"Well I've Been Afraid of Changing"

What a difference a few years make. Four years ago, in 2009, I started going to my first open mic nights and I could barely play three songs. What were they? I'm not totally sure but I think one was "Angel from Montgomery." Keeping a rhythm, changing chords and singing simultaneously were a challenge. I had always enjoyed singing but never tried to learn to play a song on the guitar. How weird that seems, looking back.

Who's this kid? 1997

Other that that, I also was involved in community theatre, did a lot more gardening, had never been out of the country (went to Ireland in 2010!) and had never been to Key West (again in 2010). You can see from the pictures in this blog how different I look. The oldest photo is from 17 years ago when I visited New Orleans with my mom and brother (Mom's been gone 8 years now). The next photo is from my cousin's wedding in 2009 and the most recent ones are from this year. Of course, this is just the stuff you see on the outside. What's going on inside? Good question!

2009

Without going into too much BORING detail, or getting too personal, becoming a traveling, performing singer-songwriter has changed my perspective of my relationship to the world. My first CD, "TropiGal," is 10 songs put together from observations made from where I sat (or stood) at the time. The song "TropiGal" is an anthem, a call to action, if you will. Four years ago, "tropigal" was part of my e-mail address. Four years later, it's my brand, my nickname and a bigger part of who I am. Something I had to define now defines me. 

2013

I began writing songs in 2010 just for fun and because I was improving musically. The rest of the songs on "TropiGal" are based on my experiences prior to then. The next CD, which will begin production soon, is observations and experiences since then. A lot has happened in my life since the release of "TropiGal" and the next CD will reflect that. Musically it will also be a stretch because I've learned a lot more since then and I don't want to keep writing the same kinds of songs over and over. I hope you'll like what you hear. Kevin Johnston, my producer, seems to like a lot of what I've sent him and he will be working on my next CD, as yet untitled. 

 
As I embark on new adventures this year, I have to wonder what other changes are coming. Life is unpredictable at best and hopefully the punches don't come too quickly to duck. With love and luck I'm expecting good things. Thanks for hanging in there with me so far and thanks for listening to my music! Stay tuned. Things are just getting interesting…

A Key West Memory

 

The first time I traveled to Key West was in November 2010 for my first Meeting of the Minds (see previous blog posts for more info and stories about MOTM). When Barb, Sharon and I blew into town in Barb's rented red Ford Mustang convertible it was nighttime and we were trying to make our way down Duval to the Hog's Breath. We had one big problem: the closer you got to Front St., the more water you had to drive through. The road was flooded and finding a parking spot was insanity! 

The next two days were downright cold by Key West standards. We were thwarted for a couple of nights in our desire to see the famous sunset and participate in the Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square. Finally on what I recall was the third day there, we would have our chance. It was still a bit cool but steadily improving. To find out how that story went, listen to "Drunk on Mallory Square" above. It's a true story! I did follow some chickens there while carrying a rum punch and feeling pretty sauced. I'm still not sure how I managed to work my video camera. 

A couple of days later it was bright, sunny and downright gorgeous. Since my compadres were feeling a bit under the weather, I walked down to The Bike Shop on Truman and rented a bicycle. Then I decided to get lost. That's when I discovered the island.

MOTM is a rat race. Any convention or tourist happening is. There is too much to do, too many musicians in town to see, but that's what it's all about. Abbondanza! On this day I escaped the rat race, rode on some back roads, and this is what I found: a community, a spirit and a place of rare beauty once you get off the beaten path. 

I rode for a few hours around back streets stopping for fish and chips and Guinness at Shauna Key. Then I traveled down S. Roosevelt past the airport, almost back to the Overseas Highway intersection, then turned around and headed back. 

At Higgs Beach I stopped to talk to some folks and caught a rugby game. I'd never seen a rugby game before and it was wild, crazy action. The teams were playing on the beach because the rains from a few days ago had ruined the pitch. It was enjoyable to just kick back and chat and enjoy the game. I had lots of time on my hands and no desire to head back to Duval so I rode over to see the Southernmost monument and visit Ernest Hemingway's Key West home on Whitehead.

The monument was busy as usual. I should have had someone take my photo with it but I guess I just didn't think about it. At the Hemingway Home I paid my for my ticket, locked up my bike and had a little time to explore before tour time. I recommend going on the tour because my tour guide was just great. He pointed things out I wouldn't have known on my own and he was very entertaining. Upstairs on the balcony that runs around the house I was struck by the interesting views, feeling almost like a ghost watching the proceedings. The house has a beautiful, still feeling that's hard to explain. Being an animal lover I enjoyed the fluffy felines everywhere. Finally we stopped by the pool and learned about the famous first pool in Key West. 

Finally it was time to meet up with friends and get back to the drinking and debauchery that we were there for. Sometime later I recall a bit of inebriated bike riding down to the Casa Marina for the night's entertainment. Something tells me it was Jimmy and the Parrots.

In any event, of the days from that trip that I cherish most, I'm quite sure this day was the top. Seeing Key West from a more local perspective is eye opening. I highly recommend ditching your car and renting a bicycle, not a scooter. You'll find a heart of an island better when you're not zooming around it at 25mph.

The TropiGator Tour

From January 10 through the 14th I was cruising around Southwest/South Central Florida in a 2013 black Kia Forte rental, tapping the steering wheel to my favorite tunes playing from my iPad through the car's stereo system. I drove at least and hour and a half each day and the car was beyond comfortable. My reason for traveling was to do my first Florida tour, a short one I called "TropiGator Tour." Having a full time job and a limit on vacation I wish I could have done more concerts. It's a start and I'm very encouraged by the response I received! 

After flying into Tampa and visiting with my aunt and uncle I drove to Bonita Springs for a house concert at Cheryl and Norm Kayser's "Laughing Parrot Tiki Hut." It was a beautiful night and 35 good folks showed up to hear me sing and play. I met so many great people on this tour! I'm thankful to Cheryl and Norm for their wonderful hospitality.

The next morning I had a delicious breakfast (and spicy Bloody Mary!) at the home of Sandy Shaefer Kayser and John Friday. It was a pleasant, balmy Florida morning. Apparently I had arrived at the same time as a warm front. I had days in the 80's and was grateful for the air conditioning at times. After breakfast, John and I jammed a bit together then I hit the road back toward Tampa, heading to Holmes Beach and Anna Marie Island.

AMI, the shortened name of the island, is very beautiful and also "old Florida." It's a great place to relax, fish, boat and listen to Trop Rock music at The Sandbox. Cross Grassy Pointe Bayou on Rt. 64, Manatee Ave., and make a left, then a right on 31st and a left on Avenue E. The Sandbox is a little oasis disguised as a backyard complete with a pool, palm trees, a bar and a small stage. Paul and Diana, the owners and proprietors of this donation only concert venue, also have a very nice vacation rental property next door that is for rent at a reasonable price. 

This evening I was joined by my friend Rick Schettino. I had met Rick in Key West during MOTM and he was literally everywhere. He even jammed with us poolside at the Wicker Guesthouse. Rick accompanied me and did some of his own songs. You can find out more about Rick here: http://rickschettino.com/music/. We had an awesome night and were joined by Rick McGuire http://schoonerandthewharfrats.com/ who played a few songs and jammed. As for the tiki hut, the "Pabloritas" were flowing and so was The Kraken! The night was capped off with an acoustic jam around the firepit and a brief splash in the gulf under the stars. I should have some live cuts to share soon on Soundcloud.

The next morning after another good breakfast plus a pair of mimosas, Rick and I cruised off to the Nav-A-Gator Grill in Arcadia. Another beautiful afternoon was upon us. It was a bit windy as we set up and a little into the afternoon but still bright, sunny and warm. The fun was not terribly dimmed by the fact that I locked my keys in my trunk. Gallant Rick whipped out his AAA card and set me up! Lots of great friends showed up including the Kaysers and Paul and Diana. John Friday http://johnfriday.com/and Sandy Kayser were there and John popped up to do a little harp while I sang plus we sang John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves." Rick accompanied me until AAA got there, then popped back on stage with my car keys and resumed playing. Rick did a few songs of his own which are outstanding! 

Randy Zimmerman and girlfriend/manager Kay Adams were also "in the house." I've know Randy for years as a member of Tropical Soul and just an all-around good guy. He and Kay have moved to Florida for awhile. He kicks ass on guitar and hopped up to play along for a few, then we switched guitars and he did a few of his own awesome tunes. It was a really great time at the Nav! http://www.randyzmusic.com/

If you go to the Nav-A-Gator http://nav-a-gator.com/ you will love it! Great drinks, delicious food (Super Grouper!) and a fun atmosphere plus it's on the Peace River so you can go out on a cruise and see some gators. They have a cute store where you can buy t-shirts and gator back scratchers. There is a new tiki bar as well. Lots of great music there day and night!

After a nice supper at the Nav, I headed north to Venice to catch Sunny Jim and Brent Burns at the Venice Train Depot. It was a fun time watching those two guys play off of each other. They are awesome musicians, songwriters and just delightful! I could watch them all day. Folks had brought food and Norm Kayser (and Cheryl) was there, sharing his Yuengling Lager with me. I met some new friends and some old and got to kick back for awhile!
https://sunnyjim.com/  http://www.brentburns.com/

I spent the night at the Days Inn Port Charlotte. What a wonderful hotel! http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/florida/port-charlotte/days-inn-port-charlotte/hotel-overview. After a continental breakfast, I headed to the pool where I found Dave Calhoun from Seattle with his wife and a friend who tagged along. Dave had played at the Nav-A-Gator the night before I did. http://www.tropzone.com/ Dave and I jammed around the pool for a bit, then I put the guitar down and swam in the heated pool! It felt good, like bath water. Soon it was time to leave and I packed the Kia and drove to Lake Placid, FL. 

Lake Placid, Reader's Digest's "Most Interesting Town," is home to an amazing variety of culture from over 40 murals to a clown college, plus it is the calladium capital of the world (http://tourlakeplacid.com/). My afternoon gig as at Dock 633 on Lake June Rd. entertaining the Ol' South Parrothead Club (Polly IS a cracker!). https://www.facebook.com/Dock633. The crowd was amazing and it was fun to see old friends John and Irene Flinchbaugh who had been at the Nav the day before. Jimi DiNapoli and the rest of the crew made me feel quite at home. I hope to get back there again sometime soon! http://www.osphc.org/

I spent a day chilling with friends the next day and drove around a bit. Driving by myself feels freeing, in a way. I get to do my own thing, listen to music, think about where I've been, where I'm going. My life has become an amazing adventure and I'm looking forward to more travels and opportunities down the road. I'm working on lots of new songs and a second CD is in my future. Soon I will be in Tampa, then Key West. After that, it's on to Ohio and points west, then back to Key West in October and the beginning of November for MOTM. I can't wait to see how things develop this year and where the next bend in the road takes me. I hope to see you there.

Dani

Going Back Down South!

Hey! Just a quickie. 

The last time I was in Florida (OK, I know. Key West ISN'T really Florida. If I don't say this now I will hear about it from SOMEBODY down there on the island), I had an incredible time playing music, riding my bike all over town with my guitar. You can read all about that in my previous posts about MOTM. Well, I'm going down to SW Florida for a few days this weekend to play for some more Parrot Head phriends and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Tomorrow morning I'm flying out from Baltimore to Tampa, meeting my Aunt and Uncle for lunch, then traveling by rental car to Bonita Springs to play a house concert at The Laughing Parrot Tiki Bar. Friday I'll be joined by Rick Schettino (http://rickschettino.com/music/) at the Sandbox AMI, BeachfrontRadio.com's #1 House Concert Venue as voted on by the Beachfront Radio listeners (The Laughing Parrot was #4). Saturday I'll be at the World Famous Nav-A-Gator Grille in Arcadia with Rick as well! Finally, on Sunday, I'm playing for the Ol' South Parrot Head Club at Dock 633 in Lake Placid.

I have lots of new songs and Rick will be doing a few of his. I met Rick while at MOTM and I think we'll complement each other well musically. I love to collaborate and see what other musicians bring to my songs. You can follow me on Facebook or check my follow-up posts to see how things went! Check out my website for more info and to hear music. www.danihoymusic.com

For now, enjoy and see you some day at the End of the Road,

Dani

A Break in the Action

Larry the Cat

Christmas in Gettysburg

It's almost Christmas and things have been a bit quiet this month, gig-wise. That's a good thing! You see, that's Larry, my youngest cat, sleeping in my guitar case. That means I have my guitar out and I'm writing songs and practicing. I've written three new songs this month and finished up a couple of old ones I've stalled on. 

Songwriting isn't a linear process. For me, it usually starts with a concept or phrase that rings in my brain. Somehow, a melody or way of singing the phrase is suggested in the writing of it, then I build a chorus that works with it. In my song, "TropiGal," for instance, I was trying to decide who TropiGal is. "She's TropiGal." So, what kind of things define someone who calls herself "TropiGal?" It seemed to me that she's a free spirit who's "heart belongs to the open seas" and that "She's gonna soar on the ocean breeze." She lives and breathes life on the shore. "Salty air and the sun is all she needs." 

 The next step is harder: come up with verses that support the chorus. Just like writing a short story, a song is a story put to music. It has to go somewhere. My next step was to come up with vignettes of women who are in the world and what brings out their inner "TropiGal," the "every woman working hard all around the world." The song finally calls out to the free spirit in all TropiGals to find their expression, find their beach. "Swimming free in the clear blue water. Living life as one of Neptune's daughters." 

While I was growing up, we spent at least a week at the shore every summer, usually in Wildwood, NJ. My mother in particular always felt drawn to the ocean. I feel the same way. I have to have that time by the ocean, by the water, to feel complete each year. With 2013 on the way I'm looking forward to letting "TropiGal" out as much as possible.

See you somewhere down the End of the Road,

Dani

MOTM 2013 Post Mortem Pt. 3: The Weekend and Home

Saturday morning dawned beautifully (duh! Key West!) and once again, guitar on my back, I pedaled off to play. Thanks to Jerry Diaz I got to play at the Zonta Walk/Run, an annual 5K that provides FREE mammograms to under insured and uninsured women in Key West, along with him and John Reno. I loved spending my morning with these two great musicians and watching the runners and walkers arrive. The event is held at Salute's on the Beach right on Higg's Beach and is a really fun way to spend your Saturday morning at MOTM.

From there I rode back down to United, made a left toward Duval and got some breakfast with friends at Croissants de France. Then I headed back up to Duval for a gig at the Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar with the Blue Hen Parrot Head Club of Delaware. Cheryl Housman joined me again on pans and we played outside on the patio. Good friends were also there to listen and relax on the beautiful porch and a few folks stopped by including Steve Tolliver and Sam Rainwater, who pulled out his ukulele and strummed along from the street! It ended up being a nice, intimate time with some great folks who are now great friends.

With my gig ending at 1pm I had to beat it over to the Casa Marina for the Trop Rock Music Association award ceremony. I was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and for the Horizon Award, which is like best upcoming artist. It was fun being backstage again with lots of the musicians, friends and support staff. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn't win either award but was thankful for the consideration and that a large number of people heard a short clip of "TropiGal."

I left the Casa and headed back to T's Bistro & Bar (which, by the way, is directly across the street from the Speakeasy Inn) for another showcase. This one was hosted by Jim Hill and Tim Dee who are musicians who live in the Keys. The Blue Hens were there, too! It was great to see them again and I was delighted they came back to hang out with me. After this showcase I was free to do what I wanted for awhile and that's just what I did.

Sunday was also wide open for me. Yeah! A BREAK! A bunch of us jammed at the Wicker Guesthouse pool including Steve Buenzow, Cheryl, Renn Loren, Rick Schettino and Chris Rehm. The weather was beautiful (Key West!), the pool was perfect and so was the beer. Later that evening, Janene and I headed to the Conch Republic Seafood Company for nourishment and to see Don Middlebrook. Don had me play a couple of songs during one of his breaks and then we stayed for the rest of the show. Janene and I struck out for Duval to head for the drag show at 801 Bourbon.

On the way, we talked to Captain Josh who told me to come over to Willie T's to play Monday afternoon with him and Captain Nick. Shortly after, disaster struck! Walking our bikes around Sloppy Joe's, I stepped off the curb to go around the crowd that had piled up on the sidewalk. Suddenly my right ankle flexed and I landed on my left knee in the gutter. The GUTTER! People called my name, lifting me up and righting me. Grace Swinford, Elliot Feldman and others were there from the Naples PHC and very quickly took care of me, cleaning my knee, applying a large band-aid and handing me a beer. It was a bit of a shock with the pain in my knee and the blood running down my leg. After resting a bit and assuring everybody I was ok, Janene and I walked up Duval. She went to the drag show, I went to find more band-aids and something to clean my knee, then back to my room to rest.

Monday morning was Breakfast Club with the Hanover Area Parrot Head Society, one of the parrot head clubs I belong to. We had a blast eating at Schooner's Wharf and quaffing our favorite Breakfast Club beverage, the Screwmosa. A tradition is that a bag of markers is brought and we "decorate" each other and ourselves. If you see photos of me on Facebook and my left leg looks like a mess, that's the magic markers. That afternoon, with my leg covered in marker and stickers,  I joined the Captains Josh and Nick for music at Willie T's. It was quite a jam!

Tuesday came and Cheryl and I hit the road toward Ft. Lauderdale. It's always difficult to say goodbye to Key West and each time I go it's that much harder. After being there for over a week, I had become acclimated, feeling like I belonged there. Driving away from Key West through the keys was beautiful and sad at the same time. We had lunch at Geiger Key, thanks to the recommendation of a friend. After a great ride and lots of girl talk we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at the airport and flew back to cold, blustery Baltimore. It took me a few days to feel "normal."

Since then, I think often of this past MOTM. I have a lot of pictures and mementos, some in my hands, some in my heart. I've written two songs since then that were inspired by my trip. I hope to get back to the Keys and the little island town of Key West soon. In the meantime, I'm working on songs for a new CD and thinking ahead to MOTM 2013: "Bring Back The Magic."

See you at the End of the Road,

Dani

MOTM 2013 Post Mortem Pt. 2: The Madness Continues

Wednesday dawned early and, of course, I didn't sleep very well. That's the story of my life these days. My dad doesn't sleep well, my grandmother doesn't sleep well, so I guess it runs in the family.

The reason I had to get up early for MOTM was that my dear friend Loren Davidson was kind enough to invite me to participate on his Catamaran Concert Cruise. 
http://www.catamaranconcerts.com/

It was a morning cruise, starting at 9am, and included Blood Marys and complimentary snacks. Chris Rehm also was aboard along with Renn Loren, a Trop Rocker from Norway! We had a nice group of folks aboard who enjoyed our "music in the round" style of playing and story-telling. They day dawned bright and warm and the water was reasonably calm with no evidence that a hurricane had gone through. On the water! What a great way to start the day.

After the cruise (as far as I can remember) I went from party to party, stopping at Dante's, then the Smokin' Tuna, wandering here and there. I played at Green World Gallery at 4pm, enjoying the company of Artist Koz and the gang and hamming it up for the web cam. It was very nice of the Young Rebel Goombas and other friends to drop in for a bit. Swim Skinny stopped by with Tom Johnson who joined me on guitar, playing lead parts and filling in nicely. Tom is on my CD playing ukulele on "Quiet Cove."

Thursday was a busy day with the Tropical Songwriters in Paradise songwriter showcase at T's Bistro & Bar on the 1100 block of Duval. I had the opportunity to perform and just enjoy lots of songwriters I had and had not heard live. Key West Chris, the organizer and host, kicked the afternoon off followed by Renn Loren, then Cheryl Housman joining me on pans. C.W. Colt followed us, my good friend John Friday along with Captain Nick, Swim Skinny and Tom Johnson, The Young Rebel Goombas and many more played into the night. The whole thing can be viewed here, recorded for posterity by Sound Man from Hell and MC for the event Gary W. Ek (from 104.9 the X "Key West Rocks!"): 

 
I couldn't stay until the end. John Friday and I had a sunset cruise to play and sunset was on the way! I feel lucky that I got to do two cruises with great friends, one in the morning, one at night, in such a beautiful place. The passengers and crew were incredible, enjoying the music, margaritas and the magic of the sunset over Key West Bight. It was an incredible night, great weather and we had a blast!

When I first got to Key West, I didn't have much going on Friday. How quickly that changed! While I was on my way to the Catamaran Concert with John, Jim Hoehn pedaled up on his bike, the pair of us on bikes, guitars slung on our backs, and asked me if I had time to do a set during his Friday night gig with "Jersey" John Hanney at Pearl's Patio on United St. I said, "Yes," of course. 

By the way, at this point my batteries were beginning to run a bit low. Between the lack of quality sleep and the constant movement, exhaustion was setting in. I know this is the case for a lot of the musicians playing at MOTM. There is not much time to chill, if you don't take it. I was running on adrenaline, caffeine and the energy provided by others most of the week. At one point I fell off my bike (not drunk!). I don't know who was following me with the ball bat but I had a lot of bruises. I also had a pretty good tan which I attribute to the walking and biking I did all week.

Back to the story! On my way to Pearl's I stopped at the Rum Barrel to hear Mike Mangum with Steve Hauser on electric. I did a few songs after the amazing young Fletcher Martin, having fun with Steve accompanying me as well. Then I made a beeline for Pearl's, Jim and John already in full tilt. Pearl's has a nice, intimate atmosphere and the most delicious quesadillas and a great bar by the pool. Dianne "greenwoman" Wickes, Marc and Tammy Hollander and many other friends were there. Jim had me do two sets, for which I was grateful. 

From Pearl's I rocketed down to the Casa Marina for the All Star Jam, kind of an open mic but you get to play with a band. I love playing with a band! I can't say that enough. Sunny Jim, Tom Becker, and more, jamming poolside. It was fun to see Howard Livingston, Jerry Diaz, Dennis McCaughey and many others back stage. I had my two songs and took off. Being the new kid on the block here it was a rush to have this opportunity. Thank you, Jerry Diaz, for the invitation. 

Next up: The Weekend