Music & Memphis

I don't often talk about my real job here, as I keep that and the blog pretty separate.  But each have helped me with the other in different ways.  For example, my blog and connections to other bloggers has aided in my ability to incorporate and plan authentic influencer marketing campaigns for many clients, and help brands develop these programs.  
I bring that up because the last couple days have been a bit quite around the blog - but if you follow me on Instagram, you know I've been traveling. I was doing so for work, I do that often. I'm actually grateful for the chance to see and experience so many different places and meet many people along the way. And I'm super thankful for my husband who is flexible with my altering schedule month to month to allow me to do a job I'm passionate about.
Passion is what I thrive on - it's what produces the best work for me. And I think that's probably pretty normal. It sure was for everyone I was with this past few days.  And it's contagious, too. So I'm actually flying home feeling pretty fulfilled, but ready to see my family.

I had the honor of working on a project with my work-family (it feels like that anyways...) for a client that is a cohesive part of that family.  Sure, it's advertising, but it's hardly just that.  In fact, it's way more - it's about storytelling, experiences and inspiration.  While I'm a proud Kansas Citian, I'm equally proud to work on branding for the state of Tennessee along side a stellar team.  And with each project we introduce to the world, I think more and more people can tell why.
Our latest project was all about showing all that Memphis has to offer. We filmed an awesome up-and-coming band, The Black Cadillacs last year as they were searching for inspiration for the last song of their in their new self-titled EP. (It's now out, so you should get it, under $5! My favorite song is The Sea.)  This Tennessee band hit the road for Memphis, and the city delivered.  You can see how Memphis helped them write a song here, but warning...you're going to want to travel for a visit, real soon. 

We launched the the finished piece this past Tuesday on a Southwest flight from Dallas to Memphis, where the band performed a pop-up concert for unsuspecting passengers as part of the airline's #LiveAt35. On the day of one of these concerts, you have a 1 in 36,000 to be on that flight - so it was definitely an experience.  I'll share the video from that via social, soon!
After landing and later that night, we hit the famous Beale Street for a concert at BB Kings with the band.  Here we got to see them do their thing with all their full instruments, and it was amazing. After hanging out with them for the last few days, I can tell you they are a stand up group, grounded and rooted in Tennessee hospitality. I know that I'm now a fan for life.

 {Lunch at Huey's Restaurant in downtown Memphis }

Have you ever been to Memphis?  Tell me what was one of your favorite things about the city!

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Rolling Stone Country Launch Party in Nashville

When working lots of extra hours, chewing my nails in stress and pounding away at the keys on my computer into the wee-hours of many nights becomes a little easier to swallow:  I was recently invited and attended the launch of Rolling Stone Country (print and online) in Nashville, TN, and boy did it turn out to be more than I could have imagined.  I was excited to hit up this event with these potential partners, along with my clients to celebrate their success.  I was intrigued by the location (warehouse-like area) and excited to see Keith Urban perform to this small (compared to a concert) gathering.  
But I did not expect to get to meet Keith outside, behind the venue a bit before his performance and I certainly did not expect the place to be crawling with celebrities. I was actually a little shell-shocked when Al Gore walked right on by me.  Former Vice-President and Jann Wenner (co-founder and publisher of Rolling Stone) were literally having a little reunion (they looked like best buds!) right behind me. 
And then I saw a lot of the cast members of Nashville - one of my favorite shows!  I really wish some of them would have gotten up on stage and jammed a bit, but they really did all look like they do on the show!  There were some other musicians/bands there in the crowd that I didn't really know (but those that I were with did).  And I really was being good at not being a fan girl - going to talk to anyone I recognized.  
I think I played it cool... until I saw Winona Judd.  I mean, she's a freaking legend. I just had to go say hi!  And by hi, I think I blabbered something about how much I love her songs, especially "I Saw the Light" and that I use to sing it all the time in middle school - which I thought was funny (since if you know the song, it's not super appropriate for a kid), but then I realized I probably just made her feel old.  Anyways, she was so nice - we snapped a pic as she was saying how cute we were and that was that. 
Here are a few pics from the night I won't soon forget...

{Clare Bowen, who plays Scarlet on ABC's Nashville, looked like she walked off the pages of a Free People catalog (similar dress). So pretty, and I'm totally digging the metallic temporary tattoo.}

{Still can't believe this happened. I mean, so surreal.}

But I couldn't end this recap without mentioning the space, Peter Nappi Studio!  This party was so unique - it was actually held in a showroom of Italian leather goods (shoes, bags, boots, etc) that was cleared out a bit.  From the shoes I could see on display, I wish there would have been a little shopping, too!  This was quite the studio space - build in the shell of a former industrial boiler room.   With it's high ceilings, vintage decor, worn in wooden floors and slightly-elevated stage, this was the perfect setting to dance the night away.

Feel very fortunate to have been invited!  Thanks to Rolling Stone for the event!

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An Evening of Dancing

This past weekend was a blast. A BLAST! We spent time with friends outside, hit up the pool, got a few naps in... The whole weekend was great, but on Saturday night in particular, we partied it up at the Brownes Irish Market Festival for their 126th birthday. Liam has always loved music, so he was in his element, let me tell you!   We couldn't stop him from dancing once the bands got playing - he danced and danced and danced, which consists mainly of squats, running around in circles and waving his arms around.  Prior to the music, we played in the kid area full of bouncy inflatable toys. Liam couldn't get enough of the slide, which sorta stopped my heart a few times as it was more like a giant plastic drop off and full of older kids, but he held his own and we stayed close to catch him as he rolled down!   You'll see below in the photos by the look on his face... pure joy this night was. Pure joy.  And Sunday, he took a 4 hour nap. Pure joy for all! P.S. Don't forget to enter London TIme's Savvy Summer giveaway, where one lucky person will win $1,000 to help make your summer the savviest! {Outfit details: Dress - c/o London Times, Belt - Target (similar), Sandals - Old Navy (old, similar), Sunnies (old, similar or these), Lips

{dancing on the side stage, pretty sure he thought the crowd was clapping for him}

{the slides at the Brownes Market Irish Fest was a huge joyous hit}

{this little guy had so much fun dancing to She's A Keeper}
I'm linked up with Marionberry Style & MomTrends today!

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Day 16 {Skirted}

Officially on the down side of this challenge.  Over half way done with my 30 day remixing challenge.  Recognize that lace top?  I got a bit more crazy and slipped that skirt on as a tube top over my not worn yet, black basic turtleneck and cinched with a belt.  A little different way to wear it from day 3 and just a couple days ago on day 14.  Oh and my bad hair day ended with me sweeping my mob into a big bun.

 

After kissing Mr. Chuckie-bear good night (and him muggin' for the camera), hubs took me on a date to Lawrence, KS (45 minutes west of KC) to see Old 97s at the Bottleneck.  We first hit up Papa Keno's for some pizza, just like the old days in college. 

And then headed to the concert, where I stayed up and out way past my bedtime!!

Rhett was very sweaty.

Born This Way

Awesome!




Excited for Lady Gaga's new album which is said to be released in 2011!  And in other news, she has a fragrance coming out in 2012.

Live By the Words of Gaga.

Easily one of the best concerts ever.  I saw Lady Gaga at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO and had one hell of a night.  Sang and danced all night long.  Some highlights:

Fans dressed up (or down, depending how you look at it) - I wish I had worn something a bit more fun:

She played "Just Dance" within the first few songs!  Little clip for you....



If the video above doesn't show up for you, click here to view (that is not me screaming, I don't think...).

I was oh, so close to Miss Gaga:

"I love you and you love me, we love each other.

I want you to leave here tonight, loving yourself more."

Not short of bloody drama:

She has a new song, not one of the 100 songs on "The Fame".  It's about a boy from Nebraska and it's so very pretty:



Again, if the above video doesn't show up, click here to watch it.  Update: if you want to see and hear the full song of You and I - She was on the Today Show - see it here!

If you can get yourself to a Gaga concert, do it.  So much fun!  At least this little monster and the other thousands of fans did!