Sarah Donner's Bloggity Blog Blog

1UPs, Anyone can spay!, and freeze dance

2011-09-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

She's a fierce freeze dancer.

The Stump Challenge after Irene

I got to knock out a few kitties for surgery.

The Weepies at TLA in Philly

We found Amanita on our hike.

We found strange boys too.

I always grasp at those last few weeks of summer like everyone else. Luckily mine were chalk full of good times. Even Irene couldn't really get me down. While many homes around me sustained heavy damage, I escaped with just a few inches of water in my studio. I lost a good deal of bedding, some furniture, and a handful of stock CDs. It looks like there will be some Irene Specials on my Sarah Donner CDs at the upcoming shows!

I spent a week at the City Arts Camp 2011 in Trenton teaching songwriting to groups of kids ranging from 6-14 years old. It was a bit crowd control and a whole lotta freeze dance for the little ones. We did write a few tunes though. I'm always impressed with what kids come up with in class. They just need the opportunity, a beat, and a simple chord progression.

Some lyrics from our tunes:

LOOSE TOOTH SONG by Group A

My tooth was loose loose loose

It wiggled so so much

I want to pull it out

The tooth fairy flies flies flies

She soars in the sky sky sky

It's gonna come out soon

MY SHOES ARE FLY by Group C

You knock me down

I fly back up

Cuz that's how good my shoes are

I hiked with some good friends up in Jim Thorpe, PA. It was a tough hike. I got my hands dirty, and my bum got wet. I am such a baby when it comes to trying new things. There were spectacular water falls and plentiful mushrooms on the path, so that made it better. If I did it again I would invest in some fly shoes though.

I had the pleasure of knocking a few kitties out for surgery at the Forgotten Cats Clinic in Willow Grove, PA. When I volunteered after dropping off a few ferals I trapped, I assumed I'd be cleaning cages and feeding kitties. Nope! I got right in there and injected the patients, weighed them, and help prep them for surgery. The vet let me watch her pull out ovaries from one of the lady cats. It was totally amazing, and I am looking forward to the next time I can volunteer!

Finally, I saw The Weepies on Friday. I rank them in my top 5 bands that I listen to frequently. Their craft is stunning, and I can never quite put my finger on why I love them so much. They really hone in on the ability to blend simple chords, thoughtful lyrics, and damn catchy melody. So many songs make me think "damn I wish I had written that", but then I probably wouldn't enjoy it so much.

Getting out of your comfort zone is overrated.

2011-08-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah my sister is WAY more brave than I am.

Mercy Bell's CD Release!

This is how mom broke her foot!

Jet the kitten

So I've spent the last week or so in the arms of my motherland New Bedford, Massachusetts. If you've ever been to a show, you've probably heard me spout off about not being from New Jersey. It's funny how you don't realize how tied you are to a place until you've left. There's a very strong 'Boston' accent here in New Bedford. When I first left for college, my peers often thought I was from another country due to my thick r-less brogue. Now I listen to Car Talk on NPR just to feel like I'm home.

I played in my first trailer this week. Mercy Bell released her new album All Good Cowboys, which by the way, is spectacular. Go download it now. I'll wait... New Bedford has a handful of festivals each year which feature bandstand music inside trailers. I used to wonder, how can I play in there? Apparently you need to be friends with the mayor, or friends of friends of the mayor.

Music wise, the new album is starting to shape up in my imagination. I need to start working on pre-production once the cicadas quit screeching outside my studio. You know studio is just a fancy word for basement with a microphone in it? Don't let those DIY kids fool you. I'm kind of excited at the new prospect. Recording is usually a chore for me, but I think there's a lot of potential in my new tunes. I just need a new animal to grace the cover art!

Do you eat, sleep, do you breathe me anymore?

2011-07-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Morning news is fun!

My niece has been practicing her mermaids

Gah! Lisa Loeb is a sweetie.

detail from Princeton Art Museum - I think her face is made of silly putty

SO it's been an adventurous week that culminated with opening for Lisa Loeb at the ArtsQuest center in Bethlehem. I was nervous heading into soundcheck because I am a huge fan. Well I had nothing to worry about because she was kind and down to earth, you know, on top of being a musician on top of her game. She had a few friends there who made me feel comfortable and at home as well. Once we were all in the dressing room the topic soon became cats and pets. It's like a short cut to finding kindred spirits.

When the show started I was assuming I'd get a chatty crowd uninterested in the opening act. I was totally chuffed to find an attentive room of 300 or so people. Man, I was ON MY GAME! It's so bizarre that some people get a high from being the center of attention when others live in fear of it. Anyhow, I think it went well on my part. The crowd was lubed and rev'd up for the main act.

Lisa played an assortment of old and new songs. I loved it, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity. One of my favourites is Do You Sleep? for sentimental reasons. I was too much of a wuss to request it myself, so I was glad when someone else did! We exchanged emails, and hopefully I will be able to do it again next time she's on the east coast!

Win 2 tickets to see Lisa Loeb & Sarah Donner this Friday!

2011-07-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Want to win 2 tickets to see Lisa Loeb (Sarah Donner opens) this Friday 7/29 at Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem? Tell me why your cat (real or imaginary) thinks that you should go see the show. Email your brief essay, pictures, or video to sarah@sarahdonner.com. Points for creativity! The contest winner will be announced tomorrow morning 7/28 at noon EST.

Back again. Jiggity Jig.

2011-07-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Bean takes a peek inside the new cajon

Stag beetles don't belong in my yard.

The Indie Music Night mascot.

Because I'm lame and can't stop taking pics.

The tour is over. I miss those zings of dopamine when I get to a venue, when I meet a new fan, when the van starts making funny noises. Anyhow I've been trying to get back to some half finished projects mostly which involve paint. It's hard to stop me once I get a brush in my hands. There are a few songs to finish writing so I can get started on the next album!

I've mostly got my identity back. After the St. Paul Zoo theft, I am finally on my way to being Sarah Donner once again. Josh is my new friend at my bank. He sat down with me for an hour and a half wiping my tears and wiping my overdraft fees away. Those shifty bitches were very efficient at ruining my credit and my good name.

There are some good shows coming up, namely opening for Lisa Loeb next Friday at ArtsQuest Cafe in Bethlehem PA. I hear she is a cat lady so we should get on pretty well. Her first two albums really made a dent on my formative singer/songwriter self back in the day. I forced myself to learn bar chords just so I could cover her tunes. That could have been the start to me not "playing guitar like a girl". I will expound on that another day though.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 2011 Tour: North Carolina & Tennessee

2011-07-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

North Carolina mountain road at 6am

The band Town Mountain performing at WDVX's Blue Plate Special

The river rejuvenates on the last leg of tour!

We are down to the last few days, and I'm mulling over ideas for one last music video. The Twizzlers are stale enough for percussion purposes. It's been a fine journey, but I am ready for a steady diet. There is a mess of identity, bank accounts, and credit card charges that I need to clean up too thanks to the break-in back in St. Paul. My purse is light, but I'm the type of lady who is comfortable with a Target on her shoulders.

I had a day of rest in Boone, NC which was just what I needed. A day with close friends, a cool river, Pinot Grigio, and stars in the sky. My friends live on the side of a mountain which is gorgeous, but I'll think twice about driving a sketchy minivan up there again! I'll just tour in a helicopter next year.

The Blue Plate Special is a live radio show on WDVX in Knoxville TN. I played this show a few years ago, and I knew the crowd leaned towards with a southern flavour. The new host is a sweet funky lady named Red Hickey, and she did a great job of welcoming the musicians, keeping a friendly report with the audience, and making the show run smoothly. It was a packed room. I gather most of the audience comes in for their lunch to enjoy that music. It's a great thing they got going there, and I wish there were more radio stations following their lead!

Tonight's show is at Refuge Coffee in Cincinnati, 8pm. Tomorrow it's one last music video or bust.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 2011 Tour: Atlanta

2011-06-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Bailey was our short legged host in Durham, NC.

fountain near the aquarium in Atlanta

Sounds itchy

$hClean, beer, and art nouveau come together in Atlanta

I think I'll just stop calling this the Flipflops tour and start calling it the Where The Hell Is The Sunshine tour. It seems like we've had a solid three or four sunny days since we left New Jersey. It's total nonsense. If you've seen any of my shows this month, chances are it came with a cloudy day. I'm like Eeyore with better hair and antidepressants.

The Atlanta stay was short and sweet. Eddie's Attic is a kick ass venue that prides itself in featuring the acoustic artist. They have cultivated a sizable audience that listens intently and respects every single musician that gets up on stage. Eddie actually hosts it, and I have to say it is refreshing to attend an open mic that isn't run by a douchebag. He commands you to hush and then gets out of the way of the music. It's clear he isn't running this event as an ego booster. He leaves that to the singer/songwriter. It's also a competition, and I was a finalist along with Emily Kate Boyd of the band Joyscout (awesome band name!) and Samuel Sanders. Check those kids out!

Last night I played the Broad Street Cafe in Durham. I have words for the waiter who bussed our table before we were finished. There was some quality brick oven pizza that I was counting on for today's minivan leftovers. The taste of soggy cold cuts is totally tragic when you had an eggplant margharita pie in your future.

Otherwise all is well, and tomorrow is a lunch time radio show at WDVX in Knoxville. You can tune in at http://www.wdvx.com/webcast.html at noon EST. After that it's Cincinnati's Refuge Coffee on Friday night, 8pm.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 2011 Tour: Tennessee

2011-06-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

Nashville has a Parthenon.

These were lurking in the soundhole of my guitar.

Eric & Laura's fish pond

detail of light fixture in a tasty Nashville sushi bar

It's been a fine couple of days in Tennessee. I've been in to the Chattanooga Aquarium before, but this time I got to play next to it! It's probably the closest I'll get to opening for the sea lion show, so I'll take it. I was totally chuffed when a busload of fifty teenagers was dumped in front of the stage. I quickly pulled out the good songs and tried to look as cool as possible. It turns out they were a concert band from Shoreview, Arkansas that had been performing in town. I wish them the best and hope I can hit Arkansas next time around!

We spend the night at a motel in Cleveland which made me feel like I was in an episode of The Wire. At some point there had been some serious violence involving the microwave and it smelled of moldy weed and urine.

Our two days in Nashville didn't come with fine weather, so we spent most of it chilling indoors with my fine host Kiernan McMullan who is an incredible singer/songwriter himself. He showed us the sights in his minivan (the vehicle of champions), and we hit some tasty restaurants along the way. We also made friends with his roommate's stray beagle Steven Beagal who is in need of a loving home if anyone out there wants this sweet dog.

The gig at the Bluebird Cafe went well. The crowd and performers who swayed towards the country genre were warm and receptive to my rocky/folk/pink think I do. The featured performer was a dude named Fred Wilhelm who writes songs for a living. His tunes have been cut by Faith Hill and Randy Travis, and while country music doesn't generally perk my ears, I have to say Fred Wilhelm is a phenomenal writer who knows his craft. His inspiring words really spoke to me and verbalized a lot of thoughts I've had about why the hell I do what I do. A few things I took away from Fred:

1. Songwriters are not articulate people - I can't tell you how much this hits home. I really hate public speaking. Interviews often make me feel like an idiot no matter how much I prepare. It should be the easiest thing for someone who takes so much time to craft words, but when it comes to conversation I'm a poor communicator. A song is my way to thoughtfully and creatively relay my views.

2. If you don't enjoy the process, you should get out of the business - Fred writes over 100 songs a year. You probably aren't going to be famous. You probably aren't going to get rich. It's a long hard road, and if you aren't finding joy in the craft of writing then you are probably wasting your time. I do it because I'm compelled to do it. It can't tell you how often my crummy day is turned around just by singing for people. I'm driven (literally these days) to perform.

3. Graduate with your class, and support your fellow talented performers. The cream will rise to the top, and you can be part of that. It's so hard to leave the ego in minivan. I'm a tender flower often on the defensive constantly pressuring myself to prove my worth as a musician. The lesson of supporting others is something I've been slowly learning, often by watching the graciousness of people in my life. I am so grateful for them!

Anyhow, I'm still thinking on a few things, but this post is far too long. You are a trooper for getting this far, now go get yourself an ice cream cone with rainbow jimmies.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 20011 Tour: St. Louis

2011-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

We were hunted by the paparazzi or Josh Wells. Paparazzo?

Incredible hippo exhibit at St. Louis Zoo

We put her back in the tree in a make-shift nest. I'm going to believe that she is still alive, thriving, and that the Wonderpets would be proud.

So St. Louis has been a challenge for me in the past. My venue choices have been craft stores, anarchist coffee shops, and urban farms. Finally, it was nice to play a gig where there were more people than chickens. I think I'm starting to crack the scene. I'd like to thank the Moderncat Blog for sending out a few new fans to my show. It's about time those kittens I fostered started giving back.

We are fortunate to have a friend who works at the St. Louis Zoo, so we got a full tour with perks. We rode the railroad, got half price lunch, saw a sea lion show, AND got the scoop on the lemur violence that had ensued a few months ago. I think next year I'm going to see if I can score a gig opening for the sea lions. I might to skip "Bitches You Can Steal My Shit" in the set list. Maybe not, those kids are going to learn those words eventually. I can't imagine a more fun way to enhance their vocabulary.

I am going SOUTH!

6/25 Chattanooga TN, Farmer's Market 12pm

6/26 Nashville TN, Bluebird Cafe, 8pm

6/27 Atlanta GA, Eddie's Attic Open Mic, 8pm

6/28 Durham NC, Broadstreet Cafe, 8:30pm

6/30 Knoxville TN, WDVX Blue Plate Special, 12pm

7/1 Cincinnati OH, Refuge Coffee, 8pm

Flipflops & Rest Stops 20011 Tour: Kansas City

2011-06-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Once again, proof that I actually do play. Tour is very serious.

I'm pretty sure he is texting.

Apparently, it's a real problem.

Well, Hays Kansas, you proved me wrong. I didn't have to play to cows or tractors, and I'm ashamed of the stereotype I had previously assumed. The Coffee Rules show was indeed small, but extremely supportive. I'm pretty sure 1 Kansas fan = 50 New Jersey fans, so I must be doing something right. :) The Ramada also had a sweet waterslide which adds to my new found respect.

Let me tell you, there are kind people in this country. In Kansas City a fine guy named Tom Ryan left his comfy loft for the evening and handed us the keys. I knew him only through a mutual songwriter friend Kiernan McMullan, but he trusted us completely. He even lent us detergent for our wild night of washing laundry! The more people I meet in this country, the less I have to sleep in Walmart parking lots. While I do enjoy spitting toothpaste out on the side of the road, being greeted whenever I need the toilet, and the challenge of putting on pants on the air mattress, I am forever grateful to the folks who open their homes, fridges, and washing machines to me.

Tomorrow night is a show at Foam Coffee & Beer. St. Louis, you better not break my heart.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 20011 Tour: Colorado

2011-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

$hClean walks on water

"On your mountain you have branded an initial monogram"

The best tiger exhibit I've seen at Denver Zoo

The Great Divide Brewery tour reminds me of Mr. Rogers' Picture Picture segment

The first show I ever played in Denver was a dive bar called Binkers. It was run by a Blanche-esque blue hair named, yes, Binkers. They were quite surprised to see a lady take the stage, nevermind a lady who could play her instrument. Binkers got shut down due to an expired liquor license years ago, so I've been on the hunt for better venues since then. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to play a house show at the home of Harry & Allison Olsson. Harry ripped it up on the mandolin on a few of my tunes. I'll post some videos next time I have decent internet streaming.

I also played the Walnut Room Pizzeria with Gilbert Boisson. It was a challenging venue due to the placement of the musicians, which was basically on the ceiling. We were situated on a makeshift balcony looking down upon the entire restaurant. I have issues with my nostrils, so this wasn't the most comfortable performance space. Nonetheless, you never know who is listening so I gave 100% and enjoyed new fans, some merch sales, and an kick-ass thin crust pizza.

The Denver Zoo was a far cry better than the St. Paul Como Zoo, mainly because our van window was intact upon our return. They also had a sweet tiger exhibit with a momma and her four cubs. Adult Amur tigers are solitary animals, so it was very special to see an active family.

The nearly full grown cubs rolled around, chewed on each other, and pounced on their sleepy mother.

Yesterday we did the Heritage Square Alpine Slide and then a leisurely hike up a small mountain/large hill. It was nice to do something active in spite of our oxygen starved lungs. At the end of the day my Uncle Bobby who lives in Arvada grilled elk. My first taste reminded me of steak and mulch. It wasn't bad though!

Today I play at Coffee Rules in Hays, KS at 8pm. I'm curious about this one, let me tell you! Small town gigs often surprise me in a good way. They don't get a lot of touring acts so the audiences are usually very appreciative and kind.

6/20 Hays KS, Coffee Rules, 8pm

6/21 Kansas City, Record Bar, 7:30pm

6/23 St. Louis, Foam Coffee & Beer, 8pm

6/25 Chattanooga TN, Farmer's Market, 12:30pm

Flipflops & Restoration in Humanity 2011: St. Paul/Omaha

2011-06-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Nice plummage

the incredible p.bear on land! (see Douchecat for another pic)

56 years old!

douchebaggery in St. Paul

My heart was broken and restored over the past two days. At the end of the day at St. Paul's Como Zoo, it began to thunder and pour buckets of cold rain. I purchased two ponchos from the gift shop, and we ran to our minivan. There we found a completely smashed in window, and my purse, wallet, and ID stolen. Glass was shattered into the van, into our bags of pretzels and chex mix, into the seats, and into my heart. All the cash I had saved for gas from our previous concerts was gone. I sobbed like a baby for a good 10 minutes, cold, wet, angry, feeling stupid, and beside myself.

I was quick to call credit agencies and banks, only to find the bastards had already racked up hundreds of dollars of charges at local gas stations. My checkbook was taken as well, so I had to completely cut off all accounts. I was a thousand miles from my nearest bank branch. I have no ID either which is the real kicker! That night we went to a wine bar and moderately drowned our sorrows with a nice sandwich and glass of syrah.

The next morning we set out early to find an auto glass replacement store. In my desperation, I put the call out to facebook first asking people order merchandise or just outright donate to the tour fund. We lost over $500 which is more than you realize when you're on the road touring at the mercy of gas prices and food for a month. I am a very DIY lady. I hate asking for help. I want to do it on my own and take pride in that fact. I don't do Kickstarter or Rockethub. Every time you give me money I want to give you an album or t-shirt. I don't like to feel like I owe anyone, especially financially.

Today my faith is restored, and our funds are recouped. I am overwhelmed by the response of our friends, family, and fans who gave us encouragement, hugs, money, free food, drinks, and a solid dose of faith. I promise to pay it forward, rock hard, and give my all where ever I go. We are off to Denver today with a house concert on Friday. Saturday is a show at Walnut Room Pizzeria.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I will remember this the next time I'm challenged by douchebaggery.

Flipflops & Rest Stops 20011 Tour: Minneapolis!

2011-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

The first time this has ever been done.

That's me just trying to be cool.

The American Girl Doll hair salon. I don't even get that kind of treatment.

Acadia Cafe show, Minneapolis just to prove that I play sometimes

It's been a good time charlie kind of stay here in Minneapolis. Thanks to a scheduling snafu I get to stay another day! (this means no Lincoln NE show today) Yesterday we went to the sculpture gardens and took the obligatory Spoon Bridge & Cherry picture. It's like a pared down version of Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, but it was freeheee. I stopped by my promoter Tinderbox Music's official office, and I was thrilled to walk in on the staff stuffing envelopes, surrounded by piles of CDs and boxes. They were good people, and I'm going to send them some craft beer when I get back. It's nice to put faces to names that you write checks to.

Finally, I went to the Mall of America to see what the hype was all about and check the sale racks at the Gap. I found me a couple of good deals AND a rollercoaster. I really wanted to go in the American Girl Doll store, but pride wouldn't let me. I harbour a lot of resentment since they took Kirsten off their catalogue.

Tomorrow's show is in Omaha at PS Collective, 8pm. There will be fine ladies, guitars, and for crying out loud, pizza. Send that cousin who you never talk to because they live in Nebraska.

'Someday' video with P. Bear

2011-06-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

I was mesmerized by this polar bear at the Chicago zoo. Her circles were sad, but so beautiful. Please pass it on. 'Someday' can be purchased on iTunes or at www.sarahdonner.com ! xo

Flipflops & Rest Stops CHICAGO

2011-06-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

Chicago has been a favourite tour stop of mine since I started looping around this country. I'm disarmed by easy going, friendly disposition of the bank tellers, baristas, and yes, even musicians. I played the upstairs of The Elbo Room, while a Battle of the Bands happened beneath me. Each time the kids came up for a breath of non-sweaty air I grabbed their attention with my Ke$ha cover, and then sneakily transitioned into an original Sarah Donner tune. I am very grateful for my fans who came out to my show and grateful for the Elbo Room which serves Delirium Tremens on tap.

detail of a pillow that caught my eye

Zookeeper using operant conditioning to check the seals dental hygiene at Chicago zoo

mouse holocaust aka. vulture snacktime

almond milk is not a trustworthy half and half substitute

Today is a travel day to St. Paul which involves a lot of podcasts, mindless snacking, and 400 miles on I-94. I'm working on a music video that will be released next week. It's a bit like Sleepy Kitten , but with a graceful flesh-eater! Tomorrow is a house concert in Shoreview, MN at 7pm. If you're interested in attending, please holler this way for the details since space is limited. Monday, I play at Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis at 10pm. And now, I return to knitting in the round.

TOUR! It's ON! (after we fix the waterpump)

2011-06-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

This is Burt the barreling pigeon who lost his way. My Pittsburgh hosts Chris and Liz took him in when he took a liking to the neighbors garbage cans. Burt was trained to fly high in the air and barrel spin down to the ground! Clearly Burt's heart wasn't in it anymore, so he's retired. He makes motivational DVDs for other pigeons trying to get out of the business.

Boredom inspires greatness.

This is Quill the star of my new tour poster! My evil plan is to use foster kitties to lure innocent passersby to my shows this summer. And, here they are!

Tonight! 6/8 Columbus OH, Rumba Cafe, 7pm $5

Thurs. 6/9 Chicago IL, The Elbo Room, 8pm $5

Sun. 6/12 Shoreview MN, House Concert, 2pm (holla back to RSVP)

Mon. 6/13 Minneapolis MN, Acadia Cafe, 8pm

Tues. 6/14 Lincoln NE, Zoo Bar, 9:30pm $4

Wed. 6/15 Omaha NE, Pizza Shoppe Collective w/All Girls Carry Machine Guns, 9pm

Fri. 6/17 Golden CO, House Concert, 7pm (holla back to RSVP)

Sat. 6/18 Denver CO, Walnut Room Pizzeria, 6:30pm

Mon. 6/20 Hays KS, Coffee Rules, 8pm

Tues. 6/21 Kansas City MO, The Record Bar, 7pm

Thurs. 6/23 St. Louis MO, Foam Coffee & Beer, 8pm

Sat. 6/25 Chattanooga TN, Chattanooga Farmer's Market, 12:30pm

Sun. 6/26 Nashville TN, The Bluebird Cafe, 8pm, songwriters night

Mon. 6/27 Atlanta GA, Eddie's Attic Open mic, 8:30pm, come support and say hi!

Tues. 6/28 Durham NC, Broad Street Cafe, 8pm

Thurs. 6/30 Knoxville TN, WDVX Blue Plate Special, 12pm, live radio broadcast in visitor's center

Fri. 7/1 Cincinnati OH, Refuge Coffee, 8pm

Fri. 7/8 Hamilton NJ, Grounds for Sculpture, 7:30pm

Tonight is the first Ohio show ever. All I know about Ohio is the fantastic Panera rest stops on the interstate, so this will be enlightening .

xo sd

A broken foot doesn't stop mom from luring her prey with easter candy.

2011-05-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

"Going Under" official music video by Sarah Donner

2011-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

April showers bring new mp3s & Lisa Loeb

2011-04-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am slightly addicted to the eagle cam. The family with three newly hatched eaglets are on camera 24/7. http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles It satisfies my meager maternal instincts, especially since it's been a few months since I've had a kitten to love. Momma feeds her babies fleshy bits from her stash of carcasses in the nest. It's amazing what they can do without thumbs.

The acoustic Going Under mp3 (featured in the upcoming music video) is out for downloading! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sarahdonner5 is where you can purchase the track! If you prefer the schmancy iTunes and Amazon, you'll have to be patient.

UPCOMING SHOWS!

Thurs. 4/14 Princeton University Campus Club (open to PU students ONLY), 10pm

Sat. 4/16 Scrape, Paint, and Rock Indie Music Night Come early and help us beautify the Pavilion!
Bring your brushes and scrapers, 1pm. Princeton NJ (IMN at 7pm, $5)

Sun. 4/17 Independence Hall, Philadelphia, 12:30pm Marriage Equality event held by Temple University, free!

Mon. 4/18 Soupcon Salon @Manon Lambertville NJ, 7pm BYOB, $15 gets you a tasty meal and music

Thurs. 4/21 Bentley University Waltham MA, 9pm

Sat. 4/23 Waterstreet Cafe Fall River MA, 7pm, $5

Sun. 4/24 Precinct w/Slant of Light Somerville MA, 9pm, $7

Sat. 4/30 Communiversity Day Princeton NJ

Wed. 5/11 Roots Brooklyn NY 8pm Park Slope show with Chris Q. Murphy and friends

Finally, I'm going to be opening for Lisa Loeb on July 29th at the Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem, PA! I remember trying to cover her tunes when I was starting out. Thanks to Lisa Loeb, I learned the Bm bar chord!

BaCaw!
Sarah Donner

TNR trust and a live web show!

2011-02-23T06:45:00.001-08:00

Why hello savoury and sweet friends,

I've been TNRing for the past two weeks (that's hip code for trap, neuter, return), and let me tell those cats are none too pleased. Initially I felt terrible like I had abused the trust of friends. I know they only love me because I am the gatekeeper of kibble, but still. Anyways, now I'm on a roll and ready to spay the town! A few people have asked how they can help, and if you're interested in sponsoring a stray let me know. I'll send you a picture of your cat, and they will write you letters every other month. For just 75¢ a day, you can change the course of a life... and reduce the feral population of my back yard.

Next up, there is a show for ANYBODY with INTERWEBNETS.www.StageIt.com will be hosting my first web streaming live show at 8pm EST, March 1st! Watch me play songs for you from your computer. You don't even need pants on! I'm training up Puma Bean to open the show with a couple tricks. I will also announce a new project. You need high speed internet and 50¢. Tickets are limited, so be sure to sign up early. Also, send me requests if you have them.

Shows to grow on:
2/25, 7pm Burlap and Bean (with Bern and the Brights and David Janes), $5

3/1, 8pm EST www.StageIt.com, 50¢, yes 50¢ (13 tickets left!)

3/5, 7pm Spiritmouth Coffeehouse, Succasunna NJ

3/11, 7pm World Cafe Live (early show opening for Rebecca Pronsky), Philadelphia

3/12, 8pm Cafe International, Trenton NJ

3/19, 7pm Indie Music Night @Arts Council of Princeton, $5

4/4, 8pm The Bitter End (Songcircle presents), NYC, $10

4/8, 7pm Reader's Cafe, Hanover PA

No more puppets! The music video is scheduled for late March, and I am thrilled to bits to have Natali Jones directing and Matthew Campbell designing. Now I need a costume, so if you're really motivated you can start sending me dresses.

Thanks for signing up to be on my listy mcList. Here is a free download of my single Treeline because the Sleepy Kitten video just passed 20,000 hits on YouTube! The summer tour is coming together with stops in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, St. Louis, North Carolina, Atlanta, Knoxville, and more. You stay tuned, and I'll keep it pink.

Bring out the bronzer,
Sarah Donner

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The Center Pivot Irrigation Song!

2010-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Center Pivot Irrigation Song for all you who enjoy good drainage.

Overrated New Year EP

2009-12-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

The Overrated New Year EP is shiny and decorated with the fanciest Target stickers I could find! Four tracks encased in kitty glitter goodness are available for a limited time. $5 gets you the tracks:

1. Overrated New Year

2. Angels We Have Heard on High (I pulled out the rusty ol' violin skillz on this track)

3. We Three Kings

4. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Message me at sarah(AT)sarahdonner.com if you'd like to paypal me your smackers. Mr. Postman would be happy to bring you my tidings of good cheer. Otherwise come to a show this month and get it yourself baby! www.sarahdonner.com for listings.

Happy Christmas and Hanukah to you! May 2010 bring more of what you love the most.

Marmellow Fights and Taxidermied Penguin

2009-07-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a cultural tradition on July 4th at Ocean Beach in San Diego. After the fireworks are over, hundreds of kids poised with their bags of confectionery goodness take ruthless aim and pelt each other for about 10 minutes. It can even be a little dangerous when the marshmellows fly through bonfires and hit targets on the other side. I engaged in the pelting myself, and it was good times. Let's not worry about cleanup and bring this tradition back to the east coast!

The show at Lestat's was the best. Dave Booda is one of the most entertaining songwriters I've ever seen- a real showman. Impressions, costumes, and Kermit the Frog- an impressive Kermit the Frog at that. Lou is a great soundman, and his shy dog Toby roams the venue all night long.
I hope to return as soon.

We went to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, but I must admit it was not as impressive as some other spots. A taxidermied penguin doth not a penguin exhibit make. This tour has made me an aquatic snob. However, San Diego redeemed itself when I found a seal sanctuary, baby seagulls, beach squirrels, and crab tide pools all right there on the beach. And bonus, the beach is free!

Now it's onto St. Louis for a show at Cranky Yellow on Friday night. Pictured above is Utah and kids being kids.

PT 3 Acrocats of Chicago!

2009-06-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

So I think one of my first posts on this blog had this same chicken. Similar pose.

Anyways, it is well worth your $12 to see the Acrocats. Who doesn't want to see a gopher with a cowboy hat on driving a truck or raising a flag? How can you resist three cats in a band? THUMBS? Who needs thumbs? I finally know how the best hoop for cats to jump through too. I was on the lookout for Puma Bean's next trick. The embroidery hoop is the way to go apparently. I'm not sure how well it would take to flame though...

I love me some Chicago though. It's a fine city, probably because I'm only here when it's above 70 degrees. We had some fine beer at The Map Room. I recommend the St. Bernardhaus, a dark sweet belgian. Rain sort of sped up our little picnic in Grant Park, but it was lovely to be outside and enjoying some fine cheese and gluten free crackers.

Oh and the show at Reggie's Music Joint was lovely. The bill was a little odd having me be the 'easy listening' act to open up for rock/metal bands Curbside Beauty and Munger. You still can't beat the supportive crowds though or $5 all you can eat sloppy joe's.

To Madison, WI we go...

Blacklit kittens and a Safeplace

2009-06-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

So Chattanooga Aquarium is top notch. I especially loved the banjo player who sang mountain songs inside the Tennessee River exhibit. That must be a sweet gig. Sing songs, watch fish, watch the crazies, and get paid! The Butterfly Garden was gorgeous and slightly magical; I couldn't help but feel like Snow White or something with all these fluttering animals uninhibited and free... well you know sorta free. The touch tank offered sting rays swimming in circles- only touch with two fingers though. This way they don't get stressed out. I stood in line to touch the shark, but the stupid 5 year olds kept cutting! I was aggravated and wanted to push them out of the way, but Michael made me suck it up and move on. I'm also still angry at the toddler who got in front of me in the 'See Like a Seahorse' line.

Rock City (www.seerockcity.com) is a spectacle to behold and well worth your $18. Rock City is this um, 'city' of rocks on top of Lookout Mountain in Knoxville. It's like a fairyland of paths and bridges and flora and fauna in and about giant rock formations. The SPECTACLE comes when you enter Fairyland Cavern- a cave of blacklight dreams. In the 1940s I suppose it was schmancy new technology, and people would pay to walk through and see dozens of fairy tale dioramas. The climax is the giant diorama of every mother goose rhyme you can remember complete with castles and running water, which you can walk around, 'ooo', and 'ahh'!

Finally, I played a sweet show at WDVX's Blue Plate Special. I wish we had one of these in our town. Every weekday there's a lunchtime live show in a coffeeshop/vistor's center which airs on the radio. The locals all congregate and eat their lunch while listening. The bill was split between me and The Honeydew Drops, a sweet bluegrassy couple on tour and recently featured on Praire Home Companion.

Now's it's off to Lexington KY and then Chicago for the weekend.

Honeymoon Tour Pt. 1 'Pittsburgh & One Armed Monkeys'

2009-06-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

So despite what you may think about Pittsburgh, I say you can get a lot of bang for your $12 if you head to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, especially if it's on the day when the Renaissance Faire comes to market their festival. Have you ever seen ancient sword combat and deep sea bass side by side?

The posted signs offer a fun education when all the wild cats are napping and offering no entertainment for the passersby. The highlight of the day had to be One Arm the one armed monkey. The need to hire some more creative staff when it comes to the naming of these guys.
We also saw homosexual giraffes, which the zoo keeper said was no surprise since they were from LA.

If you love religion and beer you'll want to check out the Church Brew Works. www.churchbrewworks.com It's a tasty refreshing treat after you've sweated dodging the swarms
of children. It was a little bizarre seeing a house of God with fermenters and griste mills at the altar, but all is forgiven when you try the sauted pierogies.

And today it's off to Chattanooga for the next leg of Sarah & Michael's Aquatic Rockstar Tour. Thanks dad for that charming acronym.

PS. Just saw a billboard that said 'Become an organ donor. Give Jesus Your Heart.'

Honeymoon Aquarium National Tour!

2009-06-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

,

It's been some time since previous posts, but it was well deserved I think. With my wonderful wedding over, now a national tour is kicking off. Stops include Boston, Knoxville, Lexington KY, Chicago, Madison WI, San Diego, and St. Louis. It's fish by day, rock by night. If anybody knows aquariums that do rock shows, please share. I'd love to open for fish. wow. If you are in any of those areas, please come out and support my gas tank! www.sarahdonner.com for exact dates and locations.

We got Wii fit for a wedding gift, and I broke that puppy out today. My Wii age is 24, but I know come back from my slovenly tour ways there will be work to do. Roy Rogers can really break a girl, ya know? There are still many cahoots about which routes to take, air mattress or motel, and how many bags of Twizzlers does one need. Saturday it's off to Pittsburgh for leg one of the journey. Be back soon with good stories and pictures!

The photos above are by Justin Mifkovich. You can check out more of his stuff at www.flickr.com/jmifkovich. The man rocks it with his camera and all the gadgets that go with it.

Roll Over and Shine

2009-05-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Well Puma Bean is now working on 'roll over'. He's already been to Princeton University so that's no surprise. Granted he hid in the filing cabinet the whole day, but still he's pretty smart.
I'm not like Angela in The Office. We wanted to see if he'd be into catching a mouse that was lurking in our workspace. Really.

This rainy month of May is a very slippery slope into the madness of June. Kerrville Folk Fest is May 23rd, Club Passim is May 24th, and oh, there's this whole wedding in June. Until then I have some time off for cleaning, painting, shopping, working out, and praying. Sort of like the anti-vacation. I'm quite excited for it all, and naturally, being a girl, anxious, emotional, and completely red alert (for those of you who subscribe to the official colour coded Uptightness Alert System which happens to correspond to some terror alert thing the goverment instituted)
I'm pretty sure a sliver of sunshine would heal a lot of these worries, but there is none to be found.

Some uplifting things pictured here:
Hands by Rachel Donner (a piece from my sister's senior show at UMass Dartmouth)
Kitties by my crafty wonder Liz Hargreaves (she has an Etsy store called Martine Paper)
Punkass Hector by his mom

Soulja Boy, Knits, and Purls

2009-04-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say Puma Bean has learned the commands 'sit' and 'give me your paw'. I was elated when my patience and hard work came to fruition. I also recognize the how insane I must appear so that is all I will say about cats in this post. If anyone is handy with Photoshop, I'd love to get this pic with the wire removed from in front of his face.

I've been working on some music with middle school students in a songwriting class. My tendencies towards bright clothes and pink hair has earned me the nickname Ms. Skittle. These inner city kids prefer the R&B, hip hop, and rap so there is a lot of learning to do on both ends.
I do struggle to find music that they will enjoy, but that is also edifying. There's only so many remixes of Soulja Boy Crank Dat you can analyze.

Above is a picture of my hat that I knitted over the winter. Thanks to Stacey Wong for teaching me to knit and purl. It's come in handy at boring shows and long car rides. I've gone a little overboard with the knitting and find myself the owner of large bags of yarn that I will probably never use. I have grand plans for a sweater someday, but until that I'll keep at the cathats and scarves.

"Get you to a gym" and Puma is spayed!

2009-02-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Monkey Organ 'arcade' game
dunkin and momo
Puma Bean got the ol' snip snip, and here is a poster from the wonderful establishment Animal Welfare Association. I thought it was a joke... I mean I say that all the time when I'm trying to find homes for my kittens. Apparently I need to start saying "get 2nd best friend" instead of just "2nd pooping furball". Puma recovered nicely with minimal grief and embarassment. Luckily he's black we never really could see his balls to begin with.

This weekend was a little adventure at the Milllenium Music Conference held in Harrisburg, PA.
Aside from the seminars and mentoring sessions, I met some wonderful new and old friends including Alex Voegele, The Thrives, Flatbed Ford, Mycenae Worley, and Joel Dobbins. And most important FINALLY I met a major label scout- and can I tell you what he said? "Maybe you could get yourself to the gym a couple times a week, start eatin' right. You should take a few voice lessons. They aren't that expensive, $20 or so." Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I think I am not the Rihanna he is looking for.

The highlight was Sunday morning, waking up cat-free! What a restful sleep one can have when you aren't being kneaded and nuzzled and prodded and jumped on. We went to The Sledworks, half antiques flea market, half retro antique arcade! Here you can revisit the past and play the Monkey Organ (pictured above) for only 5cents! You can see a real nickelodeon peep show!! Very racy. I also shot numerous mechanical squirrels with my hunting skillz.

Finally, I'm in the process of booking the coast to coast Aquarium Honeymoon Tour of Wonder. If you know a good aquarium or want a concert in your town, let me know!

Happy Year

2009-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some cool pics to end 2008. Yoga kitty has found a good home with singer/songwriter Chuck Schaeffer. Thanks Chuck! The other pics are me at my Seedy Release and SANTA who CAME TO MY SEEDY RELEASE. Not too many artists get the big guy himself. Good thing I behaved that night.

I recently learned to knit from my friend, genius, and bass player Stacey Wong. She patiently waited and fixed my knits and purls and knots and messes. Someone will be getting an awesome lumpy orange hat very soon.

New Years Eve was brought in with Tetris, wine, and knitting. I finally beat the ball, and didn't rely on cable to bring in my 2009. In years past I'm usually doing an activity that has to be interrupted to watch ye old shiny ball, but this year we dove on in SANS BALL.

I already did Pilates so I'm on my way to fulfilling everyone else's resolutions. Mine is to deflea the cats once and for all. Very very bold and ambitious I know.

May your 2009 be full of who and what you love.

Too much Tetris and Turkey...

2008-12-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

I played a house concert recently in NYC, and someone took this very charming picture of Mr. Nut the host's light bulb-enamoured cat. "This bulb is mine. I shall look into it and be spayed."

Some other artists to share the stage was the lovely Kiernan McMullan (www.myspace.com/kiernanm) an Irish lad who crashed my house while on tour after her recent signing to One Eleven Records...very talented man who I hope remembers me when he needs an opener for his stadium show.

The Thanksgiving holiday was joyous. I overdosed on Tetris and had to be cut off once my eyeballs started hurting. Other news...and no joke, I had Cat Scratch Fever. My lymph node ballooned up my armpit for all to laugh and guffaw at. After a course of antibiotics, I've stopped using the litter box and scratching at chairlegs.

Oh yes, and if you are far far away and would like a copy of The Sleep You've Been Missing, voila! It is available through CD Baby right this moment (iTunes and Amazon etc. are coming).

Prix Order

2008-10-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that you can now pre-order The Sleep You've Been Missing on www.sarahdonner.com

This will get you a pre-released copy of the new album as well as joy in the cockles of your soul. It will be posted by late Novemeber- weeks before the official release date!

moo, me, and this economy.

2008-10-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's Fall which I can tell now because my fingers and nose have entered their timely iciness which won't thaw until next May. Here are a few pics of Moo the LED keychain who likes adventures in New England. I went to a Cranberry Festival and learned all sorts of fascinating tidbits like the cranberry is one of only three commercially grown fruits native to North America. The others are the blueberry and the concord grape. If you want to fight about the persimmon, then meet me at the corner in two hours.

The Sleep You've Been Missing will be officially released Dec 20th at Small World Coffee, 8:30pm in Princeton, NJ. I'll release it in Boston, Dec 28th 9pm at The Burren in Somerville.
The NYC release will be in Brooklyn at Postmark Cafe, Jan 16th, time tba.

These times is tough. I'm not quite sure how I'll manage the manufacturing costs of the album yet. There are a few weeks to go before that bill must be settled. Sadly shows have been poorly attended due to our fancy American crisis. I bought me two bottles of my Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon which were on sale for $7! At least I'll be self-medicated while CatLady Records stocks plummet. There was rumour of a bailout, but then Ben Bernacki found out about my song Wallstreet.

hey heeeey heeeeeeey!

2008-10-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Why hello. I am Mr. Crawdaddio. I somehow got lost from my woodsy pond and ended up at Sarah's stoop at work. Here I am in the bottom of an empty bucket. She was so thoughtful as to put some water in it so as to recreate my natural habitat. Sarah even gave me some chicken which I didn't eat because I'm a crayfish. Crayfish don't eat chicken.

So yes, Mr. Crawdaddio also known as Lunch to many of the passersby was delivered back to his pond in the back of a corporate campus.

While The Sleep You've Been Missing is in the safe hands of post-production, I am on the lookout for good Christmas covers for the 2009 winter EP. The winning contender is currently 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' on vocoder a la Imogen Heap. It's from my favourite dessert island movie Meet Me In St. Louis. Judy Garland sings it to her somewhat deranged cutie patootie sister Tootie in a hazy vaselined lens of sentimental goodness. If anyone has a Christmas song they might want to hear on this year's EP, let me know!

Sheep Cat Bird

2008-09-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some paintings I worked on over the summer. It's Wilbur McCracken (bird), Dunkin(black/white cat), and Arlo (grey tabby cat). The last is what I call Pixel Pasture... I may use it as the cover for the upcoming album The Sleep You've Been Missing. It'll be inspiration one way or the other. I take commissions so if you'd like me to paint your iguana or Aunt Ida, just let me know! I got to put in those kitty bowls.

I lost two pairs of Saucony Jazz sneakers on eBay today. What a bummer. BUT I have discovered a fantastic podcast called Pandora Presents: Musicology Podcast. http://blog.pandora.com/podcast/ You can subscribe via iTunes as well. Go ahead and quiz me on the differences between Trance and House Electronica. Shazam!

Babies! Turtle that is.

2008-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

These little guys were found coming out of their nest during the SAVE Shelter Benefit. There must have been 50+ of them hatching and rutting out of their dirt mound. Rather quickly they squirmed their way to the pond 20 feet away. We tried turning them around, but they knew the way to pond! They would sniff the air and hurry on in! This snapping turtle is Sheldon, named by Dan Cooley of Dan and Rich Radio.

The Sleep You've Been Missing is on its way to post production! Stacey Wong (bassist of The Wheelies) is my genius seamstress of music and babydoll tops. It'll be in her hands by the end of the week. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Munoz (tap dancer), Brad Sicotte (drums, bass), Sunny Knable (percussion), and Becca Olsson (piano). Many more people chipped in their talent this time around, and I've got to say it's so much more fun to listen to!

This weekend was a blast at the Moondancer Winery Folk Fest- my first winery experience. I must recommend the Cabernet Franc. I opened for some top notch artists including: Pat Wictor, Chris Kasper, and Andrew Lipke. It was hosted by my lovely talented friends Folk by Association. Sunday it was off to the Kipona Festival in Harrisburg, PA for an afternoon by the Sussquehanna River. And now it's time to retire these Old Navy flips flops and admit the end of summer. It's such a defeat every year. I should head south and give up.

Not for your average lunch lady...

2008-08-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Who even knew they made beard covers? I knew some lunch ladies that should have had those on back in high school.

Last night was by far my best NYC show, and it's thanks to you fine people who came. Yes, The Wheelies did a most awesome job as well, and we adore the Sidewalk Cafe for hosting the indie scene for just a 2 drink minimum.

I am mostly recovered from the Too Hot for Pilates Tour 2008, but there are a few shows to go yet. Originally the plan was to tour this month with my good South African folk friend Vana (www.myspace.com/vanaspace) but times are politically tough, and he was denied a visa. So I am left all alone to finish up my August shows and miss his sweet voice and poetry. Still to come are Read Street Books (8/22, Balitmore), SAVE Benefit (8/23, Princeton), Small World (Princeton, 8/23), Studio Luloo (8/26, Haddonfield), Moon Dancer Winery Fest (8/30, Wrightsville PA), and Kipona Fest (8/31, Harrisburg PA). I'll get through the month and ease back into production for The Sleep You've Been Missing (CatLady Records). It will be out for your Christmas pleasure and purchase.

Things I learned from tour:
-don't park your car near State Street in Madison
-stale Twizzlers make great weapons
-avoid Science Museums during peak children hours
-hamburgers are the healthiest food from McDonalds
-Answer Me This podcast always entertains
-sugarmommas and daddies are a blessing
-next time book a concert in Ohio because that is a big ass state
-you can really ruffle some feathers by asking for milk instead of cream in your coffee

No Flies on me. Just birds.

2008-08-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

The last day of the Too Hot for Pilates Tour!! sigh. It's been good times on the turnpikes and rest stops, but it must come to an end. I've really enjoyed meeting new artists, playing for new people, and seeing so many dinosaurs. Thank you to all those sugarmommas and sugardaddies who helped us out with beds and food along the way!!

Here is Wilbur McCracken perched upon my head; he preened my pink mop quite well and did not poop. I want a bird now, but I think that might be a poor choice considering my feline situation. Also here is the new bluegrass jam band Mike & McCracken practicing their hit GCDGCDG. Someday I'll get McCracken to record a banjo solo for me!

It's back to New Jersey for me, but I'll be back next year for the Honeymoon Aquarium Tour of the World. Until then catch me:

Tues 8/19, 8pm
Sidewalk Cafe, NYC

Sat 8/23, 3pm
SAVE Benefit at Pettronello Gardens in Princeton, NJ

Sat 8/23, 8pm
Small World Cafe, Princeton, NJ

I'm going to keep the blog going so I hope you'll pop in from time to time and be thoroughly entertained by my earthy sense of humour and pictures of dinosaurs eating my head.

Day 6 nummy in T Rex's tummy

2008-08-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Minnesota Science Museum day!! In my science museum fantasies, there are no children...and a wine bar by the fossils. It was also a day of good times with some friends, and a great show with an intimate crowd at the Ginkgo Coffeehouse. I met a lovely musician Ashleigh Fumich who forgot her CDs to sell which makes me sad because now I need to wait to hear her again! www.myspace.com/ashleighfumich

Here are some pictures of a crazy beautiful Midwest sky. The drive was filled with speeding in and out of rainstorms. In front of the car would be a white wall of rain. We'd drive in and drive out a few minutes later. I've also come to the conclusion that I shouldn't live in a city where 'snow plow route' signs are permanently posted on all the lampposts.

I should take this moment to admit that I did Pilates for Indie Rockers yesterday. Indeed it was not too hot, and my poor back is sore sore sore. I am coming back to NJ and making an appointment with a Hottie McMasseuse and eating green unfried things. Tomorrow is the longest haul of all. 14 Hours to Pittsburgh.

Madison hates me, but the Onion does not. Day 5

2008-08-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe if we had eyeballs on our knees, we would have seen the sign that led to my poor little car's pillage and kidnapping through the tumultuous streets of Madison, WI today. Now I am $90 poorer and feel slightly duped. Damn you Madison!!!!

In good news, The Onion wrote some kind things about in support of my show at Indie Coffee tonight. They say "Singer/songwriter Sarah Donner titled her 2007 debut album Reluctant Cat Lady, a (slightly misleading) signal that she's liable to chirp out some quirky snippet of autobiography at any turn. Indeed, the tunes often skip along her peppy strumming and an eager, near-breathless vocal style, keeping up with lots of self-deprecation and goofy details. Luckily, she doesn't push it all too hard, so even those who don't immediately laugh at the bittersweet tale of 'Dodgeball' might want to sit a spell and share some Fancy Feast serving suggestions with her. "

The show at Indie Coffee was a pleasure thanks to some friendly faces all the way from NJ and artists John Statz and Peter Henry who played as well.

So many kinds of monkeys... Day 4

2008-08-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Best quote of the day at the Chicago zoo:

Senile Gramma: 'Hunnie, what's that monkey got in his hand?'
Caretaker Momma: 'It's a stick. Time to go!'

Tomorrow it's off to Madison, WI for show #3 at Indie Coffee. More cheese, less monkey.

Day Three in Chi-Town

2008-08-10T21:33:00.001-07:00

Here are some duckies from an ancient Chinese empire. Even they were quirky from time to time. This is Sarah Donner at The Orphanage, a very snazzy art space in Chicago. It is more arty than I could ever be, mostly because I am a lazy, lazy artist. Highlights of today include:

1. mimosas to start the day
2. interpretive dancer who pirouetted to 'Sons of Women' and 'Spreadsheet'
3. seeing American Gothic by Grant Wood
4. watching the Americans beat the French by a bajillionth of a second in the Olympic relay, Yay boys in bathing caps

Day 2 I Heart Kentucky

2008-08-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

In spite of my New England preferences and prejudices, I have to shout out my new love for Kentucky. The crowd was by far the best dive bar crowd I ever had the pleasure to sing to. Unlike the typical NJ bar of occasional ears that listen and watch (if you're lucky), my Kentucky audience was full of beer and love for music all at once. I also had the pleasure to open for Christabel and the Jons. (www.myspace.com/christabelmusic) They were a refreshing southern swing band full of talent and hip vintage stage clothes.

On the way to Chicago, we made a pitstop at the Creation Museum, which was a lot like trying to get into Disney World. The prices were too high to justify going in, but we stuck it to the man (or the Republicans) and went to the free petting zoo and botanical gardens. Among the unnamed attractions were holy spirit doves, the wisemen camels, and Joseph and Mary's donkey.

Also the most spiritual bottled water ever. Thank you Kentucky! Tomorrow: Chicago.

Too Hot for Pilates Tour DAY 1

2008-08-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! This is Dashboard Diva and her roadies on their way to Lexington, KY for a rocking show at Al's Bar. It's been a pleasant drive from NJ despite the length. I passed gun shops, pawn shops, and signs for highway rescue service Interstate Jesus. I also encountered a pleasant McDonald's employee in West Virginia who retorted she "never saw hair so bright". That's right- I bring sunshine to the masses.