I have been absolutely obsessed with Mumford and Sons ever since I downloaded their amazing debut album back in June. Sigh No More is an incredible album, and if you haven’t downloaded it yet – stop what you’re doing and go buy it. Uh-may-zing.

I have loved the CD so much, I can’t think of a single song on the album I don’t like. Little Lion Man is my favorite, but Winter Winds, Roll Away Your Stone and Dust Bowl Dance are equally amazing.

When I heard they were coming to Portland, I hunted down their label and begged for tickets. The show was sold out in just a few hours, and I knew tickets would be hard to come by. I knew the show would be amazing.

Of course it was better than I could have ever imagined! I’ve seen a lot of shows over the years, and I think Mumford and Sons was the best show I’ve seen in a very long time. It’s not very often when the live show is better than the CD, and that was absolutely the case here.

Marcus Mumford, the lead singer is a force to be reckoned with. He is such a powerful performer, you can barely take your eyes off him when he’s singing. Every song that was sung, every banjo – drum – and guitar that was played was absolute perfection. For less than $30 you can see one of the best shows you’ll ever see. You will dance, you will clap – and when it’s over, you’ll be dying to see them again.

See them now – on this tour – while it’s still affordable (I saw Lady Gaga in Portland in 2008 for less than $20, and now that would be impossible). Mumford and Sons have the talent to take them to the next level. So now – while they’re playing the private and absolutely perfect intimate venues – do yourself a favor, and see them NOW. (Check here to see if they’re coming near you!)

Unfortunately all of their concerts (that as of now are posted) are sold out. But keep your eyes and ears open for giveaways in your area. You don’t want to miss them when they come near you.

Check out their website for more information!

Minus the Bear have always avoided easy classification, preferring to tread their own inimitable path defined by energy and invention. OMNI, the Seattle-based band’s fourth full-length recording and debut Dangerbird Records release, sees a stunning evolution to their sound and vision. As evinced by the album’s all-encompassing title, Minus the Bear have merged their myriad influences into a sweeping collection marked by its slinky and sensual melding of city-stomping rock and deep funk grooves. That spirit of sonic lasciviousness is mirrored in the album’s raw take on human sexuality – a theme as intricate and elaborate as the band’s extraordinary music. Boldly experimental yet instantly accessible, OMNI is Minus the Bear’s most provocative and potent work to date.

“I think it’s a real leap forward,” singer/guitarist Jake Snider agrees. “It’s an impactful sounding record.”

Founded in 2001, Minus the Bear earned immediate attention with their distinctive spastic prog-pop hybrid, all serrated rhythms, swirling synths, and guitarist Dave Knudson’s multi-layered, pedal-hopping acrobatics. Prolific from the start, the band let loose with series of EPs and albums, each drawing escalating acclaim and a host of new fans.

I got my hands on OMNI a couple weeks ago, and I’ve listened to it non-stop! My favorites are the first two tracks, My Time and Summer Angel.

Minus the Bear played in Portland, Oregon last Friday at the famous Roseland Theater. The show was absolutely unbelievable!

Check out Minus the Bear’s website!
Minus the Bear in iTunes

Amazing Photos by Troy Kujala Photography

I bought this calendar for myself, and loved it so much – I bought four more to give away to you guys. The calendar is gorgeous, highlighting Troy’s pictures which were handpicked to suit each month. The calendar is made up of 12 beautiful floral pictures taken by Troy.

Visit RedBubble to purchase your copy of Troy’s calendar

The best thing about this calendar (in my opinion) is how high quality the pictures are. I buy cheesy calendars every year, always have. But this calendar is beautiful. The purpose of this calendar is to really showcase the picture, and that comes across perfectly. The colors are vibrant and stunning. Each month displays a gorgeous piece of art, on thick – sturdy paper. I know you’ll love it as much as I do.

How do you enter? Visit Troy’s Facebook page, and tell me what your favorite series of pictures is OR what your favorite picture is. Or, just tell me what you think of his Facebook page!

Contest Rules:

• Contest runs until next Wednesday, January 20th
• US Residents only, please
• Visit Troy’s Facebook page, tell me your favorite series of pics, or your favorite pic! Let me know what you think of his FB page!
• There will be 4 winners
• That’s it! I’ll mail you the calendar myself!

Where to purchase pictures from Troy

Become a fan of Troy on Facebook

I bought this calendar for myself, and loved it so much – I bought four more to give away to you guys. The calendar is gorgeous, highlighting Troy’s pictures which were handpicked to suit each month. The calendar is made up of 12 beautiful floral pictures taken by Troy.

Visit RedBubble to purchase your copy of Troy’s calendar

The best thing about this calendar (in my opinion) is how high quality the pictures are. I buy cheesy calendars every year, always have.  But this calendar is beautiful.  The purpose of this calendar is to really showcase the picture, and that comes across perfectly. The colors are vibrant and stunning. Each month displays a gorgeous piece of art, on thick – sturdy paper. I know you’ll love it as much as I do.

How do you enter? Visit Troy’s Facebook page, and tell me what your favorite series of pictures is OR what your favorite picture is. Or, just tell me what you think of his Facebook page!

Contest Rules:

• Contest runs until next Wednesday, January 20th
• US Residents only, please
• Visit Troy’s Facebook page, tell me your favorite series of pics, or your favorite pic! Let me know what you think of his FB page!
• There will be 4 winners
• That’s it! I’ll mail you the calendar myself!

Where to purchase pictures from Troy

Become a fan of Troy on Facebook

These are new pictures from Troy Kujala Photography.  They are amazing! Peony’s are one of my favorite flowers, so I’m in love with these pictures.

CLICK HERE to enlarge the pictures – and to see pricing. My site doesn’t do these pictures justice…you need to see them larger to see how beautiful they really are.  CLICK HERE!

Check out these new pictures from Troy Kujala – available for sale on Etsy!  The pictures are selling really well, thanks in part to many of you! Thanks for helping support Troy, keep it up! Troy’s work is taking off really quickly – so take advantage of these prices while you can!

Buy Troy’s pictures on Etsy!

These pictures are a new collection, and the are gorgeous.  Click on each picture to see it larger!

Troy Kujala has some new pictures available through Etsy. They are really cheap, and really gorgeous! I have one of these new pictures hanging on my wall right now! (Here’s the pic, even if it is a little blurry!)

You guys have to go check out his gallery. Prices are really affordable! Pictures start at $15!

Troy Kujala Photography

Click on any of these pictures to see them larger!