Confessions of the Starving Artist - 12/24/07

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a blog?! Well, it doesn't rhyme, so I guess I have to write it.
First, I want to wish you all a beautiful and wonderful Christmas full of peace and love.

Friday evening, December 21, we were treated to the uplifting music of Laura Berman. All inspirational music is supposed to be spiritually uplifting, but this woman and her husband Craig Benelli have their own brand that made the faces in the audience glow. I watched them cast a spell that night that I bet lasts all Holiday Season. Laura's vocals are crazy good and soulful. Craig's guitar work (on a beautiful Taylor) matched perfectly the music, lyrics and vocals. Laura also played keyboard adding yet another dimension. Make a promise to your soul to see them next time they play the Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery.

When I was young in the 1960s, music kept me from some of the pitfalls my friends fell in. I believe that I was too busy playing and missed a lot of the problems of idle youth. I also caught a break here and there along the way. My feeling is we have a responsibility to pay it forward. In that spirit, we have Young Musicians Night and we showcase really cool, young songwriters. First up this past Saturday, December 22, was Ken Connolly. He writes songs like an old soul. He plays old school too. He was in fine voice and turned in a great set. Watch for this veteran of SAC&G. Love, Mara Jade always seemed a combination of clever songwriting and what I describe as "performance art." Anthony C writes the songs and sings and plays guitar. Davey B plays keyboards, percussion, kazoo, and has been known to play Fisher Price xylophone. You've got to see this for yourself. Jenn "Angel Wings" Santise is an alternative acoustic (don't you hate categories, labels and such?) singer-songwriter. At once intense and witty, her songs transcend age. She lays bare the raw emotion of relationships. Keep an eye on these young people and support them.

Sunday afternoon, December 23, we were simply "charmed" by Peter C. North. The American Songbook was never played with such charm and reverence. He plays guitar (a great old Martin) and ukulele. With Peter, you get the back story on the songs. He often reads the lyrics as poems first so we are as beguiled as he is by these gems he's found. He peppered his act with Holiday songs. Peter even does all the original intros, some long forgotten. I advise you to make a reservation next time he plays the "Artist." He's gaining a following here.

I want to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas . Thank you for your support. If you wish to spend New Year's Eve with us (and the jazz of Lou Volpe) call or e-mail right away; seats are going fast!

Click the links, click on Glick at Neil Young's Living With War web site - #92 and #96 this week - be good to yourself and others, have a great holiday - and come in, and live right!

Elliott Glick