Posts Tagged: Portland Jazz Violin

There’s been so much going on lately, I haven’t had a chance to write.  But I hope that you’ll mark your calendars for a few particularly exciting shows coming up–

Wednesday, July 14th from 7:30-10:30  I will be playing and singing jazz for the first time at Wilfs Restaurant on the invitation of the amazing drummer and jazz community instigator Ron Steen.  I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to it!  You can check out the Upcoming Shows page here on this site for more details about parking and location.

Thursday, August 5th:  First Thursday at Sherman Clay Moe’s Pianos in the Pearl:  I’ll be joined by Aaron Pruitt on keys as well as special guests and friends.

 
As any of my former high school classmates who saw my “notes” in AP European History back in the day, can vouch, I’ve always loved to draw and create visual art.  As of last month, a dream that I thought I would have to set aside to fully pursue music came to be—I am now a published illustrator!  Check out Cocoa’s Collar, a very special book written to help special needs kids deal with grief—written by Garyanna Stalick.  I did these illustrations several years ago and had all but forgotten about it when this past winter, Garyanna called to see if it was okay to pursue publication…why yes, of course it was!  I have enjoyed picking up my sketch pad again of late.  Having a house filled with toys again certainly doesn’t hurt the inspiration factor!
Here’s the link:  Cocoa’s Collar Website

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!