Hello! My Kickstarter campaign to help fund a full length Bridgework album is up and running. There are a variety of incentives for donating. I don't receive any funds unless I reach my goal of $3500. I appreciate any and all support!
For more details go to Kickstarter
Thanks, and Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Jango Online Radio
Hey Friends,
You can now find Bridgework and John Renaud (me) on Jango. The links are included below. Jango is a great site where you can create your own custom radio stations, much like Pandora or Last FM, but with a little more control. And independent artists like myself can pay to have our songs introduced to listeners who we think will appreciate them.
Bridgework - http://www.jango.com/music/Bridgework
John Renaud - http://www.jango.com/music/John+Renaud
You can also friend me as a listener - my user name is JamFox
Thanks!
You can now find Bridgework and John Renaud (me) on Jango. The links are included below. Jango is a great site where you can create your own custom radio stations, much like Pandora or Last FM, but with a little more control. And independent artists like myself can pay to have our songs introduced to listeners who we think will appreciate them.
Bridgework - http://www.jango.com/music/Bridgework
John Renaud - http://www.jango.com/music/John+Renaud
You can also friend me as a listener - my user name is JamFox
Thanks!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Under The Bridge (9/1/10)
July, 2010:
The main reason I planned two separate trips to Vermont in the same month was to attend two different weddings. But I like to make the most of my trips back east by getting around and playing some gigs so I set up shows in Boston, Burlington, Richmond, and New York.
The first trip home started with a delayed red eye flight out of LA resulting in a missed connection in Newark. Waiting for the next available flight to VT, I came across a guy jamming in the terminal, switching on and off between accordion and violin. I sat close by to listen and do some people watching. Everyone assumed that we were together since I had my guitar with me, and I thought about trying to jam with him, but in the end I just sat to listen, write, and sip some watered down starbucks. The strangest thing was the lack of applause as he'd finish up a song; just aloof airport silence with perhaps a few reverberating claps.
I arrived in Burlington VT with just enough time to get my rental car, pick up my friend Matt, and hit the road for a 4 hour drive down to Boston. It gave Matt and I time to catch up, as we hadn't seen in other in 7 years or so. I played that night at Hennessy's Hooley House which was in a pretty happening part of Boston. My high school friend Stephanie showed up to see me, and my college roommate Nick showed up after I had finished my set. The real fun was catching up with everyone after the gig, and figuring out a place to stay for the night since my original connection never showed up.
Woke up early the next day (moderate hangover) and soon Matt and I were on the road back to VT. I played that night at the Radio Bean in Burlington, one of my favorite spots in town, and one of the most gracious venues to artists of all kinds. During the first few songs there was this drunk girl sitting up front making sarcastic comments about things I was saying, and talking loudly over me as I was playing. All I could really think the whole time was; "What a bitch" and "should I ask this girl to leave?" Thankfully, she left on her own after 3 or 4 songs of my penetrating evil gaze. Perhaps I was a bit on edge myself after two nights of little sleep encompassing a cross country flight, another show, and 8 hours of driving. But its always great to play in Vermont, where I have by far the most support. Thanks to all the folks who came out on a dreadfully hot and humid night in Burlington!
The rest of the trip was great - a BBQ with friends, Geoff and Jessica's wedding, and a treasured visit with my Aunt Monique suffering from terminal cancer but in good spirits as always. Waiting at Burlington Airport for my flight back to LA I even ran into a cousin, and got to catch up with her and her twin boys.
While I was back in Los Angeles working and preparing for the next round of travel and shows, it became apparent that Auntie Monique's six month time frame was more a matter of weeks, which quickly turned to just days. The Monday I was scheduled to leave for Richmond I got the news that she would most likely not make it through the night. I canceled my Thursday gig in New York City, and purchased a flight to VT from Virginia. When I arrived in Richmond Tuesday morning she had passed away.
Despite the situation, I had a pretty good day catching up with former Bridgework bass player Erik, and his wife Christa. They gave me the quick tour of Richmond, and that night Erik joined me on stage for a few songs. Special thanks to Laura for setting up the gig at The Camel, and everyone else who came out that night.
The next day, Wednesday the 28th, my birthday, I flew back home to Vermont to be with my family and grieve the loss of Aunt Monique. My brothers and sister all came home too, making it the first time our whole family, parents and kids, had been together in over 8 years. Although we come from a rather large extended family, Monique's passing was especially difficult as she was the closest Aunt to us and was the most present in our lives. As it turned out, the Saturday that her funeral was held was the same day as the wedding I had originally intended to travel home for anyway. After the funeral I did attend the wedding, although I passed on the reception to have some more family time.
An eventful July 2010, to say the least. Congrats to Geoff and Jessica, and to Nic and Tansy, for tying the knot! Sorry to my New York friends, who I hope to see again very soon. And to Auntie Monique: Know that we love you, miss you, and will continue to live with your example and influence everyday.
The main reason I planned two separate trips to Vermont in the same month was to attend two different weddings. But I like to make the most of my trips back east by getting around and playing some gigs so I set up shows in Boston, Burlington, Richmond, and New York.
The first trip home started with a delayed red eye flight out of LA resulting in a missed connection in Newark. Waiting for the next available flight to VT, I came across a guy jamming in the terminal, switching on and off between accordion and violin. I sat close by to listen and do some people watching. Everyone assumed that we were together since I had my guitar with me, and I thought about trying to jam with him, but in the end I just sat to listen, write, and sip some watered down starbucks. The strangest thing was the lack of applause as he'd finish up a song; just aloof airport silence with perhaps a few reverberating claps.
I arrived in Burlington VT with just enough time to get my rental car, pick up my friend Matt, and hit the road for a 4 hour drive down to Boston. It gave Matt and I time to catch up, as we hadn't seen in other in 7 years or so. I played that night at Hennessy's Hooley House which was in a pretty happening part of Boston. My high school friend Stephanie showed up to see me, and my college roommate Nick showed up after I had finished my set. The real fun was catching up with everyone after the gig, and figuring out a place to stay for the night since my original connection never showed up.
Woke up early the next day (moderate hangover) and soon Matt and I were on the road back to VT. I played that night at the Radio Bean in Burlington, one of my favorite spots in town, and one of the most gracious venues to artists of all kinds. During the first few songs there was this drunk girl sitting up front making sarcastic comments about things I was saying, and talking loudly over me as I was playing. All I could really think the whole time was; "What a bitch" and "should I ask this girl to leave?" Thankfully, she left on her own after 3 or 4 songs of my penetrating evil gaze. Perhaps I was a bit on edge myself after two nights of little sleep encompassing a cross country flight, another show, and 8 hours of driving. But its always great to play in Vermont, where I have by far the most support. Thanks to all the folks who came out on a dreadfully hot and humid night in Burlington!
The rest of the trip was great - a BBQ with friends, Geoff and Jessica's wedding, and a treasured visit with my Aunt Monique suffering from terminal cancer but in good spirits as always. Waiting at Burlington Airport for my flight back to LA I even ran into a cousin, and got to catch up with her and her twin boys.
While I was back in Los Angeles working and preparing for the next round of travel and shows, it became apparent that Auntie Monique's six month time frame was more a matter of weeks, which quickly turned to just days. The Monday I was scheduled to leave for Richmond I got the news that she would most likely not make it through the night. I canceled my Thursday gig in New York City, and purchased a flight to VT from Virginia. When I arrived in Richmond Tuesday morning she had passed away.
Despite the situation, I had a pretty good day catching up with former Bridgework bass player Erik, and his wife Christa. They gave me the quick tour of Richmond, and that night Erik joined me on stage for a few songs. Special thanks to Laura for setting up the gig at The Camel, and everyone else who came out that night.
The next day, Wednesday the 28th, my birthday, I flew back home to Vermont to be with my family and grieve the loss of Aunt Monique. My brothers and sister all came home too, making it the first time our whole family, parents and kids, had been together in over 8 years. Although we come from a rather large extended family, Monique's passing was especially difficult as she was the closest Aunt to us and was the most present in our lives. As it turned out, the Saturday that her funeral was held was the same day as the wedding I had originally intended to travel home for anyway. After the funeral I did attend the wedding, although I passed on the reception to have some more family time.
An eventful July 2010, to say the least. Congrats to Geoff and Jessica, and to Nic and Tansy, for tying the knot! Sorry to my New York friends, who I hope to see again very soon. And to Auntie Monique: Know that we love you, miss you, and will continue to live with your example and influence everyday.
Monday, July 26, 2010
NYC on July 29, 2010 - Canceled
Hi folks,
My travel plans for this week have changed. I will no longer be going to New York City as planned.
All the best,
John
My travel plans for this week have changed. I will no longer be going to New York City as planned.
All the best,
John
Sunday, May 30, 2010
For The Good Times (5-28-10)
If Boston has a home away from home (in LA anyway) it is most definitely Sonny McLean's in Santa Monica. They've been having some acoustic performers there on Friday nights, and while its not exactly what you'd consider a music venue, it actually has more to offer a struggling music guy like myself than most places. For one, the place actually does have its own crowd, so it wasn't so embarrassing showing up knowing only a couple people were coming to see me play. Second, there was no cover charge to get in, and third (and this is the real deal-clencher) they gave all of the performers a generous $50 food/beer allowance. It was almost like getting paid.
I arrived on Friday as the fourth quarter of game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals was winding down, and Boston was sure to emerge victorious. The place was packed, and pumped!! I was more than a little frightened at the thought of trying to play original acoustic songs for a liquored up crowd of fanatics whose team had just made the NBA Finals, and were perfectly content singing along to Sweet Caroline or chanting Beat LA! But not to worry, I was assured that we wouldn't start any music until after the game crowd had dispersed a bit. I was also pleased to discover that I wasn't the first one scheduled to play.. phew! But it was a last minute gig so I was going in to do my thing and have fun. And knowing I had $50 worth of free beer to drink, I intended to use it! . . . and I did.
Some shots from Elise's camera phone:
I arrived on Friday as the fourth quarter of game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals was winding down, and Boston was sure to emerge victorious. The place was packed, and pumped!! I was more than a little frightened at the thought of trying to play original acoustic songs for a liquored up crowd of fanatics whose team had just made the NBA Finals, and were perfectly content singing along to Sweet Caroline or chanting Beat LA! But not to worry, I was assured that we wouldn't start any music until after the game crowd had dispersed a bit. I was also pleased to discover that I wasn't the first one scheduled to play.. phew! But it was a last minute gig so I was going in to do my thing and have fun. And knowing I had $50 worth of free beer to drink, I intended to use it! . . . and I did.
Some shots from Elise's camera phone:
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
For The Good Times (5-17-10)
So I went up to Pasadena last night to play a solo acoustic set at the Old Towne Pub. It was a Monday night, and I was pretty certain that nobody was going to come see me play. There was a small gathering of locals at the bar to watch the Lakers and Dodgers games, and that was basically it. I felt a little guilty going up to play (at least the games were over), but in this kind of situation what can you do? So I go up to do my thing and by the time I'm done the place has pretty much cleared out except for my girlfriend, my friend Judd, and Sebastian A. Bach (who I had met at an isgoodmusic event a couple months back).
Being that nobody else was scheduled to play, I suggested that Sebastian play some songs. He said ok, and after disappearing for what seemed like only a few minutes he shows back up with 4 or 5 energized people who are all ready to hear some music!! The remainder of the night consisted of trading off the guitar and mic amongst anyone who wanted to play, and we all had a blast busting out Elliott Smith tunes, Pearl Jam, Tragically Hip, more of our respective original stuff, and even a little Bob Marley!
Sometimes this crazy world of music is only as good as what you and those around you are willing to make of it. All in all, it was a good night.
Check out some of Sebastian's music at www.myspace.com/ohyeahthefuture
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 2010 Update
Hey folks,
Just wanted to give you a quick update as to what I've been up to, and what I'm working on for 2010. I'm currently in the pre-production phase of the next bridgework release that will likely be a full length CD. I'm having fun working out some of the songs before stepping them up toward some kind of final version.
I can't say exactly when it will be done, but I'll keep you posted throughout the process.
I'm also starting to schedule some solo gigs on the east coast for July.
I already have July 9 confirmed in Burlington, VT and I'm looking for a Boston area gig for July 10. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
I'm also looking to schedule some gigs in Richmond VA, Washington DC, and New York City which will happen later in July.
I really need all of the help I can get to help offset the costs of these efforts. If you haven't already, please donate a few dollars, and download my latest EP HERE
Thanks!
Just wanted to give you a quick update as to what I've been up to, and what I'm working on for 2010. I'm currently in the pre-production phase of the next bridgework release that will likely be a full length CD. I'm having fun working out some of the songs before stepping them up toward some kind of final version.
I can't say exactly when it will be done, but I'll keep you posted throughout the process.
I'm also starting to schedule some solo gigs on the east coast for July.
I already have July 9 confirmed in Burlington, VT and I'm looking for a Boston area gig for July 10. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
I'm also looking to schedule some gigs in Richmond VA, Washington DC, and New York City which will happen later in July.
I really need all of the help I can get to help offset the costs of these efforts. If you haven't already, please donate a few dollars, and download my latest EP HERE
Thanks!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Some videos from 3-1-10 at Air Conditioned Supper Club
More videos from 3-1-10 on you tube:
Hey Answer 3-1-10
Every Now And Then 3-1-10
Play That Song 3-1-10
Friday, February 19, 2010
Last minute showcase
I'll be playing a 3 song set at Unurban Cafe Saturday night at 10:30 for Java with Javelyn indie night. : )
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