**Muddy Roads & Musical Oddities: A July 4th Update from the Desert**
We hope everyone had a fun, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July!
Out here in the New Mexico desert, it was a wet and wild one. We got just over an inch of rain, which might not sound like much—until you try to drive 11 miles of dirt roads in it. It was muddy, sloppy, and several sections flooded quickly. One camper transferred their stay, but a few brave souls still made the journey (thank you!). By evening, most of the **bypass routes** around the deep puddles had dried up, and things became much more manageable.
Life off-grid means always being prepared for the unpredictable—and rolling with it when the monsoon season hits.
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### Introducing: **Melodie’s Oddities Music Booking**
In other exciting news, I’ve officially launched **Melodie’s Oddities**—a small, independent music booking venture that was born from personal experience and necessity.
As many of you know, we have a very unique act: **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band**, a darkly humorous live performance blending **animatronics, original songs, parodies, and theatrical storytelling.** It’s weird, wild, and unlike anything else out there.
The challenge? Most traditional booking agents didn’t know what to do with us. If you weren’t country, rock, or something they already understood, they didn’t bite. So after handling all the outreach myself for months—researching venues, building promo materials, and sending emails—I realized something important:
> *Maybe there’s a place for the “too weird” acts. And maybe I could help create it.*
I’m not a full-time agent. I don’t cold call. I’m not a music industry insider. But I *am* someone who saw a gap and decided to fill it. And that’s where **Melodie’s Oddities** began.
Right now, I focus on **email-based venue outreach** and support for artists who don’t fit the usual mold—acts that are **dark, unique, offbeat, or theatrical**, especially those who haven’t found traditional industry support. If that sounds like your band or project, reach out. I may not have all the answers, but I care deeply about helping strange, amazing music find its stage.
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### Building Something Different
So while the roads may be muddy out here, we’re still moving forward. Whether it’s launching an odd little booking project, planning upcoming shows for Advocatus Diaboli, or drying out the campground after another monsoon, we’re always building something a little different.
Because out here—weird is welcome.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#MelodiesOddities #StrokeRecovery #OffGridLife #DesertLiving #KaHoonCampground #AdvocatusDiaboli #GrimLeaferBand #AnimatronicBand #WeirdMusic #MusicHeals #MonsoonSeason #AlternativeBooking #SupportStrangeMusic #UnconventionalBands #UniqueShows
Tag: Advocatus Diaboli
Advocatus Diaboli Stuns TikTok Live with Haunting “Soldier of Fortune” Performance!
Advocatus Diaboli Delivers Soulful Cover of “Soldier of Fortune” on TikTok Live
Last night’s Colquhoun Entertainment TikTok Live brought something truly special—**Advocatus Diaboli** performed a powerful rendition of the classic **“Soldier of Fortune.”** Streaming live from the Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center stage, the performance carried raw emotion, haunting melody, and the signature dramatic flair that fans have come to love.
“Soldier of Fortune” is a song that tells a story of weariness, wandering, and quiet strength—and Advocatus Diaboli embodied every note with a depth that gave the classic new life.
Though there wasn’t a full set or full band, sometimes less is more. The focus on the vocals gave listeners a stripped-back and soulful connection to the lyrics, echoing through the desert night.
Colquhoun Entertainment’s TikTok lives continue to bring unique content from our off-grid location—where the spirit of music, storytelling, and theatrical presence thrives under the stars.
If you missed it, keep an eye out for upcoming live sessions. You never know when Advocatus Diaboli will emerge from the shadows for another unforgettable performance.
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#AdvocatusDiaboli, #SoldierOfFortune, #ColquhounEntertainment, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #TikTokLive, #LiveMusic, #DesertPerformance, #OffGridEntertainment, #EmotionalCover, #TheatricalMusic, #RockBallad, #DesertStage, #MusicInTheDesert, #HauntingVocals, #LiveFromTheDesert
He Sang Again After the Stroke 😱 | Advocatus Diaboli’s Incredible Comeback
The trip to the ER felt endless. I was terrified of what we’d find out—and part of me wanted to turn around and pretend none of it was happening. When Brent stopped twitching for a moment, I almost did. But something deeper told me: keep going.
At Lovelace and the Heart Hospital in Albuquerque, the doctors and nurses were incredible. They treated us with care and respect when we needed it most.
This healing journey hasn’t just been Brent’s—it’s touched all of us.
The day we returned home and he stepped into the studio to sing, I completely fell apart. I hadn’t known if I’d ever hear that voice again. Music is Brent’s passion—it’s part of who he is.
Some of my favorite moments in life are spent with him in the studio—rehearsing, singing, doing livestreams—not for an audience, but because we love it. Seeing him light up on stage or during a stream makes everything feel right. And I’ll admit… I was scared of losing that, of losing *us* in that way.
Recovery hasn’t been easy, especially with his hand and arm. He goes to physical and occupational therapy twice a week, and we do exercises and massage together every day at home.
He doesn’t always notice the small improvements. But I do.
Every time he moves a finger, grips something, or bends his wrist a little further, I see progress. I see strength. I see him.
We couldn’t have completed the shower project without him. His help—his presence—meant everything.
I know Brent doesn’t always feel like himself these days. But I see his light in every little victory. I see the man I love, growing stronger, even when he doesn’t see it himself.
And through all of this, I’ve realized something:
**I love him even more than I ever knew.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#BrentStrong, #MusicHeals, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #StrokeRecovery, #LiveMusic, #StudioVibes, #OffGridLiving, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #TinyStageBigHeart, #HealingThroughMusic, #ComebackStory, #DesertPerformance, #MusicianLife
2 Months After His Stroke—Brent Sings “Another Man’s Grave” & Proves Music Heals!
2-Month Stroke Recovery Update – Brent (aka Advocatus Diaboli)
It’s been two months since Brent, known to many as Advocatus Diaboli, experienced a life-altering series of strokes—three in total. After emergency surgery to repair the carotid artery in his neck and a long hospital stay, recovery has been slow but steady. We are filled with hope as each small milestone adds up to something powerful.
Brent can now grip objects with his hand again. He’s feeling more sensation and, along with it, more pain—especially in the shoulder. According to his doctor, that’s a normal part of healing. As the brain rewires and reconnects, it’s re-teaching the nerves what those signals mean. Unfortunately, because the strokes went undiagnosed for a period, his shoulder muscles atrophied. This caused it to start dislocating with certain movements. But with physical therapy (and soon occupational therapy), we expect pain to decrease and strength to return.
The road has been tough—physically and emotionally. Sleepless nights, trial-and-error exercises, and research-based movement routines have all become part of our daily rhythm. We discovered that lymphatic massages and simple exercises like thumb-to-finger touches helped Brent retrain his hand. Every small improvement is celebrated.
One thing that hasn’t changed? Brent’s passion for music.
Live performances have continued throughout his recovery—not just as art, but as therapy. They’re a source of connection, healing, and hope. Our shows are never about money—they’re about sharing joy, weirdness, and a love of community through music and storytelling.
Brent sang Amigo The Devil “Another Man’s Grave” two days after surgery—and again two months later. This emotional performance reflects not just his talent, but his resilience. You can watch that powerful moment below.
Follow Brent’s recovery journey and live performances through:
🎵 advocatusdiaboliandgrimleaferband.com
📺 YouTube
📘 Facebook
🎶 TikTok
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#BrentRecovery, #StrokeSurvivor, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #LiveMusicHealing, #MusicTherapy, #StrokeRecovery, #GrimLeaferBand, #AmigoTheDevilCover, #MusicianLife, #OffGridLiving, #DesertMusic, #RehabilitationJourney, #IndieArtist, #StrengthThroughMusic, #SupportLocalMusic
Stroke Recovery Off-Grid: What No One Tells You About the Pain, Uncertainty, and Healing Process
Recovery, Reflection, and Real Life at Ka-Hoon Campground
We want to start by saying **thank you** for your patience and support. We haven’t been posting as much lately because life has been full—with doctor appointments, ongoing recovery, and tending to the daily flow of campers coming and going here at **Ka-Hoon Campground** (Plateau Hame de Colquhoun). Despite everything, we’re still here, still growing, and grateful for each step forward.
We’re currently in **full recovery mode** after a medical event that changed everything—a stroke. We had read about stroke recovery, seen others go through it, even feared it quietly… but nothing truly prepares you for the reality. Not just for the person recovering, but also for those who love and care for them.
Stroke recovery is uncertain and incredibly personal. You don’t get clear answers from doctors. There’s no magic scan or test that can tell you when—or if—you’ll be able to hold a squishy ball again or push the power button on a water pump. It takes **time, physical therapy, occupational therapy**, a lot of **rest**, and even more **determination**.
One of the unexpected challenges has been circulation issues in the affected arm. Swelling and pain are common when mobility is limited. We’ve learned how to perform **lymphatic massage**, and it’s made a noticeable difference. It’s humbling how something as small as brushing your hair or lifting a spoon becomes a monumental task.
Every day is about celebrating the small wins. And even in the midst of all this, we’ve been able to keep Ka-Hoon Campground running—welcoming guests, maintaining our off-grid homestead, and finding moments of peace under the wide New Mexico sky.
If you’re going through something similar—whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just someone who’s curious—we see you. This journey is tough, but not impossible.
Thank you for being part of our story. We hope to see you out here soon—whether for a night under the stars or just to breathe a little deeper and reconnect.
Stay kind, stay strong, and always take time to rest.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #DesertHealing, #StrokeRecoveryJourney, #OffGridLife, #CampNewMexico, #MindfulCamping, #RecoveryTakesTime, #NatureTherapy, #SupportAndHealing, #RVLife, #QuietTheMind, #AlternativeLiving, #HealingInNature, #OccupationalTherapy, #LifeAtKaHoon
Title: Play BINGO Under the Stars in the New Mexico Desert – June 21 at Ka-Hoon Campground!
Looking for a unique and fun-filled way to kick off your summer? Join us on June 21 at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center for a one-of-a-kind BINGO night in the New Mexico desert! Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a BINGO enthusiast, or just looking for a lighthearted night with good people and laughter, this is the event for you.
🎉 What Makes This BINGO Night Special?
This isn’t your typical BINGO game. At our off-grid desert campground, we do things a little differently. The only thing you need to play BINGO is to bring five wrapped white elephant gifts!
❓What’s a White Elephant Gift?
A white elephant gift is a quirky, humorous, or secondhand item you no longer need, but that might spark fun and laughter for someone else. These can be silly trinkets, gently used items, or something unexpectedly useful. The idea is to keep it light-hearted and fun — you never know what you’ll unwrap! The randomness is half the fun.
🎁 Examples of great white elephant gifts:
- A book you’ve read and loved
- A funky coffee mug
- A puzzle or board game
- An odd kitchen gadget
- A gag gift from last Christmas
- Something homemade or offbeat
Everyone goes home a winner, and part of the fun is seeing what treasures others bring!
⛺ Camping Details
Camping is just $12 per site for up to 5 people. Come early, set up camp, enjoy the peaceful desert landscape, and get ready for a night full of laughs, connection, and good times.
Our campground is off-grid, powered by solar and generators, with a focus on community and self-expression. Nestled in the beautiful New Mexico desert just 45 miles south of Albuquerque, Ka-Hoon Campground is a peaceful escape from the ordinary.
🌵 Why Join Us?
- Unique off-grid BINGO experience
- Memorable gifts and tons of laughter
- Affordable camping under the stars
- Great people and welcoming vibes
- Hosted by a place that values unity, creativity, and fun
Bring your wrapped gifts, your friends, and your sense of humor. Whether you’re here to camp, play, or just soak in the desert atmosphere, everyone leaves a winner.
📍 Event Location:
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center
Near Belen, NM – 45 miles south of Albuquerque
Visit: www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Mark your calendar for June 21, and get ready for an unforgettable night of BINGO, desert skies, and community fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
Off-Grid Open Mic Under the Stars | Music, Community, and Memorial Day Reflections in the Desert
Finding Connection Off the Grid – A Memorial Day Reflection
As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, we also want to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to our growing off-grid community. From our remote corner of the New Mexico desert, we send you all peace, love, and strength.
Last night’s **Open Microphone Night** was one for the books. Under the stars and surrounded by the raw beauty of the land, we gathered—singers, storytellers, musicians, and listeners alike—to share not just talent, but pieces of our hearts. We laughed, we sang, we reflected, and most importantly, we connected.
One of the most powerful parts of living off-grid isn’t just the freedom—it’s the **community**. It’s in the late-night conversations around the fire, the shared meals, and the support from others walking the same path. Whether you’re homesteading, boondocking, or just finding your own rhythm outside the noise of the mainstream, you are part of something real.
We know this lifestyle isn’t always easy. But moments like last night remind us why we do it: for **authenticity**, for **connection**, for **freedom**.
So from our camp to yours—**Happy Memorial Day**. May we honor those who came before us by living with purpose, courage, and heart.
🌄 **Stay wild. Stay grounded. Stay you.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #MemorialDay2025 #OpenMicNight #CommunityConnection #DesertLiving #HomesteadVibes #UnpluggedLiving #ColquhounEntertainment #KaHoonCampground #AdvocatusDiaboli #PlateauHameDeColquhoun
Fighting Wind & Weak WiFi: Off-Grid Musicians Battle the Desert to Go Live with Original Music!
**Dust, Wind & Desert Vibes: Why Our Live Music Schedule is a Bit Wild**
If you’ve followed us for any amount of time, you probably know we regularly host **live music sessions on TikTok**—featuring **Advocatus Diaboli**, **Shamshini**, and our moderator **Melodious**. But this year… the **wind** just won’t quit.
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature and solar power. While we *can* use generators, we prefer to avoid burning gas unless absolutely necessary. That means no sun = limited power. And on top of that, the **wind** has made things especially tricky this season.
You might be wondering—**why does the wind matter for live music?** Here’s the thing: our wireless internet comes from a local provider and runs through a central hub on the property. From there, it’s repeated out to different zones. Our **music studio is made of metal**, and the repeater inside doesn’t work well with the doors closed. But when the wind kicks up, we **have to shut everything tight**—because desert sand doesn’t just blow by, it *invades*. Seriously, ever tasted sand? If not, visit during high winds and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
So when the doors are shut tight and the internet signal drops, we can’t stream. No signal = **no TikTok live**.
But we’re still here, still playing, and still connecting when we can. Make sure to **follow us on TikTok (@PlateauHameDeColquhoun and
@Advocatus.Diaboli0)** so you get notified whenever we go live. Whether you want to **listen to Shamshini and Advocatus Diaboli**, chat with us, request a song, or even join the live to share your own music or stories—we welcome you.
No pressure. No gifts required. Just come hang out and enjoy the music and weird desert energy.
And if you’re wondering what kind of music we play—**Advocatus Diaboli doesn’t stick to radio hits**. Expect parodies, originals, deep cuts, and songs that tell a story.
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**Follow us on TikTok:**
* @PlateauHameDeColquhoun
* @Advocatus.Diaboli0
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLife, #DesertMusic, #TikTokLive, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #KaHoonCampground, #Shamshini, #SolarPowered, #WindLife, #NewMexicoMusic, #LiveFromTheDesert, #IndieMusician, #SupportLocalMusic, #MusicianLife, #MusicCommunity, #ColquhounEntertainment
From Stroke to Stage: Advocatus Diaboli Returns for Open Mic Night in the Desert!
Back at It: Open Mic Night with Advocatus Diaboli – May 25th at Ka-Hoon Campground
It’s been a challenging journey, but Brent—also known as **Advocatus Diaboli**—is on the road to recovery. Following his stroke, each day brings a little more strength, a bit more movement, and renewed energy. While he’s still healing and tires easily, he’s determined to reconnect with the music and community that bring him to life.
In celebration of his progress and the desire to get back to doing what we love, **we’re hosting an Open Mic Night on Sunday, May 25th** at **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** in the New Mexico desert.
This event is **free to attend**, with **camping available at just \$12 per night** (up to 5 people per site). Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to relax under the desert stars and listen, all are welcome.
**Can’t make it in person?** No problem! We’ll be livestreaming the event on our **TikTok channel (@ColquhounEntertainment)** so you can watch, support, or even join in remotely.
This is more than just an open mic—it’s a moment to reconnect, celebrate resilience, and support local artists. Brent may not be 100%, but his passion for music and community is stronger than ever.
**Join us May 25th for music, connection, and healing—live from the heart of the desert.**
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**Follow us on TikTok:**
* @colquhounentertainment
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OpenMicNight, #LiveMusicNM, #KaHoonCampground, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #StrokeRecovery, #DesertVibes, #NewMexicoEvents, #SupportLocalMusic, #CampingVibes, #OffGridLife, #HealingThroughMusic, #TikTokLiveEvent, #MusicInTheDesert, #DesertCampout, #ColquhounEntertainment
Stroke Recovery Update: One Month Later—Brent Sings Again and Fights to Reclaim His Strength
**One Month Stroke Recovery Update: Brent’s Battle and Breakthroughs**
Today marks one month since Brent—better known as *Advocatus Diaboli*—came home from the hospital after suffering a cortical stroke and undergoing a Carotid Endarterectomy. The stroke took a toll on his mobility, especially in his left arm, and he experienced weakness in his leg. Most concerning of all, he was having serious trouble speaking, and doctors weren’t sure if he’d ever talk normally again—let alone sing.
But just two days after coming home, Brent *sang*.
While his left arm hasn’t regained full function, we’re seeing hopeful signs. In the mornings, he can move his fingers and even form a grip. As the day progresses, fatigue takes a toll and that mobility lessens—but each day, he’s staying stronger a little longer.
This recovery journey hasn’t been easy—especially for such a strong and independent man. One clear example is our ongoing shower build. Brent knows if he were physically capable, it would already be done. But since Anne and I are learning as we go, it’s been slow and only partially completed. Still, we push forward, proud of every step.
Today is Mother’s Day, but I want to take a moment to honor Brent. Stroke recovery isn’t guaranteed. It’s scary, frustrating, and emotionally draining. The medications can worsen those feelings with side effects like irritability. And through it all Brent Colquhoun has been going strong!
We are beyond proud of his strength, his progress, and the music that continues to come back to life.
**Follow Brent’s recovery, music, and live updates at:**
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#strokeawareness, #strokerecovery, #healingjourney, #musictherapy, #advocatusdiaboli, #grimleaferband, #independentartist, #strokeupdate, #supportlocalmusic, #vocalrecovery, #overcomingodds, #coldturkey, #quittingsmoking, #recoverymilestones, #corticalstroke
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 