Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Recently and Currently
Well hello everyone! Lena here. If you're reading this, thank you for stumbling upon our blog and taking the time to wander around it.
We too have been wandering around the past week or so; we're taking a break since just a few weeks ago we were intensely rehearsing for our big show at El Corazon.
Let me tell you a bit about the evening:
El Corazon is usually quite the hard rock & metal venue, so when we sound checked our little guitars, our drum set (minus 2 cymbals & a snare + an assortment of glass jars), and our 3 voices, the sound guys were a bit confused. "do you want distortion or delay or anything?" hmmm no thanks guys, not tonight.
We shared a bill with Barry Sebastian Snyder who opened up the night very well with his funky jams and sweet songs. Next up was the duo from Valhalla Hill, Rory & Joey who go under the moniker Valkyries. They sang their big hearts out and wowed the crowd, as they usually do.
Then we took the stage and played about an hour long set. I really don't know how long we played, I kind of had an out of body experience and I don't know what happened while we were on stage, but we got lots of great feedback and got rid of all our demos.
Since that happened, we've also been in and out of the studio at Bart Radio's brand new Nels Nelson recording studio working with Charlie & Bridgid! We're looking forward to recording our new songs and making them sound as fantastic as musically possible! More updates to come I'm sure.
On another note, Caroline is at home in NY and we miss her.
and
it's Karina's birthday today!!!!
OH! and if you missed the El Corazon show, we have ANOTHER show!
Thursday, August 26 10pm
The Jewel Box Theater (The Rendezvous)
2322 2nd street
$5 cover, 21+
We too have been wandering around the past week or so; we're taking a break since just a few weeks ago we were intensely rehearsing for our big show at El Corazon.
Let me tell you a bit about the evening:
El Corazon is usually quite the hard rock & metal venue, so when we sound checked our little guitars, our drum set (minus 2 cymbals & a snare + an assortment of glass jars), and our 3 voices, the sound guys were a bit confused. "do you want distortion or delay or anything?" hmmm no thanks guys, not tonight.
We shared a bill with Barry Sebastian Snyder who opened up the night very well with his funky jams and sweet songs. Next up was the duo from Valhalla Hill, Rory & Joey who go under the moniker Valkyries. They sang their big hearts out and wowed the crowd, as they usually do.
Then we took the stage and played about an hour long set. I really don't know how long we played, I kind of had an out of body experience and I don't know what happened while we were on stage, but we got lots of great feedback and got rid of all our demos.
Since that happened, we've also been in and out of the studio at Bart Radio's brand new Nels Nelson recording studio working with Charlie & Bridgid! We're looking forward to recording our new songs and making them sound as fantastic as musically possible! More updates to come I'm sure.
On another note, Caroline is at home in NY and we miss her.
and
it's Karina's birthday today!!!!
OH! and if you missed the El Corazon show, we have ANOTHER show!
Thursday, August 26 10pm
The Jewel Box Theater (The Rendezvous)
2322 2nd street
$5 cover, 21+
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Hello Seattle
Well, two and a half weeks later, we find ourselves
right back where we started! Grey skies and the smell
of fresh ground coffee, oh how we've missed you Seattle!
Just wanted to take a few lines to say thanks to
everyone who kept an eye out on our blog and all of the
beautiful people who hosted us and supported us along
this journey!
Eden, Tracey, Lance and Shalom for giving us delicious
food, a cozy home and reminding us that getting a huge
boquet of flowers delivered to your house from your
husband for NO reason, is possible and something that
we can have one day too!
The Benicia trio: Rachel, Monique and ALYSSA (the coolest)
for cracking us up, and then overly supporting us
(in a very good way) with candles and
comments like "you're magical" Thanks guys!
To Beverly for taking care of us in Santa Barbara. Driving
our butts around everywhere, also cracking us up and
re-introducing us to the sunshine. We love you so much.
And to Blake, a real trooper and supporter.
Thank you for cheering so loudly and .. openly!
For Letting us crash at your house and then
letting us take over the bathroom, the living room,
the kitchen.. We'll miss your grandpa Pad!
To the Simon's, who birthed and raised Lena firstly.
Thanks for that! And who took such good care of us
while we were in L.A. Fed, housed and provided
parental advice, it was wonderful hanging out
with you and we hope to be back soon!
To Sarah, for putting together an awesome
show for us and giving up her bed. Taking
us around her beautiful city and then
feeding us brownies and introducing us to
the best game ever! It was so nice to meet you
and hear your sweet music.
To Alexander, for letting us stay in your house
and maybe not even knowing that we did.
We left some chicken in the fridge. woops!
Your piano is awesome and you might want to
expand on your movie selection, because you
can really only watch Crouching tiger, Hidden
dragon once every few years.
Thank you guys!! And thanks to everyone
who came out to the shows! It was really
awesome to meet and see you all and to
be able to share our music with you!
there are still a few more videos that we
are going to post asap!
And then we are going to be working on
finishing writing and recording our new
EP/ album! So stay tuned for updates!
thank you. loveee,
Annabel Lee
right back where we started! Grey skies and the smell
of fresh ground coffee, oh how we've missed you Seattle!
Just wanted to take a few lines to say thanks to
everyone who kept an eye out on our blog and all of the
beautiful people who hosted us and supported us along
this journey!
Eden, Tracey, Lance and Shalom for giving us delicious
food, a cozy home and reminding us that getting a huge
boquet of flowers delivered to your house from your
husband for NO reason, is possible and something that
we can have one day too!
The Benicia trio: Rachel, Monique and ALYSSA (the coolest)
for cracking us up, and then overly supporting us
(in a very good way) with candles and
comments like "you're magical" Thanks guys!
To Beverly for taking care of us in Santa Barbara. Driving
our butts around everywhere, also cracking us up and
re-introducing us to the sunshine. We love you so much.
And to Blake, a real trooper and supporter.
Thank you for cheering so loudly and .. openly!
For Letting us crash at your house and then
letting us take over the bathroom, the living room,
the kitchen.. We'll miss your grandpa Pad!
To the Simon's, who birthed and raised Lena firstly.
Thanks for that! And who took such good care of us
while we were in L.A. Fed, housed and provided
parental advice, it was wonderful hanging out
with you and we hope to be back soon!
To Sarah, for putting together an awesome
show for us and giving up her bed. Taking
us around her beautiful city and then
feeding us brownies and introducing us to
the best game ever! It was so nice to meet you
and hear your sweet music.
To Alexander, for letting us stay in your house
and maybe not even knowing that we did.
We left some chicken in the fridge. woops!
Your piano is awesome and you might want to
expand on your movie selection, because you
can really only watch Crouching tiger, Hidden
dragon once every few years.
Thank you guys!! And thanks to everyone
who came out to the shows! It was really
awesome to meet and see you all and to
be able to share our music with you!
there are still a few more videos that we
are going to post asap!
And then we are going to be working on
finishing writing and recording our new
EP/ album! So stay tuned for updates!
thank you. loveee,
Annabel Lee
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Ashlandia
So after deliberating with Caroline about how long it's been since our last update, we finally have our bearings straight. Karina had her protein, the rest of us had our breakfast and we were on our way to Ashland, Oregon! The drive was beautiful, watching the landscape change from an oasis of wheat fields, rolling green hills, Mount Shasta, to a forest of Evergreens, we finally arrived to the home of the Shakespeare Festival.
Ashland is a very quaint little town in one of the Southern most points of Oregon, very beautiful. We got lucky with our stay. We had an entire house to ourselves for the night thanks to a connection from Bev and then through two people we've never met, a little strange but we're very thankful. After a little detective work we concluded that the owner of the house was a male, Russian, pianist with an interest in China. We fell asleep watching Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and had a good nights rest.
The next morning we got to actually experience Ashland. We went to a little park and ate oatmeal beside the wildflowers and sang a few songs. Then we packed up the car, cleaned up the house and headed out to Lithia Park (which got its name from the Lithium that flows through the creek and is pumped into the water fountains). There we put together our musical set up and started playing for the people in the park, it was probably our biggest crowd yet! We got rid of the last of our CD's and got some more great response. With the car already packed, we started heading to Portland right after our park set and arrived back at Eden's cozy home, pups and all. And now we're watching the Bachlorette... How did that happen?
Seattle, we're almost home.
Ashland is a very quaint little town in one of the Southern most points of Oregon, very beautiful. We got lucky with our stay. We had an entire house to ourselves for the night thanks to a connection from Bev and then through two people we've never met, a little strange but we're very thankful. After a little detective work we concluded that the owner of the house was a male, Russian, pianist with an interest in China. We fell asleep watching Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and had a good nights rest.
The next morning we got to actually experience Ashland. We went to a little park and ate oatmeal beside the wildflowers and sang a few songs. Then we packed up the car, cleaned up the house and headed out to Lithia Park (which got its name from the Lithium that flows through the creek and is pumped into the water fountains). There we put together our musical set up and started playing for the people in the park, it was probably our biggest crowd yet! We got rid of the last of our CD's and got some more great response. With the car already packed, we started heading to Portland right after our park set and arrived back at Eden's cozy home, pups and all. And now we're watching the Bachlorette... How did that happen?
Seattle, we're almost home.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Bridges that Connect you to the World thats on the Rise
We arrived in San Francisco in the nick of time.
Sarah, Lena's sister, greeted us with a big smile and informed us we had 15min to unload, change and get ready for our third show.
We drove down the city streets, making our way through a lot of traffic and colorful outfits.
Earlier that day there was a Pride Parade; most of San Francisco was outside showing off their unique style and glitter; it was beautiful.
We arrived at a tiny hole in the wall studio. Probably the smallest space we have ever performed in but also the one with the best acoustics. Caroline and Lena say it was our best show so far. I still say Santa B. (underwear were thrown on stage, you can't beat that!)
We sold some cd's and made some new San Fran friends.
After performing we realized we had not eatin much since breakfast so we booked it down to a little cafe on the corner that had the most satisfying sandwich ever!!!!!! I was real hungry.
We walked across a busy highway to the beach where the waves were crashing and the wind was blowing.
Then we left...haha... don't get me wrong, it was lovely I just have no other words for that experience.
We decided to join Sarah and her friends to a film premiere.
With absolutely no expectations we sat in a bar/art gallery/film show and watched MEXICALI.
No comment...
We arrived back at Sarah's cozy apartment; Sarah offered to sleep on the couch, so the three of us snuggled up in her comfy bed, Caroline in the middle.
The following day, Monday I believe, we explored the city.
A lot of walking but it was refreshing to move among many humans and get lost in random thoughts.
We picked up some coffee and made brownies back at Sarah's place and played a quick game of Banana Grams, then hit the road.
We arrived back at Rachel's humble abode.
We dropped off our bags and drove to the water where the sun was setting behind a bridge, not sure which one. (Not the Golden Gate though.) and recorded a few songs.
Luckily it was open mic night at one of the local bars in town.
We met up with Monique and Alyssa who were both so excited to see us and hear us perform.
Thank you ladies for being such great supporters of Annabel Lee, you make us smile. A lot.
I prepared for bed and I realized my stomach was so empty it was starting to eat itself.
Can't wait to finish this blog and get a giant plate of protein.
Ashland....HERE WE COME!!!!
Sarah, Lena's sister, greeted us with a big smile and informed us we had 15min to unload, change and get ready for our third show.
We drove down the city streets, making our way through a lot of traffic and colorful outfits.
Earlier that day there was a Pride Parade; most of San Francisco was outside showing off their unique style and glitter; it was beautiful.
We arrived at a tiny hole in the wall studio. Probably the smallest space we have ever performed in but also the one with the best acoustics. Caroline and Lena say it was our best show so far. I still say Santa B. (underwear were thrown on stage, you can't beat that!)
We sold some cd's and made some new San Fran friends.
After performing we realized we had not eatin much since breakfast so we booked it down to a little cafe on the corner that had the most satisfying sandwich ever!!!!!! I was real hungry.
We walked across a busy highway to the beach where the waves were crashing and the wind was blowing.
Then we left...haha... don't get me wrong, it was lovely I just have no other words for that experience.
We decided to join Sarah and her friends to a film premiere.
With absolutely no expectations we sat in a bar/art gallery/film show and watched MEXICALI.
No comment...
We arrived back at Sarah's cozy apartment; Sarah offered to sleep on the couch, so the three of us snuggled up in her comfy bed, Caroline in the middle.
The following day, Monday I believe, we explored the city.
A lot of walking but it was refreshing to move among many humans and get lost in random thoughts.
We picked up some coffee and made brownies back at Sarah's place and played a quick game of Banana Grams, then hit the road.
We arrived back at Rachel's humble abode.
We dropped off our bags and drove to the water where the sun was setting behind a bridge, not sure which one. (Not the Golden Gate though.) and recorded a few songs.
Luckily it was open mic night at one of the local bars in town.
We met up with Monique and Alyssa who were both so excited to see us and hear us perform.
Thank you ladies for being such great supporters of Annabel Lee, you make us smile. A lot.
I prepared for bed and I realized my stomach was so empty it was starting to eat itself.
Can't wait to finish this blog and get a giant plate of protein.
Ashland....HERE WE COME!!!!
The land of frozen yogurt and full moons
okay, so..
Back tracking a little.
Saturday morning, woke up in the Simon household.
Started off with some coffee and homemade granola.
Karina's favorite! Then ventured out in to Santa Monica
and Venice. (We've actually had granola every morning of this road trip
and so it's become a bit of a joke now. But, I'm still a big fan..
Karina would rather have chicken) Anyway, we saw the boardwalk,
ate awesome Italian subs called "Godmothers" and stopped
in a little section of the city that was modeled after Venice, Italy.
There we walked along the canals and found three empty canoes
which we proceeded to climb in to and record a few songs.
We'll have those videos up soon hopefully!
As you'll see, it was a little windy.
After that we returned home and recorded a few more songs
in the bathroom..because it always sounds so good in there!
And then got ready for our Venice High Garden show.
It was an intimate performance with a few close friends and family.
The sun was setting behind us and we were surrounded by trees
and flowers, it was really beautiful.
That night and morning we were fed and taken care
of by the Simons. Awesome family!
Great food and conversation and lots of laughter!
We are looking forward to making our way back in the future.
Thank you Simons!
Headed back to Santa B and caught the end of the US game,
walked through the Solstice Day parade, ate lunch
and got ready for our second show at Bev's friend Charlie's house.
Again, had an intimate show, this time of about ten or twelve.
But it was a very memorable night!
One of those audience members, who happened to be the one
housing us during our time spent in Santa B,
showed up in little navy undies and a white
button up shirt which were later thrown
on to the stage after one of our songs.
I think the camera will do more justice than writing about it,
but let's just say that performing experience was
definitely a first for all of us!
Got dinner, saw the full moon and then
went out for a little dancing.
And I'm pretty sure out of the six nights we spent
in Santa Barbara, four of them were concluded with
an overflowing bowl of frozen yogurt.
Plus, the first night in L.A, so we're looking at
some serious yogurt in-take. Yummmm.
Anyway, thanks to Bev for taking such good care of us..
driving us around and making us laugh!
And singing along with all of our songs.
Number 1 fan in Santa Barbara right there!
And also to Blake for housing us and questioning..
everything that we've ever believed to be true.
Gooood times.
Okay well, I think that pretty much sums it up for now.
Stay tuned for videos and the San Fran update!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
LA LA Land
Typical night in: frozen yogurt, snuggle up on the couch, PJ's, the works. Well, Caroline and Karina are in their PJ's anyway. Oh yeah, hey, it's Lena. You probably noticed but the three of us have re-united. It's been a lovely day already. Let me tell you what happened.
I got the two minute warning text from Caroline, and sure enough, two minutes later I heard 2 car doors slam. I was already prepared for what came next. I was greeted by not 2, but 3: Caroline, Karina, and the video camera. I gave them a brief tour the house, on camera, only to later find out the video was lost. But the important thing is, we are together again.
After running a few errands and driving them around the west side of LA, gridlocks and all, we returned home for some much needed music time. We have added one more original song to our setlist, "Feather'd Friend". I don't think they've learned a song quicker, and it sounds great. We had some home cooked Simon family dinner, a little more rehearsal time, and then came Yogurtland and a nice uppity movie called "The Road".
We have our first kick off mini tour show tomorrow at the Venice High School Learning Garden, one more night in LA and then back off to Santa Barbara for the house party show. Let the traveling begiiiiiiiiin!
I got the two minute warning text from Caroline, and sure enough, two minutes later I heard 2 car doors slam. I was already prepared for what came next. I was greeted by not 2, but 3: Caroline, Karina, and the video camera. I gave them a brief tour the house, on camera, only to later find out the video was lost. But the important thing is, we are together again.
After running a few errands and driving them around the west side of LA, gridlocks and all, we returned home for some much needed music time. We have added one more original song to our setlist, "Feather'd Friend". I don't think they've learned a song quicker, and it sounds great. We had some home cooked Simon family dinner, a little more rehearsal time, and then came Yogurtland and a nice uppity movie called "The Road".
We have our first kick off mini tour show tomorrow at the Venice High School Learning Garden, one more night in LA and then back off to Santa Barbara for the house party show. Let the traveling begiiiiiiiiin!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Three days to Paradise
We arrived in sweet Portland Oregon on Wednesday.
Eden greeted us with her new st. Bernard puppy named Shalom. Shalom made our visit extra special.
I didn't think any city could get chiller than Seattle but Oregon is definitely competition now.
One major highlight of our stay was going to a dance class taught by Eden's mother Tracey. Probably the best dance class I have ever experienced. Tracey if you are reading this please come to Cornish to teach, we need you.
After dance class Caroline and I got a little tipsy...yup....Margaritas...........
Yes, on an empty stomach one sip of tequila transports us to a warm land of tipsyness. Cheap dates I know. The food was amazing and we got to catch up/crack up with Eden.
Then back to Eden's magical house where we ate warm cookies by the fire and played a few songs for the fam. All and all a lovely stay in Portland.
Thursday we arose early for our ten hour drive to San Fran.
Not too much to report on the driving...a lot of road and a lot of sky.
PS. I was pmsing almost the whole trip. Caroline you are a brave woman.
So we got a little/a lot frustrated with our GPS system, it really screwed us over but we arrived at Rachel's house safely in the later evening. Rachel is a good friend of my sisters. She has two roommates, Alyssa and Monique. Thank god for Alyssa, she made us laugh real hard.
They requested we give them a little show before bed.
We were called "magical." This is a good sign. I like magic.
Hopefully we'll be stopping back at their place on our way home and get to perform for their friends.
Today we arose early once again and took to the road. Sun. make. us. happy.
Reached our destination and went straight to the beach. We are now getting ready for some adventures in Santa Barbara, watch out State street here we come!
Eden greeted us with her new st. Bernard puppy named Shalom. Shalom made our visit extra special.
I didn't think any city could get chiller than Seattle but Oregon is definitely competition now.
One major highlight of our stay was going to a dance class taught by Eden's mother Tracey. Probably the best dance class I have ever experienced. Tracey if you are reading this please come to Cornish to teach, we need you.
After dance class Caroline and I got a little tipsy...yup....Margaritas...........
Yes, on an empty stomach one sip of tequila transports us to a warm land of tipsyness. Cheap dates I know. The food was amazing and we got to catch up/crack up with Eden.
Then back to Eden's magical house where we ate warm cookies by the fire and played a few songs for the fam. All and all a lovely stay in Portland.
Thursday we arose early for our ten hour drive to San Fran.
Not too much to report on the driving...a lot of road and a lot of sky.
PS. I was pmsing almost the whole trip. Caroline you are a brave woman.
So we got a little/a lot frustrated with our GPS system, it really screwed us over but we arrived at Rachel's house safely in the later evening. Rachel is a good friend of my sisters. She has two roommates, Alyssa and Monique. Thank god for Alyssa, she made us laugh real hard.
They requested we give them a little show before bed.
We were called "magical." This is a good sign. I like magic.
Hopefully we'll be stopping back at their place on our way home and get to perform for their friends.
Today we arose early once again and took to the road. Sun. make. us. happy.
Reached our destination and went straight to the beach. We are now getting ready for some adventures in Santa Barbara, watch out State street here we come!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
ANNABEL LEE ROAD TRIP.
Hey everyone!
Well, it's 10pm on this lovely June 15th evening (Happy birthday to Dad and Christine!) and after last minute errands, packing and planning, Karina and I are sitting down to watch.. The Sound of Music.
Random, I know. But, Karina found the VHS yesterday while she was cleaning and we couldn't help ourselves. I mean, what better way to pump yourself up for hours and hours of driving down the west coast than a Julie Andrews classic musical?
So, while we sit here watching Fraulein Maria and the Von Trapp family singers I thought I might multi-task and write our first blog and let everyone know what we're up to over the next few weeks!
Our first stop will be in Portland, Oregon with the lovely Eden Schwartz, her beautiful family anddddd her new puppy!
Things could change, but at the moment this is the tentative plan...
JUNE 16TH.
leave Seattle
drive to Portland
chill with Eden and fam and puppy
JUNE 17TH.
drive straight to San Fran
sleep over at Rachel Weisburg's
JUNE 18TH.
drive to Santa Barbara
bevvvv time!
JUNE 23-25TH.
head to L.A
hang with the Simons
hopefully perform somewhere!
JUNE 26TH
head back to Santa B
house party show
JUNE 27TH OR 28TH
Head back to San Fran
and then.. details get a little fuzzy.
JUNE 29TH.
drive to Ashland
JUNE 30TH.
perform/explore Shakespeare festival
JUNE 31ST- JULY 1
drive to Portland
hang with Eden, do a little show
JUNE 2ND.
drive back to Seattle
We're hoping to do lots of music on the trip, especially on the way back up. Whether that be jamming and hanging or performing at a little house party get together or any cafe's, venue places.. so if you are going to be around any of these places and know of any opportunities or are interested in hanging out and being a part of our mini "tour" / roadtrip, contact us! annabelbooking@gmail.com or on facebook: Annabel Lee.
We'll be checking throughout the trip!
Well, I guess that's it for now. Goodnight! And stay tuned for blogs, pictures and videos!
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