It was 1989 when I was first introduced to Harry Connick, JR (his music..not him). I’m 19 years old, a trumpet player and newbie arranger and I go see When Harry Met Sally. I was just totally blown away. From the first time I heard him sing with a big band, I was hooked.

     Back up some…I grew up in Pensacola, FL. In 7th grade Dad ended up transferring to work in New Orleans. He commuted while we were working on selling the house and all that stuff. I remember the first time I was down in Jackson Square and there was a New Orleans Big Band playing. I had just started playing trumpet that year and I was just mesmerized. Something about that sound, that feel, that music, I was totally hooked. (and I LOVE the beignets!)

     We didn’t end up moving, Dad was able to stay in Pensacola, but those trips over to see him and hearing that music really had an impact on my life. There’s just something about that New Orleans sound that I love.

     I started with When Harry Met Sally, went backwards and forward with Harry’s records (Lofty’s, Star Turtle, She, Come By Me, Songs I Heard, and ‘those’ Christmas records). Needless to say, I’m a big fan.

      Tonight was the Harry Connick, Jr. concert at The Ryman here in Nashville, TN. He was amazing! Roger Ingram is really a great lead player. No need to single out players as the whole band is really phenomenal. And Harry…well..he’s just Harry. He is such an entertainer. He’s so smooth with the crowd. Just funny. And honestly, he’s quite a goofball. I think that’s probably why I like him so much. It’s just so much fun.

     After the concert, my sweet wife (Dana) let us wait in line in the cold for about 30 minutes and I had him sign theCRICKETtoy. I also gave him one (his road manager’s got it right now). I’m not sure if he knows what it is, as there’s not tons of time in an autograph line to talk about crickets. But…he signed mine (which now will sit on my desk). He is such a classy guy. I wish I was that smooth when I’m talking in public (as do most of my friends). Of course, then I wouldn’t need theCRICKETtoy quite so much.

     It was such an enjoyable evening. He pulled out some ‘old school’ with St. James Infirmary and Basin Street Blues as well as some new stuff. It was SOOO much fun!

     Here’s a picture of theCRICKETtoy signed by Harry

     Note:Harry Connick, Jr. does not endorse theCRICKETtoy.  YET!!!  :)

     I did a Christmas Big Band record a few years back and I did an arrangement of Jingle Bells with that New Orleans feel to it. I put up a video of it on our YouTube Channel (the images are fairly goofy, but the track turned out pretty cool). Check it out and post some feedback!

     www.YouTube.com/theCRICKETtoy

     Thank you Harry for an amazing night and for signing theCRICKETtoy!

Harry Connick, JR. signs theCRICKETtoy

     Say this in your best Steve Martin voice:

     theCRICKETtoy iPhone App is here! theCRICKETtoy iPhone App is here! theCRICKETtoy iPhone App is here!

     Stay away from those cans!

     If you’ve got an iPhone, go get theCRICKETtoy for your iPhone for only $.99!

     It’s SO simple to use and works great.

     Ben and the team at Firefly Logic did an Amazing Job designing this app. If you’re looking for top-notch, professionals to build iPhone Apps, I absolutely recommend them. They rock! Check them out at: http://fireflylogic.com/

     Pictured below are some screen captures from the app. Touch on Calvin, and you’ll hear “Chirp. Chirp.” (Crickets chirping)
There are 9 different Chirps to Choose from! (called “Choose Your Chirp”)

     in iTunes, just type ‘theCRICKETtoy’ in the search box or ‘awkward pause’ and you’ll find us.

     Please pick up the app AND then tell all your friends about it and use it as much as possible!!!

Chirp. Chirp.

The Main Screen of theCRICKETtoy app

Choose Your Chirp screen

Settings page for theCRICKETtoy iPhone App

     I can’t help myself. I love the snow. I was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota in November (1970) but we moved to Pensacola, FL when I was 5. I think the cold is just in me.

     I had to go outside and play in the snow, but I like looking GOOD while I do it.

So…

     Hancock Beanie (from the Movie Premiere Promo Pack), Bolle Shades (bright on the snow) and my That Was Awkward! T-shirt.

     The weather changes, things droop, sag and melt (do you know what I mean?)

     That Was Awkward! says it all!

     Here I am. I’m totally stylin’! Everybody looks ‘cool’ (snicker) in a Will Smith ‘Hancock’ beanie and theCRICKETtoy shirts!

Hancock Beanie, Bolle Shades and That Was Awkward! T-shirt

What Hump (That's "Eye-gore")