Julia Sweeney and me!

  Jul 09, 2010 (Fri) Brownfield Maine *** Stone Mt. Arts Center (J&J)
  Jul 10, 2010 (Sat) Northampton MA *** Iron Horse Music Hall (J&J)
  Jul 11, 2010 (Sun) Sellersville PA *** Sellersville Theater 1894
  Jul 14, 2010 (Wed) New York NY *** City Winery
  Jul 15, 2010 (Thu) Fairfiled CT *** Fairfield Theatre-State One ***

I have to admit that I was a little freaked out. Not just to play the revered hall, but to play in front of the smartest, most talented kids in the entire country. What song would I sing? What lyric would not get their eyes rolling? 

After thinking real hard, as well as being somewhat of a semi-slacker, I thought I would rework one of my crowd favorites, "Underdog Victorious". Rather than a budding rock star, I would make Bobby Trucks, the protagonist, a writer. Instead of shredding his guitar like a super hero, he would be equipped with a leather Moleskin and a feather plume.

On the big night, I was feeling pretty confident. Plus, I had a half an emergency Xanax in case I panicked. That's until they asked me to talk a bit before the song. Yikes! What do you say to really really bright kids who probably can see what a big impostor I am (I have issues that pop up ever now and then). I had no time to prepare anything, so I just winged it and...told the truth.

I said..."You scare me". I said that I was intimidated to sing my song in front of "the most talented and bad-ass kids around". And what do you know? That did it! They were now on my side. Using the word "bad-ass" sealed the deal. No matter how mature and brilliant a kid is, they still appreciate a bit of cussing. I even got them to sing the end chorus with me!

It was only after completing song that I could then truly take in the amazement of the evening. These kids were incredible. These were the future Capotes, Warhols, and Avedons (all past award recipients). 

As Whitney once sang (not an award winner), " I believe the children are our future".

I give Bill my love and sympathy. I wish for him to fill up a hundred journal books full of wondrous songs and stories. 

Here's the song, if you care to listen: Sonny Liston. It's from my Folk Years 2003-2003 album

I'm just back in LA, and now figuring out what chores and projects I need to tackle first. If I had money, the first thing I would get is a personal assistant or clone. I'm not sure whether to work on the musical first, new personal songs, a song that I have to write for the Scholastic awards in June, or go to Trader Joe's. How does one get an intern or personal assistant?

But nobody can tell you the 7 virtues
Nobody praises the grade school teacher, but Everybody has a favorite serial killer.
And everybody watched the celebrity trial in detail
But nobody can tell who sits on the Supreme Court
And everybody wants better schools for their children, but nobody wants to pay their taxes.
Everybody wants to be loved and famous but they’ll drop kick your ass to be loved and famous.
Nobody wants the fat pregnant woman
But everybody loves the pumped up action hero

 Mom, I take you for granted, like some old forgotten habit. And, I know that you gave me life and helped me pay some bills.
Mom, I take you for granted, I was never abandoned.
Even though sometimes you really piss me off, I hope you live forever.
Mom

Oh, and here is someone's phone video of Nelly's "Hot in Herre" with my mom at Joe's Pub. 

Just to let you know, we probably talk about two or three times a day -ridiculous. I say, "I used to spend my childhood trying to get needed attention and approval from my mom. Now, I can't get rid of it".

Happy Mom's day to all of you moms.

No one got in the way. No know-it-all bugged Dave, the engineer, with their personal thoughts on how the EQ should be set  on my vocals. In fact, I  kind of want to record like this all the time.  I'm talking about the session where the fab John Doe and I invited fans to spend the entire day  in the studio to watch us make a record (or two EPs). The energy of having people there was such a revelation, as well as a good antidote from the often times sterility of a recording studio. Some fans came at 10:00 and experienced the annoying "getting of drum sounds" and the unexciting setting up of microphones. But they did get to see us arrange the songs and figure out parts. We put together a damn good band, including the sharply dressed Don Was on upright bass. They, as well as John and I, enjoyed having people there. I think it put us on our best behavior (in a good way) as well as made us want to perform really good. I wonder if it would be wrong to invite people to my kitchen - maybe my cooking would be better?

Anyhoo, I would love to do a fan-funded/participation day in other cities. Your town?

Last month, I was remiss in not writing about my experience in New Orleans at an artist retreat. I was asked to join a group of fellow activist musician types  to come down to the Big Easy, meet folks from the community, and discuss our own concerns and causes. The get away was put together by the wonderful folks at ATP and Future of Music Coalition. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I could tell you more, but  one of my fellow retreat musicians wrote a wonderful blog post about it, so if you're interested here is... Tim Quirk's . Now, I feel like I am a little more prepped than others on Treme. I love that show! Oh, I got to meet, pictured above, the chief of the Yellow Pocahontas.  

Look out for new improvements on the website, new stuff, and of course music.

 We have a killer band, including Don Was on bass and Doug Pettibone on guitar. We’re paying for the studio & musicians by inviting fans to the session. 

This stuff ain’t cheap so please excuse the higher priced tickets. (It IS once in a lifetime though.) Here’s a link to find out more details and what you can expect.

www.stepinside.eventbrite.com

I loved reading the comments Youtube. Someone called me a "hippie bitch". I think that is going to be my new band name.

MP3

Three years ago, they added another location during the conference called TEDactive, which now is in Palm Springs. It is smaller, thus more intimate, a little younger, less self-important and maybe more fun. Also, it cost half the price. Last year, I put together a ragtag group of musicians for a night of music. For some reason -and I can't remember how or why, we called ourselves..."Taco Pants". Taco Pants, by the way, is a very un-TED-like name. We did a mix of originals and worthy covers. The personal of Taco Pants changed this year, but it always includes band leaders: John Doe (X, and Knitters) and me. This year we added Don Was on upright bass, and Sarah Watkins on uke and violin. 

We played two shows: one in the loud hotel bar,  the other in some strange fake western ghost town right on the San Andreas fault. Not only could you hear our band, but you could put someone in jail, shoot bb guns at a booth, and drink all the free bear and wine you acquired. BB guns and alcohol -what a mix! Also, performing that night were String Theory and the DJs from Dublab (who are so deep with their musical knowledge and good taste. That is a good combo)

 So, here is a video taken from a friends phone of a couple of  Taco Pants numbers. Sarah Watkins sings an old Linda Ronstadt on her ukelele, and I sing Big Shoes. My mother joins in with a rap she wrote -really    

The first one is on New Years Eve in Chicago (actually in Evanston at a great place called Space). I hate going out New Years Eve, It's amateur hour. I usually avoid playing that night. However, we came up with a great idea:

How about we play at...6:00 PM? Everyone can be home by 8:30 to either put on pajamas and drink port, or they can go out and get trashed. It's a show for everyone.

We are back at Joe's Pub in New York January 10th. I miss playing there.

Then, we are in San Francisco -on the 27th - for  The San Francisco Sketchfest. This will be my first comedy festival. 

Here is a song that we wrote for the movie of her one-woman show, "Letting Go of God".  Check out my banjo playing.

My semi-famous 2005 Xmas record is on sale on my website. And with each purchase you get a signed CD and a real wooden DREIDEL!  

The record includes "Merry Christmas to the Family" , "Jesus was a Dreidel Spinner", and the song that EW magazine included in their top ten list of "Most Depressing Xmas songs" How can you not order this for yourself, your friends, and your relatives?

If you are on the East Coast, there are still 3 more Erin and Jill shows:

Tonight (Dec. 3): "The Saint" in Asbury Park, NJ.

Tomorrow (Dec 4)  is in NYC at the Highline Ballroom. I think Good Morning America is coming to interview me-probably about fan-funding. What do I wear?

If you hate going out New Years Eve -like I do -come to Chicago and see the Jill and Julia (Sweeney) show at Space in Evanston (near Chicago). Our idea was to start at 6:00PM, so folks, including ourselves, can be home by 9:00 to either Party or call it a night.

When I get home from tour, I hope to just spend time writing and recording.

Email me back with any ideas, questions, or jokes

xo, jill

Oh, also we have  shows in Western Mass and Philly.

I've got "the song of the week" on Mountain Stage. Also the show will be on the air this weekend.   A complete list of stations that carry the show can be found...here.

Guys, join my FB musician . You can meet other fans and friends at the shows. And...I was a matchmaker-two people who met through this site... are now going out! I've never been more proud of my career.

Erin and I have created a website where we will host a semi-regular show backstage during our tour. Who knows what will happen or how I will look after a 12 hour van ride.

http://www.clashofthelegends.com/

I just spent a day in the studio working on new songs.Thinking of a Valentines EP.

I went to my HS reunion. Was actually fun. I'm glad I decided not to go as an old alcoholic, crazy ala Baby Jane, ex-pop star.

I heard Rush is thinking of buying the the Rams. What would you do if you were a big St. Louis Fan? I'm just wondering.

That's the latest.

Also, if you come to any of the shows, and want to hear a specific song, let me know ahead of time...so I can practice it.

Check out my tour schedule. I've got to get new luggage and learn to pack better -fold or roll? Not only am I out with the marvelous Erin, but I have some fun solo shows and the "mystery train". I hope I'm in your town. 

Also, I will be guest DJ (Honey Wagon is my name) on FUV Sunday morn on the breakfast hour. 

Check out the schedule. I hope I'll be in or near your town. Most of the shows will be co-billed with the small but mighty Erin Mckeown. If in Boston Sunday, I am playing the Boston Folk Fest.

And if not in Boston, you can hear me play and guest DJ on WFUV for the Breakfast show. John Platt and I did a kind of a West Coast vs East Coast music smack down. Should be fun.

I had to go to the dentist today. Dental insurance is pointless. I just had to add this.

Lastly, I am finally doing something with the street team. You can still join.

We're excited to announce a really special event coming this November!

November 14-18, we invite you to join Jill along with Stan Ridgway and The Handsome Family for an unforgettable trip through the American southwest aboard the Mystery Train.

The train departs Los Angeles Union Station on Saturday, November 14th and traces the lines of Route 66 across the Mojave Desert en route to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The trip continues by rail back to Winslow, Arizona, then by motorcoach to the Grand Canyon, followed by a return trip by rail from Flagstaff back to L.A. The four-day journey includes travel on four private luxury rail cars and private motorcoach, accommodations on board the train and at the historic La Posada Hotel ("the last great railroad hotel") in Winslow, gourmet meals, and, of course, lots and lots of great music.

This will be a once in a lifetime trip, unforgettable and intimate — only fifty people can be accommodated.

For more information or to reserve your spot, please check out the Mystery Train web page or download the brochure here.

About an hour before her appearance, conference hosts Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher suggested Jill open her set with a song about Mr. Murdoch. "Now as most people know, I am a bit of a lefty," Jill wrote of the experience in a blog post for the Huffington Post, She couldn't be mean, and that, she said, was a tall order.

Here's the song Jill performed, which Arianna Huffington, herself a digital media mogul, called one of the highlights of the conference:

Check out our donwloadable tunes page for a special addition in honor of moms everywhere. It's an annual Sobulistan tradition.

Happy Mother's Day to all!