My Most Anticipated Album List for 2014- Music that all UT Tyler Students Can Enjoy

In my day-to-day lifestyle, I’m rarely not listening to music. Most of the time it’s either via Pandora or Spotify, and lately, it has consisted of nothing but fantastic music released in 2013. Most notably, albums such as ...Like Clockwork from Queens of the Stone Age, Yeezus from Kanye West, and Random Access Memories from Daft Punk. As great as these albums are, I am really excited for the music expected to release in 2014, as it will add some really great variance to my current playlists.  Here’s a few of my most anticipated albums for 2014:

Note: keep in mind that some of these are speculative, but most likely will be released

Beck- Morning Phase due February 25^th

My favorite episode of Futurama is where Bender meets Beck’s head (it’s not grotesque, I swear), and he tells him “I always dreamed of being a musician-poet who transcends genres even as he re-invents them, just like you.”  This is an apt description of Beck, one of my all-time favorite musicians. If you don’t know Beck by name, you probably know his most famous song Loser. If you do know Beck and have listened to a large portion of his music, you would understand why I am eager to hear Morning Phase. Beck is returning to the musical style he used in his critically acclaimed album Sea Change (2002), though it is also inspired by 1960s California folk-rock. He has already released a single from the album, Blue Moon, and trust me, it is wonderful. As Bender says at the end of the Futurama episode “Well, everyone, prepare to have your guts kicked out by folk singers.” That’s what this album will most likely do to me.

Note- while in the process of writing this blog, Beck released his album a week early to stream on NPR. Stop everything you are doing and listen.

Foo Fighters- TBD

The Foo Fighters are in the process of recording their
eighth studio album, as teased on their Instagram account.

The Foo Fighters are a rock band prolific in both talent and worldwide appeal. They hardly release any material that is not renown by both critic and popular opinion, which is why the talk for their new 2014 album has me ecstatic. Front-man Dave Grohl has hinted at this release since late 2013, saying its production will be similar to that of their latest album Wasting Light: recorded in singer Dave Grohl's garage and was recorded on tape to give the clean and raw sound of the band.  Expect this album to be released between the summer and fall of 2014.

Kendrick Lamar- TBD

Whether you think the Grammy awards are important or not, the ceremony held at the end of January proved that Kendrick Lamar has a strong future with rap music. His last album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, sold well over a million records, was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, and is considered to be a universally acclaimed rap classic. The snippet of his new work featured in a recent Beats By Dre ad sounded incredible. Let's hope the rest of the album can match what he has previewed to this point.

Johnny Cash- Out Among the Stars due March 25th

Whether you are a fan of country and rock and roll or not, a new Johnny Cash album should always be worth your attention. Despite passing away in 2003, Cash's music is still making an impact on the world in a tremendous way. The singer's son, John Carter Cash, discovered the master tapes for this album in 2012, and since then they have developed into what will be known as Out Among the Stars. Never-before-heard, the album was recorded during the early 1980s, but it was shelved when Cash was dropped by his then-label Columbia. The album contains 12 songs, with duets with June Carter  and Waylon Jennings. 

Frank Ocean- TBD, due Summer

Following his debut album channel ORANGE from 2012, which some claim to be one of the strongest debut albums in recent memory, R&B singer Frank Ocean will most likely be releasing his follow-up in the Summer of 2014. It is rumored that contributing to the album will be Tyler the Creator, Danger Mouse, Pharrell, and Tame Impala (all awesome, by the way), hinting at how strong the follow-up can be.  In my opinion, if it is even remotely as good as channel ORANGE, it will be nothing short of amazing.

Kanye West- TBD, due summer 

The album cover for Yeezus, arguably the best album from Kanye West.

This one will be a quick follow-up from the artist's last album, Yeezus, which topped more critic top 10 lists than any other album in 2013.  And it was well deserving of that recognition.  Kanye West proves time and time again to be one of the most consistent and powerful rap artists in the industry, and his new album this summer will most likely live up to that reputation.  As outspoken and downright belligerent he can be in the public eye, his music makes up for the bad press.  Assume this album will only bolster his reputation for being an outstanding artist and performer.
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These are only a portion of the great music that will be released over the next 10 months, but this alone has me quite excited.  Whatever your music genre preference is, 2014 will have something for you to truly enjoy.

UT Tyler School of Performing Arts Accredited for Excellence!

Being a music major here at The University of Texas at Tyler is not always easy. But if you work hard, your hard work will always pay off! The School of Performing arts here at the university was very recently accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, otherwise known as NASM.

How I reacted to being accredited!

This is something that we have been trying to do for a while now. This just goes to prove that if you put your best work into something, it will always turn into something beautiful, whether that be school, art, or just living out your everyday life in general.

With that being said, I must inform you all that I will no longer be working here in the call center any longer. No worries though! It's for the best. Now I will have more time to put in my whole effort into my music! Time to make progress, not excuses!

We will keep putting on concerts for all of you guys, and I hope that you guys make it to a few! Here's a list of what's coming up soon!

Patriot Singers/University Chorale 

Saturday, March 1st @ 7:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Saturday, May 3 @ 6:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

UT Tyler Wind  Ensemble

Thursday, March 6th @ 7:30 pm

Vaughn Auditorium

Thursday, May 1st @ 7:30 pm

Vaughn Auditorium

Jazz Ensembles

Thursday, February 27th @ 7:30 pm

UC Theatre

Thursday, April 17th @ 7:30 pm

UC Theatre

You can check out and see what's going on at the Cowan Center here!

I'm really going to miss writing for you guys! I'm actually thinking about starting a YouTube comedy blog sometime in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out on it! Remember, as long as you strive for the highest, you will earn excellence. AEA.

 If any of you guys are interested in performing with the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble, or any ensemble for that matter, contact the Performing Arts office at 903.566.7450! Come audition and join us! WE WANT YOU!

Braithwaite Recital Hall

For more information about the UT Tyler music program, visit http://www.uttyler.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors/music-bm-degree.php..

"I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul."

This Semester at the Cowan Center

As a new semester begins at UT Tyler, the Cowan Center has an outstanding lineup of shows, events, and lectures for students and the local community.  The first half of the 2013-2014 season proved to be one of the most exciting to date, with amazing performances from legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Stephen Lang in “Beyond Glory,” and from Dr. Carl Wieman, as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. This semester has the potential to be even better, as outstanding shows are coming to Tyler.

Members of the Dance Theatre of Harlem

In the Performing Arts Series, we will see performances from the Dance Theatre of Harlem, as well as from the cast of “Godspell.” From the Dance Theatre of Harlem comes “Believe Again,” a program of ballet dance that has acquired unparalleled acclaim from global audiences. The Dance Theatre of Harlem is a multi-cultural dance institution with a legacy of unprecedented success, bringing innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression to audiences across the country.  “Godspell” is the musical from Grammy-nominated composer Stephen Schwartz, based on a series of parables from the Gospel of Matthew, tied together with a variety of modern and traditional music. It can be described as a tale of friendship, loyalty, and love that has been traveling around the world in theaters since 1971.

Two other musicals will travel to Tyler, Texas to be part of the Cowan Center Broadway Series.  First is “Million Dollar Quartet,” the Tony-award winning musical that tells the story of the famous recording session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, featuring famous songs from all four musicians.  Next is “The Addams Family,” the hit musical comedy from four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks.  Based on the hit 1964 TV show, it brings the dark, entertaining world of the Addams family to life for audiences nationwide.

The Braithwaite Series will offer two shows this semester.  First is "The Official Blues Brothers Revue," a show that combines the comedy and hit songs from the original movie, and pays homage to Chicago's rich history of blues, gospel, and soul music. Next is a performance from Jim Belushi and the Chicago Board of Comedy, in which they will hold an improvised sketch show for the audience to participate in. 

See this movie because
Bill Murray is in the cast.

In the Distinguished Lecture Series this season, we have Charles Krauthammer and Robert Edsel.  Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Krauthammer has been a political speaker and commentator for over three decades, garnering national attention as a member of the Reagan Administration as one of the writers of the “Reagan Doctrine” during the Cold War.  Since then, he has been a highly influential commentator with The Washington Post, The Weekly Standard, and The New Republic.  Robert Edsel is the author of the non-fiction books, Rescuing Da Vinci, The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, and Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation’s Treasures from the Nazis. One of his works is being adapted to the big screen, “Monuments Men,” adapted to the screen and directed by George Clooney.

For ticket and showtime information, be sure to check the Cowan Center website for more information!  We are looking forward to another fantastic semester from the Cowan Center!

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

Hello internet! So last Saturday night, I went and saw the East Texas Symphony Orchestra concert at the Cowan Center here on our campus! I've been to a few of their concerts before, and I’m always impressed by their performance!

Any time the symphony comes around I’m always excited to go see what they have prepared! On Saturday, the theme of the concert was “Classics in Film”. The orchestra was also accompanied by guest Soprano, Suzie Leblanc! Here is a list of all the pieces that they played! 

Also sprach Zarathustra - R. Strauss   2001: A Space Odyssey

On the beautiful blue Danube - J. Strauss  2001: A Space Odyssey

Nulla in mundo pax sincera - Vivaldi  Shine

Ombra mai fu - Handel Dangerous Liasons

Una voce poco fa - Rossini  Citizen Cane

Music for strings, percussion, and celeste, mvt. 3 - Bartok The Shining

Throne Room and End Credits - J. Williams Star Wars: A New Hope

Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana - Mascagni  Raging Bull

Symphony no. 25 in g minor, mvt 1 - Mozart  Amadeus

Gabriel’s Oboe - Morricone arr. R. Longfield  The Mission

Summertime - Gershwin  Porky & Bess

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Arlen The Wizard of Oz

Adagio for Strings – Barber Platoon

Overture to The Barber of Seville – Rossini The Rabbit of Seville

The ETSO absolutely nailed every single one of these songs, and I was very impressed with their performance! They have three more concerts coming up for the 2013-2014 concert season! All of the concerts will take place at the Cowan Center here on our very own campus! Want to see the symphony orchestra live? Come to one of the upcoming concerts, each featuring a number of guest artists! Tickets are fairly cheap and it's defiantly worth it! 

January 18, 2014 - The Five Browns  

March 22, 2014 -   On Nature

April 26, 2014 -     Power Play

Did any of you guys go see the ETSO also? Tell me what you thought by leaving a comment below!

The Magic of Music

   Nothing perhaps encapsulates so much about the American college system like Patriot Idol. For those who do not know, Patriot Idol is one event that makes up the tapestry of Homecoming celebrations. Homecoming, much like how an Emperor would return to Rome in glory, sees current students and faculty engage in events to commemorate/celebrate alumni, current students, and the University of Texas at Tyler itself.

Business Side of Music

Life lessons surround and embody our everyday lives. They shape and form us into the competent adults we hope to one day become. If not for these lessons we would tumble down the road of life not knowing how to keep our feet from flying out from under us. If you haven’t already guessed I’m leading you into a life lesson I learned recently. Doing the whole band thing can be either the most fun you've ever had or a never ending curse of flat tires and non-paying gigs. After a little bit of experience in the local music scene and elsewhere in Texas I've learned one golden rule. It’s all about #1.

 

I have no idea what I'm doing

Summer Music in Tyler

Tomorrow at What About Kabob in Tyler my band The Problem Preachers will be making a come back after taking a break for the past few months. We will have CDs ($5) and tee shirts ($10) for sale and will have some new music for you as well. The other UT Tyler student bloggers have written a lot in the past about WAK so you already know the pure brilliance and decadence of this locally owned and operated eatery.

The Problem Preachers

The Show will feature The Lauren Alexander band opening at around 7 PM and The Problem Preachers going on at around 9 PM and playing until our arms fall off and my vocal chords shrivel up. So come out and have a grand old time with a gyro, some pita chips, and maybe even some feta fingers if you get there before they run out ( they are delicious).

Lauren Alexander

News From What About Kabob in Tyler

Here at the Call Center we have written several blogs in the past concerning local eatery What About Kabob. It’s probably because this gyro place is so darn tasty. I’m pretty sure a majority of the communications team here at UT Tyler have dreamed of bathing in their Grenade Sauce. So, it is no surprise that one of would be mentioning it yet again.

Local hot spot What About Kabob has something special in store for all of you. Now I’m not talking about their delicious Feta Fingers which run out faster than you can say gluten free hummus or the special $1 tacos which you have to follow them on Facebook to know about. Or the Wednesday only Gyro Nachos which I personally could not finish in the hour I allotted myself (fresh baked pita ships with nacho cheese and gyro meat and gargle drool fkjaslifjo) Excuse me while I collect myself.

Mmmmm. TACOS RULE!!!

This Weekend in Tyler

I hope everyone is ready for a full weekend in Tyler! In a previous post I talked about everything that has been going on this month. Now its the end of March and I got two great shows to tell you about going opn this weekend right here in Tyler!

Spring Wind Ensemble concert!

       It's starting to turn into Spring here at UT Tyler! Spring is my favorite season of the year, because the weather is perfect (mostly). It is Texas after all, so the weather can be quite unpredictable. A lot of great things also happen during the spring season, including band concerts!
       In high school, spring was referred to as "concert season". That means that you perform concert music on a stage in front of people, rather than marching on a football field. In college, you are able to perform in concerts no matter which season it is!
       In fact, the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble is putting on our first concert of the 2013 spring semester tomorrow night! This is the first time I'll be playing clarinet for an actual concert, and I'm beginning to feel very nervous. I feel kind of unprepared, but I think that it's because this is the first time I'm playing in a college band.
       The music that we're going to play is much more difficult than the music I played in high school. I feel very honored to play with all of these talented people. Everyone in the ensemble takes the music very seriously, but they are also some of the nicest/coolest people that I 've met in college!
       If you're interested in going to watch the concert, it will take place this Thursday, March the 7th at 7:30 pm. The concert will go down in the Cowan Center Auditorium. I hope you guys can make it!

       Have any of you guys ever played in a band or choir? Leave me a comment below telling us about your musical experiences!

An Evening of Jazz at UT Tyler

       Last Thursday night at 7:30, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble had their very first concert of the Spring semester! It was held in the UC Theater, as usual. I went to their first concert with Kat last semester, and was blown away. So, I decided that I would once again go see what they have prepared for us this time.
       First the UT Tyler Jazz Patriots played. There were only about 9 players, but when they performed they sounded like a lot more people were playing.
       For a couple songs, Susie Carter sang the lyrics. I know Susie from wind ensemble, but I never knew that she could sing. And dang, she can sing. I was very impressed with her singing and how the Jazz Patriots played!
       Next, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble played their pieces for the night. There were quite a few more players for this ensemble, and it was set up like a "Big Band" which is like how bands were set up in the 40's. The pieces that the Jazz Ensemble played were very complicated and fun to listen to! If I could play any of the 'jazz instruments', I would've loved to  be a part of the ensemble.

       Overall, I really enjoyed the time I spent watching the jazz ensemble. I was very impressed at how well they all could play, and improvise, their music. One of my favorite pieces was called "When Sunny Gets Blue", by Marvin Fisher and Jack Segal. It takes a lot of talent and practice to be able to perform the way they did. +1,864,279 bonus kudos points!  Their next concert for the semester will be on Thursday, April 18th at 7:30p.m. It will be in the UC Theater, just like the past concert was. I'll most likely be there, so I hope you all get to make it!

       Also, next Thursday night at 7:30 (March 7th), the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble will have their first concert of the semester! It will take place in the Vaughn Auditorium, which is in the Cowan Center here on campus. As many of you already know, I play clarinet in the wind ensemble, so I will be playing at this concert. Come and support us next Thursday night! Hope to see you all there!

       Did any of you guys go to the Jazz Ensemble concert too? Leave a comment below and tell us what you  thought about it!

Semester Number Two

                Hey guys! Well, the spring semester of my freshman year here at UT Tyler has officially begun! I can already tell that this semester is going to be a lot more difficult than my last semester was. It’s not at all a bad thing, and I actually think that the classes that I am taking are going to be much more exciting than all of my previous classes were.

                As some of you may know, during the fall semester I took a math class. I really don’t like math, which is weird because my major is currently management! Now I’m not taking any math classes at all, and so far I found my classes to be much more appealing than before.  Now I’m taking courses like History, English, and Politics. So far, they all require a lot of reading.

                In addition, I am now officially a part of the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble! It’s all very exciting for me! I honestly feel like I’m finally doing something right in school by being in this ensemble. Everyone that I’ve met in the wind ensemble is all very nice and funny, just like how I am. I really missed band being a part of my life when I graduated from high school. Maybe I should reconsider what my major is, maybe.

                If I stay on track this semester and step up my A game, I really think that I can really excel in all of my classes this semester! I have set a standard for myself to do the absolute best that I can in everything that I do. I’ll be sure not to disappoint myself!

                Also, I got a new camera for Christmas, so now I can record video blogs in better quality! I am really looking forward to being able to use it! I came up with a small list of videos that I think will be fun and interesting, so be on the lookout for any video blogs on our page in the future! If you have any video blog ideas for me, I would absolutely love to hear them! If you do have any, please leave me a comment below, or anywhere on our Facebook app! As long as I can get to them!

                How is your semester going so far? Leave us a comment below too! Be sure to subscribe to our blog too! We would very much appreciate it. :) Happy 2013!

-          Chandler Upchurch 

UT Tyler Wind Ensemble Concert!

                With finals just around the corner and tensions running high, it’s definitely time to find some kind of way to relax and stop worrying about everything. Luckily for me, I found a way to chill pretty quickly. I decided to go to the last UT Tyler Wind Ensemble concert of the semester! If you have read any of my previous blogs you know about my ridiculous obsession with music, so this was the obvious choice for me.

                After my semester concert for my percussion ensemble ended, I no longer had to go to class. I feel like I have been musically deprived since then. I have a few friends who are in the Wind Ensemble, so I would always ask them when their final concert was. Plus I’m just really pumped to actually be in the Wind Ensemble next semester! It’s definitely going to be different, because I've been playing percussion for the past four years and now I’m going back to clarinet! Hopefully it’ll all work out in the end.

                I went to the first concert that the wind ensemble put on earlier this semester, and I was really impressed! From what I have been told by my friends that are in the wind ensemble, they are playing really cool (but yet difficult) music. I know that I will be blown away again. I am definitely ready to get my finals over with, and move into a new semester. If the school  never put on things like this, or any other campus activities, I know I would go crazy.

                The UT Tyler Wind Ensemble concert will take place this Thursday night at 7:30 in the Vaughn Auditorium in the Cowan Center! It’s free and open to the public, so please come see what the ensemble has been preparing for! Hope to see you there!

Preview Day Video!

The past year we made a video for our table at Preview Day. This is the new one for the current group of student bloggers made by yours truly. 

Enjoy!

The Coffin Shop- My favorite place

                Here lately, I've  been making the occasional trip to a place called “The Coffin Shop.” It’s not a literal place where you go and buy coffins or caskets. The Coffin Shop is a venue in downtown Tyler that hosts concerts every so often. I went a few weeks ago to see The Problem Preachers, and I went again on Saturday to see who else plays there.

                I must say that I was quite impressed with everything. I never imagined that there would ever be a place this awesome in Tyler, but thankfully there is! The Coffin Shop is without a doubt one of my favorite places here.

                The Coffin Shop is like an underground music scene right in downtown Tyler. There is always artwork of some kind displayed on the walls there, and sometimes it’s even for sale! The people there are always nice to me, which I enjoy especially if my week hasn't gone so well. When I’m sad or bored, or just want to have a good time, I know where to go.

                If you’re interested in visiting the Coffin Shop anytime soon, you can definitely join their Facebook page. They always post concert times on there, so it’s easy to find out when you should go. It does cost a few dollars to get in, but it’s easy to afford even for broke college students like me. I promise you that if you even make one trip to The Coffin Shop, you won’t be disappointed. The atmosphere is amazing, the music is incredible, and it’s a great place to make new friends!

Wind Ensemble Concert is here!!

                I am so pumped, you guys, PUMPED. As some of you may know, I am very into music of all kinds. I was in band in high school and middle school, so I even have some experience under my little belt. Tomorrow, the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble is going to put on their first concert of the semester

                To me, music is a direct expression of the way a person or the composer feels. When you listen to music, sometimes it can even make you feel that way, which is exactly the composer’s intention. The intention is to tell a story without words, without pictures or light, just music. I think that that is a pretty good reason to enjoy music. When the ensemble plays their music, learn to appreciate the music by making a connection with it!

                The concert will take place at the Cowan Center tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7:30! I’m really looking forward to going to this, because next semester if I get a chance I’m going to join the ensemble as one of the clarinet players. I’m ready to see how well everything goes, and you can definitely expect a blog from me reviewing how the concert went!

                If you’re interested in going, it’s FREE and open to the public, so anyone can come! I hope all of you are able to go and enjoy listening to the different songs that they’re going to play! If you see me, feel free to sit with me too! J Hope to see you there!!

An Evening of Jazz

The UT Tyler students that make up the Jazz Patriots

The University of Texas at Tyler's jazz performance last night was phenomenal! I am SO glad that I discovered this event and was able to attend. Some people don't realize how many wonderful things there are to do on campus, but colleges host some of the most diverse and interesting functions for students to take advantage of.

Jazz Patriot students with J. T. Pundt

The UT Tyler Jazz Patriots Combo and UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble entertained the crowd with guest artist J.T. Pundt on trumpet!


I was particularly impressed with the amount of talent that the students in these ensembles posses. It was truly refreshing to enjoy the talents of my peers and appreciate all of the time and work that they put into this music!

I would highly encourage students to take the time to seek out opportunities such as this concert to enrich their college experience. :)



After the Jazz Patriots kicked off the performance, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble took center stage to begin the second half of the night!

UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble

Music + Me = LOVE

I finally enrolled into, and am now a part of the  UT Tyler Percussion Ensemble! I’m really glad I decided to add that course, because lets be honest, I can’t even go one semester without playing any kind of music. Music is what makes me feel happy when I feel lonely or sad or bored. If music didn’t exist, I would live in a constant state of boredom! Anyone who knows me knows that if I’m listening to music, I’m deep in thought, and don’t want to be bothered. But does that stop them? Haha, nope. But I feel like music is where my true passion and talent lies. Now don’t get me wrong, I do happen to be good at a lot of things, music just happens to be my favorite of them! Like I’ve probably said before, I’ve been playing instruments since I was in the fourth grade. In high school, I was on the drumline which, of course, was the most interesting part to play, and shall I say the most fun? Yes, and it was totally worth all of the sweat, hard work, and early morning practices.

      When concert season approached, I pretty much decided to stick to playing the marimba, unless it was a Sousa march, then I wanted to play bass. For those of you who don’t know who John Philip Sousa was, he was the man who wrote the Washington Post March, along with many many other famous marches. I’d say he is for sure one of the most famous music writers for concert band that there is in America! Anyways, if I could chose to do anything in the world at all, anything, then I would without a doubt play music in a symphony or something like that. But I’m nowhere near that level of skill when it comes to playing music, but I’d like to get there someday. Or maybe even compose music like the famous Michael Giacchino!

I’m very excited, needless to say, about what the upcoming semester has to offer me. I do have high expectations, and I will succeed at all costs. When I go to practice next week with the rest of the percussionists for the first time, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be really nervous. I’m excited to see what comes up for me next, and I’ll be sure to welcome it with open arms! 

Beginning of the Semester Blues

So, it has been a week since classes started and everyone seems to be getting back into the swing of things. However, if you're feeling antsy and still want some of that summer-going-out fun go to Clicks Live this Friday for an excellent musical showcase.

My group, The Problem Preachers, will be playing along side Mothership and Remaining Anonymous to help out Jonny Pecker & The Beaver Busting Pickle Weasels for their CD release show. The lead singer of JP&TBBPW recently received his Masters in Fine Arts from UT Tyler and actually taught one of my friend's art class. 

So if you find yourself incredibly bored this Friday come by Clicks and check out the fun. Also, go here and download my band's CD for FREE.

Life Cheat #82264: The best cure for the Friday night blues is a heavy dose of Rock and Roll.

Spring Break... is over.

I cannot believe it's taken me a week to write this blog! Seriously! The end of Spring Break has brought on a tidal wave of work and some tests. I'm surprised I haven't lost my mind, but believe me, I came close. This time last week, I was wrapping up my awesome vacation. It was a good one, to be honest; probably the best one I've had. Last year, something told me to star saving up for this Spring Break. I'm so glad I did; it was well worth it. My roommate and I spent the break in San Antonio. The drive was pretty arduous; nearly six hours in a car is pretty hard on my old woman knees.

When we got there, The week was filled with food. And I mean serious food. Not McDonald's or Taco Bell, but real grown-up food. We went just about everywhere on the Riverwalk from Hooters to a Spanish cafe with expensive entrees. It was awesome just to be there, spending money and not worrying about much anything (except the homework I got assigned over break. Thanks professors.)

All that being said, I think the real highlight of my Spring Break was the day trip we made up to Austin. Even more luckily, we got caught up in the sweet chaos that was the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. Seeing as how I've wanted to go to SXSW forever, I was absolutely amazed at the fact I was lucky enough to be in the area while everything was going on. We didn't actually get to see the shows, but I definitely plan on attending next year and it will be awesome.

The rest of the week was more food, walking, and (expensive) parking. The weather was great for the most part. The first two days we were there it was cold, windy, and rainy. The sunshine and warm air more than made up for it, though. And pictures. Man, did I get pictures. I have photos of people, buildings, skylines, food, whatever. There are far too many to put on a single page, but I'll have them up soon. But for now, back to work.