Many of you who weren't able to attend my “Under the Eclipse” music release party last Thursday have been asking how it went. Because I refuse to oversimplify such a significant life event – and it was too overwhelming to answer everyone individually – I'll attempt to paint a picture below :)

Invisible City's Clubhouse headquarters hosted the release. Located in a charming old factory in the heart of Denver's Santa Fe Arts District, the IC Clubhouse is a bohemian abode decorated with large plants, treasures from around the globe and salon style seating. Navel oranges brightened the space for the night and copies of my career-encapsulating recent Denver Westword feature were on hand. Friends and family filtered in as DJ Ginger Perry dropped ear worms from Stevie Nicks, Bowie, Qveen Herby and more. Reunions transpired and hugs were shared. Fancy cocktails were imbibed and laughter permeated the room. My dad told his favorite singing telegram story ad nauseam. ‘Twas a vibe.

The evening culminated with a music trio performance featuring vocalist Lex Alvis, guitarist Andy Babb and yours truly. Lex and I – LexaPeel for short – prepared a three-song set of comedy country covers involving costume changes, props and humorous banter. Little did we know that the first number, an innuendo-laden ditty from the mockumentary Walk Hard, soundtracked my step-brother Woody's proposal to his wife Mackenzie. And they were both present, likely delighted by the synchronicity of seeing people close to them performing a tune carrying such special significance. It wouldn't be the end of making people feel special.

Birthday grams are a singing telegram artist's bread and butter. And this telegram artist knows a dozen or more birthday numbers. But none are quite like “Birthday Medicine,” the tune we're releasing Friday, April 19 at my Archipelago-hosted Unbirthday Party and 20th “Singaversary” - 20 years of singing telegram deliveries. With Lex's birthday on the horizon, it was only fitting that we performed a rendition of it in her honor. I lit the candle protruding from a “Scotcheroo” treat Lex had concocted herself, and we waltzed our way through the medicine circle-originating birthday meditation. You're a gift to this earth. Bless the day of your birth. The most recognized song in the English language — “Happy Birthday” — can't hold a candle to “Birthday Medicine.”

The moment of truth had arrived. While Lex helped me into an orange fur coat, I shared the origin story of “Under the Eclipse” with those in attendance. Yes, there was a Craigslist ad involved. And no one really knows whether the ad author fathered an eclipse baby with a stranger he met on the classified ads site. Some speculate that he was a internet prankster instead. Either way, the mystery author probably doesn't realize someone wrote a song about his banana nuts personal ad yet. A song that Andy, Lex and I dutifully played for the devoted friends and family who'd come out to support us that night. The song culminated with a singalong. Gimme your lips. Gimme your hips. Under the eclipse.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Rocco Tortorella-edited music video, featuring footage from Brad Bingham, Thor Wixom and Rocco himself :) Shout out to Debjit for the event and sound support, Shannon Ryan for wardrobe support and Daniel McEnrue for the colorful captures :)

Miss the UTE Release Party? Orange peel’s releasing another song at his upcoming UnBirthday Party.

Artwork: OjerOmyO

"Under the Eclipse" Release Recap