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click here for info on the latest live set and scroll down to "upcoming shows"
10-25-09:
Went down to try a controvercial new poem at the slam for the Mercury Cafe. It's called "The System" and is all about
my frustrations not just with the government but with all the people that speak out against the government. (in the
words of someone from the audience: "This is a profound piece, it borders on subversion.") The new poem scored a 24.8 and
I got into the second round. The second poem I read was the crowd favorite "There's More to Life Than Pain" and it scored
a 26.8 -- I care more about making people listen than getting the highest score or winning but it is wonderful to be recognized
for being honest even if what I'm saying isn't the easiest to like because isn't simple or too personal. ... Next time! :-)
06/28/09:
Did a Poetry Slam at the Mercury Cafe and got into the second
round!!! The piece is brand new and called "There's More to Life Than Pain" and it scored 26.3, the follow-up piece was
"Dating a Hurricane." I did not expect to win but this was the first time ever that I got into the second round -- partly
because of the strength of the piece (see Latest Thoughts and Poetry section) and partly because the style it was written in was
much closer to regular slam poetry instead of my combination of classic/straight-forward pieces. ... I don't care about winning
the slam because there is a difference between having the right style of writing and having good content. I care about writing
work I can be proud of and forcing people to see that it is important and that it reflects their lives as well. Anyway, :-)
I'll be back next time.
05/31/09
I returned to the Mercury cafe for a poetry open mike after an absence of many months (working has kept me busy).
I had a very enjoyable time, gave out three more CD's and made some new friends. Set list:
1. Poem: A Casualty of Our Times (old)
2. Poem: A Rant About TV (new)
3. Poem: Captured Children/Missing Pieces
01/19/09:
Went down to the Mercury Cafe. Performed "Instructions For Being an Adult" during Jam Before the Slam. Performed "Dating
a Hurricane" during the Poetry Slam itself, scored 23.2, didn't make it to the 2nd round. Got rid of two CD's. I'll be back.
:-)
12/28/08:
Went down to the Mercury Cafe to try out a brand new piece about leaving my
latest girlfriend. The crowd loved me, it was the only good thing that happened that day. Here's the setlist:
- Poem: Dating a Hurricane (new).
- Poem: One Man's Happiness
- She's Angry All the Time
10/29/08: [updated
many months later]
Went down to the Mercury Cafe for one of my best Open Mike
performances ever! Many thanks to my friend Adam for bringing so many friends (around 12!) and manning the camera. The only
person not in attendance was my then-girlfriend. Here's the setlist:
1. Amy Works on Colfax
2. The Grieving Song
3. Poem: Psalm 4 -- The Long and Painful Road
4. Poem: Captured Children
click here to watch the performance on youtube:
7/23/08:
I decided to go out to the Mercury Cafe one more time before Summer Vacation
ended. I went on around 11:30pm, made some new friends, and had a good night out. Here's the setlist:
1. Gray
2. Something I Can Never Have (Cover)
3. Poem: Instructions for Being an Adult
4. Poem: The Funeral
5. Short Waltz (in Am)
07/09/08:
Went out to the Mercury Cafe and had a blast with my friends Adam, Shauna, and Adi as well as Aaron and Jacob. I introduced
one new piece of material to surprise my friends and they were floored with joy. For a long time, I kept getting requests
to write "something happier" and I responded in my own way with a poem called "One Man's Happiness." Here's the full setlist:
1. Amy Works
on Colfax (by request)
2. The Grieving
Song
3. Poem: One
Man’s Happiness
4. I Lament
06/04/08:
I am now on summer vacation from work.
I went down to the Mercury Café to do a short set featuring "College Boy," "Poem: The Heretic," and "I Lament." Special thanks
to my friends Lana, Adam, and Aaron. Special thanks to Lana for doing the camera work, the night was a blast.
** NOTE: there have been a few performances in the past few months that have not
been documented simply because I forgot their exact dates, this oversight will be corrected in due time **
10/31/07:
Went down to the Mercury Cafe for an open mic because I happened
to be on Fall Break from work (I work for Aurora Public Schools). It was interesting, not much weirder than normal. Planned
an ambitious setlist but ran out of time but had fun anyway. Here you go:
1. Gray
2. Freak Like Me
3. College Boy (screwed up)
4. Poem: Anti-Sonnet 18
10/09/07: (forgot exact Tueday)
Went down to the Common Grounds with my friend Lana to do some of my "classic"
poetry, sold one CD. Not a bad night out. Here is the setlist:
1. Normal Looking Monster
2. Anti-Sonnet 18
3. Freedom
09/05/07:
Return to the Mercury Cafe. Got first pick of the night. Went on 4th and
played a short set. My friends Adam and Lana were in attendance. Adam videotaped my performance. I played a new song
for the first time ever "I Lament/Prayer of the Lost" as well as the poem "Normal Looking Monster." All in all,
it was a great night. U-tube and myspace posting coming soon. Here's the set list:
1) Amy Works on Colfax
2) Poem: Normal Looking Monster
3) I Lament/Prayer of the Lost (brand new!)
4) Short Waltz (in Am)
07/11/2007:
Came back from Israel on the 26th. Did an Open Mike at the Mercury Cafe again. My friends Noah and Lana were in attendance.
Special Thanks to Lana for videotaping my performance. Here's the setlist, it's good to be back:
1. Gray
2. The Grieving Song
3. Pain Poem
4. Poem: Deciding I Should Love
5. Short Waltz (in Am)
05/08/2007:
First live performance in three months. Went down to Common Grounds for
a poetry's open mike, aka "Prettyboy's School of Public Speaking."I haven't done much of anything for several months because
I've been finishing up educational projects and been preparing to graduate. My last class ended on May 10th, so in effect
I've graduated though I don't yet have my degree. I read two new pieces for the first time. I will make a bigger effort to
play live and get gigs in the months to come. Here's the setlist:
1) Poem: Instructions for Becoming an Adult.
2) Poem: Pain Poem (new).
3) Poem: Captured Children/Missing Pieces (new).
02/15/2007:
I finally suceeded at playing the Tivoli – on Thursday February 15th, I got to play the main mess hall for two
hours. It was an incredible challege, especially considering that I was still sick with a virus, but I pulled off two forty-minute
sets combining original songs, poetry, covers, and instrumentals. My only regret is that I wasn't able to publicize this show
because, as I myself was sick, I wasn't sure that I would not have to cancel at the last minute. However, I was lucky to have
a small group of very loyal friends show up and videotape the whole thing. Special thanks to Adam and Sean for video taping
the set, and to Noah and Jess for being in the audience. At some point in the next year, the footage will make its way onto
a DVD. The setlist is to be found below:
Part One: Best foot forward
1. Gray
2. Freak Like Me
3. Amy Works on Colfax
4. The Grieving
Song
5. The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
6. Under the Bridge (cover)
7. Don't Let it Bring You Down (cover)
8.
Long Hard Road
9. Fur Elise (instrumental)
10. Poem: We Cannot Be Friends
11. Codependence Workshop (screwed up)
12.
Poem: Finding Home
13. College Boy
14. The Waiting
15. Take a Chance on You
16. Poem: Day 412 (featuring Noah
Anderson)
17. Lithium (featuring Noah Anderson)
Part Two: Encore
18. She's Angry All the Time
19. Amy Works on Colfax (encore)
20.
Gray – Reprise
21. Mad World (cover)
22. Waltx No. # 4 (original)
23. Poem: Instructions for Becoming an Adult
24.
Poem: Anti-Sonnet 18
25. Poem: The Funeral
26. lyrics to Radiohead's "Fitter Happier"
27. Star in Heaven
28.
Something I Can Never Have (cover)
29. Poem: Freedom
30. Poem: An Ode to Progress
31. Poem: Normal Looking Monster
32.
Poem: Love is a Decision
33. Short Waltz (in Am)
02/03/2007:
Full set at the Mercury Cafe! Finally, I got to play more than just fifteen
minutes. The MSCD Honors Program was doing a benefit and one of their bands pulled out so I replaced them. Being a member
helps. Casey Gates went on first at 7:30 and did about an hour of cover songs, Ben Long (whom I know from the Merc) followed,
and I went on at about 9:20pm. Special thanks to the Honors Program for the gig, and to Tara for hosting. Thanks Here's the
setlist:
1. Gray
2. Freak Like Me
3. Codependence Worshop
4. The Grieving Song
5. The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
6. Something I Can Never Have (cover)
7. Under the Bridge (cover)
8. Medication Song
9. Poem: Freedom
10. Poem: Anti-Sonnet 18
11. Poem: Love Is A Decision
12. College Boy
13. Take A Chance on You
14. Short Waltz (in Am)
01/02/07:
Went down to Common Grounds for their poetry slam, AKA "Prettyboy's School of Public Speaking." Had fun, saw some familiar
faces. Performed more of the classics including a special one to my mother:
1) Poem: Instructions for Becoming an Adult
2) She's Angry All the Time
3) Poem: A Casualty of Our Times
12/27/06:
Went back to the Mercury Cafe just to get out of my own head (stuck inside
for a week because of the recent snow storm). Started out slowly and eventually, the whole room fell silent by the time
I read my little poem. I hadn't performed live for over a month so my hands were actually shaking as I held the poem. However,
people mistook my nervousness for anger and I simply rocked the night. Here's the setlist:
1) Gray
2) Freak Like Me
3) Codependence Workshop
4) Poem: A Casualty of Our Times
5) Short Waltz (in Am)
11/17/06:
I went up to Brighton and opened up for the bands "No Cash Value" and "...And
Explode" at a coffee shop called the Calvary Cup. I went on at 7:20 and did a half hour set, with my best friend Noah (also
the bassist for ... And Explode) sitting in as backing vocals for the last few songs. Noah also played the guitar for the
cover of "Lithium" while I sang. I had a fun experience and I'm glad to have made new fans. Many thanks to the city of Brighton
for such a warm and friendly reception. Here's the setlist:
- Gray
Freak Like Me
Mad World (cover – Gary Jules)
Break the Loop
Fur Elise (instrumental)
Star in Heaven
Don't Let it Bring You Down (cover – Neil Young/Annie Lennox)
Poem: We Cannot Be Friends
Short Waltz (in Am)
The Waiting (Noah backing vocals)
Take a Chance on You (Noah backing vocals)
Lithium (cover, with Noah on guitar)
10/29/06:
Gregory Urman live at Cervantes Ballroom! The battle of the bands went
well, I played for 30 minutes. I was supposed to go on at 6:00pm but I actually was pushed up 'til 7:30pm -- I sold eight
tickets, the band before sold three, the band before sold zero. I had fun, the crowd actually paid attention to me and the
response to my set list ranged from good to excellent. I have gained more respect. I even rented a camera and taped the whole
thing with the help of my friend Adam. Special thanks to my friends James, Chris, and Stephanie for also attending. Here's
the setlist:
1. Gray
2. Freak Like Me
3. Amy Works on Colfax
4. Codependence Workshop
5. Fur Elise
6. The Grieving Song
7. Star in Heaven
8. Medication Song
9. College Boy
10. Long Hard Road
11. Take a Chance on You
12. Short Waltz (in Am)
09/19/06:
Return to Common Grounds' Poetry Open Mike. Hosted by Eddie this time.
Haven't been here since July, showed up to just hang out and do some poems, had fun. Here's the setlist:
1) Poem: The Funeral
2) Poem: Anti-Sonnet 18
3) Poem: Finding Home (new)
4) Poem: Normal Looking Monster (new)
08/25/06:
Courtyard performance at Gallery Xzanthia. The person that was supposed to go after me left early and there weren't
much people there. But on the plus side, I had the whole gig to myself. The assistant manager in charge of the event was kind
enough to find me some extension chords to plug in outside and I did an hour and a half set. The setlist is below (usually
in order). Happy autumn.
1. Freak Like Me
2. Gray
3. Codependence Workshop
4. The Grieving Song
5. Something I Can Never Have
6. Under the Bridge
7. The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
8. Fur Elise (cover)
9. Star in Heaven
10. Mad World (cover)
11. Long Hard Road
12. Break the Loop (standing up)
13. Medication Song (with delay effect, standing)
14. Day 412 bassline (standing)
15. Disarm (cover)
16. Don't Let it Bring You Down (cover)
17. She's Angry All the Time (new)
18. College Boy (new)
19. Take a Chance on You
20. Short Waltz (in Am)
8/16/06:
Went back to the Mercury Cafe. Throat still bothering me from the head
cold I caught two weeks ago. Went on dead last at around 12:10pm. Still it was fun and I did a decent set. I could have done
the two new songs even better, but that's what practice is for. Here's the setlist:
1) Gray
2) Freak Like Me
3) the Grieving Song
4) She's Angry All the Time (new)
5) College Boy (new)
6) Poem: Finding Home (new)
7) Take a Chance on You
08/04/06:
First Friday at Gallery Xzanthia. My big gig of the summer. I made both
big- and mini-sized flyers. Went on at 9:00 and played for an hour and ten minutes. Some of my friends, James, Cayora, Jason,
actually showed up. Thanks to the art gallery for the gig, I'll be glad to be back, here's the setlist:
1. Codependence Workshop
2. Gray
3. Freak Like Me
4.
Fur Elise
5. Amy Works on Colfax
6. The Grieving Song
7. Something I Can
Never Have (cover)
8. Under the Bridge (Cover)
9. The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
10. Star in Heaven
11.
Growing Up in Hell
12. Mad World (cover)
13. Long Hard Road
14. Serenade I (cover)
15. Medication Song (standing up)
16. Break the Loop (standing up)
17. Day 412 Bassline (standing up)
18. She’s Angry All the Time (new)
19. College Boy
(new)
20. Take a Chance on You
21. Short Waltz (in Am)
Some time in July:
Went back to Common Grounds to do some poetry. Left kind of early to meet some other friends. Here's the setlist:
1) Instructions for Becoming an Adult
2) Codependence Workshop
3) Now That You're Gone (new)
4) Normal Looking Monster (new)
06/14/06:
Went back to the Mercury Cafe with my friend Noah. My friend Will also showed
up. My throat still hurts a little. Went on as #12 at 11:00pm, though I have to give the host credit that the night was pretty
well organized and transitioned smoothly. Met new people and had fun. Noah joined me on stage during my set -- he played my
guitar and I sang and played the tambourine for our cover of "Lithium." Here's the full set list. New poetry lyrics will be
posted soon:
1) Gray
2) Freak Like Me
3) Codependence Workshop
4) She's Angry All the Time
5) Lithium (cover, feat. Noah Anderson)
6) Poem: Normal Looking Monster (new)
05/30/05:
Randomly decided to do the poetry open mike at Common Grounds. Went on around 8:00pm and had a lot of fun. I wasn't sure
how good I was actually going to be because I haven't practiced poetry out loud in a while but I surprised myself and the
audience. Here's the setlist:
1) Instructions for Becoming an Adult
2) Return to Emptiness
3) She's Angry All the Time
4) Freedom
5) Artificial Smile (new)
6) The Heretic
05/21/06:
Went down to Cricket on the Hill again. Incredibly busy night, they
had to shorten everybody's open mike set to make way for three bands and their short sets. I went up fourth, about 9:00pm,
only got a chance to play "Freak Like Me" and "Codependence Workshop," didn't do the new poems I was planning, but I'll do
those next time.
05/20/06:
Barb Test's poetry party. Showed up, saw many people I've met before
also met some new ones. Alot of people showed up for the mixer, I like talking to people and making new aquaintances but I'm
not good at actual parties, I feel too self conscious -- I feel like pulling a Kurt Cobain and just locking myself in a phone
booth until the evening ends. Anyway, I was asked to start the actual poetry/music part of the night, so I opened up with
three classical guitar pieces, "Short Waltz in Am", "The Midnight Rose," and "Fur Elise", then someone else started their
poetry, then someone else, then me again. I read/played a bunch of things that night, including "She's Angry All the Time,"
"Return to Emptiness," and "Freedom." I left about 12:00 am.
05/17/06:
My glorious return to the Mercury Cafe. I went on as #7, at about 10:00pm which
is surprisingly early. The host recorded each person's set, so in the coming weeks you may see a link to his website which
will have a audio file of me and the other people that played that night. My friends couldn't make it this time,
and I understand why, but it was a good thing because sometimes you have to do things yourself. You have to test how you do
with a crowd without any help. ... I played "Long Hard Road" that night because my girlfriend and I broke up last week
and that's her favorite song in my catalog. I also read a new poem, "Return to Emptiness"which I wrote to her (will be posted
soon). Anyway, happy summer break and here's the setlist:
1) Gray
2) Freak Like Me
3) Amy Works on Colfax
4) Medication Song
5) Long Hard Road
6) Poem: Return to Emptiness (new)
7) Poem: Instructions for Becoming an Adult (by audience vote)
05/05/06:
Paid gig at the Common Grounds Cafe No. # 2:
17th and Wazee
Coffee shop gigs are even more unpredictable than open mikes because people
keep coming and going all the time so you never know if you're playing in an empty room or there's 3-5 people sitting down
who think of you as background noise. It would be good to open for a band again. Still it is a challenge and it is exposure
and I'm glad they had me come back. Maybe I'll be back for show No. # 3 at some point....
Anyway, only a few of my friends showed up and they enjoyed the gig. I made one new fan that night when I nailed my rendition
of "Lithium" (Noah Anderson on guitar). Happy finals and more to come in the summer. Here's the setlist in near-exact order:
Part One: The best/best accepted music and poetry
7:10-8:10
1. Gray
2. Freak Like Me
3. Break
the Loop
4. Don’t Let it Bring You Down (cover) (screwed up)
5. Bass Improv #1
6. The Grieving
Song
7. Mad World (cover)
8. Disarm (cover)
9. Amy Works on Colfax
10. Fur Elise (instrumental)
11. Star
in Heaven
12. Poem: The Caretaker
13. Poem: Deciding I Should
Love
14. Poem: Anxious Little Man
15. Poem: The Heretic
16. The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
17. Something I Can Never Have (cover)
18. Under the Bridge (cover)
19. The Waiting
20. Take a Chance on You
21. Short Waltz
(in Am)
Break
Part Two: electric, acoustic, more poetry
8:20-9:00
22. Poem: Day 412 (featuring Noah Anderson on guitar)
23. Lithium (cover, featuring Noah Anderson on guitar)
24. Medication Song (electric)
25. Poem: The Funeral (electric)
26. Poem:
Instructions for Becoming an Adult
27. Revolution’s Son
28. Poem: Freedom
29. Codependence Workshop
30.
Walking to the Moon
31. Don't Let it Bring You Down (cover, did it right this
time)
32. Poem: Razoblade Smile (featuring Noah Anderson on guitar)
32.
Poem: Freedom
33. Poem: Heal Yourself
THE END, out of time
04/09/06:
Tried going down to a new place -- Cricket on the Hill. My hope is that my open
mike will count as a sort of audition, I did impress the host, Tony, and I'll get a bigger gig there at some point. Interesting
place, not used to playing in bars but gotta keep trying new things. Went on at 11:30 and read aloud new lyrics -- "She's
Angry All the Time" (will be posted soon). Here's the setlist:
1) Codependence Workshop
2) Freak Like Me
3) Amy Works on Colfax
4)
cover -- Something I Can Never Have
5) cover -- Under the Bridge
6) Poem: She's Angry All the Time (new)
7) Short Waltz in A Minor
03/22/06:
Back at the Mercury again -- went on around 11:30-11:50. Kicked like expected.
Read two new poems. Had alot of my friends show up, mostly girls. :-) Here's the setlist:
1) Codependence Workshop
2) Freak Like Me
3) The Grieving Song
4)
Amy Works on Colfax
5) Poem: Anxious Little Man (new)
6) Poem: Deciding I Should Love (new)
7) The Midnight Rose
(instrumental)
02/10/06:
Paid gig at the Common Grounds! 8:00 -- 10:00 pm. Played for 60-80 minutes and not only played well but had fun. I should
have gotten there an hour early not just at 7:30 and I had no idea setting up would take so much time. It was a slow night
because of the storm the previous night ut my friend Noah sat in with me for two songs: "Day 412" and our cover of "Lithium."
I did a combination of songs/covers, poetry, and instrumentals a had basically the whole night to myself. Here's the full
setlist, wish you were there to hear it:
Part One: 8:20-9:05pm
- Gray
- Freak Like Me
- Medication Song
- Amy Works on Colfax
- The Grieving Song
- Long Hard Road
- The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
- Something I Can Never Have
(cover)
- Disarm (cover)
- Star in Heaven
- Under the Bridge (cover)
- Revolution’s Son
- Don’t Let it Bring You
Down (cover)
- Mad World (cover)
- The Waiting
- Take a Chance on You
- Poem: We Cannot Be Friends
- Poem: The Heretic
- Short Waltz in A Minor
Break, 9:05-9:15
Encore: 9:15-10:00 pm
- Day 412 (featuring Noah Anderson
on guitar, me on vocals)
- Lithium (cover, Noah Anderson
on guitar, me on vocals)
- Poem: Instructions for Becoming
an Adult
- Poem: The Open Door
- Poem: Coping With Silence
- Poem: Laughing at the Dead
- Poem: Anti-Sonnet 18
- Poem: Freedom
- Hamlet’s Soliloquy,
“To Be Or Not to Be”
- Codependence Workshop
- Break the Loop
- Fur Elise
- Chords to Greensleeves
THE END
01/18/06:
Went down to the Common Grounds Cafe with my friends Jess to check it out, I'm supposed to have a paid gig there on Feb
10th. Sorry I didn't tell many people, just wanted to see what it's like there for myself first. Anyway, it was poetry night
and both the audience and the music director were quite taken with my material -- I read "Instructions for Becoming an Adult,"
"We Cannont Be Friends," "Headspace," "The Heretic" and "Amy Works on Colfax." I'll be back to play there in a few weeks.
01/04/05:
I went back to the Mercury for an open mike after being absent for two months. I was sick for
most of December and spent most of November prepping for my big set on 12/02/05. It was good to be back. I didn't go on til
midnight because I got stuck with spot No. 13. I played three songs, one poem and was allowed a one-song encore, i.e.: "Gray,"
"Freak Like Me" (by request), and "Codependence Workshop" for the first time ever. The poem, also never read before, is called
"Freedom" and can be found in the poetry section on this site. My finale was a NIN cover, "Something I Can Never Have"
at the end of which I said, "My name is Greg, and I am the downward spiral." The bad part is that I'm still not fully healed
up from my virus and I blew out my voice. More sets later.
12/02/05:
I did my first ever big show -- I was offered to open for a band at art
gallery called Xzanthia located on 8th and Santa Fe (first friday). I played a first set for about 30-35 minutes and then
did a short encore after the band left. Many thanks to my friend Noah for helping me carry my big amp and for recording my
set. Here is the setlist:
Main Set: (8:15-8:50)
1.
Gray
2.
Freak Like Me
3.
Amy Works on Colfax
4.
The Grieving Song
5.
Medication Song
6.
The Midnight Rose (instrumental)
7.
Something I Can Never Have (cover)
8.
Under the Bridge (cover)
9.
Star in Heaven
10.
Growing Up in Hell
11.
The Waiting
12.
Take a Chance on You
13.
Poem: The Heretic
Encore: (10:30-10:50)
Guitar went out of tune
14.
Break the Loop
15.
Gray – Reprise
16.
Long Hard Road
17.
Fur Elise
18.
Meaningless
19.
Disarm (cover)
20.
Don’t Let it Bring You Down (cover)
21.
Poem: Instructions for Becoming an Adult
22.
Poem: We Cannot Be Friends
23.
Poem: Razorblade Smile
11/22/05:
Thanksgiving break. I went down to a new place to do an open mike --
The Patriot and Loyalist Pub down by Englewood lightrail station. The place was better-lit than the Mercury and had more of
a middle-class feel. I liked the change of pace and will be glad to return sometime, but I always miss the Mercury. I
went on at 10:00pm and played "Under the Bridge," "Gray," "Freak Like Me," "Amy Works on Colfax," "Star in Heaven," and closed
with "Poem: The Heretic." Not a bad night.
11/02/05:
I went down to the Mercury again. The place was packed with audience and performers so I had to do a shorter setlist.
I played all new songs to mark the release of the new album -- "Medication Song" (first time ever), "Long Hard Road,"
"Amy Works on Colfax," and "God is Sleeping?" (1st time ever). I ended with "Short Waltz (in Am)." It wasn't my best show
ever but I was very happy to have come and played. I fit into my own skin for a while. Can't get too far out-of-practice in
playing live, now can I? Anyway, more sets later.
August 24th, 2005:
This was the week I began my fall classes. I did another open mike
at the Mercury Cafe to basically mark the end of the summer. Was very glad to have some of my friends show up. I played two
songs off the first album, "Star in Heaven" and "Short Waltz in A minor" as a dedication to my old friend Jess, since she
was going back to the east coast and didn't know about my new album yet. I also played "Don't Let it Bring You Down
(cover)" then "Freak like Me", then covered "Under the Bridge" and ended with "Amy Works on Colfax" (lots of applause)
and the short waltz. More stuff later. At some point, I will also attempt going back to other spots for open mikes like Swallow
Hill.
August 10th, 2005:
Did another open mike at the Mercury, this time with my friends Noah and Tom.
Played a set I'm quite proud of, I was hardly nervous at all and being aware of myself "in-the-moment" helped me pull off
a pretty fun time with great delivery. The set lists as follows: opening with "Break the Loop," then "Freak Like Me," "Under
the Bridge," "Amy Works on Colfax" and ending with two new poems -- "We Cannot Be Friends," and "A World Without God." I'm
continuing to gain new fans at a small but steady rate, continuing to win over more people with every new attempt and generally,
feeling quite proud of myself.
July 27th, 2005:
Having completed my finals that afternoon, I decided to end my summer
semester on a high note and played an open mike set at the Mercury Cafe. I opened with "Gray," continued with "Disarm" and
"Long Hard Road," as well as playing "Revolution's Son" for the first time (screwed it up), and ended with the instrumental
"The Midnight Rose" (using a delay effect on stage). Overall it was a great set with the exception of "Revolution's Son" --
I got too ambitious too soon -- and the exceptionally large crowd (about 40 - 45 people) accepted me and I moved a couple
records again. "We like your energy, keep it up!"
July 2nd, 2005:
I did another recording session. The 2 and a half hour session paid off.
I now have recorded versions of "Poem: Day 412" and "Poem: The Funeral" (see "latest thoughts and poetry"). I also recorded
a whole slew of new songs including better versions of "Growing Up in Hell", "The Grieving Song" and "Freak Like
Me" but most still have to be edited. ... Progress. ... one step at a time. The new tracks will be put onto an available record
sometime in September/October.
June 29th, 2005:
Did an awesome set at the Mercury Cafe. Opened up with "Freak Like Me," covered
"Under the Bridge" live for the first time (my version includes a bass solo), and "Amy Works on Colfax." I ended by simply
reading the lyrics to a vaguely-known Nirvana song -- "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter." Click here for the lyrics:
Alot of people in the audience thought that I did a very good, very powerful
job. More importantly, I know I felt the same thing and for the first time in a while I actually HAD FUN playing
live even if none of my friends were able to accompany me that night. ... I need to take a break from music for a while to
more focus on classes and other things. Expect more open mikes ... or maybe even club dates ... in the weeks to come. Later.
June 23rd, 2005:
Tried competing at Swallow Hill's singer songwriter's contest. Lost. Out of twenty spaces, only three people made the
cut and I wasn't included. Why did I lose? I nailed my performance of "Star in Heaven" and "Short Waltz in A Minor" but screwed
up "Amy Works on Colfax" a little. I think that may have clinched it, but generally speaking my style on stage is much different
than most people and I think that was a big factor. Alot of people are good at fitting a certain style -- like playing only
in a folk or christian style, some maybe sound like Dave Matthews or Ben Harper, I generally sound like me and sometimes that's
the problem. Still, I feel good for trying something new.
June 9th, 2005:
I did a short set at Swallow Hill. Sorry I didn't tell that many people,
I'd never been there before and it was a kind of "scouting mission." I played "Amy Works on Colfax" and did so very well,
though I haven't played it live for about three months. I also played "Gray" and the instrumental "The Midnight Rose" for
the first time live. ... I signed up for a songwriter's competition there on the 23rd, Thursday, right now I'd say all are
welcome that I may feed off your support (never done a competition before). Contact me if interested.
May 19th, 2005:
I did another set at the Mercury yesterday. The host's exact words
were "very good" -- played "The Grieving Song" and dedicated it to my friend Adam, played "Break the Loop" and "Freak Like
Me," finished by reciting "The Heretic" (and lightning did not strike me). Will try to play "Amy Works on Colfax" next time.
Itching to do longer sets that 15 minutes. Later.
May 2005:
Now that finals are over and the Summer Semester is about to start, work continues on even more new material. I'm working
on recorded versions of "Freak Like Me," the "Grieving Song," and "Meaningless" as an electric song. As soon as I have a sizeable
amount of new songs I'll combine them onto another CD with the stuff from the 2005 EP. Figure around September. See
you next open mike.
Greg
March and April '05:
To follow up on the Open Mike set on March 2nd, I did another one on April 6th
and it was the best of all the winter shows. The annoying thing is that homework keeps getting in the way of more music. I've
written alot of new material and I hope to record it all during the coming Spring and Summer. I'm quite proud of the second
album I currently have out (EP) but it is only a prelude to bigger, more powerful piece currently titled "Filling in the Gap."
I played "Don't Let it Bring You Down" and "Long Hard Road" during the last Open Mike (no time for "Amy") and I also played
a new song called "Freak Like Me" which so far is recorded only on my 4-track and is dedicated to my ex. The audience really
liked that one.
Also, I played a set after dinner on Passover's first night at my friend Emily's
and it went incredibly well. I played "Gray," "Amy Works on Colfax", "Freak Like Me" and finished with "Short Waltz in A Minor"
and "Fur Elise." Granted, it was easier playing in a familiar environment, but it was one of the best pulled-off and most
enjoyable sets I've ever done. I also did a poetry set at my friend Sean's Passover meal the next night -- just the words
to "Amy," and the poems "Headspace" and "The Open Door." See the poetry section for those. I enjoyed that evening quite
alot as well. I just don't like doing the exact same set twice. Artists -- go figure.
February 2005:
I was sick for most of the month but I did manage to get in the studio and finish the mastering the 2005 EP. Once I got
my voice back, I recorded two tracks to add to the EP -- "Yelling at the Empty Space" and "Catch Me, Please." I was planning
to do an Open Mike for my birthday (Feb. 23rd) but was too sick to perform so I played the next week -- Wed. March 2nd at
the Mercury Cafe. I did an okay show considering that luck of the draw had me go on first and that they couldn't mike my guitar
right this time and so I was uncomfortable. Greatness comes when you least expect it, we'll see next month.
January '05:
I've been having voice problems due to some sort of infection all month. I threw
out my voice at an open mike and had to delay a recording session. Later on, after it came back and I did record some
tracks (Saturday, the 15th), I got sick again and my voice is still recovering. Not that my voice is spectacular, but at least
I was previously able to be coherent and sounded somewhat like Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins). I spent an hour
recording new tracks which will be mastered next time -- "Long Hard Road," "Break the Loop" (the song with the bass line),
"Don't Let it Bring You Down" (Neil Young song), and "Gray -- Reprise." When these tracks are ready, the new EP will be launched
and hopefully within months of that, the full second album. I'm slowly getting back into further preparations, brewing new
ideas and writings, and trying to figure out which things will make the cut for the second album and which will be B-sides.
I'm also supposed to help out a friend later on as a live guitarist. I'll let people know more later. Later.
November and December '04:
Much to my surprise, I was asked to do a set at my friend's 23rd birthday
party back in November and it was a blast! I performed Gary Jules' cover of Mad World [simply because of the words, "Happy
birthday"] as well as reading the poems 'Razorblade Smile" [by request] and "Day 412." I also played "Short Waltz in Am" and
"Amy Works on Colfax." I was very well received by my audience and even managed to give out some CD's.
Later on, on the Wednesday before New Years, I played a set at the Mercury Cafe.
It wasn't the Grand Return I was planning (the entire semester has been quite hectic between classes, ex-qirlfriend issues,
and getting laid off from the counseling center) but I got through it nontheless. Sometimes the very effort is more important
that any success. I played "Mad World" again, "Star in Heaven," "Long Hard Road" (I played it for the first time and really
screwed up) and "Amy Works on Colfax." I got heckled by some drunk guy in the audience during "Amy" so I went on to do "Short
Waltz in Am" and read "Anti-Sonnet 18" for the first time. None of my friends were able to make it for support, but I think
it was time I did a set completely solo. Keep at it.
October '04:
I did another open mike set at Metro's Daily Grind coffee house. The first
set was intense and energetic -- "Gray," "Amy Works on Colfax," "Poem: The Heretic" "Short Waltz in Am", and "Star in Heaven."
The Encore, (there wasn't many preformers or audience members) was merely okay -- "Something I Can Never Have", "Greensleeves",
and "Poem: RazorBlade Smile." More sets to come. :-)
September '04:
After a short hiatus, I did a set during the Annual Honors Conference Dinner
while everyone else ate and chatted around. It was interesting having to play when I was no longer the center of attention.
Though the set was interrupted by the filming next door, the evening wasn't a waste of time -- many of my friends showed up
as support. More events in the weeks to come. ... I'm back!!!
08/22/04:
I recorded four new tracks for the next album on Sunday the 14th after weeks of arduous practice. I'm considering
doing a few more songs and then putting out a self-released EP of the new stuff like the recorded versions of "Gray" and "Amy
Works on Colfax." This week I'm starting classes at Metro again so I'm cooling it for a while. I'll be back, though.
08/08/04:
Did an Open Mike night on Wednesday the 4th, went alright. I went on dead last, so I guess that makes me
headliner. :-) Did a short set: "Gray", "Life Goes On" (first time live) and "Amy Works on Colfax" (new song, also never played
live before). Will post new lyrics. I'm going into the studio for a day a week from now so I need to concentrate on the new
songs not live stuff, but I'll be back. I might have a short EP out by mid-fall (5-7 songs). Later.
I'm not planning any new shows until after 07/27/04 because that's when the summer semester ends at
metro. I've been practicing guitar quiet alot lately as an outlet for frustration and my new material is coming along quite
nicely. Soon the new songs will be ready to be recorded and/or played live. The coming album will sound more mature and more
driven. Happy summer.
I did an open mike night on Wed 06/30/04 at the Mercury Cafe and I enjoyed myself quite a bit. My friend
Shayna came back to Denver from LA for a while and got to see me play that night, so I dedicated Hole's "Northern Star" to
her. I also played "Gray" live for the first time ever as well as "Star in Heaven," "Growing Up in Hell" and the poem "Don't
Rain on My Parade." I was somewhat nervous but less than every previous time ... progress. At times during that set, I felt
like I didn't even notice the audience and rather got in touch will my inner self. :-)
I did an all new recording session on 06/06/04 and recorded 2 new songs and 1 poem. Lyrics will be posted
soon. Unlike the first album ... of which, despite its flaws I'm quite proud ... there is no deadline for release for now.
Rather, as new ideas come and accumulated songs get recorded, I'll just see what it starts looking like and which of the old
songs to toss when the new stuff gets ready for release. I may try doing "singles" releases. We'll see.
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