There's a lot to be said about quality friendships that exist across the miles, and a lot more to be said when those friendships are held together by celebrated affinities. I've told you all about my friend Jenny on the blog aa couple of timesalready.
What that I love and appreciate about Jenny is that even though we don't always agree on everything, we are still able to have a quality friendship. She's big into fashion and Hanson, and I'm not so much. Also, she doesn't share my love for Chad Michael Murray. But we do agree on a TON of other things that really matter. Our shared love for Parachute and graphic design has brought us together to share an amazing experience:
Let me just tell you how hard Jenny works on making this site such an awesome resource for fellow fans. Last night, she pulled an all-nighter to finish up a new design for PFC, and it looks AMAZING! Now, bear in mind that neither Jenny or I get paid for our work with PFC, so you know we're not doing it for the cash moneyz. We truly love and admire this band and where they've been and, more importantly, where they are headed—that is why we do it.
So in general, Jenny will come up with the designs and site layout and I will help with editing text and giving design feedback and the like. Together, we come up with the initiatives and other details on the content of the site, but Jenny is the one who stares at the screen for hours and hours making sure Dreamweaver doesn't freak out. Ask any web designer and they will tell you what a beast Dreamweaver is! She's also the one who handles the majority of the flack from a few hostile fans, and the one who keeps things all nice and neat and organized for PFC. She is a champion and after discussing things back and forth, I am thankful for her ability to listen to my nitpicky corrections and thoughts without disowning me entirely. Thankfully, I'm able to make up for all my nitpicks with some good humor and I often joke that I'm the PFC court jester. ;) But it's the collaboration process that I appreciate more than anything. As a designer, I KNOW how hard it is to let someone else in on your work, but Jenny lets me step in and work with her to make it what it is—one giant site full of awesome!
One of the things I'm most looking forward to this next year is making a trip to the east coast to join Jen for Parachute's CD Release Party!
Be sure to check out PFC by clicking the link above!
In the meantime, here are some screencaps!
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DEAR JEN:
If you are reading this, please know that there are not enough words to describe how proud I am of you and how much I (and I'm sure the band) appreciate all your hard work!
Rock and roll music has been a major part of my life for many years now and nothing creates that sense of euphoria, to me at least, quite like dancing and singing along as your favorite band plays live. It’s an even better experience when you are surrounded by other people that care about and love that quality music at the same level that you do. There is something wonderful and magical about experiencing a great rock concert and Sunday night’s Parachute concert at the House of Blues in Dallas was exactly that!
My set list autographed by the band
Hailing from Austin, Texas, I moved to Seattle two-and-a-half years ago. My first time to see Parachute in concert was at The Crocodile in Seattle. Once I experienced one of their rockin’ shows, I knew I had to go to another. I joined their street team and promoted them heavily to everyone and anyone that would listen. I realized that as they announced tours, Seattle was not one of their frequented cities. I would follow them on Twitter and hunt down videos on YouTube in hopes of sharing a second-hand experience of this band whose music meant so much to me. After waiting for what seemed like forever, they finally announced that not only were they going to be recording a new album, they were going to be touring in the fall again! Sadly, Seattle wasn’t on the list, so I did what I had to—I hopped a flight to Dallas, Texas to spend my birthday weekend with my best friend, and to go to that concert at The House of Blues.
Will Anderson & Nate McFarland
I had already bought my tickets to the show when they announced they were doing a fan contest where you could win tickets to the show and access to an exclusive meet and greet to hear the studio versions of songs on their unreleased album. My Seattle friends helped me enter the contest, and after waiting anxiously for the results, I found out that I had won! Not only was I going to go to an amazing show, and be able to hear the new songs, but I got to bring two friends along for free! My best friend’s roommate, who is also a fan, joined us and we were all extremely excited as we set out for the show and the Hear It First Listening Party!
Alex Hargrave & Johnny Stubblefield
As Parachute’s tour manager, Chris Jones, led us into the Cambridge Room, Johnny, Kit, Nate, Alex, and Will were there waiting for us and they welcomed us to the party! To say I was excited might be the biggest understatement of the year. After getting to say hello and hug the guys, they quickly led us all over to some couches along the wall (set up had run late and cut short our time by a little bit) and let us listen to a couple of the tracks off of the new album. The songs were amazing! First, we got to hear “Something To Believe In” (a track noted as Jeremiah on the set list). The gospel tracks laced into the song were astounding and added a strong layer of fullness to the crisp recording. Then we got to listen to “White Dress” (a song they referred to as Bumpin’ Jam on the set list). I suggested to Will that they should definitely add “bumpin’ jam” into parenthesis after the song title because it was so true to the nature of the song. It was one of those songs that make you want to drum on the steering wheel as you cruise down the highway and bob your head to the beat causing passersby to stare, wishing they were having as much fun as you are. Having heard the live recording of it on YouTube, I had already regarded it as a song made of gold, but after listening to the studio recording, I’m more apt to consider it a Scrooge McDuck-sized vault of musical gold! The lyrical depth and overall arrangement of both songs made it clear that these guys were pushing their music and style to a new level of excellence. The fact that Kit and Johnny were dancing around in the background made it an extra special experience.
Kit French
After the listening party, we waited anxiously for the show to start. The moment Parachute took the stage, the night of fun had come full circle. We all cheered loudly as Nate, Alex, Johnny, and Kit stepped on the stage to lay down the intro to White Dress. Already brimming with excitement, the energy in the crowd was intensified as Will joined the band front and center to lead us all in the truly “bumpin’ jam.”
The performance was packed with fun and excitement thanks to a solid set of both old and new songs. We clapped and sang along to songs featured on their first album, Losing Sleep, and danced as we listened intently to the newer ones like the deceptively catchy upbeat chorus, “She’s in love with someone else” in the song What I Know. As Will took a moment to introduce the song Square One with the insight that it was written as a result to being “played” in a relationship, a united groan of understanding was echoed by the majority of guys in the crowd. It was clear that everyone in the crowd could relate on some level to the songs blasting from the speakers. From the sweetly refreshing acoustic version of All That I Am, to the punchy vocals on the funk-infused Halfway, to the fist-pumping powerhouse of a song, Under Control, the band’s stellar stage presence and showmanship propelled the show to an amped-up out-of-this-world level. From talking to fellow fans (both old and new) in the crowd afterward, I think it’s safe to say that the entire experience left a positive, indelible impression of what a quality rock show is all about.
Our Listening Party group: Johnny, Chad, Will, Katie, Me, Diane, Kit, Kelley, Nate, Alex
Here are more photos from the show taken by my friend Chad, who graciously relieved me of camera duty so that I could enjoy the show with no distractions!
It truly was a night I'll never forget!
I can't wait until they release dates for more touring in the beginning of 2011 and I for SURE cannot wait for the new album to drop!
Okay I realize I only have 2 more days of vacation left to recap, and since I'm almost done with editing all the photos, it's about time to get wit' it. So the 4th of July was pretty awesome! It was a Sunday so I got to go to church with Sarah at Central Christian and hear Pastor Ron Surratt speak. I also got to see Ronnie, who Sarah and I had also gone to Master's Commission with! It was so good to reconnect with him and hear about all the awesome things going on in his life. It's funny that when I was in MCA I wasn't really appreciative of Ronnie's blunt honesty, but now I completely appreciate it.
Sarah, Ronnie, and me
After service, Sarah dropped me off at the Inner Harbor so I could meet up with Jenny. Jenny is a new friend of mine who is a fellow fan of Parachute (one of my FAVORITE bands) that I got to know through social networking. She runs PARACHUTEFAN.COM and I help her out as a site staff member with editing, helping with creative ideas, and general marketing ideas—although it should be known, she does THE MAJORITY of the work! I'm just honored to be part of it all!
parachutefan.com home page
I had mentioned before to Jenny on Twitter that I would be taking a trip to the east coast and we thought it'd be a great idea to meet up and talk about Parachutefan.com stuff for a while. Originally the plan was to meet for a couple of hours and just go over projects, but we ended up hanging out for about 9 hours down at the harbor. We had a blast walking around and talking Parachute & site stuff as well as stuff about ourselves. As you can see from the pictures below, we hit it off and had such a fun day!
I'm not a police man, I'm a princess! A ballerina princess, that is ;)
Jenny the masterpiece
My friend Kelley won one of the CDs from a giveaway on Parachutefan.com—she won a copy of Parachute's album which included a drawing and an autograph from the lead singer, Will Anderson! I love Kelley's willingness to give what was rightfully hers and I am such a happy camper because of it!
We even got to beat the heat and go to the aquarium together! After checking out all the animals and cracking jokes in the shark section, we grabbed a seat outside and listened as a live band played cover songs outside the Hard Rock Cafe. We both agreed that we wished it was Parachute playing though.
After the show was over, we grabbed some dinner at Chipotle and talked and talked for even longer about the band, and how we as fans were so grateful for a down-to-earth group of guys that were dedicated to providing honest and quality music. As we were finishing, we couldn't help but notice a crowd flocking to one side of the harbor and then we heard the fireworks going off. So we stuck around and sat to watch the fireworks as they went off on both sides of the harbor—it was a perfect evening and such a fun opportunity to meet a great new friend!
The only regret I had was not charging my phone, which caused mucho confusion and worry for Sarah who couldn't get a hold of me—my phone was dead. When I finally got to her house she gave me a giant hug and told me how worried she was because she didn't know where I was and how every worse case scenario was going through her mind that evening. I felt so small—hurting your best friend and causing them to worry is never fun. I realized that night that there was in fact, a downside to my "go with the flow" spontaneity. But then we spent some time holding each other, and she kept saying how glad she was that I was safe. Even in the midst of my mistake, I was assured that I was truly loved by people that matter. We got to talk about our afternoon and then we called it a night.
I LOVE this band so much! So much so in fact, that I'm thinking of singing their song, Winterlove for my work's Holiday Party! I know it's gonna be this huge brave thing, but since moving here to Seattle, I've noticed that a lot of the things I do lately are huge brave things. So why not, y'know? The great thing about the people I work with is that they are not as judgmental as others, so I'm sure that even if I suck they'll at least pat me on the back. ;)
Here's the song (i would of course sing a girl version subbing the "her" for "him" and sounding slightly less manly ;) heheheh)
In other news, Kelley gets here on tomorrow and I'm SO excited to have her here!! She's been such an amazing friend and I really really really love spending time with her! :D And we get to have lots of fun together for the next 2 weeks!
Here's just some of what we got planned:
- Space Needle - Experience Music Project - (maybe) Ride the Ducks - The Aquarium - Exploring Neighborhoods - Parachute/Kelly Clarkson Concert - Justin Nozuka/Sam Bradley Concert - Pie Night
and that's just the beginning! We're gonna be having sooooo much fun!
And then, in just a few more weeks, I'll be heading home to Austin for some much needed family time :D
I can't WAIT to hug all my friends and family! :D They make my heart happy!
Man, it's been a long time since my last post. This whole holiday schedule work time configuration has left me with less time to do blog stuff, but I do want to keep this up, so I'm gonna work on scheduling some fun posts this weekend :D Some may be longer than others, so just bear with me. :D
For today, I was just thinking how I wanted to share some random things with you . . . you know, as if I don't do that ALL THE TIME. ;)
So here we go:
1. I've been listening to Christmas songs already! (I know, I know, shame. heap the shame) Most importantly, I've been listening to N*Sync's MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS. This song always reminds me of bringing hot chocolate over to the MC guys house as they decorated their house/s for Christmas. They would decorate it like so, clark griswold style:
Rich Wolter was the mastermind behind it all—He's my christmas lights hero ;) But anyway, they would decorate the house and then put a boombox by the window and would be BLASTING Christmas music into the front yard and anyone else within a 5 mile radius. Strangers would seriously stop by and take pics in front of the house. It was all a part of keeping Austin weird. ;) But part of that mix was this hippy hoppy song that i STILL get stuck in my head. But it's okay cause it always brings back the fun memories :D
2. I'm going to be a LADYBUG for Halloween! Now when I first thought of being a ladybug, all that came to mind was the ladybug man Francis from A Bug's Life. You know, this guy . . . But lest you be deceived, I will NOT be that kind of ladybug. I will also not be dressing up as a "SEXY" Ladybug. Though I have contemplated making a sign that says "SEXY" around my neck just so i can tell people i'm a sexy ladybug. It could work. hmmm. nah. you're right. it wouldn't. Instead, I shall be a beautiful mexican ladybug and I MAY even bust out with a rousing rendition of LA CUCARACHA just to remain true to my roots without the grossness of actually dressing up as a cockroach. 3. Lately I've been debating between which song is sadder . . . ENOUGH FOR NOW by The Fray, which details the strained relationship he had with his grandfather.
or
CAVES by Jack's Mannequin, which gives an account of going through treatment for leukemia during Andrew McMahon's battle with cancer.
They're both sad. But both beautiful songs. There's something so mesmerizing to me when you can take sad, tragic, harsh realities and make them beautiful expressions in art.
Speaking of Andrew McMahon (and let's get real, I could speak about him for a LOOOOONNNG TIME!) I've listened to ONLY ASHES by his original band, Something Corporate on repeat for the past hour. It's so good that I had the rock fist pumping while sitting at my desk. that's good. just sayin' :D
3. Kelley Rowe will be here in Seattle with me in a month! Wheeeee!!! She's amazing and I'm so glad she's going to be here to enjoy the city sights and sounds with me! Copious amounts of coffee and live music will ensue. Rest assured my friends, it's true. We're going to go see Parachute play at the WaMu Theater with Kelly and then we're going to go see Justin Nozuka play live with Sam Bradley at Neumos a couple days before she heads back to Austin! And we'll be sure to catch some live performances at Easy Street Records as well :D
Speaking of Parachute . . . Here's one of their new promo pics taken by Jeremy Cowart.
For those who aren't familiar with the band, that's (from left to right) Kit French, Nate McFarland, Will Anderson, Johnny Stubblefield, and Alex Hargrave
it's STUNNING! Will is gorgeous, and not just cause he's good looking, but his voice, his talent, the glimpses of his personality you see in their Video Fridays and interviews, makes me wish I'd have gone to UVA four years ago to major in music like he did. ;)
I love it!
4. I ABSOLUTELY love fall in Seattle! It's so colorful and so accomodating to my personality. :D You know, sweet, breezy, and the perfect excuse for hot chocolate or coffee :D Just sayin'. I'm going to another pumpkin patch this Saturday with my small group, then I'm going to stop by another friend's house who has a holiday tradition of making homemade doughnuts, and then I'm going out with an ex-co-worker for dinner before she moves back to Reno where she's from. It'll be a busy, but sweet weekend and i can't wait to carve my new pumpkin on Sunday. One of our housemates is moving out :( and we're throwing her a going away party! The mexican food, chocolate, board games, and karaoke will be flowing people!
5. There's no place like home for the holidays! Thus, come hell or high-water, I will be coming home for Christmas! If you're in the ATX, mark your calendars now! I'll be home from December 24th (I fly in the 23rd so I'll probably get settled in that night) through the 1st of January (I fly out the 2nd) and then when I get here, hopefully my new friend, who i could've almost met at the Parachute/The Script concert will be in Seattle and we'll hang out before she & her friend leave back to Canada on the 3rd. One of the vacation days will be devoted JUST to shopping for gifts (probably the 24th) so if anyone wants to join me, please do! I realize I won't get to see everyone, but stay tuned to my twitter (on the right hand side of the blog) to keep up with where I'm at and give me a holla and we can join up quickly or you can join me for lunch, dinner, coffee, etc. :D it's gonna be so fun, especially since I probably won't be home again till next summer!
That's all for now! Stay tuned for more :D
Oh, and if you missed the video link from my tweet yesteday on how I get pumped up at home on Glee nights, here it is for your enjoyment!
I noticed I had mail in my mailbox today at the house, so I opened up the little envelope inside and lo and behold, the concert tickets for me and Kel to go see Parachute opening for Kelly Clarkson came in the mail!!!
YESSSSS!!! It is ON!!! :D I'm so stoked!
Since I don't get paid vacation till next March, I'm going to be working 2 extra hours each work day to make up time so I can have quality time for a Thanksgiving and Christmas break and THIS is part of my motivation! Getting to go to this show is amazing enough, but getting to go with Kelley is just SUPER DUPER FANTASTIC AMAZING!! :D
I'm so excited I could cry! . . . or maybe that's the lack of sleep setting in already. In any event, it's off to bed for me! Night folks! :D
Got to go to El Corazon last night to see OWLS TO ATHENSand BOBBY LONG! It was so much fun! I got to meet cool new people and got to listen to some awesome live music! I'm seriously so grateful for having grown up in the Live Music Capitol of the world. There is definitely power in music. It can lift you up, help you understand someone better, and be a great outlet for all those things you always wanted to put into words but never could.
Even watching the opening band (whose name I didn't catch) and seeing this kid. . . literally I think they were freshmen or something. And when he was playing he looked so nervous, as most would expect. . . i mean, it was a pretty well known and respected venue. . . and he was part of the opening act for BOBBY LONG . . . so it was understandable. But I just remember thinking, "Man, once that kid learns to relax and work the audience, he'll be on his way." I really did enjoy all their music though. I just wish I had gotten their names.
Annie is a friend of mine from church and her husband Chris plays in a band called Owls to Athens and they did so awesome! I love their tunes and it's great to know people who are just as into live music as me :D
Then Dave Hannon came up, and I must say. . . they were actually my least fave. They weren't bad, I just wish that Dave would've taken more risks with the guitar riffs. I felt like the majority of the show was being held up by the little flair that the drummer had. Which, it's good that the drums are present and accounted for, but when it becomes a drum show rather than a vocals and rock guitar show. . . I start to lose interest. One person should not carry the entire band. . . the band should give equally. . . be EQUALLY as daring to push the rhythms and to blast the voice to give clarity to the lyrics. . . which I barely understood :(
And then when Bobby Long came out, it was so epic awesome! His voice is so amazing and soulful. I LOVE when singers let the music speak beyond the lyrics. It was such an intimate setting and I had so much fun singing along. The ONE video I really wanted to record was for his song WHO HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING but my camera was being kind janky so I didn't get it. :(
But here's a youtube version:
Good, eh? I thought so.
In any event, it was a great night and I had so much fun! Here are some pics from the show:
I had SO MUCH FUN at the Parachute & The Script concert! It was a rockin' good show. . . so good in fact that the next day, my voice was all hoarse and raspy from yelling and singing along. Love it! I got to share some good laughs with other fans in the crowd as well. It was so ridiculously hot and sweaty in the AC-less venue, that we were mapping out a game plan for how to dump massive amounts of water on anyone who got in a fight, and tell them to COOL IT! hahahahaha we're dorks, I know.
Here are some pics from the show:
AND, they're coming back to Seattle in November! I can't wait!
I am a mexican chick, born in Germany, raised in Austin, TX, and now currently living in Seattle, WA. I'm funny, weird, and just plain quirky, but then again, there's a lot of us out there. :) My favorite color is baby blue, I love pop culture trivia, chocolate, decorating, designing stuff and singing off key in public ♥ Among other things, I love family, friends, COFFEE, finding the humor in the silliest things, laughing, talking about old memories & making new ones ♥ I do NOT like cigarette smoke, wearing skirts, anything outdoorsy, the 80's, very loud people in elevators, rapists, certain shades of pink ♥ I am a daddy's girl all the way! ♥ I'm comfortable with being me ♥ I love making a difference in peoples' lives, helping, loving, teaching and watching them get to know Jesus ♥ I love my neice and hope to have kids of my own someday. ♥ I love God and I love living my life for Him and learning along the way!
