Where the Music Starts

Yesterday was a rare and wonderful treat.
I was able to start the day with my kids down by the Smithsonian. We went over to the Discovery Theater and rocked out with Billy Jonas and his band (Everybody's in the band). Have I told you lately that this guy is my hero?

He plays adult music and kid music with such enthusiasm and integrity that the two worlds blend. The wisdom of children is still ours and that wisdom, my friends, is the only way to see heaven. :)

"Who's gonna make our music?
We're gonna make our music?
What do we do?
Bang and sang
What do we use?
Everythang"

Too awesome to describe.


Then... as if I hadn't already reached my fun quota for a day, I rolled over to the One Common Unity open mic at Busboys and Poets and enjoyed an energetic mix of poetry, uplifting message music and an incredible atmosphere.

I will definitely be back soon.

All There Is

It seems slightly insane to say so, but even before the Promise CDs have arrived, I've started working the on next CD. I'm almost sure what it will be called, who the musicians will be and (drumroll) many of the new songs are already written.

That's write (right). After 3 years of virtual writer's famine and a often asking myself whether I'd need a new line of work - I'm writing again. And not a little bit.

Now, of course, you alone can be the judge as to whether or not it's good stuff, but it's writing and that alone feels good.
There is a little secret to my newfound success, but I'll tell you about that when I see you.

:)

Come As You Are

Funny, whenever I see those words on a church billboard, I think of that Nirvana song.

So, after toying with a few possibilities and listening to some great suggestions, I think we're going to go with a Pay As You Can at the 2nd Saturday showcase.
There'll be a suggested donation of $15 and the music and atmosphere will be much more for those who have to it to spare.

When it came right down to it, I really want anyone to be able to come who feels like that's where they want to be. 'Cause we're going to be having a good time.

See you soon.

To Fly or Not to Fly?

Interesting.
Nicki Minaj. My hero?


I was thinking of posting about my new found respect for Pop music.
It's actually a rather long story that begins with a young songwriting forswearing mainstream, popular music as insipid, useless and incessantly about romance. The most recent chapter involves a grown up version of that same songwriter discovering amazing depth in some of the most often played songs on the radio. And in the videos.

I don't mean just the personal growth of John Mayer. I mean, Madonna and Justin Timberlake. Maybe hard to imagine, maybe, but it's there. Depth. I mean, mind stretching depth.

Anyway, our lyric analysis has been tested by the Powers at her school who want to put the lid on a talent show performance because of the supposedly explicit lyrics in a song that Laela (and I) find inspiring.

So, after listening to Laela's argument and considering the angles, I marched to the school and had an awesome talk with the PTA president :) Looks like I may be working with the talent show in the future.
Who would have ever thought that Nicki Minaj would help me become a better parent?

Thanks Nicki.

By the way, the song is FLY. Check it out.

Tell me what you think?

Do I own the record, no? Do I see the value?
I have to say, I truly do.

I learn something new every single day.

Promise Kept

Ladies and Gentleman, we are airborne!

Approximately 10 minutes ago, I officially placed the order for the new CD.
Not certain the exact arrival date, but it will be within a week of my birthday.
Thank you to all of you who contributed funds, good suggestions, plan to open your homes or just thought happy thoughts.
It worked!

Thanks guys. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
Love Lea