It’s snowing again.
Chicago
Altered Stop Sign
I like what someone did to this stop sign outside my workplace.
Poem: The Window Washers
In Pixels of Young Mueller, Klaus Mueller scribbles a small poem in his journal. The words pay tribute to the men who dangle from Chicago’s skyscrapers in an effort to rid the city of dirty windows:
Like spiders the window washers
rappel themselves
toward the taxi sea
Chicago VeganMania
Here’s part of the scene at today’s Chicago VeganMania at the Broadway Armory. In addition to presentations, workshops and panel discussions, chef demos, vegan experts, and performers, the event featured dozens of exhibitors (some of which are shown above) and my favorite, the vegan food court. I have a leftover samosa from Arya Bhavan that I predict won’t be around long.
New 5-Star Review for Pixels of Young Mueller
Amazon customer Tony Parsons gave Pixels of Young Mueller 5 out of 5 stars, calling it “very well written” with “a lot of enlightening scenarios and a host of great characters,” a book that “could make a great movie or TV series.” Here’s the review:
Klaus Mueller dreams about leaving Southland someday to be a rock star. He chooses the so called glamorous lifestyle over college. He has lots/lots of setbacks: poor paying or unfit jobs, and his music is constantly being rejected.
Fast forward he moves to Chicago, IL he finds a career and becomes a father. Klaus is still not thoroughly happy with his current lifestyle.
It’s amazing since I have started reading regular people’s books instead of college textbooks how many others struggle besides musicians, such as writers and artists. 9 to 5 is that really what we want out of our life?
Cool book cover, great font and writing style. A very well written true to life book. It was very easy to read/follow and never a dull moment from start/finish. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. A lot of enlightening scenarios and a host of great characters. This could make a great movie or TV series. A book you must read to the end. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this book.
Pixels of Young Mueller is available at Amazon. Check it out!
Let’s Groove – The Jerrys Live at WZRD
I played “Let’s Groove” live at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM earlier this month. The song is the title track on Let’s Groove, a full-length CD released in 2011. If you like what you hear, there’s more on The Jerrys’ website.
The Jerrys Live at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM
I had fun playing the music of The Jerrys live on May 1 in the WZRD studio. Playing and singing while accompanying myself via a laptop, I played ten songs by The Jerrys, including a preview of the not-yet-released single, “I’m a Reader”:
1. Every Girl
2. What the World Could Use a Lot More Of
3. New Day
4. Let’s Groove
5. Bigger Than Oprah
6. When I’m in Love
7. Bridget and Me
8. Back in the Day
9. Telepop
10. I’m a Reader
Alejandro Aguilar interviewed me halfway through the set, and he and the other folks at WZRD (or “wizards,” as they are known) were fantastic. I especially thank Alejandro, Ellie, and Rick for all of their help and for making the night so enjoyable. Check out the video I posted for “Every Girl.”
Stay tuned for more music from The Jerrys, and be sure to visit The Jerrys’ website.
The Jerrys Return to WZRD on May 1
I’ll be returning to WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM (“The Wizard”) in less than three weeks to perform the music of The Jerrys. Please join me on Thursday, May 1, at 10 pm CST for what I hope will be a memorable evening of music. In the meantime, be sure to check out the videos from The Jerrys’ first appearance on WZRD.
Twist and Shout – The Jerrys
Playing “Twist and Shout” with Robert Porche (drums and vocals) and Jim Losby (bass guitar and vocals) last week
My Fave Shows of 2013
Of all the live music I’ve seen this year, two shows were so good that I’m sure they will be my fave shows of 2013 when the year comes to an end: Todd Rundgren and The Dandy Warhols. Rundgren had just begun his official State tour, while The Dandy Warhols celebrated the 13th anniversary of their album, Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia, by playing the album in its entirety. Here are a couple of pics.
Todd Rundgren, May 19, 2013, Park West, Chicago, IL
The Dandy Warhols, June 8, 2013, Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL