My personal top 10 Home Free moments of 2015

OK, so Home Free asked what our favorite video of 2015 is and there is no way I could pick just one. But I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite personal Home Free moments from 2015. I had the opportunity to see four concerts this year and met many Home Fries. Not to mention other events that happened this year because I found Home Free and their fans. These are my personal top 10 Home Free moments for 2015. Counting down from #10.

10. Getting amazing encouragement from Carina Lindberg, Genevra Lazzeretti and Leslie Tidd to start both this and my other blog. I have wanted to share for years and these ladies helped me believe in myself! I have some pretty amazing followers too, who keep me going! #HomeFryLove

9. Small after party in Houston left me with a wonderful selfie of Johnny F’s thumb and another of him and Georgene. That’ll teach me to leave my phone on the bar!

8. Meeting Dena Foust in Abilene. I talked with her briefly in Nederland, but in Abilene she stopped Misty McAllister and me and asked us about the birthday VIP picture with our girls (my daughter's bday is Oct. 11, Chris is Oct. 12 & Misty's daughter's bday is Oct. 13). We talked for a few minutes and she is a delightful woman and her mama pride was beaming brightly.

7. Rob remembers me from the Oklahoma City concert at the Dallas concert. I was all giggles after he said “You made it, where are your kids?” In that same VIP my small fry bravely stood between Austin (her fave) and Chris for the VIP photo. She was a little nervous, but did great!

6. I was honored and thrilled to be asked to be an admin for the Home Free’s Home Fries Facebook group by Cynthia Blizzard. I am an admin today and the ladies I “admin” with are absolutely fantastic! I’ve only been able to meet one of them so far, but I hope to meet them all someday! Love y’all! #HomeFryLove

5. I was asked if one of my pictures of Chris could be used for his Thinkin’ posts. I was floored, and I mean I literally hit the floor, when I got the request. Of course I said YES and I was giddy like a school girl when I saw my picture up there on his post! Since then he has used another one of my photos. #smilin

4. In the signing line in Houston, I had the guys sign a collage I had made of each one of them. They all seemed to like the collage, but Adam took particular interest in his. He asked if those were my photos and I said Yes. Then, he looked at me and asked me if I would send him those pictures. I was proud of myself, I said YES, but very calmly (at least I think I did). Then, when out of his view, I freaked out! He said they were really good pictures! #smilinbigger

3. I got the nerve to ask for a hug from each guy in Houston at the VIP signing. I was so nervous, but each gentlemen was sweet and gave me a hug. That was a turning point for me, I’m not so nervous any more.

2. After the concert in Oklahoma City, a bunch of fries went out to eat. About an hour later, who walks in but Chris, Adam and Tim. They came out and took pictures with a family, but Tim came over and took pictures and talked with all of us. I have a great picture with Tim, Misty and me. Yeah, I was nervous and couldn’t speak, so I’m glad Misty did.

1. And Number One is.....meeting Home Fries from all over the world in Oklahoma and Texas. I can’t name everyone I have met, but I will name my new partners in crime. Misty McAllister, Eleanor Dennison and Kimberly Pettijohn. I am privileged to be able to share my Home Free escapades with these ladies. They are my posse! When Misty offered me her extra ticket to the OKC show I was not only meeting them for the first time, but spending the night with Misty. Thank goodness none of us were axe murderers, LOL! Oh, and that was my first VIP, see how cool Fries are!  I have enjoyed meeting so many Home Fries and hope to see y’all at the concerts in the spring. I love the Home Fries, they make everything better! #friesgowitheverything #nothinglikealargeorderoffries #HomeFriesRock

Oklahoma City

Dallas

Houston

Thank you Home Free and Home Fries for a year full of friendship, love, tears, loyalty, complete silliness, oh and some pretty damn good music from some pretty damn amazing guys! I'm not sure I'm ready for 2016 and all it has to offer, but bring it on! #HomeFreeRocksOnIn2016 #HomeFryLove

 Oklahoma City

 Dallas

Houston

Abilene

What's my favorite Home Free video of this year? Really?

Really? Did Home Free really post asking what’s your favorite video of the year 2015? That’s like asking a dog what is your favorite cut of steak or a mosquito what is your favorite blood type. Really? Alright, I’ll play along, let’s go through them and see what happens. 

Everything Will Be Okay – adorable, absolutely adorable and the bear is pretty darn cute too!

I’ve Seen – my favorite song and the video is clips from their tour with Home Fries too!

Thinking Out Loud/Let’s Get It On – let’s just say OH MY and leave it at that!

What We Ain’t Got - Very powerful video and arrangement that will move you and make you think!

The Butts Remix – this is so much fun and so well done, great combination of songs and dance!

Honey I’m Good – another fun video with a great message and a brilliant arrangement!

Mom – tears, tears and more tears, beautifully sung and it will make you cry too!

Crazy Life – just when it couldn’t get any better they go and make a Lego video! Too cool!

Wagon Wheel/Song of the South – I really enjoyed the scenery, the song is catchy and Home Fries!!!

Summer in the Country – an original song with the guys and their families, laid back video and song!

Country Fried Pop – a little bit of everything, a little silliness, but still great talent in a simple video!

Elvira – do I really need to say anything here, freaking awesome and I love the comradery shown!

Fishin’ in the Dark/Boondocks – spectacular artistry and an exceptional arrangement of these songs! (this one was even released on my birthday, SCORE!)

House Party – fun video, fun song, PJ’s and pillow fight, yeah, what’s not too like?

Seven Bridges Road – highly anticipated video and song and delivered perfectly, with perfection too!

Alabama Sampler – another simple video that showcases their talents, singing and arranging!

9 to 5 – Yeah this one just rocks, this video is just fun and excellently done!

Children Go Where I Send Thee – WOW, just wow! Again, the simplicity just makes the talent shine for Home Free and Kenny Rogers!

Do You Hear What I Hear – love their version of the song and this video was stunning!

I’ll Be Home for Christmas – have some tissues handy, this one will have you crying in no time!

Away in a Manager – again that simplicity and talent give this simple scene a beautiful meaning!

Now sure, some of those descriptions might lead you to a favorite or two or three. Let’s face it, this is not an easy decision! Pick one, not a snowball’s chance in Texas could I pick just one! Nice try though.

Can you pick just one favorite?

Home Free YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

My reaction to Home Free's continued love for their fans

Damn it these men know how to make a woman cry! But trust me, in the best way possible. I've said this before but even though I'm not really old enough to be their mom (with the exception of Austin), I get that proud mama feeling when they do something so great it rocks my soul, like singing at the Opry or working with legends like The Oak Ridge Boys or Kenny Rogers or when the get on The Tonight Show but don't make it and still come out looking like complete and honorable gentlemen and thank the fans for it!!!

I have had tears of joy for Home Free for the past two weeks. And it will only continue as they make their European debut in January. Home Fries on the other side of the pond are in for a shock to their system. They know how epic these guys are, but seeing them live will set their hearts pumping and the spirit soaring with bliss!

As the story gets passed around, I'm sure it changes a little each time so I'll keep it short. They were invited to be on The Tonight Show with Kenny Rogers (bless his beautiful heart) to sing Children Go Where I Send Thee. The guys were on top of the world while their fans looked down at their excitement while floating above them, where the guys put us. However, due to some crazy and unbelievable set of events, three flights were cancelled and the guys ended up booking a very expensive private jet. Once it was too late to back out of the private flight, they were told they could not make The Tonight Show and they were being pulled from the line up.

As the Home Fries were broken-hearted, not for us, but for Home Free, they started offering to help pay for the flight of many dollars. The guys decided to do a Go Fund Me, just to help recoup some of the cost of this golden flight and set a goal of ten thousand dollars. Now, personally I just about fell out of my chair at that amount. However, as I sat in a movie theater watching "Star Wars" with my kids, that ten thousand dollar goal came and went in an hour! I made my small donation to help some men who have made me smile and cry and love life again. It wasn't much, but all those "it wasn't much" donations and several very healthy donations had the guys Go Fund Me total ending at twenty five thousand dollars.

Well the Home Fries were just beaming with pride at what they did. But what Home Free did next made us all weep even more! Their next TV gig was a go and it was delightful. An adorable little girl may have stolen the "cute" part of the show, but Home Free stole our hearts. On the Home & Family Show on the Hallmark Channel, Home Free told this very story. The story of how their fans raised the money to pay for the missed opportunity and more. I was stunned. I cried and did a little goofy dance and well maybe let out a little (ok BIG) scream. I felt that mama pride hitting my soul, my heart and my smile didn't stop for hours! I mean it when I say I love each and every member of Home Free. I joke about the good looks they posses and all their other adorable qualities, but they are just damn good people (from the bottom to the top). God Bless Them (and all the Home Fries too). They also got to sing two songs, Angels We Have Heard on High and White Christmas. Needless to say, they sounded amazing. I can't wait to watch it again (cause DVR!)!

This morning us fries got some more news that gave us another grin and feeling of satisfaction. Home Free let the fans know how they are going to use the extra money. The letter from Go Fund Me was heart felt and brought more tears as they talked about wiping away their tears. I am so glad they made this decision and I think the Fries are too. Home Free will use the extra money to help them with their expenses on their European debut. Now you have to understand that the American and Canadian Fries are so excited for those European Fries that get to see Home Free, that this is a double win. Nice job Chris, Adam, Rob, Tim and Austin. Y'all did good and the Fries love you!

And yet, somewhere in all this chaos and enjoyment, they released another video, which is stunning. This is a must see video of Away in a Manger:  https://youtu.be/UwfqhXhvUTs

Too much excitement for one day!

These gentlemen have me on my toes again! SO many announcements in one day and all so exciting, what are they trying to do break me? Of course I'm referring to Home Free and all the awetasticspectacunificent announcements they made on Friday December 11th.

Let's start with new tour dates and pre-sales. Supporting Home Free on Patreon is worth every penny! We get to see the new videos first and often times get all the marvelous news first. We got to see the new tour dates for next Spring. Then at 10am in each city on Friday we got a pre-sale opportunity to get the best seats available. So many of us were up all night dying for 10am to come along and those that could sleep had visions of tickets and concerts dancing in their heads! This blogger's plan is to go to two shows in Oklahoma. You can support them too at https://www.patreon.com/home.

But this was only the beginning. There is another new video and it's featured by Rolling Stone! I still haven't had a chance to go over Do You Hear What I Hear and they drop a real tear jerker on us. That's right, this new video is so heart warming, but will leave you teary eyed. The song is I'll Be Home For Christmas, the video is five amazingly talented men singing with pure perfection. So why the tears? Well this simple but beautiful video is filled with small clips of some very special people coming home for Christmas. Those incredible people defend this great country everyday, they are our military. Fun and touching clips that will make your heart grow ten times in size and squeeze the tears right out of you. Bravo Home Free, Bravo! And Thank You to all the men and women in the military for all you do.

Now, you would think that would be enough for one day, right? Well, plant your backside and hold on tight, because here comes Santa Claus! It's going to be a very Merry Little Christmas for Home Free AND the Home Fries. Mr. Kenny Rogers, the Gambler gentleman himself, is going to be on The Tonight Show on Monday December 14th and he ASKED HOME FREE TO JOIN HIM and sing Children Go Where I Send Thee!!! My heart is racing again as I type this. I am so incredibly ecstatic about this! The Tonight Show with Kenny Rogers and Home Free!!! This is where I got the same feeling I got when they played at the Grand Ol' Opry. All gooey and sappy and totally freaked out! Such a magnificent opportunity for Home Free. Congratulations!!! Don't be nervous, the Fries will be firmly seated in front of their TV's and computers to watch and have enough faith in y'all, there's no need to worry! Jimmy Fallon get ready to be amazed!

Whew, I'm exhausted now. Too much crazy goodness for one day. Don't forget to tune in to The Tonight Show on Monday and check out their new video I'll Be Home For Christmas. Be sure to visit their website at http://homefreemusic.com/ for their new tour dates and get your tickets before they sell out! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to all. I can't wait to see what Home Free gets themselves into next!

It's beginning to look a lot like a Home Free Christmas!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-home-frees-stirring-ill-be-home-for-christmas-20151211

Do You Hear What I Hear? He said what?

The past few weeks have been stressful, crazy, fun and busy between Girl Scout cookie mom stuff, photography classes, volunteer photography and trying to find a new job. But in all the insanity of life it’s always a sweet surprise when we get a new video from Home Free. The best part is the last video they released is my favorite Christmas song, Do You Hear What I Hear? This video is not only stunning and powerful, but Adam arranged it. Not that I should be shocked, his talents are endless! And that ice castle is wicked!

I’ve been trying to find time to give this video the write up it deserves, but then something happened and I’m afraid it takes precedence over this amazing video.

First, a little background. Mr. Walter Coates gave his beautiful bride, Beth, a wonderful birthday present of tickets to see the Home Free for the Holidays concert in Durham, NC. He got her VIP tickets, so she got pictures with Home Free and their autographs, the royal treatment. Walter you deserve a great big hug and kiss for that present!

Before we go further, I really must lay down some warnings. Many have already seen the video I am referring to, but I think the warnings still need to be heeded, as I still have to be careful when watching this video. Prior to watching this video do not have any beverages in your hand or nearby, do not be eating, it’s best to be sitting down and not in a place where you must be quiet and make sure you have visited the little boys or girls room.

After all the VIP festivities the concert began. I can’t say much about the rest of the concert, but this little gem came out after Tim Foust posted “Did anyone get a video of our special rendition of Colder Weather last night in Durham?” Well, of course this had the curious cat in all of us leaping around to find out what happened. Remember the warnings and take a look for yourself at Walter’s video (don’t forget to come back): https://youtu.be/DwExsDGUj-w

OMG, my side hurts from laughter. Austin, you sweet southern adorable man, you are one of a kind! We all forget words to songs, but no one and I mean no one can make it sound that good and keep singing. Austin gets the Rock Star No Matter Mmmmm Ooooo Award! Rob, poor, poor Rob. But he did a fantastic job of keeping it together, at first. I love how Chris gives that little look when he heard Austin stumble. He knew things weren’t right, but I’m sure he had no idea what was about to happen…Tim. I dub thee Timstigator. Three times! Tim stirred up trouble three times! I love it when he takes a deep breath, trying to keep it together, before he busts everyone up with his solo.... nanananana (and the guys come in right on time, amazing). Tim is talented, good looking, smart and TEN YEARS OLD! Don’t ever change. I reinstate my question posted several months back….How many times does Tim get sent to his room on tour (not enough I’m certain)? Adam is the one that always has to provide the background sounds and usually doesn’t lose it, but I found it hysterical that he would beatbox, turn and laugh, beatbox, turn and laugh. Bless his heart. Although, if he can burp while beatboxing, then why should laughing be any different? Oh, that’s right….Tim.

We’ve all said Home Free could sing the phone book and we would still listen and love it. However, if you sing “I forgot the words”, there will be laughter, sarcasm, Tim and maybe a little unforgiving ribbing for months to come, but we love Austin!

What an extraordinary atmosphere to be able to have that kind of fun during a song and know that the fans are going to eat it up like homemade pecan pie! Walter, you couldn’t have picked a better night for a birthday celebration. Thank you for sharing it with us! I hope y’all had as much fun as the guys did, during this song and as much fun as the Home Fries have had sharing it! This is PRICELESS! Home Free is the music, laughter, kindness and down to earth goodness that makes people feel better every day! We should all be able to laugh at ourselves (and each other in good fun) like this.

Don't forget to check out their new video: https://youtu.be/wIQQDYaoWpc

A fantastic Christmas collab for Kenny Rogers and Home Free

Well, Home Free’s “Don’t It Feel Good” tour is over and I know all the Home Fries wish the guys and the crew some extra special time off with their families. I got to see two highly energetic shows in Houston and Abilene. Don’t worry, the tickets I had to Nederland and Austin went to some very deserving Fries and I hope they had a great time! The American Fries are gearing up for the holidays and maybe a holiday Home Free concert or two. The European Fries are undeniably going bonkers waiting for Home Free to make their European debut! Not only is one of the shows sold out, but they added shows in Ireland and Scotland too! Check out the added shows at http://homefreemusic.com/. I hope the guys of Home Free are ready, because there is no going back now.

In the midst of the “Don’t It Feel Good” tour, setting up a quick overseas tour and releasing their third CD - Country Evolution, they have also released several videos. The latest one with the distinguished and extremely gifted, Kenny Rogers. Before I get to the video for “Children Go Where I Send Thee”, I want to say when I heard this song, the first time, I smiled from ear to ear when I heard Kenny sing. It brought back a great feeling of my youth and reminded me of his amazing talent. A cowboy and gentleman with a charming smile and a unique voice that I could listen to all day. It’s really great to hear from Kenny Rogers and we get a new album from him, as well, Once Again It's Christmas.

These day’s music videos have to be so dynamic and spectacular to succeed. If it’s not touching your heart, making you laugh or sending a much needed message, they don’t always get the viewership the artists are hoping to get. YouTube as made music videos a very competitive business. Several years ago one of my bosses told me to always remember the KISS principle; Keep it simple, stupid. Now I was told this in regards to designing an application, but I think it applies to many areas of life, music videos not excluded. Kenny Rogers and Home Free picked a simple but inviting building to house their video. But then they got dress up and took this simple video to another level. Each gentleman looks sleek and mighty handsome in their cowboy garb. Then you add this wonderful song with the beautiful and striking harmony and vocal beat of these six men and you get the whole package. A Christmas song, that is not strictly for Christmas time, but still a soul inspiring song, with nicely dressed talented men singing with emotion and spirit. I must have watched it ten times in a row when I first saw it. Kenny will blow your mind with his time-honored gravely and sweet voice. Home Free does what they do best, bring it, with gusto and feeling. Together they take this classic song and give it classic passion with a new style that is quickly climbing the ranks of music, suave country a cappella.

Home Free has worked with two ageless country personalities, The Oak Ridge Boys and Kenny Rogers and both times have gone down to the bare voices. They also worked with Charlie Daniels, covering “Devil Went Down to Georgia”, but we all know the fiddle had to make an appearance for that song. I truly love the affect Home Free is having on country music, classic and new and on the general population regarding a cappella. A cappella is breaking ground all over the music industry and it’s great to see the timeless musicians diving in head first.

“Children Go Where I Send Thee” has been sung by many performers, all who give it their own style and feel. This version with Kenny Rogers and Home Free really does give it a rocking country beat with a fun and festive flair. I am still being amazed and surprised by each new video Home Free does, alone or with a friend, they add they own blend of Home Free charm.

Check it out – Children Go Where I Send Thee
https://youtu.be/o4qNaAlZ1xc?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

Got the work day blues...check this out!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Home Free never ceases to amaze me. They just released their latest video and I jammed to the beat, giggled, did more jamming and laughed some more. Their 9 to 5 music video is packed with all kinds of entertainment.

Since I have seen their Don't It Feel Good show live recently, I can honestly say that this is my favorite song from the concert. Primarily because of the spectacular and impressive beatboxing jam session in the middle of this song by all five members of Home Free. So, if you haven’t seen them live, do it, this alone is worth it.

The video took me by surprise. The beginning was fun, upbeat, and completely full of the sarcasm that comes with this cynical tune from 1980 (before some of these fine gentlemen were born). Much like Elvira, these energetic gifted men took this song from years gone by and gave it new charm, without taking away from its original glory. They also gave this song a ridiculous beatboxing kick that only, #hecannotbehumantalentedbeyondwords, Adam Rupp can do. Add to that the perfectly choreographed mindless workers and the boyish shenanigans of Home Free and you get a video that has everything. Oh and let’s not forget the chair dancing, which is brilliant and typical of the office life that once was. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this video. I know I always say, I can’t stop watching the new video, but this one is a little different. The background dancers take me back to the satirical movie and complete this video like the cherry on top of a sundae. The break out transformation makes me think of the live concert as they begin to dance and show off their signature moves. And I can’t stay still when I listen to this song, they sound awesome and made it groovy.

Yep, this video blew me away. Awesome song conversion from the old to the dumbfounding and amazing Home Free a cappella style, fun and sarcasm, incredible beat, worker to hot musician changeover and chair boogying. Love it all! Great job by all involved in making this video come together.

These guys have covered so many songs and often times they have out done the original, IMHO. All their videos have had something unique about them, like a cute bear, sexy beatboxing and booty shaking, stunning shots of the guys, Home Fry cameos, Legos, beer, “fangirling” with iconic musicians and a hide-n-seek chicken. But this video was a whole lot of unique, rolled into one, with a superb rendition of an ageless song. Working 9 to 5 could take on a whole new (or maybe old) meaning after you see this video. Office life would certainly be celebrated if this kind of diversion could happen every once in a while (and I mean the Home Free kind of diversion!).

Home Free's version of 9 to 5 can be found on their Country Evolution album, which can be purchased via iTunes or Amazon. It truly is a tribute to country music with some new songs that are sure to become classics some day.

Haven’t seen it yet? Well, what the hell are you waiting for?

https://youtu.be/9xxv_Fizvsw?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

Houston & Abilene concerts were mind blowing!

Good afternoon Home Fries and visitors!  Needless to say my Home Free/Home Fries weekend excursion was nothing less than unparalleled fun and excitement. Two concerts in 3 days, driving all over Texas, singing and dancing, meeting amazing people called Home Fries and sharing it with my beautiful daughter! Doesn’t get any better than that! Now 3000 pictures and 900 miles later, it’s all over, but I can still feel the exhilaration of the weekend.

Let’s start with Houston, because mom got a night out with awesome friends and oh there was there this Home Free concert too. The drive to Houston was a welcome break. A long peaceful drive with a lady I have grown to love like a sister and uplifting music. I enjoy long drives and one filled with Home Free music (and seeing the mirrors rattle with the Tim notes) and good company is perfect. We got the hotel, made ourselves gorgeous and then met up with other fries. I got to meet fries I’ve talked to endlessly but never met in person. Names with faces and personalities, that’s the part of the trips that makes me feel like I’m meeting family for the first time. I love my fry family!

Now for the VIP event and concert, you know the important stuff. First, a huge shout out to Home Free and their entire crew. I’m not sure I can put into words what these people accomplish each night they have a concert. A thousand questions that have been asked over and over, people who can’t quite make up their minds, the fast, slow, impatient, giddy, friendly and everyone in between. And yet they are all smiling, nice and get it done! Thank you, Y’ALL ROCK! VIP was busy but exciting and I now have my favorite VIP picture. I got my merchandise signed, questions answered, a song not in the show, a copy of Country Evolution and a great picture. Supporting Home Free on Patreon to get first shot at VIP tickets is worth every shiny penny and more!

I really enjoy taking pictures and the seats in Houston were so close to the stage, you could prop your feet on the stage from your seat. Well this was a little too close for good pictures, IMHO. So I traded seats with someone in the third row, stage right. Pure perfection. The concert was so close and Home Free was superb! From the first song to the last, there was energy and intensity in Home Free and the crowd. From the original songs to their outstanding covers and Tim’s poetry corner. Rob knocks every song out of the park, Austin continues to run on all cylinders, beautifully, Chris leaves them wanting more of his serenading, Tim just blows everything out of the water, high or low and then there’s Adam. I’d like to say Adam was amazing or phenomenal, but that doesn’t seem to fit. I’m still looking for the right phrase to describe Adam’s performance. He blew our minds and rocked the damn crowd to their feet. Houston was incredible! There was even a little fry party afterwards with dancing, singing and a drink or two.

Well, after a drive home and a night to recover, my fry friend and I took our eight year old daughters to Abilene to see Home Free. There was not as much primping and meeting, as it was somewhat of a drive by for this concert. So I won’t waste any more time and I’ll get right to the meat of the story. VIP was a lot of fun. Our daughter’s birthdays are on either side of Chris’, so we made Happy Birthday signs for their VIP picture and said Happy Birthday to all three of them. Home Free was very playful and goofy in Abilene. I got great VIP pictures, including one where Austin lets loose a little (love it).

The Abilene stage was not too close, so I kept my front row seat (yea!). The audience in Abilene was, let’s see, how can I say this, INSANELY LOUD. The guys came out and did their opening number, Fishin’ in the Dark/Boondocks medley and they were on fire and the crowd let them know! There was so much fervor after that first song that that set the mood for the rest of the concert. The look on Austin’s and Rob’s face when the crowd went crazy was absolutely adorable. The guys felt the powerful momentum coming from the audience and managed to keep up with us until the very end. They sang their sweet, country gentleman hearts out in Abilene. Every note and every song, from I’ve Seen to Elvira to Thinking Out Loud to 9 to 5 was flawless and passionate. I would look at my daughter to see if she was having fun and she was either dancing and singing or completely mesmerized, which is often how I felt, mesmerized. Home Free was stunning and shook my soul down to the core in Abilene. Their talent is outstanding, but their live performances will take to you a higher realm of music. I think many skeptics of a cappella music would be astonished by a live Home Free concert. And Adam will hypnotize you with bewilderment at his talent. It’s no wonder he gets two standing ovations during his drum solo. He’s simply not human when it comes to his vocal percussion/beatboxing skills. The Abilene show was beyond amazing, it was foot stomping, crowd cheering, don't be over, ridiculously mind blowing!

The combination of these five guys; Chris, Adam, Rob, Tim and Austin is pure musical rightness and exquisite harmony with the added touch of handsome! I can only imagine every show on this Don't It Feel Good Tour is just as good as the two shows I had the pleasure of seeing in the Lone Star State!

Well, I’ve been going on and on and I’m sure we all have things to do. I’m going to get my errands done while listening to Home Free, because everything is better with Home Free playing! More concert pictures will be added soon.

Don't It Feel Good Tour here I come!!!

On Friday, October 16th, I will drive down to Houston with a great fryend and meet up with many other Home Fries to see Home Free! Then we will scoop up our sweet small fries and head out to Abilene to see Home Free again. Now some people out there might think that’s a little over the top, but believe me, this is nothing compare to how far and long fries will travel to see the five amazing guys that call themselves Home Free. It’s just what Home Fries do. If they can, fries will drive or fly to as many concerts as they can, not just to see the boys, but to meet and see each other.

For the past two weeks I have been as busy as the squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. I was up to my eyeballs in events with my daughter, work (which is a story that has me wanting to crush some skulls, but that’s for another blog) and my daughter’s birthday. So, I haven’t really had time to get excited or giddy about the Home Free concert, right? WRONG!!!

The past four or five nights I have tossed and turned for a couple hours before I could get to sleep. I’ve been thinking of all I had to get done and what I’m going to wear to the concert and birthday parties and what I’m going to buy at the concert and do I have my tickets and how should I make the VIP picture look and oh, my daughter’s birthday. Wow, I almost lost it there for a minute. Even as I type this I am thinking about what to pack and my plans for that morning. Fortunately, I was able to keep my thoughts in the right place to get the birthday party off the ground and make it a fun day for her. We’ll be doing crafts until her next birthday. Now, on to mom’s night out with great fryends, great times and five adorable men that make damn good music!

In Houston, I get to have a little fun. There won’t be any bull ridin’, calf ropin’ or two steppin’ on the tables, I’m no stealth chicken. However, I do plan on letting my Texas girl out to play. I got my fancy new cowboy boots and my Thelma and Louise attitude ready (well except the bad parts). But the best thing is seeing Home Free and hearing some great new songs. I can’t wait to hear Seven Bridges Road, Good Ol’ Country Harmony, Don't It Feel Good and 9 to 5 live! I have not watched the whole show via Periscope or YouTube yet. I’ve seen bits and pieces, but I’m trying to hold out.

There is this new addition to the show that has quickly become a fry favorite and that is Story Time with Tim. I have only seen a couple of them, but I laughed so hard I gave myself a cramp. Between Tim’s comical story-telling and Austin’s live action antics, you couldn’t ask for more. But then you get the rest of the guy’s reactions, who apparently don’t always know what’s coming. This is going to be as awesome as Texas is hot (93 degrees on this fine mid-October day)!

Then there’s Abilene. I will get to see my fry friends and the guys again, but this time I get to share it with my little angel. This will be her third Home Free concert and I love that she enjoys going with me. Her birthday was this past Sunday and she saw a picture of someone getting a big hug from one of the guys and she says, “I want one of those, but from all the guys, for my birthday!” OK, I guess it’s safe to say she is getting over being shy around them. The first time we saw them she was terrified of Tim and hid behind a stranger when she got to Austin. Now she’s ready to take them home and instantly have five new big brothers!

I’m so amped up to see Home Free in concert again, and I have many things to do before Friday. Like pack my dancing speaker (which hops when there’s a lot of bass or percussion), cowboy boots, Home Free pictures and my wild and crazy Home Fry mindset!! Houston, here I come!

Do you get all giddy and anxious days before a Home Free concert?

Seven Bridges Road: https://youtu.be/kTTid4CBcd4

My 7 year old's favorite Home Free songs

Well, Home Free's Don't It Feel Good Tour is well under way and it's two weeks until I finally get to them live (again)! I will see them in Houston and Abilene (plans changed, so I had to give up two shows). I'm very excited, because it's a ladies night out in Houston, so if you live in the area, LOOK OUT! Oh we're harmless, but we are ready to have fun with fellow fries! Then in Abilene I will be joined by my daughter, who will be 8 by then. The reason I bring up my daughter is today she is my guest blogger. She is going to share with us her top five favorite Home Free songs. A chance to see how the little ones view Home Free's music.

Starting with five and going to her number one favorite song. Remember she's seven and these are her words.

5. Any Way the Wind Blows - "The video is fun and I like singing the song."
My addition: She fell in love with this video the first time she saw it. I'm actually surprised it's not higher up on the list.

4. Butt Remix - it's funny (the song and the video)
My addition: We giggled all the way through this video, especially at Austin. My favorite part of this song is Adam's beatboxing. She's seven so, of course, the seat wiggling gets her laughing every time.

3. House Party - "I like the song and the video is fun."
My addition - She already loved this song by Sam Hunt, so when I told her Home Free was doing it, she was so excited. Then we saw the video and that made it even better. Beatboxing Batman is cool, but the pillow fight won her over.

2. Honey I'm Good - "Funny, especially with the bad words."
My addition - She loves singing this song and always has me turn up the volume when it comes on. We came up with a way for her to sing it with other words, but the "you got that ass", always makes her LOL.

And here it is, I was very surprised by this, her number 1 favorite song by Home Free!
1. Devil Went Down To Georgia - "It's like no other song, it's cool!"
My addition - She's never heard this song before, but she's always asking me to play this song from the new album. I expected HIG or HP to be number one, but this was her pick, hands down!

My daughter went from being scared of Tim and Austin, the first time we saw them, almost a year ago in Nederland, Texas to talking to them way past our time in the signing line in Dallas. She wanted to tell them that kids sang some of their songs (covers) and she meant Kidz Bop. Adam, finally figured out the best way to keep things moving was to pretend to tell Tim what she said (they couldn't hear her) and Tim nodded and smiled and she was happy!

Her birthday is the day before Chris' birthday and the best part is we are going with another fry and her daughter (same age as mine) and her birthday is the day after Chris'. We are hoping the girls can get a picture with Chris.

So, the countdown begins. In two weeks I will be driving down to Houston with a fellow fry, windows down, Home Free playing and we'll be singing our hearts out! I hope to meet some fries I haven't met and be reunited with some of my fellow Texas fries! Have a Happy Home Free Fryday!

What are your top 5 songs by Home Free?

Honey I'm Good - https://youtu.be/rCLW7Xm1DXs?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

House Party - https://youtu.be/B6SKCsPPVFg

Butts Remix - https://youtu.be/IA0WCc3vTls

Any Way the Wind Blows - https://youtu.be/fhoBtlWbT-w

Home Free YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

5 gigs in New York in one day! Home Free is just cool like that!

Another incredible day for Home Free and their fans! Today Home Free meets New York and we all win! They had interviews, live performances and even a new collaboration released today.

First thing this morning, Kenny Rogers appeared on the Today Show and talked about his new Christmas album, Once Again It's Christmas, and his retirement. And may I just say, Kenny Rogers is truly a class act. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched part of the interview. He did mention working with Home Free on one of the songs on his Christmas album. He mentioned that his son’s choir teacher told him about Home Free and when Kenny googled them, he liked what he heard. As it happens, that Christmas album was released today.

The Home Fries wasted no time checking out the song with Home Free and the whole album. Christmas in September, nice. The song they do together is Children Go Where I Send Thee. I have to admit, I didn’t remember this song, but once I looked it up, I remembered hearing this when I was child. Then today, I bought the album and listened to this song first. Oh. My. Heavens. I was stunned. Kenny Rogers is positively amazing. Voice still strong and uniquely Kenny. Tears filled my eyes and chills when down my spine, when I heard him singing it out. Then you throw in the “they can sing anything and make it awesome” men of Home Free and you have this upbeat, heart-warming Christmas song that will certainly become a new tradition in my family! You really need to hear this song. It’s stunning.  And there’s a video coming too, with Kenny Rogers. Home Free is winning hearts from so many generations and genres of musicians. Excuse me, feeling the proud mama tears welling up. (Yes, I know they aren’t my kids and no, I’m not old enough to be their mother. OK maybe Austin. It’s just the way the Home Fries feel about these guys)

While in New York, Home Free did an interview with Fox 5 NY. I really wish they could do an interview like this at Fox 4 here in Dallas, Texas (hint hint). This was a fun interview. The guys claim not to be that good at instruments, however, we all know that ain’t true (sorry the Texan in my snuck out). They sang Elvira. I can’t help but follow the bass and this bass is jamming. But, I also can’t get enough of Adam’s beatboxing in this one and the news casters were pretty impressed too. He even got to play them out to commercial. Below is a link to the video from that interview.

http://www.fox5ny.com/mornings/24024700-video#.VgWatGpcg2M.facebook

Later, in the morning, the guys went to Facebook in New York and used Facebook Mention to do a live broadcast. They sang Honey I’m Good, and quite well, as usual. It was fun seeing them in a new situation and picking on poor Austin. Youngest brother syndrome, there. They announced that they would be performing, and hopefully broadcasting, live from the Empire State building later that afternoon. Home Fries around the world set their alarms and sat and waited by their phones and computers! You can see the video from Facebook on their Facebook page.

In the meantime, they made another stop in New York at Billboard. And to the great pleasure of the anxious and excited Home Fries, Billboard Periscoped (yes, that’s a verb!) Home Free singing Honey I’m Good and Don’t It Feel Good (love this song). We didn’t get see any of their visit, but the Periscope was enough to keep us happy, for a little while. We don’t want much, do we? Home Free twenty four seven three sixty five, haha! Poor guys!

To our dismay, 2:00pm came and went and no broadcast from the Empire State building. Big Fry frowny face, all over the world. You could probably hear the collective fingers tapping and the sad awwww at some point, no matter where you live. We know they had a great time and hope that someone will post a video. I promise to update this post if they do post it somewhere. Their day isn’t over yet. They will be performing at Town Hall tonight and there will be Home Fries present for that shindig. Lucky fries! I’m patiently waiting for mid-October!

***UPDATE Here is a link to a short clip of their performance atop the Empire State Building.
https://instagram.com/p/8ESEjkKHGm/?taken-by=empirestatebldg

Well this post is really long and I’m tired from their day in New York. Remember to check out Kenny Rogers’ new Christmas CD and the new Home Free Country Evolution CD. And check out Home Free on YouTube, Kenny Rogers did!

Have you heard the new collaboration between Kenny Rogers and Home Free?

Home Free YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/HomeFreeVocalBand

Picture from Empire Status Building Twitter page

A closer look at the music on Country Evolution

So these five guys that sing with such sweet harmony and perfection, called Home Free, have definitely planted their names in the country music world, and I say look out! I know I said in my last post that country music gained some great sound when these five guys got together, but it’s a more than that. Their music brings back memories, but also brings classic songs into the future, yet still gives full respect to the original song. Something not all covers do. Their original songs are the kind that won’t be forgotten and could become classics themselves.

These guys have covered some of the most revered names in country music and a few big names in pop and rock music too. The best part is that their covers have become viral videos, hot singles and now part of their third and highly sought after album. The one that has shocked me the most is 9 to 5. If I’m allowed to be honest here, this was never a favorite song of mine. I was skeptical when I saw this, but I had faith that Home Free would make it good. Well, they did not disappoint. Their remake of 9 to 5 will put a jamming kick in your ride home from work. The one I knew would be awesome is Seven Bridges Road and it’s nothing less, in fact, it was a harmonious dream. They do Friends in Low Places and Devil Went Down to Georgia and give both of these songs some Timbasstastic enhancements and a whole new life. They did also feature Mr. Daniels playing his fiddle and Taylor Davis playing her fiddle, for DWDTG. Cause, well, fiddle fight. The Alabama sampler brings back some great memories and they sound so good, you just want the medley to go on and on. I guess you could say that Home Free is simply brilliant at giving excellent songs some Austin soul, Chris harmony, Rob sweetness, Tim bassness and Adam beats, to make a unique Home Free style.

But now I want to talk about their originals. I was tickled to hear there were five original songs on this new album. I was even more tickled when I heard them. These songs, in my opinion, define these fine gentlemen. They are about music, life and love; and there’s always room for dancing, fun and little reflection. Summer in the Country and California Country are laid back with a steady, easy beat like your heart beat, and tells a little about their 'life is good' attitude. Good Ol’ Country Harmony and Don’t It Feel Good tells how music makes them feel and how it can change their mood for the better. They both have that bouncy walking beat that makes you want stop and dance. Then there’s Serenity. Short and simple, but meaningful and beautiful. Yep that about wraps up how I see Home Free and their original songs; laid back, bouncing beats, simple and meaningful. I think we all just learned a little bit more about these guys. If I didn’t already love listening to Home Free, several songs on this album would have won me over.

The other songs, many have already heard from the videos, like Elvira featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, House Party by Sam Hunt, Fishin’ in the Dark/Boondocks mashup and Andy Grammar’s Honey I’m Good. These songs highlight each man’s talents so handsomely. The videos are all already very popular and I've reviewed them in my blog. Now that I've convinced the new readers to buy this CD, be sure to get the deluxe copy, so you get all fourteen songs. You can order Country Evolution at http://homefreemusic.com/.

Oh, and did I mention the wonderful Thank You, Home Free added on the CD liner? They thanked their fans, the Home Fries, for all our love and support. How cool is that? It's our absolute pleasure to support such fantastic people, who also happened to be extremely talented (yeah, and cute too). The Home Fries, have received several shout outs from Home Free, recently, and it makes us all kind of, well, sappy! Yep, that's our boys and we love them! From Home Fries around the world, we are proud to be Home Fries! Rock on, Home Free, rock on!

Home Free YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

Country Evolution is finally here!

IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE!!!! I WAS SO, oh sorry, forgot to turn off the caps lock. I was so excited about the new Home Free Country Evolution CD coming out today that I decided to take advantage of Spotify, because I didn’t want to wait until it arrived! Yes, I realize that makes me a bit of a dork, but I guarantee you I was not the only one! #youknowwhoyouare

Elvira, Honey I’m Good, Summer in the Country and House Party have already been released on video and I know the Fries love them all (can't stop watching them is more like it). But there is so much more to come with this new album. Devil Went Down to Georgia WITH Charlie Daniels (featuring Taylor Davis with the one and only instrument on this album), 9 to 5 and Friends in Low Places, just to name a few.

I have already heard eight of the songs on the deluxe album, but I have held off listening to the original songs and a few covers, until I get the new album. As a Patron, we got a preview of their newest video last night and OH. MY. HECK. I’m in love! This is one of my ALL TIME favorite songs. I try to be open minded about covers, because great songs are made to be celebrated and redone by great musicians. Well, these fine gentlemen have, once again, nailed it! The original can never be beat, but Home Free has given Seven Bridges Road a new life and a new feel, but the same great song that moved me as teenager. Well done, simply, well done.

I’m very big on having original songs when you make an album. I’ve worked with music in my past and I know how hard that can be. The original songs Home Free has on this CD tells you a lot about these good ole boys! They have stories, a two stepping beat and, of course, perfect harmony. You’ll tap your toes to Good Ol’ Country Harmony and just smile when you hear California Country. I think my favorite is Don’t It Feel Good, well at least for right now. That tends to change the more I listen to their music. The originals songs are fantastic and I’m ready to soak them in for a while. Definitely, a must hear album. And I highly recommend the deluxe version, well cause more songs and those songs are worth it!

A cappella has come so far in the past few years and Home Free is making sure it continues to grow and get better. Flawless harmony, jaw dropping vocal percussion, extraordinary live performances and their unequivocal charming, boyish personalities. Taking on country music as an a cappella group, in itself was a Herculean feat. Can you say, never been done and most would walk away? Well, no one is walking away now. They have conquered Johnny Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Eagles, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, One Direction, Florida Georgia Line and more, with amazing country style and Home Free flair! But they have also taken on original music from their own Tim Foust and Austin Brown. They have all done arranging and I’ve heard (maybe seen a little) they all do some beat boxing too! The music world gained some sweet sounds when these five got together! I think they'll make history!

Country Evolution is a remarkable album from Home Free. It really does reflect old country in a new a cappella country fashion that is hard to match and new music destined to become classics. Country Evolution is available now on iTunes:  http://t.co/V9NmcHWknK, Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1inWDA9 and at Wal-Mart stores. You can also order it at http://homefreemusic.com/ .

Which is your favorite song from Country Evolution?

https://youtu.be/kTTid4CBcd4

Home Free Don't It Feel Good Tour starts tonight!!!

I'm having a hard time believing it’s already mid-September, so instead of freaking out and wondering where the time has gone, I’m going to talk about the start of Home Free’s Don’t It Feel Good tour! That’s right, it starts tonight in Frederticton, New Brunswick, Canada! Congratulations to all the lucky fans that get to see the first official show of the tour.

I say official show because the privileged fair goers in Minnesota got a sweet sneak peek at the new show at the State Fair last week. They got to hear the new songs from the new tour, including the new original songs! As stated by the biggest HF fan, “It was AMAZING hearing the eight new songs ... I was holding my breath to hear everything. Elvira, the second day, was extra special. Tim's lowest "mau-mau" was stunning and provoked a spontaneous ROAR of approval... the guys looked a little shocked.” I, for one, am doing my very best not to watch the videos of the Minnesota State Fair, so I can hear the songs, for the first time, when I get my pre-ordered copy of their new Country Evolution album. I know the Home Fries that were at the State Fair were on a Home Free and cotton candy (or should I say fried food) high! The excitement level in the fan pages was through the internet roof.  

OK, so I did listen to one of the new songs a couple of times and that was 9 to 5. Let me just say there are no adjectives for this! None that I can say right now (I’ll be making up words for this). I was completely thrown off guard with this baby. I’m not going to give it away, but I will say this much, vocal percussion and beatboxing will soon take over the world (insert evil laugh)!

The good news is I only have a month to wait before I get to see the new show in Texas! A little road trip with the girls and then a couple of us come back home to get our daughters to see the last show together! I love that I can share all of this with my daughter! Great friends, amazing music and a little fan girling too!

To end their summer tour, Home Free got to spend several days in Alaska. We all know the guys love Alaska and this year was no exception. They posted pictures of fishing and dog sled bed and breakfasts, interesting restaurants and of course gorgeous scenery! One Home Fry from the great hot state of Texas said this, “Two nights at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair was beautiful, the scenery was beautiful and the guys were beautiful! Two nights at the Alaska State Fair had cooler and wetter weather. The tent overflowed with people but both shows were awesome. In Fairbanks Tim’s voice shook some ceiling loose and a fan kept the fallen piece.” I was ready to plan a vacay to Alaska after all the pictures posted. And there were some interesting stories that came out of Alaska too, including one about a speeding ticket, a bass singer and one damn lucky Frozen Fry!

OK, I saved the best for last. I’m certain many of you already heard, but the incredibly talented men of Home Free are taking an extra-long trip in January to the UK! That’s right, they are Europe bound. I think every European Home Fry is already making plans to go. Home Free will be in London on January 30^th for the London A Cappella Festival. I’m very excited that the Fries across the pond get their chance to see Home Free live. And talk about the excitement in the fan pages, I could feel the energy about to burst into flames from my laptop screen! It was so much fun!

Alright, I’m ready, let’s get this tour started!

Where are you seeing Home Free?

https://youtu.be/Bz8OmUMCHZw?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

Home Free is finally going across the pond!!!!

Home Free goes to the UK in January! This news turned the fan pages upside down! But this is a story best left to a Eurofry to tell...so I defer this blog to Carina!

http://carinasjoysoflife.blogspot.com/2015/09/4-months-and-19-days.html?spref=tw

What's My Superpower? I'm a Home Fry!

So today I'm going to throw so much Home Free/Home Fry silliness at you, you might think I'm Fryzy (crazy fry) I'll try to run through it without being my overly wordy self, but we'll see how it goes.

Yesterday, while in the office the one day a week I have to go in, I was checking Home Free fan pages on my phone. One post in particular caught my attention and since my first hour and half conference call was cancelled, I took a walk. A fry wanted to make a Home Fry dictionary (yes, we have our own Fry language). The responses she got had me laughing out loud, in public. Here are just a few of the Fry phrases that were posted (the meanings should be fairly obvious): Fry fog, Ruppercussion, procastfrynation, Austinisms, fryfessions, Home Fryism, fryzzled, stupifried, frymazing and satisfried. The list goes on and on. This brave fry has her work cut out for her. I didn't even mention the type of fries, like Small Fries, Spicy Fries, French Fries or Frozen Fries. Again, the list goes on and on!

Next, Home Free is playing at the Minnesota State Fair to close out their Summer tour. Last year there were several posts about all the fried foods they tried. Earlier this summer, I wrote about what foods I thought the guys might try from this year's list of new fair foods at the Minnesota State Fair. This was purely for fun and guesses only. See if you agree with me, read my post here: http://homefreeinmywordsmichelle.blogspot.com/2015/06/home-free-loves-minnesota-state-fair.html

I know how fast the word of new Home Free videos spreads, so I'm sure most of you know that Home Free has released, for the third week in a row, another new video to help promote their new CD "Country Evolution". The new video is their cover of "House Party" by Sam Hunt. Well, we all know that Home Free loves to have fun in big ways and this video is just that. Pajamas and partying that leads to lots and lots of feathers. You'll have to watch to see what I mean! https://youtu.be/B6SKCsPPVFg

So far we have a Fry dictionary, Home Free at the Minnesota State Fair and three new videos in as many weeks. I'm exhausted and I don't get to go to the fair! I'm going to share one more of my older posts for a specific reason. Back in June I wrote a post about what questions I would ask Home Free if I ever had the chance to interview them. One of the sillier questions was, "If you could create your own Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor what would it be?" And I found it a little funny that in their new video there is a scene where Ben and Jerry's ice cream makes an appearance. I may have been on to something there, and didn't even know it. Read the rest of my questions here: http://homefreeinmywordsmichelle.blogspot.com/2015/06/what-i-would-ask-home-free-if-i-ever.html

OK, this last one is, IMHO, so cool! Hottest Single Today (on Facebook and Twitter) put out a list of the 20 most active fans WORLDWIDE and guess who was number 19 as of yesterday? HOME FRIES!!! One very awesome Fry found this post and spread the word. In less than twenty four hours and voting on Facebook and Twitter, (#TeamHomeFreeHomeFries) we went from 19 to 8!!! That's right, Home Fries ROCK! And don't forget it! We may not be able to the catch the Directioners or the Swifters, but we can hold our own in this battle of HUGE artists! What's my super power? I'm a Home Fry!

Which of the three new videos is your Fryfave?

Home Free YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

Home Free is on fire!

Hey Fries and guests! It’s time for my Home Free video rampage once again. They surprised us with another twofer, and I know the Fries just loved that! At the beginning of the summer we got two videos back to back with Wagon Wheel/Song of the South Medley and Summer in the Country. Both videos went over big with the fans, because, well some lucky Fries where in the Wagon Wheel video and the SITC was a chance to see the guys with their families and friends, having a great time. I know these videos are hard work and trying at times, but you would never know. The guys make the videos look fun and FifGen make the videos look amazing!

To help wind down summer, Home Free gave us two more videos and a new CD, not mention some awesome previews of their new songs. And for that we thank Home Free for letting the Fries that were there, share with the rest of us Fries. The generosity and appreciation Home Free shows to their fans is one of the many, many attributes that we love about them so much.

Now, on to the second of the latest two videos. Elvira was going to be hard to beat. This blogger felt the admiration, pride and vocal prowess in the Elvira video. It was almost as powerful as when I saw the video of The Opry show, pure pride and tears of joy. So how do beat that, well maybe not beat, but bring a whole new take on a video. You go psychedelic artsy, of course. Fishin’ in the Dark/Boondocks Mash Up is a visual parade and reminiscent of a less stressful time. Even though the visuals were engrossing from the start, the song won my senses. Down in the Boondocks is an excellent song and Fishin’ in the Dark takes me back and makes me smile. Home Free, once again, did an outstanding job putting two great songs together to make a whole new groovy smash hit! Each man’s talent is showcased beautifully and together they rock this medley. The artistic format gives it freshness and a hip ambience. Then they add a pinch of silliness and a tiny hint of James Bond and you get a tasty Medley, that once again, I can’t stop watching! I have to admit, I did let out a big gasp when the chicken made his appearance. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he had a band aid on in the next video.

The Don’t It Feel Good Tour starts soon and Home Free is (at this moment) $165 away from another Patreon milestone that will bring a GIANT party to the Home Fries/patrons. So let’s see, Debut at The Opry, song/video with the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, Christmas song/video with the legendary Kenny Rogers, one successful video after another, new tour, new CD and days away from a BIG milestone in Patreon. Yeah, I’d say that Home Free is on FIRE, with a whole hell of a lot more to come!

I’m as excited about the new songs as I am about the covers on their new CD. And then there’s the concerts I have coming up in October, which is next month (wow that was a bit of a slap in the face)! Below are links to Patreon, their YouTube channel and of course, the new video! Until next time, let the music take you to a better place.

What do you think is the fate of the chicken?

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/homefree?ty=c

Home Free YouTube Channel -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks MashUp -
https://youtu.be/Bz8OmUMCHZw?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

Who hasn't done a write up about Elvira, yet?

Well, #Elvira came in and hit the internet by storm. She’s back with a brand new sound and she has gone #Elviral. Not my hashtag, but a darn good one! This perfectly put together song sung by Home Free and The Oak Ridge Boys, stays with you long after you hear it. Many folks have been caught singing “Giddy Up, Oom Poppa Oom Poppa Mow Mow” at work, home alone, on buses or walking down the street. You just can’t stop singing it. I love Elvira’s contemporary make over. Now, she is a rocking lady with sweeter harmonies, jamming drums and more rumbling bass! Since its release on August 21^st it’s received over 230 thousand views on YouTube, and climbing.

It has been written about by so many groups and bloggers that the list of articles is wrapped around the corner of the world wide web! I’ve provided a list below of the write ups I have found. I’m sure there are more and will be more, as the word spreads. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/a-cappella-group-home-free-oak-ridge-boys_55d620a6e4b0ab468da04c6f Huffington Post

http://t.co/5HmNjcXqgA Rolling Stone County

http://theboot.com/home-free-the-oak-ridge-boys-elvira/ The Boot

http://countryrebel.com/blogs/videos/58444995-the-oak-ridge-boys-join-home-free-for-a-blow-you-away-performance-of-elvira Country Rebel

http://t.co/uyOjwNyxrD Viral Videos

http://t.co/BaBWuTnpcX Music Newscast

http://t.co/zLMoXhwm9f Pop Skand

http://t.co/XAdHPnUjlf Sunnyy 94.3 FM

http://t.co/l4QpDZlBmY 105.9 Sunny FM

http://t.co/fnrsLydYJA VAV News

http://t.co/HQ9B7cTFuL Chicago Time Post

http://t.co/9n7BddiiU0 VidSocial

http://t.co/rxUQaQA6lh Q106.5fm

http://t.co/D9BO7Khd1q - Lovin’ Lyrics

http://t.co/3948KGXhnO Soundwave Radio

http://t.co/18lLt1Jcap The Christian Beat

http://t.co/YzoX1cHZ4D Hip Hop Beats

http://t.co/z8vJ8nD0DD New Country Songs
http://t.co/aIBiqadKCQ Taste of Country
http://t.co/2lINk9nr8D NewsMiner
http://t.co/sKmfIUcNig US 99.5
http://rare.us/story/move-over-rascal-flatts-home-free-just-dominated-the-grand-ole-opry-stage-with-a-well-known-hit/ Rare Us

http://carinasjoysoflife.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-hearts-on-fire-for-hforb.html Carina’s Joys of Life Blog

http://countrymusicatk.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-oak-ridge-boys-home-free-vocal.html Country Music According to Kim Blog

And there's one more write up below in this blog ;-)

My heart is on damn fire!

First, O.M.G., second, DAMN!!!! #FANDAMNTASTIC, that is my word for the new Elvira video and song by Home Free and The Oak Ridge Boys. Oh my, my heart is pumping and my hands are shaking over this song. It is Holy Sweet Potato Pie good (or whatever your favorite pie is)! I keep playing the song as I write this and it gets better every time I hear it. I knew it would be amazing, but they blew amazing out of the water and kicked ass!

Each one of these wonderful gentlemen is remarkable. I tip my cowgirl hat to each and every one of them. I predict this video will go viral in twenty four hours. I know the Fries will make sure of it, not to mention the ORB fans. What an unparalleled combination of talent and charisma!

Their harmonies are dynamic, energetic, brilliant and absolutely PERFECT! I could go on and on about how amazing these gentlemen sound together and I’d never be able to get it all in one write up. Oh them basses, “Giddy Up, Oom Poppa Oom Poppa Mow Mow,” and I am in love! Mr. Sterban and Tim, you rock my world and this song! Adam is stellar as usual, but I wasn’t expecting the ambitious presence he had in this song, it was wicked! Mr. Bonsall and Mr. Allen are spectacular and give this sweet lady the love she deserves. Austin continues to blow us away with his powerful and soulful voice. And Rob, well he brings it like only Rob can bring it, smooth! Sorry Rob, but I’m afraid Mr. Golden wins the beard contest (next time, you’ll get ‘em next time). The harmonies from Mr. Golden and Chris, put the scoot in this two stepper and bring it all home. Together this baby has a rocking beat and OOMPH (pun intended). I’m feeling this song all the way down to my toes! I’ve played it about a hundred times and just can’t stop! I may need help, if I don’t surface in a week, come find me. I’ll be in front of my laptop watching the new Elvira video, in a trance!

But what made this video even better, if that’s possible, is the country boy love I see in the video. I got a kick out of Austin getting The Oak Ridge Boys’ autographs on his t-shirt! These fine men look like they are having a blast, with life-long friends. The posse with extraordinary talent! What I would have given to be a fly on the wall when they recorded this video. Not so much to see the antics, but to be in the same room with such all-encompassing talent and vocal nobility.

They sang the hell out of this song! They brought this classic into the future and made it a whole new classic, with the original artists The Oak Ridge Boys and the a cappella yumminess of Home Free. Wow, I am stunned, giddy, bouncing up and down in my chair and just happy as a hungry tick on a fat dog! They have completely out done themselves with this one and the fans are going oom poppa oom poppa mow mow crazy!

Congratulations Oak Ridge Boys and Home Free for one goliath of a collaboration that resulted in a ditty that will have this country hankering for a peek at the beautiful Elvira. I think I have a new favorite Home Free song! And, as Home Free states, a huge "damn good job" to Geoff Castellucci, of Voice Play, for his incredible arrangement of the song! #FANDAMNTASTIC

If you haven’t heard it yet, what in tarnation are you waiting for? http://t.co/DdEowOP2ye