Long Cold Winter

Hello everyone, I hope you are all enjoying the Holiday Season. I for one am getting over a nasty cold. Hence the title Long Cold Winter But that’s besides the point except that I am probably not the only one who is suffering from some form of illness around this time of year hoping it won’t hinder any plans. So far it has been a productive week or so, having recently performed at the 2nd Annual Misfit Toy Mosh among other things.

I must admit the Saturday before the event was a dreary one for me. I was not in the best of spirits, despite having an almost complete band primed and ready to go at short notice and the thrill that comes along with anticipating any live performance. I received an alert that the event maybe cancelled due to snow, which infused me with mixed feelings of relief and remorse. I knew getting out and performing was just what I needed to lift my spirits. However, with all the snow I was dreading having to leave for an hours plus long journey so early in the day.

So I did my best to clear the ice and snow off my truck and headed out (But not before making a stop to pick up a guy in a big red suit…). We arrived just in time for the festivities. We kicked it off with a group of youngsters called a Distance over Time. A group of young Metalcore enthusiasts, fronted by a kid with a voice bigger than he is. Next is a band that most of the people have been following me for the past year should be familiar withJellyFish Jam. With their combination of heavy sound, aquatic stage attire (from the waist down anyway) and unique method of gaining audience participation. Pool Noodles!

Next we had none other than Manik, a hard rock band out of Queens with a Latin feel who did their own version of “Feliz Navidad” . It was seeing how many people could fit on that stage, and one of the members of the band even remembered me from when I worked at Sam Ash. The bands included : Ava Lena, an all-female quartet that commanded the stage with style, presence and sound. When then had Moms Gone Wrong, fronted by the event coordinator herself, Dayann Molina. They brought a mix of original and cover tunes from such favorites as Sweet, the Ramones and more. Last but not least was the show closer Skism, who brought their gritty old school style of punk to round out the night. And to my knowledge, the only band that had the fore-sight to set their own camera for video.

Our set up was some where in between the bands I had just mentioned. I got up on stage ready as I ever could be. After my usual challenge of trying to set up amidst interruptions by another person panicking to get ready to play (after doing this for years, I pretty much anticipate it) But this time I realize part of my gear was left in the truck with the hatch wide open due to my absent mindedness. This lead me to once again forgetting to introduce the band, a real shame since for this show we had Santa himself on the Drums. As our set went on my mood shifted from a “Let’s just get through this” mindset to actually feeling the moment, using those fleeting moments I had to speak my mind and remind everyone that despite of differences in styles, age, race, religion etc. we were all their for the same reasons, our love of music and helping others. I stated yet again that whatever gifts we were fortunate enough to have should be used to help others. To open our hearts and not it off to others due to ego. In that moment I played as fast and as hard as I could, ending it with a sudden drop to the floor while still playing my guitar.

If you were reading this felt I just went on and on about something that didn’t interest you because you weren’t involved. Thank you for at least reading it and you could have left. If you read this and it made you wish you were there, than I accomplish what I set out to achieve so again Thank You. There will be more shows and you can still help the cause we support by visiting the website for The Long Island Council of Churches and there’s still also some time to donate to another favorite charity of mine, Toys for Tots

I chose the name of an album and song by the band Cinderella, simply because of what is going on right now. And I don’t just mean the weather itself. It is supposed to be a Long Cold Winter but, many people are struggling with health, economic issue and the the reminders of loved ones no longer with us to celebrate. As entertainers we can use our voice to remind them they are not alone and help those in need. So reach out to someone who comes to mind (trust me, it happened for a reason) As for me, I think I almost over my illness which cost me time I could have spent in the studio. I learned being sick gives us a chance to reflect, and re emerge string and more determine than before. It’s literally about overcoming something standing in your way which I intend to do. And the basis of which I named the band Imbolg, the anticpation pf spring in the harsh winter months. There will be more from us soon. Thank you again for your support and hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season

Nate, xoxo

P.S. here is a taste of what you missed on December 14th brought you by Skism

And of Course the song I named this entry after