The Joys of Technology

The reason for the title of this update? Technology.... 

I tried to send an e-mail from a month ago a bunch of times but... apparently, it was not in the cards to be sent. Shame on you technology. The DIY mentality is awesome...but also awesomely difficult at times. I'm persevering and still going to write about this experience...even though it was a month ago. 

Last MONTH, I was in the WONDERFUL city of Kansas City. And I must say, from day one, it was an easy transition. Not bad traffic and it seemed to have similar vibes to Columbus (at least from what I saw). Most importantly, SO MANY of the people I encountered were awesome/friendly...well, with exception of a intoxicated individual who apparently had a distaste for the city of Columbus...but that's a different story. 

The reason I was in KC was because of the Folk Alliance International Conference, which is held annually around this time of the year. I found out about this wonderful event a few months ago from a friend and decided to go...rather impulsively....since I was approved as a volunteer. Normally, it's $500, so volunteering for about twenty hours seemed like a good route to go since it was "free" for volunteers. 

The conference started on Wednesday and ended on Sunday. It was almost overwhelming with the amount of talent in the building - including over 800 performances throughout the five day conference. Some of the artists seen include John Oates (from Hall & Oates), Mary Gauthier (singer-songwriter), Joe Purdy (singer-songwriter), Neyla Pekarek (cello player from Lumineers - now having her own solo project), Anais Mitchell (singer-songwriter), and a TON of new artists I had never heard before. I realized I have a lot of homework to do...:-) 

Needless to say, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle being a newbie. There were a ton of opportunities to do showcases, especially private showcases, which are essentially hotel rooms converted into miniature house concerts. Since I was delayed in registering, I was unable to snag a showcase slot this year, but I'm definitely planning on doing it next year! The conference will be in Montreal in 2019, so it looks like I'll need to get my passport in order to get to the next one. ;-) I'll FINALLY be heading out of the country! 

Anyways, I'll leave you with a few updates. 

1. The Angry Baker - Friday, March 16th 

247 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201 

- Live Music at the Angry Baker - including myself, October Ember, and Mark Zonakis! Get there by 7 pm!! $5 admission 

https://www.facebook.com/events/2049541988659257 

2. Star House Fundraiser (rescheduled from January) - The Shrunken Head - Saturday, April 7th 

251 W 5th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201 

$5 , doors open at 8 PM 

LIVE MUSIC FROM: 

Benjamin Marshall 
Shiloh Hawkins 
Sonny B Gould 
Silvis 
Backyard Sticks 

ALL PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS STAR HOUSE! 
- Fundraiser show for drop-in shelter, Star House, assisting the needs of homeless youth - ages 14 - 24 - 

3. Consider helping support me in my "PledgeMusic" campaign. It's a fun little journey I'm pursuing in order to help make this SECOND album a reality. Without YOUR help, none of this is possible. The campaign is under 30 days, so be sure to act soon if you are able to help! It'll be open until April 9th! 

Check out the website below to see a wide variety of perks to supporting the campaign - including pre-ordering the album, signed handwritten lyric sheets, custom made songs, private performances, your name in the album credits, VIP studio access...AND MORE! 

Heck - if there's something you don't see on there and you'd LIKE to see it - let me know and I'll make it happen! 

www.pledgemusic.com/projects/benjaminmarshallalbum. 

That's all I have for now. Take care! 

As always, please respond to the e-mail to let me know how you are doing. I ALWAYS love to hear from you! 

Peace and love, 
Benjamin

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