Texas

First I must apologize for the hiatus in blogging. The last time I blogged, I posted a fantastic picture of Clay Matthews, just a few weeks before the Packers won the superbowl. It's been hard to top that news........ until now. :)

I've been busy working and helping book the spring tour. Tony and I left on Tuesday after a performance on NBC's "The Morning Blend." We made our way to Dallas in 2 days, and we've had such an incredible time in this beautiful city. We visited the site of John F. Kennedy's assassination, which was surreal and somber, but a necessary visit. We played at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, TX. That was such an incredible experience.

I have to extra-highlight something from the past few days/weeks:
A few weeks ago, Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows announced that he would be releasing a solo project: an album of cover songs ranging from Bob Dylan to Ryan Adams to Tom Waits. This project would be called "All My Bloody Valentines." Adam called on his fans to design the artwork for the album. Over 1,200 submissions were sent in, and I made it to the top 25!.... and then the top 5........ and on St. Patrick's Day, enjoying some Texas BBQ and green beer, I checked my iPhone and found that the contest had come to a close. Adam Duritz had chosen 2 covers because he said that he "couldn't live without either one." And MY ARTWORK WAS CHOSEN FOR ADAM DURITZ'S NEW ALBUM!!! I'm so thrilled to have been a part of this amazing project. The songs are so beautiful and special, and there were so many talented artists that submitted their artwork. I invite you to listen to and download the album for free at http://www.countingcrows.com/allmybloodyvalentines.

Here's my submission:

Tony and I went out and celebrated tonight, and now we're settling in for some much-needed sleep. We're playing in Grapevine, TX tomorrow for the "Hands Down" support group -- a support group for children with limb differences. Tony and I will be playing at Love & War at 11:00am. We are so excited for this show. Tony has worked so hard to figure out how to play music, and I'm so proud that he gets to share his story for this unique and special group of people. I'll definitely let you know how it goes!

Until next time... thanks so much for reading. Have a good night!
Lesleigh

Whip your hair

LET'S GO PACKERS!!!!

Live on WMSE tonight! (1/18/11)

Tonight at 8pm, we have a live interview on 91.7 WMSE in Milwaukee. We'll be playing a few songs and doing an interview. They had some very nice things to say about Tony:

"Tune in this Tuesday at 8 for Local/Live, this week’s guest is Tony Memmel. This Milwaukee singer and songwriter plays acoustic folk rock, with a helping of Americana. Memmel has confronted more than the usual challenges facing musicians, he was born missing his left forearm and still taught himself to play guitar, piano and harmonica. With a sound a little reminiscent of the Counting Crows, Memmel has toured extensively and is making a name for himself outside of Milwaukee in places like, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Minneapolis. Take a listen for yourself this Tuesday at 8 on WMSE’s Local/Live."

If you live in the Milwaukee area, please tune in to 91.7 fm WMSE. You can also stream it live at www.WMSE.org.

Have a great night!
Lesleigh

Merry Christmas!

Productive day today. :)

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you so much for all of your support and friendship this year. Whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope it is great. Looking forward to 2011! :)

Take care,
Lesleigh

P.S. Last minute shoppers, there is still time to buy "Here We Go" via iTunes! Perfect stocking stuffer! ((One last shameless plug))

http://www.itunes.com/tonymemmel

Merry Christmas! :)

New music video!!

BIG DAY TODAY! After wandering around in the woods for 12+ hours, acquiring multiple bug bites, carrying a piano 1/2 a mile down a country road and into a field, and doing weeks of editing..... OUR OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO IS HERE!!!

Please enjoy "Lord Knows We've Got Time," from Tony Memmel's new album, "Here We Go."



We worked very hard on this, and we are so proud. Please watch it and tell me what you think! And then watch it 100 more times. :)

http://www.tonymemmel.com

today, I started a blog.

Well hello,

It's been over 2 years since I've blogged -- and that was via MySpace. If you're reading, thanks. :)

Since I last blogged, I have gotten married, graduated college, started working full-time as a nurse, and joined my husband's band. Lots to talk about, and lots going on.

For now, I will encourage you to take a listen to our music and tell your friends. My husband, Tony Memmel, is incredible. He was born missing his left forearm, but his love of music fueled his personal challenge to teach himself how to play guitar. What?! Yes. Guitar. And he is excellent. Since picking up the guitar at age 14, now 11 years later, Tony has hosted on open mic at a university, gone on 3 national tours, and released 3 full-length albums of original music -- 2 of which are with a full band! Yeah! That's where I come in. :) Tony and I started doing Simon & Garfunkel and Iron & Wine covers at the UW-Oshkosh open mic in 2007. That led to forming a 3-piece band which now tours locally and regionally. Tony tours nationally as a solo act, and when I'm not working, I go along for weeks at time as part pianist/vocalist, part merch girl. And I love it.

And you will love it, too! Please do yourself a favor and mosey on over to Tony's website: http://www.tonymemmel.com and read his blog: http://tonymemmel.blogspot.com
*Listen to the music and get familiar with his story. It's one that you're going to want to follow from here on out.
*Pick up the album(s)!
-"Here We Go" (2010) -- just released this October, and already receiving excellent reviews.
-"Potter Road" (2009) -- released last year, Tony's first full band album is awesome.
-"The Tale of an Underdog" (2008) -- Tony's first full length album of solo acoustic singer-
songwriter material.
*Tell your friends! How many one-armed guitarists do you know? Tony has an incredible story that, once you hear his music, will compel and require you to pass it on.

Thanks for reading. :)

Take care,
Lesleigh