The Winds of Change...

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – Paulo Coelho

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing A you should be trying to control.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

“Our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.” – Walter Anderson

“The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.” – Sonya Friedman

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

Stream New Avett Brothers Right Now!

You can stream the entire new Avett Brothers album right now on Itunes.

Follow this LINK.

You are welcome.

(PS Its really good)

The Mindy Project

The Mindy Project came back on TV last night and I couldn't have been happier. Something about this show makes me smile. Maybe its because everything that comes out of the main characters mouth is something that I"ve said or at least thought of saying.

Take a look HERE.

I've missed you Mindy.

Haunting Video

Take a look at this video of a man playing piano inside his house while its being flooded by the Colorado rain storms this past week. Its quite haunting.

Evolution of End Zone Dances

Timberlake and Fallon are at it again. Take a look at this hilarious video below and tell me you wouldn't watch a show with these two every night.

Bravo.

Roar.

New video for Katy Perrys song "Roar". 

This song like Gaga's is growing on me every time I hear it. 

Ha.

Found this on my friends page and it made me smile.

Britney Is Back. Officially.

Ms. Spears is officially back announcing yesterday that she will take up residency in Las Vegas for the next two years.

Not going to lie if I was going to be in Vegas I would totally go see this show.

No judging! 

New Daft Punk

New video for their song 'Lose Yourself to Dance'. Now this is a dance party!

30 Days...

Hi and sorry for the delay this week. Work has been pretty insane and I"ve been tied up like Jesse on Breaking Bad (seriously people what the F happened in that episode on Sunday... I"m still recovering).

Anyways I'm back today and the only thing that really matters is there is only 30 days until Phish plays at Hampton.

I can make it right?

What Does The Fox Say?

Absolutely no words for this following video. NONE. 

X-Factor

I guess that the new X-Factor premiered last night. I was too busy yelling at my TV over Big Brother to tune into this show. Yet I did catch one performance this morning that impressed me. A boyfriend/girlfriend duo did a stellar job covering former judge Ms. Spears 'Toxic'. Worth the watch.

Also if anyone can clue me into who the judge is next to Kelly Rowland you win five dollars. I've never seen or heard of her before in my life.

Keys To A Jets Victory Tonight

This pretty much sums up tonights game vs the Patriots.

New Ellie Goulding "How Long Will I Love You"

Ellie Goulding released a new video for the song she covered 'How Long Will I Love You' used for the movie About Time. I don't know about you but I love it when Ellie shows her softer side. Its short sweet and to the point.

"We're all traveling through time together

Every day of our lives

All we can do is do our best

To relish this remarkable ride"

Sigh. So true.

I Like Lady Gaga Again?

If its possible I have fallen back in love with Lady Gaga after her apprearance on 'Watch What Happens Live' last night. She was absolutely hilarious and I loved every single moment of it. That and her new song 'Applause' has been stuck in my head for about a week and I don't really mind it. Plus I think it has the best hook of any song this summer. 

Lets see how long this phase lasts but for now I'm back on Team Gaga.

Whoo Hoo Colorado Chalkdust

This post is for only serious phans. All others just keep skipping below.

I have finally gotten my hands on the video of the 23 min Chalkdust Torture that we were blessed with out in Colorado earlier this month. Its just about as amazing as I remember...

Famous quote from this song is Brianna turning to me about 17 minutes in and asking "Is this still Chalkdust?" Yes.. Yes it is!

Poster Score

Pretty stoked for my latest poster score from the Phish posters in Denver. This will fit in nicely with all the rest. (Yes I'm a tad obsessed... so what)

Only thing that is left to do is find this bad boy a frame.

Oh My Family

My Dad went to go see a Queen cover band last night. His email seemed to really confuse my brothers. This was the response from my little brother when he thought that my dad actually went to see Queen.

Shaking. My. Head.

Drew Kennedy New Album Wide Listener

I saw Drew perform here in Richmond a little under 2 years ago and was blown away. His previous albums have been nothing short of stellar and to be honest his new one "Wide Listener" has the potential of blowing those out of the water (and that is saying something). 

What is even more impressive is this entire album was funded by a Kickstarter campaign. By people who believed enough in what this man does to throw their hard earned money at him to make a record. To anyone who likes storytelling, this man does it unlike any other. His songs sound simple but looking deeper you can see the complexity of a man wanting to tell other peoples stories. 

I found this review of the new record on the 'Farce the Music' blog and it does ring true.

"Wide listener is the sound of a man who's found the sweet spot - where creativity, passion and talent all overlay each other on the venn diagram. Drew Kennedy may never be the best known singer-songwriter in the world, but with albums like this, we can rest assured he'll always be known as one of the best."

Congratulations Drew on the new album release and well deserved accolades that are coming with it. 

I'm Back

Hello and sorry for the week long delay. This last week has been crazy/busy but within the last week I've gotten a lot accomplished. 

I turned 31 years young. Hard to actually believe I made it to this age but I'm grateful and thankful to all the people in my life that made turning this age, a little easier. 

The Jets kicked off their season with a surprising victory on Sunday. A great bday present if I do say so myself. Tonight we have a tougher task with the Patriots, but it can be done. Maybe.

My fantasy football team tied their first game. Sucks but after making a 35 point comeback during the last two games I'll take it.

Work has been kicking my ass up and down the street but I have decided it will no longer bother me. I will show up. Do what I am told and focus on what is important. The guests and their stories. That should keep me motivated enough to stay positive.

9/11 was yesterday. A day of remembering and a day to look back. I will never forget driving back up to my hometown a few days after the tragedy and the thing the hit me the most is driving by my little towns train station to see the numerous cars whose owners were never coming back to claim them. The world changed that day and its something I can nor will ever forget.

So there is is. A week full of craziness. But I promise to pay more attention to this blog and keep it up to date. 

Here goes nothing:

New JMU Basketball Court

My old college James Madison University is throwing their hat into the contest for "Most Ridiculous Basketball Court Design". They just unveiled their new court this weekend.

I guess thats where the NCAA tournament money went to. 

Bieber Spotted

Yes that is Justin Bieber at the Phish show in Colorado on Sunday night. From what I hear he was brought there by his musical director and huge Phish fan Dan Kanter. 

I really don't mind this. Especially since from what I hear there is only one or two pictures of him and everyone around him acted like he was just like any of them. Like we always say... 'All are welcome'.

All celebrities of his stature should be so lucky to be with people who don't care who you are and just want you to have a good time.

Bravo Phish fans.

Made In America Trailer

There is a new documentary set to be released about the Jay-Z 'Made In America' show and its filmed by Ron Howard. Definitely looks like it will be worth the watch. 

READ THE BOOK

Found a great video of the Icculus from 8/30. Its worth the mention that before a show a plane carrying a 'Read the Book' banner flew over the parking lot.

Glad they filled the request.

Added bonus:

Phish debuted a new cover as an encore on Saturday Night. Willie Nelsons "On The Road Again" followed by a raging Tweezer reprise. And if you don't believe this band is having the time of their lives just watch Trey during the reprise. Amazing.

Made It To Red Rocks

To quote one of my friends.... "This is what adult Phish tour is all about"

On Saturday while recovering from the travel/show on Friday night we got our asses up and out of our hotel room and made the mecca to the venue known as 'Red Rocks'. Boy was it worth it. 

Carved out in the middle of a mountain is a venue unlike any other (okay maybe the Gorge). This place is a sight to be seen for any music fan. The view is incredible. Its a state park so they allow you to walk all over the place, including the stage. 

Now all I have to do is wait for Phish to go back there to see a show.

Phish In Denver. What a Weekend!

Well what can I say about this weekend that would perfectly sum it up?? Lets see. I flew out to Denver, met up with four of my best friends, saw three amazing Phish shows, made the mecca to Red Rocks, drank local beers, ate at local food trucks and pretty much soaked up every bit of fun that my body could handle. How does that sound?

Seriously though this weekend was things that dreams are made out of. I remember sitting in my apartment after the Phish Colorado run last year thinking to myself 'Wow...if those guys go play out there again next year I'm going'. And well I did it. I finally figured out what all the fuss is about and witnessed it with my own eyes. Phish in Colorado is a whole other experience that every Phan should witness. I don't know if its the clean air, the mountains, the venue, the tour closer but there is something that makes the band extremely comfortable. 

2013 has been a banner year for my band. How many bands do you know are playing as well or better in their 30th year then they did in their 10th? These guys are on fire and they know it. I'm just glad that I'm along for the ride. 

I would describe the shows like this.

Friday - Welcome party

Saturday - Second set was the highlight of their year so far

Sunday - Raging dance party

All three nights were different and standouts for their own right. 

Friday I finally got the Icculus that I have been chasing for 15 years. After the Lizards of last year I think that all my favorites are finally off my bucket list. Saturday we were treated to a 23 minute Chalkdust Torture that literally took a year off of my life. And Sunday's dance party especially the Boogie On ended the weekend on a high note. 

Explaining these occurrences to a non-phish fan is hard but just understand that for a fan like me this will now be my yearly tradition. If they go out on Labor Day each year to Denver I will be shocked if I'm not in attendance. SHOCKED.

Now a final shout out to my friends. 

I am literally the luckiest person alive to have these girls in my life. This weekend was a welcomed distraction from a very tough summer. The fact that I can get on a plane and meet up with four girls that I would literally lay my life on the line for is something that I am extremely grateful for. For the first time in about 5 or 6 years the crew was finally all back together doing what we do best. Dancing. Laughing. And enjoying each others company. There is something special about these ladies that literally make me cry for joy when I see them. This weekend will go down in the books as one of the best executed weekends of all time. Thank you guys for accepting me (bad dance moves and all) for who I am and allowing me the opportunity to cut loose and enjoy myself. I would not be who I am today without you all. 

Okay its now time to struggle through the rest of this week at work. Yet every time I get up and feel the soreness in my legs I remember what a great time this weekend was and how it was all worth it. 

Again feeling extremely grateful and blessed this morning that I have this thing in my life that brings me utter happiness and joy. 

Now let the 45 day countdown until the 3 night run at Hampton begin now!