Instagram: kurtscobiemusic

Instagram: kurtscobiemusic
April 28, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

I'm not sure what came over me. Last night, I felt like I was missing out on all the fun, and I downloaded it. I gave in. I was so proud of myself for resisting it for so long but in a matter of about 38 seconds, I undid everything I had worked for.

I am... (sigh)... on Instagram.

I finally caved. I can hardly believe it this morning. I hope I don't regret it. I'm scared. Feeling a little vulnerable. What if people don't like my photos? What if I turn into one of those people who posts all the time? What if... I... like it?

So many questions! So much at stake!

Wish me luck on this new journey. And if you have any Insta-tips (see what I did there?) feel free to help me out.

And if you use Instagram, follow me: kurtscobiemusic

Kurt

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Avi Wisnia

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Avi Wisnia
April 26, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Everyone needs to know Avi Wisnia.

I have known Avi for a couple years now and I had the honor of performing with him at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia recently. This guy is talented! I know I say this in every FFF post, but... you NEED to go check out this Philly singer-songwriter. He's just so... good. AND he is a piano-player, so he gets extra points in my book.

So... yeah. Avi is awesome. Check him out!

Here are a few places where you can connect with Avi Wisnia online.

www.aviwisnia.com
www.facebook.com/aviwisniamusic
www.twitter.com/aviwisnia
www.youtube.com/teamwisnia

Touring Takes Trust

Touring Takes Trust
April 25, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Greetings from Pennsylvania!

I am back out on the road for the Step by Step by Step Tour. On Monday I played at Sitwell's Coffeehouse in Cincinnati, OH (a very cool spot near the University of Cincinnati). But I had a problem...

When I cancelled my house concert in Ambler, PA to go home and take care of some personal stuff, I left my keyboard. I found out later that I didn't need to do that, but at the time I wanted to make sure the artist I was playing with that night, Joy Ike, had a keyboard to play. I wasn't sure she was bringing hers since she was taking a bus from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

Anyway, I left my keyboard.

Well, this presented a dilemma (uh, yeah...). Since I really didn't have time to make arrangements before Monday, I was scrambling to try and find a keyboard I could borrow or rent. At one point during the trip from Georgia to Ohio I was convinced that I would have to BUY a keyboard (which I cannot afford) so that I would have one to play that night. I even considered performing the show a capella. This was not looking good.

But, technology came through for me.

Actually, a couple awesome people came through for me. Technology got us connected, but it was the willingness of a couple amazing individuals (who didn't even know me) that saved the day. I was able to pick up a (very nice) keyboard before heading to Sitwell's. AND through this process, I was offered a place to stay, so I didn't have to get a cheap hotel in a sketchy part of Cincinnati. Awesome!

So, thank you Theresa, Amanda and Diane (and Diane's husband for helping me carry that beast of a keyboard up out of your basement)!

I've said this before and this story proves it. I am an "independent" artist, but I think "interdependent" better describes my world. This touring thing takes trust. And if you really think about it, LIFE takes trust. Life is risky. Whether you're traveling across the country or across the street, every day presents opportunities to trust others, yourself, and God.

I am learning quite a bit about trust these days. And I am finding that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and trust others, we will experience a fullness in life that we simply cannot have when we try to do everything alone.

-Kurt

Judah Helps Pack for the Tour

Judah Helps Pack for the Tour
April 8, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Well, I hope I haven't forgotten anything! Judah "helped" me pack and I think he thought of everything but I'm sure I will end up 700 miles from home and realize there was just one more thing. As long as I remember my keyboard and clean underwear I'll be alright... right?

Keep me in your prayers over the next six weeks. In all honesty, I never really feel prepared for these trips. Not only could I forget to pack something, but there are so many elements that come into play that... well, you just hope it all works out. So many things beyond my control. Every tour is an act of trust for me. So, if you think of me out there, pray for my travels, my shows, and my encounters with people. AND pray for my family. It is tough to leave my wife and son for such a long time. Thankfully, they will be coming out onto the road with me for a few days, but for the majority of this six-week-long adventure, we will be apart. I'll need all the support I can get.

Wow! I didn't anticipate sharing all of THAT when I sat down to write this quick blog. I was just going to share the promo video because Judah is so dang cute in it. Thanks for reading these ramblings, anyway. Here's the video...

http://on.fb.me/XGa4PA

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Sarah Clanton Schaffer

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Sarah Clanton Schaffer
April 5, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Photo by Ken N Laura

Since I met Sarah with Bethel Steele and Heather Mae, I feel it is appropriate to introduce you to them sequentially in this blog. Sarah Clanton Schaffer performed both solo AND with her touring comrades when I met her at Red Clay Theatre that momentous night in Duluth, GA.

If you're a sucker for the sound of the cello like I am, you need to check out this Atlanta-born artist. Go see her live. You'll like what you hear.

Here are a few places where you can connect with Sarah Clanton Schaffer:

www.sarahclantonschaffer.com
www.facebook.com/sarahclantonschaffer
www.twitter.com/sarahcschaffer
www.youtube.com/cellotreearts