Boozing it up in '09

Well back in swing at Common Cafe in Umeda, Osaka next Friday, January 30th. To kick off the new year, bring a friend whose never been to CC before, get one free mixed drink!

Hope to see you there!

Ugly Sweaters and Reindeers

Nice gathering of ugly sweaters at the Commons on the 26th. 1st prize for ugliest sweater went to Wisconsin/Minnesota/Iowa's own Lindsey, who took home cola flavored jelly bean defecating reindeer. Oh! and I played a couple tunes with nice audience participation on my rendition of Tom Waits' "Chocolate Jesus".

Thanks to everyone who came down and participated.

Common Threads

This Friday the 26th at Common Cafe, I'll throw down my usual live set, but thanks Ms. Lindsey Kurtz's brain, we also have a theme going. The theme will be "Ugly Sweater" night There will be a prize for ugliest sweater. Hope you can make it.

Cold Season

Common Cafe a couple Fridays ago. Bit of a cold but battled to a nice a crowd. Ayumi-san provided Cuban-Puerto Rican food to the delight of all our taste buds.

Great Blue

Very short set last night, but great local and a great singer, Alicia Saldenha headlined, with special guest Daryl Beaton straight from Sydney, Austrailia. Check him out here and here.

October Live

October 11th I was at my usual spot at Common Café, spewing out the anti-folk lyrics that decorate my melodies. A good crowd dropped in with guest appearances by some my new colleagues from the city of Amagasaki. My percussionist, Mr. Nishikubo was palpitating the rhythms on a cajon and shaking the maracas with his foot. It was a good crowd and a good set.

October 12th was a cold Sunday afternoon. It was the Midousuji Festival and before going on, I made the mistake of not going to the bathroom. Although a good group of friends were there for support, a full bladder, the cold breeze and a shy crowd contributed to my ever mounting nerves. Local audiences are not very warm even to their brethren, so I wasn’t expecting all out dancing, let alone clapping or toe tapping. I didn’t try reaching the audience and my disconnecting lead to a so-so set. Overall it was a good learning experience.

Common Style

Couple of Fridays ago played at Common Cafe in Umeda, Osaka. Couple of days earlier, I was able to get a couple of friends to back me up on bass and drums. It had been a long time since I sang/played with a full band and the first time with my original material. The place was full of friends and acquaintances, but that didn't comfort my nerves too much. Although we had never played together before, overall it went pretty well.