Music Fun Week of July 16-23 (Wed. to Wed.)

Que sera, sera.  What will be, will be.

Feeling dullish in the head right about now.  I’m still healing, but I DO feel the mass dissolving away.  Still, not as energetic as I’d like to be.

Meanwhile, last Wednesday was the final Swing Dance (until September) from the Ray Simpson Big Band in Corte Madera, and I was happy to be there.  I won’t be around for the next one on Sept. 10—but you can Mark Your Calendars right now!

Swung by Hopmonk on Friday night for an hour or so of the VERY energetic Lovefool party band.  Small crowd, but many dancers.  Got my workout.

Saturday spent with Friends in my Community at a Full Moon Rising Party.

Sunday:  Magnolia Terrace (Elks Club) for FOREVERLAND!!  And it was as SWELL as I had hoped!  So many Friends showed up—happy you were there too!  ♫♪

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ♫♪

Lori, Ellen, Patricia at Magnolia Terrace, after Foreverland

Coming up:  Friday evening at Northgate for Aja Vu (Steely Dan tribute) from 6 to 8pm.  There’s also Pachamama at Pacheco from 6-9, and I’d show for the last half hour or so – but logistics being what they are, probably won’t.  After that might stop by Hopmonk to scope out Gravity A for some New Orleans funk, soul, jam.

Saturday there’s a special birthday party, and then Hopmonk for Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs!

Sunday I may need some Unity in Marin – and then there’s the Great American Blues & BBQ on 4^th St. with Austin DeLone’s Little Big Band backing up Tommy Castro, Nick Gravenites, and Ron Thompson.

Of course, the calendar below is FULL of other good music to enjoy.  Do find yours! ♫♪♫

Music Fun Week of July 9-16 (Wed. to Wed.)

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous! …

The Fourth of July at the Marin County Fair, 6 hours.  Many lasting impressions:  the cow who didn’t want to be milked; the little 2-year-old boy who shared the most loving and extended smile with me; the sublime Mr. Noah Griffin and his Trio, decked out in tuxes, performing Cole Porter (and got Carlos & I on our feet for a final swing dance), along with a 13-year old Sarah Silverman look-alike, who joined him with a natural grace and easy-to-listen voice on a couple of tunes; the RIDICULOUSLY fabulous MarchFourth Marching Band under the Big Top—acrobatic stilt-walkers/dancers, and lots of funk to make me dance!  Seeing Mariposa & Jonah working at the Marin Artists Food Booth (wonderful tamale!).  The Bonsai.  The llamas (or were they alpacas?), the beautiful draft horses.  The FIREWORKS!  Missed the Chinese acrobats as usual (but perhaps the MarchFourth Marching Band was a worthy substitute); missed the pig races, as usual.  Always wanted to see the Border Collies in action as well—but don’t think they were there this year.

Saturday night at Hopmonk, Dan Brown following the JB Jazz Ensemble led by Saxy Susan Copperman; guest Bobby Galyan from Lumanation.  All that energy! l

Sunday at Unity for entertainment, enlightenment, endless goodness.

Missed the Soul Satellites at MAGC; Cathey Cotton & Elliott Shannonhouse & Atomic Beat Society at PYC; James Moseley Band at Seahorse; Zydeco Flames at Rancho; Blues Burners at Town Center; Moonalice at Sweetwater; Harold Jones Big Band at San Geronimo … But how could I have done all that even if I was at my best??!!?  I know, I’m greedy -- when it comes to Making Merry with MUSIC! ♫♪

Ask me about Being Silly Lessons -- Caused by Zydeco Flames at Pacheco 2 weekends ago. (thanks for the evidence, Dave.)

Not getting out so much.  Resting, healing. Finding that I’m pretty tuckered each day by 3 or 4pm, must lay down and rest.  Listening to my body.  Wondering if I’ll get back that old GET UP AND GO.  I think so!  Meanwhile, trying to channel lots of Positive Energy, received from so many.  And truth be told, now feeling like this lung thing is really just a mosquito bite.  Happy to help channel more love to Lynn Asher,  and the financial help she needs right now in her battle against cancer.

But I did get out last night for an hour & a half to hear my friends in the Ray Simpson Big Band--and danced-- for their last set before September 10.  I'll be out of town for that one ...

**What I DO expect is to be at Magnolia Terrace (Elks Club) on Sunday for FOREVERLAND!!  Tell them you’re my friend and it’s 2 for $20! **

Friday, Saturday?  I’ll just wait and see …

Get out there and enjoy what you can!  ♫♪♫

Music Fun Week of July 2-9 (Wed. to Wed.)

HEALTH ISSUES …

Not the news I expected to hear after yesterday’s CT scan.  I just KNEW it was nothing more than a little quail egg stuck in my lung (as I’ve jokingly been telling friends).  My PCP wants a bronchoscopy, but the Pulmonologist suggests another 3 weeks of antibiotics, and thinks it’s a lung abscess rather than a neoplasm or any kind of malignancy.  So more wondering and waiting, and hoping for the best outcome!  “This too shall pass” … but I’m kinda bummed. L

No, I did not have the strength to get out last Thursday, and missed my friends Lumanation.at 19 Broadway.

But on Friday, I knew I needed an endorphin surge and so made it over to Pacheco Plaza for my fabulous ZYDECO FLAMES!  Heartwarming to see such a huge crowd, regular folks (not just zydeco dancers) LOVING the music, smiling and dancing ecstatically to the fabulous beat!

On Saturday I fully intended to enjoy The 7^th Sons with Debra Clawson at Presidio Yacht Club, but though I tried, failed to get out of the house.  Guess I was meant to rest another day/ night.

And on Sunday JAMES MOSELEY DANCE BAND at Corte Madera Town Center called out, and I answered!  Didn’t arrive until half time, as I knew I wouldn’t last in the heat—but I had a good hour of jumpin’ around, enjoying the music and the fellow dancers.  Hooray for the music!! ♫♪♫

For the 4^th of July: bet you’ve never seen any Fireworks like this!

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To come:  There’s the Marin County Fair from Wednesday through Sunday.  Thought I’d be up for Huey Lewis tonight (but not happening); perhaps Sunday for Elvin Bishop and Joan Jett. The Liberators open at 1pm for Elvin, and include Paul Liberatore as well as Jimmy Dillon, Eric McCann, and Kevin Hayes!  That’ll be a fun show!

Thursday evening the SOUL SATELLITES—another of my favorites—are at Marin Art & Garden Center!  Also a great show at Hopmonk with Instru-mental & James Harman.

Friday there’s a big Cathey Cotton/ Elliott Shannonhouse & Atomic Beat Society party at Presidio Yacht Club beginning at 6pm and going past the Fireworks; also James Moseley Dance Band at Seahorse; and Zydeco Flames at a Rancho Nicasio BBQ on the Lawn.

Saturday: pals Dan Brown & Full Steem are at Hopmonk, along with Saxy Susan Copperman’s students.  That’ll be my destination.  And perhaps earlier Music at Trek Winery?

Sunday:  There’s the Fair, but also THE BLUES BURNERS at Corte Madera Town Center; Moonalice at Sweetwater; and Harold Jones Big Band at San Geronimo Golf Course!

And you KNOW there’s lots more, listed below on the Calendar.  ♫♪♫

Blessings.

Wednesday, JULY 2 

Marin County Fair 11am-11pm, $15-17:  Huey Lewis & the News (7:30pm).  Through July 6.  Click on link for details, schedule.

Music Fun Week of June 25-July 2 (Wed. to Wed.)

PROCRASTINATION!

That's something I've always had a knack for ... and this week, especially true.

That stupid cough that's been following me around for 3 weeks, me thinking each day is the day it'll go away ... Monday I finally went and got an x-ray.  Tuesday (my Birthday), doctor called and said I need a CT scan because x-ray shows a small mass as well as infection. So I got my 2 antibiotics, and get the scan next Tuesday.  All-in-all the worst birthday ever, as many of you on facebook already know.  There's been quite an outpouring of love and caring from so many, and I am GRATEFUL.  I'm not a daily facebook user, but from the responses I received -- I see the benefits!  Thank you ALL!

Meanwhile, some shoutouts ... heard more music than I anticipated last week!  The always-wonderful and inspiring Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Boulevard at the elegant Fenix on Saturday; the San Francisco Music Club with Lorin Rowan & Jimmy Dillon at Northgate on Friday; Amy Wigton at Trek Winery also on Friday; The Grain (from Petaluma) at Hopmonk on Thursday; and on Sunday I crashed.

Highlights to come, I hope, to make up for a less-than-stellar birth-day:

Thursday the amazing ILLUMINATION free show at 19 Broadway.  Just putting that out there, because I don’t believe I have the energy, better stay home another day.  There’s also Rowan Brothers at Marin Art & Garden Center, and Donna D +3+1 at Seahorse.

Friday I HAVE to be at Pacheco Plaza for some ZYDECO FLAMES!  If I have any strength, might mosey over to Trek Winery after that to have a listen to Factor 11.

Saturday The 7^th Sons with Debra Clawson and fellas are at Presidio Yacht Club.  Another great show is Wall Street at Fenix. Lots more shows, take a look at calendar.

Sunday JAMES MOSELEY DANCE BAND at Corte Madera Town Center, 2-4pm.  Be there!

And for your amusement, meet Mooscles:

Music Fun Week of June 18-25 (Wed. to Wed.)

DOWN and UP

Have not been feeling my best lately, but as a Friend wisely said:  Stress compromises your immune system; on the other hand, doing what you love (for me MUSIC and DANCING) releases endorphins and takes you to another level.

Though “retired” from a paying job, I keep busy enough during the week with other responsibilities that I do not have the chance to go out and hear music each day of the week – despite what many of you kid me about!  This week Carlos & I thankfully managed to go for the Wednesday monthly Corte Madera Ray Simpson Big Band Dance.  A great community event on a large dance floor with friendly folks eager to dance, or just sit and take in the sounds of a big band. You have another chance to enjoy this on July 9 – and then not again until September.

Friday night SPECIAL:  We celebrated MY BIRTHDAY (pre-birthday—actual is June 24) with the James Moseley Dance Band (thank you James, Carrie, Jack, Jean, Marina, John, Steve and Doug!!) at Sausalito Seahorse – and there WAS some special CAKE with that (thank you Mauro)!  Not only that, it was Friday the 13^th-- very auspicious!! and a FULL “Strawberry” MOON (technically the 12^th at 9:11pm, but close enough).  Honored and pleased to see so many of my great friends there!  [Again, my birthday is June 24, but when you get to my age you take the celebrating when you can get it!!!  

Saturday I arrived at the Novato Wine Art Music Festival in time to see our friends LUMANATION; got in a visit to my daughter who lives at Millworks; then some Frobeck – and I’ll definitely want to hear them again.  Carlos & I went to a housewarming party for Sallie & Tim and met up with friends old & new.  Then we traveled down the road to the Presidio Yacht Club with Doc Kraft Dance Band!  More FULL MOON madness …

On Sunday, the fabulous UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Magnolia Terrace, Elks Club, San Rafael for us—and another chance to celebrate.  A smaller turnout than it should have been (Novato and Fairfax Festivals as well as Tommy Castro at the Rancho diluted the crowd) – but a happy crowd, and this is a gem of a venue, festival-style -- there’ll be more dates to enjoy.  [Coming up this Sunday on June 22 is Ray Obiedo and Mambo Caribe, and then FOREVERLAND on July 13.]

Tuesday evening Carlos & I made our first visit to the Mill Valley Community Center for the Starduster Orchestra Dance.  Beautiful venue, great dance floor, fabulous music, including vocalist Noah Griffin.

Whew!

Gayle, Ellen, Trish at the end of a fabulous night of dancing:
James Moseley Band at Seahorse

More possible Birthday celebrations in store!

Coming up:  Thursday, if possible, hop over to Hopmonk to check out The Grain, whom friend Michael has been raving about.  They’re headlining, so possibly will not begin until 10 or so.  I’d better call.

Friday:  another bash at Northgate with the San Francisco Music Club with Lorin Rowan and Jimmy Dillon.  After that? Doc Kraft is at Seahorse; if my strength holds, or Trek Winery for a listen to Amy Wigton if it doesn’t.

Saturday: there’s Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Blvd. at Fenix, or the Eldon Brown Band at Presidio YC.  Also Dan Brown & Full Steem at Redwood Café if we dare travel …

Sunday:  possibly Ray Obiedo, Pete Escovedo & Mambo Caribe at Magnolia Terrace (Elks) if I survive the rest of it. Also a Benefit at 19 Broadway including Danny Click, El Radio Fantastique, San Geronimo.  Who knows??

And you KNOW there’s lots more, listed below on the Calendar.  ♫♪♫

Blessings.

Music Fun Week of June 11-18 (Wed. to Wed.)

Endings and Beginnings …

This past week – YES, it was DEFINITELY HAPPENING at Northgate Mall with PRIDE & JOY!!  Way to start their season!  Then the FINAL Knut Kramer & Beth Reynolds Sunnbolt First Friday Jam – the Final One!!  Ouch.  Many great memories … (it's where I brought Carlos the first night we met.)

On Saturday the Special Party on Paradise (also a finale) was exhuberent and exceptional.  Mindy Canter and Fluteus Maximus rocked us plenty!  We never made it out of there to Hopmonk for Reckless in Vegas –what’s a poor party girl to do?

On Sunday we gathered at the home of special friends, the afternoon wore on, and oops I missed out on seeing a band I LOVE-- LUMANATION with Bobby G and Saxy Susan at Sweetwater!  But the company was wonderful – and it’s all about Friendship. Right?  ♫♪♫

Some of the peeps at Sunnbolt's "Final First Friday"!

Coming up:  Tonight hoping to get to the Ray Simpson Big Band Dance in Corte Madera!  A once-a-month treat.

Friday night SPECIAL:  I’ll be celebrating MY BIRTHDAY with the James Moseley Dance Band at Sausalito Seahorse – and there may be some special CAKE with that!  Not only that, it’s Friday the 13^th-- very auspicious!! and it’s a FULL “Strawberry” MOON (technically the 12^th at 9:11pm, but close enough).  My birthday is June 24, but when you get to my age it’s certainly OK to take the celebrating when you can get it!!!  C’mon out, all you June birthdays! And everyone I know, please.

Saturday I believe Carlos & I will be at the Novato Art Wine Music Festival, especially to see our friends LUMANATION at 12:30 at the Hopmonk Stage at 7^th; and Frobeck is at 4 at Redwood Stage.  Then if fortune ordains, we will do another Birthday celebration at the Presidio Yacht Club with Doc Kraft Dance Band!  More FULL MOON madness …

On Sunday, it’s the fabulous UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Magnolia Terrace, Elks Club, San Rafael for Carlos & Ellen—and another chance to celebrate.  Yes, there’s the Novato and Fairfax Festivals happening as well – but this is a gem of a venue, festival-style, with the incomparable Rudy & the Guys.

Celebrate [something]!  ♫♪♫

Music Fun Week of June 4-11 (Wed.-Wed.)

Friends move away from the Bay Area, and tell me it makes them feel at home to read my blog, so I’ll keep on with my rambling …

With all the activity last weekend from which to choose, on Friday Carlos and I ended up at the Tiburon Turns 50 party (thanks to Larry and Sue!) and were recipients of the merry music of Wonderbread 5, the Fireworks, and then the Carlos Reyes Band—who could have been Pride & Joy … that kind of R&B Motown funky fun.

Saturday began with a disaster team training for my community, which I had to leave early to get to the Memorial for Glenn.  That stretched well into the afternoon: time well-spent with old mutual friends who celebrated our good fortune to have known Glenn during his brief time (53 years) on our planet.

The evening came, and our wine-tasting party stretched on into the night – so didn’t make it out to any venue, but danced around the house a bit with the gals.

Sunday I was pooped – Carlos & I went to Unity for some soul-inspiration.  Singing from Desiree that took us to another dimension …

Monday evening Laura & I worked the Marin Symphony Wine Auction Dinner event at Marin Country Club.  Always a fun event.

But I’m exhausted.  Fighting a chest cold, trying to keep on top of everything.  Recalling my bout with pneumonia last May … must rest up ...this too shall pass!

Laura & Ellen at Marin Country Club

Laura Mae at Marin Symphony event
http://www.lauramaedesigns.com/ 

Fireworks--or Giant Popcorn Ball--in Tiburon.
What my iPhone saw ...

This weekend?  Definitely happening on Friday, with PRIDE & JOY at Northgate.  THAT will be a party, folks!  Then we’ll on to Knut Kramer’s & Beth Reynolds’ Sunnbolt First Friday Jam – the Final One!!  I’m sure we’ll see many of you there.  That means in all likelihood we won’t make it to Doc Kraft at the Seahorse … 

On Saturday there’s a special party, and Reckless in Vegas at Hopmonk.

On Sunday, LUMANATION with Bobby G and Saxy Susan are at Sweetwater!

Next Wednesday the 11^th is the Ray Simpson Big Band in Corte Madera.

Who knows how it will all PLAY out.