This morning I received an email from Kickstarter reminding me that it’s been a year since my album project was successfully funded. Making Water, Ashes & Wood was an amazing experience, and the album has opened the doors to so many performance opportunities. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported it. I’m still working on the last of the rewards (finishing up the sheet music songbook, and writing a couple more songs for backers), and every time I work on these projects, I’m reminded of your sweet generosity and support.
I’ve been enjoying playing at many new places recently including McMenamin’s Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, Troon Tasting Room in Carlton, and A Blooming Hill Vineyard in Cornelius. I have one more Oregon show this month (tomorrow/Saturday at Park Place Cafe in Gresham), and then I’m heading to California for a bit. Planning to play at some open mics, informal gatherings of friends and family, and also at a sweet wine bar in Capitola (It’s Wine Tyme). I probably won’t be updating this website along the way, but definitely check my Facebook and Twitter feeds as I’ll post shows there.
July holds several fun shows, including an afternoon with Awaken Jane (trio with Jamie Corff and Emily Jones) at the McMinnville Farmers’ Market, and my first time performing at Unger Farms, where Joe Aloia will be joining me on bass. Joe played on my new album, and brings a wealth of talent and energy to the shows! He’ll also be joining me at some shows in August.
Speaking of… In August I’ll be playing at Celebrate Hillsboro with the MIR Music allstar band. This is a revolving group of players… the last 2 years they played jazz and included Ron Hurst of Steppenwolf on drums. This year Ron won’t be playing becausehe is performing with Steppenwolf that night at the Clark County Fair (and I’ll definitely be there!) But the Allstars group will include John Gross on sax and flute, Bill French on keyboard, Joe Aloia on bass, Theresa Riccardi on drums, and I’ll be leading on vocals and rhythm guitar. Very excited to have this amazingly talented group of musicians playing a set of my original tunes!
I also have several other shows in August, so definitely check out my schedule and market your calendars. Especially if you like wine, as I’ll be playing at several wineries!
So, those are my summer plans, along with teaching, and enjoying time with my family. And perhaps some recording time, since I have several new songs that I’d love to polish up and release!
Happy summer! And a heartfelt thank you to my friends and fans who come see the live shows!
xo
V
