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Friday, 29 August 2008 03:09 |
Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I last said hello. Last night was the Obama acceptance speech and like many of you out there I straddle the fence of being excited and hopeful, but cynical and worried after the last two presidential elections; both of which have shown that there apparently are just more republican voters than democrats. Maybe this time the republicans actually @#$ things up so bad that even some moderate voters will feel that a major change is needed.
I'm often asked in interviews if it's a musician's place to make political commentary. During this ramp-up to the election, I honestly just can't help myself. As you know, I'm already a dorky-big-mouth, and when you put a microphone in front of me it just magnifies that fact. Add 2 or 3 thousand people in the audience, well...like I said, I can't help it! I also make a point of staying informed of the current news cycles and try and fill my ears and eyes with many different perspectives, even those with which I vehemently disagree. If there are some people out there (especially young people) who are having a difficult time deciding on who to vote for, (or to vote at all!) I'll take the chance of speaking my mind if it can sway them to vote for the candidate of my choice. I'm fully aware that plenty of musicians who don't share my political orientation are doing the same with their fans, like it or not, and I seek to create balance.
In the musical aspect of my life, I'm excited to play more shows as the band has been sounding better than ever. New material is on the way and with each tune we add, the band continues to define itself. Having so many songwriters in the band allows us to grow as individuals and as a group and each song becomes a rich tapestry of the good taste of all the band members. We are headed up to the Northwest in September for a run that is bound to be epic. There are some delicious rumors in regards to this tour. One is that there will be an expanded recreation of the "festival express" from last time we were in that area. Fans from all over the country will board a train to get from show to show. Bring your capes and glitter and show those train riders how it's done! The other rumor is that there will be some special musical sit-ins throughout the run that will get the music cranking!
One more thing I'd like to tell you about is a concert I'm planning on October 23rd. It will take place at the beautiful 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, Ca. As many of you know, much of my pre-Butter musical life was spent playing Classical music. Touring non-stop with Butter has made it difficult to keep that going but I'm doing just that! I will be performing the 4 Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and will be joined by a string quartet, harpsichord, and bass (yeah BCH!) Bryan and I actually played in High School orchestra together at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley where he was first cellist! The concert will also include some jazz and bluegrass music that has relation to seasonal music. I'm thrilled for this show and hope you can join me and my talented friends!
Until then, live the life you love and love the one you're with!
Your friend,
Aaron
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