Everyone you know is going to be fucked up on the Aribtrarys

Sorry for not updating in a while, but I've had a very busy week. With recording having just wrapped up, and a tour looming, I haven't had much time to sit down at a computer. But, as a result, I have many many interesting things to write about.

Last week had Josh and I each making a last minute entry into this year's Folkquest competition. The rules stated that the competition is for individuals, and bands, duos and other such performance groups need not apply. This put us in a bit of a tight spot, seeing as how all of my music is written with Josh, I was sent an e-mail from the festival co-ordinator asking me to apply. There was a catch though, each performer was allowed an accompanist. So it was decided that Josh and I would each make an application. We'd just perform together as one another's accompanist.

So still being a duo, but technically not, we anticipated a certain amount of backlash. The day before the performance an e mail was sent out to an undisclosed amount of performers in the competition stating that it was strictly for individuals, not groups, and that an accompanist was allowed. So Josh and I started to worry.

So we get to Artspace, and I have a pounding headache. It went away after Josh and I pretty much ate half of the enormous fruit platter they had backstage for us performers. We also found out the e mail was probably directed at Gavin Elder and Scott Dunbar, who wanted to enter as a duo, but weren't allowed. We at first didn't really expect too much, and told all of the event co-ordinators that we had to leave immediately after playing so that we could make it to our next show, at Sgt's. They seemed fine with this, and helped cater when we played so that we could make it to Sgt's on time.

So we played our set, and the croud seemed very happy. The other performers all congratulated us, and I even did a bit of networking (lots of people apparently want cello in their songs). We prepared to run off, but the emmcee stopped me and said "hey...can you put me on the guest list at Sgt's...just in case you guys happen to win, so I can tell you?" Inside I'm laughing to myself thinking it's not even a chance, so I say of course, and then run off to Sgt's.

I get there and immediately start drinking. We watched Versus, a rap group, perform their set, and then we hit the stage. The croud wasn't huge, but they were friendly, and we started our set. We played pretty loose, but it was all just fun. About halfway through our set, these people came into Sgt's. They seemed not like anyone else in the room. They were middle aged, well dressed, sober, and seemed really excited to see us. After we finished the song we were on, they came up to us with huge smiles on their faces and said

"You guys won! You both won folkquest!"

The emmcee from Folkquest came in a few minutes later, with a certificate for come studio time, and words of congratulations. So of course, having learned we were victorious, and after a lot of cheering, we finished our set, and commenced with celebrating.

After that, we drove to Smithers on the weekend, and played a festival, took in a little camping, and wrapped up recording and mixing of our EP.

Tuesday morning, we were on CBC radio, and did an interview and live performance. It was fun, and slightly awkward.

Today, we're going to be on PGTV news, with an interview/performance. This might also be awkward, but for many different reasons.....

On Monday we leave for tour.

AND my insurance claim came through and I got a sweet cash settlement.

AND my stitches are out, and my arm is healing well

AND I have a new toy. A pentax D100.

Pretty exciting times, to say the least.