Monday, October 29, 2012

Novemba Gigs!

Sorry to all those who check this for updates...I got caught up with Facebook, and forgot there are still those special people (of which I was just a few months ago) that do not use Facebook. I went on a last minute vacation to see family in California, acquired this new beauty:
And have now returned to Texas! Here are my upcoming gigs for the month, but I am sure there will be more, so keep on the lookout; I will work to keep this updated :)

(Tonight, Monday October 29th----My return to Cafe du Bois-Town Ctr Kingwood       6:30pm-9:30pm)
 *Classy & intimate dining. As always on monday nights Cafe has half-priced wines, I recommend the escargot.

-Thursday, November 1st            @Chimichurri's-King's Harbor Kingwood MAP        6pm-9pm

-Monday, November 5th             @Cafe du Bois-Town Ctr Kingwood MAP          6:30pm-9:30pm

-Tuesday, November 6th             @Last Concert Cafe-Houston MAP                     8:00pm-8:30pm
    *I'm opening for rocker Charity Ann at the 'Where the Girls Are' concert series. Proceeds go to Women's Domestic Violence shelters

-Sunday, November 11th             @Cuchara- Houston(brunch) MAP                          12pm-3pm
     *subbing for the wonderful Lois Albez

-Monday, November 12th            @Cafe du Bois-Town Ctr Kingwood MAP         6:30pm-9:30pm

-Saturday, November 17th          @Chelsea Wine Bar-El Lago (Kemah) MAP            8pm-12am
     *duo performance with the awesome BJ Mizell for the first time---wines on the water...

-Monday, November 19th           @Cafe du Bois-Town Ctr Kingwood MAP           6:30pm-9:30pm

-Saturday, November 24th        @Berryhill Grill-Market St. The Woodlands MAP     8pm-11pm

-Sunday, November 25th            @Cuchara-Houston (brunch) MAP                              12pm-3pm

-Monday, November 26th            @Cafe du Bois-Town Ctr Kingwood MAP         6:30pm-9:30pm
I'd love to see  you!!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Shows this week in October!

Here's an update on this week's gigs:

*Tonight, Monday October 8th, I will be playing at beautiful Cafe du Bois in Town Center Kingwood, where the wines are half off and the service is unbeatable. If you are looking for an intimate setting for a date, or a quiet meal with family/friends, Cafe is the place to be. I typically play a mix of bossa nova, jazz, standards, classic country, and some avant garde ambient music. :) I will be there from 6:30pm-9:30pm. 
Cafe du Bois
2845A Town Center Cir West
Kingwood, TX 77339

*Thursday night, October 11th, I will be back at IncrEDIBLE Delights on the Atascocita Country Club, where they will also be holding a Tea Party meeting, attended by Congressman Ted Poe. They will be airing the Vice Presidential debate on a large screen in one room, and I'll be playing music  by the bar/ Great food & views! I typically play a mix of bossa nova, jazz, with 80/90's mixed in. I will be playing from 6-9pm.
                                                                    IncrEDIBLE Delights
      20114 Pinehurst
    Humble, TX 77346

*Saturday night, October 13th, I will be in The Woodlands at Berryhill Baja grill on Market Street, either on the large patio by the fireplace, or inside the bar (depending on weather). Laidback atmosphere, close to the Pavillion, open late! Delicious fish tacos. Bar was purchased from the set of "Legends of the Fall!" :) I will be playing from 8-11pm, or later if you ask haha. I typically play an upbeat, more current mix of songs, with a few mashups. 
Berryhill Baja Grill-Market St.
9595 Six Pines
The Woodlands, TX 77380 (sometimes comes up as "Spring, TX)

Special thanks to Tony & Cheryl Austin/William Trout, Eric & Kathy Lookofsky, and Lance & Corrinna Parsons. I am indebted to you all for giving this mom a chance to entertain guests at your restaurants. You don't know what it means to me! Thank you!   

Monday, October 1, 2012

Cafe du Bois Tonight! 10-1-12

Tonight I will be playing at Cafe du Bois in Kingwood's Town Center from 6:30pm-9:30pm. As always wines are half-off! Come out and have an intimate meal with your friends & family:)

    Also this thursday Cafe is hosting a musical showcase of it's 4 entertainers:
Danny, Pamela, Brian & Yours Truly!

The Town Center farmer's market will be going on, so grab your goodies and keep them chilled in Cafe's locker while you relax, wine, dine and listen to this diverse group of musicians :)

Monday, September 24, 2012

IncrEDIBLE Delights--Double dose of Samantha Fox- Thursday 9-27-12 & Friday 9-28-12


I am going back to IncrEDIBLE Delights this thursday, September 27th, and friday September 28th, 2012 both nights from 7pm-10pm. It was my first time seeing the place last week, and I have to say, this place really has a great atmosphere for relaxing after a rough day. The panoramic view of the lake and beautiful greens is serene, and the bartenders are the sweetest. The chef's just earned 2 awards at the "Tasting the Town" event 2 wks ago, and I really believe this place is soon going to be a local favorite. Please come out and support me--even if you just want to have  a drink at the bar :)

IncrEDIBLE Delights
20114 Pinehurst Dr.
Humble, TX 77346



And look what I got for you--coupons! Use them!



If you want to make a request, leave a comment and maybe I can learn it by Thursday or Friday!

www.facebook.com/samanthafoxlivemusic

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Monday September 24th, 2012-Cafe du Bois


Monday night I'll be back at Cafe du Bois in Town Center, Kingwood in the main dining room from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Wines are half price! Delicious meals, intimate setting and my music :) Bring a friend or two, or plan a date with your special one.

Cafe du Bois (town ctr)
2845 W Town Center Circle
Kingwood, TX 77339


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

IncrEDIBLE Delights!




I am excited to say I will be playing for the new restaurant "IncrEDIBLE Delights" at the Atascocita Country Club, which has just recently re-opened! I will be playing tomorrow night, Thursday September 20th from 5:30pm to 9:00pm-ish.
EDIT---also will be playing next thursday, September 27th, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
    You do not need to be a member to dine there, and it's a beautiful place overlooking the lake. If you need more convincing, they also won 2 awards at the recent "Tasting the Town" event I played at last week! They won BEST ENTREE, and RESTAURANT MOST-LIKELY TO BE VISITED!
     Family friendly!! Bring the kids too!!

     I'm still learning more and more songs since having upgraded my equipment to include the Bose compact tower, and the vocalist harmonizer pedal. I would love to see familiar faces at my first time playing there---they may even ask me back next week! If you're not familiar with the area, here is a map in Humble--zoom in or out as needed:

The address is:
IncrEdible Delights @ Atascocita Country Club
20114 Pinehurst Dr.
Atascocita, TX 77346

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Thursday, September 13, 2012

Tasting The Town-Humble

Tonight was the Tasting the Town event at the Humble Civic Center. I was kindly invited to perform at the "Nico's Place" booth, as the owners had heard of me through Cafe du Bois. There were 4 or 5 other performers, and they all sounded awesome--they had a very powerful PA set up. John and the kids went with me since it was only an hour, and we got to sample some of the awesome restaurants in the area. When it was my turn to play, I plugged in my harmonizer, guitar and mic, into their soundboard, and the sound guy Scottish Bob, fiddled with the settings to try and get me to sound clear and loud without feedback, but the harmonizer pedal wasn't cooperating so after 2 songs, I decided to let someone else go up, and I'd go home and fetch my Bose. I was stressed and felt like I made a horrible impression on the Nico's place owners, other musicians, and local businesses :( I hurried back and John dropped me off with my Bose (he took the kids home for dinner since they were getting whiney.)
   
    I got my second chance and set up my Bose--Bob helped me position it correctly so as to have it as loud as possible without feedback. It sounded great! I was so relieved. I was also so elated to hear so much applause for my new songs I've been learning! I played:

*"Rum & Coca Cola"
*"Breaking the Girl"
*"Yes it Is"
*"Goodnight Sweetheart"
*"Island in the Sun"
*"Dani California"
*"Run For Your Life"
*"Don't Do Me Like That"
*"I'm Not Your Toy"
*"My Favorite Game/Love Song" (mashup)
*"Aint No Sunshine"
*"Girl From Ipanema"
*"Caramel"
*"Wicked Game"
*"Ugly Girl"
*"In The Waiting Line"
*"Hell"
*"Faith"
And this cute little boy came over right in front of me to watch--so I played the "Franklin" Theme song :) Everyone seemed to love that one lol. Didn't know it'd be such a hit! haha!

   I am so appreciative that Greg & Emmy invited me to play, and I met some awesome musicians that I truly hope to collaborate with in the near future! Nico's Place will soon be hosting Sunday brunches, and they asked me to play for them soon. Ironically, Nico's was one of the places I first sent ads to :)

    I also got to see Tony Raffa and his wife Leslie at their booths for Amedeo's & Raffa's----delicious food--sausage & Peppers and tiramisu! I saw my first employer Tony Austin with the Cafe du Bois display and talked to Martha & Abel---who made me this yummy sample of steak and shrimp...to die for :)I told Tony Austin that no matter if all this music stuff ends here for me, or if it's just the beginning, I will always remember he was the first to give me the chance! He has been very supportive of me wherever I play. Tony Raffa came by and complimented me on my music; I hope to get to play for one of his restaurants sometime.

   A few people took my cards and I was also approached by a fine dining restaurant employee who is looking for live entertainers. It was so exciting to be heard and appreciated---all because my husband decided to buy me a new set-up. I never would've spent that much $$, but he truly knows best! (And it's paying for itself haha).

  Tonight's second chance went so well, I feel good tonight. I am hopeful that tomorrow night at Berryhill will go just as well!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Trying out my Harmony Pedal

Harmonizer Sampler

 This is a little bit of a few songs I just learned and am trying to get accustomed to the harmonizer pedal. It was recorded with my camera so the sound quality is heavily diminished. I know I'm flat in parts of it, but wanted to hurry up and get a sample up..But you get the idea of the difference the pedal makes. The Bose sounds so much clearer than this camera makes it seem.

 *"Yes It Is" -The Beatles
*"I'm Not Your Toy" -La Roux
*"Pontoon" -Little Big Town
 *"Rum & Coca Cola" -The Andrews Sisters
*"Dani California" -Red Hot Chili Peppers
*"American Girls" -Weezer
*"Don't Turn Around" -Ace of Base...
*"Don't Do Me Like That" -Tom Petty
*"Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight" -The Mcguire Sisters
*"Breaking the Girl" -Red Hot Chili Peppers

More Shtuff!

My husband bought me some new equipment to play with :) I got this Bose compact sound system, which is very lightweight and came with padded cases, since it breaks down to 4 pieces. I also got this Vocalist pedal that detects harmonies according to my guitar chords--it has been so fun to play with, and has allowed me to expand my repertoire, doing songs that just weren't good enough with a single guitar/voice.




    I tried it all out on monday night at the cafe, and it went over well! Tony Austin (co-owner) thought it made a huge difference without "affecting the clarity" of my voice :) I will be bringing it thursday and friday this week too:

   Thursday September 13th, The West Lake Houston CoC will be holding a "Tasting the Town" event at Humble Civic Center from 4pm-9pm. Along with a few other local artists, I will be performing at the  "Nico's Place" booth around 7pm, for about an hour. Come out and sample a little of all the local eateries & wineries, and enjoy some family fun and entertainment! Tickets available here: www.tastingthetown.com 
Humble Civic Center
8233 Will Clayton Pkway
Humble, TX 77338

And then friday night September 14th, I will be back at Berryhill Baja Grill @ Market Street in The Woodlands. I am very excited to try my new rig and songs out, as they will mostly be upbeat/popular songs for the guests on the patio. The band "Train" will be playing at the Pavillion next door so I am sure there will be people coming by to drink afterward. It will be awesome to have a more powerful system, as last friday, the bustle and car honks etc, pretty much drowned my Fender Passport out! I will be playing from 8pm-11pm-ish. If you can make it, I'd love to see any of you! Feel free to introduce yourself if I haven't met you yet!
Berryhill Baja Grill @ Market St.
9595 Six Pines
The Woodlands, TX (my GPS detects it as "Spring, TX")

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Come See Me In September!


    Such an awesome review from Cafe du Bois! I am so appreciative that Tony & William have not only given me the chance to play my first ever gig, but have had me back 3 times. I am excited to announce I have been added to the lineup for the month of September, playing Monday nights, while Pamela, Danny & Brian play Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Excellent selection of entertainment if I do say so myself :)

     I am also excited to be playing in The Woodlands next friday night, September 7th, at Berryhill Baja Grill on Market Street. I am working on an expanded setlist with a wide mix of genres, and will be playing from 8pm-11pm. I would SOOO greatly appreciate it if any friends could make it out to support me---if I do well, I may be asked back :)
      Berryhill Baja Grill @ Market st.
      9595 Six Pines Dr.
      The Woodlands, TX 77380



And aside from Labor day, I will be playing at Cafe du Bois in Kingwood :
-Monday September 10th  6:30pm-9:30pm
-Monday September 17th  6:30pm-9:30pm
-Monday September 24th  6:30pm-9:30pm
-Monday October 1st        6:30pm-9:30pm

       Cafe du Bois 
       2845E Town Ctr Cir.
       Kingwood, TX 77339

Thanks to Ramiro Carrizales for getting some pictures of me at last monday's gig--and for bringing the extra 9-volt for my guitar! Hope to see the pictures soon! His professional photography site is www.justrealcaptures.com

 Thanks again for all your support--friend me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/SamanthaFoxLiveMusic

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

2 Chances to See Me in August

I will be playing on Monday August 13th, and Monday August 27th from 6:30pm-9:30pm at Cafe du Bois---the 14th is my bday so we might celebrate it on monday the 13th. Please come out and get something to eat and drink while supporting local music! I am working on some new songs:

* "Wicked Game" Chris Isaak
* "Linger" The Cranberries
* "Once I loved" Jobim
* "Tempted" Squeeze
* "Sparks" Coldplay

Any suggestions are welcome!
Thanks for reading :)
www.facebook.com/Samanthafoxlivemusic

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Some New Songs

This one is called "Ugly Girl" by Fleming & John. Cute little song about being bitter and jealous after a break up :)

This one I just learned and recorded today by Suzanne Vega called "Caramel"--famous from the movie "Closer" soundtrack. Not perfected yet, but I really want to do this one on monday night.

Please come check out Cafe du Bois July 30th Monday night-I'll be there from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Delicious food, wine and entertainment :)

Friday, July 20, 2012

Come See Me- Monday July 30th, 2012

Tonight's gig went so well, the owner has booked me for Monday the 30th, from 6:30pm-9:30pm so those of you who weren't able to make it, please mark your calendar!
         This is Cafe du Bois owner Tony Austin--thanks for taking the chance on me!!




Beautiful restaurant and delicious food. They have entertainment nearly every night of the week, and I am happy to possibly join that regular line-up :) 

Thank you to William Trout, Tony Austin and the gracious customers who stuck with me the whole night! I have received requests for:
*Queen
* Madonna circa 80's
*Sting/Police
*Annie Lennox 

So I have some work to do before the 30th :) 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Cafe du Bois



Cafe du Bois made this little ad for me- sweet huh? I am getting more nervous and excited! 2 more days!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Come See Me!

I will be playing live music to entertain guests at the Cafe du Bois in beautiful Kingwood, TX on Thursday July 19th, 2012!!

I will be playing from 6:30pm-9:30pm, outside on the patio weather permitting (if not, then i'll be in the main dining room). Please stop by and get a drink or two!


If you'd like to see the restaurant, here is their site: www.cafedubois.com 


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Friday, July 6, 2012

Some Newer Stuff

"Jezebel" -Sade cover

"Sunlight" Bagraiders cover

"Little One" Beck cover

"Too Far Gone" Emmylou Harris cover...this is the song I unsuccessfully auditioned for American Idol with last year :)


"Destiny" Zero 7 cover..rebootered. 

"Home" Zero 7 cover...difficultish..

Friday, April 20, 2012

Investment

After talking with my husband about this music venture I am taking, we agreed that it would be unrealistic not to think I had to invest some money in new equipment. I researched and spoke to my mom and her musician friend for advice for what I might need. I decided on this:
Image Detail
It's a Fender Passport P.A. System. I definitely needed it since the volume on the acoustic amp for my mic input would feedback if above 4. I love the way my voice is so clear and I can use reverb on the new PA system. It's conveniently packed as the two speakers attach to the main unit for easy carrying. I could also plug in my guitar since it has 4 channels, but I think I will use my acoustic amp for the guitar still--esp since it sounds much richer and clearer without the mic input being used.
Image Detail
   I can have the volume high on the PA and not get feedback. I was going to buy a monitor to better hear myself (as you have to place the PA speakers away in front of you to prevent feedback) but I didn't want to haul anymore equipment by myself or pay $150 more. So I decided I could plug in some headphones to the mixer to hear just my voice and it's awesome! I can control my pitch and tone so much better now that I have it right in my ear. I will be looking for some cheap wireless headphones possibly this week. I am adjusting to the levels and trying to find the perfect set-up and volume/tone levels to balance the guitar and my voice for gigs.

   I didn't need to buy a new mic because my sennheiser is actually good quality. I bought a guitar stand, and strings in case they break. I may buy a stool, and put up a tip/comment jar too :)

      I can also plug in my ipod (need to buy adapter) to the PA, so that when I take breaks I can play soft music in the background.

   John still chuckles when I take myself seriously and say "gig", "artist" or "show", but I don't care. I know I have yet to prove anything so he can laugh :)

  He also expected me to spend much more than I did (the PA was ~$400, and I got a discount for tax day).

See the difference? I look scary in the dark one!

 I also received my new flyers and they look exactly how I wanted--plus I was able to add on the link to this site to promote my stuff. I am very impressed with vistaprint and highly recommend them. Let's hope I get the opportunity to use them again!

   The only thing keeping me from going in and trying to get hired, is that I need a demo. I know I could refer them to my youtube, but I know I probably wouldn't hire me based on those low-quality videos, and they were more for fun. I have been taking myself seriously finally so I know I can do better. I purchased an hour worth of recording time at a studio about an hour away, (thanks for the coupon Alexandra!) and I am in the process of choosing the best 3 or 4 songs to record to highlight my style as a live musician. The only song I know I will include for sure is "Destiny" by Zero 7--it gets the most comments on my youtube lol.

   Once I get the disc of professionally recorded songs, I will put them on here and either make a separate youtube for music, or burn CDs. I truly hope this is the start of something good.

Monday, April 16, 2012

My Equipment..for now :)

This is what I will be using until I have enough to buy a real P.A. system.
This is a Fender acoustic amp, which I will use for both my guitar and mic.
 It sounds okay, but as it's not a P.A. system, it's easy to get that horrid feedback from the mic if the volume is higher than 4 1/2.
Image Detail
And this is my Ovation:
Image Detail
I gotta stock up on 9 volts, which go inside the built-in tuner. If I forget to unplug the guitar from the amp when not in use, it drains the battery, which needs to power the acoustic pickup!


Tentative Song List

I have been rehearsing every chance I get and my first set list I think, will look like this:

1.) "That's Alright Mama" - Elvis
2.) "Meditation" -Astrud Gilberto/Stan Getz
3.) "Destiny" -Zero 7
4.) "Ain't No Sunshine" -Eva Cassidy version
5.) "Hell"- Squirrel Nut Zippers
6.) "Til There Was You" -Beatles
7.) "Today" -Zero 7
8.) "Fade Into You"- Mazzy Star
9.) "Chop and Change" -Black Keys
10.) "Little One" -Beck
11.) "Make it Wit Chu" -Queens of the Stone Age
12.) "Too Far Gone" -Emmylou Harris
13.) "Shattered Dreams/Promises" -Mashup Johnny Hates Jazz + Naked Eyes

And second:

14.) "Smooth Operator" -Sade
15.) "Breathe" -Pink Floyd
16.) "Someday Never Comes"- CCR
17.) "Dindi" -Astrud Gilberto
18.) "Criminal"- Fiona Apple
19.) "In the Waiting Line"- Zero 7
20.) "Sunlight" -Bag Raiders
21.) "Oh You Pretty Things" -David Bowie
22.) "Spinning" - Zero 7
23.) "Agua de Beber" -Astrud Gilberto
24.) "Bandoliers" -Them Crooked Vultures
25.) "Sing Sang Sung" -Air

I am working on some news ones, seeing how far I can stretch my voice. This material so far, is probably about 2 hours worth, including talk in between and a short break.

Suggestions?

Flyers!

The flyers I got in the mail today...taken with phone camera.

I got my flyers today from vistaprint. I am a little disappointed that they came out so dark; my picture looks evil and goth! But the rest is nice and the quality of the paper is very durable. I have comprised a list of potential venues, and will soon be going in to offer up these flyers. Fingers crossed that someone will give me a chance :)
 This is a screen shot of what I ordered...picture looks better huh?