My musical journey began with my Brownie troop when I was seven years old. My troop was going to have a talent show at a local nursing home. I said to my dad, who was co-leader of the troop, “Dad, I don’t have a talent”. He told me that we had an old guitar at home and he would show me a few chords so that I could sing a couple of Christmas carols. After the show, as we were all leaving, the activities director told my dad and me that she enjoyed my performance and asked if I would come back again sometime. My dad said the troop would be happy to come back again the next year, but that, if she would like, I could come back the next month and do a whole show for them by myself. I panicked, grabbing my dad’s arm and saying, “Dad, I can only play two songs”. He assured me that I learned the two songs so fast that I could easily learn twenty by the next month. He was right. We went to a different retirement home each week to develop my confidence. Then for St. Patrick’s Day, I learned some Irish songs and sang at some Irish pubs. From there I began playing, churches, festivals, farmer’s markets, coffee shops, fund raisers, charity events, memorial dedications, or any other place that we could find. I really enjoyed it. I was always telling my dad to find me more gigs. I started playing on the sidewalk after we took my sister to school in Madison. I saw the street musicians on State Street and asked my parents if I could give it a try. The next time we took my sister to school, I went out on State Street with a mandolin and a coffee can under the watchful eye of my brother. I actually made some money. That was also how the nickname “Sidewalk Superstar” got attached to me. From then on, whenever we would visit my sister, I would bring a banjo or guitar and play for a while on State Street. Then I got a gig playing on the UW Student Union Terrace Saturday evenings during the summers. A professor of music became interested in my performances, and suggested that I attend classes at the university. I was too young to live in Madison by myself and my sister lived in a sorority house, so I couldn’t stay with her. We decided that I would enroll at UW Milwaukee. It is within commuting distance of my house. This educational opportunity has allowed me to meet some of the top finger-style players in the world and has markedly improved my skills and technique. I am continuing my education at UWM and performing publicly every chance I get. Please visit my YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/busker12
Hey Macyn, you were so amazing yesterday! I wanted to come and say hello, but didn't see you after. Anyways, I loved your set, hope to see you again ~ Carrie Melton :)
Hi, and thanks for the friendship! The Danish composer Per Nørgård's music has been much on my mind the past few years. Arguably the most important now living Scandinavian composer also has a remarkable output for the guitar. I spent a couple of years working with the composer on this repertoire, spanning from 1973 to 2000, in order to embrace the emerging performance practice associated with his work.
I have just uploaded 10 new tracks, all taken from "Tales From the North", my double CD box with the complete guitar works of Danish composer Per Nørgård. Also, in my latest blog you will find recent reviews of this release.
For further reading about the composer, this is an excellent website, with articles by a series of scholars and performers that have dedicated much study to his work:
A huge THANK YOU for helping us in making Kenosha Bloomin’ Days ‘09 blossom
Despite the clouds and rain on Saturday, the streets were filled with great music. It takes a lot of planning and dedication to bring Kenosha Bloomin’ Days to life, but we could not do it without you. Please accept our heartfelt thanks.
Wow...Amazing music, LOVE the yodeling! That is such a lost & amazing art! I will be visiting often, best of luck to you & your musical career! Love, R
We at SMG would like to extend our thanks for the add as well. Netowrking with great artist , producers, writers, executives and fans make this world go round. follow us on www.twitter.com/siremusicgroup for updates and networking
You were like a rare fish in a fish tank last night! They couldn't keep their eyes off you! I wish I could have just let you keep singing! Talk soon, Rachelle
What's it going to take to get you down to Nashville? In addition to various bars you could play I would suggest contacting Artisan Guitars. They often feature acoustic and bluegrass artists on guitar, mandolin and banjo.
Wish I could make it back to northern Illinois and make an extra trip to the Dells or Milwaukee areas. 8^(
