I went to see one of my favorite artists of all time of ever in the universe ever, Patty Griffin, at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in 2003. The venue is literally blown out of the side of a mountain. The backdrop of this outdoor stage is all jagged rock, and rock steps and huge trees. Breathtaking.

Then i started seeing ANY show there just so i could be in that space. Under the stars. In that community. So beautiful.

It was then that I visualized myself playing there. My dream venue. I wanted to be able to look at the visual every day.

So i ripped a piece of looseleaf paper out of my notebook and grabbed a dull sharpie. (not my choice writing implement, just the first thing i grabbed in a moment of instant inspiration)

I drew (you should excuse the expression, as i am THE worst art artist)… i drew a stick figure version of myself holding a stick figure guitar with a stick figure Marquis that said, “Jackie Tohn – Live at the FORD Amphitheater”. I drew some puffy trees and clouds and taped it to the front door of my house; the inside of the Front Door, of course. Had it been on the outside, inclement weather would have destroyed my masterpiece in minutes.

I have relocated residences twice with this piece of sharpied looseleaf paper in tow.

Now, on August 21st 2011, 4 days before our birthday, I will be playing the FORD AMPHITHEATER.
I WILL BE PLAYING ON THE STAGE OF MY DREAM VENUE.

Join me on this monumental day. It’s an ineffable feeling to have a super specific dream and have it come true. I should do more of that.

Here are the details:
08/21/11 Los Angeles Ford Amphitheater United States

Time: 6:00pm. Admission: $20 – $100. All Ages. Box office: (323) 461-3673.
Address: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Venue phone: (323) 461-3673. Koffeehouse present its 5th Annual “Evening of Independence” charity music night featuring the most talented emerging artists and special guests, including TYRONE WELLS, last season’s America’s Got Talent Winner MICHAEL GRIMM, the Austin-based indie duo with a Southern twist JAMESTOWN REVIVAL, Hits Magazine’s #1 “Artist to Watch” of 2011 ALLEN STONE, MTV’s “A Band to Know in 2011″ OF VERONA and one of LA’s most exciting new power pop rock bands SATELLITE. 100% of the evening’s net proceeds will benefit music education by supporting the Fender Music Foundation (www.fendermusicfoundation.​org). This event is ALL-AGES and don’t forget to bring a picnic and wine and enjoy the music on the Edison Plaza stage from Riverside-based indie rocker MOI, Aussie indie singer songwriter SCOTT MELLIS and “Platinum Hit’s” JACKIE TOHN and JES HUDAK 6PM and 7:30PM. Tickets are NOW on sale! General Admission ($30 door; pre-sale $25) and VIP tickets ($100) are now on-sale through http://koffeehouseford.eventbrite.com/ or through the Ford Box Office by calling (323) 461-3673. EVENT SCHEDULE (subject to change): Doors: 5:45PM Edison Plaza Stage: 6PM – 7:30PM Main Stage: 7:45PM

My friend Phil Mucci is a ridiculous director. We have always wanted to work together… and…. it… finally…. happened. What you’re about to watch is an example of what can happen when some friends get together with a little bit of gas money and a whole lotta love.

First Phil scouted about a hundred locations. Every time he did a scout, he would edit me a mock video featuring all the new locations he found to the tune of this song. I would get emails from Phil at 5:36 am saying, “headed downtown to see what’s crack-a-lackin’. Shazam!” or “Two latest scouts for you, nice Boss Lady”. Being ironically called Nice Boss Lady is the BEST. You guys should totally try it.

He even made a CGI version of his brainchild (before we started filming) to give me an idea of what the video would look like.

We woke up at 4:55 AM approximately ten times over the course of a month to get the beautiful LIGHT that only happens at SUNRISE. We had to keep insanely close tabs on the weather because we were doing Natural Light every day. Phil would wake up some days we were planning to shoot and text me that it was cloudy – that i should go back to bed. And go back to bed, I would.

It was tough waking up that early but with emails from Phil like, “Don’t hate me Jackie Tohn. I feel pain. Hate the cruel and indifferent universe. It feels nothing.” (hahahahahaha), it became easier every time.

If you enjoy this video 1/1,000,000th as much as I enjoyed making it, then… then… HOORAY! Everyone wins.

The outtakes reel is forthcoming.

words and music by Jackie Tohn
directed, shot, and edited by Phil Mucci
wardrobe by Bory Tan
makeup by Uzzy
Harley stunts by Tommy “Tater” Wilson
BMW stunt by Ian Mackay
street art by Roa
bubble wranglers: Kyle Dunnigan, Ian Mackay
sterling gentleman: Ian Mackay

PREMIERING ON MONDAY, MAY 30 AT 10PM ET/PT

Jewel And Kara DioGuardi Will Be Joined By Guest Judges
Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Donna Summer,
Jermaine Dupri, Taio Cruz and Ryan Tedder

NEW YORK – April 11, 2011 – Bravo showcases emerging singer-songwriters on their quest to become the next big hitmaker when “Platinum Hit”premieres on Monday, May 30 at 10pm ET/PT. The network’s new music competition series gives viewers a front row seat to experience the journey and aspirations of these gifted songwriters and an inside look at this unique creative process for the first time. Two of the most accomplished songwriters share their experience and expertise as Jewel hosts the series as well as gives her feedback as a judge alongside Kara DioGuardi who is the head judge each week. For a sneak peek, visit: http://www.bravotv.com/platinum-hit/season-1/videos/this-season-on-platinum-hit

“Platinum Hit” follows 12 up-and-coming musicians as they battle through a series of innovative songwriting challenges testing their creativity, patience and drive. From dance track to love ballad, every episode will feature a different theme that will require the contestants to write and perform lyrics from multiple genres. Their intimate life stories and personal drama will unfold within the show and in their lyrics as they compete and live together. In the end, only one will be crowned the ultimate hitmaker and walk away with a $100,000 cash prize, publishing deal with Sony, BMI Songwriters The Writing Camp and a recording deal with RCA/Jive.

To find out if they have what it takes, Keith Naftaly, SVP of A&R for RCA/Jive Label Group at Sony Music Entertainment, will be featured throughout the series to help judge the competition and some of the most influential musicians will serve as guest judges including Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Donna Summer, Jermaine Dupri, Taio Cruz and Ryan Tedder.

“Platinum Hit” contestants include:
- Jackie Tohn, Hometown: Oceanside, NY; Resides in Los Angeles, CA

For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPr.com. Photography and bios are available atwww.nbcumv.com.

Casey Abrams backing me up on Ukulele.

Casey came to see my show at the M Bar the other night. He jumped on stage to back me up on my  cover of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”.

The jazz trained upright bassist played the Ukulele. I have yet to meet an instrument he can’t play.

It was sort of the best. Take away the sort of.