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To all the friends, fans and family of Five By Design:
I wanted to let you know that we will be discontinuing our Blog for now and will be starting up an e-newsletter in the near future. If there are any topics you would like us to include in the letter or simply want our opinion on, please e-mail your thoughts and ideas to us at webmster@fivebydesign.com and we will be sure to address them. We place a high value on our fans and sincerely hope that you will continue to stay in touch. Thank You.
Terrence Niska
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, September 22, 2008
On the Road Again
Well, our summer is over and we're back on the road again. We are currently on a 16 shows in 24 days tour. We have shows in the Midwest primarily but will travel as far as Grand Junction, Colorado. I look forward to crossing the mountains as it should be beautiful this time of year, though in truth it is breathtaking at any time.
This is our first time traveling in a coach as opposed to driving everywhere we go, although Kurt & Lorie are still doing some driving duty with our 24-foot truck which carries all the props for the show. Our driver, Gary, is wonderful and takes excellent care of us on the trip and makes sure we stop every couple hours or so for food and the chance to get out and stretch. Also with us on the trip is Ross who not only helps out with the truck driving duties but in addition helps with all the other aspects of putting up the show.
We are very fortunate to be traveling with our own 8-piece big band, the Robert Baca Jazz Orchestra. Not only are the guys great musicians making the show run as smooth as ever, but they are also a phenomenal help in the load-in and load-out process. Our time for packing up after the show is so fast that we are able to get to the hotel earlier and actually get some sleep. To all the guys in the band (Matt, Jeremy, Josh, Guss, Rodney, Max, Ben and Steve) we offer a giant and heart-felt "Thank You."
On the home front, we are now working with a new technical director, Laurel Stinson. Daniel Ellis who had been working with us for the last several years is pursuing a new career in the world of retail. He is still offering his expertise as a consultant but Laurel has taken on the day-to-day duties associated with the job. We will certainly miss Dan but wish him well in his new endeavor.
On a less than happy note, our sound engineer Phil's wife is currently in the midst of a health crisis. Rather than get in to the details of it all, I simply ask for your prayers and good thoughts to help Majel during thus trying time.
I also want to announce that we have finished a new recording, STAY TUNED. At the moment it is only available at our shows but we look forward to offering it on our website and CD Baby in the very near future, so keep an eye out for updates.
It's time to get back on the bus, so for now I say goodbye and hope to hear from our friends and fans. We are always wiling to discuss our thoughts on music and life in general so please feel free to drop us a line.
Terrence Niska
This is our first time traveling in a coach as opposed to driving everywhere we go, although Kurt & Lorie are still doing some driving duty with our 24-foot truck which carries all the props for the show. Our driver, Gary, is wonderful and takes excellent care of us on the trip and makes sure we stop every couple hours or so for food and the chance to get out and stretch. Also with us on the trip is Ross who not only helps out with the truck driving duties but in addition helps with all the other aspects of putting up the show.
We are very fortunate to be traveling with our own 8-piece big band, the Robert Baca Jazz Orchestra. Not only are the guys great musicians making the show run as smooth as ever, but they are also a phenomenal help in the load-in and load-out process. Our time for packing up after the show is so fast that we are able to get to the hotel earlier and actually get some sleep. To all the guys in the band (Matt, Jeremy, Josh, Guss, Rodney, Max, Ben and Steve) we offer a giant and heart-felt "Thank You."
On the home front, we are now working with a new technical director, Laurel Stinson. Daniel Ellis who had been working with us for the last several years is pursuing a new career in the world of retail. He is still offering his expertise as a consultant but Laurel has taken on the day-to-day duties associated with the job. We will certainly miss Dan but wish him well in his new endeavor.
On a less than happy note, our sound engineer Phil's wife is currently in the midst of a health crisis. Rather than get in to the details of it all, I simply ask for your prayers and good thoughts to help Majel during thus trying time.
I also want to announce that we have finished a new recording, STAY TUNED. At the moment it is only available at our shows but we look forward to offering it on our website and CD Baby in the very near future, so keep an eye out for updates.
It's time to get back on the bus, so for now I say goodbye and hope to hear from our friends and fans. We are always wiling to discuss our thoughts on music and life in general so please feel free to drop us a line.
Terrence Niska
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
FRIENDS, FAMILY AND THE 4TH
Hello to all and I hope you are having a wonderful summer. Our busy season is from September to May so we use the off time to relax a bit as well as catch up on all the work necessary to ensure a smooth touring season. We did perform here in our own backyard with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra as part of their sesquicentennial celebration on July 3rd. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor concert and the fireworks at the end were quite something. While performing in the Twin Cities area is not all that common for us, we would like to make it more so. Along that line, we will be at the Minnesota State Fair this August at the Leinie Band Shell on the 27th and 28th. We’ll be singing with an 8-piece band including the amazing Willis Delony at the keyboard. We have been working with Willis for many years now as conductor, pianist and arranger. His gifts are astounding and we are blessed to count him among our friends and colleagues and a member of the Five By Design family.
Speaking of family, I just returned from a trip up north to spend the 4th of July with my family. My brother, Kurt, and his wife, Lorie, who both sing in the group, drove me up and we had a wonderful get-together on Saturday at our uncle’s cabin. The weather was perfect, if a bit breezy and the food was fantastic. We had all the traditional staples of a 4th of July cookout from brats and hamburgers to potato salad and watermelon. I’m glad we have a little time before our next show to work off all the calories I put in over just a couple of days. All the kids were there except our sister, Sheryl, who was unable to make the trip up from Indiana. The whole brood doesn’t get a chance to be all together that often so it makes it extra special when it does happen. The older I get, the more I come to appreciate any time I am able to spend with friends and family. I enjoy singing in Five By Design and it is a terrific feeling to bring joy to others through what we do, but at the end of the day it really boils down to family for me. Every family has their struggles but it is important to remember that those problems are temporary and should never overshadow the love we feel for one another.
Excuse me a moment while I step down from my soapbox....that’s better. Now, I hope to see those of you who can make it to the State Fair as well as our other shows throughout the year and across the country. We want to hear from you, whether by e-mail or in person. So drop us a line or stop by after the show to say hello. We appreciate your support and will endeavor to bring our brand of entertainment to you for years to come.
Terrence Niska
Speaking of family, I just returned from a trip up north to spend the 4th of July with my family. My brother, Kurt, and his wife, Lorie, who both sing in the group, drove me up and we had a wonderful get-together on Saturday at our uncle’s cabin. The weather was perfect, if a bit breezy and the food was fantastic. We had all the traditional staples of a 4th of July cookout from brats and hamburgers to potato salad and watermelon. I’m glad we have a little time before our next show to work off all the calories I put in over just a couple of days. All the kids were there except our sister, Sheryl, who was unable to make the trip up from Indiana. The whole brood doesn’t get a chance to be all together that often so it makes it extra special when it does happen. The older I get, the more I come to appreciate any time I am able to spend with friends and family. I enjoy singing in Five By Design and it is a terrific feeling to bring joy to others through what we do, but at the end of the day it really boils down to family for me. Every family has their struggles but it is important to remember that those problems are temporary and should never overshadow the love we feel for one another.
Excuse me a moment while I step down from my soapbox....that’s better. Now, I hope to see those of you who can make it to the State Fair as well as our other shows throughout the year and across the country. We want to hear from you, whether by e-mail or in person. So drop us a line or stop by after the show to say hello. We appreciate your support and will endeavor to bring our brand of entertainment to you for years to come.
Terrence Niska
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A WORD OF THANKS
One of the greatest benefits I have enjoyed as a member of Five By Design has been the opportunity to work with so many talented musicians. As we cross the country performing in so many different locations and working with a variety of orchestras and big bands, I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent that is out there.
As fabulous as the talent is that we have run across, it is nothing compared to the small group of people we draw on to work with on a regular basis. We have been truly blessed to collaborate with gifted arrangers, pianists, drummers and others as well. There is not enough room in a single blog to list everyone that has been a part of the artistic success of Five By Design and to give them the credit they are due. Suffice it to say that I am eternally grateful for all that they bring to not only our group but to the greater art of music. Their commitment to excellence and passion for their art is inspiring. I often find myself listening to what’s going on in the shows and sometimes lose myself in the particular solo someone may be playing or the beautiful bed of sound supporting our singing. It is sometimes quite difficult to remain focused on what I’m there for with so much happening around me.
I know I have mentioned before how important music is to me on a personal level and working with these individuals only strengthens that feeling. With all that they do in the course of their own busy lives, they still find the time to work with us. I cannot express in words how much they mean to me, not only for their obvious musical gifts but for their personal character as well. They are a somewhat diverse group of people but share in the common goal of making music a part of their lives and bringing joy to others through their talents.
I hesitate to name names only because I am sure I would overlook someone. With all they have given us it would be unfair to name only those I can recall at the time of this blog. After being on the road for a few weeks, the mind gets a little fuzzy and a good night’s sleep is often a dim memory. So to those of you whom we have worked with in the past and hope to continue working with in the future, please know that you have the undying gratitude of Five By Design for all you have done for us and we can only hope to achieve the levels of artistic and personal integrity that you all share.
Terrence Niska
As fabulous as the talent is that we have run across, it is nothing compared to the small group of people we draw on to work with on a regular basis. We have been truly blessed to collaborate with gifted arrangers, pianists, drummers and others as well. There is not enough room in a single blog to list everyone that has been a part of the artistic success of Five By Design and to give them the credit they are due. Suffice it to say that I am eternally grateful for all that they bring to not only our group but to the greater art of music. Their commitment to excellence and passion for their art is inspiring. I often find myself listening to what’s going on in the shows and sometimes lose myself in the particular solo someone may be playing or the beautiful bed of sound supporting our singing. It is sometimes quite difficult to remain focused on what I’m there for with so much happening around me.
I know I have mentioned before how important music is to me on a personal level and working with these individuals only strengthens that feeling. With all that they do in the course of their own busy lives, they still find the time to work with us. I cannot express in words how much they mean to me, not only for their obvious musical gifts but for their personal character as well. They are a somewhat diverse group of people but share in the common goal of making music a part of their lives and bringing joy to others through their talents.
I hesitate to name names only because I am sure I would overlook someone. With all they have given us it would be unfair to name only those I can recall at the time of this blog. After being on the road for a few weeks, the mind gets a little fuzzy and a good night’s sleep is often a dim memory. So to those of you whom we have worked with in the past and hope to continue working with in the future, please know that you have the undying gratitude of Five By Design for all you have done for us and we can only hope to achieve the levels of artistic and personal integrity that you all share.
Terrence Niska
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A word from on the road
Well, we just finished up our performance of Stay Tuned with the Regina Symphony Orchestra in Regina, Saskatchewan. This was our first time with the RSO and everything went smoothly. The conductor, Victor Sawa, was a pleasure to work with and the orchestra played very well. They had a full house and the audience really seemed to enjoy the show. We were their final concert of the season so there was an added feeling of celebration in the air. We each were presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers during our bows. Many times just Sheridan and I are given flowers, but this time even the guys got them.
Even our border crossings went smoothly. For the truck especially, it can often be a time consuming process entering and exiting Canada. Kurt and I are pleased to announce that we had swift and painless crossings. Now we are on to Colorado Springs, CO. to perform Stay Tuned with the Colo. Spgs. Philharmonic Orchestra. This will be our 5th time back with this orchestra. I have lots of family in the Colo Spgs / Denver area so I am looking forward to seeing some of them at the show. We hope to do a little sight-seeing, too. Matt, our drummer, is excited to do some rock climbing. He's been trying to talk some of us into going with him. I'm not sure if any of us will be brave enough. I'll let you know.
~Lorie
Even our border crossings went smoothly. For the truck especially, it can often be a time consuming process entering and exiting Canada. Kurt and I are pleased to announce that we had swift and painless crossings. Now we are on to Colorado Springs, CO. to perform Stay Tuned with the Colo. Spgs. Philharmonic Orchestra. This will be our 5th time back with this orchestra. I have lots of family in the Colo Spgs / Denver area so I am looking forward to seeing some of them at the show. We hope to do a little sight-seeing, too. Matt, our drummer, is excited to do some rock climbing. He's been trying to talk some of us into going with him. I'm not sure if any of us will be brave enough. I'll let you know.
~Lorie
Monday, May 05, 2008
IT’S SO PLEASING SEEING GREEN
To misquote Kermit the Frog, “It’s so pleasing seeing green.” No, I’m not talking about money (Though I must honestly say money is not totally lacking in its own charms). What I’m talking about is seeing the green of Spring. I realize the calendar has said it’s been Spring for about six weeks, but only recently and in particular today did it feel like it. I went for a walk after work and reveled in the sights and smells of Spring. It truly is a season of rebirth after the long sleep of Winter. And for those of us in the Northland, it can be a very long sleep. But finally the mantle of white has been cast off and nature is putting on a new coat.
As I walked along I was struck by how wonderful it felt to be outside breathing in the fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. If I’m to be completely honest, I really wouldn’t want it any warmer than today. The low 70s are perfectly fine with me. The birds were singing and there were even a couple folks out mowing their lawn. I find it hard to believe there would be much to cut so early, but I guess you never can tell how quickly the grass grows, particularly when you’re not looking. I even spotted a few dandelions in some of the yards.
Now I know that to many people they are a weed and should not be a part of their yard, but to me the dandelions were always a part of spring and summer; their wondrously sunny faces peering up from the sea of green grass. I’m not sure when it was mandated that all lawns must be perfectly green, without weeds and all of a color, but it appears that private yards now strive to look like the greens on a golf course; meticulously groomed and without a patch of brown in view.
But, I digress. The sights and sounds of this glorious evening were not lost on me. We spend a great deal of time traveling and I have already seen Spring make it’s appearance in other parts of the country, but it is especially renewing to my soul to see it in my own back yard. I heard the robins singing and the sounds of children playing in the yards and I found it hard not to think back to those years (which often seem quite distant) when I was one of those kids. Maybe I’ll try to find time this year to sit on the swings or to walk barefoot in the grass.
It is so pleasing seeing green and I look forward to enjoying it for the next five or so months.
Terrence Niska
As I walked along I was struck by how wonderful it felt to be outside breathing in the fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. If I’m to be completely honest, I really wouldn’t want it any warmer than today. The low 70s are perfectly fine with me. The birds were singing and there were even a couple folks out mowing their lawn. I find it hard to believe there would be much to cut so early, but I guess you never can tell how quickly the grass grows, particularly when you’re not looking. I even spotted a few dandelions in some of the yards.
Now I know that to many people they are a weed and should not be a part of their yard, but to me the dandelions were always a part of spring and summer; their wondrously sunny faces peering up from the sea of green grass. I’m not sure when it was mandated that all lawns must be perfectly green, without weeds and all of a color, but it appears that private yards now strive to look like the greens on a golf course; meticulously groomed and without a patch of brown in view.
But, I digress. The sights and sounds of this glorious evening were not lost on me. We spend a great deal of time traveling and I have already seen Spring make it’s appearance in other parts of the country, but it is especially renewing to my soul to see it in my own back yard. I heard the robins singing and the sounds of children playing in the yards and I found it hard not to think back to those years (which often seem quite distant) when I was one of those kids. Maybe I’ll try to find time this year to sit on the swings or to walk barefoot in the grass.
It is so pleasing seeing green and I look forward to enjoying it for the next five or so months.
Terrence Niska
Friday, May 02, 2008
Our Busy Season Just Beginning!
Five By Design is coming up to it’s last tour for the 07-08 season. We are heading off to Regina (Canada) and then Colorado Springs. I know, another long haul, but on the bright side we really do get to see some beautiful scenery. We are contracted for some shows this summer, but it is “technically” our off season. The good thing about the summer is that two of the concerts are here in the cities. We get to perform with the Bloomington Symphony on July 3rd (and then get to see the fireworks right after) and at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug 27 & 28th (Leinie Lodge Bandshell).
Winding down on tour however, does not mean down time. We use the summer to prepare for the following season by booking flights and hotel rooms, advancing shows, finalizing the budget (which for use begins July 1 - June 30), revamping any paperwork such as contracts and riders......and the list goes on. I won’t bore you with any more details. Suffice it to say that the touring season ending does NOT mean down time for us. In fact it truly is just as busy as being on the road. And on that note I need to get back to working on the budget with my wife, who is patiently waiting for me to finish this blog. Until next time!
Michael
Winding down on tour however, does not mean down time. We use the summer to prepare for the following season by booking flights and hotel rooms, advancing shows, finalizing the budget (which for use begins July 1 - June 30), revamping any paperwork such as contracts and riders......and the list goes on. I won’t bore you with any more details. Suffice it to say that the touring season ending does NOT mean down time for us. In fact it truly is just as busy as being on the road. And on that note I need to get back to working on the budget with my wife, who is patiently waiting for me to finish this blog. Until next time!
Michael
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