It’s real and it’s almost here.
My debut album drops on all streaming platforms April 20, and we’re having a party to celebrate.
The basic deets: 1-4 p.m., at Third Chance Bar & Lounge, 3300 W. Willow Knolls in Peoria. Admission is free and no RSVP. Just come on out and have some fun. We’ll have live performance of the album, a special musical guest (or more), CDs and other merch available for purchase, food and drink for sale.
I feel like I’m experiencing an out-of-body moment: talking about somebody else, watching another person do all this stuff, listening to another person perform. When I was much, much younger, I had a passing thought or two about how cool it would be to make an album. But I never seriously considered a music career and the dream vanished down a pipe. An album was off the radar, even after I started this “Reinvention Tour” and began writing songs and performing in public a few years ago. Then my friend and music mentor Sarah Marie Dillard said, “I think it’s time for you to do an album.”
And now, here we are. All recorded, prepped, packaged and ready for you to listen. And hear. (As I write this, I’m reminded of the scene in the movie “White Men Can’t Jump,” where the two main characters argue about Jimi Hendrix. Sidney Deane, played by Wesley Snipes, scoffs at Billy Hoyle, played by Woody Harrelson: “Look man, you can LISTEN to Jimi, but you can't HEAR him.") So I want you to listen AND hear.
The album has eight original songs. Want to know which ones? LOL, ya gotta buy the album.
Some ubertalented, veteran musicians contributed to project. Sarah, the aforementioned force of nature, sings her brilliant, instinctive harmonies. Brandon Mooberry plays bass (you won't find a better bass player in Illinois and maybe a bunch of other states) and keyboards. Andrew Hertenstein was brought in to play violin on a couple of songs and thankfully convinced me to substitute mandolin on one. And Paul Adams’ Native flute transports “Geronimo” to the exact places I saw in my mind while writing the song. Brandon and Sarah co-produced. Got to tell you other musicians looking for collaborators on your next project: You will soar with every one of these wonderful people.
I’ll have more to say as we approach the release. (Just hope I find time to write it.)
Meanwhile, come out to the party on April 20. Everyone is welcome. If we haven’t met, make sure to say “Hey” and intro yourself. Here’s the schedule:
1 p.m. – Doors open for meet and mix and eat and drink
2 p.m. – Lauren Fitzanko Music opens with a 20-minute set
2:20 p.m. – Live performance of the album, backed by Sarah & The Underground
3 p.m. (or thereabouts) – Hang out and party on with cool people. Get your CD autographed. And don’t be a rush to go home. Third Chance opens for regular business at 4 p.m., and you’re more than welcome to stay.