Mad Agnes
Stories & Pics From the Road
Adrienne’s Travel Diary Archive
Not this one. One with a date
We’ve been closer to home the last month, just making brief weekend trips within New England or out to New Jersey, then coming back home. I have to say the helium-filled Mylar balloons I had for my belated birthday party are still floating around the apartment. The star-shaped one has deflated enough so that it’s just hovering upright on the couch; but a few days ago it took on a life of its own, floating at will around the apartment, from one room to the next. I’d see it in the kitchen, then later it would be in the bedroom. This was not as bizarre as the way I started treating it like a pet and talking to it, pulling it around by its snippet of curly ribbon. Hm, maybe it’s time to hit the road again!
The one thing about not getting in the car quite so often these days, though, is that one isn’t exposed to those below zero temperatures that flash freeze one’s nose hairs in place. Yikes! We went to the APAP conference in NYC yesterday and we had to pull down one of the back seats so that the car heat could drift into the trunk, thereby preventing all our guitars from becoming popsicles (um… folksicles?). The conference was actually fun — we played two ten minute slots in a large ballroom with a great sound system, and we left the exhibit hall work to those representing us. Ahhhhh. Also got to hear some of our friends play. Afterward, Margo stayed in NY for some Feldenkrais work, and Mark and I drove back home, listening to Harry Potter on CD.
In other news, Avalon tells us that our new guitars will be ready in just over a month. We’re feeling quite pregnant with anticipation. When this all comes together I will be selling my Taylor 414Ce, so if you’re interested, email me at adrienne@madagnes.com. (We’ll sign it for you if you like.)
Now we jump into another busy period of about three months. This week we go to Florida — M&M are driving, and I’m flying down with my sister for a few days of Girlytime, at which point the band will pick me up in Orlando for a couple of weeks of gigs (and don’t forget the MANATEES!! Check back for photos). We’ll be all over the map for a while after that — New England, DC, NY, San Diego, Texas, Midwest, with new songs and new guitars.
Cheers, and keep washing your hands — lots of people are still sick!
Adrienne, for MeMargoMark
A pictorial account of our Florida tour. More coming soon, from other people’s cameras!
Robert’s fruit Stand. This place has an amazing array of local and other tropical fruits, vegetables, honeys, smoothies and snacks. In the back is a tortoise farm with a few goats.
Cheers, Adrienne (for me, Margo & Mark)
Karen, our hostess in Cape Coral, created this for us while we stayed with them after their house concert. It’s made of styrofoam, carved with a drommel tool. She based the lettering on the Magic Hour CD cover, and added all the palm trees and the sunset… obviously so we’d still feel warm when we got back home! Thanks, Karen; what an awesome gift.
Only slightly crazed and road-weary, here we are at our final gig in Floral City. (There’s Karen’s creation in the background.)
A moment from the Mad Agnes hall of fame! Here we are with Dick Van Patten and his son, Jimmy, after a recent performance of “Sunshine Boys” in Worcester, MA. The show also starred our friend John (back row, center). The play was a hoot (and a great lesson in comic timing), and we also had the pleasure of their company (and road stories) at dinner beforehand.
Naturally, we forced them to listen to a couple of a capella songs before we left. Thank you, Dick and Jimmy, for a special evening, and thank YOU John, for setting it up.
Cheers, Adrienne (for me, Margo & Mark)
I know, I know, it’s been over a month. We’ve been so bizzy, we’re dizzy. But we just got back from Texas, and I have photos for you! First, a snippet from our trip to Clinton, NY last month, where we played at the Arts Center. Who is that mysterious man?
Margo forgot to bring her coat along, so we paid a visit to the local thrift shop. Someone else did, too. This fellow had only one thing on his mind, and that was his mistress, who was inside. That, apparently, wasn’t the only animal life in Clinton.
As a closet mouse lover, this was very exciting to me. I knew I’d fit into this town. (AND Margo got a very snappy purple coat. Why don’t we have a picture of the coat?) Meanwhile, in Schoharie, we enjoyed Sonny Ochs’ company (and her cabin), and also our gig at the local church. Here’s her kitty, also enjoying life.
Now that all seems ages ago, since we’ve been to the Folk Alliance and to Texas since then. Austin is our home away from home (especially in March), and we stayed with Kay & Talbot again, creators of Neverlandia. (See the link at top of this page for their virtual tour.) Here are a few shot of their house: When you first come in, there is a mirror-mosaic prosperity altar in the hallway. What you’re seeing on the floor there are two pairs of doggy slippers — I think one is Dalmatian and one is wolfhound. We danced in these later.
The living room is all one piece of cement — the shelves, couch foundations, and side tables are all molded. I got to sleep in the little gallery room, among Talbot’s artwork. Below are a couple of his bead creations.
I don’t need to tell you that I had VERY interesting dreams, each night I slept there. We also got to see the beautiful castle playscape he designed for a mall in Houston — didn’t have my camera though, so I can’t show it to you. Nor can I show you the huge, Venetian double-decker carousel on which we rode. But Talbot had a book on carousel animals, and I took some pictures for you, so you can imagine you’re there…
Crsl5.jpg (19650 bytes) Mark changed animals every time we went around the backside. We bought a few extra carousel tokens to give away at the house concert, so people would have a reason to stop by the mall… and see the playscape!
On Friday, our one night off, Margo and Mark cooked her mouthwatering cilantro pesto salmon, and our photographer friend Aaron came over for dinner (and don’t think we didn’t find the Tiramisu later in the fridge, Aar. That was breakfast the whole weekend!). After dinner was the First Annual Elegant Chocolate Blind Taste-Off and Evaluation, and then decadent and debauched dancing in the living room to old 45’s, complete with every mask, prop, wig and instrument in the house. If I can get Aaron to send me the photos he took, there will be plenty of material up here for blackmail soon.
Oh yeah, and we also played some gigs in Texas. Did I mention that’s why we went? The Neverlandia concert was even bigger than last year, and we even coaxed Kay’s dad into telling us a story in his made-up Gypsy language, Pilsinski. (You can ask us about this if you really need to. It’s hard to describe.)
But it wasn’t all rosy. In a bizarre beverage-related incident, Mark drank some ginger mango limeade with fresh chopped mint at intermission, and got something stuck in his throat. In spite of a couple of long and unproductive visits to the emergency room over the next several days, it persisted all weekend, giving him severe cold-like symptoms and preventing him from sleeping. Though Margo and I were unwilling to share the stem/thorn/seed/UFO, we did contract his cold by the time we got home.
So we’re glad that we smelled the Texas Mountain Laurel while we had the chance. It’s intoxicating, and in full bloom right now in Austin.
Kay and Talbot, we miss you already. Here we are on the last day, our smiles belying the sadness we feel at parting. But we’ll be back. Oh yes. We’ll be back.
Cheers,mAdrienne (for MeMargoMark)
We’ve come to accept our lot as the busiest people on earth, and we’ve stopped complaining about it. Well… we tried not complaining for one afternoon anyway, and that was we had time for. Meanwhile, filming went on as planned at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford last month. It’s a beautiful, restored space whose guardians clearly care a lot about the importance of preserving its historical significance. Here are a couple of shots from our setup in the afternoon: (below) These pics don’t do it justice; it’s gorgeous. I was having fun making little films with my new Elph camera, when the battery ran out. D’oh! So, many thanks to all who came to cheer us on…
and now to the wild DC/PA weekend, where we stalked Jonathan Edwards from the Birchmere to the Sellersville Theatre. We don’t need to mention how cool it was to play the Birchmere — or to hear J.E., who is a great performer and very personable too. Here’s the Sellersville Theatre: (below)
We love to see grand old theatres like this being USED. They have a great lineup, too…including US! Now you can’t see this very well, but I assure you our name IS on this marquee….. Naturally, we couldn’t let the evening go without a goodbye smooch.
Well, Mark looks a little indignant, but I think Jonathan enjoyed it.
On to Vermont. Vermont is one of those states we just never want to leave once we’re there, like Florida and Texas. We stayed with our great buds Robin and Shayna, and though I kept reminding everyone we needed a picture, we all dispersed before I could get one that involved all of us. What I have instead are pictures of breakfast. No, really, it’s important. We walked down the road to a working Quaker farm that advertises Suffolk Punch horses, and got eggs “so fresh they have schmutz on them,” according to Robin. We also saw a two month old horsie, a really great puppy, some pigs with piglets, and some very happy running-around hens. I think there was one human there, too, and the horses were in the field working. Anyway, there was a big Vermont breakfast when we returned, featuring eggs and pancakes and local syrup.
Oh, yeah, and we also played some gigs in Vermont. Oona’s has now been moved to The Windham, an ex-hotel that’s closed except for the smallish lobby, which was packed for its inaugural concert with Michael Veitch and yours truly. Mark doesn’t know I took this picture of him before the gig, but if you look carefully you’ll spot him…(above) Sometimes we have to nap while we can.
The Jamaica church is a lovely space — in fact, Jamaica itself is a dear little eye-blink of a village not far from Brattleboro. When we packed up and brought everything down for load-out, we realized yet again that we have way too much stuff for three people. Still, it makes a good picture, don’t you think?
Saturday night we were at Middle Earth, in hobbit-land, and afterwards we drove the three hours home. On the way back, someone passed us going the WRONG way on I-91. I mean, in our passing lane, but heading towards us! Since my cell phone was working in those parts, I was the designated 911 caller. We never found out what happened but a few minutes later we saw flashing blue lights headed northbound. Be careful on the highways!
And that, I believe, brings us more or less up to date. This week Mg and Mk are visiting respective parents, while I (A) house and animal sit for my sibs. We’re looking forward to our Morristown, NJ gig next weekend! Check the gig schedule for details. One more note — we’ve moved this news page directly onto the Mad Agnes site so now we all have access to it. Expect spontaneous adds from Mark and Margo! We never know what will be posted next! The suspense is terrible!
Cheers, Adrienne (for MeMargoMark)
Mad Agnes with a backup band? Isn’t that like an entree with a side of entree?
Maybe. But when Mike Visceglia, Jerry Marotta and Ben Butler (bass, drums & guitar respectively) invited us to share a set with them at the Bitter End, we knew it would rock, so down we went last Monday to NYC. Mark drove us in.
We hadn’t been in New York in a long time. I kind of wanted to get out and buy some flowers and a newspaper, and maybe two boots, but there wasn’t time.
And then we got there. The Bitter End has a cool mural behind the bar, of famous people who have performed there. Hey, wait a minute…Where’s Mad Agnes?
They must still be working on that part. Anyway, we had our one and only rehearsal with The Boys when we arrived. Amazingly, they wung our material in only a few passes.
Our friend Joey Eppard is a regular on their Monday night bill, and then they’ll have a rotating third artist each week — this time it was Sarah Bonsignore, a wonderful songwriter with a clear, honest soprano voice.
It was exciting to make music with such superlative players, and although the volume level was high enough to stun a moose, we had a good time! Thanks, M, J & B, for including us!
Another trip to Kripalu later, we’re now home and getting ready for a trip to Mystic, CT today, and Worcester, MA, tomorrow. Next week we will be slaves to our promotional DVD project for several days before heading off to VA and MD. If you’re down there we hope to see you.
Cheers, Adrienne (for MeMargoMark)
Just so you know we’ve been working hard, here is evidence that Mad Agnes is on the job.
Actually, Mark in particular is on the job these days, finishing up our promo DVD, a project which burgeoned to mammoth proportions as we suspected it would after the first week when we said, “Oh, this is easy!” The below was simply a posed shot in Annapolis last weekend, before heading out to our next gig. See, even in repose we’re on the move.
And this is Max and Susie Ochs, who kindly opened their door when we politely barged in and said, “Hey, we don’t know if we’re staying with you, but we’re in town so can we come over?”
Such lovely hosts, and look how we still had to stand in front of them. Forgive us. The DVD project has affected us.
We did play on this trip. Here is the stage at the Williamsburg Library Theatre,
…where we had room to bring ALL our guitars and still let Margo play the grand piano.
Then we had a special, private gig. We went by the Colonial Village to scatter some of my mom’s ashes in the beautiful little stream behind the Blacksmith’s shop. I grew up in VA and was taken to Williamsburg numerous times; my mom and I met there a few years before she passed, she driving up from Georgia and I down from CT. It was a special place for us. So we stood on the little bridge and sang “Potato” to her (it was her most requested song), and I’m sure I heard her singing along. Then we let her go in the current. She’s also in the ocean off Barbados, Ghana, and San Diego, thanks to my sister’s travels.
And thanks to my band for taking part in this. And for going with me to the Raleigh Tavern and Bakery where I picked up my customary 6 dozen ginger cakes to take home and freeze. Folks, they’re the best in the country.
We’re at the Half Moon Soberfest in Center Barnstead, NH this Sunday. This is a great outing so come hear us and the rest of the lineup! Note our revised time of 3:30pm. Check our gig schedule for more info.
Cheers, Adrienne (for Us3)
Isn’t it terrible that I haven’t updated this in a month and a half? It’s not that we haven’t been busy… we’ve just been closer to home, so fewer travel photo ops, I guess. Anyway we played at the Solarfest in Vermont last weekend, and it was a very kid friendly event…not to mention sun-friendly. Not only was it a beautiful day, but it meant that all the solar powered lights and sound equipment were working. We played a set on Saturday afternoon and Mark still found time to make things out of moldable soap. (Is it me, or does he look like Rosie O’Donnell here?) In addition, we had a VERY interesting dorm experience.
We’ve been working hard getting the rest of last writing retreat’s “new” material together, just in time for this summer’s retreat, in fact. And our article just came out in Dirty Linen with a big fat picture and lots of pithy quotes. As for the rest of it, Margo has been spending a lot of time in New Jersey helping her folks move to Florida, and A. (that’s me of course) is moving locally later this summer. Mark is just more like “movin’ and shakin’ ” getting our DVD ready for duplication.
That’s it for now. Adrienne (for MeMargoMark)
We just returned from the Mountain Stage NewSong Festival in West Virginia, where we had a tremendously good time hearing exceptional music and making some.
If you’re looking for new inspiration, visit any of the following websites: www.devachan.com/Mark_Simos/Mark.html, www.devonsproule.com, www.wa9.org, or www.steppininit.com. Below is a shot of We’re About 9 from the mainstage.
Yes, it was raining on Saturday afternoon. But the Nines brightened things up considerably for those stalwart enough to sit out the wet (or just clever enough to bring an umbrella). We really really like them (even though they’re way too young to be that good) and are looking into a split bill somewhere. Stay tuned…
And here we are looking only a little bit unwashed on our third day there… not to mean that we hadn’t showered, but you know, festivals and all… all that nature, and inchworms crawling over us and so forth.
Don’t think it has escaped my notice that I seem to wear this same shirt every time we go on the road. I do wash the shirt. In case you were wondering. Anyway, here’s one more choice moment in the main field, caught while a little girl played catch with her older brother. (below)
I loved this moment. If only we could catch the ball with all our beings, heads thrown back and face to the sun, every time.
The NewSong Festival is only in its third year, so the whole world doesn’t know about it yet. It’s in Charles Town, WV, and if you’re within a reasonable radius, tell your local friends about it and bring them all next year. It’s staffed with the most incredible and dedicated group of volunteers, and presented on a 160-acre tract that was owned by George Washington’s family and now belongs to the Historical Society. The location is an educational facility the rest of the year. This is definitely an event worth attending, and we’d love to see it grow.
We’re off to our annual Maine retreat this week. Wish us luck as we put our songwriting hats back on and shut the rustic, wooden door on the rest of the world.
Cheers, Adrienne, for MeMargoMark
It wouldn’t be summer without a writing retreat to Maine, so here are some images from last month’s escape.
This doesn’t do justice, but this is the living room at our retreat house.
..and this, of course, is Mark imitating Goya with his Candle Hat (google Billy Collins and read the poem; it’s delightful). This is actually a copper chandelier that Mark’s dad made, which hangs over our supper table. Note the embossed hearts around the bottom.
Blueberry season is over, but we found a rogue field that was just covered with them. When I first walked up here alone, it was so quiet I was inspired to a song… “A Place This Quiet” in progress.
It was a very productive week, and far too short. We’re imminently off to Florida, to see what is left of it after Frances, and to sing our hearts out at the Sunrise Theatre. See you soon.
The great unwashed! Cheers, A (for Me, M & M)
This has been an unbelievably busy summer for us, and it hasn’t wound down yet. We’re getting VERY CLOSE to finishing the DVD we filmed in the Spring — just working out some last minute details, don’t you worry, it’ll be smashing — in between road trips, and here on the eve of departing for Texas, I thought I’d show you a few pictures from our recent stay at Kripalu (our favorite yoga retreat) and our house concert at Flower City Folk (Fairport, NY). Enjoy!
This one gives me the shivas… (sorry.) It’s Cece the greyhound!! Looking for a scritch! And our new buddy, Wiley the Cat. Thanks, Jeff, for sharing your animal family with us (including the other two cats)!
I know, I know, I always take more pictures of animals than of people. Can’t help it. Anyway we had a delightful evening there, and also at the Hurdy Gurdy in Paramus, NJ the next night. Got home in time to pull a few very late nights working on the DVD (especially Mark, of course); it seems we’re meeting ourselves coming and going these days. I managed to move last month as well, so there’s been even MORE coming and going. And unpacking, which, given the amount we’re home, should continue into 2005. No matter! I can find my instruments, my computer, and my car. I’m functional!
One more note: You may have noticed there STILL hasn’t been a newsletter; finding time to work out the software problems when tech support is available has been a challenge. Please bear with us. Meanwhile we’re sending out spot-emailings in the locations where we’re playing. Tell your friends about a gig! And if you’re in Texas this month, check out our gigs page and come see us. We’d love to see YOU.
Cheers, Adrienne (for MeMargoMark)
We’ve returned from Texas, to find that the fiery steeds of Autumn have galloped apace while we cavorted in shorts and smelled four o’clocks in the front yard. It was a wonderful tour, Austin especially as our hearts reside there. Many thanks to all our hosts and to everyone who came to see us for the first time — as well as the friends who brought them. Here are a few images from the week and a half we spent there:
This rainbow followed us for about half an hour on our way from Dallas to Austin. Our friends from Neverlandia put up with us for several days. Here is an 8-foot beaded tapestry Talbot recently finished. We can’t imagine how much work this is!
Meanwhile, Mark found a cool restaurant where we did not eat. But Bone Daddy’s was worth a few shots. (below)
This little fellow was on the wall at Little Jo, the South Austin bungalow which Kay has been renovating. We dubbed him Little Jo and put him outside where he stood a better chance of finding something to eat. You can’t really tell from this photo, but his very antlered head was kind of purple.
And a few images from the back garden…
Somehow I didn’t imagine it would be 80 degrees during the day, so I came without shorts. But a visit to the local thrift shop solved all my fashion dilemmas.
A visit to Neverlandia isn’t complete without the Annual Fish Cookoff and Chocolate Debauch. We had extra guests this time so Kay set up a wonderful, huge dining table…
Doesn’t it look elegant? The best part was, after dinner we could remove the lace bedroom curtains and the bedspread, and use the table for its original purpose — to play ping pong.
Here was the menu. Roasted vegetables, tabouleh, mahi mahi. And, of course, company. At last there was just about nothing left. I didn’t get too many pictures of dinner conversation because the guests just wouldn’t hold still. However, the plates were cooperative:
I also did not get a picture of Aaron’s cheesecake, as it was just another blur going by.
After dinner, there were marshmallows — for toasting, or just for playing with. Kay was the expert at this, having developed her technique in childhood.
K&T, we miss you already and always.
Rosemary, anyone?
We ended up the tour in Winnsboro, where we played at the Monastery — not an actual one, but the house of Michael and Shannon Monk. Michael and their son J.R. helped Mark rig the keyboard case so it would accommodate our new travel keyboard stand. No more fussing at the airport! Michael designs custom homes, so he was fully equipped with the Velcro and the Pop Rivet Gun. Voila — what a solution!
See it, nestled in the lid?
They also have two dogs. Here is lovely Doris, our greeter. She works for scritches. Their other pup is a pug. A pudgy pug. His name is Calvin and he has his own sofa. Here he is, looking like a Great Dane. Isn’t this the largest pug you’ve ever seen? Wow! Are you SURE he’s a Pug?
Wait a minute! It always helps to get things in perspective. Here are Margo and Calvin on Calvin’s sofa. Whew. That’s more like it.
Mad Agnes, with Kay and Talbot, at our favorite breakfast spot.
And that concludes our pictorial Texas tour. Bye and we’ll be back.
Cheers, Adrienne, for MeMargoMark
Happy and blessed holidays to everyone. We’ve just returned from the Unity church at Syracuse, and before that, a couple of lovely house concerts in Pennsylvania. I must say we’re feeling quite Christmasy. It’s either the general excitement of the season, or the fact that we’re inches away from putting the finishing touches on the new songs we wrote over the summer. They’ll be in the rotation soon. It’s like getting a new wardrobe — we can’t wait to show them off to everybody.
This weekend we’re opening for Aztec Two-Step at the Towne Crier in Pawling; come by if you’re in the area. Meanwhile Winter begins next week, a good time to go within and count blessings, or get out the skis, or just curl up with a good book. Stay warm, and make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid.
Cheers, A., M. & M.