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.
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