Sunday, May 17, 2015

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Drought Song

In which we attempt to bring an end to the drought by writing a song about it.

Here we go, California. Get those umbrellas ready.



If You Can’t Send Water

Words and music by Erin Friedman

My morning shower is a dribble from a low-flow shower head
My front lawn made the cover of House and Garden of the Dead
Farmers fret but LA pools are full and the water table’s sinkin’
But water is for fightin’ over and whiskey is for drinkin’

We prayed for a pouring rain
Prayed for snow on the Cascade Range
California’s  parched and dry
Our lawns are brown and crispy
If You Can’t Send Water, Lord, send whiskey

Send a bottle, send a barrel, send Jack, Johnnie or Jim Beam
Shout “AMEN!” for an A-list, 80-proof drought-relief team
Won’t waste H2O on ice or cocktails that need shakin’
We'll take it straight, inebriate, for the sake of conservation

We prayed for a pouring rain
Prayed for snow on the Cascade Range
California’s parched and dry
Our lawns are brown and crispy
If You Can’t Send Water, Lord, send whiskey

Drink a toast to hopeful prayers
And to the bartender upstairs
If You Can’t Send Water, Lord,
Send Chivas,  Crown  or Cutty Sark
Bushmill’s, Jameson or Maker’s Mark
If You Can’t Send Water, Lord, send whiskey


Friday, March 13, 2015

Cottonwood Celebrates the Arts. And Wine.

What's going on this weekend? According to the Redding Record Searchlight, the #1 Thing to do is happening in Cottonwood on Saturday afternoon:



Craig and I love playing in our own hometown - and we are looking forward to sharing the stage with so many talented musicians at the 3rd Annual Cottonwood Art Wine and Music Show at 4 PM on March 14th at the Cottonwood Community Center.

The styles range from original folk to country, bluegrass, pop, rock and gospel.
 
4:00 Sami Jo
6:30 Pine Dogz
 
 
In addition to music, enjoy tastings from local wineries, appetizers and shopping for unique items from local artists. Tickets are $15 and are available at The Elegant Bean and Tri-Counties Bank and at the door.

For more information on the artists and wine tasting, contact Mary O'Keefe: 347-1230.
For information on the musicians, contact Erin Friedman:   Erin_Friedman@sbcglobal.net
 
###

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Heart Shaped Stones for Valentine's Day

If you're looking for a sweet, sentimental love song to celebrate this day of romance,  keep looking.  But if you like your Valentine's Day tunes with a dose heartbreak and twist of revenge, then go ahead and help yourself to "Heart Shaped Stones."

I wrote this song many years ago - and it's still one of my favorites to sing. Our kids think it's kind of creepy and that's part of what I like about it.

So whether you're happily single, looking for love, or celebrating the day with your One and Only, please hop on over to our website for a free download of "Heart Shaped Stones."

Still Married: Listen 

Hope you get chocolate and champagne and NOT stones. Unless, of course, they're diamonds.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Redding's Got Culture

Celebrate art, culture and original music with the North State Songwriters



North State Songwriters will present a showcase of original music at Redding City Hall (777 Cypress Ave) during the city-wide Cultural Cruise on January 30th. Eight different acts will take the stage, beginning at 4 PM. 

4 Randy Corbin 4:30 Nick Ciampi 5 Pine Dogz 5:30 Still Married 6 Hal Johnson 6:30 Dan Casamajor 7 Hannah Jane Kile 7:30 Paul Howell


Randy Corbin's songs are inspired by life's experiences with an emphasis on matters of the heart. Nick Ciampi is a popular Redding music teacher and folk-rock musician.  The Pine Dogz present rocking' country blues.  Still Married country-folk tunes celebrate the landscape, the characters and the independent spirit of Far Northern California. Hal Johnson will share his folk and dirt-road country music.

Two Chico musicians are joining the line-up this year: Veteran singer-songwriter Dan Casamajor's  music is influenced by the folk-music revival, its folk-rock offshoots, the Beatles, and acoustic country styles. Award-winning Hannah Jane Kile is a sweet soulful songwriter who provides poetic messages blending original and traditional folk with individual voice and instrument. 

And JPR Radio host Paul Howell rounds out the evening with his original blues tunes.


For more information on the musicians: 

Randy Corbin: hellabassman@yahoo.com

The Pine Dogz: The Pine Dogz
Dan Casamajor: jfcandan@yahoo.com
Paul Howell:  ph8ed@sbcglobal.net

For more information on North State Songwriters, contact Erin Friedman: erin@stillmarried.net


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Shasta County Tiny Desk Duet

NPR music invited artists to submit videos of their original tunes for their Tiny Desk Concert Contest. The winners will be invited to the studio for a performance on All Songs Considered.

We entered our new duet, From Here, a ballad about holding tight to love, even when holding tight is not the easiest choice.  We huddled on my not-so-tiny studio desk and did our best.

We are looking forward to performing this tune and others next Friday at Redding City Hall for the annual city-wide Cultural Cruise. Lyrics below.





From Here 

words and music  (c) Erin Friedman

Every year it seems
You need more room to breathe
But I can only get so far away
For better or for worse I said
Lock the door, go to bed
Pray when there is nothin’ left
To say

          
     Are you walking ?                 
     Are you running?                 
Wishing wings to fly you
From Here?                                 
What I’m seeing
What I’m sayin’
Looks like something worth saving
From Here

I breathe in and out
Whisper when I’d like to shout
You’re the innocent bystander of the year
If I can be forgiven
If you’ll lean in and listen,
Admit there’s something missing
From Here


From Here it looks like love
Is still holding on
Forever is worth fighting for
Together we’re Still Strong