PT Walkley Performance

McCann Music Production brought us another good artist today, PT Walkley
He opened for Coldplay this past summer and has now released his album with The Blue Jackets. The whole band didn't perform today, just PT and his tambourine man (I forgot his name) They sang some new tunes and old ones too, none of which I knew, about 4 or 5 songs.

No Microphones
Nothing electrical
Just a guy and his guitar

He admits it was a bit out of tune but we didn't seem to care and he sure as hell didn't either.

PT seemed like a cool guy, he's from NY, of course he is and he didn't mess around, he went right into performing for the crowd and from what I noticed, people liked him or perhaps they might have just been happy with the free pizza...who knows!

Each of his songs (the 4 we heard today) seemed to have a story book way about them.
"Mr. Macy Wakes Alone," a collection of orchestral-pop story-songs that tells a tale of romance, greed and art (not necessarily in that order)"

Check it out, its pretty good.



Photo by: Katie Henry

Billy - Month 4

A Daily Dose of my Favorite Little Man

Idol

Ok, so I am a huge, HUGE Music fan, anyone that knows me knows that I need to have music on at ALL times. My ipod is filled with all genres of music. I am always listening to it while commuting, I get into work and turn on Pandora or itunes, while cooking at home the music is on, in the car, outside, while in the shower (yes I have a radio in the bathroom) and so on. I love it all, well not all, I really HATE disco, techno and show tunes. Mainly, I love finding new music and getting re-acquainted with the old, rediscovering the music that shaped generations before us and that shaped the music industry as a whole.

My favorite genre of music past is Motown. Otis Redding, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, the list goes on and on. A little "My Girl", "Shama Lama Ding Dong"(a personal favorite), "Let's Get it on" Marvin Gaye and of course "I want you back" by the Jackson 5. God, I love that genre, Motown/R&B/Soul.

So being that I am a music lover I do watch American Idol, I am by no means a fanatic about it and I definitely miss shows here and there. I really only like the show from about the top 12 to the end. Although winning American Idol is a huge accomplishment I believe that not winning is a blessing in disguise, I personally believe getting to the Top 5 and being voted off is probably one of the best things to happen to you in the competition. Winning Idol means you are signed to a contract and that you have to sing the songs they write for you, you don't really have much say in the matter, you are basically their puppet for a good 2 years. Look at Daughtry, I believe he was in the Top 3 and was voted off. One of the most successful recording artists out there, even if all of his songs sound exactly the same, he is still a huge success. Jordan Sparks and Jennifer Hudson seem to be doing well for themselves.

This is not true for all Idols, I mean look at Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, their careers have been non stop, well maybe Clarkson hit a few speed bumps but Carrie has stayed true to her talent and has not disappointed since she first sang on Idol.

Then there is Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard...enough said. They are both terrible...done and done on those two.

So with Season 8 ending last night and the winner being Kris Allen I must say I don't think this is going to be a bad thing for him. I honestly can see him doing well. I wasn't a fan Adam Lambert at all, the screaming he did on EVERY SONG, besides "The Tracks of my Tears" was getting a little old. He did have a great voice, I will give him that but it just wasn't for my liking. They both were great on taking a song and making it their own and I think that was one of the main things that got them all the way to the end...in the end I think no matter who won they are both going to be successful.

Song for today

Kate Voegele

Singer/songwriter Kate Voegele performed in the office this afternoon and I was lucky enough to snap some photos of her and have a conversation with the young singer.

Heartless (Rock Remix) - Kanye West

Thought this was pretty solid...

Giggles

I should just dedicate this blog entirely to Billy considering I write about him constantly.
This past weekend when I was visiting them up in Boston I got some great giggles out of Billy and if this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.

Sidenote: this was the morning and I was not dressed to impress yet.

What the?

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Fanny Pac missed fashion week

BUT it has reemerged and in the best way possible.

A fanny pac for your head????

GENIUS!!

Cap-Sac's have hit the stores and are the hot item for the season...I highly recommend you all to rock these this spring/summer.

Check it out here

Rihanna and Lady GaGa

Check out Rihanna and Lady GaGa's new song on Kanye West's website, Silly Boy Here

I wonder if she's angry at Chris Brown?!?! I personally don't think it sounds like Rihanna at all but I like it...

Thoughts?

Music Review

Being that I work at an advertising company I am lucky enough to see some up and coming artists brought to us by McCann Music Production. Some artists we have had in the past have been Tristan Prettyman (a personal favorite), Priscilla Ahn, Justin Nozuka and some other random people that have escaped my mind at the moment...clearly not all were memorable.

Things were different today.

This morning, a young singer/songwriter Priscilla Renea came in to performed some of her songs and I must say I liked her. Going by Rishi's reaction after the performance "I want to be her Best Friend" I would say he agrees. Her style was really cute, she had a soft spoken voice when speaking to us but when she got into her songs she really belted out the song, it was flawless. She plays the guitar and to me that is always a plus, It shows that she has more talent then just a beautiful voice. Although some songs she sang were a bit childish, I can see her being a huge hit. She is a cross between Rihanna and Corinne Bailey Rae.

http://www.myspace.com/priscillarenea
http://www.priscillareneamusic.com/

Pictures of the Weekend

Went fishing with Dad and Tim in the Boston Harbor, sadly no fish were caught but it was nice to get out on the boat.





Party at the Pier for the Volvo Ocean Race
http://www.volvooceanrace.org/







Mother's Day morning, Billy got up bright and early, all smiles and ready to start the day off right...we cooked breakfast for Melissa and hung out with the family.







Grandma's lil man

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there and especially to my sister Melissa. She celebrated her first one this year and was loving the gifts and flowers from everyone. Well deserved, she is doing an incredible job raising the most amazing little man.

Milestone #1

Billy rolled over from his back to his belly today for the first time!!!

Good job Billy Brown!

Adele

If you don't know, now you know...Adele is amazing

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

Song for today

Quiet Town - Josh Rouse

Picture of the Afternoon

We all have these types of pictures from when we were younger. Getting bathed is for some reason a great photo op and I took advantage of it. If you don't have pictures of yourself when you were younger, in your kitchen sink or bathroom sink, its never too late to start....actually yes it is. The time has passed for you but its always cute to do with your children, or nephew in my case.

Billy the Kid was loving getting a bath and loved seeing his reflection...a little vain but do you blame him???

Crocs...love em or hate em?

Personally, I don't like them. I'm not talking about the cute, non bulky ones because I just looked on the website and some are not bad. I am talking about the big bulky ones.

This morning while walking through Grand Central Station I was behind a young woman who was dressed nicely for work, professional looking, a nice blazer and black skirt and then I looked down to see BRIGHT GREEN CROCS. I'm sorry but these are NOT commuting shoes...they are for Gardening and being outside in a rugged atmosphere not the City. And yes I took a picture...



I don't know maybe I am just grumpy that its Thursday and not Friday but I feel like these only look cute on kids or when your doing yard work or something not adults heading to work.

Happiness

Ok so the past couple of days have been pretty crappy, cold, rainy days and on top of that I have been sick...not a good mixture. So the only time I have been outside is walking from the train to my building then from my building to the train, 1 block. This afternoon was a bit different, I needed to head out in search of some good Mothers Day gifts because Mother's Day has now spread to my sister, being a new mom and all so double time gift thinking.

I will not be sharing what I got the two of them because they read this (hey ladies) but I will tell you that the people behind the counter of this store made my day.
"Cupid" by Amy Winehouse was blasting from the speaker, I love that song, and this man proceeded to sing the song to me while ringing me up. This wasn't just a low voice, he was flat out singing the song out loud and even threw in a few dance moves. I Loved it.

Then I went to Starbucks for some tea when the guy taking my order said "I really hope you have a great day!" with a huge smile on his face...Thanks Starbucks Guy, I will!

And the sun is out for once in 5 days!!!

So to everyone out there, I really hope you have a great day! (input smile)

Video/Song of the Day #2

A new favorite of mine thanks to Kel
I love new Music!!!!

Song of the Day

"Flightless Bird, American Mouth"
Iron and Wine

Obama's on Flickr??

Alright, maybe he himself is not posting these pictures but his face is all over it.

I am by no means a Political person but being an aspiring photographer I loved looking through these pictures and seeing the honesty in Obama, the candid shots expressed the true emotions of the White House atmosphere, the smiles, the laughter, the simplicity, the harshness, the exhaustion, the concerned faces...its pretty powerful stuff!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/

2009 MS Bike Ride - Liam's Lucky Charms

My brother Tim and a group of his friends are riding in a 160 Mile bike ride this summer to raise money and awareness for MS and I couldn't be more proud of them. After a close friend was recently diagnosed with MS, they made a plan to do what they can to help raise awareness to this disease. Although, I am pretty sure riding 160 miles in 2 days was not what they had in mind, they stepped up to the challenge. They have come together, even if the decision was made over one too many beers, to support their friend through this difficult time in his life. Not many people follow through with what they say after a few beers but these guys did.

When things like this happen to a group of friends it usually either makes or breaks the crew. In my eyes this illness has brought this group of friends closer, bringing a new challenge to the group, a test of there friendship, endurance, athleticism and mental health. Now if you knew this crew you would know that not everyone trains the same way but the most important thing is that they all finish the race.

Here is what Tim had to say about the race,

He wrote:
As many of you know a good friend of mine from college, Liam Kennedy, was diagnosed with MS about a year and half ago. In March 2008 some friends and I formed a team (Liam's Lucky Charms)for the Bike MS Ride, Cape Cod Getaway. Truthfully, that day in March was spent in South Boston celebrating St. Patties day with Liam and friends. After several cans of courage, the team idea was born... or so the legend goes, I don't really remember. Anyway, our team quickly grew to about 15 members and even though our team was one of smaller teams, we ranked 7th in overall fundraising. Since our first year was such a success, we've decided to do it again.

On the weekend of June 27th, we're going to ride about 160 miles over two days, from Boston to the end of Cape Cod, to show Liam our support & encouragement. Below are some additional details along with a link to make a donation. I've got about two months to raise $1,000. Obviously, I'd like to raise more but I thought this would be a nice goal to start with. I also realize that times are tough for everyone and I completely understand if you can't make a donation.

To read more here is the link for Liam's Lucky Charms:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/MAMBikeEvents?pg=team&fr_id=9592&team_id=129888

Here is Tim's personal Goal link, he's half way there and could use your help!

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=4577282&pg=personal&fr_id=9592

A picture and video from last years race to show you they don't mess around.

Deluxe Hugs

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Today is my sister Melissa and her husband Pat's 2nd wedding anniversary.
2 years down and one baby to show for it.
Congrats to you guys!

Cinco De Mayo has a whole new meaning now.

The one who never disappoints

It doesn't get any cuter than this guy right here.
The love of my life, the face that never fails to make me smile...Billy!!



GAME TIME - GO YANKS!! Melissa told me that she was trying to get him to smile but this seems to be his game face.

Hit the wall

Yup, I hit the wall running...Its 3:32 on Monday and I have officially found myself at a dead end. Looking to my left I see some expenses for my crew that I need to do but with a pounding head, running nose, a cough that sounds like I have been smoking since birth and zero motivation I would say I am going to throw in the towel on this day.

My boss, who is an amazing guy, asked me if I was OK before and I couldn't help but be honest and say "No, I actually feel like crap" Any other time I would have said, Oh yeah, its nothing just a little cough but being that I sound like death, I might as well go with it. Too much effort to act normal. I was praying he would say "You should go home and rest" but he didn't...that's cool, I mean, I don't mind spreading the Swine Flu around the office, KIDDING

I have drank a lot of tea today and have taken a fair amount of drugs and nothing, not even a dent in feeling normal so I think the only solution is to sleep it off...bed time starts when I get home...

Another sneezing attack just happened...I think that is round 253 for the day and I don't sneeze less than 3 times so you can do the math on that one...my boss has also actually learned about my sneezing in 3's and waits till I am completely done to say "Bless You"

Now, you might be asking, what does a picture of a monkey have to do with this post, truth is there is no answer, only that it's cute and makes me feel better...I love monkeys!