Looking back and looking ahead

Elizabeth Riley is planning to play at Umi's open mic this Friday, the 26th - really hope some of you can make it, it should be lots of fun.

They do an open mic to start the evening (7, 7:30 ish), then there is a featured act, and also I believe their house band, Instant Release (they are great!) will be playing.

We played at Irene's open mic last Saturday (sorry I didn't publicize it through the blog, just thru facebook). What a great experience! Thanks, all of you who came - I think we filled quite a bit of the bar!







The pictures from Irene's are courtesy of Keane Shore (thanks, Keane!) They feature Sarah (on banjo), Patricia (on the beautiful Gibson semi-acoustic), Carmel (drum, guitar), and moi (guitar). Eliora and Hasana, two of the Blooming Divas, joined us on vocals for "Young Women to Old". The "EVL" drummer is Doug, who played along with us. Thanks also to Ken and Richard who played along on cello and bass. Missing in action: Mike, who had the day off from being in the band because he's trying to find a house.

Umi

Well, it's Monday night, a great night for hitting the town. I'm chilling out in one of my favourite Ottawa places, Umi, across from Tang Coin Laundry. I just saw a large tabby cat trot across the street with a mouse dangling from its mouth.

I loved this place on sight, back in the summer when I discovered it. It's got a great vibe. It's real. The sign outside the door tonight promises good conversation, and I believe that is true - I've been in here almost daily over the past little while, and each time I have either been part of, or caught snatches of, good conversation. Everything from music to prostitution to what counts as art. I've listened to poems here. I've heard great freestyling here (this always leaves me awe-struck). I've brought my kid here. He likes the spicy cookies.

Umi.

Ashton this Sunday

Hi Folks,

I am back in town, I've moved, I had a vacation, and my little boy is about to start JK. I can't believe how grown up he is these days, able to do so much for himself. His already insatiable curiosity seems to be in overdrive. It's "why, mommy, why?" and "tell me a story about that" through all his waking hours.

We are playing Ashton open mic this weekend, Sunday the 7th. Hope to see lots of friends, fans and fellow performers out.

xxoo Jen