News for January 2009

Chicago and Back

I just got back from a Global Music Training Event in Chicago, IL at The Lutheran Center.  For those of you who care about ELCA hierarchy, you know the Lutheran Center is the churchwide headquarters.  For the rest of us… well… THE Lutheran Center?  THE?  There aren’t others?  Google it.  Perhaps they should rename the building, A Lutheran Center.  I know, I’m a heritic.  Bull me.

Anyway, the last 48 hours were brilliant.  An amazing group of 50 church musicians with 50 different stories.  (Recount: 49, my roommate came down with the flu and was unable to attend – Jonathan get well soon!  You were missed!)  Rather than attempt a summary I’ll simply say I am grateful to be part of a church that reaches beyond borders to grow in a fuller understanding of God’s redemptive work in the world.  Or, for those of you who don’t speak the flowery fru-fru dialect that is Christianese:  God loves the world, and I get to be a part of a church that sees singing all of God’s songs as important and life changing.  Was that less church talk?  Not really.  Oh well.  Here’s something the rest of the music fans out there will appreciate.  Gary Louris sat down next to me at the airport.  I like Gary but had nothing to say of any significance so I let him sit peace.  Later, as we were getting on the plane we ended up standing next to each other.  Might as well say, “Hi.”

N: Hey Gary

G: Huh?

N: Thanks for doing what you do, I’ve apprecitated your work for a long time.

G:  Oh, Thanks.  I saw you in the airport.  You look just like one of my old road managers.  Like, just like him.

N:  Was he a good road manager?

G:  Oh yeah, the best, I really liked that guy.

N:  Cool.  Well take it easy.  I just wanted to say thanks for making great art.

G:  Yeah, you’re welcome, thanks.  We’re back at it too. 

[And then his voice kind of trailed off as we got onto the plane, so technically I’m not sure if this conversation ever ended…He may still be chatting it up.  I hope he’s not dissappointed when he realizes I’m no longer there.]

There you have it.  I look like an old Jayhawks’ road manager.  And a good one at that.

Posted: January 31st, 2009
Categories: edumacation, music
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Kung Fu Princess lyrics and chords available

For those of you who already have both an instrument and a copy of Mysterious Kung Fu Ninja and The Pink Princess of Pretty Pretty Land (my next album will have a much shorter title I promise) click here http://natehouge.com/news/wordpress/endeavors/mknatppoppl/

And get the song book.  Now you too can be an amateur children’s musician.

Not to be confused with Godfrey the sickly unemployed amateur children’s magician.

Posted: January 23rd, 2009
Categories: music
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Shows, Songs, Tours

Tomorrow night Micah and I will be doing our monthly Bean Factory gig.  As always if you are a musician and would like to play some of your stuff, please show up and we’ll see if we can wiggle you in.  Two things I’m looking forward to tomorrow: 

1) Micah and I are getting ready for a 7 day tour out to Maryland and back.  About half of the days will be playing as sidemen for Rachel Kurtz and the other half we’ll be doing our own stuff.  So tomorrow we’ll be running through that and checking out are setup.  Kind of a pretour dress rehearsal.  Which means bringing in twice the gear we normally do, but it’s nice to work out the kinks.

2)  Micah and I both have new songs to debut.  I believe his is called ‘at arms length’ and mine is called… I guess I haven’t titled it yet.  How about ‘last generation of the pen pal.’  Kind of long, but it works, eh?  It’s a poppy tune – reminds me a bit of Damien Jurado’s ‘Titanic’  It’s also goes between 6/4 and 4/4 with a 3/4 bridge.  I think.  I’m not one to count and play.  Watch out Dream Theater.

So check out the shows listing, come to the Bean Factory, and of course the new kid and family CD will be available.

Posted: January 15th, 2009
Categories: music
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It's A CD!

About a year ago I started recording a CD for kids and families.  Yesterday afternoon I went and picked up the finished project from the manufacturers.  I’m proud to announce the arrival of my latest CD, Mysterious Kung Fu Ninja and the Pink Princess of Pretty Pretty Land.  There’ll be more info about this CD in future blogs and e-mails and of coures there will be an official release party and release date.  Of course if you can’t wait shoot me an e-mail (nate at natehouge dot com) and you can order one from me.  Or catch me at a show – I’ll have them available at all future gigs, even if we’re playing at 11pm on a Tuesday night at the 400 Bar.  (Not that I see that ever happening again.) 

It’s all very exciting.  Nate.

Posted: January 9th, 2009
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Tomorrow's the Night

Nate Houge was a workin’ man, he used to load the red minivan.

Hey there hoodlums!

Welaware is playing tomorrow night at the Fine Line- click here for all you need to know and free tickets:

http://www.finelinemusic.com/calendar/view_entry.php?id=571&date=20090106

I’m stoked because we’re playing at 8p.m.  Sharp.  Me likey.  I’m also stoked because I’ve been working on my guitars and I like how they’ve turned out.  You will too.  Even if, like 99.9% of the world you could care less about what kind of pickups are in my Tele.  That was a generous percentage.

If you’re wondering how to turn this indie rock joy ride into a spontaneous date try this:

At 6pm Tomorrow (Tuesday Jan 6)  Check this blog again.  (I’m guessing you check it on the hour already so this should fit into your routine just fine)  Now say to your significantly other – “Sweety/Honey/Babe – It looks like Nate and his band Welaware are playing a free show at the Fine Line!  It starts at 8!  What a reasonable hour!  Let’s ditch the kids/hire a babysitter/turn on cartoon network and get something to eat at Pizza Luce – we can make it into a fun date night!”

Indie Rocker/Romantic Consultant.  The Nate Houge Story. 

Posted: January 5th, 2009
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