When a musician first hears a virtuoso, like guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, he or she will choose one of two reactions:
1. Oh my God! This guitar player is too good, I should cut my hands off and give up!
or
2. Oh my God! This guitar player is so inspiring, I should learn how they learned and practice more!
Remember, all virtuosos started as beginners; and when they heard their heroes for the first time, they made a choice.
Be inspired, not daunted.
When I think of Ann Arbor music as a new resident here, I first think of the Ragbirds, the Ark, the Blind Pig, Herb David Guitar, Jim Roll’s, Laith al-Saadi–and Matt Altruda.
Matt is Ann Arbor music scene’s main cheerleader, our United Nation’s Music Scene Diplomat. From his radio show on 107.1, the Sonic Lunch concert series, the Let’s Get Weird variety shows at LIVE, to his attendance at numerous shows in the area, Matt does so much to bringing and support eclectic music in tree town.
Recently, the Ann Arbor press has been writing about Matt’s hard work bringing music to the forefront of Ann Arbor: http://www.annarbor.com/tag/Matthew%20Altruda/
Matt’s been quite welcoming to Natalie and I this last half year as we’ve gotten to know our new home; and I’m excited to now bring my music to his 107.1 FM radio show on Sunday, May 19.
I will be debuting a new song, talking about my upcoming show at the Ark (May 28! Free!), and my new, married life as an Ann Arbor resident.
Sunday, May 19, 2013 – 107.1 FM Tree Town Sound
with host Matt Altruda
- Listen online here (click “Listen live” button in upper right-hand corner)
- Show starts at 6 PM
Monday, March 4, 2013 – Fearless Radio
Interview and live performance
1 PM (CST)
- To listen: http://www.fearlessradio.com/ and click “Listen Now”
- Tweet questions: www.twitter.com/fearlessradio
I’ll be stopping in at my favorite Chicago radio station, Fearless Radio, before my show at the Hard Rock Cafe this night. The show will be streaming live at the link above!
Natalie’s Kickstarter Hits 50% & We Share Swedish Pop!
My wife’s Kickstarter campaign to self-publish her first book, Swedish Lessons, hit 50% funded yesterday, with 18 days to go! We are overwhelmed with thankfulness for the support!
My wife’s drive and talent as a freelance writer is part of the inspiration for me to be a full-time musician. And during her busy journalism career, she finished Swedish Lessons. Nat describes her memoir best: “A book about the five months I spent cleaning the home of an aspiring cult leader on a remote Swedish farm. Accidentally.”
Anyways, as promised on our Facebook pages, we are sharing a video of ourselves covering a Swedish pop song as a thank you for the early support. Thank you to all of our 80+ backers in the first week and a 1/2 of the campaign! If you’d enjoy reading a funny, witty, true story–like Eat, Pray, Love meets David Sedaris–then please consider backing Natalie’s project!
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 – Impact 89FM’s Progressive Torch and Twang
Show: 8:30 PM with host, Eric Walters
I’ll be performing live on the Impact. Listen on the radio at 88.9 FM in the Lansing area, or online at www.impact89fm.org
