Saturday, November 14, 2015

Sandman's Somber, Sweet & Surreal Annual Report:

I've been a single dad for over a year now.  Hana and I separated sixteen months ago and divorced on February 4th of this year.  Lack of romance won't keep us from being friends, though, and our beautiful tow-headed daughter will always be a reminder of our connection.

See any similarities 'tween this pic and the banner above?
On the job front, I went from Coordinator of Missoula's historic Roxy Theater in 2013 to Roxy Night Manager in 2014, and finally, so I could parent more easily, to theater janitor this year.  I find it comforting and meditative to sweep, vacuum, mop, scrub and restock this little art-house triplex that I helped to reboot three years ago.  Less hours now, but more time for Stevie and personal rejuvenation.

Musically speaking, my wellspring of creativity is flowing:  I'm writing songs steadily . . . working on three full-length CDs . . . in the early stages of penning a travelogue . . . and, surreally, America's Got Talent wants me on their 11th season (I have to pass the auditions first).

AGT's kind and helpful associate producer, Alden Harbi, wrote this in a longer email last month:
"I am so happy I came across your YouTube page!  After watching you in the zone, I am HOOKED!  I very rarely see such a beautiful fusion of originality, talent, and passion!"  
American dream or night terror?
I'll let you know what happens with that.

Financially, I'm barely getting by.  Each month I earn just enough to cover rent and pay for Stevie's Waldorf schooling and other general bills, and to buy food.  In October I spent all my meager savings so I could begin creating a children's album--GIDDYUP!  I then sold my Bose p.a. system so I could complete production on my new 22-song joint AMERICAN ROAD TRIP.  I'd like to start recording my third new record--HARD LESSONS--this winter.  Without a healthy infusion of money, these three apples will positively wither on the branch.

The time is ripe to launch a crowdfund campaign.  I've never done one--just supported friends' projects.  My goal is to kick it off December 1st and end on New Year's Eve.  Now the fun part to figure out: REWARDS.

9 comments:

Suzanne said...

My friend, the late Berkeley Songwriter, wrote a song entitled, " I'm Just a Janitor".
Think you might like it!

Suzannne said...

Sorry, left out his name. The intense wind in Hot Springs is rattling my brain along with the windows and trees. His name was George Pederson...another great song he wrote was, "Dogs driving Chryslers".

Chris Sand said...

Thanks, Suzanne! I'll check him out.

Mary said...

I was picking up Francis at school today and the Spanish teacher was playing guitar and singing in the hall. This kid asked him, "Can you rap something?" And he was like, "Well that wouldn't go so well w/the guitar." All I could think was 'What's the world coming to the teachers at this hippie school don't even know Sandman." America needs you.

Unknown said...

rewards for us prison city folks..house concert in Huntsville?

Robert said...

I like GoFundMe--from my experience, they keep the smallest % of the total & you don't have to set a deadline.

Chris Sand said...

I'd love that! Stay tuned...

Chris Sand said...

Aww, thanks Mary. That means a lot. : )

Chris Sand said...

Thanks for this tip! I'll research.