Tucson Talent! (from Andrea)

We're on our way to Tucson for a Friday night performance of Michael Jackson's music, and Andrea sent along this clip she took in February 2011 when we were there to do the music of the Eagles with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

Steve Hogg is the juggler extraordinaire in this clip ... wonder what other extracurricular skills & talents lie undiscovered in the Jeans 'n Classics gang?

February in Anchorage (from Stephanie)

Smack-dab in the middle of summer, it's hard to believe we'll have to bundle up for the cold weather again ... looking forward to another trip to Anchorage in October 2012 for the ABBA show with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra!

Here are Andrea Koziol, Stephanie Martin and Dale Anne Brendon from when we were there to do the music of Queen this past February.

Lost & Found (Kathryn)

Over the course of the weekend performing on the Amazing '80s show with Orchestra London in London ON on November 18 & 19 (a wonderfully fun show filled with performances by Andrea Koziol, Neil Donell, Aaron MacDonald, and Gavin Hope, and myself, with host/pianist John Regan), I managed to lose a fab jacket (pictured here):
(Just had it drycleaned too!!)

...and then I lost a shoe on the way home. I might still find it if I go to the VIA Rail lost & found. Note to self, do that....

Is there anything sadder than one lonely shoe at the side of the road?

At least I didn't lose the mate to this fabulous friend:

I think my JnC friends would attest, I am someone who pays a lot of attention to detail. To lose things really gives me a pain in my side. What then, could account for such rampant and flagrant recklessness?

I'm not sure. But this might have had something to do with it... (Post show pic out on the town)

Yes, I lost some items in the big bad world that weekend. But I also found myself, ladies and gentlemen, in the trunk of a car at approximately midnight on a Saturday night in downtown London, and I wasn't even being kidnapped, nor was I as drunk as it may appear (very cheap date)... And that, is Priceless.

In honour of Movember, this is the "Tom Selleck" (hand knit by my friend Margaret Beach.)

xo KR

PS: Hey London, look out... I'll be back on Dec 16 & 17 for the Ladies Rockin' Christmas show. Keep your paws off my stuff... : )

Proof that Fresno was HOT!!

This past weekend three Jeans 'n Classics ensembles performed — some of us were in Bartlesville Oklahoma (Beatles), some in Regina Saskatchewan (Michael Jackson) ... and some of us were really roughing it in Fresno California (Eagles). Rique Franks captured a couple of Fresno moments here: 

West Texas sunshine ... plus pickles (Andrea)

Spent last weekend in Big Spring Texas, and I wasn't prepared for a few things.

Big Spring is the first place I've ever seen a "pickle in a pouch". It's a single, giant pickle in a clear plastic bag (think the way you bring your new goldfish home from the pet store) and they come in varying spiced flavours. People who know me know that pickles make my heart sing, and won't be surprised to hear that this new discovery has altered my hotel room noshing forever. Thank you Big Spring, for introducing me to my new favorite salty single serving snack while away from my own refrigerator.

I also wasn't prepared for how lovely and generous the friendly folks associated with the orchestra would be. Dathan and Suzanne, who are orchestra board members and also staff at the Big Spring YMCA, took exquisite care of us. (Being a proud YMCA member here in Canada, I was so happy to hear about the wonderful work the Big Spring Y is doing.) The orchestra was a delight to work with, as was Milt, the most high tech gadget sound man I have ever met.

And finally ... I really wasn't prepared to get a wicked sunburn on my shoulders on this trip to Big Spring. Kathryn Rose and I set up shop (laptops and wifi and catching up on work) just outside the hotel the afternoon before the show. The weather was so beautiful, we couldn't bear to stay inside. I'm not complaining, but these shoulders just aren't tough enough for that gorgeous West Texas sun.

It was a great show, and I sure hope we find ourselves back in Big Spring before too long.

-AK

it's all about the shoes...

hey all.

i recently spent a lovely weekend in grand junction colorado, performing the music of the eagles, with some dear jnc friends. it was the canadian thanksgiving weekend, and while i was on the myriad of airplanes it took to get there and back, i spent some time thinking about all the things i am thankful for. (fyi this was the actual turkey that was waiting for me when i got home. verging on lewd...and very tasty...)

so...as all that contemplation of gratitude was going on, i was struck by how thankful i am to be part of this fabulous musical team. i have learned so much over the few years that i've worked with jeans 'n classics, and this new insight is something i can't imagine living without.

for example...

- i am now able to make that nifty little double safety pin and elastic band contraption, that can be added to any outfit, and holds your pack for in ear monitors! (patent pending)

- i now know that if i'm having an existential angst filled travel day, when I get to my hotel room, the movie that just happens to be on tv is always titanic.

- i've also learned firsthand that one can go a really long time eating nothing but apples.

- and fishnet stockings are just plain practical! they survive any and all abuse you throw at them. (and they're perfect for carrying your apples if you've run out of reusable bags...)

but there's one thing i've learned from this gig, that i feel the need to share (in my post thanksgiving stupor)...if i'm gonna shake my booty all night long, i've gotta be wearing some seriously happening shoes. if i can't run 5 k in those suckers, then i might as well just spray 'em with stucco and call it art.

this thanksgiving, i am truly thankful for all the fun i get to have on the road with jeans n' classics. i am also truly thankful for my green dancing shoes. (and the genius of john fluevog.)

see you around...

-AK