I was invited to play this variety show put on by the T-Sisters of Oakland. 10502410_10204399182281968_6462802467568632311_nThey have been doing it for over 4 years now and I heard so many good things about it, I was eager to show up and play, even for the 5 minutes of allotted time. I found it to be a warm and welcoming vibe, where they have put in tons of energy into painting signs leading to the bathroom, a stage with back lights and art, and a packed house of eager listening people waiting to hear the next act, whatever it may be, as it was all a surprise, including myself.

The first act came on about 30 minutes late, but perfect timing to get the entire house cozy with standing room filled all in around the packed seated house. I was back stage waiting and I heard a voice that sounded like it was straight from a midwest porch, looking out over a prairie on a rocking chair singing to the world as if the moment resided there, and no where else. Her name is ‘Karlyn Desteno‘. Her music shook everyone to the moment in the most suttle way, right from her saying ‘hello’ and the entire crowd echoing back ‘Hello!’, was the example of an her captive audience, ready to be released as a bird across the white plains sunset. Her music can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/karlyn-desteno

There were 12 acts of music, including myself, joined by Maren Metke and Marlon Aldana. We did a rendition of ‘Boon Carri E’ as well as an old monkey tune called ‘wanna be like you’. There were so many great acts of music, so I will just give you some highlights:

Karlyn Desteno – whom I’ve mentioned previously. Amazing subtlety and unique flavor of beauty.

Adrienne Mehri Shamszab – Shy back stage, I was shocked at the power that came out when Adrienne started with a 3 song medley in Farci. Her voice had the ability to move energy through the room, an ancient way of being that brought me to a moment of gratitude and reverence. Her music can be heard in connecting with her:  https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.shamszad

American Nomad – 10362625_10204400172106713_5055773980530465611_nI’ve played a show over 3 years ago with this group and love hearing the progress and hearing their name everywhere. They are doing great, and the new tunes offered this night were astounding as ever. Connect with them here: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanNomadMusic

Marty Oreilly – Brought the house down as the closing act and 10613051_10204403973321741_3793222073324998304_nI honestly did not believe he could do what he did. After all of these amazing musicians played with such unique gifts, he brought his entire 5 piece band and tore it up with soft love tunes that go bad in the best of ways. Violin, Guitar, Cello, Stand Up, and Drums, with a voice that has a flavor of Sean Hayes meets Tom Waits. Marty has great lyrics, stage presents, and songs with instrumentations that fit the mood perfect. You can listen hear:   https://www.facebook.com/martyoreillymusic