I originally published this post on "Inside My Head", but thought now that this blog exist it is a much better home for this particular post about my oldest son Carter. He has a lot going on with his music lately, and there are few more post to come about him in the near future, but here is a little preview/back drop on the eldest son in my household.
Watching my oldest son’s passion for music leaves me simply amazed. He is certainly following in the footsteps of his father and his young talent is awe-inspiring. His love for the art of music and his ability to absorb melodies comes to him as naturally as breathing. At a very young age, he realized that the ABC song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star were the same melody. While most children are marveling with superheroes or fascinated with the newest toy fads, my eight year old son collecting Beatles songs to add to his musical library.During a shopping trip with the family he navigates himself to the CD section, while most children are screaming for the toy aisles. His love for music is something very special indeed.It’s a unique gift that I believe is passed down through the generations, tightly sewn into this family tree like a woven tapestry of music fibers flowing though their very core. To my oldest son music is a way of life. It’s just not an option to go through the day without it. It feels like such an honor to be a witness to the growing talent within my young son. From his very first talent show as a first grader, to whatever adventure this love for music leads him on, I find this talent of his such a beautiful blessing upon this family. I don’t think my heart will ever get tired of hearing him lift his voice in song to share with others. He is truly a very special little boy in my eyes !
Carter singing "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles in his 2nd grade talent show in 2010
On April 15th, 2011, Stephen and I traveled back home to Livingston, TN for a weekend of family time and to take part in a special fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis the night of April 16th.
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| MS Event April 16th 2011 |
The event was hosted by Team Trena who has thus far raised over $7,000 dollars in just a few months for MS. Team Trena was formed in honor of Trena Farmer who is living her life with Multiple Sclerosis. The evening consisted of delicious food served in an amazing atmosphere set up in the local dance studio in Overton County. Stephen Garrett and Adam Ryan provided the musical entertainment in front a hometown crowd. Both singer/songwriters performed original tunes along with sharing a few cover tunes from artist that have inspired and influenced them. Ms. Pat Gore (sister of Trena Farmer) made an appearance on stage lending her voice to a few songs in a short set with Stephen consisting of songs like “Stay”, “The House that Built Me”, and “American Honey”.
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I would rate the evening as a complete success and I believe that all those involved in the Team Trena fight for a Multiple Sclerosis cure deserve recognition for planning such a classy and successful night. A job very well done, indeed!
Everyone is welcome to attended the next MS event April 30th at Cane Creek at 9:00am.
A little bit of excitement in the world of my husband’s (Stephen Garrett) musical adventures a few months ago another radio station, WGCS 91.1 FM in Goshen, IN, to be exact, added one of my husband’s songs, “Living Dead” to the rotation. Yep that’s right folks my husband is radio star. Okay maybe star is a little bit of stretch at this point in the journey, but never the less this was some fun news to receive. It's great to have had local play from the likes of Lightning 100 and WRVU, but it's always great to hear of spins outside of our area in places like St. Louis and Goshen, IN. Not to mention, it was a bit of a bonus for me as the song writers wife since “Living Dead” just happens to be my favorite song of the 10 songs from his Four Letter Word album! |
If you live in the Nashville area, now is your chance to come out and lend your listening ear. So, you can find out first hand what this blog talks so much about. I am talking about MUSIC and at the heart of music are the songwriters. They are the talent that captures our dreams, love, hope, admirations, and they turn all of the emotions and moments of our lives into beautiful lyrics and melodies without ever stepping foot into our lives. When you're married to a songwriter, often times your life is the music, but that's a whole different story all together. For now, you should checkout for yourself the songwriting gifts of Jared Crump, Elliot Collett, Stephen Garrett, and Adam Ryan at Belcourt Taps & Tapas tomorrow Saturday, March 26th the show starts at 8pm.......Don't be late!!!
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| Make Reservations & Bring Your Friends Along |
Here is a little sneak behind the scenes of what my brother-in-law, Russell Garrett, has been up to the past several months. Back in January, Russell was privileged to begin work as a stage manager with songwriter and country music rising star, Luke Bryan. Luke Bryan has belonged to the country music family since 2001, but made his debut as an artist in 2007 with his first single "All My Friends Say". Luke now has several number one hits under his belt both as an artist and a songwriter. Russell has enjoyed his new gig with Luke Bryan and the experiences it has given him in his career.
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Traveling back to about 11 years ago, I was just shy of turning sixteen, super excited and very nervous to be interviewing for a entry level position at the Overton County News. You know, "the sweep the floor, deliver the papers, and take in the world of writing going on around me" kind of position. Never the less, I was excited. So there I was sitting across from Carson Oliver(Chief as we called him) owner and operator of the award winning weekly publication in Livingston, TN. By the end of the interview I was smiling with the knowledge that in a couple of weeks, when the paper settled into their shiny, and much roomer new building located on West Main Street, I would be employed by the Overton County News. I am sure that working for the newspaper only fueled my desire to overcome dyslexia and write to the best of my ability. I have to say that my first job was by far the coolest first job, I mean it sure beat flipping burgers for gas money. I continued to work at the paper for the next 3 years up until I married and moved away to Nashville in May of 2000. It was a sad day telling Carson I was leaving…I actually loved my job and all the people that I worked with, but I was off to Nashville to chase after a dream with my husband.
So you may be asking what does working at a paper in my past intertwine with here and now and the theme of this blog mostly being music??…Well besides the Overton County News giving me so many of the skills I use to blog, while I was employed there I met Darren Oliver whom has become a huge supporter of my husband’s music career. Often times he and his ever so beautiful fiancee, Pat Gore, make trips to come out and support the music. Whether that’s a late night trip to Nashvegas or bringing us in to Livingston for a little home town support!
Most recently Darren put together this amazing 40th birthday party bash for Pat at a local dance studio located on the square in Livingston, TN, which included food, cake, candle light, good friends, and music. Stephen and I where both so honored when Darren approached Stephen about performing at the the party which would include the Birthday girl living a dream and performing for a live audience. I have to say the party was wildly successful and so very much fun to be apart of. Pat’s performance was priceless. In other words, she did an amazing job!!!
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| Photo Credit Darren Oilver |
So all that to really just say that I have been blown away by the support we have received from my old co-worker, and I just want to say thank you for all of it. All the support is so appreciated, and it’s always so good to see a familiar face in the crowd when Stephen performs. A face that reminds me of the best job I ever had, and a face that reminds me that people really do get excited and they really do connect with the music. So thank you for being such a loyal and supportive fan and friend Darren!
It’s a house show, Stephen Garrett style! You might be asking, What is a house show? Well, a house show is about bringing an acoustic concert to you. These types of concerts have been more popular on the European music scene, but they are gaining popularity, mostly among indie songwriters, in the American music community. So, here is the explanation of a Stephen Garrett House Show, in a nut shell. We provide the music via Stephen Garrett, and his trusty acoustic guitar, and you provide the party space, and friends. The effect has been a more intimate coffee house style concert right in your very own living-room. Giving listeners a chance to ask questions, and hear the stories behind the songs.
So far we have done a few of these concerts, all them a smashing success with yummy food, good friends, and, in my biased opinion, splendid music. It has been an inspiring journey getting to meet with new and old fans in such unconventional way organizing and executing concerts. We have been pleasantly surprised at the encouragement and support we have received when bouncing around and trying out this new method of performing. I admit, on a personal level, I have loved hearing the opinions and interruptions of the songs from the people we have performed in front of. All around, it has been an enjoyable part of this musical journey we are on.
The first of the house shows turned out a little bigger than expected and morphed into more of a bonfire party at a private boat club in Knoxville, TN, which was hosted by the ever so sweet couple of Josh and Abby Copeland. This concert featured a guest appearance by Stephen’s, also multi-talented younger brother, Russell. I always love when the two of them get the chance to perform together. There is just something about the way that brothers sing together. Maybe it’s because these two have been doing it their entire lives or perhaps, as many have suggested, it's something in their DNA that allows them to harmonize so well, but whatever it may be it just adds a whole new tone to the shows. One I personally enjoy!
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| Knoxville, TN |
For the second house show we stayed local, and turned this show into a celebration of Russell becoming a home owner here in Nashville, TN. Doesn’t everyone celebrate by having concerts in there living rooms? This party featured a couple of other uber talented songwriters/musicians which included Jeremy Yurek and Marc Scibilia. A good majority of the friends surrounding Stephen at this party were very familiar with the record, some of the guests even contributed to the work put into making “Four Letter Word”. This helped turn this house show into a sing-a-long with people calling out requests and Stephen obliged! How fun is that, when people know the songs well enough to request their favorites and contribute by singing along!
Most recently, we found ourselves in Chattanooga, TN for a house show in the cozy and very welcoming home of Kathlina and Lee Alford. The party took place right before Christmas and the spirit of Christmas was in the air, including all the decorations which made for such a fun setting. Kathlina also cooked up some amazing food to treat all the guests with yum! My favorite part of the show had to be 2 ½ year old little Lucy, a niece of the host family. Little Lucy chiming in with some of her fabulous dance moves and her own special request including “Old McDonald Had A Farm” and “It’s A Grand Old Flag”. I am pretty sure she stole the show right out from under Stephen, leaving a super sweet and personal touch on this house party experience!
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| Chattanooga, TN starring Little Lucy |
I would like to give a big thank you to all the hosts so far. Thank you for lending us your home and your friends and thanks for supporting this crazy new little adventure of ours. Thank you for sharing in the music and the dream with us! All these could not be possible without people like you! Cheers to you, each and every one.
Side note, if you would be interested in hosting a Stephen Garrett House Show, feel free to contact me or checkout the Stephen Garrett{music} website for information about the music. There is also a contact form on his website to contact him directly.