DFEST?….check!

Well, we just got back from DFEST 2009 — and we were so excited to be a part of it! what a great time meeting people, listening to other artists, and building some relationships with others in the industry.  Mike Jones came along with Bryan and I to take pics and attend the conference. He was once again, such an incredible friend and help to us. We love you, Mike!

Friday we got there in time to sit in on a few conference discussion panels. After that, we headed over to the Blue Dome Diner for some lunch and then back to the conference. We grabbed some food from McNellie’s for dinner and then headed out to hear some bands at DFEST. We caught Lynhurst, Maggie McClure, as well as others……and by far my favorite moment of the weekend was Ben Kilgore. He sings with passion and his songs are just amazing. Check out “Normal Love.” it is genius, people. The end of the night was The Black Crowes on the main stage….and while their music and background singers are great, they are so out of it and non-communicative with the audience that it really feels disconnected. I left early, and Bryan and Mike left about an hour later when the band still hadn’t played one song that was an old favorite.

Sooooooo, onto our band….

Saturday afternoon, my friend Hannah (and our drummer’s soon-to-be wife) came up and helped us promote the Saturday night gig at McNellie’s. We handed out tons of promo cards and pointed people in the right direction! She was a great help and added some fun to the afternoon.

Domo Arigato!

The Promo Card

The other band members, Brad Stone (and wife Vicky), Brent Burgess and Fred Hanradt met up with us in time to set up and sound check before our gig. Vicky and Hannah were troopers….heading back out to the streets before we played and inviting the masses to come listen.  We played Saturday night at 7:30pm at McNellie’s and there was a GREAT crowd there to support us! The band was tight as usual and I love what they have added to “House of Mourning.”  They add so much to building the song live! Love it! Voice felt great and the smoke upstairs was at a minimum so I wasn’t hacking all over the crowd.  Hint: I put peppermint oil under my nose before I sang….works wonders!! 

Marcy & the Band @ McNellie's

Mike Jones' handiwork

We did a crazy thing……we gave everyone there a FREE CD!!!!!! We didn’t advertise that before hand, so it was a special thing just for those who showed up. We got a lot of great feedback from those attending. And, no, we don’t normally give away CDs but this was a special thing we decided to do at the last minute…….so you never know when you come see us play……it might happen again!! 

I rushed over to the main stage to hear Rooney — great BGVs. Love their sound. Remember the lead singer from Princess Diaries? haha. he looks different now.  Anyway, we caught a couple songs, and then headed over to Joe Mamma’s Pizza to eat a celebration dinner with the band. They are a great bunch of people, let me tell ya. Some of the band left for OKC early, but the Stones stayed.  We headed back over to the Performing Arts Center and listened to Stars Go Dim, and Ali Harter. Both did a great job.

One of the coolest things that happened over the weekend was during the actual music conference, I discovered that an old friend of mine, Brian Meiler, from Oklahoma City was speaking on some of the panels. He now works for Warner Music Group as a Creative Manger & TV/Label Liaison for Music Licensing and he was so generous to come out at see my show on Saturday night. He had so much insight and encouragement and advice. Bryan and I are planning a trip to meet up with him in L.A. in the next few months to continue the music conversations and get more insight into the current music industry.

The night ended with CAKE in concert on the main stage and they are both talented and hilarious. I want to cover their song, “Love you Madly.” Love both the lyrics and music. I left there to head over to hear a band that my friends came to see, Broke City, from Utah. They did a great job as well.

We got back to OKC at around 3:30 in the morning. Yikes. but it was so worth it.

a great weekend with some great memories.

Marcy

Day 4: Blue Rock Texas

Saturday was the perfect ending to our adventure.  We had breakfast prepared with love by Bryan’s Tia Diana and Mother — the menu:  Chorizo and Eggs with fresh tortillas and Begnets fried up with powdered sugar.  Oh, yeah!   My Mother got to join us and it was a special morning before heading out to Wimberley, Texas to Blue Rock Artist Ranch & Studio.

The Texas Hill Country around Wimberley

The iconic Blue Rock as seen from the Main House's tower

My cousins Billy and Dodee Crockett have created an amazing, refreshing, and creative retreat in the hills of Wimberley, Texas.  It’s Blue Rock’s 3rd Birthday!  To celebrate, they invited about 15 singer/songwriters to come and perform throughout the day.  I was up at 1pm with two other female songwriters.  I was honored to be “in the round” with Caitlin Rose and Grace Pettis.  Nathan Brown, Billy’s long-time friend and professor at the University of Oklahoma, was our host.  He was witty and fun with his introductions.  We performed for about a half-hour, with each of us playing two songs.

First, I sang “Runaway Train” with Bryan on acoustic guitar. After another round I closed with “Grace,” which I dedicated to Grace Pettis.  “I’d like to dedicate this song to Grace,” I said, “because it’s called ‘Grace’.”  It was a cute moment that seemed to engage the crowd.  I felt both of my songs were well received, and it’s so nice to play at a venue where you have listeners who are indeed intent on listening.  While Nathan wrapped the set up, he said, “I wish we had more time so Marcy could sing her song, ‘Caitlin’ for you”.  Funny.

Setting up with Caitlin (left) and Grace (center)

The Song Café for the day - what a menu!

Other artists performing throughout the day included Mother Banjo, Rex Foster, Amilia K. Spicer, Kim Miller, Po’ Girl, Danny Schmidt, Beth Wood, The Jason Spooner Trio, Eric Peltoniemi, Rosalie Sorrels, Jason Eady, and Sam Baker.  They were each such a gift to behold in their own unique way.

There were gourmet tamales, chips and homemade salsas, cookies, and finally a giant birthday cake that was consumed in record time I believe.  However, the most special treat of all were the Silver Spoon “Whimsicle” Popsicles that were handed out from inside an old Airstream trailer.  The “Blue Rock Special” was the crowd favorite, consisting of blueberries, cream, and maybe lemonade (sorry, can’t remember the 3rd ingredient).  The whole vibe was very welcoming and contributed to the birthday party theme. What makes the entire experience so special is that Billy and Dodee open up their actual home – more specifically, their actual living room – for house concerts open to the public.  It is such a rich and rewarding atmosphere in which to perform, and I was truly humbled to get to do so.

Po' Girl - true Canadian gypsies

The amazing & hilarious Sam Baker

Both of our mothers were able to come with us, which made it fun!  Our great friends Brandon and Corey Penry and Bryce Bandy met us there as well.  It was so fun giving them a tour of the place.  We toured the studio, pointed out the guest quarters, followed the paths that led to the Quiet House, and circled the back of the house by the pool.  So cool!

We were actually about to leave in the middle of the afternoon when Dodee let us know that Billy would be playing at the end of the day (he wasn’t on the performance agenda).  Boy, are we glad we stayed! Nathan Brown also joined Billy on stage, and they took turns sharing poetry and songs.  Billy has some great new songs I can’t wait for everyone to hear.  It was just good to hear him perform material off his much anticipated new album which will conclude his 8-year sabbatical from performing!  Yes! From the time I started writing music in the 7th grade, Billy has been a huge encourager and mentor to me.  I really don’t think I would have pursued music as boldly without him taking the time to speak into my life, so you can see why it means a lot to be performing at this event.  What a full circle moment.

Billy Crockett

New Friends - Marcy & Grace Pettis

I met some great people at Blue Rock and ended our trip on a very high note!  Please check out these artists mentioned here.  They are phenomenal songwriters! As we left, I gave both Dodee and Billy big hugs and huge thank you’s for the day, and off we went down the hill and into the sunset.  We stopped off at Austin’s famous Threadgills for dinner where Bryan and I had some good laughs with our Moms.  They are great ladies!  We are so blessed.

Well, that’s it — a nice finale to Austin/SXSW 2009. We get on the road Sunday heading back home to Oklahoma, with plenty of new memories and new friends made as well. To conclude this little “blogumentary” I’d like to say Thank You to all of you for “going with me” on this trip — and another huge Thanks to all of you who chipped in and made this trip and all it’s memories and connections possible.  It’s been one of the highlights of my musical life thus far, that’s for sure! Till our next adventure…

Lots of love,

Marcy

Day 3: SXSW & Aranda

Hello!

Well, I was sure that Friday (since it was a non-performing day for us) could not match the other days in excitement…and it was a little more relaxing, but still, most assuredly EXCITING!

The rest of the band headed home early in the morning and we missed having them around to share experiences.  However, at some point in the day we got a pic and text from @bestone letting us know they got pulled over!  Man, they were making such good time!

The Fruits of Brent Burgess and his Lead Foot

We went to a late breakfast with family (Bryan’s cousins, Khrystah and Lucas, and his mother, Sylvia) at the Blue Dahlia Bistro in a newly restored area of town.  It was incredible.  I actually decided against breakfast and went for the Hummus/Taboli/Olive Platter with assorted breads. And I tried the fresh squeezed Pomagranate Lemonade. I recommend it all!  Oh, yes i do.  Thank you to Aunt Diana for the suggestion.  We wanted to try again for the Magnolia Café but we were too hungry to wait!

When we dropped them off back at the house I was suddenly so tired I had to take a nap!  (I’m very glad I did, ’cause later we’d be going to bed at 2am!)  Bryan and I headed over to Progress Coffee where we went in and got something to drink and wanted to see Bryce Bandy, Abbie and Mauricio, but we happened to get there right after they left!   However, the iced sugar-free vanilla latte with soy was DIVINE!  Progress Coffee is such a great hang, with two long porches on either side of the building, and a acoustic music showcase all day long.

Progress Coffee - what a wonderful place!

So, with drinks in hand we walked under the bridge into downtown and listened to some great music like Steel Magnolia at the Chuggin’ Monkey and The Rules at the Gibson Guitars/Zone Energy Bar sponsored venue.  One more note about the Gibson/Zone venue…IT SMELLED JUST LIKE CHOCOLATE and it was so vibey with cool lighting and canvases for anyone to paint.  They also had a room with giant chocolate sculptures in it.  Bryan didn’t know this, but I was mere inches away from going to jail for consumption of property.  Dude, they looked good.

The Gibson Guitars/Zone Energy Bar Venue

The Rules from Los Angeles

Closer to 4pm, we walked next door to the Hilton hotel lobby where I noticed lots of meetings going on between musicians and people working in the industry.  We, like others, were there to meet with Jon Delange of Tinderbox Music who has done a great job of promoting my album to college and independent radio and TV shows (right now, there are 6 shows that have contracted my album for use at a future date — more on that another time).  Very exciting!  It’s such a step by step process on how all that stuff gets accomplished.  You’ve gotta have the right team around you! — I learned that way back at OCU with my professor, Jim Halsey, manager of the Oak Ridge Boys.  We talked with Jon about what we’ve accomplished so far and set some goals for the next several months, which has refreshed my vision and made me ready to work when I get home!  I’d also like to report that Jon mentioned several times how incredible the band is that performed with me this week.  He said they just sounded amazingly polished.  I agree! Thank you to Jon for taking the time and initiating the meeting.  It was so valuable!

So, here’s where the story gets a little unexpectedly cool:  we were walking back up 6th Street looking at the best potential venues to play next year.  The Thirsty Nickel is on a corner with huge windows on both sides of the back of the stage — it’s very open and people love listening to music there because they can still see what’s going on outside.  We walked in and saw a guy playing the keys and singing very soulfully (the crowd was very into it and seemed to know his songs.)  Turns out his name is Andy Davis and he’s from Nashville.  He was fantastic vocally and had the whole vibe with the audience going.  So, a few minutes pass while we’re listening to him and Bryan says to me quietly, “Uh, is that Sara Bareilles standing over there?”  I turn and look over by the bar, and sure enough there she is staring out the door right in our direction just chilling with some friends.  That was fun!  Nobody was bothering her at the moment, though I did see some guys surround her later.  I believe she was there to see Andy.  Who knows — but cool moment!  We saw some other good artists along 6th, then headed home for dinner.  Sylvia made some incredible homemade spaghetti.  Around 9:30pm, we picked up our friend Brandon and headed downtown to see Aranda at the Creekside Lounge on 7th and Red River.

(Bryan note:  there was quite the buzz that Metallica was supposed to play a “surprise” show at Stubb’s Saturday night, but it was official wristband admission only and so a no-go.  However, there was a huge block party going on in the adjoining streets as the show was happening — I’m sure you could hear the roaring guitar amps for miles!  <makes rock hand-gesture and bangs head for a moment>)

Aranda was awesome!  They have such a way with the crowd and have worked so hard it’s great to see them shine.  They played about a 45 minute set, and then we talked with them out in front of the building till well after 1am with Joey Wallace, Mike Walker, Bryce Bandy, Abbie and Mauricio.  Gabe and Dameon are such kind, generous fellas with great hearts for other people. It looks like there might be some cool opportunities to work with them in the near future, which would be incredible.  I’ll update you later on that!

Aranda live!

Aranda - these guys know how to ROCK!

Saturday is Blue Rock Texas day.  We play a songwriter showcase at 1pm in Wimberly, TX.   So, check back for how the day went!

Peace out, and thank you again to all who made it happen.

Marcy

Great day, great fun.

Day 2: Oklahoma SXSW Day Party and Touché Recap!

What a whirlwind of events!  Ok, where to start…we woke up and I went for a walk in the morning around the neighborhood where we’re staying.  Refreshing!

Then we called the band and planned to meet up over at Bryan’s Aunt Diana’s house (great place just east of downtown Austin off Ceasar Chavez where Bryan and I are staying) so we could all go to breakfast.  Because of the INSANITY of the parking situation downtown, we knew we wouldn’t probably return home till late at night, so we went ahead and dressed for the gigs.

Anyway, we planned to eat at the Magnolia Café (great breakfast place on S. Congress) but by the time we got there to eat, there was a huge crowd…this has become the theme of the time here…people…everywhere…ev-e-ry-where!   So, we drove on over to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters off Lake Austin Blvd. where we were able to get some good coffee and bagels, or in Bryan and Brad’s case, BROWNIES, for breakfast. They had these sourdough bagels, called “Rockstars” that WERE INCREDIBLE.  Needless to say, I had one   Yummmm. We were able to sit outside on the lake and just chill.  Very nice, peaceful way to start the day.  However, while we were sitting there, two giant blackbirds tried to attack our drummer, Brent.  He didn’t find that so relaxing.

After that, the guys went over to Ray Hennings’ Heart of Texas Music store and I went with my mother-in-law to Whole Foods to get my secret weapon Yogi tea called, “Throat Comfort.” (it ROCKS!)  Good compromise for me, because I LOVE WHOLE FOODS…it’s like the Circus of Food and other Treasures.  I did, however, have a mishap in the natural oils section of the store.  It turns out mixing peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus on your hands smells like bug spray.  Lesson learned.

We met up with the guys and went to hang on S. Congress for a while.  We went to Uncommon Objects, which is full of both common and uncommon objects. I walked down and got a hot water for my tea at a bar where the dude who helped me had a burr haircut and was also wearing giant flower earrings and long red nails.  No one else seemed to notice.  At one point Bryan said, “Hey, I just walked right by Laura Dern!”  He was pretty sure it was her — if it wasn’t you Laura…you have a twin.  There’s live music everywhere down here, which has been so fun.  We stopped by and saw my friends at Crofts Originals — Corey and Tyler, and then we headed downtown for the Oklahoma SXSW Day Party.

We got to The Palm Door for the SXSW Oklahoma party, “Sax, Clogs, and Rock-n-Roll” at 2:30pm. We set up our acoustic rig on the patio and then went inside where we met Stars Go Dim after they sound checked.  I also met Ali Harter and saw Samantha Crain there hanging out.  It was relaxed, and people just mingled and ate and listened to music.  Our 15 minute set on the patio (4 songs) began when Stars Go Dim’s 20 minute set was over inside.  We performed “Into My Head,” “Finding You,” “Grace,” and “Another Thing.” The first and last songs are brand new but they are quickly becoming crowd favs already! We were so thankful to be asked to do this party along side so many other great artists!  We met and talked with people from DFEST and the Oklahoma Film & Music Commission. Great folks! Very welcoming! My friend Brine Webb was there playing with Ryan Lindsey, who sounded great too. Thank you so much to Angie DeVore-Green from DFEST for inviting us to play!  And we already got a little photo prop from the event!

Marcy, Bryan, and Brad at the Oklahoma SXSW Day Party

After we left the SXSW party we went and sat in traffic till we could find a place to park close to Touché for loading in our gear.  Then we walked over to the restaurant, Paradise, and ate a late lunch.  It was good to chill for a minute before we headed back to get our stuff from the car and wheel it all over to Touché.  Thankfully we had purchased a keyboard sustain pedal that morning just in case! (I forgot to mention that at the Chuggin’ Monkey when they sent someone off to find a keyboard sustain pedal, the guy comes back in proudly holding a drum pedal.  I said, uh oh, wrong pedal.  And Brent (our drummer) said, “well, unless he knows something that I don’t know.”  So that was when I had to go without one.  We learned our lesson.

So, anyway, we got set up and great friends and family showed up again to hear us — and then the crowd really picked up when we started playing.  We were more relaxed and the gig went even better than the night before…just flowed better. Our set order was: Runaway Train, Enough, Finding You, Grace, Into My Head (new), House of Mourning, Another Thing (new), and Never Ending.  The groove on “Another Thing” is really getting the crowd engaged.  My voice thankfully held out till the end, and the band was incredible!  I’m so proud and thankful for them!  40 minutes goes by so fast, and before we knew it we were finished!  Thanks again to my family who “worked the streets” getting the word out before and during the show.  We handed out free “Awake” CD Digital Downloads again and they were a great hit again — kudos to Bryan!

Touché on 6th Street

Marcy performing at Touché

Brent having a moment

Marcy, Brad, and Fred at Touché

We loaded up the gear again and then walked 6th Street listening to bands, and then the guys went to Carlos Santana’s restaurant, Maria Maria while I met up with friends at Woodland on S. Congress (the guys met up with us after dinner there.)  GREAT FOOD AT WOODLAND!  Loved getting to hang and talk about the crazy 48 hours we’ve had.

The Band & Friends hanging at Woodland

Last pic before the Band heads home...

We still have one more gig (Bryan and I) at my cousin Billy Crockett’s place, Blue Rock Artist Ranch & Studio on Saturday, but Friday night we’re planning to see our friends, Aranda, perform at a showcase downtown.  More updates to come!

The rest of the band is already heading back to Oklahoma…sad, sad.   HUGE shout out to Mike Jones who came down with us and documented the whole event on film.  Brent Burgess, Fred Hanradt, and Brad Stone…thank you for being an incredible band. Love you guys!

Thank you to everyone who has chipped-in and enabled us to take this trip! It has been quite a memorable and valuable trip.

More updates to come! Stay tuned!

Day 1: Chuggin’ Monkey Recap!

I must warn you….words have never been a problem for me, but brevity, spelling and punctuation CAN be…..bear with me   Here we go!

Wow. Where to begin! Well, we were on the road by 7am (I made sure I was at Jamba Juice right when they opened at 6:30am because I knew that was the only breakfast I was getting — p.s. the RazzMatazz with plain yogurt instead of sherbet is DIVINE). Alright…so anyway, we picked up Brad Stone (our keyboardist) in Ft Worth, ate at Arby’s and by the time we were finished, we realized we were a little behind schedule, and so to make up some time…Marcy DID HER HAIRS IN THE CAR. YES I SAID HAIRS. It was crazy. I had the thought that since we had an adapter for our computer (the kind where the wall plug will connect) that could mean that my blow dryer and straightening iron would also be able to work! So there I was, with a tiny mirror and a prayer, hoping that the back of my hair was not a disaster as I tried to make it work, or “work it,” as they say. Our friend Mike Jones came along to film “documentary style” the events of the day, but little did he know he would also serve as Marcy’s “is there a bald spot in the back of my hair” stylist as well. Thanks Mike!

Road Trip!

We made it to Austin by 2:20pm. I ran into Bryan’s Aunt’s house (we love Diana!) and got a better look at the “do” to see if it was a “don’t.” Surprisingly, I was OK! So we all set out to find parking places for our 2 vehicles. DUDE. That was not easy! It turns out a few other people were hoping to be able to park as well. Thankfully we found 2 spots TOTALLY close to the Chuggin’ Monkey (the venue). We walked over, checked in, listened to some music, found the rest of my family and local friends, and then brought our gear into the venue and waited. I was a little like, “wow. we’ve been looking forward to this, and now it’s here! They had “backlined” alot of stuff — which means they provide amps, drums, etc. to save time and effort. HOWEVER, the keyboard that I was going to be using was not there yet…shortly before our go time (5pm). Thankfully I was in another world and really didn’t let that affect my mood — haha. See, sometimes my weaknesses actually HELP me — ha! I was so excited to see my friend, Brandon Penry come walking up as well as my new friend, Tyler Leverenz (who i met on a previous trip to Austin) as well as Bryan’s Mom, Uncle Bob, and Aunt Diana. They made the band and I feel so supported!

Marcy Priest & the band before heading to the Chuggin' Monkey

…Great snapshots in my mind of the day:  Seeing my Mom take 6th Street by storm by passing out flyers and telling EVERYONE who they could to come and see at us at 5pm.  And my Dad, Santa-beard and all out in front of the Chuggin’ Monkey holding up a flyer inviting people to come in and making people smile . Those two are so gracious and the biggest support to me. especially after the teenage bad-attitudes I dragged them through! Sheesh. They rock. And also, Bryan working his butt off making sure everything is good to go. I love you family!!

We also had people handing out free “Awake” CD Digital Download Cards throughout the performance to people inside and right outside the venue — people dug it. It was the size of a credit card and they can get online and DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE CD FOR FREE! — as well as other cool stuff, like videos, ringtones, and photos — yet another of Bryan’s brilliant insights.

Yes, the keyboard DID arrive, but without a sustain pedal! I dunno… So Brad “The Rock” Stone loaned me his through the set when I needed it. Ha. Classic. What an amazing band! Everyone was complimenting their mad skillz and I agree. They are SOLID. The set went by SO fast! It was cool to rock it at the front and the end, but still have 2 slower songs in the middle. Brandon said it was a good something different to all the “jamming” going on up and down the street. We did 2 new tunes and without a doubt, “Another Thing,” is becoming a crowd fav already…I personally think the band grooved that one to the hilt. HIT IT!

Marcy Priest live at the Chuggin' Monkey

Marcy rockin' out

We ended with Never Ending, big rocking finish! And then it was OVER! Wow. Tear down, wipe sweat from brow hugs, handshakes, high-fives, and then we’re off to Trudy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant & Bar where I’m pretty sure the Fried Stuffed Avacado is changing people’s lives forever.  We met up with our family and friends:  Brandon and Corey Penry (and little Miles) and also Bryce Bandy.  We also got to meet two awesome people at dinner: Abbie and Mauricio Cremer.   They were so fun.  Had a blast with all of them!

Alright, so now I’m back at Aunt Diana’s heading to sleep. Voice needs a rest, bad! The band is at the hotel chillaxin.’

So thankful for today, but MORE TOMORROW!

THURSDAY LINEUP:

Oklahoma Film & Music Commission/DFEST SXSW Day Party at The Palm Door – we’re playing a short acoustic set at 3:20pm, and then we’ve got a full band set at Touché on 6th Street at 7pm.

So please say a prayer for my vocal chords.
And thank you for all your support, everybody. We can FEEL IT!

marcy

P.S. Thanks to Mike Jones for all the great photos!

Marcy & Bryan

Brad Stone (keys, vocals) and Fred Hanradt (bass)

Brent Burgess, batterie

Can you tell she's having fun?

Bryan jamming the new song, "Another Thing"

Performing "House of Mourning", an unexpected favorite

Fred, Brent, Bryan, Marcy, and Brad - a day's work well done

Getting ready…

Well, here we are Monday, 2 days before hitting the road to Austin…to say we’re psyched up would be an understatement.  So much has gone into making this trip happen, and we’re all a little stunned that the time has come.  I’d like to invite everyone to tune in right here this Wednesday – Friday for the play by play of our exciting week!  I’ll try to keep it as up to date as possible.  I’m also going to try to keep my twitter updates going real time, too.

I just want to say a HUGE THANKS again to all our wonderful friends and fans who donated to our cause to help us get to Austin during SXSW…we wouldn’t be going without your support!

Please let anyone you know that is in the Austin area this week that we’re playing……and please pass the flyers (below) on too if you think of someone who might enjoy some live music with us.   Also, if you are in the area PLEASE come out and support us.   We need you!

Anyway, you guys rock.  Talk to you soon!

~Marcy & The Band