tag:marthacolby.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2022-06-23T12:27:13-06:002016 Martha ColbyThis is a free improvisation that I performed live at Old Faithful. It's all made up on the fly, although I do admit to adding in some edits upon mastering the tracks. cello improvMartha ColbyfalseMartha Colbymarthacolby.music@gmail.comtag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/70001882022-06-23T12:27:13-06:002024-03-15T09:29:09-06:00Lake String Quartet returns! <p>Wooooof.... What a ride it has been lately. The flood in Yellowstone brought a lot of devastation to many in the towns along the Yellowstone River. My thoughts and prayers to everyone in Gardiner, Livingston, Red Lodge, Silver Gate and all other towns that were directly affected. Here in the park, we have been navigating a whole new landscape as employees from the hardest hit areas of the park itself - Mammoth and Roosevelt - have been moving down to the villages of Lake, Canyon, Grant and Old Faithful. A lot of changes for all of us and a whole lotta chaos! But here we are and finally, *drum roll* after two years. *drum roll continues* The Lake String Quartet returns to the Sun Room at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel tonight, 6/23/2022, at 6:15 pm until 10:00 pm!!! I can't wait!!! Hope you can join Tim Tan, Colleen Tan, Michael Hall and me in our 2023 reunion. WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/69814072022-05-27T13:19:32-06:002024-03-15T09:29:09-06:00I'm baaaack! <p>This is a way overdue update to say that music is live once again in the Old Faithful Inn! Tara Cross and I are so happy and relieved to be filling the air with live music within the beloved giant tree fort once again! I am performing from 6:15 until 10:00 pm every night except for Sunday and Monday. I'll be taking a break from the Inn from mid June until mid August rejoin the Lake String Quartet in the sun room of the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. Hoooray!!!! I have been busily trying to catch up on my chops as well as learning new material. (Incidentally, the word "busily" was my loss in the final round of a 4th grade spelling bee. I am sure it is spelled correctly here). Please come by and say hello and let me know what you would like to hear! </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/67388602021-09-07T12:57:42-06:002023-03-22T11:40:53-06:00Robin's Nest taking a rain check til next year<p>So sad to report that my gig at the Robin's Nest this Sunday has been cancelled due to illness. Keeping Bob and Robin in my heart and prayers for full and speedy recovery. </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/67304142021-08-29T13:59:01-06:002022-05-27T12:55:46-06:00Not Yellowstone During COVID 19<p>Hello friends!</p>
<p>Welp.... what to say? It has once again been decided that music is too dangerous to have in Yellowstone National Park this winter. This will be my 4th season of sitting it out. So now what?? </p>
<p>First of all, I have a gig at the Robin's Nest Bed and Breakfast on Sept 12. I usually start around 5 ish and play til 7ish. https://www.robinsnestcody.com/ . 1508 Alger Ave, Cody WY </p>
<p>I will also be playing Oct 29th in Cody at a new venue called The Colonel, also in Cody. https://www.thecolonelvenue.com/have-fun</p>
<p>From there I will be floating over to the east coast, and the current plan is to land in Rhode Island for the winter. Up, up, and away! I have attached a song of that title that I was honored to record with my dear friend, Gregory Douglass. </p>6:31Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/67202482021-08-18T07:17:11-06:002022-05-27T12:55:28-06:00Yellowstone Music in the time of Covid 19<p>Greetings! Salutations!</p>
<p>I just got back to Yellowstone from a wonderful journey to Sunapee Lake in NH with my family. Since I began working in Yellowstone, that annual vacation event stopped happening for me, so I'm grateful for the chance to get back to the Lake in the summertime. It's a lot warmer in August than it is in November!!! </p>
<p>Due to the latest Covid outbreaks, the company I work for in Yellowstone has opted not to have live music again for winter 21-22. I would love to find some other place where I can perform for hours every night and entertain all those who visit. Ideas or referrals are welcome! I also would love to get back into performing with others. I have no idea where I'm going to land, but keep me in mind! </p>
<p>On another note, my solo cello arrangement of Pink Floyd's "Mother" is now available by contacting me as well as at Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct. I also created a solo viola arrangement for it, for all you violists! </p>5:29Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66963922021-07-23T12:05:53-06:002022-09-29T15:50:44-06:00Yellowstone Music in the time of Covid 19<p>Coolo! I have just gotten one of my string quartet arrangements published and available for public use! Bohemian Rhapsody, as played by the Lake String Quartet, is now available (or should be soon) for purchase where all online music is available for purchasing... </p>
<p>If you are interested in any of my string arrangements, feel free to ask me directly. </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66696072021-06-24T18:20:28-06:002022-09-29T15:52:54-06:00Yellowstone Music in the time of Covid 19<p>... and to top this off.. My manager, Boo, the bear... refuses to bathe until we are playing live again... </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66696052021-06-24T18:15:12-06:002023-03-22T11:41:33-06:00Music in Yellowstone at the time of Covid<p>So it is with a very heavy heart that I share that Yellowstone will have no music this summer.</p>
<p> 2020 and 2021 have been the first years for me in which I have not been immersed in music in some way, shape or form since.... maybe before I started playing the cello in 4th grade??? I'm not even sure of that because before I started cello lessons, I would bang and sing on the piano.. and before I started banging and singing on the piano, I would bang and sing on pots and pans... That is not to say that I'm not working on any music, but I'm not living in a community of musicians and I am not performing nightly and trying to come up with clever arrangements of requests from you..</p>
<p>When I started at the Old Faithful Inn in 2011, it was a serious stretch for me to play solo -- let alone solo for 4 hours straight -- let alone solo for 4 hours straight and 5 nights a week.... and... I was hired as a pianist, sooooooo.... learning piano was a priority and a serious stress... I will never forget the night that one of our guests appeared and sat next to me.. She said "We have been enjoying your music so much... We have a room on the 3rd floor and have been listening to you from there every night and it has been wonderful!" and then she secretly whispered to me "but just between you and me, the cellist is much better than the pianist". I laughed my face off. I told her I couldn't agree more. She looked mortified and said "Oh... are you the pianist as well???? I just meant... the selection of music... " it trailed off... I found it hilarious, and knew it to be true... I was definitely catching up on my piano skills that year, and every night was terrifying. I have made a lot of progress on that end, although there is always more to go, and always more to improve on the cello end as well. A couple of years later, a visitor from Australia met me in a group situation outside of the mezzanine... and he said "oh... are you the pianist???? That was wonderful.... but what's with that cello????? " I laughed my head off of that too... </p>
<p>I can't wait til I can laugh my head off again at comments like that... Perhaps Winter 21-22? </p>
<p>Let us heal from this pandemic.</p>
<p>Now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66643582021-06-19T11:20:41-06:002021-11-30T21:59:45-07:00Throwback Friday on a Saturday<p>This song has been making a resurgence in my head lately. It's on my album "Across Two Rivers". Maggie Dubris wrote the lyrics for this one. Thought I would share it today. </p>7:14Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66633942021-06-18T09:48:24-06:002023-03-22T11:42:04-06:00Where's Waldo?<p>Hello Dear Friends!</p>
<p>As my musical cohorts and I patiently await the green light to return live music to the historic lodges in Yellowstone National Park, I wanted to let you know that I am one of the 500+ cellists in Tony Roger's latest Covid Cello Project. This one is number 14 (!) - Camille Saint-Saens' Danse Bacchanale. There is a watch party for the live release scheduled for Saturday, the 19th (for me writing this right now - TOMORROW) at 1 pm Texas time (central time here in the USA). I'm excited to see/hear it. Every one of Tony's projects gets better and better, and he's put out all the stops for this one. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/iNEb_HlnEPQ</p>
<p>Don't worry if you can't watch the live release, it should be available on You Tube for many many moons to come. I hope you are having a wonderful day! </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/66530272021-06-08T12:42:53-06:002022-09-29T15:53:20-06:00Hello from Old Faithful<p>Hello friends,</p>
<p>I wish I could say that Boo and I have retaken our post at the Old Faithful Inn, but unfortunately I am still hiding out in our employee dorms trying to keep the quality of life up for me and my fellow employees. If you miss the music in Yellowstone, I ask you to speak up to the area managers, front desk, tripadvisor.. whoever else seems appropriate. I know I'm having a rough time without music, but there is nothing I can do to bring it back, other than playing for myself. I thank you all for everything, and hope that we may meet again SOON! xoxo</p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/64435462020-09-26T11:57:38-06:002023-03-22T11:43:24-06:00Looking for a job for the winter... :(<p>Hello Friends!</p>
<p>Time has been such an odd thing this season.. It seems like it keeps dragging on, yet it's already the end of September and now I need to start packing! Xanterra has opted to hold off on the music for this coming winter season so this will be my first season out of the park in a long time. Anyone know of any venues who might want a resident musician?? I would love any leads anyone might have... especially around New England so that I can help out my folks. It looks like I need to work on my video chops as well as recording, mixing, mastering, cello, piano and vocals. I'll be busy, even if unemployed. This too, shall pass. I wish you all love, peace, ease, happiness and good fortune! </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/64204962020-08-29T23:33:58-06:002021-09-14T21:51:09-06:00Still here, still working<p>Greetings and salutations from Yellowstone! </p>
<p>I'm still here! Hurrah!! This is definitely not a year like any other and hopefully not like any to come. If you are planning on visiting the park, just know that it is not like the park you may be used to. Face masks are required inside of all buildings for your protection and for the protection of others. A lot of places are closed (like my beloved Inn!!! :( ), and there are limited numbers of people allowed inside buildings, so there are lines. Those of us who work here understand and share your frustration – please don't take your anger out on us! Worst of all – there is no music! I encourage you to write to Xanterra or post on Tripadvisor how much you miss the music and maybe add just how healing and soothing it would be for guests and employees alike (hint hint). I'd love to be employed this winter.... </p>
<p>I am proud and astounded to say that we who work here have so far kept the COVID cases to two in the entire park. If you have ever experienced a Snow Lodge winter as an employee, or even as a guest, then you well know that what comes around goes around – to pretty much everyone. Some of us suspect that we may have had early exposure to COVID this past winter... But who knows? Anyhoo... I continue to wear my name tag and sanitize door knobs and am grateful that it seems to be helping. </p>
<p>In my off time I have been working slowly but steadily on a new CD. I am getting ready to publish “Flying Daffodils” as a single, with a “B” side of a new song called “With Me, With You”. I was inspired to write the latter song by some dear friends of mine who lost one of their parents while in lockdown in nursing homes. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and have not been able to be with them or to give them proper goodbyes. “With Me, With You” is meant to be a song for closure and for finding peace with an incredibly difficult situation. I am very close to being finished with the mix and it will be released soon. </p>
<p>Recently I have been given permission to practice on my lovely friend, the Kawai piano, in the Inn. This is top secret, so don't tell anyone and I can't let you inside. I must say, the Inn gets really spooky without any lights on after dark...I've been playing by headlamp. </p>
<p>Again, if you have any requests for the new album, let me know! So far I have at least partially in the cans my two new songs as well as Hallelujah and Purple Rain. I think I'll be working next on Both Sides Now and Cannon in D, as well as Last of the Mohicans. The Lake Quartet has also been starting in on some remote recording. This is all new territory for us, but we tried a Scott Joplin rag for our first distance recording, and it seems to have come out well. I have to get permission before I can post it, otherwise I'd include it in this post. </p>
<p>In other excitement, Giantess geyser erupted for the first time since 2014 (so I've heard, and it clicks with my memory) and just last week the smoke from a wildfire started billowing from the Lone Star area – about 3 miles from the Old Faithful Village. Yeeks! Fortunately the wind has been blowing it away from us and we got a good soaking of rain a couple of nights ago, so it is holding steady at 850 acres and we are expecting to get some nighttime temps in the 20's soon, so I think we won't have to evacuate. To all those who have had to evacuate while remaining socially distanced and wearing masks, I send you my heartfelt prayers and wishes for well being. Well, that goes for all of you. </p>
<p>May you be well. </p>
<p>May you be free of suffering. </p>
<p>May you be peaceful and at ease. </p>
<p>May you be happy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>xox</p>
<p>Martha</p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/63652762020-06-24T18:26:43-06:002022-02-21T02:58:05-07:00Songbirds!<p>Hello again from the Old Faithful Twilight Zone! It's a hot one today (at least for us - nearly 80 today in Old Faithful). I have been faithfully sanitizing our employee living quarters so that no one spreads disease. Keeping my fingers crossed that I might be able to sit in my music corner again sometime. </p>
<p><br>There have been a lot of bluebirds around this year, as well as the usual gangs of pocket gophers, marmots, coyotes and our resident bear with cub - and, let me not forget - our community of bison milling and grunting around. They always put a smile on my face. </p>
<p><br>During the elongated break I wrote a song called "Flying Daffodils", which is how my mom refers to goldfinches. Indeed, they do look like bright, happy, flying daffodils, so I was inspired to write something cheerful when everything continues to be rather messed up here on Planet Earth. I also have been taking an online home recording and mixing course. Excellent course! Thanks to the Recording Revolution, my latest mix of this song is world's better than the first. I am giving you, dear friends and listeners, a sneak peek of my latest mix. Let me know what you think! </p>3:53Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/63298552020-05-25T15:44:35-06:002021-08-25T09:08:04-06:00Back at Old Faithful in the Twilight Zone<p>Greetings! Salutations! Happy Memorial Day. I have just made a new season's resolution of posting and visiting my site much more often! For the past 10 years I have been blessed with performing regularly and barely having to lift a finger to promote my music. Some of you may have guessed that promotion is not my strong point... I'm attempting to turn over a new leaf. It can often be challenging with the slowest internet on earth, but I am optimistic about this summer since our staff is about 1/3 of normal, and visitation will be lower due to lack of lodging. </p>
<p>Back when I was a child, one of my favorite books was "Fortunately, Unfortunately". Here is the Martha C version as of May 25fth. </p>
<p>Fortunately our winter season went on as scheduled and I enjoyed playing music. Perhaps you were there at some point?</p>
<p>Unfortunately the world caught an extreme virus and everything changed almost overnight. </p>
<p>Fortunately I was able to stay with my parents for an extended period of time to help out and watch spring spring in CT. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Yellowstone is not having any live music this year. </p>
<p>Fortunately I was offered a job at Old Faithful for the season anyhow.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I won't be playing music or giving body work. </p>
<p>Fortunately i am back in the park that I love oh so dearly. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I shall pause it here. I have had multiple requests for a new CD including a lot of the looping tunes that I play in the Inn and at the Snow Lodge. My goal over this summer is to get that recorded! Over the break I signed up for a bunch of various online classes -- one of which being a home recording and mixing course, so we'll see how I do on my own. Let me know if there is a particular song you would like to hear on the recording. </p>
<p>Sending you all warm wishes. </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/57531192019-05-13T14:43:13-06:002020-05-25T14:44:37-06:00Happy 90 to Fritz Smith!<p>The Old Faithful Inn is back in full swing for the summer season of 2019. It hasn't felt like summer, as I think it has snowed more days than not since I've been back. But the sun has returned, bluebirds and bears are out and it's lovely to be back with my friend the Kawai on the 2nd floor of the Inn. </p>
<p>On another note, I'm very very sorry that I was unable to connect with my Zero Balancing family who were gathered for a benefit and for the celebration of the 90th birthday of Dr Fritz Smith, the creator of ZB and nothing less than a true and dear inspiration and mentor. I'm so very grateful that i have become part of this incredible community. I was honored with the invitation to play for this gathering, but alas! I couldn't make it. I did play this improvisation in honor of Fritz instead. </p>6:58Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/55988392019-01-16T15:07:40-07:002019-01-16T15:07:40-07:00Winter in Yellowstone during the government shutdown<p>Today there are finally lovely snow flakes finding their way from air to earth. This is winter number eight for me here at Snow Lodge, and I can't tell you how grateful I am to Xanterra that I am currently still employed during this government shutdown, and that we are continuing to operate somewhat normally (at a huge cost to the company). I wish I could say the same for all of my friends here who work for Park Service. The shut down has laid a very grave instability in our groundwork, and has been the source of a lot of anger and concern for the future. Good friends of mine are either not working at all, or being required to work and not getting paid for it. Those of us who work for the park generally don't make a lot of money in the first place, so when Trump claims that we can just adjust -- well, no... actually we can't. And those who are in essential positions and working for free are not eligible for unemployment benefits because they are working. In the name of "protection", our government seems to be waging war on those of us who work for the good of the country. It's disturbing and frankly infuriating. Here in Yellowstone we generally step back from the day to day goings on in the political arena. We concern ourselves with our community - both human and wild - and our weather. This winter has been low on snow and high on temps, as well as uncertainty. We as human beings need to retract our walls between each other. it is time for us to start communicating with open hearts and open minds, before it is too late. I have been blessed to be able to do what I love best in my favorite place on earth. I cherish each day here and I love the people I work with and the visitors I have the good fortune to become acquainted with - from all over the globe. We all fundamentally want the same thing - we all want to be happy. I don't believe we can make ourselves happy by making others miserable. I ask everyone to do one thing to help improve someone else's day each day. Maybe little gestures like that could move mountains. Much love to you. </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/52074152018-04-28T09:11:54-06:002020-05-25T14:45:23-06:00Spring migration<p>Heading back to the park after an awesome journey to visit friends and family, an amazing course in a healing modality called Zero Balancing (www.zerobalancing.com), and a really nice recording sojourn in Austin Texas with David Lauterstein. We will have a new CD out at some point - this one is geared especially toward massage therapists. The idea is for it to be very soothing. If you have enjoyed my layered cello improvisations in Yellowstone, then you will probably like this CD, whether or not you are using it for massage therapy music. </p>
<p>So who will I get to see in Yellowstone this summer?? Show hands! I will be starting the new season with the opening of the Old Faithful Inn this friday, May 4th. Can't believe the opening of my 19th season is coming up so quickly!!! I look forward to seeing you! Much love. </p>5:35Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/51509312018-03-27T16:48:50-06:002020-08-29T23:41:18-06:00Mid break<p>Greetings from the Northeast!</p>
<p>Hanging out with my folks for a bit after a really fun road trip visiting 3 National Parks and several friends. Winding up in an amazing community of Zero Balancers for a 4 day class (www.zerobalancing.com). </p>
<p>Today I pulled out the computer and spent a couple hours on the phone with Dell Tech Support getting my headphone jack to respond once again. so that I could share this track with you. It was an improvisation from March 2nd, 2018. I've decided to call it "Open Field". Hope you enjoy it. </p>5:26Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/50364132018-01-22T09:45:32-07:002022-09-29T15:52:15-06:00Happy Winter!<p>Here we are, halfway through our winter season in Yellowstone, and I am only writing to you now. It has been a really fun winter over here so far. We have a great winter staff, and we are feeling fortunately not very affected by the government shutdown. Snow is falling,(could always use more) snow coaches are making their way to Old Faithful, and I am performing every night except for Mondays and Tuesdays. What else is there to say other than I hope you're on one of the approaching snow coaches.</p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/48139172017-08-14T14:47:01-06:002020-05-25T14:45:50-06:00Making up for lost time... a 5 page essay by Martha B<p> I just said goodbye to my quartet mates Tim and Colleen Tan and their girls after watching them play in the Big Sky Festival Orchestra. I believe that every other year the Lake String Quartet has parted ways, it's been in a mix up of packing and moving and checking out and frantic departures... basically, a scattering. This year we lingered a little longer and I started pondering music and relationships and how each musical configuration is such a different beast. <br> I used to play in multiple groups -- jazz bands, rock bands, chamber groups, orchestras.. accompanying singer songwriters. I recall being in 11 different bands at one time in NYC. it was crazy. it was a mad, frantic, social, schlepping, full throttle life style... It was too much at once -- I became involved on the surface, but everything was another gig and there were very few situations that I was really devoted to and willing to commit to, should it come to quitting the others for "the one". <br> Tonight I watched my dear friends play in the symphony, while making sure their 7 and 10 year olds didn't disobey "classical music etiquette". as was so ingrained in me as a child.. I remember suffering through concerts that seemed to last for weeks.... just wanting to giggle and jump around and... get out.... but occasionally being really, REALLY, moved by some particular piece. I felt for my 7 year old friend next to me as she squirmed and tried to get comfortable and I reprimanded her for whispering to her sister. I still clearly remember being in that very same boat. <br> At the same time, I was mesmerized by watching the orchestra, and realized that it's the first time I've actually just sat and listened and watched an orchestra in a very long time. It's been a pretty good amount of time since I've played in one, but it is such a different beast than what I do now musically. When you play in an orchestra, it's a game of follow the leader.. You need to do the same bowings and be on the same string as the principle.. you need to be with the conductor and be with the group. You are part of the machine... and it's a beautiful machine, and it's beautiful to be a part of it, but for the most part you give up yourself for the whole, yet you have to master your part or you screw up the whole. When I started playing cello, I was immediately put into an orchestra, and I immediately became comfortable with it.. Later, as I studied more jazz and eclectic forms of music, I became estranged from the orchestra, and had to gradually become more comfortable with it as I got more calls to play. Now I think it is one of the most challenging configurations to play in, which was affirmed to me by my friends as they commented on the strictness of being in a section after the freedom and expression of playing in the quartet. <br> But, back to the quartet. I just finished my 11th season with the Lake String Quartet. We play a huge variety of music 5 nights a week for 4 hours a night.. We rehearse together.. We spend time with each other on our weekends.. There is no way to hide from any of these other 3 people.. We know what pushes each other's buttons.. We know each other's vulnerabilities and strengths.. We see the hurdles and the good days and the bad days with each other. We know when space is needed, we know when someone needs more attention than we are able to give, we know when a good ol hug is needed. Our communication through music goes way beyond playing notes on a page; it brings up so much conscious, subconscious and unconscious communication that we are completely vulnerable to each other in a way that no other working environment brings about.. Not only do we feel this vulnerability (especially on our "off" days when notes may be a bit more difficult to find than other days, and focusing and being with the group is especially challenging, and we may feel subpar to the job we are supposed to be accomplishing.) but there is also a constant companionship and teamwork involved... If one of us gets off (not that that ever happens), we all need to help to bring the group back together .We always have each other's back -- it's part of the gig. It's a truly beautiful thing. As I reflect on this, I feel such a gratitude towards all of the Lake Quartet - past and present-- for providing such an amazing environment for growth, fun, and authentic expression and beauty and.... being myself. This 11th season has been the first time in my history that a member has changed.. I missed my sister in crime and my backpacking travel agent, Leanne Darling, who was always on board for improvised jazz solos, creating many of our most requested arrangements, and synchronized playing -(including mistakes - which neither of us ever made, but if we did, we somehow managed to make the same mistake at the same time). Carl Larson has been truly a joy to work with and has kicked my butt in upping my playing game as his style is so very different than Leanne's. I guess it was his arrival that made me reflect on just how much I share and open up with these 3 other people, whether I want to or not -- it didn't really occur to me until I realized just how vulnerable I felt on my first "off"day (where I felt my playing to be off, not a day off)... and how I assumed that that he, as well as my long time musical companions, the Tans, was perfectly aware of every clam. I'm used to occasionally (maybe once or twice a season) screwing up in front of the Tans (and the sideways smirk I get from Tim).. that's no big deal... but this guy is a stranger... and darnit... he's a realllllly good player!!! Total kick in the ego. Good medicine. <br> And now I begin phase 3 of my Yellowstone summer, where I take on the Old Faithful Inn solo once again. I now have total freedom in how and what I play, and all of my communication goes out to my audience, whether they know it or not. A totally different beast than playing with the group and one that is <em>almos</em>t just as enjoyable to me in very different ways. If you happen to be at the Inn while I'm playing, please stop and say hello. Thanks for being listening! </p>Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/44997712016-12-06T22:16:51-07:002021-11-10T22:22:36-07:00... And another request for transporter beams....I believe posting from a little over half way on my journey from CT back to the park in December is becoming an annual tradition. Last year I was hemming and hawing about needing a bigger car. This year I have one. Yay!!! Still would be easier to just beam over, however... December is always an interesting month to drive across country -- the weather being so completely unpredictable. I believe last year I found North Dakota to have a slight hint of winter --- it may have been just below freezing and a sliver of snow on the ground. This year I drove through blizzardish white out conditions with wind chills well below zero. Glad I didn't opt to camp and it sure will be nice to get to my favorite hot springs in a couple of days! Happy Winter to you! May Yellowstone get lots and lots and lots and lots of SNOW!!!!Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/43571572016-09-05T01:28:26-06:002016-12-06T22:23:11-07:00Back to the FaithfulIt's been so great to be back playing at the Old Faithful Inn. I do miss the quartet dearly, but I also love being able to plug in my cello and create music on the fly as well as playing covers, classics and originals. It's also wonderful to be reunited with my Old Faithful family. <br><br> We seem to be already deep into autumn in Yellowstone, with the possibility of snow (any precipitation would be welcome!!!), sun, clouds, fire, hail, rain... One of my favorite things about Yellowstone is the weather and how entirely unpredictable it is. In my 10 years here, I know never to assume it will be warm and sunny, no matter how warm and sunny it is at the time I prepare to go out. <br><br>If I can get the internet to cooperate, I am adding a new track that I played on Sept 2nd in the Inn. This one I have titled; "Boo's Party". Boo is my manager and also happens to be a teddy bear. I believe he may have found his way into a liquor bottle or something from the sound of things. Hope you enjoy! 5:22Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/43130332016-08-06T12:34:51-06:002016-08-06T12:34:51-06:00Last week with the QuartetI am enjoying my last week in very smoky Lake Village. The Lake Quartet's final performance will be on Thursday, August 11, from 6:15 pm until 10:pm. I am sad to say goodbye to the group and hope I can remember how to play the piano for my return to Old Faithful on August 12th. Hope to see you!! Please bring some rain. Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/40874812016-03-14T18:42:14-06:002018-04-28T09:15:52-06:00March MadnessI had a fabulous evening performing at Ellen's and Donald's house outside of Denver, CO. I am not showing pictures of Ellen's spread (9 incredible homemade desserts and matched champagne!! ) for fear of intimidating others who might be interested in hosting a house party. She is the closest encounter to Martha Stewart I have ever had! It was simply an amazing, fun party with a fantastic audience and some new friends. I am so grateful to Ellen and Don for hosting me! And I'm looking forward to returning to Denver in October..<br><br>I had 70ish degree weather for my whole drive from MT (I 80) to the east coast. Pretty unusual for early March! It was a great trip following a great season in Yellowstone. This year marked the end of an era in Yellowstone. It was the last winter for the fleet of Bombardier snow coaches - a prevalent part of winters in Yellowstone since the mid 1960's. They will be sorely missed by many of us in the park. <p> </p><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/YellowstoneNPS/videos/vb.151418891540140/1240491062632912/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/YellowstoneNPS/videos/1240491062632912/">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/YellowstoneNPS/videos/1240491062632912/">Yellowstone Bombardiers crossing Swan Lake Flats</a>
<p>Here is a follow up video to the earlier post today – the last run for Xanterra Parks & Resorts fleet of Bombardier snowcoaches.</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YellowstoneNPS/">Yellowstone National Park</a> on Tuesday, March 1, 2016</blockquote></div></div>
<p> </p><br>This week, March 20th, I am looking forward to playing a solo show at the Guilford Free Library in Guilford, CT. If you're in the area, the information for the performance is at this link: <p>http://marthacolbymusic.com/event/1413150/211151848/martha-colby</p><br>or under the "shows" tab of this site. <br><br>Cheers! <br><br> Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/40368802016-02-11T20:30:00-07:002020-05-25T16:07:37-06:00February thawYikes! How can it be mid February already? I have slacked off on my blogging. Those who know me well surely are shocked by that. (ahem) We here in Yellowstone are gearing up for Valentine's Day followed (instantly) by the start of our annual winter Olympics. As always, I look forward to the antics of the Olympics, but also am saddened as it heralds the end of the season, and personally, I have had a wonderful winter and am not quite ready to re-enter the Matrix as of yet. <br><br>I had experienced a few equipment guffaws in January, so many of my recordings didn't work out. I think I may have it sorted at this point (at least it was working last night) to continue to post some decent quality sounds. I hope you enjoy. Please feel free to leave feedback or to sign my mailing list. I would love to hear from you and I promise not to stuff your email inbox. 3:01Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39798962016-01-08T00:29:22-07:002021-11-10T22:23:50-07:00Best wishes to you all in the New Year! I hope 2016 has been a very fortuitous and optimistic time so far for you. We here at Snow Lodge are getting warm and not getting enough snow currently! I have added a new album (weeeee!) with so far only one track.. The album is called "Live from The Old Faithful Snow Lodge".. It is exactly that! I will be adding tracks as they happen and as I have a chance to mix them. This first track is called "Summon the Snow". Please listen to it. Please dance to it whilst listening, and summon the Snow Lodge Snow God. Thank you so very much! I hope you enjoy it. 6:34Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39676222015-12-25T11:21:00-07:002021-09-25T15:25:30-06:00Merry Christmas! Greetings and salutations from a beautiful, cold, white, Yellowstone National Park! I hope you are having a wonderful day, regardless of your religion, race, gender,or species. As a special gift, I am posting "Christmas Time Is Love" -- written Steve Raleigh, lyrics by me, and awesome vocals performed by Debbie Major. Winner of the Sonic Bids Christmas song competition in 2009! Woot wooooot! Let's join our hands together, pass some joy around, make this world better!!! Love to you all! <br><br>ps. not to push it, but if you are interested, "Christmas Present" is available at CDbaby.com: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevemartha and I think I can promise that there is something in it for everyone to love or to hate, depending on your musical preferences. It's an adventure in Christmas listening, for sure... 4:54Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39666582015-12-20T15:09:01-07:002021-10-21T00:25:57-06:00Opening day of Yellowstone's Snow Lodge<div>Things are as they should be here for our opening for the season. <em>Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! </em> I'm looking forward to taking back my own little corner of the Lodge tonight. Hope you'll be there! </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182246/60a1dd3307427adf1d4e7be8d03044c5a8212861/medium/20151214-144328.jpg?1450648712" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39628652015-12-13T21:14:31-07:002021-09-22T01:52:11-06:00Cello time pre-seasonAhhh... Lovely Old Faithful in winter. It has been snowing, and the skiing is wonderful. I am still waiting to access a piano, so I've been playing my cello tonight and goofing off with the looper and such. Thought I'd share. This is an improvisation I created. It's called "Lullaby". I plan to have it available as a download in a week or so, but you may stream it for free as much as you like. Hope you enjoy. 6:03Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39600222015-12-10T22:13:40-07:002021-11-29T10:12:19-07:00Mammoth Hot SpringsBack in the park at last... Snow has been falling off and on all day. So happy I put snow shoes on the Little Car! It really makes a BIG DIFFERENCE. Wonderful to see friends who I haven't seen for a while. Kind of sorry, yet pleased, that checking in for the season is now so quick.. It used to be such a social catch up time (several hours worth of catch up time.).. Now barely time to say hello and figure out where each other is working before your called to finish your check in process. The mountains in Paradise Valley look so beautiful with snow on them at last. They seemed so naked all summer without any snow on them.. In fact, all of the mountains in the area were in the same situation. A lovely soak at Chico Hot Springs under falling snow. And herds of mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep all threatening to run in front of my car as I drove home. This is a magical place! 5:14Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39546472015-12-07T21:32:55-07:002021-09-14T03:07:38-06:00Back in Montana again! Woooot woooot! Back to MST time again. Phew!!! Now all my east coast friends and family can warn me 2 hours in advance of things to come!<br><br> It has been a nice, stress-free journey this December, although kind of eerily warm... I have memories of bundling up - hat, parka, down mittens, scarf -- in order to pump gas at the Montana welcome station 2 years ago. I believe the temp was -40, snowing, with wind gusts up to 50 mph and a 2 inch crust of underlying ice on the highway. Not so much like that this year... It was 53 in Bismarck, ND today, and currently at 9:25 pm it is 40 (above) in Miles City, MT. Ello the cello appreciates this.. Oh wait... Is weather a boring topic??? I could discuss what I ate at Space Aliens today instead.... Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39528842015-12-06T21:59:05-07:002015-12-07T21:18:28-07:00Oh when will the transporter be up and running?? Beam me up! Over the years I have received many passing comments, some of them a repeated theme heard frequently from various sources. Examples of a couple of the more common ones are " Don't you wish you chose the flute (or piccolo or harmonica or violin... you get the idea... something smaller than a cello), or "Is there a dead body in that thing?" or.. "You need a bigger car." <br><br>Well... I have to say that I still am happy with my choice of the cello, although it has consistently been a pain to lug around. It turns out the case makes a great sled, however. As far as I know, there has never been a dead body in my cello case, but I can't confirm or deny that fer sure... And, as for the car..... welllllllll..... <br><br>I am currently more than halfway to my YNP destination on my <strong>25th</strong> <strong>cross country road trip</strong> since my first summer in the park in 2007. Every time I prepare to pack my car, I assume I have it down to a science and that it will be easy. Every time I pack my car I spend hours puzzling how I am going to fit 2 cellos, a PA system plus months worth of clothes for all seasons, books and camping gear and bears and food and what-have-you in my little honda civic. This year I've had an epiphany. I NEED A BIGGER CAR!!! Random people have been telling me this for years, but I ignored them. My reasoning being that I need to squeeze the car into a Manhattan parking spot . Today it occurred to me that I no longer live in NYC. I still need a car that gets great gas mileage, but... those Honda CR-V's and Toyota Rav 4s are looking better and better by the mile... (I do still like the Honda Fit and Toyota Prius). So, if you are reading this and you happen to be interested in selling a midsize wagon that does pretty darned well with gas and is totally reliable, or, if you have suggestions of such a vehicle, please keep me in mind... <br><br>ps... There's actually a hint of winter here in West Fargo, ND. <br>pps.. Hope you're having a grrrrrrreat day.<br>ppps.. Thanks for visiting my site! Martha Colbytag:marthacolby.com,2005:Post/39468462015-12-02T21:10:17-07:002021-09-29T09:42:09-06:00Cello Chariot embarksGreetings and Salutations! The cello chariot is about to embark once again for the magical land of Yellowstone. We, Yellowstoners, strongly hope this will be a cold and snowy winter with Old Faithful spouting ice crystals, the sky sparkling with fairy dust, and the trees drenched in white hoar frost, just like those fake Christmas trees you can buy at Walmart, only these are colder and smell better. Wishing you a joyous season, and hope to see you at the Snow Lodge! 3:34Martha Colby