Tree Street Trick or Treat

Phantoms and fairy tales are afoot in the Tree Streets tonight.
Werewolves.

Butterflies.

Ogres.

Lovers.

Spirits.

Zombies.

Mr. Clean. (aka Mr. Hofheins).

Who was making home made donuts.

The kind that melt in your mouth.

It's that old Hofheins hospitality.

Everything in festive array.

Golden leaves carpeting the walkways.

Never has a Halloween sky been so bewitching . . .

Nor have the withered grapevines trembled so in the oncoming storm.

This is Halloween.

Los Lower Lights

All photos on this post by Justin Hackworth.

I have a few alter egos in music. Most of the time, I'm just me, you know, Mindy Gledhill. But sometimes, I am a dance music diva, and on other occasions, I am a Lower Light. What is a Lower Light? Or rather, who are The Lower Lights? Think of the soundtrack to "Oh Brother Where Art Thou," and you're getting warmer.

My favorite part of the recording process? Singing a duet with Ryan Tanner (above).

Think of unusual voices mixed together, some ratty, some smooth, some a little off pitch, some right on the money, some soft, some belty. We're all different in sound, but united by the classic hymns that we sing, in a very "revival-like" manner.

We all have our own bands or solo projects in each of our respective music genres, but one day last year, our friend (and producer to many of our projects), Scott Wiley, emailed all of us and invited us to join our styles together in a live studio setting to record an album of hymns like you've never heard them done before. Sometimes, when I listen to the album we created out of that experience, it's almost like I'm hearing Ryan Adams or Patty Griffin singing classic hymns. Pretty awesome.

And let's not pretend that Paul Jacobsen (left) isn't one of my favoritee artists, because he so is.

You should come to one of our shows. It's pretty wild. Especially when Pat Campbell busts out the tuba.

But he's got nothing on my mad tambourine skills.

Stuart Maxfield, who can play 103 instruments with the greatest of ease, will blow your mind.

I'm telling you, it's an all-star cast. Debra Fotheringham and Sarah Sample in the same show? Two words: Get Out.
And there are SO MANY more amazing musicians that are a part of this project.
You just have to come see it.

And now is your chance. You can come and see The Lower Lights perform live on November 20th at The Post Theater in Salt Lake City. For ticket information, to watch videos, and to buy the album visit:
www.thelowerlights.com

Shep - A Post About My Hair

Since releasing the live music video for Hourglass, I've had a few people ask me about my coiffe. With a smidgen of pride, I'll admit that I styled it myself for that video, but the true hero of my hair's recent success is Shep. First of all, with a name like Shep, how can anyone be anything but truly awesome?

Not possible.

There are six main reasons why I love Shep and I will tell them to you in no particular order:

Reason #1: Shep wears sweater vests, jeans and converse at the same time. (My favorite combo on the male specimen).
Reason #2: Shep is named Shep.
Reason #3: Shep's voice is incredibly soothing and tranquil.
Reason #4: You will want to melt like a Lindor Truffle on an afternoon in August when he touches your head.
Reason #5: He uses Bumble & Bumble products. I LOVE BUMBLE & BUMBLE.
Reason #6: Shep has an AMAZING sense for the integrity of your hair. (Ok, maybe this should be #1).

And check this out: two men blow drying my hair at once!
Don't act like that's not a little bit exciting.

I can't find a web site for Shep anywhere! But I did find some awesome reviews here: http://tiny.cc/buxs4

And a great blog post at www.stephmodo.com about her experience at Shep Studio.

Shep Studio is located at 890 N., 500 W., Provo, UT.
Call (801) 373-4085 to book an appointment.

A Beautiful Cause

One of the things that I love the very, very most about my husband is that he totally tears up over St. Jude's commercials. Then, in complete honesty, he picks up his phone, calls the 800 number on the TV screen and donates money. If there's one thing that melts my heart, it's seeing a grown man cry.

I'm really proud to be a part of this video. TODAY is the day! On my way to Nordstrom to pick up a bottle of Génifique!

P.S. If you haven't seen it yet, the sweet Robbie Connolly and I made a live music video this week of the song on the video (Hourglass), directed by Mr. Jed C. Wells (same guy who designed the album cover for "Anchor"). Check it out!

Logan, UT, November 5th

Dear Logan,

This is my first time doing my own show in your town. But I've come through many a time with other shows as a supporting artist and you have never failed me at those shows. Come on over to Whysound Music Venue at 30 Federal Ave. on Friday, November 5th and we'll have a jolly old time singing, clapping, and keytar-ing to my brand new album, "Anchor." Tickets are only $8 at the door. See you then.

xoxo

Mindy Gledhill

A Halloween Homage to Mindy Gledhill

My hilarious friend Amelia Merritt just posted a Halloween Homage to me on Twitter. Nary an accolade nor any award has ever meant as much to me as this. And if you don't seem to understand why this is a homage to me, then clearly, you haven't seen this:



Thanks for your brilliance Amelia!

New Music Video for "Hourglass"

Last week, makeup artist, Michelle Phan, used my songs "Anchor" and "Whole Wide World" on a video backed by GE to promote eco-friendly beauty. Being a part of causes that I feel strongly about remind me why I want make music for the rest of my life. Few things fulfill me more than to know that in some small way my music can support worthy causes that have genuine meaning in this life.

Not more than 24 hours ago, I got a text from Michelle that said: "Mindy. I'm gonna use Hourglass for my Lancôme video for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Comes out this week. That song was so sweet and touching." After I stood up on the couch and jumped up and down shouting with joy I texted her back and said, "Well I better make a little music video then."

The universe was merciful during the next few hours as I made calls to find the right producer and guitarist - not an easy thing to do with only a few hours to make it happen. Lucky for me, yesterday was the one day this week that director, Jed Wells was available, and though I had never worked with him before, fate brought Robbie Connolly of Fictionist into my hands and he pulled off a JAW DROPPING performance of the song. Then, Scott Wiley just happened to be available to help polish up the live audio. The moral of the story: when something is meant to be, the universe will provide it. Beautiful.

*But on a more personal note, this song is not about makeup artists, directors, worthy causes or blah, blah, blah. It's really about my two sons - which I might add, are more than worthy causes who provide the deepest meaning that my life has for me.

St. Georgie Porgie

Oh, St. George.

I have been thinking about you for days since we parted over the weekend. You really showed up for me at Jazzy Java last Saturday. It was my first show as a leading act in your area and I was thrilled with the way you packed the house. The only problem with being the performer is that I never get my own pictures of the show. So, all I have is a picture of me at sound check on my new Korg SV-1 (which I love, by the way). But who wants to see yet one more picture of me singing? Forget about me. Let's talk about YOU, St. George.

After the show, my cute drummer Nate Young and cute guitarist Chase Baker, and myself drove to the Holiday Inn Express in Washington near Coral Canyon. We couldn't help but notice how yummy it smelled when we walked in. It's a very clean and cozy place with a great breakfast if you're ever visiting Zion's. I highly recommend. But don't ask the clerk at the front desk if you can have your picture with him, because he will say no.

Nate Young (left), Yours Truly (middle), Chase Baker (right)

I woke up the next morning and I would have stayed in that warm bed for another ten hours. But it was an amazing morning in Coral Canyon and I didn't want to miss the sunrise. Southern Utah is the crown jewel of the whole state. A sunrise in Southern UT = a Hipstamatic moment.

Thanks to Trevor Jenson for the lovely stay at the Holiday Inn Express!

Go ahead, take a gander at my makeup-free, sleep-deprived morning face. I won't mention any names, but someone needs to get their roots done.

The red desert scape is therapeutic.

Ok, but my #1 favorite part about St. George is visiting my Grandma Rose.

And OH. MY. WORD. I discovered this store on St. George Blvd. called Urban Renewal, which is now my #2 most favorite thing about the city. (D.I. got bumped back to #3). If you love a mix of antiques, vintage wares and clothing along with new and modern, this store is Heaven.

I am a sucker for giant maps. I bought one of these.

Thanks for always proving to be an amazing city, St. Georgie Porgie. I'll be back again soon.

xoxo

Mindy

Mesa, Here I Come!

Dear Mesa, Arizona,

I have LONG been wanting to come back and share some music with you. This time, I have a brand new album. This concert will be in conjunction with the Shun the Sun Race in November. My concert is on November 11th (all proceeds will help the fight against skin cancer). Then, on the 13th, I will be running the 5k. All who want to run with me get a free ticket to my concert. Just go to www.shunthesun.org and sign up for the race, then send an email to Krista Maurer at kristaqm@gmail.com telling her that you signed up. ALSO (and this is the most awesome part), I will be filming part of the music video for "Whole Wide World" during the race. So, if you want to be a part of that, then mention it in your email to Krista. Men are welcome, but I want lots of women of all different cultural backgrounds, religions, shapes, sizes, and ages. More information to come soon. This is going to be an AMAZING trip.

Loves,

Mindy

P.S. If you don't want to run, but want to come to the concert, you can buy tickets at www.shunthesun.org. Just click on my poster on the home page.

The SoCal Chronicles: Day 3

I try not to play favorites amongst the people I associate with, but try as I might, I cannot help myself. First of all, the hostess of this backyard benefit concert in Carlsbad, April Meeker, is one of my new favorite people. You may know of her if you've seen the illustrations in the music video for "Anchor," because she drew them and they are SO PERFECT for the video it's not even funny. In fact, when one of my other favorite people, Joe Corcoran, saw the music video, the first thing he said was, "My favorite part is the illustrated world!"

Joe Corcoran played almost every instrument on my album except for keys and drums. So, there you go. If that fact alone wasn't already amazing enough, he has edited and engineered on projects for The Dave Matthews Band, Lenka, Emmy Rossum, Ashley Tisdale and many more. But, no. Joe is not my favorite because he has worked with celebrities, nor because he can play any instrument like there's no tomorrow, but because he is so genuinely kind, and more hilarious than most anyone I know. Plus, look. He can rock a straw hat, gingham shirt, jacket, tie and black rimmed glasses like nobody's business.

Before going on, Joe and I survey the crowd. We can tell that this is going to be an amazing crowd.

Enter, Joe.

Enter, Mindy.

Whoa. What's going on here? Bra strap malfunction? No matter. I know how to roll with onstage surprises.

If this evening wasn't lovely enough already, knowing that the proceeds all went to a family who lost their firefighter daddy this year made it one that I will never forget.

BONUS POINTS: The next morning when I woke up and got ready to drive home, April (whose main art form is in jewelry making) gave me these incredible earrings that she handcrafted. The coral Bakelite-style material has an adorable floral pattern carved in it. The picture just doesn't do it justice!

Lo, another photo that doesn't do justice to this darling necklace she also made. It's even a locket! I'm a really picky jewelry person, but April's vintage and bohemian designs for her company Second Sister Jewelry are right up my alley. See for yourself: http://www.secondsisterdesigns.com/

Thanks April, Joe, and all who came to the Carlsbad concert. I hope we do it again soon!

P.S. You must check out the photos of the event on April's blog because they are beautiful and they also show the Woodland themed decorations and centerpieces. SO AWESOME. We're talking gnomes, faux bois, and the whole sha-bang.