Sunday, August 30, 2009

A funny thing happened on the way to my birthday...

The Gap called, and told me they were having their 40th birthday party.

Now the thing you may not have known about the Gap is that when they first opened their doors 40 years ago, they only sold denim and music.

So, as part of their 40 year celebration this year, the Gap went back to their roots and had live acoustic performances in 700 of their stores nationwide all in celebration of the re-launch of their denim line.
It was a great idea for me, playing at the Gap for my 40th!
How exciting, look they even made me a cake!




It was kind of cute, we were basically a living store display, playing our music in the window. Check out our new stylish Gap jeans!



I sang both covers and original music . People wandered in and out of the store all night and many stood around watching for a spell. Everyone was so warm and appreciative, and I was especially, ESPECIALLY delighted that so many friends showed up to support us and share a birthday wish. I can't possibly name everyone who came, but there were many friends new and old, I was so touched and I thank you all for coming.
I think I will send a special thank you to Kelly Brock and Catherine St Germain, who are not only my pals, but they are two of the city's top female vocalists. I was so touched that they not only showed up, but they got up and sang a song with us. The harmonies were gorgeous! Thank you girlfriends....xoxoxo


I didn't pull this gig off alone either, I am very lucky to know so many amazing musicians in this city. The two friends who joined me for this event were Rob Boshaw on guitar and Shawn Soucy on the cajon. Rob Boshaw and his wife Sharylin ( who took most of these photos ) are treasured friends of mine whom I met through the League of Rock (Rob is a wonderfully talented musician who is the Vancouver Chapter Head for the L.O.R.), and I am so grateful that he and Sharylin came to lend their talents and support me for this gig. By the way folks this is VERY important, if you are a resident or own a company in the lower mainland, please take note! If you ever require the services of a handyman, or know someone who does, Rob and his company Vancouver Handyman, come HIGHLY recommended by me, you can't go wrong with them, you just can't.
My other dear friend and hero for the night is long time pal Shawn Soucy whom I have known since 1994. Shawn and I have been working together on some projects over this past summer and in fact, he is the stellar drummer in the Lulus lounge video found just a few posts below this one. Shawn plays with some of the top pro's in the country on a regular basis and I feel so lucky that he works with me too! An inspiring person in general, Shawn is also an inventor, so I would like to draw your attention if you are a drummer (or if you know a drummer) to his website where you will find some incredible new brush drumsticks that will knock your socks off, for more info check out this link.....



The other advantage to holding your party in a mall?
Your friends show up with little presents that they picked up along the way.
Good plan, I hadn't thought about this little bonus prior to the event, but in hindsight, I pretty much recommend it!


By the way, I plan to do my 40's like I have been doing everything else lately, with a light in my heart and a smile on my face!


Till next year then, with hearts and hugs.......

4 comments:

SHaron said...

RAchael, every time I read your blog or your updates on facebook and twitter, you put a light in my heart and a smile on my face!

Happy Belated Birthday. And tell Sharilyn I said HI!(and ask her about the email she sent me once :)

Anonymous said...

happy 40th. I know some dread turning 40, myself I have to say I prefer my 40's over my 20's. More secure, more confident, more fit (although it is impossible to keep up with the 20 year olds on the soccer field which I took up this year). I've even been told that I am handsome..(finally after all these years)...and no it wasn't my mom saying that!

Anyhow, Happy B-day to you...enjoy!

zipbagofbones said...

What a cool gig! You look gorgeous, my love.

Jeanne Estridge said...

Many happy returns of the day! You look fabulous and sound even better!