Carolynn Black: News

So I finally figured out how to get pictures from my cool new camera onto my computer (yes, I've joined the 21st century) so check out the gallery and see my summerfest photos. I'll put new ones up as I take them.

Also, don't forget to come down to the King Club this Friday, July 21st to get a double dose of funk. Chicago's Treologic is opening up for Vibe Syndicate at my favorite Madison venue. Check the calendar for more details.

See ya friday, or monday, or whenever you feel like gettin' your groove on...

Carolynn

That's right, for those of you who missed it, The Carolynn Black Band ROCKED Summerfest 06! Big shout out to Hunter & Jules for coming and partying with us in the afternoon. Dude, I want to see the video! Okay, okay, so how cool was it you ask? It was so f-ing cool it was HOT (truly, you should see Tom's sunburn!) We took the stage after a great acoustic folk/soul set by Reynaldo Moreno - a sort of Jeffrey Gaines meets Tuck & Patti. The CBB lineup consisted of me on acoustic guitar, my hubby Thomas Frederick on electric guitar, the incredible Joey B. Banks on drums, and Vibe Syndicate's own John Mesoloras on bass guitar. Even though we never actually got to rehearse for this show, we managed to rock the Tiki Hut right! As soon as we started playing, people started to smile and bounce their heads and tap their feet. It was such a thrill to see so many people rockin out to me and the boys. I sold a stack of cds, gave away a gazillion stickers, and made some great contacts, including a killer funk band from Denver, Filthy Children, and Joe Barnes of Joe's Podhole. Joe interviewed Tom and I for a future podcast that will include "Ooh Baby." As usual, I'll keep you posted as to when you can check that out. After the show, Tom and walked around the festival to check out the other stages and every 10 minutes or so I was approached by people telling me how great we were and how much they liked my stuff. Now that's what I'm talking about! Each and everyone of my new fans got a free sticker and a very heartfelt thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! So to all of my new best friends, I LOVE YOU, and keep checking back here for news, new tunes, and gig info. If you want to join my email list, please go to the guestbook and sign up. Hopefully The Carolynn Black Band will be coming to a stage near you SOON.

Okay, so what else is going on? Well, for three long days this past weekend, Vibe Syndicate was in the studio laying down the foundation for our debut CD. We knocked out 15 tracks and will probably tweak and overdub for a little while before it goes to the cd burning gnomes. I've heard the rough mixes and so far I can tell you this one's gonna be smokin! I'd love to tell you when it's going to be finished and ready for release, but I've recorded enough to know it's best to keep the cat in the bag til it's actually finished. So, just be patient and you'll all be the first to know.

Alright, that's enough for now. As always, if you're looking for something fun to do on a Monday night, come on down to The King Club and get funked!

A big "hey there, hi there, ho there" to everyone who partied up on the roof of Monona Terrace Thursday night with me & Clyde & The Clyde Stubblefield Band. It was a glorious evening, replete with cool breezes, dancing babies (and babes!), and the best view in town. If anyone out there took pictures please send some along - I'd love to see what we looked like with the Capitol dome rising up behind Clyde. Everyone was so cool and the band really had a great time. I could do that gig every week! I hope to see some of our new fans at The King Club on a future Funky Monday, or possibly at Summerest for The Fourth of July! Hey, it's only Milwaukee - that's like, next door, right? And besides, Elvin Bishop AND The Psychedelic Furs are headlining that night on the big stages. I can't wait! Okay, I'm off to practice, practice, practice...

So I was gabbing away with my SF gal Ellisa and checking my email and what do I see before me?
"We would like to extend an invitation for Carolynn Black to showcase at the 2006 Midpoint Music Festival. Talented artists from all over the world submitted to showcase at the festival and we’re pleased to make this offer to you."
I shrieked and little inner-child backflip, told Ellisa who then shrieked and congratulated me (inner-child backflip? Maybe, I don't know...) and then checked my calendar. How f'ing cool is that? Hmmm, I seem to be saying that alot lately. Sounds like a roll to me... So I'll be

Performing at...

It's in Cincinnati, OH September 20 - 23. I don't know when my showcase is yet, but as soon as I do, I'll send out an alert! (code:AWESOME NEWS)

Okay, I'm off on cloud nine. Think I'll float on over to The Harmony Bar and sing with The Black N Blues AllStars. Showtime is 9:45. Come see me and Clyde, and Joey and Paul and Major and all the cool kids get down and funky!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOO! It's going to be one helluva summer!

Okay, not only is The Carolynn Black Band playing at Summerfest, but we're playing on JULY 4th! Celebrate Independence Day with music, beer, and brats - YEAH! Now that's what I call The American Way. We're hitting the stage at 2:30 for a 45-minute set, so come early and take advantage of the $8 admission fee (it goes up to $15 after 4pm).

TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. THE GODDESS OF SOUL COMMANDS YOU. really, pleeeease?

Okay, so it's the end of May and the birds are singing, and all of this rain has really greened everything up. Life here at WonderCat Music is looking pretty, well, pretty! After a week back east with my hubby (we just celebrated our one-year anniversary, woohoo!), I checked my email and discovered that The Carolynn Black Band has been selected to play at this year's SUMMERFEST! That's right, we'll be on the McNally-Smith Tiki Hut stage. They haven't set the performance schedule yet, but THE BIG GIG runs June 29th - July 9th. I'll post the details as soon as I get them. HOLY COW!!! I'm so psyched I can hardly sit still to type this!

Well, I am happy to report that the tulips I planted back in October have started to bloom. The daffodils have been smiling for awhile now, but the tulips just opened up this morning. There is nothing quite as satisfying as waiting all winter for bulbs that may or may not grow right. Yayyy!!! Can you tell I'm a novice gardener? Hey, it's the little things, right? Right.

Sadly, my little monster kitty, Tipper The Wondercat, did not live to see the tulips this year. He died two weeks ago, and I've been really down about it, hence the lack of new news. The flowers have been cheering me up, and I plan to do a lot more gardening this spring, so stay tuned for more exploits in greenery...

In career news, I finally received my evaluation for "One Brother" from the Great American Song Contest, as well as honorable mentions and song critiques for "Ooh baby," and "To my future husband" from the Billboard World Song Contest. All had positive feedback and official looking documents! I've been writing alot on my own as well as with Vibe Syndicate so I'm going to keep submitting those songs. It looks like VS is heading to DNA Studios to record in late June, so be on the lookout for our debut sometime in the fall. I also hope to get in the studio soon with Clyde to nail down some countrified funk and set this place on FIRE!!! Whoa nelly! That's the plan. Fight the good fight and keep live music ALIVE!!

Okay, so I didn't win the MAMA, but MY momma flew out from NY to surprise me that day, so I did get the Mama that really matters. Watch out 2007! I'm not bitter - it truly is an honor just to be nominated (just keep telling yourself that, girl).

In creative news, I've been writing some new songs with vibe syndicate and for myself and hope to get into the studio with both VS and Clyde's band soon. It seems the upside of emotional pain is that it usually yields interesting song output. Not to mention the turbulent times we live in - politically, culturally, and spiritually - all excellent creative fodder. I hope I can translate my feelings into some funky music for y'all.

I'm off to DC this weekend for some time with my girly girls. Next weekend, Vibe Syndicate's headed up to Neenah, WI for an evening of groovy sounds at Cranky Pat's Pizzeria & Pub. On April 14th, it's off to Rascals in Winona, MN, and April 15th back here in Madison at the Slipper Club. Back to Back Vibe Syndicate - Woohoo!

Things are cookin' and I'm just gonna keep stirring the pot. Remember, you can always come on out on a Monday and get funked UP with me and Clyde at the King Club. C'mon, you know you want to...

I'm off to Austin, TX for SXSW in the morning, so I'm taking care of stuff, and I was checking my email, and whaddya know, I just found out that my song, "One brother" is a finalist in the 2005 Great American Song Contest! How cool is that? A very nice how do ya do, thank you very much. Especially nice after not getting a callback for Rockstar. Oh well, phooey on THEM! Here's my nifty official honor award banner.


Neato! I'm really looking forward to the MAMAs show on Saturday, March 18th. If you haven't got your tickets GO NOW and BUY THEM!!! What are ya waitin for? It's sure to be an incredible night for Madison area live music and Madison music programs. Come support The MAMAs and have a great time with me and Clyde, Joey B, and the rest of the boys. You never know, I just might win...

It's official - I've been nominated for a Madison Area Music Award (MAMA) for BEST FEMALE VOCALIST! How cool is that? I feel giddy and amazed and insanely proud of myself. Is that wrong? Nah. I've been singing my butt off. I deserve it! Okay, so now it's up to you to vote for me. If you haven't already, go to www.themamas.org and for only $5 join up and register to vote. The money goes to support Music in The Schools, a great organization that helps keep music programs alive in Madison area schools. Voting is only open until Friday, March 10th - whoa, that's NEXT FRIDAY! Get crackin everybody and VOTE!!! I need all the help I can get.

Just a friendly reminder that Vibe Syndicate is playing at Mr. D's in Monona TONIGHT at 8pm. Come get your groove on.

Also, Thanks to all who came to the High Noon last week . Of course the snow kept most away, but a few brave souls caught the debut of the Carolynn Black Band. With Pete, Alex, and Bryan from Clyde's band sitting in on horns, we put on a great show and had a helluva time (Dr. McGillicutty anyone?). Stay tuned for the next installment of "when good musicians go bad..."

But in a REALLY GOOD WAY!!! Last night, before my show with Clyde (hmm, good things seem to happen on Monday nights) Rick Tvedt (Rick's Cafe, The MAMAs) called and invited me to play at a MAMAs Preview Showcase night at The High Noon Saloon, next Wednesday, Feb. 15th. Naturally, I accepted and instantly made a Bill Cosby jello chocolate pudding face! I'll be debuting the new Carolynn Black Band for a set of old and new originals, and maybe a cover or two. It seems good things come in threes (or fours, or fives, keep it coming!).

So here's the story morning glory - Monday night at The King Club, after the show, Joey B. Banks comes up to me and asked me to join his Black 'N' Blues All-Stars for a couple shows, and not just any shows...drumroll please...The MAMAs on March 18th, and Dane Dances at Monona Terrace on August 18th (don't worry, I'll keep reminding y'all as the dates get closer)!!! How cool s that? For the uninitiated, The BNB All-Stars, aside from having a very cool name (I must've been born to join this band!), is comprised of a virtual Who's Who in Madison Music. Check out this lineup: Joey B. Banks, Clyde Stubblefield, Roscoe Mitchell, Westside Andy, Cliff Fredericksen, Bruce Alford, Ben Sidran, Jimmy Doherty, Claude Cailliet, The Phat Phunktion Horns, Steve Skaggs, Dave Stoller, Paul Filipowicz, Bobby Bryan, and now...ME! Pretty f'ing cool eh? But wait there's more.

Cool thing #2 - Tuesday morning, I wake up, check my email, and discover that I've been selected to play an acoustic set at Invasion of the GoGirls at the SXSW (South by Southwest) Music Conference in Austin TX! AND it's on the same day as The MAMAs! I'm trying to work out the scheduling so I can do both. I really hope I can manage it, but honestly I'm just so psyched that it's all happening. WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!! Okay, settle down Beavis and get some rest - you've got an awful lot of singing to do!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. See ya'll Monday.

Check out this article on weekly live music in Madison. Local music critic Kenneth Burns, came out to the King Club Monday this week to check out the The Original Funky Drummer, Clyde Stubblefield. There's a great picture of us in this week's Isthmus. accompanying the article. How COOL is that?!?! here's the link:
http://www.thedailypage.com/going-out/music/news/managedit.php?intmusicnewsid=600

You can vote for me and one of my songs in the following categories for this years MAMAs (Madison Area Music Awards): Best New Artist, Best Female Vocalist, and Folk/Americana. I've posted the link to Broadjam (they're handling all the online voting and nominating) on my links page. Please, please, please, help me at least get to the next round of voting. Vote for "One Brother," "Ride," and "Ooh Baby," and tell ALL your friends to do the same. I promise I'll be your best friend, okay? Seriously, my future depends on it!!! Too much pressure? JUST VOTE!

Vibe Syndicate has a smokin' new horn section - wanna see/hear for yourself? Come check us out tonight at The Slipper Club. With Roots Collective opening, it's sure to be a groovy evening. Don't let the date scare ya, it's only a number, and hey, it's FRIDAY!!!!!

Hey there music fans! It's Festivus time of year - come get funked for Festivus, or Solstice, or ChrismaHannaKwaanzzakah, or whatever it is you're celebrating this month. I know I'm having one helluva December. It's ALWAYS a party on Monday nights at The King Club, so make sure you get your Clyde on before 2005 is through. Holy Cow! Can you believe it's almost New Years eve? I'll be spending it with my friends and family, so if you want to catch me, come see me with Clyde Stubblefield next Monday, December 19th or the 26th. Oh, and wish me a happy birthday while you're at it (it's the 27th).

I hope everyone is enjoying this spectacular winter wonderland (well, in Wisconsin anyway), or whatever weather you're enjoying, with loved ones and joyous smiles. My wish for you all is to have someone to love. I know it's mushy, but hey, I'm still a newlywed so I'm allowed. Love each other and be thankful for what you have in each other. Oh, yeah, and listen to good music at least 5 times a day.
Happy Festivus!
Carolynn

Okay, so here's the scoop...I am now singing in not one, but TWO killer Madison bands. I am honored to join the incomparable, The Original Funky Drummer, Clyde Stubblefield and his seriously funky band. I am equally stoked about joining one of Madison's finest r&b bands, Vibe Syndicate. Come see what they're all about this Friday, Sept 30th at The High Noon Saloon. We're opening up for the Chicago Afrobeat Project at 9:30pm. Let the ride begin!!!

Well, there's been no news about the "Search for the Pearl" contest, so a bunch of us gals from the Janis Joplin bulletin board got tired of waiting around and decided to do something for the Gulf Coast hurricane victims. We're putting together (as I type!) a Janis Joplin tribute cd called "String of Pearls," and it looks like my version if "Get it while you can" will be on it. A portion of the proceeds will go toward hurricane relief. I am so excited to be a part of this project, and can't wait for it to be out there for you to buy and listen to. I'll keep you posted on the progress, but in the meantime you can go to www.codepearl.com/donations.html and pre-order a cd or make a cash donation.

In other very cool news, I will be joining Clyde Stubblefield and his seriously funky band starting next Monday, Sept 26th At The King Club in Madison, WI. I am honored to join the grand master of the funky beat on stage in his neverending journey towards the ultimate groove. Join us and GET DOWN!!

In an effort to aid our brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast area I am donating all proceeds from the sale of my album, "livin' in a ball factory" at CDbaby.com to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. I join thousands of CDbaby artists and countless other musicians in doing so. I will also donate all proceeds from my upcoming show at The Klinic on Sept 9th, so if you want to help out but can't quite figure out how, just come see me - I'll be the one playing the guitar and singing my heart out. I'm going to bring CD's, t-shirts, stickers, posters, you name it, I'll sell it and send the money to the Red Cross.

Lets give our fellow Americans the support and supplies they need, PRONTO!
See you next friday folks,
C