The Grammys
Chicago Chapter Viewing Party
January 31, 2010
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I thought I'd wait until this posting to make the official announcement that I am now a member of The Recording Academy - yes, the Grammys. After the past two years of invitations to attend several parties held by the organization, I was asked why I wasn't a member by my friend Pete (the current president of the Chicago chapter). I told him that I didn't know I could be; that I thought I had to be a professional musician. He explained that due to my involvement in the music community, I was indeed eligible. He also briefly explained to me the differences in memberships. With that, I am currently only an associate member, but am working on my credentials in order to be a voting member.

I have met so many wonderful people, and have gained so much knowledge on the industry because of this organization. I know that there are many different opinions regarding The Academy, but there are many things that they/we do in and for the music community that are so great. One of my favorites is Musicares. Check it out!!!

This year's party was a lot of fun for me, although I did miss some of my friends who either had recording stuff to attend to, or were attending the event in other cities. Here's a peak into our evening in Chicago:

Me with my friend, Larry (current VP of the Chicago chapter) and his beautiful wife, Suzie





With my girls Tarah (thanks again for being my 'date,' beautiful girl!!) and Sarah





A few of my music friends and me (L to R: Kate, Damon, Roger, Sarah, me, Zach)

Want to see more pictures from our night? Visit the facebook photo album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52575&id=1138585006&l=d2f810384b

Cobia
with
Heart Set Self Destruct
Austin's Fuel Room
January 30, 2010
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Saturday night was a fun one! My friends had a CD release party for their band, Cobia, at Austin's Fuel Room in Libertyville, IL. If you remember, Cobia is one of the bands that I'd worked with this past year on promo and CD photos. Since our shoot together, the guys have become dear friends of mine. To see their audience fill the room really brought a smile to my face.

At the show, I also met/made some news friends from the band, Heart Set Self Destruct. I'll be working with these guys in the very near future on some photos for their upcoming release! I also have a photo shoot or two planned with Dave's (lead singer) beautiful girlfriend, Carole.

After the show, we all headed out to an after party to unwind and enjoy a successful show. Boys, THANK YOU for being such wonderful friends. I'm so excited and happy to continue to work with you, and also to call you each friends. See you soon!

xoxo

~amy

HEART SET SELF DESTRUCT

COBIA









































Me with the guys of Cobia, Dave from HSSD, and a few stragglers from other bands



To see more photos from the show, visit the photo albums on facebook:


Heart Set Self Destruct:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=145246&id=10720871199&l=81d8fbcd71


Cobia:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=145263&id=10720871199&l=7f7de5b868

NAMM
Anaheim, California
January 15-17, 2010
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Over the weekend, I went to Anaheim, CA with my wonderful friend Sarah for the NAMM Convention. [A brief history on this acronym - NAMM used to stand for the National Association of Music Merchants, but now has expanded globally, and so therefore has changed to the International Music Products Association. The acronym, NAMM, was kept, however]. This essentially invite-only convention features the latest instruments, music hardware, software and other related items for people in the music industry to check out. While at this event, it is expected to see so many of music's most talented performers checking things out, signing a few autographs, and taking some pictures at random.

After the convention hours, it's party time! Sarah and I had a LOT of fun with this part of the day, and spent some time with some of the industry's well known people - we had dinner with a few of them, took some pictures with them and others along the way, and of course threw in the random shot of tequilla to solidify the good time being had (OUCH!!! My esophagus STILL hurts just thinking about that!).

Anyway, here's a peak at our weekend of music and networking.

Sarah, THANK YOU again! Much love to you, my dear friend :)

xoxo

~amy

Ahhhh... beautiful California weather!! A far cry from snowy Chicago!





Guitars EVERYWHERE!!! :)





Everywhere you turned, there were people ready to sign autographs





Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains just checking out some new gear





Sarah LOVES KISS, so we just had to meet Gene Simmons!!!





When it was my turn, Gene twirled me around like a ballerina ;)





Trying to be a rock star ;)









Skulls at the fender room!! Doesn't get much more rock than that!





Sarah hanging out with some of her VERY talented musician friends that she introduced me to





Sarah and her guitar making friend :)





TINIEST drum set ever! :)



Random gatherings like this were very common AND fun to walk by!









yeah.. it was kind of a circus like that...





A paraplegic drum set creation - VERY cool!! :)





Me and Sarah with some new musician friends... VERY awesome people who were so kind to us - thanks so much again boys (and girl!!) :D





Sarah and her friend Rachel - what a nice guy!! (And a very talented musician!)





Me and my new friends, Matt and Ryan... AWESOME guys (Ryan lent me his merino hoodie and also bought us tequilla shots; Matt showered us in compliments and hugs, and BOTH made us laugh hysterically!!) and, VERY talented musicians





And suddenly, we were on a plane back home.... but the view was beautiful!







For more pictures, visit my facebook photo album:


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51157&id=1138585006&l=c3cbfd6540