On Saturday, I performed at Ecolution 2010 in Tampa, FL. It was good times. They gave me a Bandyard, and I bought a T-Shirt, and the vendors loved my music.

I played a little early, so there weren’t many patrons around. But, my folk rock echoed off condo buildings 2 blocks away. Good afternoon, Tampa!

The following day, I played a last minute gig at Medici Cigar Bar in Oveido, FL. Although the order of events was immediately unclear, things fell into place when Craig and I got up to the mic. We received some sound engineering assistance, and were able to use the equipment that the band performing before us had set up.

I am thankful we got the opportunity to play, and that Aaron helped us sound as good as we could up on the dark balcony above the bar. It was a really neat place, but seriously, get a light bulb up there.

Playing this regularly is fun, and seems natural, even though it is a rare occourance for me. It is still true that performing my original music feels like the thing I’m meant to do, and what is most beneficial to all.

So, I shall keep moving forward. Keep recording. Keep playing. I’ll get there.

Seriously

Bob Marley’s was fun last night.

I went there with some friends to celebrate a birthday. It was my first visit to the dance club, and it left me with a good impression. Each day I realize there is so much great music out there that I have yet to hear.

And, when I do hear music that I love, I want to know it well. These things take time. My friend said she’d make me an Intro to Reggae Mix CD. I’m sure I’ll be sitting with it for a while.

I watched Punch-Drunk Love this evening. That was a great film. I loved this part:

“I didn’t do anything. I’m a nice man. I mind my own business. So you tell me ‘that’s that’ before I beat the hell from you. I have so much strength in me you have no idea. I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine. I would say ‘that’s that’, Mattress Man.”

It’s not funny. It’s really not. Humans are, but the movie isn’t. I wouldn’t like someone to tell me he wants to smash my face with a sledgehammer, but I get it. I do. The throwing of hammers in his life has corresponded with strong emotions. He feels strongly. He doesn’t want to hurt her.

Dancing is great… but I don’t want anyone to be all up ons. I don’t want strange men coming up behind me and pretending we have reached a level of intimacy that we never will reach. That’s why it was so nice to be with a group of people who had the same mindset. They came to dance and listen to the live reggae music. Not to be molested. And they protected me, when I needed it. I wish going out didn’t require protection, but it’s like that. And, music and dancing may be worth it to me right now.

I don’t want my music to create an environment that makes ladies fear coming out to see me play. There is nothing sexy or meaningless about my music. Not yet. We’ll see if it ever gets there.

It just goes where I go, I guess.

It’s out there. Have a listen: http://localcitysoundtrack.com/chapter-2-audrey-lee-johnson

You may listen on that site, or download the interview. You may also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

Craig and I listened/watched the live broadast on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/somacow-media and we participated in the live chat on that page. It was a very singular experience in my life. I was slightly distracted from listening to the interview intently while it aired because I was reading and writing in the chat window, but, I was there for the real thing, and I knew that I could have a listen once it was available for podcast.

And, I did listen again this morning.

In other news: I’m really excited about the progress of my newest song, “Be Cool.” I’m starting to become more confident in my ability to communicate what I want my recorded songs to sound like. It takes time for a insecure, introverted person like me to make executive decisions, but I’m learning… and that’s my goal.

I hope to get more interviews and projects lined up to push me along. I do better when I have deadlines and appointments.

Craig and I recently helped our friend enhance a musical scene in his short film. That was fun and motivating. Being around other creatives is really helpful.

Also, I saw the Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile perform last Saturday. It was really great. But, I believe folk music is best enjoyed with chair options. My favorite part was when Emily Saliers and Brandi Carlile performed their song “Let It Go,” and the story Brandi told about their experience writing it together. She helped put a voice to all of our thoughts. We were standing before the greatness of the Indigo Girls. The ladies who wrote the lyrics that spoke to our souls when we needed it most.