2012 Dawns Happily In The Beehive

As we swing into 2012, I'm so grateful for new friends made in 2011, new places traveled to, and brand-new professional associations. Some highlights: "Down On The Bayou II" during JazzFest in NOLA; not one but two evenings of house-concert evenings of duets with the very wonderful Mac Rebannack, both to benefit the New Orleans Musicians Clinic; my July appearances with the Decoys at the WC Handy Festival that included an evening of sharing the microphone with Bonnie Bramlett (who'd driven herself down from Nashville for the occasion!); the August Wetlands Jam Festival in Brunswick, ME, and more... There was also a full plate of appearances with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez at fab venues like Blues@Boscobel, The Fairfield Theatre Company, The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Rochester's Abilene and Syracuse's Nelson Odeon. 2011 saw the release of our first-ever concert DVD, "LIVE HIVE," and we're happy to support it's sold briskly on Amazon and at live shows.

But perhaps the most historic and--saving the best for last--most fun I had all year came from Big Al Anderson's invitation to join his reunion of the seminal sixties band The Wildweeds for two nights just after Christmas at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. I stood in for the late, great Bobby Dudek, the band's killer bassist and high-harmony cat. It was priceless. If you grew up anywhere near Connecticut, you know the WIldweeds by reputation, and if you were lucky enough to see them live, you know lots more than that!! Cheers to them!!!

2012 dawns clear and bright. During this last week of January I've once again collaborated with my old friend Ian Hunter and his producer, Andy York (who also produced "The Deep End") on four cuts for Ian's newest CD, slated for summer release. As always, it was a precious musical experience. Onward to Delray Beach Florida with the Rockers In Recovery Band at the International Tennis Championship on March 3, and to Cleveland to play the gala for the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Induction on April 3....and again, a full calendar of shows with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez stretching ahead into autumn already. More news later...in the meantime, Happy New Year from the Beehive Queen!!!!