Tuesday Tunes: The Barnkickers

Here's another one I stumbled on while judging videos on OurStage.com. Such a cute and delightful video. Adding to the cuteness is the fact that The Barnkickers are a father daughter duo. This certainly contributes to their old meets new sound, with dad's jazz chops lend some weight and street cred to daughter's mellow hipster vibe. Here's another great ditty.




So their album, Up Before Noon, is another one going on my wish list. I'm beginning to think I should ask for Amazon or iTunes gift cards for my birthday. Either that, or a ukulele.

Picture an Hour: January 27, 2012

We opened The Glass Menagerie last night! It was a relatively smooth opening, and the audience enjoyed it. I'm so glad to have opening night over with.
It's always so stressful.

2:26 PMYes, I woke up very late on Friday. I only got about three hours of sleep on Wednesday night because I was stressed about my job interview. I pushed through until a little after midnight, then crashed. Anyway, I started the day deciding which whole grain to eat with leftover chili for lunch. I ended up going with couscous.


3:06 PMDuring my month or so of debilitating depression, I found myself holed up on the futon in the family room most days. I started referring to it as my Den of Despair. I've been progressing nicely, and yesterday decided that it was definitely time to get things in order.


4:11 PMMuch better! As embarrassing as it was to show that previous picture, I really think it's important not to sugar coat things. I was in a bad way for a long time.


I didn't take a picture for the 5:00 hour, but if I had, it just would have been us sitting at the new Indian restaurant in town, never getting our food and finally deciding to leave. So instead of Paneer Tikki Masala and Butter Chicken, we ended up grabbing Taco John's on the way to the theatre.


6:54 PMGetting ready to open the house. This is where I spend most of the show.


7:14 PMCast and crew gather for the opening night pep talk from the director.


8:08 PMThe spare unicorn. He really does look cool when you hold him up to the light.


9:16 PMBlue lights and the costume change list.


10:05 PMShow is over. Setting up for top of show so we can do it all over again the next night.


11:35 PMAfter the opening night party, I met up with some friends for drinks. This bar is called The Recovery Room, and I really like it, but don't go often enough.


12:19 AMOn to the next bar, where they quite ingeniously left up some of their Christmas decorations, and converted them to Valentine's Day decorations


1:59 AMI tooled around with the guitar for awhile when I got home, then went to bed.

What I Wore to a Job Interview

I had my first job interview in a long time on Thursday afternoon. It's a business casual atmosphere, so I knew I wouldn't have much trouble choosing something, since my last job was business casual. However, since I've been basically living in jeans, sweaters and Uggs for the past month, I wanted to go with something that would look decent, but not feel out of my comfort zone. There's nothing worse than going into an interview, and instead of being able to focus on the questions at hand, you've got a running commentary in your brain like, "Is my blazer wrinkled, is my shirt tucked in all the way around, is my skirt too short?"


Dress-AB Studio (Kohl's); Tights-Simply Vera (Kohl's); Boots- Madden Girl via 6pm.com

I hadn't even thought about this sweater dress until I was looking through my closet and came across it. Right away I knew it was the one. It's simple and fits me well. Plus, there's no danger of showing cleavage. I usually don't buy higher necked pieces, but the cowl neck manages to prevent the usual boob loaf look. I fell in love with this dress when I pulled it off the rack and was so glad I took a chance and tried it on.

The brick red tights keep the neutral dress out of Dullsville without sending it into Crazytown. I would have preferred heels or ballet flats, but I took the bus today and had a five block walk from the bus stop. It's unseasonably warm (above freezing) so I didn't think that picking through slush would be a good idea in either of those choices.


Hat-Boutique in Williamsburg; Coat-New York and Company
And here's my outerwear. I've become so acclimated to the climate here that I was warm enough to unbutton my coat and take off my hat the last block of my walk.

I kept my makeup neutral. Drew on some eyebrows, brown and taupe on the eyes, mineral powder on the face, and lip gloss. I wasn't able to fall asleep the night before because I was nervous, and had drank too much coffee during rehearsal, so I don't think my concealer was quite up to the task of taking on those under eye circles. I probably should have built it up a bit more.


However, I guess I did a good job with my outfit choice because I got the job! I start training on February 13th, which gives me time to close the show and get my house in order.

Redressing Kelly Clarkson

I can't count the number of times I've said to myself "I wish I were Kelly Clarkson's stylist." Probably as many times as I've said "Oh, honey!" when I've seen what she's wearing.

I think that Kelly Clarkson has a super cute figure that she chronically dresses very badly. Her number one issue is that everything she wears is just too damned tight. Add to that that she doesn't seem to know how to dress her proportions, and you've got a girl whose fashion sense probably has Stacy and Clinton foaming at the mouth to give her a makeover.

The other night I drank a little too much coffee and found myself awake, watching the January 7 episode of Saturday Night Live, on which Kelly was the musical guest. I don't remember much about either song, but I did mutter "Oh, honey!" both times she appeared.

I'm the first to admit that I'm not always the best at dressing my own body, and that sometimes I just want to wear something without worrying about how "flattering" it is. However, as with many things, it's a lot easier to dress someone else, especially when budget isn't a concern for your imaginary client. So here's how I would dress Ms. Clarkson if given the chance.





Kelly is a pear shape and is a couple of sizes bigger than your average major label chanteuse. She was moving in the right direction here by going with black pants and a shiny top in order to balance her top and bottom. However, the top is too tight, the neckline too square, and the straps too wide to do her any real favors.

Redressing Kelly Clarkson 2 by soyeahso featuring opaque stockings

The first look includes the kind of top I would love to wear, but can't because of having a larger bust. While it has a high neckline, it's got a lot of interest around the neck and bust, and the shape of the top would skim the body instead of hugging it. The black tuxedo pants have a relaxed fit. I'd round it out with a pair of oxford booties and an edgy cuff.
The second look plays with the same colors but takes it in a more formal direction with a sequined Marchesa mini dress. I like the contrast of the geometric necklace with the romantic cut of the dress. Opaque black tights and black booties lengthen the leg.




For her second performance, the "Oh, honey!" was even louder. Again, too tight. with the wrong neckline. I'm not a big fan of animal prints, but Kelly obviously is. I looked for something that would work better for her age and image. Because honestly, this dress is screaming desperate cougar trolling the college bars.

Redressing Kelly Clarkson by soyeahso featuring animal print dresses

This Stella McCartney dress has the same nontraditional coloring as Kelly's magenta number, but with a classic and more flattering cut. The v-neck and ruching add interest to the top half while skimming the curves of the bottom half. I decided against a necklace and opted for onyx drop earrings. Platform peep toes pay homage to the vintage styling of the dress.
The second dress takes it in an even younger direction with a flirtier but still flattering mini dress. I love that this is an incredibly affordable dress paired with high end accessories. Those diamond earrings are exquisite, but cost almost as much as a semester at an Ivy League school.

This was a fun experiment and got me to think outside of the box quite a bit. Kelly's basic taste is quite a bit different from mine, and she's got a different body type. Obviously, if how she dresses makes her happy, more power to her. But if she's not satisfied with it, I hope she eventually figures out what works, or hires a stylist who will help her figure it out.

The Glass Menagerie Sneak Peek

It's tech week! For those of you unfamiliar with theatre speak, tech week is the week leading up to opening night, when we start to add the technical elements such as light, sound, costumes and props. With most productions, there are still finishing touches left to do on the set.

We started on Sunday with a cue to cue rehearsal, where we go through the show, just hitting on light and sound cues and scene changes. Monday we added costumes, Tuesday hair and makeup.

These photos are from Monday night, the first full run with costumes.


Katie Clausen as Laura Wingfield, Will Leonard as Tom Wingfield, and Diane Breeser as Amanda Wingfield


Will Leonard as Tom Wingfield and Diane Breeser as Amanda Wingfield


Katie Clausen as Laura Wingfield


Katie Clausen as Laura Wingfield and Mathew Tukua as The Gentleman Caller

Set and Lighting Design by Andrew Brackett
Costume Design by Mandy Parmeter
Directed by Greg Parmeter

So far the week has gone well. I'm as superstitious as most theatre people so that actually makes me a little nervous.
I also cannot believe how quickly the rehearsal period flew by. 2012 is shaping up to be as much of a whirlwind as 2011 at this rate.

If you're in the La Crosse area, please consider coming out to see the show. It's one of my favorite stories for the stage, and this production is turning out to be lovely.
The Glass Menagerie runs January 27-February 12. Click here for show times and tickets.

Tuesday Tunes: Here's One I Wrote

I realized that I've talked a little about writing songs on the blog, but I've never shared anything I've written. I will admit that it's mainly out of fear. Putting your stuff out there is scary. Angie's roommate Eric said "It's like high school, and you photocopied your diary, and then threw the pages into the stairwell." But I'm ready to throw it all out there. I'm not quite up to sharing videos of myself singing, but here's one I wrote that Angie performed when she played here in La Crosse last January.




Angie had just learned the song a day or two before the gig, so I think she did a fantastic job with it, despite having to use a cheat sheet. I'm hoping she gets to record it soon. I want to hear it with full instrumentation and production. I hear it in my head as a country rock song, Bonnie Raitt style, with slide guitar.

Throwback Thursday: 60s San Francisco Street Style

Recently, my friend Alice sent me the link to the Charles W. Cushman Photography Collection. Cushman was an amateur photographer who bequeathed over 14,000 Kodachrome images to his alma mater, Indiana University. The photographs span 32 years and a variety of locations. I haven't even made a dent in looking at the collection, but Alice told me to take a look at his photos from San Francisco in the late 1960s. We laughed about how many of the photos of Haight-Ashbury hippies could be mistaken for Instagram photos of current day Williamsburg hipsters. I was also reminded by some of the photos of my favorite San Francisco fashion bloggers, Calivintage and The Hummingbird Girls. I guess it goes to show that the more things change, the more things stay the same.

Here are some of my favorites.


Girl with parasol in front of the original Palace of Fine Arts. The original Palace was not supposed to be a permanent structure, and stood for almost 50 years before it was deemed unsafe and rebuilt.


If you showed me the following pictures without any context, it would take me a bit to place them in the 60s. I've seen these outfits on so many girls in the past couple of years.











Alice's comment on this one: "How is this San Francisco in 1967? I saw these people in Brooklyn just yesterday."



Is that you, Devendra Banhart?



The guys look a little more dated here, especially the stud in the super sexy short shorts, but these girls would not be out of place on a city street today.



I think we all know some version of this couple.


Just your typical delinquents. I swear I dated a guy who looks just like that dude on the left. Hoodie and all.




I'll leave off with a grande dame who would be right at home on Advanced Style. You can view more of Cushman's San Francisco photos here. He also documented the demolition of the original Palace of the Arts, and has some great pictures of the Fortmann Mansion, which was featured in Hitchcock's Vertigo

My mom is about the same age as the kids in these photos. It's always good to be reminded that every one was once a silly kid wearing funny clothes.

Tuesday Tunes: Jack Savoretti

The other day, I was judging videos at OurStage.com and came across this one for "Between the Minds" by Jack Savoretti.

First, these lyrics. "I've never been the one to shout because I listen. I don't like to raise my voice. Maybe I should learn to lose my inhibitions and let my feelings make some noise."

When a song starts out that way, it's impossible for me to not get drawn in. As a listener, it's one of those lines that makes you say "Damn, I've been there." As a songwriter, it's one of those lines that makes you say "Damn, I wish I'd written that."

I was struck not just by this incredibly song, but by the artistry in the video. Music video is one of my favorite film mediums, and I love that it's still a flourishing art form, despite the fact that MTV doesn't play them anymore. Thanks to the internet--YouTube and Vimeo specifically--it's still a relevant way to promote music.

I was curious about this Jack Savoretti fellow, so I looked around and discovered he's been around for a few years, but has mostly had success in his native England. The next time I have some spare money for music, I'm going to download one of his albums. Until then I'll just continue to explore on YouTube.

Back in the Saddle

It's been over 3 years since I last stage managed a show, mostly due to the day job that took over my life, the recession, and a general lack of knowing what I wanted to do with my life. When I was asked to stage manage the La Crosse Community Theatre's production of The Glass Menagerie, I was trepidatious at first. Three years is a long time to be away from an activity, even if it was one you engaged in professionally. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get back into it right away. I wasn't sure about my passion and commitment. And frankly, I wasn't sure about my skill level.

We're finishing up week two of rehearsal now, and I'm so glad I took the opportunity when it was offered. Being back around theatre folk is amazing. I love the energy. I forgot how much I loved diving in and watching a play take shape from the first table read to the final performance. It also turns out that stage managing is a lot like riding a bike. I was a little wobbly at first, but now I'm cruising like a pro. I'm also glad that my first time back is a small play that I'm already familiar with, having studied it in college.

I'm still not sure if stage managing is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I'm glad to be reminded how much I love it. I studied directing in college, but stage managing is one of the best ways to learn about directing once you're out of school. You get to work closely with experienced directors, with different viewpoints and working methods. Some of them will even ask for input now and then. It's a great feeling to see that input implemented on stage.

Whatever I decide to do in the next few years, working on this show has given me back some focus, helped me gain back a lot of confidence.

For those in the La Crosse area, the show opens January 27th and runs through February 12. It's shaping up to be a beautiful production, with a few twists on the traditional interpretation of the play.

Tickets can be ordered here..

Tuesday Tunes: Angie Atkinson's "Ukulele Love Song"

My best friend Angie just put the finishing touches on a new tune, "Ukelele Love Song." I dig everything that Angie writes, but this one has really gotten into my head and won't leave. It's a bit of a departure from her usual style, but still showcases her lovely voice and thoughtful lyrics.



Check out her blog for more on the video concept.


Angie is offering this track for free to the fans on her mailing list. Just follow this link, click on "download," and you'll be prompted to join. She sends out emails no more than twice a month, so you won't get bombarded with updates.

I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know what you think, or hop on over to Angie's Facebook page to let her know.


P.S. Calling all NYC folks! Angie will be playing a free show at Parkside Lounge on January 16 at 8:00. I've heard the venue is really cool, and Angie puts on a great show. Happy Hour is from 2-8 if you want to get the night started early.