tag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2023-04-05T21:31:53-04:00Chris Goodfalsetag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/71848322023-04-05T21:31:53-04:002023-10-16T10:45:00-04:004.5.23 Earthwork Music tour across Michigan this April 19-23!<p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">2 weeks from tonight we’ll be kicking off </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://earthworkmusic.com/pages/collective-tour-2023" data-link-type="url" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music</strong></span></span></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://earthworkmusic.com/pages/collective-tour-2023" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><strong> Spring Tour 2023!</strong></span></a><br><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">It’s been almost 5 years since the last tour and as my excitement and anticipation grows for these shows I can already start to feel the warmth, love and creativity that I know will be so fully present at these shows as songs, stories and special collaborations are shared by this wonderful crew of artists.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">4/19 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/716821879902601/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=-UK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music Spring Tour 2023 - Kalamazoo</strong></span></span></a><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">4/20 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1219741135604093/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=-UK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music Spring Tour 2023 - Lake Orion</strong></span></span></a><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">4/21 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3025336581095032/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=-UK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music Spring Tour 2023 - Grand Rapids</strong></span></span></a><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">4/22 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2056976021180391/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=-UK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music Spring Tour 2023 - Traverse City</strong></span></span></a><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">4/23 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3306700582979024/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=-UK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><span><strong>Earthwork Music Spring Tour 2023 - Ludington</strong></span></span></a><br><br><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Hope to see a lot of friends out there as we travel Michigan! </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://earthworkmusic.com/pages/collective-tour-2023" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">All shows are on sale now!</span></a><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/earthworkmusic?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><strong>#earthworkmusic</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/earthworkmusictour?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXRCNcOIxyV0QFuUQUhs4E2jI5zbfP-4EyGDqK-iaFb0OOVOuIuXqkq1tnmdIuceNGXN0w8Ahxm6WTslZVj8FXc8QhxDxFNUYlwibWZfND-mmPQAoFXAeF10sAMS-f4ZpQ&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><strong>#earthworkmusictour</strong></span></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/44576/dc2612af734fbcbf0e8992934acde9c077ed13cd/original/340009823-3390972107823197-7004182057041870048-n.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/70328602022-08-07T23:04:33-04:002022-08-07T23:05:28-04:008.7.22 Website refresh, birthday vibes, upcoming shows!<p>Here’s to 43! </p>
<p>Thank you to all who sent over such kind birthday wishes. It means so much. I’m feeling the years and also feeling stronger and smarter than ever, because of/in spite of it all. </p>
<p>I’m really looking forward to some big courage, creativity, and collaboration in this coming year. I’m working on a bunch of new tunes and hoping to do some recording and solo shows in the near future. Need an opener for your MI / N IN show? I might know a friendly 43 yr old singer-songwriter.</p>
<p>AND, years overdue, but I finally updated and gave my website a total makeover. Thanks for visiting and I’d be honored if you check it out some of my more recent projects <a contents="HOOPTONES" data-link-label="HOOPTONES" data-link-type="page" href="/hooptones">HOOPTONES</a>, <a contents="Sing Me Home" data-link-label="Sing Me Home" data-link-type="page" href="/sing-me-home">Sing Me Home</a>, <a contents="Title Track" data-link-label="Title Track" data-link-type="page" href="/title-track">Title Track</a>, and <a contents="Friends with the Weather" data-link-label="Friends with the Weather" data-link-type="page" href="/friends-with-the-weather">Friends with the Weather</a>. Let me know what you think! </p>
<p>Here’s a couple upcoming performances I’m really excited about - more shows playing bass & harmonizing with <a contents="Joe Reilly" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.joereilly.org/" target="_blank">Joe Reilly</a> and we’re getting Friends with the Weather back in action with a trip to VA and some shows in IN! Thanks again for the birthday love and hope to <a contents="see many of you out there in-person" data-link-label="Calendar" data-link-type="page" href="/calendar">see many of you out there in-person</a> in the next couple of months!</p>
<p>Aug 26-27 | Sing Me High Festival (Friends with the Weather) </p>
<p>Sept 16-18 | Earthwork Harvest Gathering (Joe Reilly) </p>
<p>Sept 24 | The Ark (Joe Reilly) </p>
<p>Oct 8 | Sing Me Home Fall Festival (Friends with the Weather) </p>
<p>Oct 22 | Manchester University (Friends with the Weather) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/b2d088557669fade357e44604621c0258d9d41ad/original/copy-of-cg-summer-fall-2022.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593692018-07-01T00:35:00-04:002022-07-15T13:04:04-04:007.1.18 "On the Other Side" music video!<p>The deeper the darkness the more the world needs your light. </p>
<p>Today, my offering is a simple song of encouragement & commitment. A video expression of pure love between parent & child. I'm keenly aware of my own privilege, aching for those who deserve these precious moments of carefree joy & safety no less than I do but are targeted because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their religious belief. </p>
<p>I've been keeping my daughter extra close these last few weeks. As if somehow my loving embrace can extend out across the miles to wrap up all of those parents and children so cruelly separated from one another. </p>
<p>"Ain't no light like the light that shines from the darkness. <br>Ain't no hope like the hope that sparks from despair. <br>Ain't no flower like the flower that blooms in the desert. <br>Ain't no love like the love that conquers fear." </p>
<p>I've been rocking my daughter & singing these words, just as I did during her first precious days of life. She is my most brilliant light, radiating hope & wonder & challenging me every day to dig deeper into being the best person that I can be. She reminds me to return to the hope, the fight, the resilience, the commitment to being a part of the change, the growth, the healing. </p>
<p>"WE are that spark, gonna light it up, shine through the dark." </p>
<p>If not us, who? When our children ask us about this moment, will we be able to tell them that we showed up, spoke out? That we kept creating beauty & kept building beloved community? We must find the courage and the will to persist. Light it up!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gq0KnuTPUZo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593682018-02-16T00:30:00-05:002021-08-27T12:36:10-04:002.16.18 "Blessed for the Journey" music video release!<p>We live. We love. We belong. In times full of fear, conflict, and pain, it is so easy to forget one of life's first lessons...the power of holding hands with those beside us. Stepping with courage into the unknown with simple acts of strength, grace, & resilience reveals a different way...a way of healing and a way of hope in honoring our shared humanity. </p>
<p>Out of the devastation of World War II, many stories of hope would emerge. Individuals & communities across the United States & Canada responded to the call to care for & transport livestock on an epic journey across the ocean, delivering the animals to the families & communities devastated by the war. This work continues more than 70 years later through the work of <a contents="Heifer International" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.heifer.org/" target="_blank">Heifer International</a>, using this "give a cow, not a cup" philosophy to work with communities across the world to end hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. </p>
<p>This project would not have been possible without the support & generosity of Peggy Reiff Miller, who has spent years archiving these inspiring stories of the "<a contents="seagoing cowboys" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://seagoingcowboys.com/" target="_blank">seagoing cowboys</a>." Peggy, through her archivist work, her children's book, and her public presentations captures the many layers to these adventurous stories & has chronicled them for us to continue to learn from. Thank you so much, Peggy, for granting us permission to use these photo & video treasures from your collection.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_0j8iXUy0nU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_0j8iXUy0nU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0j8iXUy0nU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593672018-02-14T00:30:00-05:002021-08-27T12:36:49-04:002.14.18 FWTW Behind the Songs: "Tell me Stories"<p>It all started in the backseat of a converted old ambulance 2,500 miles from home. I had never heard someone tell a story like you do, winding roads through moments that no one else seemed to notice. Each chapter of the story peeling back new layers of wit, insight, and curiosity. The laughter flowed easy in those early moments of falling in love. </p>
<p>We were traveling home having spent a month in Chiapas, Mexico, learning about the resistance movements for justice and self-determination alongside about a dozen of our classmates and our beloved professor, Ken Brown. Our minds & hearts were on fire, wide open to the possibilities...full of big questions, big dreams, big passion. </p>
<p>20 years later I still love dreaming with you. The stories still keep me on the edge of my seat, goofy grinned having lost all sense of composure. The invitation made in those first tender & electric days traveling through Mexico remains...tell me stories, tell me your dreams...I want to know everything. </p>
<p>***** </p>
<p>I've written other love songs but the song "Tell me Stories" holds a special place in my heart. It definitely took it's time in becoming fully realized, having gone through many starts & stops & new versions & newer versions. From those first moments of inspiration to the studio session with some of the finest humans/musicians/friends around, the creation of this track has been one of my most moving & memorable musical experiences. So much love & gratitude to Seth Hendricks, Lindsay Lou, Seth Bernard, Brennan Andes, Abby Alwin, Jim Roll, David Hupp, Grace Rother, and Nate Shull for your beautiful participation in this creation. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="l9ZYx1uC004" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/l9ZYx1uC004/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9ZYx1uC004?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593662017-09-29T00:20:00-04:002018-07-24T00:20:44-04:009.29.17 FWTW Behind the Songs: "Loveliness"<p>Fleeting yet timeless. Fate-full while full of intention. Intimate amidst the wide open. Contagious in its generosity. Grounding in its steadfastness. Love. </p>
<p>I remember being deeply moved during my Aunt Belinda Good's memorial service how amidst a grief-stricken family & community, love could resonate so profoundly, in gratitude and lasting, living legacy. One life, although way too short in years, continues to ripple out in infinite ways simple & profound. In the sharing of the stories, a collective challenge & accountability was birthed to live into that love in all of it's loveliness. </p>
<p>This was our charge as lyricists & musicians as we set to bring "Loveliness" to life...to capture a drive and sense of urgency but also to relax into a groove, as if falling into a long, unconditional loving embrace. </p>
<p>My wish for us all in these times of fear is to live with hearts courageously wide open, to seek & embrace the loveliness in ourselves and each other. </p>
<p>Special thanks to my dear cousin, Adam Good, for sharing this beautiful photograph.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="a7kaUzh9438" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/a7kaUzh9438/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a7kaUzh9438?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593652017-09-22T00:15:00-04:002021-08-27T12:37:09-04:009.22.17 FWTW Behind the Songs: "Light Awakes"<p>Friends with the Weather is currently going behind the songs in honor of the 1 year anniversary of their debut album release. Here are Chris' reflections on the song, "Light Awakes."</p>
<p>If you haven’t held the <a contents="“Friends with the Weather” CD" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store" target="_self">“Friends with the Weather” CD</a> in your hand & studied the liner notes, you probably don’t know that the album is divided into 3 movements, “The Light Awakes,” “From the Darkness,” and “Over the Horizon.” As individual songs began to settle into an arch of an album, a story began to emerge exploring how we make sense of and find some peace, hope, and light within the very human experiences of fear, grief, disillusionment, and injustice. How do we allow the light to awaken? How do we sit & learn from the times of darkness? How do we channel that cocktail of insight & experience into energy & nourishment for the road ahead? Energy we will most definitely need as we strive to be a part of building a brighter future. </p>
<p>For me, the song “Light Awakes” is the heart and soul of the album. A song born from the space of deep loss, sorrow, and grief where each day seems to reveal new layers of heartache. In this space, with heart raw & cracked wide open, vulnerable & unfiltered, the light can sometimes awaken & burst threw...becoming a song of hope & transformation. I suspect many of us can think of a time where light awakened surprisingly, straight out of the darkness. Perhaps a moment of gratitude steeped in a loving memory. Perhaps a young person with an exuberance & love for life that shifts your perspective. Perhaps a stirring and restlessness inside of you to engage the world more deeply. </p>
<p>“The spark remains in the space within...the traveler remains in your soul. So let go.”</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-VGDJlr21jY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-VGDJlr21jY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VGDJlr21jY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593462017-01-20T00:05:00-05:002021-08-27T12:37:58-04:001.20.17 Five life-affirming songs to listen to on inauguration day<p>From the Friends with the Weather blog:</p>
<p>This is our humble offering…a scattering of a few musical seeds of creative & loving energy into the world on this day. Reflections on beauty, gratitude, perseverance, justice, simplicity, and finding the light within the darkness. </p>
<p>We'd love to hear what seeds you're sowing today, as well. May they find fertile ground. </p>
<p>1. "<a contents="Ezra's Song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9be6iI1fNjQ&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Ezra's Song</a>." A blessing for the children as we commit to honoring the next generations. "You don't have to be anything more than you already are." </p>
<p>2. "<a contents="Light Awakes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VGDJlr21jY&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Light Awakes</a>." Within the darkness may we find courage. "So leave & do not be afraid. The traveler still remains in your soul." </p>
<p>3. "<a contents="One Foot" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK1y0Ry5zG4" target="_blank">One Foot</a>." A song of encouragement, one foot, one step at a time. "Let the walking bring you peace of mind." </p>
<p>4. "<a contents="Brave Man from Ohio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTYf3Ahyndk&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Brave Man from Ohio</a>." May we remember & be inspired by the courage, vision, and conviction of those who have come before. "If I die, I'll die making something instead of tearing something down." </p>
<p>5. "<a contents="Beautiful" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcfLrrryyuQ&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Beautiful</a>." (from our own Chris Good) May we never doubt our beauty & our power. Sing it loud. Sing it proud. "You are BEAUTIFUL!"</p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593452016-12-10T17:55:00-05:002018-07-24T00:24:11-04:0012.10.16 "Live from Johnny's" EP / Holiday FWTW sales<p>VIDEO PREMIERE: <br>"One Foot" is the third song released from Friends with the Weather's "Live from Johnny's Speakeasy" session, a soulful song of encouragement written by David Hupp. </p>
<p>ALBUM RELEASE: <br><a contents="Our "Live from Johnny's Speakeasy" EP is now available for&nbsp;download" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://friendswiththeweather.com/store" target="_blank">Our "Live from Johnny's Speakeasy" EP is now available for download</a>. The EP includes previously unreleased original songs "One Foot" & "Our Love" along with covers of Andy Murray's "Brave Man from Ohio" & Seth Bernard's "My Family." The 4 song collection showcases an acoustic vibe & speaks to a spirit of compassion, encouragement, and interconnectedness. Seth Hendricks, David Hupp, and Chris Good are again joined by bassist Brennan Andes along with Erin Zindle (fiddle/vocals) and Randall Moore (percussion) of The Ragbirds, Jacob Crouse (banjo/cello/percussion/vocals) of Mutual Kumquat, and Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) of Yonder Mountain String Band. </p>
<p>SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER: <br>The new EP is available for pay-what-you-choose with all proceeds going to theSouthern Poverty Law Center. 20% of sales of all other FWTW merchandise through our website will also be donated to SPLC through the end of the year. The Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality. </p>
<p>Order before 12/18 to ensure delivery by 12/23. </p>
<p>We are so grateful for the tremendous support we have received this year and look forward to an exciting 2017.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hK1y0Ry5zG4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/hK1y0Ry5zG4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hK1y0Ry5zG4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/53593432016-09-22T20:50:00-04:002018-07-23T23:54:36-04:009.22.16 "Friends with the Weather" album release!!<p>Our debut, self-titled album Friends with the Weather is online now! <br><a contents="Website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bit.ly/fwtwstore" target="_self">Website</a><br><a contents="Bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bit.ly/fwtwbcamp" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a><br><a contents="Earthwork Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://earthworkmusic.com/store-ind?i=223" target="_blank">Earthwork Music</a></p>
<p>We are also very excited to release a lyric video for our lead single, "<a contents="Light Awakes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VGDJlr21jY" target="_blank">Light Awakes</a>." </p>
<p>We hope this music befriends you on your journey and we invite you to share this video with your friends & family. Perhaps with a friend who has helped awaken the light within you, or a friend who could use a little extra encouragement along their way. You are strong, you will find your way. Together, we are stronger, we will find our way.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-VGDJlr21jY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-VGDJlr21jY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VGDJlr21jY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/42376112016-06-19T03:10:52-04:002021-08-21T08:32:45-04:006.19.16 Father's Day single from Friends with the Weather: Ezra's Song<p>Today, on Father's Day, I celebrate some of my favorite fathers. Seth Hendricks. David Hupp. Brennan Andes. Seth Bernard. Jim Roll. 6 of the 7 key collaborators of this new, <a contents="Friends with the Weather " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.friendswiththeweather.com" target="_blank">Friends with the Weather </a>project are fathers. In the midst of these troubled times where men so often seem to be forces of violence, hate, and misogyny, these men have inspired me deeply to seek another way. These are fathers who nurture, who play, who engage. Who have strong loving arms to comfort & when it's time, set their babies free. These are fathers who teach their sons the meaning & power of consent. These are fathers who support their daughters in discovering their own power, with unconditional & present love. These are fathers who model what it means to be a community builder of hope on behalf of the disenfranchised, the earth, and the next generations. And collaborator #7? Julian Allen, the youngest of our crew, is already nurturing the next generation of young folks in a beautiful way, another lovely embodiment of masculinity that seals this team's chemistry. </p>
<p>On this Father's Day, we are releasing our second song, "Ezra's Song." The song is a blessing from a father to a child. Today, it is also our blessing and celebration of all of the fathers & men out there bringing the soulful, gentle, nurturing, loving, creating energies into this world. These papas are going to keep on making the music, dreaming the dreams, nurturing the next generations, and lifting up the hope that we can be a part of creating something beautiful.<br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9be6iI1fNjQ" width="560"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/42078242016-06-02T00:45:32-04:002021-08-25T13:21:37-04:006.1.16 Friends with the Weather: New single, Earthwork Music, "My Family!"It's been an exciting few days for all involved with the new project <a contents="Friends with the Weather!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.friendswiththeweather.com" target="_blank">Friends with the Weather!</a><br><br>Yesterday, after 6 months of hard work & years of writing & envisioning, my new project Friends with the Weather dropped our first single, "It Gets Better," today. After that journey it feels so good to share some of this music with the world! Listen to it here: <p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vK0x8uGPc9w" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Yesterday the project was also officially welcomed into the <a contents="Earthwork Music&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.earthworkmusic.com" target="_blank">Earthwork Music </a>Collective. I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of this inspiring group of musicians, educators, and activists who have been a part of my daily soundtrack for years. If you know Earthwork then you know why I'm so excited. If you don't, I highly encourage you to spend some time getting to know this roster of talented & visionary musicians. Read the official Earthwork welcome <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://earthworkmusic.com/blog?page=ind&i=1148" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>And today...</p>
<p>As brandnew members of the Earthwork Music Collective we're thrilled to get the chance to participate in this sweet compilation project "Earthwork Covers Earthwork." Here's our take on our good friend, collaborator & Earthwork founder Seth Bernard's great tune "My Family." Visit the <a contents="BLOG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://earthworkmusic.com/blog?page=ind&i=1150" target="_blank">BLOG</a> for a glimpse at the story of why we chose the song, to see an accompanying original painting by the talented Michigan artist Michael Anne Erlewine, and to see the live video of the recording of the song featuring some very special guests!! </p>
<p> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZK2-glb37c" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Download the single or pre-order the entire Earthwork Covers Earthwork album by following the <a contents="Bandcamp&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://earthworkmusic.bandcamp.com/album/earthwork-covers-earthwork" target="_blank">Bandcamp </a>link.</p>
<p>This song was filmed and recorded at Johnny's Speakeasy in Ann Arbor, MI as part of a live acoustic session. The remaining songs from this session will be released as a companion piece to our debut album set to release on September 16, 2016.</p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/40418092016-02-15T00:38:54-05:002021-01-19T08:59:26-05:002.15.15 Friends with the Weather: An introduction<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="x3VjHU73SFg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/x3VjHU73SFg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3VjHU73SFg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/40357642016-02-10T23:25:24-05:002020-12-25T01:39:59-05:0012.22.15 NEW project: Friends with the Weather!!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/054ae3049ee627afec7adfa1cdf61293ce7f6cb3/medium/file-jan-19-9-46-45-pm.jpeg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />I've been hunkered down with these 5 powerful beings these last 2 days...my longtime co-writer/bandmate/collaborator Seth Hendricks, my Mutual Kumquat bandmate David Hupp, my Sweet Insurrection bandmates Brennan Andes & Julian Allen, and longtime friend and Earthwork Music mastermind Seth Bernard. A deeply moving experience & cosmic solstice coincidence to dig into building a new project together amidst the darkest day of the year and today's returning of the light. Feeling a whole lot of joy, love, gratitude and anticipation amidst an apparent no smiles picture policy. Introducing Friends with the Weather...debut album coming in 2016!! Much more exciting news & updates on this project on the near horizon.</p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/40357622016-02-10T23:17:52-05:002016-02-10T23:17:52-05:003.27.15 "Beautiful" music video now online!!<p>¡¡¡¡My brand new music video for "Beautiful" now online!!!! <br><br>To all my lovely friends & family...you are beautiful! To all my bandmates & fellow musicians giving of their souls & sparking inspiration on the daily...YOU are beautiful! To all those activists working tirelessly, selflessly, passionately for a better world...you ARE beautiful. To those feeling low, depressed, lonely, discouraged amidst bullying, prejudice, hate...you are BEAUTIFUL! To my super talented & generous collaborators Dave, Grace, Chelsea...you are BeAuTiFuL! To the 2 loves of my life Heidi & Lucille...BEAUTIFUL hardly touches it! Shout it in the mirror. Say it to your neighbor. Preach it to your community. I am beautiful. You are beautiful. We are beautiful.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcfLrrryyuQ" width="560"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/40357042016-02-10T23:14:36-05:002017-01-13T19:18:45-05:003.12.15 "Beautiful" music video premiere at S.C.O.T.U.S. or Bust Event!<p>Put it in rainbow glittered PEN on your Springtime calendars! So excited to be premiering my new music video for "Beautiful (The Pink Fingernail Song)" at this <a contents="event " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/908397645872374/" target="_blank">event </a>on 3/27. The Sweet Insurrection band has never sounded better. Grace Rother and Chelsea Jordan's art/animation never more beautiful. Dave Schall Acoustic's video/audio/editing genius never more on point. And most importantly, there's never been a better time to have a fabulous time while we stand up & raise some $$ as a community...as we persist in this struggle for equality!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/c7319130424700bb405ec478cf47899be1c05a8a/large/11025736-651566778306089-7760486162070000533-n.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/40357012016-02-10T23:10:00-05:002021-06-07T16:46:05-04:002.7.15 Baby Bliss<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/2ce9d775e595a5bec25af9d454cd004bdfccd0ae/small/10959607-929174417146081-1494475196351226095-n.jpg?0" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br>Been a super sweet few weeks getting to know this little one...Lucille Wilder Good Beck, born 1/24/15. I know it's way to early to tell her musical tastes but I think there are some very promising signs...she jammed out (opened her eyes...wide) to Missy's halftime performance, seemed to enjoy my all day Bob Marley birthday serenade, and appears to enjoy Pete Seeger lullabies. I'm reluctant but excited to emerge from this precious bubble in coming weeks with a new music video, some exciting Chris Good gigs, and a busy <a contents="Mutual Kumquat" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mutualkumquat.com" target="_blank">Mutual Kumquat </a>spring (videos, new album, tour). Stay tuned!! </p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/34468042014-12-31T15:36:54-05:002016-02-15T00:43:02-05:0012.27.14 "For the Ancestors" music video releaseSix years ago yesterday my dear Aunt Louie & Uncle Phil died in a car accident on the way to our family Christmas gathering. In a moment, an irreplaceable hole was ripped into the fabric of our family. For me, it was by far the closest and most intimately touched by death and grief that I had ever been. In the midst of the incredible intensity and waves of grief and emotion in those first days I only later realized the vast community of people that I had joined who have travelled on their own grief journeys.<div>
<p>In my own grief, I knew in those first days that a new song was rising inside of me. It is a song rooted in gratitude, in love, in life…remembering those who have come before…celebrating with humility how their lives live on in each of us…and together in our own families and communities, love carries on. For me, writing the song was an important piece of my own grief journey remembering my aunt and uncle. What I didn't realize when I wrote the song was what a powerful experience it would be to share the song with others. I have been so overwhelmed with the privilege of hearing so many of your own stories of grief, and love, and gratitude for your own ancestors. I feel like our culture struggles with its relationship with death and how we honor our ancestors. I hope this song (and video) continue to be an invitation for all of us to remember with humility, gratitude, and celebration the lives of those who have come before…and how those spirits live on in each of us.</p>
<p>So many thanks to the many, many people who contributed to this project. What a tremendous honor to be an artist amidst such tremendous community. You all inspire me so deeply. Special thanks to my dear cousins Ken and Kate Miller Rieman, Cheri Rieman, and Tina Rieman; my beautiful soul brother bandmates for this performance Seth Hendricks, Nome McBride, and Justin Peterson; my incredibly talented studio band Brennan Andes, Griffin Bastian, Jesse Clayton, Randall Moore, Jacob Jolliff, and Michael Anne Erlewine; and my wonderful video collaborator Chris Stover-Brown. I love you all so much.<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mXQQpBTeN8Y" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/mXQQpBTeN8Y/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXQQpBTeN8Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
</div>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/34380112014-12-25T23:08:13-05:002017-01-13T19:18:45-05:0011.13.14 Dear MichiganDear Michigan,<p>Despite your baffling electorate, discouraging politricks, and stubborn continuation of prejudicial laws, I can't help falling more in love with you every day.</p>
<p>In the days since walking out of the voter's booth last week I have visited your wineries, your brewpubs, your eateries graced by visionary chefs & winemakers & brewmasters who work in harmony with farmers caring for the earth while bringing tastes alive with passion & creativity.</p>
<div>
<p>I have walked your awesome and breathtaking shores, woods & fields, filled with wonder & urgent responsibility to care for this water & earth so abundant yet so fragile.</p>
<p>I have heard your songsters, jazz and folk and pop and genre defying alike, speaking voices of ancestral and timeless richness, prophetic challenge, gritty humor, fearless shredding, and ear candy worthy of every soundtrack.</p>
<p>I have fallen again and again for your people. The communities where 2 or 3 or 3,000 gather to be all embracing of LOVE, of science, of spirit, of passion, of gratitude, of culture, of humility, of justice, of dignity, remembering and learning from our history as we envision and build our future.</p>
<p>Thank you, friends, from the depths of my being. YOU know who you are. Keep doing what you do. Thanks for reminding me of what is at stake and showing me how beautiful this life can be. You inspire me to do what I do and to do it fearlessly and lovely and strong.</p>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/9b4e9bce1364f5baa61edad013947062495567a9/original/lake-michigan-panorama.jpg?1419565721" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p></div>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/34380102014-12-25T23:05:02-05:002014-12-25T23:07:24-05:0011.4.14 Wabash, IN "BUY LOCAL" videoLOVE this! Kudos to <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=112463542287916" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/greenhatproductionsLLC" target="_blank">Green Hat Productions, LLC</a>, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=346183432064" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wabash-Marketplace-Inc/346183432064" target="_blank">Wabash Marketplace, Inc.</a> and the good folks of Wabash, IN (only 20 minutes from my hometown!) for their great Buy Local video. Honored for my "Buy Local Song" to be the soundtrack.<br><br><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="lJqgpRMojbA" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/lJqgpRMojbA/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lJqgpRMojbA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/26361532014-02-24T12:28:52-05:002014-02-24T12:28:52-05:002.23.14 Equality Cabaret, Marriage Equality in Marriage!Some days the hope & the love & the anything is possible flows so abundantly you don't know whether to cry or laugh or scream or kiss whoever is closest to you. WOW! This is one of those days.<br><br>Thank you to all who made <a contents="Equality Cabaret: Making Marriage Equality a Reality" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/441179332649684/" target="_blank">Equality Cabaret: Making Marriage Equality a Reality</a> possible! Special thanks to the <a contents="Jim Toy Community Center" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter" target="_blank">Jim Toy Community Center</a> & Cynthia Dunitz for all of the organizing work!! And what a thrill to share the stage with such phenomenal artists like <a contents="Vienna Teng" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ViennaTeng" target="_blank">Vienna Teng</a> & <a contents="Nervous but Excited" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/nervousbutexcited" target="_blank">Nervous but Excited</a>. Stay up to date on how you can make a difference with the ongoing struggle for Marriage Equality in Michigan at <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.michiganmarriagechallenge.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>! Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/26361292014-02-24T12:18:28-05:002014-02-24T12:29:05-05:002.22.14 BUY LOCAL Song updateThe original 'Buy Local' video (posted 12/4/13) had 15,000+ views in 2 months! It was taken down by YouTube earlier this month for allegedly violating YouTube's terms of service. We're still trying to understand what this means & are appealing to hopefully have it reinstated. In the mean time we are reposting the video.<br><br>I continue to be overwhelmed by the incredible generosity & enthusiasm of the 14 participating musicians, 40+ area businesses & organizations & the hundreds of supporters (individuals, organizations, businesses, media outlets) across the country who have helped spread the word! There is so much positive energy that continues to build & this is one small, though incredibly frustrating speed bump in the wider movements of community supported culture, localism, and sustainable commerce! Thanks again for all of your support!! Much love, Chris<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7bcFvJyhmUg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7bcFvJyhmUg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7bcFvJyhmUg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/21884752013-12-07T12:14:23-05:002022-07-15T13:04:04-04:0012.7.13 BUY LOCAL premiere, release, buzz, press, 8,500 views 48 hrs in!!<p>So much to catch up on! An absolutely beautiful night on Wednesday night at <a contents="Frita Batidos" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.fritabatidos.com" target="_blank">Frita Batidos</a> to premiere the "<a contents="Buy Local" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://youtu.be/27_6GEEuRlA" target="_blank">Buy Local</a>" music video. We had two showings, a packed house, and the community spirit was in full effect as we enjoyed the video & amazing food & drink together. Thanks so much to Eve & her crew at Frita for hosting us!! The video went online 5 minutes after premiere and it has been a wild ride since. <br><br>Completely overwhelmed & heart fully melted by the response to the "<a contents="Buy Local" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/7bcFvJyhmUg" target="_blank">Buy Local</a>" video in these first 2 days. We're rocking 8,500+ views right now!!! The journey has reinvigorated my belief in community both here in Ann Arbor & with my broader community around the country & world. For me personally, the project has truly been about 'supporting my friends & neighbors' and trying to envision a healthy, balanced sense of commerce that fuels culture & community. Thank you, all, for helping spread the word! I've heard of listening parties, the video making biz/org newsletters, bands sharing on email lists, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=142244815809228" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.shoplocally.com" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">ShopLocally.com</a> covered it, press by <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=183634571681043" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.damnarbor.com/2013/12/buy-local-music-video-premiers-tonight.html" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">Damn Arbor</a>, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=11897558895" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/12/new_buy_local_music_video_show.html" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">MLive.com</a> & <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=178397465506996" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/12/06/music-video-promotes-the-message-buy-local/" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">CBS Detroit</a>, and of course so many of you sharing via fbook, twitter, and word of mouth! Let's keep it up!! Share it, like it, comment on it, spread the word on blogs, discussion boards, to your media contacts, tell your grandmother...grandmas seem to really like this...I think that's a really good sign! <br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7bcFvJyhmUg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7bcFvJyhmUg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7bcFvJyhmUg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/21371822013-11-30T12:43:18-05:002013-12-07T12:16:59-05:0011.30.13 Buy Nothing Day, Buy LOCAL, and a future of balanced, healthy commerceThis kind of ethic, vision, personality, and commitment to community shared so eloquently by the folks at <a contents="Literati Bookstore" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.literatibookstore.com" target="_blank">Literati Bookstore</a> is one of many reasons why I'm so excited for this "Buy Local" project! I am mindful of the devastating effects of unfettered capitalism, consumerism, and greed on the earth, workers, consumers, and communities alike. There are so many scholars, poets, preachers & teachers through the centuries who have spoken to that so clearly...from the current Pope to Ghandi to St. Frances of Assisi. Many people, including my dear friend <a contents="Samuel Seth Bernard" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samuelsethbernard.com" target="_blank">Samuel Seth Bernard</a>, lifted these concerns up yesterday by observing <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=112778512070348&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">Buy Nothing Day</a> rather than Black Friday. Let us hold these lessons close and help them shape our behaviors in the recognition that truly every dollar we spend is a vote for the future that we & our children will inhabit. Let us speak for a future of balanced, healthy commerce that is vibrant, kind to its workers, community focused, concerned for the earth, and breathes into being a more sustainable & living economy that values culture, community, and sustainability. -chris<br><br>From <a contents="Literati Bookstore" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Literati-Bookstore/131200837038169" target="_blank">Literati Bookstore</a> facebook post, Saturday 11/3013.<br>Most everything we do, we do with local small businesses:-Our T-shirts and totes are printed by VGKids, an Ypsi-based printing company<br>-Our cards are all designed by Ann Arbor artists<br>-Our bookshelves were re-purposed from Borders Store No. 1, or custom built by a local carpenter<br>-Our mugs were printed by Underground Printing<br>-Our bookmarks and some mugs were designed by Alisa Bobzien, a local ar<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; ">tist<br>-Our window displays and were hand-painted and constructed by Samantha Schroeder, a local artist<br>-Our sign, coming this week, was designed by Oliver Uberti, a local designer, and built right here in Ann Arbor by Grafaktri<br><br>When you shop local, more of your money stays local. But more than that, it's also been a great way to meet new friends, neighbors, and keep alive what we love about Ann Arbor.<br><br>Happy Small Business Saturday!</span>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/14950952013-07-28T15:25:00-04:002017-01-13T19:18:45-05:007.28.13 Oregon, Song & Story Festival, & Steve Kinzie<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/a463587971505ffeec2314130749e63fde9cf7d8/medium/steve-kinzie.jpg?1377647011" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br>
What a wonderful week of renewal, love, & community. Grateful for a beautiful reconnection/reunion with my <a target="_new" href="http://www.mutualkumquat.com">Mutual Kumquat</a>/Funkalicious brothers Nome McBride & Justin Peterson; special times with old friends & family; and such love & openness amidst sharing, singing, & camping together over the week from the whole <a target="_new" href="http://www.onearthpeace.org/faith-legacy/song-story-fest">Song & Story Festival</a> family. Thank you all!!!<br><br><br>
A highlight among highlights was getting to play bass with Steve Kinzie during his concert. I love this man. As a 10 year old he trained me in mediation & how to transform conflict on the recess playground of Laketon Elementary. As a teenager I looked up to him in awe as one of my favorite singer-songwriters. In college I studied Conflict Resolution with him at the University of Laverne. Over the last decade I have called him mentor and dear friend. What an absolute joy to share the stage! For those of you who don't know Steve check out <a target="_new" href="http://stevekinzie.bandcamp.com">stevekinzie.bandcamp.com</a>!! We're only in Utah on our way home from Oregon & we've already listened through his new album 'Openings' at least 4 times...absolutely gorgeous.Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/14950372013-06-29T12:20:00-04:002013-06-29T12:20:00-04:006.29.13 More BIG News!! A Prairie Home Companion!! Checking 1 off my songwriter's bucket list!! Still wrapping my head around the fact that 2+ million folks are going to hear a tune ('Was it You') that Seth Hendricks & I wrote tonight on <a target="_new" href="http://prairiehome.publicradio.org">A Prairie Home Companion</a>. Wow! No, I'm not performing...BUT soooo honored that my good friends <a target="_new" href="http://www.joykillssorrow.com">Joy Kills Sorrow</a> recorded the tune on their new EP. Tune in to your NPR affiliates at 6 tonight or 12 noon tomorrow. And check out their tour schedule...east coast in coming weeks...can't miss show!Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/10201102013-06-26T00:00:00-04:002017-01-13T19:18:45-05:006.25.13 BIG NEWS!! "Song for the Veggies" to be adapted into children's book!!<span style="font-size: small; "><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/44576/7ecc860f17ffb8b0b29836a3a8992015b6b7d6c9/medium/Kay-Guyer.jpg?1377646829" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="470" width="300" /><br><span class="font_regular">Thrilled beyond thrilled to announce that I am working on a children's book adaption of my "Song for the Veggies" with the very talented artist Kay Guyer!! The seeds were scattered by several friends & fans almost 5 years ago and although its taken a few years, those seeds have vigorously germinated and Kay & I are committed to water, weed, and sing to our lovely seedling of a project with care & intention all the way through to harvest.<br><br><br>We are brainstorming many exciting ways to share this project & our love for veggies, the earth, and community with the world...hopefully in an engaging, beautiful, and imaginative way! But first, we are exploring printing & publishing options. Neither of us have done this before so we humbly ask for any advice, suggestions, brainstorms from our community. Many thanks & stay tuned for updates on the project in coming months! In the meantime check out a few of the illustrations from the upcoming book...</span></span><br><br type="_moz"> Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/9191832013-06-01T14:20:00-04:002017-02-02T02:00:45-05:006.1.13 New gigs, new press, new concert videos!Well, it's been way too long checking in here. I hope your gardens are growing, you've had your first swim of the season, and the cookouts and campfires are raging. Some great new <a target="_new" href="./press.cfm">press</a> has been rolling in for <i>Beautiful</i> and some exciting <a target="_new" href="./shows.cfm">gigs</a> have been booked for this summer & fall. I'm really excited to share a few videos from a very special show at Arbor Vitae in Ann Arbor this spring. The talented sound/video genius Dave Schall of <a target="_new" href="http://daveschallacoustic.com">Dave Schall Acoustic</a> captured the evening that featured The Sweet Insurrection band of Brennan Andes (bass), Mike Shea (drums), Ross Huff (trumpet), Alekos Syropolous (saxaphone), Seth Hendricks (vocals) and Drue Gray (vocals). Coming out of the dark and melancholy of winter, for me it was a night full of healing, hope, and vibrancy. It was a cozy evening shared with some beautiful people and I'm excited to share these videos and invite you in to that space as well. <br><br><table width="600" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/2669272012-12-14T08:45:00-05:002017-02-01T19:45:24-05:0012.14.12 "There are no words to express this horror.""There are no words that can express this horror." <br><br>
When I heard the news of the school shooting today my heart felt an all too familiar sense of sadness and hopelessness, for this story as tragic and unbelievable as it is, has happened before, and I fear, will happen again. I looked up the video that our good friend Katie Cummings made inspired by our (Mutual Kumquat) song, "Blacksburg," in reflection to the tragic shooting several years ago in Virginia. It had been a long time since I watched this, and I watched it today with new eyes, tears flowing. <br><br>
"Count the dead<br>
shout their names<br>
they will not be forgotten<br>
these deaths will not be in vain<br>
we all feel pain<br>
we all have dreams<br>
separation an illusion<br>
we're in this together<br>
you and me..."<br><br><br><iframe width="350" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KlAV_9dIL0w?hl=en_US" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/2606642012-11-22T17:50:00-05:002012-11-22T17:50:00-05:0011.22.12 For the AncestorsThanksgiving 2012:<br>
I am so eternally grateful for having known Phil & Louie Baldwin Rieman, Kenneth L. Brown , Ken King, Mike Brown, and Lori Waas. On this day of thanks, I am deeply humbled how these 6 passionate & visionary individuals impacted my life and the lives of so many others. Each in their own way built inspired, creative, and engaged communities wherever they were. I think of each of them often, in my music-making, farming, activism, friendships, and more than anything how I see their spirits and legacies living on in their loved ones. I know that for many of us who have experienced the loss of family or close friends, holidays can be a bittersweet time. I know for myself, holidays will never be the same since my beloved Aunt Louie and Uncle Phil died in a car accident on the way to our family's Christmas gathering almost 4 years. Although they are missed so, so much, my heart bursts with gratitude for the times that we shared and the full lives that they lived.<br><br>
All 6 of these beautiful people were strong supporters of my music making. In different ways they supported & encouraged me to keep playing, keep writing, and to keep performing. That was so incredibly humbling and meant so much to me, because each of these folks were such mentors and inspirations for me. In the weeks and months after my aunt & uncle passed, I knew a song was being born. I knew that it would be rooted in African soil, where my aunt & uncle spent many years working & living. I also knew that it would need to capture the immense grief that my family & many friends were experiencing while at the same time lifting up the hope, celebration, and goodness of life that I knew Louie & Phil would want in such a song. It was the most difficult & challenging song I've ever written. There were many moments where it felt like too much and that it wasn't going to happen. It took several years to come fully to life, and in that time Ken King, a visionary farmer/musician/community builder in the Ann Arbor area and my dear professor/mentor/friend Ken Brown also passed. Both of their deaths also came way to early and they left huge holes in their communities and immense legacies that their friends, families, and communities continue to live into. As I and my communities were experiencing these new waves of grief, the song, "For the Ancestors" was finished. I performed the song for the first time at the 2011 Song and Story Fest amidst 150 good friends, many of them who had know Phil and Louie as well as Ken Brown. Two of them, Mike Brown and Lori Waas, were hearing this song for the first time it was performed while also hearing me play for the last time, as each of their deaths were to come in the the following months. Both parents of some of my closest friends, they had themselves became dear friends of mine as I learned to appreciate each of their strength, passion, and love of family, community and the world. <br><br>
Over the course of the last year, a group of incredibly soulful & talented Ann Arbor musicians as well as some of my Mutual Kumquat bandmates helped bring the song to life as 1 of 10 songs on my first solo record, <i><a target="_new" href="./store.cfm">Beautiful</a></i>. And most meaningful of all, my dear cousins (Phil and Louie's children) helped record background harmony vocals on this song. I am so, so proud of how it came together and I remember each of these 6 people who touched my life so deeply every time I sing it. <br><br>
Today I lovingly remember Phil & Louie Baldwin Rieman, Ken Brown, Ken King, Mike Brown, and Lori Waas. I send out huge prayers and thanks of love & gratitude to each of their families and to others who are going through similar journeys in their own families.. I continue to grieve the loss of each of these incredible folks, and honor and remember their lives & legacies with the light and reverence they shared so freely with the world.Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/2606542012-11-15T09:45:00-05:002017-02-01T19:39:07-05:0011.15.12 Mind on the Middle East My heart is breaking for all the people suffering amidst the growing violence in the Middle East. 10 years ago I wrote the song, "Looking through these pages," inspired by conversations with a Palestinian friend & classmate of mine at Manchester College, Randa Jamal. It is a song that speaks of the despair and hopelessness so present in the situation and the deep yearning for peace and new vision. A decade has passed but the search for peace & justice feel as elusive as ever. As I write this the bombs keep falling. <a target="_new" href="http://www.mutualkumquat.com">Mutual Kumquat</a> recently performed the song on a radio appearance on <a target="_new" href="http://www.treetownsound.com">Tree Town Sound</a> on Ann Arbor's 107.1 FM. Check out the video as the most recent episode of the <a target="_new" href="http://www.funkyfarmernewsic.com">Funky Farmer Newsic Program</a>. May we all do our part to help build community, conquer fear, and work towards a more peaceful and just world.<br><br>
<<iframe width="350" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TLvgKQnn2Qw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br type="_moz"><br>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/2606282012-11-05T08:45:00-05:002018-07-23T23:43:44-04:0011.5.12 Tour update, radio appearances, and new Funky Farmer videos!<p>It's been an exciting and busy few months!! There's been a handful of release shows for my debut solo album, <i><a href="./store.cfm" target="_new">Beautiful</a></i>, some touring with my band Mutual Kumquat, several radio interviews, and some fresh work on my music & activism blog The <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmKZHddNyzwv6PRMnCF66g" target="_blank">Funky Farmer Newsic Program</a>. In the midst of all the noise in this day before the elections, I find myself both anxious and hopeful. No doubt that the days and months ahead will be full of challenges, new opportunities, and much important work to do! Stay strong my friends...here's to new inspiration, new adventure, new connection as the fall days turn towards winter. Check out below my 2 most recent Funky Farmer videos (on the right), a special album release interview/feature on the <a href="http://www.treetownsound.com" target="_new">Tree Town Sound</a> radio program (top left), and (bottom left) a performance of "For the Ancestors" at this year's <a href="http://www.earthworkharvestgathering.com" target="_new">Harvest Gathering</a>.<br> </p>
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<p> </p>Chris Goodtag:chrisgoodmusic.com,2005:Post/2606212012-09-09T09:35:00-04:002012-09-09T09:35:00-04:009.9.12 'Beautiful' Album Release!!!Today is a day of gratitude. Today is a day of celebration. An intense new birth, beginning, awakening. An intense sense of completion and accomplishment. A day where you choose to put your heart on your sleeve and invite what may come. No regrets. As I prepare to head across town to do a radio interview on <a target="_new" href="http://www.treetownsound.com">Tree Town Sound</a> and officially release my debut solo record to the world, I find myself reflecting on the journey that took me here. So many people have helped me get to this moment. Heidi, Seth, Brennan, Jacob, Jim. The list goes on and on. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This album for me is years in the making and truly a labor of love. An album called <i><a href="./store.cfm">Beautiful</a></i>. 10 songs...10 seeds of Beautiful. 1: a song inspired by the controversy a few years ago that erupted over a boy with pink-painted nails...that turned into a song I sing to myself in the mirror...a song I sing (often in my head) to those I meet...of acknowledging the beauty in oneself and those around us. 2: a song celebrating humility. 3: a proclamation that nothing is more powerful than LOVE. 4: a tune inspired by the miracles of veggies, community, and food that I have experienced in my work and play as a farmer. 5: a love song rooted in the deepest and truest and realest love. #6: the song that cuts to the soul of this album...of gratitude, memory, reverance, loss, and love. 7: a song of revolution. 8: a love song of adventure...of kindred spirit. 9: a song of spice...a challenge to live life fully. 10: a song of letting go. And now I let go...it's time to release...time to celebrate. Yes, YOU are Beautiful!!Chris Good