Hi All,

It was amazing to spend close to a month travelling with my girlfriend and acoustic guitar in 5 countries- Iceland, Holland, Belguim, Germany and France. Highlights include an acoustic show in Reykavik, fries in a cone with mayonaise and "american" sauce, Delirum tremens on tap in belgium, ice cream, bicyles in holland, sleeping in, clubbing till 6 am, 3 museums in one day, french, germans listening to Oasis, not being a vegetarian for a month and finally reading a book (start to finish!)

Upon my return it's been great to play with Paul and Sarah again, we've got a great space to practice and some fun shows coming up- the tiny deja brew serves up delicious food beer and people, Midway Cafe in JP  has us headlining for some cool bands on a Friday night, and we open for Gregory Douglas at one of the finest venues in Western mass- PACE on Friday October 23rd.

After we finish these shows- the band will be taking a some time off from playing out, to refocus our energy, write some new songs and think about where and how often we should be gigging. You all have been amazing to come out to so many shows, hanging in dive bars, cafes house parties and everything in between. We want to show our appreciation by constantly delivering the best show we can.

I hope to see you all soon and thanks for all the love
kfo

Hello you,

I have reached the point where I am ready to sell out. I am ready to pay rent, ready to take my clothes out of my suitcase for the first time in 4 months, ready to let my friend's couches breathe without my tired butt sleeping on them.

So, after 11 months of earning money doing solely music and odd temp jobs (besides a two week stint at a discount grocery store) got me a 'straight' job working at 6 am, so I'll always have my nights free for shows, got a free bike that just needs some new tires and I am learning how to parallel park (bout time).

I can't wait to go on the road again- down the east coast this time- or west to oregon via chicago, but for now it's time to pay some bills and work a regular schedule.

It's not all humdrum and blah though. We have a gig in New York city tonight at the Annex, and tomorrow is our BIGGEST. SHOW. EVERRRRRRRRRR Harpers Ferry in Allston, with locals Big Time and (Bad Plus drummer's indie side project) Halloween, Alaska.

It's been great to hit the streets busking again (people pay you to play guitar outside and to shout and sing- my favorite things to do ever, ever, and I get a tan) I met a writer named Shane and was given a ticket to the circus. I am also pumped about all the new opportunities to play in Boston- dive bars, acoustic nights, house parties, you name it we'll play it- in the next coming weeks I'll be going bar to bar with demos and a plea to play. I hope my calendar will reflect it with more Boston-centric gigs.

 I have started taking guitar lessons with June Millington of Fanny fame- she is an amazing teacher and I have so much to learn-it's the best. I also am starting to give guitar lessons as well. The band had a photo shoot yesterday with Maddy Nusbaum- she's quite the pro. See photos at www.flickr.com/kristenford. We have also decided to start Twittering, because we are just that lame.

For such a puny city- boston has made me lost quite a bit- southie, south end, somerville, teele sq, union sq, tinman sq, inman sq, berklee beach is a trip- so many music students! (don't they know John Mayer dropped out?) Oh, BTW there are way more lesbians in Boston than chicago- like 4 to 1. Who knew?
All in all i am so happy it's spring, happy to continue to put way too many miles on my car for shows, and happy to call Boston my new home town.

till next time
kfo

Quick note for Milwaukee- Art Bar is awesome and def. queer. Smoking inside pissed me off but made mark horney. The Beer was AMAZING free, best beer ever, fatty boomBAlatte beligian ale, i got a wisconsin made chocolate oatmeal stout. mmmmmm stout like a baby.
bought a gps named carmella (whore) we give her verbal abuse (not physical, she is electronic) she gives us directions. Big ups to Mike for putting us up and cooking vegetarian bacon
Now for our blog about decorah (oh, look up Baker London, buy everything they have ever made myspace.com/bakerlondon)
It's noon on Monday.

Ann is playing a familiar guitar in Marty's house. Kristen is making
business calls outside on a beautiful 40degree spring day. and i'm
happy to update our bloglit with recent events.



We just finished a fantastic brunch at Marty's house with Colin and
Maddie. The hospitality we've recieved on this trip has been nothing
short of spectacular.



First things foremost: the Kum&Go in this town has been bought out!
and kum&go lighters are no longer available here. tis a pity.



When we arrived in Decorah we spent some time walking around the
downtown area. With an herbal supliment, we stopped by Fancy Pants only
to find it was closed. And we soon understood that Sunday was a day for
rest in this town. It was a relief to see people taking a break from
their work on the sabbath.



Our show at Magpie's Cafe didn't go without a few mishaps with sound.
The PA decided to short in and out for the first 20 minutes of our set
and the bass amp was a little salty. It only took Kristen to confess
some ill-karma-tic activities, and the PA worked for the rest of the
show. The crowd of familiar faces were very appreciative and generous.



Ann & I stopped by ArtHaus shortly after our Magpie's performance
to catch two songs from Dave Moore, an honest folky coalmine working
james tayloresk badass mofo. He had complete control over his sold out
audience.



The HayMarket was an obvious stop to end the nite. Although the bar has
drastically changed (ie. you can now breathe in the bar, you don't go
home saturated in cigarass smoke, one guy was blacked out sitting on
the urinal, etc) the cheap drinks haven't ($1 old styles!). The
gorgeous Brittney graced us with her presence at the Market. And after
a few beers we decided to end the nite at Sharron's House with Fin.



Today's plans:

1. pick up bass strings

2. rock out/practice at the local music shop

3. visit the eagle's nest

4. visit Fancy Pants

5. buy second hand plaid at the depot

5.Drive to Minneapolis

until next time
kfo
ann
mark
(aka the braids of friendship)

It's been another crazy week in Chicago.
I have driven to Ohare twice (both before 8am)
Went to 2 conservatories and the zoo and all you can eat sushi (all for free!). God I love Chicago.
Took my car to the mechanic- awesome place called Marvin's, he gave me a disco mix Cd. It's pretty sweet.
Got caught walking in the pouring rain, with a bass in hand, got lost, finally caught my train. It was crowded, I was weary and wet and I asked a lady if I could sit next to her and she said no! What a B!
Mark and I played an open mic in Rockford (get it- rock, ford), had to follow an amazing band o brothers playing some sexy soulful music, but it was grand, played bass, drums and guitar and nearly won a game of pool (damn you 8 ball)
Booked Long Island Pride Fest- hooray!
Saw Cloud Cult and Margot and the Nuclear So-and-so's at the Metro, it was a kind of weak show, but I think I was just tired.
Tonight I played at this great cafe in Hyde Park called Backstory, Krystee Wylder and Matthew Wylder also made appearances.
I am looking forward to the tour and have a gigantic bag of trail mix at the ready. My voice has been in rough shape but it's coming back thanks to some rest and lots of tea and I think will stay strong for the long journey ahead.
Mark and Ann are learning to drive stick- oh gosh I hope they are fast learners, it will be a long, lonesome drive for a girl like me.
till next time
kfo

Sunday: As I hitched the trailer to my car and headed west from Boston- I had a feeling I was in for a huge adventure. A St. Patricks Day road race held me up awhile- but after the shamrock antler wearing joggers and soccer moms passed-I was on my way.
My stay in Pittsburgh parked my car on a cobblestone street and hung with my drummer friend Janelle Burdell- check her out at http://www.janelleburdell.com. I'll be back for a show at The Shadow Lounge April 22nd.

Monday: It's an amazing feeling driving into the city from Indiana- the buildings loom and as you skirt under the Sears tower, it's undeniable you're back!

Tuesday: My first show at Homolatte was on St. Patricks day- warmest march on the record books.

Wednesday: Jammed a house party in Rockford (hour outside the city) with my good pals Ryan and Mark, not sure if the frat boys liked our stuff, the party was shut down after too much testosterone resulted in drama.

Thursday: played the Gallery Cabaret's popular open mic- with even more popular $4 pitchers, a dangerous spot to be if you've got plans the next morning. Met a guy who's friend met me in NYC. Small world eh?

Friday:  I did an interview and performance for SWIM radio- a weekly podcast. Hear it at http://collegeserviceusa.ning.com/

Saturday: Played at Barbara and Barbara Gallery- their Premier the Queer event. It was the last event at their rustic loft space- soon the gallery will operate in a laundry mat-turned-store front space. It's pretty fabulous to be in the company of so many like minded musicians and talented visual artists. Everything is done by donation- no one is excluded and no one is getting rich. Visit http://barbaraandbarbaraloveyou.com for more events or to get involved.

Sunday etc: It's been great to work with my mid-west bandmates: Mark Gill on Bass and Ann Van Marter on drums. The old Plaid on Plaid and Cookie Remains fires are re-kindled and we are relishing in my car/trailer ownership, the availabilty of a real practice space, and a proper two week tour upcoming. It's taken a few years to get to this place!
Our debut performance as a trio will be this Friday 3/27 at Reggies Music Joint- 2109 S. State St. 21+ 9pm $5 cover.

Monday: It's hard for me to believe the Hipsters on bikes, cheap taquerias, free arts periodicals and community thriving in Chicago. It's great to be back and while I'm only going to be here for a few weeks- it's hard to not feel like I'm home. One of these days I may take off my coat and stay awhile.

kfo

Thursday Feb. 19th Greenfield Recorder by Sheryl Hunter

“In recent months, I’ve seen the name Kristen Ford popping up on the concert calendars with some frequency, so I realized that I had better check out just who she was and what her music was like. I soon got my hands on a copy of Ford’s recently released debut CD “Filthy Nasty,” and after giving the disc a listen, I now understand why I’m seeing her name everywhere. “Filthy Nasty” was recorded on the Many Doors label, which is run by the Institute of the Musical Arts (IMA) in Goshen, and it is easily one of the most promising debut albums I have heard in a long time.

Listening to the first track “Vancouver” I was struck by the reggae vibe of the tune that is accented by Blistering guitar work. I thought- so this Kristen Ford is a real rocker,” but then I heard the second track “Hey Girl” a lilting little tune which features even more of a reggae vibe than “Vancouver”. So, I concluded she was more of a reggae artist. But after listening to the entire disc, I realized there is no easy was to categorize the music of Kristen Ford.

“Filthy Nasty” is a collection of 10 wide ranging tunes that showcase Ford’s abilities as a clear voiced sing who incorporates a variety of influences into her music

“Minnesota is a toe tapping country tune, which might sound more at home on a roots music album. On “miss Independent” Ford accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and comes across as a contemporary singer songwriter. And then there’s Red Couch, which has a memorable poppy melody that will have you singing along.
All of this musical diversity is what makes Filthy Nasty such an appealing disc.  Add to that striking melodies, the strong musicianship and her honest direct lyrics, and you’ve got the real deal.”

Excerpt from Greenfield Recorder article by Sheryl Hunter Feb 19th 2009


www.recorder.com

Hey Friends. I am currently housesitting in Goshen. It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere. but- the east coast band is wrapping dates for feb and early march- then I am off to chicago for a midwest southern tour with my chi town band.
Bookings are coming together but we still have some holes to fill
Wisconsin and Minnesota- April 5, 6
Iowa, Central Illinois and Missouri April 8, 9
Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio April 12-15
Michigan April 17
House concerts are cool- bars- restaurants-basements-churches-clubs-cafes-speakeasys-teen centers. we are down for it all. do the music and the money will come.
let me know if you've got cool venues, bands or promoters we should know on our mission to rule north america.
thanks!
kfo

I played a solo acoustic show in Philly last Thursday at The Raven Lounge.
Sarah Donner http://www.myspace.com/sarahdonner was a kick ass opener for the show- girl's got talent and can't pick a hometown just like me.

Stayed with my chef friends Jen and Lauren from Chicago- I spent wednesday looking for a venue in Trenton and never finding it- so Philly was my solace from a long day of driving New Jersey style.

The people are very friendly, lots of folks said thank you when I gave them a hand flyer for my show- try that in New York City! The city gets style points too- violin cases, dredlocks, bandanas and bike messengers.

Ate lunch at a bomb Vegan restaurant called Mi Lah. So much yummy food- so vegan I can't believe it! My friend Lauren is the executive Chef so no wonder it was mad tasty- I can't wait to go back!!

South Street is not what it used to be- did somebody say recession? I guess February isn't tourist season and the cool philadelphians have other places to be.

Found a great oddoments shop that sold incense to make you rich or ward off evil spirits or fight incontinence. Nearby was a reggae themed store where the owner assured me I could stay in his home in Jamaica, he burned good grass and loved his women with pure, true love.
(um, what?)

Monks bar served lots of rare beer and smelled like fish- the Raven Lounge was cool and the bartenders were good looking and generous. I met a hitchhiker from Indianapolis who dug my music then asked me to buy him a beer (I did not).

Finished the night driving through cobblestone streets and gazing and old buildings- wondering how I didn't fall in love with Philadelphia earlier.

kfo

Hey yo,

It's been a long time since my last confession...er blog. My record Filhty Nasty should be arriving in a few weeks- I can't wait to tear open the shrink wrap, hold the cd in my hand put it in the cd player and jam on! The track names and artwork will show up in a computer- the artwork will bling bling on iphones everywhere. It's been a long time coming of burning cds and scribbling my name in a sharpie before shows. I'll also be selling downloads online and at my shows on digital download cards (like a credit card, except you get songs and not a bunch of debt and nasty calls at 8 am).

I'm so thankful to be playing out ALOT these days, with my new band The Model Tease featuring Valerie Flames on Bass and Sarah Icklan on Drums. We are playing little clubs, coffee shops, teen rock festivals, basements, stationary stores, bait shops and anywhere else music is needed. A midwest tour is in the works for the spring- we'll pack as much northeast touring into the winter as possible. Thanks to the brave promoters for booking new talent and our awesome fans for braving the weather, er economy and coming out see us play!

I got a part time job at a grocery store and quit. Greenfield MA is a charming town but def. struggling for life. Jobs at music stores and cafes are slim to none, restaurant work interferes with gigs and January isn't exactly ideal busking weather. It's a situation allowing me to focus on what's most important to me, making money making...music?

So- all the more reason to come out to shows, support your local businesses and artists and to think about the value of music. (Does music have value? Is it free?)

I'm trying this whole- new media kick out. Keep your eyes peeled for a revamped myspace page and new and improved www.kfomusic.com

You can also find my music at
Reverb Nation


Pure Volume


Last Fm

and coming soon to itunes, digistation, CDbaby and Facebook music.

I hope to see you sometime soon this year! As always to book a show, join the mailing list or to say 'hi' email: kristenfordmusic@yahoo.com

Cheers!
kfo

In case you have been under a rock for the past three months, or if the universe doesn't revolve around me, I have been working since August on my debut solo record, with the IMA's Many Doors Records.

Lee Madeloni and June Millington have produced the record, and the studio is in a huge barn in scenic (middle of nowhere) Goshen, Massachusetts. In August we began preproduction, where we demoed 20 some songs and narrowed it down to the best 10. During preproduction we tweaked arrangements and tempos and such.

September was tracking tracking tracking- such fun! Me, Lee and June played everything on the record except for guest appearances by Naia Kete on backup vocals, Trina Hamlin on harmonica and CC on piano and keys. October was mixing madness, lots of long days. Finally we have 10 finished songs- except for mastering which will go down some time in November.
The record is called Filthy Nasty featuring
Vancouver
Hey Girl
Fingertips
Minnesota
Miss Independent
Red Couch
Captive
Sky Factory
Better
Exposure

Keep your ears out in November and December for Album artwork along with an Offical website (take that myspace!). Copies of Filthy Nasty will be available online, at some independent retailers and my shows. Of course Steve Jobs begged me for a copy so I suppose we'll put the songs on itunes and other legal download stores.

I am so happy with how great everything turned out and so excited to share my music with the world. Ann and June have been so great to let me stay at their place for a few months and Lee has worked his ass off playing producing and engineering. I think it's the best recording EVER made and I don't care if you agree with me.

But,
I hope you like it!
Much love
KFO