Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Opening for SALIF KEITA!

The Santa Monica Pier's booking agent, Rene Engel, has invited me and the band to open for the almighty SALIF KEITA on August 10. How amazing is that?! Years ago, while researching African music at London's Sound Archives, I stumbled across Salif's record, "Soro," and played it for eight weeks straight. After listening to countless hours of artists from the West or Africa seeking a musical bridge between the cultures that worked, this was It. A masterpiece.

The last time I saw Salif in concert, he put on a wonderful show was at UCLA's Royce Hall. I danced the whole time. At the end, his backing vocalists came across the stage and pointed into the audience, insisting that someone get up and solo for the last number. I looked behind me, wondering who they wanted, then looked back to realize that it was me! Dragging me up on stage, I ripped the knees off my pants, but dancing up there that night was a high I will never forget.

We will have about 40 minutes to put on the Best Show we have ever done. Can't wait!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

If I Had Short Hair



My dear, super-artistic friend, Claudia Parducci, took this picture at her studio. Sometimes I wonder what I would look like with my hair choppped off? Probably like this!

Kathleen Monahan (KDM Promotions) to do Radio Promotions

Kathleen has red hair, years of experience, a warm & positive vibe, and loves Flying Over Bridges. She's in! I am really excited for her to be doing radio promotion for the record. Her company represents brilliant artists like Rosa Passos, Angelique Kidjo, David Sanchez, Ojos de Brujo, Bebel Gilberto, David Sanchez, and Susan McKeown. It'll be interesting to see where the record catches on. She classifies me as "Adult Eclectic," which is fine be me! To Infinity (radio) and beyond!

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

My Song on the Radio in Israel!

Feeling SO global! A DJ named Menachem Vinegrad played "Lucky" from Flying Over Bridges on his radio show in Upper Galillee, Israel on April 3rd. How cool is that? I shared the playlist with Lila Downs, Susheela Raman and Kiran Ahluwalia. What an honor!