Wednesday, August 21, 2013

I've been pouring all of my creativity into The Roxy Theater during weekdays and into family life the rest of the time.  Music has been on the back burner, for sure.  Might stay this way a while and become a bona fide hiatus.

No problem, I tell myself.  I'd be in good company.

Wallace Stevens, at my age, took ten years off after publishing Harmonium.

Muhammad Ali, in his prime, took a three-year (forced) hiatus.  I just watched a doc about him last night called The Trials of Muhammad Ali--one of the best docs I've seen in a while.  We'll be showing it at The Roxy in September.

Courage.  Power.  Humor.  Patience.  Love.

What I'm trying to say is, tomorrow's show at Jefferson County Fair may be my last for a long time.

Main worries:

1.  What about all the new songs I've written that aren't recorded?  I'd record two new albums if I had the money and time.

2.  What about all the songs I've recorded that aren't released?  Many.

3.  What to do with all my merchandise?  People only buy my CDs, shirts, and pillow cases when I play live shows.

Goal:  Write a book of travel adventures.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Here's where I'll be all weekend:  http://redantspantsmusicfestival.com/chris-sand/.  My set is tomorrow at 6:15 sandwiched between Todd Snider and Robert Earl Keene.  On Sunday it's Merle Haggard.  Can't wait!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Nashville


Greetings from Music City, USA!  I'm on the ninth floor of the Hotel Preston, contemplating joining an open mic that's taking place downstairs.  I've grown to loathe open mics, but . . . I'm goin' down.  Maybe I can make a friend or two.

Two hours later:  I sang three songs to a rowdy crowd, then strolled outside to smell the sweet scents of southern summer.  With magnolias and fireflies and the near-full moon, Nashville is magic this time of year.

I'm here this weekend for the Nashville Songwriting & Music Business Conference.  My songs are getting heard and appreciated.  Amanda Williams, who runs the show with her partner Todd, is teaching us the business of song peddling.

I first met Amanda when I lived in Nashville in 1998-99. She's an excellent songwriter who has written hits for Garth Brooks and George Jones. Here's an R-rated song of hers that you might enjoy -- "Asstastic"!



****

I flew to Nashville a few days early, hoping to visit several friends who live here--Jack & Kitty Norton, Jonny Fritz, and, in particular, Camo Davi.  The former three are touring, so I've had lots of quality time with Camo. He lives next to the cooling waters of Percy Priest Lake--a real bonus on these 90+ degree F. days.

Camo was my first band member.  We started collaborating in 1995.  Three or four of my first CDs feature his harmonica, human beatbox, vocals, and more.  Here's an example: Until the End of Time.

Monday I fly to Seattle for the mother-and-child reunion.  We'll stay in Olympia for a week, then it's Missoula-bound and back to work. 

Sunday, June 09, 2013

Stevie at St. Mary's Lake
My four-year transformation--from rappin' rural hermit to domesticated urbanite--is almost complete.  First came courtship, marriage, and daughter, along with a move from ND back to MT.  Then, six months ago, we moved into a four-bedroom house in the U District in Missoula.  All I needed was a job to pay the rent.

I can now report that I've been hired to work full-time at The Roxy Theater!  My coworkers and I are refashioning the space into an art house cinema.  More on that soon.

My life as a rambler is over for now. Such is fatherhood.  I still sing and play when I can, though.  A week ago I entertained a classroom of third graders at Hellgate Elementary.  Last night I played a campfire show at the beautiful Lazy Sousa Ranch.  Next week I fly to Nashville to attend The Nashville Songwriting & Music Business Conference.

I was once a sheep in wolf's clothing. Now I'm just a sheep.  The adventure continues . . .

Saturday, April 27, 2013

My new job is Coordinator for the 36th International Wildlife Film Festival.  Tonight is our opening night! I'm truly excited about the next eight days of panels, parties, parades, and, of course, wildlife films.

It's thrilling to be part of a great team that combines creativity and community building. Our office space is above the Roxy Theater on Missoula's hip strip.

Here's our festival trailer:
IWFF 2013 (Trailer) from Marshall Granger on Vimeo.

The only bummer is that this job is temporary.  Hopefully it will lead to something full-time.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Tomorrow night I'll be playing my first show in months, and I'm looking forward to it.  My favorite Missoula band, Butter, will be headlining.

Details here: http://tophatlounge.com/event/butter-395/

I started a new job two weeks ago.  I'll write more about that soon.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tweet!

A few of my "tweets" from the last week:

Gather in the lunch room at noon; the issue is whether we take over the factory and move to a worker-owned society or not. Please attend.

Old-time post cards were the original and best tweets. Found: "Dear Son, it is supposed to get cold here and I am low on wood. Love, Dad"

Bangtail Boneyard Broomtail Buzzard Bait Cayuse Crowbait Fantail Hammerhead Hay Burner Man Killer Ringtail Gut Twister Choppin' Horse Nag

La tierra está lista para sembrar. Ahora, vamos a regar de asiento.

10 Ways to Make Money in the Country: 1) fish pond 2) apples 3) goats 4) meth 5) squash 6) fur 7) poultry 8) melons 9) corn 10) asparagus

The stars are Her eyes, the grass and trees are Her hair, and the rivers are Her bloodstream. She is the heartthrob behind all hearts. God.

Passed my drug test! Looks like I'm back to driving a truck... not long-haul and not a semi, though, fortunately. 

Remembering my Grandpa Bob Sand this morning: swimmin in Wolf Creek, ridin horses, herdin sheep. No rules, no utilities, no fences. . . 1919

Consensus is such that the factory is now owned by us. Who will b the delegate 2 discuss w/ the other factories how we coordin8 production?

Follow me here: https://twitter.com/rappincowboy

Friday, February 08, 2013

Who knew parenting would take so much out of a blogger?  Anymore I feel lucky to post anything, even a baby picture on Facebook.

Life is going swimmingly, nevertheless.  Daily I move more and more away from my solitary habits and toward the big community.  Wife, daughter, town life, house, nine-to-five job, regular meals.  No traditional church yet, but something similar perhaps.

Pretty soon I'll be completely unrecognizable as the skinny, rappin', truck-driving, bug-spray sprayin' cowboy in the movie.

It's for the best.

What I ache to do is write the real story.  Something almost anyone could relate to.

And maybe, when I find sufficient time, I will.



"Don't start me talkin', I'll tell everything I know . . ."

Monday, January 21, 2013


Coincidentally, Hana and I bought a king-sized bed today.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday, Stevie!

Happy 1st Birthday to my wonderful daughter, Stevie Angela Kasm Sand!
Pre-party swimming at Currents.

She LOVES her birthday drum from Deb!
Thanks Deb Tomas for the decadent chocolate cake. Also in attendance, besides me, Hana, & Deb, were friends Evie and Joyce.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Moonshine & Dirt Weed!

Emails like this one are a good cure for the January blues.
"Hey Chris, AKA Sandman, AKA Rappin' Cowboy,  
Good to see you are still making music. I saw you perform back in the day at the Voodoo Room in Astoria OR. You had everyone in stitches--even a table full o' Republicans. Good times for all. 
Have you ever been to Johnson City, TN? Would you be interested in stopping by sometime? We could easily provide space for a house show if you are up for it.  
So, if you get an itchin' for some moonshine, hillbilly dirt weed, Bluegrass, and BBQ drop us a line or give a shout 423.xxx.xxxx!  
Best Regards,  
-J"