Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays and all the
very best in the New Year ~
Slainte!
Click on the photo to download
this year's recipe folder ~
Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

We're coming up on the end of the year....


...and this is generally a time of reflection. Once the gifts are opened, the food has been eaten and you are partied out - there comes a time of quiet, where we often look back with the eye of a not-so-friendly judge.

I know I posted the quote a few months ago from Miles: "It's only a mistake until you play the next note.", but after seeing the recent TED talk by Stefon Harris along with some events in my own last year, it made me think about 'mistakes', and I have come to the conclusion that it is 100% true, there are no mistakes. Period.

Stefon nailed it - watch and see - it's only 13 minutes long and it may help you get some perspective, before you take that annual measurement.

And for the advanced class ~ there is no spoon.

Monday, December 5, 2011

27 hits as I post this...


I wonder how far it can go, I think it's brilliant - Jacob rocks.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

The Very Vancouver Christmas Music Library ~

By now you know we are taking a year off from the Christmas album, but the music is still here kids - 5 years worth of amazing, local all original holiday tunes! I've made it super simple ~

Unsure of who's on which album? Here they are all handy to look at - Buy one or buy them all - 10$ each or all 5 for 40.$ (5/40 in person only).

Buy at CDBaby, iTunes or email me and you can come over and Buster and I will give you a big hug too -

All proceeds to the SPCA - as always. There's something for every taste: rock, pop, country, gospel, blues, jazz - you name it, we've got it.

And if anyone would like these songs for their business, to play on their system or for their hold music - just let me know how to format them and I'll make sure you get them asap!

#ListenLocal

VOL 1

VOL 2

VOL 3

VOL 4

VOL 5

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Well it's getting to be that time of year again...



...holidays, shopping and parties - but please remember to stop and breathe, and lend a hand where you can. To get you started in a relaxed and mindful way - have a little Hilary with your tea!

No Christmas album from us this year - but we're working on a little something special for you, and you can still pick up volumes 1-5 on iTunes or CDBaby, through me or here: VeryVancouverChristmas.com - more soon!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Minimalist Christmas: What I Made My Dad.



Because we didn't do a volume 6 Very Vancouver Christmas album this year (Yes we're back next year and please buy vols 1-5 and support the SPCA ~ HERE!), I had a wee bit more time to make or buy home made, hand crafted and up-cycled Christmas gifts.

For my Dad

My Dad:
1) ....is a crafty guy who often makes our gifts out of recycled thingamabobs (cool tree decorations etc).
2) ....has everything, and I mean literally one-of-everything.
3) ... is always up for a lark.
4) ....never reads my blog.

...and every year it becomes more and more difficult to come up with something for him at Christmas time - BUT this year I think I've nailed it.

It only cost 6$ to make, took about an hour of my time, and will maybe be the start of something really cool.

I used a few pieces of water color paper, a piece of photo mat board (all of which I had handy, but you can use anything), a printable calendar from http://www.etsy.com/shop/bubbo (5$), and a Chicago Screw (1$). (You could make the calendar yourself, but I didn't have time and like to support Etsy shops).

So calendar - minimalist and childishly simple - but - art stuff, and what I'll do is write a poem or something in a card with the idea that next year my dad uses the parts of this gift to make something for us. If we can keep this going, it will be cool to see how many evolutions we can make!

Now that's the spirit!

And, #NoBatteriesRequired ~



Wednesday, October 26, 2011

November 20th - Save the date!!


We are inviting you to come out and show your support for two of our family members, Bruno and Maria, who have been recently diagnosed with 2 different types of Lymphoma. We have an amazing line up of entertainers and artists who have generously agreed to donate their time and talents to help make this a memorable day for all. Please join us ♥

Date: November 20, 2011
Time: 3pm - 9pm

Tickets: $35 in advance, and $40 at the door (if available).
* If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please message me a.s.a.p., as we cannot guarantee availability on the day of the event.

Entertainment will include:
Nearly Neil
Mike Reno
Shari Ulrich
Taylor James
Ninja Spy
Scrap Metal Sun
Heidi Vincent
Scott Jackson
Sam Dominelli
Tony Dominelli

*Performance times will be available here prior to the event.

Also featuring a silent art auction of original works and prints by local artists.
The evening also includes: Door Prizes, Guitar Raffle, Silent Auction and more...

Door prizes and silent auction include:
Hockey tickets
Designer jewelry
Dinner cruise
And much, much more!

Sponsors:
Long and McQuade
Crossroads Guitars
Personal Best Martial Arts

Full service bar and concession all day long!

Friday, October 21, 2011

All the ships at sea....


I kept having this vision, or picture in my mind rather, of a harbor filled to the rim with rowboats, each containing one person, bobbing around, but not moving. I couldn't think what it meant.

This morning I woke up and I imagined that each of those people was an artist, each with an instrument, playing and singing at the top of their lungs.

I could imagine people walking along the pier, checking out the all the noise and then walking away.

On the other side of the pier I could see a family walking and singing together, stopping to talk to people on the pier. I see a guy riding his bike on his delivery route, singing away to himself, and I see people looking at him and smiling.

I think these pictures formed in my head because I am seeing another change in the music industry. It is one of calm. Not apathy, but more a comfortable 'settling in'.

I had to take a long look to see if it was in fact 'social media fatigue', or just the sheer numbers of artists out 'working it', with no more room to breathe (The Garageband Bubble?) - but I don't think so, though these were maybe tipping points. Maybe, I thought, it's my own rose colored glasses, but I don't think that's it either.

In the struggle of artists to 'make it' in the music business, it seems that there is now a happy/sad realization. Somewhere during the constant battle to balance; gigs, work, writing, updating social media, pr, applications, racing to book the newest venue, scrambling for the little grant money available, contest entries and flying around as one of the flock of local artists all after the same fat crab - the artist searching for fame and glory, is suddenly - just - happy get out and play. Wherever, whenever, for whatever.

I know some of you will say, 'Wait, no, I won't play for nothing, I want, I need'...but I am just talking about what I see and who I work with, where instead of the rush of business taking over their lives, these artists are settling back into a routine and making music and their art a part of the life they already have. Artists are becoming happy, and not disappointed, just happy making their music and happy if someone or no one is listening. They're back to making music and making it fit, rather than accepting the fact that they won't have/can't have/aren't good enough ... there's an evolution going on.

It's happy because that's the way I think it should be - music is a part of the artist, but it has recently become unbalanced, with the 'business' part taking centre stage, all work and no play - it just can't work and never ends well.

So what's the sad part? Well, I guess it is kind of sad that so few people will be able to ever make a living at their art, but that is historically the way it has always been; but maybe now, just maybe, artists are loving what they do, slowing up a bit and enjoying the journey. It is the thing after all.

I look back to all those paddle boats in the harbor and see the people in them, I think I can hear them saying; "But we thought we were suppose to be in the harbor?".

Be different, have fun, it will fit.

For Steve Jobs.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Tess Dunn rips it up in her latest video!



Hey everyone - look at Tess Dunn's new video: Shame To See! Wow! You go girl! You may remember Tess from the Very Vancouver Christmas Vol 4 (Christmas Day) Read more about Tess on her website and support this music - it just gets better and better!

Monday, September 26, 2011

This is what compassion looks like~




I always need a reminder and this is a great one - thanks Deb!

Click here!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

How simple to give light -

Joyce posted this (Adrianna and Adora's mom), and it always fills my cup - up to see this sort of genius.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

iDoLvine

Have you all heard of iDoLvine? Have I been talking it up enough? If not read more HERE - this is the next Internet wave kids, I’m not kidding! And yes I know I am repeating myself by posting here and on the website news page, but it is so cool that I have to double post!


Visit iDoLVine

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Noble Exchange - Episode Alert!


Katie’s episode will air on September 20th @ 8pm EST and PDT. The full episode will also be available online beginning September 21st. SO EXCITED! Click on the link above to see more, or click HERE!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

A little zippity pow from Hilary Grist~

Just in case you might be feeling that life was less than perfect? Take a peak here - this should set you to rights.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

It's nearly IPO time again!


Don't miss out on these amazing few nights! My fave's of course; Alums Danny Echo, IPO darling Laurie Biagini and our fancy friend from NZ Fleur Jack!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

This was just too important NOT to blog about...

Imogene is beyond cutting edge, she is instead, a giant step ahead, pulling in every particle of sound and music within her grasp and making it dance around her like so much fairy dust. Imogene is a magical genius, almost a mythical creature in her capabilities as a music producer. I have have called very few people 'music producer' in my day - but really, she is the true owner of that title. You can't deny it - watch:

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Two Things ~



I was chatting with our new pal John Lee, and I started wondering - as an artist, how do you feel when you have to sell/give away more than your music to add value? Does it make YOU devalue your music? Tell me, I am keen to know!

Thing two is this, Derek has written a book, not surprising I know, but the content is invaluable - grab a copy or download the audio version which he reads himself! Fancy! We're buying the 5 pack, so you never know what Santa may bring this year! (I just remembered I have an interview with him that is yet unpublished, I'll get on that!).

More soon, have met some inspiring peeps this week!

Carry on.

Monday, June 20, 2011

June 21st - Sunshine - Gastown - Free - Take Kids - Do Go!



I can't say more than that! 5-10pm - go visit your local artists as they perform their hearts out for you!

For more information click HERE!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Just a reminder...



....to keep it real babies!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

So many new opportunities for Vancouver artists!




There are so many new events cropping up in Vancouver - I have been posting them up as they come along over at NXEW.ca, and here is another one and they are still looking for both performers as well as sponsors so do help them out however you can - together we're making Vancouver artist friendly again, connecting artists with new 'all ages' fan bases ~ outside of the club environment!


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Monday, May 9, 2011

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Business is Business....


...And what relates to one field, more often than not, can be applied to the business of music.

Here is a great series with four of my favorite guys - lots of juicy information in here. Do take some time and see how these lives parallel yours.

Learn laughing!

*****
Are you following us on FaceBook yet? Jenn Ashton

Create Your Badge

Monday, April 25, 2011

It's spring - must be time for a visit from JJ!

Contact RogueFolk HERE for tickets or hit me up for the PDF with the complete schedule - John and the Quartet play two days, plus John is doing a workshop - don't miss it!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Greatest group of guys - ever.


Or as Don Cherry would say, 'The is the way to do it kids'.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Start of The Art



I'm lucky I'm old, because I have had the pleasure to be a part of many 'starts'. First steps, first words, first songs; the first time the art comes from the heart of the artist.

If you have experienced this you know, this is the life.

Starts are new and scary and messy, but there is something about the first time of anything special, that people will always try to re-create (can you say sequel?).

We're fortunate to live in a time when so many people have the opportunity to live out their artistic dreams, and we're even more fortunate to be privy to the process.

Grab an artist at the start of their art and join them on the ride.


(Thank you Kathy for the picture!)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

This is your brain, This is your brain on bliss.


Wouldn't it be funny if the Internet and this uber loud and busy modern society, where noise, images, messages and other people bombard us constantly from everywhere, actually made and pushed us to become a more sentient people? Where we appreciated the silence and the quiet moments we could find without the rush and the noise? Where instead of wanting to be involved in every single thing - all the time, we more wanted to be a part of a collective, happy 'quiet'?


How very Guinan of me I know.


I ate too much cake and ice cream AND have an unexpected night off, so I am at the peak of bliss.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

To use your voice - or not.

I recently read a debate about using your voice to champion a cause. The argument was whether or not as an artist/actor/politician etc - it should be a part of your 'duty' and 'station' to get the word out, whatever that word may be.

I have to say that yes, I feel it is a duty and a responsibility everybody has, especially those who are fortunate enough to have a microphone or tv camera in front of their faces.

(If you are a Raver, of course you know this because I always ask you to play at charitable events often times with little or no pay! Thanks you guys!).

So I was really pleased to come across this video today; just think, if Ta'Kaiya can do this at 10, imagine what we can get up to with all of our experience - now let me hear you say AAAYO!

(And a shout out to the Sliammon Nation, a great part of our Coast Salish people - we are all connected!)

Friday, March 11, 2011

When it hits close to home....



Well this isn't just for music folks, but a reminder to everyone ~

Social media such as Twitter and Facebook, can also make terrible events and danger seem closer than they are, and so can make our reactions stronger.

This is both good and bad; for people already in crisis it can be a lot to handle.

So please remember to be kind to yourselves and take care of you and yours. If you have the capacity to get involved in a tragedy, do as much as you can without dipping into the reserves you need to keep yourself 'ok'. Doing a bit to help out can help you feel grounded, but don't do more than you can or should.

It's ok to turn the TV off and close down the computer and get some perspective if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Eat well, rest and get some exercise. Maybe write a song about it or draw a fancy picture (Thanks Liam!).

It's all good.




Friday, February 25, 2011

Aaaaand for our next trick!

David Suzuki & Earth Run: How can you make a difference? from Earth Run Foundation on Vimeo.


This is going to be a good one kids - we have two stages this year! Stay tuned!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Stop and appreciate this~

Hey everyone - in anticipation of David Suzuki's Birthday and EarthRun in April - take a moment to watch this and be inspired. Thank you to one of my Italian friends on fb for posting this.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Searching for Owen



Hey everyone, as you are getting ready for tours and festival dates, please read this and keep an eye open for Owen!

Acid House Interview



Hey, just finally finished up the interview with Ryan, you can check it out here. What a happening guy! Where does he get his energy? I have no idea, maybe just being grown up on that Scottish air.

(Mind you, my mom is pretty spry, maybe it's the Kelowna air?)

I have a few more interviews to get done up, including Pete Martin, Derek Sivers and Dave Chisolm - stay tuned!


Monday, January 31, 2011

How We Think - Hurray Ravers!

I love what Derek wrote here - this is exactly what we strive for, and why people always compliment the Ravers - because they are all an important part of Rave On - they ARE Rave On!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

Good advice! That Ariel sure is a smarty pants!

Nothing better than clever stuff, (with pictures!) that's easy to remember!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

New Year - Great Plans



Hey everyone! Welcome to 2011!

I thought that finding out that Dr Seuss shoes came in adult sizes was pretty terrific, and then I started looking at our year ahead - AMAZING - stay tuned, I'm organizing......mumblemumblemumble....