I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. Earlier today, while using the bathroom (it’s where I do most of my reading for pleasure, so don’t knock it. And don’t you do most of your best thinking and reading there too?), I picked up the book “to-do list” and started reading. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the book, it’s simply a book of lists. Some of them to-do lists, some of them lists of pet peeves, some of them lists of happy things. I highly recommend it. Anyway, I was particularly drawn to the chapter of happy lists, and thought it would be good for me to make my own. So funk be damned, here’s a list of things that currently make me very happy.

1. My husband having a good job, enabling us to go to Puerto Rico next week.
2. My ability to write songs that make me laugh at myself and cheer me up, and I think sometimes cheer other people up too.
3. My talented, fun friends who are always there for me.
4. My health.
5. My dogs. Even little man, because he makes me feel so needed and loved.
6. This beautiful day.
7. My screened-in porch, a nice setting for enjoying this beautiful day.
8. Hall & Oates.
9. The new music that my friend Andy left me with last week.
10. Having no plans for the entire weekend.

What makes you happy today?

For over 10 years now, a small group of music lovers in Wilmington, NC—a small town known more for its presence on One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek than its music scene—have conveyned over Memorial Weekend for one of the greatest indie music festivals on the planet. Over time, the WE Festival has spread to include bands from all over the world, and ironically, probably attracts more attendees from outside of Wilmington than from the town itself.

Sadly, I won’t be attending this year’s festival, but I’ve been fortunate to attend every year since 1997. The organizers were kind enough to send me some music from some of this year’s showcasing bands, so I can listen along and pretend I’m knocking down beers at the Soapbox. Here’s some info on just a few of my picks for this year’s highlights (but please, trust me when I say if it’s at WE Fest, it’s worth checking out), so if you are traveling to Wilmington this weekend, say hi to some of these folks:

L.A. Tool and Die (performing Thursday, May 21st, Laundro Lounge stage at 1 am)
Catchy, funny, synth-heavy indiepop from Charlotte, NC. These guys put on a very fun show, and it’s refreshing to see a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Or seriously at all. I really like that. Venture over to their website and take a listen to “Don’t Touch My Mustache” and see if you can keep from cracking up.

Pistolero (Friday, May 22nd, Laundro Lounge stage at 5 pm)
One of my favorite Atlanta bands, these guys have been working hard for several years now and it shows through their current lineup. Coming off like an indierock version of the Kinks, Pistolero puts on a spirited performance, and are just really cool, fun guys to boot. Gear heads might also appreciate that they make their own amps. I just like watching Corey flail around the stage. Their new record “Warface” is really great too, so be sure to pick one up at the show.

Clang Quartet (Saturday, May 23rd, Laundro Lounge stage at 4 pm)
OK, an act described as “a percussive interpretation on following Jesus Christ” might turn some folks off. Fine. But what if that act was courtesy of Scotty Irving, former drummer for Geezer Lake, one of the most interesting, captivating indie bands to ever come out of North Carolina? Scotty is a one-man show that never ceases to amaze; regardless of your relegious or musical leanings, this is something to see. His set often features the use of “The Crutch,” an instrument that Scotty assembled himself by attaching a large variety of instruments and odds-and-ends to a crutch. Still not impressed? Then take your closed-minded viewpoint somewhere other than WE Fest, my friend.

Illicitizen (Saturday, May 23rd, Laundro Lounge stage at 9 pm)
Illicitizen are a talented, entertaining, and hard-to-classify husband-and-wife duo from Charlotte. There’s definitely an 80s slant to their tunes, not surprising considering that (I’m assuming, and we’re friends so I think it’s safe for me to assume this) songsmith Eric Cavanaugh was reared on 80s college rock like Wire and Pylon; but not to the extent that they sound like a knock-off. Check them out and then take them over to Goody Goody Omelet House for “Two Eggs Any Style.”

Olivia Mancini & The Mates (Saturday, May 23rd, Laundro Lounge stage at 1 am)
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of catching The Mates at WE Fest and I immediately declared them my favorite band of that year’s festival. Considering all the amazing talent that WE Fest attracts each year, I’d say that’s some hefty praise. Honestly, it kinda baffles me that this band isn’t huge, especially when you look at the recent success of She & Him, who is the only comparison I can think at the moment (and I’ll even go as far as to say that The Mates are even better. Yep, I said it).

Dare Dukes (Saturday, May 23rd, Soapbox main stage at 5 pm)
And speaking of being baffled by bands who aren’t huge… Savannah’s Dare Dukes delivers some of the catchiest, thought-provoking Americana tunes I’ve heard in quite some time. If you don’t follow any other suggestions I make here, PLEASE visit Dare’s Myspace and have a listen to “Kick and Holler”. Ridiculously good.

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun and Club Awesome (Sunday, May 24th, Soapbox main stage at midnight/1 am)
These bands are from Atlanta and are touring together, which is why I thought it appropriate to group them together. This is going to be a fantastic one-two punch that will no doubt leave WE Festers with huge smiles on their faces, and tired bums from dancing so hard. Both bands are incredibly infectious and entertaining, Today the Moon… a little more on the electro-dance-pop tip and Club Awesome more on the angular, quirky, low-fi side of things (they remind me a lot of Hot Hot Heat when they were cool, if you need a reference point). A good representation of some of Atlanta’s up-and-coming talent.

(For a full schedule visit the WE Fest website)

Wow, I have so neglected this blog lately. Of course I’ve been busy, insanely so, actually, but mostly in a good way.

I picked up a couple of freelance writing gigs last week. That’s something I haven’t done since I lived in North Carolina, and I realized both how much I miss it and how much I’d much rather be editing than writing. There’s something to be said for creating an article from scratch; I’ve always loved that. But when said article is limited to 500 words and you’re as long-winded as me, whoa. I mean that’s like less that four tweets!

John and me after our show

Elsewhere, The Good Graces played a few shows, and I’m heading to NC next weekend to finish up my EP with Jerry Kee. I’m excited, but also know that next week is going to keep up the insanely busy pace, as I juggle work, a couple of social outings, something top secret, and preparing drum parts for all five songs. Haven’t even started on that yet, but looking forward to it.

A few months ago, Nina and I started a new music listening “club.” This is something we had been talking about doing for about a year now and finally put it together. Once a month, a group of us get together; we each bring one song that fits in with the theme we chose for the month, discuss it, and then burn all the tunes onto CDRs/thumbdrives/whatevers for folks to take home. It’s really a lot of fun and taps into my needs to create something with others as well as talk about music. So yeah, it’s pretty awesome. I’m hosting the third meeting tomorrow at our house, so I’ve been trying to make it presentable.

Me backstage at H&O. Yes, I'm smiling.

And speaking of music, a couple of weeks ago I had the most amazing night ever. The short version is I went from being bummed out about not being able to afford to go see Hall & Oates to suddenly snagging a backstage ticket. Who on earth has that kind of luck?!? Well lately, it seems I do. It was a super fun experience that I’ll remember for a very long time. And it totally proved that I really do have the most wonderful friends that a girl could ever ask for.

Me and Little Man

God what else? Baby and I are heading to Puerto Rico in one month for vacation, if swine flu doesn’t prevent us from flying. I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. Oh, and how could I almost forget?!? We have a new addition (that I’ve actually been attributing some of my recent good luck to). A few weeks ago we found a Schnauzer while walking Buddy and Churchill. He followed us for our entire walk, so when we got back home we put him in the backyard, thinking his owner was bound to come by later looking for him. But nothing. He wasn’t wearing a collar; I took him to Pet Smart that night for them to check for a microchip. Nope, still nothing. Three weeks later and he’s still here. We’ve been calling him Mr. Garrison, Little Man, Felix, Harvey, Ike, Fritz … trying to settle on something. He is the barkiest thing ever but also completely sweet. Needs his nuts clipped. I can’t believe I’m now living in a house with FIVE, yes five males.

Last night was the first night of ATLSXSWeek, an attempt to not stay home and sulk the entire week because of my inability to attend SXSW this year. Knowing that there are so many good venues in Atlanta, I just figured I’d make the best of the situation and pretend I was at a music festival, and go see a show every night.

It’s ambitious, especially for me, but so far I’ve managed to go out on a Sunday night, and that alone is quite an accomplishment. Not only that, but I also discovered a really good band in the process.

The Henry Clay People are an indierock band from Los Angeles (but don’t hold that against them), and they opened the Airborne Toxic Event show last night at DU. From what I was able to find on the Interwebs, HCP was named after the American statesman who was known as “The Great Compromiser” and was the founder and leader of The Whig party (which makes me immediately think that a double bill with The Whigs is in order).

HCP’s sound is raucus, twangy, straightahead rock that reminded me of Pavement and the Grifters, two of my favorite bands. So I was instantly a fan. They did some silly covers, the singer jumped off the stage and milled around the audience … all in all they were just FUN. They were a pleasant surprise and set the bar very high for the rest of the night. So high that the next band just couldn’t hold our interest, so we ended up heading home a little early. I got some nice shots of the band which I’ll post a little later (it was Sunday night after all), but in the meantime check out HCP on their myspace.

The Henry Clay People Tourdates

Mar 17 2009 – The Loft w/ the Airborne Toxic Event – Dallas, Texas
Mar 18 2009 – SXSW-Stimulus Package Party at the Paradise Cafe – Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2009 – Meridian Red Room w/ the Airborne Toxic Event – Houston, Texas
Mar 19 2009 – SXSW-Dog and Pony party at Opal and Divines – Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 – SXSW-Aquarium Drunkard/MOKB party at Peckerheads – Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 – SXSW-LA Record Showcase at the Independent – Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 – SXSW- Hot Freaks Party at the Mohawk – Austin
Mar 20 2009 – SXSW-Little Radio party at Red Eye Fly – Austin, Texas
Mar 25 2009 – Beauty Bar w/ the Airborne Toxic Event and Rademacher – Las Vegas, Nevada
Mar 26 2009 – The Glass House w/ the Airborne Toxic Event and Rademacher – Pomona, California
Mar 27 2009 – Blue Lamp w/ the Airborne Toxic Event and Rademacher – Sacramento, California
Apr 6 2009 – SPACELAND w/ Mike Watt and the Missing Men, Thee Mighty Angels, and Ready the Jet – Los Angeles, California
Apr 8 2009 – Slims w/ The Airborne Toxic Event – San Francisco, California
Apr 13 2009 – SPACELAND w/ the Broken West, the World Record, and Writer – Los Angeles, California
Apr 20 2009 – SPACELAND w/ Marvelous Toy, Adeline and the Philistines, and the Whip – Los Angeles, California
Apr 27 2009 – SPACELAND w/ Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, Swim Party, and Young Love – Los Angeles, California

So this week I’ll attempt to take in (at least) seven shows over seven nights. A big deal for someone who’s largely become a couch potato and just doesn’t get out that much anymore. Will my allergies remain in check? Or will I succumb to too much second hand smoke and fall victim to my FORTH sickness this winter? Will I still make it to work on time? Hell, will I still make it to work at all??? Only time will tell.

Spy Magnet, my partner in crime, was cool enough to post this schedule for the week. As you can see there’s no shortage of shows this week. So hopefully we’ll see you at a few!

Show Schedule below (*our picks).

Sunday, March 15th

CORNER TAVERN (East Point): Julie Gribble
*DRUNKEN UNICORN: The Airborne Toxic Event; Alberta Cross; Henry Clay People
THE EARL: Dunch w/ Teel Montague Cook
EDDIE’S ATTIC: Oliver Wood; Mr. Eric
FAT MATT’S: Blues Envy
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Chris Ricker
MASQUERADE: 10 Years; Adelita’s Way; The Leo Project
MELTING POINT (Athens): Heidi Hensley; Sonia Leigh
NORTHSIDE TAVERN: Uncle Sugar
RED LIGHT CAFE: JeBron; L. Fallon; Diggy; YungChrisDaTruth; Koliano; Bigga Man; JerZz; The Villain; Sage; YunG ThuG; Dem Park Boyz; Dooney-Keiron
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: The Hard Lessons; My Dear Disco; The Javelins; Great Lake Myth Society (upstairs); Caddle & Friends (Atlanta Room)

Monday, March 16th

BLIND WILLIE’S: Nathan Morgan Band
*DRUNKEN UNICORN: Maserati; The Mighty Contract; Nigredo
*THE EARL: The Love Language; Lets Wrestle; Sealions
EMORY UNIVERSITY: Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony
FAT MATT’S: Uncle Sugar
HIGHLAND INN BALLROOM LOUNGE: Jacob Deaton & the Collective
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Galen Crader
MASQUERADE: Karate High School; Watchout!; There Are Ghosts
NORTHSIDE TAVERN: Stampede with Johnny McGowan
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: Peace-Of-Mind Orchestra; The Great Melting Pot-Heads; The Bandar Log; Dale Arbor Band
SWAYZE’S: A Somber Kill; Exotic Animal Petting Zoo; On the Shoulders of Giants

Tuesday, March 17th

APACHE CAFE: Fortknox; Jawz of Life; DJ Teknology; BFD
CORNER TAVERN (L5P): Laura Simon Band
CRIMSON MOON (Dahlonega): Emerald Rose
DRUNKEN UNICORN: Obits; Bear Hands; The Orphans
THE EARL: Bullhead Clap; Novocaine; The Dirty Knockouts
EDDIE’S ATTIC: The Buddy O’Reilly Band
FAT MATT’S: Crosstown Allstars
GRAVEYARD TAVERN: Rob Wonder; J. Sol; Apple Juice
THE HUMMINGBIRD (Macon): Backyard Tire Fire
*LIMERICK JUNCTION: Laura Dees Band; The Stooge Bros.; Kevin Lewis; Y.O.U.; Galen Crader; Chris Ricker
THE LOFT: Razorlight
MASQUERADE: Cold; Killer & the Star (Heaven); There For Tomorrow
MELTING POINT (Athens): Short Road Home
RUDY’S (Grayson): The Ron Kimble Band
SWAYZE’S: Damiera; The Urgency; Fled North From Fear; Twilight Gun Fight; Bluemoon Awakening
TWAIN’S: Joe Gransden’s Jazz Jam
VARIETY PLAYHOUSE: Adele

Wednesday, March 18th

APACHE CAFE: Al Smith’s Midtown Jam Session
BLIND WILLIE’S: Fatback Deluxe
DRUNKEN UNICORN: Quench; Royal Family; We Won’t Stop; Stone Fox
*THE EARL: Junior League Band; Mary Miller
EDDIE’S ATTIC: The Bowmans; Julia Rose; Korby Lenker
EMORY UNIVERSITY: Gamelan Consortium
FAT MATT’S: Frankie’s Blues Mission
FIVE SPOT: Bill Frisell & Greg Leisz
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Galen Crader
MELTING POINT (Athens): Blues Crossing
NORTHSIDE TAVERN: Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: Delta Moon’s Side Porch; Col. Bruce Hampton
*STAR BAR: Orange Hat; The Seventh Ring of Saturn;  Shadow Boxer
SWAYZE’S: The Promise Drive; The Yearling; E For Explosion; This is Henry; Minimize Your Goodbyes
TWAIN’S: Dave Ellington Trio

Thursday, March 19th

APACHE CAFE: The Gong Show
DRUNKEN UNICORN: Standing Behind You With Knives; Lost Apparitions; Miles From Pangaea; Trial By Fire
*THE EARL: Binkis Recs; Minamina Goodsong; Mars Ill
EDDIE’S ATTIC: Cadillac Sky; Jeff & Vida
FAT MATT’S: Chickenshack
529: Black Preacher; El Fossil; Dude City DJs
40 WATT (Athens): Bloodkin; Backyard Tire Fire
GEORGIA THEATRE (Athens): STS9
HIGHLAND INN BALLROOM LOUNGE: Kirkwood Ballers Club; DJ Zano
THE HUMMINGBIRD (Macon): Ben Shae & the Dark Knights of Camelot
KAVARNA: Lustre King
LENNY’S: We Are Legion; Cerephisis
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Galen Crader
LITTLE KINGS (Athens): Nationale; Suis La Lune; Army of Kashyyyk
MASQUERADE: Bobaflex
MELTING POINT (Athens): Squat
NORTHSIDE TAVERN: The Breeze Kings
RED LIGHT CAFE: Barbwire
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: WILX; 3 Foot Swagger
TABERNACLE: Thursday; Bring Me the Horizon; Four Year Strong; Pierce the Vail; Cancer Bats
*TWAIN’S: The Young Antiques
VINYL: Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band

Friday, March 20th

APACHE CAFE: Kayte; Fudakochi; Alter Ego; Haziq Ali
ATLANTA BREWING COMPANY: Orange Colored Day (6pm)
CRIMSON MOON (Dahlonega): Trees Leave
DRUNKEN UNICORN: Royal Thunder; Telestrion
*THE EARL: A.C. Newman; The Broken West
EDDIE’S ATTIC: Golden; Sun Domingo; Adam Levy
EMORY UNIVERSITY: Vega String Quartet
FAT MATT’S: Rick Carter Project
*529: The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle
40 WATT (Athens): Rattlers; Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings
GEORGIA THEATRE (Athens): STS9
HIGHLAND INN BALLROOM LOUNGE: DJs Tim Lawrence; Agent 45; Rob Baker; The Soundmen
THE HUMMINGBIRD (Macon): Evan Harris & Driftwood Motion; Stripmall Ballads
*KAVARNA: Matt Chenowith; Suzan Hurtuk
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Galen Crader
LITTLE KINGS (Athens): Eureka California; Horse Party; Stegasaurus; A Post War Drama
MASQUERADE: Almost Kings; Subcam; Bob
NORTHSIDE TAVERN: Donna Hopkins; Charlie Wooten Project
RED LIGHT CAFE: Rachel Farley; Cyndi Craven & Allison Adams; High Cotton; Laura Simon Band
RUDY’S (Grayson): Olde Dawg
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: Boombox
STAR BAR: Pardner; Bouldercrest Singing Group; Weezie
SWAYZE’S: Royalist; Katsumo; No Bragging Rights; Dynogrind; Undying Darkness; Set Sail at Dawn; Fall of Autumn
VARIETY PLAYHOUSE: Victor Wooten & J.D. Blair
VINYL: Jamie McLean; The Four Kicks

Saturday, March 21st

THE ALAMO (Newnan): Lefty Williams
APACHE CAFE: Kate Kavis & the Radical Soul; Tarrey Torae
CRIMSON MOON (Dahlonega): The Last Waltz Ensemble
DARWIN’S: Sammy Blue
*DRUNKEN UNICORN: Fishhawk; Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun; Kebert Xela
EDDIE’S ATTIC: Bobby Yang; Sara Beck
FAT MATT’S: Andy Makely Band
529: The Weakends; Customers; Guilty Faces
GEORGIA THEATRE (Athens): STS9
HIGHLAND INN BALLROOM LOUNGE: MO Trio
THE HUMMINGBIRD (Macon): American Gun
*KAVARNA: Marcellus; Mule Skinner MacQueen; Allison Weiss; The Barrow Boys
LENNY’S: Rhyme Society; Drama Ganza; Fionna Simone; Muffy; Ohh!!!; HomeTeam;  Foxy Baker; Felicia Diamond; DJ Diamond
LIMERICK JUNCTION: Galen Crader
MASQUERADE: 180 Degrees of Show
NUCI’S SPACE (Athens): The Warm Fuzzies
120 SYCAMORE PLACE GALLERY: Greg Connors & the Block
RED LIGHT CAFE: Ten Blocks Away
RUDY’S (Grayson): Olde Dawg
SMITH’S OLDE BAR: Boombox (upstairs); Gary Eddy (Atlanta Room); Black Dominoes Radio (downstairs)
STAR BAR: Rocket 350; Three Blue Teardrops; Junior, Dorian and Cash
VARIETY PLAYHOUSE: Ani DiFranco

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! The week concludes with a TACO TOUR. Mark and I did this last year when we got back from Austin and it was super fun. We decided then that Holy Taco has the best taco in the ATL, or at least in East ATL, or at least among the handful of restaurants where we chose to dine. So I’m excited to see (taste?) if they hold on to that title this year!

In just two weeks, my friend Spy Magnet and I will attempt the unthinkable—going to a show every night for a week. An idea that was prompted by my bitterness at not being able to go to Austin for SXSW this year, I’m hoping my week of shows will introduce me to some new bands and get me a little more involved in the local music scene.

Looking at some of the ATL venues’ schedules, looks like we’ll have some good shows to choose from, including A.C. Newman (who I’ve never seen live before), Airborne Toxic Event, and locals Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun. But currently our calendar’s empty for March 17 and 19. So if anyone knows of any good shows that Tuesday and Thursday, let us know! (Surely there’s something cool going on for St. Patty’s other than U2 cover bands for $20?!?)

To conclude our week of show-going, and in tribute to Austin’s greatest food offering—the taco, we’ve dubbed Saturday the 21st Taco Tour ‘09. That Saturday we’ll stuff our faces all day in search of Atlanta’s best taco. Mark and I did this last year after returning from Austin and it was a lot of fun (at that time Holy Taco won rather decidedly; we’ll see if they’re good enough for a repeat!).

Wow. This is awesome and makes me look like a complete wuss with my little experiment. I’m anxious to see if he makes it, and if so, how long a break from going out he takes after it’s all said and done.

Engine Room Recordings artist Lowry are on tour the month of February and will be returning to Atlanta to play at Star Bar on February 20th.  The show, presented by Team Luis,  starts at 9pm and also on the bill are the Second Shift reunion show, YOU, and Hotpipes.

I was first introduced to Lowry a few years ago when they played at the WE Festival. I believe I actually missed their set because I was playing at the same time. But I had checked out their music prior to the festival and instantly liked them. They’re one of those  bands that’s kinda difficult to categorize, I think primarily because you’re instantly drawn to singer Alex Lowry’s voice, which happens to sound like no one else’s. This is a very good thing. I’ve read comparisions to bands like The Shins, Grandaddy and Death Cab for Cutie, which I guess is somewhat accurate in that Lowry play the sort of smart indierock that I really love.

If that sounds like your thing check them out next Friday. Look for me!

Lowry – Whiskey mp3

Last year I went to SXSW for the very first time. It was life-changing. No, seriously. I loved it, and vowed to go back every year. Well it’s only a year later and I’m already missing out. Recent financial issues have made it hard for me to shell out the $1000+ that SXSW requires. So, I thought I’d have my own little SXSW week here in the ATL.

ATL-iens are fortunate in that a lot of good touring bands come through here. Especially the week of SXSW. So this year I’m vowing to see all the great bands I can in one week. Seven nights, seven (or more, if I hop from venue to venue) shows. For a 9-to-5′er who doesn’t go out that much, that’s a LOT. I’ll be joined by my partner in crime Spy Magnet, and we’ll be blogging and tweeting and anything else we can possibly do to be annoying as hell about it. But it will be fun!

So check back here the week of March 15 and see if I can do it. And if you know of any good bands coming through that week, let me know (guestlist spots mean extra love here. hint hint.)!

This blog is on hiatus, at least for the moment. But to see what I’ve been up to, check out www.thegoodgraces.com!