Jonny's Journal - Follow along Jonny's Journey ...
-July 30th, 2008
I just got home from the recording studio. Today was amazing! I was able to record half of my new album, Cross Roads, today!! I'm feeling pretty confident about the whole thing. I've got some really "out-there" sort of songs but this is who I am and my music reflects that. I'm pulling from alot of jazz and funk this time ... but you know I'm keepin' it real ... just like Prairie Dawg! Yeah!
I'm so thrilled and anxious about this new album. I can't wait!! I'm starting to work on the design and such. As you know, the theme of this album is cross roads, so I might go do some exploring around my neck of the woods with a camera in hand.
In case you guys didn't know, I'm sort of a photography nut as well. There's nothing better than good photography. I tell people I couldn't survive without music, photography, coffee, and natural peanut butter. But that's another story for another time ...
Things are going very well as far as things falling in place for Cross Roads. Have I mentioned that I'm excited and can't wait?? This is what it felt like last time just after recording Transitions; It's a whole basket full of emotions that I go through. I'm finally recording and getting ready to share these songs that have been bottled up inside of me. I simply see myself as a vessel for the universal music to flow through. So think about that the next time you listen to my album. Cross Roads is one step closer you guys!!!
-July 23rd, 2008
As I write this I'm lying across two benches at the Atlanta airport where I spent what seemed like the longest night of my life. I was supposed to be home yesterday but due to unforseen circumstances I am now about to click over my 22nd hour being in an airport. To make a long story short, our flight was diverted from Atlanta last night to South Carolina due to rough weather and not enough fuel because we tried to ride out the storm. We sat in S.C. for about 6 hours waiting for fuel because someone forgot about us ... or so it seemed! Anyways, since I have this spare time I thought it would be an excellent time to catch up on my journey journal and give you guys an update on my 7-week tour!!
Week #1 - Preparing for to leave for Zion Flute Fest. I flew up to Iowa to be with the Stenzels during this time and we all drove out to Utah together. Two 12-hr days of driving. I found out that I don't mix well with coffee and long distances as good as Randy. So, that 12hr day turns a little longer because all those little "pit-stops" add up quick! It was a fun drive. We headed out a couple days early to hike Angel's Landing and The Narrows. A totally exhilerating experience. I recommend it to anyone that is capable of doing so. I got some time up on stage at Zion and was very well recieved.
Week #2 - Get home and leave again. Home for one day, long enough to catch up on laundry and such then hit the road. I had another gig up in Wisconsin this time and once again, very well recieved. I think I sold more CDs there than at my release party!! That was awesome! I was able to meet some neat flute people and I must mention what a great guy I gave flute lessons to, Greg Bohn. I really enjoyed teaching him and was surprised at how well he had "Chosen Path" tabbed out!
Week #3 - Catch up time. This week was mostly spent catching up on things and working out in the shop with Randy. Now's a good time to mention that the Stenzels and I did a dreamcatcher making workshop with the Department of Corrections kids. I could tell that they really enjoyed it, as did I.
Week #4 - Getting ready for INAFA and more catching up. This week was moreless more catching up like the previous week before. More working in the shop, working on medicine bags, did a little playing around. This week I turned 19 yrs old! I see that as a blessing considering my past health record. I was lucky to make it to 15, so every year beyond that, I am truly greatful to Creator. I also played at Unity church on my birthday as the featured musician and was given a standing ovation at the end. Awesome! It seems like everywhere I went I was welcomed and very well accepted.
Week #5 - INAFA! Inafa convetion 2008 was great. I was able to meet tons of new people, as well as the people I had known for a while but never given the chance to meet. My concert was part of the Thursday Afternoon Concert Series and was splendid! Aside from having minor difficulties with the CD Player, which was fine, it was great! I've learned that if things don't go as planned don't worry. Just relax and take it as it is, make fun of it and work on figuring it out. All in all the INAFA Convetion was a great success for just about everyone. I hope to attend the next one in 2010. (Whoa! 2010!!! ... scary, huh?)
Week #6 - I had a really nice concert at Unity in Cedar Rapids. It was here that I first played new songs from my upcoming CD, Cross Roads! From the feedback I got, they really loved it. It was really great. I'm really looking forward to this next CD to come out. I also had another drum workshop and concert in Rock Island, IL the following night that went pretty well.
Week #7 - Getting ready to go home. It's always mixed feelings when you leave people you love, yet you're going home to people you love. It's tough stuff. I'm really thankful that I have people like my parents, who are understanding, supportive, loving, and genuine in my life and allow me to explore the world, music, and generally everything. How would a person know if they didn't feel it, taste it, or experience it for themselves? Just something to ponder about. This is gonna wrap up my "Long Story Short" story. For those of you that I've met within these 7 pivitol weeks I would like to extend a big thank you for all of your support that has helped me along my joureny thus far. 'Til next time...
-May 29th, 2008
Well this has been an interesting time of sorts. I've booked my ticket for the mid-west and you wouldn't believe how few choices you have flying now that gas prices have increased so. You used to have so many options that it was hard to decide on a flight, now it's like the saying, "Take it or leave it". That's no bull. I'll be leaving on June 3rd for Iowa and wont get back home until July 22nd. I guess you could say that I'm going "on tour". It's really exciting yet scary at the same time. I know I'll be in very good hands but this will be the longest I've ever been away from home. I'm embarking on a 7 week adventure soon to be driving from Iowa to Utah, then to Wisconsin twice, then Illinois, and all those states between. Sound like a long spread out roadtrip yet? Definitely! Now I've just got to start weaning myself from the coffee. Long trips and coffee do not mix well ... hopefully I can cut back a little before then. I'm usually not a happy camper unless I have two cups of coffee in the morning.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow because I'm going to Grady Smith's workshop to get in on the action of the newly announced, Jonny Lipford Signature Jewelry Line. It will feature the Kapopelli and/or Happy Flutin! in some way. These are my trademarks. I'm thrilled to have this sort of opportunity. It's going to be alot of fun and I'll let you all know the specs when we figure them out. It's really hard to decide something creative like this just talking about it through emails, phone conversations, or even meeting in person. The way I see it is, it requires both people to be in the shop and just let it happen. I mean, creativity has no on or off button, it just comes in spurts. When you got it, you got it. So it's going to be yet another cool collaboration and a little extra something for the fans to enjoy. Check out his stuff ... Grady Smith - Creek Carver
So before I leave on a jet plane, I need to get some NEW backtracks recorded to share with you guys during live performances! I've been working on new material for some time now and I think now's a good time to try out some new stuff before deciding to put it on a CD. It's always a good idea to try out new material to see how the audience responds. I'm also working on getting the new T-shirts, hats, and tank tops up on the Products page. I'll let you all know when that happenes. So, that's gonna wrap it up for me for now. Stay tuned because I'll be writing more and more here from now on!
-May 19th, 2008
This month I've been doing more local things around Dothan, AL. They were all really good events but on May 3rd I got rained out again. There's something about the rain and festivals. Oh, pop-ups and wind too! Man, the wind can wreak havoc on one of those pop up tents. While I was at the Festival of Murals I met a young boy by the name of Chandler. I had a few of my flutes I hardly play any more for sale there. His Aunt had brought him to the festival. He started to play a little high E flute I had for sale after his Aunt had walked off to another booth. I was really impressed with how quickly he was catching on to it. He must have played it for about 15 minutes. After that he said he would be back after he found his Aunt again. Well, an hour or so had passed and it was getting pretty cloudy and stormy looking. A couple minutes later the bottom fell out and it started to flood. The event coordinator came around on a golf cart and informed us that the show was over, the rain was only going to get worse. So we had to pack up in the rain. I was bummed that Chandler didn't come back to get the flute. Little did he know, I had already pulled it from the table awaiting his return to gift him the flute. My next event was also in Dothan and about 3:00 I spotted Chandler in the audience while I was up on stage performing. I brought the little flute along just in case. Good thing I did now too! After I performed I walked back to the booth and gifted Chandler the flute. I sure am glad he came back. He came back with his money ready to buy the flute, but he and this flute bonded instantly, so it was meant to be. (Enjoy the flute little brother, hope our paths cross soon!) I've had alot of fun the past few weeks and I'm looking forward to my summer in Iowa. I'll be touring Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Utah starting next month. I'll also be doing a few "Unplugged" concerts. That means it will be all acoustic, no keyboard or background music. Raw, exposed, and unplugged ...
-May 2nd, 2008
WOW! What an incredible last few weeks it's been! I tell ya, I could write a whole novel just in the things that happened lately. I'll try to keep it brief here. We went venturing through the woods, canoeing, swimming, shopping, driving, planting, you name it ... we did it ... and it was all alot of fun. Echoes was a blast and a half! Mary Youngblood made a return. Mark Holland came as part of Autumn's Child. Jeff Ball and his band were back again. Michael DeMaria was wonderful as always. Arvel Bird and his fiddle ... awesome. The really cool part was getting the opportunity to do the "whole earth jam" with Mark Holland, Jeff Ball, Autumn's Child, Arvel Bird, and Michael DeMaria. We did this twice during the festival and it was just a really neat experience for me. Mary and I also played one of the hottest duets I think I've ever played. Neither one of us missed a beat and we were totally in sync with one another. Oh, and I have to say something about the soups here! The soup is like no other. It's like 4 star soup, so yummy. If you're there next year, please don't miss out on the soup. You better get in line quick cause it disappears rather swiftly! I had alot of fun and I can't wait until next year. I'm already counting down the days. I will be there next year! Hope to see you there!
-April 14th, 2008
It's been an interesting few weeks here. One of my gigs was canceled due to rain, something the ole Sunshine State is almost famous for. When those storm fronts come through here they tend to suck stuff right up out of the Gulf and bring it our way. Oh well, there will be plenty more opportunities though I sure am sad I missed this one. Wasn't meant to be. I'm anxiously awaiting for Musical Echoes which starts next weekend! I'm also excited about the Stenzel's coming to spend a few days with us here on the farm. They will be here this week and we're just going to have so much fun! Then we're all heading to Ft. Walton Beach to Musical Echoes and we're going to have even more fun believe it or not! Some of you might know an old country song that goes a little something like, "Well, I ain't never had too much fun..." I might be pushing it these next few weeks but it's all good.
-March 18th, 2008
Not alot going on these days as Spring is getting underway here in Florida. I just returned from a very warm weekend in St. Petersburg, FL. I was asked to come play at a festival that would help raise money for Sacred Lands. It's a really neat place full of live oaks, bamboo, banana trees, peacocks, turtles, and in fact, is one of the last Indian Mounds left in that area. It just a really neat place. For those of you that live in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area I encourage you to go on a tour of Sacred Lands. The owners are really nice people but beware ... they'll trick you into feeding the peacocks!! Just kidding.
-February 27th, 2008
The Potomac Flute Event was a very successful trip. The signature flutes were a big hit, everyone loved them. This was the first flute event that we've had the signature flutes at, it was really neat to see the amongst all the other flutes at the show. It was nice to catch up with old friends (no, I'm not calling anyone old, you know what I meant!). Familiar faces, friends, flutes, music, food. Wow, they fed us good while we were there too. The performances were really wonderful except for the fact that Mark Holland couldn't make this show due to weather interferences at the airport. Bummer, I was looking forward to seeing him again. Maybe next time. Speaking of weather, I sure am glad this was an indoor event because if not we would have been in serious trouble. It rained, sleeted, snowed, and iced over everything. It was pretty unbelievable for the Florida boy. It's funny, the last time it snowed in Florida was in '89. I was only a few months old. I don't remember it, but I have pictures of it.
Anyways, back on topic here. Clint Goss did an amazing workshop, err - playshop I should say, that he let me and another good friend, Rae Denton, participate in. Rae and I were in the lecture room where there was a grand piano. Rae played the flute while I accompanied her on piano. Clint walked in and asked if we would stay a bit longer and play along, under his direction, for the class. We started off really slow and melancholy at first while he asked the class to get up and dance, feel the music. As we were playing Clint had keyed us to pick up the pace a little bit. So we started layering in the jazz bringing the tempo up. As we got faster so did the class with their dancing. It was truly an awesome experience and when all was said and done ... it was just too cool. You just had to be there and see (and feel) this for yourself. All in all it was a pleasant weekend, with the exception of the weather, of course. I'm hoping to be back next year, maybe I'll see some of you there as well!
-February 3rd, 2008
I've taken a bit of time off from performing through the holiday season due to family visits and such. The next even coming up will be the Potomac Flute event in Maryland which I'm really looking forward to. I'm not really going to perform but just to enjoy, have fun, and socialize a bit. Good stuff. So the next time I write, I should have a small report on how it went!
-Lisbon School - November 8, 2007
I went up to Lisbon School (Iowa) and played for a variety of different classes. High School Band, Middle School Band, Choir, and a couple others as well. Then I had an assembly with the entire Elementary department. I LOVED it!! Playing for the smaller kids is so much fun. The true kid in me tends to slip out and I just enjoy seeing their faces light up when I play. They were a terrific audience!
-Singing Bird Lodge Concert - November 4, 2007
The Singing Bird Lodge concert in Rock Island, IL was great, small crowd but ever so lovely and cozy. I especially loved the fire place being in there. The whole place smelled like wood burning and brought back some fond memories from my childhood. Thanks to all who showed up. I really enjoyed it!
-237 Holmes County 4th Graders - October 26, 2007 Today was absolutely incredible. I LOVE playing for kids. I told a bit about the flute's history and how I came to know of it and played quite a bit for the 4th Graders.
It was set up so that every 30 minutes I would entertain a new group of kids from 9am to 1pm along with Pat, an extraordinary storyteller. Ask her to tell you the one about the possum & his tail, or the one about the rabbit, the fox, and the frybread! Those two were my favorite stories she told.
After I played and demonstrated a little bit I let the kids ask questions about me or the flute. Any thing they wanted. I absolutely love the interaction with the children. It really makes my heart sing to see their faces light up when they hear the flute. I can't believe how interested they were! It was fascinating! This is truly a day I will not soon forget ...
-Jonny Lipford Signature Flute! - October 17, 2007
Jonny Lipford and Randy Stenzel are teaming up to create a "Jonny Lipford Signature Flute". The details of this colaboration are coming soon, so stay tuned for more info and updates!
-Two World Radio - October 16, 2007
Two Worlds Radio wasn't at all what I expected. It was much more! I was fascinated at all the machines and buttons, wires galore! Chante Ishta, I don't know how you do it!! The show was awesome, I can't wait to do it again. Keep up the great work, Chante ... I'll be listening. =-)
-Silverhawk Gathering - October 15, 2007
Ah man, this is the kind of stuff that takes the most out of you, but replenishes so much at the same time. Travel is hard, but the people, music, and all around good spirits just leave you with feelings of awe. Silverhawk was remarkable this year. It was my third year at the event and every year I like it more and more. I absolutely LOVE what they did to the stage this year. Last few years all they had was a tent, this year it was an actual stage ... imagine a huge flower pot made of light poles! Yup, that was it! It rocked! Anyways it was an all around great weekend, and if my schedule allows, I'll be back next year as well!
-Oklahoma Flute Festival - October 9, 2007
Just got back from the Oklahoma Flute Festival. Wow, it was wonderful! I was actually surprised at the outcome being it was the first year for the event. I can't imagine what next year's event will look like. I'm already anticipating it! Now I'm getting ready to head down to Tampa/Dade City in a couple days to the Silverhawk NAF Gathering... more news soon.
-Happy Flutin! T-shirts are coming soon! - August 29, 2007
Before long you can be showing off your favorite thing of all with a comfy Happy Flutin! T-shirt and a totally awesome Happy Flutin! cap! Details and pics coming soon!
-CD Release Party - August 11, 2007
The party was a blast! I played a few songs, opened the mic up for others, then after a couple trips around the refreshments table, we all jumped in the pool. Then back to more music and had a jam session that lasted till 2am! The music was wonderful, the food was great, and the people were outstanding! A great time was had by all! You shoulda been there!
-Release! - August 7, 2007
My album is NOW AVAILABLE!
-Completed & Shipped! - August 3, 2007
Well! I just recieved an email that the CD duplication is finished and shipped UPS 2-day Air! Yay! Right on time! Stay tuned, it's almost here!!!
-It's Launch Time! - July 16, 2007
We're kicking things off with a bang! My CD, "Transitions", goes off this week to be duplicated so it looks like we will have an early August release! I hope you all are enjoying the new website! Happy Flutin!
-Second Recording Session - June 13, 2007
Today was the second recording session and it was absolutely amazing! Everything went just as planned. I was a little more relaxed because I knew what to expect. I finished up the remaining 6 songs so now we just wait for the master & mix!
-First Recording Session - June 4, 2007
Well today was the first recording session for my new album, "Transitions"! I recorded half the songs (6) and I'm scheduled to go back in on the 13th. It was SO exciting to be in the studio! Can't wait till next time!!