Happy New Year

Today I have been working on finding the calm within the storm. I have been feeling restless, cranky and blah. It's always hard moving to a new city and lately every time I turn around I feel like I am smacking into a brick wall. I am starting to feel emotionally battered. I am trying to be optimistic. Being that its the eve of a new year I am willing myself into a good mood so not to start 2007 on a bad note. I am off to see Mstrkrft and Shout Out Out Out at the Citadel Theatre and then to a hot tub party.

My head aches. I have not eaten all day. That is a recipe for disaster.

I usually put down New Years Resolutions. This year I have said screw it.

s.

Four in the Morning

You know those nights where the clock ticks and you are exhausted but can't fall asleep? Well, I am having one tonight. I guess I have a lot on my mind. My website is coming along well. My ideas have worked out nicely. The only problem is the drawings are taking a lot longer than I expected. I had hoped the site would be done last week. Now I am thinking, it will be closer to mid December. I can't believe it's 4:23 in the morning. I bought some Safeway bulk coffee today and made a pot in the afternoon. Maybe it's the caffeine keeping me awake. Well, I am off to toss and turn some more. Hopefully, sleep will come soon.

s.

Open Mic, Recording and Website

Hello all,

It's late. I just got back from a open mic in St Albert at LB's Pub. What a great spot. The house band was fun. Thanks to Tyler for playing fiddle.

The last week has been busy, getting settled in to the new place, trying to find my way around the city and brave the cold (I keep getting told, this is nothing!).

I did some recording this weekend. The tracks are rough, but the essence is there. I have a couple of friends working on the project with me and I am eager to hear what they come up with.

I also started my much needed website redesign. Hopefully, within two weeks I will have the new site launched.

I am off to bed.

s.

Edmonton

The drive from Prince George on Saturday was tedious and a bit scary. Lots of cars and truck in the ditch. Snow and ice everywhere. My heater in my van is not what it used to be. I had to wear my touque (sp?), gloves and big down jacket the whole way. I was a popsicle by the time I arrived.

Up next, a month in Edmonton testing my songs in a new market and doing some recording. I'll keep you all posted on upcoming shows as they are confirmed.

I am off to hunker down beneath the covers and try to get the chill from my bones. Its cold here... It feels more like Christmas than Halloween :)

s.

Snow

hmmmm.... snow.

It seems too soon for snow.

Was I not just on a beach.

It's going to be a gross drive to Edmonton.

Yuck!

Friday night I will be at Cafe Voltaire in Prince George starting at 8pm

Hope to see you there

s.

Live @ the Kiva

I had the best time last night. Gary and I played to a full house. 100 people in an intimate environment. What a great crowd. Thanks to everyone who attended the show and came and chatted with me. It was nice to see familiar faces and a slew of new ones :). The atmosphere was so encouraging it was a pleasure to share stories. It felt like sitting in the kitchen with good friends over a glass of wine.

Special thanks to Elaine at the Kiva for organizing the event, postering, setting up and arranging door staff. Also, a thank you to the North West Community College for paying for posters and advertising the event.

Up next, a week in Prince George and a show at Cafe Voltaire. Friday at 8:00pm.

On the road again,

Sall

If our lives had sound tracks...

If our lives had sound tracks I wonder what music would be playing right now. In reality I am sitting on the floor, listening to Afrocelts and drinking peppermint tea. Great stuff for driving to or zoning out on your living room floor.

Its been a thought-provoking week. Small changes with big impacts. Something has changed within me. I no longer feel like a hesitant emerging artist. I feel strong and capable. I have mapped out the next 6 months. I have postponed my trip to Europe, it will happen, but at the moment the timing is not right, for reasons I don't need to get into online. The month of November I will be scouring the Edmonton area for open mic nights and testing my music in a more specific 'folk-country' market. December I will be playing at the Crest again and playing at the CBC Charles Dickens Christmas Carol reading in Rupert. I hope to organize a few more shows on the way home maybe Williams Lake, Smithers and New Hazleton. I am going to take some time after Christmas to start working on a 3rd recording and hunker down to finally plan a cross Canada tour for the summer. That's it in a nutshell.

This morning I was invited to perform on the Mix 56 Radio Show with Ryan Boult. It was a pleasure as always. Live radio is fun... you never know what is going to be said. We played 10 things you never knew about Sall. I blanked on my favorite actor and actress. I still don't know who I would say. I have a hard time narrowing my likes down for that kind of trivia :) This evening is the show at the Kiva. I look forward to it.

I hope to post some pics of the summer soon.

sall

Back in the Saddle

Some people complain that Rupert is dreary in October. I think its great. Its so different than Octobers where I grew up. Here, its foggy in the morning and the clouds are low in the sky, often impeding the view of surrounding mountains and sometimes even the higher elevations of the city. It gets brighter later in the morning and darker early. However, I find this changing of the days and the calm it casts on the city, to hint at the excitement of months to come as we head into the Halloween/ Christmas/ New Years party season (I love). Tonight, standing in front of the crowd at the Crest Hotel I was amazed by how much I had missed performing to a large audience. It was great. My fingers are showing the telltale dark tips and feeling the numbness of a 4 hour show. My body feels sleepy from the physical exertion of singing. I am stoked to be back. I stood for a moment in the parking lot at the end of the night and listened to the water drops fall from the leaves caused by the thick fog that makes the street lights all fuzzy and my skin feel damp and thought to myself that Rupert in October is anything but dreary.

I am meandering and that is a sign to stop writing.

Back in the saddle.

s.

This and That

I am having a hard time believing that I have been back in Rupert for just over 24 hours. I love this place. It's been a busy two days. Tuckered. I am excited to play at the Crest tomorrow night. It's good to be back.

s.

Phase Two

I am sitting in South Terminal in Vancouver waiting to board a plane to Prince Rupert. I am excited. With a couple of weeks of vacation under my belt I am refreshed and eager to get back on the road. First up, this weekend, a 3 day show at the Crest. Then a concert in Terrace at the Kiva and a show in Prince George. After, I am heading to Edmonton for a few weeks to work on material for a third album. I promise my posts will be more frequent. Thanks for sticking it out through the dry spell.

Sall

Feet on Solid Ground

Hello everyone!!

Summer is drawing to a close and with that my life on the water. Aside from rebooting my system and recharging my creativity, I was surprised to have learned a few things about myself and with that skills I will be able to take with me and use in my everyday life. Living on a 75 foot vessel in close quarters with 5 crew is a demanding lifestyle requiring a level of self control I have never had to put in play before. Adding to the mix 6-10 guests..... Wow! Digging deep for patience is one thing, but having to have your game face on at 1:00 am when you have been working since 9:00 am and been on the water for 3 months is another thing!!! An amazing experience all round.... and I feel that it will continue to gain strength the further I move away from it.

I have two trips left and then a couple of weeks on a beach in Costa Rica then I am on the road again. I will be touring in the North West of BC to start. I will post dates soon.

Looking forward to putting some miles under the van, yellow line flashing in my rearview mirror with a horizon stretching ahead of me, hinting of adventure and rooms to fill with music.

Sall

Entertaining on the Water

Hello Everyone,

Ok, so my plans have changed. This summer rather than me traveling to the people, I am going to let the people come to me :)

I have taken an entertainment position on a luxury boat that travels from Prince Rupert. I am looking forward to it and the few months of stability it will provide before throwing myself back out into the rigors of the road.

I have been working on some new material and plan on using the time to hone the songs in prep for a third cd next winter.

I will be playing for the public again starting on September 15th. I will also be launching a new website at that time.

I hope you all have a safe summer... I will drop a note periodically to fill you in on the trials and tribulations of this section of my adventure.

Sall

Waiting to Board, Bored

I am sitting in the Vancouver airport waiting to board a night flight to Toronto. Why I have decided to travel on a redeye again I don't know. I remember very vividly sitting in the airport last time swearing that the sore neck and exhaustion the next day was not worth the cheap fare.

Regardless, Toronto here I come. We should be boarding momentarily. This late at night, people certainly don't look their best. Grumpy tired eyed children, rumpled blearly eyed businessmen and the restless, bored, rest of us. I wonder how the rest that don't subscribe to the laptop way of life survive. Technology certainly has a way of making, whiling away the time, more enjoyable. I have listened to music, chatted online to friends, checked and returned emails, did some music reviews (for a site I belong to) and now am updating my severely falling short daily journal.

Well, it looks like they are calling my seat number. Yippee Toronto here I come.

Toronto Bound and R&R

Ok....so my blogging has become progressively worse. I feel though, that I am gearing up for a creative outburst. Maybe my blogging will improve at the same time.

Tomorrow I am off to Toronto for several weeks. Mostly a trip for rest and relaxation, but I will do a couple of small shows as well. Tonight I am holed up in a hotel in Smithers. I just finished a three nights of shows. A friday night show at the Alpenhorn and then a two night engagement at Ski Smithers. Lots of fun, great crowds and amazing weather. I;ll post some pics soon.

Well, I am off to sleep.

night world

s.

The Terrace Best Western

Played at the Terrace Best Western last night. Fun and a good practice for next weekend. Friday I am at the Alpenhorn in Smithers, Friday and Saturday at Ski Smithers in the Lounge. After the show tonight I am off to Rupert for a week. I will prob do some show's at Cowpuccino's. Hope to see you there.

s.

Quesnel Show Postponed

Hello Quesnel - ites

I regret to say it but, I have been under the weather for the past few days and because of that I have had to cancel my show in Quesnel. I am making arrangements to come back an play in August. I hope to see you all then. Thanks for the support.

Sall

Where am I?

Tonight I actually had to ask someone at the hotel what town I was in. How's that for rock and roll! Well, 100 Mile House it is I was aiming for Williams Lake but did not make it. Lets see, where have I been, what have I been up too, where did I leave off. I played Bastion square in Victoria (which I wrote about) and then in the evening had a show at the Black Stilt Coffee House. A fun night had by all. It was great to see so many familiar faces. Thanks to Ryan Bresser (The Blue Arbutus) for organizing the show, postering, promoting and playing. In addition, thanks to Kirsty Hudson from CBC for promoting the show on air. I have had emails from all over the province, based on that clip.

I am now on my way to Quesnel for a show on Thursday then it's playing at the Best Western in Terrace on Friday and Saturday night.

Tonight Live from Victoria

Hi All

Tonight I am in Victoria at the start of another couple of months on the road. During the day I played at Bastion Square, down by the waterfront. It is a artisan fair. I want to thank everyone who bought a cd and threw money in to my pot :) Having never busked for a full afternoon before... i was not sure how it would go. Lots of fun, met some new people and enjoyed the wonderful spring air. On my way home (lost again) I saw the cutest girl.... the longest brown curly hair, shoe laces untied, thick glasses, rumpled clothes, walking home from school, nose stuck in a book. I tried to see what she was intently reading and almost rear ended the driver in front of me. It's nice to see kids these days that are excited about books. Thankyou JK Rowling !

Last night we went to Herman's and watched a jazz trio. The drummer was a guest named Lou Williams who is touted by many to be one of the best jazz drummers in Canada. I was told has set up the jazz programs at universities such as McGill. Pretty awesome.

Tonight I have a show at the Black Stilt Coffeehouse on Hillside here in Victoria. The show starts at 7:30pm and runs until 11:00. It is a double bill with my friend Ryan Bresser. It should be a fun night. Admission is by donation. Hope to see you there. Sorry about the short notice

Queen of the North

Today I received some distressing news. The BC Ferries vessel, Queen of the North sank this morning. The ship ran a ground, approximately 100 kms away from Prince Rupert along the inside passage near Hartley Bay. Details surrounding this disaster will emerge over the next few weeks. Initial, they were reporting minor injuries and that all crew and passengers accounted for. Hours later they are still unsure about the fate of two workers.

My thoughts are with the families, crew and passengers of all aboard the vessel this morning. Living in the north the QPN and the inside passage route from PR to Port Hardy is close to all of us in some way. We travel it, our friends and family work on board. It will be a day many will not forget.

s.

The Next 12 Months

Planning, Planning, Planning. It seems like things are starting to fall into place for the next 12 months. On tap, is at least one more ski hill show, possibly a stint on BC Ferries, a gig at the Crest and the Rotary Fish dinner. Plus a slew of coffeeshop shows on Vancouver and Queen Charlotte Island. Then shows across Canada throughout the summer. And hopefully a trip to England, Germany and Austria for the Fall and Christmas. It's been a rewarding organizing all of these shows.

I am in Seattle at the moment. Did I say that in my last entry? I am sitting in a Bookstore/ Community Centre/ Food Court that is jam packed with people, smells and interesting things to look. There is a 'Spring Flower Fair' going on and there are little kids running around and crawling under the tables. It's a energizing place to work.

I mentioned in an earlier blog that my van needed to go in for repairs. Not too much damage. My back emergency brake was seized causing the wheel to lock and I had a caliper on the front right that needed to be changed as well. It's all fixed and driving smoothly!

Off to work.

s.

I am a Bad Blogger

My current location is somewhere in the Interior BC. I am heading to Vancouver tomorrow and then on to Seattle later in the week. I have scheduled myself some much required planning time. I am anticipating, that with proper utilization, this down time will propel me into another 6-month tour, that will take me through to the end of the summer. I am aiming for cross Canada.

I have been a horrible journal writer as of late. Mostly due to shows in the vicinity of family, therefore my free time has been prioritized differently. It has been rewarding to my soul!

Recapping, the past month has been fruitful, with well attended shows, solid CD sales and remarkable support from audiences.

This morning I drove away from Sun Peaks Ski Resort after a two night apres ski booking. The snow conditions were fabulous and showed the sign that spring is just around the corner.

I will write a more inspired entry tomorrow. Words are eluding me tonight.

night s.

Prince George, Williams Lake and Regina

This morning I will be hopping a plane to do a couple of shows in Regina. Unfortunately, before that happens I have to get to the Canadian Tire. Last night 'Big Red' decided it needed a piggy-back to the garage. My back tire will not spin...lets hope it's only a seized brake. All in all it could not have been better timing. At least now it can be repaired while I am away and will not interfere with show schedules.

Since returning to Toronto I have played Prince George at Cafe Voltaire and in Williams Lake at the Gecko Tree. I have pics and will post them in a day or two. Lots of cd's sold and superb attendance at the shows. It feels empowering to be doing a solo show again. Just me and my guitar!

Yesterday, prior to the van fiasco, I decided that I will be returning to Toronto for more shows starting May 20th. I am hoping for a full 3 weeks this time. Wow...then it will be festival season. I guess I need to start planning my summer cross Canada tour.

How time flys.

Heading Home

I am standing at an internet kiosk in the Vancouver Airport, hurriedly typing as the minutes countdown toward another toonie insertion. I had a great time in Toronto the last few shows were great!

I have to say checking into the Vancouver - Terrace portion of my flight was entertaining. I was switching carriers from West Jet to Air Canada...The special baggage people said they wanted me to open up my guitar case so security could inspect it. Ok...no big deal...that has never happened before....but with all of the new security implemented it makes sense. Get this! My guitar sets of a explosives alarm. I have security going through my bags...agents taking away my boarding pass... pretty crazy. Ok..I might be blowing it a bit out of proportion...but it was pretty bizarre and a bit frightening. I imagine that guitars must set of the sensor all the time...especially if the musicians have been in venues with flash pots. I am guessing the Reverb in Toronto has used them in the past for events. Anyhow I am hoping the rest of my flight will be uneventful.

s.

Playing THE Reverb, Toronto

Playing THE Reverb, Toronto

Ontario

It's snowy, dry and cold! Just the way I like it! I have really missed this kind of weather. Crisp, squeaky snow, wind that nips and clear high blue sky's and sun!! I arrived late on Friday night and got settled in quickly. Gary took the redeye and arrived early Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon I picked up my rental PA from Long and McQuade. I am always amazed how cheap it is to rent gear! Then I headed to the Niagara Region for my first show. The fine dining restaurant we played at was entertaining. One person asked what style of music I play....they compared me to Norah Jones (total compliment). We played all of our songs at half speed to suit the ambiance! Gary had to make up drum parts on the spot to accommodate the new tempos. But it works...I now know that we can pull off a formal evening.

Last night we played at THE Reverb in Toronto. This venue is 180 degrees from fine dining. We opened for 3 bands, all amazing musicians, THE WHOMB, LUTENTENT and RECOVERY CHILD. It was nice to be able to let loose and play my songs the way I wrote them. Today I have the day off and I am going to wander around the city and check things out. Tomorrow we head up to do a Valentines day show in Dunchurch.

Sold Out Show in Terrace

Well....The show at the Kiva on Saturday night went really well. We sold out a day in advance and still managed to pack a few extra in. I hate turning people away, but we had to. I have a few pictures to post from the CD Release Party. I hope to have a few professional ones to add soon. This week we have a private party on Tuesday night and then it's off to Ontario on Friday for 10 days of shows. It will be great to play in my old stomping grounds again.

Crashing Your Couch - Part 2

Officially I am on the road again. I loaded up the van this morning and enjoyed a scenic drive along the Skeena River to Terrace. I can't believe it has been 2 months since I drove into Rupert having ended my first ever tour. Reflecting on the past months, I realize that as much as things change in ones life...much stays the same. For all of the new experiences this past year has brought me. Really, I am still the same girl. I am going to miss everyone in Rupert and I want to thank everyone who attended the CD Release Party and all of the radio stations and papers that helped promote the event. You are all the best!

Things are shaping up for the show on Saturday night at the Kiva. I just got word that over a third of the tickets have sold. The radio has been giving away some as promos during a quiz show and with tomorrow co: hosting the Mix 56 morning show I hope to spread the word further.

I'll write more soon.

Sall

Fabulous Release Party

I am cradling my cup of coffee as if it contains the essence of life itself. Groggy and bonetired, the pathetic self-induced exhausted state I am in can't hold the smile from my face. It's Monday morning and I have had 30-some odd hours to reflect on the CD Release Party on Saturday night. The only words that come to mind are 'life-changing' and 'milestone'. The photos are being developed as I write this and I will post them this afternoon.

I keep wanting to laughed outloud. What an amazing night. The theatre was packed at least 50 people over capacity, standing room only. The doors opened at 7:00pm and people kept streaming in. At 7:30 the theatre told me they were going to have to close the doors and put up the 'sold-out' sign. Thanks to Steve B for taking care of the 'front of house politics' and somehow kept packing them in :)

After that, the rest of the night was a bit of blur. Jordan Payne took the stage at 7:40 and played his beautiful originals and entertained the crowd with a rendition of my song ' Advice to a friend'. Russell Bowers from CBC introduced us at 8:10 and I have a vague recollection of walking across the stage picking up my guitar, speaking a few words into the mic and striking the first chord of Freedom. Playing with the band was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Thanks to Triple By Pass (Mark Giordano, Paul Cox and Brian Miller) Jordan Payne, Chris Vick and Gary Maltin for letting me take my music to the next level. It's going to be hard to play a 3-month acoustic tour after this!

After each song I was smiling so much that I had a hard time clearing my head to remember what my next song intro was going to be. I kept thinking this is going too well....it was perfect!! 12 songs later plus 5 encores I left the stage a changed performer!


I now have two days to get organized, sleep and say my goodbyes. I hit the road again on Wednesday for 3 months. Wow....this year is going to motor by.

Sall

Jet Set

Exciting news. I am off to Ontario for a week in Feb to play some shows in Toronto and the Niagara Region. I'll post more as I know the details. Last night I got to jam with some of the most talented musicians in Prince Rupert. A group of 20 somthings that exude nothing but enthusiasm about the instruments they play and the journey music can take you on. What a fabulous night. Thankyou you guy's! Nights like that remind me why I am alive.

sal!

Pics

Sleepy Sunday

It's a sleepy Sunday. I am curled up in a chair in my makeshift office. The house has hot water heat, so I have my toes wrapped around the radiator, toasty and warm. It has been a while since I last posted. Much has been the same. I am enjoying the small rituals that come from being geographically stationary, although the road is starting to call my name. Plans for the Release Party are moving along without any major bumps. The CD is at the printers and should arrive with days to spare (everyone cross their fingers). I had my first rehearsal with the band last week and it went well. All of the musicians are solid, exceptional players and with a few more practices we will all be solid on the songs. Cohesion always takes time. Next week I will have to remember to bring the beer:) Having never worked with a full band before this is a learning experience for me. One I am enjoying greatly.

The ski hill finally opened. The town is empty of many of my friends today as they all made the trek to the hill. This is the first year, that my first priority, has been something other than skiing. I felt strange knowing that everyone is ripping through the powder without me. Ah well, pursuing a dream means making sacrifices.

I have posted some pictures from the past month. From top to bottom they are:
- New Years Eve with the girls and yes I have feathers in my hair and Rayanne is wearing a wig. No flash and double exposed...But it looks neat.
- Playing at the Crest. This picture makes me laugh! The hotel had to move me under the elk the second night to accommodate a large reservation.
- On the Tracy Isle taking a tour of the harbor over Seafest weekend.
- Playing at Cowpuccino's Coffeehouse in December.

Hope you enjoy.

S.

Mayhem....Just The Way I Like It ;)

I'm coming up for air.

First let me tell you about New Years Eve. My cheeks are still sore from laughing and singing. We started out the evening at a friends house, just 12 of my closest friends. We were civilized folk for at least a few of the remaining hours of 2005. Then as the night drew closer to 2006, as with most that venture out on New Years Eve, our spirits soared in direct relation to the spirits consumed. At midnight we found ourselves standing on the stoop and street (which also happens to be the main street of downtown Rupert) shaking bottles of champagne (donated by a local establishment) and letting the corks fly. It was pouring rain, we were soaked and just when I thought the mayhem would end the glitter/confetti throwing started. Unbenowst to me a few friends acquired two very large bags of sparkly confettie which in the rain adorned the street, parked cars and ourselves with shiney multicoloured bits of plastic that were to remain as reminders for several days to come. As childish as it was, fun was had by all.

Starting Jan 1 I have been in work mode....on the agenda is CD completion, Release Party Planning, Festival Applications, Web Redesign and Feb Tour Planning. I am pleased to announce that triple By Pass, Jordan Payne, Chris Vick and Gary Maltin will be my back up band for the event. I am also coordinating with students from PRSS to display some of their portfolio pieces. Life is busy and good. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday.

Sall