Good vs. Evil...I think not

I thought it'd be a fun idea for me and Adam Hammer from the St. Cloud area to do a monthly double bill at the Local Blend in St. Joseph.  He thought it was a good idea too.

Adam and I had never met, truth be told I had only heard 1 of his songs when I asked him to do the shows.  He has graciously written reviews of my releases for the St. Cloud Times over the past 5ys., so we've talked often. 

It was agreed that rather than split the bill, we'd do an "in the round" setting, a song swap.  We liked the idea of trading off songs to keep the night fresh for the listeners and also for us. We could feed off each other, or completely ignore each other, either way it'd be interesting to see what happens.  Adam calls it a musical conversation.

We've done 2 shows so far and it's been great! 

The only negative thing I can speak of, and I will, is that the venue has come up with some clever descriptions to promote the show..."Heaven vs. Hell", "Satan vs. Gabriel".  This is false advertising.

There are many reasons why I dislike the description, mostly because it sounds like we don't like each other. If we are "vs." that means we are fighting agains each other and that is completley outrageous. It was not our intention for the shows to be a spiritual, ideological battle nor will it become our aim. 

So for those of you who might have shyed away due to the description of the show, don't.  Come out, have a good time, laugh with us as we all enjoy some songs about life.

We hope to see you at the Local Blend.

Next shows:
Sat. Mar. 20

Fri. Apr. 30  

Tom Feldmann - New Beginnings

I've been playing solo these days.  It was September, we were on a week long tour from Mn to FL and I knew, we all knew, it was to be the last band trip for a while since we've never covered the expenses, not once in 5yrs.

I would pay the band regardless of money made  from shows and a weekend trip would leave me $150-$250 in the hole, so a week long trip would cost me around $500.  It was just a matter of time.

So, I played my first solo (terrified and trembling)weekend of shows, in 5yrs. in October and came home with $350.  I couldn't believe it, I hadn't made money, made a profit, in 5yrs!  So I booked a few more weekends, and a few more weekends and in 3mnths of shows I never came home with less than $200.  Now this isn't stardum by any means but it has been tremendously liberating.  It's not about the money, as long as I'm not losing money.

Playing solo has also brought me to find some new great venues.

1 - Terrapin Station, Nevis, Mn

2 - Cup o Joy, Green Bay, Wi

3 - Greenman Music Hall, Viroqua, Mn

4 - Wild Hog in the Woods, Madison, Wi   

5 - Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, Ne

To name a few.

So, I will be posting pics, videos, tales from my solo travels and when we play as a band, that'll be up here to.

I've also started recording videos from the back seat of my van when I'm out and about.  Calling it "Van Sessions".  You can watch and subscribe @ www.youtube.com/tomfeldmannmusic. 

Here's to new beginnings!