“Expect the best, plan for the worst and prepare to be surprised.” – Denis Waitley

I have discovered that we either spend too much time making plans or do not take enough time to map out our future. I have also discovered both instances can be damaging.

Planning for success allows it to happen. However, getting bogged down in the details of those plans can cause missed opportunities. Opportunities are what allow us to learn. Learning is what brings about change. Changes provide surprises. And surprises are the spice of life.

Bottom line…plan to be surprised.

PLAN TO UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD:

That’s right. When you are attending a birthday party with eight kids running around having a great time, why not join in on the fun?

It was Ally’s birthday and she’s REALLY shy.

So we made sure to be very serious when anyone took a picture (Right Chloe and Gracyn?) …

PLUS, check out Cash’s aim on this shot.

That is a machine gun dart gun y’all. That means 25 shots to the back in just 10 seconds…unless you can seize the weapon quickly. I lost.

Finally, there was the dancing. You can’t leave a party without a little dancing. Right kids?

Thanks to Gracyn, Zak, Chloe, Layla, Ally and Cash for educating me on the music they are currently listening to (Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood AND many more) as well as showing me the correct way to dance. Zak even took over as DJ and did an excellent job!

DON’T BE SURPRISED BY THE YEARS BETWEEN YOU AND CHILDHOOD:

Speaking of dancing…In just one wedding dance, I re-visited my entire childhood! Seriously. Check it out HERE. Awesome. They even included “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff).” *tear*

(You don’t have to judge me…I already do.)  ;-)

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IF THE PINATA BREAKS AWKWARDLY:

Make sure when you buy a Dora the Explorer pinata, that the head also breaks open. Otherwise, you could really scare some children when Dora is just hanging there by a rope. I mean Megan had to take the place of Dora’s smashed candy-filled body as to not terrify the children.

SURPRISE APPEARANCES BY ACTORS:

While channel surfing the other night, I paused. Is that Ray Liotta on “Hannah Montana”?!! No. Way. I couldn’t even go see “Unlawful Entry” back in the day because the TRAILER gave me nightmares. That dude was scary! Now he’s on Hannah Montana?! That’s like putting Bruce Willis in High School Musical. I don’t think John McClane’s catch phrase would sound as cool in musical form. Told ya.

However, I actually sat there and watched 10 minutes of the show in utter amazement…and Ray was funny. Still…scary.

PLAN TO LAUGH AT REALITY SHOW LEGAL LANGUAGE:

While signing a friend up for “The Bachelorette” recently, I cracked up at the rules. These rules and regulations for the show actually include a definition of the word “single” (for those who are confused). Can we distribute that definition to people around the country? I think it might come in handy. Just sayin’…

SURPRISE DECORATIONS IN BARS:

What does it look like the little figures on this drum are doing?

We conducted a completely unscientific survey at this local Nashville bar (Name that bar) because it was so amusing.

It ended up somewhere between the “Jump On It” dance or the “Ride the Donkey” (via The 69 Boyz) dance. Please. Please. Don’t act like you don’t know about what I am speaking. Will and Carlton do.

P.S. After that video finished playing, THIS happened. Overwhelming shame washed over my generation for this tune. Good thing I NEVER listened it. “Boom. Boom. Acka. Lacka. Lacka. Boom…”

PLAN TO BE ARTISTICALLY HUMORED, IMPRESSED AND EDUCATED:

In the humorous category…check out the Lady Antebellum spoof (a.k.a. “Lady Haze”) of Lee Brice’s song “Love Like Crazy.” They aptly renamed the tune “Biscuits and Gravy.” I was crying tears of laughter the first time I heard it. Can’t wait for their next “Lady Haze.”

Next up is the video for Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie.” This one is already conjuring up controversy for the subject matter. It’s not a big secret that Eminem tends to welcome a little controversy. However, this video was done really, really well.

This is not meant to glorify domestic violence in ANY WAY. It is written and sang in a first person account from both sides of the story. It’s not justifying abuse. It’s explaining the mindset of both people who are trapped in the domestic violence cycle. Both Eminem and Rihanna have experience with the topic. I can only assume that this is their way of explaining.

Let it be said that there is NOTHING okay or right about domestic violence. It is NEVER justified. It is NEVER the fault of the person being abused. There is NEVER a good reason to stay. There is ALWAYS help a phone call away.

Megan Fox stars in the video and donated all of proceeds for her work to a local shelter for abused women. Megan…RESPECT.

SURPRISE DISCOVERIES:

Speaking of Eminem…In a recent SPIN Magazine article, Eminem talks about not being up-to-date internet usage. The rapper purposely stays off of Twitter and Facebook because he doesn’t think he would be able to handle all of the feedback from strangers on a daily basis.

“If I learn now, I’m going to be on that bitch all day looking at comments about me, and it’s going to drive me crazy.”

I don’t blame him one, little bit. Can you imagine having to read thousands of opinions and comments about you (and all the things people think are wrong with you as a person) every day?! That would be overwhelming and at time soul crushing I would imagine.

Speaking of insane…I never thought I’d find a cupcake place that could beat GiGi’s here in Nashville. Well, hello Ivey Cakes! (Yeah. Yeah. I just realized the logo is upside down, but you get the picture.)

On the medical front of surprise discoveries…

A study in Japan says making out helps diminish allergies. So…no shots? No doctor visits? No medicine? All we have to do is make out with a hot man to be cured?! Thank you Japan.

PLAN TO SEE A NEW MOVIE OR RE-WATCH AN OLD ONE:

After much raving from friends and family, I decided to see the movie “Inception.” Holy awesomeness Batman! That thing had me focused and thinking from the moment it started. At times, I was confused. At times, I was relieved. At times, I was distraught. At times, I was on the edge of my seat.

However, I was at full attention…all of the time. See it. Leo did his best acting job…maybe ever. It’s just an incredible movie on all fronts.

AAAAANNNNND…Major League was on TV this weekend. This made me very happy. I have hearted that flick since I was a kid. “Hello. Do you know us? We’re a major league baseball team…”

If nothing else, I learned… 1) Specific songs can make you pitch fast and accurate; 2) Mind games can help you win your division and 3) Never mess with Jobu’s rum

DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU HAVE A GREAT TIME AT THE LOCAL FAIR:

I’ve been to fairs all over the country and they are always a good time. Those things are built for fun! I mean, you have rides like this…

You can lose a quick $2 at one of those booths with games that look pretty simple to win. How did I miss two shots in a basket one foot away?! I blame it on the heels.

There are extremely interesting vegetables like this eggplant that won for “Most Unique Shape.” Ummm….yeah.

I learned about gardening and Brit learned about good ham.

Just because I’m from Kansas, doesn’t mean I know a whole lot about farming. However, it’s important to learn…that I should never attempt to grow things, because I’ll kill them (on accident!). RIP…Christmas poinsettia.

PLUS, I can find a K-Stater anywhere. At the Williamson County Fair, it was Charlie from the Kansas State Wildcats Class of 1965. WHOOOP! WHOOOP! It was a pleasure my friend.

PLAN TO WATCH COLLEGE GAMEDAY (SPECIFICALLY CHRIS FOWLER):

I have loved Chris, Lee and Kirk since this day back in 1998. These guys are fun, smart, sarcastic and knowledgable about the topics they discuss. They are everything commentators should be and they have made my fall Saturday mornings better every, single year.

Desmond Howard joined the crew in 2008 and this year Erin Andrews brings her sports knowledge to the table starting with the additional first hour of the show beginning at 9am Eastern/8am Central on September 4th.

Who’s your team? If it’s Nebraska…I’m sorry. KIDDING! Sort of.

IT’S NOT A SURPRISE…IT’S ABOUT TIME:

This is the section for congratulations. There are four people who I would like to congratulate for being so awesome at what they do and recently being recognized for those talents.

1. Congrats to Trevor Rosen for signing a publishing deal with Black Ink Music. He is one of the best songwriters in town people! Yeah, I said it.

2. Congrats to Lee Brice for scoring his first Top 5 song on the Country charts with “Love Like Crazy.” It’s a great tune and Lee’s an amazing artist.

3. Congrats to Jerrod Niemann for his first #1! That’s right #1 y’all with the song “Lover, Lover.” It’s like butter. Can’t wait for you to fall in love with the next single, “What Do You Want.”

4. Finally, congrats to Billy Dawson for winning the MDA/Clear Channel “Get Discovered” National competition. Billy is one of four winners who will perform on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over Labor Day Weekend. The winning entry was Billy’s song “She Makes Me.” He’s an amazing artist with a huge heart and it’s a wonderful event. Tune in y’all!

PLAN ON A VARIETY OF SONGS:

By now you understand that the songs on the song of the week list are going to come from everywhere. They find me throughout the week. I don’t find them. Shall we?

1. “Always On My Mind” by Michael Buble. He does an absolute beautiful job with this tune, because Michael is SMOOOOOTH. The song was made famous by Elvis (Okay, okay. Willie Nelson too). You know how much I hate anyone to cover an Elvis song, but Michael is the man on this one.

2. “Good Life” by OneRepublic. Love the band and I heart the feel good tune. It’s one of the few songs on the second album that sound like the band I fell in love with a few years back. It just makes you feel good.

3. “Doesn’t Anyone Hurt Anymore” by Travis Tritt. It was 2002. That was THE BEST live show I have ever seen. This one took place in the CMT Studios and it was for a new series CMT was starting called “CMT: Crossroads.” Who was Travis singing with you ask? Ray Charles. Ray. Freakin’. Charles. There are no words for that experience. I can never duplicate it and writing words to describe it will never give it justice. Let me just say this song has a special place in my heart…as do Travis Tritt and Ray Charles.

4. “Believe In You” by Amanda Marshall. “Somewhere someone’s reaching. Trying to grab that ring. And somewhere there’s a silent voice learning how to sing. And some of us can’t move ahead. We’re paralyzed with fear. And everybody’s listening, cause we all need to hear I believe in you. I can’t even count the ways that I believe in you. And all I want to do is help you to believe in you.” Enough said.

5. “Thinking Over” by Dana Glover. It’s such a great tune about making one of the most (if not THE most) important decisions of your life. “And I can’t really tell you what I’m gonna do. Cause there are so many thoughts in my head. There are two roads to walk down and one road to choose. So I’m thinking over the things that you said.”

6. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. This song may have single-handedly got me through every workout session I ever did in college. How can you not love this tune? The band even references characters from songs recorded 20 years ago. That. Is. Awesome. “This is for ones who stood their ground. For Tommy and Gina who never backed down.” This is an anthem needed at numerous points in life. “I aint gonna be just a face in the crowd. Gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud. It’s my life. It’s now or never. I aint gonna live forever. I just wanna live while I’m alive. It’s my life. The heart is like an open highway. Like Frank S said, I did it my way. I just wanna live while I’m alive, cause it’s my life.” Live on y’all. Live on!

7. “Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland. I know the feedback on this one is split right down the middle. It’s catchy and fun. Here is my argument for why I love it. Music is a feeling and Sugarland has a very, specific way of making songs truly sound like those feelings. They are not always 1,000 feet in depth. Sometimes they are tons of fun. Sometimes they are sassy. Sometimes they feel like pain. This duo has always found a way to translate. I appreciate and adore the goofy fun in this tune. It even has a wink to the reggae sound. Watch the video. Fun-NY.

8. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. Hey! You know you’ve danced to it. LOVE. IT. I got to see a dance party with a bunch of kids doing this dance. It was awesome. They danced circles around me.

9. “Truly” by Jared Blake. It still stands as one of my favorite love songs of all time. I am waiting for a very, smart established artist to snap this up and record it. However, I’m not sure I can hear anyone else sing it after hearing Jared sing it. He is on his way to becoming that established artist I’m talking about and I’m hoping he brings this song with him. It’s amazing. “When I found you, baby without a sound you spun my world around you and I’ll never know how. How I need you, even when I don’t want to. I say it too much you know I do. But God I truly love you.”

10. “Scream” by Chris Cornell. This tune is just too cool for words and it helps get all the stress out. Trust me on this one.

11. “Rocks in Your Shoes” by Emily West. Any time I feel like whining, this song knocks me out of the mood. It’s awesome and can actually even better the mood. “I guess you gotta make a choice when it hits the fan. You can get a little down or get a little mad. When there’s stones in the road, only one thing to do. You’ve gotta learn to walk with rocks in your shoes.”

12. “Small Town” by John Mellencamp. If you’re from a small town (even if you live in a big city now), there is no need for me to explain the sheer greatness of this tune. It is everything a song should be and always takes me home.

DON’T BE SURPRISED WITH GREAT, NEW EP RELEASES:

Rob Blackledge. You’ve heard me rave about him before both as a Featured Artist and as a reviewed artist. He is just an amazing singer/songwriter/entertainer.

A new EP titled “The Place Where Everyone Falls in Love” recently showed up at my door and I gladly listened when I saw the name on the envelope.

There are some really, cool songs on this one. It’s totally different than the Rob you’ve heard in the past. This EP cruises you all the way through summer. All you need is a beach, a towel, a boat and your swimsuit.

We start with the beat laden song “Paradise” which also happens to keep the laid back “beachy” feel. You can almost hear the ocean waves right along with the music. “And the music, it played. And the singers, they sang. And the lovers all danced the night away. I get lost in your eyes making love by the fire light. The perfect day in paradise.”

Next up is the title track, “The Place Where Everyone Falls in Love.” It describes exactly what it says. Imagine holding hands with that special someone, walking down the beach at sunset with the water drifting over your feet in the sand. That is the feel delivered by this song. “You can’t escape the sun on your face…the sound of the waves…a lover’s embrace. Cause this is the place where everyone falls in love.”

“Sailing Away” is one of two songs on the CD that has pieces of Rob music from the past…in the way of feel/sound. However, it still keeps with the relaxing summer vibe of the EP.

“Stay Right Here” is my favorite of the five tunes. It is sweet, sexy and romantic without being over the top. This song is reminiscent of his previous songs in the way of style. The guitar joins his voice like they are friends narrating a story to an enthralled audience. It is slow and easy and makes it simple for the listener to sit back and relax after a long day.

“Summer Saturday” has a vacation feel without ever leaving your house. It is the sweet plea from one lover to another. “Even if our dreams remain fantasy, I don’t mind. Just stay right here with me.”

Overall, it’s a cool departure from what you are used to from Rob. This is an EP crafted for summer fun and love and relaxation. Mission accomplished. Great job by Rob Blackledge. Check out the tunes y’all!

ANNNNNNND then there is Blake Shelton.

This is my favorite set of six songs from Blake in a while…and I’m a fan of all of his music. This grouping is just special. He takes you through the emotional gamut one 3 1/2 minute song at a time…and it’s awesome.

“That Thing We Do” – It’s the fun song. The tune takes you to a little lake in the middle of a huge field where no one but you and your baby can be found. It’s exciting and down home all at the same time. “Baby, let’s go snuggle up in my truck. Windows down. Radio up. Just you and me. Nothin between us, but jeans and with a little luck we’ll shuck them off before the night is through. And we’ll be doin’ that thing we do.” Favorite line: “I’ll tuck you into my pick up bed.”

“Suffocating” – My favorite tune on the EP. This one is written by Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and Miranda Lambert. It’s one of those special songs. Heartbreak and longing is such a universal feeling. Two female writers put it into words and Blake make the words sting (in a good way). “The memory of what used to be cuts me like a thorn. Loneliness starts rolling in like thunder from the storms. My strength starts to sway. I feel the winds of change. It’s such a paralyzing place. Oh and it’s suffocating. When I think it’s dead and gone, then it starts to rain oh and it grows again. I find myself out in your driveway. My hands are frozen on the wheel and I can feel your love still. Suffocating.” Added bonus: Hillary Scott is also singing background vocals.

“Got a Little Country” – It’s a man showing his love for a sassy, country girl. “Yep! Yep!” The song is delivered fast like an auctioneer and details how a city girl can be a little country with the right man. How many songs contain Manolo Blahnik in the lyrics? It discusses shoes?! I. Am. In. “She may look like New York, Miami, L.A., but when it comes to lovin me she aint that way. She got a little country…got a little country…got a little country in her.”

“All About Tonight” – It’s the current #1 song in the country and is about embracing life as it comes at you. This is when people are only out for fun…no commitment. The title says it all. I like to call it the Gatorade anthem. “Don’t bother tellin’ me what I got comin in the mornin’. I already know. I got some feel good pills and a red Gatorade by my bed ready to go.” HAHAHAHA!

“Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” – It’s a close second on my favorite of the EP. This is the tune for a man who wants more than just to see you naked. WOW! And I mean WOW! “My, oh, my. You’re so good lookin’. Hold yourself together like a pair of bookends. But I’ve not tasted all your cookin’. Who are you when I’m not lookin’? I wanna know. I wanna know. I wanna know. Do you break things when you get mad? Eat a box of chocolates cause you’re feelin’ bad? Do you paint your toes, cause you bite your nails? Call up Mamma when all else fails?”

“Draggin the River (Featuring Miranda Lambert)” – It’s the hilarious song that Blake fans have come to know, love and expect from him. Two families who are not big fans of their relative’s significant other?! That never happens. Added bonus: Blake’s fiancee Miranda Lambert helps him out on this tune.

PLAN ON FINDING GOOD MUSIC ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY:

Usually, I’m also traveling around the country to hear great artists. This time, they came to me at The 5 Spot right here in Nashville.

I was technically on vacation when Chicago native Dan Tedesco and Columbus, Ohio based Andy Shaw Band played at the end of July. Therefore, I was only listening for enjoyment and not taking notes.

However, I have to mention them both, because it was an interesting change of pace and a whole lot of fun. The two represented their respective cities and states well. Give both a listen when you get a chance. Please and thank you.

And Thanks to Dan for Rockin On Together with me!

SURPRISE TRIBUTES TO LEGENDS OF OUR PAST:

It has been 33 years to the day we lost the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. There are no words to describe the mark Elvis Presley left on the world of music and pop culture in general.

No one can mimic him. Few even try. This is an artist who literally CREATED an entire genre of music. Generation after generation has consumed the notes and rhythms and passion of his music.

That is why the tribute I watched this morning from Matt Ramsey and his adorable little duet partner was probably the most appropriate for this day. Check it out HERE.

Elvis’ legend lives on…RIP to the King.

PLAN TO BE ENTERTAINED:

That is what happened to me this past week at the Williamson County Fair. Aside from all the enjoyment experienced above, I also got to enjoy two wonderful performers that night.

First up was Jordyn Shellhart. I had no idea how great this 16-year-old phenom was going to be. She literally was starting her Junior year of High School the following day. So I’ll be honest. I assumed the songwriting would be filled with teenage scenarios and predictable lyrics. This was based solely on her age. I was very, very wrong.

She started with the defiant “I will get over you” tune called “You Don’t Get to Get to Me” with a chorus that says it all. “You don’t get to get to me. Don’t get to be a reason I lose sleep. Don’t get to hear I’m lost without you. Truth is I aint thought about you. All you are is a big, black cloud in my past and Baby, I’m all rained out. I’ve let you go. I’ve set you free. You don’t get to get to me.”

The voice is sweet and right on target with some bluegrass/country vocal undertones. The themes of each song contain depth and meaning. Jordyn delivers the tunes with a confidence that surpasses her age.

How would a teenager today discuss the problems in the world? She has some choice words for the adults creating such a mess in the tune “My Generation.” The economy, environment and health care are all inclusive when it comes to the response…”When it’s said and done, it all falls on my generation.”

And how might her generation help to fix things? You can find the answer in “Save the Neighborhood.” It’s about changing the world one step at a time by making a positive difference in the world around you. “Cause if you want to save the world, you’ve got to save the neighborhood.”

This is not your typical 16-year-old ladies and gentlemen. Signed to SeaGayle Music Publishing and Sony Music Nashville, it seems as though Jordyn is ready to tackle the music industry AND high school. Good luck with both Jordyn.

Next up was Chuck Wicks.

I started listening to Chuck Wicks’ music for one reason. That reason was a song on a Steve Holy album called “Lead Me On.” As a fan of the songwriters in this town, I always figure out who writes the tunes to which I attach. Mr. Wicks was a co-writer on “Lead Me On,” so I figured he had to have some great stuff on his own album. I was correct.

I have only seen Chuck live once or twice and one of those times was a short, two-song songwriter’s round. That is why I had no idea how funny this guy could be. Chuck brought out the humor on that evening. And the entertainment was awesome.

The progression of Chuck’s songs read like chapters in a book. The tunes have grown and changed and encompassed different mindsets and emotions over the past years of his career.

That night we got to hear “Stealing Cinderella” which was the first tune released to radio in 2007. The sweet, thoughtful and romantic song rightfully catapulted him into the Top 5 on the charts. There was the sweet, fun and intoxicatingly catchy “All I Ever Wanted.” That tune gets trapped in my head all day long if I hear it in the morning. And now there is the temperature rising, extremely seductive and daringly hot “Hold That Thought.”

The audience also got to hear many songs off of the upcoming album. These tunes had a whole new feel to them. The overall feel is a prefect mixture of idealism, memories, roll-with-the-punches attitude and romance.

Chuck’s favorite on the new album is a song called “Old School.” It is laid back fun that throws you back into your memory to good times with old friends. The country reggae inspired “Don’t You Wanna Ride in My Convertible” leaves a listener wanting to respond with a resounding…yes. In the tune “Worries Out the Window,” the singer coaxes the audience into chanting along with a “Hey, hey, hey…” and it is simple to find many swaying in their seats to the sound. Finally, there is “She Gets to Me” which requires movement.  It is impossible to sit still as the singer ponders whether or not he should tell a woman how he feels. “I like the way she talks to me. I like the way she walks with me. I like a girl, but she don’t know it yet.”

What I found most impressive about the singer/songwriter during this show was the comfort he displayed on stage. It was the best I have ever hear Chuck sing with vocals touching each note perfectly and in time. Many singers have an issue with the segues in between songs. This is Chuck’s strength. There is just enough explanation, just enough crowd interaction and just enough humor to keep the show moving at the perfect pace.

How many artists do you know who will cover Justin Bieber just for fun because the kid was in town playing at the arena (Told ya I’d mention Justin Bieber somewhere)? Or bust into some 80’s inspired tunes to ignite a memory in the minds of those enjoying the show (“Turn around. Every now and then…”)? Or understand that it’s okay to talk one-on-one to the crowd because the show is an experience shared by each person in attendance? Chuck Wicks gets it.

I’m glad I got the opportunity to see such a great full band show. Carry on Chuck. Carry on.

DON’T BE SURPRISED BY AN OUTPOURING OF LOVE:

On Thursday, it was off to 3rd and Lindsley to celebrate and remember a great man by the name of Gary Smith.

Many amazing artists were on hand to pay tribute to Gary and it was a joy to listen to all the feelings they had to express through music.

First up was Marcel. Do you want to know what Marcel is good at artistically? A little bit of everything. I’m not kidding. This guy is a successful songwriter (“Nothin’ to Lose” by Josh Gracin, “There’s More to Me Than You” by Jessica Andrews), director (“She Won’t Be Lonely Long” Clay Walker music video), singer (“Country Rock Star”) and did I mention he was also a professional hockey player? Yeah. It must suck to be so talented.

Marcel organized the event and I got to hear him sing some great tunes like “The Good Life.” It details why this life we live is worth every second. “The good life. No worries on my mind. Everyone I love is still alive and time goes by so fast. We live, laugh, love, die, cry. It’s all part of the good life.”

He was followed by another incredible singer/songwriter, Jessica Andrews. I have been enjoying Jessica’s music since she was 15-years-old. This is a woman who knows how to pick a song and then sings the heck out of it. I am rarely disappointed with her choices. What I cannot believe I forgot was the sheer power of her voice. Jessica can SAAAAANG. I was able to hear two tunes that I absolutely adore.

First, was the utterly soul crushing “Everything.” She vocally details lost love in such a way that even as a listener, it is difficult to breathe. “I think about you every, single day. Every second, every minute, every prayer I pray to get you back in my arms. What I’d give to have you around. Every night I lay awake, cause I can’t sleep. Midnight to morning feels like a damn week. I miss you so much I can barely breathe. You are my everything.”

Last was the tune that stands as one of my favorites of all time. Written by Brett James and Troy Verges, “Who I Am” says it all. Jessica gives it a perfect vocal lift with convincing phrase structure. (FYI…I once asked Brett James if his Grandmother was named Rosemary. She’s not.)

Trevor Rosen even got up to sing one in the form of one of the first songs he wrote after landing in Music City. It’s also one of the first songs I ever heard Trevor sing a few years back. The tune is called “One More Night With You.” Great song from a great guy.

You know fun is about to be had when Keith Anderson takes the stage. After a rousing rendition of “Pickin’ Wildflowers” and a heartfelt “I Still Miss You,” Marcel requested Keith close out his portion of the show with “Lost In This Moment.” Keith happily obliged and the crowd happily listened. Added bonus…Chad Warrix of Halfway to Hazard currently plays guitar for Mr. Anderson on the road. Since he was at this show as well, Keith and the guys joined in on harmonies for the Halfway to Hazard song “Daisy.” If you haven’t heard it, listen. DAMN IT! That is a great tune and the guys did it justice that evening. *wiping away tears*

If you are an American Idol devotee, you know all about the wonder that is Bo Bice. This guy has some SOUL in his voice and it was delivered in the form of “Different Shades of Blue.” There is a texture to the sound he delivers that is unmatched and it is perfect for this tune. “You may think that I’m lying, but I swear that it’s true. If you think hurt only comes in one color, well I’ve got news for you. I’ve seen it all in different shades of blue.”

I also adored the new single Bo sang called “You Take Yourself With You.” I think we’ve all been in that spot where we think some physical change will solve some problem. As you grow up, you learn that is SO not the case. “Time to go. There’s nothing left but leaving. When you know, you know. You just can’t fight that feeling. You can climb the highest mountain. Go where no one’s ever gone. On a crowded city sidewalk you might find yourself alone. In the middle of the desert. Anywhere the wind blows. Son, you take yourself with you wherever you go.”

This is where the WTF moment enters into play. First of all, I have to apologize to my friend Lori. She has been trying to get me to see/hear this next entertainer for a while now. It’s not that I didn’t want to hear this woman. It’s just that I have always had something planned when Shelly Fairchild was playing in the past. From this point forward, I will cancel all other plans to attend a Shelly Fairchild event.

Let me put it this way, she sang one song. One. Freakin’. Song. That’s all it took for me to become an instant fan. This woman is AMAZING!! She’s got raw soul. Every, single word MEANS something based on the way Shelly delivers the note. There are big band elements in the music as well as rock and country influences. It is impressive. Wow! I mean…Wow! Did I mention Wow?!

Here is how she introduced herself to the room. “I’m feelin’ love y’all. That’s what I feel. Every time I let go of my fear. Freedom, free from the hatred. Oh Lord, how long I’ve waited to arrive where I’ve landed in peace and understanding. One thing that time has taught me. You’ve got to love everybody.” That, my friends, is an artist. BTW…it’s also the chorus to her song “Love Everybody.” (Photo by: Katie Wolf)

PLAN TO ENJOY THE END OF THE WEEK WITH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES:

That is what I did this weekend. It was off to AJ’s Bar to enjoy the musical stylings of Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Josh Osborne.

Do I really need to tell you how amazing these guys are? Yeah. I didn’t think so. If you don’t know by now, I am sad for you. Go listen!

DON’T BE SURPRISED THAT SMART ASS TWEETS ARE MY FAVORITES:

So I couldn’t pick just one “Tweet of the Week.” There were three that had me laughing out loud. So here we go…

1. Blake Shelton (When asked how drunk he got the previous night) “On a scale of 1-10…About a J…”

2. Travis Howard “Awake at 4. Mama drove up for the wknd. Apparently there are several time zones between her generation and mine. Family jet lag.”

3. Tim Fitzgerald “My wife copy edited a story and switched a vampire reference from past tense to present tense because, you know, vampires are real.”

EFF THE PLAN:

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” – Allen Saunders (Later used by John Lennon in the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”)

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. Mike’s Ice Cream…GOOOOOD. That is all.