tag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:/blogs/site-launch?p=1Site Launch2023-12-29T16:14:08-06:00Alli Johnsonfalsetag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/73258622023-12-29T16:14:08-06:002023-12-29T16:14:09-06:00Just Published! Ukulele for Teens<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Look what's finally arrived<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/266120/65e811dcd304eb35246ca256d999973ad0ef270b/original/20231220-173946.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>This book has been many years in the making and will make its debut at the Winter <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/nammshow?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWrXmke2oJZGlWqQJqCLaj_04iDMegai6sqtvYHt6kzKcti7onchIT693QpAOV7Xe1SJFshTNZ0WN8HXP8EApkbobrUFPbv4A2vGVqSGAmA8P6uik0ssqX6I5brC7spfxyS3t3jF5ZW-N5FETDfyEyAAwdJx03jnyrRi7jeCmdPBq61i0fGyz6sM81hx9vU924&__tn__=-%5DK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>NAMM Show</span></a> 2024!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/266120/a19eb816ce8572c61462586fbd2ab5b6b8374e61/original/51jcin9qbil-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>It was an interesting adventure co-writing this book with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/chadjohnsonguitar?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWrXmke2oJZGlWqQJqCLaj_04iDMegai6sqtvYHt6kzKcti7onchIT693QpAOV7Xe1SJFshTNZ0WN8HXP8EApkbobrUFPbv4A2vGVqSGAmA8P6uik0ssqX6I5brC7spfxyS3t3jF5ZW-N5FETDfyEyAAwdJx03jnyrRi7jeCmdPBq61i0fGyz6sM81hx9vU924&__tn__=-%5DK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>Chad Johnson: Author/Musician</span></a>. Special thanks to the whole artistic and editorial team at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/HalLeonardCorp?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWrXmke2oJZGlWqQJqCLaj_04iDMegai6sqtvYHt6kzKcti7onchIT693QpAOV7Xe1SJFshTNZ0WN8HXP8EApkbobrUFPbv4A2vGVqSGAmA8P6uik0ssqX6I5brC7spfxyS3t3jF5ZW-N5FETDfyEyAAwdJx03jnyrRi7jeCmdPBq61i0fGyz6sM81hx9vU924&__tn__=-%5DK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>Hal Leonard</span></a> for giving our book that extra polish and shine. Officially published and available December 20, 2023. <span><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="❤" height="16" width="16" /></span></p></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>My sincere hope is that this book makes ukulele more accessible to young folks, and more kids find the joy of playing an instrument that has brought so much joy to me.</p></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Big thanks to all of my ukulele students - they're the reason this book exists in the first place. Thanks to Chad for being a great co-pilot; I got to do a lot of the fun stuff for this - singing, playing ukulele for the videos; he did much of the grunt work!</p></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>From the intro:</p></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Welcome to Ukulele for Teens ! Why a book just for teens? With the ukulele's rise in popularity, there have been a lot of great teaching resources but nothing specifically geared toward the adolescent player. With that in mind, Ukulele for Teens presents the fundamentals of playing the instrument but incorporates songs by some of the most popular artists in music today, presented and arranged in singable keys for the teenage performer. To help you succeed, we've also included audio demos of the exercises and songs in addition to video lessons of author Alli Johnson showing you chords, strumming techniques, and more! Songs include: All Is Found (Kasey Musgraves) * Brave (Sara Bareilles) * Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) * I'm Yours (Jason Mraz) * Love Story (Taylor Swift) * The Only Exception (Paramore) * You and I (Ingrid Michaelson) * and more!</div>
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<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Interested in ordering your copy? It's at your local booksellers, especially music retailers and also on Amazon <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hal-Leonard-Ukulele-Teens-Method/dp/1540088006/" data-link-type="url">here</a>
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</div>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/73022872023-11-11T11:01:22-06:002023-11-11T11:01:22-06:00Updates from your local folk singer...<p>Hi all - <br><br>It's been a new season of music for me. After a <i>really</i> special year with Celtic Milwaukee, I've resigned as Choir Director for the Milwaukee Irish Fest Choir and am no longer teaching lessons at the center. My time with Celtic Milwaukee was wonderful; a more talented and kind bunch I've yet to meet; but for a while now, I've needed to restructure my time and priorities, and that meant delving more fully into my career and making a more clear distinction between my musical pursuits and my work life. <br><br>For many years, I've been a real yes girl. Yes, I'll teach those lessons, yes I'll sing that song, yes I'll make room in my schedule for that show. And I haven't regretted even <i>one</i> of those yesses. But I find myself at a new place in my life where I need to protect my time and really focus on my current projects. <br><br>At times I think the year was a bit slow for me - just a handful of shows, directing the choir, a few students to teach; and then I remember that I also released my first solo album this year and I have my ukulele book Ukulele for Teens releasing in time for the Winter NAMM show, and I remember my definition of “slow” is totally out of whack. The Selkie Girls had our final show at ScotFest Tulsa - I'd love to tell you that I remained stoic and tear free, but in truth, the audience had to help me sing that last song. I love these folks like family; and when good things end, there's a deep grief. <br><br> </p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/266120/af077e498b455f9850091726fa572a90f453bf2d/original/dsc-5139.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><br><br>So this is me getting more focused, saying no to a few things, and attempting to put my life and career in proper perspective with my priorities of mother, wife, artist, human being that eats, sleeps, and rests, and all the other things.<br><br>Maybe next year I'll learn to finally crochet more than a wash cloth and a scarf (both rectangles!) Maybe I'll learn to make my own soap or use a pottery wheel. I'm leaving some room in my life for the unknown.<br><br>Now for the knowns!<br><br>Please join my band for a couple of really fun shows - first up is November 17 (next week!) at North 48 in Oconomowoc - an adorable little pub down in Lake Country - excellent cocktails and atmosphere, and The Stirling Latelys to serenade you with folk songs and reimagined covers. We do a few originals too so hope to see you there! </p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/266120/9d2f14198e373212d06c371599267b1febae3efd/original/teal-and-brown-modern-music-concert-instagram-post.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Ukulele for Teens will debut within the next couple of months; I'm excited to share this work, as I firmly believe ukulele is a fantastic instrument accessible to so many; it's truly a joy to share these songs and techniques, so be on the lookout for that! <br><br>And then we'll probably have another show or two with The Selkie Girls down in Texas as a final farewell this spring, keep checking my site for updates on that. <br><br>This summer, Jaycie, Chad, and I will join an all-star group of Celtic and Folk musicians for the Celtic on the Carribean Cruise - there's still room if you're interested. All the information is here:<br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://tullamore.band/celtic-on-the-caribbean-2024" data-link-type="url"><u>Caribbean Cruise</u></a></p><p>The album is doing well, I'm still steadily selling copies and getting more play on various streaming platforms and podcasts. Thanks to you all for your continued support and encouragement. I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead!</p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/71641482023-03-02T19:06:11-06:002023-10-16T09:51:42-05:00Album Release Date Updated to March 6!<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">**Album Announcement**</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">First of all, HUGE thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of my new album, Into the Hollows! Seriously - thank you! I'm so pleased by the support.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Now for the slightly not so great news - I need to postpone the official release to Monday March 6th - we had a technical glitch that will be resolved by then - so you will received your digital album codes MONDAY rather than tomorrow, but it'll be worth the wait!</div></div>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/71568242023-02-19T10:36:34-06:002023-02-19T10:36:35-06:00Album Release! Into the Hollows March 3, 2023<p>After three years of work, I'm finally releasing my very first solo album: Into the Hollows. It is now available for pre-order - if you order the physical CD, you will also receive a copy of the digital album as well. I'll be shipping these out as soon as they arrive (March 3 or thereabouts).<br><br>I had some amazing friends guest on this including Dave Ervin, Chris Buckley, Jaycie Skidmore, Cara Wildman, Kathryn Powell, Amanda Carlson, Matthew Cook, Scooter Muse, Martin McCall, Wolf Loescher, and Chad Johnson (my husband) who played some guitar and also did the final mixes and mastering of the album. <br><br>I am immensely proud of the work we all did on this album and so honored to share it with all of you. All of these are songs that spoke to me and tell a compelling story. My hope is that you enjoy listening to this music as much as we enjoyed making it. And thank you in advance for your support! I have the best group of friends and fans anyone could ask for. <br><br>Alli<br><br>To pre-order - click the image below!<br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="/music" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Music"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/266120/6c2b486b32b95e20bf5985a6c1792b7e7667f117/original/into-the-hollows-album-cover-final.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/71286162022-12-26T12:00:00-06:002022-12-26T12:35:55-06:00Ringing in 2023 - Several announcements and exciting news<p>Merry Twixmas! <br><br>Just learned a new term and that is Twixmas - the days between Christmas and New Years. During these days, we take some time to relax, enjoy family time, or if you're me, quarantine with the flu away from family!<br><br>In between doses of Theraflu, that magical elixer, I've been gathering in all of my exciting news to share with all of you. I've got several fun things to share with you all. <br><br>First of all - The Selkie Girls will be back at NTIF this year March 3-5, Fair Park in Dallas, TX. It was one of the first festivals we ever played and we are excited to be back again this year in our hometown. We may be adding some additional dates, so watch this space and also watch www.theselkiegirls.com for additional dates this year.<br><br>Speaking of The Selkie Girls, we are heading to Ireland April 2024 and you're all invited. All the details are at <a contents="https://www.hammondtours.com/product/selkie-girls-tour-of-ireland/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hammondtours.com/product/selkie-girls-tour-of-ireland/">https://www.hammondtours.com/product/selkie-girls-tour-of-ireland/</a><br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hammondtours.com/product/selkie-girls-tour-of-ireland/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/30296f26e9c20d141e91381fcaddac97beec40b5/original/untitled-design-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And next Summer, Jaycie Skidmore and I will be cruising the Carribbean, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/a77cc6c0880f03086258be8c047200280f0967dc/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/d411c92edd7b833181ed08b6c0f729b1373cb07c/original/2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />and guess what? YOU are invited along to that as well! Details for cruise here: <a contents="https://tullamore.band/celtic-on-the-caribbean-2024" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tullamore.band/celtic-on-the-caribbean-2024">https://tullamore.band/celtic-on-the-caribbean-2024</a><br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Important point on this one - make sure you if you sign up, you let them know Jaycie and I brought you there! There's lots of Celtic acts coming on the tour, and we want to make sure they know we were part of the reason you signed up. I can't wait for both of these awesome trips and the opportunity to hang with all of our friends and fans. Y'all are the best.<br><br> </p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/68542552021-12-29T10:20:09-06:002022-02-25T01:38:55-06:00New, New, New New New<p>Happy New Year, y'all! 2022 is just a breath away, and I don't know about you, but I am MORE than ready for what this next year promises to bring. I've got lots of news to announce and also some to tease. <br><br>First the announcements: </p>
<p><strong>The Selkie Girls</strong></p>
<p>Check out my <a contents="SHOWS" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows">SHOWS</a> page to see as I add new dates. The Selkie Girls are going back on tour this spring down south (yay!) We've got several dates booked and are continuing to add more each week. If you've missed The Selkie Girls, meet me in Texas and I promise you'll get a chance to see us - whether it's at North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF) or Sherman Celtic Festival, or if a more intimate, artistic show is your jam, we've got some of those including at Mesquite Arts Center. Keep watching the Shows tab for updates. I've missed my band like crazy, and we are determined to make this a very special spring.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theselkiegirls.com" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/cfb12a4c284eb3957b1cebc51599a4e35c5af92d/original/the-selkie-girls-banner.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><br><br><strong>Alli Johnson Music Studio</strong></p>
<p>My studio continues to grow and thrive. I have literally the best students and am so honored to be the teacher to each and every one of them. I'm currently teaching Scottish and Irish songs, general voice, guitar, and ukulele. Thanks to all who have supported my studio and chosen me as their instructor. Keep me in mind if you're in the market for a music teacher, or know someone who is - I'm still accepting new students. Check out my <a contents="LESSONS" data-link-label="Lessons" data-link-type="page" href="/lessons">LESSONS</a> tab for more info. </p>
<p><br><a contents="Songs for the TIMES" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://irishtradmusic.org/songs-for-times-sessions/"><strong>Songs for the TIMES</strong></a></p>
<p>Along with my very good friend, Matthew Cook and for our beloved Traditional Irish Music Education Society, I will be hosting a series of workshops with some of the best Irish, Scottish, and Celtic Folk singers in the world. Visit the TIMES site for more info on these quarterly workshops - all totally free and available to anyone with an internet connection. It's not every day you get to chat and ask these folks questions about their music and process. Full schedule announced soon. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://irishtradmusic.org/songs-for-times-sessions/"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/7bf43692d632828840f12c5af4a7be43764930a8/original/untitled-design-1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><strong>And finally, a bit of a tease. </strong><br><br>For the last two years, I've worked with Dave Ervin, lead guitarist for The Selkie Girls, on an ambitious musical project, originally under The Known World Project. That initial group of songs became something more, and especially after we moved here to Wisconsin, it became clear that the next step in my personal musical career was to release my first solo album. Solo is quite the relative term, as I've had the pleasure to work with some of my favorite folks on this, from Dave on guitar, Scooter Muse on banjo, fiddlers Chris Buckley and Kathryn Powell, Cara Wildman on bodhran, Martin McCall on drums, Chad Johnson on guitar, Jaycie Skidmore on vocals and flutes, and even Amanda Carlson on vocals up here in Wisconsin. And now, another wonderful musician, Wolf Loescher, is working on some drum tracks for the final couple of songs. At heart, I'm a collaborator, so being able to work with all of these talented individuals has been such a treat for me. I really cannot wait to share this collection of songs with you all, and my goal is to have the final album released in late spring. So I'll give you two little goodies till then.<br><br>First - the name of the album. Into the Hollows. <br><br>Second, a little lyric video I made of one of the tracks. This one's Annabel Lee - based on the Edgar Allen Poe poem. If you know me, I love haunting imagery, tragic love, and tragedy in general. <br><br>As Tom Waits said, "I like beautiful melodies telling me terrible things." <br><br>Hope you enjoy the video and song. <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="C0aUe2n64BI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/C0aUe2n64BI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C0aUe2n64BI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br> </p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/65939852021-04-04T13:11:38-05:002021-11-24T15:10:49-06:00New Video! Hill of the Thieves - Irish Folk Cover!<p>Cara Dillon is one of my favorite contemporary folk singers. I decided to cover her song, Hill of the Thieves, as part of my evolving solo project. </p>
<p>This song was recorded over the past year with Dave Ervin, one of my favorite people to make music with. We asked our friend, Chris Buckley, great fiddle and viola player of The Here & Now to work with us on this. </p>
<p>We threw him the task of creating an original reel in the instrumental sections of the song. And in an impossible key. And he was of course up to the task. </p>
<p>I love this song because for me, it's all about reconnecting with your roots, honoring your history and the journey and sacrifice of those who came before, embracing both the dark and the light, and emerging stronger for it. I created this video as a love letter to both the song and to the gorgeous landscape of Ireland. </p>
<p>Hope you enjoy!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Tr4tp0I-GCA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Tr4tp0I-GCA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tr4tp0I-GCA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/65517362021-02-16T18:00:00-06:002021-09-14T11:25:46-05:00New Shows Added<p>St. Paddy's and Festival season looks a little different this year. But as it can, the show does go on. We recorded a very cool set at The Post in Fort Worth that will be streamed for North Texas Irish Festival. Then we have some outdoor and socially-distanced shows coming up afteward. Details below. Looking forward to being back on stage and performing!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2021 <br>NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL (NTIF), Dallas, Texas, March 5-7 <br>NTIF.org </p>
<p>LEGACY HALL, Plano, Texas, March 13, 2021, 1:30pm - 3:30pm <br>www.legacyfoodhall.com </p>
<p>COPPELL ART CENTER, Coppell, Texas, March 13, 2021, 8:00pm - 9:30pm <br>www.coppellartscenter.org </p>
<p>LEGACY HALL, Plano, Texas, March 17, 2021, 7:00pm - 9:00pm <br>www.legacyfoodhall.com <br> <br>TEXAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES, DECATOR, TEXAS, APRIL 30 - MAY 2, 2021 <br>WWW.TEXASSCOTS.COM <br></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/64385762020-09-20T08:54:55-05:002021-08-13T14:23:57-05:00The Known World Project<p>I've got a new musical endeavor called The Known World Project debuting this month. When the St. Paddy's season was effectively wiped out, I wanted to do something. If I couldn't perform, I could at least continue to make some music. My bandmate Dave, from The Selkie Girls, and I starting kicking around some new songs. Since the band couldn't rehearse, we just starting working on arrangements back and forth. Then we began to invite some of our musical friends to join in the fun. We recruited Chris Buckley, a long-time friend from Austin, and world-class fiddle player, to add his magic onto some tracks. Jaycie from The Selkie Girls with her ethereal vocals and warm flutes, Scooter Muse, great banjo and guitar player from Alabama, Cara Wildman on the bodhran, Martin McCall on drums. And the hope is that more friends will eventually join in. There are no limits. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>LIKE the Facebook Page www.facebook.com/theknownworldproject <br>VIST the Website www.theknownworldproject.com </p>
<p>SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel: The Known World Project </p>
<p>ENGAGE with us on Instagram @theknownworldproject</p>
<p><br>Here's the first song - Wolves. <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="veRQOjvu04Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/veRQOjvu04Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/veRQOjvu04Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/64101602020-08-15T09:41:49-05:002021-08-03T14:15:50-05:00Thig Am Bata with Cara Wildman<p>Please enjoy my collaboration with internationally known bodhran player, Cara Wildman. This song proved to be a lyrical and rhythmic beast, but I'm proud of our final result. <br><br>To quote from Cara's description: </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I first heard this tune in a bodhrán masterclass with </p>
<p>Martin O'Neill </p>
<p>in 2016 when I was studying in Limerick. He and Julie Fowlis got the tune from Mairi Smith, who is from the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides. The lyrics are ultra creepy (see below): a woman is happily married with small children. Her sister is envious of the woman's happiness, so murders the married sister and steals her husband and children. The husband later finds his dead wife drowned in the sea with her hair floating among the seaweed. The time signature is as scary as the lyrics, with four bars phrases in 13/8, 12/8, 11/8, and 12/8. The most challenging part for me wasn't the time signature as much as getting really clean tones with left hand, especially in bar three. </p>
<p>A note from Martin: "When I was notating it originally to record it with Julie, I wrote it as one bar of 13/8 and 3 bars of 12/8, essentially forcing Julie to take a breath/pause on the 3rd line. Only five minutes before we recorded it we got Mairi Smith, from the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides, on the phone to check we had it right. Julie passed the phone to me and I quickly realised I had an extra beat in there somewhere. A little moment of panic, but we figured it out and hit record a few minutes later and the result was the version you now know, 13/8, 12/8, 11/8, 12/8." </p>
<p>The boat will come, early tomorrow. </p>
<p>My father will be on board and my three brothers. </p>
<p>My brown-haired husband at the breast-oar. </p>
<p>They'll find me drowned. </p>
<p>They will lift me up on the oars. </p>
<p>My brown cloak swimming in the sea. </p>
<p>My brown locks among the carageen. </p>
<p>My silver broch among the sand. </p>
<p>It wasn't hunger that sent me to the shore </p>
<p>or a craving for dulse or limpets. </p>
<p>Another farewell to my little ones, </p>
<p>one a year old, one a two year old. </p>
<p>The year old, who is not strong, </p>
<p>I left him in the back room. </p>
<p>Tonight he will ask for his mother's breast. </p>
<p>If he does he will get only sea-water. </p>
<p>Oh my curses on the jealous woman </p>
<p>She left me on the rock of drowning </p>
<p>The boat will come early tomorrow, </p>
<p>They'll find me drowned. </p>
<p>#tuneoftheweek #thigambata #carawildmanmusic #tradmusic #Scottishmusic #folkmusic #Scotland #music #folk #celticmusic #trad #livemusic #celtic #tunes #ScottishGaelic #bodhran #singer<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fxopsOog9-8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fxopsOog9-8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fxopsOog9-8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/63531482020-06-14T14:12:17-05:002021-09-12T14:25:46-05:00Fantastic Write Up in Celtic Life Magazine<p>Pleased to have spoken with Stephen at Celtic Life Magazine. Great write up about the latest Selkie Girls release.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/5e65a4a16662caa53fd5e55a9980edb517a86cc0/original/celtic-life-article.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/63521602020-06-13T09:53:35-05:002021-08-27T11:28:06-05:00A brand new project<p>The Known World Project </p>
<p>The Known World Project is a collaboration of musicians from all over the world. Organized by myself and Dave Ervin, the goal of the project is to create music even in this time of physical social isolation. "Alli and I started this project as a way to keep our sanity and have fun recording songs, all while living in the social distancing lock down of the 2020 pandemic." In the midst of uncertain times, music can be a stronghold, an anchor, both for the makers and the listeners. We hope to continue this online project and share some music with the world. Stay tuned for future events, shows, recordings and the like. </p>
<p>Sonder the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own </p>
<p>We chose this concept to describe our current project. While we are living in era of self-isolation due to the pandemic, we have become more aware of one another's circumstances and challenges. Even when we are apart, there is opportunity for connection. Sonder speaks to the essential truth that we are complex and nuanced, and through artistic expression, compassion, and community, we can create something inspirational. </p>
<p>“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” - Desmond Tutu</p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/60427692019-12-23T16:48:14-06:002021-08-19T15:00:52-05:00Ringing In the New Year. <p>New Year. Same old me. But armed with new goals, renewed passion, and focus. I hope your 2019 was good; I hope you learned something new about yourself, did something you were proud of (or many things!), and that you are filled with some hope for next year.<br><br><strong><span style="color:null;">Goings on, etc. </span></strong><br>The HouseCats are back and booking for 2020. Never heard of us? That's because we took an 11 year hiatus while raising our two kiddos. They're getting older now, and the acoustic duo engine has revved up once again. www.facebook.com/housecatsmusic</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/34773e824a0301a64c0b7cfb9a1ee8ab4dfd9044/original/7719-copy.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We're booking for wineries, pubs, and other great listening rooms. We play a mix of atmospheric originals and tasteful covers, spanning from rock to pop to folk to Americana and beyond. We make a great opener, too.<br><br>I'm keeping busy with a full studio of students, through my own Skype lessons from my home, a full roster at the New Song School of the Arts, and my choirs and private students at the School of Irish Music, too. I can never decide which I love teaching the most - ukulele, piano, voice, or guitar. Or maybe it's just that I love them all and really enjoy the people I get to work with. <br><br>The Selkie Girls are releasing our newest album this spring, tentatively in time for the St. Paddy's season of festivals and shows. Go check out all the fun there at www.theselkiegirls.com for more info on that.<br><br>Take care and see you all next year! The best is yet to come! </p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/58003092019-06-22T08:56:47-05:002021-09-13T15:09:32-05:00Back in the Studio, Summer Camps, Gigs, and all the rest<p>Hi all :)<br><br>Thanks for checking out my page and traveling on this musical journey with me. It's been an eventful six months since my last post. We released the Christmas album, Winter Lore, produced two successful Christmas shows and a host of other dates, and then were slammed with the St. Paddy's season - traveling throughout Texas, singing our songs, and generally having a blast.<br><br>In the meantime, I've also been maintaining a very busy studio of piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele students. I love all aspects of the work and am so thankful that I'm able to make my living with music. I can't decide which I like better - making my own music or helping people on their musical journeys. I'll just say I love them both and leave it at that.<br><br>The Selkie Girls are back in the studio working on our 5th album, as yet untitled, and it feels good to finally lay down the tracks that we've been working on in rehearsal. My other musical project, The HouseCats is coming along as well, and we're in weekly rehearsals gearing up for some shows in the fall. I'm excited to work with Chad again on this.<br><br>In the meantime, I'll be teaching a Ukulele Camp for kids, July 15th through 18th. Check it out! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/ffbec77bf3093087cc6b39285ec6bef8eab1ebc8/original/ukulele-camp.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>https://newsongschoolofthearts.com/camps-2019/</p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/54873452018-10-26T09:48:08-05:002022-06-15T10:59:56-05:00The New Album is Here! <p>Finally, our newest album is here. We've worked for over a year and a half on the album and are deeply proud to share this with our fans. This was a carefully curated selection of our favorite Celtic pieces, including traditional Christmas songs and some you may never have heard before. Order here: www.theselkiegirls.com/store <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/0909e1bb28cbe6711e775c6b1208a4d1a1207fab/original/christmas-cd-with-logofront.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/84cb941015ae8cb183e96c76fa61def4e9857396/original/christmas-cd-with-logoback.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/50798002018-02-14T17:21:25-06:002021-09-14T15:52:10-05:00Here we go.<p>Alright ladies and gents. We are entering the busy season for a singer in a Celtic band, and I wouldn't change a thing. Here's the complete list of tour dates for the spring. In addition to these concerts with <a contents="The Selkie Girls" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theselkiegirls.com">The Selkie Girls</a>, I will be teaching an Irish Singing Workshop at the North Texas Irish Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Come join the fun! </p>
<p>I'm still accepting vocal students for 2018. Contact me for more details!</p>
<p><a contents="The Selkie Girls" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theselkiegirls.com"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/b3198bfed9e17bcb8b44ebb7b9ab992c9ed38fb9/original/selkie-girls-spring-tour.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/50496972018-01-29T08:56:56-06:002018-01-29T08:56:56-06:00Tiny Desk Contest<p>Last year, Chad and I did a thing. This is his original song, Astrophysics. I play Rockenspiel and he's on guitar. Hope you enjoy!</p>
<p><a contents="Astrophysics by The HouseCats" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGPJni2V0nU">Astrophysics by The HouseCats</a></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/49251242017-11-08T19:11:50-06:002022-01-17T10:36:28-06:00Celtic Christmas with the Selkie Girls!<p>Fresh from the Austin Celtic Festival, and we're gearing up for a show we've been planning for months. It's like nothing we've done before. Hope you can make it!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/266120/e5f3ee3b65d465bc54acbfefca309b336939f55e/original/final-celtic-christmas-poster.jpg?1510189897" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/48916182017-10-14T07:32:52-05:002017-10-14T07:32:52-05:00Heading to the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat!<p>This coming weekend, I'll be heading down to the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, both as a student and an instructor. I'm really looking forward to both opportunities! I'll be teaching two Gaelic song workshops, both focusing on Irish Gaelic song specifically, including historical context and some Irish language basics. I'll also be taking a series of courses covering Irish guitar style and technique.<br><br>Here's a little more info on this event:<br> </p>
<p>The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat was first held on October 30-31, 2004, at the Springhill Retreat Center in Richardson, Texas. More than 140 students of all ages gathered to learn traditional Irish music on a variety of instruments taught by teachers mostly from the Dallas area. The enrollment was far greater than what was expected, and it demonstrated a strong interest in Irish music throughout Texas and the Southwest region. </p>
<p>As a tribute to Jim O'Flaherty, a native Irishman and musician living in the DFW region who passed away in 2001, a Dallas musician named Ken Fleming organized the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. The retreat focuses on the teaching of traditional Irish music on fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, tenor banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhrán, guitar, piano, accordion and concertina. Singing in English and Irish Gaelic are taught along with enrichment classes pertaining to music history, session etiquette, music arrangements, learning resources, and more. A number of the instructors are internationally-acclaimed performers and teachers many of whom are brought over from Ireland. </p>
<p>After its successful first year, the retreat moved in 2005 to larger facilities at Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center in Midlothian, Texas and again in 2012 to the more expansive Lakeview Camp & Conference Center in Waxahachie, Texas. In 2014, we are very excited to return to the beautiful Hoblitzelle campus due to extensive renovation and expanded meeting space. With increasing enrollment from outside of the region, the retreat is now ranked internationally with similar music camps in America such as the Augusta Irish Week, Catskills Irish Week and Swannanoa Celtic Week.</p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/48717472017-09-30T10:20:48-05:002019-12-23T16:38:34-06:00Tonight! O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat Benefit Concert<p>The Selkie Girls are on at 9!</p>
<p>Tonight at the Trinity Hall Pub in Dallas, we will have our annual benefit to raise needed funds to provide scholarships and instructors for the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. It begins at 6 p.m. and runs through the night featuring some of our best area bands playing Irish music. Come have dinner, drinks and listen to some great music. No admission. The pub is donating a generous portion of the evening's receipts, so come with an appetite. There will be a raffle for prizes too.</p>Alli Johnsontag:www.allijohnsonmusic.com,2005:Post/48516352017-09-15T08:12:29-05:002017-10-13T16:20:54-05:00Site Launch!<p>Thanks for popping by my brand new site! I'll update with upcoming news here and there, and hopefully you're able to find what you're looking for. If not, contact me! </p>
<p>Be sure to check out my upcoming <a contents="events" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows">events</a> (the calendar is filling up!) and if you're interested in booking a vocal lesson, check out my <a contents="Lessons" data-link-label="Lessons" data-link-type="page" href="/lessons">Lessons</a> page. If you're interested in purchasing my music, it's all for sale at <a contents="The Selkie Girls store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theselkiegirls.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html">The Selkie Girls store</a>!<br><br>Thanks!<br>Alli</p>Alli Johnson