A Somewhat Quieter Weekend

Hey Everybody,

So last weekend, the "release" of the newsletter kind of trumped this space, but I have to tell you it was a whirlwind.

It kicked off last Thursday at the William Paca Garden in Annapolis, MD, where Will and I did a show. We were billed to play with Jason, who came down with food poisoning - the poor soul.
He's back on his feet, though and will be joining us tonight in Takoma Park - hooray.



Then, Friday night, I opened for the illustrious Catie Curtis at the Cellar Stage in Baltimore.
She was terrific. Great, real songwriting and I offered my services to sometime back her up on percussion and harmonies. She said, "Whatcha doin tomorrow night?"

As it turned out, I was playing Herndon Festival the next day, but that was in the afternoon, so we got together at 11 and ran some tunes. We also wound up running inside before the bitter storm descended upon the day. Here's us jammin in the backyard. Very cool. Photo by Laela



On the Road again from Herndon to Easton, MD where Catie had her show. Here's Laela doing her favorite thing. She did, however, take a break for a moment to film us. So, without further ado, here is Laela;s debut as a cinematographer.

Catie Curtis with Yours Truly, LEA backing her up at the Coffee East in
Easton, MD. (Hold your applause til the end :)






So, this weekend, it's just this evening at the Takoma Park Co Op and a secret show tomorrow I can't tell you about :)

That's it for me, that is. If you wan to know my pick for the weekend, though, it's Ellis and Bob Sima at Focus in Alexandria.
If you've got the time GO GO GO. You will be so glad you did.

See you next time.
Lea

Survived the weekend

Hello everybody. Miracle of Miracles.
I survived the weekend.

Generally speaking, playing 5 shows over a weekend is, as my sister would say, "Doing a lot."
Considering that I had just gotten back from a 2 week European tour a day before, it was doing a whole lot.

I'm of the school of thought that any gig worth playing that comes my way - ought to be played.
As it turns out, I got 5 such offers for this weekend.

Friday, thank goodness, I was able to relax. However duty (labor of love) called in a different way. I had the privilege of sitting ( ) this close to Odetta while she sang at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel. It's a beautiful venue in Laurel and I will be performing there this Friday.
It was a great opportunity to see the place and finally experience this mesmerizing pioneer in person.
If you don't know, check out some of Odetta's stuff on youtube. You'll be awed, I think.

Saturday, I played a private party at Strathmore. That was pretty trippy is so many ways.
First of all, we did a 90% cover set, which I haven't played since... geez, I don't know the last time I played so many covers. What was particularly surprising is that it was actually kind of fun.
You know, playing with Doug and Will is fun anyway, but we did tunes like Proud Mary and Wind Beneath My Wings and it was a trip.

Also interesting was the room. Chris VanHollen, Ike Leggett to name a few. If you're from elsewhere, these are Maryland politicians. BIG names. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Leggett came over to tell us how much she was enjoying the set.

Nice.

That night, played an opening set for the Grandsons at the Folk'n Great House Concert. Inuendos were flying left and right.
It was kind of hilarious, as one point when the host says to his wife, "Hon, I think this is the first time we've had sax in the basement."

Groans. And then, the voice of a 9 year old, "I don't get it."
So, everybody's still trying to figure out how to classify the Grandsons. I think it's surf music. Seriously. You listen and tell me what you think.

Really nice guys, super fun music.

Sunday, Will, Jason and I played the Taste of Wheaton.
If you were awake at all on Sunday, you know it was not exactly prime weather for a festival, but we had ourselves a time. Actually got a decent recording of the show. I'm going to put up a few tracks on the website, for your listening pleasure.

(The afternoon show got cancelled, which was only kind of a bummer, cause... well, you got to sleep sometime).

Then, Laela and I did a 25 minute set at the Music for Myanmar event at the Rock and Roll Hotel. I tell you, it was, indeed, a rockin way to end a wacky weekend.

A great weekend in music.
It is good to be home.
It was good to be gone,
but it's way better to be home.


I'll be keeping the next few days holy ( you know, Sabbath.) - working from home
So, see you guys on Thursday or Friday - depending on where you hang your hatt

Jiggity Jig Baby

That's my poetic way of saying, I'm BA-ACK.
It may interest you to know that I was on the road (or in the say, as it were) for about 25 hours yesterday. I arrived alive, so I'm not complaining, but it was a heck of a long day.

The whole experience was made bearable by an unexpected and pleasant conversation that took place over half of the Atlantic Ocean. One the advantages of American Airlines Economy Class (READ: lack-o-elbow room) is a ready-made opportunity for intimate discourse, if you want it. Of course, you can always just stare at the water, if you prefer. (That's why my sister always gets a window seat).

Now, tonight the pleasure of a second grade opera. Tomorrow a bit of band practice and this weekend 5 shows. I find that to be only mildly insane. My family seems to find it annoying.

Too bad my body doesn't realize it's in North American again.
Awake at 5:30 AM. Got myself a fresh cup of yerba mate and I am ready for the day.

I got a new attitude

It's kind of true. I've certainly been working like a dog - or a bee, as it were. 

Got a new website, too. Feeling pretty good about it and might actually let it stand like this for a while. Really... Okay, I would like to change the color of the buttons, but after that...

All the links ought to be working and the form and everything else. 

When you get a chance, take a look and let me know.

That's pretty much it for now.

The plan is to go out and do some touristy stuff on this, the last day of the European tour. All the shows performed successfully and a very cool, unplanned session at Stockfisch Records in Northeim. Along with all the great ideas and the prospect of an intern, this has been one of the best tours yet. 

See you lovelies again soon.

Lea