For the past few months, I've been putting lots of my time and energy into becoming a Jazzercise Instructor, and it's been great. It's really kept me active and in shape. And this coming weekend will either mark the end of my quest or the beginning of my instructor-hood. I'm auditioning on Friday Evening in Carlsbad, and once that happens I'll either be accepted to the Instructors Workshop or told to try again next time.
I'm not too nervous about it. I feel prepared and excited, but at the same time I'm just ready to move into phase 2. For as much as I love Jazzercise, and as big a part of my life it's been for the last three years, I feel that with all of this movement forward in the fitness field I've been sitting stagnant in the music field.
This past month I realized something...there are a slew of people out there that have no idea that I write songs. I've been approached recently by three separate individuals, two offering to write for me, and one asking me if I write.
And as much as I dig collaboration, I LOVE writing songs myself and evidently I've slipped into some chasm where my original songs have stopped being heard. What is this black hole?...
The answer: Cover Gigs.
Don't get me wrong - I am incredibly grateful that I GET to perform for a living, and Cover Gigs are what have made that possible.
But during a gig where plates are clacking, drinks are flowing, and happy, loud conversation is in full effect, far be it for me to attempt to get the audience to listen - and I mean really listen - to original songs they've never heard before.
Cover shows are such a success because they allow people to sing along, request well known tunes, recognize (while splitting focus with conversation/food/friends) the song selection and feel like they have even moderate control of what they're listening to - and all the while being entertained by a real live person.
I am a song writer. I love lyrics. I love rhyme. I love rhythm. I love word play. And I know that if people get the opportunity to listen to my originals, they will like or even love them.
To paraphrase my good friend Lindsay White, "You Have to Listen to My Music to Like it."
And soon you'll be able to! As long as this kickstarter campaign is a success, I'll be putting out my album later on this year...a big ol' party, a big release. I'm doing it right this time around. And I'm gonna make sure EVERYONE gets a chance to hear my original music, and really know how much I love what I do :)
On the Kickstarter note, a HUGE thanks to all who have pledged to my campaign! Without you, there would be no album. And that's no joke! We've got $2812 left to go to make my new album "Keep It Simple" a reality and I hope you can all be a part of it :)
Here's the link, for those of you that haven't pledged yet, but are giving it some heavy thought!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/allegrasings/keep-it-simple-a-brand-new-album-a-brand-new-pop-s
And as for Cover Gigs, here's the schedge for the rest of the month of September!
Wednesday, September 14th: 6-8pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
Friday, September 23rd: 7-9pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
Sunday, September 25th: 11:30-2:30pm @ Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock
Wednesday, September 28th: 8-11pm @ Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock
Friday, September 30th: 7-9pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
If you know of any gig opportunities, email me! I'm always looking for new places to play :) allegrabarley@yahoo.com
Thanks, friends. Be Love, and I'll see you at a show :)
Allegrasings
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