Sunday Jazz at The Witte

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It's that time of the year again!  April ushers in Sunday Jazz at The Witte.  Grab your favorite picnic blanket, lawn chair, sunglasses, hat and head down to The Witte this Sunday, April 8, from 4-7pm and enjoy the sweet, sweet sounds of UIW's Jazz Ensemble.  

For a complete schedule of the 8th Annual Jazz at The Witte series click here.

Admission is free for members of The Witte and KRTU.  Non members can enjoy the concert for the price of admission to the museum.  

Food and drinks are provided by Picante Grill so make sure you arrive with some extra cash in your pocket.  You won't want to miss out on the frosty and delicious margaritas!

Unfortunately I don't think I can attend this inaugural show; but I do intend on marking the rest of the shows in my calendar.  I always have a wonderful time and love to watch families bring their young children...introducing them to jazz at an early age!  

Pink Martinis, Dirty Martinis, Martinis Everywhere I Go

I apologize! It has been days since I have posted an entry. I have THOUGHT about it everyday but have been exhausted, plain lazy or expected elsewhere and haven't had enough time to devote to a lengthy post. The next few entries are not in chronological order. I have had a lot of moments to share and celebrate over the last few days. I am sort of throwing them on the blog wily-nily. So please know they have not taken place in order, one after the other! And if they did I would be so exhausted I wouldn't even be able to turn on my computer much less press the keys that make the words appear.

Admittedly this week has been a tough one. I haven't felt much like "celebrating" anything. I have had a mild, low-grade funk fever...or as my friend Ciara likes to call it, "I have been bit by the nasty bug!" I realize that is counter-intuitive to the nature of the blog. And perhaps there is a twisted symbiosis there.....I haven't blogged thus have been funky? Who knows! But I had a very dear friend lay it all on the line for me yesterday. He identified all the great things in my life and basically said, "Get over yourself! And yes, I am here to do the reflecting for you!" So, thank you! You know who you are and I don't think you are reading anymore which saddens me beyond belief...but your loss! Tee-hee.
My first daily celebration is my new phone. I FINALLY got a phone with a full keyboard thingee. It is pink, with flowers and all the numbers and letters on it...and they each have their very own button! Imagine that! My friends have been relentlessly pestering me to join the rest of the world and upgrade. Now, let's make no mistakes about it...this gadget does not hook up to the internet or throw photos around the globe. It just helps me text more quickly. However, now that I can use both hands to text, my texting dexterity has been knocked down about 85%. I suppose it will just take some getting use to.

My next daily celebration is PINK MARTINI! I LOVE PINK MARTINI! I have rearranged the play list so I believe the first 8-10 songs you are listening to are all by Pink Martini. They were in San Antonio last night and, again this evening playing with our symphony. This WAS my mother's day gift to mom. We both love them very much and have seen them perform before. However, she bailed on me (are we seeing a pattern with me and concerts?). Thank you to my dear friend Jace' who agreed to join me. It was a lovely evening that felt like it was straight from another era! Below is a photo of Jace' and I with the symphony warming up behind us. I know they look like candles, but that is actually the light reflecting off their instruments.

The following image and excerpt is from http://www.pinkmartini.com/. I loved the photo and felt only they could capture their spirit appropriately. So, I borrowed.....(I think it's okay if I identify the source!) Both times I have seen them they have mentioned San Antonio feels like their second home and they appreciate how well they have been treated by the city and the symphony. They were most appreciative of our mayor, city council and city manager. In fact, our mayor, Phil Hardberger (NOT Julian, yet) was asked to come up on stage and dance in their final song of the evening, Brazil. He was very cute in his seersucker suit, even though he has no rhythm. Sorry, Mayor!

Pink Martini is like a romantic Hollywood musical of the 1940s or 50s – but with a global perspective which is modern,” says founder and artistic director Thomas M. Lauderdale. “We bring melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is new and beautiful.”

The Portland, Oregon-based ‘little orchestra’ was founded in 1994 by Lauderdale, a Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist, to play political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, the environment, affordable housing and public broadcasting. In the years following Pink Martini grew from four musicians to its current twelve, and has gone on to perform its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Canada and the United States.

Lauderdale met China Forbes, Pink Martini’s “diva next door” lead vocalist, when the pair was at Harvard. He was studying history and literature while she was studying painting, English literature and theatre. Late into the night in their college dormitory on the Harvard campus, Forbes would sing Verdi and Puccini arias while Lauderdale accompanied her on piano, and their creative collaboration blossomed. Three years later, Lauderdale called Forbes who was living in New York City, where she’d been writing songs and playing guitar in her own folk-rock project, and asked her to join Pink Martini. They began to write music and lyrics together for the band, and their first song “Sympathique,” or “Je ne veux pas travailler” (I don’t want to work) became a huge hit in France.

The ensemble made its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival and its orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998 under the direction of Norman Leyden. Pink Martini has since performed with symphony orchestras across the country including four night nights with the Boston Pops in 2005, multiple concerts with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in 2000, two nights with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on a co-bill with Sergio Mendes in 2002 and two nights headlining with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2005. Other prestigious appearances include the grand opening of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s new Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, with return sold-out engagements for New Year’s Eve 2003 and 2004; the opening party of the New York Museum of Modern Art, the Kennedy Center and the William Morris Agency’s 100th birthday celebration with soul legend, Al Green.

Pink Martini’s debut album, “Sympathique,” was released independently in 1997 on the band’s own label Heinz Records (named after Lauderdale’s dog) and quickly became an international phenomenon, garnering the group nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards. Seven long years later the high-anticipated follow-up, “Hang on Little Tomato,” was released and climbed to #1 on Amazon.com’s best sellers list.

If you do not know Pink Martini, pick up one of their three albums, put on your favorite fancy, slightly vintage outfit and have your friends over for appetizers and drinks. Play them softly in the background and watch your party transform into a time when men wore suits to dinner, lit cigarettes at the end of a lady's gloved hand (not advocating smoking), when men drove long, black Cadillacs and dinner was accompanied by a live, big band!

After the concert Jace' and I walked to Soho Wine and Martini Bar. (Let me tell you about the wind storm we had to endure to get from point A to point B. For some reason we were caught up in what felt like hurricane force winds. I had on a long dress and the wind kept sweeping it to one side, taking me along with it and I must have resembled a human flag. Our hair was ALL OVER the place! BUT....it was nice to take a leisurely walk through down town crossing over and and under the river and enjoying the sounds of the city.) My dear friend, Lutfy, works at Soho. We like to visit him for the obvious reason....he is, by far, the best bartender in town! (And we like him a lot, too!) He elevates it to an art form and is constantly working to come up with creative approaches to the fine art of mixology! In fact, last night he allowed us a taste of his most recent infusion. Now, keep an open mind.....brisket and date infused bourbon! It was a feast in a glass. The bourbon was oak-y, the brisket allowed for nutty buttery-ness and the dates rounded it out with the perfect amount of sweetness. Lutfy, you have done it again! Completely blown my mind. And the dirty martinis you make me are like no other. There's a little somethin' special in there...I just can't figure it out. And I don't want to! Gives me a perfect excuse to continue patronizing your lovely establishment! This is a photo of Lutfy and I. We have been friends for YEARS and do not have one photo! And yes...he is always this serious, brooding and mysterious. I suspect he was just born that way!

Another HUGE reason we visit Soho is to see, and hear, our friend Logan Keese! Jace' and I work with his mother and have become friends with him through his mother, but also through his association with Lutfy and Soho. Logan plays live every Friday night at Soho. Again, run, do not walk, to see Logan! Logan plays trumpet. San Antonio is lucky to have this jewel living among us. Logan primarily plays jazz....deepening my enormous crush on him! He is such a talented young man. He plays with the passion and experience of an old, old soul sent back here from another time and place. His music sounds "far away" in more ways than one. Beyond that, he is an incredible young man. He is kind and gentle and is completely humble despite his overwhelming gift. I feel like one day we will lose Logan to the big jazz city! Or at least the big music conservatories, so catch him now, order a martini and again....trasnport yourself to another time and place. (Seeing a theme here?) Below is a photo of Logan.

Below are photos taken of Jace' and I listening to Logan and Paul. Paul is playing with Logan. He is from New Orleans and is a piano guy. And, it must be said, he has the sweetest little drawl since Harry Connick, Jr. He and Logan are both lovely gentlemen and live the values evocative of the music they play!

Logan and I posing for a blog photo......
What I am lovin' right now is Elegy. (Image from http://www.celebritywonder.com/.) Months ago I watched Charlie Rose interview the cast and director of this film. I was instantly fascinated. I knew this was the type of film I would enjoy. I knew it would leave me thinking for days. I also knew it would be a difficult film for me to watch and that I should likely wait for it to come out on DVD so I could watch it alone and cry as much as I needed to without the constraints of a public theater. (And I certainly was correct about all those points.) I highly recommend this film. However, there is nothing funny about this film. This is not a light, breezy date movie. This is a very serious movie about the human condition, choices we make and the consequences of our decisions.

Below is a brief synopsis from http://www.imdb.com/.

Driven by Isabel Coixet's (My Life Without Me) visually assured and deeply observant direction, ELEGY charts the passionate relationship between a celebrated New York college professor, David Kepesh (Kingsley) and a young Cuban-born woman, Consuela Castillo (Cruz) whose beauty both ravishes and destabilises him. As their intimate connection transforms them more than either could imagine a charged sexual contest evolves into an indelible love story. With humanistic warmth, wry wit and erotic intensity ELEGY explores the power of beauty to blind, to reveal and transform.With extraordinary performances by Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz, the film is based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth's short novel The Dying Animal. On the one hand a shattering, heartfelt romantic drama, ELEGY is also a complex, intelligent and unflinchingly honest meditation on lust, mortality, family, male friendship, intimacy and commitment. Its a refreshing film in its ability to deal with adult issues while remaining an invigorating cinematic experience

Luke: Do you want to know the problem here?

Lorelai: Actually, no. I don't like problems. I avoid them when I can and I don't like people pointing them out to me.

Goodnight friends. I need to start getting ready for a very special wedding! I am going for the total Carrie Bradshaw look. I promise to take tons of photos so you might see if I achieved success.

Spring Is Definitely In The Air (i.e. Hot Froggy Love)

Oh yes I did! I couldn't help myself. This evening when I was walking in from the back porch I heard some rustling in the leaves. Out of curiosity, and much against my better judgment, I looked towards the noise. And this is what I found. I thought it was too cute to pass up. I know, I know, I completely interrupted them. But trust me....it was pretty clear they either didn't care that I was there or had no idea I was there. She tried to hop away....typical scenario....but he was relentless. It was cute and proves that spring is in the air.......

I sincerely hope I have not offended anyone! Most especially, I am hoping I didn't offend Kermit and his lady friend. I would hate to cause any ill will between myself and my backyard tenants.

Last night I took myself out on a date! I invited myself to go see Patty Griffin live at Floore Country Store. I dressed up for myself, drove myself to the concert, bought myself a drink and enjoyed one of the best, if not THE BEST, live performances I have ever seen.
Originally I had purchased two tickets and asked Najla to join me. She is a huge Kelly Willis fan and I KNEW she would equally appreciate Patty Griffin. She agreed but as the time drew near she realized she likely wouldn’t be up for a late night. I completely understand that given she is close to 8 months pregnant. I really didn’t stress about finding someone to go with me; I figured I would just go alone and enjoy Patty Griffin by myself. I had a few people mention they might be able to join me but in the end no one was able to join me.

As I have indicated in prior posts I was really, really, really looking forward to this concert. Patty’s music has cradled me through a very difficult time in my life. Her music, songwriting and voice gives me permission to experience deep, deep sorrow but in the very next instant she reminds me about the beauty of suffering and how strong we come out on the other side.

Around 6pm I started having doubts, major doubts, about going alone. I went through the motions of getting ready, fixing my hair and applying my make up. I remembered this one episode of Sex in the City where Samantha Jones went to a jazz concert all alone because no one wanted to go with her. (As it happens this actually is a true story. Kim Catrall attended a Chick Corea concert alone in Manhattan. At the concert she met her future husband! I suppose the writers liked the story line and included it in the series!) So, I summoned my inner Samantha….(which I really don’t have much of….I am more of a Carrie Bradshaw)…and I took myself out on a date.

I spoke with my mother on my way to the venue. She was so worried someone was going to “steal me” from Helotes, TX. I assured her I would be fine and would remain in constant contact with her throughout the concert and would call her when I arrived home.

I picked up my tickets at will call and the young lady said, “You purchased two tickets. Will your guest be arriving later?” I said, “Nope, it’s just me tonight.” And she said, “Oh, that’s okay. There are tons of cuties here! Enjoy yourself!” “I will,” I responded.

Imagine my relief when I saw chairs set up in rows. Typically it is standing room only and the thought of “standing” alone was what was frightening me most. I found a seat, behind a huge pole, and then moved further down the row. The lady next to me said, “You can put your purse down here, or scoot down further if you would like.” I said, “Thank you. I am here alone so I am not saving a seat for anyone.” She didn’t make a sad face for me, in fact, she did not respond at all to my admission of “single-ness” at this event. This made me feel instantly comfortable. She looked to be about my mom’s age and her husband had this fabulous mess of long gray hair and emanated a very cool vibe for a man roughly the age of my father. I felt safe sitting next to them.

The opening act was a gentleman named Michael Fracasso. I had heard of him but had never seen him live. He sang “Only the Lonely” and I smiled for my frantic mother! She is a huge Roy Orbison fan. I thought to myself, she would be happy to know that I was not only sitting safely next to a nice couple but that it was good mojo that one of her favorite songs was being sung live! Between the first and second acts I started talking with the lady next to me. Her name is Charlotte and her husband’s name is John. He is the Patty Griffin fan. She really had never heard of Patty Griffin before. As it turns out they live in my parent’s neighborhood. In addition, Charlotte is a retired speech pathologist so she knew exactly what my job entails! We had a lot in common and they really were a joy to talk with. They offered to walk me to my car at the end of the concert because they would have wanted someone to do that for their daughter.

I am not sure I can do the concert justice. Words simply can not explain the energy in the room. The audience was small…maybe 250 people. When Patty Griffin arrived on stage the audience was transfixed. It was completely silent and everyone had a singular purpose. It was clear to me by the looks on everyone’s face that they love her for the same reasons I do. She makes deep connections with people through her words and her music. She often touches upon life’s deepest, darkest vulnerabilities and celebrates life’s greatest joys at the same time. She sang a lot of gospel music because that is what she is currently working on. It struck me that God is using her as a tool for His word because when she sang those classic gospel songs you could feel the entire room really believed in the “promise land” or the “place just over the mountain!” I am glad I went alone. When she sang “Heavenly Day” I gave myself permission to cry. (I wouldn’t have done that if anyone were with me.) And I don’t mean misty eyed…I mean big fat tears rolling down my face. No one noticed because not one person took their eyes off her. The young lady behind me cried as well. I have never cried at a concert, no one has ever moved me in that way. I decided at that point not only do I want that song played at my funeral, I want it to be the first dance at my wedding and playing when I have children! I want that song to be a part of every major life milestone I might be blessed with. As the concert ended I decided to stand up to grab a few photos of Patty. I finally rested myself inside the frame of the screen doors leading to the porch. She ended the concert with an old George Strait song since she was in “his neck of the woods.” She said it was only fitting to honor him. As she sang a light breeze blew through my hair and I didn’t care one bit that I was standing in that door alone. I felt completely at peace in that moment! I was IN that moment and moments passed and future moments didn’t matter. I long to inhabit that space more often. It doesn’t come naturally for me. But I am trying.
If any of you have the opportunity to see this woman live…..run, don’t walk! It doesn’t matter if you are unfamiliar with her work. She is captivating and takes you to a place that does your heart good! She is good medicine!

In celebration of Patty Griffin I have added a few of her songs. The first four songs you are hearing are hers. The song called “Fly” might be erroneously attributed to the Dixie Chicks. It is, in fact, a Patty Griffin song they covered on their album “Fly.” I dedicate that song to a dear friend that is at a major crossroads. You know who you are and I know you don’t ever have the volume up when you read my blog. Turn up the volume and listen to the words! And know that I am sending you my very best wishes during a very tough time.

I am lovin’ my new poster right now! I have admired this poster for a LONG time. I just never knew where to find it. I noticed it in two separate issues of Domino (sad, sad, sad, sad, sad….it has shut down production). That motivated me to do my research and get this print in my house. Not only do I love the message, but I absolutely love the graphic quality of this print. The lines are so simple yet profoundly regal. And I can’t help but love the Tiffany blue element. It is my understanding the queen commissioned this print. It hung in the subways of London during World War II reminding the citizens to “Keep calm and carry on!” I found it on Etsy.com . I had it framed and picked it up today. I am going to hang it above my bed and hope that the message manages to drift into my dreams!
Lorelai, Luke (Lorelai’s boyfriend) and Emily (Lorelai’s mother) are sitting in the drawing room having drinks before dinner. Lorelai is particularly nervous about this dinner and has previously encouraged Luke to drink a lot as it helps to deal with her mother!

Emily: What happened to your martini?
Lorelai: It went to a happy place.
Emily: Do you want another one?
Lorelai: Does Pavarotti want another doughnut?

Goodnight friends.......

Challenging Tasks

Finding a celebration today was a tough task! I was in an in-service all day long learning how to be a member of "Critical Incident Response" teams. In order to understand this it is of "Critical Importance" one understands what I do for a living. I am a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. That is a very, very, very long title essentially meaning I test children for special education services. I am employed by one of the largest public school systems in Texas. As a result, and most unfortunately, critical incidents come up more often than I care to consider. Today the people in my department, as well as many of the school counselors, were learning how to respond when a student passes, a teachers passes, the community suffers great tragedy, etc. By the end of the day the presenter had choked up twice, several of my colleagues were teary eyed and most of the group members were dealing with personal grief and loss they had thought were long ago dealt with. By 4pm I wanted to go home, climb into bed and take a nap. I turned on the TV in the hopes the noise would lull me to sleep. Imagine the shock when I heard a small community in New York was dealing with a massive tragedy of a deadly shooting rampage. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all involved. We often focus on the families and loved ones of the victims; but the family and loved ones of the individual who commits such a heinous offense must suffer a debilitating, inexplicable degree of sadness, grief, confusion, guilt...the list is infinite.

As I mentioned finding celebrations was tough today. Driving home I realized it was a PERFECT spring day in Texas. These days remind me of college. I don't know why...but I think that was the first opportunity I had to enjoy "the daytime hours." Prior to that I was in school all day in the spring. Summers in Texas can be insufferable so we stay inside. When I got to college and had a class here and there, the rest of the time was spent at baseball games, sprawled out on the academic mall, studying at the park on the banks of the river or driving the back roads of central Texas sipping on a large Dr. Pepper from the Mobil Station. I really began to appreciate the crisp days we are graced with in October and April! (My two favorite months of the year!)

Additionally, I received a lovely email from my oldest friend on earth! We have known each other since we were three years old. She is more like a sister than anything else. Her words were so gentle, kind and appropriate. It was as if she was staring straight into my soul and speaking to the very situation I currently find myself in. You know who you are, friend! Thank you and I love you very much. We may be in different places in our lives but I will always seek you out! Never question that!

I wanted to share photos of my children with you! They aren't children in the traditional sense...they are more like the four-legged, furry, purr-y kind! And no, I am not ashamed of being the crazy cat lady. There is nothing anyone can throw at me that I haven't heard before! I love my kitties and would own more if I had the space and the city wouldn't cite me for violating some ordinance.

This is Lola Jean (aka "Lotion" "Lotion Joanie"). She has NEVER grown out of her kitten stage despite the fact she is five years old! I found her in the parking lot of my grocery store. She was a starving little adolescent and I couldn't say no. My life has never been the same since! She is my little shadow. I very often trip on her. Her favorite thing to do is NOT sleep during the night and chew on mom's fingers. She does not cuddle and does not like to be held. But she is always up for any game and the phrase "curiosity killed the cat" was invented for her. As many times as she has eaten through electrical cords she still hasn't kicked! She is a walking miracle. Whatever Lola wants, indeed she gets.


This is Tessie Marie (aka "Rossie" "Tester" "Testarosa" "Vinnie Testaverde"). She is a lover! I found her at a pet store through a rescue organization. I originally went to pick up another black cat they were holding for me. But I passed by her cage and she reached her paw out and gently touched my arm, tugged a little and I said, "Okay, so you're the one!" She has been curling up on my lap and giving me kisses ever since. She rarely makes a sound, doesn't like to eat and loses chunks of hair from time to time. I have nicknamed her "The Hairless Wonder." She likes to walk in between my face and anything I happen to be reading. She also loves to lay in the sun.


This is my Gracie Janie (aka "Grace Jane" "Gertsy" "Gertrude Stein"). She was my first pet as an adult. She was laying around my old apartment complex one day in August. She looked "spent." I opened my door, she walked in and has never left my side. She had just delivered and nursed kittens. When she moved in she slept on my bed for three days straight! For three years we just inhabited the same space. There was mutual respect, but nothing more. It took her three years to trust me which leads me to believe she suffered greatly before she found me. She is very independent and loves to be left alone. She can sleep in the same location for 8-10 hours. She is very lazy but damn photogenic despite the extra weight from the lazy lifestyle. She sleeps next to my head every night and she lets me rub her big belly! We've come a long way.

"What I am loving today" is Hyperbubble! Ten weeks ago I registered for a drawing class at Southwest School of Art and Craft. My teacher was a very gentle spirit. She seemed soft spoken, very happy, proud of her husband and her life. That was my initial impression. Approximately four weeks later I was at a large art celebration downtown. The festival spotlighted local artists, musicians, etc. Imagine my surprise when I passed by my art teacher dressed in a jumpsuit out of the 80's playing her synthensizer next to her husband who was behind all sort of gadgets singing her heart out! This was certainly a very different version of my art teacher! I thought, "This must be her alter ego and I love it!" I was transfixed. I couldn't move. Their music is intoxicating and nostalgic! Please, please, please find them somewhere on the web. Buy this CD.....you WILL be happy, you WILL be movin' and you WILL be wishin' you were still wearing your jelly shoes, playing your atari, gettin' pissed off at your rubic's cube and looking for your Tiger Beat magazine with Rob Lowe on the cover! Thanks Jessica! You have been such a positive force in my life the last few weeks. For that I will ever be appreciative.

Gilmore Girl quote time......

Lorelai: Lorelai Gilmore....disappointing mothers since 1967.

Goodnight. We are leaving for Round Top in 8 hours! Need to pack and sleep and all sorts of other things. I am going with "Spacey," "Crystal," and "Anais." We are creating a new memory for 2009. The one from 2008 needs to be replaced!

PS....This is my playlist....it has tons of songs. You can minimize this screen and just leave the music on. I will try to shuffle it around as much as I can. I hope you enjoy it!