We left off last November just after the European tour. I had a great holiday in Pioneer Valley and while there, a very nice gig at the Green Street Cafe in Northampton, MA. It was packed to the rafters with great spirited folks, and happened to be the last Monday night event they had there before finally closing their doors. It was a sweet and delicious cafe but their legacy lives on very vibrantly in the area.
Des Moines in January! “Somehow it doesn’t sound so inviting…” but it was! After barely getting there on time due to flight issues (!) I did a masterclass with the Drake University students at their very cool venue for jazz and students. Heard some lovely singers and we had a great time. The concert was at Drake’s beautiful hall and we had a wonderful crowd, lovely staff there and also saw several surprise friends, so it was definitely worth the winter trip to Iowa.

Back to NYC where we had a wonderful two days of masterclasses at a midtown studio with 9 students. What a blast we had! Several students had come all the way from Japan, and others I mostly had known before in the city. It was a beautifully eclectic group and they all sounded lovely.
After that, off to LA for the Grammies. It was, as always, exciting to be a part of that amazing spectacle! My Mom and sister Elisa went along with me so we had a great time. We saw and heard lots of luminaries which I wrote about on facebook.

Then off to Hawaii. We had three great gigs while there, first to Kona on the Big Island in a beautiful hotel with Hawaii Public Radio as our hosts. Bill, Rod, my sister Tracy and I took it all in along with the music, swimming, walking and driving along that beautiful coast. Then back to Honolulu for two more gigs, first was at the Honolulu Academy of Arts with Rod and wonderful friends/musicians Bruce Hamada and Jim Howard – always a pleasure. Then, to the Musician’s Union for a concert with The Galliard String Quartet, and Bill McGlaughlin conducting. Bill’s arrangements fit our music so well, you may already know of a few from our CD, “From Paris to Rio” among others. Then we enjoyed time ‘off’ while there on the North Shore and hanging out with family including my niece Sydney!!!

Back home to NYC, and also Pioneer Valley area again (early spring!). Then, to Appleton Wisconsin for a great couple nights at their very cool venue. It’s a Performing Arts Center but they’ve made it more of a night club feel. It was a real pleasure to play there.

The Spring is busy so I hope to see you out there somewhere…
Meanwhile, take care and as always THANK YOU for your support of our music.
Karrin

Saw . . . heard . . . read:

New Orleans’ vocalist Cindy Scott at the presenter’s conference “APAP” in NYC – lovely!

Sheila Jordan at Lincoln Center to get her JAZZ MASTERS award. Congratulations Sheila !!

Heard Terell Stafford, Bruce Barth and wonderful band at Dizzy’s/Lincoln Center – great as always.

Went to the NYC Chapter Grammy Party and saw lots of buddies (See some new pics coming soon on my web site photo gallery.)

Heard LOTS of music at the Grammy’s and wrote about it on facebook. Maybe you read it?

While in Hawaii, it’s so very cool to see hump back whales do their thing along with rainbows, and the absolutely amazing foliage and spirit there.

Heard the Hawaiian singer and slack-key guitarist Makana at a private event, sang for him too! Very fun, along with the wonderful Jimmy Borges and friends.

At Suny Purchase College I heard the amazing chamber music of WuHan and David Finckel (piano and cello) along with host Bill McGlaughlin. Three of the best in the business!

Saw the film “In Good Time,” a lovely documentary on the great Marian McPartland.