Hello September

Last day of August and where did the summer go?!    Sun and fun, I hope.   

I had some in August.   My daughter was visiting from Monrovia where she works for the UN.  (Monrovia?)  Did a little geo-caching with my friend Bill Spence.  (geo-caching?)  An oyster barbeque at Point Reyes (yum!), and a visit to the Gold Country (didn't find any).

And I even played a little music.   Had some good nights at Chester's as usual, and my house concert with Dorcas Moulton and Sonic Boomerang was sure a treat.   Last Sunday at the Kensington Farmers Market the weather was gorgeous, and it was a pleasure playing with Patty Hammond on bass and with Dorcas on accordion.   We had a lot of families and a wonderful time with "Down By The Bay," "Wheels On The Bus" and other kids songs.   And we always come away with some great food in addition to some change in our pockets.   I am eating well!!

I read a very interesting book by Tom Jackson about performing and getting folks excited at your live shows.   Smoke!! Strobe lights!!  Just kidding, but Tom has some good ideas and you've been warned.    And seriously, something that really gets me excited these days is flat foot dancing and I am starting to learn some of those steps.    Check out this video.  It's a workout!!

I am working hard getting ready for the FAR West (Folk Alliance Region West) conference in October.   I would like to have a new CD ready for it and am scrambling to complete the recording now.   (Randy Rood who did such nice work on my Solo CD will be doing the mixing.)    I am volunteering at the conference, playing some, and also hosting a showcase room; and it has been fun getting my showcase slots filled up and interacting with folks who will be at the conference.

Coming up in September, I'll be playing on the 1st (why, that's tomorrow night!)  at Chester's in Berkeley with Laura Lind, Dorcas Moulton and Searle Whitney.  We'll be doing old time, folk and originals.  The Kookie Uke Lady will open.   On Sunday, September 9th, I'll be at the Kensington Farmers Market;  on Thursday, the 20th,  I'll be back at Chester's;  and on Sunday the 23rd, I'll be at the Cole Valley Street Fair with Don't Look Back.    You can always see where I am playing at my website www.royzat.com.

Next Friday I am going to see Ray Bonneville perform.   I saw him a couple of years ago at the Kate Wolf Festival and he got me started on the foot accompaniment.   A fine guitar player and songwriter too.  Here is an example.   He has such a great sound!!

Hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a good Fall season.       All the best,   John