close but not quite...

michigan came up a little short this past saturday in what proved to live up to it's "game of the century" label. i doubt we'll see a re-match this season but i suppose anything is possible with the voters.
work is really crazy right now and i haven't had much spare time. what little i have found is being spent where it should be, with BJ. i think he's hitting another small growth spurt because he's been a little more sensitive than usual lately. it's also possible that he's only that way around me because he can sense when something is going on and my Mom is still back and forth right now, making it very difficult to hide even the slightest emotional clues from BJ. i don't suppose i really want to be hiding anything anyway. i've never been one for sheltering but i guess it depends on the time and place.
twofivesix has a show this thursday night and then we launch right back into our re-structuring of the media and promotions. at this point, it looks like all indications would point to a spring 2007 release of the new record but we'll see since it's still very early.

that's about all for now, still paying very close attention to hockey... red wings made a strong move to first and then slipped against nashville for their first loss in seven games.

divine tattoo

http://www.inkedblog.com/archives/2006/10/19/whateverloveis.jpg

what an awesome tribute.

small relapse...

this past few weeks has delivered it's fair share of challenges, the most important of which saw my Mom in intensive care for four days. that's all i'm going to say about that.
another obstacle has been lay offs at my work, of which i've been fortunate enough to avoid thus far, but still have been subject to regardless.
there might be some truth to these things coming in threes because it all began with the blue october show, albeit that seems rather miniscule in comparison. in fact, no comparison can really be made... just the fact that three events made thier way into my life these few weeks that have made me think a little more, feel a little more, and pray a little more.

thankfully, twofivesix continues to grow and spread their music to new people each day. we had a show this past thursday that confirmed people still want their 256 in a big way. with the guys only playing out twice a month right now it's evident that they are missed, especially by the reaction of new and old fans alike. the upcoming verve pipe gig should present the opportunity to play to 800-900 people, some of which are sure to bend their ear for the first time to what these guys have to offer.

time to hit the showers and head out to the church. we're having a tailgate party for the michigan/ohio state football game. there's also a small gathering to honor and respect the mighty bo prior to the contest.

go blue.

cancelled

the blue october show was cancelled due to justin (lead vocals) re-injuring his leg, the same one he had multiple operations on months ago. there are no re-scheduled dates just yet but they should be available soon. my thoughts are with justin and his family.

just forging ahead with press/media for 256... work is work, and so it remains as such.

traces of little white stuff...

...began falling from the sky yesterday. i'm not quite sure how to feel about it all. it's a beautiful picture as you watch the fresh flakes hit their target and slowly melt, however it drops the temp about 20 degrees.
the guys of 256 have a photo shoot scheduled today and then we have a meeting later to discuss next steps. it's all coming together slowly.
my Dad sent some money for odds and ends and i had enough to cover a small basketball hoop for BJ to enjoy. it's really something watching him slam dunk that ball and the enthusiasm that goes with it. the goal itself raises as BJ gets taller so he'll likely have fun with it for years to come. i need to get my ass to the store and get some blank video tapes so i can capture some of his latest developments.
i also need to get out to a pet store this weekend and buy a few fish. i cleaned out the tank months ago and took the water sample to petsmart to test it, found out it didn't pass. since then i haven't gone back to see what's come of the tank after adding some other chemicals. i've had an empty tank for several months, not exactly an eye grabber.

i'm ready for the weekend, long days at work this week... very long.

post benefit concert

that's right, the concert has finally come and gone. we raised just shy of $3500 for the Invisible Children movement, a little less than our goal but enough to feel good about anyway.
the bands appeared to really enjoy themselves and i was thoroughly entertained by their music all night. Hundred Year Storm was first to go and they have an amazing blend of lo-fi multimedia playing in the background of their set, stock footage that helped bring some visual meaning to the songs. it was really cool and quite different. i'd only seen one other band do something like that (Bernard) and that was really impressive as well.
Sleeping At Last closed out the night in classic fashion, with their anthemic heartfelt pop striking a chord in most who stuck around to partake. you already know i'm a big fan so of course i'm a little biased but these guys were seriously amazing. i look forward to much more from them as they continue to tour and write... just a very grounded bunch of guys, a real pleasure to have the association.
i've also recently taken on management responsibilities of my friends', 256. the administrative efforts for the benefit concert brought back several memories (and of course frustration but apparently not enough to fold) of dealing with the industry. i feel very strongly that my friends should have their opportunity to appeal to a much larger audience and i'm choosing to do whatever i can to make sure their time comes.
please navigate to http://www.twofivesixmusic.com to keep up on the latest. i'll be updating and re-vamping things a bit to make it more relevant but there's enough there to give you a good idea of the "going on's."
in the midst of this small hiatus i was able to take in my good buddy DC's wedding. KW and i DJ'd the evening, to what turned out to be a very decent size crowd. to see DC and his new beautiful bride Em so happy was priceless. i was of course not absent of some jealousy but i suppose that's to be expected, and it certainly wasn't enough to prevent me from being extremely proud and excited for the newlyweds.
lastly, one of my favorite bands is finally coming to town again - blue october. i'll be seeing them for the seventh time on next monday night, something i've been waiting on for what seems far too long. 256 is actually going to play in the foyeur of the venue immediately following the show, which could lead to a lot of great exposure. it also has the potential to not be much of anything if people just walk on by, however it's a good risk to take.
the guys will be a little more busy now that we've sat down and mapped out the next 90-120 days of direction. a big show around the holidays has so far been the highlight, where 256 will be opening for the Verve Pipe, local veterans that only play out once a year to their hometown crowd. that should definitely be a sold out, memorable experience.

work is work, nothing more to say there... i'm travelling much more yet i'm still held to the same standard as if i was there the entire time. i'll refrain from further comment.

BJ continues to be my life. that should about sum it up.

good tidings to all, stay safe and warm.