So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Cool Jazz




We are so lucky to have our kids is a school that has such a great Fine Arts Department.  Not only do they get a great education, they get to do all kinds of cool stuff.  Opportunities to travel the world playing venues like Pearl Harbor, Obama's Inauguration and European tours in recent years.  The many bands, orchestras and choirs have traveled and competed so many fabulous places.

This year, Alex is a very proud member of the Jazz Band.  The cream of the crop musicians are directed by the cream of the crop director, Ryan Adamsons.  Ryan seeks great learning experiences for them all the time.  Whether it be the Bob Lark Band clinic and performance, Jazz festivals and competitions or visiting musicians, Ryan is always showing them ways to improve and become class A musicians.

Last night we had the pleasure of listening to the perform for a full hour on the stage at the Jazz Showcase nightclub in Downtown Chicago.  As opening act for jazz singer Dee Alexander, they did a great job.  Solos by Nate Fox and Eric Tranton (to name a few), were spectacular.  The audience was not thinking teenage public school music class band performance for a second.  They were enjoying high caliber up and coming musicians.  Ryan emphasizes improvisation and encourages the kids to solo.  They love it and it helps them grow as musicians.  I think it's frightening at first, but the confidence and understanding they gain has them comping at the bit in no time.

The surprise of the night (for me at least) was the above clip of my lovely meanager playing an impromtu solo, as much a surprise to him as it was to us.  I was so glad to notice the nod and have a quick second to ready the camera.  The film quality on my little Nikon point & shoot is poor, but you can still enjoy the performance.  I wish I had gotten a few other solos, but another audience member did, so stayed tuned for future youtube postings of the entire show.  Int he meantime, indulge my proud mamma moment above