Kitties and Doggies

So, that happened.

Over the last (too many to count) years I've been doing the solo thing.  I enjoy performing and being a solo act gives me leeway to recreate myself and my music as I go - no rigid set lists, no keeping to an particular arrangement. My music, my way.

But Solo Life on the stage can also be lonely. Having the odd friend come up and jam with me here and there is a lot of fun but not the same as playing in a band.  The camaraderie,  banter and just plain sharing a moment with people you love and trust can't be replicated with a few short "jams".

I never thought I'd hear the line, "So, I'm thinking about getting the old band back together". But I did.
At about the same time I was approached by some acquaintances about joining their band. And I did.

And I am profoundly changed for the asking.

Over the course of the next 4 months I put a several thousand miles on the gig-mobile going back and forth to Minnesota to rehearse, record and perform with 2 bands - one old, one new.

The "OLD"
Cats Laughing was a lot of fun back in the late 80's early 90's. And if we'd had the wherewithal to have followed thru we might have been playing a very different show this past Easter weekend.  As it was, it was 4 friends - a wee bit older and maybe a tad wiser for the intervening years who sang, laughed, cajoled, rehearsed, reminisced and ultimately played the show of our life. 

I don't know how we looked or sounded from the floor but up on that stage it was like we'd never stopped playing together.  We hit the grooves (if not the actual notes), rode the vibes and smiled, smiled, smiled till our lips hurt.

I'd do that again...and again...and again...

The "NEW"
Hounds of Finn has been around the Twin Cities Celtic music scene for a few years but at the end of 2014 went thru a changing of the guard - which left them without a guitar player.  I said I'd try out for the band and couldn't have been happier for the choice - mine and theirs.

It's been years since I've been in a Celtic-style band and I having the opportunity to play Celtic music with a band is so much more rewarding than playing solo.  Fiddle and mandolin and guitar - rich, full, weaving notes and harmonies - as it should be.

Good people, good music and I'm enjoying the feck out of myself!

Out with the auld in with the New!

This year has seemingly rocketed and it’s all I can do to make the most out of the precious moments that are left. 

First, I’d like to take this time to Thank each and every one of you for everything you do – and not just for me but for all independent artists.  Without you we’re just a bunch of dorks sitting in our bedrooms playing to our cats. Your friendship, fan-ship, love and support are what keeps us writing, singing, dancing, painting, playing and performing.  It’s a simple phrase for a tremendous and huge thing you do but it’s all we got so... Thank You.

2014 was an amazing year for me - I had a new album to show off, got to play a few shows on the West coast and recounted 100 Happy days (though, truth be told I’m a very lucky girl and have had more happy days then that).  The best day of all was the day I married my partner of 10 years.  (This event was made even more special by the fact that our union is legally recognized.)

I’ve also been upping my carpentry skills as we renovate and update this and that in our house, I’ve grieved the loss of our cat, Gus, and had to give into the fact that I would in fact have to give up my Windows XP operating system.

(Mr. Boo would like to report that he mourns the loss of his ocean companion.  However, he is happy to note that the new ocean is fitting in quite well and seems to be a bit more stable than the last.)

As I look forward to 2015 I am excited about all I have in store for myself: more DIY projects around the house, recording new songs and as always - the chance to play music with and for all of you!

May your days indeed be merry and bright this holiday season and wishes for good fortune in the new year.

~Lojo