If you were one of those that enjoyed my opening set for Chris Isaak at the Oregon Zoo this summer (07/29/2011), please take a minute to fill out this survey and express your delight. This was one of the finest moments in my musical career so, who knows, if you tell them that you want me back, I just might get the opportunity to do it all over again. Thanks!

TAKE THE SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OregonZooConcerts2011

I started playing live music at the Buffalo Gap Saloon in Portland, OR circa 2003 — it was one of the first venues to give me and my music a chance and I therefore owe them much. 8 years later, I don’t play there as often as I used to but I still consider it my local haunt, my Cheers, my home away from home, my watering hole, my … well, you get the idea. It’s a swell place.

All that said, I was recently invited to play at their annual birthday party known as Gap Fest and following my set, I was surprised with the decorated frame below. I was beyond honored when they presented me with this tribute frame that celebrated my career and the Buffalo Gap’s involvement in its progression.

It will be hung on the wall of the establishment for the many years to come…

Thank you Buffalo Gap for the opportunity and the friendship.

THE BUFFALO GAP SALOON & EATERY
6835 Southwest Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97219-2313
(503) 244-7111

Like I said, I’ve played MANY shows at the Buffalo Gap … here is a pic from one of the hundreds.

As everyone knows, I have a strand of OCD coursing through my veins that is borderline clinical. Yeah, I don’t really sleep at night because I can’t put aside the fact that a margin is off on my blog or the font could be improved on my website(s) — there’s always something that can be improved.

Well, with that, I bring you the newest TylerStenson.com. The changes are ever so subtle but I slept pretty well last night…

THE NEW SITE:
As I mentioned, the changes are very subtle but I feel it’s a lot cleaner overall. You’ll notice a new custom font installed, new and improved social icons, a new music and video player and a sleeker vibe across the board. Click on the image below to see the full size screen shot!

THE NEW HEADER:
I moved the header from mid-page, up toward the top where most sites would have them featured. Additionally, I changed the font to match my new custom font (Round Up). To me, this new header is much more pro and a bit less playful than my previous site.

THE NEW SOCIAL ICONS:
Most subtle of all but to my everlasting joy, is the new, custom, social icons. The ones before were slightly pixelated and more in tune with the previously playful vibe, however, now, they’re spic-and-span. I suppose most notable of all is the fact that I kicked the mySpace button to the curb and replaced it with my ReverbNation link. Peace out mySpace!

THE NEW FONT:
I’ve been using this new font for some time now in my general branding but I’ve finally integrated it into my website. With the help of my good friend Mr Diggles, I’m now able to use my brand’s font as a font, rather than an image. This is a very subtle upgrade but extremely valuable in the realm of web design.

Of course, there will be more subtle changes happening to this site for the rest of my life but, on this day in October, I’m proud to bring you another TylerStenson.com update with some improved pieces that have me sleeping soundly.

Between the 17 metaphors for growth, all rhyming with oooo, and the dangerously “artsy” nature of the song, writing We Grow was tricky, no doubt. It took close to five years in total and became a most intricate labor of love.

Although it was finally recorded in 2010, I decided to post this new video of the song that features the lyrics. Why? Because I’m often told that reading along with the words has helped fans to better appreciate the message and the many metaphors embedded within. Enjoy.

DOWNLOAD WE GROW
CD BABY: http://bit.ly/bDb4xo
iTunes: http://bit.ly/cZFbma

NOTE: The lyrics for We Grow can also be found on my home website under the “lyrics” tab: www.tylerstenson.com

THIS THURSDAY: I will be playing at the Alberta Rose Theater this Thursday night with Sam Wegman and Safire — it promises to be something special. Please grab a crew and come join me for my early, all ages, opening set.

Tyler Stenson w/ Sam Wegman & Safire
Thursday Sep 29th @ 7:30 PM
$10 General Admission

All Ages Show
Doors open at 6:30

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: http://albertarosetheatre.com/

Of course, this will not be my first time playing at the Alberta Rose Theater. Although I will be playing a solo set for this upcoming event, take a look at these videos from my last full-band performance at this fine venue!!

OFTEN & MUCH

BEST LAID PLANS

CANNONBALL

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: http://albertarosetheatre.com/

In an interview earlier this summer for KZME’s Music on the Air TV program, I was asked to recall my favorite Portland moment — what one thing sticks out when I think about my years in Portland as both a resident and a musician?

While I could never-ever account for all of my favorite memories in this fine city, in a moment of pure panic and scattered thoughts, I spouted off two contenders:

1) The final moments of my farewell show at the Aladdin Theater.
2) My first Por Que No taco.

Here is the video footage of My Favorite Portland Moments…

For your reference, here is that final moment at the Aladdin Theater…

Oh, and if you’ve never been to Por Que No, here is the address to both locations…

3524 N Mississippi Ave, Portland – (503) 467-4149
4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland – (503) 954-3138

Of course, I have many many many other fantastic memories when it comes to living and playing music in Portland (opening for Chris Isaak at the Oregon Zoo and selling 140+ albums to a host of new fans freshly comes to mind) but it’s still damn near impossible to sum up how kind this city has been, and continues to be, to me.

IF YOU KNOW PEOPLE IN THE SEATTLE AND/OR TACOMA AREAS, PLEASE SEND THEM TO THESE UPCOMING SHOWS!!

I will be playing in Seattle and Tacoma between Sept 21-23. Whether you live in the area, or simply know people that do, please spread the word about these upcoming Washington shows…

9/21: The Mandolin Cafe – Tacoma, WA (6pm)
9/22: Mill Creek McMenamins – Mill Creek, WA (6pm)
9/23: Reds Wine Bar – Kent, WA (5pm)
9/23: Bluebird Microcreamery – Seattle, WA (9:30pm)

Please, join me for these intimate evenings of storytelling and award-winning songwriting. I solemnly swear that you will not be disappointed. Thank you.

I was in the Kink.fm studios today and had a pleasant conversation with Inessa that will be featured on tonight’s Kink.fm Local Music Spotlight. Between opening for Chris Isaak in July, opening for Alpha Rev tomorrow at the Aladdin Theater and a new management agreement in the works, we had much to discuss — and discuss we did.

Here is the link to the full interview: http://bit.ly/n8PFNE

TO BE TRANSPARENT, THIS INTERVIEW WAS TO PROMOTE:
1) I’m opening for Alpha Rev at the Aladdin Theater on 9/14
2) I’m playing on the Kink.fm Early Escape Cruise on 9/16
3) I’m playing at the Alberta Rose Theater on 9/29

Tune in tonight to hear the discussion and my song Daffodils live on the air!!

Because I spend so much time keeping my website up to date, I tend to neglect the 3rd party sites such as ReverbNation. That was then…

This is now… I’m proud to announce that I’ve recently spent a few grueling hours getting my ReverbNation page completely up to date and chalk full of fresh music, images, press and videos.

Enjoy the updated widgets below or visit my Reverb Nation page by following this link: http://www.reverbnation.com/tylerstenson

SPREAD THE WORD AND PASS IT ON!!

Save the date!! I have been asked to play at the Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival on Saturday September 10th at 5:00pm. Of course, the festival spans from 3pm to 8pm, so mark your calendars accordingly and come join me and other musical acts such as the Legendary Soul Diva Linda Hornbuckle.

Tyler Stenson at the Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival
Saturday September 10th @ 5pm

Tickets are $5 and kids are free!

VISIT THE RIVERKEEPERS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.tualatinriverkeepers.org

Tualatin Riverkeepers are the leading independent advocate for the river, streams and wetlands in the Tualatin community. That said, the Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival aims to support a clean and healthy Tualatin River that is accessible to everyone and offers something for the whole family — great music, food, nature activities and kayaking on the river!

DIRECTIONS?

IF YOU’RE DRIVING:
The Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival takes place at 8515 SW Tualatin Rd

IF YOU’RE PADDLING:
The Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival takes place at Tualatin Community Park at river mile 8.9

IF YOU’RE WALKING OR BIKING:
The Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival takes place just south of the Ki-A-Kuts Bridge

IF YOU’RE BUSING:
The Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival takes place on Tri-Met line 76