RONDEZVOUS The Official Blog of Ron Irizarry

One Republic - It's A Shame | Lyrics & Chords

2010-12-28T22:23:00.006-05:00

Have had a bunch of request for the lyrics and chords of this song from my YouTube account, so here it is...
It was written by my friend Ryan Tedder from One Republic.
Enjoy...

Hope & Prayers for Haiti...

2010-01-17T20:46:00.005-05:00

In 1998 I had the honor and privilege to go on a missions trip to Haiti... My experience there changed my life forever... My heart goes out to the people of Haiti... Hope and continued prayers to the people of Haiti...

Playlist Pick: La Dessalinienne (Haiti National Anthem)

Thankful For: Life...

SCARED AWAY - Lyrics & Chords

2010-01-03T23:58:00.003-05:00

I had a recent request for the lyrics & chords for my song, "Scared Away".
I was flattered to find out that it was for the purpose of being covering on YouTube.
TheJBMusicman, this is for you!
Enjoy!

Playlist Pick: Scared Away - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Friends on the world wide web!

Music, music, music...

2009-12-17T14:03:00.005-05:00

Here's some quick music snippets of some acoustic songs I just recorded.
Hope you enjoy!

URBAN FLATS TONIGHT!!! 11.12.09

2009-11-12T12:21:00.003-05:00

Playlist Pick: Fireflies - Owl City
Thankful For: Weather cooling down here in Orlando finally! Woo hoo!!!

This Owl City song is growing on me. Never was a big fan of the emo male vocal fad, but really like this song, and the video is really cool to. Congrats to Adam Young for all his success!

Well, the weather is cooling down here in Central Florida, and it's starting to feel life Fall! Gigging at Urban Flats tonight at Towers of Waterford Lakes here in Orlando. Ladies drink free from 10PM to 12AM, so come on out for some really great food, fun, and music!

Have a great day all & hope to see you soon!

Cheers!!!

LIVE MUSIC W/ RON IRIZARRY THIS WEEK NOV. 12TH-14TH

2009-11-11T13:20:00.005-05:00

Playlist Pick: Untouchable - Luna Halo
Thankful For: My parents meeting years ago on this day, getting married, and giving me the opportunity of life...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 10.19.09

2009-10-20T02:17:00.003-04:00

Here's a song from a little ways back. It was written in 2000 w/ my good friend Michael Tait of the Grammy winning group dcTalk and current lead singer of The Newsboys. We wrote it in the Fall/Winter of 2000, when he came down for a visit. The content is obvious, a run of the mill break-up song. Who doesn't go through breakups, right? It's about the lessons learned from them and how you can apply them to your life in a positive way that counts. We had a good time writing then demo-ing the tune. When I was touring the college circuit heavily I released a limited CD to the college market called "TWEAK" which included this song. It's currently out of print, but I may release it digitally in the future.

Here's the link for the studio version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jFVh5dUoJM Listen for Michael Tait's background vocals. What a voice that guy has. I was blessed to have worked w/ him on this tune.

My good friend Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC shopped me to every major label back then, and we had a meeting w/ Arista Records and LA Reid. We played this tune in the meeting and the A&R guy really dug the tune and said, "this could be your first singe!" Although the deal never solidified w/ Arista, it was a great validation that they dug the tune. I remember them telling me that they had to focus on a few new artists that they had just signed, then they would get to me. One of those newly signed artist's was Avril Lavigne.

Enjoy the tune...

Playlist Pick: Too Late - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: God's Love, I know his love is real & is always with me...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 10.12.09

2009-10-12T13:14:00.002-04:00

I wrote this song thinking about the vulnerability of men in relationships and how I was raised to believe what I believe in respect to it all. In society one message given to men growing up is that they are the ones to be in charge, handle everything, take care of everything. The truth is we are all human and need the support and assistance of other human beings in our lives. This song speaks of that vulnerability which in my opinion is much more powerful than any physical, mental, or emotional force. I'll leave you with that to ponder, hope you enjoy the song...

Playlist Pick: Wonderful - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Just being alive man, it's great to be ALIVE!!!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 9.28.09

2009-09-28T15:27:00.002-04:00

This is an original song I wrote in the Winter of 1999 while I was on tour w/ *NSYNC. I started writing it in the dressing room of a hockey arena where we were playing somewhere in Canada. I remember the room was very reverb-ish, and my guitar sounded really good and echoey. I came back home to Orlando and finished the song building a really cool loop using the AKAI MPC Drum Machine and recording the original demo on the ROLAND VS-880 (for all you gear heads). In the recorded version of the song that you can find on iTunes, I used a Baby Taylor for the guitar solo in the song. Hope you all enjoy this stripped down version, and to all my New York friends and fans... Here's to you... I love NY!!!

Playlist Pick: NYC - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Being able to feel FALL in the air...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 9.21.09

2009-09-20T23:13:00.004-04:00

I was out in LA last Summer at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. I was winding down from a long day of travel, and rehearsal at Sound Stage with the band for my appearance on The Late Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson the next day. I was so exhausted from the day's events, and I was about to turn in when I turned on the TV to VH1, and there was this new artist playing. The song was really really good, as well as the video, so I waited till the end to see who it was. It was Matt Nathanson, and I've been a fan of this song ever since. A few months later a friend of mine had the CD on his kitchen table. I opened it up and read the linear notes and credits, as I enjoy reading and knowing that information. The record was actually recorded and produced by a gentleman named Marshall Altman. Marshall Altman was the Director of A&R at Hollywood Records, and actually took an interest in my music when Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC was shopping me and making rounds at all the Major labels. I think Hollywood eventually passed on me, but Marshall was a very kind guy as my memory serves me. I guess he's shifted into music production which is great, because he's got some really great projects that he has worked on. Check him out here: http://www.marshallaltman.com/
Thanks for reading & please enjoy my humble interpretation of Matt Nathanson's Come On Get Higher...

Playlist Pick: Come On Get Higher - Matt Nathanson
Thankful For: The changing of the seasons...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 9.14.09

2009-09-14T22:16:00.003-04:00

This is an original song I wrote in 2003. It's about being courageous to reach out for love again amidst previous hurt or heartbreak. Usually when you're hurt by something, you are more apt to be fearful of reaching out again to the place you were hurt, or any similarity of that place of hurt. This song is about taking a good faith step into the fear, pushing through the fear, and reaching out again to connect. Hope you enjoy it, and hope it touches your heart and encourages you were you are...

Playlist Pick: Arms Of Love - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: A productive day...

XL106.7's Jayde Is Listening...

2009-09-13T16:41:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Baby All My Life (King of Queens Theme) - Billy Vera
Thankful For: Opportunity to do what I love to do and create music...

Ahh Fall... My favorite time of the year. Summer's done burned us up, and now it's time to cool off and relax in the nice chill weather. I'm looking forward to firing up my fire pit and hanging outside. I love Fall!!!

I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Johnny & Jayde Morning Show on XL106.7 here in Orlando. It was a while ago, and I brought some copies of my record to give to Johnny & Jayde as a token of my thanks for letting me come be a guest on their show. Three days ago I got a tweet mention from Ms. Jayde herself saying that she was listening to my music in her car. How cool is that! I feel super special that one of Orlando's top DJ's and Radio Personalities was spinning my record while she was commuting, and then taking the time to tweet about it! Jayde if you read this, THANK YOU!!!! You and Johnny have been a great support for us locals here in town, so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

So all you Twitterers follow @radiojayde, @JohnnyMagic1067, @JohnnyandJayde Morning Show, and @xl1067!!!

AND, to all of you who don't have a copy of my record, you can click on one of the following links & purchase it TODAY!!!!

Jayde's listening... so should YOU :)

Peace to you all & see you on the flip side...
~Ron

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 9.7.09

2009-09-07T15:49:00.002-04:00

THIS WEEK: YOUNG & FREE BY RON IRIZARRY

This is an original song from my self titled album released in 2000 when I was on tour opening up for *nsync on their highly successful "No Strings Attached" Tour. I performed this song all over the US and Canada to sold out Arenas, Stadiums, & Amphitheaters 20,000 to 60,000 strong. I was backstage at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena after one of my opening sets, talking to Entertainment Attorney Todd Rubinstein, and he said to me, "That song has to be in a Pepsi Commercial!"

My most memorable show performing this song was at Madison Square Garden in New York City. We did 4 sold out shows back to back. The audiences went crazy over the song's anthemic message and energy making it a crowd favorite! Good times, good times...

Playlist Pick: Scared Away - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: A gorgeous first day of Fall!!!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 8.31.09

2009-08-31T22:05:00.002-04:00

Playlist Pick: Valentine - Kina Grannis
Thankful For: A happy successful Monday!!!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 8.24.09

2009-08-24T08:48:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Scared Away - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Another week to continue the pursuit of my dreams. It's all good people!!!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 8.17.09

2009-08-17T23:08:00.002-04:00

Playlist Pick: The Voice Within - Christina Aguilera
Thankful For: Strength from above...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 8.10.09

2009-08-10T11:20:00.002-04:00

Playlist Pick: Good Times - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: R&R at the beach!

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 8.4.09 | August & Everything After...

2009-08-04T02:38:00.000-04:00

Playlist Pick: Rain King - Counting Crows
Thankful For: Being loved...

Ahh, August...

2009 has moved at the speed of light. Just a quick note to fill you in on what's up. I continue to gig steadily, & I've been writing & creating new material w/ some great writers I've been working with. I'm hooked on a new show on MTV called Making His Band about musicians that’s really cool, and I’ve been enjoying the Summer!

I'm gigging all throughout August, so please check my schedule at www.ronmusic.com for all the dates and times. Come out for some music and fun as always! I have been co-writing new songs with a really great musician named Greg Hejja. It's been really great to collaborate with someone who you can connect with. We are a couple songs in, and the chemistry is really great. So, I'm excited about the future songs we will collaborate on. If it's going well this early in the game, then the future looks bright!

So, Making His Band on MTV... Here's the scoop, it's a show where Diddy (Sean Combs) is searching for his backup band to tour his new project. The great thing about this show is that it's about musicians and music. His other Making the Band shows were filled with so much fluff and drama, that was focused on, to sell the show. This one, so far, just focuses on the music, the musicians, and a more vulnerable side of Diddy. You can see the look of fear on his face here and there as he focuses on really coming back in a big way with his music. I really appreciate the human side he shows of himself. I admire his hard work and dedication to his craft and business. It's an inspiring story for me, for a man who started at the bottom, and worked his way to the top of his game. I aspire to follow his model, and he inspires me to continue to work hard at my dreams until they are fully realized. I'm on his twitter feed, and he started a "Locked In" movement where you focus and work hard on what you do. Late last night he re-tweeted one of my tweets to him. Call me a dork, but technology is amazing. Something I wrote to him, he read and reacted to it, taking the energy to re-post it right after I posted it. So I got a response from Diddy! I was really excited! He has no clue who I am, but it was a technology based connection. Hopefully before I die, I'll get to meet Mr. Combs and work on music with him.

Real quick! Tomorrow night I'll be doing an online interview that I'm really excited about on Artist On Demand Channel on BlogTalkRadio. I'm super stoked about it, so please listen in. All the info is below, just click and the link will take you there. If you are free, please stop by and listen in!

Lastly, this Friday night I'm performing for the 2nd SHO Foundation "Art SHO". Visit www.shofoundation.org for all info and stop by!!! Rubox will be doing some colabo's with me. It's gonna be a fun night for a great cause!!!

Peace and have an amazing day!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 8.3.09

2009-08-03T23:13:00.000-04:00

Playlist Pick: It's A Shame - One Republic
Thankful For: Music, and the magical, spiritual effect it has on me...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 7.20.09

2009-07-20T19:06:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Beat It - Michael Jackson
Thankful For: The rain days...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 7.13.09

2009-07-13T20:23:00.003-04:00

Playlist Pick: Her Diamonds - Rob Thomas
Thankful For: The opportunity to live, laugh, create...

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 7.06.09

2009-07-06T16:04:00.003-04:00

Playlist Pick: Faith - George Michael
Thankful For: Water, the elixir of life...

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 7.3.09

2009-07-04T00:10:00.006-04:00

Playlist Pick: Ben - Michael Jackson
Thankful For: Freedom!!!

NEW MUSIC MONDAY | RON IRIZARRY | ACOUSTIC SESSIONS | 6.22.09

2009-06-22T11:34:00.005-04:00

Playlist Pick: Disconnected - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Summertime!!!

Indie Film Jam Recap & Kris Allen American Idol!

2009-05-23T00:52:00.017-04:00

Playlist Pick: Heartless - Kris Allen (Kanye West - Cover)
Thankful For: Friends

Just a quick update from last weeks Indie Film Jam at the Florida Music Festival. It was a really great time, and the biggest thing that made it the great experience it was, were all the positive, supportive people I got to meet, and the positive vibe and energy from everyone there. I hung out with my friend and music video director David Bermejo who was also screening a video.

John Theisen, the Program Director of the Indie Film Jam, has really created a positive and supportive atmosphere. Everyone I met, directors, artists, musicians, were just so positive and supportive. It's not something you usually experience in the entertainment industry. Usually people are looking out for themselves, so man was it refreshing!

I got to meet some really cool people. The winners of the audience award for the music video competition were a band called "King Bee". I had the opportunity to meet them, and they were very very cool down to earth guys. They were kind enough to give me some of their music, and I quickly loaded it onto my iPhone where I've been acquainting myself with their bluesy, raw, rock sound. Check them out, you'll dig em'!

Brook Pifer Rockstar Photographer was on site shooting photos and doing her thing. She also had all the bands and artists take part in a music video of a cover of "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. It's going to be awesome once it's released.

Late Saturday night, I got to hang out with my bud David Siegel. David wrote the biggest hip-hop hit of 2008 (Whatever You Like by T.I.), and the biggest hip-hop hit of 2009, (Kiss Me Through The Phone by Soulja Boy).

I also took part in an artist on artist interview with Real Radio 104.1 personality, and singer Tiffany Martin, and one of the members of the band The Schmeltz . We hung out on the Gibson Tour Bus, and jammed out on an impromptu version of "Umbrella" by Rihanna.

Lastly, CONGRATS TO KRIS ALLEN, for winning American Idol. He's definitely music for the common man. I think he'll do a lot better as a commercial artist than his challenger was. The underdog pulls through man! I love it!

Have a great evening, and see you soon!

INDIE FILM JAM | 1 More go...

2009-05-16T13:18:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: It's A Shame - One Republic
Thankful For: Positive peers in my industry

Hello friends!
One more go, tonight. Indie Film Jam at the Florida Music Festival. Music video program starts at 11PM, with awards ceremony right after. Red carpet arrivals... A little Hollywood in Orlando... It all goes down at City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando. COME OUT AT SUPPORT!!!!

Peace and enjoy your weekend all!!!

RON IRIZARRY @ INDIE FILM JAM 09

2009-05-14T15:28:00.008-04:00

Playlist Pick: Battlefield - Jordin Sparks
Thankful For: LIFE, LIFE, LIFE!!!

Come out to the Indie Film Jam tonight and Saturday night and watch my music video to "Henry Poole Is Here". It's gonna be an awesome night.

Also my good friend and talented "Rock Star Photographer" Brook Pifer will be shooting pics at her mobile photo studio at City Arts Factory. Stop by and get your photo done by a celebrity photographer!

Lastly, my boy Ryan Tedder is on fire, hot off the heels of Beyonce's latest single "Halo", he performed alongside Jordin Sparks on American Idol last night on her new single "Battlefield" that he wrote and produced! Check it out!

Have a great night, and follow me on twitter ya'll!!!

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 5.11.09

2009-05-11T00:21:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Wicked Game - Chris Isaak
Thankful For: Friends and family that hold me up...

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 4.10.09

2009-04-09T23:26:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Daylight - Kelly Rowland
Thankful For: God's grace and love even when you don't feel it...

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 3.30.09

2009-03-30T19:06:00.003-04:00

Playlist Pick: Beautiful Day - U2
Thankful For: Gorgeous weather today!!!

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 3.25.09

2009-03-25T03:35:00.003-04:00

Playlist Pick: Birthday - The Beatles
Thankful For: MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!

"SHO-N-Tell"

2009-03-25T03:10:00.007-04:00

Playlist Pick: Love of the Loveless - The Eels
Thankful For: The ability to help and inspire others

Monday was an awesome day with the Sho Foundation's first "SHO-N-Tell" event working with the children at Digital U. Check out the behind the scenes video at the link below!

http://www.vimeo.com/3835944

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 3.17.09

2009-03-17T15:34:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: With Or Without You - U2
Thankful For: Fitness and getting in shape

ronmusic | e-newsletter | 3.13.09

2009-03-13T19:06:00.005-04:00

Playlist Pick: Pretty Young Thing (Michael Jackson) - Danny Gokey
Thankful For: The weekend!!!

Put On A Happy Face :)

2009-02-28T14:58:00.009-05:00

Playlist Pick: Put On A Happy Face
Thankful For: Laughing and smiling with loved ones

It is a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, and I am unbelievably happy to be alive! I had one of the best days last week celebrating my fiancee's birthday. We went out to the Magic Kingdom at Disney, and it was so fun. We rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, went to the Haunted Mansion, and saw the Monster's Inc. Comedy Show. Afterward we went to eat dinner at The Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney. It's just always fun to be around the one's you love, and be able to play like a child.

So the message is, cherish and appreciate your moments while you are there in the moment. I'll leave you with this quote...

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things."
~Robert Brault

If you are out and about this evening, come on by to The Grape at Pointe Orlando. I'll be playing music from 8PM to 11PM.

Have a great weekend!

American Idol

2009-02-21T18:07:00.006-05:00

Playlist Pick: Hero (Mariah Carey) - Danny Gokey
Thankful For: Another day of life and it's opportunities

Hey all, just a quickie here. Kinda fell off the wagon and got behind on the blogs, but I am here to begin again. American Idol is one of my guilty pleasures, and my pick of the season is Danny Gokey. I hope he wins it. What a great voice and attitude, especially with his recent loss.

Anyway, hope all is well w/ everyone. A Henry Poole DVD party is in the works, so stay tuned. We wanted to have it on the release date of January 20th, but it was the same day as the inauguration, and we didn't want to compete.

Have a great evening, God bless, and always hope...

TOMORROW!!!

2009-01-19T18:29:00.004-05:00

Henry Poole Is Here Music Video - Ron Irizarry from Ron Irizarry on Vimeo.
Playlist Pick: Henry Poole Is Here - Ron Irizarry
Thankful For: Faith, Hope, & Love

Unfair Practice...

2009-01-07T19:48:00.005-05:00

Playlist Pick: It's A Shame - Spinners
Thankful For: Genuinely honest players

This is a venting piece. I'm just so troubled by some of the industry people I've met along the way. I hate to give this energy, but it's disheartening when you do your thing, and do it honestly, and some people take advantage of it. Those closest to me know my character and know that I don't have any bad bones in my body to hurt, harm, or practice unfair. Hmmm... It's just sad thing.

All that said, be careful who you hire to do work for you, this message goes out especially to my friends in the entertainment industry.

Have a great day, and stay up!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-12-31T15:46:00.003-05:00

Playlist Pick: Auld Lang Syne
Thankful For: Making it through 2008, and another year to accomplish goals and dreams.

Happy New Year to everyone, your friends, family, and loved ones. Another year has gone by, and I have so much to be thankful for. I made my national television debut this year, got to work with one of Hollywood's biggest directors, attend a film premiere, make wonderful new friends, have my first song on a motion picture soundtrack, have the love of family and friends, growing closer to my fiancee' and learning and loving through it all, another year of life...
So much to be thankful for!!!

A big wish to you and yours this year and the years to come!!!
Wonderful blessings to you...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

Playlist Pick: Christmas In Hollis - Run D.M.C.
Thankful For: Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all!!!
Oh, and watch Fred Claus, it's a hilarious Holiday movie!!!

Pleurisy???

2008-12-20T19:08:00.004-05:00

Playlist Pick: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Thankful For: Lungs and the ability to breathe

The last year and a half I've had some slight breathing problems. About a year or so ago, I went to see a doctor about it and he told me it was stress and to take it easy. Throughout this year here and there it's come up, but has gone away. This week, the last four days it's gotten worse, and this morning it was bad. I took off to see a really great doctor I met last year. It's hard to find doctors that really care, at least in my experience, and after an X-ray, and an EKG, we found out it was pleurisy.

It's quite interesting. Pleurisy is swelling (inflammation) of the thin layers of tissue (pleura) covering the lungs and the chest wall. He was very helpful in educating me on what it was, and prescribed me some antibiotics. Things should clear up in the next week or two, so that is my hope.

It's just hard to feel that I'm not able to take full deep breathes without some discomfort. From a 1 to 10, 10 being the worse, I'm at a 6 with discomfort, and that's a good thing. Like I said, I just want it to go away so I can get back to singing and doing what I love to do.

If you read this, say a prayer for me, and Happy Holidays to you...

Orlando Magic and J.J. Redick

2008-12-19T20:05:00.010-05:00

Playlist Pick: Basketball - Kurtis Blow
Thankful For: Mercy, grace, and blessings

So, last night I had the opportunity to go to the Magic VS. Spurs game. It was really cool! Shout out and thanks to Lauren Williams from the Orlando Magic Organization, and Kane's Furniture for the tickets and meet and greet opportunity with J.J. Redick.

Orlando won the game beating the Spurs 90 to 78. Some really great plays, good food from Subway, great popcorn, and good times with one of my best friends since Jr. High.

After the game we got to meet J.J. Redick. I'm not a huge sports fan. I used to follow the Redskins when I lived up north in PG County, the Noles when my sister went to FSU, and the Magic when Shaq, Penny, and Nick Anderson were on the team. My buddy Nemo filled me in with the latest. J.J. Redick was a really nice guy, and Nemo told me he played for Duke, so I spent some time google-ing him today and finding more about him.

Overall, it was a really great evening, and I'm thankful that I had the chance to have that experience.

Happy Holidays and stay safe...

The Dark Knight round 2...

2008-12-17T14:56:00.003-05:00

Playlist Pick: The Dark Knight Main Theme - Hans Zimmer
Thankful For: Our new dark cherry oak dining table... It's sick!!!

Just a quickie here... Over the Summer, my lovely fiancee' and I went to a midnight showing of The Dark Knight. I'm a huge superhero fan, and have always been a fan of the Batman films. Batman Begins was really great. Watching The Dark Knight, I thought it was incredibly long, and so very convoluted.

I actually went out and purchased the DVD when it came out last week or so, and wanted to give it another chance. Watching it for the 2nd and 3rd time, I've got a new perspective, and absolutely love the film. It kind of just chugs along and stays at a steady pace for me and there never really seems to be an incredible climactic moment, but it works for me, and I really enjoy the film and how it just keeps me there.

That's it for now, going to the S.H.O. Foundation's 1st Annual Charity Event this evening, then off to the Magic game I won tickets for tomorrow...

Rest in peace Heath Ledger...

Lighting strikes twice and I'm a WINNER!!!

2008-12-11T16:30:00.008-05:00

Playlist Pick: Frosty the Snowman - Jimmy Durante
Thankful For: Family and loved ones...

It's Thursday December 11th, 2008. About two weeks ago I was at a Kane's furniture showroom. I was shopping around for a kitchen table. I browsed the store for about 30 minutes, couldn't find anything that caught my interest, so I headed for the front door.

On my way out I saw an Orlando Magic promotional drawing that Kane's was sponsoring. I walked by it, but then I thought to myself, "What the hell, you never know, I entered a contest this past summer and won, so why not just enter?" For a second I thought it was a gimmick like time share or something where they would just put me on a mailing list. I filled out the form, folded it, and dropped it in the slot.

About 15 or so years ago I remember entering a similar drawing at a KFC I believe. That's when Shaq, Penny Hardaway, and Nick Anderson were on the Magic roster. I was living with my grandparents at the time, and I left town for the summer to spend it in Nashville. I remember my grandmother calling me telling me that I had to call this number to claim this prize. She didn't tell me what the prize was for or anything. Back then, our area codes were not flooded, so we didn't have to dial them, just the 7 digits. My grandmother gave me the 7 digits, and I called using the 407 area code. I kept getting a wrong number, and my grandmother kept telling me these people kept calling and leaving messages for me to call and claim this prize before the deadline.

Long story short, because of the miscommunication, I found out later that I had won the KFC/Magic drawing and I had to call to claim the prize which was first class round-trip tickets to an away game, dinner with the team, 5 star hotel accommodations, and limo service to and from the game. I didn't call to meet the deadline to claim the prize because of the miscommunication, and it was given to an alternate. MAN, I WAS PISSED!!!! I remember how bummed I was. It was a Friday night when I found out, and I was out with some friends. I was so bummed :(

Fast forward to two days ago, I got a call from the Orlando Magic telling me that I had won the Kane's promotional drawing, and I won two tickets to next weeks game against the San Antonio Spurs, plus a meet and greet at the end of the game with one of the Magic players. How cool was that! I was so happy!!! I felt as if it were redemption from what I lost out on 15 or so years ago.

So, the moral of the story is, YOU NEVER KNOW UNLESS YOU TRY.
So when you are questioning taking a chance on something, take the chance. If fear keeps you from things you are working at attaining, don't let fear win. Take the chance, and give it a try, and if it doesn't work out, then try again, and again, and again, because eventually it will come through...

Happy holidays, be safe and well...

And the Nominees are...

2008-12-09T15:17:00.005-05:00

Playlist Pick: Whatever You Like - T.I.
Thankful For: Living

Just a quick entry here... Thanks for all the encouraging and uplifting emails and messages I've received. I was very fortunate to be on a ballot with so many talented artists and writers. Here are the nominees for the category that I was on the ballot for:

Category 84

Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media
(A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)

Down To Earth (From Wall-E)
Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman, songwriters (Peter Gabriel)
Track from: Wall-E
[Walt Disney Records/Pixar; Publishers: Walt Disney Music, Wonderland Music/Pixar Talking Pictures/Pixar Music]
Ever Ever After (From Enchanted)
Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
Track from: Enchanted
[Walt Disney Records; Publishers: Wonderland Music & Walt Disney Music]
Say (From The Bucket List)
John Mayer, songwriter (John Mayer)
Track from: Continuum
[Aware/Columbia; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tunes, Specific Harm Music]
That's How You Know (From Enchanted)
Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Amy Adams)
Track from: Enchanted
[Walt Disney Records; Publishers: Wonderland Music & Walt Disney Music]
Walk Hard (From Walk Hard — The Dewey Cox Story)
Judd Apatow, Marshall Crenshaw, Jake Kasdan & John C. Reilly, songwriters (John C. Reilly)
Track from: Walk Hard The Dewey Cox Story
[Columbia; Publishers: Murder by Television/Apatow Music/Popular Misconception/New Columbia Pictures Music/Colpix Music]

Congrats to the nominees! Oh, check out my Playlist Pick of Whatever You Like by T.I. The track was co-written by my good friend David Siegel who played on a few tracks of my last album "What You Hide Is What You Find". Congrats to your success man! Have a great day and Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas to you all!!!

GRAMMY DAY!!!

2008-12-03T13:35:00.006-05:00

Playlist Pick: Grammy Family - Kanye West
Thankful For: The opportunity to be so close to winning a Grammy!

It is Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 3:17PM Eastern Standard Time.
Today is the day that the nominees for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards are announced. The nominations will be posted on GRAMMY.com after the CBS special tonight dubbed, "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night," airing from 9–10 p.m.

This day is relatively special to me because I'm one of the fortunate ones on the Official Grammy Ballot. How did I get to be one of the artists on this prestigious document?

I'll nutshell it for you...

Over the summer, I wrote a song for a contest on MySpace. The contest was to write a theme song for the upcoming Luke Wilson film, "Henry Poole Is Here". From over 3,500 entries, my song was selected by Director Mark Pellington, Overture Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, and the MySpace Community. It was an amazing moment. I had never really won anything like this before. I think I won a set of steak knifes in a raffle at a Zayre's when I was in Jr. High. Anyway, from the win, I got to make a music video with the director from the film, Mark Pellington, attended the Hollywood Premiere of the film where my music video was debuted in front of 500 Hollywood Stars, Actors, Producers, Press, etc... It was so exciting. I then had an appearance on The Late Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson on CBS, my music video was widely featured on MySpace, and it will be included on the DVD release of the film. The theme song was also added to the Henry Poole Is Here Official Motion Picture Soundtrack, and was featured as the title track.

I was up late one night checking my MySpace inbox, and someone had sent me a message congratulating me for making the Grammy ballot for "Henry Poole Is Here". I remember running to my fiancee' and saying, "look at this, is this real, or some kind of spam thing?" The next day I confirmed the ballot inclusion with a friend who is a voting member of NARAS, and he sent me a copy of the offical ballot.

Since then, I've been sending positive thoughts out into the universe, and asking everyone to do the same. Since I was a child, from age 13, I knew music was my destiny, my career path for my life, and more so, something I knew I had to do and needed. I attended a concert by a singer named Russ Taff (who is actually a 3 time Grammy winner), and my life was changed. My father took my brother and I, and I was mesmerized by what I heard, what I saw. The sounds, the way they touched my soul and affected me. It was magical, and to this day still is. One of my favorite records by Russ Taff was called Medals. The songs and the sound of that record was created by a producer named Jack Joseph Puig (also a Grammy winner). As I grew up, I listened to many of his records he produced. He recently did one of John Mayer's records, and is currently working with one of my best friend's, Ashley Clark, and his brother's "The Clark Brothers," who won last year's Fox's "Next Great American Band".

So whichever way the cards fall tonight, whether I make it from ballot to nominee. It's been an amazing ride, and it's not over yet either. That's the great news of it all. I never thought I'd be this close to achieving a Grammy Award for something I created. I have friends that have won Grammys that I've held in my own hands, but this moment, this time, is so very beautiful and exciting for me.

Tonight one of my best friends is throwing a Grammy party for me, for the achievement of making it as far as I have, and if it's in the stars for me tonight, we will celebrate a nomination too.

Thank you all for your beautiful words of encouragement over the last few months.
I appreciate each and every one of you who have taken the time to reach out and express your thoughts to me.

Have a blessed and amazing day, don't EVER give up on your goals and aspirations, and may your wildest dreams come true...

Virgin...

2008-11-30T15:17:00.004-05:00

Playlist Pick: You Don't Understand Me - The Raconteurs
Thankful For: Grace & understanding

Took a walk to Virgin Megastore the other day while on break during a gig at the House of Blues. I was excited and happy to find my record between two really great bands from two different genres. INXS, which is one of my favorite bands of the 80's and 90's (Michael Hutchence rest in peace...) and Iron Maiden, one of the all time greatest hard rock bands. So, I'm in good company and on my way. Looking forward to when I'm in the number one best sellers rack.

Wishing you all a successful, peaceful, and worry-free day. Life is too short, love your fellow man, and work through the challenges and conflict with your loved ones... It's truly worth it all...

Life is too short...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2008-11-27T13:35:00.005-05:00

Playlist Pick: Thankful - Kelly Clarkson
Thankful For: Friends and family

Just a quick Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends, family, fans, friend's families, fan's families... I'm off to eat some turkey and enjoy some quality time with my loved ones. My hope and wish for you today is that you feel love like you have never felt it before, in a beautiful, positive, healthful way...

Thanks for all your support over the years...
Blessings to you and yours...

Down to earth...

2008-11-26T14:00:00.014-05:00

Playlist Pick: Blur - Britney Spears
Thankful For: Hey, it's THANKSGIVING tomorrow! One day away!!!

So, I'm streaming the new Britney Spears album Circus. Some of it is the usual ear candy, but there are two songs that I have really enjoyed and connected to. My Playlist Pick, Blur, is one of them. It's a cool track, chill, and has a really cool vibe to it. The other one is Out From Under. You can actually hear her singing voice in pure form where it doesn't sound all processed and produced.

I spent a few years on the road opening up for *nsync back in the day, and lived on a bus with Chris, JC, and Justin. Britney would come out and hang with us riding from city to city on her down time. I remember her just being a jeans and t-shirt southern girl. So, it's been something to see the twists and turns on her journey.

Anyway, this is not the reason for this blog here, so sorry for the tangent.

This past Sunday, I had the chance to hang out with my good friend Ryan Tedder from the band One Republic. We were both playing the House of Blues in Orlando. Ryan and I met back during the *nsync days as well. Chris and I were college buddies so he had took me under his wing and was graciously helping me with my music career. Ryan recounted his story of the day we met, and told me that he sneaked into the *nsync show at then Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, and we met later that night after the show at Cafe Coco.

Not too long after Ryan went on to win a talent contest that Lance was doing for MTV. I remember watching him and just thinking, "Wow, this guy's something else!" We kept in touch over the years, and his cousin and best friend of mine Ashley Clark was at my studio. I was producing demos for Ashley and he told me that Ryan had moved to LA and started a band called "Republic". I remember going on Pure Volume and downloading their songs. It was 2004, and one of those songs was "Apologize", which later would become their biggest hit and first number 1.

Ryan's had some remarkable accomplishments in his career. He also had a number 1 with the Leona Lewis single, "Bleeding Love". It's cool to be out and about shopping, getting gas, eating out, and hearing Ryan's work playing through the sound system.

Through it all, my good friend has remained the most genuine, down to earth, and encouraging friend to me, as I continue on in my music career endeavors. It's a great blessing to be inspired by someone who has worked his tail off and reaped the well deserved fruit of his labor.

If you haven't checked out his band One Republic in depth. Take the time to discover their music and sound.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, count your blessings, and peace to all...

THIRTY THREE DOLLARS!!!

2008-11-24T13:43:00.002-05:00

Playlist Pick: The Gas Face - 3rd Bass
Thankful For: Sunny beautiful day

Last night I was on empty. I drive a Ford Explorer SUV. Since the CEO's and Oil Tycoon's have been living large this past year with our hard earned dollars, it's been rough on the wallet. Well, God only knows why, since gas has dropped like $2 dollars in the last 8 weeks. Things have been a little easier. My vehicle fills up on roughly 18 gallons of gas. I remember this summer pumping $75 to $80 dollars worth of gas just to fill my tank. Last night, I filled up on $33 DOLLARS!!!! What?! Yes, $33 DOLLARS. That's pretty amazing! Hopefully it will stay like this for a long while, a very long while!!!

A lot of talk I've heard for reasons why gas has dropped is because George W. is leaving office. ?????? OK? I've asked the people who gave this reason to explain it, and... They seem to have no valid explanation of it. Not to get all political here. Everyone has their own opinion, but GW's been demonized and beyond. It's like, "I dropped my ice cream cone", It's Bush's fault. "I got a speeding ticket", It's Bush's fault, "My girlfriend cheated on me", It's Bush's fault, and on and on. Here's an interesting article by Jeffrey Scott Shapiro (investigative reporter, lawyer, and previous intern with John Kerry's legal team).

Anyway, I'm just really glad that gas is down. It's something to be very thankful for, and a great Christmas gift, that we should continue to get everyday for the rest of our lives...

Peace to all, whatever your political stance, we are all Americans...
God bless the USA...

Helping Hand Foundation @ UCF

2008-11-22T16:59:00.008-05:00

Playlist Pick: Say - John Mayer
Thankful For: The breath of life

I just returned from a very positive and successful charity event for the Helping Hand Foundation. I had the great privilege of working with a gentleman by the name of Trevor Clark from the Theta Chi Fraternity. He invited me to be a part of the event that was a 5K run and Bar-B-Q, as well as the benefit concert all held at Memory Mall across from the UCF Arena.

It was an extremely positive day! The weather, all the people there, and the positive energy in the air. There's something about positive energy. If you surround yourself with it, it charges you in such a great way. It feeds my soul to know that there are genuinely kindhearted people still in the world. I believe it is at everybody's core, something we are born with. The difference is where people get wounded in their life, and the unprocessed hurt that stays bottled up into anger without any healthy discharge... I'm rambling...

Best Buy was kind enough to provide sound for the day, and Stefanotto was on the roster for the day, so we got to perform "SO CRAZY". If you haven't heard it, please check it out. We always get so many positive comments when we perform it. Peter Baldwin was hanging out before Stefanotto took the stage, so it was good to see him. If you havn't checked him out, please do. He's really great! Artisitc, the real deal... Also, Bubbalou's brought the BBQ and it was good.

Ok, off to my next gig this evening at The Grape. I'll be at the House of Blues tomorrow. Ryan and his band One Republic will be in the main hall, so hopefully we'll get a chance to say hello and catch up for a bit.

Be well, be loved...

CALL RON IRIZARRY (323) 622-8590

2008-11-21T16:06:00.007-05:00

CALL RON IRIZARRY (323) 622-8590 from Ron Irizarry on Vimeo.

Playlist Pick: The Beastles - Tripper
Thankful For: Hey, it's Friday!!!

Just got introduced to this new service online called Say Now. Stop on by and check out my page, call my number, leave a message, keep in touch with my latest updates. Fun times...

Hey, it's Friday!!! Have a great day, a great weekend, and check out this inspiring quote by Mother Teresa that my friend Eric Lusion posted on his facebook page below...

"People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you"ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you"ve got anyway." - Mother Teresa

On my way to GRAMMY!!!

2008-11-21T00:14:00.006-05:00

Playlist Pick: Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson
Thankful For: The cool Autumn weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2008

RON IRIZARRY On Official Entry Ballot For 2009 Grammy Awards

Film, Music, Entertainment

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences has placed Ron Irizarry on the official entry ballot for the 2009 Grammy Awards in the following category: Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media - Henry Poole Is Here (From Henry Poole Is Here) Ron Irizarry was the recent winner of the Henry Poole Is Here songwriting contest hosted by Overture Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, and MySpace Music. His winning song of the same title beat out over 3500 entries. With his win, Irizarry filmed his first music video for the song with legendary music video and film director Mark Pellington, who has worked with the likes of Richard Gere, Tim Robbins, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. The music video premiered on MySpace Movies, and to date has over 66,000 views. The winning song was included as the title track on the official motion picture soundtrack and the music video will be included on the DVD release. Irizarry then made his national television debut performing the song on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS, with rave reviews, and was a special guest at the film's Hollywood Premiere alongside stars, Luke Wilson & George Lopez, where his music video was debuted on the big screen before the film's screening. This marks Ron Irizarry's first official entry ballot for an award. Nominations will be announced on December 3, 2008 on CBS. "I am so honored to be on the entry ballot," says Irizarry. "To be in the company of such great artists and songwriters like Diane Warren, John Mayer, and Alicia Keys, is such a great and validating feeling! I hope to follow in the footsteps of the many great musicians that came before me."

If you haven't heard the song or gotten a copy of Ron's album, what are you waiting for?! Available now on iTunes and CDBaby.com. Visit Ron Irizarry's Official website and hear samples of his music at www.ronmusic.com or at www.myspace.com/ronirizarry.

For more information contact:
Email: info@ronmusic.com

I GOT SHOT!!! ...but not fatally wounded.

2008-11-11T20:34:00.016-05:00

Ron Irizarry photo shoot by Brook Pifer from Brook Pifer RockstarPhotographer on Vimeo.

Playlist Pick: Ever the Same - Rob Thomas
Thankful For: Having a beautiful woman that loves me unconditionally

It is Tuesday night 9:48 PM. I am sitting at my desk staring at my Samsung SyncMaster 941BW monitor that is displaying code in the form of images fed from my Macbook. I love my Macbook. Apple has done a successful job selling a lifestyle, not just products, and they have me hooked. Rockin' the iPhone as well thanks to my lovely fiancee' and her kind hearted gift-giving.

I can't help but think of how blessed and fortunate I am right now. Life is good, and at this very moment, I am in a very still moment of calm and relaxation.

Yesterday, I had the great priviledge of working with one of the industry's top photographers Mrs. Brook Pifer. What a wonderful gift this woman has. She just knows how to capture moods, vibes, and moments. It was my second time working with her, and it was an awesome time. I was very lucky to have my fiancee' along with me to keep my company and be an awesome source of support. I'm usually trucking off to events by myself, so I was blessed and thankful that she gave up her day off to spend it with me on a work day.

Along for the trek as well was my good friend and high-end uber stylist Diana Munoz. If you ever need some new style, go see her at Ego Lab and she'll hook you up like you've never been hooked up. I don't see her work as a hair cut, trim, color, etc... rathar, I see it as art. She seems to create works of art, masterpieces, if you will from the blank canvas of her client's hair. It's good stuff, so check her out when you get a chance.

The day started in the studio, wardrobe picked out, first set up, wardrobe change, second set up, and so on. We ulimately ended up in the streets of Winter Park shooting around wherever Brook found cool spots. If you watch the video (shot mostly by my lovely fiancee'), you'll see what I mean. It was a great day, and I'm very excited to see the outcome of the collective effort by all there that day.

It is now 10:22 PM, Tuesday night. I just drank a FIJI bottled water, and am on my second. Yes, I am happy! My fiancee' called and will be home soon. Also, I'm thinking Grammy!!! I made the Grammy ballot, and will find out if I am a nominee on December 3rd!!! Lakeshore Records (The #1 Soundtrack Label In The Word!) has been so kind through this whole journey, and I'm just excited all around. Tonight I hung up pictures of Grammys on the fridge, bathroom mirrors in the house, in my office in front of me, and in my Explorer. The power of positive thinking! Think Grammy=get Grammy.

Be well friends, love one another...

Chicago Filipino American Film Festival Finalist

2008-11-05T23:32:00.008-05:00

Playlist Pick: Lost - Coldplay
Thankful For: 2 more days til Friday.

Ron Irizarry’s music video for "Henry Poole Is Here" has been accepted as a finalist in the 5th Annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival music video program, and will be presented on Friday, November 7 at 10pm along with other festival finalists. The winner will be announced at the end of the evening. If you are in the Chicago area, please make it out to support Ron’s music video, as this will be the first appearance of his work in a film festival! Special thanks to CFAFF, Overture Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, Mark Pellington, and MySpace for the wonderful opportunity! Please visit www.cfaff.org for more information, and the Facebook Event page for all festival details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=43505060279

Excercising my right...

2008-11-04T23:55:00.005-05:00

Playlist Pick: Kool-Aid - Crushed I.C.E.
Thankful For: Freedom

Today I had the opportunity to excercise my right. Today I voted. I've voted in every general election since I turned 18 and take it very seriously. God bless our country, God bless us all...

Fall Leaves...

2008-10-22T15:39:00.004-04:00

Playlist Pick: Forever - Chris Brown

One of my most favorite things to do in the Fall when I was a young child was to preserve leaves in wax paper. It was something I always looked forward to doing when that time of the year rolled around. Art was my favorite thing to do in school, so when we got to do this project I was really excited. I vividly remember sitting at my elementary school desk on my wooden school chair with the metal legs and frame, and the wooden seat and back rest (they could not have been that comfortable, maybe that explains my back pain today). My desk was made of similar structure, wood desktop and metal frame and legs.

Anyway, I remember our assignment of bringing in leaves for arts and crafts. I was so excited to pick out the biggest and most colorful leaf to bring into class. Arts and crafts were usually done at the end of the day right before school let out. We would all get our leaves out, the teacher would pass out wax paper, then we would put the leaf in the middle of two sheets of wax paper, then the teacher and teacher's assistant would come around with an iron and iron our leaf together preserving it in the wax paper. At that time we would pull out our school scissors. I had a pair that I kept in my Snoopy school box (what I called it) that I still have today.

Man, I love that school box! It makes me feel happy! Scissors in hand, we would cut out our leaf from the wax paper, following the outline of the leaf, and then we'd have our finished product! I remember taking it home to mom and dad and showing them with excitement what I had accomplished at school. It was far more important to me than my grades or the "A" that I got on my spelling test, or my penmanship awards.

So, as we Floridians begin to feel hints of what is our Fall season, I reminisce on the days of old. The simple things that made me so happy to be alive!!!

Have a great day, and remember, it is the small simple positive things all around us, that if we choose to focus on, makes life worth so much more to live...

BEST BUY was best!!!

2008-10-18T16:49:00.013-04:00

Playlist Pick: Staple It Together - Jack Johnson

Another late post, but hey, better late than never...
The kind people at Best Buy invited me to perform at the Grand Opening of their new Musical Instruments Store last Saturday. It was a really great day, a freeing day. I arrived a little early for load in and sound check, and pulling into the parking lot, the Florida Fall had not yet kicked in as it was in the high 80's, and not that of the music genre. Man it was hot! It was a Saturday afternoon, so the store was pretty packed with shoppers too.

Once inside, I tried to soak in the cool breeze of air-conditioning, but I was still setting up and sound checking, and at a high rate of activity. All was set, so I did my pre-show ritual of just trying to find a quiet place to relax before singing. I had enough time to stroll the store and check out all the new DVD releases as well as some music. People began to arrive, so I took to the stage and got ready to do my thang...

It was a quick set of 30 minutes, so I began with one of my songs titled "Opportunity" (which can currently be heard exclusively at: http://www.sorealunlimited.com/ Check it out!!!). I played a few more tunes, then my good friend, and talented hip hop artist, Stefanotto stopped by to sit in on "So Crazy", and also do a song of his own. I always have a great time performing with him. I am scheduled to play the House of Blues next month warming up the crowd for One Republic, and have invited Stef to come join me. Should be a great time.

After Stefanotto finished with me, I did two more songs, ending the set with "Good Times", then thanked everyone for coming out. It was a really fun afternoon, and the staff at Best Buy were so kind and professional. I have to personally thank Matt, Kelley, and Lisa for the opportunity of letting me come out and do what I love to do.

If you are reading this and it is Saturday October 18th, 2008, I will be performing at The Grape tonight at Pointe Orlando from 8PM to 11PM, so come on out and join the fun.

Peace to all and see you soon!!!

RAD was RAD

2008-10-15T14:57:00.016-04:00

RAD 10.10.08 from Brook Pifer RockstarPhotographer on Vimeo.

Playlist Pick: What'd I Say - Ray Charles

Late post, but hey, it's here. So here goes...
The RAD Art Show was an incredible evening. It was so great to be around artists, artistic people, and lovers of art. There were photos on display from Michelle Marconi & Isabelle Ribeiro, and artwork by Nicky Botelho & Mel Taylor. Mel Taylor? Yes, Mel Taylor the very talented DJ and radio personality. And I have to say, she is as equally talented with the brush. We have a bunch of mutual friends, but had never had the chance to meet until now.

Brook Pifer did a lovely job putting the event together, and her studio was the perfect location and vibe for the whole event. I got to meet so many people and exchanged a business card or two. I also had a great time performing throughout the evening, playing a mixture of my original music as well as my favorite covers from The Beatles, to Nat King Cole, to Coldplay. In between sets Brook gave me her first generation iPod to rock some tunes to, and man, it just looked ancient, but still rocked the party. Later in the evening my good friend and talented musical colaborator Stefanotto came by and sat in on a few songs. If you get the chance, check out his music.

All in all it was a fabulous time, and I heard that Mrs. Pifer is going to host another one in the future, so check her out.

THIS WEEK!!!

2008-10-05T12:29:00.009-04:00

Greetings...
I will be performing at two very exciting events this coming week.

The first is RAD (Rock Stars - Art - Drinks), an art show hosted by my friend, the very talented photographer Brook Pifer. It was a great privilege to be invited by her to be a part of this event. I'll be performing throughout the evening. It's always a great time to hang around people in the art community and people who have a love for the arts. When I was in LA a minute ago, I remember how much I loved being in the atmosphere surrounded by artistic people, so this will be a great event! There will be several other artists showcasing their work as well. So if you are an art lover, please come by. Details below...

RAD (ROCKSTARS - ART - DRINKS)
FRIDAY 10/10, 6-11PM
LIVE MUSIC BY RON IRIZARRY, ARTWORK BY NICKY BOTELHO, PHOTOS BY MICHELLE MARCONI & ISABELLE RIBEIRO
520 N. ORLANDO AVE
LOFT 1
WINTER PARK FL 32789
(ABOVE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY & GUITAR CENTER)
Complimentary Adult Beverages and Yummy Nibblers, Valet Parking outside Cheesecake Factory.
When entering The Lofts take elevator the floor 2
CDS, ARTWORK, & T-SHIRTS WILL BE FOR SALE

The second is at the Grand Opening of the Instrumental Music Store at Best Buy @ Waterford Lakes. It's really exciting, because as a child I have the very fond memory of my father taking my brother and I to the music store to see the instruments. I remember having an utterly magical experience seeing all the different colored electric guitars hanging on the walls, and people sitting in front of amps trying them out w/ these really incredible sounds coming out of them. I was so drawn to it all.

Now I have the opportunity to be a part of an outlet that is opening their doors to provide brand new experiences to the people who walk through their doors. It's very exciting, and I'm very happy to be a part of it. Details below...

RON IRIZARRY PERFORMING FROM 2PM TO 2:30PM
BEST BUY - MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS STORE GRAND OPENING
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11TH
BEST BUY WATERFORD LAKES
845 N ALAFAYA TRAIL
ORLANDO, FL 32828
407.482.8099

Thanks again, and hope to see you out soon...

Purple...

2008-10-04T18:17:00.005-04:00

I'm at The Grape tonight Saturday October 4th from 8pm to 11pm, so if you are free come on out for a chill experience and a relaxing time. The Grape is located in Pointe Orlando. Google it and come join the fun...

La dee dah...

2008-10-03T17:30:00.011-04:00

It's a Friday, another Friday, and let me tell you, I am VERY thankful to be alive...

The last few months I have worked myself to the bone getting about 4 hours sleep a night, and right now, I'm just tired... Just tired... I feel kind of like Ron Livingston's character in "Office Space", where he just got tired of doing anything at all. I'm not to that degree, but I'm somewhere in the region...

Tonight I have a gig at a place on Park Avenue here in town. If you are free and want to come out, please stop by and say hello. You can find all the info here: www.ronmusic.com. My dear brother Jeff has been sitting in w/ me, and I must say I truly enjoy the camaraderie.

I finished watching the "Iron Man" DVD w/ my beautiful fiancee last night at about 3am. It was an awesome time. I'm coming more and more to a place of great appreciation of my family, friends, and loved ones... That to me is what it's all about during our time here on the planet, at least for me, and I am making sure that I make every moment count...

I'm here, I'm alive, it's all happening, here, now, and I'm in it!

Peace, love, and hope to all...

Ron

Exercising My Right

2006-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Delayed Again

2006-11-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

2006-11-01T17:35:00.000-05:00

My Own Private Jet

2006-11-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

Well, not exactly, but one day. Hopping on this baby with two other travel companions. It's cold up here man, and these planes tend to be a little colder than the big ones.

Now Boarding

2006-11-01T06:09:00.001-05:00

Let me tell you, waiting to board a plane at 6 in the morning is not the most fun experience, but I guess it has to be done. Off to Washington Dulles, then on to Athens, WV. Be safe kids, I know I will.

"Friendly City"

2006-10-15T19:32:00.000-04:00

2006-10-15T19:31:00.000-04:00

2006-09-13T21:36:00.000-04:00

hip hop baby...

2006-08-03T01:43:00.000-04:00

Gig at House of Blues this past weekend, never thought I'd share a night with DMX & Jazzy Jeff.

Multimedia message

2006-06-16T20:01:00.000-04:00

Ahh the mix...

2006-06-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

Multimedia message

2006-04-29T06:23:00.000-04:00

Seeing double...

Multimedia message

2006-04-29T06:21:00.000-04:00

Yum yum melon...

Multimedia message

2006-04-29T06:20:00.000-04:00

Nascar...

2006-04-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

2006-04-24T21:58:00.000-04:00

Cracker Barrel hits the spot...

2006-04-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

Planes, planes, planes...

Starbucks...

2006-03-30T20:20:00.000-05:00

2006-03-30T20:18:00.000-05:00

Barstucks...

2006-03-30T18:57:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T01:10:00.001-05:00

2006-03-23T01:10:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T01:05:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T01:01:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T00:54:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T00:20:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T00:17:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T00:16:00.000-05:00

2006-03-23T00:12:00.000-05:00

Coldplay baby...

2006-03-06T01:33:00.000-05:00

Yeah baby... coldplay show was a really great time. Originally the show was scheduled for last September, but Chris Martin was sick and tonight was the make-up show... Anyway, it was a fantastic time! Be well kids...

Coldplay lawn view...

2006-03-05T21:30:00.000-05:00

A day in the life...

2006-03-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Playing music=fun. The traveling is what your actually paid for. Below are 7 photos from my morning of me the traveling zombie with 2 hours of sleep the night before. Thought I'd give you a glimpse of the not so glamourous part of my job. Peaceful sleep to all and especially to me...

On the plane...

2006-03-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

2006-03-02T05:51:00.000-05:00

Where's my train?

2006-03-02T05:19:00.000-05:00

There goes the train...

2006-03-02T05:16:00.000-05:00

There's the train...

2006-03-02T05:11:00.000-05:00

Waking awaiting train...

2006-03-02T05:05:00.000-05:00