Great Party With Kelley McRae

I’ve wanted for a long time to be able to host artists not just at concert venues, but also give them a home to lay their heads after the gig. When you’re on the road constantly, sleeping every night either in a car or in a motel, the road has a different feel to it. As you all know, we’re passionate not just about musicians and their craft, but also them as people. That’s why we do interviews the way we do, where things are relaxed, people can take their time and not rush, and also (when convenient) be able to serve them a home cooked meal (thanks to my amazing wife Leilani) or take them to a great restaurant. Earlier this year we had part of that experience with William Fitzsimmons and Matt Morris. But yesterday was something new, and something we hope to be able to continue in the future.

As you know, I crossed a big threshold yesterday by turning 30. I was really pumped about it. In some ways it’s legitimate adulthood. But getting older doesn’t scare me. I’m cool with it (maybe because I have an eternally youthful face). In celebrating the birthday, we hosted Appetizer artist Kelley McRae and her husband Matt at our favorite restaurant Bonterra Blu. It was a joint concert/birthday party. A big thanks to everyone who came out. We had a blast and really enjoyed ourselves. The music was great, the ambiance was awesome, and the food was stellar. What a great way to start the next decade of my life with great music, great food, and great people!

We have pictures of the concert/party coming soon. I was so busy today that there was little to no time to do much of anything constructive. My wife got a call on my birthday to shoot a video for a very prominent and popular Food Network star (I’ll tell you later; don’t know if now is the best time since nothing is final). She shot the video today and I was in the final scene. That was a really cool experience.

But between the concert and the video shoot, we fulfilled a dream we’ve had for a long time (when I say we, I’m referring to my wife and I who is a partner in all my passions). We got to be a home for a traveling band for a night, so they could rest in the comfort of a warm house and not a parked vehicle in a parking lot or a motel bed they’ve never seen before. Having people stay at your house is a really cool way to connect with people. This morning, Leilani served her famous cinnamon rolls. They were excellent as always. Then we went to Flyboy Studio (home of our radio program) to meet Elliott and check out the place. And then they were back on the road, headed east to DFW.

Though it was just a one time stop, connections were made that were really powerful. I hope we can host Kelley, Matt, and his brother Pete again, and get to hang out with them more. They’re really incredible people with a rich, captivating story and it was a real honor hosting them in our home. A big thanks to them for making my b-day so cool, and to everyone who came out to the show. I really appreciate and value you and your connection to me. Also a big thanks to Joel and Trish Trublood for opening up their restaurant just for this special shindig.

Looking forward to the next one. And vote for Kelley (and the other artists) for the recently announced Golden Fork Awards below.