I think last I wrote we were on our way to Florida (April) for more “Concord Jazz Festival” gigs with Oleta Adams, Diane Schuur and Sara Gazarek. We’ve had a lot of fun with these performances – a very good mix of vocal styles and songs. We sing together much of the time too, so lots of interaction. Great band too, with Danny, Laura Calvin, Todd and Scott Steed, along with Alates husband/drummer John Cushion. Beautiful places and venues too. We did have a scare later in the month when Deedles had to have an emergency operation, but I know she’s just fine now.

We (my band & I) had several gigs between those: Buffalo then, New Jersey, and the Birchmere (one of our favorite stops) and Scullers in Boston (another favorite). While in Buffalo, we got to hear Leo Kottke – love his stuff!

Onto KC (of course, another favorite!) at the Blue Room. Great seeing a lot of friends there. Then, we did a week at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago – a great, historic club. Took a short respite to see family in Minneapolis. Then, onto Hollywood at the new Catalina’s (also another favorite). Got to see several great friends and musicians there: Bob Shepard (who played with us one night), Tom Warrington and Joe LaBarbera, Steve Houghton. Also played with Bill Cunliffe and Dave Loeb. And it was a real thrill to have Melissa Manchester come in the club and sit in. She & I sang “Midnight Blue” together. She’s lovely.

Another small respite in Boulder to see a dear friend before our Denver gigs – we had some great hikes which I love. The Denver club was fun – Dazzle – very nice people. Then onto the Topeka (Kansas) Jazz Festival for one night. Saw many great friends there too. Next was Milwaukee for the Pabst Theater – what a great theater! Beautiful place with a very cool line-up of artists.

On my one week at home in NYC we MOVED (our home) to a great place still in Manhattan. During this time we also played BB King’s in NY – great fun. (Bruce Barth was with us that night.) Then a very cool place called the Kortright Center in East Meredith, NY – a wonderful refurbished church in a beautiful setting.

“Wild For You” was released on June 8th and our first gig promoting it was at Jimmy Mac’s in Portland, OR – another great little place. Got to see and hear two of my idols there: Nancy King and Dave Frishburg who both sat in with us as well as Randy Porter (great pianist) and Jerry Hahn (guitarist).

Then onto another favorite spot – the Dakota in Minneapolis. It’s always fun. It’s really great when a ‘smaller’ place is successful in expanding, like the Dakota. They do a really wonderful job. Laura Caviani also sat in and we had several guests in the audience like Garrison Keillor, Bill McGlaughlin, Leigh Kammon, my Mom, sister and Aunt! Then onto Idaho – I had never been there before. A great little festival called “Jazz in the Canyon,” a ‘mini’ Grand Canyon. Played deep down in there … it was very pretty. I got to do some hiking around there too.

Just finished with (yet another) favorite place – Jazz Alley in Seattle. It’s always a lovely week there and another success story of ‘expansion’ I’m happy to say. Jeff Johnson sounded great on the bass and it’s always good to hear Floyd Standifer who sat in with us. The STAFF @ Jazz Alley made us an incredible HOME COOKED meal the last night – so sweet of them!!!

It’s been fun playing the new music from “Wild For You!” I try to reassure people that we are indeed, still a jazz band – no worries there. Danny and the band have never sounded better and this stuff has expanded our repertoire and ways of doing things. (Thanks Gil!) And just last night in Santa Cruz at Kauumbwa Jazz Center, the audience was so warm and excited about the new material – feels good!

Now, a MUCH needed week at home before we hit the road again for Europe and Brazil.

Thank you to all who make the trips to come hear us! We love seeing you and appreciate your support.

Until next time,
Karrin