Melting Ice Off the Ceiling

How would I describe it?

To one friend, I described the effect of Madi Diaz's voice thusly:

"When she hit those high notes, they're so warm and invasive they rose up to the frozen ceiling of my heart, a part I didn't even know was there, and warmed it; and now that part loves, too."

Hyperbole? Perhaps. Even still, after seeing this performer for the second time, the first being the Ten Out of Tenn tour, I am... mystified. How can one person's vocals, melodies and songs move me to a place of wonder? It was sacred space in there. I enjoyed the opener, Tim something. In my normal show style I did a mental critique throughout. The effect: I wasn't enchanted.

But Madi was enchanting. I hardly said or thought a thing through her whole set. And when I did, I felt like I was shattering a moment, so I stopped again. And the moment was back. (I have to add that Kyle Ryan, her accompanist, does an amazing job - killer voice, tasty guitar skills.)

Okay, so I've got a bit of a crush on her. It's alright, though - celebrity crushes don't amount to anything. Unless celebrities have a great desire to be with college pastors and worship leaders. But the chance of that is like the chance of me writing a top 40 song tonight before I fall asleep, and Michael Jackson returning from the grave to produce it.

Sunday afternoon I sat outside Panini Expresso, and on my table I found a small foam rubber pirate ship with the name "Maddie" on it. No one was around, so I picked it up, fixed the spelling to "Madi" as best I could, and I brought it to the show tonight. I told her it must be for her, since I found it just 2 days prior. She seemed to enjoy that. Then, I forgot to take a picture with her. Le sigh.

The Civil Wars closed out the show, and they were incredible. They are highly recommended, especially after their extraordinarily creative covers of Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and MJ's "Billy Jean".

Also, the venue was outstanding - The Space in Evanston. I'll be back Oct 30 with a friend to see The Weepies, who just released their latest album, Be My Thrill today! I'm super excited for that, and for tons of other shows at The Space. You should definitely go. It's easy to get to, atmosphere and sound are great, and parking is free!

Recap: Love Madi Diaz, The Civil Wars, The Weepies and The Space.

Show Friday!

Here's the latest update from my band's page.

Hey, hey there, all you crazy McFunnigans!

Friday next do you have plans? If your answer is “No,” I suggest you quickly make that a “Heck Yea!”

We’re playing Jenny Lane again! For those tracking our lengthy, illustrious career, you’ll recall that name from our first show way back in the cool-tempered summer of 2009. A kindly mob of near 100 people gathered to experience what many others would experience later on – Poiema!

Since that date, there have been zero reports of negative side-effects from the performance. It did not cause cancer, nor was it proven to be habit-forming.*

We hope you’ll come back out, or out for the first time. We’ll be debuting “Love In,” a hopeful dance-anthem that has the potential to momentarily trouble your little heart before lifting it in a grand crescendo of hope.

Be there, or become an equiangular quadrilateral.

Poiema & David Yaeger Band (davidyaegerband.com)
Feb 12 @ 7pm – FREE!
Jenny Lane Coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Dupage
180 N Webber Rd
Bolingbrook, IL

F.A.Q.

Q: It’s at a church. Is it churchy?
A: No. The fellowship hall, or social space, is used as a concert hall on Friday nights. There is a stage, big speakers, couches, tables, etc. It is not a “religious” event.

Q: How does (I)an rock so hard?
A: He was the first of seven children. It must be a result of his parents rockin so hard.

Q: Can I take Poiema home with me?
A: If you bring a camera or video-camera, you may! Actually, any pictures or video you take would be greatly appreciated! We would love to upload them to the Facebook/MySpace and give appropriate credit.

Q: What’s with (D)an’s hair lately?
A: No one’s said it looks bad yet, so it’s just gonna stay like that until people come clean, or until he’s tired of it.

Q: How do you say your band name?
A: (I)an says, POI-emuh. (D)an says poi-AY-muh. How do you say our band name?

Muchos Smoochos,

(I)(D)an

*Some suggested they later experience mild discomfort, presumably from withdrawal.