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Blog posts
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Sep 04 2008, 01:12 PM8/4 DL: Jason EskridgeSo there's a guy here in Nashville who is now my idol. And it's even more weird b/c i know him, but when the lights come on that means nothin really. His name is Jason Eskridge. Last Saturday night he asked me to sing alongside him at The Ryman Auditorium. Yes, that Ryman. Jason's used to this stuff, he's toured with Lyle Lovett and now Jonny Lang for awhile now and so he's used to actually dressing rooms and a real soundcheck and putting on a top notch real show. I on the other hand was a kid in a candy store. See I use to work at the Ryman back in o' let's say about four years ago, still in college. I was this lady:
"Yes, what's your ticket number?" "Yes, restrooms are out the double doors." "No, camera flash is not allowed tonight...unless you do it while I'm tying my shoe." Saw John Mayer Trio, Ben Folds (for the first time), but I opted out on seeing some dude named Jonny Lang a few nights later..."I DON'T KNOW THAT NEGRO!" I said quietly in my head as the other ushers rushed to sign in under his concert date. But I said to myself, I'm gonna be on that stage. Not before long, you watch. Well guys, Jason gave me that chance, so I thank him dearly dearly for showing favor to me and the audience that night (SOLD OUT=2,200 people, what tha!) that had little idea for the most part who this crew was opening for Jonny Lang, but cheers like "Yea dude!" and "We love youuuuuu!" even if it was from a drunken state a bit was well worth hearing. I sang next to Missi Hale, a chick who can sing me under a planet. But she smiled and nooded at me as if to say "Aw, it's okay that you're really a lead singer and can't hang with the big dogs, i'll go easy on u." There were other starlights there like Drew Ramsey, Melinda Doolittle, and Tommy Simms, tons of musicians and my best fridn Albert Shumake ladies and gentleman (more on that later). Jonny Lang got standing O's every other song, literally...sigh. Sidenote: Jonny Lang's drummer is Stokley's (Mint Condition) best friend. Tah-Dah! Ok, now for pics (cuz that's all people who can't read really care about): 
Jason's Website: www.jasoneskridge.com
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Aug 26 2008, 09:30 PM8/26 DL: 15 Minutes to 40!
Hello good peoples. After a weekend out of town I can finally talk about the MInt Condition opening #2 in Nashville. I arrived early looking for the band to see if they remembered me from the Lexington, KY show. They weren't there, only a sign backstage that read: "Mint Condition Dressing Room". Argh. So after about an hour a get 2 minute, yes 2 minute soundcheck right before the doors open. I don't mind though, only doing 3 songs. I'm thinking to myself, this place a huge, no way it's gonna fill up. After soundcheck I go up into the balcony where my friends who've come with me are until I'm supposed to go on at 7:30pm. Note: It's boring being backstage when nobody's back there but you in a small green room. Flattering, but BORING! Anyway, at about 7:00 I get a call from the show promoter saying some more time is needed and that my new set is from 7:30-8:10. 40 FULL MINUTES! WUT! Well, I figure I'm made for this...prepared I was, and 3 songs turned into 7. It was the biggest crowd I'd ever played in front of, and yes I got finally get to meet the guys, including Stokley! So I say to anybody reading this, always be prepared...cuz 15 could turn to 40 with just one phone call.
DL
listening to: Amos Lee
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Aug 12 2008, 01:16 PM
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Aug 04 2008, 01:16 PM8/4 DL: Old Starbucks Tour Footage & Memories (...cue the violins!)DL: Old Starbucks Tour Footage & Stats
Here's some old Starbucks tour footage that got lost in the shuffle but is now being brought to the light. This is an adventure me and Damien Horne went on after the Starbucks show in St. Louis, MO. We met up with friends and were all set to go swimming after the show (we were very excited as this type of stuff never happens after shows...EVER!) But before we hit the midnight pool we knew we'd be hungry so we stopped at a local Wendy's for some grub. My friend goes first in the drive-thru and when she gets up to the speaker the guy yells, "HELLO THANK YOU FOR CHOOOOSING WENDYS HOW MAY I HELP YOU!!!!!" It is so loud we all jump!!!!!! I quickly get my camera as I pull up to the speaker b/c it is hilarious and I've got to get it on flim...roll
St. Louis Wendy's (Part 1) ...watch video here
Now notice he cuts me off before I get to RE-ORDER my frosty, thus I forget, why...BECAUSEWENDY'S IS DUMB AND THEY, YES THEY, MADE ME FORGET. I even forget that I forgot as you will see in this next clip...roll...
St. Louis Wendy's (Part 2) ...watch video here
I'm still pissed...OogYY-BOogYY!!!
St. Louis Wendy's (Part 3) ...watch video here
Waffle House in Huntsville, AL (after the show) ... watch video here
Gas Cost: At least $500Best Crowd: Nashville, TN (go figure...)Best City: Cincinnati, OHBest Eatery: Huntsville, AL (Waffle House)Best Overnight Stay: St. Louis, MOWorst Mistake: Booking cities that take me in and out of time changesFunniest Moment: Tie...1) In St. Louis kids began coming inside Starbucks for free water every 2-3 minutes. 2) Gay man with wig and crazy outfit walks across stage area during Atlanta show.Best Starbucks: Huntsville, AL (gave out samples all show and the Baristas were GREAT!)Longest Set: Nashville, TN (2 hours)Worst News: 2 of 12 Starbucks played at will no longer be there when I come back...RIP
Best Tour Pic: (taken with my camera by Ms. Julie Reeves)
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Jul 23 2008, 10:01 AM7/23 DL: Music City, Huntsvegas, ATL, & Chatt-Town (Part 3) -
Jul 15 2008, 02:37 PM7/15 DL: Music City, Huntsvegas, ATL, & Chatt-Town (Part 2)
...back. So where was I, oh, Chattanooga was swell. Me and Damien played out on the patio. Usually I always say no whenever Starbucks gives the patio pitch "Hey, we thought I'd be a nice fit for you to play on the patio, nice weather...", uh, yea so I can get car horn sound effects and barking dogs all set...I'll pass. But this was away from traffic and a big patio, so it worked perfectly. Me and Damien were SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired for that show though. I had been driving four days and we both got little sleep cuz we were making "LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IN THIS CLUB!" the night before. Plus I played an earlier show at the Chattanooga Market where I felt like Prince b/c it started pouring down raining towards the end of the set. Classic moment, white people listen to a black guy in the rain, i can dig it. Anywho...NASHVILLE PICS PLEASE HERE TAKE GO LOOK
DL, WMIP Online -
Jul 01 2008, 10:41 AM7/1 DL: John Mayer & HappinessDL: John Mayer & Happiness
Last night I went to a small movie theater in Bellevue, TN to see the live theater version of John Mayer's "Where The Light Is" live concert. I wanted to get up and leave after the first 5 minutes. Not b/c it sucked, but b/c I was immediately inspired. If I was at home about now is when I would've paused the DVD and ran over to the piano or loop station, never going back to actually watch the whole thing until about a week later. But I paid $9.00 so I wasn't about to leave. If you like john, it's a good buy.
Non-Music Related:
Enough with music already (I'm too emotional about it all), let's talk about somethin else. A guy did some research and concluded that the US is the 16th happiest country in the world based on surveys from 350,000 people in each country. And that's an increase. We are the most powerful, most influential, and the richest, but we're still not happy. Who is...Denmark is considered the happiest, and sadly Zimbabwe is the glummest. Let's pray for Zimbabwe and in the meantime, try and where a smile sometimes (that includes you Darnell!). Here's the full little article.
today's sunny in nashville, see u at the park kiddos.
DL
p.s. I know, i know...new pics coming asap, promise!
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Jun 30 2008, 11:37 AMDL: Just Being Honest...
DL: Just Being Honest...
...the past show in memphis was a bit disappointing. People have been asking "Hey Darnell, how was the show!" I put on a fake smile and say "It was great, i had a blast." When in reality only one person show up to the memphis show. ONE! I played to a crwod of one for about 40 minutes. Then about 5 others (whom I sincerely appreciate) walked in for the show, better late than never. But while I was sitting there playing to that one innocent fan of my music, I began thinking...what I am doing wrong? Now listen, this is NOT a pity party b/c I throw those enough by myself. But I was asking myself, maybe my music's not as good as I thought. Maybe I'm reaching for something that's just not there. You know my song "Red, Yellow, Green"...it feels like i'm on yellow looking towards red RIGHT in the middle of a tour that's supposed to be GO GO GO! Maybe I do need to just stop and start pitching myself to major labels and not worrying about touring and trying to increase my fanbase with this whoel sTarbucks thing. Just being honest... I mean this starbucks thing has the potential to be something really great. But i don't wanna be lying to people saying it is waht it isn't. This is HARD!! REALLY HARD!! The flyer look nice and the tourdates look great, but driving 5 hours for one person is draining on the heart. Again, no pity, just being honest. maybe it's the wrong timing... maybe i'm not the one to make this starbucks history (i mean corporate did turn me down for assistance in coming together to do this, NO i'm not sponsored by corporate, this is hard work for every store!)... maybe memphis was just a bad case of "i was coming the see u but..." My songwriting teacher would always say "U've never played a gig 'til u play to tables and chairs." well i can say this, i've played a gig.haven't lost the faith, just being honest...
DL...pics from from last weeks shows coming tomorrow probably.
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Jun 23 2008, 09:59 AM6.23 Good Monday, Playboy Adonis!Well today I"m joined by my co-horts (didn't learn that word in elementary)....TheLight ladies and gents. They just walked in my door to drop off something. Sadly I'll break the news that they are purchasing a house (their first), and won't be able to go on the road with me for the southeast leg of the tour. maybe i can convince them to play. But today i'm gonna leave you with the new sensation of youtube apparently...he definitely knocks me off my feet. check him out guys. ALSO, some dates have changed for the southeast starbucks tour, it's in the news on www.darnelllevine.com. Enjoy Adonis... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRsK_NeNKvo
DL
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Jun 19 2008, 12:28 AM6.18 I Bombed In New York!!!I BOMBED IN NEW YORK!!
OK, well maybe I didn't bomb New York but I felt like I did. It went by so fast. I had been up for 32 hours straight b/c of delayed flights and earlier that day my laptop was stolen. Yes, STO-LEN!!! Who ever has my laptop now, you won't win buddy. That's the 2nd laptop I've had stolen in the past year. It should slow me down, but it's only making me stronger. The tour is still on and St. Louis I'll be there on June 26th ready to go.
READ FULL VERSION AT http://www.worldsmip.blogspot.comco
