Today’s musical focus is on Billy Pettinger aka Billy The Kid. I had the pleasure of seeing her open for Raine Maida on his solo tour back in 2008. She was great! My brother and sister-in-law got to know her and they invited us to see her again, this time in 2010. She has been very busy and and is going on tour with Chuck Ragan. Check her out if you get a chance. This is us in 2010, with my parents and my little bambino who was ready to enter this world at any moment!
It’s funny… when we are younger we just think about what’s going on for the next night or the weekend. There is no worries. We go to work, go out after work with friends and repeat. We have friends that we may see once in awhile or hang with one’s we have had for a long time.
I come from a small town. We were always going to the city “next door” to go out. The city was not a big one but it had enough bars for us to go back and forth to. You would always run into someone you knew and would never have to worry about losing your friends as there was always someone else to hang out with until you found them again. When you go out that much, it’s almost like you are friends with everyone because you see the same people every single weekend. Of course, we don’t know them all personally but you know them enough to give them a nod in passing or a quick hello.
We don’t tend to think too far into the future when it come’s to how everyone’s life is going to turn out. What kind of job will they end up in? Where will they live? Will you stay in touch?
Now that I am older and we have so many social media outlets, it’s definitely easier to get in touch or stay in touch with those we used to know. The next person (Greg) is one of those people from my past. We went to school together. He was a little younger than I. His sister was one grade ahead of me. We didn’t hang out in the school years but we would often meet up in the bar crowds.
Greg has went on to pursue a music career. He is a singer/songwriter and is pretty amazing. I feel so happy for people like him because being any kind of artist is a hard deal. They inspire me with their dedication and drive to do what they love. It’s not an easy way to live. I’m sure between studio, touring, promoting etc. it get’s pretty gruesome at times. I can’t imagine. I would never be able to do that kind of thing (I’m too shy), so I have even more respect for those that can get out there and pour their heart and soul out in front so many people.
My musical inspiration for today is Greg Ball. I haven’t had the opportunity to see him perform live yet but he has been with me on roadtrips and while doing my housecleaning… hee hee. I missed out seeing him last year but the next time he comes to town, I will be there. It would be nice to reunite- it’s been a very long time. Please check him out and support his music. You will love it!
This picture was taken a long time ago… good times (he’s on the left!)!
I think being a “girl rocker” would be the best! I wish I had the talent, the look, the attitude and mostly the confidence. I know I would never make a good one but it is fun to think about. It all goes back to having an incredible talent that makes people feel connected through their music…. their passion. What a gift.
I met Emm Gryner back in 2011 while she played in a nearby town along with another fabulous female artist (she will be another Wicked Wednesday). Emm is an incredible talent and she has done some pretty amazing things. She is also part of another dynamic girl group “Trent Severn“. If you haven’t been introduced to Emm or Trent Severn- get on it! You won’t be disappointed.
May 19, 2011
As I have mentioned before, I have been to ALOT of concerts! I have always loved Our Lady Peace. Yes, they are Canadian. Yes, I have been a fan for a very very long time. And yes, I do have a certain something for the lead singer, Raine Maida. Yes, I know he is married to the beautiful and talented Chantal Kreviazuk but a girl can dream. Dream to one day meet him and maybe his wife if she happens to be touring around with him. But wait, that did happen!!!! Yes, I got to meet one of my rockstar crushes xoxo (the other being Bon Jovi- he may have to go on my bucket list). When Raine was touring around in 2008 for his solo album, we caught him at a very small venue and I was soooooo happy to say I was front row! The incredible Billy The Kid, opened for him. We waited outside for him and he signed autographs and took pictures. It just so happens that Chantal was there as well, so I got to meet her too. Unfortunately, in the picture you can only see her bangs. That night was one to remember- the excitement, the fun, the music- loved it!
Ohhh, my rockstar crush… Raine Maida March 23, 2008
Chantal is in this picture. Can you see her bangs? Look… it seems I am resting my head on his shoulder… 🙂
It was a great night filled with great music. The year was 2003. The band was “Pilate” (at the time). They went on to change their name to Pilot Speed. Unfortunately, they are no longer a band but “Into Your Hideout” off the Caught by the Window album is still one of my favourite songs. Check it out on Itunes!
I am Canadian and I LOVE Canadian music. We have so many amazing artists in this country and I am featuring one of them today. It is sort of connected to my last Flashback Thursday. It has been 10 years since George and I had our 1st “going-out” date. We went to see this artist at a small club and I have been a fan ever since. If you have the chance, check him out!
Matt Mays- March 2004
Chasing Dreams & Flingin' Beans 