Boo's News

2010-06-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hello My Fine Folk,

As you may know, I recently entered a contest to win a performance spot at the upcoming Minneapolis Lilith Fair. This contest was called the Lilith Local Talent Search and involved fan voting via Ourstage and Facebook.

With your help, I ended up in the #1 spot after the many rounds of fan voting were complete! Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that the Lilith Fair and Ourstage judges chose someone else to perform.

I knew this was a possibility (as it stated in the rules; the #1 winner was not necessarily the winner of the performance spot) but I had sincerely hoped that my music and all of your hard work in getting me to the top would have had more of an impact on the final decision.

Your continued support means everything in the world to me and I can't thank you enough for helping me be a part of this endeavor. Today, I feel a bit disappointed and upset that so many of you spent such time and effort on this but I guess, most important, is that you made me #1 – and you continue to believe in me and my art and push me to continue to follow my dream. The beat goes on, baby and so do I!

peace.
~Lojo

#==OQ

2010-06-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. I've been a busy girl.
Most recently I've been a very proud and humbled girl. This is due to the overwhelming response and support I received from all of you for helping me get to and stay in the number one position in the Lilith Fair Talent Contest.

In the past year I've performed with Michelle Shocked, Tret Fure and opened for Pieta Brown and the Cowboy Junkies. I've got to meet some of my personal favorites like Dougie MacLean and Vance Gilbert and I'm looking forward to working with Dave Wilcox at the Lyons Folks Fest Songschool. And now her I am with the chance to perform at one of the most awesome music festivals in the country and in my hometown, no less - Lilith Fair!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed people - You voted me to number one but they need to make the final call - let's hope the Lilith powers that be agree with all of you.
Thank you again, and again, and again!

2009-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

My Summer Vacation
by Lojo Russo Grade Umpteenth

June 23-28 got above 90 degrees. I guess that was summer for us her in Iowa. All I remember from that time was sweating my @ss off performing at outdoor events.

As for the rest of the summer months the weather was near perfect and so were the shows. So many new venues; Wine Bar in Lake Okoboji, Blue Sky Vineyards in Cape Girardeau, Miss Kitty's in Galena, Tuvalu's in Madison – even made it out to Jackson, Tennessee - I was all over the place and loving every minute of it! Of course I can’t forget my old favorites, Tirabassi-Kin, Tabor Winery, John Harbors. And, after a 13 year hiatus I finally got back to the National Women's Music Festival. I forgot just how much fun a hotel full of women can be...(wink-wink-nudge-nudge).

The few moments I wasn't making music it was me and the Girlfriend going out to see other people making music.

We headed to Colorado for the Lyons Folk Fest - 3 days in the mountains - gawd, I love it! Some great music was going on that weekend, Dougie MacLean, Don McLean, Susan Tedeschi, Vance Gilbert, Rufus Wainright III, the list goes on and on. We even met up with few friends from Kerrville, too. The weekend was full of surprises cuz it turned out to be a learning weekend as well.

We learned that when the wind picks up its time to put on the rain gear.
We learned that the camera lens fits perfectly into the eyepiece of the binoculars giving us some amazing shots... and we learned our little friend Brandon is adorable in a shower cap And I learned that if you sit at the pool too long you end up looking like the wall hanging at Inger and Evi's house.

Then there was the weekend I mixed business with pleasure. The Girlfriend's sister's family moved to St. Louis from Tampa. Did you know they have a zoo? A really nice one! It was Megan's birthday (the Girlfriend's Niece) so off to the zoo we went. Then, later that same night it was gigging at Nancy's Place and dancing at Novak's after the show (which is a whole other kinda zoo altogether)!!

We found a new venue called Morton Arboretum near Chicago. What a great place to see music. We spread out a blanket of goodies and watched Shawn Colvin and Nancy Griffith. Definitely will be going back to that place.

The summer culminated in a most auspicious moment. The Iowa Women's Music Festival scored a coup when they got Michelle Shocked as the headliner. And I scored my own coup when Ms. Shocked asked me to join her on stage to play a bit of mandolin along with her on Repo Man and a new tune called Liquid Prayer. Yeah, I'm a happy girrrl.

The End (of summer)

2009-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

And now, for the promised National Womens Music Festival Blog:

Off we traveled – North to the great town of Madison, WI and the National Women’s Music Festival. It was a time of reflection and confliction.
Confliction because herself was traveling away from the chance to spend the holiday weekend with her girlfriend and her family.
Reflection because it’d been too long since she’d attended this great event...

[[ insert dream waves here ]]

The year was 1995, Bloomington, IN. Lojo was a budding musician looking to make her mark. She arrived at NWMF full of hope and promise, with a handful of CDs and a 75 VW bus named Tawanda. She had one chance to wow the judges – and she did. They asked her back the next year and she did it all over again with even greater confidence and a sense of her place in the music world. The women she met made their mark in her life, the artists that had so inspired her she felt were now her peers. She saw her future so bright.

Then... she dropped the ball.

[[ insert dream waves in reverse here ]]]

Present day 2009, Madison WI. A chance to redeem herself and re-connect with this community of women and artists. So many faces from the past, so many people who hadn’t forgotten her - though she’d forgotten their names she hadn't forgotten their faces.

Well, I should probably let herself tell this next part...

Thanks, Boo.
I found myself in a group of some of the most talented women I’ve ever had the pleasure meet. To Teneia and Emily, The Sirens (marco!), Shelly Miller and Stephanie Moore, thank you for such a great experience and the chance to hear your music.
And congratulations to Teneia and the Sirens!! - see you next year on the big stage!

The mainstage line-up was superb with a great blend of old school and new school - and I thought the OshKosh Men's Chorus was a perfect addition to the weekend!

To all the volunteers: You women SO ROCK!!
Lisa & Angela and Laura in Registration – good times, good times - Susan, Lisy and MJ at Goldenrod – more pizza! - and all of the other wonderful women who’s names I never learned and who helped put this festival together – you all did a great job!!

To the women on the crew who made it all go so smoothly; Linda, Kaia, and all the women working stage & sound thanks for making us all sound so good. Kathy & Joyce in Performer’s Care you know the way to a musician’s heart is truly thru their stomachs. Ruth, Meg and Diane doing the ASL interpreting, wow, are you guys troopers (whoever signed for Maggie Casella should get a medal).

Of course, this was all made possible thru the tireless efforts of Jane Weldon, Tret Fure and the fantastic board of directors. (This is not me kissing ass, this is me being very grateful for the opportunity to perform and the quality of the festival.)

The ball's in my court - I'll be back.

2009-06-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

ok. so I'm really horrible about staying current on my blog site - aren't i.
my apologies.
i plan on updating my phone soon - and that might help - or it may ruin my life cuz i'll be addicted to twitting or something.

Anyhoo,
How's it been with me? Good, actually. I've been busy with tours and shows and creating new music and summer and trying to make my lawn green and do we want a porch or a patio and does this blog make me look fat?

I've played some new venues and some old venues. Really enjoyed playing Cafe Carpe with Michelle Dalziel, Tricia Alexander and Deborah Green. I already know Michelle rocks but I gotta say, Tricia has one heck of a way with tunes and you can hear the Appalachian Mountains coming from Deborah's soul. Bill & Kitty are good folk and if you ever find yourself in Ft Atkinson WI you should get down to the Cafe Carpe for a little microbrew and a great show. (Just saw Kris Delmhorst their and her old band, Red Bird, just happened to stop by for a couple of tunes - yeah!!)

Down to Missouri to do some shows new and old and make friends new and old. Thursday I played with Doug E Rees at Stooges. I'd met Doug only once before at the Folk Alliance but I hadn't heard him play. Wow! What a great night of music and catfish! Then it was a couple of shows with Jefferson Fox - I'd never met Jefferson before but we clicked instantly and spent 2 nights jamming our way thru Tennessee and Missouri. Here's a link to a video - that's Jefferson on the harmonica. After a nice tour thru the wine country (yes, there is a wine country in SEMO/SWIL) I settled in for a nice little house concert at Larry & Jean Underberg's.

Up to Ohio. Got to spend some quality time with the Tirabassi-Kin ladies. Saturday was the house concert and a good time was had by all. Sunday morning we made breakfast then went to the Hessler Street Fair. It was old school hippie festival with home-made art, hemp cookies, children playing in the Enchanted Forest and a reggae band keeping everyone's toes tapping.

There's been other memorable shows, places, people - but, I seem to have reached my typing limit. I'll do my best to get back here again before too long...

2009-04-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2009
Where the heck did march go?!? I wasn't that drunk...

But, I can tell you where we did go - - Memphis!
Boo and I got down to some serious traveling when we found ourselves in Memphis, TN for the National Folk Alliance Music and Dance Conference (though, I don't recall seeing much dancing...)

3 days of being completely enrapt (yes, I meant to spell it that way) in music, musicians and the music business - enjoying every minute of it!

(Except for that part where I lost a $100 bill to the Gawds of Fate and Whim - the dirty buggers. My new release, "Memphis Ate My Money" will soon be available on Hard Knocks and Tough Sh*t Records.)

Right. Enough whining - it's only money.

While Boo stayed in the car amassing parking fines and teasing dogs I went off to play a month's worth of music in only 3 days.

The moment I walked into the hotel there was music and mayhem from wall to wall and floor to floor. I met up with old friends, not so old friends, re-kindled friendships and made so many new friends I can't even count!

For a musician this was like Mecca, Heaven and the best music jam, all rolled into one.

I played Me & Bobby Magee while Radoslav Lorkovic provided the piano solo on his accordian. I I believed in Magic when I saw John Sebastian, watched a movie produced by Bela Fleck, listened to Cliff Eberhardt jam with The Nadas and remembered a simpler time with Tret Fure. I watched, I listened and I played and I played and I played...

I had a heckuva good time jamming with my friends from texas, like Hans York and Chad Elliot and then I jammed with folks I met only when I got on stage with them like Spook Handy and Eric Brace and Brad Yoder. Check these people out - folk music has a whole new meaning... and sound.

And as quickly as it had started it was over - Boo and I packed up our things (and tickets) and headed home once more.

2009-03-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Blessings to you on this most holy sainted day.
And to the rest of you...
Cheers! Let's hear it for the snakes!!!

Over the weekend herself and I tried to be on our best behavior - we even practiced some yoga meditation with the Guinness Tantric Master Yogi Mchurley

We're proud to say we were quite successful in reaching this state of bliss!

2008-12-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Hello My Fine Folk,

A Wondrous, Joyful Holiday blessing to you all!

The snow is here, in spades if you will, and it’s like I’m back in Minnesota with all this mostly fluffy white stuff lying around. However, I know that time spent with my family will warm the winter’s chill from my bones. And I hope that the time you spend with friends, family and loved ones is filled with that warmth as well.

I can’t believe the NEW year is almost here – where the heck did 08 go anyway? I don’t have time right now to do a complete review of ‘Aught Eight’ but suffice it to say it rocked in sooooooo many ways!

To:
To friends who share my laughter and tears
To family with whom I’ve shared all of my years
To loved ones with us and loved ones passed
To those whose grievances cannot last
To all of you who’ve touched my soul
To each of you who makes me whole
I thank you all and wish you Peace
Happy New Year & Merry Solstice!

From:
~Lojo
(ooh it was so close to rhyming...)

2008-09-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

What the f$%*!
What do you mean summer's gone? Where the heck did it go?!?
Gawds - I can't believe its autumn already. Luckily, I love autumn, its really my favorite time of the year (next to winter in Colorado... and summer in California... and spring in Ireland).

Let's see - what have I been up to...
Well, I know I've been quite busy - which might have something to do with time being so fleeting these past 3 months.

There was the awesome little music festival in Colorado. Nothing like rockin' out at 10,361 feet above sea level :)
Then there was that wonderful little show at the Lake Harriet Bandshell where it seemed that almost everyone I know came out to picnic on the grass.
Of course, I can't forget the few hours I spent lounging around the MN Renaissance Fest with all my peeps drinking coffee with Baileys and Jeremiah Weed (now, thats what I call a breakfast drink!)
Then there was my weekend at Charlies where not only did I get to play music with Lorraine and Paul (frightfully fabulous) but I also got to spend the night with my old band Funks Grove V1.0 (includes Michael Matheny) and V2.0 (everyone else)! What a night!! I'm hoping to have some pix and audio for you soon and I'll post them here when I do.
I ran a marathon...ok...not the whole marathon but 6.2 miles of it. Next year I hope to do a half-marathon. Of course that would mean running more often than once every other month. Time will tell.
And over the weekend I participated in the autumn ritual of playing Pazzo at a renaissance festival here in the quad cities. It's not the MN Ren Fest by a long shot but it has heart and soul and a lot of gumption and these days I'm much better equipped to play the fool for one weekend rather than 7 in a row.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

2008-06-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

In case you're all wondering... no, we're not under water.

We're fortunate to live about 100 feet above flood stage. We had a little water in the basement due to seepage but otherwise we count ourselves very lucky indeed. Thanks to everyone for their concern - please rest easy.

Boo and I just got back from a whirl-wind 'tour' to SE Wisconsin where we played a couple of new venues and pay tribute to an honored venue of the past.

Friday night was John Harbor's - a beautiful place in a beautiful little town. A bookstore turned coffeehouse/public house with everything from Italian roast to Irish whiskey - my kind of place. The evening started with Malia Lani, a local girl on her way to Hawaii by way of hula dancers...
(I had no idea that Menomonee Falls was a magnet for Big Islanders?)
Big thanks to Jeremy, Erin and their staff for making my evening a most pleasant experience indeed. (By-the-by, the Feckin' Whiskey is feckin' brilliant!)

The next morning we headed south to Racine where we wasted a couple of hours at the 7 Mile Market Fair. Imagine, 7 MILES of flea market - paraphenalia from puppies to cowboy boots and a whole lotta whatsiss in between. You gotta see it to believe it. It wasn't a total waste - I did get a new suitcase.

As I pulled into downtown Racine I found myself looking at a penguin atop the roof of a bar... George's. Ah, yes, George's. A quaint little neighborhood bar where I'd played years ago while on tour with my old record label. Dave, the owner, is a sweet, amazing man with a heart of gold and a passion for music. Unfortunately, after 28 years the music has been silenced but the dream of this man is not. I know the music will come back someday - and when it does, I'll be there! Dave was nice enough to stop by my show at the Yardarm and we talked for quite awhile.

This was my first time at the Yardarm but I noticed it's quite a favorite with the MN crowd. Their Wall of Fame included people like Gerry Rau and my friend Ray Yates. Lori and Lisa were fine, funny, endearing hosts - and Pete was a life-saver. And, the patrons were a hoot! I played everything from Billy Holiday to Steppenwolf - what a magic ride that was!!

Late that night Boo and I headed back to waterlogged Iowa - home wet home.

2008-05-30T03:46:00.001-07:00

Boo Here.

Herself has asked that I give you guys the lowdown on the whole Kerrville thing. She being a bit overwhelmed by – and still recuperating from it all. Yep. What a ride! The Short One was rather excitable the entire trip but who could blame her. She was on her way to a very important occasion and $4.00 per gallon of gas and 20 hours on the road was not going to dampen her spirits.

Now, me? I thought I was spending another weekend at home so imagine my surprise when I was pulled from my dashboard armchair only to be placed in a window seat in the biggest truck I’d ever seen. I know these girls were camping but you’d think the Diva’s were staying for a month the way they packed this behemoth.

Iowa – sometimes it feels like you’ll never get to the border, especially when you take a left at Des Moines. Missouri – thanks to all the by-passes Kansas City was a cinch. Oklahoma – we watched the most magnificent lightning storm, it crawled along the belly of the clouds - amazing. And, finally, Texas! Texas was hot!

We got in Friday morning and set up camp – home sweet home. It only took 5 minutes before these northern beauties were drenched in sweat. So, as soon as they could it was back in the truck and off to San Antonio where we spent the evening in a real bed, with a real shower and a real toilet – for the last time.

Saturday morning and back at the ranch. We were very fortunate to be staying at the famous Rouse House campsite. Lindsey, Deb and Liz were on hand at all times to keep all the little fledglings in line. Thanks to the Rouses for keeping herself from exploding with the sheer energy of, “whatdoInowwheredoIgonow?”

The Kerrville Folk Festival was wall to wall to wall music. Campsite fires burned till all hours of the morning with music going round in circles. People would stop in the middle of the road and start up an impromptu jam session. Even the mainstage lasted until midnight.

Every morning, the little fledglings would start their day by serenading each other. They would show off their deep intellectual understandings of themselves and their world. Songs of love, snow, jesus, underpants…

And, sometimes they’d do it all night, too. That’s Michelle & Scott Dalziel and our new friend, Hans York. This particular evening they eschewed the normal fair of deep, philosophical, introspective folk music for the more mundane and mood-lightening cover songs. There was everything from Leo Sayer to Hogey Carmichael to They Must be Giants. And this one guy from Columbia who even made Gordon Lightfoot sound fun.

Finally, here’s herself. Onstage. On her Birthday. Doing the one thing she loves to do more that anything else in the whole universe – playing music.

2008-05-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day!

Yes. I’m late. I know.
Doesn’t matter – it’s all so wonderfully spring!
The Mourning dove has been singing to me every morning and all the other birds are doing their best to bring the chorus to a magnificent crescendo.

I’ve been playing for some wonderful audiences invited by some wonderful hosts in some beautiful locations; Cape Girardeau, Lawrence, Cedar Rapids. That’s right – the Midwest is a beautiful place. I especially want to thank the Underberg’s and the Veatch’s for their hospitality. They both put on a great concert and made me feel right at home. If you've never been to a house concert I suggest you search one out. It has to be one of the best ways to experience the music and most importantly, the musician.

May Day itself was spent with my friend, Carolyn Cruso in the quaint little burg of Fairfield (home of the Maharishi’s). We played together and we played solo and we had the most wonderful time. The weekend was spent in Des Moines jamming with my friend Adam and a few other friends at Demicon. It’s always a groovy time when I’m playing with Adam and everyone around us could tell.

As I look around me and the signs of spring are everywhere. The magnolia, pear and locust trees have bloomed and feathered the landscape with their petals. The Mississippi (yes, we have one here, too) swells its banks to overflowing – simultaneously cleaning the streets and filling its waters with all the debris of all the cities from the north to the south.

And that, my friends is where I shall flow myself. South – to Texas… to Kerrville.
The Kerrville Folk Festival is something I’ve thought about for many years - and even tried to get in to once or twice. It’s been a while since I’d thought about it until recently when some friends told me about this great festival that they went to and how wonderful it was and how wonderful the people are and all the groovy music and musicians and… everything. Suddenly, Kerrville was in the forefront of my thoughts once more.

I was naive when I first tried out for the festival years ago - I tried out for mainstage… yeah, oops – so, thought I’d try the more regular route this time. I sent in my songs and my money and then tried to put it out of my mind once more. You see, I’ve never entered a song competition before, ever. So when I got the e-mail – 4 months after entering – that said, “You may be a winner” I went to the website not really expecting to see my name… yet, there it was! “Logo Russo - Davenport, IA”. (Yes, they’ve since fixed my name on the site.) It’s taking awhile to sink in – and mostly I’m just trying to keep it level and do my best to be myself. I’m going to Kerrville to play some music, meet some groovy people and enjoy myself. And, if I happen to win a songwriting contest - well, wouldn't that just be the thing!

So, on May 25th at approximately 2:30pm CST if you would be so kind as to put a few good thoughts out into the universe (in a southerly direction) it’d be most appreciated.

2008-01-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

First order of business is to wish every one a Happy New Year and hoping that your holiday was brilliant. I'm told that Lojo had a great time spending her yuletide in Florida. I wouldn't know since she drove out of Iowa and left something very important behind...namely, ME! Not that I wanted to go to Florida - it's not good for my complexion - but it would've been nice to be asked.

Well, here's herself to tell you all the groovy stuff she did, etc. I'm out.
Sincerely, Mr. Boo

*burp*
...pardon me but I'm still digesting 2007.

Thank you, Mr. Boo and Happy New Year everyone!
Was yours as surreal as mine?
Nothing will bring you crashing down to earth quicker than sitting by a pool in sunny Florida Saturday morning and shoveling snow in snowy Iowa that same night.
Be that as it may I wish all of you a joyous new year and hopes for all your dreams come true.

I'm not going to sit here and review the entire year but I noticed a couple of glaring omissions that I'd like to put to right:

I attended 2 reunions in 2007.

The first was my high school reunion. I'm a little touchy about telling you the number of years since that glorious graduation day but suffice it to say... it's been a few. Regardless, what made the moment for me was sitting around the patio at Karen's house with the people that I grew up with - literally. We spent a few hours before the official reunion catching up, laughing and going thru Debra's amazing archives of all of our school days. Many of us have known each other since grade school and some of these folks I hadn't seen since graduation or longer.
Thank you ladies, it was a magnificent day!

Welcome to the first ever Russo Family Reunion.
This is my family. Most of whom I didn't know before this picture was taken.
It was held in Easley, South Carolina at my cousin Joanne's house. That's me in the bottom right corner with my brother Joe, father Joe and his wife Mary Ann. And, no there weren't as many Joe's as there were Anthony's and Carmine's.
We sang, we ate, we laughed, we ate and we sang some more. (I had no idea you could get an entire Karaoke machine filled with nothing but Sinatra and Dean Martin.) In the course of a weekend i learned that my entire family is just as crazy as I am. Good to know lunacy runs in the family.

2007-11-20T03:02:00.000-08:00

(and now a few words from my sponsor...)
Oh the winter time is coming and the leaves are gently falling and the wild mountain thyme dies all around the purple heather...will ye go, lassie, go.

Darn right I will!!!

The older I get the less I'm crazy about this whole winter thing. Good thing I decided to move south. (OK, Iowa's not exactly tropical but it is warmer than Minnesota.)

So, the one thing I can do is make the autumn days last as long as I can.
This entails long drives along the Mighty Mississippi River watching the changing of the colourguard amoung the maples, oak, elm, filling the house with the smells of clove and nutmeg as we partake of the sweet flesh of fall squash and leaving the propane tank on the grill for as long as possible in the slightest chance that we may grill once more.

Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Halloween comes to Davenport, IA when it darn well feels like it. I've yet to come to grips with a city that mandates the date of this holiday - this year it was Oct 30th, the one night I couldn't be home to pass out candy. But, lest you think me some Halloween Scrooge I made arrangements for the little tricksters that they might get a scary thrill and a sweetly treat.

The cobwebs were hung by the monster with care in hopes that a trick-or-treater soon would be there. I think mr. Boo looks quite good in my monster costume, don't you?

2007-09-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

What I did this Summer
By Lojo Russo - Grade umpteenth

My summer was a lot of fun.
I saw many places and people and friends.
My favorite part was, well, ALL OF IT!

Whew, so we get back from Colorado and BOOM it's time for the annual Bix 7 run.
(that's me - the one who's a bit camera shy)

For those of you keeping track I ran 7 miles in 77min27sec :)

Then it was off to Waterloo Iowa for the first annual Iowa Irish Fair!
My old friend Peter Yeats was playing the fair as well and its fair to say we got "pissed" that night. Note to self just cuz you drink with an Irishman doesn't mean you can drink like an Irishman.

With barely a breath in-between me and my entourage hightailed it down to St. Louis and Novaks where they serve up good beer, good karaoke and one hecuva good time.

Finally - I was off to Minnesota. I had a couple of shows but I made sure there was enough time to visit friends at the Renaissance Festival. Say Hello Boys!

Of course, no summer is complete without a Pronto Pup at the State Fair with my best bud, Sue.
Now that's what I call a summer!!

2007-08-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

COLORADO!!!
Man, I LOVE THAT STATE!
Especially when I have a chance to mix a little pleasure with business.
Me and the misses started out our first day and ended up in Wichita where I played an old favorite haunt of mine - Kirby's Beer Store. (and yes, it is a bar) Paul was still behind the bar pulling some of the finest drafts that KUW has to offer. And the free thinking clientel was as free as ever - good times.

Old town Wichita has come a long way since the last time I was there. I am sorry to report that John Barleycorn's is gone but I noticed the Artichoke is still doing business. We had some time to walk around town before the show and found this guy doing a bit of busking. He was kind of a one hit wonder.

I had a gig in Denver Friday night so we got up early and hauled butt to Colorado.
Friday night was a nice little show in a coffee/wine bar that also made great martini's. If you're ever over in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood you should stop by CapuVino. I particularly liked what I call "Kiwi Blanc" a nice little New Zealand white. Kevin, Chris and Gwen were great staff and the Nutello crepe was out of this world!

Saturday found us at my favorite festival - Festival in the Clouds, Alma.
There's always a great crowd of people, wonderful crafts, food and of course, music!
My favorite was Ribalsa - these guys took jam band to a whole new level.

Unfortunately, the rain drove us back to our hotel. The Hand Hotel was an original Old West hotel in South Park (yeah, that South Park) and was reported to be haunted.
Which meant we didn't get the best night's sleep. But we did have a beautiful drive through the mountains to our next destination.

Sunday we headed to Castle Rock/Larkspur and spent a few hours at the CO Renaissance Festival visiting with old friends and checking out the faire - I do love a good ren fest. That night was the Spur of the Moment and my old friend Peffa came up and joined me for a few tunes.

We spent Monday at the poolside of our friends Dighty, Michelle and there boy Brandon - soaking up the sun and the margueritas before heading back home to Iowa.

Home doesn't mean downtime, though - I've been busy, busy, busy and there's plenty more news a-comin' - - as soon as I have time to report it :)

2007-06-11T13:02:00.004-07:00

WOW what a ride!?!?!
I was on the road for 2 weeks and I've got lots to tell you about.

It all started when my friend Carolyn suggested that I come to Seattle to do a few shows with her up in the Northwest.
After a few weeks we had the shows set up and I was ready to roll!

The one thing about being an independent musician: vacation time is all the moments in between your gigs when you visit with friends and family.
Since I was headed west I thought i'd see some of both.
My first stop was Denver to see my friend Inger and her daughter Evie.
These are 2 of the hippest chicks I know. Evie's motto is: "Different is cool!" Inger currently sports her daughter's masterpieces on her upper arms - giving her the distinction of "coolest mom award".

Between Davenport and Denver you either start noticing the world around you or Nebraska will suck out your brains.
My first LOL was a semi-trailer's grill that read "HOOF
ARTED".
Yeah... it took me awhile, too.
Then there was the world's largest butt crack in Ogallala - no lie, that thing went on for days. Somewhere along the Continental Divide I saw a rainbow in a cloud - the cool thing was the cloud was only about 6 feet off the ground.
One of my favorite sights was in Utah - 3 young elk watching the sun come up, just standing there, as if stuck in the world's largest headlight.

The next night I drove to Reno and stayed with my sister and her husband. Sherry's a great sister and Scott always has some new toy to show me - he's into VW's and guitars - my kind of guy...if I was into guys :)

It was 5am when I left Reno and as I passed over the border Mr. Boo and I were struck by the beauty and horror of a wild fire. It had been mostly controlled by then but in the grey, smokey dawn it was still very awesome.

I spent the weekend with my Dad and his wife and took my girlfriend to places she'd never been like Carmel to rub elbows with the other chi-chi tourists, Capitola for a marguerita the size of our head and of course San Fransisco with Pier 39 and it's sea-lions, Ghiradelli Square and it's chocolates, Castro and it's very "happy" denizons and my personal favorite, Haight-Ashbury and it's ever-present hippies. Lunch in the Haight with 2 high-school friends made my weekend complete.

With the holiday weekend over I high-tailed it north only stopping briefly in Portland to see my old friends Ken & Kari just long enough to say hello, down a shot of congac and pass out on their couch from exhaustion.

I arrived in Seattle on Wednesday and that's the last time I had any time to myself. Carolyn and I rehearsed and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with our hosts that first day. We spent the next afternoon preparing for our first show and stocking up on musical supplies. I introduced her to Peet's coffee (not easy to do to a Seattle-Starbuck) she introduced me to Dusty Strings and I introduced myself to the troll!

Then came the shows; boom. boom. boom. one after the other. From Friday to Sunday Carolyn and I slept all of about 10 hours. After our gig Friday night (Sirens! yeah, baby!!) we stayed with some great people in Port Townsend (Hi Jim, Kathleen and Dorian!) then Saturday morning took the ferry back to Seattle where we went straight to our afternoon show in Redmond (Soulfood Books rocks!!) then off to our evening show in Duvall (P&G makes an awesome shrimp linguini!!) then high-tailed it back to Seattle to catch Ken and Peter's final set at Kells after which we rushed back to our base camp to get a few hours shut-eye before getting ready for our church service gig.

WHEW!!!! now that's what I call touring :)

I said goodbye to Carolyn and tiredly made my way home. On the way I stopped in Billings to catch up with my friend Rachel and then kept on trucking. The only thing I remember seeing on the way home was these enormous dinosaur poop-like rocks in South Dakota. I spent the night with my new friend Lisa who provided me with a warm bed, a full night's sleep, a hot shower and a bag lunch for my ride home. Thanks Lisa!

there's no place like home...

2007-05-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MAY DAY!!

After my premature anouncement of spring
several weeks ago I think it may be safe to say...
well, lest I jynx us again...let's just leave it at,
Happy May Day!

I've been having a wonderful time this spring
playing gigs, hanging with friends and just
general may-hem. I got to play drums with
Linda at the Ritual Cafe, I ran a 5k race (in
23 minutes 37 seconds) on St. Pat's Day
morning then proceeded to NOT get drunk
the rest of the day (oh, believe me, I tried).
I was part of the Venus Envy event
here in the Quad Cities and have been booking
my brains out to the point I'm almost out of
weekends this year. I'm even spending a
weekend in June touring with my friend
Carolyn Cruso - woo-hoo!!

But, the most incredible thing that's happened
to me is, I'm writing songs for a new album!!
Currently it's one very long CD or 2 short ones.
And the music just keeps flowing out of me :)
I'm very excited about starting this project
because I'd love to have a new album when
I come to the Twin Cities this August!

Enjoy the day! Enjoy the weather!
Enjoy each and every moment!
Man, I love this life...

2007-04-01T08:04:00.002-07:00

Never mind.
I forgot we were playing hide & go seek.
Man, he's good at that game...

2007-04-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

Hello My Fine Folk,
I have some terrible news to report.Mr. Boo... has disappeared.

I'm not sure when or how this happened.
I only know that when I got in my car this morning
there was nothing left but his robe.

I knew this day would come. It was inevitable seing
as how he is... was a ghost, after all. I guess I just took
for granted that he would always be visible to me.
I'm going to keep his little robe on my dashboard -
both as a memorial to our friendship and in hopes
that he may once again grace my, well, our travels.
Goodbye, Boo. You'll be missed.

2007-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

2007-03-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hello My Fine Folk!

Gads, it's been ages hasn't it?
Sorry I've been so out of touch
but truth of the matter is
...well, I've been out of touch.

I've spent the last several weeks crouched in my dank corner of a basement office huddled over a candle like Bob Cratchet, e-mailing my fingers to the bone trying to book gigs until that one day when I looked up from my pile of papers, wires, boxes, cd's, press releases and coffe mugs to find a small ray of sunshine peeking thru the safety filmed window.

Spring! Blessed Spring!
'Bout freekeeng time, too!!

Here in the cornfield swept land of Iowa spring and winter continue a battle of wills but I believe solace is on the horizon. (And the spring equinox ain't far behind...)

Alas, all my hard work and cramped fingers have payed off and I have gigs coming out of my wah-zoo! New venues, old venues, here a venue, there a venue every where a gig, gig!
(hoo boy, the sunshine's getting to me - I'm a bit giddy)

Anyhoo.
I'm back and I'm raring to go!
The toxins of winter have left my body and the full, sweet breath of spring hath filled my soul with vital spirit!
YEAH, BABY!!

2007-01-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Go Bears!

Ok so normally I'm not a big fan of football, or any other sport for that matter but I just spent the weekend in Chicago and it's hard not to get Bear Fever.
Why was I in Chicago? No, I didn't have seats on the 45 yardline at Soldier Stadium but I did have front row tickets at a fun little club downtown.

What a night! Kings, Queens and a little Midwest Princess rockin' the house!!
Thanks to Sebastian & Jackie and everyone for a great night!

And a special shout out to my friends, Nancy and Mark for coming out to the show :)

ok, Boo tired now...nigh'-nigh'...

2006-12-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Generally, I’m not much for the whole ‘Christmas’ thing - I’m really more about the season.

The season of giving, loving, hoping, sharing. Frankly, that kinda stuff could go on all year long and that’d be fine with me. So… here we are at the holidays. Those days when we’re courteous to other drivers, helpful at the checkout lanes, polite to strangers and more tolerant of everything and everyone. These are all good things—and we would do well as a society on whole if we all did a little more helping and a lot less hurting.

Recent events have caused me to pause and take stock of all I have to be thankful for...

I’m blessed with a loving family with whom I grow more and more close to each passing year. I'm blessed with a beautiful soul with whom I share my life. I’m blessed with a bounty of friends with whom I’ve shared my life in one way or the other. Friends new and old come in and out of my life in one way or another - some I see on a daily basis, some I don’t see nearly as often as I’d like, still others that I’m fortunate enough to see maybe every few years. And, then there’s those whom I’ll never see again - and they will truly be missed.

To all of you, my family & friends, I want to say, Thank You.
Thank You for sharing your life with me. Thank you for all the days we‘ve had and the days we’ve yet to share together and know that even when we’re apart - I think of you. I will always remember our times together and I will always carry you with me in my heart.

To everyone I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday, a bright solstice and a joyous new year!

peace on everybody, Lojo

2006-12-05T04:12:00.000-08:00

Went to Florida for the Holidays and played a new bar called FLY.
... and, man, it was.

This place was gorgeous, cool, hip, well... fly?!
(And, you'd be surprised how many people aren't into eating leftover turkey on Friday.) The staff rocked and I had to by a t-shirt - - they glow in the dark! :)

I also caught up with some friends that I hadn't seen a a long while - it was good to see Liza and Misti again. I know Liza from way back at the MN Renaissance Festival. She's a fine performer in her own right and now she's happily married to one of Sarasota's best rock guitarists. Misti performs as a vocalist, floutist and whatever else trips her trigger in a very cool world band called Blue Muse Trio.

I also got to visit my good friend Mark Doran, another folk artist/artist friend from my MRF days. He's working on his 4th CD. When he's not creating beautiful folk music he's creating beautiful dreamcatchers, scented oils and my latest favorite, The Emergency Pagan Kit" complete with broom, crystal and hammer to break the glass :) His studio is called Wood, Willow and Whatnot.

With a little help from my friends I'll be back to Florida to play some northern music to some southern folks.

2006-12-01T03:02:00.000-08:00

Ok the triptophan haze has finally wore off, the relatives are safely tucked back into their far-away homes and I'm ready to tell you about my trip to O--H? I--OO!!!
Oh did we have some fun in Ohio...

First stop Yellow Springs, OH
Gotta tell you that YS has got to be one of the coolest little towns there is. About 4 square blocks of; cafe, book store, imports, cafe, bookstore, artisan shop, cafe... you get the idea. And the focus of the night?
Peach's Bar & Grill!

Katie Reider was the headliner (yeah, she's cool like that) so I had plenty of time to ang out with the friendly folks of Ohio after my set.

The next night found me 200 miles away and in Cleveland.I had some time to kill so off to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Janis Joplin's porsche, Jimi Hendrix's Boy Scout uniform, Jonathan Edward's guitar, (you know, the guy who sang, "sunshine go away today, I don't feel much like laughing...") and of course, the piece that I actually drooled on... Jerry Garcia's guitars. Along with some wonderful footage, memorabilia and musical sensory overload it was well worth the $20 entrance fee. Though, I never did see Buddy Holly's glasses..?

That night was spent playing at my favorite house concert: Tirabassi Kin.
Lisa and Mina do a great job of getting out the word, bringing in the folks and hosting a very fine concert series. It's always a pleasure to play for these ladies and they know how to make a wandering minstrel feel right at home - thanks ladies!

2006-11-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

Whew!!

Boo and i just got back from a whirlwind trip to O-H - - I-O!
And as soon as we get back from our whirlwind trip to Florida we'll tell you all about it!

But for today I'd just like to remember to give thanks to the winds of fortune that have allowed me to be doing the one thing I love to do - music!
I've met so many wonderful people over the miles and am grateful to everyone for the joy you've brought into my life and, hopefully, I've brought a little into yours.

This holiday has little to do with a legendary dinner and everything to do with all of us taking a moment to cherish the friends and family we have and to acknowledge the joy that each day promises.

Be hopeful. Be joyful. Be thankful.

2006-11-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

First of all I would like to remind everyone to !!VOTE!! next Tuesday.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog...

Happy Samhain
Blessed All Soul's
Feliz Dia de los Muertos
Penny for the Guy!
Welcome to November!

Hope this time of change finds you well and in good spirits! (hee-hee)

My world has changed over the last 2 years and I find myself in a different kind of reality. Finding my own way in a new world much like the spirits that walked the earth for one night - finding their homes gone or changed, the familiar streets turned into highways, and the landscape ever changing.

What is usually a festive holiday for me filled with decorations, parties and costumes is replaced by a city that tells you what day and time Halloween will be celebrated. So, I found myself at a gig on the night the city designated for trick or treating.
...and all I got was this rock...

I did get to dress up one night - you know how I love to play dress up!
Threw on my best "old man" face and fright wig and headed out to the bar Saturday night with friends - most of whom were wearing plastic boobs.

I love that mask because it's so life-like so, I mill around the bar talking to strangers and friends and most haven't a clue who I am or find themselves looking away from the mask so they can talk to "Lojo" without talking to some old-fart-long-haired-hippie-freak.

Since I could look forward to a quiet night on Halloween (all our trick-or-treaters had come by the night before to an empty house - so they stole our pumpkins) I spent the holiday with a more retrospective approach.

I thought of those loved ones lost to me over the years whether through death or circumstance and remembered their smiles, laughter, grace and presence in my life.
It was good to remember. I miss you all.

Something/Someone ate my soul-cake.

2006-10-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

wow....

Nothing like listening to a hammered dulcimer.
Especially when it's played with the care and artistry of my friend Carolyn Cruso.
We played the Redstone Room last Sunday and what a night!
There was funny, folky, earthy and jazzy all in one evening of guitar,
hammered dulcimer, flute and even a bit of djembe played by my new friend,
Michelle Dalziel.

It's been a few years since Carolyn and I shared a stage.
Luckily, I was able to snag a night with her between gigs while she was
touring thru Iowa. We played on each other's tunes the night of the show.
I'd forgotten how nice it was to jam on stage - thanks, Carolyn!
Maybe next time we'll see you in your neck of the woods...

2006-10-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

w-huzzah-p!

Me. All up in the Ren Fest.
Just 2 weeks after playing with my old bandmates from Gallowglass out at the MN Renaissance Fest I tried my hand at the solo thing here at the Four Kingdoms Ren Fest where I got to take Pazzo/Potso to a whole new crowd.

It was like a performer's time machine...
There I was at the country's largest festival working with veteran performers surrounded by permanent 16th century styled structures and vendors from all over the country selling everything from custom made moccasin boots to housewares.
The next thing I know I'm playing along side Elemental Pixies amoungst heraldic draped tents selling custom fit LOTR elf ears.

And I gotta say - I had a really good time.
Being a +20yr veteran of the MN Ren Fest (not to mention having watched it grow from a small, themed craft fair to a veritable 100 acre wood) I went into this new fair (this is their second year) expecting a lot and was at first perplexed by its lack of structure. But, eventually I stopped trying to be a know-it-all, "I'm from the Shakopee show" bee-yotch and started enjoying being part of a new festival with all its bumps and bruises. I imagine this is how many fairs started and its kinda cool to be here at its beginnings. Good Luck to 4KRF!!

Now, back to MRF where I could not have had more fun seeing friends and "family" for the 2 short days I was in town. And what better chance to play music with my old band, Gallowglass. Ken, Michael and I have had opportunities to play together in the years since we stopped being a band but we haven't played out at festival, costumes and all, in a long time. Once we settled into our places in the Irish Cottage it didn't take long for us to find our groove.

It was great to see everyone and play music with Gallowglass and Bedlam and just enjoy myself in familiar territory with familiar faces. I miss you all!!

2006-10-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

New York, New York,

I promised you some New York photos so here they are.
Suffice it to say we had a grand time and if you ever
get out that way I suggest stopping at the
St. Andrews Scottish Pub. Ask Sharon for a tumbler of the
Perthshire 17yr old single malt...it's heaven in a glass.

2006-09-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to St. Louis!
Welcome to Novak's Bar located in scenic St. Louis. This is your host Nancy and I will be your entertainment for the evening.
The last time I'd played this bar I walked into a small, smoky, hole in the wall. This time I found myself in a bright, airy, loft/warehouse style bar with brick and wood, a seperate game area and a patio to die for! (I can't wait to play the patio next summer). The transformation was incredible and kudos to Nancy and her gang for doing such a terrific job in turning Novaks into one of St. Louis' premier bars.
(pix of the beer-tenders to come...)

I played for about 2 hour hours to a great crowd. Then... something...happened... Suddenly, the lights went dark, the TVs went dark and lo-and-behold - - karaoke! Now I know this may sound weird coming from a live performer but the karaoke was A BLAST! Yes that's me singing Piece Of My Heart and our Karaoke master Krazy Bob playing air guitar - nice lead break KB!

and as promised... me & some of the gang down at Novak's; (L-R)
Haley, me, Susan, Kim (bartender #1) Linda, Rittle (bartender #2) and Erika.
Thanks for keeping us company ladies and to Kim & Rittle and all the ladies at the bar - thanks for making us feel right at home :)

2006-09-04T17:55:00.001-07:00

Hell yeah! The gangs all here!
We had a great night at the Stadium Club here in Davenport.
3 hours of non-stop hooplah! Thanks to Mary and Chet for letting this little rocker knock the house down. This place has seen me rock but never with a guitar in my hands!

2006-09-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

2006-08-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

well...hello my fine folk!

Seems that my message didn't get out last weekend about me & Boo being up nort'.
Well for those of you who weren't there - I'm very sorry you missed it - cuz there was lots of fun going on! Saturday night was stomping it up at Charlies with the Fabulous Lorraine and her hunka-hunka- burning leprechan, Paul. There was music! There was mayhem! We couldn't get enough of a good thing!

OK maybe I'd had enough...

Sunday found me back at Charlies all on my lonesome until a handsome dev'l arrived to save the day. Ok the day wasn't going so bad but, boy, did it get fired up after Adam showed up! I do love playing music with that man...::sigh::...

As for the mis-transmission of the gig info.
I have aquired the talents of my good friend Carl to assist me in putting to right all that was wrong with my former web admin. This includes a new e-list which many of you may have already noticed. I'm quite confident that there will be no future omissions of sent messages and that you all will remain well-informed of my where-abouts as long as I remember to tell you where they might be at any particular moment...(presuming I've a clue of said location in the first place...)

2006-08-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Colorado - the Finishing Touches

Thursday found us with some time on our hands so we went looking for the great outdoors - and found it in the Poudre Canyon (pronounced: pooder - yeah. i know.) Picniced by the river and just drove up and down the canyon - gorgeous!

Friday went back to Boulder (as I am want to do) and spent the day doing absolutely -nothing! we ate, drank more marguaritas and walked up and down Pearl St. Though I noticed times have changed for the hippie/trustafarian element of Boulder. Gone are the Funky Monkey and Penny Lane Coffeehouse - 2 favorite gathering spots for those of us who gather. Alas, you are missed.

That night back to Longmont and Acoustic Avenue a wonderful house concert at the home of Dale & Bruce (and their very cute son, Nick). They really know how to make a traveling performer feel right at home. Green Room, private bed & bath and the "stage" is amazing - with spot lights, stage dressing, the works!

And last but certainly not least we ended this lovely tour in the breath-taking beauty of Alma, CO. The highest town in North America! This is the Festival In The Clouds and make no mistake that's exactly where you are. I've played this festival for the last 4 years (except 2005) and have loved every moment of it - from the place, to the people to the music it's all a crazy, fantastic time. Hello to Chip & Carolyn, Reg, Randy and all the wonderful folks I've met over the years. Even though I'd missed last year's festival they all remembered (and mourned the loss of) the Blue Hair!

We drove out thru the mountains that night with the sun setting behind us and Iowa many miles before us and thought what a wonderful place is Colorado.

2006-08-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Colorado - The First Days

Hello My Fine Folk,

Well, I finally figured out how to get the pictures out of my new camera (dang, that film is really tiny inside those SDcards...)
and now I can share with you all my recent Colorado tour.

This tour was a little different - I took my girlfriend along for the ride. Good News: I got to see Colorado during the day (usually spent looking for the next Nat'l Forest campsite) and in good company. Bad News: She had to sit thru the same show night after night. What a TROOPER!

It started out with a trip to the Colorado Renaissance Festival and, of course, The Ded Bob Show. Man that Bob is one funny guy...

Sunday Night I played at the Spur Of the Moment for all the "festies" and we had a wicked good time. (I'd publish the pictures but this blog site has certain restrictions ;)

Next it was a couple of days hanging out with friends...on their deck...or at the pool...with marguaritas. Someone asked me if the marguaritas were good - I replied, "they were being enjoyed by a pool, overlooking downtown Denver, in Colorado - who cares?!"

My next show was in Ft. Collins - always a favorite stop on my tour. It started out with a radio interview at KRFC - always fun to hang out with the community radio crowd. Then off to Lucky Joe's Sidewalk Saloon. The crew is great and the walls are draped with Irish posters and banners including an autograpphed movie poster from Boondock Saints (which, if you haven't seen that movie it puts Snatch to shame).

This was also the first time I ever got to see Ft. Collins during the day.
I gotta say Olde Town Ft. Collins is a very cool town.

It's now Thursday and I'm playing Avogadro's. This is one of the premier music venues in Ft. Collins and I was excited to play there! I shared the stage with a couple of players from TCB, Tiffany & Hillary - I highly suggest seeking this band out http://tiffanychristopher.com.

Some shots from Avo's - yeah we had a good time...

to be continued...

2006-08-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

WOW!
You would not believe the weekend I had!

It started Friday with everyone telling me to "DRINK WATER - LOTS OF WATER!" And with good reason... For on Saturday morning I (Lojo, not Mr. Boo) entered the Bix 7 - a 7 mile foot race that takes place here in the Quad Cities as part of our annual "Bix Biederbecke" weekend celebration.

This race draws professional runners from all over the world (as can be evidenced by the top male and female runners, both of whom are Kenyan) as well as would-be hot-footers such as myself.

Now I wasn't going for any land speed records but I was only slightly off my expected time.
If you're curious just go to http://bix7.com and check out my results.

My glorious finish was followed up with an ill-conceived camping weekend that left the lot of us wondering what the hell we were thinking to sit outside in 100 degree weather and bake our brains out while drinking Captain & Cokes and Coronas. Ah well, anything for the weekend...

2006-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

OK. So, I'm a little behind in updating my posts.
Suffice it to say there will be several postings
in the next couple of weeks that will get us all
up to date.

Today I want to tell you about a personal victory.
A couple of weeks ago I ran my first foot race!
That's right, me. The girl who gets a stitch in her
side just running for the phone.
I participated in a local event called the Moonlight Chase.
It was a four-mile race through the town of Eldridge, IA.
Since this is an evening event the course was strewn with
lanterns, luminaries and lots of folks coming out to cheer
the runners on - sometimes in costume!
Anyhoo, I did it. I completed the race with enough energy
to sprint across the finish line with a group of friends
cheering me on - yeah team me!
I made it in 41 min 25 sec. Can you dig it?
If you don't beleive me go to http://www.moonlightchase.com

2006-06-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello My Fine Folk!

Well, Boo and I are looking forward to a festive summer!
Gigs, festivals, markets, wineries and tours are all on
the summer menu!

Recently I had the opportunity to play the Redstone Room
here in Davenport, IA. The Redstone Room is the premier
listening room here in the Quad Cities with state-of-the-art
lighting and sound. They even poject your live image on the
wall so that no one misses a moment of the show just because
some gal with big hair sat down in front of you.

I gotta say, though, my next exciting moment will be participating
in the Bix 7 Run [http://bix7.com]. This is a big-time annual event
held here in the QC in honor of a native son, Bix Beiderbecke
- a famous jazz trumpeter from the 20's.
I will have the chance to play for participants in the weeks preceding
as they train for the race and then...
I'M GOING TO RUN THE 7 MILE RACE!
This is a big deal for a kid who couldn't run 7 blocks without
getting a stitch in her side. Wish me Luck!