Nick Edelstein

Archive for the ‘Tour Diary’ Category

Thank You …

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

for such a warm homecoming this Independence Day. Thanks to everyone who attended my shows up North – the “NE [New England] Tour.” You all clapped louder for my originals than covers; you danced and sang; you reminded me why I keep on keepin’ on.

New this week is the music player! Used to be on top of the page, now it’s below. I’ve had my eyes on Streampad for a while now. Everyone uses it, from major-label to Indie. Play some tunes and lemme know what you think!

~Nick

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Two Firsts in Knoxville

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Had fun on Friday with Rich and Calvin playing at Manhattan’s in Knoxville, TN. We rocked it all night, autographed a few CDs, and made some new friends!
Plus two things happened that’ve never seen before:
•this lady gave me a rose (???)
•hotel room had a jacuzzi inside; great way to end the evening!

Tags: band, calvin, ellis, flower, gig, grillo, Knoxville, manhattan, rich, Rose, show, thorn, TN
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Announcing “Super Fan” for Athens, GA

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Free Private Show and VIP After-Party for Athens, GA fans!

We’ll be performing and taping a private concert for a few lucky “Super Fans” to appear later on WUGA-TV! Free food and drinks plus a VIP After-Party. Attendees will also receive a free signed copy of our new album, “Year Of The Ox.”

Space is limited so tell us what makes you a “Super Fan.” Write to superfan@nickedelstein.com

Tags: arts, Athens Georgia, band, concert, contest, edelstein, exclusive, fan, FM, Georgia (U.S. state), live, nick, radio, show, super, television, tv, VIP, WUGA
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Warren Co. Rocks

Friday, May 21st, 2010

As we rolled down Main St., the warmly familiar buildings came into view: I saw the shops, court house, and then the park. To my pleasant suprise, a large stage had been constructed (last year we used a ground-level platform). I had truly enjoyed meeting the residents of Warrenton, GA last year and looked forward to this concert. Cindy and her daughter greeted us at the stage. Later, as we began to play, I appreciated the elevated perspective. Cool breezes, and I could see over the border bushes across the downtown scape. It was very relaxing and definitely facilitated our extended jams.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Clear blue skies for miles around with white clouds sprinkled on top. You can see a photo here, on the official Warren County website (thanks Mike for posting!)

Tags: concert, court house, downtown, edelstein, GA, live, music, nick, stage, Warren, Warrenton
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Sweet Auburn High

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

When we arrived yesterday at Sweet Auburn Springfest, a nice big stage and first-rate sound crew greeted us. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and everyone was out enjoying their Mothers Day. I knew that a killer show was in my near future I wasn’t wrong, but like everything else in Life it didn’t turn out as I’d expected.

After our fourth song my high “E” string broke (rarely happens; first break in 6 months). I kept cool, quickly retuned my remaining five strings and continued on to “PC Religion” without a hitch. We did five more songs before ending our set and exiting the stage, at which point Fred (drums) first realized my handicap. Andy (bass) had been standing beside me, stage left, and he hadn’t noticed either. True, it was a 32′ x 24′ stage but still…

It’s a small example of how I live every day: be happy, stay focused! Don’t let things you can’t control bother you! Be prepared for the worst. Let experience guide you through obstacles in a calm, professional manner. I guarantee everyone in that audience dug my solos and chord voicings and didn’t notice the missing “E” string – because I didn’t let them. In fact I’m really wishing we had a video of that show because some of my playing was really inspired and stellar, and our stage presence was spot-on.

Fred and Andy rocked. I met some great people-now-fans, like Tony and Nancy. On our way home I couldn’t help but think of how greatful I was for being able to enjoy that experience, instead of getting hung up on the negative aspect (broken string). Too often I see folks wading through their days in negative energy. Be positive, stay focused on the good!

Tags: atlanta, band, concert, dobbs, festival, GA, georgia, mothers day, outdoor, plaza, spring, springfest, stage, sweet auburn
Posted in Tour Diary | 1 Comment »

Concerts In Your Home

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Concerts In Your Home

It’s officially official now, after years of playing “private events” for my dearest fans and friends I am now advertising House Concerts! If you’re interested in being a host, or what hosting entails, there’s a TON of great free information and tips at http://concertsinyourhome.com. As you can see from the photo here, and their website, Concerts In Your Home is serious fun! :)

BTW, if you think I’m the odd man out here, you’re wrong … Edie Carey, Rebecca Loebe and Jackson County Line are just a few of the many noteworthy Atlanta artists who play house concerts! Join the party!

Tags: Advertising, atlanta, carey, concert, Counties, Edie Carey, events, georgia, home, hosting, Jackson, jackson county, living room, loebe, music, private, rebecca loebe, United States, Website
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End Game: Tough Choices

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Those of you who are my fans on Facebook know I enjoy playing chess. When I was a kid my dad schooled me in two games: chess and poker. I believe his goal was teaching me to choose wisely – to plan ahead and weigh the consequences of my actions regardless how small or insignificant they may seem in the present moment.
Chess – like Life – gets tougher as you progress and in a sneaky fashion; that rogue pawn seems harmless until you realize it blocks your only escape route.
In the beginning there are many choices that appear fairly simple; yes/no scenarios such as whether or not to eat, brush teeth, tie shoes, etc. As we grow older we begin to see consequences: weight, cavities, tripping We also make room for bigger decisions: “College? Grad school? Marriage?” We size-up our options and plan our future. We have slightly fewer choices – less pieces on the board – and begin to feel the weight of our opponent’s offense. The impending doom of each mistep can be stifling and so we begin to customize a support system of family and friends, but what happens in the End when we have less to lean on?
Ever since I was a boy, I always struggled with my End Game. I used to find this odd because there are [usually] significantly less chess pieces on the board at the End. Closing the deal is supposed to be the easy part, right? Wrong.
The key to a strong End Game is perspective. It isn’t about the fewer number of pieces onboard, but the greater number of possibilities. Being able to see the space … working dozens of moves ahead to find the safest outcome, avoiding the most hazards …
The more space we have in our lives, the more freedom we have to control our own destiny, the more responsibility each choice carries. When we enter the grown-up world of mortages and marriage, do we invest all our dollars in stocks and bonds, or spend some on entertainment and wardrobe? Don’t have coupons? Suddenly the brands of foods and drinks you cherished as a kid no longer appeal, especially if they’re not on sale. But financial planning is only the tip of the iceberg. The End Game layout is set up during earlier stages of play, which are somewhat unpredictable due to the humanity of our opponent. In fact, we may not even know we’re playing the End Game until they cry “checkmate!”
Such is Life! Nobody can predict the future or plan for the curve balls. So do we play defensively and go for a safe bet? Or do we raise the stakes and follow our dreams? Maybe a little of both? What if Life decides to re-raise, trade queens, and employ a secret weapon? When, if ever, do we recourse and initiate the proverbial “backup plan?” The more “tied down” we become in our responsible adult lives, the less uncertainty we feel but it’s only an illusion. Every choice we make plays a role in our End Game. Winning in Life may involve giving up some seemingly important pieces, but if you’re willing to take that risk, the payoff can be really sweet.

Why chess is a perfect game for fiction (guardian.co.uk)

Tags: Board Games, chess, Chess piece, choices, end, facebook, game, Games, life, metaphor, Pawn, Recreation, tough, Video game
Posted in Tangents, Tour Diary | 5 Comments »

On break reflecting

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

The scene: Harrah’s CMT Crossroads backstage. Finished set 1, on break. As I sit here resting, the subwoofers pulsating through the entire building as Daniel (soundman/DJ) energizes the dance floor, I can’t help but pat myself on the back. I’m playing better than A-game. I’m on a whole new level of A-game, partly thanks to the professionalism of Five Star Iris. I’ve always run a tight ship within myself but these guys inspire me to excell beyond. Also fueling this revival is “Year Of The Ox,” which will drop in 2010. Writing has gotten my creative juices flowing.
Hopefully you (readers) will JOIN US and experience this in the near future! 5si plays Smiths Olde Bar on February 12. MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
~Nick

Tags: 5si, arts, break, CMT Crossroads, Dance, Games, music, Organizations, ox, People, ponder, reflecting, smiths olde bar, think, universe, Women, year, YOTO
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Good Times …

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Image via Wikipedia

“Good Times, Bad Times / I know I’ve had my share …”
Yes, to quote Led Zeppelin it’s been a wild roller coaster these past 12 months but the peaks were really Good Times! I got to meet and jam with some great artists, and played a lot of cool shows. The guys in 5si have been really welcoming and the October gigs rocked. They say I’ve done an awesome job of stepping into the role. Fans said we rocked with great stage presence and I signed a few autographs one woman asked for my guitar pick- first time for everything!

Tags: 5si, anniversary, Bad Times, five star iris, Good Times, Good Times Bad Times, led zeppelin, Roller coaster, zoso
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GSPA ‘09 was “Most Successful Conference Yet”

Monday, October 5th, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

I had the pleasure of returning to GSPA this year as their sole live performer / entertainment. I was very excited, having played the conference in 2007. The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism hosts the Georgia Scholastic Press Association annually, in the Tate Student Center on UGA’s main campus.

Our trip to Athens was uneventful, as usual (hwy 316 can put you to sleep!) but the renovations to the Tate Student Center were eye-opening. It looked a million times more attractive than when I attended [school]. We set up our gear promptly, assisted by wonderful staff (thanks Karen!) and an intern from UGA’s Music Business program.

During the concert some journalism students snapped photos and took notes, then we did a Q&A session! An excellent article – written by the students – sums up the conference (click here to read the article).

Tags: Athens Georgia, Colleges and Universities, Education, georgia, GSPA, Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, journalism, MBUS, music business, Q&A, UGA, United States, University of Georgia
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Alanna Fox joins us on WUGA!

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Excited to announce the first radio appearance of Alanna Fox, who will be our “opening act” on WUGA FM & TV simulcast! Originally scheduled for Nov.6, we are now set on Nov. 20 from 4-5 PM on the “classic” Athens station.

Alanna will entertain during the first half, followed by 30 minutes of our new original tunes and interview! The show airs live on 97.9 FM and local cable TV, and will be re-broadcast on Toccoa cable the following week!

Tags: alanna fox, band, Blues, cable, FM, GA, guitar, live, nick edelstein, piano, radio, rock, toccoa, tv, WUGA
Posted in Press, Tour Diary | 1 Comment »