“Just remember in the world of dreams and visions, there are two main experiences. One where you find yourself tolerated and the other is where you find yourself celebrated. There is something to learn from both. Just be encouraged wherever you find yourself.” Ernest Keith

Pam @ Voodoo Lounge

Yes, this place looks just like it sounds.  It’s small, intimate and dark—but not smoky.  Clubs and restaurants don’t operate that way anymore.

I was once again thrilled to sing there with legendary triangle crooner Bill Stonehouse.

The thing that jazzed me the most was the opportunity to finally perform Mack the Knife.  This is a song I’ve longed to sing.  I was however intimidated by all the doggone words.  Well it’s funny what a made up mind can accomplish.  The lyrics are not etched in my brain and it’s such a fun song to do.

I wanted Mack the Knife to be included in my soon to be released album of songs—tentatively titled:  The full measure of a Woman.  Trouble is, when I brought the backing tracks to Osceola earlier that day, Dick heard warbling in the music and we couldn’t lay it down.  I was disappointed, but I had a backup plan and so we were good.

The yearning to showcase the wordy little ditty was satisfied when I handed a different disc to Bill, and the song played flawlessly.

I sang Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans, and dedicated to the people along the gulf coast as they deal with yet another blow to their enchanting way of life.

There was absolutely nothing jazzy or torchy about the song I performed next: Let’s Stay Together. It was in the style of both Al Green and Tina Turner.

I will say this about that night at the Voodoo:  Until I find my own nesting place (I know one day soon I will).. Hanging out with those who have a home and doing a song or two will do just fine.

Bill is there every Saturday night.  If you’d like to know more about the goings on.. then here’s a link:

www.reysrestaurant.com/

Onward + Upward…

a pic from bb king's club

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.
Napoleon Hill

Last week, the small but mighty branch of the Frank and Jenny Saulsby family tree gathered in West Palm Beach for a four day love fest.It will hopefully be the first of many family reunions.

My intention was to enjoy my family’s new lake front home, catch up on what was going on in everybody’s lives, laugh, love, enjoy delicious food, and for lack of a better word, relax.

Well, all of that happened, and more.
Here’s the more:  I was presented with an opportunity to sing with the BB King All Star Band at BB King’s Blues Club in West Palm Beach. I didn’t see this coming at all.  I was there with the lion’s share of the family celebrating my niece’s 40th birthday.  Jennifer’s celebration then turned into an unforgettable gift for me.

You see, the bandleader, who I did not know, recognized me from my days of reporting in Miami so many years ago.  He would learn after talking to another niece, who was the birthday party planner that I sing.  What to sing???  My mind was racing and I was being indecisive.

And I vowed that in the future I’d always have songs in my head ready to sing at the drop of a hat!

We settled on At Last.

Over the moon doesn’t even begin to describe the pure joy I felt. No nerves, no fear.

We performed like we’d done that number a million times. The musical intro, the saxophone player’s solo.. the big finish.  I believe it all blended into a satisfying experience for everyone who showed up at the club that night.

I feel so fortunate that I could feel so much love from my family and support from a listening audience,  as I travel this new and thrilling journey… Pursuing a dream to touch souls with song.

Watch for it! There’s a video of my performance, that I’ll download ASAP.

Onward + Upward!