April 2014
I had an amazing experience last month. I was asked to sing the National Anthem for the Special Olympics of MI for the basketball skills challenge and finals. I was happy to accept because I've never been asked to sing the NA before and I've always wanted to. It's been on my bucket list. Well, I sure am glad I did that. The energy of the room was phenomenal. Those kids we're so inspiring. It was an honor to be a part of it and I think I did a pretty nice job.
I also visited my Grandma in the hospital and played some songs for her. She's been slipping away due to Alzheimer Disease for several years now. It was my great delight when she started singing along to I Can't Help Falling in Love With You. She also joined me for Love me Tender and Ring of Fire. It was the happiest I had seen both her and my Grandpa in a long time. My grandma passed a few days ago. My cat died last month too. He was with me for 13 years. I miss them both tremendously. It's been a rough Winter. I'm glad Spring is finally here.
On to more good news: Nicholas James and the Bandwagon LIVE at Frederik Meijer Gardens DVD is almost finished and ready to go. It will be a limited release of 100 copies. Each copy will be signed and numbered. I'm taking preorders now. Let me know if you'd like one. And if you're curious, click here to watch She's Gone from the upcoming DVD.
Also, I've finished recording a new EP with Justin VanHaven. It still needs to be mastered and I haven't begun working on the albums cover art yet. I haven't even named it. I toyed with the idea of calling it Polar Vortex but honestly, those are 2 words I never really want to hear together ever again. I'll come up with something. In the mean time I am saving up for the mastering and the cost to manufacture the CDs. I'm aiming for a Fall release. Thanks for your patience. In the mean time, if you'd like to hear some new songs, come to a show!
4.5 - Shorts Brewing Co. - Nicholas James and the Bandwagon's first time as a full band!
4.6 - Tip Top Deluxe - Mini-Milk - 6pm Featuring Nicholas James and Clouds, Mark Lavengood, Tony LaJoye Trio and Fauxgrass
4.17 - H.O.M.E. inside the B.O.B. - 7pm - Nicholas James and Clouds, followed by Kari Lynch - Raising money for Feeding America
And don't forget:
5.17 - Founders Brewing Co. - The 7th Annual Tribute to Bob Dylan