taylor austin dye

Festival Frenzy: Artisan Festival

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Artisan Festival: 8/23/15

The Artisan Festival is held in our state park, Natural Bridge. Just under the sky lift was the perfect location! The whole festival was outside, and boy was it a hot one that day. The Artisan Festival welcomes anyone to come set up a tent and sell their handmade items. We arrived an hour before I was scheduled to sing so I could check out all the vendors that were set up. Around 3:30, I started setting up and doing sound checks. My friends from WSKV were running the sound (the same station from the Corn Festival) and they always make me sound great! (www.wskvfm.com) I sang from 4:00-5:00 under the shelter area. Many people came to watch and even brought their food to the picnic tables to eat while I sang.

After my performance, I scrambled over to the food tent to get some fine festival cuisine. I found a pulled pork sandwich on the menu that was out of this world!

My dad had a hotdog that he claims was “one of the best hotdogs he’s ever eaten” but unfortunately, there are no pictures because he scarfed it down within minutes. It must have been as good as he said.

Festival Finds:

As I said earlier, I love looking at trinkets from vendors at any festival, but this festival was right up my alley. I have a thing for anything handmade. It is so special to think that someone took time to make an item with their own hands; I really appreciate that kind of talent and art.

Immediately after walking in and skimming over the tents, I was drawn to the artwork from “Frolic in the Forest.” I bought a beautiful hanging with a little terrarium hanging from it.

The shop owner, Heather, told me that she makes everything herself! She has beautiful bracelets, necklaces, dream catchers, rings, and more on her Etsy shop, www.etsy.com/shop/frolicintheforest Her slogan is “A shop for the adventurous, wild, and free” and I think her work really echoes that. Check her out!

If you are interested in my outfit, I have the links below!

Headband – Headbands for Hope. They donate a headband to a girl with cancer for every purchase. They also donate a portion of your purchase to the cancer research facility of your choice. www.headbandsforhope.com

Sunglasses – Raybans Club Masters www.raybans.com

Shirt – Sacks off 5th

Shorts – Rue 21 (old)

Shoes – Birkenstock "Granada" in brown
https://www.birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals/Granada

I had such a positive feedback from the crowd, vendors, and festival committee, they asked me back for next year on August 20th! I can’t wait for Artisan Festival 2016!

Did you like this post? Share it on Facebook! Comment below and let's talk about music (or food, or clothes, or life, or anything ok I just like to talk). If you want to see more videos of me singing, head on over to www.youtube.com/taylordyemusic.

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The Bobcat Dairy Bar

Friday, August 21, 2015

The Bobcat is a locally owned "dairy bar" in Beattyville, Kentucky. It has been there for as long as I can remember but they recently started live music on the weekends. If you want to know all the details from the show, keep reading!

I was so happy to be contacted to sing at the Bobcat. It has always been one of my favorite local restaurants, and my family and I went all the time when I was younger. I loved it (and not just because there was a Pacman arcade game inside and superman ice cream). They have just built a nice outside dining area and patio which is were I sang. It was a lovely afternoon and I had a great crowd there to watch. I started at 7:30 and sang until 9 and most of them hung around the whole time!

If you want to see a live clip from the night, click on the video below!

After the show, I went inside to grab some grub. I put in my order for a Chicken Bacon Ranch and a Peanut Butter milkshake while the new owner gave us a look at all the new renovations to the building. I was sad to discover that the Pacman game was gone, but the new decor was amazing! And of course, the food was tasty as always!

Seriously guys, the thickness of those milkshakes were *baby bear* juuuuuust right!

If you are interested in the details of my outfit, I have them linked below!

Headband: http://www.headbandsofhope.com/products/kimono-ties - These go to a great cause -- they give headbands to young girls with cancer and a portion of your money goes to cancer research. Use code "GEORGETOWN HOPE" to get $1 off your purchase!
Necklace: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-two-piece-choker-set-with-textured-owl-beads-and-feather-on-wax-cord-multicolor/-/A-17260135#prodSlot=medium_1_9&term=choker (similar look)
Dress - Altar'd State
Shoes - Kork Ease "Payton Sandal" http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kork-ease-payton-sandal/3230163

I had a great experience at the Bobcat Dairy Bar and I can't wait to go again! I would so recommend this place for anyone in the surrounding area, and even if you're coming from out of town--you won't be disappointed! And please, get a peanut butter shake for me!

Stay tuned for my next post! Be the first to read it by "liking" my FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/tayloraustindye, and I will let you know when it is up!

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Laurel County Homecoming

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Laurel County Homecoming

I was invited to sing at Laurel County's annual homecoming festival on August 15th. Keep

reading for all the details of the show!

I was so excited to take this gig because it was on my 21st birthday, and what better way to celebrate than performing? This was my first time playing at the Laurel County Homecoming and I loved the atmosphere. It was held in Levi Jackson State Park and I was on the amphitheater stage. There were food vendors and booths set up everywhere and they even had a special time where people could bring their doggies out for a treat! I loved seeing all the pups walking around while I was singing.

I was joined by my good friend Dustin Wilson. We grew up playing music together and had the same music teacher all throughout school.We always have a great time playing music together, so be looking for him in some upcoming shows! We arrived at the park around 3:45 just in time to sound check and get all our equipment set up. The show went smoothly and the new songs we added to the set went over really well (also look for a duet soon on www.youtube.com/taylordyemusic). We had only 15 minutes left in our set when we heard the thunder and saw the lightning. Unfortunately, we were unable to continue due to the weather.

After the show, I was starving and it was my birthday after all...so I got to pick the restaurant. Of course, we headed over to my favorite mexican place in London, El Dorado. We were joined by 2 of my friends that came to watch the show, my parents, Kyle and his family. My mom slyly told the waiters that it was my birthday, so of course they came out with sombreros and fried ice cream singing their rendition of Happy Birthday!

If you were wondering about my outfit, I have everything linked below!

Poncho - Reap the Sew Boutique https://www.facebook.com/reapthesew

Necklace - Altar'd State http://www.amazon.com/Tribal-Jewelry-Dangle-Pendant-Necklace/dp/B00PJIQ2P0/ref=pd_sim_197_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZEAWAWVDRJ48HV9F8VA (similar)

Sunglasses - Ray Bans Club Master http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/clubmaster/clv

Bag - Altar'd State

Jeans - Rack Revival http://www.buckle.com/rock-revival-betty-boot-stretch-jean/prd-784359162B215/sku-1154382734

Boots - Corral http://www.buckle.com/corral-fringe-cowboy-boot/prd-23226C2880/sku-9282464550

Stay tuned for my next post! Be the first to read it by "liking" my FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/tayloraustindye, and I will let you know when it is up!

Top 10 Gig Essentials

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Top 10 Items I Can't Perform Without

If I'm heading out the door to a performance, there are 10 things you can bet will be packed tight in the back hatch of my Kia Soul. My top 10 gig essentials:

1. Business Cards - It is SO IMPORTANT to keep your business cards on you at all times, especially when going out to perform. I can't count the times I have given my business card to someone and been contacted to entertain for them. It's all about making new connections, and a visual reminder for people is super helpful.

www.uprinting.com

2. Water - I know, this is obvious. BUT as a singer, it has been drilled in my brain to stay hydrated (thanks, Dr. Miller). I just grab my Klean Kanteen, fill it up, and I'm good to go. It is even personalized with my name and an eighth note on it! Such a thoughtful gift from my fiance, Kyle. Oh, and it's environmentally friendly so it's a win all around. Drink your water, fellow singers!

http://www.kleankanteen.com/collections/bottles/products/single-wall-classic-27oz?variant=1604623299

3. DI Box - A DI box isn't completely necessary, I'll admit. I like to use one because when you plug your guitar (or other instrument) straight into a mixer, your sound is "unbalanced." What this means is that it is susceptible to picking up other sounds we don't want coming through the speakers like buzzing and humming. It also gives the musician more control over their instruments levels and gives the instrument more power to get to the mixing board. Like I said, these are totally optional, but there are so many benefits and the sound is great, so why not?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ParaDI?adpos=1o1&creative=54989263441&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CKyY5ZTrlccCFdgLgQodiAUHKw

4. Monster Cable - A quarter inch cable is a standard in most guitar player's collection, but this Monster brand cable has lasted me for years! Before I purchased this cable, I would go through others like hot cakes; they were always shorting out. Now, I never have to worry that I would get on stage, short out, and have to sweet talk the sound guys to let me borrow theirs (yes, this happened more than once). Although they are a bit higher in price, you get what you pay for.

http://www.monsterproducts.com/products/cables/music-instrument?Page=3 (similar, mine is very old)

5. Corral Fringe Cowboy Boot - These. boots. (are made for walking). But seriously, these boots are a new staple to my "gig wear," as I like to call it. They are everything I could ever want in a boot; not too flashy, not too tall, fringed, gold details, and a pointed toe. I got mine at Buckle!

http://www.buckle.com/corral-fringe-cowboy-boot/prd-23226C2880/sku-9282463950

6. Hands-free harmonica holder - The main reason I bring this along is for one song: Piano Man. Not only do I love playing the harmonica, but I love the audience reaction when I throw it around my neck. There is always a sea of exclamations, "what is that thing?" I just think it is a unique touch to break the monotony. If you are looking for something to spice your set up, this could be it!

http://www.amazon.com/Hohner-154-Harmonica-Neck-Holder/dp/B0002D00FK

7. Jim Dunlop medium picks - These are also a no brainer, but I thought I would share with you my favorite picks. The Jim Dunlop medium has been my "go to" since I started playing guitar in fourth grade (after it became illegal to make and buy tortoise shell picks) and they have never disappointed me. I have strayed and tried others, but I can honestly sat that these are some of the best on the market, and for a great price!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitar-picks/dunlop-celluloid-classic-guitar-picks-1-dozen/112000000415196?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CI_MpbTllccCFdgegQodgsQC-g&kwid=productads-plaid^127053702507-sku^112000000415196@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^51870555867

8. Snark tuner - This is actually a new item for me. I picked it up at a Guitar Center a couple months ago and it is a game changer! I had always just stuck with the standard "set on your knee" Korg, but this guy is amazing! You just clip it on the end of your instrument and it is digital, colorful, and EASY. It is so annoying to get on stage and have something be out of tune. With the Snark, I feel a little better when that happens.

http://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN-14-Guitar-Tuner/dp/B00CLFX4EQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1438911239&sr=1-7&keywords=snark+tuner

9. Kyser tie dye capo - I have always been a fan of the Kyser brand capos, but when I saw that they have them in tie dye now...well the rest is history. I prefer the clamp style as opposed to the ones that you have to screw the backs on (I'm all about doing it the ~~lazy~~ easy way).

http://www.amazon.com/Kyser-Change-Guitar-Tie-Dye-Finish/dp/B00NCFWAXA/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1438911274&sr=1-1&keywords=kyser+tie+dye+capo

10. Taylor 714ce - Ah, the best for last. This is another no brainer, but I am absolutely in love (seriously, I might need to see a therapist) with my guitar. I received it as a Christmas present in 2007 from my parents and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful instrument! I have played a lot of guitars in my musical career and never have I found a better sounding guitar. It is full and rich and the perfect color and finish. It has mother of pearl detail around the sound hole, the fret board, and the headstock. I would like to make an entire post for just my guitar in the future...stay tuned for that.

If you are a performer, what are your essentials? Comment and tell me what I left out!

TTFN, ta ta for now,

Taylor

Patio Pickin' at Old Town Grill

Sunday, August 9, 2015

The Old Town Grill in London, Kentucky has been open for a few years but they have just begun having live entertainment on the weekends. I got this gig by total accident. I called a guy trying to get into a festival but he didn’t do the booking for it. He was, however, in charge of booking at several other places in the area and he asked me to come to Old Town Grill. Of course, I agreed. Keep reading for details on the night!

My parents, fiancé, and I arrived at OTG almost two hours before I was scheduled to perform because let’s be honest…I wanted to eat! I had eaten at OTG once before and it was great so I wanted my parents to try it too. They seated us out on the patio where I would be singing later and it was beautiful! It was a fenced in area adorned with lights, and connected to the bar so people could come and go as they pleased.

I decided I would try the “Sinful Chicken” and shrimp and it was so delicious!

My dad went for the brisket; it was so tender and juicy (he let me have a bite :D).

Mom had blackened chicken lasagna with a spicy Cajun sauce that she said was "yummy."

Kyle went for his usual…steak. When I asked him how it was he said, “Cooked to perfection...” haha.

I would highly recommend having dinner at Old Town Grill. There is something on the menu for everyone and the atmosphere is so fun and down-home! Check them out on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Town-Grill-of-London/314624015216033?fref=ts

By the time 7’oclock rolled around I had all my equipment set up on the little wooden stage and I was ready to go. The crowd was really responsive and a little rowdy…just how I like them. I was scheduled to sing for three hours, but the customers were begging the waiters and management to let me stay until last call. They agreed and I ended up singing for just over four hours. My set list had about 75 songs (country, bluegrass, classic rock) on it and I let the audience request whatever they wanted to hear! Check out this video if you want to see a song they requested!