Review: Chris Mann's Roads

I haven't gotten into the television show, "The Voice", but I do understand the premise.  Chris Mann won last year, and his debut album came out this week.

He is considered a "classical crossover" artist, and after listening to his album a few times, I think that's a great description of his style.  He has a fantastic voice!  I enjoyed listening to the songs on this album.  More than half are covers, but he added a twist to each one.  I wasn't thrilled with his version of Willie Nelson's "Always on my mind", but thought he did a great job with Frank Sinatra's "My Way."  I really liked his rendition of "Ave Maria."  It's one of my favorite songs, and was even sung at my wedding.

I can see myself listening to this album in quiet moments, or the background music for a get together of friends.  It's probably a good end-of-day, driving home album as well.

You can preview 3 of his songs at SoundCloud at this link: http://soundcloud.com/universalrepublic/sets/chris-mann/s-e7O63.

You can buy his album either physical copy or MP3 at Amazon, or it's  available via iTunes.

*Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this album, and by posting I am entered into a drawing for a prize. No additional compensation was provided.  All opinions are my own.*

Free Bowling All Summer for Kids!

I can remember watching bowling when I was a small child, staying with my great aunts, living in Buffalo.  Even though I had that early exposure, I think I've only played a handful of times in my life.

This summer, though, AMF Bowling is offering 2 free games every day to all kids (under the age of 16) whose parents sign up through their website.   The free games start May 14, and run through September 3, 2012 (Labor Day).

The signup was easy, and each week I'll receive an email with a voucher and a reminder to take the kids bowling.  The signup site even had a bowling alley locator, so you can find the nearest bowling alley to your home.

With Arizona summers being as hot as they are, any indoor activities are a bonus!  Add in a free activity, and I'm pulling out my calendar.   The kids have never played, but they were all interested in trying it out when I told them about it.

For only $29.95, bowlers over the age of 16 can purchase a summer pass, which allows them 2 free games every day so they can play along with the kids.

Will this deal get your family in a bowling alley this summer?  Leave a comment below and let me know!

*Disclosure: I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.*

Review: KT Tunstall, Tiger Suit

One of Nate's favorite songs is KT Tunstall's Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, so I was happy when offered the chance to review her latest release -- Tiger Suit.  I like her voice, and I think she is very creative musically, as well as original.

I'm not a musician, so for me, it often comes down to "Do I like this music?" because I'm not knowledgeable enough to pull apart the chords and instruments and all the rest.  I can say that I do like this music and have enjoyed listening to this CD on my commute for the last couple weeks.  Sometimes I can't wait to drop a CD into iTunes so I can remove the songs that I don't like, but I'm still listening to the CD and haven't wanted to remove any songs from the album.

Two of my favorite songs are "Push That Knot Away" and "Fade Like a Shadow".   They both have catchy refrains and interesting music that have me playing them on repeat a few times before moving on.  I haven't taken it out of the CD player yet, so I'll be listening to this one for a while!

*Disclosure: I received a CD for review from One2One Network. This post also qualifies as an entry for a gift card drawing sponsored by One2One Network.*

Phoenix Mercury / WNBA Discount Code

Last weekend, we had a great family night out!  We were given tickets to enjoy a WNBA game in Phoenix and watched the Phoenix Mercury win over the New York Liberty.

The boys have been playing city-league basketball this year for the first time, so they have been pretty engrossed with basketball this summer.  They weren't too sure about watching girls play, but by the end of the first period, they were enjoying it and forgot that they complained a bit about going to the game. Lydia was confused, and kept wondering when her brothers were going to head down to the floor and begin their own game -- but she had a great time watching the women play.

We all enjoyed the Mercury Hip Hop Dancers as well, who entertained the crowd throughout the game. Nate at first was surprised that there were male dancers, but once he watched them, he thought it was pretty cool.

It was a fun night, and the game was fast and exciting.  We hadn't really considered going before being given the opportunity, but I know we'll attend more games.  I also think it would be fun to get a group of friends together and have a fun "Girls Night Out" at a future game.

Lydia's favorite part was the mascot -- Scorch.  She was so excited at the chance to actually meet him after the game, but she got shy when we were close.  She did get an autographed picture, and has been carrying it around with her all week.  They kids also got autographed pictures of 2 of the players, and were happy to have the chance to briefly meet them.  Thanks to the  Mercury organization, my three children received jerseys, and they have been happily wearing them.

Lydia was disappointed that she forgot to shake the players' hands after the game, but we assured her that she may have another chance. The boys were impressed by the level of play, and had a great time.  They were also very excited to get autographs, and added the pictures to their "treasure shelf" at home. As a family outing, it was a definite success!  It also added a great event to our "Summer of Fun!"

If you want to check out a game, use the code WNBABLOGS at www.ticketmaster.com to receive discounts off tickets in your market. You need a Ticketmaster account, but there's no charge and it only asks for your email address.  I know you'll have as much fun as we did!!


*Disclosure:  Many thanks to the One2One network who helped organize this opportunity with the WNBA and our local Phoenix Mercury organization. We received tickets to the game, tshirts and jerseys for the kids. No additional compensation was provided, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.*