May 19, 2010
UPDATE US - PLEASE!!

Alright. Hi! How are you? I’m glad you have not become disenchanted with my website due to lack of updates. I shall do my best to fill you in on the past several months.

Item A: Moved to Boston (yay!!)
Item B: Bought a bicycle (yay!!)
Item C: Have been riding my bicycle around Boston…when it’s not raining (yay!!)
Item D: Have been meeting/hanging out with some cool new musicians/songwriters (yay!!)
Item E: Have been rehearsing/setting up shows with said cool new musicians/songwriters (yay!!)
*Insert – By the way, I’m so glad you’re cheering after each one of these bullets…it makes me feel excited and happy.
Item F: Intend to play my violin/etc with as many acts as I can (yay!!)

…

Well…I think that brings us up to now. But now isn’t all that exciting. I’m sitting in front of my computer, in PJs and slippers (yay!!) working…so, let’s skip now, ok? So. What’s in line for the near future? Well, I’m glad you asked. Of course I’m still working on editing the tracks for the new record. Donations are still coming in, which will help the process along!! And I’m very excited about my upcoming live show opportunities. Along with playing instrumentalist to a couple of new-to-me acts (Jess Baggia on 5/22 @ TOAD, and Ryan Fitzsimmons on 6/4 @ Lizard Lounge), I’ve got some reunion shows with the always fantastic Mr. Jeremiah Birnbaum up my sleeve for mid-summer. Keep an eye on the calendar for more information as dates become available! In fact, it may be a wise idea just to keep your eye on the calendar anyway…there are shows ‘a-brewin’ here in Boston, and, as you all know, I’m not the greatest at keeping everyone updated in the ways that I should. So…that’s all I have for now. Go out and enjoy the Mid-May weather! (Well, again, you know, if it’s not raining and all).

See you out there!
~k

December 3, 2009
(The Extended Deadline)

Hello world!
Well, I thought I should come out of hibernation long enough to tell you that I've officially extended the release date deadline for The Water's Edge. Dave and I are still in the hustle-and-bustle stage of editing the tracks and we're on the lookout for some more engineers. The good news is, this gives all of you who haven't had a chance yet, a chance to help me make this record! I'm still accepting donations (of any denomination - because every cent helps!) through my PREORDER PAGE. So, I encourage you, if you're at all able, to give a few bucks and get this record into people's hands. There's also a lovely list of goodies I'm offering as a "thank you" for donating. So, go! Check it out! Also, if you're in the Indy area, don't miss myself, my friend Nicole Reynolds and Ms. Emily White performing at the Urban Element on December 19th!

I hope this finds you well and warm in this first bit of the holiday season. Thank you so very much for listening!
See you out there!
~k

July 4, 2009
(The Post Production Fund Raiser)

Hi folks!
The Post Production Fund Raising has officially begun! For those of you who don't know what I mean by Post Production, the term refers to all of the work that goes into making a CD once the parts are all recorded. Since I finished recording last week - read the post below to hear all about it! - the files have all gone to editing. During the editing process, each individual track (i.e. the snare drum or the guitar or the vocal) is scrutinized, cleaned up and placed in the appropriate area to form the song (i.e. after enough placements; drums with guitars with vocals with bass with etc, we have a coherent song!). This is already paid for (yay!), however, we're in need of help to complete the next few steps. To ensure that we bring you a quality CD, it's crucial that the next two steps, Mixing and Mastering, are performed well! The price to mix one individual song, if done professionally and correctly, can range from $250 to $600. The same may be said for Mastering. Multiply this by an album's worth of songs and we're into thousands of dollars! This also excludes Manufacturing (the 3rd "Big M"!). Manufacturing usually costs another couple thousand dollars, depending on the amount of CDs produced. I would really like to bring this CD into the world by the fall, so, I'm kindly asking for any support you can give to help get this project out of the computer files and into your hands! I've arranged to offer different gifts for different donations, so go check it out if you can!

Thank you for all of your support!
Donate to The Water's Edge Post Production Fund Raiser
~k

July 3, 2009
(THE RECORDING SESSIONS - PART II)

Alright, folks, I’m back. So, where did we leave off? At the very beginning? Oh, my! Allow me to catch you up!

In brief: (we all know, by now, that “in brief” doesn’t really mean that the story will be brief, right? Perhaps I should change this phrase…) In just the right amount of words: On Saturday, June 13, I arrived in Brooklyn, NYC, safe and sound after a long day which included a 4hr “in climate weather” delay in Atlanta, GA. *I played my uke on the floor of the airport for two hours…with my headphones plugged into my metronome, so’s to practice my timing for the record! This is dedication, folks. Anyway, we eventually took off and landed at Newark where I was delightfully scooped up by Mr. Jeremiah Birnbaum and whisked to his mother’s house for some good home cookin’ – you should taste this woman’s salad! Unbelievable! Once our bellies were stuffed and good conversation had been had, we headed into “the city” – this is apparently what people from Newark, NJ, call NYC. – to Jeremiah’s abode. The next three days were spent rehearsing with drummer, Brad Wentworth, Jeremiah and Mr. Producer Extraordinaire, Dave Golden. We laughed, we cried, we ate good Thai food, we created some great parts, and then we headed to Connecticut. It should be noted here that it took Dave and I approximately 3hrs to drive from NYC to Pomfret Center, CT. This will become notoriously important in the next paragraphs. (we all know, by now, that I don’t really write in paragraphs, don’t we?)

Just to fool you, here’s a new paragraph. So, we (Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Golden and I) arrived at Mr. Mark Thayer’s palace (aka the Signature Sounds Studio) on the eve of Tuesday, June 16th. We settled in to our dashing guests quarters (I will share pictures soon) and got a good night’s rest before our first day of tracking, June 17th. Things started out smashingly; Brad, with whom, by this point, we had become cozy, performed marvelously and matched Dave and I’s work ethic seamlessly. He even cooked us dinner – mmm! The next day, June 18th, bassist extraordinaire, Richard Gates, arrived. He too, performed smashingly – having studied the material and come prepared with parts and charts. And, as I suspected, he was also very easy and great to work with! So, I must take this opportunity to brag and say that not only are these two men incredibly gifted musicians technically, they also both bring a bit of personality into their playing that is utterly irreplaceable and utterly appropriate for this album – Go Team! Jeremiah arrived the next day and laid down the sole remaining bass part, as well as a variety of other tracks. Whew! Are you getting tired yet? Alright, I’ve started this story, so I’m going to keep writing it…

Hey! It’s a new paragraph again! So, the following three days, (I lied – I went to bed, now it’s three days later and I’m continuing to write this post!) were spent traveling back to NYC to continue rehearsals with the second set of folks. *Now here is where you need to remember Dave and I’s drive, because, at some point during our drive back, Dave turned to me and asked, “Do you kinda feel like you’re in Virginia?” to which I replied, “Yeah, look at these mountains; this part of the drive is really beautiful!” And, as it turns out, “this part” of the drive, also happened to be the part at which re realized that no less than 180 miles ago we had missed our exit and were now delightfully engulfed in the landscape of western New York. So…we found a roadside (riverside, really) smoke house, picked up some locally caught smoked eel and trout and turned our little wheels around, came to the exit 180 mils later and resumed our treck to NYC. There went the first day of rehearsals! The next day we really spent editing and driving out to NJ (so’s to be closer to RI where we would pick up vocalist, extraordinaire, Shelley Miller, the very next day). Now we’re at the third day; are you following? On this day, we picked up Shelley and traveled on to Boston where we thought we might rehearse outside…ended up wet and rainy so we paid a delightful surprise visit to our good friend, and fellow singer/songwriter, Teresa Storch, and enjoyed some quality time with her our on the Storch Porch (aka her back porch). We eventually landed at Jeremiah’s friend Annie’s house where we did actually rehearse vocal parts and spent the night there. The next day, very early in the morning, we collected our things and headed back to CT to the studio. Luckily, since Shelley and Jeremiah were also in the car, we did not get lost on the way there and were able to make our 10:00am start!

Wowee! Another paragraph! On this first day of the second set of studio days we began tracking guitar and auxiliary parts. The very talented Ms. Kris Delmhorst joined us on that first day and laid down some rockin’ cello parts as well as some harmony vocals – what tone she has on both of these instruments! And, as is only keeping with the theme of this project, it should be known that she too was a delight to work with! We next recorded a bunch of guitars/vocals/etc and banjo man, Mr. Chris Merenda (of The Mammals) met us that night. As he arrived, we were all about to step into the vocal booth (crowd into, perhaps) in real Mercy Driver fashion (all around one mic) to record some takes of “Rivers of Sorrow” and of “[NK 22].” Having noticed the glint in his eyes that spoke, “Hey! This guy seems just like us!” we asked him to join us. You may assimilate this experience to any of the following initial pairings: peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, salt and pepper, etc etc. In all, it turned out to be a delicious session. He recorded the remainder of his tracks the next day and bid us a fond farewell. In the last two days, Shelley and Jeremiah and Dave and I recorded all of the rest of the tracks including vocals, guitars, organs, piano, lap steel, etc. etc. etc. I could hardly believe when we’d finished and it was just Dave and Mark and I left in the studio…it was a surreal moment of pure joy and fulfillment and excitement I shan’t forget! We enjoyed our evening, watched news coverage of the death of Michael Jackson (the only sad point of the evening – he died a couple of hours before we finished recording) and went to bed, for the final time, at the Signature Sounds Studio. In the morning, we bid Mark and Boo Boo (the very delightful studio poodle) a fond farewell and made our (only 3hrs again this time) treck back to NYC. I flew back to MO on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

So, now the record is in what’s called the “editing” stage. Which basically means that Dave is sitting down with all of the files (several thousand most likely) and putting them all together in a coherent manner to form our songs. Oh, the age of computerized music! Next it will go to mixing and then to mastering and finally to manufacturing. All of these upcoming parts are known as the “Post Production” section of making a record. Which brings me to my next topic: The Post Production Fund Raiser! I’m currently organizing this and will post again when it’s all set up and ready for action.

Thanks again for reading and for listening!
See you out there!

Peace,
k

June 12, 2009
(Hittin' the road!)

Well, the time has finally come! Tomorrow (eeearly morning) I head out to NYC to start rehearsing for the album. I’ll meet up with Jeremiah first, then we’ll meet up with Dave and then we’ll all three meet up with drummer, Brad. The next few days will be spent creating/rehearsing/woodshedding and otherwise finding and polishing the rhythm sections of each song (this includes bass parts). Then, on the 16th, we shall all pack up and head down to Connecticut, where we shall meet up with engineer, Mark, and start the official recording process on Wednesday, June 17th. On the 18th, bassist, Richard, shall arrive and make magic on the bass parts we’ve hopefully outlined well enough for him…along with adding some prime improvisation/creation on his part. The 19th will be much of the same. For those of you who may not know this, because I certainly didn’t before too long ago, the drums and bass parts are tracked first with me singing my guts out in what’s called an “isolation booth.” This basically means that Brad and Richard will both be able to hear me and play along with me live, but the microphones will only pick up the drums and bass sounds. That way, the rhythm section will have all of the energy and charisma of a live performance with all of the tone quality and precision of fine recording…fascinating, eh?! Anyway, then we’ll break for the 20th, 21st and 22nd, during which time we shall meet up with a host of other instrumentalists/vocalists in a host of New England cities and create/finalize all of the other parts to the songs, which we will then record on the 23rd and 24th. Whew! I’m certain I should go to bed now – considering I have to be on the road in 6 hours…however, I’m just too excited I can hardly stand it! So…wish me luck! I will try to update again in the midst of things. Until then, take care and use sunscreen!

peace,
k

May 29, 2009
(Kara Scores A Double-Header in Columbia, This Friday, June 5th!)

Hi Folks,
I wanted to let you all know that this Friday, June 5th, I'll actually be playing two shows in the area (yippee!) So, if you find yourself feeling extra energetic, or music-deprived, or bored, or crazy, or any of the aforementioned you can catch an entire evening of me! If you're feeling only slightly any of the aforementioned, I encourage you to come out to either of the shows. From 5pm - 7pm I'll be playing with the wonderful (multi-instrumentalist) Jim Helman down at Cooper's Landing (this set will be my original stuff plus a nice mix of covers) and from 8pm - 10pm I'll be playing with my duo, Ginger Blue (aka w. Ms. Violet Vonder Haar) at the Cherry Street Artisan (this set will be mostly all GB originals). So, grab some bug spray and a buret and I look forward to seeing you there!

peace,
k

May 16, 2009

ANNOUNCEMENT: Hartsburg Summit Lake Winery Summer Residency

Hi Folks,
I wanted to let you all know that I've been offered a residency, of sorts, at the Hartsburg Summit Lake Winery. I'll be playing there a couple of times each month with various other local musicians. These are an extra fun set of gigs because I'll get to mingle with ALL of my instruments; playing my solo stuff as well as backing a wide range of folks up on violin/fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, bouzouki and guitar - or any other stringed instrument you happen to bring along, if you'd like! This wonderful gift came by route of a wonderful new musician friend, fellow multi-instrumentalist, Jim Helman (who, you'll see, I'll be playing with often). So, if you're thinking, "Hmmm, I like wine; I like being outdoors (or the indoor option, if it's raining); I like good scenery (located just off the river in a quaint little town); and I like good music!" Then check out my shows calendar and make plans to join us sometime(s)!

I look forward to seeing you out there this summer, Missouri!
peace,
k

May 3, 2009

Good evening dear friends! I wanted to let you all know that I've added a bunch shows for the upcoming months and would love to see you all out there are some of them! I was recently introduced to Mr. Jim Helman (multi-instrumentalist/keys) and have a string of shows with him coming up [these are a blast because I get to play all of my instruments] as well as the return of the Acoustic Vacation, another Rocheport General Store show and lots more - and they're keeping coming, so check back often! Thanks to all of you who turned out for the Earth Day festivities - I had a great time sharing such an important day with you all! Things on the record front are going very well. We're looking to record in June and I'm very excited about the surprises we have hidden up our sleeves. Dave Golden + Kara Kulpa = mighty good album cookin' in that big ole acoustic oven. That's all I've got for now. I hope everyone is enjoying the first real bits of spring! Here in Missouri it's winter mostly until it's summer, so I've got to savor any moments that feel "in between."

happy trails.
kara

July 24, 2008

Hello world. I regret to inform you, in case you haven't heard by now, that Katie Reider passed away on the morning of July 14, 2008. She was 30 years old. She is survived by Karen, her partner of 10 years, and their two beautiful sons, Aiden (3) and Koen (1). It's not enough to say that the indie music scene lost a great artist or that I, too, lost a friend: one who gave Shelley and I her house to crash at from midnight to 4am on a redeye drive from NYC to Indy...and then made us coffee before we even woke; one who introduced me to goat cheese; one who encouraged me to perform at the Uncommon Ground Open Mic that very first time when I won the competition; one, with whom, I shared many hilarious moments and emails. Sometimes, I don't know the right thing to say...or sometimes, it doesn't exist. Sometimes, there are no words to form a comprehendable avenue through a situation. Sometimes things just are.
I encourage you all to continue to visit 500kin365 and continue to spread the word about donations. Katie's family needs our support now more than ever. Thank you to those who have already given; love was something Katie wore well and shared plentifully and giving came all too naturally.

Peace,
Kara

June 21, 2008

Good News! My friend, web designer extraordinaire, Becky O'Donoghue, has agreed to help get this site back in shape! (rah! rah! the crowd rejoices) In case you don't remember, she is the one who got the current version up and running back in 2006 - THANK YOU!! So, keep checking back for updates!

Secondly, I have booked a couple more SHOWS in Columbia for NEXT WEEK. The Thursday, June 26th, show isn't posted yet...but, perhaps, by the time you read this, it will be! Friday, June 27th, I'm excited to welcome my friend, Teresa Storch, into town for a show at The Artisan! Check the shows page for details.

Lastly, but most certainly not least, as some of you may already know, my friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Katie Reider, is currently fighting a rare tumor which has taken away much of her health, including her voice. L.A. Lady, Lauren Fernandes, has erected a benefit site for those who'd like to help Katie and her family overcome medical expenses which have built up over the past two years. The site asks for $1 in exchange for 9 of Katie's songs - if you've heard her, you know this is an outstanding (even ridiculous) deal. I encourage you all to take a peek and give a buck. She's amazing.

Wowee!! Am I overdue for an update or what?! I'm sorry to have left you in cyber-limbo for so long! Over the next few months, I'm going to try my best to update the things that I can and/or find people to help me get this .com up and running once again! In a jiffy (because a jiffy is about all the time I have to write to you tonight), I'm currently working on pre-production for my new STUDIO ALBUM, lining up more shows around Columbia, Missouri, getting ready for a trip back to Indianapolis the first week of July (check the shows page for details, Indy!), and becoming more and more excited about the Niangua Riverfest 2008! I'll try to update this again in the next few weeks with many more details as to where I've been over the past couple of years and, possibly, share more information on the new album and how you can help out (if you so choose)!! I'm going to try to hop on the Fundraising Bandwagon...as soon as I find out where that bandwagon is... :) Until then, I updated my Biography if you want to check it out. Hope is well in your world. Catch up with you soon again!

Peace,

Kara

6/27/06

Hi Folks!

Well, first and foremost I want to give a big, huge, THANK YOU!!!! to my friend, Becky O'Donoghue, for creating this wonderful new site-look (insert rampant applause) and to Jen Grimm for creating the lovely banner you see atop! There's more to come, so hold on to your horses! - I'll soon be tackling the great monster that is "code" for the benefit of us all...hurrah! In other news, I'm extremely excited to be performing at this year's National Women's Music Festival. What an honor! (And it's in my old College Town!) I do hope that many of you who are still around can come out and show your support for us gals. I'll be performing on the "Emerging Artists" stage around Noon on Saturday and then again on the Main Stage for the festival wrap-up on Sunday morning. I'll also be signing CDs at the Goldenrod tent directly following my set. So come on out and say "Hello!" Kansas is still treating me well. I've been fishin' like a madwoman out here and loving every other bit of my naturey surroundings. Speaking of...perhaps I should go join them now in a walk - sitting at a computer for 5hrs straight really does something to one's eyesite. I hope you're well and I'll see you out there!

Peace,

Kara

4/12/06

Hello World!

I'm currently sitting in a French coffee cafe named "Aixois" in Kansas City, MO, drinking Coca-Cola from a glass bottle...mmm! Thought I'd drop you a note and say "Hey!" This past weekend was quite an adventurous one for me on the music front. I flew down to Dallas, TX (then bussed over to Houston) to share a show with Dave Golden at a cool lil joint called "Mojo Risin'" The next day we drove to New Orleans to open for Rufus Wainwright at Tulane University that evening. What a trip!! I don't think I slept much, but I'm pretty sure I don't care. Did you know that New Orleans is about the only place in the country that people don't kick two crazy folk musicians off of the streets for jammin' until 3 a.m.? And Rufus Wainwright...what fun! He's truly a fantastic songwriter. Good times. In other news, I'm currently planning another national tour for this late Aug/early Sept so be sure to check back here around then for tour dates near you. I'm looking to re-cover the midwest, northeast and southeast and possibly tack on a few more stray states this time around. If you'd like to see me and have a venue in mind, please don't hesitate to contact me at kara@karakulpa.com :) Once again, thanks for listening! My coke has run out and I must be getting back home. See you out there!

Peace,

Kara