Meet Sam and Bobby! New members of the stuffed animal family I got from Ikea. They’re named after Sam Bradley and Bobby Long, respectively. I know, I know… silly, me.
later days,
Tag Archives: Sam Bradley
Day Sixty-One
Sam Bradley documentary: “The Manila Diaries”
An update on Sam Bradley‘s documentary “The Manila Diaries”:
Hello again!“The Manila Diaries” was filmed in the Philippines shortly after Typhoon Ondoy ravaged the country. We were witness to the devastating aftermath as well as met many who were personally affected by this tragedy. At times, we felt hopeless but promised we would do anything we could to help. The short-documentary will be on sale at www.sambradley.com as a download. It will cost $10 and half of the proceeds will be going to UNICEF- Typhoon Onody initiative.
I am also sharing a song on youtube called Manila that I had written while i was on my trip there. Pass that around too if you would like.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sam’s documentary and don’t forget to spread the word!
Sources: @samueltwitt1 & Sam Bradley’s MySpace
2009: Here’s lookin’ at you kid!
What a year it’s been! I don’t know about you, but 2009 treated me pretty well. I’d say probably one of the best years I’ve had inside this decade. In retrospect, I can’t remember a lot of it – somehow. Nonetheless, I know 2009 was a goody.
Without further ado, here’s a final look at my most favourite and memorable moments of 2009!
Snow, snow, and more snow!
While the rest of Canada hadn’t yet received even an inch of snow, Mother nature dropped a wallop of snow on the West Coast. We were knee deep in Vancouver, literally.
Despite all the snow, the mountains left us with an amazing snowboard/ski season. Of course, I took advantage of our local mountains.
Summer Heat wave
With early snowfall, comes a heat wave I will never forget. It was our turn to laugh at the rest of Canada. As they suffered through never-ending rain pours, floods, and cold, Vancouver was baking under the sun.
Fun times were had in the summer of ‘09.
BBQs, beach chill outs, PNE days, kayaking, hiking, biking, golfing, tennis-ing, and more!
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer fundraiser
My friends, Puma, ApuTheFish, and I – aka Team A.M.P. – decided to participate in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. The object was to endure a two-day 60km walk to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer and other women’s cancers. Unfortunately, we never made our $6000 fundraising goal; thus, we were unable to participate in the journey.
We still had a tonne of fun working together to achieve our goal. Organizing our fundraising events were stressful and our training sessions were tiring, but we had good times. Most importantly, I learned a lot about each other: our work ethic, resilience, and friendship.
Thanks again to those who sponsored us!
Birthdays!
In 2009, I turned 23. Too old, yet still too young. It’s the uncool age, I think. I’m the middle runt of all my friends; this year, my closest friends ranged from 21 to 25. Yeah, we’re a crazy bunch – that’s why I love ‘em.
Twilight in Vancouver
How could this list of memories exist without my mention of Twilight? It can’t. Honestly, the 2nd and 3rd instalments of the Twilight Saga: New Moon and Eclipse being filmed in my hometown really made 2009 extra special.
Some would call me obsessed. I beg to differ. I wasn’t one of those people who would go out each and everyday looking for sets or hunting for the actors. I was lucky, really. I practically had to step into my backyard, so to speak, and I could stumble upon the Twilight actors.
Doing this was a lot easier when New Moon was filmed here in the Spring. No one cared too much that the actors were in town. You could probably only see two or three paparazzi or autograph hounds walking around at the most! The bigger stars like Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson could easily walk around without getting attacked.
In the Summer, everything changed. Taylor, Rob, and Kristen Stewart were on lockdown. Paparazzi, autograph hounds, and crazed Twilight fans from all around the world flocked to Vancouver when the 3rd instalment started filming just so they can catch a glimpse of their favourite star.
New Moon was actually fun in Vancouver. My partner-in-crime, TayloredMyPants, and I would always have lunch once a week in downtown – a weekly ritual if you will. After lunch, we’d take a walk and BOOM we’d see one of the actors.
Eclipse was a different story. It wasn’t easy seeing any of the actors. However, TMP and I – during lunch – saw Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen). It was the first day the cast was in town for Eclipse and no one knew they were here yet. Peter was merely 50 metres away from us. We decided not to approach him and we gave him his peace because we knew that his peace and sanity may go out the window the very next day. On a couple of occasions though, I saw Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen), Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale), Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) and Cameron Bright (Alec); again, not approaching either of them. However, one day while shopping with my mom downtown, I spotted "the humans" and decided to actually get my picture taken with them.
Basically, Twilight was a huge part of my 2009. Without it, the year would have been completely different. It wasn’t all about seeing the stars, I actually made new friends and acquaintances that I see from time to time during various other gatherings. Shout outs to RobbedMyHeart, Malicious Mandy, VampireMonkey99, LadyDispatcher, and everyone else who I’ve met throughout this whole ordeal!
Music – the food for my soul
The past year was an epic one for live shows AND for burning a hole through my wallet. Being a full-time student, it’s difficult to get out and watch live music when you barely even have a day off. However this year, if there was someone I really wanted to see, I had to go – no ifs, ands, or buts about it (maybe that’s why my GPA in ‘09 suffered? LOL).
Without a doubt, there was no way I was going to miss my favourites Jason Mraz and the Kings of Leon while they were in town.
This year I was opened to a door of new musicians. Most of the gigs I attended were at smaller venues and clubs, a far cry from my usual concerts at arenas like GM Place. Those were probably my most memorable shows.
Jason Mraz with Bushwalla and K’Naan
100 Monkeys with The Orphans and Thee Manipulators
Justin Nozuka
Sam Bradley
(photos taken on five separate occasions)
Hockey, eh!
They don’t call me canucklehead for nothin’ ya know. It seemed like anything I did in ‘09 revolved around hockey, specifically the Vancouver Canucks and some of the team members. See, I’m kind of best friends with some of them (or at least in my mind).
From watching the Vancouver Giants 2008-2009 season playoffs, invites to Vancouver Canucks private practices, meet-and-greets with Alex Burrows and Kyle Wellwood, being bff’s with Kevin Bieksa and Mason Raymond, getting to watch almost all of the Canucks’ December ‘09 games on home ice, to volunteering at GM Place, I can honestly say hockey was good to me in 2009.
Friends – my 2nd family
I don’t know how I’d survive 2009 without you all. From the random hang outs, long talks, tears and jeers, there was never a dull moment.
The latter third of ‘09 was especially unforgettable. You all know why, I’ll just leave it at that.
You were hanging in the corner
With your five best friends…
Andrea, Sara, Erica, Mia, and Ivy – thank you for making my 2009 super memorable.
It is now 2010 and so let’s raise our proverbial glasses in a toast to making the best of the New Year.
Love you long time!
Sam Bradley & local musicians go Busking for Change in Vancouver streets
Friday, local musicians took to Vancouver streets to busk in support of war affected children. War Child’s Busking for Change event was brought to the west coast for the first time. My friends and I first heard of the event when Sam Bradley tweeted he will be one of the artists participating in the great cause. His original goal was to raise $400 for War Child. That was quickly surpassed by caring and giving people bringing Sam’s total to over $2100 (and still growing!).
Vancouver rock band, Elias, forefronted the event with a stellar line-up of talented musicians busking the streets including:
Carly Rae Jepsen
Said The Whale
The Painted Birds
The Februarys
Yukon Blonde
We Are The City
Jessie Farrell
The Zolas
Current Swell
JP from Maurice
Winston Hauschild
Chad Brownlee
Adaline
Benjamin Keith
Morgan Cameron Ross from Birds Of Wales
Joseph Blood from Bend Sinsiter
Goodbye Beatdown
The Racoons
Henry & The Nightcrawlers
Sweetheart
The Autumn Portrait
Despite the cold and dreary Vancouver weather, the artists played host to a handful of small crowds and smiling passersby from 10:00am to 6:00pm. My friends and I caught some of the bands, but we mostly supported Sam Bradley (and his sister Grace Lindsey) throughout the event.
Sam Bradley convinces a man to save his lungs and donate his change to War Child
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
For those of you who couldn’t support Sam busk for change, enjoy the photos and videos of his performances below.
And don’t forget, it is NOT too late to donate to War Child. Go HERE to sponsor Sam Bradley. For more information and to sponsor other celebrated musicians to raise money for war affected children, visit the Busking for Change donation site HERE!
Passport – Sam Bradley in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
Lights (Fucking Lights) – Sam Bradley in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/19
(Recorded by: Andrea T.)
Scared – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Andrea T.)
Sea Blue – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
No Diggity (cover) – Sam Bradley in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
Too Far Gone – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
Derek – Sam Bradley in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Sara K.Y.)
Whiskey – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
Paradise – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
Watching Over You – Sam Bradley ft. Grace Lindsey in Vancouver Busking for Change 12/18/09
(Recorded by: Mila M.)
[NO USE OF PHOTOS AND VIDEOS WITHOUT GIVING CREDIT. THANK YOU.]
CONCERT REVIEW: Sam Bradley & the Men
It has been over four months since TayloredMyPants and I experienced our first taste of Sam Bradley. OK, not literally — well, for one of us not literally… maybe. 😉
Anyway, if you didn’t already know, Sam Bradley and Twilight’s Robert Pattinson are pretty much bff’s. It’s the reason how we discovered Sam’s music in the first place. We listened to the songs listed on his MySpace page and instantly fell in love. Without a doubt we had to see him live. Luckily, in May, he was going to play at the old Richard’s on Richards venue. It was probably one of the best live shows that I have ever seen at a small, intimate gathering (and by small I mean at a club and not at an arena). You could tell that he was nervous though and still kind of new at playing for masses of people (that night around 500 attendees). Just a couple of months previously, he remembers, only 15 folks came to see him play. You can watch him get overwhelmed in this video I taped of that night back in May HERE. It’s too cute.
Properly, word got out of his incredible musical talents. He was touring the world, dropped a self-titled EP this August, and his popularity grew.
Meanwhile, Vancouver was craving more Sam Bradley. We wanted him back.
And he answered.
Sam Bradley came back home to Vancouver and played an early show with the Men at Venue.
This time, TayloredMyPants and I brought a whole flock with us. Most everyone we knew whom we shared Sam’s music with quickly fell in love too and couldn’t wait to see a live show of his either.
But first, I wanted to do some research on the opening act to decide what I was in for. After asking around I was led his MySpace page. The guy opening was Mani Khaira and I have never heard of him before. I gave his tunes a listen and was instantly hooked. You might want to check out his MySpace page too — you will like.
Soon, Friday rolled around the corner and it was the night to bask in Sam Bradley’s glory. ApuTheFish (formally “Apu”) and I rushed home after our last lecture, got ready, and ventured towards downtown early. Doors are supposed to open at 7pm and the show was to start at 7:45. But after our experience at the 100 Monkeys show a couple of weeks ago, we did not want to experience being one of the last people in line again. People are crazy. So, we got to Venue at around 5:40pm. I guess you can label us the “crazy” ones this time, eh? There were already two groups of people in line ahead of us. The first group were some members from Sam’s fan club, The Land of Dreamers. I remembered them from the May gig. I could recognize them anywhere! Minutes after us, TayloredMyPants and her friends arrived in line with us. Before we knew it the line had stretched half a block. It was only 6:10. This night was going to be good.
We parked ourselves smack in the middle at the foot of the stage and at 7:45 on the dot, as promised (that’s a first), the show began. It was Mani! I was excited to see him knowing that only a handful of us there actually knew some of his songs. And I was right. Throughout his entire performance everyone around me was chatting it up with their friends not even paying full attention. Only then did I realize that TayloredMyPants and I were the only two people in our area singing along. I didn’t even understand why! Someone in the media (can’t remember who or where – but I give props to you) was quoted as saying Mani is “a modern day Mozart.” And I couldn’t agree more. The songs he performed displayed the fusion between his powerful voice, uplifting beats, and elaborate piano skills. It’s just a shame not too many paid that much attention. He’ll be big someday — you’ll see.
(click photos to enlarge in new window)
After Mani’s set was over, sometime during the intermission, I noticed that the personal space between mine and my neighbour’s was getting more closer. This only means that Sam was about to take stage.
Sam’s bandmates took stage first, everyone started screaming, then Sam followed. I looked over at TayloredMyPants, and she looked at me. Our “giddy” faces were on. Next thing I knew, from out of no where (but probably from way at the back of the pack), a blonde way-too-drunk-to-be-in-public chick budged her way in between me and TayloredMyPants. You are in my perfect spot, missy! She started dancing like crazy. Actually, let me rephrase that… she was shaking her tittays. Repeatedly, about every 10 seconds, she would turn around, face the crowd behind her and scream out “WHY ISN’T ANYONE DANCING!?” Not that people shouldn’t be crazy-dancing at a club, but Sam was performing a slow song. Yeah. (You can watch her fix her hair repeatedly in the song It Begins in the video below.)
(click photo to enlarge in new window)
When Sam Bradley & the Men performed their first song of the night, A Song Could, the crazy-drunk-chick kept dancing like crazy, turned to me and started talking with me. She said, “I’ve never heard of this song in my entire life… anywhere! Not in this world!” OK. Clearly you’re from another world. I responded, “Me neither,” just to make her feel she’s not alone. Crazy-drunk-chick continues, “I’ve never heard of him either. WHO IS HE? WHO’S SAM BRADLEY ANYWAY?!” I gave her the WTF face.
The girls to the right of me started giving me the WTF faces too. Oh no, they probably think I’m associated with her just because she talked to me. I look at them and laugh at how I’m embarrassed to be standing next to this random chick. One of the girls asked me if I was friends with her. Without hesitation I said, “NOOOO! I have no idea who the hell she is. I don’t know her.” With nods of approval all around, another girl pointed to crazy-drunk-chick and says to me, “What the f—k!” I know man, I know. Later, these girls kept screaming “Get a life!” to crazy-drunk-chick.
Throughout the first 10 minutes of Sam’s performance, crazy-drunk-chick was ruining what was supposed to be a magical night. Her insane and inappropriate dancing made her knock down and spill other people’s beer bottles and cocktail glasses — mostly on me. I started smelling like a giant cocktail. Her response: “Not my fault! They’re not even mine!” Thanks crazy-drunk-chick. Thanks. I had enough. Along the way, I traded places with people and ended up next to my real friends again. If I’m going to have a magical night with Sam Bradley, it was going to be without crazy-drunk-chick.
(click photo to enlarge in new window)
Sam introduced us to his bandmates — The Men. First guitarist, Dave Meszaros, who according to Sam has “a big penis“. Drummer, Mark Kerrey is “newly single and also has a big penis.” Finally, Sam introduces to us bassist Jeff Riedlinger who “is so good looking that he doesn’t need a big penis.” HAHA. Judge for yourselves ladies.
Sam Bradley & the Men played a 16 song set list varying from slow rock to upbeat funk. The song list is below:
- A Song Could
- Watching Over You
- It Begins
- Wide Open
- Whiskey
- Scared
- That’s How Strong My Love Is
- Sea Blue
- Passport
- Go Back
- Sugar Mama
- Too Far Gone
- Is Love Enough
- Derek
- Our Love
- Even Thought of Leaving
All of my favourite songs were played including Scared, Whiskey, Passport, and Sea Blue. Naturally, Sam performed Too Far Gone, the song that he and buddy RPattz co-wrote together. Of course, most everyone sang along. It was pretty breathtaking.
Before the show, TayloredMyPants, ApuTheFish, and I planned to scream to the top of our lungs when Sam sang the lyric “And I’ve conquered the land of dreams” during Derek. We did it. And we were so successful that Sam looked and smiled at us upon our screaming. Yeah, we had a moment. (See that moment in the Derek video below from 1:09-1:11.)
(click photo to enlarge in new window)
Introducing Our Love, Sam informed us that there was something that he wanted to do ever since he was 18-years-old. He wanted to be one of those rockstars where he’d get to reach out and touch hands with his fans in the crowd. I thought that was too adorable. Immediately, everyone raised their arms up towards the stage. He laughed, “Not yet!” Finally, he serenaded us and people reached their arms out including me and TayloredMyPants, but he never got to us. It was the saddest thing ever! We tried again when he went to the other side of his mic stand. He touched TayloredMyPants’ hand and then mine. I swear, I’m not trying to be a fan-girl, but it totally felt like an eternity. It’s no wonder this was a dream of his since he was 18.
After his last song, he said the night was over and then winked. Of course not. Minutes later, Sam Bradley & the Men returned for their encore. They covered Sam & Dave’s Hold On I’m Coming. Here, Sam showcased his dance moves. It was the most epic thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life (view for yourselves in the video below). He danced along to Hold On I’m Coming in May and I was sorry that I didn’t capture footage of it. I’m glad I did it this time because if you watch carefully at 2:22, he screams “Hold On” into my camera. (This is another reason why I like shows at intimate venues). His last encore song was another one of my favourites, Soho Whores, a fast-paced tongue-twister of a song.
(click photo to enlarge in new window)
The show ended and my friends and I were on a Sam Bradley high. When the crowds left, TayloredMyPants reached her hand out by the mic stand and stole Sam’s song list that was on the stage. Yes, you heard me. It was probably the greatest idea of the night. We then found a lounge area in the corner to rest our heads and feet. We had to replenish our energy if we were going to stand in the Sam Bradley meet-and-greet line-up. @RobbedMyHeart and I saw each other again and we chilled until it was time to meet with Sam.
We noticed that the line wasn’t getting shorter, so we lined up before it was too late. In the line I finally got to meet @MaliciousMandy1. Finally, after many failed attempts! It was so good meeting new and familiar faces that night.
It was then our turn to meet Sam. TayloredMyPants was up first and she told him that she stole his song list. He laughed, autographed it, and said, “I’m glad somebody did!”
When it was my turn I asked for a hug and we posed for pictures. We chatted for a little bit. I told him how I came to see him in May and thought that I’d come back again. He asked me how I thought he was doing. If he improved, better, worse, or what. Not gonna lie, of course he was a lot better. He’s now a seasoned pro compared to his last gig here.
ApuTheFish went up after me and she told him that she came all the way from Malaysia. He believed her and suddenly gave her a huge bear hug. Half truth, half lie. Yes, she did come all the way from Malaysia, but she’s been living in vancity for years. Nice one. Nonetheless, I am still jealous.
We hung out for awhile near Sam and the bar before leaving when Mani Khaira recognized ApuTheFish. Because of Facebook, he thought she was me, and I was her. TayloredMyPants, ApuTheFish, and I chatted with him and took a photo.
By the end, my voice was already gone. It was a pretty epic night for sure when you could only communicate by whispering.
///WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW.
(filming credit to canucklehead07, ApuTheFish, & TayloredMyPants)
***PLEASE NOTE: SOME VIDEOS BEST LISTENED ON LOW VOLUME***
Ocean – Mani Khaira
It Begins – Sam Bradley & the Men
Whiskey – Sam Bradley & the Men
Sea Blue – Sam Bradley & the Men
Derek – Sam Bradley & the Men
Too Far Gone (Never Think) – Sam Bradley & the Men
Our Love – Sam Bradley & the Men
Even Thought of Leaving – Sam Bradley & the Men
Encore: Hold On I’m Coming (cover) and Soho Whores – Sam Bradley & the Men
Music Mondays (Part II: Mani Khaira) – 9/21/09
If you’re going to the SAM BRADLEY show on Friday, September 25th, at Venue in Vancouver, be sure to check out the guy supporting Sam — MANI KHAIRA.
After just discovering his music a few days ago, I’m already impressed. Visit his MySpace page here, watch him tickle the ivories, and listen to his powerful voice — you won’t be disappointed.
Ocean (live @ SFU radio) – Mani Khaira
You know you’re too obsessed…
…when you have Twilight-related dreams almost every night.
Ever since TayloredMyPants got me a dream-catcher from her Alaska trip months ago, my dreams have been getting more vivid, realistic, and Twilight-related.
Last night’s dream was too personal – yet, awesome – so I can’t share it with you guys. LOL.
However, I’ll share with y’all my dream from two nights ago. A brawl between my two friends – Apu and TayloredMyPants – triggered this dream. Basically, Apu is overseas at the moment, and she returns to vancity two days after the Bobby Long concert. Apu is more-or-less jealous that we get to see BLong and is pretty pissed that she has to miss him. She tells us that she thinks about him everyday. hahaha.
Anyway, here’s how the dream went down *cue eerie X-Files themed music*……
TayloredMyPants and I were eagerly waiting for Bobby Long front and center of the stage. We figured no one’s gonna get in our way since we’re right up front. An hour after waiting for BLong, he finally walks on stage… the swagger that boy has… whoo. Well, once he got on stage, the crowd went wild, next thing we knew we were getting shoved from our primo spots by none other than *drumroll* MANDY (aka @maliciousmandy1) and her entourage of 15 other ladies!
There were so many of them that we got thrusted to the side of the stage where all the photographers and paparazzi laid grounds. TayloredMyPants was pissed and was going to throw down some fisticuffs, but couldn’t do it. Not in front of Bobby Long of course. To keep myself entertained (since I couldn’t even see BLong from my POV), I asked the paparazzi which companies they worked for. Most of them were LA rats.
Then one bald, asian guy in his thirties answered, “Have you heard of PUNKD Images? That’s my company.”
I started freaking out and asked if he was the dude who tweets. After getting acknowledgment from him, I introduced myself to him hoping he’d know who I was via Twitter.
Without hesitation he asked TayloredMyPants and I if we wanted to join him backstage after the show while he does his photo shoot with BLong. Pfft, of course we went.
Backstage, we saw BLong in all his glory… sweat and all. TayloredMyPants couldn’t even breathe so I had to do all the talking for the both of us. I told him the situation our friend Apu was in. Feeling horrible, he asked for her cell number and called her. She didn’t answer because of the different timezones, so he left a message on her voice mail (in his sexy, raspy voice) wishing that she could have been there with us. What a sweetie.
As the photo shoot was about to start RPattz and Sam came to join his friend. BLong asked us to keep them company. Easy-peezy. We chatted it up for a long time with Sam, but left RPattz in the dust (haha, I know I know, quit throwing your stones).
……and that’s pretty much it. haha.
I found it hilarious that Mandy and her “crew” shoved us…foreshadowing? LOL. And I’ve never ever even seen or met PUNKD, so I don’t know what he looks like. My mind is hilarious when it makes up faces for people I’ve never met.
Hope you enjoyed that. If my Twilight dreams are interesting enough, I’ll try to make this a regular thing on my blog. =P
.png "http://www.youtube.com/user/canucklehead07")
laugh.play.dream.live 