Still Married Band Blog http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:30:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Leaving Redding http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=2017011 If you want to leave Redding by train - and you're not hopping a freight car --  you are limited to a late-night departure.  It's the price we pay for our geography --  we're far away from....well.... just about everywhere. Worth it, if you ask me. Our son had to catch a train a few weeks ago, and until then, Craig and I had never been in downtown Redding at 2 AM.  It was rather dark and desolate and the whole ordeal made for a ridiculously long night. But the outing DID inspire a new tune - a song about a woman quietly leaving this town behind. I've been writing songs about this area for many years, and this is the first time I've written "Redding" in a lyric - it's a pretty word to sing, actually.  The song will be on our upcoming CD: Whiskeytown Roadhouse. 2:20 words and music © Erin Friedman Waitin' at the downtown depot With the winter-weary people I'll take the blame under heavy darkness While the rest of Redding sleeps North of town, the whistle cries Signals flash, travelers rise The southbound Coast Starlight and I Have promises to keep   (chorus) 2:20 is a lonely time for leaving Plenty of regrets onboard this train I know to every time there is a season 2:20 is the time to ride away From burning Bridges on toward the morning With pride and my side of the story Face the west, and fall asleep To the rhythm of the wheels Dream a dream of graceful endings Of forgiving then forgetting Start over far from Redding With a courage strong as steel
Our son had to catch a train a few weeks ago, and until then, Craig and I had never been in downtown Redding at 2 AM.  It was rather dark and desolate and the whole ordeal made for a ridiculously long night. But the outing DID inspire a new tune - a song about a woman quietly leaving this town behind.

I've been writing songs about this area for many years, and this is the first time I've written "Redding" in a lyric - it's a pretty word to sing, actually.  The song will be on our upcoming CD: Whiskeytown Roadhouse.




2:20

words and music © Erin Friedman


Waitin' at the downtown depot
With the winter-weary people
I?ll take the blame under heavy darkness
While the rest of Redding sleeps
North of town, the whistle cries
Signals flash, travelers rise
The southbound Coast Starlight and I
Have promises to keep

  (chorus)

2:20 is a lonely time for leaving
Plenty of regrets onboard this train
I know to every time there is a season
2:20 is the time to ride away

From burning
Bridges on toward the morning
With pride and my side of the story
Face the west, and fall asleep
To the rhythm of the wheels
Dream a dream of graceful endings
Of forgiving then forgetting
Start over far from Redding
With a courage strong as steel



]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:30:00 GMT 08800BC7DE41CD52D54E1A8227CABB8F A dyslexic Irishman walks into a bra..... http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1879674 ...Yes, I'm a sucker for all things Irish -- including bad jokes. In celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, we are giving away free downloads of our cover of an old Irish tune: The Parting Glass. &nbsp;It will be the final track on our upcoming CD,&nbsp;Whiskeytown Roadhouse. &nbsp; The song has roots that go back more than 300 years, and it's been recorded by dozens of artists, including: The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Sinead O'Connor, The High Kings and now, Still Married. Click on the link to our website for our version and help yourself: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.stillmarried.net/listen.cfm" target="_blank">Still Married free download page.
In celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, we are giving away free downloads of our cover of an old Irish tune: The Parting Glass.  It will be the final track on our upcoming CD, Whiskeytown Roadhouse.  


The song has roots that go back more than 300 years, and it's been recorded by dozens of artists, including: The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Sinead O'Connor, The High Kings and now, Still Married.

Click on the link to our website for our version and help yourself:  Still Married free download page.
]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:58:00 GMT 42354213C762FD33D80A05C9A13344E1 Giving Away Heart Shaped Stones for Valentine's Day http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1780700 Murder and mayhem.... It's the kind of thing Still Married serves up in a Valentine's Day song. We're giving it away on our website - please help yourself at the link below: <a href="http://www.stillmarried.net/listen.cfm" target="_blank">Heart Shaped Stones Free Download.
Heart Shaped Stones Free Download.


]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:57:00 GMT 69B23B803A9C9490229BF226486CAC28 A Tropical Vacation for Your Tongue http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1757547 I have pineapple on my mind. Craig and I spent a luscious week in Hawaii for our 27th wedding anniversary -- &nbsp;and we enjoyed (among other things) pineapple in all sorts of dishes. Our favorite, of course, was a wedge tucked on the top of tropical cocktail. But back to real life....sigh. &nbsp;I was looking for interesting ways to serve pineapple (minus the rum) at home. This dish, &nbsp;gorgeous to look at and deliciously complex in flavor, makes a lovely light lunch. For dinner, we've enjoyed it with grilled chicken and quinoa pilaf. And yes, you can use canned beets and canned pineapple - but the flavor is much livelier with fresh ingredients. Pineapple and Roasted Beet Salad <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQagCdbkRCQ/TyHb_ge0k-I/AAAAAAAAA7E/ztFXDZX-PIA/s1600/pineappleandbeetsalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> 1/2 of a fresh pineapple, cut in 1-inch pieces 3-4 beets, roasted, sliced * Dressing: 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 2 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons rice vinegar pinch of salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/3 cup olive oil Whisk together dressing ingredients. Toss the dressing (you may not need all of it - add a little at a time and taste) with beets and pineapple. Enjoy. * I wash the beets, wrap them in foil and roast at 350 degrees for 1- 1 1/2 hours - depending on the size of the beet. They should be tender - easily cut with a butter knife. Once they've cooled, &nbsp;peel and slice. &nbsp;Alternately, the Holiday Market deli (Redding and Cottonwood) sells roasted organic beets. Printable recipe: <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/stillmarriedrecipes/home/pineapple-beet-salad" target="_blank">CLick here.
But back to real life....sigh.  I was looking for interesting ways to serve pineapple (minus the rum) at home.

This dish,  gorgeous to look at and deliciously complex in flavor, makes a lovely light lunch. For dinner, we've enjoyed it with grilled chicken and quinoa pilaf. And yes, you can use canned beets and canned pineapple - but the flavor is much livelier with fresh ingredients.

Pineapple and Roasted Beet Salad


1/2 of a fresh pineapple, cut in 1-inch pieces
3-4 beets, roasted, sliced *

Dressing:

2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

Whisk together dressing ingredients. Toss the dressing (you may not need all of it - add a little at a time and taste) with beets and pineapple. Enjoy.

* I wash the beets, wrap them in foil and roast at 350 degrees for 1- 1 1/2 hours - depending on the size of the beet. They should be tender - easily cut with a butter knife. Once they've cooled,  peel and slice.  Alternately, the Holiday Market deli (Redding and Cottonwood) sells roasted organic beets.

Printable recipe: CLick here.
]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:48:00 GMT 81CC39EACED9551292AF5125FBFDA076 Cultural Cruise 2012: Wrap Up http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1752500 Redding City Hall was buzzing with art fans last Friday evening. They were enjoying a fun stop on the 2012 Cultural Cruise, where artwork is displayed on all three floors. &nbsp;There was much oohing and aahing over a variety of works - paintings, photographs and sculptures. It took me awhile snap a picture of this amazing piece by artist James Freeman, because so many people were swarming around it. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-8xKx1ol24/Tyboo53y0tI/AAAAAAAAA7s/QXVsDhLuMxU/s1600/snakeinthegrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Several North State Songwriters provided musical entertainment. Folk-rocker, Nick Ciampi: <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40SIPv2B3H8/TybmVuti9TI/AAAAAAAAA7M/g0Xf91syLsw/s1600/nickcityhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Paul Howell: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gahsKn4pns8/TybmvEyhbCI/AAAAAAAAA7U/qldReMSRvRk/s1600/paulhowellcityhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Cottonwood duo, The Pine Dogz: <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9EmTiqgy6w/TybnJZWzXeI/AAAAAAAAA7c/U1o8CDTXZqI/s1600/pinedogz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> And Craig and I - Still Married -- had fun with local tunes: <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOvfeZ9oho8/TybncnDHJzI/AAAAAAAAA7k/ZoVyYUyMRjk/s1600/stillmarriedcithhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Grab a cup of coffee and spend some time exploring the exhibits on all three floors of Redding City Hall - they'll be there through May. You will be delighted, I promise.


Several North State Songwriters provided musical entertainment.

Folk-rocker, Nick Ciampi:


Paul Howell:


Cottonwood duo, The Pine Dogz:


And Craig and I - Still Married -- had fun with local tunes:


Grab a cup of coffee and spend some time exploring the exhibits on all three floors of Redding City Hall - they'll be there through May. You will be delighted, I promise.



]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT BD61517073EEAE29382952D612449F22 Redding Cultural Cruise 2012 http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1726903 A city-wide event celebrating art and culture -- it's a Redding tradition and we love being part of it. Craig and I will be joined by several other North State songwriters at Redding City Hall on Friday, January 27th. On the bill are: &nbsp;5:00 &nbsp;Nick Ciampi &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5:45 Paul Howell &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6:30 The Pine Dogz &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7:15 Still Married <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy51u3wt570/TXfrN_Al72I/AAAAAAAAAzE/Ovee3S5j6I0/s1600/Nick+City+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fi7Fo8Uc4lc/TTYyQCDgNXI/AAAAAAAAAyk/wlz1FoJPW2M/s1600/Pinedogz-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Come check out the new artwork on display, enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. There are several venues on the Cruise - maps are available here: <a href="http://www.shastalibraries.org/spl/pdfs/2012/CulturalCruiseMap2012Jan.pdf" target="_blank">Cultural Cruise Map
Craig and I will be joined by several other North State songwriters at Redding City Hall on Friday, January 27th.

On the bill are:  5:00  Nick Ciampi
                          5:45 Paul Howell
                          6:30 The Pine Dogz
                          7:15 Still Married





Come check out the new artwork on display, enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. There are several venues on the Cruise - maps are available here: Cultural Cruise Map

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT 93CA5FBA5CF30985AB3A6D68A299A577 2012 Word: Discipline http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1705369 Last year, I took Christine Kane's advice regarding New Year's Resolutions. Kane is a singer-songwriter and "Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World." &nbsp;She explains her philosophy on her blog: "Choose a word for the year and let it guide you to take action." You can read the whole piece on her website: <a href="http://christinekane.com/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/" target="_blank">Christine Kane: Resolution Revolution. I procrastinated about what I was going to commit to for 2012, but I decided there was no way around it. My word for 2012 is discipline. That's not an easy word for me, because I tend to be relaxed and laid back. &nbsp;"Let It Be" has worked well for me. But at this age, at this moment, with my goals and aspirations, discipline is a requirement. I've just begun fiddle lessons, and it's challenging my middle-aged brain to the limit. &nbsp;Practice doesn't make perfect - at least not so far - but the discipline is slowly easing me out of the "screeching cat" phase.&nbsp; I'm working on a 10-song <a href="http://whiskeytownroadhouse.com/" target="_blank">CD project that's only half written. Discipline (and coffee) will get me into my studio for the necessary early morning writing sessions.&nbsp; Last summer, I started running and preparing healthy meals and I managed to lose 20 pounds. That weight is not going to stay gone without a little -- or most likely, a lot -- of discipline. &nbsp;&nbsp; So, with this handy-dandy word tucked into my pocket, I'm ready for whatever the New Year has in store. Do you have a word for 2012? Share, please? <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lGPuDuRgXU/Tw0t1KaYM8I/AAAAAAAAA64/nLLxa5o_3mw/s1600/newyearseve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> New Year's Eve in Hawaii -- No discipline here, just aloha.... Christine Kane: Resolution Revolution.

I procrastinated about what I was going to commit to for 2012, but I decided there was no way around it. My word for 2012 is discipline. That's not an easy word for me, because I tend to be relaxed and laid back.  "Let It Be" has worked well for me. But at this age, at this moment, with my goals and aspirations, discipline is a requirement.


  • I've just begun fiddle lessons, and it's challenging my middle-aged brain to the limit.  Practice doesn't make perfect - at least not so far - but the discipline is slowly easing me out of the "screeching cat" phase. 
  • I'm working on a 10-song CD project that's only half written. Discipline (and coffee) will get me into my studio for the necessary early morning writing sessions. 
  • Last summer, I started running and preparing healthy meals and I managed to lose 20 pounds. That weight is not going to stay gone without a little -- or most likely, a lot -- of discipline.   


So, with this handy-dandy word tucked into my pocket, I'm ready for whatever the New Year has in store.

Do you have a word for 2012? Share, please?

New Year's Eve in Hawaii -- No discipline here, just aloha....


]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:00 GMT 195CE638A89772763D842EEAA0A6B520 Merry Christmas Shortbread Cookies http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1607732 It's that time, again....a post from last year -- and the year before -- but cookie recipes are ageless. AIn't life grand? I make about 70 pounds of this shortbread dough in December -- we give away most of the cookies - to customers, friends, roving bands of neighborhood teens. It's my favorite holiday recipe because it's SO simple and still so amazingly good.You can roll the dough out, cut out fancy shapes. You can decorate them or drizzle them with melted chocolate. But I prefer them plain, naked -- pure, simple perfection.I started with a recipe from Jeremiah Tower -- but I added vanilla to it and played with the baking time, so I consider it mine, now.Feel free to consider it yours:Christmas Shortbread Cookies1 pound butter, room temperature1 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla4 cups flourCream butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in flour. Form dough into logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour. (Logs can be frozen.) Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Slice dough and place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for thirty minutes.The cookies should be pale, not browned - take them out just as soon as the tops are dry. They will be delicate and oh-so-wonderful.Enjoy!
It's that time, again....a post from last year -- and the year before -- but cookie recipes are ageless. AIn't life grand?

I make about 70 pounds of this shortbread dough in December -- we give away most of the cookies - to customers, friends, roving bands of neighborhood teens. It's my favorite holiday recipe because it's SO simple and still so amazingly good.

You can roll the dough out, cut out fancy shapes. You can decorate them or drizzle them with melted chocolate. But I prefer them plain, naked -- pure, simple perfection.

I started with a recipe from Jeremiah Tower -- but I added vanilla to it and played with the baking time, so I consider it mine, now.

Feel free to consider it yours:

Christmas Shortbread Cookies

1 pound butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups flour


Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in flour. Form dough into logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour. (Logs can be frozen.) Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Slice dough and place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for thirty minutes.

The cookies should be pale, not browned - take them out just as soon as the tops are dry. They will be delicate and oh-so-wonderful.

Enjoy!

]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2011 04:27:00 GMT A41CF9466CFCFC0385492201D93B915C NOT a Christmas Letter http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1588614 I completely flaked out in 2010 (and still feel guilty about it) &nbsp;but this year I managed to put &nbsp;together a Friedman Family video Christmas Card for 2011. It comes with wishes of joy for your Holiday Season and all throughout the New Year. or click <a href="http://youtu.be/TyNPh49QgGY" target="_blank">here to go to youtube
It comes with wishes of joy for your Holiday Season and all throughout the New Year.



or click here to go to youtube
]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:01:00 GMT 6A5C276363AD82A0F69F0E00831BDE9E 51 Days http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1462691 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPTV_7tC9lQ/TrIaqrZrk5I/AAAAAAAAA6o/my8zRQ_Up8o/s1600/ArtsMart+Poster+Small-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> It's true. Christmas is just 51 frantic&nbsp;fun-filled days away. If you're thinking lists, gifts and oh-my-where-did-the-year-go? Don't worry, because local artists are here to help get you through this Christmas season. This Saturday, you'll find 40 local artists and crafters at ARTsMART at The Mt. Shasta Mall from 10 - 9. Come out and enjoy art displays, demonstrations, musical entertainment and craft booths. The kids can work on fun projects, and you can peruse the art displays and find unique local gifts for everyone on your list. Still Married will play original tunes in the Food Court from 11 until noon, and we'll have some CDs to give away. We'd love to see you there.

It's true. Christmas is just 51 frantic fun-filled days away. If you're thinking lists, gifts and oh-my-where-did-the-year-go? Don't worry, because local artists are here to help get you through this Christmas season.

This Saturday, you'll find 40 local artists and crafters at ARTsMART at The Mt. Shasta Mall from 10 - 9. Come out and enjoy art displays, demonstrations, musical entertainment and craft booths. The kids can work on fun projects, and you can peruse the art displays and find unique local gifts for everyone on your list.

Still Married will play original tunes in the Food Court from 11 until noon, and we'll have some CDs to give away. We'd love to see you there.
]]> Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT 7921680E7AFB0A41CA470D65B0C4D7E6 Simon's Still Amazing After All These Years http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1391752 Celebrating the brilliant Paul Simon on his 70th birthday. This is my favorite version of my favorite Paul Simon tune: Kathy's Song, performed by Eva Cassidy. Enjoy:

Enjoy:



]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:48:00 GMT B40FFC15465A2876436ADC038129CBDF Celebrating Redding's Sundial Bridge http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1311564 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgT5u5eVoyw/TnipKhTiRLI/AAAAAAAAA6A/TkuhfAx0HQ8/s1600/sundialbridgespire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">I'm thrilled that <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2011/09/16/the-worlds-most-incredible-bridges/">Forbes Magazine has named the Sundial Bridge "One of the World's Most Incredible Bridges." Of course, I always knew it was special, and I've been inspired time and again by its beauty. In celebration, we are giving away free downloads of our song, Under the Sundial Bridge on our website. Click <a href="http://www.stillmarried.net/listen.cfm">here.We're looking forward to sharing that tune and others on Thursday evening, from 5-7, at Redding City Hall at the Fall Art Reception. We'll be alternating sets with talented folk-rocker Nick Ciampi. And because "Forever begins with a kiss under the Sundial Bridge," we'll be giving away kisses. Please stop by.
I'm thrilled that Forbes Magazine has named the Sundial Bridge "One of the World's Most Incredible Bridges." Of course, I always knew it was special, and I've been inspired time and again by its beauty.

In celebration, we are giving away free downloads of our song, Under the Sundial Bridge on our website. Click here.

We're looking forward to sharing that tune and others on Thursday evening, from 5-7, at Redding City Hall at the Fall Art Reception. We'll be alternating sets with talented folk-rocker Nick Ciampi.

And because "Forever begins with a kiss under the Sundial Bridge," we'll be giving away kisses. Please stop by.




]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:41:00 GMT AE07ED5FD067D2C5F6A97CDDBBB614A3 Be There: Art and Music this Week http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1149855 Come out for the opening of abstract artist Lita Couhart's show on Wednesday evening, 5 - 7, at the Bohemian Art Loft. Her work is colorful and exciting and she uses textures and shapes in wonderfully imaginative ways. Lita is celebrating her first solo show here in Redding - come out and enjoy music and refreshments and meet the delightful Lita. Aug 3rd, 5-7Bohemian Art Loft 3304B Bechelli Lane Redding 229-7818Saturday evening, cool off with a drive up to Gray Pine Farm for dinner and some incredible Bluegrass/Americana music. Shasta County native Rita Hosking will be there with her band, Cousin Jack. Sharing the bill is North Carolina band Dehlia Low.Rita charms audiences every time she comes to town. Her voice is magical and her songwriting is always poignant and poetic. Her Shasta County roots run deep, and her story songs are vivid and brilliantly crafted. Winner of the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest, Rita's toured in Europe and recently finished recording her fifth CD.Here's one of my favorites:Craig and I are looking forward to some amazing musicianship and great harmonies from Dehlia Low. We caught them on TV a while back and were impressed with their soulful bluegrass-country tunes. Cool mountain breeze, cool mountain music -- should be a perfect evening out at Gray Pine Farm.Tickets are available at Bernie's Guitar 3086 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA (530) 223-2040or the Oak Run Country Store(accepts cash or checks only)(530) 472-1029*subject to availability Come out for the opening of abstract artist Lita Couhart's show on Wednesday evening, 5 - 7, at the Bohemian Art Loft. Her work is colorful and exciting and she uses textures and shapes in wonderfully imaginative ways. Lita is celebrating her first solo show here in Redding - come out and enjoy music and refreshments and meet the delightful Lita.

Aug 3rd, 5-7
Bohemian Art Loft
3304B Bechelli Lane
Redding
229-7818


Saturday evening, cool off with a drive up to Gray Pine Farm for dinner and some incredible Bluegrass/Americana music. Shasta County native Rita Hosking will be there with her band, Cousin Jack. Sharing the bill is North Carolina band Dehlia Low.

Rita charms audiences every time she comes to town. Her voice is magical and her songwriting is always poignant and poetic. Her Shasta County roots run deep, and her story songs are vivid and brilliantly crafted. Winner of the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest, Rita's toured in Europe and recently finished recording her fifth CD.

Here's one of my favorites:


Craig and I are looking forward to some amazing musicianship and great harmonies from Dehlia Low. We caught them on TV a while back and were impressed with their soulful bluegrass-country tunes.

Cool mountain breeze, cool mountain music -- should be a perfect evening out at Gray Pine Farm.


Tickets are available at Bernie's Guitar
3086 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA
(530) 223-2040
or the Oak Run Country Store
(accepts cash or checks only)
(530) 472-1029
*subject to availability

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:44:00 GMT 35CF628E075C958DD56BAC5A618955F9 Raise the Roof http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073447 Out little town of Cottonwood is pulling together this weekend. The mission? Raise $14,000 to fix the weather-damaged roof on the Community Center. The building is dear to my heart -- it's where my kids first learned to dance - and they ALL live to dance now. Cottonwood is dear to my heart because we fell in love with this place - the old-west landscape, the generous people and the can-do spirit -- when we moved here thirteen years ago.The event gets underway on Friday at 1 PM, when Shasta County Supervisor Les Baugh and Cottonwood Mayor Mary O'Keeffe begin a 24-hour stint on the Community Center roof. Trip-tip barbecue starts at 5 -- $15 for adults, $5 for kids.Craig and I - Still Married - will play original Shasta County tunes from 5:30 - 6. Other entertainment will be provided by <a href="http://www.ronniebrackett.com/">Ronnie Brackett, Donna White-Frampton and Richard Horner. The evenings' activities include a live auction, silent auction and raffle. The festivities continue on Saturday with a pancake breakfast and Kids Fun Day including free hot dogs for the first 200 kids, compliments of Wallner Plumbing.If you can't make it and would like to help out, our little town would sincerely appreciate your donation. Checks can be mailed to:Cottonwood Community CenterPO Box 1909Cottonwood, CA 96022<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NAhwW46WFA/TgINT7n2EyI/AAAAAAAAA2E/MKwbog9oJXM/s1600/roofjpg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">
Cottonwood is dear to my heart because we fell in love with this place - the old-west landscape, the generous people and the can-do spirit -- when we moved here thirteen years ago.

The event gets underway on Friday at 1 PM, when Shasta County Supervisor Les Baugh and Cottonwood Mayor Mary O'Keeffe begin a 24-hour stint on the Community Center roof. Trip-tip barbecue starts at 5 -- $15 for adults, $5 for kids.

Craig and I - Still Married - will play original Shasta County tunes from 5:30 - 6.

Other entertainment will be provided by Ronnie Brackett, Donna White-Frampton and Richard Horner. The evenings' activities include a live auction, silent auction and raffle. The festivities continue on Saturday with a pancake breakfast and Kids Fun Day including free hot dogs for the first 200 kids, compliments of Wallner Plumbing.

If you can't make it and would like to help out, our little town would sincerely appreciate your donation. Checks can be mailed to:

Cottonwood Community Center
PO Box 1909
Cottonwood, CA 96022

]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:12:00 GMT DCF894917354FFE1B52BB890C27D303E Exceptional Coffee and Original Tunes http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073448 My word for 2011 is "FORGE" (see New Year's blog <a href="http://stillmarriedband.blogspot.com/2010/12/this-years-word-forge.html">post) and when I picked that word, I made a few promises to myself. One thing I vowed to do was participate in more Open Mic events. Sharing songs in a casual setting is perfect for networking, trying out new material, and honing skills that can ONLY be developed in front of an audience.So -- how perfect is this? My buddy Nick Ciampi has organized a Songwriters Open Mic at Barista's Coffee ROASTING. Roast....Forge. Can you see how I might take that as an omen?Nick is hoping the event will become a Thursday evening tradition at Barista's.If you're a fan of original music, come on out on June 23rd. If you're a songwriter, please join us and share what you're working on. Sing a little bit and enjoy a cup of exceptional specialty coffee.Songwriters Open MicJune 23, 6-8 PMat Barista's Coffee Roasting1007 Dana DrRedding530-221-7070Presented by the North State Songwriters Group. If you'd like info on the North State Songwriters, please email me. My word for 2011 is "FORGE" (see New Year's blog post) and when I picked that word, I made a few promises to myself. One thing I vowed to do was participate in more Open Mic events. Sharing songs in a casual setting is perfect for networking, trying out new material, and honing skills that can ONLY be developed in front of an audience.

So -- how perfect is this? My buddy Nick Ciampi has organized a Songwriters Open Mic at Barista's Coffee ROASTING. Roast....Forge. Can you see how I might take that as an omen?

Nick is hoping the event will become a Thursday evening tradition at Barista's.

If you're a fan of original music, come on out on June 23rd. If you're a songwriter, please join us and share what you're working on. Sing a little bit and enjoy a cup of exceptional specialty coffee.

Songwriters Open Mic
June 23, 6-8 PM

at Barista's Coffee Roasting
1007 Dana Dr
Redding
530-221-7070

Presented by the North State Songwriters Group. If you'd like info on the North State Songwriters, please email me.



]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMT C25364DFC39C425935E82D0DDF370F78 Shasta County Folk Song Honored http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073449 We're very excited that our song The Hour of the Outlaw received an Honorable Mention in the Folk category of the West Coast Songwriters International <a href="http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/winners">Song Contest. I wrote the song in response to a challenge on the Songwriting Scene blog: "Write a song based on a book title." I had read Maiya Williams' time-travel novel, The Hour of the Outlaw, to my kids a few years before and thought the title had a nice musical lilt to it. For the song's story, I found inspiration in a local historical event -- the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-treasures5.html">Ruggles Brothers legend, with its bad boys, sunken treasure and lynch mob. As a songwriter, I like to take the truth and make it better, so I whipped out my Poetic License and embellished the tale, creating a Shasta County folk song with a supernatural twist.The song is on our latest CD, Storms and Other Blessed Burdens.The Hour of the Outlawwords and music © 2010 Erin FriedmanHe checked his pocket watch and he pulled his hat down lowCrouched in shadowed canyon beside the stagecoach roadStood ready with his shotgun and when the stage arrivedShot the guard and stole the gold and proved his daddy rightThe Hour of the OutlawSeconds beat like a drumThe Hour of the OutlawThe countdown has begunHis daddy was a scoundrel, a gambler and a thiefTook a bullet in his back for the aces up his sleeveBefore he died he said, "Son, outlaw blood runs through your veinsAnd all I got to leave you is this pocket watch and chain"The Outlaw of the stagecoach trail could not out run his fateTime had come for justice and justice would not waitAn angry mob rode out to Whiskey Creek and tracked him downLeft him swinging like a pendulum from the highest tree in townThe treasure still lies buried on the banks of Whiskey CreekMany men have searched and failed - fortunatelyBut when the time is right, some unsuspecting soulWill dig up a cursed pocket watch and strongbox full of gold
We're very excited that our song The Hour of the Outlaw received an Honorable Mention in the Folk category of the West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest.

I wrote the song in response to a challenge on the Songwriting Scene blog: "Write a song based on a book title." I had read Maiya Williams' time-travel novel, The Hour of the Outlaw, to my kids a few years before and thought the title had a nice musical lilt to it. For the song's story, I found inspiration in a local historical event -- the Ruggles Brothers legend, with its bad boys, sunken treasure and lynch mob.

As a songwriter, I like to take the truth and make it better, so I whipped out my Poetic License and embellished the tale, creating a Shasta County folk song with a supernatural twist.

The song is on our latest CD, Storms and Other Blessed Burdens.




The Hour of the Outlaw
words and music © 2010 Erin Friedman

He checked his pocket watch and he pulled his hat down low
Crouched in shadowed canyon beside the stagecoach road
Stood ready with his shotgun and when the stage arrived
Shot the guard and stole the gold and proved his daddy right

The Hour of the Outlaw
Seconds beat like a drum
The Hour of the Outlaw
The countdown has begun

His daddy was a scoundrel, a gambler and a thief
Took a bullet in his back for the aces up his sleeve
Before he died he said, "Son, outlaw blood runs through your veins
And all I got to leave you is this pocket watch and chain"

The Outlaw of the stagecoach trail could not out run his fate
Time had come for justice and justice would not wait
An angry mob rode out to Whiskey Creek and tracked him down
Left him swinging like a pendulum from the highest tree in town

The treasure still lies buried on the banks of Whiskey Creek
Many men have searched and failed - fortunately
But when the time is right, some unsuspecting soul
Will dig up a cursed pocket watch and strongbox full of gold
]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:00 GMT 1842AC905025959382ED7874D54EB3D9 70 Candles: Blowin' in the Wind http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073450 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N--dIaa8F5U/TdnQuve-QhI/AAAAAAAAA1g/dzNCBk024ms/s1600/Nick.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Bob Dylan celebrates his 70th birthday this Tuesday, so singer-songwriter (and devoted Dylan fan) Nick Ciampi has organized a party. May 24th, 5:30 PM Ultimate Pizza 1730 Pleasant Street Redding, CA 96001 241-8646"Dylan is a legend and still doing it," says Nick, when asked why he's putting together this musical tribute. "I wonder how many of us would be writing songs if he didn't start that bug in so many of us so long ago?" Nick has invited area musicians to come out and join in the celebration. It will be "a night for people to get together and play and have fun," Nick says. I'm planning to be there - I'll sing one of my favorite Dylan tunes, One Too Many Mornings.I first heard to the song on a Bobby Sherman album back in the late 60s. Yes - EVERYONE does Dylan.Nick promises "a lot of great songs done in a lot of different ways."So what's Nick Ciampi's favorite Dylan tune? "So many songs to choose from," he says, "I could write a book on my favorites." But he's especially fond of "Blind Willie McTell," a ballad he calls honest and real.Come help celebrate an American Icon on Tuesday night. You're welcome to sing, if you'd like, sing along, or just enjoy the great pizza and the camaraderie of fellow music fans.Here's The Kingston Trio's version of One Too Many Mornings:
Bob Dylan celebrates his 70th birthday this Tuesday, so singer-songwriter (and devoted Dylan fan) Nick Ciampi has organized a party.

May 24th, 5:30 PM
Ultimate Pizza
1730 Pleasant Street
Redding, CA 96001
241-8646

"Dylan is a legend and still doing it," says Nick, when asked why he's putting together this musical tribute. "I wonder how many of us would be writing songs if he didn't start that bug in so many of us so long ago?"

Nick has invited area musicians to come out and join in the celebration. It will be "a night for people to get together and play and have fun," Nick says.

I'm planning to be there - I'll sing one of my favorite Dylan tunes, One Too Many Mornings.I first heard to the song on a Bobby Sherman album back in the late 60s. Yes - EVERYONE does Dylan.

Nick promises "a lot of great songs done in a lot of different ways."

So what's Nick Ciampi's favorite Dylan tune? "So many songs to choose from," he says, "I could write a book on my favorites." But he's especially fond of "Blind Willie McTell," a ballad he calls honest and real.

Come help celebrate an American Icon on Tuesday night. You're welcome to sing, if you'd like, sing along, or just enjoy the great pizza and the camaraderie of fellow music fans.

Here's The Kingston Trio's version of One Too Many Mornings:


]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 17:00:00 GMT B97511AE43CEB161E5B8B65B396C3D6A A Saul T. Show this Thursday http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073451 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8-Gt1O78Js/Ta3qVg6x1gI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/jcP7QWVglPg/s1600/the_moody_guitarist.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">He's a mix of Jack Johnson and John Lennon with a dash of Ralph Stanley and he's coming to town on Thursday. You can catch Saul T. 's acoustic folk show at The Bohemian Art Loft - doors open at 8.The Bohemian Art Loft3048 Bechelli Ln, ReddingCheck out his tunes here and enjoy the intimate venue Thursday night:Saul T. on <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/sault">Reverbnation<!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> He's a mix of Jack Johnson and John Lennon with a dash of Ralph Stanley and he's coming to town on Thursday. You can catch Saul T. 's acoustic folk show at The Bohemian Art Loft - doors open at 8.

The Bohemian Art Loft
3048 Bechelli Ln, Redding

Check out his tunes here and enjoy the intimate venue Thursday night:

Saul T. on Reverbnation


]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:15:00 GMT D1EBB8A1F6C707E94D78E7553CDBE017 Jewish Carpenter Tackles Coop http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073452 Several years ago when we had baby chicks, we cobbled together some plywood bins and called it a chicken house. Amazingly, the chickens thrived - produced many years of eggs, though their offerings were not always easy to find. We are older and wiser, now, and one of us has obsessive-compulsive tendencies when it comes to building projects. Craig decided that this time he'd build a perfect chicken house, right of Better Coops and Gardens. He spent hours researching chicken requirements, calculating, measuring and planning. He built a Chicken Taj Majal for our girls.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syT9I_3FXsk/TaejQs9S27I/AAAAAAAAA04/lVWOZbUjFK0/s1600/coopA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCCW_pf3JHs/TaejRV1WRBI/AAAAAAAAA1I/E5RUtr9iyEE/s1600/coopB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Laying boxes - with a drop down door for easy access.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVpmeJ3ZbEI/TaehdseS-MI/AAAAAAAAA0w/pnXTwT6mDo4/s1600/coop3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4kFaiPelys/TaejQ_wAKcI/AAAAAAAAA1A/iUQ880kuvxA/s1600/coopC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Roosting bars.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxjCuf1vzW0/TaehdaBYZoI/AAAAAAAAA0o/OyfGdw3Om-k/s1600/coop4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3r9t4TP-oMM/TaehdHlgeBI/AAAAAAAAA0g/uymQiF3oooE/s1600/coop5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ade_1dP5SAE/TaehcuF56zI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/n5qX5fF62m4/s1600/teenschickensplus.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Now you would think these birds would be grateful - happy to nestle into their safe (expensive) plywood haven in the evening. No. Chickens don't do grateful, but they do aggravating very well. They huddle on the ground, under the ramp in the evening chill and we have to go out at dusk and gather them up one at a time and force them into their house. Not the brightest of breeds, our Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps will find their own way into their coop at night or they will end up a tasty, not-quite-kosher midnight snack for our neighborhood owls. Of course, our two old, retired chickens still prefer to free-range. They spend their days messing on my patio and their nights huddled in a jasmine bush. On occasion, they enjoy making a political statement. Here's Killer, doing her take on "A Chicken in Every Pot:"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKX-huYL4Z0/TanUzA-H2eI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/MJbLGguRECw/s1600/killerinpot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">
We are older and wiser, now, and one of us has obsessive-compulsive tendencies when it comes to building projects. Craig decided that this time he'd build a perfect chicken house, right of Better Coops and Gardens. He spent hours researching chicken requirements, calculating, measuring and planning. He built a Chicken Taj Majal for our girls.





Laying boxes - with a drop down door for easy access.



Roosting bars.









Now you would think these birds would be grateful - happy to nestle into their safe (expensive) plywood haven in the evening. No. Chickens don't do grateful, but they do aggravating very well. They huddle on the ground, under the ramp in the evening chill and we have to go out at dusk and gather them up one at a time and force them into their house.

Not the brightest of breeds, our Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps will find their own way into their coop at night or they will end up a tasty, not-quite-kosher midnight snack for our neighborhood owls.

Of course, our two old, retired chickens still prefer to free-range. They spend their days messing on my patio and their nights huddled in a jasmine bush. On occasion, they enjoy making a political statement.

Here's Killer, doing her take on "A Chicken in Every Pot:"











]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:55:00 GMT 9DA42BDEF73E34FD545A03E8F337786B St. Patrick's Day Giveaway http://stillmarried.net/blog.cfm?feature=2533952&postid=1073453 According to family legend, my great-great grandfather, George Convy, brought a piece of sod from the homeland when he emigrated from Ireland in 1866. Now and then, when he was feeling particularly homesick, he would take it out and have a good cry.The Irish, who fled their country by the thousands, did not have a word for "emigrate" -- instead, they used the word for "exile," which struck me as sad and poignant. In this song, The Turf o' Tullamore, I pay tribute to my Irish ancestors, who came from Tullamore, Ireland, to make a new life in St Louis, MO, -- and who occasionally grieved for their homeland.In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the song is available as a free download on our website, . Click here: <a href="http://www.stillmarried.net/user" target="_blank">Free Download Turf o' TullamoreThe Turf o' Tullamorewords and music © Erin Coombs FriedmanInto the West land of the freeIn freedom will I e'er a stranger beSo up the stairs I climbOpen up the trunk and findThe piece of home I carried 'cross the seachorus:Weeping o'er The Turf o' TullamoreExiles both the Irish sod and IThe Turf o' TullamoreWill know my bones forevermoreSweeten my grave when ILay down to dieFor my sons, I made a pledgeThey'll not beg the Crown for daily breadThere's days I understandThe promise in this promised landAnd days I fill my glass with my regretschorusWhen I take my final restLay the Turf o' Tullamore upon my breastAnd it's sweet - the dream I'll dreamHome to Erin's fields of greenBy the Shannon's holy waters, I'll be blessedchorusYoutube Link <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=sbv1bMllWEY">Here
The Irish, who fled their country by the thousands, did not have a word for "emigrate" -- instead, they used the word for "exile," which struck me as sad and poignant. In this song, The Turf o' Tullamore, I pay tribute to my Irish ancestors, who came from Tullamore, Ireland, to make a new life in St Louis, MO, -- and who occasionally grieved for their homeland.





In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, t
he song is available as a free download on our website, . Click here: Free Download Turf o' Tullamore

The Turf o' Tullamore
words and music © Erin Coombs Friedman


Into the West ? land of the free
In freedom will I e?er a stranger be
So up the stairs I climb
Open up the trunk and find
The piece of home I carried ?cross the sea

chorus:

Weeping o?er The Turf o? Tullamore
Exiles both ? the Irish sod and I
The Turf o? Tullamore
Will know my bones forevermore
Sweeten my grave when I
Lay down to die


For my sons, I made a pledge
They?ll not beg the Crown for daily bread
There?s days I understand
The promise in this promised land
And days I fill my glass with my regrets

chorus

When I take my final rest
Lay the Turf o? Tullamore upon my breast
And it?s sweet - the dream I?ll dream
Home to Erin?s fields of green
By the Shannon?s holy waters, I?ll be blessed

chorus

Youtube Link Here
]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:09:00 GMT 5C216DA0383B2240C82E442563CD5B22