I have given myself permission to take some field trips.  I miss singing so much, and I know if I don’t get out there and make something happen, then nothing’s going to happen.

What’s that new saying everybody’s using these days? Don’t talk about it. Be about it!

Well, that’s how I intend to live my musical life.

If a singing career is what I want to achieve, then it’s going to take me beating a few bushes and introducing myself to men and women who are looking to expand their talent line-up.

That’s what I did before I landed the Saturday Night Slot at Prime Only.. but that’s ancient history now.

I have had two people recently approach me about a couple of bars/restaurants in the Triangle.. venues they thought would perfect for my personality and style of singing.  I listened, but took no action.

I mean I googled both places and put a mental bookmark in my brain to check them out– one day, some day.  That’s not good.  That’s not action.

The first place is called The Prime Smokehouse. It is in Garner.  There is live jazz there. REAL GOOD music I’m told.  Some of the big names in the area show up there to perform. It sounds like one of THE places to be.  When I "field trip" there, my intention will be to ask about week night possibilities.  To me, that would better suit my setup of singing with backing tracks.

The other spot is Papa Mojo’s Roadhous e in Durham.  Don’t you just love the name of it?  I know I do!!

I have an associate who plays at Papa Mojo’s on open mic night.  I’ve not had the best experiences in the past with participating in open mic, but it could be just the way to slip into  restaurant and get introduced to the right people.   Again, I’d be inquiring about week night gig openings.

What’s stopping me?  Why am I only now blogging about taking a field trip?  Call me silly. Call me crazy. But I kindof didn’t really want to go it alone.  I didn’t want to show up in a  crowded bar by myself.

I will from time to time throw a question/invitation out there–  asking around among friends who’s free on any given night, who wants to go out– and when plans don’t come together– well I just stay at home and do nothing.

No more!

"Go as far as the eye can see, and when you get there, look farther."

Dag Hammarskjold

No.. no.. no.  I didn’t do like the kiddies do.  I wasn’t whisked away to enjoy fun and frolic time… making summer time memories.

Further, there is nothing to report to the teacher… just y’all– my friends who follow me and visit this blog from time to time.

I am simply taking some time to reflect on the breadth and depth of my musical journey over the summer months.   Tuesday, September 22nd marks the first day of autumn.

In a word, Summer’s been grand !

The ground work for what would turn into one heck of a ride actually began in the Spring.. in March.. when Wayne Free of the Embers contacted me.  Wayne wanted to know if I would entertain the idea of singing with the band during their summer concert series.

When I finally shut my mouth and stopped grinning, I was able to compose an intelligent reply to Wayne’s email.  With that, we were off!

I performed 2 "official" publicized gigs with the band.  There were some unofficial performances, as well. Bonus for me.  Wooooooo!!

What was especially good about the experience the Embers– well it nudged me off my safe and refined lady of jazz pedestal a bit.

I mean you can’t sing Aretha’s Chain of Fools without finding a funky, soulful vein in your body. It requires you to move and grove and get down.  I shake my head at myself, because I had to go do a different place in my heart + head.  I never felt great doing the song, but it was a great exercise in being versatile.

If you go to the Embers website, you can hear some of the songs we performed together.

Theembersband.net

The other musical highlight for me this summer, was celebrating a milestone with one of the Triangle’s favorite Greek Restaurants:  XIOS in Apex.  At one point, I promised patrons that I would do a belly dance before the night was over. There was a mad dash to the door. Just kidding…

What I loved about the night at XIOS was the warmth of the diners at the restaurant. I saw friends and I made some new friends.  Everyone was in a festive mood from start to finish. I created a playlist only of songs that I love, love, love. I had a blast singing, and everyone seemed to enjoy the show.

It had been some time since I did the old one woman band routine, and while it lacks the freedom, flexibility and improvisation that flows with live musicans… well, I do like the full measure of control that I have over how every song is going to go.

It works for me.

And now as summer makes it way to fall, I am left with this question:  Now what are you going to do?

Presently, I don’t have an answer. That doesn’t sit well with me.

Come back soon, and see what a woman on a mission with a message can do.