It's May already and, as usual, our performance calendar is filling up! We have 3 shows in Oregon this month that I'd like to tell you about. May 2nd is in Salem at Boons Treasury. May 25th we're in McMinnville at Hotel Oregon. Closing out the month, May 31st and June 1st we'll be at Kah-née-ta Resort and Spa in Warm Springs. Click here for details.

All and all it's gonna be an fun Oregon tour for ARTB this month.

On the studio recording front, we are in the beta stage for our next commercial release. It's one of our most requested originals, 'Temptation'. Click here for a very early taste, not quite done yet but getting closer to the final version.

We just created a Band Camp page and to celebrate we are giving away a free download of Monday Morning Rain. To get your free download, click the 'Buy Now' link on the Band Camp page and enter '0' for the price. It's easy. This offer is good though May 5th. 

Thanks for your support! 

April Fools Day in PDX and the sun is out (for now). We're gearing up for our only scheduled show in Portland this spring. It's a benefit for The American Lung Association on April 6th, with ARTB and the fabulous Anne Weiss. Click here for details.

After that we'll be taking a few weeks off from performance to finish up some writing / recording projects (and a few projects around the house and garden as well).

One of my upcoming music composition projects is for the film 'The Falls 2', which begins production May 2013 right here in PDX. This is the sequel to  last years feature length independent film, 'The Falls' by writer / director Jon Garcia. This is a very well done and timely film about the 'coming out' of two gay missionaries. Jon treats the subject with realism and respect. I look forward to working with Jon to provide some of the original music in his sequel film. I will be collaborating with my partner, Susan Peck.

I am also in progress with the writing of my first musical for theater. The working title is 'Alan's Confectionary'. The 'Alan' in the title is not me. It's my grandfather, Alan Alexander, Sr.

The story is loosely based on true events which took place in my family during the Great Depression and leading up to World War II.  I have been researching the project for about two years now and I am two scenes and one song into the actual script. I'm having fun with this project and very excited to complete it. I'll be posting drafts of the musical numbers on our music page as I complete them. 

So it'll be a busy spring even if you don't see us in live performance much. We'll be back in performance and touring mode this summer starting with our 6th annual summer solstice show at Artichoke.

In the meantime remember you can take our music with you, where ever you go. It's only 99 cents per song at iTunes, Google Play, Amazon or CD Baby. Or listen before you buy by clicking here.

And don't forget: Without music, life itself would be impossible.

Thanks for your support! 

"You don't want to miss these guys, a refreshingly genuine, original, and groovin' set of musicians that can bring a bit of soul to everything they touch... Come experience a convergence of musical minds choreographed by the multi talented Alan Alexander, understated but bursting with musical communication."

Thanks!! Look for us there every First Thursday of the month trough the spring and summer of 2013. Check our calendar for details.

Click here to listen to KMUZ's DJ Charles interview with Alan. Recorded March 4, 2013

I want to start by giving you a taste of our latest studio offering. This time it's 'Monday Morning Rain', one of our most requested songs in live performance. This studio release features the fabulous Mary Flower on lap slide guitar. It was one of the highlights of my year having a chance to work with Mary at our annual Summer Solstice show at Artichoke and again a few weeks ago on this recording. She's a great player and a warm human being.

Here's a beta mix of the song. The final mix will be released on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and CD Baby in January of 2013.

This past year has been full of challenges and opportunities. It began with the release of our first studio single 'Peace of Mind' and a west coast (Oregon, Washington, California) spring tour to support that release. We're a bit behind schedule but we did manage to get 3 releases out this year!

Another major highlight of this past year was the amazing support we received from the music and business communities and from fans in the aftermath of Ari's brain hemorrhage and stroke. Thanks so much! I am happy to report that Ari is doing very well as he continues on his long road to recovery. Such a blessing!

And last but not least on this solstice gratitude list, I want to give a full heart thanks to my wonderful 'band'.

The Legendary Whit Draper (guitar and bass): When he is not working with his own outfit, The Sportin' Lifers, or on call with the multitude of other bands that seek him out, he is always willing to share his skills and talent with ARTB live and in the studio. He's a top shelf player and a very cool dude.

The Mighty Sarah Linderman (drums, vocals): She has been with me almost since the beginning of ARTB (over 5 years now) and we've done a lot of road time together. Where ever we go, folks are amazed at what she can do with a cajon, hi hat, cymbals and sticks. She also gives great spiritual advice.  

Professor Susan Peck (keyboards, vocals): Yes she is a music teacher and a good one (at all levels, including college). She's also a classically trained pianist and singer.  Like me, she loves to write a good tune. And over the past two years we have become close partners in music and life. 

These guys are not my 'band', they are family. And I can't thank them enough for the support they have given and continue to give me in music and (more importantly) in friendship. It's hard for me to imagine how I would have gotten through this past year without them. 

We look forward to seeing you next year. May it be a healthy and prosperous one for you. 

-a

Things are slowly getting back to 'normal' here at the ARTB camp. Only a few gigs scheduled this fall but we have been very busy in the studio and music publishing projects. Our third and newest single, 'Sweet Forgiveness', was released last week on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. You're gonna love it, and if you don't believe me, have a free listen right here. 

Also, we now have sheet music for your favorite ARTB songs available in our online store. I am especially excited about this news. As a songwriter, I love hearing other musicians performing and recording my original compositions. Earlier this year I realized that there was an interest in sheet music for some of the songs in my catalog. With transcription help from our very own Professor Susan Peck, we have been able to make that happen. The sheet music includes parts for bass, piano, guitar, melody and lyrics. Have a look.

We'll be kicking into gear with a full performance season in 2013 but, in the meantime, look for a couple of more studio releases before years end. And try to catch one of the November shows coming up.  

The approaching Labor Day weekend means summer 2012 is drawing to a close. Even though this summer turned out nothing like I planned, it has none the less been a summer full of miracles, blessings and music.

Our last show of the summer was last weekend at Helsing Junction Farm for the 8th annual Sleepover and K Records Fest. I have performed at this event every year since it began (summer 2005). It has become dear to my heart as a way to connect with family and catch a peek at the future of pop music. 

Festival producer and filmmaker, Jade Ajani (son of Helsing Junction Farm co-owner Sue Ujic), says he is willing to see it through at least another couple of years to year 10. 

Most of the music comes from the roster of the legendary indie record label, K Records, founded and operated for the last 30 years by producer/songwriter/performer Calvin Johnson. Some of the more famous artists with historic ties to this label include Beck, Nirvana, Sleater Kinney and more. 

My favorite artists on the current roster: Lake, Kendl Winter, Tender Forever, Curious Mystery. These groups give me hope for the future of pop music. The music is accessible, fresh and smart. The performers are talented and dedicated. 

But the main reason I love this event is because of the family vibe there. For me that means seeing folks I have known for 30 years, some of whom I only get to see at this annual event. What a gift! 

Check out my Twitter feed for photos. Thanks Sue, Jared, Jade and Calvin for making this event possible. 

Ari was discharged from the hospital today, three days after a successful cranioplasty surgery to replace the skull bone that was removed on May 12th to save his life. He is now able to begin the long road to recovery. It will take time. But at this point, thanks to you and your support, there is no reason to believe that his recovery will be anything less than full and complete. Thank you!!!

You will be seeing fewer performances from ARTB this fall as the family focuses of Ari and his recovery. But we'll be back next spring for another full performance season. Also look for more studio releases from us this coming fall and and winter.

Until then, try to catch us at one of these up coming performances. 

All the best...-a

Quadraphonnes perfoming @Mission Theater for Benefit Concert

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

The music was stellar, with great performances by The Quadraphonnes, Melao de Cuba, Sportin' Lifers, Newel Briggs, Gravy, Poeina Suddarth, Halfwit Adlib. And we were able to raise just over $5000 for Ari and Katie! Words cannot express the gratitude from our family to you and yours. We could not have done this without you!

Special thanks to the following volunteers:

Lance Paden 
Rihana Mungin 
Jo Ellen Legg 
Reese Bowes 
Mike Wyant

Ari is still awaiting the surgery to replace the section of his skull that was removed back May! This is the top priority of our family at the moment. I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

I have not booked any performances for ARTB (other than our benefit concert) since May when the stroke occurred. The shows currently on our calendar are commitments we made before the event. So you may see fewer performances on the calendar until we know that Ari is finally on the road to recovery (after the next surgery).

Until then....well...thank you once again for your support. 

-alan

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Image by Ron Chan

We now have a date and venue for the Benefit Concert. Thanks to the generosity of McMenamins and the PDX music community the event will take place at the Mission Theater on August 5th from 4-10pm. There is a sliding scale suggested donation of $20-30 for admission but any donation, no matter how small, will get you in the door (donations are NOT tax deducible).  As of right now, the musicians who have volunteered their time include: The Quadraphonnes, Melao de Cuba, Sportin' Lifers, Newel Briggs, Gravy, Poeina Suddarth, Halfwit Adlib, and of course Susan, Sarah, Whit and I (the ARBT quartet) will be performing as well. Check the McMenamins Mission Theater web site for details and check back, right here, for updates.

Special thanks to our sponsors: McMenamins, Portland Music Company, Grapheon Communications Design, Ron Chan.

I had planned to take the month of May off to work on my house and other domestic projects. Then on May 12th my son, Ari (pictured above), suffered a major brain hemorrhage and stroke. He was in ICU at Providence hospital for the next 3 weeks and remains hospitalized awaiting a second surgery to replace the section of skull that was removed to save his life. Needless to say, this event has been the main priority of our family for the last few weeks. We remain hopeful for a full recovery. 

We are planning a benefit concert for Ari and his wife Katie in late July or early August featuring at least a half a dozens acts (so far the Quadraphonnes and the Sportin' Lifers have offered their support). Details will be posted as they become available.

But right now I want to remind you that our 5th Annual Summer Solstice Show is approaching. Once again it will take place at Artichoke Music's Backgate Stage on Saturday, June 30th at8pm.

This year we will be sharing the bill with one of America's top finger style blues guitarists, Mary Flower. Also sitting in on this show will be bass virtuoso, Leah Hinchcliff.  These fabulous musicians will be joining me and ARTB band mates Susan Peck (keyboards and vocals) and Sarah Linderman (drums and vocals) for what promises to be a fantastic night of music.

Doors open at 7:30 and tickets are $15.00. Call 503.232.8845 for reservations.  If you would like to make a donation to Ari and Katie you will have a chance to do so at this show as well. 

I really hope you can make this show. It's become a tradition for connecting with our friends and fans. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. You are the reason for the music. 

All the best.

-alan

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