tag:sandyandina.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=2
News
2022-05-23T04:15:21-04:00
Sandy Andina
false
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6387916
2020-07-20T17:29:48-04:00
2020-07-20T19:23:28-04:00
Might not be posting for awhile
<p>Been away from the site for awhile, but might not return for a few more weeks. Obviously, the gig Calendar is moot (gee thanks, pandemic!). But I am suddenly facing a new (non-COVID) health challenge, about which you can read about on my CaringBridge.org page. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, we haven't escaped the virus totally unscathed: my primary care doc died of it last month after 7 weeks on a ventilator.. </p>
<p>The 2020 Bar Show is still on--only it will be online, Teaser sketches till the election--then the writers will go full steam ahead and we'll be recording stuff individually to be stitched together. Hoping my health challenge won't get in the way of my performing in it!</p>
<p>Till we meet again (hopefully soon),</p>
<p>Sandy</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159554
2016-02-18T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
Quiet Calendar not so quiet anymore!
<p>Well, I’m done with surgery & radiation for breast cancer, and have overcome some pesky little challenges to get back in the saddle (or insert cliche of choice) again. Between next week and Christmas, at least eight gigs coming up--in the Chicago, Madison, & Milwaukee areas as well as in NC (Montreat--near Asheville, and Hickory--near Charlotte). House concerts, showcases, coffeehouses, benefit, outdoor markets--for details, check my Calendar page. Will be putting out a new Sandygram tomorrow (my eyes are crossing and my fingers are cramping from all this typing--and I need to be eagle-eyed and nimble-fingered so I can make music for you)! Blog entry tomorrow too.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159552
2015-09-17T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
quiet calendar getting quieter
<p>Some of you may know by now through Facebook, e-mail and CaringBridge that I have been diagnosed within the past two weeks with Grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, stage TBD. I go in for lumpectomy Wed. 9/23 and will know more about what’s ahead after Mon. 9/28. I will reserve the “News/Journal” section for news of the few shows I’ll be able to do post-op and during treatment (including switching over to the creative side of the Bar Show this year--writing, cuing, crafting as my health & strength permit). My blog will distill the most salient elements of my cancer journey, which can be found in greater detail and updated more often on my CaringBridge Journal: www.caringbridge.org/visit/sandyandina. And of course, the Blog will remain my forum for rants on current events--which I’ve been lax in posting because a) others have beaten me to the punch; and b) the candidates’ words (at least on the GOP side) are funnier than any comments I can make on them.</p>
<p>I have one “for-sure” gig coming up that I will be playing: Andina & Rich at Just Goods Listening Room in Rockford, IL on Fri. Oct. 9 at 7 pm. I’ll be healed enough to drive there and perform, but not yet have started adjuvant therapy. FARM is up in the air--depending on when I start the next step and what it will be.</p>
<p>So for short updates as I have them, check the Blog. Ditto when I can no longer keep my mouth shut about world & political events of the day. And for anything musical (gigs, showcases, releases--we may do some songs on a digital download basis before “Chasing Lightning” drops early this spring--because I can’t tour behind it this fall. that’s why we’re waiting yet again), c’mon back here.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Arial; color: #a22084;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Arial; color: #a22084;"> </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159553
2015-09-16T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
catching you up from Mar. 2014
<p>So much has happened between March 2014 and now I’ll have to give you the Readers’ Digest version to fill you in.</p>
<p>2014:</p>
<p>Apr--Went to Paris and Normandy for a CBA CLE trip</p>
<p>May--got a new car (Subaru Outback) and gave Bob my Fusion Hybrid. Did L1K at Highlander & SERFA, visited Linda Mitchell in Asheville, drove VA’s Crooked Road, had breakfast with my sister Rona & niece Marissa, played the Abington Sr. Center in Clarks Summit, PA and Barking Spider in Cleveland.</p>
<p>Summer--Played monthly at Edgewater Farmers’ Mkt; did Madison’s Songwriters in the Round, vacationed in Vail (tore a gastroc hiking but it healed w/in a month), played 3 stages (4 if you count the TWS Favorites mainstage teaser) at Fox Valley.</p>
<p>Autumn & winter--vacationed in Vegas, did the Bar Show, played the Songsalive! Awards Showcase in Sherman Oaks, visited with my longtime friends Dick & RaLana, played the Wheaton Indoor French Mkt (twice). And our EP <span style="text-decoration:underline">Merry Humbug</span> made two of the Roots charts: #4 in IL, #1 national Holiday! </p>
<p>2015: duo touring cut back due to Steve doing more solo touring</p>
<p>Jan--Chiberia came back--tore two glutes and got bursitis from shoveling a foot of snow and then slogging 1/2 mi. each way in a howling blizzard with 2’ of snow.</p>
<p>Feb--vacationed in Vegas again</p>
<p>Spring--toured Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada) w/CBA for CLE trip. Relived it at Rioja Fest. Then Bob got his colon perforated during a routine colonoscopy, had to have a foot of it removed and then his hernia popped and needed emergency repair. Had to cancel all out-of-town gigs, but did get to play the Chicago Indoor French Mkt.</p>
<p>Summer--quiet gig-wise, though did play the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival and Neutral Ground in New Orleans (full gig, not showcase, during the Cutting Edge CLE conference); plus the CSC stage at Fox Valley. Had a great time, except for nerves over my abnormal mammogram, which turned into more imaging which led to a biopsy the day after Fox Valley. For what happened next, check the next post as well as my CaringBridge page.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159551
2014-03-14T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
March madness
<p>No, not the NCAA kind. March meteorological madness. We had two days this week of temps hovering between 55-60F....but with shovelable snow in between. Snowing again tonight despite this aft. having been open-jacket weather. Then two days of sub-freezing (thank goodness, not sub-zero) temps and back up to 50 again by Tuesday. Of course, this has created a new category among "Official Chicago" things (you know, stuff like Song, Bird*, Tree*, Sandwich, etc,): Official Geographical Feature.......and the winner is.....THE POTHOLE! Streets have become slalom courses--last week on B'way I missed a gate and got disqualified. So much for my dreams of a medal! :( But the positive aspect of "thaw" days and small snowfalls is that I don't have to wear boots, heavy coats or mittens. (Ever try to flip off a discourteous driver when wearing mittens? Sorta defeats the purpose).</p>
<p>* What's the official IL state tree? The orange highway construction barrel. What's the official IL state bird? The one you flip at the state tree!</p>
<p>This is the weekend of Purim Spiels and St. Pat's Day Parades. Today they dyed the Chicago River green--presumably to match the color of the beer that people will be upchucking over its bridge railings in the next few days. (Upside is that alcohol can melt ice jams). I did have a fantastic dinner tonight of corned beef & cabbage (best I've had in the city in the 35+ years I've lived here) at Broadway Cellars--they're serving it through Monday. As for Purim, no Hamantaschen for me for the second year in a row, since I'm still low-carbing it. Maintaining my 55-lb. weight loss--will plateau for awhile, because I've already spent enough on new clothes. (Traded my mom-jeans for skinny ones, still trying to get used to zippers and belt loops).</p>
<p>So I'm resigning myself to the undeniable truth that in Chicago (except for our parallel-universe spring of 2012 when we traded climates with San Diego), March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb...with serious anger-management issues. Meanwhile, after the inevitable post-Purim/post-St. Pat's Day letdown, you can still let your hair down with me several ways:</p>
<p><strong>Tues. 3/18:</strong> <strong>Andina & Rich</strong> at the <strong>Red Line Tap</strong>, 7006 N. Glenwood, Chicago. An Americana trifecta, starting with us from <strong>9-10</strong> pm. $5 gets you all three bands (the other two being Cowboy Choir and The Muddflaps). Good libations (and have dinner beforehand next door at the legendary Heartland Cafe). Parking at the Trilogy lot 2 bl. n. on Glenwood (make sure you park in the "Heartland/Red Line" designated spots). But why drive when the Red Line L stops just a block s. at Morse?</p>
<p><strong>Fri. 3/28</strong>: We'll be performing on Ari John White Wolf's podcast show <strong>"Inna Gadda Da Vida"</strong> from the studios of <strong>Red Dragon TV in Madison, WI</strong>. More details as we get 'em!</p>
<p><strong>Fri. 4/28</strong>: It'll be a really good Good Friday at <strong>Two Way Street Coffeehouse, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL</strong> as <strong>Andina & Rich</strong> return to the stage of Chicago's prestige intimate acoustic folk venue. Two full sets starting at <strong>8 pm</strong> (doors open 7:30). $7 cover. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate & cider, soda (or do you say pop?), and light snacks available. And we'll have a lot to say musically, including sneak previews of songs from our upcoming (as soon as it's manufactured) CD "Chasing Lightning." (We'll be releasing details soon about how you can be "present at the creation" and immortalized in the liner notes as one of our "angels").</p>
<p>And in between Madison & Downers Grove, Bob & I will be off to Paris and Normandy for a week...of Continuing Legal Education. That's right: this time I get to be the one sitting in a classroom (or courtroom) all morning while Bob explores the museums and cathedrals. Will be posting lots of photos and blogging about sights, sounds, and our afternoons & evenings as gastronauts (hoping all that walking will burn off the carbs & calories). And yes, someone'll be home while we're gone! (Someone human, not just the cats).</p>
<p>Speaking of kitties, our geriatric cat Matthew is doing splendidly post-stroke: he's climbing stairs, kicking @$$ and taking names.....okay, taking names. (A little more physical therapy will help him kick @$$). Thank you for your prayers, good thoughts and healing energy!</p>
<p>Mazel tov to my cousin Gena Greher for being named Donahue Endowed Professor of Music at the U. of Mass! </p>
<p>And get well, Maryjane! Saying a nightly Mi Sheberach for you.</p>
<p>See you on our return Stateside with details about our upcoming May and summer musical adventures!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159550
2014-02-19T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
F-f-f-f-february!!!!
<p>Good grief, anyone else here as sick of winter 2014--a/k/a The Thing That Wouldn't Leave--as I am??? There's no escaping it, though I'm trying this weekend--at Folk Alliance in Kansas City, where it's 20 degrees warmer and there's no snow...at least not till Sunday, when I fly home to Chiberia. The 3-4 feet of snow on the ground has melted to a large degree, is flooding the sewers, and will probably freeze over again tonight or tomorrow. And the Polar Vortex returns on Wed. They're predicting a low of ZERO--the latest I can remember it getting that cold since 1979.</p>
<p>We did manage, between snowstorms, to put on a great Christmas show at the Brink Lounge in Madison, with special guests Vita & George Levar, Tom Kastle, and Ingrid Frances Stark. Clips are up on YouTube. And Songsalive.com's website has a shot of me holding my cool crystal Songwriter of the Year trophy. If I look a bit weary, it was taken at 2 am on New Year's Eve--after walking 1/4 mi. each way in the snow and having quite a few flutes of champagne. Survived my 63d birthday, too. One benefit to living in Chiberia: I keep better.</p>
<p>I've shoveled so much snow that I've discovered muscles I never knew I had, until they started aching. Nearly fell on the ice (including en route to a January gig in Madison I couldn't get to because of floods & black ice) more times than I can count. Running out of places to put the @#$%^&*( snow--good thing enough of it has melted, to make room for more. And in the Supreme Irony Dept., I haven't gotten to use my new X-C ski boots yet: when it was warm enough to be outside the snow quality was too spotty; but when we had plenty of snow it was too cold to safely exercise. And we in the upper Midwest are not alone--the Eastern Seaboard and even the mid-South has gotten slammed. I can't wait till it's March, though it does "come in like a lion." Only hope it doesn't go out like a rabid pit bull!</p>
<p>So if you can hang on till mid-March, you can slake your Andina & Rich thirst at the Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood, in Chicago from 9-10 pm on Tues. Mar. 18. Then on Fri. Mar. 28, we'll be up in Madison, doing a live-audience webcast for Red Dragon TV's "Inna Gadda Da Vida" (at least I think that's how it's spelled) show, hosted by Ari John White Wolf. We'll be taping, so if you're anywhere near Madison and want to be part of posterity, get your posterior up there!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159549
2013-12-12T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:25-05:00
December is dynamite!
<p>Started out on Sun. Dec. 8, fresh from a triumphant closing Bar Show matinee, en route on the Eisenhower Expy. (the Ike) to the College of DuPage campus to be the finale of WDCB's Holiday Hoot. Earlier in the day, though, I found out that I'd be playing solo, as Stephen Lee Rich was stuck in Madison--due to a shortage of plows & salt he was stuck in his cul-de-sac unable even to take the uncleared arterials to the expressway. Then, after a protracted stop-and-go slog along the Ike, I got as far as the Chicago/Oak Park city line before traffic ground to a halt. Travel times out to the county line (much less campus) were an hour at that point, so there was no way I'd get to the Hoot before teardown. So I reluctantly phoned in my regrets and turned around to inch my way home (along Chicago roads and streets that were just as bad, with my block & alley unplowed till midmorning Monday). Turns out that due to the snow, the Hoot started early to accommodate those who could get there and then get home (hopefully) before the worst of the storm hit. So my Christmas goose was cooked even before I had to turn around. Between the snow and then the sub-Arctic temps, I was stuck indoors till Thursday! But you can hear the Hoot (with between-acts pauses edited out) and the talented artists who did perform on Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma on Christmas Eve from 7-9 pm, 90.9 FM or www.wdcb.org. And we might have some of our prerecorded holiday stuff played anyway.</p>
<p>Just when I thought there'd be nothing more to add, there are two new amazing developments. </p>
<p>First, the modestly good news: Sun. Dec. 15 (repeated the next week on the 22d), you can hear me deliver Andina & Rich's new holiday promo greeting on the 2013 version Richard Milne's WXRT Local Anesthetic Holiday Spectacular on 93.1 FM (or www.wxrt.com).</p>
<p>But here's the really big news: Songsalive.org (headquartered in Los Angeles) just selected me as its 2013 Songwriter of the Year! I'm flabbergasted and grateful beyond words. When my trophy arrives, I'll post a pic. I promise to live up to the honor by writing much more often, more skillfully, and assiduously marketing my songs to as wide an audience as possible.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159548
2013-12-01T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:24-05:00
A December to remember?
<p>Sorry, it was a cheap rhyme for the taking, and somebody had to take it. So much has happened since last I wrote: we wrapped production on the third Andina & Rich CD "Chasing Lightning" (waiting for the other half of the copyright on one cover tune to clear before we master, do graphics and press). Have a matched set of bionic knees that work a helluva lot better than the old ones did (I can stand for much longer and walk much further than before). And there's 55 lbs. less of me! (Yes, it was deliberate--for health reasons rather than vanity, but if it keeps me out of the costlier plus size dept., I'll take it). </p>
<p>On to December--once again (12th year) , I'm in the Chicago Bar Show (we no longer call it Christmas Spirits because it's more topical than holiday-themed), "The Merry Old Land of Lawz." Not playing guitar this year--with 9 scenes I'm in, I have my hands full with costume changes and choreography as it is. We open this Wed. night 12/5 at 7:30 and run through Sun. aft. 12/8 (a 2pm matinee). Tix www.chicagobar.org or at the Merle Reskin Theater Box Office (right up till each performance).</p>
<p>And right after the curtain on Sunday, I collect my costumes and drive like a bat out of Hell to Glen Ellyn, where Andina & Rich will be the last act before the finale at WDCB's Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma's Holiday Hoot, at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Rd. from noon-6pm. Live music galore, refreshments, and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to entertain the young'uns.</p>
<p>Wed. Dec. 18, 6-9 pm finds me co-hosting the annual Andina & Rich Holiday Special for Folks Who Hate the Holidays (and even for those who like them), at the Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington (at Brearly St.) in Madison, WI. Special guests will be Tom Kastle and Vita & George Levar (with whom I'll be doing carols trad and modern).</p>
<p>Busy in Jan. and Feb. too, but you'll just have to stay tuned for that.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159547
2013-05-07T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:24-05:00
Tra la, it's May...I think...
<p>Well, the calendar says it's May but hear near the lakefront (except for two teasingly hot days last week), the mercury says early March, or even February. I hear that with moisture and a projected low of 38 Sat. night the forecasters are muttering, sotto voce, the dreaded "s" word (the fact that they've added the qualifier "flurries" does not help my mood). Had a new deck put on my house (when the old one literally was rotting away and a hole opened up), and got it stained just in time for the temps to go from 84 and sunny to 45 and rainy. The stain is lovely, but it stinks. Literally. We need at least a couple more warm sunny days in a row for the VOC's to fade away enough to use my grill before I leave for SERFA and beyond.</p>
<p>You haven't seen much activity on my gig calendar--mostly because of matters (such as those above) on the home front, Stephen Lee Rich's solo touring & Musicians United organizing schedule, family travel and recording/pre-and-post-production sessions both down in Sparta and via e-mail. Taught "Shalom Rav" (the familiar Klepper-Freelander version) at last week's DSNI meeting--first time since 1981 I had to stop and think and codify a dulcimer piece with both mountain tab and hammer std. notation. Kudos to DSNI Pres. (and Hogeye Music dulcimer teacher) Janet Swartz for her patience and assistance and to Program Chair Susan Van Dusen for helping her make my pencilled chicken-scratches into legible and playable printed music. It was so long ago that I taught dulcimer: I used to teach beginners & kids when I was barely an intermediate player myself, long before I'd developed techniques and idiosyncrasies I'd never had to demonstrate before--just have muscle memory let me play on autopilot. Hats off to music teachers everywhere. Those who can, do; but those who can do AND clearly explain how they do it, teach. (Rewriting the old maxim). </p>
<p>Next up on the music front: SERFA, down in Montreat, NC in the beautiful Blue Ridge next week. I will be co-teaching a humor workshop with Greg Trafidlo, demonstrating dulcimer to middle school kids in a traditional music concert, hosting a humor song circle in the Local 1000 Showcase-Free Zone and room-showcasing both solo and as half of Andina & Rich the whole time. Then on June 4, Andina & Rich will be doing a free-to-the-public (no tip jar!) concert at the public library in Alton, IL (across the Mississippi from St. Louis)--after which I zip on over to Sparta to spend the rest of the week recording.</p>
<p>Then my left knee will be replaced June 12 (giving me the second half of a matched set). Started pre-op physical therapy yesterday, something I neglected to do last year, so that my good leg will be up to the task of keeping me from falling down during the insanely early get-out-of-bed-and-stroll they make one do less than 24-hrs. post-op. Last year, when it was time to stand up and use the walker the day after my right knee was replaced, my poor left one shook and literally crunched--quite audibly. This time the right knee won't crunch, as it's nice and smooth titanium; but with strong quad, glute & hamstring neither should it tremble. I know I'm in for a long haul of recuperation & recovery; but as my left knee is going to be less of a challenge (no fractures, no tibial hardware) there's an even chance that I'll be discharged to home rather than rehab. </p>
<p>But either way, unless I am bedridden or so zonked out on painkillers that I can't sing straight, June 21 should find me onstage (worst case scenario, in front of the stage) at the Horseshoe Saloon on Lincoln s. of Irving Park for Larry O. Dean's "Folk You" showcase. Let's hear it for taxicabs! By my next gig after that, July 10 at Metropolis, I should be cleared to drive again and off opioids--because I don't drive with my left leg, I'll be cleared to drive at 4 weeks rather than the 6 it took last year. And at exactly 6 weeks, I drove to a gig!</p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago, Bob & I returned from our first trip to the Napa Valley since Gordy was a preschooler. Back in 1988 I marveled at how much it had blossomed--the number of wineries and fine dining and lodging having burgeoned dramatically from the mid-1970s, when we used to drive down from Seattle and camp in the state park. But it is a wholly different world there today--easily 20 times as many commercially-known wineries (and scores more "boutique" ones) as in 1988. We were down there for a cardiology course (Bob was, I spent the mornings practicing and transcribing that dulcimer piece, as well as taking a voice lesson by Skype). The classes finished at noon, and we were taken on winery tours in the afternoon. We were able to taste all we wanted without worrying about getting behind the wheel. But we also noticed that the days of ambling up to the tasting room counter and sampling for free are history. There is a steep tasting fee now almost everywhere in the valley (except for Sutter Home). The fee is applied to your wine purchases if you join a winery's subscription club, and at least two tastings came with a free souvenir fine crystal glass. Amazingly, we got our four glasses (and two bottles) home safely in a special insulated carrier meant to be checked as baggage; the other bottles have been trickling in via UPS and FedEx. The weather was warm and gorgeous (though the pollen count was a challenge), in contrast to the torrential rains and floods back here that week. And we had some terrific meals--including eating at the restaurant of Iron Chef Morimoto. We were too late for the omakase (chef's degustation) dinner, but even the two a la carte courses we each had blew us away (and the wines and sake weren't exactly chopped liver, either--not even remotely chopped liver, though I'm sure that if given that as the "secret ingredient" or "Chairman's Challenge" Iron Chef Morimoto would turn it into something yummy with no hint of Hester St. whatsoever).</p>
<p>So I must have gained quite a bit of weight there, right? Not so fast. On doctors' orders, I went low-carb starting in late Jan. I didn't gain at Folk Alliance in Toronto, and I came home from Napa two pounds lighter. (Not talking "pounds sterling," either, though if you do the exchange-rate math, our wallets came home about a ton lighter). Seems everyone in NorCal has gone modified-dead-animals-and-leaves. I miss good artisanal bread and pastas, even a nightcap of cereal & milk or morning oatmeal; but not desserts (I get to eat a little dark chocolate and my gummy vitamins every day, as well as all kinds of berries). And if I never taste another potato, no loss. Since I started my diet I've lost 20 lbs. 30 since last year's pre-op exam, and 35 since I left Northwestern Memorial. Hope that may make recovery easier--it's certainly made my knee feel better but still not well enough to keep putting off the surgery.</p>
<p>So I will next log in here closer to SERFA--not from there, as internet'll be spotty (even cellular) and I'll be too busy to do much online but check e-mail. </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159546
2013-01-31T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:24-05:00
Happy February
<p>"As the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen"--Anonymous.</p>
<p>I wanna find Anonymous and beat him senseless with a snow shovel and jug of ice-melt. Or maybe smother him with my insulated winter coat, or choke him with my muffler. I know that axiom is meant to reassure us as we freeze that we're increasing the amount of sunshine, but I find it cold (dis)comfort.</p>
<p>First, I woke up Christmas morning to discover I was in the throes of the mother-in-law of all colds (caught no doubt while Christmas shopping)--while the weather gods were busy dumping 2-3" inches of "lake effect" snow on us. About "lake effect" snow: it's very real, just as tedious to shovel, clean off our cars, and avoid slipping or skidding on when walking or driving; but according to official weather statisticians it doesn't exist if it doesn't fall at O'Hare. By the time we finally broke our alleged "snowless streak" last week, here along the north lakefront we'd racked up nearly a foot of the stuff since Dec.'s first flakes fell. It fell and melted and fell and melted again, but it DID fall. On US. For the first time since I wrote the song, I actually lived "It Sucks Being Sick at Christmas." And my cold (and its companions asthma and laryngitis) stuck around for almost two weeks. At least it wasn't the flu; so far, that shot has worked. (Last week's norovirus was not funny, however. At least it had the sense not to hit me till after my birthday).</p>
<p>I turned 62 last week. Still trying to wrap my head around that: older than everyone on either side of my family when they suffered their first heart attacks (grandma was 62, dad 50, and my uncle's MI killed him at 49). New Year's Eve I was walking back home from the 5-course dinner party we'd held at our favorite local restaurant, en route to setting up the midnight champagne for our dinner guests. It was in one of the freezing-cold cycles of the climate roller coaster we've been riding all winter: between trying not to slip on the ice and walking fast enough to keep from feeling the wind, I had to stop a few times to let my heart slow down and breathe more slowly. I got into the house, filled the champagne bucket with ice....and nearly fainted. Lay down, got up, fetched the bubbly from the basement and saw stars again (and not the ones Dom Perignon claimed to have been drinking back in old Epernay); also felt a profound heaviness and fatigue in my upper arms and shoulders. Uh-oh. Still, I chalked it up to being out of shape (though not on an empty stomach, anemia or dehydration, which had caused milder versions of this while packing up and schlepping equipment after a few summertime gigs). Bob insisted that despite having gotten a clean bill of health before and after my knee surgery I should get a checkup.</p>
<p>My family doc took an EKG and confirmed that I wasn't having, nor had I suffered, a heart attack; but as he couldn't say I wasn't going to, he prescribed a battery of heart tests (echo, stress EKG, nuclear imaging). He also took a blood sample. Had the tests, and all were dead-bang normal for someone younger and thinner. No diabetes, anemia, elevated enzymes, etc. But my lipid panel was a shocker: while still considered very good, my HDL had plunged 20 points since June, my LDL rose by 40, and my triglycerides (always low) had tripled. Bob asked me if I'd fasted before the blood draw, and I replied "for four hours." He asked what was the last thing I'd eaten, and I sheepishly admitted it was a croissant the size of my head. I neglected to mention a week of pizza, pasta, great bread and a near-nightly bedtime treat of a chocolate egg cream. He thinks all those carbs were the culprit behind the spike in triglycerides and LDL, and my enforced rest from my cold probably depressed my HDL--along with cutting way back on wine since I had to give up all alcohol for the month I spent on blood thinners post-op. Family doc put me on a statin (Bob agrees), a low-carb diet, and orders to start exercising now that we'd determined my heart was strong enough to take it. So I have become pals with my treadmill and stationary bike, and can reintroduce "Dead Animals & Leaves" to my repertoire.</p>
<p>Between scheduling recording sessions, Stephen Lee's solo gigs, Folk Alliance in Toronto, and my upcoming spring trip to Napa with Bob, it's been tricky to book our duo and my solo gigs. But I've got some coming up--tonight's Dylan tribute at Gallery Cabaret (me solo as part of a cast of thousands), Valentine's Eve at Bill's Blues Revisited at the Orrington in Evanston, a bunch of solo and duo guerrilla showcases at Folk Alliance (and a solo mini-sit for the sick kids at Toronto's children's hospital), Wild Hog in the Woods in Madison 3/22 (duo), Metropolis Coffee 3/27 (solo), SERFA guerrillas in May (solo thus far), nursing home gig in Madison in May (duo, not open to public), Alton, IL Library June 4, and the Folk You showcase in Chicago June 21 (solo). Details in the Calendar section as well as my upcoming Sandygram.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159545
2012-12-23T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:23-05:00
Happy holidays!!!
<p>Merry ChrisFestHanuKwanDiwEid.......and Happy Tet in advance!</p>
<p>Been quite a year for me and Andina & Rich. Because of scheduling snafus regarding my knee replacement surgery, we had a few significant gig-free periods that we put to great advantage in the studio. We have "Chasing Lightning," our third Andina & Rich CD, nearly done (mostly mixed too) but for a sprinkling of instrumental accents and then mastering. Every reason to believe we'll have it out this spring (or whenever it'll be most advantageous). "Merry Humbug," our first holiday EP, has one song to go before we do final mix and then mastering. (We could have made it a full-length CD but it would have taken us into summer before we'd get into postproduction; and summer's when we need to release it). The first two songs off it, sent to radio and in time-sensitive download release, have been all over the airwaves this month (terrestrial, internet and next week satellite!). We had a blast at Lilli Kuzma's WDCB Holiday Hoot--and not only our set but our individual collaborations with other artists on the bill will be aired Christmas night. Stephen's EP "Free Range Sofas" (on which yours truly lends a voice to several cuts) has already gotten airplay on all cuts, and he's begun a full-length solo album. And last but not least, "Candy Apple Red Herring," the long-awaited followup to my solo debut "Ghosts & Angels," is underway. Got only two songs recorded for it so far--because two others caught Stephen's ear and ended up on "Chasing Lightning." All those songs of mine so many of you wanted me (or SASS! or A&R) to record will finally be on it. I may flesh it out with a few holiday songs (one traditional dulcimer instrumental, one Hanukkah classic in Ladino, and a swing-jazz original) because it'll be out in time for next year's holiday season, in time for me to promote it after recovering from my next knee surgery.</p>
<p>My left knee is jealous of the new right one and wants to be replaced. Ideally, I'd do it right after New Year's, but my surgeon's booked till April--when Bob and I will be taking a long-delayed Napa Valley vacation and then Steve & I get into heavy touring season. Even though the left knee will be simpler than the right one was and need a shorter recovery time, if I were to schedule it for right after our trip I wouldn't be healed in time for SERFA and the gig preceding it in mid-May. Were I to do it in early June right after a St. Louis gig, recovery would occupy the entire summer--as my right knee replacement did this year. No way am I going to miss summer touring. Stephen's taking Sept. off for his & Ingrid's dream trip to the NW. So it looks like either I skip Fox Valley Folk Festival and do it in late Aug., or do it right after the festival and be ready to roll in time for FARM.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, we made inroads last spring into the Mid-Atlantic/Appalachian area, and look forward to following up and exploring further. Looking at S. Florida for part of this summer (it's no stickier than Chicago) too. Meanwhile, my profound apologies for the destruction caused by my namesake superstorm. Seriously, many of the places special to me during my childhood are still devastated: Rockaway, the Brooklyn beaches, Staten Island, parts of lower Manhattan, much of the Catskills and Delaware Valley, and the NJ resort town of Lakewood (Borscht Belt South). We made a contribution to the Red Cross, but look for some further fundraising efforts on my part. No plans to re-visit yet, but we'll get there.</p>
<p>My right knee has healed so well that most of the time I don't even notice it. My cane has become an accessory in my car, a "just-in-case" item like my snow brush and tire inflator. Still need it for uneven and hilly terrain--which doesn't describe most of Chicago.</p>
<p>Bob had his batteries recharged by our Sept. river cruise through central Europe, and while still working long and hard is taking more time to stop and smell the cappuccino. (We're getting our parachutes ready to jump off the fiscal cliff). And Gordy has discovered he has a knack not just for acting but teaching as well--he teaches improv skills to impoverished special needs kids in a S. Side public school where he and his students are a mutual admiration society. The program will be expanded come January.</p>
<p>Time to do some last-minute wrapping, buy greeting cards and make the hard sauce for tonight's plum pudding. Have a happy and a merry!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159544
2012-11-18T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:23-05:00
Thanksgiving already?!
<p>Since last I checked in here, much has changed, but the most important and comforting things have remained constant. I am once again on two feet--with my cane used mostly as either a prop or for hill-climbing. In fact, though my right knee still has some stiffness and soreness, I am walking without a limp and am able to stand for an hour or longer. (Still can't kneel or get up off a floor, but that's not a bad tradeoff). After a summer of intense physical therapy (10 days in rehab, 4 weeks at home with a visiting PT, and 6 weeks at a PT clinic), I was able to walk the grounds of and perform both days at the Fox Valley Folk Festival (with a reprise coming up for the Dulcimer Society in May), do a one-hour standing set with Steve at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Madison, take that wonderful Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, and do two more of Julie Jurgens' tribute showcases at the Gallery Cabaret (both of them on my feet). </p>
<p>Not just that, but I drove to FARM and flew to NERFA to network and showcase solo. No, Andina & Rich fans, the duo is still very much alive, but Steve and I are honing our solo chops and bookings for the inevitable occasions when we want to perform but one or the other of us has a major schedule conflict. In Steve's case, it's been the long final illness and the aftermath of the death of his mother-in-law; in mine, it's both the upcoming Bar Assn. Christmas Spirits show (my 11th year) and my upcoming left knee replacement. The latter will take place (we hope) in either very late Dec. or early Jan. in order for me to be able to fly to Toronto in Feb. 2013 for Folk Alliance Int'l--as a solo, performing with Steve, and doing some networking and volunteering.</p>
<p>As I said, the right knee still has a way to go. but it's the discomfort of healing, which diminishes daily. But "lefty" is making her displeasure known--she's hurting more and more, and beginning to give way. (Yet another Bar Show wearing a knee brace beneath my slacks--but hopefully next time I won't need it anymore). Dealing with a new challenge: the pointy cobblestones in Germany (and my stupid decision to bring German "walking" shoes and leave my sneakers home) reawakened my dormant Morton's neuroma and metatarsalgia in my left foot. Fortunately (but not for my wallet) I found a new line of Finn Comforts with rocker-profile soles that take the pressure off my forefoot and support my arches. Stylish, too (well, as stylish as orthopedic shoes can be--blue suede, black patent, bronze, etc.). </p>
<p>Cruise was marvelous. Wish we'd had more time on our own (or weren't so jet-lagged) to explore Budapest, especially the Margaret Island spas, Citadel, Gundel's, etc. Could have used an extra day in Vienna and especially the Rheingau & Amsterdam. Such is the tradeoff of a river cruise--rarely does the ship dock overnight to allow after-dinner exploration (and since meals and cocktails--and some evening programs--are paid-for and onboard), so we usually set sail either just before dinner or late at night and sailed till morning or even the next afternoon. But there is much to be said for unpacking just once and stashing our empty bags for two full weeks, living on a floating hotel of manageable size where we got to know just about all our fellow passengers. I think the way to view such a multi-country cruise is to use it as an introduction to countries or cities to visit later on--in-depth, on our own, and more economically. If we do this again (and it'll probably be in 2014, either Russia or Budapest-to-Bucharest), I'll bring the sneakers and buy plenty of good local wines to drink on board (prepaid booze package notwithstanding). And probably the cheap Euro-cell phone (AT&T was spotty and expensive when we did get to connect) and a real camera. </p>
<p>Only thing that marred the cruise was learning, upon our midnight departure from Vienna, that my mentor had suffered a stroke. Fortunately, it was not deep in his brain and he had terrific physical and occupational therapy, and he is back to work part-time now. The closing I had set up to happen in my absence ended up having to be postponed anyway for bank-related reasons (in fact, two full weeks after my return), but everything worked out to both parties' satisfaction. </p>
<p>We had some health setbacks recently in my household: Gordy landed in the hospital with asthma (while I was away in upstate NY) which developed after he caught a cold from one of his students (he's fine now); and Bob seems to have caught the stomach bug that's going around (which took the Bar Show's bandleader out of commission for a few days). Meanwhile, I am treating my digestive system with kid gloves, gobbling vitamin C, hydrating like crazy, sleeping more and washing my hands constantly. Thank heavens I had my flu shot. You should too! And I find myself now the namesake of the largest and most destructive superstorm in American history (though thankfully not as fatal as Katrina). Walking into a bar, and not being asked what I want to drink but having a Hurricane plopped down in front of me is getting kinda old. Seriously, the devastation is wrenching--especially neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island I remember from my NYC childhood. It's hard to imagine--unless you're unfortunate enough to have been hit by the storm--that hundreds of thousands are still without heat, power, clean running water, and transportation even three weeks later. Mother Nature paralyzed my hometown in a more widespread and ultimately longer-lasting (though less fatal) way than did even Al Qaeda.</p>
<p>Speaking of the Bar Show (Lawpocalypse Now), it's gonna be great this year, and I have TWO featured lead solos. In a great stretch of casting, I play a protest folksinger (guitar-slinging, again, of course) and a titillated late-middle-aged housewife who's had a literary epiphany. In the ensemble numbers, I am an elderly lawyer (I have to fake a limp this time) as well as a disgruntled schoolteacher. We are running Wed-Sun Dec. 5-9 (the final show being a matinee), with reduced ticket prices: $50 orch./$25 mezzanine. Same bat-time, same bat-channel: the Merle Reskin Theater, 60 E. Balbo in the S. Loop, 8 pm curtain.</p>
<p>And the afternoon before our penultimate show, I'll be out at the College of DuPage for WDCB's annual "Holiday Hoot." Tickets are $10 (or comped for the station's "angels," hint hint), running from 1-5 pm Sat. Dec. 8. Andina & Rich are on early so I can get back to the Reskin in plenty of time for that night's show, but listen for Steve in the finale. (Yes, you can listen--it'll be broadcast too).</p>
<p>And here's a little advance notice of our special holiday gift to you: remember I said we were working on four recording projects simultaneously? (Our followup 3rd CD "Chasing Lightning," our first-ever holiday album "Merry Humbug," Steve's second solo EP "Free Range Sofas" and my second solo CD "Candy Apple Red Herring," to refresh your memory). Well, in the spirit of the season we're releasing two singles off the holiday album: our interfaith carol "Season of Hope," and the hilariously autobiographical (but hopefully not portending deja vu) "It Sucks Being Sick at Christmas." Go to www.andinaandrich.com/music.html and there they'll be!</p>
<p>Happy Thanksgiving--and hope you have lots of leftovers!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159543
2012-07-09T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-11T15:26:41-04:00
Spring and surgery behind me!
<p>I will detail the history & progress of my knee replacement in the "Blog" section of this site. I'm calling it "What's a Joint Like You Doing in a Girl Like This?" Stepping back from political commentary for awhile as I recuperate from surgery: I'll "pick my fights" in small doses on Facebook and channel political emotions into donating and volunteering (especially as I recover). I need to be as calm as possible so I can dedicate myself to regaining range-of-motion in my knee, adapting to my temporary physical constraints on performing (sit vs. stand, optimal sitting position for instrument placement and vocal support), booking fall and winter, and getting lighter and more fit. That'll speed my rehab, as well as take some of the strain off my left knee so that my unloader brace and stronger muscles can delay replacing it as well.</p>
<p>Musically, the spring was marvelous! Played nearly as much in the near-southeast/mid-Atlantic region as here in the western Great Lakes. It was a wrenching decision to forgo FAI this year, especially as it was the last time it was based in Memphis, but a wise decision. We're Memphised-out, and doing plenty of driving downstate to Sparta as it is. Until we have the new album(s) out to promote (or face a conference in a market we've yet to tap, as with FARM's upcoming move to St. Louis), it really makes no sense to do a gazillion guerrillas and marathon stints in the Exhibit Hall. Since we're both off the FARM Board, we had no regional-leadership duties to fulfill; and since Local 1000 chose Highlander as the site of our 2012 annual gathering, both those responsibilities requiring FAI attendance were out of the picture. Besides, we got some good recording and rehearsals in during the time we'd otherwise have been barreling down the freeways, talking, sleeping in motels, eating insalubrious food and obsessing over winter driving hazards.</p>
<p>Got to take three trips to the DC area: in early April for Bob's cardiology symposium and my sister's birthday (dinner at Citronelle was worth both the megabucks and the calories); then down to Fredericksburg, VA for the Songwriter Showcase. Bob and Lou Gramann are delightful hosts, and we had a blast swapping songs in the round with the marvelous Ellen Bukstel and Nick Annis. We had a good sized crowd, marvelous acoustics, terrific volunteers and great hospitality from the Gramanns before and after the show. Steve drove back while I spent the weekend with my family, flying home in order to optimize the time I needed to devote to a case I was handling. (I am a "recovering" attorney, but flunking the 11th & 12th steps of recovery from law-practice, namely, refusing new cases and relinquishing the law license). Did some solo gigs at Pillars (had to back out of the Apr. 3 one when my tooth broke that morning and the novocaine didn't wear off in time to sing without drooling and slurring) and the Songsalive! Chicago showcase at the Heartland (a great gig marred only by having my car towed, despite handicap placard and no restrictions other than "handicap permit only" displayed at the parking space, and the cab missing the address three times before I had to call Bob to get me to Lincoln Towing to ransom Baby Blue). Dave Hawkins came in from Cincinnati and stayed with me for his own Pillars gig and our appearances at the Woodstock Folk Festival's Woody Guthrie Birthday Benefit. Played Mighty Joe's open mic at Katie O'Connor's in Plainfield and earned an invitation to return as a paid featured performer. Knee school and pre-op tests went well. Unfortunately, the night before that gig and two days before a long-ago-scheduled (and impossible-to-reschedule-within-this-year) Two Way Street Andina & Rich gig, I developed a nasty case of laryngitis. Had I gone and done the Plainfield show, and fully lost my voice for the next night, I'd have let down not only Steve but Two Way Street and the fans who came out to see us. My college best buddy Lisa (now a member of the Grammy-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) suggested hot & sour soup--which did the trick better than prednisone would have. The gig went very well. And the next week found us out in Shepherdstown, WV for the season-closing concert at the Trinity Orchard House series. Steve Warner was a great host, we had a nearly-full house despite floods and a tornado warning, made lots of new fans and sold some CDs. After my GPS had several near-nervous breakdowns due to sudden road closures and detours, we arrived late into the night at our hotel at Dulles, from which Steve had a flight to Phoenix a couple of hours later for his nephew's wedding. Spent another great weekend with my sister & niece (and a magnificent yet affordable dinner at Vidalia), capped off with a concert for Arlington, VA's Nottingham Elementary School Koalas (kindergarten). These kids were delightful and a lot smarter and more sophisticated than I remember we were at that age. (At age 6, I'd never seen a dulcimer, heard of a digeridoo or known it was an instrument and not an animal, much less have been able to imitate it).</p>
<p>Arrived home to two unpleasant surprises: due to schedule conflicts my surgery was moved back to June 22; and I was to report straightaway to the Sleep Lab at Northwestern Hospital for evaluation for sleep apnea. (The portable unit I was to have used to test myself at home was never shipped). The Sleep Lab turned out to be the most luxurious hotel room I've ever had (in the same hotel that houses Tru Restaurant): teak-paneled walls and built-in cabinetry, flat-screen TV, down pillows & duvets, and an all-granite bathroom with a glassed-in shower that had water pressure I'd kill for. And I slept soundly despite being wired-up six ways from Sunday. What an irony: seventeen hundred bucks ($23 to park), with a check-in time of 9 pm and checkout no later than 7 am. Dang. And then I had to go buy my own coffee. Result was that I do snore (duh), but rather than stopping my breathing, the snoring wakes me up momentarily many times during the night, often during the deepest parts of sleep. No wonder I never wake up refreshed no matter how long I sleep. But rather than a CPAP machine, my peri-op doc prescribed a dental mouthpiece that repositions the jaw to open up throat passages. My dentist fitted me for one and we're waiting for it to come back from the lab and me to be in shape to climb up & down the stairs to his office to try it out and have the fitting tweaked.</p>
<p>The People's Church gig went very well--again, bigger crowd than expected given the brutally hot weather--but the pain in my knee took its toll. As soon as the adrenaline of performing wore off, I began to see stars. I promptly sat down and hydrated like crazy. My guardian angels got my instruments down to the car so I could recuperate enough to drive home safely. Only after I popped a cough drop and perked up did I realize I'd had nothing to eat since breakfast. But the Elijah's gig fell victim to the P.R.O. goons again. Sigh.</p>
<p>The surgery's postponement enabled me to spend Father's Day with Bob and see Gordy's show at Studio Be, as well as get some more ducks in a row. Surgery went well, but as I said, that story's in my Blog from now on. And I returned to gigging last night in the Four Women Showcase at Katerina's: the temporarily insurmountable height of the stage (no step or rail) necessitated my sitting in front of it; despite the chair being too low and the mic too high to effectively see my instruments as I sang, I did pretty well, all things considered. And Gordy was an angel--carrying my instruments, sticking around all evening and gallantly hailing the cab for the ride home. </p>
<p>Next performances: a cameo in Julie Jurgens' bimonthly tribute showcase at the Gallery Cabaret (had to miss the June 1 Bowie tribute because I was gigging in WV), "Rubber Pet Soul Sounds" Fri. Aug. 3; the Blue Island Rush Hour Farmers' Market scheduled for Aug. 7 (BYO chairs, sound and shelter--we'll see if I can handle two hours out in the hot sun either sitting in an uncomfortable position or standing); and a Fox Valley Folk Festival doubleheader: one morning with the Dulcimer Society of Northern IL and one with the Chicago Songwriters' Collective. (FVFF is disabled-friendly, so I'm not worried). And then comes Bob's & my European river cruise vacation: two weeks, from Budapest to Amsterdam. </p>
<p>More later, as I'm sure additional gigs and developments will pop up in the interim.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159542
2012-02-22T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:22-05:00
my right knee's days are numbered
<p>110 days, that is. New Knee Day will be June 12. So I'm trying to get in as much recording, performing and traveling as I can between now and then. I'd set aside Jan, Feb. & Mar. for the surgery (supposedly to replace the left or both knees) and rehab. Instead, my surgeon is in such demand that the earliest we could have scheduled it was late March....which would have put the kibosh on my family vacation to DC, gigs in VA and WV, the Highlander Local 1000 conference and SERFA 2012. After looking at my x-rays, Dr. W. decided that both my knees were shot; but also informed me that he no longer favors bilateral replacement surgeries because of the increased time under anesthesia, increased risk of infection, and difficulty in rehabbing without a comparatively stronger leg to stand on. And though the left knee has been bone-on-bone for at least a couple of years, I was shocked to see that so is my right knee. My previous surgeon, in Dec. 2010, six months after trimming my torn right lateral meniscus, insisted I had plenty of cartilage remaining. He dismissed my fears that the stiff and painful snapping sensation behind the right knee was a sign of re-injury to the soft tissues. Turns out that snapping sensation is the rough surface of my right femur catching on and abrading what remains of said lateral meniscus. Moreover, I still have limited flexion of the right knee. Fixing the meniscus again would be futile--the rough bone would keep chewing it up and the surface of an artificial knee would replace the articular and meniscal cartilage anyway. So between now & then I need to stay limber without injury, not gain any more weight (ideally, try to lose), and build up both my quadriceps and upper body strength. Knee School (and pre-op tests and blood banking) will be May 24. </p>
<p>The Bar Show was a blast--and my creative clothes-layering made the costume changes nearly painless (the stair-climbing and knee-bending choreography, not so much). The Gramann acquitted itself nobly on stage, as did the wireless system I used to patch into the orchestra pit's mixing board. I got to play guitar in the post-finale "Jr. Partners" and rock version of "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," too. A last-minute scheduling conflict for the A & R Christmas Show caused a bit of a guest-performer crisis, until my Bar Show buddy Vita Levar and her husband George stepped in for some delightful collaborations to save the day--er, evening. Thanks to all my friends & castmates who turned out for the show! Alas, the Metropolis show never happened: ASCAP & BMI reared their ugly heads a couple of days before the gig and tried to shake them down for an exorbitant license fee disproportionate to the amount of live music they'd be having (I was to be the first concert after a multi-year hiatus, and the collection goons were unconvinced that the cafe could enforce an originals-only policy. This is the only instance in which our courts allow "guilty until proven innocent"). But all was not lost--their booker also has started to book Rogers Park's wonderful new Pillars Social Cafe, which is PRO-compliant, so I'll be playing there Mar. 15 and Apr. 3. See the upcoming March Sandygram for details about that, as well as Grounds For Appeal Mar. 31, the S&G tribute at Gallery Cabaret Apr. 6, the Woodstock FF Benefit Apr. 22, our VA and WV shows at the end of April and beg. of June, Highlander and SERFA, and--a real treat for us--our return to Two Way Street Coffeehouse May 25. My right knee's onstage swan song will be People's Church June 8 & Elijah's Coffee June 9. Its replacement's debut will be at Katerina's on July 9 (I'll be sitting down to play it safe). We even won a couple bottles of Malbec at B'way Cellars' Super Bowl party. Looking forward to their Oscar party too, and especially the Maryhill dinner in March (stay tuned for details as to when we'll be heading NW to play at the winery again)!</p>
<p>We've begun work on the third Andina & Rich CD "Chasing Lightning," our holiday EP "Merry Humbug," and my long-overdue followup solo album, tentatively titled "Candy Apple Red Herring." Choosing the songs has been tough, as I have more than enough for a double album. But taking precedence will be the two songs I'd promised to record ("For Everything," for Bob & Jackie; and "Ed's Song," for Joan), as well as a couple I've already tracked. Interestingly, we'd planned to put the novelty nostalgia song "They Don't Write 'Em Like That" on our CD and my dulcimer-based maturity anthem "Sing" on mine; but Stephen decided the former needs no additional vocals or guitar, and he fell in love with the latter (though I've often played it out, including at Gebhard Woods when I'd played with Susan, he'd never heard it before). Looking forward to an encore of the American Dream Memorial Choir (Ingrid, Roberta, Gary, and us) on the choruses, as well as Roberta's autoharp. We have 12-13 tracked for "Chasing Lightining," as well as an a cappella quartet bonus track we recorded in Brooklyn last Nov. with our good friends Alan & Miriam, aka Stereo Sinai. We've got bass on half the songs already, are adding it to the rest over the next couple of weeks, and bringing in violin, cello, piano, mandolin, clarinet, accordion and even a church organ (not all on the same tracks, of course), and will lend our ears to the mixing and mastering process. No idea yet about graphics.....brainstorming should be fun. We may try another "pick-the-album-cover" contest. We'll let you know about sponsorship options and packages as we crunch the numbers--we expect "angel" opportunities to be limited, so get in on the ground floor as soon as we say "go."</p>
<p>Mother Nature has a sick sense of humor. After the longest autumn in Chicago history (well into January, with a couple of teaser storms and a cold snap in early Feb.), Madison got dumped on last Fri. and today both it and Chicago are finally falling victim to winter. My little front-wheel drive Fusion Hybrid (aka Baby Blue) has done pretty well in light snow--this weekend (should I decide to brave the streets) will be the true test of its traction. It's driven effortlessly down to Sparta & back three times now--on one trip, handling occasional black ice on the freeway and a good 6" of rutted snow in the alley. Still pining for the ideal musician's car: the width of my Fusion (so Bob would feel comfy driving it); the cargo capacity of Stephen's Forester (or bigger); the all-wheel drive of the Forester or Bob's Five Hundred; and the gas mileage of a Prius or at least my Fusion. Alas, the Prius V hadn't yet come out when my Taurus bit the dust, and it lacks all-wheel drive; a standard Prius is narrower with less cargo room than even the small trunk of my Fusion; the Forester has relatively poor fuel economy and none of the electronic doo-dah to which the Fusion has accustomed me (built-in GPS, Bluetooth, Aux-In and USB ports plus AC outlet, backup camera and blind-spot warning system); and Bob's Five Hundred (rebadged "Taurus") has utterly dismal fuel economy--it uses 3X as much gas as my Fusion! We rented a Flex Fuel AWD Chevy Equinox in Colorado last fall, but it lacked the blind spot system and it got only 26-28 mpg. (My Fusion gets 35-40, dep. on weather, and has gotten as much as 44 on some trips; the Forester gets 22 on a good day; the Five Hundred no better than 13-17). Had my eye on a Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid, both of which get 28-32; but the Toyota costs as much as a small Lexus and the Escape Hybrid, since the last of its kind rolled off the assembly line in favor of a smaller and elliptical all-gas Eco-Boost model, is even harder to find now than a GOP Presidential candidate who doesn't pine for the good old days of colonial Salem.</p>
<p>Fighting yet another cold--the last one took from late Oct-nearly Thanksgiving to leave my lungs & larynx. Had my LifeLine screening tests as well as those at the blood bank before donating. Everything is normal--no arrhythmia, PAD, carotid plaques, osteoporosis, anemia, hypertension or diabetes. (We won't talk about my BMI....just my ASCAP, hahahaha). My highly intimate extreme close-up back in Dec. revealed a hale and hardy set of innards, and I needn't go back till I'm 70. (!0 years out is about as soon as I'd want to guzzle that awful prep stuff again). Off now to snuggle into my comforter & pillows and catch the next episode of my dreams...and hope they provide some more creative inspiration.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159541
2011-11-24T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:22-05:00
Hurtling toward the Holidays
<p>Here I am, typing as a breather from being elbow-deep in dishwashing after yesterday's turkey feast and rehearsing my (not so) little keister off. That can mean only one thing: we're coming into holiday show season! </p>
<p>Had an amazing Oct./November: shows in Loveland, CO, Casper, WY, Goldendale, WA, and at FARWest in Eugene, OR--got to see the Rockies for the first time ever and the Cascades for the first time in decades. Then, after battling the bronchial bug I caught on the plane home, we headed back East, for a delightful time as Jon Stein's guests on WTBQ's Hootenanny Cafe, some much-needed R&R in and around NYC (including showing Stephen the city for the very first time), recording in Brooklyn with our friends Stereo Sinai, visiting L.I.'s North Fork wineries that inspired my song "Talking to the Vines." Next, we headed back up into the Catskills to NERFA in Kerhonkson, NY, where we had an intense weekend showcasing (both for ourselves and backing up marvelous Mara Levine), networking and learning. And I finally triumphed over that pesky turkey (free range organic) and got it to the table for friends and family. (Still can't contemplate the concept of "mealtime" just yet--maybe in a few hours. No more dirty dishes......pleeeeeeease)!</p>
<p>About those rehearsals: I'm multitasking from now till just before Christmas. Intensive rehearsals (first weekly, now daily) have begun for the 88th annual (and my tenth) CBA Christmas Spirits revue, "LawLawPalooza." Besides my usual supporting and choral roles singing and committing attempted dancing, I'm front and center this time--singing lead and playing guitar (hey, Bob--my Gramann!) in a scene. (Six changes of costume--yike!). For the first time, we're discounting ALL advance purchases: instead of the erstwhile $65, tickets are $45 orch./$25 mezz. That's right--the lowest-price Broadway-style theater ticket (and by far the funniest evening) in town. Dec. 6-10 at the Merle Reskin Theater, 60 E. Balbo in the South Loop. 7:30. Don't miss it! www.barshow.org or 312-554-2134 for tickets (and tell 'em I sent you).</p>
<p>Then it's Andina & Rich's annual "Holiday Party for Those Who Hate the Holidays" show. Usually held in Madison, WI, this year we're bringing it down to the Chicago area (we'd wanted to do a Madison/Chicago doubleheader, but the venue we'd planned to use up in Cheeseland is retooling). Sat. Dec. 17, from 7-10 pm we'll be ho-ho-hamming it up at Grounds For Appeal Coffeehouse in Berwyn, IL (only a block from the Metra station). Joining us as our special guest will be the inimitable Andrew Calhoun, who'll regale you with traditional holiday and folk songs, his originals, and his world-famous puns. (In fact, we may have a pun throwdown). How much is this gonna cost you? Just the cost of getting there--and whatever you feel like feeding the tip jar. As always, there'll be free cookies, Wendy's door prizes and her gigantic and delicious hot-and-cold-drink (no alcohol) menu.</p>
<p>So we have all that Madison-specific holiday stuff, and the guest performers up there who were going to help us play it. What to do? Well, keep an eye out for Red Dragon TV's "Andina & Rich Holiday Spectacular:" the best of this year's "Andina & Rich Comedy Hour," our year-end topical recap, special commentaries, new holiday-themed sketches (there WILL be pie), and of course holiday music: our own originals and our spin on the classics as well as topnotch songs of the season from our arsenal of artists who've graced us with recordings and videos--all hosted by "Escape to Music's" Sam Spindler. And it streams worldwide at reddragontv.tv, as well as going into our YouTube on-demand archive, so "Madison's too far" is no excuse!</p>
<p>January brings the main tracking and mixing sessions down in Sparta, IL for the third Andina & Rich album, "Chasing Lightning." It'll be chock-full of co-writes, as well as a couple of choice covers and plenty of humor--a nice balance of silly & serious. And on Jan. 26, I'll be doing a rare solo early evening free set at Metropolis Coffee (cor. Granville & Kenmore, 1.5 bl. e. of the CTA Red Line) from 6-7. You'll hear stuff I don't usually get to play out these days, and drink some of the best coffees & teas in Chicago!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159540
2011-11-01T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:22-05:00
Andina & Rich on Hootenanny Cafe this Sunday!
<p>NEWS FLASH: Andina & Rich will be Jon Stein's guests LIVE in-studio on WTBQ's "Hootenanny Cafe" out of (premature winter wonderland) Warwick, NY this Sunday, November 6, at 8 pm Eastern/7Central (that's <em>Standard</em> Time, which kicks in late Sat. night). You can listen in the Hudson Valley/N. Delaware Valley/Catskills on 93.5 FM--or stream it worldwide at www.wtbq.com. We're headed out there right now!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hi everyone! Has it been four months since I posted here? Yeesh! Steve & I have been on the road since then to such exotic locales as Naperville, Geneva, Bolingbrook, Grayslake, Morris and of course Madison & Chicago. And, oh yeah: Loveland, CO; Casper, WY; Goldendale, WA; and Eugene, OR. Tell ya more later--it's 2 am and we have a long drive ahead of us tomorrow from Youngstown to Warwick--with a fun extended weekend in NYC before we head to NERFA.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159539
2011-06-10T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:22-05:00
Brink Lounge 6/22; New URL for the Comedy Hour!
<p>Red Dragon TV, the host site (and studio) for the Andina & Rich Comedy Hour, has found a new home on the Internet at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/red-dragon-tv (Home site is www. reddragon.tv). Used to be hosted at justin.tv, now just on TV--internet TV, that is! Sundays at 7 pm Central (same bat-time, sorta same bat-channel).
Returning by popular demand, on Wed. 6/22 at 7:30 pm, I'm part of the MSG's Songwriters in the Round (think of it as Bluebird-Flown-North), with Stephen Lee Rich, Brandy Held, and Midwest folk and blues legend (and now DJ) Jim Schwall. 50% off bottles of wine and five-buck martinis as well! THE BRINK LOUNGE, 701 E. Washington St., Madison, WI. Make sure you enter from Washington St. (US 151) to Blount St., because Willy St. is still under destruc---er, construction.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159538
2011-06-02T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:22-05:00
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday--8pm Eastern
<p>Stop the presses! On Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 8 pm Eastern time, Andina & Rich will be the Featured Artists for a Mini-Concert on Jon Stein's "Hootenanny Cafe" radio show on WTBQ, 93.5 FM locally in Orange County, NY and environs---and WORLDWIDE at www.wtbq.com. Jon is a great friend of folk music and a terrific DJ and all-around nice guy----drop everything and LISTEN wherever you are and however you can!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159537
2011-05-22T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:21-05:00
May music, mts., memories
<p>What a May it's been! Iowa City, Columbia MO, Omaha, Madison & Sparta, IL were all great (and recording River City Folk in Omaha was as much fun as going out with Tom May, his engineer Clint and their wives afterwards). Our episode of River City Folk will air the week starting Sept. 12 (in the Chicago area, on Tues. 9/13 at 9pm Central on WDCB 90.9 right after Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma from 7-9). We had a great, diverse, touching and enthusiastic audience at Uptown Bill's in IA City--they stuck around to hear us after the open mic. Shook things up a bit and challenged some assumptions about how entertaining two geezers can be when we were at Barley St. Tavern in the Benson area of Omaha. Made some great connections and will return late in Aug. to play the Benson Farmers' Market (and hopefully Benson Grind and the PC Collective there that week). May also do the IA Old Time & Bluegrass Fest the following week--still working on it. Sep. 9 will be joining Stephen with his political-song side project The Outside Agitators (who do our co-write "This is What Democracy Looks Like" as well as Tom Kastle's "Whose House? Our House" and maybe my "They Don't Care About You") at Wild Hog in the Woods in Madison. but I'm getting way ahead of myself!
We learned about the true meaning of Tornado Alley that mid-Apr. week when multiple tornado watches had us huddled beneath an overpass bet. Omaha & Wichita as we witnessed at least half the ten Biblical plagues (hey, just before Passover)--dark skies, howling winds, wedge clouds on either side of the freeway, pouring rain, locusts (ok, bugs smushed on the windshield), murrain (aka death of animals, to wit: road kill), boils (found a new zit)..... Then next day en route to a gig in Hays, KS we had to cancel due to ultra-high winds (50MPH. steady-state, 75 MPH gusts), NWS warnings to stay indoors; turns out they were relieved to be able to close early since they had the same conditions (plus a snowstorm two days before). Ate BBQ till we could take it no more. Had gracious hospitality, fun & friendship with Gary & Roberta Gordon at Gordon House before & after our concert at the Sparta Library (which raised a total of $2200 for the library even after we got paid, playing before a near-capacity crowd despite storm warnings and high winds). Recorded the rough live tracks of "Body Scanners," starting on our next CD! (Look for a teaser download soon). "This is What Democracy Looks Like" is going viral and will be screened at the San Francisco Labor Film Festival in July! And we've gotten rave reviews of the first two episodes of The Andina & Rich Comedy Hour (7pm Central Sun. on justin.tv/reddragontv).
Threw out my back last Sun., but still had a magical week first at the Local 1000 retreat at the history-steeped, Smoky Mt-nestled, welcoming and inspiring Highlander Center in New Market, TN--birthplace of the fusion of folk music with the civil and labor rights movements. Then the sun came out for our wonderful weekend at SERFA in the gorgeous Blue Ridge setting of Montreat Center in NC near Asheville. Drove up through the Blue RIdge--NC, VA, WV. Weather held up till we emerged from the tunnel into WV--been stormy ever since and promises to be till we set out for Chicago tomorrow. (Our drive from Charleston-Cincy-Indy today will be a challenge).
Tomorrow night (Tues. May 24, 7-9pm) we'll be on the special Dylan Birthday tribute radio concert on Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma on WDCB. Gotta send this out as a Sandygram now, so catch you later!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159536
2011-04-04T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:21-05:00
do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
<p>Still down here but heading home (just for overnight) tomorrow evening. I have condensed 15 years' worth of Cajun/Creole dining into ten meals and my digestive system is beginning to crave soft boiled eggs and dry toast (though my taste buds are still whooping it up a block down on Bourbon St.). A foodie's roll call: Fri. lunch at EAT, pre-gig gumbo at the Tavern of the Court of Two Sisters, late fried-seafood dinner at Coop's Place; Sat. lunch at Pier 424, dinner at NOLA (cutting-edge Cajun via Emeril); Sun. brunch at Brennan's (where my hair almost got flambeed along with the Bananas Foster) and dinner at Commander's Palace (truly the Restaurant at the End of the Universe--at least till I finally score a table at Alinea back home); Mon. brunch with Gina at Camellia Grill, dessert with Bob at Pat O'Brien's (no Hurricane that early), dinner at Desire (watching the storm roll in & out); leftover bread for breakfast, the mandatory beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde (managed to avoid getting powdered sugar on my black pants & sweater, listened to fine streetwise Dixieland band--worlds better than the three ancient jobbing musicians halfheartedly reading charts in the Convention Ctr. lobby); and classic French/Creole dinner at Antoine's--where we were so stuffed, despite sharing appetizer & salad, that dessert was merely a concept for another day). Stomach still groaning, and have one more lunch to conquer--can't bear the thought of breakfast--before heading to the airport.
A great stay--wonderful food, music (especially Gina Forsyth, with whom I had the honor of playing Fri and hearing as part of the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band at Tipitina's Sunday--even got Bob to dance!--and buskers better than most cities' pros: everything from jazz to folk to country to bagpipes to even a Klezmer trumpeter), scenery, history, delightful St. Charles Ave. streetcar rides (will take home the memory of Mardi Gras beads festooning trees and trolley cables as well as scattered all over the "neutral grounds," or what we Yankees call median strips), and wonderful joyful people.
Wish I could say the same for my lodging: the Hotel Ste. Marie, apparently where Service With a Smile Goes to Die. Small room, thin walls (I learned the couple in the next room have postnasal drip, sleep apnea, dyspepsia and an active love life--all without asking or even meeting them); hard pillows (no feather or down ones--heck, even Holiday Inns have those on request); the extra blanket I asked for turned out to be an old Vellux one washed so many times it was nearly a rubber sheet. Twice one desk clerk promised to get a taxi when the valet was absent, only to get distracted by something-or-other; when I asked for a Band-Aid for my sorely blistered toe, she grudgingly gave it to me as if I'd demanded a pint of her blood; another clerk sent us to the wrong place for dinner (a smoky bar with bad snacks instead of the seafood place we found on our own next door); tonight one refused to give us a late check-out past noon tomorrow (and our room wasn't ready when we arrived Friday); a continental Breakfast buffet consisting of stale croissants, danish, canned o.j. and coffee that was consistently and sullenly torn down 10 minutes before stated closing time; a card slipped under our door at 1:30 saying they'd tried to make our room up at 2 pm; glacial and non-secure wi-fi; a computer-printer combo so slow it seized up when we tried to check in and print boarding passes; no restaurant or bar, nor fridges/minibars/gift shop; and tonight, when our keycards inexplicably stopped working, said clerk had to call two colleagues to re-code them: she didn't know how. On the plus side, there was a lovely courtyard and outdoor pool (but no indoor pool, hot tub or exercise room), and a comforting lack of tiny livestock. Oh, I've stayed in worse places for about the same money (nonetheless, not by any means a budget hotel) but there are other and nicer hotels in New Orleans, especially when our next visit will involve neither a convention nor festival.
Other observations: I like fun, alcohol and music as much as the next person, but over the past 20 years or so Bourbon St. has morphed into the Eternal Spring Break From Hell. Love the Cajun and blues bands and buskers; not so much the strip joints, really bad Jimmy Buffett and Sixties/Seventies cover bands (especially when three of them are each playing simultaneously next door to each other), and profusion of voluminous alcoholic drinks (when did they invent the "Hand Grenade," an invitation to both accelerated cirrhosis AND diabetes?). I'm sorry, but I do not want a "Big Ass Beer:" I prefer one dispensed from a keg, bottle or tap. Note to women my size and age--do you REALLY want to wear shorts and tank tops when it's 50 degrees? And did your moms really raise you to go to dinner at nice restaurants in cartoon-character-adorned apparel past the age of ten (and do you wear that stuff back home)? Then there are all those souvenir shops that belong to the chain "T-Shirts Guaranteed To Get You Jailed for Contempt at Your Next Trip to Traffic Court." I'd relate some of the slogans, but I'd have to wash out the keyboard with soap afterwards, which would doubtless ruin Bob's laptop.
Speaking of which, the Mobile Devices Revolution is still in beta. I tried, really tried, to stay connected via only smartphones and an iPad (I HATE using this Windows laptop), but typing on onscreen keyboards really bites; batteries drain faster than your checking account in Vegas; and Web-authoring and editing on an iPad is a nightmare, what with the lack of a screen-top menu bar. iPads are nice to have on one's person, but they can't replace a computer once you're in your room and have work to do. My next iPad will be a MacBook Air.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159535
2011-03-31T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:21-05:00
Laissez les Bon temps rouler
<p>Up at the unholy hour of 5 a.m.; off to Midway for an 8:40 flight. Day dawned raw & cold in Chicago, with a wintry mix forecast for the Cubs' home opener--stepped out of New Orleans airport into summer!</p>
<p>Killed time till our room was ready, downing what will have likely been the first of many oyster po' boys for lunch. At the hotel, Bob woke me from my nap to bring me a potent Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's-- don't remember them having been that strong in my youth. Took three gulps and was out for two hours! I don't like to eat much before a gig but Bob was starving, so we headed to Bourbon St. (already deafening and crowded by late afternoon) for a cup of gumbo. Got to Neutral Ground in time to hear the first set, and unfolded my Voyage-Air dread. Fished around to remove the by- now superfluous humidifier (Toto, you're not in Chicago any more); when I couldn't reach all the way in, I upended the guitar so the thing would be reachable. Fished it out only to find that to my horror, two bridge pins had fallen out.....black bridge pins, black case, black pants, black paisley carpet! Found the first one right away, but no luck with the second. Found all manner of detritus on the floor: Scrabble tiles, pennies, scraps of balsa wood, tinsel--despite my efforts none worked. Neither of the two first acts had a spare. But the barista directed me to a decrepit beater guitar, in various stages of stringlessness, and suggested I borrow a pin from it. White plastic and not black ebony/abalone, but it did the trick. Gina Forsyth arrived, we got caught up on news since last we met, and agreed on the two songs on which she'd play fiddle and the one of hers I was only going to sing harmony on but found out I could also suss out the harmonica part (good thing I brought the right ones from home). The song was "St. Anthony:" she joked that since he was the patron saint of lost objects I might find my bridge pin. The set went well, and we exhorted the crowd to sing along to help St. Anthony do his thing. Lo and behold, as we were packing up afterward, she spotted my bridge pin on the carpet. (I'm still remaining Jewish, however). Speaking of that, on the way over we saw a sign on Touro Synagogue advertising Jazz Shabbat services, featuring Irma Thomas the weekend of Jazzfest. Our cabbies included a retired guitarist with the Gypsy Kings, a 20-yr-old with both an e-Trade account and mean sax chops, and a full-on conspiracy theorist. And on Bourbon St. I saw a guy in full pirate regalia, with a sign on his tip box reading "Not Somalian!" Lord, I've missed this place!!!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159534
2011-03-28T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:21-05:00
the road awaits again
<p>Seems as if I just got home--and here I am packing for the first half of my next trip! This time I'm spending some quality time in New Orleans with my sweetie, though I am playing a few songs as I sit in with Gina Forsyth this Fri. night at Neutral Ground. (I get to see her play with the Bruce Daigrepont Band on Sunday---I don't know what's more exciting: seeing her play, seeing that band, or finally going to Tipitina's! No way would I DARE to sit in there)! This will be a fun but challenging week--so many restaurants, so little time, and I hope my knees are up to the task of the exercise necessary to avoid packing on more pounds. I suspect making the rounds of the Exhibit Hall at the ACC convention will keep me walking. (I only hope Bob's willing to share dishes so that I don't have to clean my plate each time). Hope my sinuses & TMJ don't make my toothaches flare up. (Yes, I had that cavity filled).</p>
<p>Then home for one day to do laundry, get my nails in shape for playing, repack and hit the road for the Great Plains with Steve--Iowa City, Columbia, MO, Omaha--and River City Folk!!!--and Hays, KS. We're going to have to exercise some routing ingenuity, what with gas prices skyrocketing. At least the cheaper gas prices further from Chicago offer some measure of consolation. My last fillup, last week in Beloit, WI, was $3.45/gal. It's up to four bucks here by now. (People ask me why I travel so much for my music--I only half-jokingly reply that it's for the cheaper gas). Then catch my breath, do Passover, and head down to Sparta, IL the next weekend for our concert at the library. Spending time with our hosts the Gordons will make it feel more like a friendly respite than like work, though we will of course bring our "A" game. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, I have "gotten religion" when it comes to guitar humidification. To my horror, Terry at Guitar Works found a couple of nascent cracks in my Voyage-Air dread (I'd brought it in for a fret-buzz correction after I got my pickup installation in my Gramann tweaked to correct a strange resonance in the B & G strings--turns out the pickup wires needed to be harnessed). He had it spend a few days "in the schvitz" (atop a small room humidifier) and stabilized the cracks. But I am taking no more chances. I had been using Planet Waves clay-filled soundhole humidifiers for the past couple of years but had gotten behind in refilling them with distilled water, so I'd switched to dampened sponges in vented Baggies. Not good enough, I found out--especially in those semi-hard cases that Voyage-Airs come in or in padded rigid gig bags, both of which are porous. So I got a bunch of Oasis soundhole humidifiers--that's all Terry uses in his house, which like mine has radiators but no ductwork for a furnace humidifier--and a gallon of distilled water. I put them in my guitar cases, supplementing them with the re-hydrated clay-filled units, and I check them every other day. Of course, every soundhole humidifier comes with a plastic syringe--and I saved the syringes from the old clay-filled ones that I had to discard when they developed mildew & mineral dust from using tap water. My bathroom is full of plastic syringes (the ones with the skinny tips are good for refilling fountain pen cartridges too); should there be a police raid I'd have some 'splainin' to do.....</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159533
2011-03-23T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:20-05:00
Home but still cookin'
<p>The tour was a terrific success--made some great friends and wonderful connections, with return engagements in the offing (Stephen's family obligations permitting---eldercare is a delicate dance indeed when balancing two spouses' weekend work & travel requirements). We have a few Chicago/Madison-area shows scheduled after our return from the Great Plains: Sparta, IL Public Library Apr. 30, Mill Bluff Arts Festival (LaCrosse) June 4, People's Church (Chicago) June 10, Gebhard Woods Dulcimer June 12, Lisle French Market June 18, Maxwell St. Days (Madison) the weekend of July 15-17. </p>
<p>If you're near a radio or streaming computer, we'll be on Lilli Kuzma's "Folk Festival" show Tues. May 24 for the Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration; and Stephen will be on WMMM-FM (Madison's Finest Rock) on Apr. 4 (time TBA) with our latest song, "This is What Democracy Looks Like" as part of Tom Kastle's presentation of local musicians doing political protest songs (I'd be there but I'd have to teleport myself from New Orleans). </p>
<p>Check out the video for that song at the DulciYodel channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9AoVjvsdKQ</p>
<p>My prayers and good wishes go out, of course, to all those impacted by the horrendous earthquake and tsunami in Japan (make sure you text "Japan" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross) and those in harm's way--from both Qaddafi's forces and the side effects of the Allied efforts to enforce the no-fly zone. I am reserving judgment on both the wisdom of our involvement and the way the decision was implemented. I support freedom and our President....but am willing to call 'em as I see 'em......once I have enough information to "see 'em" clearly and accurately. Now is not the time to complain about who should get the credit (or blame), nor to cling blindly to the Constitution as the sole and immutable touchstone for any & every governmental action. Contrary to popular belief, governments both federal & state have powers and people have rights not specifically spelled out therein. More specific than that and it'd have to be a blog entry---and it's too late at night for me to start that tonight.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159532
2011-03-06T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:20-05:00
The Homestretch!
<p>What an amazing 2011 it's been so far! Turned 60 (or 30, v. 2.0) painlessly and tunefully among friends & family and singing with Stephen Lee Rich, Norm Siegel, & Dean Milano at Grounds For Appeal in Berwyn in January. Had a productive and fun Folk Alliance in Memphis mid-February, terrific house concert for Crows' Nest (Andy & Darlene, thank you!) in Upper Sandusky (which is neither near nor north of Sandusky), OH; and our opening gig for Red Horse at Carnegie Lecture Hall in Pittsburgh went far beyond what we'd dared to dream--we kicked butt in front of a packed house (over 500!) and are eager to come back next year (we've been invited). Thanks to Tricia and the dedicated staff of Calliope Concerts for doing a great job of making us feel welcome and special and helping us give the audience our very best. Had wonderful family time in the VA suburbs of D.C. with my sister, niece and friends (also made some valuable club contacts). And this past weekend, not only took in the Baltimore Pen Show but also had a delightful time playing Conewago Coffee in Elizabethtown, PA (thanks, Marti!) with our good friend Aaron Nathans (formerly of Madison, now of Wilmington, DE) opening; and at Aaron's invitation, playing both the Delaware Songwriters' FAWM Showcase in Newark, DE and the open mic at the Kennett Flash in suburban Philly's Kennett Square, PA. The latter turned out to be an audition, which we passed with flying colors: we'll be back there in August, this time for a gig! It's one of the area's top folk venues and we're delighted to be in the company of some terrific and well-known performers. Tonight back in Pittsburgh had a lovely dinner with my friend Randy Hoffmann, catching up on our doings since last I played Confluence with SASS! back in 2007. (Look for us there in July).</p>
<p>No real weather adventures (yet--we're headed into flood country tomorrow & Wed.) on the order of our little I-57 thrill ride in Feb. '10. We managed to hold the road despite wind, sleet & ice en route to Montpelier, OH; but apparently, 7 semi-trailer rigs and an SUV between there & Upper Sandusky did not. We dodged a couple of HUGE "snow bullets" there: 10" overnight as we slept in Montpelier, and another 4 or so overnight in Upper Sandusky. But out in farm country road crews take snow removal seriously--driving was no problem and even the county & township roads were clear and (mostly) dry. By the time we got to Pittsburgh the ice & snow from earlier in the week was gone; we had nice mostly mild weather (interspersed with some rain & minor chill) in northern VA all week. Heavy rains didn't dampen our fun in the Wilmington/Philly area; and Sunday's snow in Pittsburgh was long gone from the roads by the time we pulled in tonight. Hope our route up to northwestern OH tomorrow and home Wed. will be above the waterline!</p>
<p>Just a reminder that on Sat. 3/12 we'll be playing one of our very favorite concert series, Second Saturday at Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago (7475 N. Lincoln in Skokie---just barely in Skokie) at 8 pm, with Norm Siegel opening. $8 gets you an evening of fun and entertaining folk music, plus noshes & sips available. </p>
<p>And the week after, Fri. 3/18 finds us up in Madison, WI at Wild Hog in the Woods Coffeehouse, Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St. (a block east of the Willy St. corridor). Admission $3/members $2, sugg. donation up to you--remember to "Phil the Pig--Wild Hog's unique tip jar--at the refreshments table. Open mic between sets--sign up before the show starts at 8 pm. Come for the State Capitol protests, stay for the music! (Because Stephen Lee Rich was unavailable to serenade the sit-in on Sat. night, the protest organizers had to go with their second choice: Michele Shocked. By all rights, Stephen could be crowing about the pecking order, but he's ever the gentleman).</p>
<p>That's March (unless something else crops up, which will be the subject of add'l Sandygrams). April finds me in New Orleans with Bob (long overdue alone time) with a possible gig-share; and then on to the Great Plains leg of the Attitudes tour--Iowa City, Columbia, MO; River City Folk taping in Omaha, and a return to Cafe Semolino in Hays, KS. After that, Passover & Easter.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159530
2011-01-21T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:20-05:00
update
<p>Just found out the date our Featured Artist spot will air on WTBQ's "Hootenanny Cafe:" June 4, 2011. So those of you within the Warwick, NY broadcast area (Catskills, southwest Hudson Valley, NE NJ & PA, Delaware Water Gap), tune in--the rest of us can stream it (and Wisconsinites and SE Minnesotans can then head over to Mill Bluff State Park).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159529
2011-01-19T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:20-05:00
more tidbits
<p>Steve & tested out the new Bose L1 Model II at rehearsal tonight--getting a little easier each time we set up, and it's a MUCH easier teardown. We discovered if we mic our instruments we don't even need to add a submixer. We have a couple of new songs to debut (well, one's a new co-write, the other a familiar one we turned into a mash-up/medley) this Sat. night at Grounds For Appeal in Berwyn. (Show's 8-10 pm, but we'll be there about 6:30 to set up and pre-caffeinate). I know I promised CAKE--but for those of you who were hoping to rock out to live electric guitars & trumpet on "Never There," "Short Skirt, Long Jacket," or "M'na M'na," I must apologize--I meant the EDIBLE kind of cake! </p>
<p>Three days away....there's Bears in the air. Hopefully, not to be intercepted by Packers. </p>
<p>New Andina & Rich dates to announce, albeit a bit further out: Hootenanny Cafe featured artists in June on WTBQ, Warwick (Orange County), NY (and an in-studio there on Nov. 4); Paulson House Concert Series, Naperville, IL, July 9. More springing up every day! </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159527
2011-01-11T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:20-05:00
2011's first update
<p>Wow--was the last Journal update back in Oct. about FARM & SERFA? Time to fill you all in!!</p>
<p>First, the sad news. We lost Bob's dad, Peter Andina, to three massive strokes and their aftermath on Nov. 4, 2010. Friends and loved ones flocked to say goodbye at his wake and funeral in Chicago and wake & interment in Queens, where he and Bob's mom Elizabeth are reunited, both returned to the Earth and to eternity. Condolences go out to the families of those killed in the Tucson mass shooting this past Saturday, and prayers for healing and courage go to the wounded (chief among them Congresswoman Giffords) and their families. And finally, for Debbie Friedman, who revolutionized Jewish music, liturgy, and congregational participation--rest in peace, may her memory be for a blessing, and may we bless her by singing the musical setting of Mi Sheberach she composed that brought comfort, strength, and healing to so many over the years.</p>
<p>Now the good news. FARM, SERFA, and NERFA turned out to be more fun and productive than we ever dreamed imagine: old friends, new connections, and wonderful music to hear and to join in performing. And two of the prettiest mountain ranges you'd ever want to see--the Ozarks and Catskills (as well as Poconos and Alleghenies on the way home from NERFA). The Bar Show, "Plea," revivified by a huge infusion of fresh new talent (our biggest cast in years) was a success and a stone gas. </p>
<p>We're gratified and delighted that our song "Caffeine" was chosen as #3 by WDCB "Folk Festival" host Lilli Kuzma on her Top Ten Fave Songs List for 2010; that our CD "Two Guitars, a Dulcimer, and an Attitude" also made her 2010 Favorites list; that the CD was approved by the Recording Academy for inclusion on the preliminary Grammy ballot in 7 categories; and that EVERY ONE of its 14 songs has received airplay--worldwide, broadcast, webcast & satellite--some of 'em in rotation! "Where Did the Good Man Go"was chosen for and is on the just-released Acoustic Rainbow "Roots/Americana" sampler; and "Morning" will be on Acoustic Rainbow's first-ever Bluegrass sampler!</p>
<p>And now, as promised in my Sandygram, "the organ recital:"</p>
<p>My right knee continues to heal nicely from the partial lateral meniscectomy arthroscopic surgery I had in July--and will NOT need to be replaced for at least a few years--I've been fitted with a support brace to make sure I don't tear anything else in it and that my patella stays where it belongs; and there's much less damage in the medial compartment than we'd thought (the damage on the lateral side's been smoothed by my ace orthopedic surgeon and will not require "unloading" of the forces on it). And although the verdict on my left knee was initially grim--the medial (inner) condyle is bone-on-bone and the knee is a candidate for not a partial but a total replacement because I haven't had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in it since ''94--I now have a combination ACL support/osteoarthritis "unloader" brace that will take most of the pressure off the inner surfaces of the knee and keep it from locking or collapsing. And it is a spiffy purple (almost went with Candy Apple Red metaillic). This ought to keep me from going under the knife for at least another year, and make exercise (walking, hiking, stairs, and elliptical training) much easier.....and hopefully, help me shed a little of my excess "baggage." Come to my gigs, and I'll show it to you!</p>
<p>And the rest of the "organs?" Well, my bronchi misbehaved for a few days following the Bar Show (having had the courtesy not to go blooey during the run of the show) and my back went out for two weeks--the second day of its lumbar rebellion coinciding with both a massive snowstorm and the vandalism of my garage and car. (All that was lost was my driver-side window, a dying GPS, my sense of security--and to my greatest regret, my inability to entertain you at the Andina & Rich Holiday Show in Madison, hosted by the wonderful Shava Bas Riva. Thanks so much to Stephen, his wife Ingrid Frances Stark, and Nancy Rost for stepping in and delivering my intended musical contributions)! But my body seems to be behaving just fine now........kinahorra........(Yiddish for "knock wood"). And my car's been fixed and I have a new GPS (as well as a reinforced garage door).</p>
<p>What's coming up? This Friday night 1/14 at 6:45 pm, I will be participating as one of the Worship Song Leaders at the TBD Minyan service at Emanuel Congregation (5959 N. Sheridan, Chicago), in honor and memory of Debbie Friedman. Next Sat. 1/22 from 8-10 pm, help me celebrate my Big Six-O birthday at Grounds For Appeal in Berwyn. (Details in the Calendar Dates section, in the last Sandygram, and a reminder next week--at our age, we need all the reminding we can get).</p>
<p>And check the Calendar Dates section for details about: our showcases at Folk Alliance in Memphis on 2/18 & 19 (conference runs 2/16-20), house concert for Two Crows Farm in Upper Sandisky, OH on 2/25; and our biggest break thus far: opening Sat. night 2/26 at Carnegie Lecture Hall in Pittsburgh for Red Horse (John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and Eliza Gilkyson)! Then it's on to Conewago Coffee in Elizabethtown, PA on Sat. 3/5 (with a possible jam/writers' round in the Wilmington, DE area Fri. 3/4), with special guest our old friend Aaron Nathans; our annual concert at Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago in Skokie Sat. 3/12, with the inimitable Norm Siegel opening (and helping us close); Wild Hog in the Woods Coffeehouse in Madison, WI Fri. 3/18; The Mad Hatter's Room in Iowa City, IA Fri. 4/8; KOPN Sunday Morning Coffeehouse on-air 4/10; taping the syndicated "River City Folk" with host Tom May (we'll fill you in on air dates!!!) 4/13; returning to Cafe Semolino in Hays, KS Fri. 4/15; attending the AFM Local 1000 retreat at the Highlander Center near Knoxville, TN (members only, limited spots going fast!) 5/16-19; then on to SERFA as it moves to the spring at the Montreat Center in Asheville, NC 5/19-22; and places in between till our return to Cheeseland for the Mill Bluff State Park Art & Music Festival in Camp Douglas, WI Sat. 6/4; People's Church, in Chicago (tentative) Fri. 6/10; and Maxwell St. Days in Madison on Fri. July 15. More to come in between and after, of course (and we're already booking into 2012, to tease ya)!</p>
<p>Stay warm, dry, and if you must go out on the ice, at least wear skates and carry a hockey stick (cue the vamp from "Chelsea Dagger")!!!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159526
2010-10-02T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-11T15:27:50-04:00
FARM, SERFA and CD Release coming up!
<p>FARM 2010 is just four days away, and we already have 167 advance registrants! (That's twice the average since 2006, and 40% more than last year). There will be a Folk-DJ showcase on Thurs. night, headlined by Jim Post, Joel Mabus, and Lou & Peter Berryman. And of course, you're probably wondering when Andina & Rich will be playing. Our Performance Lane showcase is 11:20 pm Saturday night Oct. 9, in the Clover room (1st conf. room on the left after the lobby). </p>
<p>We're heading south to SERFA in Mt. View, AR the next weekend (Oct. 14-17 at the Ozark Folk Center). For those of you coming, our showcases are as follows: </p>
<p>Thurs. 10/14, 1 a.m. Songwriters in the Round with Bill & Kate Isles</p>
<p>Fri. 10/15, after lunch Fast Pitch showcase (in main conf. auditorium) 11:30 p.m. Artists' Continuum 1:20 a.m. Texas Sugarbabies Sat. 10/16 10:30 p.m. Make Nashville Weirder 12:20 a.m. Virginia & Lovers</p>
<p>Cabin numbers will be listed in the conference program. </p>
<p>AND don't forget the official Chicagoland release party (THE big one!) for Andina & Rich's "Two Guitars, a Dulcimer and an Attitude," 7-9:30 p.m. at McNichols Studio For the Performing Arts, 5225 Main St. (across Main from Emmett's Ale House and across the parking lot from the Ballydoyle; 2 bl. s. of the Metra BNSF Downers Grove station) in Downers Grove, IL. $10 gets you in the door, feeds your face and wets your whistle, and sends you home with an autographed CD! Intimate friendly room with great acoustics (and gracious hostess!), and a show that'll be tons of fun. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159525
2010-08-16T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:19-05:00
Fox Valley Update
<p>Here is when and where on the Fox Valley Folk Festival grounds to find Andina and Rich:</p>
<p>Sunday, Sep. 5: 11:00 a.m. Main Stage; 1:30 p.m. Two Way Street Favorites Stage</p>
<p>Monday, Sep. 6: 11:00 a.m. Chicago Songwriters' Collective Workshop Stage (possible time shift to noon)</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159524
2010-08-12T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:19-05:00
Location change for 8/21
<p>Just been informed that for our Edgewater Third Saturdays outdoor show on Aug. 21 from 1-3 p.m.., we've been moved north from Thorndale & Broadway to the NW corner of Granville & Broadway, at the entrance plaza to the Claro Vista Apts., same building as Aldi. (Bananas Foster Cafe is across Granville). We'll play rain or shine--there will be a canopy. As always, this is a free entertainment series for the enjoyment of shoppers and the neighborhood. CDs will be available for sale. </p>
<p>On a sad note, this has been a difficult summer indeed in terms of losing dear friends to the march of time. Farewell to Nate Brenner, a castmate of mine and veteran of the Chicago Bar Assn. Christmas Spirits show since 1965. He was a genial and gentle soul who mentored cast newbies and while quiet, always had a quip or two up his sleeve. I can't wrap my mind around his being gone, and will miss him even more once the reality sinks in.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159523
2010-08-10T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:19-05:00
Bad knees, good news
<p>Am now nearly 2 weeks post-arthroscopy on my rt. knee (see my blog). One week post-injury, the swelling had gone down enough for the surgeon to manipulate my knee to ascertain I was having mechanical problems from the lateral meniscus tear; and this changed his mind--he decided I needed arthroscopic surgery after all. So I had the surgery July 29 at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Good news--no torn ligaments or tendons, just the lateral meniscus. Not-so-good news was that since the tear was in the avascular part of the meniscus (no blood vessels), it could not be stitched back together as was my left medial meniscus in 1994 and had to be trimmed smooth. The rough articular cartilage surfaces of my knee joint itself were also smoothed (to some degree) to reduce friction due to pretty advanced osteoarthritis (which is actually worse in the other knee). So it looks like I will be getting a pair of steel-and-teflon knees for Christmas. After some painful and shaky spells, now that I've been cleared to remove the compression bandage my knee is actually stabler and less painful. Even able to take some small distances sans cane. (Considering that for the first couple of days I was on crutches and then for three more on a walker, not bad, huh?). Seeing the surgeon tomorrow, and I expect to have the two sutures removed, and get permission to take a normal stand-up shower without wearing a garbage bag on my leg (and dangling it outside the tub while I sit on a shower chair)--and, hopefully, be cleared to drive....short distances at first. Norm, our bassist, will drive me to the CD release party in Madison on Thurs., as a 300-mi. roundtrip (on the day of a high-pressure show) is not the wisest choice for my return to the driver's seat.</p>
<p>CD release party tomorrow! Showtime at the Brink (701 E. Wash., Madison) is 7 pm, but that'll depend on how much before 6 we can get in to set up & soundcheck. Normally, an hour's more than enough time for Steve & me, but this time we have Norm on bass & occasional third vox (plus his amp), Nancy on keys (plus her amp) and Julia on fiddle (okay, that's a relatively easy soundcheck); AND we hope to record this live. Ten bucks gets you in, and sends you home with an autographed CD.</p>
<p>Catch us in Chicago in my 'hood, on the corner of Thorndale & B'way, outdoors from 1-3 pm on Sat. Aug. 21--a return engagement in the Edgewater Third Saturdays summer concert series. This should be a well-traveled but much more music-friendly (no noisy, stacked-three-deep, fume-spewing CTA buses idling on their route turnaround as were my accompaniment a mile south in July). Free, of course!</p>
<p>Just found out we'll be playing the Two Way Street Favorites stage at Fox Valley (again, w. Norm on bass) this Labor Day weekend, and the Chicago Songwriters' Collective Showcase there on the other day of the fest. Those of you in the CSC who have requested slots, I think you'll all be accommodated and I will be assigning them as soon as we know which day we're doing TWS (which requires a Main Stage mini-set the first slot of the day we're playing, which is usually the CSC's time slot--even if the CSC plays at noon that day, we'd prefer not to have to rush from one end of the park to the other, especially with my knee still feeling its oats). The Festival runs 10 am (music starts 11)-6 pm (with square dance Sun. night) both Sun. & Mon. of Labor Day Weekend (9/5-6) on Island Park in the middle of the Fox River smack dab in downtown Geneva, IL. (Metra commuter rail at west end of the park). No camping, but less than 90 min. by car from far northeast Chicago (shorter from points south & west), and plenty of reasonable lodging options in Geneva and surrounding 'burbs.</p>
<p>More airplay: KOPN Sunday Morning Coffeehouse has played "Let 'Em Eat Moose"--the first broadcast station to take on Ms. Palin vicariously (or at least, via me). 'Nette Radio (internet, out of Los Angeles) played "Talking to the Vines." And Radio Crystal Blue's Novus Ordo podcast, which played the Appetizers version of "Comin' Home," will feature another song, this time off the full CD, on its Aug. 15-recorded podcast (likely up by Aug. 17).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159522
2010-06-26T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-11T15:28:29-04:00
THE EAGLE--uh, CD--HAS LANDED!
<p>Got the news Friday--the CD arrived chez Steve on Friday, and it sounds and looks great! We're giving our good friend Lilli Kuzma, of WDCB-FM 90.9/www.wdcb.org, first crack at it--we will be officially debuting it on her "Folk Festival" show this Tues. night, 6/29, at approximately 8 pm CDT (the show itself runs from 7-9, and is definitely worth listening to in its entirety) and performing selections from it live in-studio as well as introducing cuts from and discussing it with Lilli. Your first chance to buy it in person before its official release? If you are coming to our special outdoor holiday dock concert for the Woolpys in Minocqua, WI on Sat. night July 3, we'll have it with us there. If you plan to be in Hays, KS Fri. July 9 at 7:30 pm at Cafe Semolino, we're selling it there too. We're hoping to have it on Columbia, MO's KOPN "Sunday Morning Coffeehouse" with Steve Jerrett (also the home of Stephen Lee Rich's comedy segment "Penguin Shoeshine Theater") live in-studio the next day before heading back up north. Sat. July 15, 1 pm at Edgewater Third Saturdays in Chicago (location TBA, somewhere outside along either Granville, Thorndale, Bryn Mawr or Berwyn Ave. w/in steps of the CTA, or along Broadway between Granville and Berwyn), I will have some for you in my open guitar case--no tips necessary, they're paying me--as I perform solo for your enjoyment. You West Suburbanites get your chance to buy it when Andina & Rich play the French Market in Lisle Sat. morning July 24 from 8-noon (or longer if we're on a roll) and Northsiders can come to the Glenlake Block Party to watch us play (gratis) at my block party during the dinner hour. Madisonians get their chance at our first OFFICIAL release party Thurs. Aug. 12 at The Brink Lounge just n. of downtown--for $10 you get not just admission but the CD itself....and maybe some noshes. We will have accompaniment (fiddle, bass, mandolin, perhaps accordion, just like on the disc). We're still working on the location of the Chicago release party; and we would love to be able to have one down in Southern IL near Sparta, so our full in-studio lineup can join us on stage!</p>
<p>It's also being processed by CDBaby.com so very soon you can buy it there and via Amazon and BestBuy.com (and on the usual download services including iTunes, Amazon, & Rhapsody--but you'd be missing out on the terrific packaging and art direction by the amazing Annie Capps if you only download). It is immediately available for $15 (S&H included) from www.andinaandrich.com--just e-mail becausewecan@andinaandrich.com until we have the link up and we'll get it out to you (we'll even remove the shrink-wrap and autograph it if you'd like). Look for t-shirts and other merch as well very soon.</p>
<p>If you'd like to be part of "Andina & Rich's Attitude Army" ("street team" is so yesterday), let us know at our e-mail address!</p>
<p>Also, if you reside or have contacts anywhere along the road from Chicago to Hays (including the Des Moines, Topeka and Kansas City areas) and Columbia back home (the St. Louis and s. IL areas north along I-55 or I-57) and would like us to entertain you up-close-and-personal (but not in-your-face)--do let us know ASAP: we will do house concerts, coffeehouses, bookstores, hoedowns, whatever. By ASAP, I mean STAT, PDQ, yesterday!</p>
<p>Finally, a special shout-out to my good friend Jean-Luc Leroux in Nouméa, New Caledonia. Besides being a wonderful singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist, he is the deejay and host of "Route 66," the Southwest Pacific's premier roots/Americana/Canadiana/bluegrass/country music program en français, on Radio RRB, Saturday afternoons from 4:30-6pm Nouméa local time (14 hours earlier for Central Daylight time, interpolate your time zone from there). Listen streaming live (and archived till each new show) at http://countrydanseetmusiquenc.lagoon.nc.He has been playing country selections from Andina & Rich's, SASS!'s and my solo CDs. And for the past month or so, I've been his American music correspondent, delivering the weekly "Nashville News" and spotlighting two noteworthy new releases per show. (Aussi en français, bien sur). The talk may be in French, but the music's mostly in English and always a delight. I hope my schedule (and knees) will permit me to deliver one of those weekly reports live from Nashville when Jean-Luc visits there in late September! (And to let Steve take his French language skills out of mothballs).</p>
<p>Ah, I love the smell of shrinkwrap in the morning!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159521
2010-05-27T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-11T15:29:00-04:00
Asthma at bay and CD at the plant!
<p>Despite the worst spring allergy season on record (sky-high grass pollens and cottonwood blizzards), I've bludgeoned my asthma into submission with albuterol 4x/day and Singulair; and now I've been switched to Advair twice a day, with nary a wheeze. (Still being vigilant about my sinuses). Got my hair repaired so that it's stronger and won't frizz for at least the next three months. Fixed my malfunctioning machines (and replaced the one--Gordy's A/C--I couldn't fix). </p>
<p>And after several fun weekends gigging and also entertaining for just the fun of it, plus furiously proofreading and e-mailing, I am excited to say that the new Andina & Rich CD is now wholly in the hands of the pressing plant. Yup-they have the master, the artwork, the text and the payment. Soon as we get the hard-copy proofs back and approve them, pressing and packaging will be complete 16 business days later. And then, when the discs arrive, we'll schedule the release parties: one in Chicago, one in Madison, and maybe one even down near Sparta where the album was born. In any case, we will have the same instrumentation as we did on the CD so that what you'll hear on stage is what you'll get to take home (if we can't get the original studio musicians, we have some excellent subs at the ready).</p>
<p>We'll see you next at Cafe Carpe in Ft. Atkinson, WI on June 4 (co-bill with Rich Baumann, who may also join us on fiddle); and I'll be volunteering June 6 at the Sing Out! benefit concert at First Congregational Church (home of Two Way Street) in Downers Grove--tickets are going fast (Anne Hills is headlining). Then I'm headed to San Diego for a week of rest, relaxation and reconnection with friends---anyone down there who wants to host a house concert, let me know and I'll pack my guitar & dulcimer. And on June 19, we'll be in Berwyn at Grounds For Appeal!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159520
2010-04-23T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:19-05:00
Take your sinuses seriously!
<p>So the night before the Remembering Tom Dundee tribute concert, I was having a pre-temple-karaoke dinner at B'way Cellars and suddenly realized I did not want dessert. This was a bad sign (as all who know their desserts can attest). Head home and find I am having trouble holding notes singing along with the radio. Decided that singing in one corner of a social hall full of kids also playing Rock Band and Guitar Hero would not be good for my voice (nor for said kids). So I took the usual early-cold precautions and turned in early.</p>
<p>Next day was just about able to get through the three songs Steve & I did in the postlude, and tried to spice my cold into submission with a Southern dinner at Big Jones. Felt lousier & lousier till Tues. I called the family doc--who told me to come in STAT. I was wheezing & gasping so hard I even stuffed a toothbrush into my purse just in case I got admitted. It didn't come to that--but it turned out an allergic postnasal drip had combined with a cold (which I probably caught at a beauty treatment on Thurs.), turned bacterial and occupied my lungs. This bronchitis in turn triggered asthma--which had been impervious to even my nebulizer.</p>
<p>Now, whenever there's a flu or cold outbreak going around, health reporters do stories admonishing sufferers not to pester their doctors for an antibiotic 'scrip, since colds & flu are viral and antibiotics don't work on viruses. I had a standing scrip for a Z-Pack I never filled, for that reason (I was also spooked at the prospect of abusing antibiotics), as well as Flonase and a Medrol (prednisone) Dosepak in reserve for a sudden laryngitis attack before a big gig; I skipped the steroids because I thought that they depress the immune system and shouldn't be used during an infection. But it turns out that anyone with chronic sinusitis and especially asthma should have an emergency supply of both, according to my doc. The pollen mixed with the viruses, awakened a colony of strep or mycoplasma in my sinuses and sent the whole stew slithering down into my lungs. Yuck. </p>
<p>Also learned a better way to use an inhaler, more effective than even a nebulizer--exhale, shake inhaler, insert into mouth (closed around inhaler), inhale SLOWLY and during inhalation depress the canister for 2 short puffs. Count to 5, relax & exhale. For the first time, I actually felt and tasted the medicine in my throat, not just the propellant in my mouth.</p>
<p>Breathing much easier now, not fully recovered, but enough of my range is back to handle two sets next Fri. night at Wild Hog. So don't feel like a doofus or hypochondriac if you feel a cold coming on and you have allergies or asthma--especially if you sing! You still might not need any more than chicken soup, steam, saline spray and hot tea.......but let that be your doctor's call, not yours.</p>
<p>Now if poor Ruby (my '02 Taurus SEL) would just get discharged from her "hospital;" did the math and the repairs are still less than low blue book value, but regardless of that, I don't want a new car.....nor a new loan. 3 motor mounts, 2 shocks, oil pan/steering/trans. fluid leak, new side view mirror and oil change....coulda been a lot worse. Gone through a few batteries, a set and a half of tires and a set of brakes, about par for the course over eight years (and all of the latest ones of those are new). Come home, Ruby--I'd rather drive you than that crummy little rental car to Madison!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159519
2010-04-12T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:18-05:00
catching up (not catching cold)
<p>We had a terrific time at Folk Alliance, and did a number of wonderful concerts: with the Holdsworths opening for us, we nearly filled the room at Ethical Humanist and have already been rebooked for January. We had an enthusiastic audience for our newest material at Live From the Living Room in Pontiac, MI, watched Annie & Rodd Capps do a terrific video concert at Trinity House in Livonia, and Annie is just about done with the CD graphics--we just have a couple more photos for the back cover and booklet to take and send her; hopefully, we'll have the 14-song full monty to the pressing plant by the end of the month and will be scheduling the release parties (Chi., Madison, and S. IL) as soon as the discs are in our hands. Meanwhile, had a wonderful time reconnecting with my Bar Show castmates at Scoozi (and am honored to have won the Spear Carrier Award; for a full year, my home will be protected from intruders w/o my having to possess an illegal firearm). Attended Mary McNichols' voice studio opening in Downers Grove: it's beautiful, roomy and has great acoustics (hopefully, we'll be doing some performing there) and her and Pat's hospitality was gracious (especially despite my klutz tendencies flaring up that day and inspiring others to do the same). Saw John Gorka & Susan Werner own the room at McAnich Arts Center; thank goodness Werner can't be gigging everywhere at once, so I don't have to give up and go back to practicing law full time. Stephen & I had a wonderfully entertaining SIR writers' round in Madison, where we were wowed by Andrew Nath and Bill Camplin (a guy who can sing, play, write, run pristine sound AND cook)! Finally, I had a blast playing Folk Jeopardy on Lilli Kuzma's Folk Festival show last week (Robin & Jenny Bienemann providing imaginative and fun interludes--including the Jeopardy! theme on chimes--and all of us doing a mass singalong on "City of New Orleans" and "This Land is Your Land;" my dulcimers got quite a workout and I introduced much of the W. suburban folk musician community to Passover munchies in the green room). We will definitely be taking that show on the road--at least across the w. suburbs--with the "Folk Jeopardy Players" providing the music. Friday night we took Bob & his dad to see Celtic Woman---wish I'd been able to shoot video of Dad, nearly 90, clapping and singing along and playing air bodhran. Sat. was the Christ Hospital gala at Union Station, where we were delighted to find ourselves seated with fellow pro-health-reform liberals! (Whole lotta toasting goin' on). </p>
<p>What's up next? Well, tomorrow we send off our 1040 so Tax Refund Fairy can wave her magic wand soon; this Sunday 4/18, Andina & Rich will perform our version of Tom Dundee's "These Cowboys Born Out of Their Time" during the postlude to the Dundee tribute concert starring Donna Adler, Chris Farrell, Mick Scott and Norm Siegel at Lilly's on Lincoln at 3 pm. Then it's up to Wild Hog in the Woods in Madison on Apr. 30 at 8 pm, and The Newport Coffeehouse in Bannockburn, IL on May 14. (Got some personal and family events to attend, hence the lessened amount of performing).</p>
<p>Apologize for no blog activity--between Facebook maintenance, TV and computer repair, tax doo-dah, a bad back and the above stuff I haven't had much of a chance to shoot off my mouth.....digitally.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159518
2010-02-24T19:00:00-05:00
2020-08-07T04:00:53-04:00
FINI: Homeward Bound (and gagged); home again
<p>Up Monday morning for breakfast, then packed in a whirlwind. Loaded the car and decided to forego our annual visit to Schwab's: we had all the props and tchotchkes we needed and wanted to get home ahead of the snow. So we were on the road by noon, a Memphis record for us. The Vibe indeed drove like a dream. First anticipated stop: the Cotton Inn in Osceola, AR for some Southern coconut cake or sweet potato pie (breakfast had been too recent for a full lunch) and a jar of that amazing Alan's Organic Honey we'd bought there last year. But there was no coconut cake (the sweet potato pie was still a nice consolation prize) and there was no honey in the display case: they'd sold their last jar on Sunday, and there'd be no more for awhile, as it had not been an abundant summer for bees. Back on the road, we reached BJ's BBQ in Kewanee, MO at lunchtime. Last time we'd been there, it was all you could eat for eight bucks. But times are tough: it's down to $6.25! We loaded up on ribs, chicken, pork chops, beef ribs, veggies and cornbread, and happily burped our way north to Mt. Vernon, stopping at 17th St. for frozen ribs, condiments and a T-shirt to take home. </p>
<p>Noticed along the way that as my throat had begun to clear, Steve was coughing and sniffling more & more. Uh-oh. Checked into the Holiday Inn Express, found our way to our favorite Cantonese buffet, and I saw that I seemed to be out-eating Steve. This alarmed me--he (the man with a hollow leg and the metabolism of a blast furnace) was nibbling. I suggested he just go for the chicken broth in the wonton soup and he felt a bit better. Got back to the room--it was too late and we were too wiped out to record "Chasing Lightning" so we watched TV in our adjoining rooms. I fell asleep and was awakened by heartburn; as I sat up and it subsided, I heard him coughing and hacking. He assured me he'd be okay. At breakfast the next morning, I suggested we pick up some DayQuil for him, and so we did. We made excellent time going home (stopping at Effingham for snacks & Arcola for a late lunch). Stayed a step ahead of the snow and behind the Chicago rush hour--smooth sailing all the way.</p>
<p>Both got home feeling like dreck--Steve had caught the cold that was going around FAI and I had caught it (a different virus than the one I'd brought TO Memphis) as well. We were both too exhausted and laryngitic to record; and I advised him to sleep over, as the guest room was ready for him and Ingrid confirmed it was snowing in Madison. I slept in, and by the time I'd awakened, he was full of breakfast and on the road. I had begun to run a fever again (this time accurately recorded) and so napped on and off, watching the Olympics on Wed. and catching up on bill-paying and this journal. Today (Thurs.) I found out he'd arrived home yesterday at 1:30pm with just enough energy to hit the sack; he slept straight through till 7 this morning!</p>
<p>We had a marvelous time, despite mishaps and maladies en route (and news of mishaps at home as well--Ingrid had been rear-ended in Madison the night we spun out, and Bob had fallen on the ice Sunday walking from Holy Cross Hospital to the Mother House of the Sisters of St. Casimir to visit a sick nun who was one of his patients, and bruised his ribs so badly he thought they were broken; but he went to work anyway). Despite his own injured ribs, he was eager to devour the BBQ'ed ones I brought home from 17th Street.</p>
<p>So it's back to my normal routine (with a bit more gray hair than usual--no time for a touchup) tomorrow: looking forward to reconnoitering with my Bar Show buddies at the Cast Party at Scoozi, to be entertained and lampooned by the rookies. And more blogging, promoting, family stuff, and checking in with the office. Life is good, even if uneven; music is better; family and friendship is best. Little mishaps engender big miracles. All in all, as Andy Calhoun said on his Facebook page, living in the "now" is as good as it gets.</p>
<p>Amen. And so to bed (after a glass of bubbly with my darlin', who just got home from a grueling day at the hospitals).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159517
2010-02-20T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:18-05:00
Part 4: End of the conference
<p>My dream reverie of a lazy Sunday morning sleep-in preparatory to Exhibit Hall teardown (in no shape nor mood for a rousing gospel breakfast buffet with the Sacred Steel Revue) was jangled into reality by a panicked phone call from Steve: the Exhibit Hall was no more--every table stripped of everything and everything on or in it in the dumpster. Seems teardown was from 6-8pm SAT. night (which had never happened in my FA experience--teardown was always early Sun. afternoon, accompanied by frantic selloff deals by merchants who wanted to schlep as little home with them as possible). He'd retrieved the one FARM banner Annie had hung over the hotel escalators but the one I thought she'd wanted me to take from the hall had vanished into the ether. After frantic phone calls to everyone I could think of, Steve and I met for what was left of the breakfast buffet and began to brainstorm. I still felt awful physically, but the overlay of guilt made it even worse. I resolved to repay Annie to make another one (the printing firm still had her artwork). Went back to my room, updated e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook (whatever did we do in the olden days before 2006?) and there was a message from Annie telling me she'd gotten home safe and sound and had a blast. I apologized about the banner---and she replied that there had been only ONE banner--the one Steve had safely retrieved.</p>
<p> I collared the other officials and regional leaders to whom I'd made panicked calls and told them all was well. Said as many good-byes to departing friends and acquaintances as my diminishing voice and energy would allow and headed back up to the room for more e-mail, Olympics and naps. Awoke at 3:45pm, and for the first time that week, actually hungry. Called Steve (and woke him up too) and we decided to grab a cab to Gus'. Got downstairs, said some more goodbyes, and headed out to hail a cab. Unfortunately, the heavens had opened: rain coming down in buckets, thunder and lightning, and saw some old bearded dude in robe and sandals carrying a yardstick marked in cubits and a pile of lumber, muttering something about having to find a male-female pair of rats.</p>
<p>We took this as a sign to eat in. There were too few guests left (the cotton-gin conventioneers had not yet arrived in force) for the buffet, but we ordered off the menu. Chicken soup (finally!) and the best piece of salmon I'd had in quite a while. Just as we were debating dessert, we noticed Sue Fink, to whom I'd wanted to talk all weekend. We stretched out a lovely dinner and a lively conversation, and headed back to my room to work on a co-write we'd started earlier that week. </p>
<p>We'd thought it'd take at least an hour. Worked out the chords and melody for the verses and bridge (we'd nailed the choruses and lyrics earlier) and 20 minutes later we had the finished song "Chasing Lightning," the most equal co-write either of us had ever done. Only thing that kept us from recording it right then & there was that the remaining guests were not night owls and we didn't want to awaken anyone on a Sunday night. We said goodnight, knowing we had to pack, load and leave in the morning.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159516
2010-02-19T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:18-05:00
FAI Part 3
<p>Friday morning dawned too darn early--gulped down coffee, headed to the FARM breakfast only to find there wasn't anything set out--so we grabbed buffet tickets for the hotel restaurant, and started our meeting half an hour late (as did all regions). Normally, we're lucky to get half the room filled and use up most of our allotted time. This time, it was SRO, and we ran as long as we could till the next panel literally pushed us out the door. Consensus was that this fall's Gathering was the best ever and the only thing wrong with the hotel was the absence of communal dining--which we've fixed for 2010. Kept getting buttonholed in the hall by grateful FARM-goers (and potential attendees) who told me how wonderful FARM had become. We will definitely stay in Bolingbrook this year, and the consensus is that to maintain a good relationship with the hotel (mirroring FAI's with the Memphis Marriott) we'll probably meet there in 2011 as well, keeping it our home base for occasional forays every two or three years (starting in 2012) to a hotel in another Midwestern city that's an airline hub with good rail access: the Twin Cities, KC, St. Louis, Detroit/Ann Arbor, Cleveland, Cincinnati,etc.. The days of bucolic and primitive retreat centers located away from international airports and AMTRAK are over......unless we want to have an interim folk retreat during the year, sort of the Folk Alliance equivalent of a science fiction "relaxicon:" no showcasing, no pressure, no business or adminstrative meetings, just good clean informal fun and music.</p>
<p>Off the hook as a no-longer-Regional-Leader, I rested up and skipped lunch, and headed to a long but pleasant and productive Local 1000 EB meeting, breaking for Shabbat services in Cynthia & Dick's room. Joining us were Chico Schwall and Mara Levine. It felt like family...it felt like home. Same prayers (synthesis of Gates of Prayer and the newer Mishkan Tefillah), different "niguns" (melodies--every congregation or region seems to have its own except for the major hymns). I don't attend temple often enough, but I felt so at home and among a new family who felt as if I've known them forever. I still didn't quite feel up to real dinner, so I ordered another bowl of soup from room service, watched some politics and Olympics and dozed off, so I went back to rest up for the Local 1000 Showcase-Free-Zone song circles. Meanwhile, Steve had taken the car in to a GM dealership to determine the extent of unseen damage--and all there was were one cut and one off-kilter tire. Not bad--and with new tires, the car was better than even before we'd left Chicago. I made it into the SFZ room with no voice but a guitar and dulcimer--croaked out "The Dream Deferred" a step-and-a-half low, and skipped a verse, but still did okay. Went to bed knowing I had a full day of meetings and performance ahead.</p>
<p>Up early for the remainder of the L1K EB meeting--had a granola bar, DayQuil and a quart of hot herb tea and honey for lunch & dinner. Broke in time to rehearse with Steve for our 2 pm Parkington House showcase--again, though the audience was small at first, our energy level and ensemble vibe brought people in and we got a gig offer (and, we hope, entertained our hostess). Then on to set up for the L1K membership meeting--which was warm and enjoyable. Next, to Cynthia & Dick's room for Havdala service--the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat, almost always held at home rather than in temple. Again, I don't think I'd ever felt as at home at a Folk Alliance as I did with the Roths. Chico joined us at the conclusion. I begged off a repeat fried chicken dinner, as it was the first evening I had enough appetite to handle a full dinner and Steve had been craving our annual trip for ribs at the Rendezvous. Acting first upon advice to try Tops instead, we arrived at the branch across from the Medical Center only to find they served only pulled pork and burgers--no ribs. So we cabbed it back to the Rendezvous--during our wait for a table, we ran into a family from Northbrook, who'll be coming to our Newport Coffee gig this May. Small world! And the ribs? Oooohhhh my...........there's a reason why Food Network, who employs the Neelys (who run a competing joint) had its panel of critics rate the Rendezvous as the best. Hey, how can you go wrong at a place referenced in a John Hiatt song? ("Memphis in the Meantime," if you're keeping score).</p>
<p>Back to the hotel. I'd not been comfy with my voice at the L1K meeting closing song--I think my vocal energy'd been spent giving my all at the Parkington House showcase earlier in the day. Steve and I both had writing and blogging to catch up on too, and the semi-open writer's round in Kari Estrin's room had a line stretching out the door and down the hall. I drifted off during the Olympics and was awakened by a call that our presence was requested at a writers' round in the Roths' room. We hightailed it up there and I did "Dad's Harmonica." We then sat through a delightful set from Canadian Kerry Katherine, and then the closer from the inimitable Andy Cohen. Though he is a "blues" player, it is impossible to feel anything short of energy and exultation after one of Andy's sets. No way were we about to fall asleep. (Heck, he can spin his Gibson in the air mid-run--take THAT, Los Lonely Boys!--and not miss a note). We said our heartfelt good-byes to the Roths, who were leaving for north Texas in only a few hours and headed off to sleep (which did not happen till close to 5 am, since the Andy-Cohen-induced musical high took that long to wear off).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159515
2010-02-17T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:17-05:00
maladies (no more mishaps), music & miracles: part two
<p>On Tues 2/16 we hit the road (more gingerly this time, noticing carefully just how many breaches in barb-wire fences we saw) for Memphis, detouring for a power supply for my Mac, and for lunch at the inimitable 17th St. BBQ, the southern IL chain of which is a perennial world rib-cookoff champ and well-deserving of it. It seemed that the sunset came faster; and at one gas stop in Sikeston, MO we got ourselves lost (despite GPS in both of my cellphones) due to ambiguous signage--a problem that repeated itself when we found ourselves missing the I-40 turnoff and entering Memphis in a decidedly unfamiliar part of town (unfamiliar at least in daylight). We'd been looking forward to enjoying Mardi Gras on Beale St, but arrived so late we had to settle for the bar at the Marriott, with margaritas instead of hurricanes. Laissez les bons temps rouler? Hey, after the two days we had, laissez ANY temps rouler and not "tombler." </p>
<p>Awoke Wed. morning intending to hit the breakfast buffet, but it was all I could do to choke down a couple of cups of coffee and an Atkins bar. Yup--I had come down with not just the mother but the mother-in-law of all colds. Spent much of the day napping and then headed to Exhibit Hall setup. Only there was nothing yet to set up--nothing and nobody had arrived at our table but yours truly. It was COLD in there too--I looked longingly at the "clothing petting zoo" of velvety tops and jackets but dared not buy one. I decided to rest in my room and skip the Exhibit Hall welcome reception--just not up to it and needed to practice my parts, and conserve my strength and voice.</p>
<p>Eschewed dinner for a bowl of room-service soup, then napped. Uh-oh. For those of you with colds or reflux who must sing later in the day, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT nap, no matter how rotten you feel. (I knew I had a fever, but the thermometer I did find--packed into my bags long ago when Gordy was still a kid--had such an old battery that it informed me my body temp was somewhere between Popsicle and sushi). I awoke at 8 for our 10:30 showcase with very little voice, all of it either basso profundo or Minnie-Mouse falsetto. I figured we'd focus on the songs on the CD featuring Steve on lead and me on soft harmony and instrumental prowess. I could barely croak out that harmony. By sheer dint of water, vitamin C, a tangerine (thank you, Doug Spears!), Ricolas, throat spray and hot tea with sugar and soft warmups, we were able to get through both the rehearsal for the set for which we were Cynthia Bennett's backup band (along with Chico Schwall and her husband Dick Roth), our own set (note to anyone who saw that--my voice is much better!) and then Cynthia's. On the whole it went well. We were then informed that Louis Meyers, the Exec. Dir. of FAI, wanted us to record Cynthia's hilarious parody, "The Bassist Who Never Returned" (a situation familiar to anyone who ever found themselves first waiting forever for and then unable to exit a crowded convention elevator) the next day---on a true Edison wax cylinder! (Good thing I'd brought my acoustic bass guitar!). En route back to my room and dreamland, Cynthia hugged me softly and sang a Mi Sheberach for my healing. I realized that I was in the process of making not a contact, but a real friend.</p>
<p>Awoke Thurs. feeling somewhere between hit-by-a-truck and death-warmed-over. Went to my final Regional Leaders luncheon, passing the FARM President baton into the able hands of Annie Capps. Nibbled my way through the omelet & salad, passed around my fries. Then off to the Trolley Stop for the wax cylinder recording.If you've never seen this before, it was like going back into a time machine. Everyone: vocalists, instrumentalists, gathered in front of a small condenser mic atop an old-fashioned gramophone horn. A hollow wax cylinder was slipped over a slightly smaller metal tube and rotated at over 100 RPM while a steel needle etched the analog of the sound funneled through the horn. Each cylinder is only 2 minutes (about 5") long, so we managed to capture only the first half of the last chorus. So another cylinder was slipped on and we picked up with the last part of the last verse. Now, you young'uns used to editing a computer-screen ProTools or Logic waveform with a few mouse clicks may never have seen analog reel-to-reel tape spliced with a metal block, a razor blade and sticky tape. Imagine going back a step further--actually cutting off parts of the wax cylinder and pressing them together to make an edit! Can't wait to hear the finished product!</p>
<p>Sent Steve to the Folk-DJ reception while I set up the Local 1000 table.....except none of our materials had appeared to arrive save for the guitar picks which I'd brought with me, and nobody from the union was in yet. Then, to my immense relief reports of arrivals trickled in on my cellphone and I met Local 1000's interim office mgr. Amanda--who was friendly, professional, and bearing loads of literature, forms and our two banners. We quickly set up and sat at the table, despite the still-arctic hall temps and dearth of passerby. Still, I stayed till 5:45. Steve came by and had been able to hand out only 6 CDs--the lines at the reception for each DJ were THAT long. Oh, well--there were several days left, and I had handed some out myself.</p>
<p>Our next showcase wasn't till 2 am in the GoGirls room. Gratefully accepted Cynthia & Dick's offer of dinner at Gus' Famous Fried Chicken (Cynthia pointed out I'd be getting my chicken soup in solid concentrated form). Madalyn Sklar of GoGirls Music, her partner and another friend came along and we had a marvelous time (although I learned the hard way that as with fried green tomatoes, one prudently eats fried pickle spears with knife and fork--those are HOT). Went back to the room to nap. Awoke at 12:20 for our 12:30 rehearsal---and I had NO voice. NONE. ZIP. NADA. Enough wind to play harmonica but my croaking wouldn't have satisfied the least discerning frog. So Steve arrived and I bludgeoned my way through every therapeutic warmup exercise I knew, gobbled Ricolas, guzzled hot tea and tepid water and whatever Singer's Saving Grace I had left--slowly my voice came back, we dropped everything a step and went for it. Arrived in the GoGirls room to find Mara Levine softly, soothingly and calmingly charming everyone--and then noticed the webcam. We weren't going to need to blast, just be ourselves, audible and entertaining. And it worked--we kicked butt and took no prisoners, knowing the world was watching. We had fun to make sure our viewers would too. We closed out the night; and if I'd had the strength to pick up Madalyn Sklar and hug her I would have--we settled for a high-five, a hug and a goodnight!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159514
2010-02-14T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:17-05:00
mishaps, music and miracles, part one: why I am a weather wuss and proud of it
<p>What a two weeks it's been! Started out rather inauspiciously: after a late start driving down I-57 to Memphis for Folk Alliance (having planned to stop at our usual halfway point of Mt. Vernon, IL), and a dinner break in Shampoo-Banana--er, Champaign-Urbana--we resumed our drive in what appeared to be (unpredicted) light snow, so light that it had been unnecessary to even clear the snow off the car after dinner. The dashboard gauge read 29F; but then, the wind picked up and the snow turned heavier and wetter. Suddenly, we began to skid. (Steve was driving, since I'd had half a glass of chardonnay at dinner and his quaff of choice is coffee, as strong as can be). He righted the car and we continued straight for a few seconds before we began to fishtail wildly. As valiantly as he tried to steer out, it was impossible: we began to spin out (in Olympic parlance, about 720 degrees) before sliding off on to the shoulder, down an embankment, through a barbed-wire fence, and landing in a buzz-cut cornfield sporting eight inches (at least) of snow. Right side up. No aerials, as the freestyle-ski commentators would have put it.</p>
<p>Steve put the engine into park but kept the motor on for heat. (Fortunately, we'd gassed up before dinner. Insert fart joke here). Hearts pounding, lungs panting, we looked at each other. "You okay?" we asked each other simultaneously--and in unison sighed and nodded "yup." After a moment of silence (and a murmured Shehechyanu in thanksgiving), we turned to each other. "If we don't at least get a song out of this," I said, "we're in the wrong da*n business." We both guffawed and reached for our cellphones (mine with GPS) and called 911 and his insurance company. (I said a second thanksgiving that I had not been driving--first, because I'd have panicked and the results would have been far direr; second, because there might be a breathalyzer involved--and all Steve had to drink for days had been black coffee and lots of it; third, that there had been no other drivers around us; fourth, that there were no trees or ponds; and fifth, that it was a flimsy barbed-wire fence and not a wooden fence, stone wall, K-curb or metal guardrail we'd encountered). Before the state police could arrive, a nice young man with a pickup truck appeared and offered to tow us up on to the shoulder. We all took turns rocking and pushing, but we were mired just too deeply in the snow to get us close enough to his tow-strap and he could not get his truck backed up close enough without miring himself as well. The state trooper arrived and we turned to thank our good Samaritan, but he left before we could even get his name. We're dedicating "Where Did the Good Man Go?" to him in our liner notes.</p>
<p>The trooper took note of the Wisconsin plates on Steve's Pontiac Vibe after giving us our exact map coordinates and contacting the nearest available tow-operator who'd take insurance and/or plastic. We asked him how bad it was out there in his experience, as we had counted about ten salt-and-plow trucks go by as we waited, only to watch the west crosswind blow the snow eastward back on to and the salt off the road as soon as each truck passed. "Pretty bad," he replied, "about a dozen accidents so far tonight. All in a day's work." We asked him to elaborate on how many crashes. He answered, "You guys are the mildest accident so far. About four Wisconsin cars--none of'em hit anyone, only one flipped but landed upright. Some damaged, only one driveable besides yours. No injuries. The Illinois ones? Coupla two-car crashes, one into a tree, and three rollovers. None of 'em driveable. Had to call EMS for a couple." Not saying anything about the relative merits of Pontiac Vibes, AWD, or Wisconsin vs. Illinois drivers.....just sayin'.</p>
<p>Tow operator finally arrived and looked at the car--just some scratches on the bumper and front of the hood where the barbed-wire fence suffered the injury to its dignity. He surmised what had happened was because of the temperature and the snow texture, the snow had begun to collect and compact in the tire treads and freeze, turning the tires into virtual Indy-car "racing slicks." We hit several patches of black ice beneath the snow, and didn't have a chance. We'd done everything right, per high school Driver Ed., but some road hazards can be avoided only by staying off the roads and inside one's living room. (Of course, en route to a show, I believe in pressing on--there's always at least one fan who's braved awful conditions--sometimes, as on Dec 23, from a very long distance--to come and be entertained, and we performers owe them our all, even for an audience of one, so long as the venue is open and there's power).</p>
<p>After some ominous jerks and groans, we finally felt ourselves towed back up on to the shoulder. The trooper told us we were just north of Arcola, with the closest town to the south likely to have lodging being Mattoon. We called the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, and after they grumbled that we should have called them before 6pm to get a refund and we pointed out that we didn't run off the road till after 9:30, they grudgingly agreed not to charge us for our rooms. We practically crawled those 12 miles south to Mattoon, car shimmying as the chunks of compacted snow and ice in our wheel-wells (as the trooper and tow guy had advised us) slowly worked their way loose, and semis and SUVs zooming past and honking at us. We gratefully pulled into the parking lot of a Holiday Inn Express which--till we found ourselves at the front desk--we weren't entirely sure was not a mirage. Thus (wishing I'd a Valium and/or a drink but settling for decaf and a hunk of chocolate), we repaired to our rooms, phoned home (carefully explaining our late arrivals).....and so to bed. (At least I did---Steve stayed up in his room multitasking--working on his next song for FAWM--February Album Writing Month--writing, blogging, etc).</p>
<p>Two hours later I awoke, unable to sleep, lyrics swimming to the surface--I hauled out my trusty Sheaffer Snorkel and journal, set them down in my groggy stupor and then slept fitfully till breakfast time. Neatened up the rhyme and syntax, headed down to breakfast, and sang it a cappella for a tableful of fellow tourists (who'd asked what I was doing) and the day manager (the night manager'd requested I bring down the dulcimer but had already gone). They laughed, so I know something good---besides unscathed survival--had come of Steve & Sandy's Excellent Adventure the night before.</p>
<p>As Orlando folksinger-songwriter Doug Spears put it a couple of days later, "You know, in MY part of the world, people drive hundreds of miles and pay good money for a ride like that!"</p>
<p>More to come, but I'm beat--my first full day home (to several domestic physical injury crises, but I'll explain those later; you've probably already read about 'em in Facebook).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159513
2010-02-07T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:17-05:00
good news/bad news
<p>Good news: as of tonight, I am down 6 lbs. Thought I'd be cheating a couple of times this weekend; but Fri. night's dinner out was canceled (too late to make OTS First Fri., alas); and at yesterday's Super Bowl party there was an abundance of low-carb fare that kept me away from the chips, quesadillas, bread, pie and beer. (Wine was another matter, but I stayed within my limit and it was dry).</p>
<p>Bad news: I threw my back out, big time. Thank heavens for muscle relaxers, NSAIDs and my nukable heating pad. (Much as I hate to do so, gotta keep moving OR ELSE). Unfortunately, shoveling snow is not back-healthy exercise.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But how about those Saints? Who dat? Champs! Well-deserved. (And though the temptation for schadenfreude is strong--after all, we can't forget who beat Da Bears back in '07--we can forgive. And the Mannings are Louisianans, after all).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159512
2010-02-01T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
Back on the Wagon Again.....
<p>Sure sounds like a parody of a certain Gene Autry song, right? But this time it's for real. I'm not referring to alcohol (feeling drunk has always been as pleasant to me as flying in coach.....standing up....straphanging.....being kicked in the shins by a sullen toddler). </p>
<p>Nope, the wagon I've climbed back up on is the diet wagon. What was my wake-up call? Was it the fact that my knees have been hurting and popping in and out of alignment lately? That I actually had to ask Bob to smuggle me a pair of plus-size scrubs from Holy Cross because I can't quite fit into the XLs I bought at Costco? (To his credit, he was principled enough to refuse). That my beloved free biscuit-and-gravy motel breakfasts were beginning to all taste the same and give me agita to boot? That I've added a third pillow to hold off the nighttime heartburn? That it only takes a few minutes of standing in line anywhere to find myself desperately searching for something to lean on? That I find myself going to the drugstore for a roll of Tums and a nail file......and using a cart as a de facto walker? That the last few times I've navigated through airports I wished I'd actually brought my walker (which I generally use only for very long treks where I know I'll need to sit on occasion)? That I never take such treks anymore unless I absolutely have to? That I MUST have a boom mic stand to make room between the stand and my ever-rounder midsection plus guitar? That I've started consolidating little errands to keep my at-home stair climbing to the minimum necessary? That I can no longer put a fitted sheet on a bed or pull on a pair of pantyhose without straining a muscle (or worse)? That the plus-size skinny jeans I bought (and which fit) three weeks ago are already too tight on my belly? That there's less room between my calves and my boots into which to tuck said jeans? That instead of kneading on my down comforter, my cat now kneads on me? That every time I fly now my heart stops for an instant when I sit down, lest that be the day I finally have to ask for a seatbelt extender? And that more and more times I fly or ride the bus or train, people stare at the empty seat next to me and I can actually see them doing the math as to how much of me will encroach upon them and whether they are willing to take the chance and sit down?</p>
<p>You know the answer: all of the above. Now, let me get two things straight. First, it's not about looks (except for the aforementioned dirty ones I get on public transit). I have made peace with my age: the wrinkles, the need to get my teeth cleaned a bit more often and to start using my bleaching trays on them again, having to get my gray roots touched up (necessitated by there still being less salt than pepper in them), the handful of prescriptions I take (as well as vitamins with the word "silver" in them), the ever-ripening cataract. I know I look slimmer in three dimensions and even in motion on video, and for stills there's always Photoshop. </p>
<p>Second, it's not about self-loathing or a disapproval of obese people. Quite the contrary---I say live and let live, and I don't resent my insurance premiums financing the ailments of those heavier than I (and I don't believe there's really THAT much to the story). Oddly enough, I had made it down to a size 6 in my late thirties and maintained my loss for a year. Until one day, I was watching a TV debate between a representative of NAFFA (Nat'l. Assoc. For Fat Acceptance), an RN and a TV gossip columnist (or eventual FOXNews commentator, I forget the difference). I kept hearing the two thin people ganging up on fat people, saying obesity is strictly a matter of laziness and gluttony and a failure of self-control and morality, and I began to seethe. Did either of these two realize how much harder than they some people must work to just keep from getting heavier? How long it took me, how many people I'd inconvenienced and how often I'd inured myself in the course of losing weight by sensible means? Or that the food and restaurant industry (especially the latter) throw up roadblocks to convenient healthy eating choices? (Ask any fast-food chain what's cheaper and faster: a grill or a deep-fryer; lean meats and veggies or battered-and-breaded everything; fresh berries or soft-serve). I realized right then and there that I may have been able to slip into a 6P (which today would be a 2P!) suit but that my heart was with those 2Xs whom I used to be. From that moment on, even though I had episodes of successful (but never again THAT successful) weight loss, I knew that the deck would always be stacked against me and that only the obese and my loved ones would understand if and why I were never svelte again.</p>
<p>No, I've made this decision simply because I'm tired of being achy and tired and dyspeptic. Because I'm tired of having to rotate every size from 2 to 24 between my closets and my attic (to which my family sometimes ruefully refers as "the mall"). Because I want to keep the knees I have at least Uncle Sam will pay to replace them. Because I'm tired of seeing all the cool and flattering clothes in the catalogs not being offered in plus sizes. Because I want to be eligible for a wider variety of roles in the Bar Show. Because I'm tired of rubbing on liniment and icing my knees and ankles after even a few hours on my feet. Because I don't want to choose between standing up to sing 2 or 3 sets and not having to rub painkilling gel on and ice my feet and knees afterwards.</p>
<p>So how am I doing it this time? Same as before (which took me down 60 lbs., from a 24 to a 16/18 and even 14): the "South Atkins Beach" Diet. And no, it's not just because I want to sing "Dead Animals and Leaves" again without a lyric modification. (And my profound apologies to those in my audiences whom that song made uncomfortable--I wasn't aiming it at you and I wasn't and still am not making any judgment about you. Just because I've decided to change my shape doesn't mean that I think you should, especially knowing how horribly difficult if not impossible it is). I know there are more balanced eating plans out there, and giving up starches, some vegetables and even most fruits and dairy (for awhile) is going to be a real challenge (especially when I must cook for a father-in-law who will eat nothing with legs unless it has feathers....which means if I want a steak, lamb or a pork chop I'll either have to be a short-order cook or get guilt-tripped over his eating a frozen fish or chicken meal). If I could always stay close to home, Weight Watchers or a prefab food plan would be workable (heck, I once opted to vacation at a condo instead of a hotel just to be able to cook my Jenny Craig foods). But I like restaurants and I do like to cook, two factors that make Jenny Craig, Nutri-System or Seattle Sutton unworkable for me (especially since the latter has no red meat, shellfish or even fresh fish). No other plan out there has been workable for me on the road---at midnight in a small town I know I can always find a bunless burger and a salad. I can keep nuts, celery and jerky in the car for snacks to distract me from the evil vending machines at the rest stops and the array of junk food at gas station convenience stores (some of which, though, actually carry hard-boiled eggs and string cheese). Not having to weigh and measure on the road, and being able to eat without hauling out a calculator or iPhone to keep track worked for me before. It fell apart when first my mom and then my in-laws fell ill. I let the stress of commuting between NY, FL and home, the lack of an actual hospital cafeteria open when I needed it, and the path of least resistance of the starchy free buffet my hotel offered late at night for JFK flight crews get to me. And eventually when I had to cook starchy and sugary foods for said meat-averse in-law, I gave up trying to cook two or three different entrees every night--I began to go with the flow and the flow was more of an undertow. Finally, Type 2 diabetes runs in my family. Luckily, I'm not there yet--but if I start to eat like a diabetic I may be able to long delay becoming (or perhaps never become) one myself.</p>
<p>So here I am--typing like crazy to keep me away from the Easy Mac, brownies, linguine and pot pies in the freezer. Day two, and so far so good. I stepped on the scale at the start, but I don't intend to do it often--I'll let the fit of my clothes and the comfort of my joints let me know my progress. I'll keep you informed. Meanwhile, there's a little dish of nuts and olives and a quart of ice water calling my name.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159511
2010-01-26T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
a word to the wise
<p>Had a pedicure today, which is usually uneventful. The nail salon is scrupulous about hygeine--autoclaved tools, plenty of stainless-steel foot bowls (several more than there are pedi stations) which are washed and disinfected in very hot soapy water so that each patron gets a fresh one. No razors, just pumice and scrubs on calluses. One of my toenails had gotten very thick over 10 years (my podiatrist assured me it's age, not fungus)--it's the one I've stubbed and fractured several times. Only in the past few months did the skin color finally return to normal (three years after the last fracture). Today, it began to bleed after being filed vigorously--the toenail, not the toe skin or cuticle! Called Bob's office nurse who was as flummoxed as all of us how a human toenail, supposedly dead keratin, could have blood vessels (dogs' and cats' claws DO). She had me raise the foot and put pressure over the toe while the other foot got its nails painted. After wondering how it could happen, she casually asked me if Bob (a cardiologist) had me on aspirin therapy. I said no but I was taking Voltaren for arthritis and recently switched it from bedtime to morning to reduce reflux. BINGO--Voltaren, and any other NSAIDs such as Advil--can increase bleeding and inhibit clotting. So I had the tech put some antibiotic ointment and a band-aid on and put a dot of matching polish on it to resemble a toenail, and I drank a couple of cups of green tea (which has vitamin K, which is why it's taboo for heart patients on blood thinners) to promote clotting. Going back tomorrow (making sure it's healed) to get that one nail painted.</p>
<p>So next time you're going for a manicure, pedicure, or any other procedure where you might accidentally nick yourself, wait till afterwards to take any aspirin or NSAIDs (even OTC)! And if offered a hot beverage, go for the green tea.</p>
<p>That band-aid with the nail-polish on it looks cute, though. Think I'll try it next time I stub and bust a toe and have to buddy-tape it!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159510
2010-01-25T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
The CD is almost born!
<p>It's been quite a December and January--and the big news around these parts is that the Andina & Rich CD "Two Guitars, A Dulcimer, and An Attitude" has been mixed and mastered! All we're waiting for now are two of the three licenses we need for the cover tunes to come back signed so we can forward them to the manufacturer, and for the graphics to be finished. If you listened to WBBM 780 yesterday, you may have caught a snippet of "Caffeine," which is a very different arrangement from the version on the SASS! album and Steve's solo recording on his first CD. It is Andina & Rich through and through--our unique duet style and interplay, just the way we do it on stage (or would if someone sat in on bass and........nah, we don't want to spoil the instrumental surprise at the end). A very few songs (there are 14 in all) though previously primitively recorded as solo or other versions make their appearances here as true Andina & Rich duets--this time fleshed out with added solos, harmonies, duo instrumentals, and recorded with crystal clarity and in-your-face intimacy and emotion. (I've said it before--Gary Gordon, our engineer, is a genius). Of course, most of the songs on the CD make their recorded debut. In the meantime, we are burning a limited run of a 6-song preview EP, "Appetizer," which we will be distributing to DJs and at Folk Alliance in Memphis next month. We hope to have the "full monty" in hand and released by spring's end (in time for our summer tour and festivals) and will fill you in on the details of the Chicago and Madison release parties (and if you'd like to host one in your hometown, let's talk!).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159509
2010-01-12T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
Please help Haiti!
<p>Please go to www.doctorswithoutborders.org to donate what you can for emergency medical relief services for Haiti. No established medical facilities remain intact--hospitals have been destroyed. Your donation will be appreciated immeasurably, and the karma goes without saying. (If you so choose, pick another legitimate relief organization, such as 1-800-REDCROSS or texting to 99099 to donate to the Red Cross; or www.directrelief.com, a low-admin-overhead org. funneling relief to Haiti). Bob and I have chosen Doctors Without Borders as the most direct way to help. If you have a religious faith, please pray; if you don't, send good thoughts and healing energy Haiti's way.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159508
2009-12-19T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....then make it stop!
<p>In that strange lull between the end of both the Bar Show and Hanukkah (see blog for the latter) and the holiday performances Tues. night on WDCB (90.9 or stream at wdcb.org 7-9pmCST) and Wed. night in Madison. The latter will involve both music and possibly projectile pastry. Mourning the loss of my medium-long left hand nails (gotta play guitar again--and they're STILL too long, but I wanted to let the manicurist down gently) and gritting my teeth about having to go out into the snow tomorrow. But I like this kind of snow: enough to be pretty, crunch underfoot, not chew up the bottoms of my old-fashioned X-C skis; but not enough to make driving and walking a trial. By tomorrow night, we'll have had just enough to ensure a white Christmas without the hassle. My sympathies to all of you in the NE and Mid-Atlantic (and biting my nails till my sister in VA returns my calls and e-mails--I hope her power and the cell towers aren't still down). </p>
<p>Bar Show was a gas again--but just as we settle into the groove, find the right "beat" between the crest of the laughs and the next line, and get used to all the stair climbing to & from the dressing rooms, it's over. I pine for the days when it ran as long as two weeks. Don't get me wrong--I love being responsible (solo or as part of a duo or band) for making sure a cozy roomful of people have a great time; but there is something magical about not only commanding a sold-out theater but being part of something MUCH bigger than yourself. There's almost nothing like the feeling of opening your mouth and having 4 to 8-part harmony surround you....with your own voice melting into it. Wish we could do it more often.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159507
2009-12-10T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
Ho ho ho, it's the Bar Show!
<p>Prepping for Night 4 of a 5-day run of Chicago Bar Assn.'s Christmas Spirits revue, this year titled "I'm a Lawyer, Get Me Out of Here," at the Merle Reskin Theater, 60 E. Balbo in Chicago. Tickets may still be available at www.chicagobar.org (they'll hold them at the box office). Mention that I sent you, and you can be my guest tonight at the cast pizza-party at the Standard Club (once you've ordered, text or e-mail me and I'll give you the room # so you will be on the list--show your stub at the door). It's the best show we've had in the 8 yrs. I've been in the cast--funniest material, most ambitious arrangements and choreography, some of the best voices in the city (not just among lawyers), and thoroughly modernized stage sets, layout and sound reinforcement. At $60 it's half the price of a comparable seat at any other downtown musical.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159506
2009-11-25T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
My Uncle Henry, alev hasholom :(
<p>Just found out within the past hour that last night at the age of 90, my Uncle Henry "passed his audition" and will be leading the French Horn section in Heaven's musical theater orchestra, joining his violinist wife Aunt Pearl, who arrived there ahead of him in 2001. He slipped away quietly and peacefully in hospice, surrounded by his loved ones. He told me last month that he hoped Heaven has a decent gym and golf course. May his memory be for a blessing.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159505
2009-11-22T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
the bug has caught up with me
<p>Woke up last night spiking a 102.4 fever, having dreamt in gibberish (or more gibberish than usual). Been coughing, aching, had sore throat (though, knock wood, no laryngitis) for the last few days. Bob says I either must have caught H1N1 at the tail end of my travels, or my hay fever's "gone rogue" and all that congestion festered into a really bad sinus infection. (Not seasonal flu--got my shot for that way back in early Oct.). So I'm stuck at home for the time being, keeping my distance from Gordy (who's young and asthmatic) and Bob's Dad (89 with CHF); I even have to refrain from petting my kitties lest they catch it. If it's swine flu, I guess it's karma for not keeping Kosher--all that BBQ and sausage gravy I enjoyed down south has come back to bite me. (God must have a really edgy sense of humor). If all goes well, I should be okay by the weekend (at least not feverish and not contagious). We're hosting Thanksgiving at a neighborhood restaurant--but it looks as if it'll be without me. Hope Bob remembers to bring me back some turkey.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159504
2009-11-20T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:16-05:00
I have a new "Blog" area
<p>Just checked in to post an opinion piece in the "News/Journal" section and discovered my web host has added a new Blog template. The difference between the two is that anything I post over here can be responded to only privately, one-on-one, or in my guestbook, an extra button to have to click and thus an extra layer of navigation. But my Blog posts? You can respond to them directly for all the world to see and start threads. </p>
<p>But two requests please:</p>
<p>1. No spamming. Any attempt to sell anything or post commercial and irrelevant to the thread will be deleted. </p>
<p>2. Please don't let the sideshow take over the circus. Don't diss each other, and let's stick to the topic. If you want me to address another issue, tell me and I will in a new post.</p>
<p>But I'll still be checking in here to let you know what's up with my professional (and to the extent it's relevant, personal) life. </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159503
2009-11-16T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:15-05:00
flipper fingers winding down
<p>After bouncing around between Chicago, southern IL, the St. Louis area, NYC, Albany, the Catskills (NERFA), PA, OH, IN and MI, your friendly Human Pinball's in Kalamazoo tonight taking care of FARM business before heading home to our own cities, beds, spouses and families/kitties tomorrow evening. Whew! Been one heckuva month, and we've got a killer CD (or are about to, once we approve the mixes and mastering) and tons of memories, relatives and new friends to show for it.</p>
<p>Got some intensive work (final guitar/dulcimer/keyboard overdubs--my first keyboard credit--and second-chairing the mix sessions) done in a whirlwind couple of days down in Sparta; Gary worked tirelessly all weekend and week to bring it all into line and make us sound like we do at our best shows....with some subtle and tasty licks from a few of southern IL's most stellar Americana/bluegrass musicians. </p>
<p>We decided to make a preview cut---the updated version of "Let 'em Eat Moose"--available ASAP in honor (???) of Sarah Barracuda's book tour starting this week. Before hitting the sack tonight, I'll try to upload it here--but let me know and I'll shoot you an .mp3 too. Let's make it go viral--with no vaccine!</p>
<p>NERFA was amazing--many times larger than FARM but less frantic and more friendly than Folk Alliance. Made some lasting contacts, was wowed by some killer performances and jams (including the circles at the Local 1000 Showcase-Free Zone), and had a blast despite East Coast weed pollens and acid reflux (courtesy of Catskills culinary abbondanza) doing their darndest to try and sabotage my "pipes." Driving along Route 209 and the Quickway brought childhood memories flooding back--funny how much more beautiful the scenery is when you've been away for years; as a little kid spending entire summers up there, I guess I'd taken it for granted. The Hudson Valley Resort is the last of the old Borscht Belt resort hotels (it used to be The Granit, which was the northernmost on 209) still operating; the Nevele and Kutsher's are still standing but eerie, idle and empty. Gone forever are the bungalow colonies, Grossingers, the Pines, Tamarack, Homowack, Zalkin's (now a Yogi Bear campground), and the venerable Concord...along with the vaudevillians who got their starts there and the Kosher dining rooms that ensured nobody would ever make it back down to the city still hungry. (The food at NERFA was excellent--abundant a la the old days, with most of the old staples of my childhood like matzo ball soup, blintzes, Danish the size of dinner plates, prime rib, smoked fish, mushroom-barley soup, bagels, cheesecake, Linzertorte, etc.; plus concessions to diversity and modernity such as eggplant rolatini, pastas, stir fries, couscous, elegant fish and chicken dishes and even tofu. But nary a bowl of borscht in sight). Great music, renewing old acquaintances (including from other regions and other gigs from years past) and making new connections. And this year, we got some great work done for Local 1000--and brought new brothers and sisters into the fold.</p>
<p>Am discouraged about the Stupak Amendment, and chagrined that Orrin Hatch intends to introduce his own version in the Senate tomorrow (with the GOP aiming to delay, deny and hope the bill dies, as well as blocking every Obama judicial nominee---a tactic they decried when the Democrats used it on only a select few Bush nominees--and eviscerating the Dodd bill designed to protect consumers and put the brakes on Wall St. excesses and outrages). What is truly disgusting are two latest developments:</p>
<p>1. Those "Pray For Obama--Psalms 108:9" t-shirts, banners, even teddy bears that have cropped up. Sounds innocuous, even benevolent, right? NOPE. That psalm calls for God or "righteous men" to make the "days" of "illegitimate kings" "few in number" and even calls for "their wives to be widows and their children orphans." The ghost of Timothy McVeigh is grinning up malevolently from the netherworld, nodding approvingly. This goes beyond criticism and dissent: it is hate, pure and simple, urging violence, assassination and revolution, and it makes me sick to my stomach. It ought to sicken you too, whatever your political persuasion.</p>
<p>2. The about-face on breast-cancer screening guidelines. Ever since I lost a law school classmate to breast cancer at 28, and one of my best friends battled it valiantly from her diagnosis at 30 to her death at 42 (and my mother-in-law was diagnosed at 60 and defeated it long enough for old age to claim her at 95), I have been doing self-exams as instructed, had my first baseline mammo at 38, biennial ones in my 40s and annually starting at 50. Now they're saying BSE is useless and alarmist, mammos are unnecessary till 50, and biennially is just fine till 75 (when, presumably any newly discovered tumors would grow slowly enough to not need treatment). They cite the dangers, expenses and traumas of "false positives." Bull. Those are far outweighed by the failure to diagnose it earlier. Almost everyone I know who had breast cancer was diagnosed in their 40s or even earlier. The prime motivator here has got to be money. Breast cancer is NOT like prostate cancer, many more types of which are so slow-growing as to require only watchful waiting and periodic drug tweaks. Many more breast cancers are virulent and aggressive thugs that kill women in their prime unless nipped absolutely in the bud. It dishonors the memory of all our sisters we've lost to let the bean counters carry the day. We owe it to them (especially to Christine) to reverse this ill-advised development.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159502
2009-11-02T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:15-05:00
Hi, it's me, the Human Pinball!
<p>Reporting to you from the outskirts of Sparta, IL, where I drove solo today nearly nonstop (1 gas and 2 rest stops)--and was welcomed by a voicemail from our engineer Gary Gordon that he, his wife Roberta and friend Katie had just arrived at the Mexican restaurant next door to
<script src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
my hotel. What a lovely way to end my drive! Got caught up about happenings since we last saw each other at FARM (and oh, how I wish I'd gone to SERFA)!</p>
<p>Got home from Alton, IL 4 am last Tues.--had a full house and a delightful audience and we're looking forward to doing another Andina & Rich show for the public library as soon as they've got their new performance space and a slot open. Errands, errands, e-mails, schedules, practicing, and packing Wed. & Thurs.</p>
<p>Flew off to NYC at noon last Fri. Arrived at my hotel (spent more time sitting in a cab in traffic on the Van Wyck and L.I.E. than in the air--bags too heavy to schlep on the train) and was bummed out to find that "God of Carnage" was dark on Sunday and sold out that night except for the $250+ "premium" seating. Nuh-unh. Night 2 of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert (actually Thursday was the night I'd have sold my car to attend) was also sold out. But, I got Sunday matinee tickets to Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking" and a late, late Fri. night reservation at Le Bernardin (I know what you're thinking, but I've been eating a lot of pasta and Costco bulk frozen stuff lately), thus also scoring enough time to nap. I was halfway through my second course when a very familiar-looking woman swept past my table and up the stairs to the upstairs party room. OMG--it was ARETHA FRANKLIN! (The waiter, ever discreet, would neither confirm nor deny but the record industry lawyer at the next table confirmed it was indeed the Queen of Soul). The meal was so wonderful it was more than worth the check (and the heartburn).</p>
<p>Next day was Halloween. You have not experienced Halloween if you haven't experienced it in Times Square (unless, of course, you've experienced it in the Village, Key West or S.F.). More little kids wielding talking plastic chainsaws and elderly women in Chanel suits and pink bunny ears than I'd ever thought possible. (Of course, it could also have been the glass of bubbly I had at alfresco lunch across from 30 Rock). Then it was off on a one-mile-on-foot unsuccessful quest to find either a walk-in hair appointment for me, and Gordy a bomber jacket (birthday present) that would cost less than an actual bomber. Back to the hotel just in time to greet Gordy, whose flight was delayed but who skipped baggage claim and got a lightning-fast cab ride in from JFK. Off to Uncle Henry's party.</p>
<p>Half an hour later we were still standing on the corner of W. 52st & 7th Ave. futilely trying to hail a taxi (subway too far away from either end of the route). Not even the doorman had any success. We resorted to pulling over limos and bargaining with them. Made it up to 106th to find that we had paid less than half for our limo ride as did our cousins from Boston for their pedicab (known in pre-PC times as a rickshaw). Anyway, it was a lovely party, and I'm glad we went--family is precious and I've learned the hard way never to take their presence on earth as a given. Uncle Henry is a retired French horn player who's been in the pit bands of half of the Broadway shows of the '50s and '60s; his late wife (my Aunt Pearl) was the principal second violinist of the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, concertmaster of the Queens Symphony, and the violin soloist on the original "Will You Love Me Tomorrow;" and their daughter Gena, a talented violinist herself, is a music therapy and pedagogy professor at both Columbia U. and U. Mass. (and had produced hundreds of jingles and scores for TV commercials before that. Her brother Warren joined the other "family profession:" law, of course).</p>
<p>Needless to say, decades of networking has produced amazing results. With all the professional musicians and singers (including one legendary songwriter-recording artist whose name I will not mention in order to protect her privacy....and prevent me from sounding like a name-dropping jerk) in attendance, and my cousin Gena's prowess as both a violinist and recording engineer, I have never heard (much less participated in) such a version of "Happy Birthday" (30 people, all in the same key, unrehearsed, and 3 of us on harmony, and Gena's multitrack string-quartet accompaniment), nor am I ever likely to again. No, nobody was recording it. Anyway, Uncle Henry did a star turn--leave it to a lifelong horn player to blow out all the candles with one unassisted puff....at several days past 90.</p>
<p>Sunday, we slept in and saw "Wishful Drinking" (funny enough to have to pass the asthma inhaler back and forth between us). Many people on the streets of Manhattan were still in costume, but oddly enough it was the same costume: shorts, medals around their necks, running shoes, swathed in Space Blankets, and the same expressions of exhausted accomplishment. Sheesh--you'd think they'd just finished a marathon or something!</p>
<p>Sunday night Gordy's lifelong (since pre-first-grade) friend John came up from the Village (and earlier, Flatbush) to have a lovely dinner with us at Remi before we took two subways to Greenpoint (narrowly escaping a serenade by a busking four-man drumline equipped only with sticks) to meet one of Gordy's acting colleague who'd moved to Brooklyn. She never answered her cellphone, but the three of us had lively conversation over drinks at the retro-kitsch-cool sand-floored Surf Bar (where we'll return one day for the food too) before John went back to Flatbush and we went back to our hotel to pack.</p>
<p>Yesterday, it was ride back to JFK, fly to O'Hare, cab it back home, drop our bags, check our snail mail and phone messages, ransom my car from the mechanic (brake job, sigh), find where he'd parked it (2 blocks away), and head off to the House of Blues (aka House of Booze or House of Rules--you wouldn't believe how many they have) to see Roger Daltrey and his tour band. Now, you've read my former posts about the stellar (as in exploded nova) condition of my feet, knees and back......the show was SRO. Yup. Couldn't even bribe my way on to a bar stool. Was a "reverse barfly:" found a railing in front of the top balcony on which I could rest my drink and over which I could lean. Amazing show (although the opener, Paper Zoo, was a yawn--good harmonies and chops but boring material--nouveau-psychedelia, every song in the same key. They do have promise, though). Spent another hour standing in line to pay for parking and then wait for it to be retrieved. </p>
<p>But it was a great weekend, a pleasant drive down here, a delightful dinner with the Gordons and Katie. And it promises to be a fruitful few days of final vocal and instrumental overdubs and beginning to actually mix. I go home late Friday and get to sleep in my own bed again till next Wed., when I fly to Albany and hit NERFA on Thurs. (After that, a FARM meeting in MI and a court hearing--just to remind me I occasionally do other things with my law license than perform in the Bar Show). </p>
<p>Bummed out about the snail's pace of healthcare reform, as well as by most of today's off-year elections (sad to say, no big doings in IL, as I really have no dog in the upcoming Quinn-Hynes fight for the Dem. nom. for Gov--either'll do. Can't even find out if there's anything I might have voted for today had I not skipped town). Only bright spot is that the teabaggers got their comeuppance in upstate NY when the first Democrat in over a century won the 23rd Cong. Dist. Also, a nearly-invisible Democrat almost unseated Bloomberg for mayor of NYC. Sadly, at this hour it looks like Maine is choosing intolerance over equality. The NJ Gov. race is unfortunate, but was mainly a reflection on how radioactive Corzine had become over the past year and a half (and he didn't even try to sell a Senate seat, just started his decline by riding without a seatbelt). Between Corzine & Bloomberg, they spent more of their own personal fortunes to buy their reelections (one successfully, one not) than the Yankees did to buy their way to an apparent (Game 6 will tell) World Series victory.</p>
<p>The real heartbreaker is the VA Gov. race--an antediluvian (anti-women-working, anti-contraception) Republican beat an untainted Democrat, probably because the teabaggers got out their voters and we failed to motivate ours. Consolation is that governors have less impact on important national issues (except when Senate seats suddenly get vacated.......)</p>
<p>And Randy, you and your brother are in my prayers again tonight.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159501
2009-10-24T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:14-05:00
funny, but you don't look fluish
<p>And let's hope I'm not. This has got to be the longest pollen-and-mold season I can remember since I first came to Chicago 31 years ago. My sore throat has a sore throat. I sleep as long as I can and then I fall asleep in front of my computer (not onstage, thank heaven). I breathe, and then when I exhale I exhale down a perfect Ionian major scale. (Put a keyboard on my arm and you could play "Lady of Spain" on my lungs). And I'm one of the lucky ones--I DON'T have the swine flu, just hay fever or maybe a cold. There's such a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine that when Truman College opened a clinic yesterday, half the people in line at 7:30 am when it opened were turned away (including pregnant moms). At least I got my regular flu shot for when that bug rears its ugly head. Meantime, forgive me if I just give you a "namaste" instead of a hug or a handshake. (I'm not Buddhist, but I thank the ancients for coming up with such a practical, gracious and hygienic gesture of greeting). </p>
<p>FARM 2009 exceeded all my expectations (except culinarily, and we're working on that). We went one night longer, had the largest crowd ever, did better fiscally, provided more amenities (and a wiser choice of amenities), offered more and more diverse panels and workshops, had the most amazing showcasers (and open stagers), the earliest-starting jams than ever before, and an incomparable keynote speech by Claudia Schmidt, who reminded me why I wanted to pick up a dulcimer in the first place. We're going over the survey responses, our newly formed Site Selection Committee is working hard to evaluate the excellent Holiday Inn of Bolingbrook as well as other facilities in other metro areas, and we will come up with dates and a location for 2010 very soon. But first, it's off to NERFA (my first time, so northeastern folkies, please be gentile).</p>
<p>In between, an Andina & Rich Spooktacular at the Alton, IL Public Library this Tues. the 27th, a trip to NYC to celebrate my Uncle Henry's 90th and my son Gordy's 25th birthdays; some more recording (mostly instrumental punch-ins and mixing); and--can you believe it's that time ALREADY?--the first rehearsal tomorrow for this year's Chicago Bar Assn. "Christmas Spirits" revue (aka The Bar Show), titled "I'm a Lawyer--Get Me Out of Here!" </p>
<p>And a pie in the sky, and several heartfelt choruses of "Pachalafaka," to Soupy Sales, who left us this past week. (Never mind the lyrics about finding out "what Pachalafaka means:" somebody send me the chords!)</p>
<p> </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159500
2009-10-06T20:00:00-04:00
2022-05-23T04:15:21-04:00
On the eve of FARM
<p>Time to turn in because it'll be an early morning--packing up the car and heading down to the Holiday Inn of Bolingbrook, IL for the FARM Gathering '09. The registration desk opens at 4 pm, and walk-ins are always welcome--but we already have more preregistered than we ever had attend in total! We have a number of firsts this year:</p>
<p>An extra day and evening--Thursday with a welcome reception, Concerts In Your Home showcase (headlined by Claudia Schmidt), and jamming; </p>
<p>Friday seminars and workshops on the nuts and bolts of performing: singing, guitar, writing, performing, etc.</p>
<p>A keynote speaker (our first ever) Fri.: Claudia Schmidt</p>
<p>A Folk-DJ meet-and-greet reception Sat. afternooon where you can meet the folks who are giving you (or whom you'd like to give you) airplay</p>
<p>10-minute preassigned Performing Lane slots (and we've decided to make them amplified or unplugged, as you prefer) you can publicize. HINT: ANDINA & RICH are playing at 5:10 Friday in Room 2.</p>
<p>Your choice of where you want to stay and eat (and the hotel still has room for both of those things if you don't choose one of the many places in the immediate vicinity--with free shuttle rides to and fro)</p>
<p>Available shuttle service from Midway, O'Hare, and the Joliet rail stations (call the hotel to arrange it or put you in touch with a discount shuttle)</p>
<p>A hotel with pool, hot tub, in-room fridges, coffeemakers, and hairdryers.</p>
<p>Free coffee in the mornings in the lobby (and a limited amount of free continental bkfst each morning--when it's gone, it's gone).</p>
<p>On-premises bar & grill, restaurant, gift/sundries shop, coin-op laundry</p>
<p>And jamming till the last string breaks.</p>
<p>As in the last two years, we have the evening-only $10 Taste of Farm option that gets you into the audience at performances and into the jams and song circles afterward; we know you'll want to come back for the full experience!</p>
<p>See you this weekend! www.farmfolk.org (yes, the site's up) for details and links for the hotel, schedules, and driving directions.</p>
<p>And so to bed--been a long day cat-herding from a distance (I have SOOO many people to think for the actual heavy lifting), installing a new OS and cellphone. </p>
<p>And no politics or polemics here till at least Monday!</p>
<p> </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159499
2009-09-23T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:14-05:00
UPDATE:Broadway Cellars tonight
<p>We just found out our performing location tonight for the Edgewater Dinner Crawl will be in front of Broadway Cellars, cor. Rosedale & Bway (1 bl. s. of Thorndale)</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159498
2009-09-20T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:14-05:00
More news--dulcimers, recordings, FARM
<p> </p>
<div>
<p>Here's an all-purpose blog update entry:</p>
<p>1. DULCIMERS: </p>
<p>Remember what I said about friction pegs? Well, do as I say, not as I do. Bought a Fred Martin (older brother of Edsel Martin, of the famous Martin woodcarving family of Swannanoa, NC) dulcimer on eBay for a steal. Seeing as how it's handcarved, handbuilt and quite traditional, it has those infamous friction pegs. I have learned that you tune them to where THEY feel happy holding a given pitch, so this one will be purely for my own playing pleasure, not performing. It's teardrop-shaped, made of paulownia wood (a very lightweight blond hardwood native to Japan and now to the SE US) with a hand-carved Indian head on the headstock--the headstock, tail block, fretboard and endpin are walnut; the friction pegs and string anchors are maple. The nut and saddle (which appear to be Delrin) are notched for 4 equidistant strings (learning new chord possibilities). May add some slots for more conventional stringing patterns (my standard-strung dulcimers have the extra slots for equidistant strings, after all). Here's a link:</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-FRED-MARTIN-HAND-CARVED-MOUNTAIN-DULCIMER-NR_W0QQitemZ400071877344QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d262462e0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_2799wt_1167" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-FRED-MARTIN-....#ht_2799wt_1167</a><br>Scroll down to see the photo, alternate views, and a blurb about it, with links to more about the "whittling Martins" and their instruments.</p>
<p>2. RECORDING:</p>
<p>Stephen & I finished all the tracking on the 14 songs for the next Andina & Rich CD (all the bass and most of the solo overdubs have been tracked too!) and Gary has done a marvelous job. Can't wait to hear the interim mixes, which promise to be exquisite! Will keep you posted on the progress and expected release date.</p>
<p>3. FARM:</p>
<p>Still over two weeks out and we already have 90 registrants--way ahead of previous years! Hotel block rate guaranteed only through this Thursday; and so far 36 ten-minute pre-scheduled Performing Lane slots have been filled: get 'em while they're hot, folks--when they're gone, they're gone. We have a far greater DJ and venue presence than ever before; there will be a welcome reception and Concerts In Your Home showcase (with, inter alia, Claudia Schmidt and Joe Jencks) Thurs. night, hands-on workshops Fri. and more panels Sat., and official juried showcases Fri. & Sat. nights and a "tri-centric" Performing Lane before & after the showcase. Of course, jamming after that till you drop. Pool and hot tub too!</p>
<p>4. LAST-MINUTE GIG:</p>
<p>Andina & Rich will once again feed the ears and souls of diners doing the Edgewater Dinner Crawl, Thurs. Sep. 24 from 6-9 pm (music till 8). 18 restaurants (trust me, that's LOTS of food!!!) showing off their best stuff along W. Granville, N. B'way as far south as Rosedale, and W. Thorndale. Get your "passports" ($25/$35 at the door) at the lobby of the Claro Vista (that big new building with the Aldi in it on the cor. of B'way & Granville), 1140 W. Granville. Will Tweet as to which restaurant will be hosting our music, so watch Twitter on your computers & mobile devices.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159497
2009-09-12T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:14-05:00
Dulcimer buying update
<p>I just checked the Web for dulcimer prices. Good news & bad news. First, the bad: prices for all-solid-wood dulcimers and even solid-top ones have gone up by at least $50-75 since I last bought my Black Mt. back in 1998. The Model 58 Deluxe, which is the least expensive good-quality, well-styled all solid wood American-made dulcimer (spruce top, cherry back & sides with rosewood backstrip and fretboard, modified scroll peghead, vertical geared tuners) has gone up from the $160 I paid to $230, adding $40 for strap, pick and gigbag (and $60+ for a Baggs undersaddle transducer pickup). Folk of the Wood no longer sells dulcimers, just straps and instructional materials. You have to go through Black Mt. itself (and they've since introduced the "80" series larger-bodied performance-quality instruments for $270-300).
BUT there are some decent all-laminated wood beginner/student models. The Apple Creek student hourglass models are made in Europe and have been getting enthusiastic reviews, and can be had for $65-75 street price (list $98). By contrast, my first dulcimer was a no-name Korean model with bad friction pegs and it cost $70 back in 1980! Go to Woodwind & Brasswind (wwbw.com). The unbranded model Target sells on its website is $95, strap and bag included. Not specified whether any part of it is solid, and the site says "Made in the USA or Imported." Apple Creek also makes a laminated birch teardrop-shaped model with nicer styling for $119, and the solid-top version is $169. (also at wwbw.com)
Check out eBay--but caveat emptor. Safe to say that if an ad doesn't mention "all solid woods" or the 6th-1/2 fret (or you can't see it in the photo), then it's plywood and/or lacks that fret. You can spot older McSpaddens, like my first all-walnut hourglass (solid top but plywood back & sides) at good prices ($200 or so), and it was my ONLY dulcimer for 18 years! I paid $150 for it in 1980 at Jean's Dulcimer Shoppe in Cosby, TN. McSpadden now makes all of its dulcimers with only solid woods, and its prices ($300-600) reflect that. Blue Lion all-solid-woods stage-quality models start at $375 and average $500 on up. (Back in 1999, I got my Model I W--cedar top, walnut back & sides, "shepherd's crook" semi-scroll peghead, dot inlays, planetary gears--for $300 at a music shop and had to ship it to Blue Lion to have the Baggs transducer installed for another $125; then I spotted the fancier but no-better sounding Model II W (true scroll, bookmatched walnut back, finer grained spruce top, brass-and-abalone rose inlay) for $395 on eBay--it had been a gift to someone who never wanted to learn to play it. I had to have a local luthier install a Fishman pickpup, also $125. My McSpaddens range from $280 for the soprano "Ginger" to $380 for the redwood/cherry 4-string baritone with pickup (both bought in 1999 and probably more today), to $375 for the unamplified bass model and over $500 for the 6-stringers with pickups I bought at the factory-store in AR in '07.
You can add custom options to a McSpadden or Blue Lion that'll raise the price over $1000 or even $2000. Then there's the Lamborghini of modern handcrafted dulcimers, the Bear Meadow. Depending on model, they'll set you back $3500-12,000, and you will have to wait 1-2 years. But they are extraordinary instruments, analogous to boutique-luthier custom guitars.
Don't spend that much unless you are sure you'll remain an aficionado!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159496
2009-09-11T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
Trying again........
<p>I had a wonderful time at Fox Valley--not just doing the CSC showcase on Mon. (with harmony help from my "round-mates") but also getting to do the Dulcimer Workshop, flanked by the premier trad. dulcimer duo in the Midwest, Donna & Dan Benkert on my left and probably the best modern dulcimerist-songwriter alive, David Massengill, on my right. Wow! We got to demonstrate tips and tricks and snippets of songs from each of our very different styles, do a full song apiece (I chose "Talking to the Vines" as a way of demonstrating how I turn a guitar part into an effective dulcimer part) AND jam and collaborate on three tunes!
Many of you came up afterward and asked me some more questions about the Mt. Dulcimer, and I had to go back to the CSC tent and mind the store before I could answer all of you.
Q. I've never played an instrument before, and I don't read music. Can I learn mt. dulcimer?
A. Sure--because it's fretted diatonically (no "accidental" sharps or flats) and tuned to a particular scale, there are no truly "wrong" notes and, armed with a lesson on where the notes are and maybe <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>a few simple chords, it's a really short learning curve. And there's plenty of room for you to eventually push the envelope and truly shine....I'm not there yet but I'm trying.
Q. Can I jam with other instruments?
A. Yup! And do as much of it as you can!
Q. Where can I learn more and buy a dulcimer?
A. Your local music store, if it caters to folk musicians (the types of instruments in the window and CDs and books inside are a dead giveaway). Ask if you're not sure. If you don't have such a store near you, go to www.everythingdulcimer.com,<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script> which has all kinds of links for vendors, builders, instructors, books and recordings (listening & instruction), etc. You might luck out and find a nice one at a dulcimer or folk festival or even a craft or renaissance fair. (I even saw a vendor at Epcot, and he had good stuff). Try before you buy if at all possible.
Q. How much should I expect to pay?
A. You can, with a little research, get a reliable, decently-built, playable and fairly good-sounding dulcimer for as little as $100, though it may not be anything fancy and may not have the finest materials and fit & finish. Insist on all-solid woods--even at that price point you needn't settle for plywood--and stable, easily tuned tuning pegs (geared, not friction, unless you are a violinist, know how to use them and they're top-quality). $200 and up should get you above student-level, and $300-400 and up will give you entry into the simpler of the pro-level dulcimers. You can spend more if you want, but unless you are truly committed, start a little less expensively and then trade up or add to your arsenal.
(One thing I think is essential, even on the plainest dulcimers, is a "6th-1/2 fret," which you can recognize by a pattern of 3 equal spaces in the middle of the fingerboard. In olden times, when all scales and chords were strictly limited to the mode in which the dulcimer was tuned, that fret was not there--this resulted in a flatted seventh, which is typical of a modal sound, if a scale is started on an open string. Without it, unless you are tuned to Ionian mode, you won't have the option of playing a standard do-re-mi major scale with a regular seventh, especially when starting on an open string). If you are buying a dulcimer on eBay, make sure you can see it in the photo. If it doesn't appear clearly, it probably isn't there. You can have a luthier put one in, but why incur the extra expense and hassle?
Of course, in an ideal universe, you wouldn't buy without trying--if you must buy one online or from a catalog, make <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>sure you get return privileges.
Q. What was that little blue rug on your lap and how come none of the others used one?
A. I call it my "little Appalachian rubber shmatta," but it's really a piece of Rubbermaid mesh shelf liner. (DON'T spend $5-10 on a "dulcimer pad;" go to a discount store--even some dollar stores--and get a roll of the stuff. Mine came from a $4 roll from Target, and cost about 50 cents. Line your shelves with the rest of the roll). Massengill stands up to play--he suspends his dulcimer from his shoulders, and because he fingerpicks using very short strokes, can steady it with the heel of his hand. (I stand up too--but I lay the rubber liner across a folding keyboard stand). The Benkerts sometimes use straps, and though they sometimes strum, they use shorter strokes and the dulcimer stays steady. I use a lot of sweeping strums because I started as a rhythm guitarist and I play primarily to accompany my voice and other instruments; therefore, I need to keep it in place.
Q. What's the difference between a Mountain and an Appalachian dulcimer?
A. The name.
Q. OK, so how does it differ from a hammered dulcimer?
A. 30 years ago, when you said "dulcimer," it was assumed you were referring to a mountain dulcimer. Nowadays, there seem to be many more hammer players than mountain players. Both are zithers, both are tuned diatonically, and both are associated with folk (especially Appalachian mountain) music. But the mt. dulcimer is considered a "plucked, fretted zither" because it has frets (those metal bars across the fingerboard over which the strings pass) and you "pluck" (strum or pick) it. The hammer dulcimer has many more strings, strung in pairs or "courses," and you learn where the notes are by stringing patterns. It's shaped like a trapezoid, and you actually hit the strings with hammers--little wooden mallets with rubber or leather pads. It's a steeper learning curve. Many, like the Benkerts or Maddie McNeil, play both kinds of dulcimer. I don't. (I'm a klutz and am in awe of hammer players). Other kinds of plucked zithers are autoharps, psalteries and even arcane hybrids like the antique Pianolin and Ukelin.
Q. How come David's dulcimers had three single strings each, the Benkerts had four (one pair and two singles) and yours had six (three doubled pairs)? And why did your two sound different from each other?
A. Most of mine are like the Benkerts', actually. I went with the six-stringers at Fox Valley to be different, and besides the fact that one's a standard-tuned and the other a baritone (different woods, too), the baritone has octave pairs on both the bass & middle strings, whereas on the standard-tuned, only the bass pair is in octaves--the others are unisons. I brought the bari in order to demonstrate a particular song. Actually, the only difference in stringing between the Benkerts' (and my usual) 4-stringers and David's is that he removed the second treble string. At home I also have a 3-string bass (tuned an octave below the std.), a 4-string bari, and a 4-string soprano (tuned an octave above the bari). Between the std., the bari & the soprano, I can tune to every key without breaking strings or having them feel loose and sound "sour."
Q. Can you put a pickup on them?
A. Sure. In, on, whatever, wherever. I get the best results from an undersaddle transducer (factory-installed), run into a preamp/EQ box of the same brand. (Most of mine use LR Baggs pickups, so a Baggs box works well with them; my Blue Lion Model IIW 4-stringer has a Fishman Matrix, so I run that into a Fishman Pro EQ box).
You *can* get a cheaper, easier-to-install-and-remove stick-on pickup (like a Shadow, Hot Spot, or Barcus-Berry), but I find they sometimes fall off when you plug and unplug; and because they pick up vibrations not from the strings vibrating against the saddle and bridge but from the top itself, any noises from anything touching or brushing against the instrument will be amplified.
I actually have a solidbody electric dulcimer (made in Louisiana before Katrina) with a single-coil magnetic pickup (like an electric guitar) that picks up the vibrations of the strings above the polepieces (sensors) of the pickup itself. It's great for unusual stuff like running the signal through effects, but it hums around fluorescent and neon lights or poorly grounded power and is more of a novelty. I rarely play it because it doesn't sound like a dulcimer except for the tuning and drones.
Q. How are they tuned?
A. Like most modern players, I tune in Mixolydian mode (going from bass to middle to trebles, low to high, I-V-I (an octave above the bass--in the key of D, which is most commonly used in that tuning, D-A-octave D). The oldest tuning is "Ionian," which is I-V-V (or D-A-A, with middles and trebles exactly the same pitch). David uses what he calls a "reverse Mixolydian," or V-I-I (A-D-D) and plays his melodies as chords using the two outer strings. Joni Mitchell taught herself dulcimer without benefit of instruction, like she did with guitar, and likewise arrived at her own tuning. But it turns out it's an ancient Virginia tuning called "Galax," after that area of the state, and it is all three (or four) strings tuned to the same pitch. (I haven't tried it yet, because most of her stuff works in Mixolydian, but I intend to give it a go one of these days on "All I Really Want'). There are other tunings I don't use but intend to try. Possibilities are endless.
Q. You mentioned you most often adapt guitar songs to dulcimer. Do you play it like a guitar? Or instead of a guitar when you can't find a guitar?
A. No way!!! It's that combination of modal tuning and drone string(s), as well as the size and shape of the instrument that make it so unique and appealing. When I want the actual sound of a guitar, I play guitar. I love the dulcimer's sound, and play it on its own terms. When I play it with a guitar, it's to add its own dimension to the mix. THE DULCIMER IS NOT A GUITAR!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159495
2009-09-07T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
AAARGH!!! Hostbaby ate my blog entry!
<p>I just spent TWO HOURS writing a blog entry detailing my wonderful time at Day 2 of Fox Valley and a Q&A all about dulcimers. I hit "add" and instead of it appearing in my blog list, I was taken back to my login page!!!!
Moral of the story---if you are writing ANYTHING, don't just backup: periodically copy and paste it into a different program or text editor!
I am too tired to try rewriting my blog entry tonight--so if you have dulcimer questions, write me and I'll answer them (and with your permission, post them-- anonymously, of course).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159494
2009-09-06T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
Fox Valley, Day 1
<p>&quoThe;day didn't start off auspiciously: a rainy night; a family bathroom traffic jam (2 baths, 4 people trying to get ready at once); and then once underway, an allergy attack so bad I had to pull over and get some tissues to wipe my eyes so I could see. But despite all that--and construction galore on the roads, I did manage to score a parking spot on the festival side of the road (albeit high up in the gravel). Had a few anxious moments setting up the CSC tent--same recalcitrant pole clutch as last year--but got it up in time to touch bases with Sam running sound and the writers I was emceeing on stage 2. The weather cleared up just in time too, and everything went smoothly from then on. I found out my recipe got into the WDCB Folk Cookbook (my mom's pineapple carrots!), and got to catch some great sets from Diane Ippel, Old Fezziwig's Band (backing up the English country dance), Anne Hills, CSC'ers Dean Milano & Donna Adler, the Folk Brothers, Deb Cowan (for whose voice I would not only kill but give up chocolate for all eternity), the Cajun Strangers (of Madison, WI--Festival Chairman Juel Ulven said they were from "Parish Ya Hey<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>t;), and the utterly ageless Peggy Seeger.
The open mic at the Little Owl didn't come off--not enough attendee interest and the artists wanted to go to the Festival after-party. Alas, I had a long drive back here to the North Side and some rehearsing and printing (FARM and CSC flyers) to print out. Gonna grab a shower while Bob is engrossed in his movie and off to lullaby-land till the morning---when I gulp down my coffee & vites, grab my dulcimers & a good guitar (I took the little Gretsch "Way Out West" today since I wasn't performing except to sit in on harmony) and psych up for two great sets--the CSC Writers' Round at 11 am on Stage 2 (with my new song) and the 3pm Teaching Stage (Pavilion) Dulcimer Shoot-Out with Dave Massengill and the Benkerts. Hope to run into some of you there!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159493
2009-09-05T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
on the eve of Fox Valley
<p>Rough morning--went to the funeral of a friend's mom. She'd had 11 kids--and when her husband died, raised 10 of them on her own. She suffered the pain no parent should--outliving 2 of her adult kids (and one is dying). Like her daughter, she was a dedicated nurse, loving and generous soul, and outgoing and gregarious. She had an enormous heart, and at 83 it gave out. I don't think any of us made it out of the church without tears.
Tomorrow is the official Day 1 of the Fox Valley Folk Festival. I probably won't be formally performing Sunday (unless someone sneaks me on to a workshop stage if a space opens up), but come to the CSC Showcase at 11 am on Stage 2 and I will be emceeing. Afterwards, I may be continuing to emcee the open mic, or holding down the fort at the CSC booth across the lawn. Expect jams to break out at the drop of a pick. As to tomorrow's open mic at the Little Owl and its adjacent pub, that'll depend on the crowd and noise level (they normally have rock bands). It may be an acoustic song circle. Or we might find a more amenable venue nearby, in which case I'll set up the P.A. system.
Monday is the big performance day for me--CSC Showcase at 11 am on Stage 2 and Dulcimer workshop (sharing the stage with David Massengill!) on the Pavilion Teaching Stage. My new song will make its debut at the Showcase (unless I'm slipped into one of the topical song workshops tomorrow).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159492
2009-09-04T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
My Apologies for tonight
<p>My apologies to those who came to the Old Town School's First Fri. tonight expecting to find me at the Songwriters' Exchange. Woke up today with a scratchy throat and stuffy nose. Since I have to be up early tomorrow to be at a funeral on the South Side, and be in top form for Fox Valley Sun. & Mon. (lotsa driving, walking, being out in the hot sun & schlepping as well as performing), I decided to listen to my body late this afternoon. What my body said was "Take a nap and stay home tonight."
So here's the lyric to the song I WAS going to introduce tonight and WILL sing at FF on Monday. It riffs on the phrase "our better angels," which as you remember spawned a joyous and hopeful patriotic song upon my return from Grant Park; in light of recent events it was also naîve. This new one is also hopeful and impassioned but also gets down to brass tacks (note to conservatives: that's "TACKS," not "tax").
OUR BETTER ANGELS, CHAPTER TWO
Let our better angels through There’s important work to do
That’s why we elected you to be our voice
Set a course for common sense Give us back our confid<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sandyandina.com/hostbaby2/js/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>ence
To ensure our government provides a choice.
Freedom lives if hope endures Equally for rich and poor
Let our steps be strong and sure
That justice may prevail
Compromise is meaningless If it’s stalled by stubbornness
If nothing comes without duress
Then all are bound to fail
It’s okay—we know you tried But your opposition lied
Don’t forget you’re on our side, we trust you.
Shed the gloves, unsheathe the claws Do not wait to hear applause
Honoring this noble cause, you must do.
Freedom lives if truth endures. Let it ring out clear and pure
Doing nothing cannot cure
The ills to which we’re heir.
Hands across the aisle may be simple unreality
Just accomplish what must be--
The tools are truly there.
The best may often crush the good. But that doesn’t mean we should
Close the door on all that could still be done
Raise a torch against the night Leave the gloom, embrace the light
If we don’t give up the fight, then we’ve won.
So let our better angels through
There is still so much………….to……..do</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159491
2009-09-04T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:13-05:00
Get out the waders and the nose clips....
<p>........the Astroturf Teabag Brigade is at it again, spreading more of their usual manure. Heady with their perceived victory in dismantling health care reform, these GOPACs & 527s are plying heartland voters with parades and hot dogs to trumpet the virtues of our current energy industry in hopes of scaring the teabagger/birther/deather voters into getting their Senators to scuttle the Markey climate-change-control bill. The nasty details can be found here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/opinion/04fri2.html
Those dewy-eyed Pollyannas who still have any doubts that the GOP's only agenda is to ensure Obama fails at any of the goals that got him elected: Wanna buy a ski chalet in Palm Beach County? Have I got a deal for you!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159490
2009-09-03T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
And now, some REAL sausage-making
<p>Yup, I had to stop avoiding the subject sooner or later: the rapidly deteriorating Congressional-Executive fustercluck known as Healthcare Reform Legislation. How'd we get from a President and Democratic supermajority elected by a public hungry for reform (with, as of Inauguration Day, single-payor being the reform at the top of the polls) to single-payor lying in the morgue with a toe-tag, the "public option" in the SICU ("S" as in either Senate or "Sicko") on life-support, and even strict prohibitions against private health industry abuses in danger of being dealt away?
The wild miscalculation (and misconception) on the part of much of the Democratic leadership that Obama's promise of "changing the political culture in Washington" meant making the first move towards conventional hands-across-the-aisle bipartisanship, that's how. In fact, the delusion (what we first suspected and now know was a delusion) that the GOP had any concept of "bipartisanship" beyond "you compromise, we stand firm, you come over to our side or the hell with you," as originally practiced by Dubya when he was Gov. of Texas.
Now, at the time he ran, many grumbled that they wished Obama had had more legislative and executive experience. IMHO, he had plenty of that. What he needed, in retrospect, was some time in the trenches of a personal-injury litigation practice (instead of academia, Wall St., and a blue-chip take-the-high-road civil rights firm). He'd have picked up the nuts-and-bolts, down-and-dirty tools of effective horse-trading negotiation that all of us who've done those kind of cases know: ask for five times the "specials" (actual expenses), so that you can settle for your real goal of three times the specials. He (and the rest of the Congressional Democrats) should have started from the position of strength they had: if you want the moon, first demand the stars. The single-payor model should never have been taken off the table until the Republicans came up with a counteroffer that included strict industry regulation (mandatory acceptance of applicants, subsidies for those unable to buy private insurance, elimination of pre-existing condition exemptions and dirty rescission tricks) in return for mandating that everyone obtain coverage of some kind. Then the compromise position would have been all of that, with a public option (or at least a raised income eligibility ceiling for Medicaid, lowered age eligibility for Medicare, the ability to buy into the same plan Congress and Senate employees enjoy, or all of the above). Instead, it looks as if we're going to get nothing--which is what the insurance industry (which finances the campaigns of not just Republicans but conservative and centrist Democrats and faux-grassroots "citizen" front groups and handed their legislative beneficiaries the talking points that they fed the teabagger-birther-deathers) want.
Why was that baloney so readily swallowed at carefully orchestrated town halls all during August? Because while liberals studied political science, conservative lobbyists studied anthropology. The cold hard fact is that FEAR WORKS, no matter how ill-founded or even absurd. Why? Because evolution hard-wired the human brain and body to respond to fear and stress, not logic and reason. Does anyone seriously believe that it was logic, reason, research and analysis that enabled our cave-dwelling ancestors to outrun animal predators, repel marauding rival invaders or survive catastrophic natural phenomena? Yeah, right.
But, in a way, the Republicans have handed us liberals a precious gift: the gift of honesty and clarity--that they never had any intention of compromise or bipartisanship and that their only goal is not just to prevent disturbing their comfy status quo but to make sure Obama fails at being able to keep any of the promises he made or even goals he stated. So now we have permission to start over--ditch that idiotic "politically balanced" Gang-of-Six, put a robust public option on the table--heck, NAIL it to the table, and turn the conservatives' own philosophy against them: "we can get real reform bipartisanly or unilaterally, but we're going to pass it with you or without you. Join the march or get out of the way."
Obama has a unique opportunity this Wed. when he speaks first to returning schoolchildren and then to Congress. But this time, no platitudes, no lofty and dignified oratory, no staying above the fray. That sort of stuff doesn't work now that the Big Lies have been shouted loudly and incessantily. This is what he has to say:
1. The GOP and the insurance companies are lying to you. Lying. Yup--as in "like a rug," and "through their dentally-insured capped teeth."
2. There will be NO government "death panels." We already HAVE death panels: what your insurance companies and HMO's call their Utilization Review Committees, where you and your doctors are overruled every day by twentysomething bean counters with MBAs who probably never even took biology 101, much less medical courses. They're already pulling the plug on Grandma and if we don't stop them, you're next. (Scared now? Good. You should be).
3. We DON'T want to kill the private sector. We LIKE the private sector. It generates income for you, you get to buy more stuff and we don't lose tax revenues. The more it spends on you, the less government has to and the less you have to pony up at tax time. What we want is to make the insurance industry straighten up and fly right, and give YOU a CHOICE. You like your insurance coverage (probably because you never really had to test it yet)? You can keep it. We may not be able keep your doctor from retiring or going to a different plan, or keep your employer from switching plans or dropping coverage because they can't afford it...........BUT YOU'RE NOT GUARANTEED THAT NOW, anyway!!! If we can present you a cheaper and better plan, the insurance industry will have to clean up its act to keep your business---and THAT's what they're afraid of. Do you REALLY want them to be able to keep taking more and more of your money and giving you less and less value for it?
4. So what's in our plan? Heck, we don't know for sure yet........because those obstructionist bast......er, scoundrels in Congress won't even sit down with us and let us draft it. But we do know that whatever we come up with is gonna be a darn sight better than what we've got.
5. So those jerks are yapping about "socialism" and "government control?" And you want government to keep its mitts off your Medicare and veterans' benefits? Guess what: Medicare and the V.A. ARE "government programs." Heck, they're single-payor! With Medicare, you choose your own doctors, you and they decide what to do, and the government picks up the tab. Why not let other people at least BUY into that, if not get the same deal that seniors and vets do?
6. We're on a roll now about "socialized" medicine--but did you know we're the only major CAPITALIST nation without universal and affordable healthcare for everyone? You can look it up. (Go ahead. I'll wait). And guess what else used to be privatized, and was a freaking disaster? Firefighting! (commercial firefighting companies used to get into drunken brawls and even set fires)! Mail delivery! You think the Postal Service is bad? Nobody remembers the Pony Express, huh? And are FedEx and UPS any cheaper and do they deliver on Saturdays or overnight on Sundays? (Thought not). We already have: socialized libraries, socialized police, socialized road repair, socialized mass transit, socialized garbage collection and socialized schools----that's right, some of you may be able to send your kids to private school but most of you can't. What if we made every parent in America pay K-12 tuition, huh? And we have government-run military.....oh, that's right.....Haliburton, Blackwater, Xe......look how well those mercenaries are doing! Catch those pix yet from Iraq of those wild "contractor" (easier to spell and pronounce than "mercenary") parties where Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner is doing Jello shots off VanOwen's butt? (Oh, sorry, the kids are listening. Hey, they had to find out sometime).
(Oh, how I'd love to see the overnight Nielsens for something like that!!)
And while we're on the subject, when it comes to taxes, grow up. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. You want a decently paid, big enough military? Libraries? Good schools that don't cost more than college? Roads that won't wreck your axles and swallow your cars? Water and sewers? Fire departments? Real police departments instead of Paul Blart, Mall Cop? Taxes are the rent and dues we pay to live in the greatest country in the world......or what would be the greatest country in the world if people could afford to get sick without going broke.
And you media conglomerates? (I won't name names, but some of your stations broadcast via Clear Channels to Infinity and beyond). Stop characterizing those proposed airplay royalty payments to artists as a "music tax." If it doesn't go to the government, it isn't a "tax." (And listeners don't pay it anyway--you broadcasters do. In fact, those college, streaming public radio, mom-and-pop labor-of-love and dorm-room Internet stations already do.....and YOU lobbied Congress to make them pay it). If that bill passes, some of the great soul, blues and country artists you grew up listening to (or their descendants) are finally going to get paid for they musical gifts they gave us. Bobby Rush, Melissa Bean--shame on you. Of all people (I'm talking to YOU, Mr. Rush), you ought to have known better than to vote "no." Good on ya, Jan Schakowsky, for being on the side of the artists.
It's a sad state of affairs that in today's America, the surest way to demonize anything is to call it a "tax." (That hard-wired visceral adrenaline thing again).
In short, it is September 2009. We have a Black President. We have huge majorities in Congress and the Senate. Republicans: We won. You lost. Get over it. Democrats: We won. They lost. Grow a pair.
End of rant--I have rehearsing to do. See you at First Friday, Fox Valley, and FARM.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159489
2009-09-02T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
More sausage-making, FARM, Fox Valley
<p>Got the first real rough mixes of our first 9 songs (including bass, fiddle, & mandolin) and they're ALREADY sounding better than anything either of us had previously commercially released, individually or collectively. I'm dying to share them with you, but we swore a near-blood oath not to leak them to the public till they're done. (Gary is a genius--his roughs are better than most engineers' mastered cuts). We're headed back down to Sparta the 14th-18th to (we hope) finish up our end of the recording and hopefully give some of our "input" (non-sonic) to the mixing process.
FARM is fast approaching, and the big news is that the Thursday night Concerts In Your Home showcase is being thrown open to nominations by all talent presenters & media, as well as applications by all FARM attendee artists, not just CIYH members. The registrations are rolling in (and the Performing Lane slots filling up--when they're gone, they're gone). We have a KILLER lineup of juried showcasers this year from all over North America!
And we're about to begin the Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival this weekend, on lovely (and sunny, high-and-dry!) Island Park in the middle of the Fox River in the heart of downtown Geneva, IL. There's a special pre-fest songwriting master class with Peggy Seeger Sat. afternoon 9/5 (check www.foxvalleyfolk.com to see if spots are still available)--I'd go if I didn't have to attend the funeral of a dear friend's mom that day. Sunday morning 9/6 at 11 am the Festival kicks off. Where will you find me?
Sunday:
11 a.m., emceeing Chicago Songwriters' Collective Writers' Round, Workshop Stage 2 (n. end of island across the river from the Mill Race Inn). Open mic follows IMMEDIATELY from noon-1 pm--get those slots while they're hot! Come see us at the CSC's booth during the day--buy member CDs, find out more about us, and join us!
6:30 p.m., running sound for the evening Festival open mic in a downtown Geneva club--location TBA, but it'll be indoors, with PA and sustenance available. Check the HQ at the Pavilion for details.
Monday:
11 a.m., performing in the CSC's Writers' Round, Stage 2--again, followed by an open mic (sign up EARLY).
3 p.m. I have the honor of appearing with the great David Massengill and Dan & Donna Benkert in the Taking the "Dull" out of Mt. Dulcimer workshop--in the acoustically perfect Teaching stage in the covered, cool and shaded open-sided brick Pavilion (plenty of chairs!). Bring a dulcimer if you have one--we may have some tips for you to try as well as songs you might never have expected to hear on a dulcimer.
5 p.m. Cooper & Nelson and Andrew Calhoun wrap up with their notoriously racy "Songs of Love & Lust" workshop, and as last year, I may get in a song or two.
And Friday? First Friday Songwriters' Exchange at the Old Town School of Folk Music, starting 6:30 pm. Be the first to hear some songs so new we'll still be wiping 'em off and slapping their little bottoms.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159488
2009-09-01T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
well, it was a noble experiment
<p>Showed up at the nail salon yesterday, with the recently "de-acrylicized" and "non-chipped" gel overlaid nails in sorry shape--they were just too weak to handle even normal right-hand activities of daily living. Just as before they'd had any reinforcements, they were splitting and tearing in exactly the same places. Though I don't pick with them, they were threatening to wear down to the quick (the way my left-hand nails need to be) and looked just plain raggedy. Had to keep reinforcing the gel with protein nail-straightener and filing/trimming away the notched portion. Oh, well. So they're back to being acrylics--this time a tad shorter than the two nails that do the main picking duty. Since I'm going to record in a week and a half, I'm going to get a professional file-down just before I leave town in order to keep them from clicking on the pickguard; but just in case, I'm bringing rubber finger-cots too.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159487
2009-08-18T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
Nail care tweaks for fingerpicking
<p>Today I had my manicure appointment and told my nail tech about what had happened in the studio with my acrylic nails interfering with optimal sound (a phenomenon I am sure also appeared on an earlier recording and, at least to my ears in retrospect, affected airplay for at least one song). To recap, those long, hard nails that weren't actually picking the strings clattered on the pickguard, sounding not unlike gremlins eating Rice Krispies or a microclimate sleet-shower directly in front of the mic. And they made some scraping harmonics as they dragged against the strings as I strummed with a flatpick. I decided that tape on the guitar was no good for the guitar, and that tape on my fingers looked unbelievably dorky and felt rather clunky. What I have on my left (fretting) hand nails, which must be as short as possible, is something my tech calls a "no-chip French manicure." (For the guys, a French manicure--get your minds out of the gutter, fellas--is one in which the nail tips are painted white over a natural or clear polish to mimic the look of perpetually clean shiny natural nails). What makes it non-chip is that it's actually made up of three shades of liquid self-leveling gel that is cured with a UV light but still somewhat breathable and flexible. It is okay for those guitarists with strong natural right hand nails who play nylon strings, but does not (in my tech's opinion) stand up to steel strings. In her experience, not even thin acrylic gels or silk wraps are strong enough. To her chagrin, I told her those lovely long hard acrylics (pink-and-white, also a permanent French manicure) had to go on all except my right thumb and index nails. We soaked them off and she had to trim back the three non-picking nails to just barely past the fingertip to keep them from stressing and tearing--acrylics can weaken the underlying nail bed and she wants me to strengthen those nails so that they can gradually take a bit longer length. We also decided that I need no more than 1/6" on my picking nails, so we trimmed back the thumb and index as well to be closer in length to the other nails. The new, gel-clad nails are still kind of soft, so I'll have to be careful when dishwashing and gardening, perhaps wearing gloves to prevent splitting, tearing and peeling for awhile. But for the first time in years, one of my hands doesn't have freakishly longer nails than the other; and I just tested them out on my guitar. Got plenty of length on the two now-shorter acrylics, the trailing nails no longer clatter nor scrape, and they seem to be holding up okay. I go back for "fills" in two weeks, so we'll see how it goes till then.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159486
2009-08-15T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
A salute to the first 40 years of a remarkable career
<p>Saturday night, Bob and I went to the Cliff Dwellers' Club downtown for a marvelous dinner to pay tribute to Joseph Becker for his forty years of service (and counting, we hope!) as first a teacher and coach at and then (most of those years) Headmaster of Gordy's alma mater, Roycemore School of Evanston, IL.
Let me tell you all about a remarkable leader of a remarkable school. When I was growing up in the 1960s, a product of not only the NYC Public Schools but Brooklyn College, part of the public tuition-free City University of New York, the idealistic near-radical in me swore that I would never send any child of mine to any institution as elitist as a private prep school. Fast forward to when Gordy came along and attained school age. Our local public school did not offer preschool classes and we were committed to the Montessori system, so Gordy's first school was Rogers Park Montessori, a private secular school (albeit one housed in a Lutheran church). As he entered kindergarten there, it soon became apparent he had some special educational needs that combined physical assistance with availability of a gifted program, something his current school could not meet, nor could our neighborhood public school. He did not fit the demographic profile sought that year by the magnet schools (and we were not willing to hold him back a year in case they needed more boys the next year), and parochial school was out of the question--we're an interfaith family and he was already getting Sunday school training at temple. The psychometrician who tested him for his unique learning disability (dyspraxia) suggested Roycemore, and it was a marvelous fit. And this hot-headed wild-eyed '60's radical found herself a prep school trustee there for several years! (Moral: never say never! And keep an open mind).
Roycemore is located in a landmark building abutting the Northwestern University campus (and the property is owned by Northwestern---in a couple of years it'll move to its own larger wholly-owned building in north central Evanston). The student body usually ranges between 200-220, ranging from jr. kindergarten through high school. It is a college preparatory school, with an extremely high college acceptance rate and small class sizes. It has learning assistance and gifted programs--and the Advanced Placement kids in the Upper (high) School can actually take their classes on the Northwestern campus for college credit. The student body exactly reflects the demographic makeup of the Chicago northside area--not the North Shore suburbs in which it's located, and to that end Roycemore is committed to making sure that no qualified student is turned away for lack of funds. Those who can pay full tuition also tend to give generously to accomplish that and a terrific fundraising auction and generous alumni endowment fill in the rest. The kids are all supportive of each other--no cliques, and even the seniors help assist the littlest ones.
Which brings us to Joseph Becker. When was the last time you encountered a school principal who knew and was loved by every one of his students, from the four-year old preschoolers to the graduating seniors? The fact that Roycemore has some of the most dedicated alumni you'll ever see--Gordy, his friends, and older alums alike regularly return for school events such as Carnival, the Palio athletic festival, soccer and basketball games and the auction banquet--is due in no small part to Joe Becker's dedication. It's a tribute to him that though his politics are diametrically opposed to mine (and to many of the rest of the Board of Trustees), all of those differences melt away in his dedication to the school, the kids, equality and excellence. He is a man who was born to teach, born to lead, and born to guide and shape lives. Long may he continue to do so!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159485
2009-08-14T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:12-05:00
a lovely farewell
<p>Saturday morning was Christine Gaylord's memorial service at her church in Lisle. It was a celebration of both her faith and her life. On one side of the altar was the praise band she'd helped lead; on the other, her bluegrass bandmates with her husband Joe playing heart-rendingly beautiful and perfect fiddle and mandolin. Her favorite songs (including one she co-wrote), prayers and readings rounded out the service, with a slide show of Christine as we all remembered her best. By the end, it was so rousing and uplifting I found myself singing along on the lyrics that did not conflict with my own spiritual beliefs. Much of the Chicago-area folk and bluegrass community as well as her friends, neighbors, relatives and congregation turned out to pay tribute to her talent and spirit and bid her adieu on her journey into the eternity she so wholeheartedly believed awaits us all.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159484
2009-08-14T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
Sausage, Part II
<p>It's coming together yummily. We tracked several more songs on Wed. and Thurs., with some surprises in the arrangements that occurred to us on the fly (including at least two instruments you've probably never heard on a record before--not even a rock record). I discovered that not being a morning person, the hours before lunch are best for me to lay down my instrumentals and scratch vocals, and then in the afternoon I have the energy and intensity to sing my actual vocals with greater edge, intensity and accuracy. Don't be afraid to know how your body behaves during the course of the day, and let your engineer or producer know. I saved myself quite a bit of frustration and wasted session time by quickly sussing out when I sound my best and on what.
I also had to revisit my usual nail care routine of long hard acrylics on my picking hand. I discovered I really am a thumb-and-index picker (I'm in good company--so, apparently, are Doc Watson and Doyle Dykes), and my other three idle nails were long and hard enough to uncontrollably clatter on my guitar top. Had to lay down a couple of layers of masking tape on the pickguard so they'd be inaudible. Thought that took care of everything, as the rest of my guitar parts were flatpicked or strummed, but to my consternation, the ring and pinky fingers and the trailing edge of my middle finger made a metallic "clashing" sound against the steel strings on the downstroke, so out came the roll of masking tape again--this time to wrap those fingertips. Not exactly attractive, and it felt less natural than even fingerpicks (which I hate enough to have gotten nail enhancements to begin with). I decided that when I got back home I'd have a conference with my nail tech to rethink the routine, especially since I realized the middle, ring and pinky fingers really don't do anything other than grip a flatpick and keep my hand from fraying at the edges.
Friday morning, I decided to revisit a couple of my backing vocals--I wasn't happy with the intonation as I couldn't hear myself and I was singing nearly as loud as I do on lead. After some tense moments troubleshooting a control unit that refused to talk to the computer (turned out to be only dirty contacts in the Ethernet and FW ports), we got to work, and what a difference: turned down the lead and the guitar and turned myself up in the cans, got up close and sang softly but intensely. Suddenly it clicked so well that on one song we decided to have me lay in a second harmony atop the first. Gary did some rough mixes for us to take home and evaluate (making us promise not to share them with the world yet, as they're still sorta like cookie dough--yummy at first but raw). We're gonna have a heck of a followup CD when all is said and done--really pumped for our next sessions down there in Sept. Wish we knew back in '05 what we know now--and had the patience we do now to get it the way we want it. And it's great to have an engineer-producer who not just likes our stuff but is candid enough to let us know when we need to take another stab at a track. Gary and Roberta were so wonderful to us--and the area so tranquil and beautiful (trap shooting tournament in the area notwithstanding) that I hated to go home.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159483
2009-08-10T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
How the Sausage Gets Made, Day One
<p>No, I'm not talking about health care reform legislation (and the increasingly irrational and downright ugly sentiments and those who express them disruptively and disgracefully at "town hall" meetings across the country)--I'm angry enough about the loonies taking over the asylum that that deserves a separate blog post when time permits.
I'm talking about the process of recording, specifically, the next Andina & Rich CD (tentatively titled "Two Guitars, a Dulcimer and an Attitude"--thank you, Dan Navarro, for unintentionally providing us with that!). We began recording today at Inside Out Studio in bucolic and restful Sparta, IL, under the watchful eyes and ears and skillful hands-on-the-faders of Gary Gordon (of, with his wife Roberta, the excellent, delightful and authentic Americana duo The Gordons). We started by tracking three songs ("Shira," "Mudball" and "These Cowboys") with our vocals, guitars, dulcimers and a few serendipitous curveballs (teaser alert). We'll be here enjoying Gary's expertise, Roberta and his down-home hospitality and the gorgeous weather, tranquility of nature and beauty of the heartland scenery for the next couple of days as we continue tracking and mixing.....and we'll be back (both here in Sparta later on and on this blog tomorrow).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159482
2009-08-10T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
Adios to a marvelous spirit
<p>It is with a heavy heart indeed that I pass along the sad news that Christine Gaylord--tireless Secretary of the Board of FARM, magnificent singer/musician, founder of the Chicago folk band Gallimaufry, praise team musician, enthusiastic supporter of folk and bluegrass music and musicians in the Midwest, generous and gentle soul--is now sharing her music with the angels and the ages after a long and valiant battle with cancer. A gorgeous voice, a diligent volunteer and a vivacious spirit have been stilled, at least on this side of this life. Lilli Kuzma will devote a special segment of next Tuesday's (Aug. 18) WDCB "Folk Festival" show (90.9 FM, streaming at www.wdcb.org) to Christine and the music of Gallimaufry.
This has been a cruel summer indeed for those of us who love folk music and some of its most prominent and beautiful voices.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159481
2009-07-28T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
a lull in which to catch my breath
<p>Block party, Edgewater Third Sat. and Edgewater Dinner Crawl were all tons of fun. The threatened storms on the 17th never materialized (a raindrop or two, and that was that), the weather was on the mild side--almost cool--and my voice and fingers held up for four sets/four and a half hours. Two hours in front of Pause Coffee flew by! Thanks to the Murphys for feeding me so well and providing electricity for the PA and a de facto green room for the block party gig. The Dinner Crawl was punctuated by storms, but not spoiled by them: Steve Rich & I performed inside Anna Held Florist & Ice Cream Parlor rather than outdoors--but the crowds were good and steady, the acoustics marvelous and the hospitality gracious (with wonderful coffee & cookies). We got to enjoy the last 45 min. of the Dinner Crawl and stuffed ourselves silly with pasta, sushi, Indian food, gumbo, and trifle. Heaven knows how people managed to get through more than a dozen eateries, albeit over three hours. Can't wait till the next one! Meanwhile, I will be seeing you along the same stretch of Bryn Mawr (bet. B'way and Sheridan) for the next Edgewater Third Sat. on Aug. 15. Will post the exact location as soon as it's assigned. Prepare those request lists!
Next Tues. Aug. 4 Steve and I will be playing live for the Madtoast Radio podcast at the Brink Lounge in Madison, WI (will let you know as soon as it's available for download), and we'll have some special guests sitting in on various instruments. Maybe some of the 'cast will end up as live tracks on our new CD--it will at least go into our Sonicbids EPK. The next day, we begin formal recording in Madison; a week later, it's down to Sparta to record the bulk of the project with Gary & Roberta Gordon. Normally, I anticipate recording (and photo shoots) with the same enthusiasm I have for root canal, but I have a REALLY good feeling about this.
Had some rough patches this past week when Bob's dad was hospitalized twice, and his latest home-care is tricky and challenging. Hope it all works out.
Finally, the tub bars are installed, the gutter project is finished, and I got my orthotics yesterday. Went to buy new running shoes (the concept of dedicated "walking" shoes has fallen out of favor since the last time I bought some in 199.... uh, TOO long ago). Amazing how something so lightweight and sculpted can provide cushioning and stability, but it can. Now own two pair of Adidas, which is ironic since my first running shoes 37 years ago were Adidas Viennas---no arch support (not even removable insoles), all leather, narrow toe box--which probably gave me the bunion in the first place. (I recall stopping a 3-mi. walk through the Capitol Hill section of Seattle because of the pain and being shocked to see a big throbbing red bunion at the ripe old age of 21). The game plan is to increase wearing my orthotics by an hour each day--tomorrow is Day 3--and to start slowly by walking a mile a day for the first week. Imagine my shock when I found only ONCE around my block is a mile! So I'd been handling longer distances than I'd thought before my foot went blooey. Hopefully, I can walk off enough of this weight to ease the burden on my arthritic foot and knees....and be able to walk some more. (Running will forever be a distant memory, alas--not enough soft tissue support to keep my knees from buckling on impact, alas. I still have dreams in which I skip downstairs and run to catch the bus....even occasionally find myself suddenly slim. Now you know why I love to sleep!).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159480
2009-07-15T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
as to that gearing up...
<p>Forgot to mention what's in store this week. Doing double duty (triple, if you count running P.A. and contributing to the potluck brunch) this Saturday, 7/18: from 2-4 pm I'll be out in front of Pause Coffee on Berwyn just e. of the Red Line CTA stop, serenading the shoppers at this month's Edgewater Third Saturday Greenmarket. Two sets, solo, unplugged. Then it's back to my block party to sing in front of 1314 W. Glenlake, mid-block, from 5-7:30 pm for your dining (and dancing?) pleasure. Stop by, sing along, even bring a guitar and sit in or take a guest spot.
Thurs. night 7/23, it's back to doing my E.C.C. civic duty by singing for this month's Edgewater Dinner Crawl, along Bryn Mawr bet. B'way and Sheridan--any of 13 restaurants (I might be assigned to venue-hop) between 6-9 pm. $25 ($35 day of event) gets you a "passport" to sample all their offerings, hop on & off the free trolley (allowing you to imbibe w/o fear of DUI) and catch the entertainment--besides me providing the folk music, there'll be jazz, dancers and even balloon-artists.
Should have some good tough finger calluses once I'm done--and then start the preproduction demoing for the upcoming Andina & Rich recording sessions in Madison, WI, Sparta, IL and perhaps Chicago too.
And now to take advantage of that brand-new good strong-shower before turning in for the night; the sawing and banging on my roof and gutters resumes at dawn.....</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159479
2009-07-15T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:11-05:00
Fixin' up and gearing up
<p>Coming to the end of Home Repair Week 2009 (necessitated by that monster storm we had last month, during which my basement flooded and my gutters leaked into the windows). Several grand poorer, but now have water pressure and showers the envy of any hotel, brand-new faucets in the kitchen and main bathroom, a floodproof basement, and 3/4 of my new gutters and fascia installed (not to mention some interesting temporary sheet-aluminum-and-ladders lawn decor--hopefully gone by the time Sat. morning's Block Party rolls around. Still need safety bars installed in the upstairs bath--none of us are getting any younger or steadier--and some icky ceilings patched up; but by summer's end our house should be in as good a shape as any centenarian can be.
Basking in the glow of an INCREDIBLE experience playing an outdoor house concert (Andina & Rich) at Terry & Nancy's Prairie Herb Farm in Monroe, WI. A totally enchanted place, set amid lush herb, perennial/annual/succulent gardens and forested glades in lovely rolling farmland--and the concert area is at the foot of the hill in a roofless stone-walled barn that is strikingly reminiscent of a mini-Baths-of-Caracolla (the venue for the Three Tenors). Terrific acoustics, large and attentive audience (most of whom contributed to a caffeine-themed potluck dinner), warm and convivial campfire and song circle afterward (with audience members who are no musical slouches themselves) and the amazingly gracious hospitality of Terry & Nancy. The house concert series is highly eclectic--the hosts delight in exposing their loyal attendees to as many kinds of music as possible; some of those who've played there include James Keelaghan, Don McLean, polka and Cajun bands and even an operatic troupe. Check their website at www.prairieherbs.com for reservations (you WILL need them if you want a seat); next show they're sponsoring is nautical bards William Pint & Felicia Dale at a restaurant in town on July 25; Aug. 1 will be a Balkan music troupe that is supposed to be wild and wonderful.
Excited to announce that in mid-August Stephen Lee RIch & I will be stepping into the studio to record our next CD (much of it at the studio of Gary & Roberta Gordon in Sparta, down in southern IL's bayou country--yup, cypress knees, moss and all). We should have at least an EP in hand by FARM or maybe even Lilfest!
And relieved to see that Sonia Sotomayor has apparently survived the GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee's attempts to get her to crack under cross-examination (sadly, a judge--or nominee--doesn't get to say "Objection: asked and answered" no matter how many times the same question is thrown at her). Who knew that Sen. Graham's seemingly benign assurance that "short of a meltdown, you'll be confirmed" was really an announcement of the GOP contingent's strategy---to attempt to induce a meltdown! The last resort of a powerless super-minority deprived not only of substantive objections but of any power to filibuster. I mean, she's been a resolutely mainstream judge regardless of any extrajudicial speeches she may have made (and the latter don't carry the force of law); and as for her personal life....well, let's just say it's not as if she ignored her official duties to go "hiking the Appalachian Trail" (thank you, Gov. Sanford, for unwittingly giving us the first truly cool double-entendre euphemism of the new millennium)!
Finally, Adventures in Orthopedics and Podiatry--it took two sets of X-rays and an MRI, but I don't have a stress fracture in my foot: besides the arthritis in two major joints, a big honkin' bunion, tendinitis and a (healing) sprained ankle, I have something called "cuboid syndrome:" a joint in my foot actually dislocates when I bear weight on it; and changes in the bone marrow that could lead to stress fractures without immediate intervention. Said intervention is taking the form of custom orthotics (waiting for them to come back from the lab) so that I can start a painless walking program to lose some of that weight I've been forcing my feet to bear; and OTC orthotics in the meantime. No more cast-boot, thank heavens!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159461
2009-06-21T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:07-05:00
But on the other hand....
<p>On the foreign policy front, Obama cannot be faulted: Iran, Israel, Palestine--thus far he's been pitch-perfect, talking tough without talking trash, being a motivator and cheerleader where appropriate.
But here at home, it's time for him to step up to the plate and do what caused him to captivate all of us and catapult him into office. He's got the real "political capital" that W WISHES he could have had in 2004--and he can spend it far more freely and wisely than Dubya ever attempted to do. So here are my suggestions for his "Political Capital Budget:"
1. Quash all the kerfuffle that's brewing over his inability thus far to rescue the economy. Never mind it's been only five months. He needs to assert that first, he inherited a horrid bullet-ridden, kneecapped, slashed-beyond-recognition mess of a "patient" that was savaged by years of Republican-dominated deregulation and celebration of the philosophy that ennobled the concept of maximizing the making of money--even to the extent of conjuring it out of whole cloth, heck, thin air. He then needs to give us all that cold wet slap in the face that we are deep into terra incognita: that we know how we got into this mess but that NOBODY on either side of the aisle, not even the best and brightest, has a clue as to how to get us out of it. He has to be proactive and tell his critics to wake up and get real, and that whatever the eventual solution (if indeed one exists), it certainly isn't more of the unbridled laissez-faire that brought us to this point. And he needs to draw on his professorial skills and teach the nation a little Econ 101 instead of spouting the platitudes and clichéd indignancies that those on the right are yammering.
2. More political capital: a Senate majority of 59 (and, when Norm Coleman steps off the crazy train, 60), a still-record-high approval rating, and an overwhelming expressed desire from a lopsided majority of Americans for a public OPTION as part of a drastic repair and reform of a pathologically broken healthcare system.
That's public OPTION (as in "choice," not "mandate"), not single-payor nor "socialized medicine," contrary to what the GOP-and-insurance-industry PR machine desperately and wildly inaccurately hopes we'll believe. (Note to the other side: Harry & Louise have switched over to OUR team now).
3. Time to deliver the goods on equal rights: order the military to deep-six "don't ask/don't tell" and stop jettisoning valuable personnel just for being "out." Even though we decried Bush's DOJ putsch and purge of Asst. U.S. Attorney's who wouldn't drink the neocon Kool-Aid (and we'd be extremely hypocritical to demand Obama do the same to all those DOJ who don't fully hew to the Democratic Party platform), it's time for him to call in Eric Holder and his top deputies at Justice for a "what-the-hell-were-you-thinking" moment regarding the Defense of Marriage Act. He won our hearts and minds in part because he correctly asserted that marriage may need to be defended but certainly not defended from gay couples; he has come out explicitly against DOMA; he needs to get DOJ to retract or revise that amicus brief; and he needs to extend gay couples (and unmarried but otherwise lifetime-committed domestic partners of any sexual orientation) in the Federal employ all the benefits that the law allows him....and to urge the states and the private employment sector to do the same. This Saturday, Bob and I will celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. If the gay or lesbian couple down the street getting the eventual chance to do the same doesn't endanger our marriage, it doesn't endanger anyone else's. Obama has the clout to get that done now, with little legislative or judicial help. (That's what Executive Orders are for).
4. And here's where all that gets wrapped up: after giving his opponents and critics a thorough schooling, it's time to take off his academic gown (or Law Review jacket) and do a little old-fashioned "transactional negotiation." Anyone who's ever engineered a settlement, brokered a deal or even haggled at a bazaar knows you NEVER let 'em know at the outset what figure will be the magic number you're willing to accept. Demand more, call in your chits if you have to, and you'll end up with your objectives while making it look as if you've compromised. Even though I have the utmost admiration for the civil rights firm of Davis, Barnhill and Miner (and would have leaped at the chance to have been even a "go-fer" there), I wish Obama had had a little transactional or even trial-litigation experience (say, at a P.I. plaintiff or defense mill) to make him comfier with the escalated and magnified horse-trading that national political office demands. No more trying to be the Great Conciliator--the Loyal Opposition (and I use the term advisedly) eats conciliators for breakfast and spits out the seeds.
We know Obama is human, not divine, and humans can do just so much. But as humans go, he's extraordinary and has the chance to bring the real change he promised. Ironically, that real change needs to be achieved by the adroit, expert, and larger-than-life exploitation of the political system as it currently exists: instead of "destroying the village in order to save it" (the bass-ackwards rationalization of the Vietnam war), one must game the system to its fullest extent in order to turn it inside out and renovate it.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159460
2009-06-21T20:00:00-04:00
2022-02-18T16:54:06-05:00
Psst, neocons...Iran: IT'S NOT ABOUT US!
<p>Never thought I'd live to see the day when two journalists who are icons of Republican conservatism--Peggy Noonan and George F. WIll--would spring to the defense of Obama's careful handling of the powder keg that is the imminent Second Iran Revolution and condemn the knee-jerk bellicosity of the rest of their party's leaders and shills.
Iran's earthshaking grassroots sea change toward power to the people, evolving as we speak, is important to the world in general and to us specifically, of course; but in essence it's about Iran, and we do not and cannot attempt to overtly influence or "own" the results. It's not about us--and woe betide us and the freedom of the Iranian people if we manage to inject ourselves into it. The last thing Iran--and the entire concept of the dissolution of Islamic theocracy--needs is for the mullahs and the Ayatollah to be able to accurately characterize the uprising as American-caused or even "-backed." There are still too many in that world all too eager to see us as the "great Satan," and neither we nor the cause of democracy in the world needs us to fuel that. Obama is doing exactly what needs to be done about Iran: reassure those on the side of freedom and honesty that we encourage freedom and discourage corruption and repression.....not look for another war into which to parachute ourselves or find ourselves having escalated. Especially not when those still in power hold the nuclear cards in their hand (and may it not be a straight, flush or full house).
It is indeed thrilling that the Islamic Revolution of 1979 which--though it ousted an outrageous and anachronistic plutocrat--turned out so disastrously for us and for peace and understanding, is now on the brink of falling via a new anti-theocratic, pro-liberty counter-revolution.....and if we play it right, without our aid (or meddling).
Does anyone REALLY believe that the Iron Curtain collapsed because Ronald Reagan recited the ghostwritten words, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall?" No, I think humorist-philosopher A. Whitney Brown got it right: "Communism failed," he declared, "because there's no money in it." Well, Islamic theocracy will fail not because of any florid rhetoric from this side of the pond, but because there's no freedom or dignity in it.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159459
2009-06-21T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:07-05:00
One more soul at the Rainbow Bridge
<p>Heartfelt condolences to Bob and Jackie Bresse-Rodenkirk on the loss of their beloved canine companion Gilbert (aka the puppy in wolf's clothing, the WBBM Newsradio Dog Food Taste Tester, etc.). Gilbert lived nearly 15 earth years---which translates to 103 dog years, all the more amazing because he was abandoned by his pack as a pup when critically injured by a car. If our pets teach us all about unconditional love, then dogs are the full tenured professors of that subject. May the pain ebb and the smiles in celebration of Gilbert's life take root in your hearts. (He certainly was the most unusual wedding greeter I ever met!)</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159458
2009-06-17T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:07-05:00
what's next...
<p>...will have to wait till tomorrow--got a lot on my mind about world and national affairs and need a little time to put it out there as effectively as I see it. Meanwhile, I was ambushed by a worldwide flock of little birds and am now (it had to happen sometime) on Twitter. Got a mobile device? Find me there and on Facebook--my username at both is sandyandina. (Not surprisingly, I didn't have to wrest it from some domain-name squatter: there are some advantages to having an unusual and oft-misspelled-and-mispronounced surname; had I kept my maiden name I might have faded into a small but still crowded field). Still on MySpace but more people are gravitating to Facebook, where I'm still a "civilian;" haven't figured out how to convert my profile there to a performer. Of course, for details longer than 160 characters, you'll have to check in over here! I promise not to "tweet" unless I have something to say that can't wait for this blog or e-mail bulletins.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159457
2009-06-17T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:07-05:00
A sad goodbye...
<p>Denise Marie Stein--half of Foxfire and a singer/autoharpist/dulcimerist extraordinaire--was promoted from earthly entertainer to the choir and band of Angels this past Mon. June 15. She bravely battled leukemia for four years, singing till the end. It was an honor and a delight to have known and shared the stage with her. Heaven is a more entertaining place from now on...adios till we all sing together again.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159456
2009-06-11T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:06-05:00
catching up
<p>You may notice some gigs are no longer listed in my calendar. One, in July, has been removed because the organizer has decided that those of us playing the more prominent (and paid) concert series in the same area ought not take up slots in the free festival--I agree wholeheartedly. Nonetheless, I played the free fest last year, and urge those in the Madison area the weekend of July 17-19 to head over to Lisa Link Peace Park and catch part of Maxwell St. Days--the artists are of especially high caliber this year (some have previously played the aforementioned concert series) and very enjoyable.
As to the Indiegrrl Festival in Nashville in August, there's no way I can do that as was originally envisioned and still devote time and energy to my organizational duties....and, just as important, get some sorely-needed recording done for the followup Andina & Rich and my own next solo CD. Sadly, science has not yet developed a way for us to be in two different places at once--computers can "multitask" in that way but humans can't. (If things change and I will be in Nashville, rest assured I'll let you know).
On the creative and performing front, premiered a brand new song at the Old Town School First Friday Songwriters' Exchange the day it was written--and received very positive feedback. Played it for Steve the next day, and it will definitely make it on to the next Andina & Rich CD. (You'll just have to catch a concert or buy the disc, if you weren't at the OTS last week, to find out what it's about).
Mill Bluff State Park last week was beautiful, bucolic and filled with wonderful music from our fellow artists on the bill (and Andina & Rich, she said modestly). It was also the coldest non-winter day I've ever spent (eclipsing a raw and wet day April day in line at Disneyland in 1990 and a blustery windswept visit to Tienanmen Square in Feb. 1994). I was okay while on stage (courtesy of the stage being under a canopy and sheltered from the wind), but as soon as I got back into the audience, I had to bundle up with three layers of clothing, put up the hood of my parka, and stuff my hands into my pockets whenever I wasn't cradling the hottest cuppa Joe I could find. If June is busting out all over, you coulda fooled me. To add insult to injury, after the gig I loaded up the car with my gear--and discovered a flat tire. Props to Ingrid's brother Ed, who changed my tire to the "donut" spare, which got me back to Madison where I spent an unplanned night before getting a pair of new tires the next morning (20 minutes total, including rotating all four tires) at Weber Tire in Sun Prairie. No wonder the place is so popular, aside from their prices being lower than in the city.
Now, in medical news---good and bad. Good news is that my foot is not fractured and the bone itself is not bruised. It's just a worsening of arthritis (which I didn't know I had) in my 5th metatarsal and bunion and tendinitis, caused by a mild ankle sprain that came on gradually over the spring. Time marches on, and I limp instead. Bad news is that I'm stuck wearing a big honkin' immobilizer boot (like a cross between a cast and a ski boot) for the next few weeks, but will still be on my feet as tolerated. (I am definitely making a footwear fashion statement, even if I'm not "stating" that which I originally intended). At least no crutches, thank goodness.
My father-in-law turned 89 this week--mazel tov to him. And in less than two weeks Bob & I will celebrate our 38th anniversary. Where'd the time go? Since our wedding we've had eight Presidents, four wars, lived in three states and cities, lost (and regained) hundreds of pounds, been through the arc of four careers (two for each of us), earned one graduate and two professional degrees, produced one terrific and talented kid (whom we're in no hurry to push out of the nest till he's good and ready to fly). Not to mention going through three hair colors (not including gray, which I still refuse to let emerge).
So it looks like I'm taking the rest of June off to do a little legal work (that pesky retirement still doesn't seem to be fully "taking"), songwriting, rehearsing, eldercare and volunteering. Back into the whirl starting July 4th weekend in Madison!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159478
2009-06-02T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:10-05:00
Good times, not-so-hot times
<p>Been awhile, hasn't it? A lot has happened since I last posted:
We had to find a new site for FARM 2009 so we could keep it in the Chicago area over Columbus Day weekend--and we lucked into a sweet one: the Holiday Inn of Bolingbrook, IL. We'll have the run of the place as the only event booked, reasonable room rates with flexible rooming arrangements--bookable directly with the hotel (that is, if you want to stay on site); a la carte dining with a plethora of nearby options (with free shuttle to and from them) or use the fridge in your room; full pool/sauna/spa and fitness facility; plenty of meeting space and a staff eager to please. Th-Su, 10/8-11. More innovations too numerous to detail here. Rates and registration info & forms (and mailings) out imminently.
Have had some marvelous performance experiences: Green Earth Fair, Live From the Living Room (where we shared the stage with Steve Deasey and an amazing performance from Foxfire---get well, Denise, we're all praying for you!), Folk It!
My best friend Bob Berlien (follow the saga on his and Kathy's LiveJournals) underwent lung-reduction surgery for COPD and blessedly, the pulmonary nodule discovered during pre-op testing proved to be benign. We all gathered at my place Memorial Day to rejoice in each others' company and grill dinner between the raindrops. A good time was had by all. No raindrops were harmed in the production of dinner, nor were there any inadvertent encounters between the gas grill and respiratory equipment. Can't ask for much more than that these days.
Traveled around the Madison and Detroit areas; got some great starts on rehearsing and planning the next Andina & Rich CD; and attended the wedding of my cousin's daughter in Salem, MA just this past weekend (at the beautiful, elegant and historical Peabody-Essex Museum and Library (and got to formally welcome her handsome and multi-talented husband into our family). It was a delight to be with family members I hadn't seen in months, even years. Those experiences have reminded me that friends and family are our most precious resources: life is short, share it with those you love, and reconnect with those with whom you've fallen out of touch for whatever (or no) reason.
Bummer is that it's getting tougher and tougher for me to walk these days--developed a nagging soreness on the side of my left foot that has progressed to a downright painful nodule (bone bruise?), plantar fasciitis, and perhaps even a metatarsal neuroma (meaning a swelling on a nerve) . Waiting for word from my podiatrist as to whether I should "pass Go" and head straight to my orthopedist instead (whom I feel I should ask for frequent flyer miles). Hoping that taping, ice, and the right shoes will help---and that I'll be able to spend enough time on my feet to get through an hour's set this Sunday at Mill Brook State Park in Tomah, WI. Sure hate sitting down to sing--standing works sooo much better for the voice. All in all, though, it's not life-threatening--it's just a foot, and it's only pain. (I've observed enough that can go wrong this past month to be sincerely grateful for that).
Also, for reasons we won't go into around here Andina & Rich (and Red Starr Productions) have opted out of this year's Nashville Songwriters' Festival--we felt that circumstances dictated that there would be ways to use that week in late June to best advantage. Those better ways include both more preparations for recording and a long-overdue visit from my sister and niece, whom I haven't seen in a year and a half and who haven't been to Chicago in twelve years.
Had a bit of excitement around here with Bob's dad--let's just say that long walks which one has been urged not to take, when one is elderly and dehydrated, don't lead to the most pleasant of experiences and are quite inadvisable (a lesson well-learned). On the bright side, he did get to meet quite a few of Chicago's finest (and EMTs) who came to his aid. He sincerely hopes not to see them again except on a purely social basis.
You will notice I have said nothing tonight about the major issues of the day, whether political, criminal, sports or religious. At nearly 4 a.m., I fear I might not be as articulate about them as I'd like, that I would be so impassioned about them as to cause misinterpretations and hard feelings, and that plenty of people (including yours truly) have posted about them ad infinitum on various internet forums--not to mention countless others who have held forth via more widely publicized channels. So I'm sticking to what I know best, going micro-and-not-macro.
Besides, my foot hurts.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159477
2009-04-23T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:10-05:00
Surprise, surprise (burp!)
<p>Been quite a week--we've had snow flurries and 80F temps within a few days of each other; and major revelations about the (euphemistically yclept) "enhanced interrogation" techniques employed by the CIA (and, BTW, refused by the FBI), inquired into by the Pentagon as early as 2002 (receiving the answer it was both torture and ineffective) and facilitated by the bass-ackwards backfill legal memos concocted by the Bush DOJ. We've had both the Bulls and the Blackhawks make the playoffs, and the Cubs and Sox off to a good (albeit chilly and sleety start). Poor B-Rod has been refused permission by a Federal judge to go to the Costa Rican Jungles to appear in NBC's "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here" (but still eligible to appear on MSNBC's "Lockup: Club Fed" a/k/a "I'm a Convicted Felon, Get Me Outta Here"); as a result, he has filmed a bunch of spots for the show dangling from a harness and being blown about by a wind machine in front of a green Chroma-Key screen. All this is making my head spin.
So I am going to foment a different sort of debate here. I just got done reading Alton Brown's "Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run," which covered some of the same territory I did over the past few years, especially between Chicago and Memphis and missed a few spots for the piddling reason they were located along the Interstate. With that in mind (and because I now can't write "Highway 61 Regurgitated," at least not without violating some copyrights), I look back on my travels, around the Midwest and beyond (and in my own figurative backyard) to offer some of what I have found to be some of my favorite discoveries (mostly culinary but not always). Your mileage will invariably vary, so suggest away.
BBQ: Well-known:
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, Memphis, TN. Not much to say--it's not healthy to talk with your mouth full. No sauce, thanks---why sully that amazing dry rub?
BBQ: (Hole-in-the-wall Division): BJ's Travel Center, just. n. of New Madrid, MO. Alton Brown missed this one, probably because of his vow to eschew the Interstates. That's fine--more for me to chew along the Interstate. A tiny BP gas station and mini-mart when viewed from outside; the first hint it's at all special is the sweet smoke-and-meat smell that hits you as soon as you get out of your car. On one side of the room is the usual truck stop mini-mart; on the other, a buffet--and if you hit them at the right time, the ribs, chicken, sausage and pulled pork should just be coming out of the homemade oil-drum smoker out back. All you can eat (there's pasta, corn on the cob, at least one other veggie, salad, mashed spuds, cornbread and fried chicken too) for, last time I checked back in Feb., eight bucks. Only bummer is that the no-smoking section is one or two tables along the windows, but the BBQ smoke kind of obscures that in a hurry.
BBQ: (Intermediately well-known):
1. Dink's Pit, Bartlesville, OK. Intentionally ramshackle decor (might be a chain, I dunno) reminiscent of Famous Dave's but more authentically shopworn but good 'cue and nice crunchy fried okra--always jammed. Very reasonable.
2. Nick's BBQ and Catfish, Carlisle, AR. Cheerful swift service (no alcohol), very good BBQ, and the best....
Fried Green Tomatoes: See Nick's immediately above. Shatteringly crisp battered crust, not greasy, tender but still resilient tomatoes inside. Hang it up, Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop! Insanely reasonable, and the best....
Fried Catfish: Nick's; you know the drill by now....
Best Pies: King's Coffee, Dearing, KS. Meringues of all kinds, quiches you'd never expect in an honest-to-goodness full-service (read: two-group non-automatic Cimbali) coffeehouse in the proverbial middle-of-nearly-nowhere (All of Dearing could seemingly be dropped into a few blocks in the center of Coffeyville). There is a stage with live entertainment: mostly Christian music but occasionally also secular folk from moonlighting visiting performers doing the nearby Coffeyville Humanities Project (we would have done the same but our fingers were nearly bleeding from all the playing we were officially doing). The only real espresso in those parts north of the KS-OK state line.
Best "what's-a-joint-like-you-doing-in-a-place-like-this:"
Uncle Jack's. Independence, KS. Discovered by accident, when our GPS misunderstood our desire to visit Jack's Place in Liberty, KS. Microbrews. Wine-by-the-glass program (including food-and-wine pairings), bistro menu. Yes, you can get a dry Aussie Riesling or California Viognier and fresh-tasting crab cakes in rural Kansas. Pricey for the economically depressed area but cheap by city standards. Knowledgeable servers, too. Who knew?
Best (very) small-town diner food: Depot Restaurant (Hwy 412 bet. Bellefonte and Harrison, AR). We were hungry. We were lost (sorta). It was open. I can still taste the Hawaiian Creme Pie (pineapple, coconut, cherries, macadamias) nearly two years later. And it was the only time I ever insisted on packing my leftover fried okra as a road snack.
Donuts (I'm gonna get flamed for this for sure): Tie between Spudnuts (Univ. Way, aka "the Ave") and Green Lake Donuts, both in Seattle, WA. Haven't been back since 1978, so I don't even know if they're still around. But Spudnuts had the best yeast-raised (hadda be the potato flour) and Green Lake the best straight-from-the-fryer plain cake donuts I've ever, ever eaten--retreat to your respective corners, Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts. Spudnuts also had the best donut shop coffee I ever drank. Asked the owner his secret--he pulled out a battered, dented aluminum measuring cup. He explained that he kept whaling away at the bottom of it with a ball-peen hammer till it held just the right amount of preground but very fresh coffee for a drip-urn full of joe (don't remember the brand--Stewart Bros. or MJB, I think).
Cheesecake (turn up the flame-thrower): Ben's Deli, Montreal, QUE. Oh, I hear the gasps from my fellow Chicagoans who swear by Eli's, as well as from those accusing me of denying my Brooklyn heritage by ignoring Junior's. Mind you, I'm not dissing either iconic U.S. cheesecake.....but tasting Ben's (thank you Kathy!) was an epiphany. Heck, the minute I even laid eyes on it I knew the cheesecake trophy would stay north of the border. Mile-high, nearly as light as an Italian ricotta cheesecake but as firm a crumb as the best NYC examples.
OTOH:
Aphids on roses and ear mites on kittens,
Leaky teakettles and wet woolen mittens,
Puncturing fingertips changing my strings:
These are a few of my least fav'rite things...
End of Part One. Gonna get a bit more local in the next installment.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159476
2009-04-16T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:10-05:00
the (tea) party's over.....
<p>Just as I suspected, most of those teabags waved and dangled at the Tax Day Tea Parties were not brought by the demonstrators from their own kitchens to show they were mad as hell and not gonna take it any more---they were indeed provided by the Republican National Committee at a cost of one millon bucks. Grass roots, my ass.
Also saw footage of a recently unemployed attendee at one of these parties who got up and addressed the crowd. He introduced himself, asked how his fellow demonstrators felt, and asked them to cheer if they were making less than $250K per year. As expected, the cheers were overwhelming and deafening. Then he mentioned that those folks would be getting a tax CUT from the current Administration. The cheers stopped, replaced by boos and catcalls.
Now wait a minute. These parties were supposed to be spontaneous protests by the middle class against what were perceived by them (rightly or wrongly) as undue taxation--current and threatened in the future--at the hands of the new Administration. But the minute someone spoke the truth to them, he was revealed as a Democratic "traitor."And in Texas, Gov. Rick Perry hinted ominously that if the Feds messed with Texas (or Texas' "sovereignty"), secession might be in order. (So far, he has yet to backtrack),
Folks, these tea parties have been exposed for what they really were. They weren't about taxation or economic suffering. They were carefully orchestrated Republican campaign rallies for 2010 and beyond, designed to "cement the base" (ever shrinking and hardening) and--more disturbingly--exploit those not only intolerant of dissent but intolerant in general. They were, with only a few exceptions, "venting opportunities" for those displeased with the mere fact of Obama's victory and what they perceived and continue to perceive it represents---regardless of (and doggedly resistant to) persuasion by actual facts. This type of visceral resentment is the instrument the GOP "big lie" played so skillfully in 1994 with the Contract on America--already, as they characterized health care reform back then, the party is beginning to paint currently proposed health care, business and banking, and environmental reforms as insidious "new taxes."
So now we know the secret to getting voters to oppose something that actually may be in their own interest:
First, if you're in a position to and intend to profit financially at voters' expense (e.g., continuing to cheat them, fire them, take bailouts and bonuses, deny their legitimate insurance claims, cancel their credit, etc.), tell them that you share their "core moral values." Throw around terms like "sanctity of marriage," "freedom," "terrorism," and "pro-life" to boot, whether you have either the power or even the desire to do anything about them.
Then, characterize everything that you don't like as a "tax" from "big government:" the magic buzzwords that apparently embody all that is evil and un-American.
Fool us once.....</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159475
2009-04-14T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:10-05:00
TEABAGS+GASBAGS=BILGEWATER
<p>Happy Tax Day! By now, I trust you are either well on your way to getting your refund, getting the IRS off your back by having mailed them a check, or keeping the IRS temporarily off your back (or delaying your own refund gratification) by having filed your extension application--or will by midnight. Maybe you attended one of those staged "tea parties" flogged by Fake News and bankrolled by Dick Armey and a couple of conservative PACs. (Hopefully, not as a participant).
Here's why I hope if you went, you were there as either a heckler or out of morbid curiosity. Just as in Thomas Frank's "What's the Matter With Kansas," the megawealthy corporate/Wall Street establishment (i.e., shepherds with Twitter cattle prods) has managed to once again hoodwink a not insufficient number of the poor and middle classes (i.e., sheep watching cable news or cradling their BlackBerrys) into defending the super-rich against the poor and middle classes. In scenes eerily reminiscent of the crowd at last summer's Republican National Convention, photographers snapped numerous images of people standing in rainy plazas mugging for the cameras, dangling teabags, hanging teabags off their umbrellas and even bedecking their rainhats and parka hoods with teabags to the point where they resembled Lipton sheepdogs. (And call it a hunch, but somehow I doubt these folks brought these little sachets of caffeinated symbolism with them from their own kitchens). And all the while, across the country, they chanted the trenchant, meaningful, protest slogan" "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" As if letting the GOP fool them into doing its dirty work was a form of patriotism akin to cheering on Michael Phelps in the Olympics or marching in a Fourth of July parade. Oh, please.
Gets better---conservative blogs and Facebook pages instructed "spontaneous protestors" to parrot canned talking points such as "This is not the time to spend money!" "We can't spend what we don't have!" "Get the government off our backs!" (funny, they didn't chant that one when they were being wiretapped and having their library cards and book purchases monitored) and "We're mortgaging our children's futures!" (which they likewise never chanted when the government was mortgaging our children's environmental futures---or when Wall Street, or themselves as willingly complicit junk-loan borrowers, were ACTUALLY MORTGAGING our children's and our own futures). One of these blogs actually offered $250 rewards for the catchiest slogans the "citizen teabaggers" could devise--thus saving the GOP a tidy sum it would otherwise have to have blown on focus groups and ad agencies.
Well, the truth is that this is PRECISELY what stimulating a foundering economy means--spending money we don't have to generate money we will make many times over. We've done it for decades, even centuries. It's called "credit," which (despite what every conservative other than those who issue bank cards will tell you) is NOT always inherently bad. Whenever a corporation, municipality, utility, or school district issues bonds, it's borrowing so it can spend money it doesn't have--and when you buy those bonds (yes, even those Series E savings bonds you racked up as kids) you are lending it to them. The cold hard truth is, as was shown when at first the New Deal succeeded dramatically and then went blooey when FDR obeyed those who warned about deficit spending, that if we DON'T go out on a limb and borrow or levy in order to spend money we don't yet have on certain necessities such as infrastructure, education, priming the pump for a resurgence of responsible consumption, and healthcare, we are going to be doing a heck of a lot worse to our kids' future than mortgaging it.
And taxes? Ah, yes, those evil taxes of which we must not force the super-rich and the largest corporations to pay their fair share. It was revealed today that 90% of the wealthiest corporations in America set up offshore accounts (cue the jingle..."Cay-man Is-lands...") to avoid paying ANY Federal income tax at all, sticking you and me with a HUNDRED BILLION BUCKS of a tax bill, sucking it right out of OUR pockets. Yeah, even those of you pulling down half a mill per year--YOU helped pay ALL of Coca-Cola's and Dell's income tax this year. Interestingly, one of the wealthiest corporations in America refused to set up offshore accounts, and ponied up its fair share like the rest of us: Home Depot.
So how would you like to stimulate the economy, show your appreciation for a responsible corporation, improve your own surroundings, and even employ many of our future Olympians between competitions? Fix your deck, plant your garden or window boxes, paint your house or apartment, buy a new sink or toilet seat, or even a carton of CFL lightbulbs--and buy the stuff from Home Depot.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159474
2009-04-13T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:09-05:00
DRINK COFFEE TOMORROW!!!
<p>So tomorrow is the day for Astroturf-roots "tea parties" all over America--or so the right-wing blogosphere and Fixed News Network are hyperventilating, while legitimate media are, justifiably, yawning and reminding people the Post Office will be open till midnight because it's April 15. How I wish I were gifted in the visual arts---if I were, I would be madly at work right now churning out picket signs and tee (NOT "TEA") shirts bearing the following graphic:
(Picture of teabag) = (Picture of bull sitting on toilet)
and selling them to the real grass-roots protesters across the street from Dick Armey's Army (yeah, he's in charge).
So in dishonor of this corporate, staged, flash(bulb)-mob stunt, I propose getting as hopped up on coffee (brewed, espresso, latte, instant, whatever) as possible and Take Exception (to) Armey (note initials).
And for some more in the "they-can't-make-this-kinda-stuff-up" department:
1. The NY Mets' brand-spanking-new Citi Field was christened by a lead-off home run by......a San Diego Padre.
Does anyone else notice the significance of the fact that Citi Field is located in.......wait for it.....drum roll.....FLUSHING????
2. What if Rod was one of us? He'd want to get a gig on a reality TV show, of course. And (the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois willing), he will--he is set to star (at $80K an episode), inter alia, with skater Nancy Kerrigan (guess this was below Tonya Harding's pay grade?) in a show titled "I'm a Celebrity--Get Me Outta Here!" set in Costa Rica, presumably in the jungle.....or at Robert Vesco's mansion.
3. For the second year in a row, a butchered goat carcass was hung in effigy from the statue (I believe of Harry Caray) outside Wrigley Field. Guess that's why Premier Meats couldn't fulfill my order for goat loin chops.....</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159473
2009-04-09T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:09-05:00
Tonight, tonight...
<p>My voice is back tonight! (Sorry, Stephen Sondheim, best I could do with limited bandwidth). I am totally pumped about tonight's double Andina & Rich/SASS! Trio show (despite what it may say on another site, it IS TONIGHT, SATURDAY APRIL 11!) at the Ethical Humanist Society, 8 pm, 7475 N. Lincoln in Skokie--details in the preceding blog entry as well as on the Facebook page of the Second Saturday Concert Series. We've got some special stuff up our sleeves for you!
The Emanuel Seder was a blast--well attended and catered this year (with wait staff!) by a member, Mark Warnaar, who is a chef. The food--especially the salmon and the desserts--was terrific, the ceremonies and singing--led by our own Energizer Bunny Ruthie Seidner--were beautifully planned and delightfully executed. I ran into friends I hadn't seen in months--and some I hadn't realized were members. Gotta go more often when I'm not gigging or traveling on Friday nights.
I'll be singing there next week, Sat 4/18, at the Emanuel Coffeehouse, 5959 N. Sheridan. Fronting my old buddies in the Ham-it-Up Band for a number and doing a set of my own in a stellar lineup--the temple's talent pool is deep indeed. All ages, creeds (including lack thereof), and kinds of people welcome, as long as you like to listen, sing along, and sip and nosh!
Well, it seems that not only did neighborhood churches celebrate Seders on Holy Thursday--so did our First Family! Yes, the Obamas hosted the first ever White House seder (especially appropriate because there's a rabbi in the family--Rabbi Capers Funnye of B'nai Zion is Michelle Obama's cousin). To paraphrase a terrific songwriter friend of mine, Anita Silvert, I'm sensing the beginning of "all roads converging."
Whether or not I see you tonight in Skokie, wherever and whoever you are, whatever you do or do not believe, I wish you joy this wonderful weekend of renewal, rebirth and reaffirmation. No matter the motivation for your celebration, may it happen with elation!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159472
2009-04-08T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:09-05:00
In search of the Pesadich Chocolate Bunny....
<p>Interfaith families ARE fascinating, aren't they? (I never have seen chocolate Easter bunnies or even Peeps labeled Kosher for Passover--can you imagine the marketing possibilities of Passover Peeps--especially little marshmallow Pharoahs you can nuke into oblivion in your microwave? I think that the "Ten Plagues" Peeps collection might be a bit much, though).
Tonight we had our first tri-generational interfaith family Seder since before Gordy was born and the "mishpocha" (both Jewish & Catholic) would gather back in Brooklyn at my folks' place or Queens at my Aunt Pearl's. Bob's dad moved in with us in May, and had not planned to stay up late enough to participate (Bob keeps pretty late work hours). But he decided to give it a go. We kept the pre-dinner Haggadah reading and ceremonies fairly brief, as Bob saw so many patients he was nearly hypoglycemic by the time he got home (we moved up the whole Hillel-sandwich part to make sure he didn't get those two cups of wine into a completely empty stomach). For someone who hadn't attended a Seder in 25 years, Bob's dad did a pretty good job even with the tongue-twisting transliterations of ancient Rabbinical names. I spared Bob my leaden matzo balls this year--nothing could top my Aunt Pearl's, so light they needed guy wires to keep from floating skyward--and I did provide some prefab prime rib and gefilte fish; but I did just about everything else from scratch. Even dragged out the Cuisinart to make the charoseth (the apple-nut-matzo-wine relish that symbolizes mortar used by the Hebrew slaves in Israel but tastes a whole heckuva lot better), the only other time besides Thanksgiving and cranberry relish it sees action. Bob's dad, eschewing meat (even poultry) during Lent, got miso soup while we had chicken with mandlen (honey-I-shrunk-the-popovers made with matzo flour) and ate a little of everything but the prime rib. I did my best to point out which traditional foods overlapped both the Easter and Passover traditions.
Tomorrow night will be interesting. Gordy has a friend's Seder to attend. Bob has office hours. I have the temple Seder. I invited Bob's dad, but his church is holding one leading into the Holy Thursday service. He would have gone to the one at temple, but he'd have had to miss his church service; I'd have gone to the one at church, but since my own temple's holding one and I'm singing there next week I ought to go. I'm guessing that both houses of worship will hew much more faithfully (and lengthily) to the haggadah then we did tonight, and I wouldn't be surprised if St. Gertrude's were longer and stricter than Emanuel's (we're Reform and there will be a plethora of restless toddlers in tow). But I find it delightful that in a neighborhood that is overwhelmingly Catholic, darn near every family will have celebrated Passover in some fashion this year!
Sunday night's benefit at the Heartland started off slowly--due to rapidly deteriorating weather and even more rapidly shrinking parking, not enough of the ad hoc pre-show band had arrived in time to test the PA and we had the venue for a limited time. But RIck ran the lineup like clockwork, nobody hogged their time slots, and the place filled to the point where people had to rotate seats. There were amazing performances and collaborations (and people I hadn't seen in ages, such as Amy Lowe, Jim Post and John Benischek---who haven't lost a note to the march of time). Mick was energized by the presence of so many who love him, and gave a closing performance (as well as some deft supporting work earlier) that was truly stellar. His anthemic signature closer, "Last One of the Night People" left not a single dry eye in the house, with his spoken "good nights" on the outro to all the venues and local folkies who've left us. (I can't do "Ghosts and Angels" again without thinking of that performance, and I will be sure to mention Mick's salute during the intro). The really good news was that not only did I not end up winning anything I donated for the raffle, but we raised over $4K for Mick's expenses! There will shortly be a similar benefit to retire Tom Dundee's medical debt, and I'm sure we'll all do Tommy's memory proud. I'll keep you posted.
The memorial on Saturday for learning-disabled children's advocate and therapist Lannie LeGear was touching, sad, funny and uplifting. Gordy's eulogy was so moving that people buttonholed him for hours after the service to tell him so. Not only was Lannie a marvelous therapist and friend and national pioneer in getting the educational and medical establishments to recognize that learning disabilities are not limited to autism/ADHD/dyslexia, but she was a gentle and generous soul--proudly but matter-of-factly out long before it was socially the norm, she and her partner Dorothy sponsored a Hmong family from Laos and adopted them, eventually becoming grandmothers several times over. Dorothy brought the house down when she mentioned that the neighbors didn't quite know what to make of the "Unitarian lesbians sending their Buddhist kids to the Catholic school around the corner." I'm glad we can live in a world--well, at least a city--where that is not only possible but now raises no eyebrows, just knowing smiles and approving laughter. And I'm especially grateful that Dorothy shared Lannie with all of us. When people die, we speak of them "passing on," or "passing away." Lannie LeGear "passed in:" a little of her spirit burrowed into the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
I am slowly but surely emerging from the depths of the allergy-cum-bacterial sinusitis/bronchitis that began to creep up on me Friday night (and mercifully abated just long enough to get me through my two songs on Sunday). I was able to get through a little chanting tonight, but still shutting up so I can be in good voice for the show I'm doing this Saturday night 4/11:
Andina & Rich and the SASS! Trio
at the Ethical Humanist Society
7475 Lincoln (at Howard and Skokie Blvd), Skokie
8-10 pm. $7 includes refreshments and parking.
You'll get a double dose of me--doing eclectic acoustic Americana with Stephen Lee RIch and original classic folk with Susan Urban and Kate Early. You'll hear harmonies and lots of humor--much of it topical (I haven't mastered subcutaneous, though I can sing "I've Got You Under My Skin") in a comfy and lovely room with great sightlines and perfect acoustics....and ample parking!
So Happy Passover, Happy Easter...and Happy Birthday, Rona!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159471
2009-03-31T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:09-05:00
The e-Swimsuit Issue is Here!
<p>Yup, www.sandyandina/swimsuit/nakedandalive.com is here! Catch pix of me in my string-theory bikini--not atoll inappropriate. Still working on the 3-D and see-through website versions; the HTML code for that is a real bare--er, bear.
Oh, and check today's date!!!!!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159470
2009-03-30T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
It's still looking a lot like Irkutsk...
<p>After a few teaser "shorts-and-T-shirt" days, winter decided to evict spring and move back in here. Came home in the pouring rain Sat. night and awoke yet again to a winter wonderland....that is, I wonder why it's still winter in this land. We had three inches of wet snow; but an hour later it began to freeze and then melt. I was greeted by what sounded like an army of crazed sports-fan-hooligan squirrels throwing teeny little beer bottles off the roof on to my deck--turned out not to be beer bottles, of course, but really ice chunks. Can't be sure that it wasn't the squirrels throwing 'em, though. We are facing some more "wintry mix" this Thurs. night and then--oh, joy!--possibly accumulating snow next Sunday. Just in time for the benefit for Mick Scott--a Chicago music legend fallen on medical and fiscal hard times--at the Heartland Cafe 4/5 from 4-8 pm. I'm doing a song or two with Andina & Rich and am also in the pre-show rock band. Please don't let the weather keep you from helping Mick and hearing some of the greats from Chicago's folk scene from the 1970s onward!
(Wish I could say this weather forecast was an April Fool's prank, but it was on TV tonight, still in March).
Re my last journal: So I lied--I didn't blog before New Year's or Kwanzaa. But I had a good reason. A few days after the terrific time I had playing at WDCB on Christmas Eve-Eve, I awoke to discover my "trigger thumb" (stenosing tenosynovitis) from three years ago had returned with a vengeance. I could not move my left thumb at all, and it hurt like a motherf......no, that's an insult to motherf*s..... Couldn't get a surgeon's appt. till after New Year (and had a devil of a time trying to type!) and this time there wasn't enough time between then and leaving for my Coffeyville-to-Memphis odyssey to rehab from surgery. Had to settle for one more cortisone shot, which was to tide me through the gigs and then get flushed out during the tendon release surgery I wished I'd had originally.
Meanwhile, while I didn't get to make it down to Washington, DC for the Inauguration (even if my sis had room for me, it'd have been a looooooong cold walk from the Metro to as close as I could get to the Mall), I was able to do the next best thing: Broadway Cellars in my neighborhood had an incredible inaugural brunch bash--my son Gordy, my "right hand" Carrie and I joined a restaurant packed with our neighbors and bedecked with HDTVs to chow down on Eggs Benedict, wash down copious amounts of Graham Beck (Stellenbosch AOC) Champagne--the Obamas' favorite bubbly--and see Pres. Obama drop the "-Elect" from his title. We laughed, we cried, we hugged, we sang and we chanted as Mr. Potter (er, Dick Cheney) and the chopper bearing our former Nightmare In Chief left for lives of leisure. (Won't tell you what we chanted, but if you are Sox or Cubs fans who have witnessed home team four-baggers, you can guess). We're facing even tougher times than we expected in January, but let's let our President have the latitude (and our patience) to bring our nation back up out of an eight-year hole. Two months is barely enough to put out the competitive bid specs for the pulley, rope and harness, much less put them to use.
So the new cortisone shot took (could have seen how long it'd hold up, but that might have dissolved the tendon!) and Steve and I did the Coffeyville Humanities Project--17 shows in 5 days. As it was when I did it solo in 2003, it was exhausting but exhilarating. It was also heartbreaking, as massive floods had leveled much of the east side of town two years ago and severely damaged much of the rest of it. Whatever the flood and a continuing exodus did not take away, this horrid economy exacerbated. Venues I'd played and places I'd eaten and shopped no longer existed--not just gone out of business but physically destroyed. Lives were damaged...and lost. I had written "Carry You" for the victims of the Katrina flood, but I truly personally felt every word and note of it and sang it to the good folks of Coffeyville with tears in my eyes. But Steve and I also had the joy of being able to sing "Orange and Pink Prairie Sky" to the folks who and in the place which inspired it!
After finishing our sets, developing nasty blisters on my fingers, and taking several tasty detours to King's Coffee in Dearing, KS (still the home of terrific espresso drinks and pies to die for....and now killer quiches) and Dink's Pit BBQ in Bartlesville, OK (the real deal), we headed off to Memphis, delightfully playing tourist all the way. Visited the Tom Mix Museum in Tyler, OK (wish we'd had time for the WIll Rogers Museum); on the way out of Broken Arrow our trusty GPS, Chatty Cathy, began to have a nervous breakdown. She suggested "better routes" that seemed to exist only in a parallel universe, told us we were on different roads than what the signs said, sent us in circles (literally) at the OK/AR border--endlessly repeating "recalculating," and finally cried, "Insufficient memory available to calculate route!"
So I had to fire her and replace her the next day in Fayetteville with a more competent model (which set me back an arm and a leg and somebody else's arm and leg). All was well, we made (and ate--BBQ, catfish, fried green tomatoes, sweet tea, Arkansas wines--BURP!) our way east to the Delta. We visited the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, AR, where we saw some wonderful exhibits on the roots of blues, soul, rockabilly, and gospel and even saw the actual King Biscuit Flour Hour radio studio.
Then across the mighty Mississippi to the epicenter of Delta blues: Clarksdale, MS, site of the legendary Crossroads where Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the Devil for his talent. We eagerly drove into town, crossing below the underpass brightly emblazoned tagger-style with "Clarksdale--Home of the Blues," remembering the countless images of a lonely crossroads, at the center of which stood a solitary man holding a simple guitar and waiting for the demon whom he believed could ensure his genius would endure for the ages.
What we saw instead was a busy street corner bearing a pole, atop which were a crossed pair of garishly painted stylized fake guitars, bearing the legend "Crossroads" and signs for US 49 and 61. On three corners were gas stations and a strip mall; on the fourth, a Church's Fried Chicken. Were Johnson to have encountered the Crossroads today, he'd probably have shaken his head, gone to Best Buy up the road and bought a copy of Guitar Hero. (But he's no dummy---he'd have stopped at Church's first. Good chicken. Used to have one in my neighborhood. Makes KFC and Popeye's taste like dog food). One more piece of advice, though--when visiting the birthplace of the Delta Blues, renowned for its juke joints and smoky bars and exhaustive museum, do NOT do so in broad daylight on a Monday which happens to be a national holiday. You will be bitterly disappointed. We hightailed it out of town and caught some great 'cue at a truck stop just east of the river.
On to Memphis--Folk Alliance was terrific! This year I cut way back on performing (four showcases compared to last year's thirteen!) but had to, since as the President of the Board of FARM and the new Midwest Rep. on the Board of AFM Local 1000 (those of you who are traveling musicians and not yet members, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?) I had a slew of meetings to attend and chair. And I was flabbergasted to find myself given--along with my antecedent FARM Board Presidents and those of the other FA regionals--Folk Alliance's Spirit of Folk Award, at a ceremony broadcast live on XM Satellite Ch. 15, The Village. My husband Bob called me excitedly from the side of the road between hospitals when he heard my name mentioned on the radio. But these are the names unjustly missing from that plaque: fellow "Boardies" Chris Gaylord, Joan Hellmann, Tom Gorman, Roger Little, Annie Capps; and FARM pioneers and mentors Margaret Nelson, Walt Campbell, Dave Humphreys, Diane Ippel, Art Lang, and many more. We should circulate that plaque among us all year, much like the Stanley Cup among the players of the winning NHL team.
At Folk Alliance I got to hear wonderful performances from Roger McGuinn (and throw in harmony from the front rows!), Kathy Mattea, Rosalie Sorrels, John Sebastian (and even meet some of them), and share songs and enjoy the warmth and solidarity of my brothers and sisters of Local 1000: John McCutcheon, Steve Eulberg, Tret Fure, John O'Connor, Ken Whitely, Deb Cowan, Amy Fix and Paul Reisler; and have my songs adorned with tasty fiddle licks from Gina Forsyth of the Malvinas. (Gina, when it's time to record "Quarter Rat," we have to talk!).
Of course, there was wonderful food galore, including the dry rub ribs (that must be served in Heaven despite not being Kosher) from the Rendezvous---Bon Appetit and the Food Network agree; the soul food brunch and mimosas at Alcenia's and Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken; and a delightful visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where I was transported back to my teen years--transistor radio under my pillow, Top 40 lists meticulously kept in my looseleaf. Saw Isaac Hayes' incredible solid-gold-and-ermine-trimmed Cadillac, Tina Turner's dress, James Brown's cape: and Steve Cropper's Strat, Duck Dunn's P-Bass and Booker T's Hammond (encased in plexiglass in such a way that I could pretend to be playing it!). Walked out grinning from ear to ear. It was worth tearing my left hamstring getting into and out of the van that got me there and back. Missed the trip to Rev. Al Green's church (it was opposite the Stax tour). Turns out I wouldn't have been the only Jew there. (As Marc Cohn put it in his marvelous song "Walking in Memphis," when a rousing gospel singer asked him, "Boy, are you a Christian?" he replied, "Ma'am, I am tonight." I'm sure my rabbi would understand...I hope).
My voice held out just long enough--days of singing and endless hours of meetings and schmoozing and catching up with friends old and new in the corridors and hallways, as well as a ubiquitous late winter cold virus, took their toll and gave me laryngitis to keep my aching hamstring company. Both healed within a week.
Good thing, because two days after I got back home I was under the knife to fix my trigger thumb. Dr. Schlenker's surgical skill and copious amounts of painkillers, ice (cans of soda make great icepacks) and physical therapy have brought my thumb--and playing--back up to speed (as did rest, chicken soup, and my voice teacher Randy Buescher for my voice).
Got to test my newly healed hand and pipes at Madison Songwriters' Group's (the only MSG that's good for you) Songwriters in the Round showcase this past Tues. at the Brink Lounge with Steve and the marvelous "Biblegum pop" duo Stereo Sinai (newlyweds Alan Sufrin and Miriam Brousseau, who honeymooned at SXSW!); and Sat/ night at the Chicago Songwriters' Collective's showcase at Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse (inside Living Hope Lutheran) in Frankfort, IL with fellow members Donna Adler, Steve Brasel, Ron Hayden and John Ludwig.
See you this Sun. afternoon at the Heartland, singing for Mick; and next week (Apr. 11) at the monthly Saturday concert series at Skokie's Ethical Humanist Society (great room and terrific acoustics, plenty of free parking), doing double duty as half of Andina & Rich and 1/3 of the SASS! Trio.
Oh, and Happy Birthday, Maggie (tonight!) and especially Rona (the 10th!!!!!)</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159469
2008-12-16T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
It's beginning to look a lot like Irkutsk...
<p>December 17--not even winter yet--and I'm digging out of several inches of snow, hacking away at an inch of ice below that, and bracing for a good ol' fashioned ice storm tomorrow (and hoping I have enough cardboard boxes and scrap firewood to burn in case the power goes out and so does the pilot light). Ah, Chicago. (Tell me again why I left Seattle 30 years ago.....). But there is really no refuge from the cold other than S. Florida (which has gotten down below freezing a couple of times when I visited). It's even snowing--and sticking--in Las Vegas and New Orleans. Thank goodness for eBay, Amazon, Peapod, etc.--on the one hand, you miss out on the festive experience of Yule-bedecked department stores, pungent bayberry potpourri, lines of little kids waiting to pose for overpriced pictures with Santa, and Christmas Muzak wafting through the malls. On the other hand, you are spared the festive experience of Yule-bedecked department stores......
Moreover, there's no fighting over nonexistent parking spaces in icy slushy lots; yet your loved ones still get their presents in time (provided you remember to wrap them).
Which leads me to present my Things I Don't Want for Christmas or Hanukkah List:
1. Fruitcake. Don't get me wrong, I like the stuff. But I'm still working on the one from 2004.
2. Cashmere socks. My sock drawer is the Bermuda Triangle for hosiery--and if I am going to lose various mates of socks, they might as well be cheap ones.
3. Cheese. See Fruitcake above (trust me, it's impossible to go through two pounds of cheddar before the mold sets in).
4. Cookbooks. I already have dozens I read and then whose recipes I ignore.
5. Handkerchiefs. I really relish the experience of sneezing into something and then having to wash, dry and iron it....NOT.
6. Perfume. It will only make me sneeze, and then I will have to reach for a handkerchief....
7. Barack Obama's Senate seat. Trust me, you can't afford it. Rod Blagojevich told me so.
Finally, I am going through severe Bar Show withdrawal. This year I had the biggest role I've had to date, the most fun playing it, made the most new friends, and watched it pass faster than it ever seemed before. Not performing any time in the near future except next Tuesday on the WDCB Folk Festival Christmas show on 90.9 FM (January is reserved for either recording, a knee replacement, or cataract surgery...and I'd vastly prefer recording; February will be spent performing and convening in and traveling to and from Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Memphis).
So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a brilliant light in the Solstice, and a joyous Festivus for the Restivus. (As to Kwanzaa and New Year, I'll blog again before then).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159468
2008-12-09T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
Another openin'.....
<p>Tonight was day 2 of "Jury Boys," the Chicago Bar Show's, 5-night run. The bad news is that this year I do not get to play guitar onstage.
But the good news is, mirabile dictu (are Jews allowed to use Latin?), I HAVE A MAJOR SOLO! Yup, I get to strut my stuff, belting out a big Broadway blues number as a rapacious investment banker. More than that I cannot reveal lest I blow the plot. It is an incredibly fun scene to do--I get to mug shamelessly as well! I am in awe of my immensely talented castmates--besides the gifted veterans, we have some new people with incredible voices. Needless to say, our director Mary and musical director Corey are first-rate, bringing out our best to give you one heck of an evening (and who says you have to limit yourself to ONE evening?)
And joining us, among others, are Barack and Michelle Obama, T. Boone Pickens, John Mc Cain, Sarah Palin, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, George and Laura Bush, Joe Lieberman and of course "Radioactive" Rod "Third Rail" Blagojevich.......or ultra-reasonable facsimiles thereof.
The Merle Reskin is a wonderful theater with state of the art production facilities and terrific sightlines and acoustics anywhere in the house. You're gonna have a great time.
And so far, my voice AND knees are holding up!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159467
2008-11-21T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
And now a word from our sponsor...
<p>....well, not exactly. You know the old wisecrack, quoting Shakespeare out of context: "First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers;" and the inevitable rejoinder: "Next time your kid gets busted, call Shakespeare?" Well, there is another service we lawyers can perform--at least Chicago-area lawyers for five evenings in December: make you laugh.
Yes, it's that time of year again: Dec. 8-13, Tues-Sat, the Chicago Bar Association presents its annual Christmas Spirits revue (a tradition spanning over 80 years). This year's show is called "Jury Boys;" as in all years it is a fast-paced couple of hours of wickedly funny parodies of popular and Broadway songs--with professional-caliber acting, singing (including an 8-part-harmony chorus!) and even dancing. In fact, Roger Ebert once paid us as high a compliment as anyone could ever hope: he said Richard Gere's tap dancing in the film "Chicago" was as good as the dancing in the Chicago Bar Association show!
Why am I pushing this? Because, dear readers, I am outing myself as a "recovering" (far trendier, more youthful and less depressing than saying "semi-retired") lawyer. The "recovery" was taking rather nicely until I hit a snag last week--I inadvertently completed and reported having completed the mandatory continuing legal education requirement and thus must keep my license (okay, not so inadvertently--but what if one of my friends gets busted, needs a will or--and I know this is a stretch in today's economy--buys or sells a home? Gotta be able to lend a hand, you know). And--you guessed it--for the seventh year in a row, I'm in the cast.
Yes, for a mere sixty bucks (get your boss to ante up, since part of it is tax-deductible as a charitable donation and the rest can be "expensed") you can get to see me sing, act, and commit attempted dancing. You might even get to see me whip out a guitar and play--hey, that happened a couple of times!
Seriously, it's for a good cause: ALL the proceeds go to the Chicago Bar Charities, which help feed and clothe the poor, shore up some needy public schools, and provide shelter to the homeless and abused. This year we are offering theater tickets only--no need to pony up for a dinner package, so you can eat wherever you want. We're selling briskly for Saturday night (closing night) but excellent seats are still available the rest of the week.
Sponsorship packages are also available (see www.chicagobar.org and click on Christmas Spirits)--help us keep this wonderful tradition alive; and depending on at what level you choose to sponsor the show, you or your boss will get free tickets, an ad in the program, "brand placement" in the script or even the scenery, or even a walk-on part!
Details:
CBA Christmas Spirits presents
"JURY BOYS"
A Gridiron Musical of Bench and Bar
Tues. Dec. 8-Sat. Dec. 13, 2008
7:30 p.m.
MERLE RESKIN (formerly Blackstone) THEATER
60 E. Balbo, Chicago
Admission $60 (cheaper than the other musicals in the Loop!)
Make me happy. Watch me sing, act and try to dance (think of the pratfall possibilities!). Keep a tradition alive. Help a poor kid get free books, toys and school supplies. Most importantly, help keep 65 lawyers out of trouble, out of the courtroom and out of your hair for a week!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159466
2008-11-16T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
Birth of a new song
<p>Wednesday night, having returned (somewhat) to earth after the election, I knew I needed to express the hope and excitement I felt in a song. I recalled a phrase from Obama's victory speech--"we must call upon our better angels;" I knew then that would be the song's title and recurring lyrical theme, but the song itself did not come together until the wee hours of Friday morning. Stephen Lee Rich and I practiced it and sang it at Two Way Street Coffeehouse that night. In the audience was WDCB-FM's Lilli Kuzma, who was kind enough to have me record it in the studio on Sunday. (Also there were February Sky--Phil Cooper and Susan Urban--who recorded some songs and interviews from and about their new eponymous CD, which I highly recommend). I promised I would post the lyrics. but I don't have a copy of the recording yet.
But you can hear it (and Lilli's interview with me) Tues. night Nov. 18 on Lilli's "Folk Festival" show fron 7-9pm on WDCB 90.9 FM and streaming at www.wdcb.org. I could not get the text editor to properly display the chords as I typed them (but I can send them to you on request). Here are the lyrics:
OUR BETTER ANGELS
©2008 by S. Andina
1.Our better angels--Will come through after all
We're a people divided But we're tearing down that wall.
Our better angels--When we called them they came
And this nation will never be the same.
2.Our better angels--Help us make our choice
They will bring us together And we're singing with one voice.
Our better angels--Hold the demons at bay
Take us by the heart and show us all the way.
CH: We stand at the bottom But we'll climb up that hill.
Yes we can, yes we did, and yes we will.
3.Our better angels--Help us do what is right
We invoked them together On that warm November night
Our better angels--We were summoned to bring
And through them we can do anything. CH
BR: Was it only four years Since we first saw the man
Who challenged our assumptions And told us "yes we can?
To ignore our fears. But there's still work to do
Let's dare to make our grandest dreams come true.
1.Our better angels--Are they up to the task?
They will do freedom's bidding Oh, If only we will ask
Our better angels--Bring us into the light
The top of the mountain is in sight. CH, then CODA:
We'll aim for the summit Of compassion and trust.
Yes we can, yes we will, and yes we must
Yes we can, yes we will, and yes we must.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159465
2008-11-04T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
oh, and one more thing...
<p>If we as a nation lost our innocence on Nov. 22, 1963 when JFK was assassinated; if we regained our pure childlike wonder on that July 1969 night when people first walked on the moon; then last night, on Nov. 4, 2008 we finally attained our maturity.
I looked at my 24-year-old son and realized that Barack Obama will also be the bridge between my generation and his.
We live in interesting times, but now they are also extraordinary times. May they become exemplary times as well!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159464
2008-11-04T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-14T19:10:08-05:00
YES WE DID!!!
<p>Whoo-ee!
President-Elect Obama......the only thing that would sound better than that would be President Obama.......76 days till that happens!
Got back from Grant Park and I am still not down off Cloud Nine yet. For the first time in my life, my uncompromised choice of Presidential candidate made it! And the feeling of being one with 125,000 people--diverse in age, race, gender, occupation, yet united in joy and purpose--all together on one fenced-in piece of land in the presence of possibly the most transformational figure of our time? Simply indescribable!
I have hope for America: social equality, fiscal responsibility, the end of unrestrained and unregulated greed, pride across all demographic groups, health care for all, accountability, transparency, honesty and mutual respect on the world stage. And I have hope for emerging governments--if we can transcend our racial differences (and, for VP, religious difference), surely other nations can rethink and shatter tribal-rivalry-driven politics.
Yes we did, and yes we will continue to do!</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159463
2008-11-02T19:00:00-05:00
2022-05-10T13:12:26-04:00
Electionitis?
<p>There seems to be a disease that cropped up yesterday: electionitis. The symptoms mimic those of a gastrointestinal bug, both "north" and "south." Log on to most political blogs and you will read post after post describing politics addicts' digestive symptoms in dreadful detail. One campaign worker who, when answering a reporter's query as to how he was feeling replied "cautiously optimistic," was countered by his colleague declaring "cautiously nauseous."
It's hit my family for certain. All of us are on liquid diets, unable to tear ourselves away from the CNN or MSNBC screen, like morbidly fascinated gapers passing a massive highway pileup. We realize we shouldn't look but we do anyway. (I should mention my father-in-law got a real GI bug and is getting IV rehydration in the hospital as we speak--except for a brief foray into the voting booth last weekend, he resolved to spend his TV viewing time on prime-time dramas, old sitcoms, and DVDs of "The Tudors." Unfortunately, his hospital roomie has had FOX News on all evening; hope this does not exacerbate Dad's dyspepsia).
It's 2 a.m., I've had 3 hrs. of sleep and about 150 calories all day, and still I type, surf back to the NY Times Op-Eds and Politics articles, and have "Hardball" on in the background after watching the SNL Monday Night Pre-Election Bash. (Yes, sadly, I am so glued to the tube that I have the L.A. network feeds on satellite). I wince at every Jeremiah Wright smear ad and notice that coverage of McCain/Palin rallies and strategies outweighs Obama/Biden by at least 3:2 (with even MSNBC trying in the last few days to load up on GOP pundits: scrappy-underdog stories get the most press attention. Payback, it seems, for Obama's remarkable journey.
Alas, part of the rally-coverage disparity is doubtless due to the heart-wrenching death early yesterday of Obama's grandmother Madeleine Dunham, who quietly lost a long battle with cancer. The Republican ticket has been hitting every battleground state today and a few more tomorrow; Obama gave a poignant speech in Charlotte, saluting his "tutu" for leaving this world the better for her having lived in it and shaped his and his sister's lives and ambitions. I only hope that she got her wings as soon as she arrived in Heaven, and is pulling strings as best she can. Tonight he is sleeping in his own home, perhaps for the last time with "Senator" his sole official title. Kinahurrah, of course.
I voted last week. If you haven't, please do so today. No matter how long you may have to wait in line, think of Barack traversing the country today despite his grief. Think of his mother awakening him at 4 am to supervise his homework. Think of his "tutu" raising him despite having to go to work every day as a bank vice-president. Think of how your vote may well change the country and the world, restoring openness, mutual respect, cooperation and accountability to government at home and abroad. Think of restoring our civil liberties, and assuring the next generation of kids that whatever their circumstances of birth they too can grow up to become President. That ought to make you think a little less about your feet, knees and back--or at least it should.
Tomorrow night at this time I should be heading home from a night in Grant Park. May it have been a celebration.</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159462
2008-10-31T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:07-05:00
It's the Great Kinahurra, Charlie Brown!
<p>(Okay, so Halloween ended a few hours ago, but I was too busy handing out 25 lbs. of candy to the neighborhood kids and watching MSNBC and CNN and screaming at the TV set to write this in time. Indulge me).
Kinna-WHA??? Is that anything like a kinescope, or some town in Ireland? Nope. Ever watch a baseball game, and as soon as the play-by-play announcer mentions the pitcher has a no-hitter going, some batter knocks one out of the park? Well, as any Jewish grandma would tell you, that infamous jinx could have been proactively negated by muttering "kinahurra" (a far more evocative version of the plain-vanilla "knock wood," though not as graphic--or as messy--as the Italian "Scutta malocchio" followed by spitting through one's fingers).
Why am I being so paranoid (I prefer to call it "cautious")? After all, Obama is way up in the national polls--as much as 11 points in some of them--as well as ahead in all the battleground states (and on the verge of turning some more red states into tossups). Well, Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, "To be Irish is to know that the world will break your heart." I submit that the Irish have no corner on that; as a Democrat, I have twice in the past eight years put on my prom dress waiting for the doorbell that never rang. McCain/Palin is slinging ridiculous mud about "socialism" and "palling around with terrorists," and using "liberal" as an epithet akin to "leper." Unfortunately, it's beginning to work--there are enough undecided voters out there who are too honest to lie to pollsters but who can't bring themselves to vote for a black person (or at least a non-right-wing black person) and are looking for the flimsiest of pretexts to justify voting against him while denying race had anything to do with it. Add to that the youth vote who have registered in record numbers, but whose names haven't shown up on the rolls (suspiciously high numbers of Rock the Vote applications have been getting "lost" and "delayed" in election offices) or who couldn't cut class to stand in line for five hours. Then there's the dirty-tricks voter-suppression machine, already in high gear: bogus threats of arrest for voters with outstanding tickets, forged notices (some on stolen official state letterhead) instructing new Democratic voters in heavily minority areas to vote on Wednesday "due to unprecedentedly high numbers of new registrations," electronic voting machines flipping Obama votes to McCain. etc.
Michael Moore warned last night against doing the happy dance and spiking the ball on the five-yard line. I am so conflicted--I wince every time I hear MSNBC's and some NY TImes columnists verbal comfort-food-for-liberals, and am actually afraid to contact the Obama office to ask what happened to the e-mail I was supposed to get with a printable ticket for the Grant Park hoo-hah on Election Night.......jinx, jinx, jinx, kinahurra....I'm not even going to stick the bottle of champagne in the ice bucket, much less slip it into my purse and head down to Grant Park with it, until I see Obama ofiicially top 270 electoral votes. But I also long to hear that poll margins are widening again, without some smart aleck GOP think tank crowing they're dead even. I want some solid comfort--and I'm not going to get it.
I've seen this movie twice before (even more if you count 1968 and 1956). I only hope this time they show the Director's Cut with the alternate ending!
(Note--in coming days, per requests, I'll be posting archived pieces from my previous website. I'll label them clearly as oldies but goodies. And I'm working on the song clips as fast as I can).</p>
Sandy Andina
tag:sandyandina.com,2005:Post/6159455
2008-10-31T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-14T19:10:06-05:00
Welcome to my (new) web world!
<p>I finally made the trek to a new web host, and welcome you to the new www.sandyandina.com. Still under construction, but everything you loved about the old site (including archives of my op-eds and tech tips and photos), plus streaming audio (and a monthly download) and video clips and Hot Links (mustard optional--sorry, no Frosty Malts since they'd short out the server).
Since I last had my own site (other than MySpace), I've firmed up my partnership in two bands--Andina & Rich and SASS!/The SASS! Trio, begun my seventh (!!!) Chicago Bar Assn. Christmas Spirits Show, co-released "Because We Can" (Travenia Records) by Andina & Rich and "SASS! Album One" (BWC Records); appeared on compilation CDs by the Old Town School of Folk Music, Sheheshe Music Services, and Dr. Demento (Basement Tapes #13). Am currently recording my second solo CD (my first, "Ghosts and Angels," is nearly sold out on CDBaby.com and my own stock, but available at iTunes and other download stores) and the first SASS! Trio CD; and Stephen Lee Rich and I will be heading down to The Gordons' excellent s. IL studio in January to record the second Andina & Rich CD. And I've lent my pipes and electric bass chops to a variety of others' CDs as well.
I''m now President of Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM), so you'll find me at Folk Alliance in Memphis again this year (Feb. 18-22); I'm also up for Midwest Rep. of the Board of Local 1000 of the American Federation of Musicians, so you might catch me prowling the halls of NERFA in three weeks if I can sneak out of Chicago for the weekend (not showcasing, just jamming and meeting my fellow musicians). I am Media Relations Director of the Chicago Songwriters' Collective and as ever, a proud member of: The Recording Academy, ASCAP, JustPlainFolks, GoGirls Music.com and Indiegrrl.com/Music For Life.
Watch this space for more news; meanwhile, check out the calendar! (And look me up on MySpace and YouTube--haven't figured out the musician end of Facebook, so I'm just a regular person there)</p>
Sandy Andina