Posts Tagged: bill nippoldt

I’m the type that likes to be busy so this December’s wild and wooly pace really suits me just fine.  We are 2/3 of the way through the Celtic Trio’s Christmas tour.  This is my second year participating in this ensemble with longtime American/Irish Contemporary Celtic duo Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning.  So far we’ve been to the San Juan Islands, Seattle, Eugene, Corvallis, Albany and Portland playing to a lot of full houses.  Check the schedule at Ark Music for remaining dates!

Our new CD Under the Wonder Sky was recently chosen by John Diliberto, host of NPR’s Echoes program as the CD of the month for December.  Our interview airs December 14th.  You can listen online and read the online review by clicking here.

When I return from tour, I’ll be presenting two concerts of my own—the 7th annual Acoustic Christmas Concerts with Wendy Goodwin & Friends.  Joining me this year is a wonderful and eclectic cast of musicians including Violinist Alexandra Kazmierowicz, Cellist Ashley Peck, Bassist Nolan Staples, Mandolin Virtuoso Jacob Jolliff (home on Christmas break from a national tour with Joy Kills Sorrow), Guitarist Nate Macy, Pianist Bryan Clark, Percussionist Bill Nippoldt and vocalist Bethany Cibolski.  That’s a total of nine people including myself:  woooooo—hooooo! 

Tuesday, December 21st
7:30 PM
Cloud Seven Cafe (NW 10th & Johnson—Pearl District, Portland) 
Concert is Free. Desserts, espresso drinks and local wines available for purchase.

Wednesday, December 22nd
7:30 PM
West Chehalem Friends Church (16700 NE North Valley Road, Newberg) MAP
Concert is Free—family friendly and all are welcome.

I’m still teaching my private students too whenever I land for a moment back in town.  I have a few little ones who are on the verge of completing Suzuki Book 1… I keep telling them “before the sun sets on December 31st you WILL complete Gavotte!”  It’s fun having concrete goals to shoot for.  I am so proud of my kiddos.

Last night I was able to join vocalist Tasha Miller for a private party as a part of her “Educated Band.”  It was a real privilege to share the stage—er the fireside room—with pianist Kerry McCoy, Bassist Kevin Dietz and Guitarist Dan Balmer.  Tasha knows how to entertain… decked in a red taffeta party dress and standing in 5 inch heels the lady had the room captivated with sassy renditions of Santa Baby, gospel infused Silent Night and some folk and jazz standards.

It would be easy to get a little crazy with all of this coming and going, different music to prepare and all, but I just keep reminding myself to just enjoy every new experience and not to take myself too seriously!

How is your Holiday season shaping up?

First off, let me say that Wine Unwind is a really cute little shop in Portland’s Pearl District.  The ambiance, the acoustics, the owner… it’s truly special.  Reminds me of the awesome independent book store in the movie You’ve Got Mail that Meg Ryan’s character lovingly tends. (side note, let’s make sure that some massive wine conglomerate does not move in and crush this little neighborhood gem!) 

Our set list included a number of jazz standards—Our Love is Here to Stay, But Beautiful, Solitude, If I Were a Bell, What a Difference a Day Makes, Moondance… plus a few of my original songs.  We used the little tiny Mackie amp you can see in the video and it was totally perfect for the space. 

It’s fun playing with a big group but it’s also awesome to be able to work with just Dave—he is a really great musician and friend. 

Here’s an mp3 clip of one of my favorite standards—hope you enjoy it!

Give Me the Simple Life

Earlier on Saturday, I played at Troon Winery’s tasting room in Carlton with two wonderful musicians and friends—Nate Macy (guitar & vocals) & Bill Nippoldt (super cool hand percussion.)  We’ve done music together off and on since 1996 under the name QLO.  Nate had organized this show and his set list was eclectic and fun.  We did everything from Miles Davis’s Four to some Celtic fiddle tunes like After the Battle of Aughrim.  The music was a big hit and I’m hoping the folks who grabbed our card will remember to e-mail me about their benefit event in August. 

All in all it was a really great day and I’m thankful for the chance to go out and play and sing and for all of you who support live music!