Well it’s reached that time… the second week of January and the holiday season has since lost it’s allure. Many of my friends and family are back at work; the routine has set in once more, and there’s never enough time to get things done – or so it seems. I’ve been trying to get myself back in the saddle in fact. The opportunities I experience in Alberta are practically unheard of and thankfulness is key.

A quick update career-wise: I’ve been invited to showcase at Canadian Music Fest during Canadian Music Week in Toronto this March. I’m quite enthused at the opportunity and hopefully I’ll be able to get my ducks in a row to allow me to make the trip. I’ve also been tracking Take My World Apart on radio across Canada and now in the United States thanks to Seth at Least Of These Promotions.

At the end of March I also plan to embark on a mini West Coast tour from Calgary to Vancouver and back. I hope to have some more dates nailed down really soon – feel free to contact me with suggestions or opportunities. House concerts are welcomed requests. Much love.

The holiday season is fast approaching and it seems like every passing day gets busier and busier. I for one am looking forward to a little downtime with friends and family when Christmas rolls around.

In other news, three weeks ago I injured my right wrist and forearm and did some tendon damage. It’s wrapped up in a brace these days and hopefully it’ll be all healed up by mid-January. One positive thing to come of this so far has been time spent on grant applications and festival bookings. I also may have finally picked up my first music theory lesson…

This past fall I tried my hand at acting. Here’s the first of three TV spots I was featured in for the new Travel Alberta’s ‘Remember to Breathe’ add campaign. This is the longest of the three spot, simply called “Alberta”. My mind has been blown by the way Sean Thonson has captured Alberta’s beauty with the use of slow-motion film. I really hope you enjoy these clips – and for those of you who knew ahead of time, thanks for being patient!

You can see the other two shorter spots by following the links below:
Travel Alberta’s “Alberta Summer” Spot (1:02)
Travel Alberta’s “Rock & Glass” Spot (0:33)

Thanksgiving… where to start? Like many of you, today I reflect on all the things I generally take for granted. By virtue of living in North America I already experience more freedoms today than the rest of the world will get the opportunity to experience in a lifetime: Freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, freedom from oppression, and even the financial freedom to go out and purchase a cup of coffee at the slightest whim. I think of the time I’ve spent traveling and seeing people live with a lot less and seemingly be far more thankful in general. Consider our access to water and food – these things I take for granted most of the time. I think too of my family and friends – those who have journeyed with me through all the ups and downs of life. And then, still after all of these things I think of the one who has been there from the start and will see me through to the finish. What great gratitude I have for these things!

Last week my good friend Mathijs Paul came to visit me in Calgary. He’s a musician from The Netherlands and has been working on several musical projects over the last couple of years. You can find Mathijs’ music on facebook under Mathijs Paul as well as his new worship band, Telefy. Furthermore, if you haven’t yet found my music page on facebook (Joal Kamps) feel free to ‘like’ it to stay up-to-date.

This past weekend I finally got around to taking some time to explore the great outdoors. I happened to be out in Central Alberta once more and spent an afternoon walking around in the woods that surround Gull Lake. It was a truly inspiring time – and rather nostalgic I might add. You see, as a young child I spent many summers camping at Gull Lake with my family. It was strange being back again as an adult. Everything looked similar but somehow different. My favorite play areas were drastically smaller in reality when compared to my childhood recollections. At the same time, I was challenged to slow down and better observe my surroundings – and when I did so, there was a whole other world to admire and take in.

Later that evening (probably related to the inspiring walk and creativity it produced) I made cheese for the first time. It was delicious.

This saying is trustworthy: Oh how time flies when you’re having fun. The last couple of weeks have flown by for me – almost literally at times, though I’m learning to ease away from my lead-foot driving past. I met some pretty awesome folks out in Cranbrook, BC, picked up a homemade guitar/instrument of sorts at a year-round yard-sale, and played a couple gigs along the way. Life is good.

It’s a mellow Monday afternoon in Central Alberta, and I’m enjoying every moment of the day. The last couple of days have been another busy bunch filled with concerts, driving, busking, and more. I’m just about to head out on a short bike-ride in the crisp country air. The leaves are starting to change colors around these parts, but I’m hoping to ward off the Fall for at least another month… we’ll see how much luck I have with that endeavor. I hope you’re all enjoying the start of your week. Cheers!

As I mentioned last week, I had the pleasure of being included in a little interview and performance at The Hub in Red Deer for CBC Alberta’s Cultureville, a competition that celebrates CBC’s 75th Anniversary and Alberta Arts Days. Six different cities from across Alberta have made it into the final voting stage and the winner of the Cultureville contest will be announced on CBC September 29th.

You can cast your vote for your favorite Cultureville here.

Friday afternoon/evening I found myself back up at The Hub. There was an art gallery opening and I played a small concert for the folks in attendance. It’s a really great facility and I would highly encourage you to stop by if you’re ever in Red Deer, AB. On Saturday I spent several hours busking at the local Farmers Market and that proved to be quite an enjoyable time! I had a blast exploring the market and met some great people while I was there – shout outs to Steve & Melinda. Finally, on Saturday I performed at the 6th annual Rosebud Folk Fest. What an amazing time it was! There was a wide host of performers and styles and I was really impressed by the talent they showcased this year. It’s certainly my hope to be invited back next year… (Hint hint*) During my time in central Alberta, I also stopped by three different ice cream shops. What bliss in the midst of the Summer heat!

This week is looking like a busy one. I’ll be heading back out of town this weekend to perform in Edmonton. Check out my gig listings for an upcoming show near you!