Ami Whoa!

Elusive Creativity

Ami Whoa! — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:52:35 +0000

The creative burst I had the other weekend, which led to writing and recording “Broken Loose,” seems to be just that – a burst. Since then I have gone through my day to day without the “itch” of inspiration. I did have a fun, social weekend last weekend – including spending most of Sunday playing music with my dear friend Lora Pendleton. And playing music is creative. But I miss the artistic drive I think I used to have. I dabble in so many things – writing, photography, drawing, playing guitar, singing, songwriting – but I don’t seem to have the discipline to excel in any of them. I put a lot of time into my job and my work for social justice, but I like to think I have another part of my soul to feed. Or do I? It doesn’t seem hungry. I fear that I distract myself too much with the internet. I fear that I am softening as I age. I fear fear. I need to carve out more time for quiet, for solitude. Space to listen for the muse.
I realize this is redundant.

Filed under: Life & Whatnot

Thursday Hooray!

Ami Whoa! — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:46:34 +0000

I had the pleasure of seeing the Archrivals last weekend. Made up of the members of stephaniesid, the Archrivals play keyboardist Charles Clement Lichtenberger‘s catchy, funky original songs and jazz with a rock edge. The musicianship was top notch, of course. The band’s outfits were awesome. And I love the vulnerability that Chuck shows in many of his lyrics, which he delivers as the hilarious character of the “Archrival.” The Archrivals stay playful and uplifting while pounding out rock with complex arrangements. I danced the whole time.

“Take your butterfly wings, and start a hurricane – let’s talk about love…”
photo by frank zipperer

Filed under: Thursday Hooray Tagged: Archrivals, stephaniesid

New Song – Broken Loose

Ami Whoa! — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:44:31 +0000

Somehow I managed to write and record a little song last weekend. It’s called Broken Loose. I am grateful for the inspiration and having the time to create.

Lyrics:

neighbors laughing, damn the cold
embrace the fading sun of gold

for good or bad, the day is done
no more blue skies for dogs that run

the tender space, the edge of time
‘tween daylight dreams and night sublime

a search for words that carry truth
and a heart that’s broken loose

from my chest, taking flight
dancing in the dying light

Filed under: Home Recordings, Lyrics, Magic Tagged: ami worthen, dusk, god, song

Thursday Hooray!

Ami Whoa! — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:49:47 +0000

My friend Timmy Smith (aka SocialLifeAVL) turned me on to artist/tattoo artist Miya Bailey. Born and raised in Asheville, “Miya got his start tattooing back in the early 90’s, when he lived in the projects, as a way to make money.” You can now find Miya at City of Ink in Atlanta, GA. He just finished a documentary about his career and the struggles of black artists called “Color Outside the Lines.” I can’t wait to see it.

Filed under: Thursday Hooray Tagged: miya bailey

Elvisfest 2012!

Ami Whoa! — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:03:46 +0000

Elvisfest was off the chain as usual. Read my report on the Xpress website.

Filed under: Mad Tea News, Tour Stories Tagged: 2012, chapel hill, elvis fest, elvis presley, elvisfest, mad tea

Thursday Hooray!

Ami Whoa! — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:25:07 +0000

Word on the street is that Dan Dyer will be at the Doo-Nanny this year.

Filed under: Thursday Hooray Tagged: dan dyer, doo nanny

Happiness in Hot Springs

Ami Whoa! — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:16:13 +0000

On New Year’s Day Krekel and I went to Hot Springs. It was chilly, not cold, and the rain that was falling as we drove stopped right as we arrived at our favorite hiking spot. We walked along the Laurel River with Max as mist rose from the water. The sun kept peeking out and illuminating the drops of water on the bare tree branches. It was magical. After the hike, we met some friends at a cabin they were renting. We spent the day soaking in a hot tub of natural mineral water, grilling out, laughing and generally setting the tone for a good year. We even had black-eyed peas and collards – just in case there’s anything to that superstition. I haven’t gotten caught up in the new year’s resolution tradition this year, though of course I am looking ahead and hoping for good habits, creativity and exciting adventures in 2012. What about you?

Filed under: Life & Whatnot, Magic

Birthday Bliss

Ami Whoa! — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:43:27 +0000

Since my birthday is December 30, I celebrate completing another solar orbit with the new calendar year. Last night I marked the occasion of my birth by going to see Free Flow Band play at Havana Restaurant. I recently wrote an Xpress article about them (I took the photos for the article too), and the band was really sweet and dedicated songs to me. Jason’s mom surprised me with a 10-layer cake. Hector, the owner of Havana, gave me a bottle of champagne. Everyone danced. And on and on. I am so blessed with love.

photo by jake frankel

Filed under: Life & Whatnot, Magic

Thursday Hooray!

Ami Whoa! — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:36:07 +0000

Reigning Sound has a new (free) EP, “Abdication…For Your Love.” Someone edited this old video footage to one of the tracks. Fits so well. Greg Cartwright definitely channels an earlier time in music, but puts a fresh spin on it.

Filed under: Thursday Hooray Tagged: greg cartwright, reigning sound

Holiday

Ami Whoa! — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:59:36 +0000

Huzzah! We did the Christmas thing and it was quite nice this year, thanks to family and friends and the Krektones. Riding on the LaZoom bus on Friday while the Krektones played was a blast. And their show last night was memorable, too – great costumes, decorations by Suzie Millions, killer arrangements of holiday tunes and guest appearances by Morgan Geer and Greg Cartwright. Rock.

Filed under: Life & Whatnot