Since you heard from me last November 19, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Inspiries, Notes to Self, Travels , add a commentMy life looks very different now than it used to. After a very turbulent year or so, the current instability doesn’t seem to be phasing me much. I’m doing pretty well now, thanks. Here’s some of what’s different:
- Last Year: Left my corporate job of 6+ years as an eLearning Developer for GreenPoint Mortgage. Within three months, the whole company folded anyway. Began consulting as an Instructional Designer, part-time and almost fully remotely. This kind of independence works great for my increasingly mobile and musical lifestyle.
- February: Separated from my partner of nearly 10-years, Mary Keydash. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Still suffering a bit on this one.
- March: Turned 32, started writing loads of new music.
- April-May: First Grand Solo Road trip, visiting folks all over from San Francisco to Portland to Colorado to LA and plenty of places in between. Along the way I rekindled connections with family and close friends that had gone untended for far too long.
- June: Incorporated as Snap Synapse, a media content production company shell for my consulting and music work.
- July-August: Taught at kids music camp, attended California-Brazil Camp, had a blast performing all over Burning Man.
- September: Decided Couchsurfing lifestyle (AKA no fixed residence) was working out so well that I would continue through at least June of next year.
- October: Graduated from my 3-year international rhythm training program, becoming a Certified TaKeTiNa Rhythm Teacher.
- November: finished new CD with The Irrationals, revamping One Mouth Band / Organic Human Music web presence.
Through all of the above I’ve been traveling all over both coasts and performing a lot. I plan to continue, but take it international. I’m currently planning trips/performances in Australia/New Zealand (January-February 2009) and Europe (May-June 2009).
If you’e like to get in touch, now is a great time to do so. My phone is the same as it has been for about 8-years now, and you’re welcome to email anytime! I look forward to hearing from you!
Busy Friday November 9, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Music, One Mouth Band, TaKeTiNa, Travels , add a comment
This Friday I’ll be co-leading TaKeTiNa with Zorina Wolf at Stanford University, an Organic Human Music solo set at the San Francisco Green Festival, and a bit of beatboxing with The Vowel Movement at Ashkenaz in Berkeley. If you’re interested, check out my calendar for more details.
License to TaKeTiNa October 21, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Inspiries, TaKeTiNa, Travels , add a commentIt’s official, I am now a fully-qualified TaKeTiNa Rhythm Teacher!
So what does that mean? Well, not too much in and of itself. It just means I can use the TaKeTiNa name to lead rhythm workshops anyplace in the USA. But this basic level certification is the result of the past 3-years of work and a whole life full of changes. This was the last remnant of my former life (of any structure, really) that I have been holding on to. This incredible training program was in fact a catalyst for letting go of everything, and its completion is big for me.
Now what? I don’t know. But I can’t say I’m too bothered by that question these days. Or by any others for that matter. How about that?
California Brazil Camp August 1, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Music, Travels , add a comment
As if my Burning Man trip weren’t enough excitement, this year I’ll be attending California Brazil Camp for the first time! From August 17-23 I’ll be soaking up as much Brazilian music and dance as my little self can stand. (Then it’s on to a day of packing for the Playa, a gig, and driving to the desert!)
Each year people from around the world gather in the small town of Cazadero, California to experience Brazilian culture firsthand. Some come for the music, some come for the dance, while others come just to relax for a week or two under the canopy of the coastal redwoods and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Brazilophiles.
Burning Schedule July 25, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Music, One Mouth Band, TaKeTiNa, Travels , add a comment
T-minus one month, and counting…
I am supremely jazzed to be returning to Burning Man again this year. I’ll be singing up a (dust) storm again as the One Mouth Band with my wearable looping sound system, going gospelicious with the Playa Kwaya, leading rhythm circles, and of course singing with my favoritest group in the world: Acapplaya.
For those of you headed that way too, here’s my schedule as much as I know. There will likely be a lot more performing going on, but probably not any less. I arrive Monday the 25th and leave a week later on Labor Day. I’m camping with Acapplaya again as well, as near to 8 and Corvair as we can get.
One Mouth Band at Jam Camp West July 21, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Music, One Mouth Band, Travels , add a comment
Next week I’ll be teaching daily beatboxing and body percussion classes for 10-14 year-olds at a great new music camp called Jam Camp West. There will also be instrumental ensembles, dancing, singing, and other fun classes designed to turn kids on to music. It’s the junior version of Jazz Camp West and I’m happy to be faculty for this initial launch year!
Oh, the places I’ve been June 21, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Travels , add a commentThanks to some friends on Facebook, I stumbled across this tool to keep track of all the places I’ve been and where I’m headed. Great! A new way to waste time!
Where have I been? Where am I going? May 14, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Hybrid Cars, Randomnimity, Travels , add a commentYeah, so I haven’t been as forthcoming with my posts in the last few months. That’s mostly due to the upheavals in my personal life which I’m not ready to have out here on the internet yet. Suffice it to say that I am traveling around a lot. For example, here’s 5/9-25, including pit stops (I love my 60+MPG hybrid!).
View Larger Map
Carnegie / McFerrin Update March 21, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : One Mouth Band, Travels , add a comment
Well, now due to administrative error it seems I will not be auditing the Instant Opera workshop either. Bummer #2.
On the plus side, I found out one very good reason why I didn’t make the cut: Adam Matta. If I’m losing out to him, it’s cool because the better man definitely won. I had the chance to meet him a few years ago when I was at the East Coast A Cappella Summit. He and Matisyahu were up after me at the Saturday night concert and they were hot! Adam does a whole jazz thing in addition to his formidable beatbox chops. I really hope we get the chance to work together again someday.
Also on the bill is Akim Funk Buddha, another amazing performer and beatboxer. In case you’re curious like me about who else is to be part of the Instant Opera, here are their names and links for all of them I could find. Looks like an astounding mound of talent!
- Clarice Assad
- Max Baillie
- Tim Buchholz
- Stacey Carter
- OluShola Cole
- Camille Dalmais
- Nihan Devecioglu
- Ayelet Rose Gottlieb
- Anne-Marie Hildebrandt
- Christiane Karam
- Sofia Koutsovitis
- Jo Lawry
- Jennifer Jade Ledesna
- Stephanie Nilles
- Antonio Parker
- Randall Scotting
- Gino Sitson
- Charles Turner, III
Not performing there yet, but close… March 4, 2008
Posted by onemouthband in : Music, Travels , add a comment
In a recent post, I mentioned my application to Carnegie Hall to perform with Bobby McFerrin as part of his new Instant Opera. Well, I just got word that I’m not what they’re looking for.
Bummer.
I really wanted it, but I’m not getting too wrapped up in that as I’m planning to go still anyway. Since you can audit the weeklong workshop for $30/day, I’m going for it. Hey, I’ve never been to New York before anyway. Any recommendations, folks?
