January 1, 2011
Time has been spinning along so quickly. It seems as though it’s only when faced with the beginning of a new year, when we’re forced to simultaneously reflect back on the past and gear up for the future, that we’re truly hit with the impact of change. These transformations, seemingly subtle when they first appear, grow and accumulate and finally spit us out into the present moment, which is where I find myself now, looking around in wonder at all that has happened in such a short span of time.
This time last year, though only a few months away from earning my bachelor’s degree, I felt as though finishing college was a feat that would perpetuate until my hair turned grey. But sure enough, May and June eventually rolled around (as these months inevitably do). I blinked, turned in my last final, and walked back out into the Portland rain a college grad. Then, it was only a few days of wondering what I was going to do with all of my spare time before I was given the opportunity to go on a Midwest to East Coast tour with my great friend and talented singer/songwriter Kiernan McMullan. I left my job at a local theater company immediately, hopped on a plane to Kansas City, and before I knew it, Kiernan and I were squished into his silver van, driving along the highway like vagabonds. I had never felt so free, so curious and so lucky. We got to perform on Green Bay Wisconsin’s Good Morning news show and played at all different kinds of venues, from house concerts to theaters, coffee shops to outdoor restaurants. Getting up in front of different audiences night after night was a wonderful experience, and I was blown away by the incredible amount of hospitality and kindness displayed by friends and fans along the way. The whole experience definitely renewed my hope in the goodness of people and the beautiful way in which music can connect all of us together.
After returning from the tour, I was again faced with that old frightening life decision-making roadblock staring me in the face. I had to figure out how to support myself financially while making sure that I still had time to play, write and perform. After sending out a ridiculous amount of resumes (most for work I didn’t really want to do), I found a job teaching piano and voice at a nearby music school. It didn’t take long to settle in there, and I very quickly fell in love with the place, the staff and the students. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have found a job which I loved (and still love) going to every day.
Around the same time, I started meeting some tremendously talented musicians and all-around wonderful people in Portland, OR who are part of the soul/funk community in town. These people have been inspiring me to play, practice and write diligently every single day. Seeing such gifted and capable friends perform every night has made me want to work towards improving and challenging myself, because I believe that it’s incredibly important to expand boundaries and continuously set higher and higher goals.
Unbelievably, December came and went at full speed. I took a trip back home to Boston MA for the holidays where I was able to spend time with my lovely family and friends. While back on the east coast, I played a show at Googie’s in New York City. It was a blast to perform new and old tunes for a crowd full of new and old faces, and I was fortunate to be accompanied by two incredibly talented musicians: James Williams on percussion and Mike Visceglia on bass. These two blew me away because despite our inability to have a real rehearsal, they jumped right in and added an amazing amount of groove and rhythm to the songs. I also had the chance to hang out with Denise Marsa (the music mentor herself), who helped organize the show and who has been an essential part of all of the wonderful musical happenings of 2010. Despite the fact that we live on opposite coasts, Denise has been with me every step of the way this year as a manager, business partner, mentor and friend.
As 2011 quickly approaches, I feel nothing but excitement for things to come and appreciation for the friends and family around me on both coasts. Hit with that inevitable collision of past and present, I am overwhelmed with the understanding that it is absolutely essential to never take health, happiness and good people for granted. So, happy holidays to everyone, and please stay tuned!
