darling duckie

Winter War EP: Music in Review

Allie Barnes via her instagram feed

I have a friend, whom I have never met. She lives a couple states away, though she studies a mere 45 mintues from me. She is brave and talented and honest. And she is a musican. A real, full blown musican with a receontly released EP full of her words and little pieces of her soul.

You may think that I am a little biased since she is my friend, but I am being completely honest when I tell you how I love her music. Her voice is sweet and clear without being over-sentimental. Her words are honest and complicated. She shows her struggle with depression and healing, not just tells you about it. My favorite song of the moment is "The Slow Goodbye", though "Sirens" and "Husband" are tied for second place.

Although she has struggled with depression, she actively fills her life with meaningful things, helping her to deal with her struggle. She volunteers, works, studies, challenges herself to record a new song a week, speaks at conferences, and is just generally pretty cool. A few weeks ago, she wrote and recorded a song called "Everything" for Tiffany and Spencer, after their baby Calvin passed away.You can follow her adventures on instagram and her blog.

You can purchase her EP here. She also records lullabies and fairy tales, which you can buy here (I love Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and All The Pretty Little Horses). But my all time favorite recording of hers is Edelweiss, which she did as a service to someone. I listen to it over and over and over again.

(I know there are a lot of links. But I promise, she is worth it.)

I just love the album art work. So pretty. (Photo taken by her brother and art work by Caitlin Connolly.)

an autumn concert

I thought that I would write a little about how to make your experience at the Rooftop Concert on Friday night more enjoyable.

The parking terrace where the magic happens is on the corner of 100 North and 100 West. There will probably be lots of people and lots of signs.

There is an issue with the traffic. As you may or may not have already experienced, there is a bit of ridiculous traffic in the part of Utah that we call Utah County. Most of the freeway there is under construction. Take that into consideration when planning when to go. It gets even more complicated becasue they have shut down the Center Street exit. Plan ahead of time which alternate route you are going to take and it will lessen the stress of the construction considerably.

As it is October and the weather has cooled down significantly in the last couple of days, bring blankets and hot chocolate so that you can cozy up as you enjoy the show. The show starts at 8pm but if you want better seats, get there a little earlier. We like to go out to eat when we are down there because there are some really great places. The Indian Palace is next door to the roof, often tempting us with their savory smells that gently tease our noses. There is also Sammy's, Brick Oven, Bombay House, Sensuous Sandwiches, Demae, and SLB Pizza. For more restaurants, see here and here. Be adventurous and try some place new. Because Will doesn't get off work in time to go out to eat, I am going to make a chowder and pack a picnic so that we can get there early and get good seats.

For more help with things to know about the night, I would read this post by C. Jane, giving her tips on the night. She is one of the planners, so she would now.

This video was created by Mango Productions of one of our favorite concerts from this past summer. It had such a fantastic feel. I think this next one will be similar. (Can you tell I want you to come?)

 

 

the lower lights

Remember how we have been going to the Rooftop concerts?

(It's ok if you don't.)

We are coming up on the last concert of the season. And a great concert it will be.

The band is The Lower Lights (remember this song), a rather eclectic group of musicians that come together and play their version of some well-known and also forgotten hymns. They have a bluegrass feel that will be perfect for the coming fall weather.

Will and I have been waiting for this concert all summer and it is coming upon us. So put it on your calenders: October 7th in the Provo Town Square. Bring your blankets and chairs, your kids (or leave them at home) and come hang out with us. It's good music, free, family friendly, and on a rooftop. What more do you need?

(Plus there are some great places to eat down there before the concert. If you need some ideas, just ask us!)

Hope to see you there.

For more information, visit the official Rooftop Concert Series website... or you can ask me.

Oh yes, and just to get you excited, here are some of my favorites!

Video streaming by Ustream 

 

baby's first concert = rooftop concert series

A few weeks ago Millie was just dying to go to this concert... The Rooftop Concert of The Rooftop Concert Series. The first of the year. She begged and cried and argued and desperately tried to convince us that we needed to let her go. "Child, you are altogether too young to be out making such a ruckus" was our reply. But she persisted. Eventually she got permission but only with the stipulation that we be allowed to accompany her. She grudgingly agreed (grudgingly until she realized that she needed the ride anyway... and that she would not be able to climb the flights of stairs without us).

And that is how Millie got to go to her first concert.

Advertised as "family-friendly," we hoped we weren't making a bad choice in taking our two month old child. We have both been to many a concert and are well versed in how they go down. Drinking, smoking, and general misbehaviour. But true to what they said, it was very family friendly. There were still plenty of hoodlums but it was a pleasant sort of atmosphere... white chinese lanterns swaying above us, sweet music coming from the stage, no one drinking or smoking (including the musicians), with the best backdrop I have ever seen. (In my opinion, the mountains should be used every possible chance: from weekend getaways to drives in the autumn to the scenery for a summer concert series.)The music was wonderful (although it was hard to hear from the back). Paul Jacobsen and the Madison Arm. Fictionist. We were new to them and rather pleasantly surprised.

Altogether, it was a splendid way to spend the evening.

As it is a series, there is more to come. Next month (June 3rd, to be exact) it is happening again. Another evening show while sitting on the rooftop of a parking terrace. 8 PM. Family friendly. FREE (did I mention that? They are all free. We love free.) Downtown Provo. (Can I quickly add that Provo was not my favorite place, but I had never really been there. In the last year of living in Utah County, we have been to a few markets, art shows, restaurants, and now concerts. I can officially say we are being won over by the charm of Downtown Provo. If you need some help being convinced, I will gladly help.) Meaghan Smith and Mindy Gledhill. Should be good.

Millie will surely want to be there. Maybe we will take a little picnic and eat before it all begins.

Yes. I think we will.

 

 

 

 {Oh that cute little stare of Millie's. Get's me every time.}

 

 

 

her morning elegance

 

Creative and lovely... just thought I would share on yet another "no baby" day.

happy thanksgiving!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Thanks for reading!!

This is Lower Lights (Mindy Gledhill) performing their version of For the Beauty of the Earth.

Enjoy!