OCP Lawn Jam

Saturday I had to get up so very early for a work meeting at the Tropical Smoothie. I was so tired, but I made it on time at 9 in the AM. So we just had to go over the handbook and such and then see what the operation is like. We also gave them the hours we could work. As the manager stated, no one under 18 could use the slicer machine- and he said that was the "majority" of people in the room- it dawned on me- here I am in my late 20s working with a bunch of 16 and 17 year old kids! I dont mind teenagers, I just feel so out of place. I used to always be the youngest. Im the youngest in my family, of course, but I was always the younger one. Now I'm one of the older people. It just feels odd. Whats even more odd, though, is somehow, because I look much younger (or so people say), most people wouldn't probably guess I will be 30 years old next year. I was so tired and I was anxious to get back home and take a nap before driving up to Harrisonburg. In a cruel twist of fate, "Boar's Head" van got into an accident, and the people wound up in the hospital, so we did not get a demonstration. As horrible as it sounds, I was relieved because I was able to get back home and get my beauty rest!

I finally got up to Harrisonburg around 3:45 P.M.- just minutes before my set. I was running late because I overslept. I was worried that my old van couldn't make it up there (we had just replaced the fan belt). Anyways, I got on stage and did some of my newer tunes to a smaller crowd of maybe 100 people. But they seem to like it. I did "Those Bad Things You Do, "Arizona", "Fat No More", and I closed with "My Loudoun County Home". The place was packed with a mix of New Age Hippies and Hipsters, and a few in-betweens. Harrisonburg is notorious for its New Hippie Population. They had somem fine acts up there. Americana sensation Adrienne Young had performed, but she left long before I arrived. Everything was going well. I even played a game of musical chairs and was taking pictures and was enjoying right much. But then a major storm came and it commenced a hailin'. Everyone just upped and left. Since that was it, I decided to drive on back home. The storm had cleared by the time I reached Staunton, and I stopped in the old historic district to take some photos. My sister Bonnnie went to school there at Mary Baldwin college, and I can recall rolling down the hills of the school at her graduation. (Everything seems to be on a hill in the town of Staunton). I did feel a nice sense of peace there, though. I stopped at Five Guys Burgers and Fries- it was retro Diner and I got a cheeseburger.

Sunday I played with The Meadow Street Band on the portico of the church. The weather was nice, and the choir director Judy Fiske cooked some hot dogs. We had a great time. We did fine on everything, except one Jazz piece we had a bit of tempo trouble, but regained it in the pocket. I was glad to play with them. It didn't start storming till well after we finished. It took awhile to put everything back. Then Ron, and Larry the drummer and I, went to Joe's Inn for something to eat. It was a nice evening.

Loudoun County Dreamin'

We drove up this afternoon to Loudoun County to take some pictures of Egypt Farms and the surrounding area. Im using pictures for "Cover Art" and it will go on the front of my new single "My Loudoun County Home". It took some time because of traffic, but we went up Old Snickersville Turnpike. I was glad to see that that stretch of byway had been well preserved. I could see the old horse famrs and timber fencing and the white post all along side, as well as the limestone. Gretchen used the 35 mm and I had my digital with me. Arriving there a little after 5 in the P.M., I got out of the car and noticed at the first grove of trees past the Egypt Farms sign, that it said "Private Property". I had contacted the owner, so with permission, I had the opportunity to take some shots with my camera. I was severely disappointed at the state of the place. I had been there about 4 years ago and it looked pretty nice. Well manicured and kept up, and I felt like it was in good shape. But this time it was just in shambles. The grass was growing wild, there was trash all around the old Dairy Barn area, and it smelled of dead animals. Even the old fence daddy and I put up when I was 16-years-old was gone. We walked up the hill to the old farm house and it wasnt much better. The house was in much need of repair. The gutters were hanging off the front side, the old tin roof was a mess, and the top of it had weeds growing there. I love that old place, and my heart was heavy after seeing it like this. I have no doubt that in 10 years or less, old Egypt Farms will be a sub division.

I got some nice pictures though of the old Dairy Barn. I couldnt see the place where we kept the horses because the underbrush was thick, and I didnt want to step on any Copperheads. A deer jumped right out of the back of the Dairy Barn and leaped as far as two parked cars. I thought that mood was very Loudoun County-ish. I took some photos as you can see of the house. It doesnt look bad in the picture, but much worse in person. Even the old fence they had in the front yard is gone. This was it. This is the old farm house where I spent my days as a teenager in Loudoun County. This is where my love of Old Country and Western music grew- and where I would spend hours at a time listening to old Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins records, and thinking of singing one day on the Grand 'Ol Opry. Patsy Cline's stomping grounds were merely a stone's throw away, and she even sang in the area on occassion. I hated to see this place the way it was. If I had the money, I would buy it in a heartbeat and restore it to its former glory. Standing there, it almost felt like a scene from "Gone With The Wind", when Scarlett O'Hara gets the gates of Twelve Oaks only to find it in ruins. I suppose I can never go back, and I probably never will. Even as sad as it was, I still love the beauty of the area. We got some nice shots and stopped in Middleburg. Old Mosby's Tavern is no more. That was about the only affordable place in that pricey town. So anyways, we drove east to Farifax and stopped at The AuldShebeen Irish Pub where we got sandiwches. The service was nice, and courteous. But I really don't care much for Fairfax. Afterwards, we headed back to Richmond. A place I can truly call home.

Total Confusion

So today was my "training day" at Tropical Smoothie. I did the one at Courthouse and Midlothian. Well the owner is a really nice guy and the assistant manager. They showed us how to make the wraps and the smoothies. It wasnt' very long. I dont work officially til next week when the newer store opens. But they will have a staff meeting this coming Saturday. I felt a little out of place. Although I am right young looking, I'm working with teenagers! I think I was the oldest, but I guess thats how it is for musicians. I think it will be okay , but I really wouuld rather not have to work so early. Hopefully they have me come in just during the afternoon. I do need my beauty rest!

When I came home today I was so tired (I had to get up at 7:45 in the AM!) so I took a nap. Then I got something to eat and we went over to Starbucks in Stony Point where I got a sweet tea. We found out we have squirrels, rats, and termites in our house. The exterminator was over today to lay down some poison. I hope Aunt Virginia doesn't get any. Anyways, later we took Mosby for a walk this evening. I love June evenings in Richmond. The air is thick with magnolia and dogwoods and it was pleasant.

Im still confused as to what my living situation will be. Im tired of living at home with dad, and hes nice, but I want my own place. That way I can have more privacy. I sleep in the Master Bedroom suite- it has a bathroom and an attached back room. I really shouldnt be in there, I should be in the guest bedroom but it worked out when my grandmother was living her since she and Gretchen shared the hall bathroom. And Aunt Virginia now has the first floor bedroom. Dad sometimes comes up and sleeps in the guestroom because Aunt Virginia has the TV on all night long. But I really should be sleeping in the smaller room. I offered him this room, but he doesn't need it, he says. So I guess its okay. I dont know what to do- I don't want to stay here, but it will be hard to leave. I was thinking of just getting my own flat in Richmond to start off, maybe move to Williamsburg. I do like Williamsburg a lot. Of course I would have to find another job. Although I could just stay here and save up money. At least I dont have to pay rent here, and dad does need me around the house. But I neve r thought I would be living at home in my late 20s. I thought I would leave certainly by the time I was 26. Of course, I never really had a plan. The music doesnt pay my bills, and I do have a fanbase, but I really dont have a living from that yet. So home seems the only option at this point.

Oh, why is the Lord testing me so !???

Last Weekend Of Freedom...

Well, more or less. Since I start my job at Tropical Smoothie on Monday. However, I feel that I won't have to worry too much since they say I dont have to work weekends most of the time. Gretchen and I went to Williamsburg yesterday to see Bonnie and her friend Pamela Sellarole. Shes a very neat and interesting lady with a lot of creative ideas. We ate at Friend's Cafe where I had a chicken wrap. Bonnie had to go to work later , so we just hung with Pam for awhile at the College Bookstore. She wrote a really neat booke called "The TransAmerica Tales", which I highly reccommend. You can get it online at AMAZON. After that we got an ice cream and Baskin and Robbins, and drove her home. We walked around the Colonial Area for awhile, and then we got a bite to eat later at Casa Maya in Williamsburg then went back to Richmond on Old Rt 60.

Today I saw "Chronicles of Narnia-Prince Caspian" in the Theater finally. I think it was pretty good, but lacked a bit of the magic the first one had. The Actors are a little older, and I do wonder if all the fame and hype had gone to some of their heads. The new Actor in the mix seemed only slightly better than Keanu Reeves, but I think still the movie was executed well. I prayed for God to speak to me through it. A few things I got were about the falling of the world as it is now, egoism and pride, and loss of innocense. Anna Popplewell (really CUTE!) and William Moseley won't be back for the next run of series, which I imagine Walt Disney won't hesitate to churn out. I think C.S. Lewis was an outstanding writer. I'm not sure how he would view these films. Most Christians can see right away that its Biblical. I think Non-Christians will simply see it as a Fantasy based oriented Action flick- the way they see Lord Of the Rings. I did like this one, I just felt it wasnt as special. I think they went more for a summer movie. Maybe since the last one was near Christmas, it was less technical about things.

After the film we went to Quizno's at Short Pump. Things have really changed in the area but when I said I didn't want any "Tomatoes (I say it the OLD Richmond way "TO-MAWW-DUS" I had to repeat myself because the kid didnt know what I was talking about. So I gave into "To-MAY-TOES" which is the INCORRECT way of saying it, but I guess since the Yankees have pushed their way into everything else, the way you "tomatoe" is now suspect. Anyhow, I had a veggie sub there. Then later we took Mosby for his evening walk. He did well this time.

Happy Birthday Nicole Kidman !

I got a "Violet Crumble" candy bar today. They are Austrailian made. Taste kinda chalky, but good. I had one to honour Miss Nicole Kidman. She is 41-years-young today. I wonder if she needs a birthday spanking? I'd be happy to give her one! Well, anyways, I sang at the Virginia Home to a lot of people in wheel chairs. Only 2 left, and I think its because they had to get shots from the nurses. But the rest seemed to like it okay. They like more of the uptempo Country and Rock n' Roll numbers more. So I kept ballads to a mininmum. After the set, I met a real nice jazz lady singer who came over to see if we could go over for some tunes she is doing at a Bed and Breakfast in Petersburg. Since Jazz is not really my forte, we didn't really think we could have time to learn all this material by August 8th, so she is keeping me in mind, but may go with another piano player. I can play Jazz, but there are nuances in there that if you're not an avid listener, you cant really just pick up unless you been playing it awhile. I end up doing more Country-Jazz playing, or Western Swing, or just kinda Folk Fusion Jazz, I don't know. But in Jazz, the irony is as much as its "free form" , its actually much more rigid in the chords you can play and how its played. If you dont play Jazz exactly like everyone does the Jazz, then you can't.

Anyways, I tried. Last night some radio show prank called me at my house. They were trying to get me to say racist things on the air and they put on tremendously faux-country accents, so I couldnt really understand their questions. I played a long with it, so they probably think Im a lot dumber than most, but they were talking about "Songs By Meade Skelton" which I have no idea how they found because its been out of print for several years, and I only released about 200 copies. They must have found it at some thrift shop. But they asked me silly questions about Mexicans, and Black people, and where i got my cowboy clothes. So I just said the thrift shop. And I think they are called "Global Seduction Radio" from WEBR in Fairfax. I hope they don't call again, but I sent them an email telling them what a pleasure it was. I hope they honestly don't believe I'm that naive.

Those Bad Things You Do

Another new tune I wrote..



I keep getting more of this "New Wave Country" sound in my repertoire- I think its a neat thing. A lot of the Country Stars in the 80s had this sound- Eddie Rabbit, Roseanne Cash, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Jethro Tull. Most people have no idea Country had such a sub-genre. Maybe i can revive it?

I got the job at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. I guess I am pretty enough! I start Monday for training at the Midlothian Store- but Ill really be working at the one on Forest Hill Ave. Its not quite finished yet. Today I volunteered for the Food and Clothes Pantry at Church. I havent done that since Summer of '99. Well its changed a lot since then. Many more people. They had about 30 people today. They just check their Identification and we give them a couple bags of food and whatever clothing they need. Its a nice set up. One of the girls that came to volunteer went to James Madison U. in Harrisonburg, and she knows all about The Little Grill Collective. What a small world. I have seen several "Little Grill" bumper stickers around town too. I had mentioned I was doing the OCP Lawn Jam next Saturday. I am getting so busy.


We had a nice rehearsal last night at the Presbytarian church. They weren't at all stuffy. But the church itself looks more like a big house in a sub division. A really big one- though. They had all kinds of funny warm ups though. We actually spoke through the text first, then sang it. Shoot at my church, we just jump right in and see where we land. Anyways, we're gonna sing the 4th of July at a Plantation in Powhatan County- and we're gonna sing "Dixie" so thats as good a place as any!
There was a giant orange moon we could see on the car ride back to church. It was a nice way to end the evening.

Today also, I went with Gretchen and we ate at Joe's Market where I got an eagg salad sandwich- followed by a trip over to Ben Franklin to get picture hanging wire for Miss Kidman. Then it started to rain as we drove down E. Broad Street and the sun shone through, forming a beautiful rainbow over downtown Richmond city. We followed it up to up Church Hill, and got a cookie at Captain Buzzy's Beanery. I gave a business card to the manager at Joe's Market to see about performing there, and tried to here, but they said they couldnt have live music because it was in a residental area. So i just left a card by the window. Ya never know who might need a little Meade to go with their coffee!

Arizona

Taped by Forrest George at the Goochland Farmer's Market.. One of my newest songs




I rode my bike over to Richmond Music and Arts Center to pick up a new XL cord for my keyboard (it was acting up at the Farmer's Market Gig) I did that, and then stopped at Joe's Market and got an eagg salad sandwich with a sweet tea and some chips. I rode back down Grove Ave. Near Thompson St, my bike tire went out. So I was near Carytown and walked it to Agee's Bike Shop. They said the wheel was bent- same one as last time. So I have to get it fixed. They aren't really friendly in Agee's. They used to be really friendly in there and have a nice staff. Now its they act like its a chore to wait on you. They don't seem to like for some reason. Anyways, from there I walked on home. Im gonna go over to church. We're actually rehearsing tonight at the Presbyterian church in Midlothian for the July 4th show we're doing.

Stairway To Stardom...

Im always the last to catch on to Pop Culture Phenomenon. A few years ago they had a rebirth (Via The Internet) of "Stairway To Stardom" - what seems the precursor to YouTube and American Idol- A Public Access Talent Show based in New York City. The show started in 1979 (the year incidently, I was born), and ran til about the early 1990s. There are so many infamous clips. Most people like "Hairdresser, Hairdresser", but that didnt really ring my chimes. Instead, I found this wonderful classic by Gloria Huddle -singing "Operator" by "The Manhattan Transfers". Why was this lady not a Star? Seriously, shes a really good performer. Moreso an Actress, than Singer, but A great Actress can deliver a song



Honestly, going through the clips, I sometimes I feel these people are better than I am. Or I am one of them, somehow. Because even some who are really good, cant be taken seriously because its so campy , and they come off as odd. Anyways, I enjoy watching them.

Father's Day

We went out to Strawberry Street Cafe with dad for Father's Day. The sign on the wall said their tomatoes weren't "tainted", but I still passed on that and went with a nice brunch- French Toast, Grits, and sausages. Dad seemed in a good mood and we talked about old times. He had a beer, and that was all. Hes gotton so thin lately, I hope he is eating enough. After that, we took Mosby for a walk. I missed church , but I was so tired and upset from the past few days and the Ham's fiasco, that I decided to sleep late. We rented a movie from The Video Fan called "Sabateour"- an Alfred Hitchcock film- I havent seen before with Robert Cummings.

Today is pretty bland. I was hoping the manager from the Smoothie Shop would call be back (he did call and left a number to call back and I did) but no return call since. He said hed call "either way" to let me know. I probably didnt get the job because I'm a fat tub of lard and they think Id eat all their inventory. Really, I know they'll hire some cute girl with a nice bosom- which frankly, I would too- but still its not fair. Its kind of sexist in a way. My appearance has kept me from getting most service oriented jobs. I went to apply at The Cheesecake Factory- the manager took one look at me and I was turned down on the spot. I suppose I could try the music store. I'm trying to write songs about girls in my past who wouldn't give me the time of day. That could be a 50 song list !

Goochland Farmer's Market Spree

I had some guy filming me today at Goochland Farmer's Market named Forrest George. Who is pretty nice, and so the irony here is that most people have mistaken him for me, since we look similar (although he stands close to 6'3 tall and I'm a mere 5'11) then again, with boots on maybe closer to the same height. We have similar hair and build, though. And some Native American Indian roots.. So anyways, he contacted me through my website and asked if he could film my set a little bit, and I thought that would be fine. He sings a little too and does some writing for Richmond Music Journal. I had a pretty good time and did fairly well. Some gal really enjoyed the difference of the keyboard and thought my sound was unique for Country Music, and so that was nice. I sold some albums, and gave out some business cards. When I finished, several vendors handed me homeade goodies such as blueberry muffins, flowers, and fresh grown squash and other vegetables to take back to Richmond. I was low on energy, but someone fixed me a sweet tea, and I did several of my new tunes. It felt like a comeback almost after Ham's. I guess its just the right venue. With just my 60 watt amp, the sound carries pretty well, although I need a new cord. So, I talked to Forrest a little then went on home. I got a letter from First Night Williamsburg- they rejected me for this year, claiming its "budget problems"- even though I was happy enough just to play the past 2 years anyway, I felt I may have had some stiff competition or negative feedback. And they claimed they had several singers with music right similar to mine. Well, frankly, I recall the ones from last year, and none of them were much like me. But maybe this year they somehow got some more Americana-Pop-AltCountry Jazz keyboard players in town. I just hope they didnt cut me because someone didnt like me. The way it works is they set you up in the venue with different room and you split the bill with someone else, and its VERY TIMED. So you do your 45 minute set. The audience is able to rate you and write feedback.

I dont think I got any bad comments- just one couple said that I sounded good, but the keyboard was too loud and the vocals should have been higher. But then again, its hard to run sound and play at the same time. Oh, well, Im kinda tired of First Night Williamsburg and its really kind of over kill. I want to try maybe First Night Charlottesville or even something in NOVA. We'll see. But if I shed any tears from not coming back, I stoled them from a crocodile.

Honesty is the best Policy...

So, I called the manager at Ham's today just to find out some feedback. They said I just wasnt the music they wanted. I guess they wanted some beach music or some covers (Bob Marley i.e. really crumby stuff). And not original keyboard music. They didnt even want a keyboard player- they wanted guitarists. And so I'm really a piano player, but it would be hard to drag my piano with me. I still think its not really fair they cut the music on me, and just made me feel terribly unwelcome. I felt really down and depressed today not wanting to do much of anything


I'm seriously beggining to wonder if anyone shares my tastes in music. Well, I like it all- but you know, my main thing which is my Americana/Alt Country/Pop driven keyboard singing music which I write and I like to mix in stuff like Jet, The Killers , Wilco, The Mavericks, and other kind of Modern Rock mixed with Country stuff and then do a folk ballad or two. Just not many people seem to dig what I do. But then again- when people like me, they really seem to like me. I have done pretty well at other venues. I know Ham's just isnt the place for me. But if I cant cut the mustard there, I'm not sure if I can really make a real living from this anymore. Its very scary. My new record hasnt even been mastered yet

Then I got people talking about I'm crazy for doing a vinyl release because hardly anybody has a turntable anymore- but I read an article where vinyl is making a comeback. I have to say- it just sounds better- even with the occassional surface noise (which can be mimimized with a great stylus/needle). I just think people dont want to bother with records because they are bulky. But a 45 single isnt much bigger than a compact disc.

I'm still not sure if I got the job either at the smoothie place. Ill wait and see if he calls back.

Sham's

I had a gig for Happy Hour at Ham's Restaurant. Its like some Sports Bar and I knew I just wouldn't fit in right away, but I was hoping it would go okay. It wasnt a disaster, but it was much less sweet than I thought. For one thing, they put me on the patio, which I didnt mind at first, but I had dressed more for inside and sweating in buckets- consumed about an entire pitcher of ice water during my set. One of the employees told me that they had "double booked"- I feel like he just didnt want me playing or wanted me to leave earlier than I could. So he said, that the bongo players took "forever" to set up. Really more like 20 minutes- and if I had finished at 6:30 (they were on for 7 PM) that would be plenty of time. So I took a break and then did a short second set. I was about to finish my last song, when they cued the music on. So I didnt get to finish really and left standing on "The Wayward Wind", which is not my closing song. So I just gave the guy a look, and I said I just wanted to do one more song and he said that it would take them a time to set up. So I just gave up and left.

Not very welcoming they were at Ham's. They're food isnt all that great either (I had to review them as a "Secret Shopper") Needless to say- Ham's and Sports Bars and most any restaurants just aren't my venue. The Phish inspired Jam Duo that came after me- they were a perfect fit, and I enjoyed what little I heard from them. Well at least my name was on the Marquee sign on West Broad St. I think I'll stick to Southern Raliway Deli, Farmer's Markets, and less conventional places. Anyways, I was hungry later, so I stopped at Chic-Fil-A where I had a charbroiled Chicken Club sandwich and a sweet tea, and then a small soft served vanilla ice cream cone. Hey- maybe I could sing there !

Morphed With Nicole Kidman

Well thats me morphed with Nicole Kidman. I NEVER looked hotter than that!

Today was really steamy like yesterday. I missed church because I was so tired, but I got up and rode my bike over to Maymont Park. I had plenty of water with me. Then I walked Mosby and went to Bev's Ice Cream parlor where I got a small mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. Then later the bookstore for a sweet tea! Oh I love that stuff. They were almost out of it at Ukrop's yesterday. This was a nice weekend. I had such a grand time recording for the radio show in Williamsburg, and getting these new songs.

Steamy Radio !

I went over today to Williamsburg in the un-air conditioned Ford Escort with my keyboard along to do a radio show. I had thought it was gonna be live- but totally different- just pre recorded and they will play it June 14th on Wiliamsburg Public Radio. I got there and I was anxious because I didn't see any radio antena, and I couldn't find it- I had to ask some people. It was just some private drive. Finally I found out that it was in the guy's house. So I recorded a big set, and then got it filed in, and did some voice overs and hosted my own kinda show. The guy was really nice- at first, though, I thought he would be hard to work with, but it was just that he is very direct. So it went right smoothly. And I got that done. He thought I was only 18 , and was a tad surprised when I said, no , 29. But I guess maybe its the lighting. I went over into Colonial Williamsburg where I got a little thing of a tunafish sandwich at The Cheese Shop. Well, they don't take American Express anymore (I thought everyone did!) So I had to call Gretchen and she read a VISA to them over the phone. Kind of embarrasing, but what the heck. I walked around a bit and Lordy it was pretty steamy. But I enjoyed it, and then got a sweet tea at the bookstore

Yesterday the van broke down at the Willow Lawn and we had to leave a security note so they wouldn't tow it a way. We got it fixed later- it was a broken fan belt. But hence why I drove the non-air-conditioned Ford Escort over to Williamsburg. Which got me home okay. Then I just relaxed. It was a lot of stuff going around downtown. The Art Expos are still raging strong. I'm so glad to have done this , though, and it was a nice day. Yesterday I was at Willow Lawn because I'm getting my 2 exclusive Nicole Kidman posters framed. I hope I'm not responsible for lust, because well, one is kind of suggestive but not much. Im not gonna oogle at it. I just like to have her on my bedroom wall... I know that doesnt sound quite right.. All the men at the Ben Franklin Shop framing department, were having a hard time resisting the posters. One older gentleman made a comment "Now I know why God gave me a___" Now, I know thats just not like him. It must be the hormones talking. I have to say-I can't disagree though.

American Idol needs to be stopped!

I really think this show has run its miserable course long enough, and it should do true singers and musicians everywhere and call it a day. I'm so sick of hearing about it, reading about it, and so tried of the obsession people have with the "Idols" on the show. These people are not real musicians in the least- and I realize in the last few seasons they have had more singer-songwriter types on the show- however its still the same thing to me. An over-gloryfied karaoke singing contest, like the Gong Show on steroids. I can't stand it. Nashville Star is a little different- it has REAL talent, and real musicians, - but of course its Country Music, not Pop. And that goes without question. But even the Country singers they have had are just all the same on either show. American Idol has their token "Country" singers too- they are belters. They are all pipes. Carrie Underwoods looks good on the eyes, but I would never buy one of her records. I realize there's nothing special about me, but there's nothing special about these people either. Its artificial. Stars are not made, they are born. And even the ones who are "made" go through a long process and develop their own style. Everyone on this show lacks originality- and the ones who remained original were booted off early in the show. Either this proves the show is rigged, or shows that the American Public has terrible taste. AI claims they represent diverse styles, but really every singer that wins is an R and B wannabee. They should have stopped with Kelly Clarkson.


Now , I myself, Auditioned for American Idol in 2003 in Atlanta. I drove with my dad down there and I waited from 7 AM to 3:30 PM before I was allowed to sing. It was at the Georgia Dome. This is how it was working- they did have some fine singers in there , but they were turning people away in droves. When i went up, I was so tired, that I just didnt have much left in me, and picked the very worst wrong song for my voice "Will You Still Love Me Tommorow"- a ballad which is not really a guy's choice, and I would have done better with some Garth Brooks or something (they dont allow original songs). So anyways, we auditioned on the field in 3 pairs. And they had 3 judges. And the woman in the middle said "Unforuntately, none of you three will be going to the next round. There was no Simon, no Paula, no Randy. They aren't even til 2 rounds later. I wonder how all those bad singers made it through- theres your proof. They reach their quota, then turn all the good singers away, pick a few good ones, then a horde of bad ones. I know the secret. As I left the "losers" exit, I heard people chanting "American Idol is gay". I couldn't agree more. Its stupid.

To make matters worse, a few years later- a "hometown talent" from Richmond by the name of Eliott Yamin, not only made it on the show- he made it to the final round. Everyone in Richmond here was cheering him on. The Mayor gave him the keys to the city. They had an Eliott Yamin day. I felt crushed. Here I was - a local musician who made pretty decent tunes , and I was treated like yesterday's grits. This was only a year after the Richmond Times Dispatch did a feature article on me in the A and E section- a 2 page one with my pictures and all. Yet no one seemed to care. No one called. No one responded... Yeah, a few nods on the street, but I sure didnt get the keys to the city. Im not bashing Eliott Yamin- he seems like a real stand up guy, and hes a decent singer, but really, just because he was on some Reality TV show, I think thats why Richmond fell all over him. It was just a promotional opportunity for our backwashed city.

These winners will never last. Hey, Im 29 years old, and maybe nobody will ever hear of me, but at least I'm doing my own thing.