The Christmas CD is Here!

Voices (the post I forgot)

In our line of work, so much depends on our voices.  Sure, we need guitars, sound equipment, a truck to haul it with, understanding and supportive families, but the whole thing hinges on something as unique as a thumbprint.  It's the Voice.  Tonight I sat at the horse pulls at the fair and listened to the voice over the loud speaker that finally gave me that feeling I've been missing for years.  In our own running from job to job, washing horses and visiting with friends, I'd lost that "IT'S THE FAIR!" feeling over the years.  I figured it had just faded with time, that I'd forgotten how to tap into the magic . . . . but tonight, it hit me as a sound wave across the arena and made tears spring up in my eyes.  It was my Daddy's voice.  As unique as his thumb print, a part of my own DNA.  To me, the feeling of the fair rides along on the sound wave of my Dad's voice announcing rodeos, and horse pulls and dog shows and auctions.  So, I just sat and soaked it in.  The setting sun, the smell of horses and burgers and cigarettes and the sound of my Daddy's voice and it all finally felt right. 

My Dad and My Boy

 

Winter Songs

December brings short days and long hours in the studio for Cal and Ted.  We're working to finish the two new albums in the works.  Fingers crossed we will have the Christmas album ready by the 25th . . . . . but I suppose if not this year we'll be ahead of the game for next years gifts. 

 

 

Christmas Concert

The Christmas Concert was a success!  We appreciate everyone and all their hard work.  Performing is never just some musicians getting up on stage and singing a few songs.  We had LOTS of help along the way to make it all come together . . . . . Thank You Star Valley for always supporting us.  We love you dearly! 

Radio Interview Tomorrow

Bright and early, 7:00am-ish Cal and Ted will be doing an interview on Star Valley Sunrise.  Now you've been warned you can tune in . . . . or not ;-)  We'll be talking about the Christmas Concert coming up Nov. 30th and the albums that we've been working on.  We sure appreciate the support from our local businesses like Star Valley's KRSV radio. 

RMAF Casper Wyoming

 This year, for the first time since I was 16 years old, I went to the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Convention as a guest instead of an entertainer.  It was enlightening to be on the other side of the great divide between performers and fair buyers.  I loved being able to visit friends and enjoy being "hosted" by them and see all their talents.  I hated that I couldn't hire all of them myself and bring them to our beautiful valley this year for my personal entertainment :-)  If wishes were fishes.  Anyway, we had a gorgeous drive, both ways despite the wind and weather that literally blew us home.  I have to say I felt so loved and welcomed and supported this year and it was so appreciated.  We love our RMAF family. 

 These photos are from Star Valley to Casper, mostly up Togwotee and on to Dubois. 

 We found a herd of Big Horn Sheep in Dubois and I was wishing for a long lens camera. 

 This ornery looking fellow didn't move when we stopped on the side of the road to get a good shot, again, lesson to me, bring the good camera next time. 

 This year there were some awesome new unusual entertainers.  Intricate balloon art anyone? 

 We love these dear friends.  Once a year is not enough. 

On the way home we ran across a Christmas tree in the wilderness, which is a perfect reminder of what Cal and Me are working on right now.  A new Christmas album and the Christmas with the Linfords concert November 30th. 

November 30th Christmas Concert

We DO support the Star Valley Arts Council and this year they invited The Linford Band to be a part of the Christmas Concert after the Parade of Lights.  We have been practicing up all the Christmas songs, so fear not Rosie and Nancy, there will be some of your favorites at the concert this year.  This will be my first hometown Christmas Concert in 9 years and I'm so excited to share this with our kids for the first time.  We hope you'll get your tickets and support the local arts.  We'll be there, with bells on. . . . o.k., maybe not bells ;-)  Also, if you like the Star Valley Arts Council on face book you have a chance to win FREE tickets!  Free is always good!  

Flashback for the Jerky Girl

Fall is the season for us to make hay while the sun shines, or in our case, make jerky day and night.  It's hard work.  Driving down to Dana's today I turned the station to the 40's.  No, not top 40's.  The 1940's.  The Andrew's Sisters, Count Basie and my favorite Glen Miller.  So, today while I cut, packed and bagged orders, my mind was in the past in a time when I traveled and sang and danced and cut my performing teeth and expanded my horizons in a way that has sustained me all these years.  Here's a fun little flash back of "way back when".

 

Stage Door Canteen Traveling Show:  Iowa, Chicago, Sun Valley Idaho, Utah, Thailand

 I worked my way through college by earning a performing scholarship.  As a member of the Sunburst Singers and Dancers we were Christmas Carolers and put on a Broadway style Glen Miller tribute show as well as serving as Ambassadors for the University. 

 

Stage Door Canteen Nurses and Clipboard Number

 The actual shows were only a fraction of the experience.  The friends and traveling made for a priceless college education.  We were Nurses, Arabian Princesses, Football Players and Soldiers and even Thai Dancers. 

 Stardust ~ Arabian Nights

 Holiday Cruise Military Tribute

 GI Jive ~ Tuachan St. George

 

 O.K. This photo needs some explanation.  As I mentioned earlier this summer, I have a beautiful and talented friend Dawn who performed at the fair with Lokalgrown.  Well, we met as backup singers for none other than Barry Manilow.  It does not get stranger or more fun.  You can't make this stuff up :-) 

And last but not least, singing and dancing took me all the way to Thailand and back home again.  The back home again part is not always guaranteed when traveling to some of the places we traveled.  It was an amazing three week journey to some of the most beautiful and impoverished places on the planet and I loved nearly every minute . . . maybe the snake kissing not so much.  Singing for the Royal Family, learning a little bit of Thai, wearing my weight in gold every night while tinikling, riding an elephant through the jungle, snorkeling with sharks in the waters off Phuket Island tend to make up for it. 

 

So when I'm up to my ears in jerky, all I'm really hearing is Moonlight Serenade and String of Pearls. And I'm feeling grateful while working all day to have had the chance to dance all night, so many nights.

Playing a Piece of History

Sunday night my Mom brought her Uncle Ern's Gibson guitar over for us to play.  We had heard about this guitar for years and never seen it so it felt like Christmas morning to play it.  The sound was seriously amazing.  We were literally playing a piece of history.  We played "You Are My Sunshine" for my Mum because it's one of the songs she remembers Uncle Ern playing on this very guitar. 

Awesome Guy From West Jordan!

The Entertainment Director at Utah State Fair forwarded this letter to me.  It just made my day!  So, thank you awesome guy from West Jordan for taking the time to put it in writing!  (names have been changed because the internet can be sketchy sometimes, although we, of course are not) 

(Utah State Fair),
 
Please forward this to the entertainment selection committee:
 
My Wife and I thought The Linfords on the Gazebo Stage were the best act in the Fair (and we saw some good acts)!  Their delightful singing and guitar skills were a big surprise.  Please bring The Linfords back again.
 
And thanks for a fun-filled day!
 
(Awesome Guy From)
West Jordan 

 

A Little Willie

 

Last Fair of 2013

Cal and Ted are going to take a little respite from our "real jobs" cutting meat and do what we really love for one last fair.  We'll be at the Utah State Fair Park in Salt Lake City, UT, one day only so we hope to see all our friends and family out there.  Last year was awesome and it was so fun to see all of you.   Below is the gigantic post from the Utah State Fair website with the details of the day. 

You don't want to miss out on your last chance at a moment like this! 

Utah State Fair Schedule ~ Monday, Sept. 9

Monday, September 9 Family Value Day ~ Compliments of 2 News Child & Youth, 12 and Under . . . . FREE Adults, ages 13+ . . . . $7.00 Purchase one All-You-Can-Ride Carnival Wristband at regular price and receive a second wristband FREE ALL DAY Agriculture, Horticulture & Floriculture Exhibits (Agriculture Bldg) "Be Ready Utah" Display (South of Grand Bldg) Clowns, Magicians, Jugglers and Strolling Acts Commercial Exhibits Cooking Demonstrations (Zion Bldg) County Booth Displays (Heritage Bldg) Creative Art Exhibits (Promontory Hall) Dairy Council of Utah Ice Cream Festival (Specialty Tent - begins at 3:00 pm) Dairy Farmers of Utah Butter Cow Sculpture (Promontory Hall) Demo - Origami - Ginger Brakke - 5:00-8:00 pm (Creative Arts/Promontory Hall) Demos - Bobbin Lace, Embroidery, Hand Spinning, Tatting (Home Arts/Zion Bldg) Fine Art Exhibits (Bonneville Bldg) Floriculture Exhibits (Heritage Bldg) Giant Yellow Slide (West end of Fairpark) Home Art Exhibits (Zion Bldg) Little Hands on the Farm - open until 8:00 pm (West of Arena) Mighty Thomas Carnival Photography Exhibits (Grand Bldg - Upstairs) Ranch Sorting Competition (Arena) Utah's Own Food Court (North Food Court) Wildlife Building - fishing pond open 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wizards Challenge Exhibit (Pioneer Bldg) Working Artists - 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - Ian Ramsey, watercolor / 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Al Rounds, watercolor (Fine Arts/Bonneville Bldg) MORNING   10:00 am Christopher Fair - Magic With A Flair (Walk Around ) 10:30 am Great American Duck Race (South of Grand Building)   4-H Demo (South Plaza Stage)   Eric Haines - One Man Band (Walk Around) 11:00 am Judging - Dairy Cattle, Holstein/Jersey/Other Recognized Breeds (Showring)   Karen Quest - Strolling Stilt Character (Walk Around) 11:30 am Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show (East Lawn)   Tiny the Clown (Walk Around Entertainment) AFTERNOON
12:00 pm	Randy Cabral (Gazebo Stage)
	The Bubble Show (Walk Around Entertainment)
12:30 pm	GT Coop - Golden Oldies (South Plaza Stage)
1:00 pm	Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show (Gazebo Stage)
	PORK Demo (Zion Building)
1:30 pm	Great American Duck Race (South of Grand Building)
2:00 pm	The Linfords (Gazebo Stage)
	Justin Carter - pop music (South Plaza Stage)
	Goat Milk Ice Cream Demo (Zion Building)
	The Bubble Show (Walk Around Entertainment)
3:00 pm	Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show (East Lawn)
	Michelle O'Connell Studios - vocal students (South Plaza)
	Richards Round Up Barbeque Sauce Demo (Zion Building)
	Karen Quest - Strolling Stilt Character (Walk Around)
	Bobber the Clown (Walk Around Entertainment)
3:30 pm	Randy Cabral (Gazebo Stage)
	Great American Duck Race (South of Grand Building)
4:00 pm	Eric Haines - One Man Band (Walk Around)
	Judging - Sheep, Columbia (Showring)
	Mama Africa Demo (Zion Building)
4:30 pm	Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show (Gazebo Stage)
5:00 pm	Judging - Sheep, Rambouillet (Showring)
5:30 pm	The Linfords (Gazebo Stage)
	Great American Duck Races (South of Grand Building)
	The Bubble Show (Walk Around Entertainment)
EVENING
6:00 pm	Judging - Sheep, Corriedale (Showring)
	Keebler Cracker Stacking Family Fun Contest - registration (South Plaza Stage)
6:30 pm	Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show (East Lawn)
	Keebler Cracker Stacking Family Fun Contest (South Plaza Stage)
	Sammy T Clown (Walk Around Entertainment)
7:00 pm	Judging - Sheep, Other Recognized Wool Breeds (Showring)
	Karen Quest - Strolling Stilt Character (Walk Around)
	Randy Cabral (Gazebo Stage)
7:30 pm	BRIDGIT MENDLER / youth/pop - $27 day of show, reserved seats (Grandstand)
	Slim Chance & His Psychobilly Playboys - western rock music (South Plaza Stage)
	Great American Duck Race (South of Grand Building)
	Eric Haines - One Man Band (Walk Around)
8:00 pm	Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show (Gazebo Stage)
9:00 pm	The Linfords (Gazebo Stage)
	Jackwagon! - rock music (South Plaza Stage)

Martin D-17 Mahogany

Sometimes, just like with horses, the "Right" guitar finds you.  The Martin D-17 Mahogany happens to be that guitar for me.  I love the way it looks, sounds, feels . . . . It made the journey from Montana to Wyoming just in time for the fair and has been a joy to get to know.  I had it set up with a little lighter action and strings at Music Villa before they shipped it out to me.  It has a warm, softer sound, not very punchy, which I don't need but I think I'll go one gauge heavier on the strings next time I change them to get a little more depth on the high end.  I love it.  I truly do.  I'll post some video of us playing with it later this fall.  I'm excited to hear how it records.   

 

If You Give a Kid a Camera

That kid will take pictures of the band.  Good thing he did, it's our only proof that we were there :-)  We had a great time at the fair, our next show is a wedding, so if you're invited, we are too and will see you there.  Then the Utah State Fair is coming up for Me and Cal, September 9th.

 

 Cal ~ Lead Guitar and Vocals

 

 Stephanie ~ Bass and Vocals

 

 

Dave ~ Drums

 

 

 Teddy ~ Rhythm Guitar and Vocals

 

 

*CORRECTION*

Listening to Charlie Jenkins it dawned on me that I made a mistake in my last post about his involvement in The Voice.  It was actually "Nashville Star".  My apologies guys!  Great show tonight. 

Street Dance Thursday

Now that I've had my share of great musicians, friends and even a Knight in Shining Armor or two it's time to get back to playing.  Thursday night the Lincoln County Fair is hosting a street dance in the Civic Center Parking lot.  Admission is free, it's open to all public and we'll be raffling off some great prizes.  The Linford Band is playing along with Charlie Jenkins, yet another musician from the reality show THE VOICE.  Don't miss it!  (And don't forget the free entertainment under the Big Top all week!) 

Concert Night!

 What a fun Fair we're having so far and it's only Monday!  Tonight was the concert in the arena and a great band from Utah, LOKALGROWN, opened for Gwen Sebastian.  It's such a small world and three of the band members are friends of mine.  I was so excited to see my beautiful friend Dawn perform.  We go way back (Sun Valley Carolers, early 2000's, many hours spent in the sauna on the slopes and singing . . . . . love her guts!)  Windstorm/Rain/Dustbowl weather be danged, the show must go on, and it did!

 

After Lokalgrown, my boy was stoked to have won a raffle item and we'll be going out for pizza as a family thanks to his big win;-)

 

The concert was awesome.  Gwen's Band was fantastic and were such nice people.  I loved this photo of my boy and Gwen the most.  She took time to meet every single person and autograph their items and take pictures.  What a fun end to a long day at the Lincoln County Fair.

Lincoln County Fair Big Top

The Linford Band is playing Monday August 4, 2013 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Afton, Wyoming.  Don't miss the free entertainment under the big top this week.  We will be playing at 1:00 and 3:00.  Be there!  :-)   

Fair Time

Grand Champion Walk Trot Teton County Fair

 Well, Fair Season is upon us and leave it to the kids to pave the way for all the good times to come.  As for the parents, we have one more week before our performances at the Lincoln County Fair.  Next Monday we'll be under the big top for two shows and Thursday night we'll be playing with Charlie Jenkins for the street dance.  We love Fair time around here. 

Oat's face is killing me in this photo.  I guess we all know how he feels at the end of a horse show!

Dance Tonight!

Star Valley Ranch RV Park Barn

6:00 to whenever you're too weary to waltz, too tired to two step, too pooped to polka

We're bringing the band, so that means Dave and Stephanie on drums and bass

(and hand claps and maybe a few nana, na's)

 

 

Relay For Life Tonight

If you are walking, running or crawling your leg of the Relay For Life tonight around 7:15, Cal and I will serenade you as you go.  See you soon! 

Musical Inspiration

I try to get to at least one live concert a year, and I know Brandi puts on a GREAT show, so for the fifth year in a row, I stayed with tradition.  Luckily the opening band THE LONE BELLOW was worth the money and time spent as well.  I love live music.  It is so important to get out there and support artists (especially local bands).  This is a video of "DREAMS" from one of the best concerts I've been to.  You won't be sorry if you check out www.brandicarlile.com and www.thelonebellow.com  Seriously. 

Relay For Life

Cal and Teddy will be hanging out with the great families and friends supporting the Relay For Life this Friday July 19th.  See you there! 

Life Before the Song

On The Trail

Even before we started writing about horses and kids and the beautiful place we live, we lived it.  We rode horses, raised nurse calves, branded and doctored and all the rest.  Tomorrow our kids get to do what was always my favorite part of our life here.  My son will be on his first cattle drive with his cousin and Grandpa.  If that's not inspiration for a song, nothing is.  How lucky we are to have a life beyond music that makes it all so much richer for us.  To quote Garth Brooks, "You aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy". 

In The Summertime

When the weather is hot, Cal is going to be holed up like a mole in the new studio.  We're currently working on our fourth album as a family.  It's always an adventure to see where the songs will take us.  Cal has a lot of music to get recorded but once in a while we'll have to let him out into the sunshine ;-)  Meanwhile, this is what Teddy has been up to. . . . . .


Wildflowers Top of Grover Park

Summer Show Dates

Along with working on our new Album we are keeping up with the performing with a few choice dates this summer. 

July 27th we'll be partying with The Tolmans (private party)
August 5th you can catch us under the Big Top at the Lincoln County Fair (exact showtimes TBD)
August 6th we'll be opening for Full Metal Jousting at 6:30ish at the Lincoln County Fair
September 9th Cal and Teddy will make a repeat appearance at the Utah State Fair (showtimes TBD)

If you're really planning ahead, we'll singing all our favorite Christmas songs at the Hometown Christmas Concert after the Parade of Lights in Afton at the High School Auditorium around 7:00pm.

We hope to see you out and about this summer! 

Christmas in February

The Linford Band Live in Concert

The Linfords are getting their 2013 calendar filled out this spring (or winter if you're in Wyoming) so here's a flashback from our spring concert at the Sublette County Fairgrounds last April.  Not great sound, but it's a great representation of what we do.  Write music, sing and play.  Some day we'll all be wearing silk underwear and have some slick promo video, but until then, this will have to tide you over. 

The Linfords ~ No Ordinary Man (Military Tribute)