This week I was able to pick the tourbus up from Salt Lake City where Jared Rice repaired the several thousand dollars of damage we did to the back last year, and Schmidt Signs upgraded the exterior with a slightly improved wrap. The new wrap is simpler with the tagline “North American Tour” and featuring the easier-to-remember website – www.pianorockstar.com (which simply leads people to my main website).
The thrill of picking up the tour bus was quickly forgotten as a couple hours outside of Salt Lake City one of the four back tires blew. Luckily, the three other backtires continued to carry me all the way to Las Vegas. A couple days and several new tires later, I was on the road again. In the meantime, I made a couple hundred bucks in Vegas and had a lot of fun. Check out the photos and big thanks to Discount Tire.
If you were one of the 30 or so people present last night in the small venue known as O’Briens in Santa Monica, you witnessed what many are calling the “second coming of awesome!!” That’s because we rocked the place for an hour and a half with originals, emotional ballads, and devious comedy – it was my 2nd time performing there and it was great! The back room at O’Briens was virtually full and there were a lot of familiar faces in the audience who came out.
Special guest Dale Spollett joined me on-stage for several songs as our grand finale included such improv tales as “Octagon Wedding (about a UFC wedding, including punches to the naughty bits)” and “The Passed-Out Stranger (named Meredith).” We finished the night with our legendary version of “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” including the incredibly difficult whistle solo at the end.
It was a hilarious night, and it was also a sad night. I had a few people in tears when I sang the song “Too Good For This World” that I wrote for my daughter. She would have turned 6 years old next month. It makes me increasingly melancholy when I think about it – luckily I have an outlet in my music. I also broke out my new song for the 2010 album I’m writing entitled, “Slowly Dying in LA” which was also a crowd favorite.
Big thanks to everyone who came out and supported, Ken for selling stuff, Dale for running sound and doing what he does best, Aaron for making sweet noises on the percussion, and the entire O’Briens staff for treating me great every time I play there.
Part of an Improv Song from O’Briens in Santa Monica.
Passed Out Stranger with Dale Spollett
(Warning some adult language):
First off, let me begin by saying that living in Southern California is kind of like living in an episode of the twilight zone. Weird things happen and life can be pretty unpredictable out here. Over the last 2 days I’ve bumped into the guy who played Dozier from the Matrix at an Olive Garden and I stumbled onto Willis (Todd Bridges) from The Different Strokes in a tattoo shop – “What you talking about, Willis?” It’s always interesting what you might see in LA.
Friday night’s show at The Witches Brew was just another one of those epic Southern California nights. Great music, hilarious comedy, and fun times for everyone. Dale Spollett, my good friend who also assists me with social networking website management, opened up for me. He sang some covers and originals and, specifically, got the crowd nice and toasty warm. Then I got on-stage. By the end of the night, Dale and I were both on-stage improvising such potential hits as “Robots on the Moon,” “Frogs Tap Dancing With You,” “Tom Cunninglingus Has Jungle Fever and Loves Orange Soda.” Yes, weird suggestions from a wild audience, but somehow Dale and I ran with those and even had tight harmonies on the choruses. It was a fun night. The grand moment was a duet between Dale and I of “You Lost that Loving Feeling” which included an epic whistle solo.
I want to thank everyone who came out to the show to support and also The Witches Brew for taking great care of us. Big thanks to Aaron Chavez for handing percussion duties, Dale for opening, and Ken for setting up the gig. I look forward to playing back there in North Hills again sometime soon.
Hey California – I have three great shows coming up over the next week that I hope to see you at. Bring your friends and don’t be shy.
Witches Brew epitomizes a local dive bar, like a cleaner version of Cheers, and has great drink specials. O’Briens is one of the coolest Irish Pubs in Southern California – Even the owner Kevin bartends (and has a cool name). Club Trip has all the top shelf saki and beer for bottom shelf prices and is one of the best up-and-coming local clubs in Santa Monica.
If you are in Utah or Southern California, I have two incredible shows scheduled for your viewing pleasures next week. Hope to see you at one of them!!
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Salt Lake City, February 24th:
The Art of Music
Musicians are inspired by art and art is inspired my music. So with that, Keys on Main, the premier piano bar destination is bringing the two art forms together. The evening of FEBRUARY 24 will a blend of art and music from 7:00 PM – midnight.
Keeping with the theme of union, new artist, J James, combines his passion for abstract and surreal art with his first 2009 exhibition. Local bands Mike Gross & The Statuettes, Atilast and Kevin Burdick will close the night, leaving stirring melodies in art exposed minds. Keys on Main hopes to use this entertainment format as a springboard for future artists and musicians. Join the Art of Music.
When: February 24, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM J James Art Exhibition 9:30 PM – 10:15 PM Mike Gross & The Statuettes 10:30 PM – 11:15 PM Atilast 11:30 PM – 1:00 AM Kevin Burdick
Where: 242 South Main Street Keys On Main Salt Lake City, UT
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Santa Monica, March 1st: Sunday, March 1st, I’ll be performing at “TRIP” in Santa Monica. It’s a new series of concerts being put on by “Hollowbody LA”. The folks who brought you “Acoustic Cordiale” in the valley. These Sunday shows start and end early & are getting some great reviews!
Here’s the whole super star, fancy pants line up in order
Colin Wright 8:00
Lori Steele 8:45
Kevin Burdick 9:30
Beaudette 10:15
This is the best night to come see a show. No traffic, FREE parking. The show starts at 8:00 sharp and wraps around 11pm. Print the poster and make admission a friendly $5. Would love to see everyone there!
Also, I hope you’ll take a moment and click the poster below. Have a look and a listen to the lineup. The week before the show, we’re all on the poster and player. Send them a friend request too.
As I sat across from my friend Shelly at the Bayou in Salt Lake City, I began explaining to her how easy it is to reject someone or give someone some bad news about themselves. She was having the most difficult time breaking up with a guy that was so clearly not right for her, because she “didn’t want to hurt his feelings.” Maybe it’s because I’m jaded or maybe it’s just because I’ve had to explain to too many women in my life ”why they aren’t the one” that this method just developed naturally for me, but after talking with Shelly, I figured I’d share it with all my friends in hopes that it might help others out there needing some help delivering bad news.
The Sandwich Method (a Kevin Burdick original) – This is my method of delivering bad news, breaking up with a girl, or genuinely being an ass without actually being an ass.It is the perfect delivery for news that is hard to deliver to a boyfriend, co-worker, or family member.The Sandwich Method includes two nice fluffy pieced of white bread (metaphorically speaking) and a big slab of greasy meat in the middle.When delivering criticism using the sandwich method, your employer might try this:
Bread Piece 1 (Positive):You are a great person Steve.Well liked by all your co-workers and a really hard worker.
Meat Hunk (Negative):But to be honest with you, some of your co-workers have started complaining that you smell a little weird, kind of like a dirty baby’s diaper or a monkey’s armpit – I am going to have to ask you to get some cologne and work a little harder on that in these close quarters we’re in. Bread Piece 2 (Positive):Don’t take this personally, like I said, everyone here likes you a lot.You’re the hardest worker on the team, an enormous asset to the company, and the guy here with the biggest heart.No one will even remember this in a few weeks.
So by starting with positive statements and finishing with positive statements, the meat of the discussion (i.e. criticism) is a lot easier for the employee to swallow.Now let’s look at this example from a boyfriend/girlfriend situation.Let’s say you are trying to break up with your girlfriend using the sandwich method:
Bread Piece 1 (Positive):Look Jane.You are a beautiful girl, sexy, intelligent, and funny.Everyone knows that. Meat Hunk (Negative):I have to be honest with you though, you aren’t the girl I’m looking for and I don’t want to sit here and try to change you into someone else.You deserve to have someone looking for your qualities – I need someone who is less controlling, somewhat mentally and emotionally stable, and someone who allows me more independence. Bread Piece 2 (Positive):I know there is someone out there who is going to fit better with you and who will gel with you.I’m sorry it’s not me, but knowing all of your incredible qualities I am confident that your dream guy is still out there – you just need to go out and find him.
The Sandwich method of delivering tough news is good for almost anything.Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes – maybe you like mustard on your sandwich or maybe you like your sandwich with smaller pieces of bread.Regardless, a sandwich just isn’t a sandwich without a little bread – so soften the blow with a little bit of positive before and after your bad news. Hope this helps!!
Lunch at the world famous Chateau Marmont yesterday may have included salmon sandwiches, spaghetti bolognese, and a little bit of Kevin Burdick for the hundred or so people eating lunch prior to attending an AIDS awareness event called “FilmAid.” As I filled the room with delicious background piano music, I gazed around the luncheon area of the world famous hotel located just off of the Sunset Strip. It didn’t make me nervous that 2 of the members of the band Maroon 5 sat some 15 feet away on a couch listening, or when Christoper “Doc from Back to the Future” Lloyd walked by the piano barefoot. I also was not intimidated when Winona Ryder stopped to listen before crossing to her table on the other side of the room – I was probably more concerned that she’d steal my sun glasses that lay on piano in front of me (just a joke, Winona). It was a little ’dream-like’ as I looked over the piano and made eye contact briefly with Leonardo DiCaprio as he talked to a couple friends in the lobby. But what made the afternoon for me (and also made me a little nervous) was when I noticed Bono and the Edge finish their meal and walk out. As a musician, performing anything for Bono is nearly like showing your kid’s high school paintings to Picasso. It is intimidating.
Mostly it was just one of those magical and surreal Hollywood Sunday afternoon’s where a musician from Salt Lake City got to bring his original music and charm and spread it across the ears of the rich and famous like musical peanut butter. Perhaps they didn’t give a second thought to the piano man bringing them their afternoon dinner music before their charity event, but just for a moment they all stopped and heard me – even if just for a moment.
The five shows that I performed over the last 10 days here in the greater Los Angeles area were some of the most entertaining shows I’ve had to date. From the packed house at the Cat Club, to the rediculous drunken heckler at Club TRiP, to the small group at Palladino’s who were treated to the epic improv song lovingly entitled “Boats and Ho’s and a Game called Trouble” – this was a great 10 day stretch!
Big thanks to all the guys who helped with these shows musically – we had a great team down here: Keith Hubbard (Bass), Joe Mott (Guitars), Dylan Halacy (Drums), and Aaron Chavez (Percussion, Backup Vocals). Ken Gray who did a great job getting these shows in a good pocket and handling all the arrangements. Virtually all of the shows had good little crowds that came out to support and so a big ‘thanks a bunch’ to old fans and new fans who came to support.
For friends/fans who don’t live in Southern California, luckily my lifelong friend and world photographer Jared Platt happened to be in town lecturing at a photo conference, so you get to see some of the coolest photos from the Santa Monica O’Brien’s show. Enjoy.
There are those that say “it can’t be done in this current market…”, there are those who throw words like “success”, “drive” and ”fame” around like common buffalo nickles. As Kevin Burdick’s business manager it is my pleasure to address you loyal and loving fans at this time, although the circumstances of this blog are not the most favorable.
Kevin has diligently spent this recent year in hardcore dedication to finding a happy medium of the above mentioned beliefs. We both feels that it can indeed be done… success, drive and fame… that is. In fact we believe even a greater potential for his music as well as his very name and reputation.
The search for this has come at a great “cost” and it is my responsibility to deliver the “bill”. I regret to inform all of you that Kevin Burdick will be canceling his October shows at Hotel Utah in San Francisco and The Quarter Note in San Jose. The mental, physical and spiritual strain on Kevin and the sheer time it involves has pushed Kevin into an emotional hibernation. His Filling Station shows in Magna this past week were essentially the tail end of a one year road tour across the western states. Living in a tour bus and traveling daily is just a fraction of what had Kevin virtually collapse from the wear and tear last week. It’s a culmination of all things; financial expenses with touring, dealing with untrustworthy people in the industry, releasing his new album and the loss of friends.
Sitting in mental, emotional and physical pain, and after a moment by himself last Saturday, August 23rd, he sought the advice of a close friend as well as his Medicine Man and Shaman. The desire for a break turned into a “need”.
The great news is that if most of you know Kevin as I do, he will soon awaken and the musical juggernaut will emerge from its slumber to again perform and bring you the music, passion, and entertainment you all love.
A special thanks to Overtone Records and Media in Hollywood, CA. Christian Ashton, CEO, is a blessing. He is a huge support for Kevin in his time of rest, stating “Kevin is the next big thing…”. Mr. Ashton’s professionalism and grace are unmatched, as he has gone out of his way to accommodate Kevin in a beautiful home in Hollywood, 3 blocks off Sunset Strip… The perfect place for a Rock Star to recollect and relax. With that kind of support from industry greats as well as incredible fans I believe Kevin’s hiatus to last only a short while.
Kevin will still be playing his Los Angeles shows at The Cat Club on the 5th and 12th of September, The Nocturnal (Club TRiP) on the 11th of September as well as a special show on September 9th at O’Brien’s Pub in Santa Monica. Please stay tuned for news on his recovery. Again, we love and care for you all and hope to feel your support, prayers, and best wishes.
With this Northern California leg of our tour being complete, I took my attention from touring to relaxing. Jaime, a close friend of mine, flew in from Salt Lake City and Ken, Jaime and I hit the fields of grapes in Napa Valley in search of the perfect wine. It is beautiful countryside filled with incredible foods, beautiful scenery, and wonderful people. More importantly, it was a perfect and relaxing break from weeks of hard work, especially with the big CD release party in Salt Lake City just around the corner.
Not coincidentally, my great-grandpa’s 100th birthday party was Saturday in Yuba City, CA – so we finished our Napa Valley tour just in time to pull in and spend Saturday with Burdick relatives from all over the country. Women should be forwarned that we Burdick men live an extremely long time, so if you’re dating me for my money (ha-ha), I’m gonna out-live you!! Check out this photo of me, my nephew, my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather – 5 generations of stubborn Burdick men. Gotta love it!! I performed “Like a Star” off of my 2002 album for all my relatives and then spent a few minutes signing autographs and getting photos taken with my younger cousins in front of the tour bus before we hit the road for Salt Lake City. It was a great day and I’m definitely proud to be a Burdick.
