He isn’t into self-promotion, but DAMN, people should see these.
The set will grow, I’m sure, since they just got back and are no doubt still very tired. Brian has been talking about this mirror idea for a while, and I think the effect came out brilliantly.
See the entire set. FYI, These are All Rights Reserved, so if you want to do anything with any of these pictures, you’d better contact Brian/OldKing first.
This is what I had planned to post yesterday at about this time… you know, before the sick kitty and the vet and the birds, etc. I first heard Roger and Billie sing together at the Love Hangover at King’s the day after Valentine’s Day. Even though I had another place to go that night, I knew I wanted to see Billie, because she’s just an excellent person, and I knew she was a good performer. That was the night I learned that she also had an unbelievable voice, and if you know me, you know what a freakin’ voice snob I can be. Her voice is strong and clear, yet she has great control over her instrument, so she gets all the subtleties. I love genuine performers, the ones who are clearly enjoying themselves, not playing a part. She had accomplished that in Vagina Monologues, and she did the same that night. I was impressed with Roger, who was playing guitar. Of the pairs of performers I saw, he was definitely the best of the bunch. His voice matches hers well, so the harmonies are perfect: no competition or icky pitches. On the last night at the Bickett Gallery, one of the artists was unable to play, and Roger and Billie happened to be there, so the attendees got a lucky impromptu show from the two of them. That night, I learned about the performance I ended up attending yesterday at Slim’s. It was a benefit for a local family who has accrued quite a bit of medical bill debt after the death of their son. The duo performed again (along with several other acts). It was delightful as always. There is much more video to share, but for now, I offer you “Save Me.” This is a cover of an Aimee Mann song. Pardon the sing-along… you know I always forget to shut up! Enjoy. 😀
“Save Me” as covered by Roger Gupton and Billie Karrel from abbyladybug on Vimeo
I’m headed out to a DVD night tonight with friends, and I decided to make something I’ve always wanted to try, pavlova (you excited, Jane?!). This is my first solo meringue attempt. I called mom first because I remember my parents making them when I was a kid. They used to use brown paper bags as the base. I have vivid memories of licking the bags once the meringues were ready until my tongue bled! Mom suggested that I crank up the air conditioning and preheat the oven with the door open so the place could really dry out. As a result, the climate in here was a bit odd: pockets of hot and cold and DEFINITELY dry (Princess and the Pea here can always tell – pass the lotion!). I read up on meringue-making and the proper care and feeding of egg whites. While I think I did it all to the letter, the meringue is clearly very deflated in the middle. I hope it’s still good.
Click the picture to see the whole photoset on Flickr
I’ve watched a few more Bonnaroo performances today on the live feed: Regina Spektor (who I’d never heard of but who I absolutely LOVED) and The Black Keys, who I saw when I first moved to Boston. I adore blues-based rock, and The Black Keys are incredibly good at it. Serious rocking in the flavor I like the most.
I’ve got a few friends there. I hope they are having fun. I’m on the one hand REALLY jealous of all the bands they are getting to see, and on the other hand pleased as punch I don’t have to drag my old ass around in the crowded heat with the fray! If I was going to go, I’d go the route that Brian and Shannon are taking: VIP passes, a hotel at night, all the right gear, etc. The camping scene seems kinda like a nightmare to me! Here’s some proof of my friends’ presence: Shannon and E.J.
Life went on during all of the birdy drama. On Saturday night, after the final home bout of the Carolina Rollergirls (go Tai Chi-tahs!), I went out on a night shoot with the Raleigh Flickr Group organized by Daniel. Despite a downpour in the middle of it, some great shots were taken by all. I will share a particularly great one of yours truly taken by Engelfish, who I repeatedly say is that only person who gets to take my picture. I’m, of course, kidding. I have a number of friends who have taken WONDERFUL pictures of me, despite my camera anxiety and tendency to mug anxiety whenever a camera is aimed my way. I’ve learned that I’m best off while on these shoots just trying to relax and continue what I’m doing when I detect a camera trained on me. Chris’s directive style actually gives me something to focus on instead of my anxiety. You’d think this would have gone away after all the time I spend with these people… but I digress.
View all the pictures that have been uploaded so far from the shoot. Over time, the total number of images will grow as more people get around to uploading and tagging. This was created using a neat little site I’ve just found (thanks, Sooz) called Splashr. I recommend it highly!
She’s been thinking about it, and now she’s going to see if she can really do it. Katy and I went to Dick’s Sporting Goods to get kneepads and wrist guards for her because she’s starting to go to rollergirl practices. She’s going to try out next month! Wish her luck, everyone. 😀
