Space Car Driver will be playing a special early set
Saturday July 26th, 2008
at O’Gara’s Garage: 164 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul MN
One-hour set starting at 9pm sharp

Space Car Driver’s entire debut album is currently available for FREE listening at spacecardriver.com. The album is also available for download at eMusic, iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Lala, Napster, and more.

I recently created a new summertime banner for the blog:

I’m very pleased with the results … hot and hazy like a Minnesota summer day.

I concocted the image from two different photographs, both by John Symchych. Used by permission — thanks, John!

JES Photography @ Flickr: Link.

MMY

Kim Matthews (2008)

Abaca, waxed cord, reed, graphite, wire, unryu and iron oxide.

Kim Matthews creates amazing sculptures, exploring biomorphic forms and the relationship between sculpture and environment.

Normandale Community College (Bloomington, Minnesota) is currently featuring a solo exhibition of her work.

Through July 31, 2008.
Reception June 19, 2008, 6 to 8 pm.
Phone NCC @ 952-487-8399.

kim matthews art.com

Baltimore Oriole Eating Seed (May 2008)

Copyright 2008 by John Symchych. Used by permission.

Among his many other talents, my friend and collaborator John Symchych is an excellent photographer, and I’m pleased to share his work here. He writes:

Here’s a picture of a Baltimore Oriole eating seed from our bird feeder. They normally eat insects and fruit (can be attracted with grape jelly), and are not know to eat seed. I will be going out to The Wild Bird store today to purchase some more already shelled seed to help them out. We are seeing other species that are also feeding on seed as well.”

It’s a hungry year for songbirds: late spring snowstorms, delayed plant growth, not enough food for the early migrators. Minnesota DNR has received reports of dead or dying swallows, bluebirds, and other birds from around the state. Some years this happens: the DNR expect the bird populations to recover.
Link to article @ MPR.

For more of John’s photos, see JES Photography @ Flickr: Link.

Album: Space Car Driver
Release Date: May 09, 2008
Genre: Alternative
Copyright 2008 Space Car Driver

Space Car Driver recently released their first album.

I attended their CD Release show [May 9, 2008]. Excellent show — solid grooves, interesting arrangements, wide range of dynamics, good chemistry between the musicians.

• Home page: spacecardriver.com
• Space Car Driver @ iTunes - (download iTunes)
• Space Car Driver @ MySpace
• Space Car Driver @ Minniwiki: “Dancy, improvisational jam-rock”
• MP3’s available by request

Special Bonus Download — I got permission from bassist Adam Lutz to sponsor an MP3 download here at karljones.com:

• Minus Ten by Space Car Driver

Enjoy!

Canoe trip notes - updated May 23, 2008

Suggested rivers:

• Namekagon in northwest Wisconsin near Trego and Spooner
• Root River in southeast Minnesota
• Zumbro in southeast Minnesota - Too shallow?
• Flambeau in northwest Wisconsin near Ladysmith
• Upper St. Croix
  • Rush City to Sunrise landing (about 11 miles)
  • Sunrise landing to Wild river park (about 11 miles)
  • Taylors Falls to Osceola or Copas
• Cannon River from Welch to Red Wing
• Red Cedar River from Menomenie going south
• St. Louis - above Cloquet

Links:

• Saint Croix and Namekagon @ National Park Service
  • Outfitters
• Canoeing the Namekagon River - Hunt Fish Camp Wisconsin
• Namekagon Trip Finder -
• Namekagon - “River at the place abundant with sturgeons”
• Washburn county canoe map - St. Croix, Namekagon

Further notes to follow, check back for updates.

~ Karl

(more…)

Roland is a fine singer, songwriter, guitarist, dancer, and more.

He’s recently posted some of his music online, along with schedule of upcoming shows, etc.

Check it out:

Link to Roland’s MySpace page.

PS, I took Swing dance lessons from Roland, back in the day; and we’ve been known to jam at the occasional party. (Memo to Roland, when’s the next barbeque?)

My dear friend Terri Allen creates the most amazing art. Check out her awesome quilts at FlyingLilies.com.

My friend Tom Allen now has a member bio page at the American Composers Forum.

Artist’s Statement:
I bring humor and levity to songwriting. I have done several commissioned songs for individuals, and enjoy matching the music to the story and needs of the commissioning parties. I combine modality, tonality, and atonal elements, achieving a harmonious yet varied palate of sound.
[Link]