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!