We feel fortunate to be selected for this playing opportunity and we are even more thrilled to get the chance to just sit and listen to “the boys”.  They’ve been favorites of ours for a long time.  Rochelle Smith will be joining us in serenadeing the guests before the show. She has been a great addition playing occasionally with us on the mando. and the Cajon.  We are very excited!  Stay tune!!!

I mentioned the shows in a recent e-mail and this e-mail is about the Lillith Fairspecifically.  We’ve put our song “Missed the Mark” on the board for a chance to play at the Portland Lillith Fair (why Portland and not Washington, or somewhere else? It’s how the board decides, Idahoans go to Portland I guess).

So…there is only 5-6 days left to vote.  If you’ve already voted, could you keep voting?  Each vote counts to our favor and right now we are teeter-tottering on the board at 20-21.  We have to come in at 20 or under in order to be selected for the next panel.  So…..this week is crunch week!

With your help we might get there!  Please go to:“http://www.ourstage.com/judge?channel=234-lilith-local-talent-search-portland”>http://www.ourstage.com/judge?channel=234-lilith-local-talent-search-portland

It may ask you to register, that takes no time and if this ever comes up again…you are in like flynn (who is Flynn by the way and does she spell her name like that or like Flinn?  just sayin’)  So, the tricky part is- it takes a while for us to come up.

Understandably they want you to judge and not just vote, which is kinda cool, but for you busy folks it may take a little while for our song to pop up against another artist.  But it’s neat to hear what else is out there.  You only technically have to listen to 15 sec. of the song and then you can vote so, if you are all about stream line doing us a favor that STILL works!!!

Either way…we need your vote and your friends vote and your dogs vote…I love dogs, I vote for dogs always…but technically, I don’t think they have the thumbs to vote…or they would vote…they’d probably be upset we didn’t select “Diggy Dog”, but then they are dogs…would they really care?  They’d still love.  I’m a lot like a dog, if you vote I’ll wag my “tail” if you don’t we still love ya!

Missed the Mark could very well miss the mark without your vote…

Can’t tell you how much it would mean and we are eternally grateful for those of you who have helped us help others through this week with the fundraiser!  It’s been a very exciting time and we are appreciate all your support!!!!

Have a beautiful weekend, wherever you are.  Here in Idaho they are calling for rain, so…it’s just an excuse not to cut the grass and get cozy with a good book (or a guitar and notebook for another song!)

Below are the items for auction updated May 18@ 6:14 am.  The details will come first then pictures below.  I tried posting these  with details next to the pictures and wow…that didn’t work.  So, read the details and look at the pics below.  If a picture is missing it’s due to technical difficulties that I will hopefully figure out before it’s over…ha ha!!! Certain items that have had no bids have been lowered to zero for you to make a bid, so remember, your money goes to help some really amazing people through some hard times, we appreciate any and all offers!

1. Ovation Guitar – acoustic/electric with ebony fretboard and mother of pearl inlay.  In great shape with a signed hard case. Current Bid: $325.00

2. New DVD Player by Magnavox- Current bid: $24.51

3. iPod Shuffle with Earphones and USB- Current Bid:$60.00

4. Student Guitar by First Act. Acoustic, small body, steel strings and strap  Current Bid: $10

5. Local Artwork:

“Naked” by Melinda Bristol.  Powered Graphite 11/14 April 2010 Current Bid:$150

“Rooted” by Danielle Gamache Oil on Canvas 2009  Current Bid: $25

“Our Dance” by Danielle Gamache Transfer Medium  Current bid $25.00

6. Collector’s Posters:

Signed Poster by KT Tunstall (provided by River Radio) No bid yet: 0

Signed Poster by the Avett Brothers (Summer Tour 2009) No bid yet: 0

Signed Poster by artist Ben Wilson (poster 98/127) “The Swell Season”           Current Bid: $35

“Everest” On Approach Tour (new album realease) studio shots on back. No bid yet: 0

Collectors’s Vitage CD packages:  went to raffle as there were no interested bidding.

7. Professional Hair Product Package by Nexus + Hair cut & style by  Julie Jenkins (Salon Belgravia).  Current Bid: $70.00

You can make a bid on line by :

E-mailing me @ niccoleblaze@hotmail.com;  tell me your full name, phone # and what item you’d like to bid on and how much the bid will be.  (Remember my name is spelled with 2 c’s  -thanks Mom)

I will then add it on the list.  I will up date the blog on Friday 5/14, Tuesday 5/18th  and the Wed 5/19th.  You can check the blog  by coming back to this page and looking up the current bid.  If you see you’ve been out bid.  Just e-mail me and I’ll put you on for your higher bid.

The silent auction will close at 8:30 Wed 5/18 @ Foccaccia’s.  The highest bidders will get the item and if they are not at Foccaccia’s to pick it up, we will make arrangements to get you your item.  Need not be present to win but it would make life a little easier heh heh!!!

If there is anyone who is out of town that would like to contribute and doesn’t need/want to be involved in the raffle or auction, you too can also make a contribution in any amount (even $5 bucks helps) by going to the on line tip jar and placing an on line payment there.

We want to thank you for all  your kindnesses for these wonderful folks.   Easing a bit of the tension for them  to get some good healing is our priority.  We would like to thank those of you who have donated the items, time and money for this cause. Again if you would like to see pictures of the items being auctioned please  SEE BELOW

Thank you again and hope to see you soon!

Niccole Blaze

DVD Player

Hair Care Products and Gift Certificate

Guitar w/Case

"Rooted" by Danielle Gamache

"Our Dance" by Danielle Gamache

"Naked" by Melinda Bristol

iPod Shuffle

KT Tunstall autographed poster

Everest Poster

Ben Wilson signed poster

(Excerpt from a Newsletter 4/15 – are signed up for  the newsletter? Join in, join the fun!)

Hey there folks,

For some reason it feels like I haven’t written in a while…I know this isn’t true but I suppose when a lot of things happen in one week it feels like two weeks.  Bet none of you understand THAT one huh?  (Yeah right!)

Anyway, Spring is trying to spring and that means breaking the lawn mowers out and pulling on the string til you realize you haven’t worked out in a while because that much exertion shouldn’t cause pain. Then realizing you may not have choked the machine properly, flooded it, changed a spark plug, push the correct handle down that causes the mower to start. Check all these things in the name of a decent yard and still get no where to then have the brilliant idea (not mine) of leaving it in the sun so the motor gets warm.  Imagine that!  A mower that starts but a lawn still un-mowed!  Welcome to my life!

Wanna hear more stories?  Come to our shows this week and we might let some “kitties” out of their bags.  If you are the first one to come to our show and say “kitties” you win a drink of your choice on us!  How’s that?

We play here:

4/15 Thurs.  @ Sin  9ish-11ishpm

4/16 & 17 Fri. & Sat. Buzz Cafe’ 7-9pm

4/21 Wed. Foccaccia’s 6:30ish – 8:30 ish

4/23 Fri. Lock Stock and Barrel 5-8 (first time here…come check it out!)

4/24 Sat. Private Wedding (wanna get married so we can play at your wedding)

4/26 Going to see Ani Difranco not playing, listening and getting squashed at the Knitting Factory with a bunch of other hungary Ani fans.  Could be a night- mare but could be fun.  Forgive me if I squish you on the way to the bathroom, but remember my spot is somewhere front and center and please let me back in to be with my people!

4/30 Fri. @ Piper Pub 9-12 always fun!!!

I am in rare form today ha!  So, hope you are all doing well.  Thanks so much for coming to the shows and all your good deeds.  We will be announcing some very important benefits coming up to help some of our listeners overcome some very challenging issues.  When we get the specifics I will post them.  Meanwhile, be in good humor and peace!

Nic & Mo

Down the Beautiful Salmon River!

We had such a ball with Mackay River Guides last year we are now putting a hook out there to see how many of you would be interested in a group rated trip sometime this summer to float the beautiful Salmon River (the Main river).  The quote I recieved from the woman organizing the trips was  $ 950.00 -1000 dollars.  This is actually a steal because these trips are retail valued at least  $ 2100.00 2300.00 a person!

So…it’s over half off.  Getting to Salmon by way of little plane is extra and there are also busses that can take us too.  The 950 includes the river trip and hotel the night before in salmon, not the shuttle to and from Boise, but the shuttle from the actual river to civilization once again.  I think the private plane is around 300.00 for both arriving and departing back to Boise.  Still a steal cause the plane ride is spectacular!!!  You fly right over the Sawtooths, it’s incredible, the whole journey.

Also…a bit about the trip.  They totally spoil you for a week.  If you just want to sit on a boat and watch the beautiful untouched scenery float by or if you want to “get you feet wet” in your own private kyak, or if you want to paddle with the group, the choice is yours.  And you can switch on and off during the day…you aren’t stuck in one mode of travel.

This is some of the most spectacular untouched land scape cutting through the Frank Church wildness area.  There are some amazing beaches and these guides really know their stuff.  You are in safe hands with them…plus, did I mention?  They are FABULOUS cooks!  My God!  And you will be provided the best entertainment we deliver, unplugged of coarse.  I’m not overly certain of the class rapids but it was enough to give us a rush without feeling like we were going die.  Ha!  A challenge but not an over threatening feeling.  Very exciting. If you like to fish there you can, right off the boat.  There are some cool hikes you can take or just kick on the beach and drink some beer…or cool-aid, whichever you prefer.  You get appetizers every night, there’s happy hour.  They set up your tents for you…it’s really “roughing it” let me tell you!

So…if you are certain you want to do this please respond to niccoleblaze@hotmail.com and let me know you’d like to go. Let me know if you are interested in the plane ride to or would you rather a shuttle.  Also, if there are certain dates you can’t go let us know.  It will be sometime this summer but we have to reserve soon to hold the date and assure the trip.  Please tell those you feel are interested, right away!

So…if you know you want to go for certain…please respond and we’ll get the ball rolling on this.  As far as the Cruises go.  I’m delaying on this until I fully understand how this would work.  Until I know more absolutes I’m going to let it go for a while.  ”Everything that goes will come back again”…some songwriter said that…hmmm???  ha ha!

So….check on the blog in the next few days and I’ll try to post some pics. of last years river trip!  It is truly a trip of a life time!!!

Much love to you all!  Hope to see you soon!

Niccole & Mo

I looked out into the Ocean and saw pods of dolphins making there way across the waves.  The pounding of the water on the rocks pushed out all that my brain was trying to obsess over (including ending a sentence with a preposition *wink*!)   Like a wash rag being rung out, I don’t think I had any idea of the energy it took to deliver over 100 shows this summer.  Pouring our souls and love into each note…it’s not “work” don’t get me wrong, but it IS something reaching deep inside yourself and “disrobing” time and time again.  Unwrapping your own vulnerabilities in song and delivering those “gifts” and hoping people find a sense of peace  instead of noise.

The open hearted friends that we met there blew my mind.  I’m such an emotional sap ha!  Seriously, I cry at Kleenex commercials! (But I laugh loud at myself when I do too!)  I met some of the most amazing open hearted men there (women too, but the men were impressive as I don’t see men so open to their emotional side) I was relieved and over joyed to see this.  Unfortunately men are so trained to “keep it all in” and regard showing emotion as a sign of being weak (not all but many) and this is a misfortune.  Tears of truth need to be expressed sometimes, and there is no better way than to just let them fall.  So…they fell a lot.  Hell, we could have had our own Kleenex commercial right there in our workshop.  I think I got a whole years worth of tears on the floor ha ha!  It was very emptying and fulfilling at the same time.

I was reminded by my sister’s and brother’s of song just how important it is to play music and sing from your heart.  Not that I don’t know this, or have to be constantly reminded or validated that what we do is important in this world of art. But it can seem easy to loose sight of this in the midst of the hustle and bustle (as in most professions).  Oh if I could count up the number of people that say, “this is ALL you do?” ha!  I’d be a lot richer monetarily than I am now (big belly laugh).  That can grate on the “normalcy scale” that compels a lot of us to work ourselves right into the grave.

Oh I feel that I am ever so rich, regardless of the lack of funds in the bank this matters not.  What matters is the beautiful smiles I see on peoples faces at the shows.  What matters is how good it feels to be amongst friends.  What matters is the good feelings the very act of singing and playing has on the body, mind and spirit.  I get to reflect and be reflected upon and I’m ever so grateful for the whole process.  That’s all we (you and me)  are really here doing…reflecting to each other.  You see me, I see you, I see me in you, you see you in me etc. etc.  Life truly is beautiful from that perspective but the “grinding” is all part of the perfect plan to get the “polish” out of life.

So…if you wanna know where heaven is, go check out Esalen…or drop into your own bath, shut your eyes and dream a little dream!  Thanks for reading and thanks for joining us in this journey of music and life.

Been in workshops this week learning about the industry and meeting with agents, managers and other artist to discuss goals, dreams and such. It’s exciting. But my mind flips back to this past weekend. Five days of (6) straight shows and the benefits we helped out. A man with a torn aorta who’s under hospital bills, the Human Rights Diversity Fair earned and extra 4K, and seeing folks just smile and eat their pancakes thinking they got special concert and breakfast to boot! We received a last minute phone call to play at the Bouquet down town on Sat.

This was after we played in the freezing cold mind you, but we said we’d do it earlier and we did though the place was very sparse with patrons we still had a great time and rocked the late comers to kick up there heals and dance. I look back knowing we made some peoples evenings and I look forward to making more people smile, whether they are eating pancakes or not.

Yes, and as the music industry can be a bleak industry to be a part of, with folks demanding downloads for free or stealing music blah blah blah. The joy is very much deep in our hearts. I choose to focus on the positive. I think about our audience and what their needs are. When they come to a show, what is it that they want. How can we improve, always thinking, always striving and these little steps carry us forward. What’s the goal? Stardom some may say. Well, if it comes that way so be it, and if never comes we’ve had a good time opening hearts. I think that’s why we were put here. I think that’s what we all are doing here for each other. So, if you have and comments you’d like to make regarding how we can better serve you, let me hear them.  And thanks for listening!

Niccole

With the blazing heat still upon us in Boise, we’ve been catching mini reprieves of Autumn in the air. I personally am looking forward to the cooler weather, but it can take it’s time. The whole triple digit thing is when it gets pretty unruly to sing or play. I laugh at how the words can evaporate from my very conscience when I’m over heated like that. A simple word, like “the” can leave me tongue twisted.

We’ve been defiantly beating the pavement with shows as of late. Actually what we thought was going to be a slow year do to the economy has been one of our busiest. My quandary is, “is busier better”?  You know, the American society has no problems with being busy. We are a busy nation with “important things to do”. We are always doing. What about being? When’s the last time I just sat and did nothing? What a novel idea? Go go go… it’s part of my formula like many. I believe I try to strike a balance though there are many things to attend to in this line of work as with many. That’s all we can ever hope for, meeting ourselves where we are at in the present time.

Thus it probably makes sense why I love dogs so much as they are such a present joy all the time. I try to be in “doggie consciencnous”, and sometimes I find it gets me in trouble. I forgot that milk at the store…why? Because I was being a “dog” in my own little world! So there is value in being a future thinker too, but striking a balance between the two is key. (Perhaps taking some Ginkgo would be wise as well). We played at the Eagle Food and Wine Festival last Sat. and a gentlemen and I were having a discussion, “Everything in moderation-including moderation”, he said. I thought that was a great pearl of wisdom.

So I take my favorite canine “Osa” out for a walk or a swim by the river. She brings me her collar every morning as excited as a puppy (she’s 5), bright eyed, full of hope and anticipation. And if I’m still sitting at my desk she pushes the collar onto my lap. (And I trained her to do this *smile*) I will put the collar on her and either go or sometimes be sucked back into the computer. If I stay at the computer she will then then go find my sneakers and bring me them one at a time (I trained her to do that too…what was I thinking *big laugh*). She’ll dredge it around the carpet being somewhat horse like in her movements and then if I’m still being a dumb ass and not getting the hint she’ll lay patiently by me with sneaker between her front paws gazing with those big brown eyes. As if to say, “let’s go out and play…come on we need some fresh air”. I listen to her and join up in the “doggie mind” of here and now. Things on my giant to do list can pause for a moment, let me just breath and think “no-thing”. It’s there that creativity is born anyway so why not just look at it as part of my job *big laugh*!

Osa being the life gaurd!

Yep, she’s my “diggy diggy diggy dog”. May you find your “doggie mind” on this day and be content with what is! Cheers!

For those that weren’t aware, we went on this stellar River trip with Mackeyriver.com from July 4th to the 10th. We got to be the entertainment and try our hand at paddling down the Main Salmon in large rafts AND little blow up kayaks called duckies. You know why they call them duckies? Cause you do a lot of swimming! Ha ha! Well…I drank some water here and there as I was flushed down natures river toilet (seriously…it sounds like a toilet and guess what…you are the terd!) But after swishing down river on my back for a bit without my boat and keeping my toes up I found that “going with it” letting go, allowing, came more natural as I just calmed down a bit. All those songs…”my life is passing me swiftly by” can roll into my brain in those moments. I have found I have to be the “eater” of my own “words of wisdom” more than once. My songs are apparently my teachers as well ha! Whodda thought? I bonded with the river that day and for that, I didn’t get dunked again gratefully. I watched Mo in a bit of panic paddle her way out of the “toilet” and into the “toilet”. She drank too and we were both “baptized” with a great respect for mother river. Those moments of getting the game face on and paddling out of those “holes” were just euphoric. I truly want to thank the river guides, Molly, Erich, TJ and Ceasal, for leading such a great trip and to the ladies and now friends that we met! Thank you Mackay Wilderness River Trip for providing us with “memories we’ll never forget”.

We just arrived back from a 6 day adventure on the Salmon River. Every river bend was breath taking! We learned how to ride the waves on our blow up kayaks and enjoyed playing guitar in the evenings around a camp fire. This was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on and it’s right in our back yards! Mackayriver.com They were excellent in service, safety, fun and I probably put on some pounds as the food was amazing too!

For those who have missed out on the release, we had it video/recorded. We’ll let you all know when that DVD will be available! Also we will be showcasing the CD at the Record Exchange July 30th at 7pm. We would love a large attendance at the Exchange as this store is a rare breed where many are extinct.

Niccole Blaze has been the opening act for Shawn Colvin, Karla Bonoff and David Wilcox, but fans of her duo act, Blaze and Kelly—Niccole Blaze and Mo Kelly—have waited a long time for a new album. Blaze and Kelly latest release, Life is Beautiful, includes 14 original tracks with music and lyrics by Blaze. The singer-songwriter is particularly proud of the 12-page booklet with lyrics and “awesome” pictures because the artist knows that the extra offering is dwindling in the fast-paced world of digital downloading. The album, like the title track, is all about overcoming obstacles in life and features a number of musical guests along with a diverse collection of styles. Blaze and Kelly are excited to hold the CD release at the Visual Arts Collective because it’s a big party for the fans. The audience will hear folk-acoustic harmony, bluesy-funk, bluegrass, country, rock and even jazz. Blaze said, “The audience gets to be part of it because they’ve witnessed huge growth [in the artists], both personally and musically.” The show for the 21-and-older crowd includes the chance to purchase wine and beer at the bar to enjoy along with appetizers and some damn fine music. Special guests performing at the CD release party include Rebecca Scott, Dan Costello, Kent Person, Rob Hill, Dominique Tardiff, Debbie Sager, Scott Lindbloom and Steve Fulton.