My Blog
On Saturday night, I made a trek down to Tacoma to see the Kareem Kandi Band. I had not seen the band in a few months, and it was fun to check out a new (for me) scene at the B Sharp Coffee House. My close friend and fellow vocalist Cara Francis, who is also a piano student of Kareem’s, joined me for the evening. Jazz and a girls’ night out were the perfect combo. The Kareem Kandi Band is a powerhouse organ trio that…
It was a real treat to see Darin Clendenin and his mighty quartet burning up the bandstand at Tula’s last Friday night. Darin is one of the region’s top-gun pianists. He’s also one of the hardest working. Because he’s in such high demand by various bandleaders and vocalists, he doesn’t get out with his own group very often. As such, I feel fortunate to have caught this show. It was a great night. Darin plays with his own unique elegance. He’s sensitive and fluid, and each note has…
Like most normal people with feet and sensibilities firmly planted in the 21st century, I am appalled by Indiana’s odious pile of caca that is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. While proponents claim that the law will prevent the government from infringing on the peoples’ ability to exercise religious beliefs, anyone with opposable thumbs and a functional cerebellum knows the more egregious implication: The RFRA opens the door for businesses and other entities to legally discriminate against LGBT people. WTF, Indiana? During Sunday’s airing of…
Bembe Olele at Jaam Rek It was a whole lot of fun bopping around the Jackson Street Jazz Walk last night. Clubs, restaurants and studios along the walk were packed to capacity. Lots of people were out and about; strolling the sidewalks, meeting and greeting and taking in the sights and sounds. There was even a taco truck for the hungry crowds. Jackson Street was jumping once again. There were numerous acts performing across multiple venues, and the music ran from…
A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of singing at the North Bend Jazz Walk. For this annual event, venues throughout downtown North Bend host live performances that feature numerous jazz musicians from across the Northwest scene. This was the fourth year for the walk and, per usual, it was outstanding. The streets were full of jazz fans, friends and colleagues (According to Greg Williamson, co-organizer and chief of Pony Boy Records, there were over 1500 people in attendance). The music was…
On Saturday morning, my 21-year old son Emmett took off on an extended road trip to explore the United States and, possibly, points south in Mexico and Central America. He loaded the last of his camping gear into his car and we said our goodbyes. Although I tried very hard not to, I cried. Aside from a few stops to visit friends in a couple of states, Emmett has no firm itinerary. His plan is to be nomadic. I won’t know where he is. I…
The cherry blossoms are going berserk. This is the cue. We’ll rock like ninjas. We’ll spin like dervishes. We’ll smack the stars around. It’s ours for the taking. We’ve put in the time. We’ve gone mad in the trenches. We’ve stitched up every last broken heart. It’s within our grasp. The naysayers are trembling; They see us completely now. We’ll run with the buffaloes. We know what it takes. We’ll incandesce for as long as we feel like. The universe is giggling. She loved…
–photo Q13 Fox news Ugh. It’s a rough morning in Seattle. After reading multiple explanations from coaches and analysts, I get the thinking behind the play call. Still, the decision not to feed the Beast –arguably the best running back in the league – was an epic and egregious fail. I stand by my original reaction: "WTF?" Several have pointed out that the game should not have come down to that final call in the first place. There’s substance to that…
OK, OK, OK…. My inner child is picking her nose and wiggling in her seat. She’s come up with ten ideas for having fun right now. I’ve tried each of these and can testify that they all work. Let’s roll: Throughout the day, text weird and happy selfies to a select handful of unsuspecting friends and family members. They’ll enjoy it. You’ll enjoy it. Everybody wins. Yay technology! Strike up a conversation with a grumpy old person. Ask them ridiculous and very stupid questions. They’ll think…
The New Year is here. It’s time to take a few deep breaths, square our shoulders and get it on. I’m feeling stupidly optimistic about the year ahead. Here are ten thoughts going in: Weird is better than humorless. Experts agree. So, if you feel that special inclination, go for it. You’re not getting any younger. There’s a lot of discord out there. Our fellow human beings sometimes make a mess of things; in the best case, they disappoint us and in the worse,…
