Hope everyone is enjoying the celebration of all things Irish yesterday. I put up a few videos of some popular Irish songs on my YouTube channel and some fun stuff on my newly minted TikTok channel. Hope y'all enjoy and subscribe when you jump over to those platforms. I'm doing my best to create content that is keeping everyone interested and entertained, as well as doing educational work across Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Patreon. Most of these are available for free and are my way to connect with new audiences. Only Patreon allows me to receive financial compensation for the work I'm doing, while gigs are still not able to be happening at full capacity/ regularity. If you get the chance to visit on Patreon, for only $3/ month (or $34/ annual) you have first access to the new music that is being recorded in the studio, as well as classic unreleased tracks... at higher tiers you will have early access to tickets for select events as they are announced, a monthly zoom happy hour performance/ conversation with the "serious fans" and even music lessons. Check it out and let me know what you think... in fact, on all of the platforms, I'm always open to suggestions and am doing my best to keep up with y'all! (Please keep patience though, as even though the work isn't always quite profitable, I think I'm jumping in more directions right now than ever!)
On the website, I have a new item for sale from my friend Fred Ziwich. Fred has a wonderful book/ recording called "Button Box Karaoke" that is a great resource for Diatonic Button Accordion students. There is traditional music notation, as well as nomenclature/ diagrams that correspond to Steirische style- Slovenian and Austrian Button Boxes for the book which is available as a download. The accompanying recordings feature Fred performing all of the band parts on Drums, horns, keyboards, and button box. Available as mp3 downloads or a CD, the recordings are presented with the full band and then presented without the lead button box for karaoke play-along. This is a great educational tool, as well as fun for listening as well.
Finally, on Friday I'll be back at Ethan's in Hobe Sound, Florida from 6 to 8 pm strolling around the restaurant with my mask while taking requests from the dining guests. After that, I'll be running home to entertain the guests of a Dirndl party presented by Erika of Rare Dirndl with a few songs at the conclusion of her festivities. Check it all out here!!
Stay well - healthy and happy y'all!! alex