Slowly But Surely

Hey, I know I’ve been MIA for a while but that’s because things have stagnated a bit. Nothing is really happening that I wanted to tell you about. I think I need to change my energy. I’m beginning to worry about silly things and I think that is slowing my progress. I’ll probably watch some Oprah Life Class tonight to try and get myself together. But don’t worry. Giving up is STILL not an option and it will never be.

Well, next show I’m doing is at Shaw’s Ball Park in Kenly, NC. I’m a little nervous about it actually. It will be the first time I’ve done a show with tracks instead of my live band. I THINK it will anyway. I’ve been thinking of asking them to do me a favor and come out but, I don’t know….Anyway, here is that info. I know it says Sundays but this is actually on Friday, Sept. 2nd.

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THEN the very next day, Saturday Sept. 3rd, I’m in Ahoskie, NC at the amphitheater. I will definitely have the band with me there. I’m looking forward to this one! Ahoskie won’t know what hit ’em. MISS MINI IS COMING!!!!  The poster has changed a little because it turns out that Big G won’t be there. He has been replaced with Black Diamond.

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Both of these shows should be a blast. I know they will be for me anyway. Speaking of the tracks, I need to get to work on them. I have been putting it off because I really don’t want to use them. But if I must they need to sound right!

Oh, I almost forgot. I got in touch with Dr. Nick, who is the premier Southern Soul DJ in the Washington DC, Maryland and VA area. He hosts a show called Southern Soul Rumpin’ on WPFW 89.3 FM . I sent him my songs and he loved them. He has promised to spin “Ole School Style” for the next few weeks but can’t decide what to play after that because he likes so many of my songs! That pleases me to no end! So I’m stretching out…Slowly but Surely…Here he is with Lady C, the other host of the show.

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I also got a little secret for y’all…I’m working on a new song (shhhh). Actually this time I didn’t write it. A DJ down in Mississippi named Mike Darden ran across my music and thought I would be perfect to sing a song he wrote. I tend to be skeptical when people say they can write but when I listened to it, I could actually hear myself singing it! I really like the song and when I finish it, I’ll give you a little preview.

That’s all for now. Keep listening and I will try to get better at this. I’ve been told that I need to start posting more videos….I’ll work on that. Thing is, I’ve always found live videos to be a bit presumptuous. I mean, it’s like you are just assuming that people want to see you, and hear you speak on whatever…I guess I’m wrong about that. People actually like that.  I myself am a reader. I’d much rather read something than watch a video about it. BUT THAT’S JUST ME. Bear with me y’all. Anyway, I appreciate the time you have taken to read this. Please feel free to comment! I would like to see what you all think about whatever! BYE

Shelby Jean’s Restaurant

Hey, this past Saturday I performed at Shelby Jeans in Carolina Beach. I had a blast! The people there are really friendly and the atmosphere is really laid back and down to earth. I took a new keyboard player with me this time, Elmore Dunn, and he did an amazing job! The only crazy thing was, I go so scatter brained that I forgot I had taken my purse to the car. I was looking all over for it and it was in my friggin’ car. Not only that but I also thought my keys were in the purse and yes, the car was locked. So, we break into my car with a wire hanger only to realize that I actually had the keys the whole time in my CD bag!!!

I guess that 41 years is starting to take a toll on my brain! Anyway, I’m hoping this will open the door to more gigs in that area.  I really like it there. Here is a short snippet from the gig that Elmore posted on Facebook.

My crazy behind wanted to go to the fishing pier after the gig because they stay open 24 hrs. I was seriously going to go too had it not been for the rain! I had my gear and everything. Next time little fishies….

I’ve made a few more contacts today and I’m still going to e-mail a few more people before I’m done. I gotta keep dangling the bait until they bite…Did that fishing analogy do anything for you?  Probably not but what are you gonna do? Alright, it’s about 3:15 pm and the beer gods are calling me. For a musician, it’s never too early! Next stop, Shaw’s Ballpark in Kenly, NC on July 31st. This will be my first track show and I’m actually kind of nervous about it. I’m used to having my guys behind me. I’d better get used to it though. I see a lot more of these coming in my future! That’s it for now. Keep listening, join the fan club….XOXO

P.S. I’ve been thinking about finding a name for my fans. Do you like “Miss Mini’s Minions”? Could you be called a minion and be cool with it? I’m open to suggestions! Please give me your input.

I Can’t Even….

Hey ya’ll,

I have a few more updates for you so let me just dive right in. The Down Home Blues Fest was absolutely fabulous except for one thing….Walt Luv, the dude that put on the show, disappeared! He did not perform and he stiffed me completely. I got no money other than CD sales. I think the other artists, got deposits at least but didn’t get what they were owed afterward. Thing is, I was warned….But I always give people a chance. If you haven’t done it to me then you haven’t done it.

But let’s look on the bright side! There had to be over 2000 people there so I got a lot of exposure (OK musician friends…We all know that exposure is total bullshit but just let me live in the fantasy.). And I got to meet some really great people. This guy here was there.

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Yep, that’s Bishop Bullwinkle. I remember sharing his video so many months ago when my sister asked me to help clean out her house. “Hell naw, to the naw naw naw” LOL. That said it all! She couldn’t even get mad because it was so funny! I still didn’t clean out that house though.

And actually, two of my guys played with Billy “Soul” Bonds because his musicians didn’t show up. Andrew Sr. and Andrew Jr. helped this dude out and they did an OUTSTANDING job. I swelled with a mama’s pride…

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This just came up TODAY! I will be at Shelby Jean’s at Carolina Beach on Saturday! My friend John L. Wilson of Big Time Party Band booked the gig for me. It was last minute but since I wasn’t playing anywhere, why not?

Shelby Jeans

I just got the flyer for this…I knew about it for a couple of weeks but now that I see this, I’m really excited!

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It just amazes me how this music thing is coming together for me. I’m convinced now more than ever that I am meant to do this. This is my life’s purpose. When I think about it sometimes, I get so overwhelmed that I cry…I am so grateful and so humbled by the things that I have been allowed to do and see. And I look forward to all things to come. Until next time ya’ll. Your support is worth more than gold. OK, I’m misting up again so I have to go! Keep listening. Much love!

Follow the Tracks

Hey folks. I have come to a sad, sad realization….I’m going to have to put together a track show. I have always hated using music tracks on a live show because it takes away from my flexibility as an artist. You can’t tell a track to “break it down” or give the musicians solos. And when I started out, tracks weren’t even a thing. Nobody did that! All live music was actually LIVE. Every instrument had a person on stage playing it.  That is what I am used to and that is what I like. For me, tracks kind of cheat the audience out of the best experience possible.

BUT alas, I must do it. Here are my reasons…

  1.  Musicians are unpredictable and not very loyal.  When I started (I know I’m beginning to sound like an old person), NOTHING came before a gig. If you had a show, you went and did it unless someone died! On Xmas and Thanksgiving, we took our plates of food on the road and ate on the way to the gig. I remember one girl getting fired because she chose to go to an MC Hammer concert (whew I just dated myself) instead of doing a gig scheduled for that night. It was THAT serious. Now it seems if someone has a hangnail, they won’t be able to make it! That blows and I’m sick of it!
  2. I’m still kind of the new kid and cannot yet demand top dollar.  Although my popularity is continuously growing, many still have never heard of me. It’s difficult to get paid a decent wage when you are not yet a household name. That means, there is only a little bit of money to spread around. I like to pay my guys well and I just can’t every time. *LIGHT BULB* THAT’S PROBABLY WHY THEY ARE NOT SO LOYAL!! Anyway, if it’s just me and a track, that little bit is fine because there is no one to pay but me.
  3. I can gig more often with tracks.   If I have music tracks, I can take gigs in smaller venues and get even more exposure that way.  I can charge a very low price while I’m getting my name out there. I can probably gig somewhere every week with the tracks. This would be impossible with my band.

Now, I’m still going to do shows with the band. I will never totally give that up. BUT the gig has to pay enough so that I can pay my musicians. If not, I’m going with the tracks…*shrugs shoulders*

OK, my radio show is now up and running on Remember Then Radio. It airs every Wednesday at 6pm. My music is played for a whole hour! Thanks Barb and Steve. You guys are great!

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I contacted a few folks in the Lake Gaston area who had venues that offer live music. I have gotten absolutely ZERO response but I am undaunted. I’m gonna bug them until somebody lets me play!  One good thing though is that my DJ friend Neal Furr (Soul Dog) hooked me up with a guy named Andy Lucy who apparently has a radio station in Emporia VA, lake country. I sent Andy my music and he has promised to play it! So, maybe when people hear it there, they will be more open to letting me come there to perform.

He’s also got a couple of more DJ friends in that area that he said he’d reach out to for me. I swear I LOVE that dude. I don’t even know what I have done to deserve so much of his support but I am surely grateful! And it’s not just him! So many folks have gone out of their way for me. Let me just shout out a few…DJ Heavy, Gary King, Scott Beasley (Deckerz Bar and Grill NMB), Robin Lancaster, Gene Coker, J Red the Nephew, VA Fonz, Terry L. Batts, Chip Sistare, Vicki Chaffin, Andrew Blackwell….I know I’m forgetting some people but my brain only works so well….Just know that I appreciate you all so much!!! I am honored and humbled that you have even taken the time to say my name much less help me along this winding road.

That’s all for now. Keep listening…Why am I about to cry?  Happy tears…

 

Lake Country

Hey folks! So, I had a bit of an epiphany today. I live in Rocky Mount. DUH Right? But I am realizing that I am very close to Lake Gaston….And there is a large market for live music there. Why I’m just realizing this, I don’t know but yeah…So, today I’m going to contact some folks and let them know I’m available.

So, last week I went to Downtown Live here and saw Jim Quick and Coastline. I didn’t let them know I was there. After the show, I went and said hi to the guys and Jim says “Why didn’t you tell me you were here. You could have sang Chain of Fools. It brought the house down last time” He was so right! I gotta kick this whole modesty thing. Getting on that stage with him would have given me a bit more credibility with this beach music thing. Oh well, at least I got this selfie!

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I have also got managed to get a sponsor!!! YAY!!! It is Remember Then Radio

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They are giving me a whole hour per week of just playing my music! It is already in daily rotation. I like to listen when I surf the net or clean the house. You should give it a try! It’s commercial free and always on! My favorite shows are Gary’s Beach Shack and Soul Dog’s Beach Boogie and Blues. Let me be ghetto for a minute…Shout out to Neal Furr and Gary King, my DJs are in the house Baby baby!  OK I’m back! They don’t JUST play beach music. They also play Doo Wop and oldies. Anyway, check them out at the link above for the schedule and give them a listen. Once my show gets produced, I will let you know what time you can tune in to hear me! That’s all for now. Thanks for listening and join the fan club!

 

 

Hello Again!

Hey, I know I haven’t posted in a while but I’m going to try to get better. Anyway, Shake on Da Lake was this past Saturday. I had a BALL but it was pretty hot outside. I got to meet the very talented Mr. Calvin Richardson.  13418958_10155460577053084_2087483777626855037_n

Not only can the man sing his a$$ off but he’s also a really nice guy.  Boy my cheeks were red! And you can probably tell I had a few drinks in me…Oh well!

Yet again, I had ladies asking me about my bass player Andrew. Ya’ll have probably never seen him but he is kinda cute. He works out and likes to show off his body at my gigs. OK, this is what he looks like.

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I like having him on the stage with me because it kind of evens things out. The men can look at me and the women can look at him so nobody goes home mad! Crazy thing is, he’s actually a recluse and doesn’t want to date anyone….Yeah, I know it’s a shame right? But musicians are always a bit eccentric. (You can put your tongues back in now ladies!)

Anyway, I’m still going and trying to make this thing work. So, I’m going to ask for your help. If you know of any businesses that might like to sponsor me please let me know. Everywhere I go, I will be advertising their business. Their information goes on my banner, flyers, website and all of my social media. And it’s really inexpensive at only $300 per year.

I don’t have much more to say other than thanks for your support and keep listening. Oh, and join the fan club. Thx

How Did I Not Share This???

Hey, I just realized I didn’t share my song with J. Red with yall!!! I have been very slack! Anyway, I recently put it on YouTube so here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OzWV9L6g_4

If You Need Some 1400

Please go there and listen. Let me know what you think. Right now it’s #6 on Soul Dog’s Smoking 45 Southern Soul hits countdown. Personally, I think it’s FIRE!!! Thanks and keep listening!

On to Edwards Beach

Hello everyone. I have recently added a few new folks to my mailing list. I want to say welcome and thank you for your time in reading my stuff!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, on May 14th I was in Roanoke Rapids doing a birthday party for my biggest fan and friend Mr. Buster Davis! I had a great time. And I want to thank everyone who came out. I just wish I had pictures. It would really be nice to have a photographer/videographer with me all the time. So many great moments go by and I can’t reclaim them. Can’t quite hire one just yet so…yeah.

The next gig is Shake on da Lake June, 11th 2016 with Maurice Wynn and Calvin Richardson at Edwards Beach on Lake Gaston in Henrico, NC!!!

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I am sooo looking forward to this one! I know I’m supposed to be working but this will be PLAY!!! Anyone who knows me already knows I love the water. I’m tempted to take my fishing gear but that might be a little too ghetto! My country a$$ gotta act like I’ve been somewhere LOL!

The show is already being advertised very well but I’m going to do my part since I have a few weeks to prepare. I am scheduled to do Video Live on on WHIGTV with Terry Batts Wednesday June 1st @10:30pm. I will talk about the show there. In Rocky Mount NC if you have Suddenlink, you can catch the show on channel 17. If not, you can stream it at http://www.whigtv.com.  11781781_956690394351199_8974804823674164106_n

I’m also scheduled to do an internet radio show called The Big Scoop with Coop with Michael Cooper on June 9th @7pm. http://www.thebigscoopwithcoop.com  I will also talk about it there.11694118_10153268172445845_5763207141491883663_n

I’ve even hung the flyer up for the show in the store down the street from my house! This stuff probably isn’t necessary but you never know. Anyway, I won’t keep you all long today. So, thanks for being a part of my journey and keep listening! AND JOIN MY FAN CLUB!!! No, really, do it.  https://missminimusic.com/join-fanclub/

The Latest

Well hello again! This past Saturday I entertained some wonderful people at the G6 Social in Zebulon. My band and I had a ball!!! It was western themed so I was in my element! The food was great. The people were nice and I hope they invite me back. Here are a couple of pics. My boobs are totally hanging out but hey, I made it work!

I want to send a special thanks to Ray and Michelle Baker, Sharon Morton and Terri Anne. You guys are awesome! I also want to thank the guys in my band, Redel Williams, Andrew Blackwell and Phillip Deans. I couldn’t do any of this without you guys.

Now, it’s on the the next one this Friday at the Pittsboro Roadhouse! The guys from Bigtime Party Band run this place so I know it will be a good time! I look forward to all of my gigs and this one is no exception. When I perform, I am never working. I am always partying and I love to do that! I’m one of the luckiest people I know because I do what I love to do and get paid for it. I am actually retired already! And as this grows, I will stay grateful and humble and NEVER take it all for granted. I was born for this. I just wish my mom and dad were still here to see all of the progress I am making. They would both be sooooo proud!

OK, I don’t want to depress you or me so here is the poster for Pittsboro.13073029_10206021746054674_1821282300_o

My friend Gary King did this for the show! It really looks great. Oh, and by the way, I had to name my band! I’m not really happy with the name but I would have never been happy with any name so this is as good as any. Well, I guess that’s all for now. I can’t think of any other news to tell you so I’ll save it for next time. Again, thank you and keep listening!

 

After S.O.S

Well hello again, I’m writing this with a cold so I don’t know if I will be very thorough because all I really want to do is lie down. BUT I’m feeling guilty because I have not updated in a while so here we go.

The song with J. Red is finished and it is friggin FANTASTIC! I have already sent it to a few DJs and it will be getting airplay soon. I still need to put it on my reverbnation and/or CD baby pages so you can download it. It’s called “If You Need Some” and it is really great. The experience was great and I look forward to doing more things with him in the future.

I performed at the Halifax County Seafood and Shag festival on April 16th and it was GREAT! Everyone seemed to have a good time. I mean, who wouldn’t with unlimited seafood and beer? Me and the band had a blast and met some really great people. I was invited back to do it again in October so I must have done something right! Here a few pics from the festival.

I was in NMB for the Society of Stranders (SOS) Spring Fling for two days. I went down on Tuesday April 19th and came back on the 21st. I had a BALL. I got to see Marsha Morgan again, which was really nice. What a sweet lady! She let me sing a song during her performance at Castanos. I also got to meet the guys with Jim Quick and Coastline at Fat Harolds, who I will be opening for in July by the way. They let me get on stage and do a song with them. And I met the guys from the Entertainers. They also allowed me to do some of my songs during their break. So, I really made the rounds!

My DJ friend Gary King was my tour guide and he really showed me a great time! I couldn’t have met all these great folks without him. I think this trip was very beneficial for my career and it was also soooo much fun!

Anyway, that’s about all I can stand to type today. I’m going to get some rest and nurse this cold. I have a gig Saturday so I must get well!!! Thanks and keep listening!