On The Road Again.....

       On my way to work last week I was listening to the morning show on 105.5 and I heard Tina Brie talking about how she just got back from vacation and hadn’t yet unpacked.  She was still “living out of” her suit case to savor every last bit of her vacation.  As she was talking about this I looked from my rear view mirror into the backseat.  My green canvas duffle bag was messily half zipped in the middle seat, overflowing with clothes from the last band trip, staring at me.  “oh if only she knew…” my thoughts trailed off on what it is actually like to constantly live out of a suitcase.

      

       Out of any other summer with the band this is the summer we have traveled the most and the summer I have made the most memories.  I remember realizing how busy we were going to be as I watched my mom on the phone, looking at the computer calendar, booking another gig.  The calendar was a mess, dates here, dates there, and she was currently squeezing 2 dates between another packed week.  Being on the road so much lately has been a blast;  we have made so many new friends, met up with old friends and hopefully inspired some.  

       We started off going to Weiser Idaho (with a stop in Colorado), we got home for 3 days, then it was on to Wisconsin for a working fourth of July, 2 more gigs in Wisconsin, then home again to a local gig.  After that we went on to Manitoish Waters, where we met fantastic friends (shout out to the Stinson family and Noah, you guys are the best!) and got to play the most amazing show we have ever played inside the Cozy Cove.  I will never forget how after the last chord of the first song rang out the crowed erupted, everyone on their feet, dancing with each other and singing.  It was almost an overwhelming feeling but I could play that show every night.   

       We didn’t wind down after Manitoish Waters.  After another few days of camping in Green Lake Wisconsin we played 2 more gigs.  We had a small break, home for almost 3 weeks before we headed to Minnesota for the state fiddle contest, where Georgia took 1st in the Open Division, and first in Twin Fiddle Division with Shawn.  Finally just as things looked to be slowing down, we got an email that we had been picked to compete in the John Hartford Boogie Band Contest!  What a blessing it was to be able to go to Kentucky where we reunited with some friends, camped and had a blast playing in the contest where we took 2nd place.  We aren’t quite done yet, the traveling is slowing down but we still get to go to Illinois State Fiddle contest in October and play local gigs all year, not to mention we plan to record a CD this winter (finally! lol).  

       This summer has been plenty of work.  I think sometimes people forget that being a working musician is work.  We practice countless hours and squeezing band practice in between my work schedule, and Georgia and Quin’s school schedule, and Georgia’s radio and teaching schedule is not always easy.  Not to mention time we spend writing music, time practicing on our own, time booking gigs, time we spend on CD art, time in the studio, time on promo posters and pictures.  I love every second and every ounce of work that it takes to be a musician because of what makes it worth it; the people I meet, the places I get to go, and the unique experiences I get to have along the way.

       Being in a band is not always peaches and cream no matter how sweet it looks.  For me lately life has been crazy, not only with the band, but my life in general.  Hey, I am 19 years old, life was bound to get complicated at some point.  I have been so back and fourth between gigs and home and I try my best to balance friends, a boyfriend, work and family.  To be honest I am somewhat awful at balancing people in my life (apologies to the people I love who may feel neglected during our busy months, but I do think of you, pray for you and send you good vibes.  Also I really try to remember to text you back but sometimes it doesn’t happen).  It seems to me that when I am home I am squeezing friend and boyfriend time in between work and band practices, trying not to forget anyone.  Sometimes it can be difficult to be away from friends, who are as close as family, for so long but I definitely have the best of friends.  No matter how long it has been we pick up where we left off.  It seems I hardly ever sleep in my own bed, because if I did my math right…I have slept in my own bed 3 times this month.  That might bother some people but for me I don’t mind, home is where my people are, not where my bed is.

PS: Shout out to Anthony and Hailey, you guys are the best, most honest and understanding friends ever and I wouldn't trade you for anything! I love you so much! thanks for putting up with all my crazy!

PPS:  Before I forget I would also like to thank my new salon girls at Cost Cutters and my awesome boss for putting up with, and working around, my schedule!  You girls have been so kind to me.  It is a huge breath of fresh air to walk into the salon and get a positive vibe or a genuine compliment rather than the dread of going to work. I love my job :)

PPPS: Thanks to Kenny, Ronda and Owen for hanging out with us in Kentucky and being such amazing band friends, you are like family to us and we love you <3

-KJ

The GRFB crew that went to Weiser.... plus some random people who jumped in the pic just because

Me and Mom :) love my momma <3

just beautiful

Out to eat in Idaho

a shot from our trip to Weiser

Otis missed mom

me and G tried to fit some fitness into our lives while we were home

Georgia's Smokey Bear look in Manitoish Waters

from the Cozy Cove show

The Cozy Cove Crowd

Georgia thinks she can skateboard

Georgia.... spear fishing?

hula hooping at the Just Live festival

the first day of school!

got my first car this summer all by myself

Georgia's first place in Mn

Me, Georgia and a little praying mantis

Quin plays an electric mando

Sisters that kazoo together stay together

right before the contest in Kentucky!

when I finally reunited with my bestie we went shopping and found this amazing donut shirt

sisters :)

Anything but Average I Suppose

       So here we are, just a month away from our adventures to Idaho, time to catch you up to speed on what is going on here.  Before we get to go the band has a pretty busy month.  We are preparing for the battle of the bands in Burlington this weekend at Chocolate Fest and doing a few more fundraisers (check out the website for specifics!). (www.Georgiaraefamilyband.com).
I see Quin itching to finish up her first year of high school, I think she can't wait to be out and free to spend her time this summer playing, writing music and baking.  She has been really into making cupcakes and cookies recently and she is getting super good at it, her decorations are always adorable.  I must also add that I am extremely proud of my little sister for getting confirmed at church this past Sunday :)
       I am finding myself struggling to make time for my bar tending classes(they will probably just have to wait until I get back from Idaho) . I am working part time and making the occasional house call for haircuts.  Lately I am trying to save my money so I am not broke when I am frequently off of work during the next few months.  Balancing all I love in life is not always easy, family, friends, work, the band, everything is important to me.  I will make it though, somehow God always finds a way to put everything in the right place and time for me. After all I have always told myself, the thing I want most in life is to live and extraordinary life, then I can settle down. What can I say? I want to be the old lady with cool stories to tell.
       Georgia continues to practice night and day for Weiser(practicing Twin Fiddle in the kitchen with Shawn as I am typing this up) She has been taking a lot more lessons lately, and teaching some more students as well.  Songs that I thought were for sure finished are being added to!  But that is the thing, a song is never done being worked on.  Fiddle tunes are constantly evolving with a good fiddler.
           Sometimes I wonder if these contests are overwhelming for Georgia, all the practice, the pressure she may feel from our supporters, the strain going to part time school might have on her holding a normal social life (this last one goes for Quin too).  She is constantly working towards this goal she has, it makes me wonder from time to time if she questions herself.  Some people have told her it isn't wise to enter the open division in Weiser, but I think what they really mean is that it is not the average way of doing things.  Georgia has never been average, no girl in this family band has ever, in any way, shape or form been average.  Georgia is breaking the mold, you might see it as a family tradition.  Georgia is out to improve herself and gain uncommon life experience.  Striving to better herself, she has always wanted to be the most positive person in the room.  The type of person who brightens and inspires  spirits.  So to those who disagree with her enrollment in the Open:  Georgia isn't joining the Open division to win or have the pride of being the Weiser National Fiddle Champ.  The competition is the best of the best, and Texas Style is difficult, she knows.  Georgia is joining the Open to put herself in the most challenging competition.  This is the way she can learn and hopefully do better than last year.  It isn't about money, prizes or trophies, it is about learning and growing as a fiddler, and hopefully somewhere along the way inspiring someone to pick up something and challenge themselves too.
         Shawn and G sound out of this world right now doing their twin songs :)  I love that I can hear them play all night long, I hear improvement every day from them as a team.  I hear a connection in the way they play together, and that is the way it should be with Twin Fiddle, in my opinion at least haha.

Pictures of whats happening since the last blog post :D

Thank you Harvard Community Radio!

my attempt at a fancy cookies and milk cocktail... only it was just milk so it's not a cocktail... am I a bartender yet?

rocking out on the way to a show

I love doing hair, and I am going to miss it this summer when the band is busy and I can't be in the salon, so let me know if you need a cut!

The baking girl! Those cookies were so good!

After a great show hosted by Off Square Music, big supporters of ours, we love you guys <3

A froyo sister date

Another radio show?!

After Quin got confirmed :) so proud of her :D

Anyways, keep updated when we head to Weiser by following us on facebook and all that good stuff, check out the website if you are looking to come to a show, we would love to see you all :)

Thanks!
-KJ

Idaho Bound!

       Less than 3 months left until we leave for Idaho again this summer!  I can hardly believe it was nearly a year ago, so much has happened in my life and the bands life.  I feel like this year has just flew by me, it couldn't have been a year right!?  But it will be a year, and that seems crazy to me.  I remember thinking last year about how I had grown up so fast, high school was over and my life was about to begin.  I was thinking on how far the band has come since our first little "geriatric tour" and how I have seen Georgia grow into her contest fiddling shoes.   But I look back and 18 wasn't grown up(neither is 19 really haha), and the band still has so much growing to do, and I don't know how but my sister has yet again shown improvement in her fiddling.  On another note I have seen Quin take some great musical leaps this year, lots more guitar playing and song writing and just growing into herself. It's great to see, sometimes you even hear her talk at shows now haha.  Actually in this year we have all been growing just a little more into who we are, and with new life experiences comes song writing! So expect to hear some more originals from us because spiritual growth is great inspiration!

       Anyhow, we are again raising money to get to Idaho, we have a Fundraiser on Saturday (April 18th) at the Unity Spiritual Center in Woodstock, doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8 (go to our website for more info on this concert and others in the future!).  You can also help us by checking out our Go Fund Me page, the link is here on my blog (should be on the upper right side by the "Links you should check out") or on our website.  

        My sisters and I really can't wait to get back to Idaho, not only to compete (this year Georgia will be doing the Open division, and the Twin contest with Shawn)  but to see our friends and jam around the pile of flashlights... because you aren't allowed to have campfires (too dry outside).  We are going to wander around until it gets dark, and go to the swing dance, and workshops, and walk from tent to tent and jam until 3am.  One of my favorite parts about the festival is meeting new and interesting people with funny stories and interesting music backgrounds.  The very best part of going to Weiser Idaho though, is that everyone there can connect on some level, weather it be just the love of music or playing the same instrument.  You can always find someone who knows that Avett Brothers song, or that Crooked Still tune (you might even meet a member of the band... just saying, I might have freaked out a little on the inside when I met Tristan Clarridge).  Weiser is a giant, 1 week long, non stop jam festival and contest for people who love anything form Old- Timey Contest tunes to swing music. 

Here are some pictures from last years adventure!

right before we left, so exited!

me and mom, goofy after a long drive haha

saw this on our way through Colorado

I got to see so many beautiful things

me and mom

getting my dirt from the mountain... not sure if that was allowed or not... oh well, shhhh :D

when you see things like this in person, there is no doubt in your mind that there is God.  This picture doesn't do the real life experience of being there any justice at all.

on the road again

Quin in Colorado

Georgia in Colorado

Jamming in Idaho :D

        Remember when we go we will be posting short daily videos via facebook (just quick little recaps of the day or contest updates) then one bigger video of the week when we get home.  I will also do my best to blog on here to keep you undated!  Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has already donated and to anyone has attended any of our shows, we appreciate all the support and love, you rock!

-KJ

Jamming

       Music is playing throughout our house most of the time during a regular day at our house.  Weather it be my pandora playlist when I am getting ready for work, Georgia practicing contest, or Quin coming up with a melody of her own up in her room (I think she thinks no one can hear her haha, thought wrong Quinnie!).  But my favorite time when music plays in my house is late at night on Saturday (the occasional Friday) and the early hours of the morning on Sunday.  

      The music begins usually after Shawn arrives around 10 or 10:30 at night.  Bringing with him taco ingredients and various odd instruments that he ordered on amazon, we all greet(some would say maul) him with hugs.  We all love Shawn, and he is like a brother to me. :)  Shawn has a way of getting all of the three of us sisters involved together and challenges us to combine our different styles and quirks.  We all three start in on the melodica, goofing off with nursery tunes on the kalimba(is that how you spell it? in simpler terms: its a finger piano) .  Somewhere in time Shawn gets Georgia and Quin to start making up a tune (sometimes I end up playing along, or trying to)  Quin  will dance stubbornly around the same note and pattern throughout the jam, Georgia will dance up and over  and under her, I don't know how but I end up contributing somehow (usually with percussion, sometimes the bass) and Shawn harmonize or change the direction the jam seems to be going in completely.

       Eventually me and Quin have to actually sleep. I will usually head to bed around 12 or 1, because I work on Sundays, and as I head down to bed, the music takes a turn.  Shifting into the most perfect melody to drift off to sleep in.  The twin fiddling.  When Georgia and Shawn play a twin tune together, there is a connection I can feel when I listen.  Starting out with a waltz, or like 12 waltz's (they have a Calvin Vollrath book and there are a lot of waltz's in there!).   Any anxiety I might have had melts away.  As I drift to sleep, they will drift off of their contest pieces and into their own jam.  They just start with a note and carry themselves far, far, far away into something totally new. 

       If I wake in the middle of the night (I often do on a Saturday night/Sunday morning), I wake to a music that is more energetic, or chaotic (there coffee probably kicked in haha).  Look at the clock and it might be 2 or 3 in the morning.  When I drift off to sleep, its usually always after the chaotic part of their jam...  Wake up two hours later and the house will smell like bacon and eggs; and it will sound like half a tune here or there,  frequent tuning and laughter (possibly from sleep depravation? Really I have no idea how they play fiddle for so long).  When I finally get up for work on Sunday at 7am, the house is quiet and it might have been quiet for about an hour, so I turn on the shower and start the music over again with my pandora playlist.

Some Pictures and Videos from Our Jams

 The first video is what the beginning of the night looks like #melodicasolo?

 The second video is a little fiddle vs mando battle between Shawn and Q

Jams :)

we get goofy :)

say what Shawn?

ohhh haha funny

Shawn doing his Shawn thing :)

I just love my life :)

  PS:  Shawn, if it weren't for you none of us would be the musicians we are today so thanks for being my musical brother and putting up with our occasional(maybe more than occasional) bickering :)  We all love you very much!

Colorado

       WOW, a lot has happened since I last blogged, I learned a lot about life and sisters and family and trust, a wild few months, but I don't regret a second of it.  It was a growth spurt for me personally.  And I suppose I would rather learn and hurt and feel  than sit around and do the same routine everyday and learn nothing.

some pictures to catch you up on the last few months

Went to TN to see some family

Dad, Shawn, Georgia and me and Illinois State Contest     

making old songs new

Quin got a new look :) 

Quin is playing originals and Shawn is playing bass!

Georgia Rae, still weird as ever

Because Christmas beard

   


        I would say the band is in the midst of a growth spurt as well.  We are adding songs to the set list, adding instruments and expanding our overall sound.  So much to learn and not enough time it seems.  I am working full time at the Salon, and Georgia is getting ready to get on a plane tomorrow and go to the Colorado Fiddle Championships. I find it hard to believe that this motivated 16 year old, packing her bags for Colorado, is the same fiddler who stood almost in nervous tears during her first contest on the Woodstock Square gazebo.   I never knew how far she would take this whole contest fiddling thing,  I defiantly never expected that my sister would compete against the best of the best of fiddlers; I didn't even know these fiddlers existed or what their world was like.  Watching from the inside however, I  see that contest fiddling is just like any other competitive sport(is it a sport? I dont know).  There is good, bad and ugly, and it is in this world wherever you go, you just have to seek the good, learn from the bad and try to ignore the ugly things that may go on.  Georgia does a pretty good job of that.

       I don't know much about all of the technical things that go into contest fiddling. but I do know what I hear.  What I hear from my little sister is the growing similarity to those that she competes with.  The sound and style of her playing is catching up.  I also see her struggle and get frustrated.   Don't be fooled; even people with the sunniest of disposition need to set the fiddle down for a break now and then. That never sets her back for long.  Over the course of the last few months I have watched her learn new songs, prepare rounds and perfect harmonics.  I have also seen the emotion she puts into every waltz, and the energy into every hoedown, making sure her choice piece is choice-y enough (like I said I know nothing of the technicalities of contest fiddling).   Even if I know nothing technically, I know what I hear.  I can hear the improvement and all the hard work she puts into every song (and there are A LOT of them).  However she may do in Colorado, I know that she will do her best and the trip itself will be an amazing adventure that she will remember for years.  I have seen her work so hard for this, so wish her luck and say some prayers everyone :)

Safe travels Georgia, Mom and Shawn! I love you guys <3

-KJ