Music and Cowgirl Cash

Any shopper at Cowgirl Cash knows I always have music on.  I love music, and I have my favorites, but I pride myself in being open to new bands, and honoring the timeless oldies.  As one would expect I like my music authentic, practical and beautiful...
Here's a playlist I came up with that summarizes music from the store and music from my life.  I titled it
"Music we loved in 2010".  My family and close friends have received versions of this in the past.  aka, the Charlton's Christmas present.

1. Avett Brothers: I and Love and You
I bought this album a year ago at a Starbucks in Eugene.  A friend and music lover shared the name of the band with me and I'd been meaning to buy it.  I love buying my music when I'm on a road trip.  What a great time to put it in and really listen.

2. Brandi Carlile:  That year.
The first time I left Cowgirl Cash with an employee and took a vacation was mid-March 2010.  Kathlyne who still runs the store beautifully when I'm gone called.  "Do you know who Brandi Carlile is" she asked?  I'm ashamed to say my answer was "no".  "Well she's playing at the Tower tonight, and she and her band were just shopping in here for over an hour.  They bought all kinds of stuff!"  I immediately went out, bought her music, and have been a crazy fan ever sense.

3. Band of Horses: Cease to Begin
I checked out this Band because of their name and the fact they were coming to Bend.  What a fun (cold) show!

4. Jerry Jeff Walker: LA Freeway
A classic, timeless, feel good artist. Even Brooks and Dunn sings about him.

5. Ray LaMontagne: Repo Man
I learned to love Ray LaMontagne from the same friend who turned me on to Eli Halpin art.  To see him live is an unbelievable treat.

6. Zac Brown: Jolene
I love the looks and attitude of this new guy on the Country scene.  Jolene is a Ray LaMontagne song.

7. Taylor Swift: Enchanted.

My daughter Luci has turned me into a Taylor Swift fan.  I think she is a true talent with a genius manager.  The new album was released Oct. 26, and Luci was ready.  She knows who each song is about and every word.

8. Robert Earl Keen: The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends

My friend is a big REK fan and I've been converted. 

His shows are not to be missed! This was one "hot" show

9. The Black Eyed Peas: The Time

The first time I heard this song on the radio I was with my kids.  They were saying... "listen, we love this song"....then my 11 year old stared at me in disbelief as I sang every word.  They had no idea the song was a remake from the 80's.  Who didn't see Dirty Dancing?

10. Eminem and Rhianna: Love the Way you Lie

Eminem is timeless.  Who knew? This is a great song and another favorite of both my kids.

11. Nelly: Just a Dream

This may be one of the most over played songs on the radio right now.  Every time I drive Teddy to school, and each time I pick him up we hear it.  I love how we both like it and love to turn it up!



Road trip with a dash of Brandi Carlile

If you haven't been to the Britt in Jacksonville, Oregon go there. If you don't own any Brandi Carlile, buy it. My crush with Brandi Carlile started in March when she performed at the Tower in Bend, and I took my first trip away from Cowgirl Cash and went to Sun Valley with my family. Brandi and her band found their way to the store via Bill a customer, a Bend resident, and the father of one of Brandi Carlile's friends. Got it? Anyway, I had to buy the music of the rock star that loved my store, and I was immediately hooked.
 

I recently took a Cowgirl Cash buying trip and added the concert for a dose of fun. My ticket was purchased by my 13 year old daughter for mothers day. I wished Luci was at the concert the whole time, but subjecting anyone to a Cowgirl Cash buying trip is not kind. Thrift stores, garage sales, and pawn shops, are part of the package, and it can be rigorous. It was work, with a side of concert.

I arrived nearly two hours before the show. The Britt allows you to come early with your own food and beverages. I brought my cooler, and a magazine and settled in. The people watching was fantastic, the breeze and the shade was pleasant, and the music they had playing ranged from Bob Dillon to Ray LaMontagne. The Executive Director of the Britt introduced the title sponsor 1859 and welcomed everyone. It was a nice touch, got the audience engaged and kicked off a fabulous night. Right before Brandi came on a woman came by wearing a concert tee shirt. I commented on it, and before I knew it she was offering me a ticket "she hated to see go to waste". My lawn seats were pretty good, so I asked "how good", and she said "really good."

That's how I ended up front and center at Brandi Carlile.

The band came out and sang "Oh Dear" together...they all sang in perfect harmony...the whole band! At the end of the show a group of Bendites converged near the cd, tee shirt table. Among us was Bill, and his daughter wearing VIP passes and waiting to head back stage to visit Brandi. I handed them a Cowgirl Cash tee-shirt and asked them to pass on my adoration and the Cowgirl Cash swag.