Back in the Saddle…
Alright folks, I have been quiet long enough. It is time to return to former blogging glory. We have been doing far too much to not talk about it.
To increase blogging productivity, Jason has kindly offered to do all the work of posting it on the website. He says all I have to do it write it, and he will take care of the rest. I have misgivings, as I expect to see the phrase “Jason is awesome” subtly inserted into the middle of my paragraphs.
Where to start? Well, when you don’t know where to begin, start with where you want to go. That is either a really poignant phrase, or it makes no sense whatsoever. We have an annual goal this year to raise enough capital to record a CD. Yes, a CD. The thing you all have been clamoring for is set to become a reality. No more pie-in-the-sky trips to Chicago for reality show auditions until we have a shiny, round piece of plastic with 10-12 of our best songs on it. If you take a look at our schedule, you will see we already have many shows lined up throughout the year, with a couple more in the works. Have you seen July? I hope we make it out of that month alive. With good turnouts at the concert venues, we should be pretty close by the end of the year to reach our goal.
We recently returned from a stint in the great north, where the food was bountiful and the attendance was sparse. For Up ‘til 2’s sake (and waistline), we would have preferred those two flipped, but both crowds were fantastic and inspired us to greatness… except for that one song. Thanks to you all who came and saw us, as well as the Buegler ranch for the hospitality.
P.S. – Jason, I prefer you use Ariel or Times New Roman. Thanks.
Donovan
2010 - Here we come!
What's going on Up 'til 2 Fans!?
2009 was a great year and now we find ourselves facing a 2010 with incredible potential. We spent all of 2009 with the same singers! With this came a bunch of new tunes and a sound that has really matured. Our shows have reflected our personalities and new song choices have brought out the best in our vocals.
Dono and Ben keep pumping out great arrangements with the signature Up 'til 2 flavor. We continue to collaborate as a group and with other arrangers across the region to come up with new tunes that will entertain and surprise our audiences...Eric Hutchinson...Michael Jackson...HANSON? Yes. Hanson.
We are starting the year with a matinee performance at the Gremlin Theater in St. Paul on February 20th at 1pm. Gremlin has become our home base in the Twin Cities. You can expect to see us there 3-4 times this year. Other exciting shows are in the works, so more to come. Keep checking back.
As for me, I continue to seek that magical balence...work, family, Up 'til 2. This is tricky as work becomes more challenging (in a good way), my son Parker was born last May (a blessing in every way) and Up 'til 2 continues to stretch itself in new and exciting directions. It's a problem I am lucky to have.
I think this the the theme for all of in the group -- a working class group of guys. We work for banks and gyms; in healthcare, Information Technology and Human Resources. Somehow, every Tuesday we get together, sing, laugh and catch up with each other. These are amazing, talented guys and fantastic friends. Without the music and the friendship, it's hard to imagine what else we would do to keep our creative energy alive and well.
Up 'til 2 is a staple in my life and I think that's what audiences see when we get on stage.
It's not work for us. It's not an obligation. It's what we love...and we hope you love it too!!
-Casey