I Love My Life

Most Difficult Director...

2012-01-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

The most difficult director I've ever worked with is my 3 year-old daughter. I never get the lines or the performance right when we're playing Littlest Pet Shop.

Music: Creating New, Revisiting the Past. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

2011-09-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

Whenever I start to wrap my brain around the idea of recording a new album, I'm always amazed at how a collection of seemingly unrelated songs and ideas somehow find a common thread.

As I gather whole songs, parts of songs, and ideas of songs together for a new album, I am interested to find out what story these songs want to tell. What shape will each give to the body of the album? Will these songs join hands and try to be born all at once, or will each one take it's time teasing me with a melody here, a lyric there? What themes and ideas are worth exploring further? How will this album support the others?

A lot of people have asked me which of my own albums is my favorite. This isn't an easy question for me to answer. I look at them all now in hindsight with 20/20 vision. "Oh. That's why I had to write this song; It was to get to this other song." Each album at the time of recording and assembling represented something different and important to me at that point of my life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. If you have listened to my albums (Inside, Braver Days, Merry White Tree in the Night, and The Elm Tree) and have an opinion about which one you relate to the most, I'd love to hear it. Also, which one did you put away for a season and have recently revisited? Why does it fit in your life at this moment?

Here are links to each of my album pages:
Inside
Braver Days
The Elm Tree
Merry White Tree in the Night

I'm excited to hear what you think.

It's interesting how you can discover new things when you revisit important music from your past. My son and I have been in a Killers phase lately. I am revisiting and my son is just being introduced to the emotional honesty of Brandon Flowers. We are having a great time exploring what songs and albums speak to us.

I hope you'll have a great time too.

Kirby

High Five Diss - kerBLINK - Kirby Heyborne & Lincoln Hoppe

2011-06-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

We REALLY want to know: What do YOU think of High Five Diss? Leave a comment on YouTube and tell us!

More from the set

2011-06-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

People frequently credit Peter and Bobby Farrelly as comedic geniuses, but don't mention often enough their consummate kindness. From the first minute on my first day, I felt welcomed. Peter and Bobby patted me on the back and joked with me. The actors felt like long-time friends. Everyone has encouraged, enchanted, and engaged me. There is no ego here, only support.

I love my job.

KH

The Three Stooges

2011-05-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello loyal blog followers! I wanted you to be the first to officially know that I have been cast in the Farrelly brothers' comedy, "The Three Stooges." I am playing alongside Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Chris Diamantopoulos, Sofia Vergara, Jane Lynch, and Larry David. I'm in Atlanta for the next little while having the time of my life. Thanks for your support. I'll keep you posted with more movie details!

Kirby

http://www.threestooges.com/movie/
https://www.facebook.com/thethreestooges

Therapy Wagon - kerBLINK - Kirby Heyborne & Lincoln Hoppe

2011-05-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Therapy Wagon - My newest kerBLINK video with Lincoln Hoppe. One man's search for peace through therapy goes bad. I think I'd make a great therapist.

An Easter Treat! kerBLINK - Lincoln Hoppe - Kirby Heyborne

2011-04-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Just in time for EASTER! A very special Easter treat for you. Our NEW kerBLINK Video!!! Watch it! Love it! SHARE IT! Leave a COMMENT! And subscribe to my videos!
Check out our new website kerBLINK.com! The place to find funny, clean videos and other creative content.

Kirby

Watch "Easter Treat" on YouTube. Leave a comment then share the video with friends!

OR FunnyOrDie.com:

an Easter Treat - kerBLINK - Lincoln Hoppe & Kirby Heyborne

The Miracle of Flight

2011-04-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

The TSA has a lot of rules to follow when traveling on a plane. I think there should also be common etiquette rules. And if you break them you should be put on a "no fly list."

I can see you sneakily trying to cut in front of me at the gate. Calm down. I'm not your enemy. Say thanks when I let you in line. The plane won't take off until everyone from the boarding area is on the plane. Do you really want to sit on the plane those extra 5 seconds?

If you move seats because you don't want to sit by a baby, don't get angry when the person whose seat you took shows up at the last minute. It's not their fault you hate children. Nor is it the flight attendant's fault. I understand that you're a hundred years old, and it's cool if you want to hark back to the good old days of flight, but don't call her "stewardess" in a condescending tone.

If you are sitting 3 to a row (aisle, middle, window), you should relegate the inside arm rests to the poor guy sitting in the middle seat. If you're on the isle, you have all that extra room of the isle. If you're by the window, you can lean up against the side. If you are on the isle and absolutely must have the arm rest, then let your big, hairy arm stay on the arm rest; don't cross over into my area.

Do not get angry at the flight attendant because they only have Merlot. If you're sitting in coach with the rest of us common folk, don't try to show your sophistication by huffing and puffing about your knowledge of different types of wine. It makes you look petty. And we don't care. And if you do make a show of your superior wine preference, don't order another bottle of the wine you just complained about.

Don't dig your knees into the back of the seat in front of you. The person in front could have a bad back and your knees don't help with their pain.

Don't grab the head rest in front of you to help you get out of your seat. The person may have some water in their hand and they may be in the middle of a drink and it may spill in their lap making them uncomfortable for the remaining 2 hours of the flight.

If you need to stand up during the flight, don't hang out in my area. I have a sensitive nose (see previous blog, "I Smell Well") and you smell like you've been flying all day. Wait a minute... You smell like the guy digging his knees into the back of my seat and who used the back of my headrest to heft his smelly body into the isle spilling my water into my lap...

If you were so inconsiderate of the safety of those of us on the plane to purposely leave your cell phone on during the flight, at least put it on silent so you don't terrify the old couple in front of us. And don't answer your phone when we're preparing for landing. You're not a super hero getting a call from Commissioner Gordon. You can wait 10 more minutes to talk about how scandalous it was that you were forced to drink two bottles of white wine.

Flying can be a pleasant experience for everyone if we just follow simple rules of etiquette. The comedian Louis CK said that it's a miracle that we're even flying at all. If we were in awe of the fact that we're sitting in a chair flying through the air, we'd be a lot kinder and considerate to each other.

POTUS and Lies - True friendship is often tested in the strangest ways.

2011-03-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

New Video - "POTUS and Lies"! True friendship is often tested in the strangest ways. We want everyone to watch and learn! POST and SHARE with your friends!!! Ask your friends to pass it on to their friends and then those friends on to their friends. Leave a comment and tell us what you think. Let us know you're our true friend; leave a comment and tell us where and how many times you share POTUS and Lies! BFF!!

New Video – Oh yeah — POTUS and Lies watch it on kerBLINK.com
YouTube
FunnyOrDie

You have a few hours left to post and share "Stupid Hot Pizza Eaters" and enter for a chance to win an iPod Nana and a $20 iTunes gift carD! The winner will be announced Tues morning!

2011-03-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's official. It's taken ten years of hard work, sacrifice, and many sleepless nights. But it's all been worth it. The competition was a lot more intense once the category was expanded to "Ever," but I managed to pull it off.

kerBLINK -- Oh, yeah! This is the place to get funny, clean videos!

2011-03-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Take a look at our new video website kerBLINk.com

What is kerBLINK?
Good question! I’m so glad you asked.

We think people like to laugh. Most people do. Some people try to pretend they don’t, but those people are wrong. Everyone likes to laugh.

kerBLINK is our new website channel to release ‘environMENTALLY friendly’ videos, films, songs, and creative content. Clean funny. Funny clean. Clean comedy. So if you don’t like that, you’re welcome to get your dirty comedy elsewhere, and get your guilty clean pleasure here. We won’t tell anyone.

But YOU should TELL EVERYONE. Spread the word. We want to make more videos! And we can do that the more that people watch and SHARE OUR VIDEOS!

At some point, we’ll be accepting videos and material from YOU! At least that’s the plan.

Our real website is coming soon. But for now enjoy the videos and the content added at least twice a month! Soon to be every week! That’s the plan.

Kirby
kerBLINK.com

We promised there'd be more!! And here it is: MORE! Introducing: STUPID HOT PIZZA EATERS- "Eating pizza is not always easy!" Post, Share, View, Like!! Cool prizes for sharing: iPod Nano & $20 iTunes gift card! The more you post & share-- & let us know you did it -- the more chances you have of winning!! There might be some surprise free pizza giveaways, too!

I smell well.

2011-03-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

I love smelling and I'm really good at it. I'd even say that it is a super power.

I’m not talking about the scent that I give off, but rather the scents I take in. (Although since I recently switched deodorants, my kids linger a little longer around my armpits saying, "I love the way you smell!" The lid of my deodorant describes the smell as "exotic wind and spicy freedom.")

As long as I can remember, I’ve always stuck my nose deep into foods before I ate them. (I love the warm smell of Rhodes Rolls fresh out of the oven on Sunday afternoon.) This drove my mom (and now my wife) crazy. "Get your nose out of there! We’re going to eat that!"

But in my defense, I can’t fully enjoy food without experiencing everything it has to offer. And I can’t just take a cursory whiff; I’ve got to dig into it. I don’t want other scents around the dish to influence the item I’m inhaling.

This obsession with smells manifests itself in every aspect of my life. Anything new or anything that comes in a package gets a deep olfactory inspection: board games, computers, and books.

When people walk by me in close spaces, I take an incognito deep breath through my nose, hold it, analyze it, and slowly let it out. I’ve gotten really good at this over the years. If you’ve ever met me, I’ve done it to you. And you probably didn’t even notice. Do you see now why I think it’s super power?

The one thing that my wife likes about my obsession with smells is that my nose knows when to pull things out of the oven. We still set the timer, but the times we trust the timer over my nose, the dish is either undercooked or burnt.

Some of my favorite uncommon smells:
- Doctors’ offices (the rubbing alcohol and the patient files)
- Dentists’ offices (the hint of the nitrous oxide, the paper bib, and the flavored paste)
- Old Navy (the mixture of new clothes and rubber (do they make tires too?))
- A sleeping baby (they smell good when they just wake up too.)
- Almond oil (my mom would rub this on our faces as kids. I’m surprised I have any open pores. I am grateful though; it's really helped reduce the signs of aging.)
- Wet pretzels (I like to lick off the salt on an individual pretzel and smell it. It sounds gross, I know, but don't knock it `til you try it. You don't know how hard it is to not do it in public, like on airplanes.)
- Puppy breath (is so pure, it almost makes me cry.)
- Fresh mown grass (the way grass and gas fumes mix is heavenly.)
- A hot rag with Pine Sol (a Pine Sol disinfected kitchen floor is the perfect smell of clean.)

Some of my least favorite smells:
- A cold rag with Pine Sol (a cold rag that was used to clean the kitchen floor that gets left in the sink somehow manages to negate the clean smell. My advice: as soon as the floor is cleaned, take the rag outside or put it in the wash.)
- Headaches (they smell like a Coca-Cola Slurpee and linger for hours.)
- Mean people (they have a spicy, stir-fry smell to them.)

My favorite smell is my wife. I'm not just saying this to get points (but if they come, I'll gladly accept them). I don’t know how she does it, but from the moment she wakes up to the moment she goes to bed, she smells like flowers and love and freedom.

So the next time you see me up close and it looks like I'm pondering the universe, know that my nose is collecting, analyzing, and (hopefully) enjoying the smells around me (including you).

Love clean comedy? Prove it! Share our New Hilarious Video!

2011-02-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Hand Slap Game – Starring Kirby Heyborne and Lincoln Hoppe

Watch it here:
1) Funny Or Die http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/528t and VOTE IT FUNNY, COMMENT, and SHARE!!!
2) YouTube http://youtu.be/J6YOzcsJK8U and COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!!!

Want to laugh, make the world a better place, and support clean comedy? Then help our VIDEO go VIRAL!

Each time you share the link, leave a comment on our Facebook wall (http://www.facebook.com/TheSocietyImprov) and let us know. When you do, you will be entered in a contest to win super-cool prizes! Winners and prizes will be announced soon. Post our video link and this info as your status for 24 hours (and let us know) and you'll automatically be entered twice!

WHY should you CARE and SHARE?
A) It’s funny.
B) Funny things make people laugh,
C) Laughing makes people happy, darn it.
D) Happy people make the world a better place.
E) The world being a better place is freaking awesome.
F) You can then take credit for how freaking awesome the world has just become. And that is freaking awesome.

MINI USA - Cram It in the Boot :60

2011-02-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is my Mini Cooper Super Bowl Commercial!

Midway To Heaven the Movie (2011)

2010-12-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Midway to Heaven is a hilarious romantic family comedy from the producer of the LDS movie classic "The Best Two Years". Midway to Heaven the Movie will be showing in Megaplex Theaters throughout the Salt Lake Valley beginning February 4, 2011. Go see it!

Based on the novel by best-selling author, Dean Hughs.
Directed by, Michael Flynn.

For more photos, videos, and behind the scenes bonus material, visit www.MidwayToHeavenMovie.com

To win FREE Midway To Heaven stuff and stay updated,
be sure to 'Like' the movie on facebook.

Merry White Tree in the Night - Not your ordinary Christmas CD

2010-11-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in Arizona last week.

2010-11-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in Arizona last week. I had two FRC's (Front Room Concerts) in and around Mesa, and finished off with an amazing concert at Eastern Arizona College in the beautiful town of Thatcher. Here's what I have to say about that:

What I learned from the Jarmans' FRC:
1. Every young man should be an Eagle Scout. It shows a lot about his character and dedication, not to mention it impresses fathers of would-be girlfriends.
2. Spontaneous group sing-a-longs are both spontaneous and sing-a-long-y. (And once you get started, it's hard to get back on track.)
3. Keeping your shirt on is difficult for some people, no matter how public or embarrassing the location may be.
4. If you believe in yourself, you can do it!
5. You're never too young to heckle a blonde singer-songwriter singing in your back yard.

A letter to Laura Freebairn:
Dear Laura,
How can I get into your preschool? Is there an age limit? I know a lot of people who could write a letter of recommendation for me. I'm really good with finger paints, singing with a group spontaneously (see above lessons learned), and eating play-doh. I already feel at home in your house, so I won't cry when my caregiver drops me off.
Love,
Kirby

Why EAC is the MVP:
Copper (Tink!) Cotton (Ahhh!) and Cows (Moo, moo, moo, moo). I may lay my head on a pillow in California, but my heart will forever sleep in Thatcher.

I always count myself fortunate when I am among Arizonians. Until the next time...

Long live the Gila!

P.S. See more pictures from my trip to AZ in my photo album!

Good friends and FRC's - I love my job!

2010-10-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic weekend! I was fortunate to get to know some amazing people. Thanks to Lindsey, Sam, Scott, Pam, Becky & Jo, Taylor, Meg, and the Logan Arthouse for welcoming me into your front rooms. I loved hanging out. I have the greatest job in the world.

I'm looking forward to doing more Front Room Concerts in Phoenix in 2 weeks.

I met a blogger! Read what she had to say about the FRC at Campus Plaza: Koncert with Kirby by Katelynn Sumko

A little chat with Frank from blocktox.com

2010-09-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

You might enjoy this little interview I recently did with Frank Block from Blocktox.com. Frank was a pleasure to interview with. While you're there listening you can enter to win an autographed photo or CD!

There are several other interviews you'll want to be sure to listen to while you're at blocktox.com!

Thanks Frank!

Front Room Concert Series Comes to Utah in October!

2010-09-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm booking Front Room Concerts in Utah in October!

Imagine ME in your front room with YOU and all your friends and neighbors; singing, laughing, hanging out; I can't think of anything better. You can make it happen. Anyone can do it. All you need is a front room and a bunch cool friends. If you want to be a part of this amazing concert series and host one in YOUR front room, click here for details.

Dates for the Utah concerts are Oct. 14 - 16.
Requests for Front Room Concerts in Utah will be accepted until Sept. 20.

UPDATE:
Date for Phoenix/Mesa, AZ area is Nov. 1.
Requests for AZ will be accepted until Oct. 1.

Stay tuned- more dates, more cities coming soon!

Kirby

Behind the scenes of the "Us" cover photo shoot

2010-08-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

Taking time out to chat about the new album w/Sarah Morgann. The album is titled, "Us" and you can get it now at www.sarahandkirby.com.

VW Autobahn for All: Shoot the Gap -- Jetta LE

2010-07-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

New Volkswagon commercial!

The Society - BYU Idaho 5/8/10 - Unicycle Possible Part 1

2010-05-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

The Society - BYU Idaho 5/8/10 - Forward and Reverse

2010-05-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Scouts!

2010-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today, February 8, 2010, marks the 100 anniversary of Boy Scouts in America!

I loved my scouting experience: I built a kayak, a birdhouse, snow caves, fires, bridges, and teepees. I resuscitated a bald, bottomless girl named ANNIE. I camped, hiked, swam in a freezing cold lake, and white water rafted the Snake River. I learned the importance of helping others, of being honest and dependable. I learned to reverence my country and the outdoors.

I was heavily involved in Scouting from an early age. My dad was Scout Master from as far back as I can remember until I was about 10. I went on all the weeklong camps. The hikes. The overnighters. I was exposed to all the joys of being an honorable and hard working scout. I proudly saw my oldest brother achieve his Eagle and get tapped out for the Order of the Arrow. I was excited to be a part of this amazing fraternity.

I don’t remember much of my Cub Scouting years other than my Arrow of Light ceremony. It was in our church gym and there was a huge blue bridge at the front of the room. I remember the lights going out and crossing over the dimly lit bridge to my parents on the other side. I remember my mom’s beautiful face smiling. I remember her Wrigley spearmint gum breath and her warm arms as she hugged me.

When I turned twelve, I had a great Scout Master, Brother Reesor. He and his wife had a love for scouting that was contagious. I loved the campouts, the service projects, and the times we built stuff out of wood.

Now as a Cub Master, I get to relive all of the great things that scouting offers. The leaders that I work with are enthusiastic and excited to be a part of Scouts. I love the pack meetings and the activities. I love working on advancements. I love wearing the uniform. I found the neckerchief that I received when I got my Eagle. It’s blue material with a red and white ribbon around the edges. It has a beautiful embroidered eagle with its wings spread. It was packed away in a box in the garage. I’m glad I kept it.

Last month, my son and I participated in an intimate flag ceremony. (One of the requirements to achieve the Wolf rank is to lead an outdoor flag ceremony.) The only people there were my son, me, and our kind neighbor that let us use her flag and flagpole. She took a minute in the cold January night air to teach us about how to fold a flag and what the flag represents. We were both in full Scout uniform and as I saluted and watched my son hoist the flag up the spot lit pole, my heart was filled with pride: Pride for my son leading this reverent ceremony. Pride that he understood the importance of our country and what our flag symbolizes.

I am thankful for Scouting. As a boy, I loved the camaraderie and the activities. As a leader, I see the inspired and beneficial program that helps boys become better men.

Happy Birthday Scouts!

Audio Book VLOG

2010-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Keep It Inside wins a spot on Microsoft Windows Playlist 7!!!

2010-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

We did it! "Keep It Inside" made the top 7! Not only was it in the top 7 but it received the MOST votes and took first place! Thank YOU for making it happen! From now until next Monday at 11:00 a.m. EST, the seven winning tracks can be downloaded with a single click, which means thousands more people will hear my song. Playlist 7

It means a lot to me that so many of you helped. You all have my heartfelt thanks.

I've already received requests for interviews and radio airtime from around the globe. The exposure has been great. It's cool to hear from new fans from as far away as Australia and the U.K.

Check out Playlist 7 and download "Keep It Inside" for free!

2010 is the year of friends!

Kirby

VLOG - "You're All I Want for Christmas" - Behind the scenes with Kirby

2010-01-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

Grass Roots. See it. Rate it. Share it!

2009-12-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

Just a note to share the exciting news that the Huffington Post, our nation's most popular blog, is promoting my web series Grass Roots on their "comedy" page all this week! Check out the Huff Post page click here...

I know many of you probably watched Grass Roots when it premiered a few months ago. But if you can find it in your heart to check out an episode or two again, it'd do me some real good. If there's enough interest in the series this week, I will be able to shoot a second season of the show next year. So, please check out the Huff Post page, and share it with friends that you think might be interested in "Grass Roots."

Share it on your facebook profile!!!!

Kirby

We might as well win.

2009-11-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

I just read, “We Might as Well Win,” by Johan Bruyneel, the managing director for US Postal (later Discovery) cycling team. He produced 8 Tour de France wins: 7 with Lance Armstrong and 1 with Alberto Contador. He is the most successful coach in any sport.

The whole point of the book is: If you are going to expend the energy and effort to participate, you might as well give whatever else it takes to win.

There’s a saying in cycling: “50% of winning is just showing up. The other 50% is crossing the finish line first.” That other 50% isn’t just coasting, though. There is preparation, research, conditioning, hard work, and determination.

That really struck a chord with me. I have encountered many people who just trudge through life giving only minimal effort. They dread every day and live for the weekend. I think that that is a horrible way to go through life.

I am so fortunate to have a career doing what I love. I enjoy learning more about my career, applying those things I learn, and then seeing what works and what makes me better. I enjoy the challenge that comes with trying to be the best. I’m never happy with myself if I just give the minimum effort.

Whether you are writing a song, coaching your kids’ soccer team, or working on a project for your job or school, you might as well give all that it takes to be the best.

We might as well win.

I love cold mornings like today.

2009-10-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning, it was a chilly 48 degrees and overcast. (That’s cold for southern California.) When I went in to wake up my kids, they had their blankets all tucked up under their chins. I love going in to wake them up because they are so sleepy warm. I like to cuddle with them and ask them to recount their dreams from the night.

After the kids got off to school, I sat down to a warm bowl of oatmeal and read the news. (I’m getting old, my wife informed me. We got into my car one day last week and I had talk radio on. When did that happen? I used to only listen to music in my car. Now I listen to the news.)

After a relaxing, daydream-filled hot shower, I put on a long sleeved shirt, shorts and a pair of woolly socks. All I want to do today is read, listen to sad music and cuddle.

I love cold mornings like today.

Keep It Inside

2009-09-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Behind the song:
In the beginning, I tried to force this song to be something it wasn’t. I let it sit for a few weeks and then I’d pull it out again. I knew it was important, I just couldn’t see what it wanted to be or what it was trying to teach me. I’d put it away, rediscover it, put away, rediscover. This pattern went on for a year and a half. Until one day I had just finished reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I thought about the people in my life who give. I thought about my mom giving even when she had nothing left. I thought about my neighbor who was giving so much. Both of them would give and never give up. I listened to a David Wilcox song, "For Real." Feeling inspired I went to the guitar knowing the story I needed to tell. The song opened up its arms and let me bring it to life.

I wanted words to describe the smell of the leaves, the crisp autumn air, and the woods. In Fahrenheit 451, there is a moment when Guy Montag is hiding under leaves in a wood. Bradbury (the king of igniting my senses) describes the leaves as having a cinnamon scent. I loved the way that description captured not only the scent, but also the crisp feel of autumn.

Musically, we wanted something to be subtly present from the beginning of the song. A kind of haunting melody that would at times compliment and at others stray from the
main melody. It never defines the song, but it is present throughout.

Even when life is difficult, we can find joy in knowing that we can grow. We have faith that the bare branches in winter will be green again in the spring. Difficulties challenge us. They make us stronger.

In the studio:
We decided that strings would be the appropriate voice of the haunting melody. The melodies we came up with were beautiful but not quite what we wanted. We looked to other songs that we had recorded together and came across the file "Alleluia" from my Christmas album, Merry White Tree in the Night. "Yeah. Something like this." I told Nathan that both songs are in the key of E so we pulled some of the string files over to "Keep It Inside" to use for reference. As we were piecing cellos here, violins there, and the full quartet in the spaces in between, we realized how well the two songs fit. We started placing entire phrases in sections. There are times when the two songs fit perfectly and others when the strings stray slightly from the melody. We had stumbled upon a magic moment that we couldn’t have otherwise duplicated. We would have written the new melody within the musical theory boundaries that typically "works" melodically in a song. Just like the lyrics, choosing the instrumentation for this song wasn’t up to us. This song knew what it wanted to be. We got out of the way and listened.

Writing this song helped me process events in my life and also opened my eyes to how I live it. I need to listen to who I really am and stop trying to force myself to be something I’m not. Life is more rewarding when we get out of our own way.

Lyrics:
Leaves are dry and marigold beneath our feet
Above our heads a subtle blue
We lay in silence so this silence is our bed
Cinnamon and earth we breathe
We breathe
And I keep it all inside

We climb these branches bending to our weight
I find the safest way into your arms
If I’m doing well you’re pulling
more than they would know
Who could ever fell this tree?
Of you and me

I keep it all inside
No one sees the beauty in an ordinary life
The days are turning into sleepless nights
But I keep it all inside

I can walk this silence with a brave face
So no one has to feel the weight I feel
This isn’t giving up it’s knowing
when to let it go
I would never give up on you.
I forgive you

These limbs are bare now
With no signs of green
The promise of a new day
Blossoms underneath

I keep it all inside
Flowers of the mourning paint an ordinary life
The days are turning into sleepless nights
But I keep it all inside

Kirby Heyborne

Exercise

2009-09-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Every year about 3 months before my birthday, I get all gung-ho about exercise. I get in the best shape I’ve been all year. I plan out a great exercise program. I set goals. I see progress. I don’t know if this motivation and dedication come from a heightened awareness of my mortality or if it’s just easier to exercise when the kids are in school.

My least favorite person to exercise with is my friend Curt. He’s super nice when we’re working out together, but I can tell he’s giggling on the inside when he has to water-down his routine so I don’t die. Really. If I did half of what he did, my body would give up the ghost. He can curl, press and lift two of me. His biceps are the size of my thighs. I always feel less like a man when I work out with him. When I’m exercising by myself and I do something really well, I think, “If only Curt could see me now.”

My favorite person to exercise with is my wife. I am motivated to work harder when she’s with me. I think that subconsciously I’m trying to impress her with my manliness. The downside to this extra push is that I’m not that attractive/manly when I’m gasping for breath, scrunching up my face with effort, and dripping sweat on the floor.

If I exercise when the kids are home, they usually join me. I honestly enjoy their company and the challenges they present. They “help” me with sit-ups and push-ups by sitting on top of me for both. Then they say, “Dad, why can’t you do more?” They also make sweet comments like, “Dad, you really sweat a lot.” When I go running, they ride their bikes or scooters. I get a good workout the first 5 minutes trying to stay up with them. I feel the burn when I push them or “boost” them up hills. Usually 10 minutes into the run, I’m “boosting” them on the flat parts too because, “Dad, my legs are tired.” We have to stop a lot to explore insects, dirt, and more recently, dead birds:

Me: STAY AWAY FROM THAT BIRD!
Son: Why?
Me: Because it’s dead and it’s got diseases!
Daughter: How did it die?
Me: It got old.
Daughter: No. I mean HOW did it die.
Me: It just got old and it’s heart stopped beating.
Daughter: Why?
Me: Because when you get old things stop working.
Daughter: Grandpa’s old and he’s not dead.
Me: (Good point.) Just stay away from the bird. PUT THE STICK DOWN!
Son: But I’m just moving the bird so no one else will touch it on accident and get sick.
Me: (Why do you have to be so nice?) That’s nice of you. But just leave it alone. Pick up your bike.
Son: But my legs are tired.
Me: How can they be tired? You play soccer, you swim, you run with your friends and you never complain about your tired legs.
Son: But they’re tired.
(Struggles to get on his bike with a 5-foot stick in his hands.)
Me: Just leave the stick here.
Son: I want to take it home and show Mom.
Me: (Sigh) OK. But I’m not carrying it. You’ll have to carry it on your bike.
Son: OK. Can you give me a boost home?
Me: Yes.
Son: Dad, are you frustrated ‘cause you wanted to exercise and we’re making it hard?
Me: (You are a genius.) No. I love exercising with you guys.
(Begin boosting both of them)
Daughter: Your hands are sweaty.

Whether I’m exercising humility when I’m lifting with Curt, exercising restraint while working out with my wife, or exercising patience while running with my kids, I’m a better person the more I exercise.

I love my life.

Vlogging in Vegas

2009-08-13T22:28:00.001-07:00

A short video blog about my St. George concert and more!

Red Lilies. More from Kirby's Spectacular Offering of Marvelous Stuff!

2009-07-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

A song written and performed by me. It's Marvelous Stuff! from Cory to Carrilyn! Thanks Cory! Happy Birthday Carrilyn!!

Dinner with Jo and Becky-- It's Marvelous Stuff!

2009-07-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

Jo and Becky purchased a Marvelous Stuff! package that included dinner with me. This is a short video blog of our dinner together.

Here's a picture just sent to me of Jo in the t-shirt I made for her...

I'm All Right

2009-06-24T10:54:00.001-07:00

A song by Kirby Heyborne. Part of "Kirby's Spectacular Offering of Marvelous Stuff!"

Caught In Flight

2009-06-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

A song for Rod by Kirby Heyborne. Part of "Kirby's Spectacular Offering of Marvelous Stuff!"

Sunshine Follows Melanie

2009-06-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

A song written for a fan of Kirby Heyborne. Part of "Kirby's Spectacular Offering of Marvelous Stuff!"

Grass Roots - Ep. 2 "Door to Door:"

2009-06-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Miles and Harry hit the streets, getting out the word about the Jim Clarkson campaign. (Aaron Hilliard & Kirby Heyborne star, Kit Pongetti guest stars)

A Marvelous time with Marvin!

2009-06-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Me and Marvin after the concert!

Thanks for letting me come play with you on this special night!

Getting ready!

2009-06-06T18:39:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to go onstage at the marvin goldstein concert. shhh.

(Sent from my t-mobile phone)

New Web Series - Grass Roots

2009-06-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Grass Roots" follows the lives of two inept campaigners (Aaron Hilliard and and me, Kirby ) as they lose votes for their candidate.

In this first episode Miles teaches Harry the first of many valuable lessons on how to succeed on the Clarkson campaign. Check out watchgrassroots.com for more episodes and details!

"The Hard Way" - Song #3 on "The Elm Tree"

2009-03-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Behind the song:
This was the first song that I wrote specifically for “The Elm Tree.” I loved the guitar part and wanted a catchy line to sing. I had the lyric “I found out the hard way” and loved how it sang. The problem was, I didn’t know what it was that “I found out.” I spent months trying to put the right words together. And, as it always goes, when I stopped trying to force the lyric, it came to me.

I was watching my son revel in the mud in our backyard. He loved the moment he was in. He had no thought of the possible mess he would track into the house.

I realized that we let important moments slip by us. There’s a point in our lives when we stop enjoying squishing mud between our toes. When we talk to someone, we look over their shoulder to see if there is someone more important to talk to. We pull ourselves out of the moment we are in and worry about the next one. We need to enjoy every moment.

In the studio:
I wanted this to feel like a group of strangers meeting accidentally in a park. They are going through the park with their eyes on the ground. As they hear the music, they look up. They see the park around them. They see a friend in the person they just met. They add to the music. They enjoy the moment they are sharing.

We wanted a casual and laid back feel to the vocals and instrumentation. We used instruments that would be easy to carry through a park: guitar, triangle, tambourine, trumpet, bass, snare drum, and bass drum. We rounded out the percussion section with some knee slaps, handclaps and my car keys.

When we work together and listen to each other, we can create beautiful music.

Your conversation
Fills these walls
I know. I know. I can’t believe this
We should jump before we fall.

Your communication
Coded and classified

I give you hints where hints are hard to follow and build up a home

I found out the hard way
That this life is made up of the moments that pass us by
I’m here for this moment with you
And I won’t let it go

These lines are showing
The years you had to know
There’s so much to do so much to leave for
And we stumble through it all

This path is beaten
But I won’t look down

I follow creases where the lines are pointing and build up a home

I see now the slow drought that dried up my bones
I slow down to enjoy the road that leads me home.

My hands are ready
Though burdened and heavy
Instead of complaining
I’m leaving them dirty

A moment to steady
I’m willing and ready
To hold you up now

I’m through retreating
Regretting, defeating
No more misleading
I’m happy you’re breathing

As long as you’re willing
I’ll love you out loud

"We Fall Back"

2009-03-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Behind the song:
I enjoy playing “Angels” from my Christmas album and wanted to write a similar guitar part. I was playing around with some chord voicings and stumbled into the progression for “We Fall Back.” It flowed perfectly. I get the same joy playing this progression that I get from playing “Blackbird” by The Beatles. Music? Done. Time for the lyrics. They came easy enough but they weren’t exactly what I wanted. I was struggling through a period of writing only sad songs. I was trying to get out of this rut and my thoughts (as they often do) turned to my wife. Even after a decade of being together, I am still in awe that she is my wife. Somehow, through all of my faults and troubles, she loves me. She has the ability to lift my sad, lonely, and heavy words.

In the studio:
We wanted a constant beat throughout this song. A kick drum was too boom-y. Software samples were to sample-y. So we set up a microphone above my right foot (dressed in a comfortable sock) and hit record. I am adding “studio foot musician” to my resume.

We fall back to each other
And somehow you found me
Black pen in hand
You lifted words
So weighed down and lonely

You’re not afraid

We turn ourselves into gold
When we can we fall back
And turn our hearts where we go
And somehow
We fall back

I understand why
The tumult died now that I want you for my own
Thoughts are retreating
From the line that fell tonight now you are my home

We fall back to each other
And somehow you love me

You’re not afraid
So I’m not afraid

"Honest Ground"

2009-02-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

Behind the song:
Any solid relationship stems from an unshakable place of trust. Love is deeper when it is rooted in honesty and openness. I was trying (unsuccessfully) to turn these ideas into a song when I heard the beautifully dark lyric from one of my favorite bands, The Shins: "It took me all of a year to put the poison pill to your ear but now I stand on honest ground on honest ground." There it was: "Honest Ground."

In the studio:
The idea for this song started out with a string quartet as the backbone. So, I spent a few months working on the string arrangement. (The composing/arranging part of my brain had been in hibernation since college.) I slowly worked out the brain cramps and eventually got the arrangement to a point that really felt satisfying. I brought the arrangement to the studio and Nathan and I started to build the song around the strings. We tried many different approaches. Something just wasn't clicking with the song. After sitting on the song for a few weeks, Nathan suggested that we try arranging without the strings. Scrapping the strings altogether had never even crossed my mind. I had worked so hard on them. THE SONG WAS GOING TO WORK WITH THE STRINGS whether the song liked it or not. I would have pounded this square peg into the round hole until the bitter end had Nathan not removed the strings and replaced them with a magical electric guitar line. The rest of the song jumped up and screamed, "This is it! This is what I'm supposed to sound like!"

Lyrics:
Gray silence up ahead
And a highway of time
You’re blue and trembling
From the walls we have to climb

Take these words I give you now
Hold me up 'til we get out
Plant my feet on honest ground

And the light comes tumbling
Through holes in our lives
Our hands find strength
From a sun we thought had died

We start out fine
But this heart tears every time
Throw the doubt to the fire

Your brown eyes settle me
From the fear in mine
This hand you’re offering
Well, it comes as no surprise

And we shine

The story of "The Elm Tree". Thoughts on my new album.

2009-02-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

Life is made up of moments and every moment is a gift.

There are moments when we lose hope. We can only see the bare limbs of winter trees. We forget that there is life pulsing through the roots in the frozen ground. We feel like we can’t make it through another day. But somehow we find the strength. Something reminds us of the blossoms that come every spring. Sometimes it’s a friend or a family member who offers a hand of comfort. Other times we rely on our faith to get us through.

As I was working on this album I read a favorite book of mine, “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein. It’s the story of a tree that loves a boy and gives everything to make the boy happy. I have always enjoyed the story but after my most recent reading I realized: I am the boy. I thought of people in my life who are the tree: my wife, my parents, a neighbor battling cancer, a young friend fighting in Afghanistan. They are strong, dependable, and giving. Even when there is nothing left to give, they continue to comfort, inspire and give me strength.

These songs are about moments of happiness, sorrow, courage, and hope.

This album is for the trees in my life.

Confusing Christmas Songs

2008-12-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

While we were energetically singing "Jingle Bells" this past week, both of my kids corrected my lyric of "In a one horse open sleigh" to "In a one horse SOAPEN sleigh." This made me think of all the Christmas songs that I 1. Sang (sing) incorrectly, 2. Don't understand, and 3. Skip over entirely in our Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook.

Lyrics I sang incorrectly as a child:
"Round YOUNG virgin Mother and Child" (She was young)
"Up on the housetop reindeer PAWS" (That one makes sense to me still to this day. Hooves can be referred to as paws, can't they?)
"Good tidings we bring to you and your KING" ("King" rhymes with "bring" better than "kin" does)
"Take a look at the FINEN TIN glistening once again" (I don't know what that means. So I looked it up. It's "Five and ten." What is that referring to? Cross streets? A time of day?)
"Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of YOUR faithful friends who are dear to us" (What does "yore" mean? Did you know that before you looked it up?)

Lyrics I don't understand:
"We'll tell scary ghost stories" (This is from "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Is it common for people to sit around at Christmas and try to scare each other? Am I missing out on a fun holiday tradition?)
"Bells on bobtail ring" (What's a bobtail?)
"Twelve Days of Christmas" (There are birds given on days 1,2,3,4,6,7. If you write a song that has twelve different things in it and half of them are birds, why not do the whole song about birds? Did the guy not know any more bird names? I can't name 12 different birds. Do people give birds for Christmas? Is wanting a bird for Christmas common enough to write a song about it? I have some friends whose son is asking for a rat. (Apparently they are really smart and bond well with their owners. Who knew?) Then there's the most confusing part of all: "Four Colly birds" vs. "Four Calling birds." I didn't even know this was a debate until last week when we got a "Twelve Days of Christmas" book from the library. It says "Colly birds." (It means black bird. Thank you answers.com). My kids sing "Colly" now. Are they going to get beat up by the "Calling" faction? This discovery made me question years of singing an already confusing song.)

Christmas songs I have never heard nor sung yet are in the Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook:
"The Merry Christmas Polka"
"Christmas in Killarney"
"Will Santy Come to Shanty Town?"
"The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot" (I just read the lyrics. Chorus: "He's the little boy that Santa Claus forgot, and goodness knows he didn't want a lot. He sent a note to Santa for some soldiers and a drum; It broke his little heart when he found Santa hadn't come. In the street, he envies all those lucky boys, then wanders home to last year's broken toys. I'm so sorry for that laddie; He hasn't got a daddy, the little boy that Santa Claus forgot." Really? That happy chestnut made it into this collection of songs? Are there really so few uplifting Christmas songs that this one made the cut? Was "that little boy" the editor for the songbook? Hmm...)

As a kid you never cared about getting the words right or even tried to understand what you were singing. You just loved being with family and sang the song loud and hoped that your enthusiasm for Christmas would somehow be detected by Rudolph's sonar.

So sing out this Christmas when you are a-wassailing with friends and kin (not king). It's the joy of being together that really matters.

Together Again... Love and Ninjas

2008-09-15T13:47:00.001-07:00

My new film "Together Again For the First Time" has been picked up by PorchLight Entertainment and will be released on DVD October 14th. I'm excited for this to come out. I had a great time during the shoot and learned a lot from the other actors and the director, Jeff Parkin.

In other film news, I will start filming the dark comedy "God Save London" this fall. I am teaming up again with the brilliant E.R. Nelson ("Pirates of the Great Salt Lake"). "London" is about a young businessman who loses everything he owns to an African e-mail scam and his journey from the United States to Africa in search of God, his soul, and ultimately, love.

AND it's about one woman's search for glory.

AND it's about another man's desperate attempt at revenge.

AND it's about a third man's passion to be gangster.

AND it's about ninjas.

AND angels.

AND faith

AND love.

What do you mean I already said love?

How about.... NINJAS!

Some LInks You Might Like

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Bob Lonsberry's Daily Column "Heyborne in the age of purity", By Orson Scott Card "The Skinny: DearLess-Filling.com" Deseret News: Click here to read an interview in the "Mormon Times" section of the Deseret News.

Fantastic Weekend!

2008-06-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend in Arizona. It was so good to see my friends again in Tucson on Friday. Thank you Kandee and Latter-Day Cottage for putting on such a great event. As always, Corbin was fantastic and had an amazing performance. He has such a grasp for intriguing lyrics and melodies.

On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Music and Arts Festival in Mesa. Thanks to the Allen family for being so kind. You guys did a great job. I hope to be a part of it in the years to come.

I got to see Alex Boye and Cheri Call perform. Not only are they fantastic musicians, they are fantastic people. I also had the chance to catch up with Peter Breinholt and Ryan Shupe. I am such a big fan of all of these guys. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be casually conversing with these musical heroes, I wouldn't have believed you. I am so fortunate to be able to associate with such great people.

Thanks to everyone who continues to support me. I am very grateful.

Click here to see more pics from my weekend in AZ!

A Summertime Memory

2008-05-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. Summer blockbusters are coming out. School is ending. Vacations that were planned in January are getting closer. I have found that the anticipation and planning of a vacation is usually more enjoyable than the actual execution of the vacation. There is so much to look forward to when you're planning: The food, the activities, and the people. When you're planning, you focus on the fun you will have. You usually don't take into consideration that the other families' kids have a low tolerance to sun, bad food, and bacteria in the wave pool. You just think, "Ooh! A water park! The kids will love being outside all day!" You don't think about the neighbor kids' problems until you're on your way home at the end of a long water-slide-filled day. The kids are sleeping in the back of the van. The sunburned neighbor kid is asleep on the back bench. Your favorite son is on the floor beneath him. As you're pulling into your driveway late at night, the queasy neighbor kid slowly sits up and mutters, "Oghughhh..." waking up your handsome son on the floor with a cascade of partially digested hot dogs, chips, Gatorade, Sprite, and powdered jelly-filled donuts. Then you pull your confused (yet extremely intelligent) son out of the van, strip off his swimsuit, and squirt him down in your front yard with the freezing water from the garden hose. Even though your son is only 9 years old and it's nighttime, he still gets embarrassed by being hosed down in the buff by his mom. You think, "Oh, he'll get over it." Guess what: I won't. I'm still afraid to walk outside at night naked. I still love you though, Mom.

Clifford Had a Hard Day

2008-04-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

I shot a short film called "Clifford Had a Hard Day" a few months ago. My good friend Lara Everly (Take a Chance) wrote and directed this touching short about a guy named Clifford who, well, has a hard day. I've posted a few pictures from the film in my photo album, click here to see them.

Oh Canada!

2008-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

I’ve been cold before. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains. I went on the Boy Scout Klondike over-nighters. I’ve jumped in barely-thawed mountain lakes. I’ve stuck my tongue to frozen poles. I thought I knew what cold was. Then I went to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada during the bleak winter month of February. I’ve been cold, but I’ve never been deep-frozen. I’ve never had my nostrils constrict and freeze instantaneously. I’ve never had to plug in a car battery over night to prevent it from freezing. I’ve never had my fingertips nibbled by Old Man Frost Bite just by leaving them uncovered for mere seconds. I’ve never experienced tiny ice daggers piercing my lungs from the inside when I took a breath.

Despite the soul numbing weather, I loved my first trip over the northern border. The warm, kind people that I met made the cold more than bearable. I can see why people would want to stay in Edmonton. Everyone was quick to warm you with kind words, a smile, or a hug. During the concert, I mentioned my lack of proper head protection in the cold weather. Within seconds, a young man threw his toque on stage for me to keep. (Thank you again.) The whole time I was there, I felt the cold only when I was away from the wonderful people. Canadians are the warmest souls on earth. I am better for having met the people I met. Thank you Canada for existing. I look forward to returning to my home and native land. "If I believe in hope, if I believe in love, then I believe in you, Oh Canada!"

See more pics from Canada, click here!

Christmas Vacation

2007-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Christmas Vacation. It has been a family tradition for years now. "’Tis the season to be Merry." "A whole quarter!" "Are you serious Clark?" "THE BLESSING!" These lines can be heard at my house throughout the year. Chevy Chase was at his peak. What a funny, funny man. It seems like he hasn’t been given roles where he can really shine for quite some time. Fletch, the Vacations (minus Vegas), Seems Like Old Times, Three Amigos (one of my top 3 films of all time). These were films where his subtle, sarcastic presence really came through. I miss Chevy most at Christmas.

Every day the kids and I have begged my wife to "open just one present. PLEASE?" She hasn’t budged in 22 days.

I hope your holidays are filled with fun traditions. See you next year!

…SQUIRREL!!

I Remember

2007-10-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love the fall. It makes me feel so nostalgic.

I remember getting my drivers license in October.
I remember my first dance/date was in October.
I remember wrecking my mom's minivan on that first dance/date on a brick column at the end of my date's driveway.
I remember telling my parents that the van must have been hit by another car in the parking lot.

I remember going to a high school football game.
I remember cheering for the team.
I remember a kid lighting firecrackers in the bleachers.
I remember that kid standing next to me.
I remember he had a hard time getting the lighter to work.
I remember being kind enough to offer to help him.
I remember immediately regretting that action.
I remember the hand of the vice principal landing heavy on my shoulder.

I remember my wife's birthday.
I remember she was trying to trick me into thinking it was one day later.
I remember one year getting confused.
I remember getting in a lot of trouble for missing her birthday.
I remember arguing that I thought it was the following day.
I remember that I am always wrong and she is always right.
I love you, honey.
Happy Birthday?

September Schedule: Concerts and Appearances -- UT, AZ, and CO

2007-08-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

September will be busy for me. I'll be in UT, AZ and CO. Here's the schedule:

Saturday, Sept 8, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
REFLECTIONS BOOKSTORE
Meet and Greet
47 South Main Street
Brigham City, Utah 84302

Saturday, Sept 8, 8:00 PM
BRIGHAM CITY PEACH DAYS CELEBRATION
FREE Concert
Main Street Stage
43 North Main Street
Brigham City, Utah 84302
Information on Peach Days

Friday, Sept 14, 2 - 4 PM
LATTER DAY COTTAGE
Meet and Greet
7012 East Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85710
(520) 885-2635

Friday, Sept 14, 7:30 PM
CATALINA FOOTHILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Concert
4300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Tickets: $8 - $12
Purchase tickets online

Saturday, Sept 15, 1 - 3 PM
PIONEER BOOKS AND GIFTS
Meet and Greet
2820 East University Drive #102
Mesa, AZ 85213
(480) 832-8433

Saturday, Sept 15, 7:30 PM
MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Concert
2700 E. Brown Road
Mesa, Arizona 85213
Tickets: $10 - $15
Purchase tickets online
OR at
Pioneer Books and Gifts
2820 East University Drive #102
Mesa, AZ 85213
(480) 832-8433

Friday, Sept 21, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
MORONI BOOKS AND GIFTS
Meet and Greet
344 East Foothills Parkway
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 493-4895

Mistakes and Stowaways

2007-08-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a little clip of me singing a new song - "Mistakes and Stowaways".

Oops!

2007-06-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Check this out. I was filming a pilot for a show called "Team". What happens at the end is NOT supposed to happen. Watch the clip.

Busy Schedule for June

2007-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here's my schedule for June:
I'm going to be in the Seattle area all day Saturday, June 30. I'm so excited to come. It will be a blast!

FRIDAY, June 22, 8 PM:
COMEDY IMPROV SHOW
Repertory East Playhouse
24266 San Fernando Road
Old Town Newhall, CA
661-288-0000
SANTA CLARITA IMPROV

Saturday, June 30, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
DESERET BOOK
3080 148th Ave SE #100
Bellevue, WA 98007-6420
(425) 747-7475

Saturday, June 30, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Beehive Books and More
10213 24th St. E.
Edgewood, WA 98372
(253) 927-4483

Saturday, June 30, 4 - 5 PM
Pioneer Bookstore
206 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 845-1881

Saturday, June 30, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
CONCERT: "KICK OFF SUMMER IN SUMNER WITH KIRBY HEYBORNE"
Sumner Performing Arts Center
1707 Main Street
Sumner, WA 98390
Tickets available: online, click here
Beehive Books, Edgewood, WA (253) 927-4483
Deseret Book, Bellevue, WA (425) 747-7475

Trampolines and "povers"

2007-05-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the LA screening of Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. It was a great success. I am excited to finally see this movie come into the light. I'll keep you all posted on the progress.

I just got a trampoline for the family this week. I had one growing up and loved it. It has been years since I've spent any real time on one and let me tell you, I'm not as young as I used to be. My back hurts. My thighs burn. I'm dizzy from the flipping and steamrollering. I think I'll use it more for sleeping out under the stars than for jumping. As a kid, that was always fun: piling on the blankets and pillows for a 'pover. (That's short for "sleep over." You see, you drop the "slee" and add the "p" to the "over." My friends and I thought we were really cool coming up with phrases like that.) It was always fun until we had to run inside because Dad forgot to turn off the sprinklers and we'd wake up frightened and wet trying to gather all the blankets and pillows and run in to the house. We'd end up throwing the blankets on the hard floor and I'd wake up in the morning with a headache and a cold. My mom was always hesitant to let me have 'povers because I would always come home with a headache or a cold or both. Regardless of the consequences, I still love the thrill of sleeping out in the backyard.

I hope to see you at one (or all) of my concerts this summer. Remember to tell Dad to turn off the sprinklers when you sleep out.

Sons of Provo

2007-04-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have some news about the Sons of Provo...
Will, Danny and I, have been together again. Sons of Provo is back with SONS OF PROVO: CONFIDENTIAL. It's a hilarious 30 minute "behind the music" look at the rise and fall of the biggest LDS Boy Band that never really was.
This is a DVD/CD combo pack with 4 never before released songs!
Find out more at: www.sonsofprovo.com.

S ring Break

2007-04-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

S ring break is this week. My wild, arty-filled days will be
s ent:

Monday - Meet the Robinsons in 3-D
Tuesday - Bowling
Wednesday - Beach
Thursday - Swimming at the ool
Friday - Beach
Saturday - Easter Egg Hunt
And if there is time: fix the letter " " on my la to com uter. I ho e your s ring break is as hot as mine.

Opportunities and Happiness

2007-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

February was a great month. I had two concerts in Utah: one at BYU and the other in Brigham City. Thanks to everyone who attended and laughed. Thanks to the organizers. I really felt taken care of at both shows.

When I meet new people, I love to hear their stories of how they are making their lives better. I am inspired to learn more and to do more. A good friend completed a huge task this past month. In the face of doubters and cynics, she was able to learn something brand new and make her project a huge success. The human spirit can do anything. It is powerful and wants to succeed. It gets angry when our laziness says, "I can't do it."

As I was traveling on a plane to do a concert recently, I read an interesting article in a magazine about being happy. People complain about being in a rut or being dealt a bad hand. When you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask yourself, "Why me? Why here? What can I learn? What can I do to make this an opportunity?"

We make our own opportunities. We create our own happiness.

Whole-Wheat Pasta, The Office, Orson Scott Card and Christmas

2006-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

I had whole-wheat pasta for dinner tonight. I don’t know if I like it because it tastes good or because my brain tells me that it might be better for me than regular pasta. Come to think of it, the texture wasn't very appealing.

I'm looking forward to "The Office" tonight. It is an hour long. I was pleasantly surprised to finally find a good new sitcom this season: I watched "Help Me Help You" for the first time the other night and genuinely laughed the whole way through. I am excited to watch the next episode.

I am starting the Alvin Maker series by Orson Scott Card. I've only read a little bit, but already I am enthralled/addicted. I was on an OSC kick a while back and I read Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow, Enchantment, Sarah, and Monkey Sonatas. Every thing he writes, I fall in love with. He has such a mastery of words and story telling. I am excited to be an OSC addict again.

I love the Christmas season. Christmas shows (Rankin-Bass Rudolph, The Animated Grinch, White Christmas, and Christmas episodes of my favorite TV shows); Christmas smells (Pine, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, oranges, wrapping paper, scotch tape, new electronics just out of the box (I still remember when I opened up my first Nintendo and the robot that came with it had such an exciting new smell. (The games that you used the robot on were fun for a minute, but then it would take too long for his head to move and you would get frustrated and move on to Mario Bros., Excite Bike, Castlevania, or Ikari Warriors (I think it was up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-b-a-select-start to get extra lives or something cool like that))), and new He-Man figures (yes, I do say at the end of "Wassail and Apple Pie" that I want Skeletor)); and Christmas music (Nothing beats The Canadian Brass Christmas).

I hope you have a very merry Christmas.

Thank you for all of your support this year. I really am blessed.

Ten Things

2006-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Ten things I learned this weekend while visiting Tucson, Arizona:
1. Even if your tube of toothpaste has only one ounce of paste in it, they won't let you carry it on a plane if it is in a tube that says "4.2 oz."
2. If there is a problem getting an item through security, it is better to just let it go and smile. You might have a logical argument about something weighing "one ounce," but it's not worth losing flying privileges for the rest of your life.
3. Listening to Cyndi Lauper's "All Through the Night" while walking through the airport helps to alleviate anger and tension about having to "surrender" cavity-fighting toiletries. (That's what she really said, "Sir, are you willing to surrender this toothpaste?")
4. Kandee & company at Latter Day Cottage inspire me to be a better person.
5. Once I start talking, I tend to talk, and talk, and talk...
6. Everything good happened in 9th grade.
7. During a concert don't tell the audience how hairy you are. You might think they'd laugh, but you'd be wrong. They mostly wrinkle their noses in disgust and say "ew."
8. 8, I forgot what eight was for.
9. There is something in the water in Arizona that makes the locals really, really, ridiculously good looking.
10. Water and a toothbrush don't really get all the gunk off of your teeth. If only I had an ounce of toothpaste...

Friends and Brothers-- BYU Idaho

2006-09-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

So I found a cheerleader outfit backstage during the Friends and Brothers Concert at BYU Idaho and it kept screaming, "Put me on! Put me on!" I didn't want to hurt its feelings, so I did as I was told. Needless to say, I had a great time at the concert.

Marvin Goldstein, Billy Dean, and Thurl Bailey are amazing men. I am better for having spent the day with them. I love Billy's deep voice and his touching lyrics. He is a genuinely nice guy. Thurl's heart is as big as he is tall. I remember being in Jr. Jazz and having him come and visit our team to show us how to do lay-ups. The circle has now come to a close. Marvin, Marvin, Marvin. I never have a dull moment on stage with Marvin. When we are together, we have more fun than the audience. I feel like I've accomplished something if he lowers his head to laugh at some dumb thing I do or say. If every show could be like this one, I would be in heaven.

I love meeting new people. The day before the concert, I hung out in a common area in front of the bookstore and talked and talked and talked. So many nice people.

The students in charge of "handling" me were so kind and accommodating. They didn't even bat an eye when I said I needed sliced deli turkey, wheat bread, and Gala apples with my initials peeled into them in large 3-D cursive letters. Thank you Nathan and Tara (or Tera or Tarra or Terra). You guys made everything run smoothly. The apples were delicious.

I have finished the Christmas album and it is being duplicated this very minute. It is called "Merry White Tree in the Night." I have never been happier with an album. I could sing praises to Nathan DeVore day and night and never praise him enough. He is an insane genius. His originality, vision, and talent are miraculous. Yes, miraculous. He makes miracles.

I will be visiting a lot of places over the next few months. If I'm in your area, stop by and talk for a while.

Just a Dollop Will Do

2006-08-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with the Christmas album. It's amazing to work with Nathan. He is fantastic at coming up with new and original ideas that blow my mind. We are recording a string quartet next week. I'm looking forward to that.

Next weekend, Sept. 8th and 9th, I'll be in Fillmore, Utah for their Arts and Living History Festival. I will be doing a variety of activities including a free concert on the 8th at 6:30 pm at the Territorial Statehouse Park.

The improv show on Thursday went well. We did an improv that I had never done before called "Awkward Silence". We are going to start having special guests come do the shows with us. Make sure you get your tickets early for the next few shows.

Season three of "Arrested Development" came out yesterday. I love that show.
I was happy that "24" won at the Emmys.

I really like the flavor of Keebler Original Chips Deluxe cookies with a dollop of creamy Skippy peanut butter on top. You shouldn't over-do it though. One cookie is enough. If you eat more, your stomach feels way too full and you will forget how delectable the taste was in your mouth. It's like eating too much cookie dough. The first two spoonfuls are magical, but by #10, you feel sick. And not too much peanut butter either. Just a dollop. I've tried chunky, but then you're mouth is too focused on chewing The chunks of nuts instead of enjoying the smooth, rich flavor jubilee.

August- Utah Concerts

2006-08-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

I had a great time in Brigham city, Utah on Friday. I met a lot of nice people at the Reflections Bookstore. Thanks to everyone who came to visit.

The winners of the free concert, Gracia and Lindsey, had an enjoyable party/barbeque. I played songs, told stories, and hung out for a few hours. Thanks Gracia. Tell Friend the burgers were awesome. And Dan, you are one of the best!

On Saturday, I played at the Highland Fling in Highland, Utah. The event planner, Emily, was a joy to work with. The entire day was filled with entertainment, parades, and activities. Great Job! As far as the concert goes, all I can say is that I miss 9th grade. Thanks to everyone who listened to the songs and stuck around afterwards to talk.

Together Again For the First Time

2006-06-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

I start filming "Together Again for the First Time" on June 26th. I look forward to working with the cast. The script is great. The director is strong. And Utah crews are by far the best in the business!

New Improv Troupe!

2006-06-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

I started an improv troupe with my talented friend, Lincoln Hoppe, at the beginning of this year. Santa Clarita Improv. We are doing one show a month and have performed to a packed house every time. The theater is beautiful and I really enjoy working with the people there.

The cast is a dream team of improvisors: Lincoln Hoppe, Corbin Allred, Larry Bagby, Adam Johnson, Eric Artell, and Kelly Lohman.
If you are in the LA area, you should come to the show on the 24th of June.

CA Appearances - June

2006-06-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed spending time in Missouri this past weekend. The people were so kind and supportive. Thanks to everyone who came out to the show and also those who came to the bookstore. A big thanks to the Grigsby family. They always make my trip to Missouri amazing. I look forward to next year!

This Weekend and next I will be in California. Come and say hi if you're in the area.

Saturday, June 10, NOON-2 PM:
THE BOOKPORT
Meet & Greet
18641 Brookhurst
Fountain Valley, CA
714-963-4889

Friday, June 16, 5-8 PM:
ENSIGN BOOKS, TEMECULA
Meet & Greet
28910 Rancho California Rd. #300
Temecula, CA
951-308-1679

Saturday, June 17, 9:30-11:30 AM:
ENSIGN BOOKS, RIVERSIDE
Meet & Greet
6667 Indiana Avenue
Riverside, CA
951-369-9595

Saturday, June 17, 12:30-2:30 PM:
ENSIGN BOOKS, UPLAND
Meet & Greet
1037 W. Foothill Blvd.
Upland, CA
909-949-8676

Saturday, June 17, 3:30-5:30 PM:
ENSIGN BOOKS, CERRITOS
Meet & Greet
15965 Piuma
Cerritos, CA
562-924-3776

I will post more events soon, so make sure to check back!

New CD Release!

2006-05-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. Tomorrow is the official release date of my new album "Braver Days." The CD will then be available in most stores. I will be in Utah for the whole week and promote "Braver Days" as well as the film "Take a Chance", which will also be in stores tomorrow.

Here is my current schedule in case you want to come and say hi:

Monday, May 1, 6:30 PM:
THANKSGIVING POINT BARN
Premiere of "Take a Chance"
3003 North Thanksgiving Way
Lehi, Utah

Wednesday, May 3, 12:30-2:30 PM:
SEAGULL BOOK AMERICAN FORK
Meet & Greet
218 West State Road
American Fork, Utah
801-492-0818

Thursday, May 4, 5-7 PM:
MISSIONARY EMPORIUM
Meet & Greet
7110 South Redwood Road
West Jordan, Utah
801-556-1467

Thursday, May 4, 8 PM:
COMEDY SPORTZ
Improv Comedy
36 West Center Street
Provo, Utah
801-377-9700

Friday, May 5, 12:30-2:30 PM:
SEAGULL BOOK FAMILY CENTER
Meet & Greet
5720 South Redwood Road
Taylorsville, Utah
801-969-7747

Friday, May 5, 4-6 PM:
ACRES MARKET
Meet & Greet
2645 North 400 East
Ogden, Utah
801-782-7800

Friday, May 5, 7:30-8:30 PM:
CLEANFLIX OREM 800 NORTH
Meet & Greet
167 West 800 North
Orem, Utah
801-224-1496

Friday, May 5, 9:00-10:30 PM:
CLEANFLICKS OREM STATE STREET
Meet & Greet
908 South State Street
Orem, Utah
801-434-4497

Saturday, May 6, 10 AM-NOON:
SEAGULL BOOK WEST JORDAN
Meet & Greet
1625 West 9000 South
West Jordan, Utah
801-568-0444

Saturday, May 6, 12:30-2:30 PM:
SEAGULL BOOK SALT LAKE CITY
Meet & Greet
1720 South Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, Utah
801-972-2429

Saturday, May 6, 3-5 PM:
DESERET BOOK LAYTON HILLS
Meet & Greet
1096 Layton Hills Mall
Layton, Utah
801-546-3391

Saturday, May 3, 6:15 PM:
TAHITIAN NONI RIVERBOTTOMS
Live Concert (free admissions)
333 West River Park Drive
Provo, Utah
801-234-1404

An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration

2006-02-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

I'll be back in Utah this week for "An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration" on Saturday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m., at the Timpview High School Auditorium in Provo.

The event is hosted by Steven Kapp Perry and features Jessie Clark Funk, Marvin Goldstein, Michael Dowdle, Sam Payne, Dave Tinney, One Clear Voice, and me.

Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Go to www.localeventtix.com to buy tickets online.

Saturday, February 25, 7 PM:
TIMPVIEW HIGHSCHOOL AUDITORIUM
An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration
3570 Timpview Drive
Provo, Utah
801-225-7219

Recording New CD

2006-02-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

I started recording songs for the new CD today. The studio is great. I spent this morning laying down the guitar tracks for "Home."

I am really excited for this new album. Nate, my engineer/producer, is amazing. He has some great ideas that will make this album fantastic.

Where I've been. Where I'll be.

2006-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

I just came back from the premiere of "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" in San Francisco. It was great to see the finished film. My song "Chances" is featured in the film and I play three or four different pirate characters in the movie.

On Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m., I will play a concert with Marvin Goldstein at the Huntington Beach Central Library in California. Tickets are $5 each (or free with a $25 purchase at The Bookport). You can also meet me between 4 and 6 p.m. at The Bookport in Fountain Valley. I'd love to see you there.

Friday, February 17, 4-6 PM:
THE BOOKPORT
18641 Brookhurst
Fountain Valley, California
714-963-4889

Friday, February 17, 7 PM:
HUNTINGTON BEACH CENTRAL LIBRARY
A Farewell Tribute to Carl and Paulette Schmidt
7111 Talbert
Huntington Beach, California

LDS Film Festival

2006-01-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Next week Saturday, I will do two Actor's Workshops at the LDS Film Festival in Orem, Utah. I am scheduled for two 2-hour sessions, one at 10:00 a.m., the other at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21.

The workshops cost $10.00/each and are being held at the Scera Center for the Arts in Orem (745 South State Street). You can order tickets online at www.scera.org or call at 801-225-ARTS.

At 3:30 p.m., the LDS Film Festival will also screen the premiere of the film "Take a Chance" with Corbin Allred and myself in it. I will be there together with director John Lyde. Tickets for this event are $5.00.

And, I will be playing a few songs prior to the screening of the closing night film of the festival, "The Return," which starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 21. That means I will probably start playing at around 7:00 p.m.

You can look up the festival schedule at www.ldsfilmfestival.org. They have an amazing line-up of films and filmmakers this year. You should definitely check it out. I hope to see you at the festival.

Saturday, January 21, 10 AM:
SCERA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Actor's Workshop I
745 South State Street
Orem, Utah
801-225-ARTS

Saturday, January 21, 1 PM:
SCERA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Actor's Workshop II
745 South State Street
Orem, Utah
801-225-ARTS

Saturday, January 21, 3:30 PM:
SCERA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Premiere of "Take a Chance"
745 South State Street
Orem, Utah
801-225-ARTS

Saturday, January 21, 7:00 PM:
SCERA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Pre-Concert for Premiere of "The Return"
745 South State Street
Orem, Utah
801-225-ARTS