As I sit and write this, the clock has turned over to midnight and my birthday of October 17. Last year, I checked into the hospital on October 17 (and Valentine's Day!). What a difference a year makes. Check my News page for details on my YEAR OF ILLNESS... We hosted a celebration and mini house concert last night at our home. What a huge treat to be feeling halfway decent, and to have something to celebrate. We had 40-50 folks show up for the festivities. For those who were not there, or those who were and would like to see footage, here's a few videos of the evening:

This is me singing "Ain't No Good Gonna Come" which will be on my next CD.

Dan Lowe and I on his song "Even Jesus Had the Blues."

Fara Tucker and I performing Duffy's "Spend You Time On Me."

Having given and received feedback from pianist Curt Siffert (http://curtsiffert.com/bio) at Portland Songwriters Association's (http://www.portlandsongwriters.org/) monthly workshop, I knew that Curt was someone I had to share a stage with. After much emailing, and close calls, we finally made it happen last night. As I'd anticipated, Curt delivered the goods with class. What I hadn't planned on, was Curt being such a damn fine blues pianist and organist. As we closed out the evening with a little blues jamming, I found myself completely blissed out and eager to schedule another show with Curt... By the way, Curt also hosts a stellar series of interviews with local talent at http://acousticconversations.com/.

Not to be upstaged, Michael Torrey (http://www.myspace.com/rmichaeltorrey), also tore it up last night at Costello's Travel Caffe (http://www.costellostravelcaffe.com/). Michael is another PSA (http://www.portlandsongwriters.org/) connection with talent to spare. He's been writing, recording, releasing music, and performing for more than two decades, and it shows.