Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

Since my last entry, I've been on a slightly surreal (and way too speedy) trip to my childhood home and back again, and in less than 48 hours, will jump a plane in the other direction for my first trip to Germany, so it's a much-needed moment of grounding that I'm taking now, as I catch you (and myself) up on what's been going on...

What can I say about Chicago, other than...INCREDIBLE! It never ceases to amaze me how gorgeous my hometown is... every time I go back, I have to question why I ever left (and then I return to New York and remember why -- apparently dirt, noise, overcrowding and aggression just suit my constitution better). From the architecture, to the food, to the glorious Lake Michigan, to that legendary Midwestern hospitality, I fall in love all over again each time, and this time was no different. I performed at the absolutely gorgeous South Shore Cultural Center, to a full house of Chicagoans (as well as folks who made the trip from Michigan and Indiana -- thank you!). At the risk of gushing, it was absolutely thrilling! I made so many new friends -- and hopefully fans -- and got to reconnect with some very old ones (like Michelle, my best friend from junior high, and very close family friend, Brandon McCray, below), which made the evening incredibly special, and a bonafide success (big thanks to Lissa Woodson for putting it all together, and inviting me to perform). In fact, it was such a success that it looks like I'll be back in November to do more, most importantly, a showcase for one of my all-time favorite radio stations, V-103 (details to follow).



Upon my return, it was politics as usual, as I took the stage at S.O.B.'s with my band and a number of fantastic jazz and world artists in support of our man Obama. It was a fantastic night and crowd, and my band was blazing, as usual, so thanks to them, as well as Steve, Julia, and Shawn from WBLS for making it happen. Coincidentally, I performed the same night as the last debate, and managed to finish just in time to catch the action (and some fantastically fattening munchies) with my backup singer (and outstanding solo artist in her own right), Silya. Keep an eye out for her...she's apparently keeping her eye on us, as well...



Coming up, I'm making my debut at the Apollo, as the featured artist in their famed Amateur Night, which so mind-blowing it's almost unbelievable to my thinking. I honestly don't think it'll become real until I'm rubbing the wood backstage. After that, I'm going to rock the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel here in New York for the launch of the Warren-Tricomi flagship salon... and adding a Stones' cover to my set for the show...can't wait! That'll be a private event, but I've got a little something for those of you who have caught my video on VH1 Soul... soon you'll also be seeing my first commercial there. Here's your sneak preview...



In the meantime, I'm headed to Germany, back to Chi-town, and maybe even a jaunt to Anguilla in between, and with all this traveling on the horizon, I'm going to need to get the iPod up to date...I'm open to suggestions, but lately, I've been all about the new album from Raphael Saadiq, and a band out of Florida called MoFro. I love modern music that sounds comfortable and familiar, and both these artists serve of plenty of the good stuff. Other than that, here's the low-down:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. My band, who are hands down the funniest, most talented, supportive, baddest-ass group of musicians I've ever encountered...no joke.
2. Tina Fey, who has converted my horror into irrepressible humor.
3. Bill Maher, who says everything I'm too much of a lady to say.
4. My beloved Brooklyn neighborhood in the fall... Gorgeous!
5. The tiny little black strapless sequined dress I just found for a steal! Can't wait for the right gig to debut it (maybe the Plaza)!

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The economy. Enough said.
2. The fact that I'll be out of town for the final debate, election day (absentee ballot, anyone?), AND Thanksgiving... Aargh!
3. Being charged $50 or more to check a bag.
4. Naysayers.
5. Ugly campaigning. You've either got it, or you don't. No smearing necessary.

Homeward Bound

There are few things more exciting -- or intimidating -- than returning to your hometown to show how you've "made good". This Friday, I'm doing exactly that, as I head back to Chicago to perform at the historic South Shore Cultural Center.  Though performing has always been my first love, and I've frequently (and quite recently) done so before friends and family, somehow the idea of singing my own songs mere blocks from my childhood home is a bit mind-blowing, and while I am beyond excited to be back in one of my hometowns (the other being Minneapolis), I also want desperately to do the home team proud, because they've been behind me all the way.



On the subject of hometown heroes, in Chicago there is none bigger than Barack Obama, my chosen candidate for President. With little more than a month to go before we make one of the most vital decisions we'll likely make in our lifetimes, I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to perform a set at a fundraising benefit in his honor back here in NYC at acclaimed music venue S.O.B.'s this upcoming Tuesday, October 7th (exactly 4 weeks from Election Day). For those of us who are Obama supporters and have yet to contribute, $50 is not a lot when you consider the true change it could make... and it's an ample opportunity to do your part while being thoroughly entertained. I'll be performing with my full (bombastic) band, and giving it everything I've got (and then some) to help bring forth the change I hope to see in November... I hope you'll join me in doing so.

I know I'm driving a hard campaign for Obama, but political inclinations aside, the most important thing you can do in November is vote -- for whomever you think will do the best for our challenged nation. I have my opinion, and everyone else is entitled to theirs, but those opinions are entirely irrelevant if we don't make the time and effort to go to the polls on November 4th. Okay, speech over... but you catch my meaning.

So, on a lighter note, what's in my ear this week (other than CNN)? Thicke's (as in Robin Thicke's) first album. I know, I know... he's the "reigning king of soul" or whatever... I loved his last album, and will likely dig the new one as well, but I think his first was a truly eclectic masterpiece, and being a rather eclectic girl myself, I guess I've always had a soft spot for it. If you haven't already, check it out -- I doubt you'll be disappointed. Otherwise, this much is true:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. Obama. There, I said it.
2. Blue nail polish (Turquoise through Navy, Baby).
3. My friend Fred, who just departed for an adventure in India, and the fantastic dress he painted for me.
4. Fall, and being able to wear my favorite boots again.
5. My new surround sound... I was way late on getting it, but am an immediate convert.

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The "audience reaction" graph on CNN...whatever.
2. People who say one thing and do another.
3. The inadequate number of hours in my day!
4. Anyone who considers social networking sites adequate replacements for a phone call or human contact.
5. The (blue) nails I just broke... aaaargh!