If you couldn’t tell by the lack of posts, I didn’t get a chance to write much about music last year. It was unfortunate since so much good music came out last year and I really wanted to write about it! I also got to attend some great shows, especially ‘x’ by Ed Sheeran, which I got to experience live! Here are a few things I did last year:
Got Engaged!
On a cool November day on the cliffs of Torrey Pines, I asked the most amazing woman in the world to marry me, and she said YES! To help her answer, I enlisted The Yes Team to serenade us. I don’t think I can really put into words how incredible the experience was, so I’ll leave you with this picture of us with The Yes Team!
Got a Master’s Degree!
I had to spend a little time getting my Thesis together, leaving little time for music (or anything else…). However, I just got my diploma today! It came in an envelope labeled “DO NOT BEND” yet was folded in half to fit in my mailbox.
This is something I’ve been meaning to write about for a while! Through a stroke of luck, I found out about this non-profit through work and have had some incredibly meaningful experiences helping out! I got the opportunity to directly help the wonderful Jess, founder of Guitars in the Classroom, with a few classroom lessons at elementary schools around San Diego. I played “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson for one of the classes, and while preparing for it, I really started thinking about what goes into children songs. They have to be simple and approachable, yet hold some kind of meaning that the kids will be interested in. I especially like “Upside Down” since it is simple and approachable, yet holds its own as a hit (in the way only Jack Johnson can do). I would love to one day write some children’s songs. I think it would be an incredible challenge, and also, there’s just no feeling to compare to seeing how well some of the kids learn from the songs. At the end of the school year, I got to help out with the end-of-the-year concert at Burbank Elementary. I helped the kids do their final prep to perform “Wimoweh” on ukulele. They did an awesome job in front of their parents and teachers, and I couldn’t be more proud of them!
Went to Some Awesome Shows!
As I already mentioned, I got to see Ed Sheeran on his tour for ‘x’. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how crazy that show would be. Ed was the only one on stage, building his backing track with guitar and harmonies using a custom built loop pedal (called the Chewie Monsta, I believe). His vocal abilities, songwriting prowess, and stage presence are just hard to match. After that show, I must have listened to ‘x’ for three months straight.
Another memorable show was seeing Ben Folds perform with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. The stage was set up on a peninsula in the San Diego Bay, and it was a very different way to see Ben Folds perform. One of the most memorable songs was when Ben composed a version of “Rock This B” on the spot and instructed the symphony to play the different parts. Ben’s message about supporting the SDSO really stuck with me, and this year Mary and I are patrons and have been to a couple excellent performances!
I can’t forget, I got to see Andrew McMahon perform twice! He’s still my favorite live show! I leave every concert of his inspired to make music and belt it out on a stage. It’s clear that he loves being up there and performing, and I can’t get enough of the new songs (as well as the old ones).
Sang Christmas Carols!
I had the opportunity to once again be a part of the Qarolers! Here we are performing our hit, “Jingle Bell Rock”.
Coming Up in 2016
As far as solo music goes, I don’t know what my plans are for this year. However, I plan to jump on over to The Soloists page, so look for me there! Pat and I have some exciting stuff going on and I can’t wait to tell you about it!