it’s a sign of something good that you’re in touch with your emotional side now as well and willing to share it with all of us! Hugs hugs hugs…
Yep I would gratefully give healthcare workers the first round, followed closely by first responders and supply chain employees… oh! and TEACHERS!!!
I’m old but I can sit in my house out of danger…
I remember the many times Morell and I sat and talked guitars and music at Rob’s open mics. He was so full of optimism and encouragement. One of my favorite tunes he did was a cover of Richey Havens “Freedom” from Woodstock. Morell was a talented guitarist and singer in his own right but watching him perform “Freedom” would transport the audience to field in Bethal, New York circa 1969. Morell embodied that song and delivered a performance that will be the closest I’ll ever get to witnessing the magic of Woodstock. Thanks for the songs, Morell. You will be greatly missed.
I didn’t know him… But now through your words I feel like I did! And leave it to you to always have pictures! Rest in peace fine fellow And deepest sympathy to those of you who knew him well.
He’s definitely one of those souls that always stood out to me every time he popped up at Teavolve. There was a sense of history about him that you couldn’t forget. He’ll most certainly be missed.
Yes, i remember him well. We were in the Orchestra and Band too at Northwestern High. A very kind person with a smile. We had the same lunch period too. Rest peaceably gentle soul!
Yeah – sort of of the opinion that when you declare for Flat Earth you have to turn in your GPS and when you declare you’re scared of being tracked you have to burn yer SIM card… or whatever else.
Whew!!! This certainly has me all steamed up this morning and I thank you for it! I see how you feel about “don’t say anything“ and Your words are an inspiration to those of us who can’t say it quite as eloquently!
My father in laws birthday is also the anniversary of my mother in laws passing so I’m familiar with the situation. My wife mentions it every year. I can’t imagine what it must be like but because of your writing I don’t have to. I remember you mentioning it last year. I feel you brother.
I have been using TomTom for about 15 years. I have watched it evolve. I started using dedicated units professionally and switched to the phone app about 10 years ago. It got me 2k miles on a road trip to Phoenix AZ, using the iPhone XR last year flawlessly and today I have it on the iPhone 12. Feeling and relating quite a bit on this one. Your probably thinking, what’s he on about? I was born 30 years before computers and started late.
I certainly cannot recall a time when I considered you useless in any way….And the opposite of useless is useful right? Happy birthday rockstar with all my love!
Rob, so much loss…so much pain. Even the rituals that help us cope with loss, have been lost to the pandemic. I too am sad. A year gone by, so many experiences have been missed.
But still we are here. We have adapted. We have coped…sort of. But we are here, and the Sun will rise in the morning. Another day. I feel that things will begin to return to ‘normal’…but even that will probably not look the same as the old normal. But still we are here and life goes on.
I hear you. I love you. I’m available for hugs and walks and investigations of the yard for babysneks if desired. (Mom found two when she visited this time last year.) *love* to you and Kristen.
Hey, Rob…brother. In all of this, all the pain, the loss, the fascination of it all, I look most forward to seeing you again and giving you the hug that means it is all over. Love you…
Having also recently lost someone from not only my distant past and who was also a brilliant musical collaborator and friend for almost 50 years, I know what you mean about never dreaming you’d get old–or how so many others along the way didn’t. Maybe they made an early exit, or just didn’t make it as far as us who are of a similar age as them or even older, but it always tends to make us realize our own mortality–and to make us value every day we have left a little more. It makes us realize the brevity and uncertainty of life, and to want to tell our family and friends what they mean to us, because we may not get that chance again–since we’re reminded that nothing in life is certain or guaranteed.
Along the path of my own life, I’ve met a lot of people who’ve brought me joy, and whose company I’ve enjoyed whenever our paths have crossed. I just want to say that you and your group are among those, Rob. I’ve felt that after meeting you all way back in the mid 2000s, that I definitely added to the number of those I consider real friends. Just wanted you to know that in your time of loss that you still have other friends, and though you may not see us all very often–or at all–it doesn’t mean we don’t want you to, or that we don’t look forward to our next meeting. Because we do, you know?
I don’t have the words to ease the pain. I don’t have the full knowledge of the backstory. In the same year you’re referencing, through IlyAIMY I feel as though I’ve found my soul in a world thrown upside down and twisted inside out. I feel as though I’ve known you forever. I feel like I’m home. I say this to help highlight the fact that even in the midst of so much loss, chaos, madness, void… there is something good that can be pulled from it. You feel this pain because you felt the joy. As sad as it is, they coexist. You only know the depths of both by knowing the vast contrast of both. And it has to be a beautiful thing. I empathize deeply, and am sending so much love.
This is the same reason why I love those performances when you flub the lyrics. Flawed is human, and therefore beautiful. It’s hard to love the perfect, because perfection is intimidating.
As I went to many many concerts in large club, arena, and stadium scale, it struck me how many acts’ stage setup literally included a nice area rug. Yes you could see it from whatever upper deck, but it was never a logo or brand-forward art, it was always clearly just ‘this looks/feels comfy for us to be playing around.’ not viable for many local gigs, but man.
Thanks for the effort to put the live stream out there! All of us and remote locations say we love you for doing it! The pictures look great and it was great fun watching y’all
Sigh…Done read da whole durn thang….so impassioned, so thoroughly clear on the points and purposes. Wow…just wow. And btw….not my first reading….heehee.
Screw ’em all! You know you kids are phenomenal at what you do, and you bring happiness to MANY people everywhere you play!
I have learned over my many years of performing, you may have an off day; but you still give it all you have at the moment. Most people recognize this and understand. Most times a bad review will come from someone who is just a bit jealous of what you are doing, and they wish they could do the same, or maybe just someone who drank more than they should have.
I KNOW IT! Alas, sometimes it’s easier to ignore than others. It was so so so good to see you this weekend! I wish you could join us for a show or two but we probably won’t be up that way again any time soon… lemme know when you’ll join me on a Monday night virtual open mic… it’d be fun to see you play!
I’ll let you know after the 16th, that is the day after the new members rehearsal.
If all goes as expected, I’ll set up a night we can join you; and when we get down your way, we’ll have to do a show together.
Thank you for your eloquent and accurate account of Joel’s persona and indelible effect on the Washington DC music community. I, too, always appreciated his persona and presence. I wish I had the opportunity to talk with him more during the many years I knew him. Joel was a uniquely knowledgeable, wonderful person, and I will miss him.
Nate got his moderna booster Friday, with similar effect. *belated but loving pats* I go get my pfizer booster tomorrow, so if I feel bad at least I can lay on the couch and stare at the snow the next day. Even if it’s just a couple flakes. Even if I have to stare reeeeal hard.
excellente – visit robsopenmics.ilyaimy.com and signup. The monday nights are only set up to take signups a week in advance, Tuesday night’s signups go a lot further out.
The journal… Always reading the journal makes me happy… The way the words come off the page and make me feel like I’m hanging out with rob… Yes I love reading the journal
So not following directions I left a comment regarding what makes me happy on the December 26 entry… But there’s more… Eating improv soup is a joy when I can get it done, listening to original music written by a friend, watching my birds happily destroy toys that I have made for them, and top on the list watching a little boy ran out of his house yelling, “grandma I missed you!” I need more joy as I am a joyful person but it’s been a tough spell finding it…
Seeing snow on the (canceled) first day back to work rang in a wonderous New Year for me. Praise God for snow in our climate-changing world!
Best book of 2022 (just started last night): Essentialism. Get rid of the unnecessary and keep what feeds your essence.
Best music of 2021: Seeing ilyAIMY return to the New Deal Cafe for Heather’s birthday!
Best upended plans of 2021: COVID canceled going home to the parents for Christmas (again!), but Fate replaced that with heart-warming time spent with siblings and their children, and with friends at home.
2022 is both the end of the world and the beginning of the new world. Whether the end is the end of democracy, the end of DNA life or the end of my 2021 calendar, there’s only one thing I’m sure of: ilyAIMY will chronicle the demise, the resuscitation, and the reincarnation with snark and a good back beat.
i haven’t been to your shows in far too long, but that is not for a lack of Appreciation or Admiration. your music has helped get me through a lot of Darkness in my life, and has brought a lot of Beauty into this world. i use a lot of your music in my dance classes, and it is some of my absolute favorite and most often used because it is so Inspiring and Beautiful. not only are you all Truly Gifted musicians, but your lyrics and artistry and the Truth and Emotion in what you create is unparalleled. Thank You, for bringing and being something so Good in *my* life, and in the lives of so many others. and i Hope knowing that is a Good thing for your heart, too.
I’m starting all of my workdays in January with writing and practice, before I get on this dumb digital machine to make the business happen. Today was day one. Felt pretty good. There is snow on the ground. We get a real winter this time around, for at least a couple of weeks.
i have this little dog – he likes me and although he cannot affect any particular change in the world and factors surrounding my life, he wants to lay down next to me when i’m not feeling great.
Something good? My shoulder/arm is mostly healed up. It’s finally cold here in Missouri. My old band, Rusty Nail, has a new CD coming out this year, and they had me lay down some flute/Irish whistle parts for it. Things that make me happy? Playing music. Writing songs, (I probably enjoy writing them more than playing them). I like fixing up old instruments and bringing them back to life. Being outdoors, even if it’s just the back yard. And, of course, spending time with my wife, and our fur babies.
I’m happy that I’ve met so many talented people throughout my life. Rob is definitely one of those people. I’m also happy that iTunes keeps playing ilyaimy regularly when I put it on shuffle mode.
What a spectacular photo dump!! How I adore the sheer size of that room…can just imagine the acoustics licking up the instruments and voices! shivvvvver!
Ah, your email makes more sense now. Tree House Concerts operates via RSVP, not tickets. You can RSVP to me for OUR show. I’d assume Abe Partridge has something similar set up.
Yeah, I know I tend to be worse at writing in detail about the positives, but we were immediately in a better place upon signing the paperwork… I think I have Issues with the concept of debt tho!
Wow – so now my post about spam from the Illuminati getting spammed by the Illuminati! This is kind of awesome! (but I’ll be blocking them from here on out) – rob
Greetings, from The illuminati world elite empire,
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join the Illuminati brotherhood today and get an instant rich sum of USD$5,000,000,00. Car of your choice, Home mansion of your choice, This intention is to build up your financial status as a new member of the Illuminati elite, this is one out of the numerous benefits that are given to our newly recruited members who join the Illuminati brotherhood.
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Do you agree to be a member of The Illuminati new world order? If you do, kindly reply back through this direct recruitment email only at: churchofdevilcenter@***m or WhatsApp +1***7
For more instructions on our membership process.
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WELCOME TO THE GREAT TEMPLE OF THE ILLUMINATI, Club of the Rich and Famous is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity consisting of 3 million members. We are one family under one father who is the highest being. In the Illuminati, we believe that we were born in paradise and that no member should struggle in this world. That’s why all our new members get cash rewards when they join to upgrade their lifestyle. and the question is where to get reach and known interested viewers should contact my grand master on WhatsApp number +Plus Two Th**************************** [though it shouldn’t, this continues to amuse me – rob]
Rob,your head is spinning. I see that. I thought that your frustration of the things of which you write and criticize was reserved for old men like me. People who have tried to eliminate all the things you write about including toll roads from their world. I am so happy that you have been able to maintain your commitment to your art and not to capitalism. Don
Hi,
I’m down from Alaska. Will be in the area until first of October. Folk singer, my own charts and 60’s -70’s Folk covers. Planning to come on down on Tuesday and hopefully work in to the schedule. Anything I should know or plan on? Looks to be a fine evening. I have nothing with me but the Martin.
Thanks for any feedback,
Ty
Will be great to have you! Signup at 6.30. Plenty of food within a block’s walk, and you’re welcome to bring it back to the venue. Should be a great night!
İlluminati’ye nasıl üye olduğuma dair tanıklığım. Büyük İlluminati’ye [… this goes on for several paragraphs but I’ve deleted it – Illuminati spam in Turkish!!! – rob]
I loved reading this walk down your holiday Memory Lane. Happy Holidays to you and Kristin, and all the ilyaimy extended family. May it all be just enough.
hi there! I’m a musician / songwriter from Delaware. REALLY want to attend your open mic!! Been looking at in for awhile. Sign up is at 6:30, correct? I am coming from almost 2 hrs away….so I’m just asking, is there ever a time when someone can’t play because they’ve got too many performers?
I certainly don’t want or need any special treatment…but wanted to at least know there’d be a good chance to perform before heading that way on Jan 2
Thanks! and thanks for doing this!!!
Signup’s at 6.30, and a) no, I’ve got the keys so I stay open as long as I need to, and definitely guarantee that as long as you’re there by the time the music starts at 7, you play! and b) excited to have you! and c) 301.910.2575, text me if you’re running crazy late.
Georgie Jessup
“fighting the good fight with peace, love, and understanding”
Georgie Jessup’s songwriting is influenced by everything from old school country to Memphis R&B, placing her music firmly in the “cosmic” Americana Music genre. Her lyrics reflect her outspoken advocacy for animal rights, Native American issues, transgender rights and environmental sanity. The subject of an award winning documentary film, “Woman in A Man’s Suit,” Georgie also has six, well received, CDs available. “Georgie sings from the heart, like a rare flower in a wilderness,” says blues diva Candye Kane. “She speaks to us about the deepest issues. Issues that all of us should care about, but so many of us pretend don’t affect us.”
“A flock of flamingos delivered [Georgie’s] latest CD – which lit up my abode like Yellowstone National Park with all the bears on fire (cast a whole new light on Smokey, doesn’t it?).” says Legendary award-winning American novelist – Tom Robbins. “[She] continues to make thrilling music. I strongly suspect that there are secret planets on which [Georgie] and her songs are more popular than sex.” https://www.georgiejessup.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/georgiejessupmusic/
Still SO much to be learned/discovered/unearthed in these Journal pages…I hath been absent far too long. I will re-read THIS post numerous times to further “understand” this rockstar I so long have known (or thought I did) and loved. Wow! 20 years and this is news to me….Wow. Keep working….keep moving…keep creating….keep loving.
I am not sure exactly what ilyGeneration contains/defines/explains me but I do wish I could find a beautiful Man……I guess I’d likely need to leave the house to do dat, eh?
All best wishes for the Lovely m. Jade…I’ve always been a fan…..
I will be late I( am hosting my granddaughter’s Birthday dinner first.. Maybe I can talk another family member (or two) to make an appearance, Probably 8:00 pm before I am free. I will have to catch the rest on the reruns
All very good advice…that I can surely assure you *I* will never need but will gladly take advice about AirBnB in close proximity to Westowne Rd…….or info re: your next midwest tour.
You don’t need to read a post or email or text message to KNOW I am thinking of you….cheering for you, admiring the shit out of you…..always…..ilyAIMY.
I’m so very grateful for your weekly LFTL streams. Cannot tell you how much. So I’m very relieved that you’ll be back to that in Sept! So many of us can only enjoy your music and your hearts via stream and it has been a real lifeline. Thank you all. joanie
Could be that I will be late but I have a sort of song for this one. I hopefully won’t be after 7:30 I have to go up to Whitehall to pick up a lawn tractor around 6:00.
Wow Kristin! Great to see you sharing in the Journal. What a powerful and cathartic bit of brutally honest introspection. You are wise and amazingly self aware. Thank you for laying open some of your thoughts…. don’t stop!
Very tempted. Running by my sister and her bestie. Since we’re in Lancaster and beyond, weather could be a factor. Do we pay in advance, or go on a list and pay upon arrival?
–Jenn the Superchick
Yeah – who can guess at weather. Though we’re encouraging people to get tickets in advance, and I AM awesome, the chances of us like “selling out” are pretty low!
Sigh – I DO miss the “book” format of the Journal – but over the years it got really antiquated. Moving it over to WordPress was a Herculean Journal Journey, and even now it falls victim to link rot. Since Heather referenced this visit recently I went back and tidied this post a bit… some of the pictures were missing… I guess the venue we played with Phil in his southwest environs was called Java Mamas just like my first open mic that I opened shortly after this… I guess? Long time ago.
The response email no longer has a link for zoom. instead it simply thanks us for volunteering for the open mic. It was the same last week which is why we were short handed, I suspect.
Methinks being home right now after the last few months you’ve had is a perfectly logical and well-deserved thing… Revel in it… Do some serious freaking reveling… Rest, put up sparkly things, listen to music, and maybe even eat some cookies eh? Oh, and catch the cellist under the mistletoe!
Some other kind of physical release perhaps? I hear chopping wood is good for anger issues! On another note, I’ve made your Christmas tree the lock screen on my phone!
The video, close-ups, and soundtrack are absolutely hysterical and Ever so festive as well! I thought the tree looked a little small at first but you guys did a great job of making it taller with ornaments and it looks great! Enjoy
….And please don’t think that the Lego advent calendar cameo went unnoticed! We’ve been working on ours already.
Oh my articulate and earnest friend….how you pour out your feelings and impressions like a fountain. I know you didn’t intend a eulogy…but a more intuitive and heartfelt piece cannot be imagined. Please write for me when I pass….
And my deepest sympathy to his friends and family….may he rest in peace.
p.s. Thanks for leaving a link to the “Old” Journal…..sometimes I just have to re-read……
This is the same guitar that you are later pictured with in Dec. 2017 being texted to someone at Gypsy Sally’s open mic.
I know – I kind of Love rediscovering the origin of things. And being reminded of their value. This Thunderhawk is valued originally at around $1200 (or less than that + a Takamine acoustic / electric guitar) or later, a couple of month’s rent, or one car repair… Divide that by two or three songs to find the worth of songs… but it’s brought a couple of Rowan tunes back to the fold too!
You are MUCH “better” with emotional expression! The evolution has been delightful and quite remarkable…..
Yep… The Belleville summer solstice singer songwriter festival 2004 pre-party Was the fateful moment of my meeting rob and Heather. rob somehow (I can’t quite remember the details) summoned me from behind his open laptop to take a peek at the website he was working on… Probably typing in the Journal as he scoped out the other singer songwriters in the room as well as a few hangers on like myself. When I got home that night, I started reading the Journal…And never stopped!
It’s crazy to re-read this and know that I wasn’t GRASPING what was happening. I still didn’t believe that my father was dying. Stumbling across this and knowing what I know now is hard //
Julie Loyd. I recall booking it and connecting Lloyd to Loyd. Took me a second to remember the first name, but then I found her on fb playing that same red Yairi.
Ha – thanks! I remember her now.
It’s amazing to see a lot of comments like these in the early days of the Journal. Nowadays plenty of people don’t even realize that Heather and I were an item – of course there are plenty of people that don’t realize we’re NOT… or that call Heather Kristen or Kristen Heather or Heather my wife or Kristen Kristy (Rowan’s wife)… it’s all incestuous. But it’s amazing to think we’ve all been through so MUCH and yet the music has overridden ALL of it, keeping the family together tighter than blood…
I LOVE the irony that since then Heather really HAS done just about all the driving. It’s to the point now that it’s an EVENT when I take the wheel.
This is beautiful, Heather….you have such an intense way of perceiving situations….it is enlightening!
So much insight…so much perspective….so much love. You’ve written about your father before and I, for one, hope most earnestly that you will again. I can tell you for certain that, as a parent, I couldn’t possibly wish for more than this kind of heartfelt and thoughtful remembrance from my daughter when I’m gone.
Sanford, your boy turned out swell and I think we have you to thank for a chunk of that!
Promotions can be a real pain in the ass……hang in there!
Oh my. my…he doth wax poetic as freaking hell on the landscape…..it’s amazing how beautifully you can turn what you see into WORDS!
I Remember back when I was a Volunteer Fire Fighter we got called out to a very similar situation, but there were power lines, cable lines and telephone lines also involved when the tree snapped in half and landed on the house. Fortunately no one was hurt and the people were able to make repairs to their roof and side of their house rather quickly. They ended up taking the rest of the tree down.
Also I remember during one bad storm, we had the tree that was right next to our house snap in half, Fortunately most of it fell the opposite way away from our house! The only damage it caused was crushing a swing set that my nephew had for his 2 children and 1 piece of the tree had damage our spouting/gutters on that side of the house, when the branch just clipped the house as it fell to the ground! We cleaned up the mess and a few years later we ended up taking the rest of the tree down before it would fall down during another storm.
I am glad everyone is safe and was not injured! Hope they can get their house repaired quickly and get moved back in before the spring storms start up!
These last five posts…Journal perfection…..with eloquence and expressive word work, you pour out your thoughts and feelings…..which is so brave and causes me to consider so many things in my own life. You describe the world around you so I feel as if I’m there. The Journal is immense and sprawling and I continue to be mesmerized by it. Don’t stop…….
Indeed…indeed….beware incautiously spent time. Life whizzes by…it’s a “twinkling, that’s for certain…”
I love this post! It SO highlights what a researcher, documenter and crazy perspective taker is the Lovely Ms. Lloyd! Dearest Journal readers, you KNOW I adore rob’s commitment to and contributions to the Journal….but I do get giddy when Heather posts!
See I think people look at you and see fire and passion and fucking amazing talent pouring right off the stage, whether it’s duo, trio, or full band. You never judge people by “how they look”…. “we”(those of us you really give a shit about, you see) don’t judge you that way either. Bring on the lines and gray….just keep creating music and art and community! As for Kristen and new stories, well, your fierce love for her is a new story every single day….never worry when it started…you both HAVE IT now!
Aging is hard…it’s just hard…..I can talk more about that another time…maybe….
I think I will go look at some more Journal entries…even though I should be packing!
ilyaimy……..
hmmmmmm….I wonder if reading Heather’s entry here inspired rob to do the art piece of Heather with WINGS!!!!!
Hi Rob, rain, oh pain( unless no rain, then even more pain), heard Ellicott City had a cloud that decided it really, really liked EC and parked itself there. Glub. Glub. In Silver Spring, nothing. Glad you had fun and heard good music down south. I suspect many in the audience at music things are musicians, just as many people at art shows are artists. Not to mention the crossover. Rick
yeah…iffin’ I ever decide to plan a Baltimore visit time frame around full band gig opportunities, I shall be sure they are INDOORS!!!!! And I’ll hope for the Journal entry encompassing my visit not to be titled, “A Bad Week”…sigh….Hey…I got a duo version of Gaze at Teavolve and the hope for a return of said song to present day set lists!!!
Hrm. Re-reading 14 years later, do I question my “modern music sucking cock” statement? Though I’m not quite sure I’d word it the same way today… I STAND BY IT!!! (i’m uncooooth)
Yup…another day in the life…..
Very nice piece in the Encore!
***hugs***
Terrorizing the Canadas, eh? I’m kinda surprised they didn’t put up more of a fight. Geese can be pretty dang confident!
Wow. Gone are the days when Heather and I can squeeze together in a college dorm twin bed. I mean, we could, but it’d be weird. Also – who is this rob who says “tube stations”? Jeezoflip.
And “take over the driving” she did – nowadays I can go a full week without getting behind the wheel. I’ll come home from tours with… unsure automobile reflexes. It’s no good.
“scrawled drivel”…heh heh…lovely turn of phrase!
…nope, the daughter of your cousin is your first cousin, once removed. Your children (or your brother’s) would be her second cousins. Your first cousins are offspring of your parent’s siblings
Damn it woman… THIS KNOWLEDGE IS ARCANE!!!!
Not if you are at a Travis family reunion!!! We have quizzes on this shit! I wish my second once removed Lars could have hosted you!
…oh bummer…..Smither sounded really GOOD!
But he was at Rams Head, right? Maryland Hall’s a totally different space in association w Rams Head – also – last open mic, my friend Ray totally did a Chris Smither tune!
I just realized it was a different venue…..
Oh, OH!!! Which song????
ohhhhh…this is one of those fanciful attention deficit sleigh rides…wanna go ride bikes????
hee! That’s a helluva glare ya gots der…hee again!
Oh you early creature……it can come in so handy at times.
And what the Hell is this: 3d6 +/- racial norms) ???
OK could be the new Austin/Nashville!!!! So says Songwriter magazine…..
I’ve never, ever, EVER, been able to believe just HOW MANY words you people keep in your heads and then spew out complete with playing and singing! And I see lots of peeps onstage with their lyrics…..
Do what you must……
Turtles and RR tracks…two of my fave subjects for photos!!
It’s amusing that you know Susan and I are the ones most attentively watching the transfer, via IP address or whatever. Yes, I think this is the first KJ in the Journal.
Who knows what the best-laid plans hold…
and fyi – it’s nothing creepy – you two are simply the majority of comments on the Journal!
Wow that’s a good looking plate of food!!
I think y’all would be a hit at Godfrey Daniels. Have you been back?
Not recently. We’ve played Musikfest up there a couple of times but have never quite landed a Godfrey Daniel’s booking! I agree though, we’d be perfect!
Holy cow that swirly twirly brain of yours! The analogies are sharp and compelling even if I don’t fully understand the gaming references… And you know I’m super glad about your journaling obsession!
Ah….Heinlein!!! During the most voracious reading phase of my life, my pre VW years, I valued nothing as highly as controversial ideas articulately expressed. Well maybe a really long kiss…but I digress. Stranger in a Strange Land and especially Farnham’s Freehold had such an impact on my thinking….sigh. I believe I dabbled in Freud’s Studies in Hysteria around the same time but, you know…..I was weird.
My “recreational” reading dropped off with the demands of college studies and later keeping up with professional reading and the exhaustion of chronic disease and parenting….I should get back to it…you are my inspiration, rob……again!
Heh. I just unpacked my RAH shelf. REH: you can borrow some, but most must be returned. I can also guide to the good stuff. The thinking stuff, the secretly really prescient YA stuff.
Suzi…. I am with you on Stranger… but Farnham I view as one of his absolute most cringeworthy. Possibly apocryphally, I believe that was one he was more forced into writing than inspired into, along with Sixth Column.
Just now seeing this Brennan….yeah well I was 15!! lol…not exactly at the peak of my literary analysis skills…but def intrigued by the unconventional relationship scaffold presented. As to the “Good Stuff”…guide away, I’m all ears….. Hope all is well with you and the fam!!
Your friend is a superb example of a master TEACHER!! You were astute in your observations of his teaching style and strategies….many people wouldn’t even notice much less be able to articulate those techniques. I believe teaching, good teaching, is an art more than a set of skills…although both do play a role in success.
This was a cool experience to read about!
Any recordings of those Queen covers???
You ALWAYS count down the hours to home…usually starting about 48 hours out……and it always seemed to land squarely on your stay at the birdhouse!! But dat’s ok…do it again!
wow……this has me buzzing! I love robANALYSIS!
So two things…did you paint from an anatomical drawing of the heart…..a-a-n-n-d WHAT is the problemo with peanut butter pancakes????
Oh..I KNOW….they need jam!!!
Huge hurrays and the award could not be more well deserved!! Heather puts SO MUCH into her songwriting!!!
I’m just in it for the hilarious animal videos…and video chat with grandkids! Oh and the occasional LIVE feed from certain om’s……..when I can get it!
Hi Josh – Great article. Thanks for taking the time to write this. I’ve been arguing with my musician friends about this since the article came out. I don’t think there are many comparable models out there. Musician’s don’t want to hear this, but in the case of Sofar, they are more of the customer of something that has taken 10 years and millions of dollars to build, more than they are the product. I liken it to touring and you pop in to do a radio spot at a local station, you pay a 20 minute set and you NEVER get paid for this. You do it to reach new listeners. Meanwhile, the radio station is promoting your appearance and making money on you as the sell advertising. Sofar also regularly tweets to promote the shows of their “alumni” at non-Sofar shows. I could go on! BTW – I shared your article on twitter with the author from Techcrunch. He responded and said he would contact you. I expect he will dig in and try to convince you of his position. I’d love to know how he replies if you’re comfortable sharing. Best, Paul
Gah! And he replied! Thanks Paul.
Thanks for your thoughtful response to my article. Overall, I hear you that Sofar’s exposure can help artists. My point is that they should fairly pay them too given they’re becoming a big business. Regardless of what a band’s alternatives are, if they’re being used to make Sofar money, they deserve a reasonable cut for their time, effort, and talent.
A few more details:
-Who am I? I’m not a touring musician, but I’ve been producing concerts for 15 years, booking artists like Janelle Monáe, Girl Talk, Jose Gonzalez, and The Roots back in 2006-2007. Around then I also produced an annual compilation album and put on shows for emerging artists like K.Flay, Jidenna, and Young The Giant that have gotten huge since. I also project managed all of Bon Jovi’s ticketing, merch, sites, & fan clubs in 2010 when he was the highest grossing touring act in the world (also worked with The Killers, Wolfmother, & Slipknot. More recently I’ve helped host Sofar Sounds concerts at an art gallery warehouse in SF and attended over a half dozen of them. I’ve reported on music startups since 2011 and have spoken at SXSW 7 times. I’m definitely familiar with working in the arts where people want you to work for exposure. My first blogging gig paid $20 per article.
Anyways, that all doesn’t matter as much as the facts here.
-Sofar is aiming to become the new Ticketmaster but with less overhead. That’s fine, like Spotify isn’t inherently problematic, as long as it pays artists fairly. Right now it doesn’t.
-Sofar only upped its payouts to artists to $100 due to critical press questioning their low payouts. If you say that’s the right direction, this is how that momentum is maintained. If you day OF COURSE you want to be paid, then you should see the importance of press that doesn’t minimize the problem like Billboard did.
-I absolutely care about the profitability of venues. Right now Sofar pays the zero, and that makes it tougher on clubs trying to get promoters to pay them more.
-Sofar absolutely cannibalizes hardcore music fans from smaller venues and house shows. Dedicated concert going Facebook Groups often see Sofar shows shared. This is not just bringing in a new audience.
-it’s great that Sofar puts work into planning and booking the shows. Maybe it still deserves the majority of revenue, but not 75-85%. Spotify keeps 30% for comparison. And when they promote shows, the lineup is secret, so bands don’t benefit from getting their name out there.
-Sofar has been saying for years that it will add more artist touring help and ways for fans to follow them after shows in response to criticism, but little progress has been made. Judging by there being almost no mention of payouts, or even lasting value for artists in their investor Union Square’s two blog posts about funding Sofar. Helping artists hasn’t been prioritized.
-Tons of musicians and former staffers have privately spoken to me since the article saying they cut ties with Sofar after an inside look left them feeling it exploits artists.
-I don’t want Sofar to go away. I’ve enjoyed attending their shows. But I want them to pay fairly. And if we don’t have this conversation now, it will be a lot harder in 5 years when they’re even bigger and can say “no one’s had a problem with us before”. I think we actually largely agree, I just think payments should play a bigger role in a $25M funded startup. Exposure = good. Exposure + pay = better. Labels negotiate for fair payouts from streaming startups. Touring bands deserve more people sticking up for their honest treatment. Best of luck with ilyaimy. I dig the harmonies on Oklahoma Revival.
Gosh – thanks for a direct (and thorough) response! A lot of my blog post was in response to just how viral the negative articles had spread – and I wanted to share my own experience and view point because I feel like educated artists and audiences will make better decisions.
I sort of feel like chatting point by point – but I’ve got to go run a show! However – I think one very key point is this “And when they promote shows, the lineup is secret, so bands don’t benefit from getting their name out there.” – no they don’t, outside of the pickup of fans / sales of merch outside of the show they benefit post IF the video ever materializes (don’t worry, I’m PARANOID about this!) and is good quality (even MORE paranoid!) – but this is the exact reason why I don’t see them as competition for “real venues” or more traditional house concerts – fans of ilyAIMY don’t want to see us for four songs. They want a show. They’re not going to get that from Sofar. It’s a different animal. Ticketmaster can be priced exorbitantly because they have a monopoly on highly recognizable names – people don’t just go to shows because they’re Ticketmaster events.
Because of the format this is MUCH more like attending a conference (Folk Alliance or Adobe Summit or LAUNCH) where networking and a showcase are something you’re paying for rather than someone’s offering for free. I worry that many musicians apply to Sofar because… it’s an application. They think they’re “winning” something (and the juried format means that yeah, you’re getting through a gateway, but you’re not winning a prize per se, you’ve been deemed a good match for their aesthetic) and sometimes when you “win” something you stop reading… about the opportunity, about who the opportunity’s from. I think artists are especially subject to this because you’re working soooo hard to get ANYONE’S attention, and when something comes along that seems like a great opportunity – and it’s not, or it’s DIFFERENT from what they were expecting, they feel bitten.
It’s an interesting moral / business question : if someone makes a thousand bucks off of me while providing me a service, is that better or worse than the person who I spend a thousand dollars on to provide the same service? In this instance I’d argue it’s better because the Sofar model is incentivized to continue sharing my material long after the gig has taken place because (in theory) we’re representative of great stuff that’s happening under their brand, but this in no way detracts from the fact that ilyAIMY generated said great stuff… the latter may keep the material as part of their portfolio, but is not incentivized to share THAT video too far and wide because they want to sell me the next one.
This is a longer conversation – but thank you for having it!
I think bringing people together is one of my things as well…It really is quite satisfying!
I think bringing people together is one of my things as well…It really is quite satisfying!
wow..fantastic video…..the camera angle…mmmmwah! AND personally, I LIKE IT slow…just sayin’
and Wow! You sure can talk FAST!!!
…it’s the most beautiful feeling in the world.
GOING TO GEORGIAAAAAAA
OH. MY. GOD!!!!! This collaboration is so good!! I better check flights into BWI!! Also..ONLY rob could beatbox while filming and I love Heather’s directing!! The website is looking good as well…just sayin’
Indeed Kristen does have a natural eye…….
Who knew???? This makes every phone conversation we have ever had suddenly super cool!!!
Ha! LOVE seeing a Bobby D cover on the setlist!
I love the story of the song and this one is way superb! Thanks for sharing…
geez….here I am again…to say that letting your vulnerable tenderheart show is a GOOD thing…….
I hope to hell the Concert Window peeps came through with your $$…I mean, I could have just sent it directly TO YOU!!!!
Wow the pictures are so so so festive and I really want to see ilyAIMY in the van!
On behalf Of Djangolaya, it was a pleasure to be the featured group at the first (of hopefully many) open mics at el Golfo. It was a large and talented crowd and Rob was a masterful MC. Congratulations to all.
Great evening Rob & David! Man you bring the energy on all cylinders! Hopefully this will continue long into the misty future…So much talent. Where else can you hear a washtub bass? Bring it ON!!
We were sooo glad to have all y’all! I would say that the show exceeded my expectations, but my expectations were pretty extreme and you did not disappoint. It was a profoundly awesome display of your individual and collective talents on our stage. We look forward to having you back again soon!
A truly wonderful evening!
Thank you so much guys for coming in to play. You’re set was wonderful, especially the unexpected inclusion of heavy hip hop rhythms. You’ll be glad to know that Coffee Amici is continuing to bring in new and interesting performers. Good fortune on your travels!
Always so glad to do it – we Love it there! We’re probably passing through in May, but can’t make a Friday or Saturday work…
Holy shit! Your kick off of the night was spectacular, spectacular, spectacular!
Probably one of the best Superstitions EVER…I’m just saying…
Hi Rob – Dan Robinson here. I’m the Dan who was on stage with David Potts-Dupre. David and I have been playing, composing and performing together for 20 years, and it was a pleasure to be at your El Golfo open mike with him. Also with us were Bill Jenkins on bass and Ted Porter on bagpipe and banjolin. You wondered in your comments about Ted’s bagpipes – they’re Sweedish, and are quite delicate. Ted is a principal member of Big Blow and the Bushwackers – a local band with deep roots, and Bill is a master of many styles, including percussion. All three joined me on a recent album – Karma Casino. We hope to come back on another Wednesday. Thanks!
Thanks Rob for all you do for the TP musical magnet.
Very well said.
hmmmm….I am on exactly your timeline….Mar 11. But YOU are getting LOTS more accomplished than I am. The last person I hugged was 3 year old Evan and I live in agony that he will forget how cool and awesome his Grammybird is to him……*sob*
in retrospect of helping with/attending your actual festivities… interesting.
Wow this is a pretty damn colorful entry for someone who were short on time! All the things you think of
Wow! I need to be getting back to more Journal reading … Because doing so inevitably kickstarts the bus of my brain into some more productive thinking or at least more complex thinking… You are my hero rockstar! I love you and I miss you…
Sorry to hear about you’re mom Rob. Your dream was arcane. “I never sleep. Sometimes I dream”.
Never give up. Never give in.
Points so important and well made using either small or BIG words….
If all of us did as much thinking as You do….I think LOTS would be much better…but not everyone CAN at an effective level…so a ton of re-spewing happens….ICK!
Just for the record I think your virtual performances ARE Real performances and just because everything in that regard isn’t exactly what I’d like it to be I’m going to continue to tune in and rock out even if it’s in my living room… Don’t stop now rockstar
As a fan who lives across the universe, and may never get to see you perform in person again, I have been thrilled with the virtual performances when I can watch them. And the same goes for other performers. This change in The Way Things are Being Done Now has expanded my exposure to talent.
Some day if you find yourselves in the upper midwest and get to Minnesota you must contact Dawn Statine of the Grassroots concert series in Nisswa, Minnesota and have her book you. It is a perfect setting for your music. If I find myself on the east coast I will find your gig cause I would like to hear it in person, Thank you for making such good music.
Wisdom… And specific advice for taking action! I’m listening rockstar…
Just a thought. If it really was a ‘virtual’ open mic night. Wouldn’t all the performers be represented by avatars playing virtual instruments? The only reason I mention this is because I spent 5 years as a resident in a virtual world and the term just doesn’t make sense. The events are as real as they have ever been. Just streamed live using modern tech. I’m not suggesting you change the name at this point. I just wanted to say my thoughts out loud. Maybe I shouldn’t but I did. Sorry lol.
Hrm. Well, you’re right – I’m gonna stick with the name, but you’re also right that it’s not entirely virtual… though I guess I could argue that we’re all in the a simulation and you can’t prove that ALL open mic nights aren’t virtual and that actually the name’s an exercise in redundancy. I hope we can agree that it’s VIRTUALLY virtual if not fully LITERALLY virtual… but then I looked it up via a Dictionary that I’m pretty confident IS virtual :
not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so.
“a virtual computer” [okay, you’ve sort of got me by the first definition]
carried out, accessed, or stored by means of a computer, especially over a network.
“a virtual library”
[never mind! TOTALLY ‘literally’ virtual and I’m sticking to it!]
…..And what do you mean no one would ever read the whole thing? I will read the whole thing I always read the whole thing and you can count on that! I also heavily count on you to point out bullshit wherever you see it because you really are good at the math… I love you and I miss you…
sometimes I feel like reading the journal it’s like having a little chitchat with you even though I’m far away… Your dedication to journal writing is really quite amazing and speaks to your stick to it of Ness and I don’t mean the loch kind. I sort of miss not knowing what page number I’m on but it’s got to be thousands at this point and every one has been enlightening, interesting, enjoyable, and even educational in some fashion… Always articulate… Don’t stop!
Aww. As we all know, Suzibird isn’t “no one”.
Excellent.
For a minute there I thought you where referencing ‘The Social Dilemma’ currently #4 on Netflix most watched list. “Facebook is bigger than God”. Now there’s an incendiary comment if I ever heard one and I am not religious. I have to point out that Christianity isn’t exclusive when it comes to god so no. They are categorically not bigger than God but I get your point. Maybe it would be a better demographic to use the love of money since data has risen higher than oil in commodities. Maybe you should watch the social dilemma (sounds like what you saw on YouTube was part of or one of the same group of disgruntled employees). I haven’t but then I don’t need to. I ditched my Facebook account nearly two years ago and have been dumping everything Google since then. The only device I have now that isn’t Apple is an old Aspire laptop with Windows 10 on it. That’s being replaced soon. It’s easy to ignore social networking once you get used to it but I personally am not interested in promoting by investing in the products of the huge software corporations that are consistently getting it wrong. There are alternatives for everything out there. Everything Google, everything Microsoft and definitely everything Facebook. Peace bro.
Yeah – I’m definitely guilty of writing while grumpy. A better statement perhaps would be “Facebook is more popular than God”? Perhaps at least a little more factually accurate. I HATE when someone says “literally” and still REALLY means figuratively! Guilty.
Note that the article is ABOUT YouTube – not ON YouTube. There ARE alternatives for everything – except my damned audience – and I hate that they’re not coming with me if / when I ditch the Social Medias (as evidenced by how few people still read the Journal!) le sigh.
Thanks for reading!
Wow! So beautiful… But my favorite pictures are of you and kristen… And kristen‘s cooking. And thank you for taking part of your Saturday to write words to “me”…I swear I really can sit quietly…
Very talented toes you have there fella… I took note!
Oh the trials and tribulations of the creative mind…
It amazes me that with all the other things you juggle, you still have space in that brain for this kind of analysis and commentary… Truly amazing
Thanks Rob! The quote comes from Elements of Poker by Tommy Angelo.
Keep up the beautiful work
Gorgeous shot of K, deep in cello…she amazes!!!
BRAVO!!!! …In German…
Oh boy oh… Here’s one to tag with the rob dreams tag……
Reading the journal is way high on my list of enjoyable activities which remain accessible in my life… Don’t stop writing rockstar!
Fuck them… There’s a lot more of us out here who agree with your take on taking something old and making it new… And part of that is changing things without the angry spewing.
Crying can be so cathartic… There, there my friend…Go ahead and feel your feels. You have always been so in touch with your intellectual side, I think it’s a sign of something good that you’re in touch with your emotional side now as well and willing to share it with all of us! Hugs hugs hugs…
Yep I would gratefully give healthcare workers the first round, followed closely by first responders and supply chain employees… oh! and TEACHERS!!!
I’m old but I can sit in my house out of danger…
The knight in this post is Robert Spencer.
I remember the many times Morell and I sat and talked guitars and music at Rob’s open mics. He was so full of optimism and encouragement. One of my favorite tunes he did was a cover of Richey Havens “Freedom” from Woodstock. Morell was a talented guitarist and singer in his own right but watching him perform “Freedom” would transport the audience to field in Bethal, New York circa 1969. Morell embodied that song and delivered a performance that will be the closest I’ll ever get to witnessing the magic of Woodstock. Thanks for the songs, Morell. You will be greatly missed.
I didn’t know him… But now through your words I feel like I did! And leave it to you to always have pictures! Rest in peace fine fellow And deepest sympathy to those of you who knew him well.
He’s definitely one of those souls that always stood out to me every time he popped up at Teavolve. There was a sense of history about him that you couldn’t forget. He’ll most certainly be missed.
Yes, i remember him well. We were in the Orchestra and Band too at Northwestern High. A very kind person with a smile. We had the same lunch period too. Rest peaceably gentle soul!
You are very welcome brother.
Just in case you might be wondering if the rockstars took note of/appreciate your tip/other support… Take a look at this list!
Easy when you consider %85 of people who own devices don’t care how they work. Any explanation is going to have limited mileage with them.
Yeah – sort of of the opinion that when you declare for Flat Earth you have to turn in your GPS and when you declare you’re scared of being tracked you have to burn yer SIM card… or whatever else.
check one, check two….can you hear me out there?
When did you hear Bryan make this quote? And this post… Really something.
Such an amazingly evolved treatise on all of our lives and points of view… As always thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Whew!!! This certainly has me all steamed up this morning and I thank you for it! I see how you feel about “don’t say anything“ and Your words are an inspiration to those of us who can’t say it quite as eloquently!
Hey Rob et al,
I’m guessing it’s too early to sign up for February 1st?!?!?!
Rich
Have you written a new song for it?
My father in laws birthday is also the anniversary of my mother in laws passing so I’m familiar with the situation. My wife mentions it every year. I can’t imagine what it must be like but because of your writing I don’t have to. I remember you mentioning it last year. I feel you brother.
I have been using TomTom for about 15 years. I have watched it evolve. I started using dedicated units professionally and switched to the phone app about 10 years ago. It got me 2k miles on a road trip to Phoenix AZ, using the iPhone XR last year flawlessly and today I have it on the iPhone 12. Feeling and relating quite a bit on this one. Your probably thinking, what’s he on about? I was born 30 years before computers and started late.
I certainly cannot recall a time when I considered you useless in any way….And the opposite of useless is useful right? Happy birthday rockstar with all my love!
Love me some Sligo Creek stompers!
Yes you CAN move people…I am living proof! And there are many many others just like me. Don’t stop I’m begging you!
cha cha cha changes. Nice Rob, thanks for keepin it real.
BC
Love the pic of you sat in the child’s chair next to the child trying to look innocent lol
Mew.
Rob, so much loss…so much pain. Even the rituals that help us cope with loss, have been lost to the pandemic. I too am sad. A year gone by, so many experiences have been missed.
But still we are here. We have adapted. We have coped…sort of. But we are here, and the Sun will rise in the morning. Another day. I feel that things will begin to return to ‘normal’…but even that will probably not look the same as the old normal. But still we are here and life goes on.
Take care my friend. Stay safe. Hug someone.
I hear you. I love you. I’m available for hugs and walks and investigations of the yard for babysneks if desired. (Mom found two when she visited this time last year.) *love* to you and Kristen.
Hey, Rob…brother. In all of this, all the pain, the loss, the fascination of it all, I look most forward to seeing you again and giving you the hug that means it is all over. Love you…
Having also recently lost someone from not only my distant past and who was also a brilliant musical collaborator and friend for almost 50 years, I know what you mean about never dreaming you’d get old–or how so many others along the way didn’t. Maybe they made an early exit, or just didn’t make it as far as us who are of a similar age as them or even older, but it always tends to make us realize our own mortality–and to make us value every day we have left a little more. It makes us realize the brevity and uncertainty of life, and to want to tell our family and friends what they mean to us, because we may not get that chance again–since we’re reminded that nothing in life is certain or guaranteed.
Along the path of my own life, I’ve met a lot of people who’ve brought me joy, and whose company I’ve enjoyed whenever our paths have crossed. I just want to say that you and your group are among those, Rob. I’ve felt that after meeting you all way back in the mid 2000s, that I definitely added to the number of those I consider real friends. Just wanted you to know that in your time of loss that you still have other friends, and though you may not see us all very often–or at all–it doesn’t mean we don’t want you to, or that we don’t look forward to our next meeting. Because we do, you know?
I don’t have the words to ease the pain. I don’t have the full knowledge of the backstory. In the same year you’re referencing, through IlyAIMY I feel as though I’ve found my soul in a world thrown upside down and twisted inside out. I feel as though I’ve known you forever. I feel like I’m home. I say this to help highlight the fact that even in the midst of so much loss, chaos, madness, void… there is something good that can be pulled from it. You feel this pain because you felt the joy. As sad as it is, they coexist. You only know the depths of both by knowing the vast contrast of both. And it has to be a beautiful thing. I empathize deeply, and am sending so much love.
*boop*
I wish you cool new patches for your jacket and ice cream sundaes for Kristen.
l
ve,
rae
This could go in the rob dreams tag. Such fancy for friends you have!
I have memories of you from college in that Cheerios shirt.
Yes another one for the rob dreams tag….Do you have a thing for princesses?
How well I remember this tour stop! So much fun!
True facts.
This looks groovy Rob!
Yesssssssssss!!!!
This is the same reason why I love those performances when you flub the lyrics. Flawed is human, and therefore beautiful. It’s hard to love the perfect, because perfection is intimidating.
Can absolutely relate. It’s like anger disconnects my brain from my mouth.
Also, I was raised extremely Catholic and have no idea what this fire nonsense is.
I know it matters little, but Glen Phillips lives here, where I live.
I was over in his ‘hood just last week walking a nature preserve.
As I went to many many concerts in large club, arena, and stadium scale, it struck me how many acts’ stage setup literally included a nice area rug. Yes you could see it from whatever upper deck, but it was never a logo or brand-forward art, it was always clearly just ‘this looks/feels comfy for us to be playing around.’ not viable for many local gigs, but man.
I need a rug in my basement.
Yes. This. All of it.
I think about this shit all the time… Of course I have no idea what to do about it! Scurry……
I think it’s actually the cicadas. T and I have both had the midday exhaustion to the point of sudden napping this week.
The most efficiently poignant play on words…EVAH!! Love this…
Always so stunning is your perspective and your way of expressing it…..Love you…
Thanks for the effort to put the live stream out there! All of us and remote locations say we love you for doing it! The pictures look great and it was great fun watching y’all
Well said…all true
AWESOME!
Can’t wait to see you kids again!
Please let me know, once you know, what time slot you pull,
that way we (Cyndi and I) can plan our day.
Yawp – hoping to find out soon! We’ll be at Victoria Station the night before for a LONG show – but Particle Accelerator shalt be the LOUD show!
Thank you for hosting! I am still amazed at how awesome every performer was through the course of the night.
Sigh…Done read da whole durn thang….so impassioned, so thoroughly clear on the points and purposes. Wow…just wow. And btw….not my first reading….heehee.
Screw ’em all! You know you kids are phenomenal at what you do, and you bring happiness to MANY people everywhere you play!
I have learned over my many years of performing, you may have an off day; but you still give it all you have at the moment. Most people recognize this and understand. Most times a bad review will come from someone who is just a bit jealous of what you are doing, and they wish they could do the same, or maybe just someone who drank more than they should have.
I KNOW IT! Alas, sometimes it’s easier to ignore than others. It was so so so good to see you this weekend! I wish you could join us for a show or two but we probably won’t be up that way again any time soon… lemme know when you’ll join me on a Monday night virtual open mic… it’d be fun to see you play!
I’ll let you know after the 16th, that is the day after the new members rehearsal.
If all goes as expected, I’ll set up a night we can join you; and when we get down your way, we’ll have to do a show together.
Rob,
Thank you for your eloquent and accurate account of Joel’s persona and indelible effect on the Washington DC music community. I, too, always appreciated his persona and presence. I wish I had the opportunity to talk with him more during the many years I knew him. Joel was a uniquely knowledgeable, wonderful person, and I will miss him.
Came across this accidentally. I did not know Joel, but Man. I wish I did.
“Twice as cloudy as I’d been the night before, and I’d went in seeking clarity. “
Indigo Girls – Galileo
That is so friggin’ awesome. You guys make terrific and unique music together! Guess you could say I’m a fan.
Nate got his moderna booster Friday, with similar effect. *belated but loving pats* I go get my pfizer booster tomorrow, so if I feel bad at least I can lay on the couch and stare at the snow the next day. Even if it’s just a couple flakes. Even if I have to stare reeeeal hard.
Hey Wassup, I’m a Hip-Hop Artist from Baltimore City, and I would love to perform at one of your open mics.
on IG @jaykonsciouz you can see alot of my live performances as well !!
excellente – visit robsopenmics.ilyaimy.com and signup. The monday nights are only set up to take signups a week in advance, Tuesday night’s signups go a lot further out.
Thank you for never taking the room for granted… Those of us in the room certainly do appreciate it! I love you and I miss you
These early ilyDAYS are held so very fondly in my mind and in my heart…..the experiences that can allow me to say “I can die happy”…..
I absolutely love Robs VOM it is one of the best I have ever played in. Thank you Rob and Rowan.
The journal… Always reading the journal makes me happy… The way the words come off the page and make me feel like I’m hanging out with rob… Yes I love reading the journal
So not following directions I left a comment regarding what makes me happy on the December 26 entry… But there’s more… Eating improv soup is a joy when I can get it done, listening to original music written by a friend, watching my birds happily destroy toys that I have made for them, and top on the list watching a little boy ran out of his house yelling, “grandma I missed you!” I need more joy as I am a joyful person but it’s been a tough spell finding it…
Something good, you say? Well, the snow is outside, and I am inside, and I think that’s pretty good.
Seeing snow on the (canceled) first day back to work rang in a wonderous New Year for me. Praise God for snow in our climate-changing world!
Best book of 2022 (just started last night): Essentialism. Get rid of the unnecessary and keep what feeds your essence.
Best music of 2021: Seeing ilyAIMY return to the New Deal Cafe for Heather’s birthday!
Best upended plans of 2021: COVID canceled going home to the parents for Christmas (again!), but Fate replaced that with heart-warming time spent with siblings and their children, and with friends at home.
Happy 2022, everyone!
2022 is both the end of the world and the beginning of the new world. Whether the end is the end of democracy, the end of DNA life or the end of my 2021 calendar, there’s only one thing I’m sure of: ilyAIMY will chronicle the demise, the resuscitation, and the reincarnation with snark and a good back beat.
i haven’t been to your shows in far too long, but that is not for a lack of Appreciation or Admiration. your music has helped get me through a lot of Darkness in my life, and has brought a lot of Beauty into this world. i use a lot of your music in my dance classes, and it is some of my absolute favorite and most often used because it is so Inspiring and Beautiful. not only are you all Truly Gifted musicians, but your lyrics and artistry and the Truth and Emotion in what you create is unparalleled. Thank You, for bringing and being something so Good in *my* life, and in the lives of so many others. and i Hope knowing that is a Good thing for your heart, too.
I’m starting all of my workdays in January with writing and practice, before I get on this dumb digital machine to make the business happen. Today was day one. Felt pretty good. There is snow on the ground. We get a real winter this time around, for at least a couple of weeks.
Alison and I set a date — May 28, 2022. Plan is to get hitched in our yurt in Berkeley Springs, WV (assuming we finished building it by then).
Woohoo!
I’m a simple man… The Book of Boba Fett made me happy recently.
Hang in there, ilyAIMY. We will get through these dark times together.
i have this little dog – he likes me and although he cannot affect any particular change in the world and factors surrounding my life, he wants to lay down next to me when i’m not feeling great.
Something good? My shoulder/arm is mostly healed up. It’s finally cold here in Missouri. My old band, Rusty Nail, has a new CD coming out this year, and they had me lay down some flute/Irish whistle parts for it. Things that make me happy? Playing music. Writing songs, (I probably enjoy writing them more than playing them). I like fixing up old instruments and bringing them back to life. Being outdoors, even if it’s just the back yard. And, of course, spending time with my wife, and our fur babies.
I’m happy that I’ve met so many talented people throughout my life. Rob is definitely one of those people. I’m also happy that iTunes keeps playing ilyaimy regularly when I put it on shuffle mode.
And now we get moar MOAR!
What a spectacular photo dump!! How I adore the sheer size of that room…can just imagine the acoustics licking up the instruments and voices! shivvvvver!
I’m interested in seeing abe partridge may 8, 2023. How can I get tickets? Tom kennedy
Ah, your email makes more sense now. Tree House Concerts operates via RSVP, not tickets. You can RSVP to me for OUR show. I’d assume Abe Partridge has something similar set up.
i, too, am interested in the Abe Partridge show on May 8. where does one RSVP?
If you’d like to come to OUR show, RSVP with us. For Abe Partridge, please contact Abe Partridge.
has the livestream info been released yet as was mentioned – and if so; how/where can I access this super program!?!?
They just got the stream put together and it will be viewable at https://www.facebook.com/events/925176825285062 (you don’t have to have a FB account to tune in)
BEAUTIFUL CONCERT Nice to hear you folks again,
The experienced horrors are worse for me……..
Sounds all too familiar?
Sure wasn’t ready for the acetone vapor sting of this one, R.
Yeah, I know I tend to be worse at writing in detail about the positives, but we were immediately in a better place upon signing the paperwork… I think I have Issues with the concept of debt tho!
I would love to rsvp for the show in Silver Spring MD on Jun 21. 2 people please. How do I do so? Thanks!
lol – do exactly what you did! Consider yourself RSVPed. Bryan doesn’t quite have details in place yet!
Hey I’d like to RSVP for the 6/21 show.
Gotcha.
Make it stop with the military time! I can barely get time zones figured out much less bad shit!
Such a beautiful place!
Heather looks good with ALL the beasts!!!
Been listening alot on YouTube. Don
Enjoy life
We sure try to!
hello everyone
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Contact Mr Berry Castle +1**********3
Wow – so now my post about spam from the Illuminati getting spammed by the Illuminati! This is kind of awesome! (but I’ll be blocking them from here on out) – rob
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For more instructions on our membership process.
The Illuminati.
See you this Friday!
It was so good to see you both! We have a drive today so we’ll be popping that CD in the stereo…
Hello guys,Good luck on the road. Most of all try to have some fun. Be safe. Don Fear
It’s been great – we’ve gotten beautiful sunshine and … not… a LOT…. of traffic…
Hello
WELCOME TO THE GREAT TEMPLE OF THE ILLUMINATI, Club of the Rich and Famous is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity consisting of 3 million members. We are one family under one father who is the highest being. In the Illuminati, we believe that we were born in paradise and that no member should struggle in this world. That’s why all our new members get cash rewards when they join to upgrade their lifestyle. and the question is where to get reach and known interested viewers should contact my grand master on WhatsApp number +Plus Two Th**************************** [though it shouldn’t, this continues to amuse me – rob]
Rob,your head is spinning. I see that. I thought that your frustration of the things of which you write and criticize was reserved for old men like me. People who have tried to eliminate all the things you write about including toll roads from their world. I am so happy that you have been able to maintain your commitment to your art and not to capitalism. Don
For me, I am just as happy with your body of work as if you “made it big”. You mean so much to me and each fan!
Hi,
I’m down from Alaska. Will be in the area until first of October. Folk singer, my own charts and 60’s -70’s Folk covers. Planning to come on down on Tuesday and hopefully work in to the schedule. Anything I should know or plan on? Looks to be a fine evening. I have nothing with me but the Martin.
Thanks for any feedback,
Ty
Will be great to have you! Signup at 6.30. Plenty of food within a block’s walk, and you’re welcome to bring it back to the venue. Should be a great night!
Tickets? Free show? Open to anyone or just American Legion members?
Free show, open to the public!
Please sign me up, It’s my birthday! Will be on after 8 PM ET
Go ahead and signup! Or just show up. It’s the silver lining of the less-crowded nature of current online events.
Hope it”s for something fun! enjoy if it is! I get another week to see what I think or don’t.
Looks like a fantastic conference! We met Steáfán & Saskia at NERFA last year and they’re so incredibly talented and kind.
İlluminati’ye nasıl üye olduğuma dair tanıklığım. Büyük İlluminati’ye [… this goes on for several paragraphs but I’ve deleted it – Illuminati spam in Turkish!!! – rob]
vom canceled for tomorrow?
No. juels bland hosting.
are we also cancelling this weeK?
I loved reading this walk down your holiday Memory Lane. Happy Holidays to you and Kristin, and all the ilyaimy extended family. May it all be just enough.
Thank you for reading! And unto thee!
hi there! I’m a musician / songwriter from Delaware. REALLY want to attend your open mic!! Been looking at in for awhile. Sign up is at 6:30, correct? I am coming from almost 2 hrs away….so I’m just asking, is there ever a time when someone can’t play because they’ve got too many performers?
I certainly don’t want or need any special treatment…but wanted to at least know there’d be a good chance to perform before heading that way on Jan 2
Thanks! and thanks for doing this!!!
Signup’s at 6.30, and a) no, I’ve got the keys so I stay open as long as I need to, and definitely guarantee that as long as you’re there by the time the music starts at 7, you play! and b) excited to have you! and c) 301.910.2575, text me if you’re running crazy late.
Playing and singing!!
Can’t stop won’t stop!
Georgie Jessup
“fighting the good fight with peace, love, and understanding”
Georgie Jessup’s songwriting is influenced by everything from old school country to Memphis R&B, placing her music firmly in the “cosmic” Americana Music genre. Her lyrics reflect her outspoken advocacy for animal rights, Native American issues, transgender rights and environmental sanity. The subject of an award winning documentary film, “Woman in A Man’s Suit,” Georgie also has six, well received, CDs available. “Georgie sings from the heart, like a rare flower in a wilderness,” says blues diva Candye Kane. “She speaks to us about the deepest issues. Issues that all of us should care about, but so many of us pretend don’t affect us.”
“A flock of flamingos delivered [Georgie’s] latest CD – which lit up my abode like Yellowstone National Park with all the bears on fire (cast a whole new light on Smokey, doesn’t it?).” says Legendary award-winning American novelist – Tom Robbins. “[She] continues to make thrilling music. I strongly suspect that there are secret planets on which [Georgie] and her songs are more popular than sex.”
https://www.georgiejessup.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/georgiejessupmusic/
Still SO much to be learned/discovered/unearthed in these Journal pages…I hath been absent far too long. I will re-read THIS post numerous times to further “understand” this rockstar I so long have known (or thought I did) and loved. Wow! 20 years and this is news to me….Wow. Keep working….keep moving…keep creating….keep loving.
Really? You lay stuff out? I’m amazed…
rob….your voice/vocals have evolved into a truly instrumental thing!!
what happened with the auto Calendar connection allowing interface to meeting from Zoom directly?
I’m trying to cut some costs, and I was spending $120 / year for that functionality.
Probably will arrive after *:15 PM ET
Rearview indeed! Glad all dat went well.
Love seeing M & K!!!
Love Journal rantings and ravings…oh yes.
Because of my hand surgery, I will be singing with acoustic backing tracks.
ProbablySTORM will arrive after 8:15 PM ET
I got nuttin! Just time to kill, muhaahaaa
Hi Rowan, I will probably only be able to stay until 8, but looking forward to it
I am not sure exactly what ilyGeneration contains/defines/explains me but I do wish I could find a beautiful Man……I guess I’d likely need to leave the house to do dat, eh?
All best wishes for the Lovely m. Jade…I’ve always been a fan…..
Oh MY! That’a a couple BEAUTIES of the classic robOmelette
Playing guitar and singing.
I will be late but God willing I’ll be there…as long as my link works
I will be late I( am hosting my granddaughter’s Birthday dinner first.. Maybe I can talk another family member (or two) to make an appearance, Probably 8:00 pm before I am free. I will have to catch the rest on the reruns
I might be a tad late in process of dealing with a supplier.
Hi! I can come from 7:30-8:30. Look forward to being there even though for a shortish time. Will hope on as soon as I get home from work
Yes! Iceland! I’ll get a passport.
And I’ll come get you at the end of all this glorious chaos. Sharpen those elbows!
What a crazy cool adventure! Looking forward to reading the coming days as they roll out. #armchairtourist
Wow!
I will be a bit late, I expect between 7:30 =8:00
All very good advice…that I can surely assure you *I* will never need but will gladly take advice about AirBnB in close proximity to Westowne Rd…….or info re: your next midwest tour.
You don’t need to read a post or email or text message to KNOW I am thinking of you….cheering for you, admiring the shit out of you…..always…..ilyAIMY.
XOXO
I’m so very grateful for your weekly LFTL streams. Cannot tell you how much. So I’m very relieved that you’ll be back to that in Sept! So many of us can only enjoy your music and your hearts via stream and it has been a real lifeline. Thank you all.
joanie
Thank YOU! It’s hard to tell sometimes if anyone’s out there! It means a lot that you’re listening.
Could be that I will be late but I have a sort of song for this one. I hopefully won’t be after 7:30 I have to go up to Whitehall to pick up a lawn tractor around 6:00.
no Vom tomorrow?
Rob or Rowan may just be late getting the form up. I think once it didn’t show up until early Monday.
likely will be a little late. I expect 7:30
WILL PROBABLY BE ON ABOUT 8 PM
My cats ate my homework but I will be there anyway although maybe a tad late.
vERY perty poster… nOICELY dun
Merci!
Yes, yes I DO click on links in the Journal…..Super fan, says you?
Wow Kristin! Great to see you sharing in the Journal. What a powerful and cathartic bit of brutally honest introspection. You are wise and amazingly self aware. Thank you for laying open some of your thoughts…. don’t stop!
I WILL BE THERE BUT LATER FOR AN APPEARANCE OF SORTS. Beverly’s Birthday. dinner here and family is here. Otherwise I guess it’s Youtube.
I’m really looking forward to this!
Rowan, I may not be there before 7:00-. But I will be there.
Very tempted. Running by my sister and her bestie. Since we’re in Lancaster and beyond, weather could be a factor. Do we pay in advance, or go on a list and pay upon arrival?
–Jenn the Superchick
Yeah – who can guess at weather. Though we’re encouraging people to get tickets in advance, and I AM awesome, the chances of us like “selling out” are pretty low!
I want to read YOUR virgin words….fu** AI
wow!!! “It sure was something…” “and I will never die til I do”
I will be there at least for a bit, whether I play or just visit is still in question. Bit of congestion due to allergies at the moment.
Is this one open to the public?
Absolutely!!!
Sigh – I DO miss the “book” format of the Journal – but over the years it got really antiquated. Moving it over to WordPress was a Herculean Journal Journey, and even now it falls victim to link rot. Since Heather referenced this visit recently I went back and tidied this post a bit… some of the pictures were missing… I guess the venue we played with Phil in his southwest environs was called Java Mamas just like my first open mic that I opened shortly after this… I guess? Long time ago.
The response email no longer has a link for zoom. instead it simply thanks us for volunteering for the open mic. It was the same last week which is why we were short handed, I suspect.
I won’t be able to attend tonite. I have a memorial celebration for a long time Music friend, Vic Mosca.
I am not sure when I can get on. I may just watch on youtube and buzz in to say hi. half wiped out from putting lawn equipment together and m9owing.
Huh, And I was thinking I could handle at least a couple of hours tomorrow.