EP Release Show - How it all went down (then back up again)

After months of prep and hard work this became one of the best release shows I've done, but it certainly came with it's pitfalls. The Tower Tarot card symbolism had it's presence for sure as things started to fall apart, though ultimately The Sun prevailed.

The day before the Little Man Orbital Amusement EP release show the Red Pens, our middle slot band, had to cancel because of a serious medical emergency. I'd been wanting to play with them for quite some time and it was about to happen and then this unfortunate mishap came along. Luckily this person is ok and doing pretty good now. I had to find a replacement fast though and was super bummed out about it. Couldn't sleep.

Then it was the morning of the show. The very first e-mail I  read was from the other opening band, The Rockford Mules. It was a message saying that they had to cancel because their drummer up and quit the night before! Apparently they did everything they could to have him stick it out for one more show, but still couldn't make it work. I seriously thought this was a joke! There was no way both of my openers could cancel within 24 hours of one of the most important and heavily promoted shows of the year for me. These bands are both quite popular and I had them in all my promos. It was such a great bill! I was so let down and completely worried. Believe me, I got in some extra meditation time that day to stay sane. I kept telling myself that at least my band was still on the bill! I hit the phone and the e-mails right away and was full on stressed about it until 4pm the day of the show. I was able to confirm Is/Is, a great three woman rock act that I've been digging lately and also my long time faves, The Beatifics. It's very strange. This would be the third time The Beatifics have opened for us for a release show. What a weight lifted off of me after that. I had a few hours to chill out a bit before heading to The Turf Club.

From there things just rolled on great. The openers were fantastic and people kept on coming in through the door. It was very well attended. Alot of people, and everyone was attentive to all the music.

Little Man hit them hard with all the songs of the EP while two beautiful girls, Natalie and Nicole (who I called "The Cosmonettes"), hula hooped on the front corners of the stage. They were great! We also had a projector and an oil lamp along with some other cool light effects to help make it more of a special thing. It was really cool. I enjoyed every minute of it and just let loose. It seemed everyone there was very much into it. We also played some key tracks from previous albums as well as some even newer material.

Everything worked out in the end. It was a very good night and a great celebration for my sixth release.

Click here to get the new Little Man Orbital Amusement EP!

       

              

Hot Show!

Loring Live is a monthly show at the Loring Theatre in Minneapolis. It's an amazing old movie house that's currently being used for theatre, concerts and all sorts of artistic events. This particular show, that I was lucky to be a part of, was called Tease. It was a mix of musicians, burlesque, aeriel acrobatics and live painting and comedy. They also included an artists bazaar in the lobby. Yet another artistic endeavor that can bring an eclectic community together in this town that was completely impressive. I enjoyed being a part of something like this. The vibe was friendly, sultry and fun. I met some wonderful people. Attendance was really good too and everyone's performance was top notch. On the left is the beautiful Elektra Cuete and performing with me on the right is lovely Jessica Chamberlain. I sang my song Not Quite So High as she danced above me. Perfect, it was so great!! One of the coolest shows I've been a part of for sure. Photos by Ephraim Eusebio. You can see more about the other artists and performers on the Facebook invite.

Local Businesses Sponsor Little Man Release

I was absolutely thrilled when I got the e-mail regarding The Current wanting to present the Little Man EP release show. I'd forgotten that I'd sent a request and had already printed posters. So this came as a surprise and I had to head back to the printers!

The Current is one of Minnesota's public radio stations. They play a huge mix of music without commercials and has become a powerhouse of the Twin Cities. It survives because of listeners like you. I've gotten to know many of the DJ's over the years and their continuous enthusiasm for music is contagious. The greatest thing is that they play local music at least once an hour. It really binds the community in realizing that we have some seriously amazing artists right here in town. Check out the local live stream.

You can actually see my place from The Blue Door's front windows. This little local pub has been around for just a few years or so but has really been making a name for itself. They've earned Best Burger from The City Pages and it's always packed. Owners Pat and Jeremy have done very well here in St. Paul at the intersection of Selby & Fairview. They only spin local music here too. Isn't that fantastic!? The food is very good. My wife and I walk over there on the off hours to score a seat at the window. Excellent beer selection as well.

Speaking of beer, one of the places my wife and I like to go to pick up "adult beverages", is over at Marshall Liquors across from Izzy's on Marshall Ave in St. Paul. This "mom and pop" store (literally) has a huge selection of just about everything and it's a convenient stop to or from MPLS/St.Paul. Richard is our go-to guy over there. He's the young son of a Korean mom and pop who are always happy to see us and greet us with a big smile. Richard has been a kind shop keeper to us for years. We bought all our wine and hard liquor there for our wedding. He always chats us up at the counter and the radio is always on The Current. He knows when Little Man gets airplay and always mentions it.


My locks are kind of long. I'm a bit picky on my hair cuts. When my regular hair cutter moved to Portland I was unsure as to where to go. My wife's friend Amy recommended Kelly McMahon at the Groveland Barbershop over on St. Clair and Cleveland. Happy to have met her, she's beautiful. "Couple inches off - shag it up a bit" is my usual request. She does great work. If you've seen my pictures, you know!

Joe is the shop owner, another fantastic barber who's honed his skills over the many years being there. He's a huge music lover and he even became a guitar student of mine for a while. Always curios on how things are going with the band, he's been a great person to get to know. This is a hip place. I also have to mention his big black dog Austin who immediately greets you at the door wanting all your attention first and foremost.

Click the links and visit the shops. These businesses are home-grown, local, and owned and run by really cool people who add great character to this community. I'm especially thankful for their assistance in helping me promote the release show at The Turf Club (May 27th) as well as a thank you to all the other shops and people who are helping support the event in other ways.