My Comeback Gig

photo:  Melissa Kellogg

A couple of weeks ago, I played on stage for the first time in about three years.  While I have kept up writing, singing, and playing, I have taken a big ol' hiatus from performing since my daughter was born.  My "comeback gig" was a truly wonderful experience.  I had a great turnout of loving and supportive friends from my whole life in Austin.  I am so grateful for everyone who came out and helped create the festive and electric vibe.  Special thanks to my pal Renee Trudeau, who wrote a blog post about my show!

I loved playing at Momo's--it was my first time to play there.  I love the stage, the sound system, the fun indoor/outdoor space, and I loved the gorgeous weather we had that day.  My set wasn't perfect, but I knew it wouldn't be.  I had spent weeks working to remember my old songs, to write a new song, and I challenged myself to try out some guitar leads on about five of the songs. There are so many balls to keep in the air when you're doing it on your own, as I am.  Overall, I was really proud of myself.  Now I just have to replicate and improve it, over and over.

We had fun.  I gave out free CDs to everyone in the audience.  I sang a song about cookies.  Since I’m on this big scrapbooking kick, I had people sign a guest book to commemorate the night.  And I had a contest where folks could have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Waterloo Records if they named other artists who I sound like.  Want to know what they said?  My fans said I sound like early Jewel, Carrie Underwood, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, Colbie Callait, Sarah McLachlan, the Indigo Girls, and Joan Baez. Wow!

They used these words to describe the show: “smokin’ hot,” “beautiful,” “amazing presence,” “grounded in life,” “sweet,” “from the heart,” “hilarious,” and “inspiring.”

This is my dream!  To listen, to write, to play, and to sing.  To make space for all of the things that we don't always talk about, but need to feel, once in awhile.  To explore the connection between audience and performer.  To experience the power of music.  And to have fun.  There, I said it.  I don't know why I have this dream, but I am committed to showing up to see where it leads me.   If you are reading this, I hope you will join me when I perform. My next Momo's Happy Hour is Tuesday, April 27th, 5:15-6:15!