tag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:/blogs/our-journeyOur Journey2019-08-16T16:32:49-07:00Kayla Kfalsetag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/66033072021-04-13T17:34:10-07:002023-12-10T09:02:20-08:00Coming out of Covid Shutdowns<p>Hey Beautiful People!!!! We have so much going on and can't wait to share it all with you. We are finally coming out of the several shutdowns and starting to play out. It has been slow going but starting to catch up. We are back at our faves but also adding new, exciting places to hang with you and perform for you with old favorite tunes and new ones! We did not sit on our laurels... we added new music and made new friends... Check out our schedule on this website to see where we will be playing and follow our social media for updates... www.facebook.com/theblackorchidbandoc and on Instagram @The Black Orchid Band. Be safe, be happy AND #suppportlivemusic WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/283300/5755865eec1350944195b7d05817bf3cf58047b3/original/kk-silver-pants-at-park.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/58606302019-08-16T16:32:49-07:002021-10-30T22:52:39-07:005 Year Anniversary of The Black Orchid Band Kickoff Show<p>TODAY marks the 5 year anniversary of this band's FIRST ever live show... We were 2 acoustic guitars, a keyboard and electric bass and percussion (no big drum kit). This was The Black Orchid Band v1 and it is near and dear to my heart. We have evolved, changed, moved in different directions over the years, gone through many changes, some good, some really painful but when I look back, it all made sense (even if not at the time). I want to thank Kristy Black from WLB for telling me I could front my own band even if I was terrified, Randy Esposito for putting me on a stage when I was not ready and then standing next to me and giving me confidence when I wanted to go hide (LOL), Eddie Krajec for teaching me a handful of songs so we could get through 1 set (we shared our 1st gig with Linda Kraemer and Laura Romero's band because I did not have enough material (troopers those two) but mostly, to the guys who decided to get a band started out of nowhere.... and where there was nothing, there became 5 friends playing together and giving some stage experience to a lone, little, scared singer-songwriter... Many thanks to John Staudinger for believing in me and being the first brave one to jump in, Alan C. Levin for playing several positions, learning many songs and lots of encouragement, Stevo or Deaf Annette Lee for the best dang percussion setup EVER for a quasi acoustic band AND my forever main man Eddie Krajec for putting up with every single ridiculous thing I wanted to do. This has all led up to the current lineup of this band that owns my heart and everyone in between - past and present... I love each and every one of you and always will. Happy 5 year anniversary to US and all of our peeps that make it all worthwhile! For nostalgia sake I am posting below the very first video ever taken of v1 5 years ago at the then Zito's Bar and Grill in Tustin... Oh yeah, and many thanks to Steve S for letting Randy Esposito talk him in to giving us our very first live gig on Randy's word alone! LOL In the end, I guess it pays to have great friends who believe in what you do and want to see you happy. Through THICK & THIN, Kids... Thick & Thin...<3 <3<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vtfEBHF7cys" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vtfEBHF7cys/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vtfEBHF7cys?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/58066342019-06-27T17:22:22-07:002022-09-06T13:36:17-07:00AUGUST Birthdays - Here We Go Again! TWO PARTIES THIS YEAR W/GUESTS!<p>Hello Beautiful People! I was loading in our August schedule so far and it occurred to me that I am having TWO birthday parties, not one like every other year. Then it occurred to me that THAT is only ONE OF MANY advantages of being in a band. I mean, I cry about the challenges sometimes but really, there are many more advantages or upsides: besides the camaraderie of like minded individuals, the friends, the social circle, the MUSIC MAKING, the fun, the excitement, etc. It is truly a blessing... but two birthday parties? Well, that was an accident at first but then we decided to roll with it and make them unique and truly different from each other. And again, this is because we have great friends, caring and music oriented venues, and a super talented musical family! Everyone who knows me knows that for my birthday, I like to play for a bit but then cede the stage over to a talented but also beloved musical act. That means I must love them because I am going to hang out with them all night for my birthday! Well this year, we are all very lucky because on Saturday, Aug. 3rd, at Campus Jax, The Black Orchid Band will be opening the night at around 7:30 and play till 9 p.m or so, and then Pinch Me Band will be doing the heavy lifting and doing what they do best - getting everyone on the dance floor having a blast until close. We are so excited to be able to party to their fabulous sound! On Sunday, Aug 11th, for brunch from 1 to 5 p.m. at Gallagher's Pub in beautiful, sunny downtown Huntington Beach, we have a special treat: WE ARE ME is going to open with some original music and some of their fave songs (phenomenal musicianship, vocals and songs!) and then The Black Orchid Band will take over to do a few original tunes and dance the rest of the afternoon away... Many surprises at this show and we cannot wait to unveil them! Both shows are going to be a blast! Happy Birthday to the Raven Hair Girl - MMMEEEEE, YAY and we CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL! Events will be up soon. Private Message us for more details and ROCK ON! xoxo KK</p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/57575292019-05-16T17:41:25-07:002022-05-18T01:51:00-07:00Live Music is Not Just for the Weekend!<p>Are you a lover of live music? Do you like to go out and hang out with your friends on a Saturday night, have a cocktail and dance to the beat and energy of a live band? WELL A LOT OF US DO! But did you know that you can have a fantastic weeknight early evening that involves your favorite peeps, a yummy dinner, a glass of wine and some incredible, moving acoustic music or a full band even? Well that goes on all over town at some of the best places! No need for a boring dinner! Head out to Campus Jax in Newport Beach or The Marine Room and The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, or now my new interest in North County, Copper Blues on a Wednesday or Thursday night for the full effect! Take someone or go alone and meet someone new who also loves good food and great music! MUSIC UNITES! No question. There is a lot going on the rest of May but here is what I, personally am up to in order to get my "midweek fix":</p>
<p><strong>Monday, May 20, 2019</strong> @ <em><strong>The Harp Inn</strong></em> - Costa Mesa - The Creative Circle (acoustic music - various artists) (MORE INFO @ THE HARP INN</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday, May 22, 2019</strong> @ <em><strong>Campus Jax</strong></em> - Newport Beach - The Black Orchid Trio (yours truly) and Michaela Compton with Ewen Williams (acoustic original music with covers mixed in) YUMMY VIBE - bring your "person" or peeps! Make a dinner reservation @ 949-261-6270 (MORE INFO @ www.facebook.com/theblackorchidbandoc</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday, May 29, 2019</strong> @ <em><strong>Campus Jax</strong></em> - Newport Beach - Golden Preciado and Guests (acoustic music - very original takes on songs you have loved always) (MORE INFO @ www.campusjax.com)</p>
<p><strong>Thursday, May 30, 2019</strong> @ <em><strong>Copper Blues</strong></em> - Brea (for you North County folks) The Wight Litening Band (full band dancey-high energy - basically we will be starting off the weekend - DON'T KID YOURSELVES WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!) (MORE INFO @ www.wightliteningband.com</p>
<p>This is obviously what I WILL BE DOING around town but there is a LOT to choose from. </p>
<p>As far as this weekend goes... well... MY FAVES Robert Jon and the Wreck will be at <em><strong>The Cliff Restaurant </strong></em>in Laguna Beach pretty much on the water... FABULOUS place... <strong>Sat May 18, 2019</strong>... check www.thecliffrestaurant.com for more info and <strong>I HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT AND ABOUT SUPPORTING LIVE MUSIC!</strong></p>
<p>Kayla K</p>
<p> </p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/57260522019-04-19T15:29:18-07:002023-12-10T09:02:29-08:00More Birthdays on Cinco de Mayo Weekend! <p>Hello Beautiful People! As you know we always enjoy playing live BUT there is an extra bit of that exciting and special mojo when we are doing it for birthdays of peeps we love AND a Holiday Weekend at one of our FAVE Live Music Venues in the OC! </p>
<p> On Saturday, May 4, 2019 we will be doing a live show at The Harp Inn, in Costa Mesa, Ca and we will be sharing the stage with System of Rock, a ROCKIN’ Rock N Roll cover band. They are loud and proud, super high energy and what you would expect out of a real Rock Band and I LOVE THEM THAT WAY! They really put on a show and they only play a few times a year so don’t miss this DOUBLE BILL SHOW! The Black Orchid Band will get the party started off RIGHT, around 9 p.m. and play their swanky, groovin’, eclectic stuff until about 11ish. We will get you dancin’ and partyin’ along with all the drink specials going on… Then the mood will shift… Into OVERDRIVE… So bring your dancing shoes, your friends and be ready for some DANCE, SOME FUNKY BEATS, SOME ROCKIN’ BLUES, SOME SWANKY, SOME ROCK N ROLL (with RIPPIN’ AND SHREDDIN’ GUITAR ALL NIGHT) AND, OF COURSE, CAKE! Happy Birthday to our own Eddie K and our bestie and love, Michaela… Thank you to the badass Thomas MacGregor for being on drums all night… This will be a HIGH ENERGY show with some of your fave tunes so find the event on Facebook.com/TheBlackOrchidBandOC or message us or BY ALL MEANS, leave your e-mail address and we will promptly get back to you. SEE YOU AT THE HARP INN ON MAY 4 AT 9 P.M. for Cinco De Mayo kickoff AND our Birthday Bash DOUBLE BILLING SHOW… The Black Orchid Band AND System of Rock in the house! Rock on The Harp Inn… ROCK ON!</p>
<p>Kayla K</p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/53618552018-07-25T16:04:51-07:002022-02-25T03:00:12-08:00The Girl's Birthday... Leo Girls RULE!<p>Yes.. It is coming up. Another birthday for the songbird. And you are invited. We always like to celebrate our birthdays with a show... And why not? It is what we enjoy most with the people we enjoy most! We vamped up our cover renditions with a few new twists to keep 'em fresh and added a few original tunes AND will have a few acoustic songs in between our high energy full band sets. We may have a special guest or two... Again, why not? It is a BIRTHDAY PARTY! It will be one to remember! We are going to do all of this at Muldoon's in Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Ca. and you are cordially invited. See our schedule for more info and feel free to add yourself to our mailing list for updates and goodies. Check out the show on our FB fan page and SEE YOU THERE! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/283300/6935960b8b0afda65b072293e15fa8efee5e2aee/original/kk-bday-w-cake.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kayla Ktag:theblackorchidband.com,2005:Post/50290202018-01-17T16:20:56-08:002021-10-12T06:38:30-07:00NAMM EXCITEMENT<p>So NAMM is the National Association of Music Merchants and they are having one of their National Conventions from January 24 - 28, 2018 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Ca. We look forward to this all year because it is a perfect place to make new friends, see old ones we may only see every once in a while and get immersed in MUSIC! We like to go to workshops, classes, check out new gear, network and see lots of live music whether it is onsite or off (we perform offsite on Saturday, January 27, so we are pretty excited). I, personally never miss the John Bonham tribute (Led Zeppelin) Bonzo Bash or whatever they call it year to year event. It is usually held at a theater off site, is well attended and a blast! Whether you are a musician, producer, promoter, writer, singer, recording engineer, or music LOVER, this is a fantastic weekend. I am a definite LOVER of all things MUSIC, a singer / songwriter / performer and pretend to play a few instruments, so thank God my band are gifted musicians and old pros, but more on that later, as well as pics of our NAMM weekend.</p>
<p>If you are local to Anaheim, CA and would like to check out the amazing live music this weekend will bring see below:</p>
<p>Bands at NAMM </p>
<p>Bands at NAMM is an important part of the overall NAMM Show experience–after all, the music begins here. Bands at NAMM is a great illustration of the culmination of efforts within the music, sound and event technology industries, the crossroads where production meets performance. </p>
<p>Check out the bands that will be performing on the NAMM stages. Performances take place between 9 am–11:59 pm daily at the various stages listed below. </p>
<p>NAMM Hilton Stage <br>NAMM Marriott Stage <br>NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage <br>NAMM Arena Plaza Stage Presented by Pioneer Professional Audio <br>NAMM Sheraton Stage </p>
<p>If you have any questions reach out to bands@namm.org. You may also check out the FULL EVENT SCHEDULE at https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/events/schedule.</p>
<p>Hit us up if you are around as we will be somewhere there at any given time and would love to catch up!</p>
<p>Keep on Rockin'... Remember to give us a LIKE on Facebook @ TheBlackOrchidBandOC for updates and to stay in touch... Orchid out...</p>Kayla K