For Your Oscar Consideration - UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality

 UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality is in consideration for the Academy Awards and the deep consideration starts TODAY! Please pass this along to any and all Academy members that you know, as I really can't think of many more important topics than making sure our fellow humans are housed. It's THE most basic human right, yet we allow so many of our citizens to sleep out on the streets in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It's just not right. And we all need to be talking about it until we can really be called a decent civilization, by providing the very least anyone can ask for - shelter. It was an honor and a privilege to help produce this film, and our team, led by director Colin Gray, is all in on doing whatever we can to help make it a world where the most basic needs are being met ... by raising the roof!

 

Many, if not most, Academy members live in Los Angeles and can see the massive and outrageous problem of people living on the streets every day. One can complain about it, or one can do something about it. We chose the latter by making this film. The intent we set out with was to at least start the conversation to find solutions, rather than look the other way, as so many do when faced with this situation. 

A good starting point with any tough subject is always EMPATHY. The NIMBY people who don't care what happens as long as they don't have to see houseless HUMANS in their neighborhood don't seem to realize how quickly it could be them. You lose a job, a family member gets an illness, your rent gets raised, and BOOM.  I've seen it happen to more than one person I know, and no one is as stable as they think they are. We have to start CARING more, because we truly are all in this together. 

 

 

We held a screening at Beyond Baroque on Monday night for Oscar voters to consider UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality as a worthy competitor for the Academy Awards, and to raise awareness for our #RaiseTheRoof Impact Hub.  This is a resource that goes beyond the film to help people find help and resources in their area, as well as for those who want TO help and OFFER resources. It was clear that this topic truly affects us all, and it's high time we all did something about it. That is why we're pushing hard for an Oscar nomination. It's not about any personal glory for any of us. but a means to get the word out on a much larger scale, not only about the film, but the ISSUE - and the ways we can all work together to ENSURE that Housing is enshrined as a basic human right. Because it is. 

UNZIPPED is also a finalist for the Anthem Awards in the Awareness and Media category, and we'd be so honored if you would help this project by voting for us there too (anyone can, no need to be in the Academy!). It's nice that we're in the Awareness category, because that's exactly what we're trying to raise - along with roofs. Please vote here - https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting/#/2024/humanitarian-action-services/awareness-media-categories/. Thank you!

I know there are a lot of qualified documentaries, and a lot of very deeply important topics covered, but I really wonder which affect Los Angeles more than our homeless pandemic? Or the world, for that matter. I think about the Olympics coming up in L.A. in 2028, and wonder how they'll erase the inescapable sadness that is the homeless situation all over town? How they'll justify housing an entire Olympic Village for the athletes when they can't find affordable housing for our full time citizens? It's pretty heavy.  I'm currently in Minneapolis taking care of family, where it is starting to get cold. There are major homeless encampments in the city, and people with signs for help at freeway exits and busy intersections all around the Twin Cities and their suburbs. It's the holiday season, and I just don't know how any of us can feel good about any of us sleeping out in the cold. It's truly time to RAISE THE ROOF (that is a hot link for you to follow and get involved!!) for everyone, and I hope so much that you can all help us make it a reality where everyone has safe shelter and enough to eat. This is America, and we need to do far better by our People. We CAN. And we MUST.

UNZIPPED is available to watch now on Amazon Prime and Vimeo, and eligible for you to consider it for the Academy Awards right NOW! Thank you so much for helping us to #RaiseTheRoof!!! We truly appreciate it, and so will all the people we can help together. 

Season's Greetings to All! I miss you, Venice!

The 2019 Abbot Kinney Street Festival - A True Venice Homecoming

AHHHHHHHH. BACK IN VENICE! And just in time for the annual Abbot Kinney Festival, that I don't believe I've ever missed in 25 years, and wasn't about to start now. I got in from Minnesota the night before, and woke to a beautiful, sunny Indian Summer Venice day! I believe I didn't stop smiling from ear to ear the entire day, like my face actually hurt a little bit the next day. But WELL worth it.

There was a Vikings game on also, so I had to catch a little of that, and then I couldn't stand it anymore and had to get out in the streets to see my people again - though I did encounter another Viking in the crowd (as seen above), and we checked the score together (and that made me not think about it again that day). I had my first stop at Beyond Baroque to see the exhibit A History of Venice put on by the Venice Heritage Museum just in the nick of time, as it was its last day, and they were about to do the closing ceremony prayer.

Arranged by decade, the exhibit was awesome, and I wish I'd had more time to really give it the attention it deserved, because it was a LOT of work, and a LOT of Venice history. Just glancing around the walls, you felt the years and years of creativity and change surround you ... and made you happy that you had even some small part in it.

It was a great joy and relief to see so many friendly faces, and receive so many warm embraces from my Venice friends who know what I've been dealing with all summer with my Mom back home in Minnesota. It made me heart actually swell up to know how many people actually really do care. THANK YOU! We all went outside to the garden to hear a prayer from Mike Bravo and his Tongva Tia Angie Behrens. It was beautiful, and set a lovely tone of appreciation for the day ahead.

I dove into the sea of people on Abbot Kinney, and it might have been more packed then I've ever seen the Festival - with mostly people I didn't know. That's a kind of sad shift, as it used to be you could pick out the people you didn't know ... but it was still a blast to run into old friends every five feet or so. This year it was less about booths and music and stuff for me, as I really just wanted to see as many of my friends at once as I could. There was no real "Locals" stage this year for us to have as our headquarters, as my friend Matt Ellis who usually books it, moved to the desert. I guess the Winston House did it this year, and I'm going to have to help them with booking locals, as I'd never heard of any of them. Except the Samba School that closed it out. I always love to see them parade through the Festival, but this time they got their own headlining spot, which was fun.

It was such a blast reuniting with everyone, I didn't even want to stop to eat or drink, but one must survive. We zipped into Gjelina for a couple minutes and bites, and then I had to go check out Attaway, who was showing his art in the space out back behind The Stronghold.

The art was as good as ever, and I was happy to see one of the subjects of our film 90291: VENICE UNZIPPED (which we were also shooting for in the middle of all of this!) doing so well, and being his usual philosophic and awesome self.

You have to take breaks at the AK Fest, so we did a little time at my friend Darla's house, before the fear of missing out made me drag everyone back out there. I got my friend Stephanie back in Venice from the Valley, and it was just like old times, Man. Loving every minute of it!

The new Roosterfish was going off, but now it's full of Millenials taking selfies. Gone seem to be the days of ducking into the Roosterfish to use the bathroom during the Festival, because there was never a line for the Ladies Room. Sigh. Looked like people were having fun though, and I dug the rainbow awning, AND the new rainbow crosswalk out front!

I want to say too, that it meant SO much that so many people asked how my Mom was doing. People who don't even know here in real life really care, and it warmed my heart all day. I didn't pay much attention to the booths and stuff, as I mentioned this year was all about those people for me. It was great, however, to see so many booths still being put up by locals. Principessa, Ananda, Trim, The Stronghold, Amiga Wild, The Venice Art Walk, and of course, Dogtown and Hecho En Venice, were all out there representing, and that made it easier to find those friends too! I want a do-over of the whole day, really, just so I can see even more people and stuff.

A highlight of my Festival this year was this little hippie dude walking through the crowds selling what looked to be flower crowns. Weaving through the gridlock of bodies, he was just smiling and spreading the love ... exactly what I want to see here in Venice. Thanks, Brother!

Another little break led us almost to sunset, and some of the most beautiful lighting ever. Everywhere you looked revelers were snapping photos of how gorgeous it all was, and no one could blame them.

The Festival was winding down, but everyone had had so much fun, no one wanted it to end. People stood around in the street as tents and booths began to come down and the cops did their sweep.

The Venice Metal Works space was going off with actual heavy metal drawing a big crowd. I didn't catch the name of the band, because I too was partying, but they were good!

A little old lady was playing her tambourine along with the metal, and that was another highlight of the day for me right there.

The Brooksfest thing was happening again this year (WHY don't they do it another day?! There's too much to get to as it is!!), and we passed it by on the way to the sunset at the beach that I have been craving all summer.

It was packed in their parking lot, but that's not what we needed at the end of a packed day. We needed a sunset at the drum circle and a burger at Hinano. And that's exactly what we got.

What a fantastic day. It carried on much, much later as I had to sit by a fire and just talk forever with friends who I've missed so much all summer. I need to say a massive THANK YOU to all of Venice for welcoming back with such generous, loving, and open arms. This has always been the home I CHOSE, and every time I'm here it's clear to me once again why. I would go on much longer about this, but now I HAVE to go to the BEACH. The sun is out and I haven't been in the water since May ... but hope to see you ALL soon!

I love you, Venice.

A Valentine To Venice - The Suzy Williams And Michael Jost Bravo Release Party!

The second story of the day is about the second part of last night, which was a celebration at Beyond Baroque for the release of BRAVO - the new album from Venice (no, Global!) treasures, Suzy Williams and Michael Jost!

There was a packed house full of old school Venetians, and love was definitely in the air on this chilly Valentine's Day. The lobby was full of Williams and Jost fans enjoying wine, chocolates, hugs, and kisses in the true spirit of the holiday that celebrates love of all kinds. Old friends caught up and new ones were made ... and then it was time for the musical extravaganza!

The show was the debut of the tracks from the new album, which they played in its entirety, and in the order of the album. The first one was the title track, "Bravo", and it's hard to believe it's not an old standard, as it already sounds so classic and great. Williams was backed by her full band (of all local musicians!) from the album and Jost wove his guitar magic throughout all of the songs so seamlessly that you knew this album was simply meant to be.

Decked out in a pink wig and red roses from head to toe (with some black lace for good Valentine measures), Williams was a lovely vision even without singing, but then she did her thing and the entire room fell in love with her (if they weren't already). She has a way of delivering a tune that entirely immerses you in the story of the song, and looking around the full house you saw faces that were truly beaming with delight. I heard a guy near me say to his neighbor, "I love her!" - and he had a room full of stiff competition (though her adoring husband, Gerry Fialka, was front and center).

Every song told a different story that Williams, Jost, and company brought fully to life. "My Lover Has Many Faces" was a favorite, and the lyrics showed off that trademark Williams humor. At one point, she yelled at Brad Kay to "Shut the door! I mean J'adore! Happy Valentine's Day! If you're in love, spread your love. If not, do it anyway!" - and that was the general vibe of the entire evening. It was exciting to see that Williams and Jost now even have merch! Fans went home with cd's and t-shirts, and there were even special BRAVO matchboxes! Awesome.

Williams is one of my dearest friends in Venice, and I found myself smiling ear to ear throughout the truly excellent performance. Jost's guitar work is truly virtuosic, and you feel yourself being mesmerized. The same goes for Benny Brydern on violin, who elevated "Beat My Wings" to even greater heights. Like, people were turning to look at each other with raised eyebrows as in "Wow!" All of the musicians are the most top notch in town, and it was a real pleasure just to be there listening to them. But then you get bonus bon mots from Suzy, like, "You don't need to kill a bull to wear a matador hat - and you can quote me on that!" - so I am.

Jost has a big flamenco influence, and thus, we got Suzy in Spanish on tracks like "Comprendo Compadre" and "Alguien Le Dice Al Tango"! We were all transported to Argentina for a tango, and then William said, "If you want to know anything, I'm truly wise. And I'm here. But sometimes you have to get the hell out of Dodge ..." and they lit into "Goin' To The Desert". It had a country rock vibe, and though a bit of a departure from Williams' generally more jazzy torchy vibes, it was one of my favorite songs of the night (and I think Greta Cobar's too, judging from her unique yells for Suzy!)

Songs like "The Suicide Tree" ("Our population is a disease ..."), "Beat My Wings" drew pictures in one's mind, and those Williams lyrics once again took us out of ourselves and into a place that we can all understand. This work is really something special. As are these world-class musicians, whom Williams next introduced. Almost all are longtime pals, and I was happy to see my friend, Austin Nicholson there on stand up bass being awesome. Stuart Johnson ("The third Beatle") on percussion, etc ..., Brad Kay on piano, Steve Weisberg on keys, Reinhold Schwarzwald on saxophone and flute ("Some people collect tchotckes like gnomes, I collect Old World Germans" - Suzy Williams), Benny Brydern on that gorgeous violin, and the outstanding, beautiful guitar stylings from Michael Jost rounded it all out to make a beautiful whole.

"Everyone Dies" was both true ("There's a lot of truisms on this album" - S.W.), and the last song of the night and the album. And by the way, this album and evening celebrating it are especially impressive, considering Williams herself almost died last October from pneumonia! The month before recording this gem! Wow. That gave even more weight to he sentiment put forth in song - as well as LIVED by these cool cats - was that yes, everyone dies ... but not everyone LIVES. Nights like these let you know that you really ARE living ... and living well. The empty wine bottles and chocolate boxes were also evidence that a good time was being had by all.

Please support our local treasures by purchasing the new album BRAVO from Suzy Williams and Michael Jost. Go see them play ANY chance you get - it really is something special. Attend programs at Beyond Baroque. Get to know your fellow Venetians. All of these things keep our community strong - and the Arts in Venice in the forefront, where they belong.

Thank you (!!!) to all involved for a Valentines celebration that filled everyone with love. Love for the things that matter ... love for art, love for music, and above all, love for friends.

BRAVO!!!!

Roller Dreams - The Legend Of Roller Dancing In Venice

There was another gorgeous sunset in Venice last night, but the show was not over after that. It was on to Beyond Baroque for Gerry Fialka's Laughtears annual night of Venice cinema. The main event was a screening of the wonderful documentary, Roller Dreams, which tells the story of the rise (and decline) of roller dancing on the Venice Boardwalk.

The 15th annual cinematic evening of works featuring Venice had a packed house for the event, which began with live music from Sara Messenger (a star of Roller Dreams) that I was still looking at the sunset for, and then a film from Taylor Cox called PULL, about artists and people in Venice listening to their inner voices to continue to be creative. That one was a nice intro to the rest of the night, especially as Fialka is one of the main people being interviewed within the film. It's great to see filmmakers continuing to be inspired by our Venice.

It was was standing room only in the Beyond Baroque auditorium by the time Roller Dreams screened, with locals and roller skater fans crammed into the room to witness a piece of Venice history on the screen. The 80's were all about roller disco, and Venice was at its very heart. The skaters were rock stars down at the Boardwalk, and thousands of bystanders would surround them to cheer them on. You meet characters like Sally, Duval (who dressed up like Superman in a cape - RIP), Jimmy, Terrell, and the mean mug of "Mad", who was the undisputed ringleader of it all.

Times change, and the roller dancing scene was eclipsed by the skateboarding one, but that's not the only reason why things changed down there at the Boardwalk. We've been living with the gentrification for years now, which is a big part of this story, along with the issue of race. The vast majority of the awesome roller dancers in Venice were African American, and once there got to be thousands of fans packing in to watch them, the police weren't comfortable and simply put an end to it. The concrete was bulldozed up, the loud music (often Prince) they danced to was forbidden, and that was pretty much that. Except it wasn't.

All of the roller dancers featured in Roller Dreams were in the house for the screening last night at Beyond Baroque - Mad is still Mad. It was extra emotional when they all stood up at the end, because we all now knew the history, their importance to our community and to the rollerskating world, as well as a glimpse into their hearts, and what all of this meant to them. Director Kate Hickey's film was inspired by the Aussie cult film Xanadu, starring Olivia Newton-John, which began Hickey's love for roller dancing. Once she moved to Venice and learned that the pioneers of the sport were all right here (and shockingly never featured in the white-washed roller disco films of the era), she knew she had to tell their stories. She has done so with a loving and respectful tone that shares the joy and pain of the roller dancer's world.

The Venice Beach Sk8 Dancers are still down there every weekend, as entertaining and groovy as ever. Now that I know their stories, I just want to go down and watch them all the time. Or better yet, learn from them, as they all said they welcome everyone and love to teach people new tricks (and rollerskating is making a big comeback! Way cuter than rollerblades). They also need our help. The Skate Dance Plaza needs a facelift (and to be even and not crumbling), and they have a Go Fund Me set up to improve the conditions so they may continue offering fun and entertainment to the global village that passes by in the thousands each weekend. They need $20,000 (and the City isn't helping - surprise). We can do this for them. They've given the world so much for decades ... we can help them get funky for decades more. Please support our Roller Dreamers!

Go Fund the Re-Paving of Venice Skate Dance Plaza!

https://www.gofundme.com/repave-venice-beach-plaza

Thanks to Gerry Fialka and Beyond Baroque for a great night of Venice cinema!

Before They Go - A Venice Group Art Show

Last Saturday night was Very Venice, as we celebrated the arts and culture of Venice all night long.

The evening began with a little soirée at Beyond Baroque to toast our venerable literary institution on its 50 years of existence. We're so lucky to still have a place to host such a comprehensive book store and performance facility that celebrates the history - and the contemporary torch bearers - of the Venice Beats - and Friends. It's a true gem.

I got there a little late to hear the program, but glasses were clinked, and we got pretty much everyone there to follow us over to The Hangär (not sure why there's an umlaud) on Centinela to take in the opening of the Before They Go group art show featuring the work of Venice artists, and photographs of them all in their studios in the impressive project from Debbie Zeitman.

You might have seen some of these photographs on the wall at Wabi Sabi the past couple of months, showing our beloved Venice artists in their studios, well ... before they go. Several of the featured artists have lost their studio spaces in Venice due to the astronomical - and exceedingly greedy - rents pricing them out. This night was to acknowledge them all, and to appreciate what we still have, while it lasts - and to ensure that it always does. Venice is meant to be about the art, and this show puts an exclamation point on that truism. In addition to featuring artists that are gone, leaving, still hanging in there by their claws, or thriving and fortunate, some of the work also featured Venice places that are gone, like the Venice Beach Laundry piece from Taylor Barnes (the one that was next to Whole Foods).

There was a great turn-out of artists and the people who love them. Wine flowed, introductions were made, and so were friends. The art was displayed around in little vignettes within the antique/ furniture store there on the corner of Centinela and Palms. It was a smart venue, because you could picture how a piece would look in your own home, as well as it offering ample seating for the many conversations going on around the room.

The diversity of the works were beautiful reflections of the Venice art community itself, and there really is something for everyone. You might be into wildlife, and there was a piece featuring Wise Wolves by Marty Katon for you. It was accompanied by a picture of Katon and a blurb telling about him and his art, as there was for almost all of the artists. I learned a lot about our resident artists that I didn't know before, and it's worth the cruise over to Centinela for the stories alone. Except there's also so much good art as well!

There was an almost photographic painting of artist Peter Lodato by Kenny Harris, that captured the legend perfectly. I wanted to cheers him.

Trek Thunder Kelly was represented with his piece Control Alt-Right Delete, a protest poster that gets right to the point. As ever, our artists are taking the clay of the world and shaping it with their own views, without flinching.

There were a few that would be good companion pieces in the same room, creating fine ocean views wherever you may be. I loved MB Boissonnault's The Long Winter ... and I bet some people are feeling like that right now ...

Google Earth by Jason Marello was another beachy piece that brought you an aerial view of  Venice (also a home to Google) ...

 ...  and the String Field Series by Gary Palmer was also in the vein of water and meditation that added a sense of calm to the bustling venue.

Flavio Biscotti was represented with his piece Monumento, and it looked right at home in its own still-life with lamp and vase - all also for sale.

Rohitash Rao shared his art - and wit - with his piece calling everyone out for always being on their dang phones, When He Finally Looked Up. Zing! Be on the lookout for Rao's upcoming show at Google featuring his fake album cover works. Cannot wait.

Sunny Bak shared her iconic photos of The Beastie Boys, and was there in the house representing.

There are so many artists in the show (29!) that there is still plenty for you to go see that is not picture here, in multiple rooms, while the show is up at The Hangär for the month of March. I think maybe the most legit Venice piece came from Tonan Ruiz, with his Surf Culture - mixed media on a palm frond! It's a diorama of basically what it feels like to be in Venice at the beach. Love it.

Like Beyond Baroque, this show was extra-great mainly for its celebration of the art and culture of Venice, and for its zoom lens on the importance of the arts in our community. To know the actual stories and see the photographs of the artists working in their own studio environments (while they still had/have them) is to truly appreciate what they and their art mean to this place. Sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Debbie Zeitman and Barbara Lavery for this impressive assembling of the current arts and artists of Venice. Thank you.

Before They Go is up through March.

The Hangär
3472 South Centinela
90066


*Shout out to The Rustic Kitchen on Centinela too, for your great food and warm hospitality shown to our rowdy bunch of art hooligans. Thanks!

Amilia K Spicer Wows And Flutters In CD Release Show At Beyond Baroque

The long awaited new album Wow and Flutter, from our much-loved local folk/country/awesome singer/songwriter Amilia K Spicer was celebrated in a cd release show and party at Beyond Baroque last Saturday night. Though Spicer is often on the road, Venice has been spoiled lately, as Spicer also played at the closing party for Abbot's Habit last month - which got me very excited about this album and show.

Beyond Baroque is a wonderful venue, but in this case did a little double-booking and both Spicer's show and Suzy Williams' annual Lit Show were scheduled for the same time, the same night. I brought this to their attention and a little juggling was done, and now The Lit Show will be next Saturday, July 22nd, also at Beyond Baroque. Some folks showed up to Spicer's show expecting Suzy's, and were treated to a wonderful show anyway, with another one on deck for the following weekend, so everybody won.

It was a beautiful evening, and the courtyard behind Beyond Baroque was filled with friends, family, and fans of Spicer, all there to get down with some fantastic music and fun. There was food and drink, and a lot of catching up with our local luminary musicians that mix and match with each others' shows all the time. It's a true musical community, and always excellent in whatever the combination is ... and this time it was Spicer's turn.

The show opened with a few great songs from Sam Morrow, clad in a Texas Gentlemen t-shirt. The guy has some pipes, and reminded me a bit of Sturgill Simpson, only with better enunciation. He sang about how "the same old bullshit doesn't make the grass green", and other truths. He sang a pretty one called "You Gave It All Away" that had us all nodding and tapping our toes along, including Spicer watching from the front row. "I have stuff for sale, if you like cd's ... or me," said Moore at the end of his set. We liked both.

KP Hawthorn of the band Calico was up next, and was also excellent. She sang a funny song called "405" about being in love with someone on the west side ... when you live in the Valley. We get it. We also all had a group singalong for Hawthorn's cover of "California Dreaming" ... and it was as dreamy as you would imagine. It was really a lovely moment for a group of people to be singing about the place that we're all in, and know and love so well. It was special - even more so considering it seemed that everyone knew all the words! I'll be catching Calico at my earliest chance.

There was a break for some more fresh air and drinks, and then all reassembled in the theater to see the premiere of Spicer's brand new video for her song "Lightning". It was a gorgeous clip and song, and was all the more impressive to find out at its end that Spicer had shot almost the whole thing herself - underwater! This is truly a multi-talent. I was seated next to a woman who told me that she runs a poetry night, and often invites Spicer to play, as her lyrics are so poetic. That exchange caused me to sit up straight and really listen to all the words throughout the night, and I came away from it all even more a fan than I already have been for years. Amilia K Spicer is the real deal.

That was evident from the first notes she and her All Star band performed this night. I mean, Spicer started out on the banjo! Her musical companions for the night were all headliners in their own right, from Steve Postell to Michael Jerome to all the backup singers - all were of the highest caliber. Everyone knew it too, so the place was packed. SRO. People began to spar over their seats, and others offered to sit on the floor. It was a great turnout for a great performer, that's for sure.

They began with "Fill Me Up" from Wow And Flutter, showing us from the start how good it was. It was, as expected, wonderful. It's all just so expert, with the smooth drumming from Jerome, the blistering solos from Postell, the mandolin player ruling, and the lush harmonies from all made you know that you were in some esteemed company. Spicer's sublime "Train Wreck" is so pretty you instantly knew why she has become such a darling of NPR radio in recent days. She's just something else.

Christopher Allis joined everyone on stage for a gorgeous rendering of the big radio song, "This Town" and when Spicer sang the line about "My home is in this town ..." it made me choke up because I don't currently have a home in this town, and it's all pretty daunting with what's out there now. My home might NOT be in this town unless something cool happens pretty soon here ... And then I snapped back to the present and LOVED this song. Spicer's dad grew up in Harlan, Kentucky, so she had to do a song about it. She told us, "Whiskey runs through me like Mississippi mud, you can't water down my blood." To that, I raised my own glass.

One had to. Witnessing these musicians building it all to a crescendo together was powerful, and emotional. Like, thank GOODNESS we have music! What would we all do without it?! Especially incredible music like these guys brought. "What I'm Saying" was also just straight up great, and cemented the fact that everyone needs this new album, Wow and Flutter. It's just WOW. Extra well worth the long wait it took to get it just perfect - which it is. I'm not yet familiar enough with the songs to know all their titles, but when she sang, "In a little while, there will be beauty ..." I had to object, because there was plenty of beauty right then! It also consoled me a bit, that in a little while - things will be better. Thanks!

"My parents sent me flowers today." (Awww) "I freaking KNOW!" Spicer acknowledged all who had made this night possible, and noted her parents above all. After a little sorely needed pinot grigio for our girl, she got down to "Wild Horses", which was pure stunning, with its lap steel solo. "I'm a good man every other day ... I'm afraid I built this house on mud" I was all about the lyrics on this night, and I was not at all disappointed. So so so good. Then it was time for "The one that started it all", and they played "Windchill". It was so pretty, I got all teary again. I wasn't alone, as after another beautiful mandolin solo, the whole place burst into applause and shouts of "Bravo!"

Spicer invited a "gaggle of girls" up for "Shotgun", and all those female harmonies were just the best. The best with more tears. I love this song. I love this lady. I love this music. I loved this night. Steve McCormick (who helped Spicer beautifully realize the new album as co-producer and co-musician) came back for a Dixieland inspired NOLA jam that was real fun, and then Spicer announced she had one more before it was time for her to party. She told about driving from L.A. to Texas once, and she was heading down the highway with a crazy storm on one side, and bright sunshine on the other. "Shine" was again so pretty I got emotional as it built to its climax. It's all just so well thought out and special ... I realize I'm gushing a bit, but it's how I feel, and I'm pretty sure there was a lot of gushing being done after - by everyone there.

Sincere CONGRATULATIONS to Amilia K Spicer and all involved on what is a wonderful project that is now being launched out into the world for everyone to hear and enjoy like we did.

Enjoy Wow and Flutter now everywhere. Trust me, you will.