Kristen’s Playlist

Holiday Presents: Giving Music

I’m off to enjoy my family as we tear through presents anticipating new gifts to treasure.  I gave one gift to my dad last night, my ipod mini. Ever since they got a new apple computer, dabbled with itunes and my mom purchased a shuffle, he has expressed interest in trying out this thing called the MP3 player. He claims to want to hear NPR podcasts, but I’m sure he’ll be rocking to his old songs in no time.

We sat around the dining room table as I showed him how to use the silver colored mini. My nephew took immediate interest in also wanting to learn how to play it, fortunately my mom took out her shuffle to entertain my nephew while my dad tried to touch all the buttons and wheel on the mini. Then I took out my new black ipod to show my dad how the device now plays video and displays photos. I had to take a step back to see all the technology working between the three of us-

Nephew listening to songs on my mom’s shuffle while sitting on my dad’s lap.

Dad listening to the silver mini while looking at Justin Timberlake dance on the screen of my new ipod.

I wish I had a picture of it all.

Anyway, never forget that music is always a great gift to give.  It’s the common thread between generations. We all love music.  Oh and because that mini was a regifting thing, I actually did buy my dad another present but I can’t tell what it is just yet. He hasn’t opened it!

Merry Christmas

PS- I bought my boyfriend the new Ray LaMontagne CD. Outstanding! I’ll post a review soon enough.

Holiday Traveling Blues

How did so much time pass? I just posted here yesterday but apparently it was back in November.  The mothership (ie work) called me to travel, so I’m sorry for the lack of music reviews.

I am happy to say that while visiting Chicago last week, I heard a great blues band at a club called B.L.U.E.S on Halsted St - go figure! They were packed onto a small stage, which could have been made of crates.  I think they took a break every other song, but they were jamming. It was a perfect Chicago blues experience. They had a full bar and the drinks were pretty cheap. Aside from the 10 degree weather, it was a perfect night. They even sang a birthday song to one of my friends, well, it wasn’t really a birthday song more like a song about her candy? I’ll stop there.

What is your favorite place to hear the blues? In Chicago or any other town. Never know where I may end up next.