First off, the gig schedule. I mentioned in my last blog that on Dec. 6th, at 8pm I am playing Russ & Julie’s world-famous House Concert in Oak Park. I am sharing the bill with the very cool vocal and instrumental duo, Dan and Laurel. This is my first time playing what is the granddaddy of house concerts. It’s not that long a drive from LA to Oak Park, and I guarantee you will be richly rewarded musically, not to mention meeting a lot of wonderful people (plus pot luck!). RSVP to: rsvp@houseconcerts.us
And, on Dec. 18th at 8pm, as I have done for many years now, I will be directing and performing music for the always-wacky Holiday Show of LA’s long-running Sit ‘n’ Spin comedy/spoken-word series at the Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson Theatre. There are always surprises (plus a GREAT party afterwards) and the surprise that I’m bringing is my friend Paul Rogers, perhaps best-known for fronting the band Those Darn Accordions. I got to know him and the band when they were on Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular, the live variety show I worked on in the late ‘90s. He is a great, funny songwriter, and we will be joined by our good friends Scott Breadman, Steve Postell, Kevin Saunders Hayes and more! This show is free, but fills up fast! So please call for tickets, 323-960-5519
Rounding out the December fun, Dec. 13th at 8pm I’m doing my friend Pablo Marz’ popular spoken-word show, Tell It! at The Spirit Studio in Silverlake. I’ll be appearing with Marlene Nichols, and Jill Demby Guest. Reservations can be made by clicking here: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/986063
Side note: “The Holidays” means something different to different people. To Christians it is the symbolic birthday of their Savior. To Jewish people, it is Hanukkah – the 8-day Festival of Lights. I will have to Google what it means to Muslims, and I may as well look up Kwanzaa too…I’ll be right back….
Okay –
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
Yet this time of the year is important to everyone. Those of us who come from a more humanistic point-of-view, or who are not believers, feel exactly as full of the spirit of this season, and celebrate it like everyone does. And all of us are reminded of the universal meaning behind these times of celebration.
Like…
A longing for peace among people who have defined themselves by their differences for far too long.
Being with family, and close friends who feel like family, and realizing how thankful you are for all of them.
Pausing to remember, and perhaps offer some assistance to, those less fortunate than we are, and in some measure, make their way a little easier.
And food. Incredible amounts of heart-clogging, gut-busting, yet aromatic, savory and delectable food.
So, in that spirit, I wish you – and bring you – Happy Holidays, sung by Andy Williams of course, enjoyed across generations by people of every race, color, and creed. Celebrate.
Much love.