A_beautiful_vase_of_fresh_flowers
Sometimes being a singer pays off! You never really know what you are going to go through before, during and after a performance. Sometimes there are nerves, fretting, worrying etc but most times it feels normal somehow and exciting. You never know. In this case, where I was gifted those flowers, I was singing outside at the Wakefield Market, and there was a down pour! People were huddled under umbrella's and tarps and the rain was a moving sheet between us. It wasn't until someone mentioned they saw sparks coming out of my amp that I decided to call it quits (until the heavy rains subsided.) It's true, I did feel small shocks when my lips touched my microphone! I stepped away, drank some coffee, ate a breakfast sandwich and then returned to the grassy stage. It has always been a favourite place to play. A gift of fresh flowers is always appreciated. Which reminds me of the first time I received flowers after a performance... I was eighteen years old and the lead singer in a musical called "Anything Goes." I remember my eight year old cousin stepping out of the audience and up to the stage to hand me roses... It never gets old, let me tell ya!!!
Sean_Sisk_photo_at_Ottawa_Bluesfest
You know what else doesn't get old? Singing! I Love to sing. Singing has carried me through almost every kind of situation; good, bad and everything in between. Strangely though, I am extremely critical after a performance and have a hard time taking in all the Love... I wish it were different, I am still trying to figure out HOW to let go of the mistakes I make while I am on stage or the frustration of having a bad sound mix. I know there is no way to really hear what it sounds like outside of the stage, no way at all, so I should just be okay with that, but I always wonder! I find it almost impossible to watch a past performance and am mostly dissatisfied with it when I do see it. Darned ego. There are times though, when I am thrilled with and on cloud nine from a show. It doesn't happen all too often but it is in these moments where I gather up the courage and Love to keep going! Profound moments that show me the light and erase all self doubt. Thank goodness for these flashes of light! However, I doubt I could ever stop. The joy from writing a new song (when it's really good!) is seldom found anywhere else. In my living room (studio) alone is actually where most of the magic happens. But I am here to share it, and I try my best.
Shawn_and_I_in_funny_mode_at_The_Cadillac_Lounge
One of the best things about playing with other musicians is not having to be alone on stage, so when you screw up you can laugh at each other and share the Love. It's true! When you see two people laughing at each other on stage during a song, you can pretty much bet that a small mistake has been made. In this particular case however (above photo) I am pretty sure we are just having some silly fun. This is also another reason to play with other music makers... there is more joy for sure! Traveling with others can be expensive and the pay out from the gig is MOSTLY not worth it, sadly. This is why I tour mostly on my own, but if I could bring a few band mates, I most definitely would!!!
The_Black_Sheep_sign_on_Water_Street
Sometimes along the way you come across real gems to play in. In this case (above photo) I found another listening room by the name of Black Sheep. To be sure when having the poster made for this particular show, it had to be stated that THIS show was not in Wakefield at our beloved Black Sheep Inn but rather in the streets of St. John's. Let it be said that there is NO better room than a listening room. A rowdy bar is no place for a singer and songwriter! (Took me long enough to figure THAT one out.) I guess after a few years of writing, recording and touring, little tidbits of wisdom STICK! Also, I highly recommend that if you are in this line of work, buy your own SURE 58 -universal- microphone. You would NOT believe how stinky some of those mics are out there... Not to mention the colds you get! Since I have been using my own mic, I have reduced sickness ten fold. Truth. You may look like a diva of sorts, but forget about it!
Me_and_my_big_fat_mouth
Whenever I get back home (wherever home is, I have a few, and am ever SO grateful!) People often say "How was your vacation?" Instead of "How did the tour go?" I find it funny that so many people think that when I travel, it is a vacation that I am on. It is very rare that I go somewhere without a gig booked (or a guitar.) It takes me months to get ready for atour, what with booking, rehearsing, promoting, practicing, and more. This a a real job for me, actually MANY jobs all in one. Yes, I have fun and the places I go to are most definitely seen as travel destinations but let it be known that my job actually never ends. There are songs to write, lyrics to perfect, emails to answer and more! I am forever grateful that I get to see so many spectacular spots and share my music with an amazing amount of Music Lovers! As awesome as it is, it's hard work and most of it I don't even get paid for. Thank goodness for those flashes of light!