The Hollands at Cafe Divine, San Francisco - May 5, 2013

What an incredible San Francisco evening!  The sun was shining brightly, with
temperatures near 70 degrees in the afternoon and San Francisco's North 
Beach was jamming.  My dear friend, Kris, picked me up and we headed to
Cafe Divine, one of my favorite spots on Stockton, to see the dynamic duo,
Sony and Jerry Holland perform.  They surprised us with an email announcing
a quick trip up from L. A. and I couldn't have been happier with this chance to
see them once more before heading off to India

Driving down Lombard Street - perfect weather!!

Old friends were in attendance and the food and wine, as always, were superb.  
Thanks to Milo for his great suggestion on the wine, a Domaine Santa Duc 
Digondas 2010 from France.  We really enjoyed it with our shared dinner - arugula 
salad with blue cheese, pears and walnuts, steamed mussels, penne with Italian 
sausage and grilled vegetables.  And, of course, we could not turn down the 
gingerbread cake and ice cream!

We were too busy eating to photograph any more of the food!

Sony and Jerry were fabulous ( when aren't they ).  They sang some of our old
favorites, including "I Was No Angel Myself" and "On a San Francisco High".
They always leave us feeling wonderful.  I've been so lucky this six months at 
home - I've gotten to see them six times!!  I just wish they would come and 
perform in India!

We had a special treat as well.  Our friends bought McKinley ( named after
the highest mountain in the U. S., Alaska's Mt. McKinley ), whose nickname is 
"Mac".  He's the sweetest Siberian husky who joined their family when their 
beloved, Sabrina, after enriching their life for fifteen years, went to Husky 
Heaven.  Mac is so smart, having already learned so many tricks.

It was a perfect celebration for the one month date before my arrival in India.  I

have enjoyed my long stay at home, got a brand new pain free left shoulder,

and my sweet first grandchild arrived a week early on April 14, 2013, with all

of us there.  I'm ready now, though, for good Indian food, seeing my friends

there and, hopefully, losing 20 more pounds.  If I can get down to 200 pounds,

I'd be delighted.

UE's Weekend Challenge: Music - Anne O'Brien and Chuck Bennett @ Zingari, San Francisco

I thought this picture was perfect for this weekend's theme of music.

Anne O'Brien, and her group of wonderful musicians, perform regularly

att Zingari's Jazz Cub and other venues in the San Francisco Bay Area'

I am participating in

UE's Weekend Challenge -

check it out and join in the fun!

"N" is for Notes, Songs, Singers & Songwriters - January 13, 2011

I cannot write a single note,

And I cannot carry a tune,

Thank heavens for special beings,

Whose talents make me swoon.

Some  put notes down on paper,

Which musicians then can play,

When sung by a wonderful vocalist,

It, literally, makes our day.

Other songs when sung and  played,
Have such a happy beat,
There is no way on earth,
We're not dancing in the street!

Of course, we cannot all agree,

On the music that we like,

But we willingly pay the price,

To see our favorites at the mike.

Old crooners like Sinatra,

Will endure throughout the years,

The romantic verse he sings,

Can start the sentimental tears.

The long haired lads from Liverpool,

Some fifty years ago,

Gave Beatlemania to the world,

Which still basks in its glow.

The rappers of today,

Might not be your favorite choice,

But, in this song by Tupac,

He praises his mother with his voice.

The dynamic Holland duo,
Who've become dear friends to me,

Are a singer-songwriter team,

Who are as great as they can be

Music can transport us,

To far parts of this earth,

To share in other cultures,

Or the countries of our birth.

Music helps to soothe us,

To clear our minds of stress,

It's so readily available,

A tool that most possess.

So, never let a day go by,

Without your music fix,
Program your cell or IPOD,

With your favorite mix!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) Carmen Henesy

January 13, 2011

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday and

Tess Kinkaid's ( Willow's ) Magpie Tales.

Check both sites out and join in the fun.

Alphabe Thursday - "M" Is for Margaritas and Mariachis - January , 2011

Last night, I met friends for dinner at a nice little spot in San Francisco for a great
Mexican meal and music! I can't believe I forgot my camera but, nonetheless, the
outing gave me inspiration for today's "M" post - margaritas and mariachis, both
of which were on the menu and made for a lively evening!  We drank in moderation
but, no matter, the music was intoxicating and we were up dancing and carrying on
like youngsters! The only thing better would have been to be on vacation in Puerto
Vallarta, at a nice beachfront property, where we didn't have to drive, with the
margaritas flowing freely, the music going until 2AM, and the dance floor filled
with handsome mexicanos who didn't mind a spin with the geriatric set.

Wikipedia

For those who aren't familiar with the cocktail, margaritas are made of tequila, triple sec
or Contreau ( depending on your budget )and lime or lemon juice. Traditionally, it is served
served with salt on the rim of the glass ( not a great idea if you have hypertension but I
MUST have a little bit! ). Margaritas are the primary cocktail, using tequila, made in the
U. S., according to that oft quoted resource, Wikipedia. Fans drink it a variety of ways:
served shaken with ice, on the rocks, blended with ice (frozen margarita) or without ice
(straight up).

Premium margaritas ( the only kind I like to drink ) use better quality tequilas and orange
liquers and fresh lime juice. I believe you can tell a difference - at least with the first
couple of drinks! I prefer Persian limes to the more bitter Key limes. I also like my drinks
on the rocks..with just a few rocks, not blended where I can hardly taste the tequila. Of
course, in my youth ( remember, that was a very l - o - n - g time ago! ), I drank all the
blended fruity kind of margarita, ie, mango, kumquat, banana, watermelon. Now, I want
no frills, good tequila, and a double shot!  I don't drink that often so, when I do, it has to
be good.

Wikipedia tells me that a margarita should consist of: 7:4:3, that is, 50% tequila,
29% Triple Sec, 21% fresh lime or lemon juice, according to the standard of the IBA
( Official list of Cocktails). Again, this varies according to different bartenders.

Credit to the invention of the margarita also varies. Wikipedia lists eight different people
who claim that title.  Regardless of its inventor, I applaud the brilliant person who gave that
tasty concoction to the world.  Cheers!!

Mariachi music originated in Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco ( the state where
tequila is from, by the way ). These musicians were initially street musicians, beginning
in the colonial period and moving into modern times.

The mariachi ensemble generally consists of violins, trumpets, a classical guitar, a
vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar), a guitarrón (a large acoustic bass). Sometimes,
the group may include a harp. Their dress is, traditionally, black charro outfits, with silver
studs and large wide-brimmed hats.  Most of the musicians can play more than one instrument.

During the course of a mariachi song, the entertainers or  spectators may let out a "grito
mexicano" - a yell which punctuates the rendition and adds emphasis.

Mariachis are often hired to serenade on special occasions.  Imagine a group such as
this singing words of love in front of your house some starlit night!



Mariachi music has become popular worldwise. I remember, nearly twenty years ago,
I made my first trip to Athens. Much to my surprise, when I returned to the Athens
Hilton after a day of sightseeing, I entered the lobby to find a whole group of  mariachis
performing. Waiters were walking about offering glass of mescal ( complete with a worm
in each glass ).  The Greeks did not look enthused about the mescal - perhaps it was the
wee worm that was a deterrant - though they seemed to enjoy the music. I immediately
drank several glasses of mescal and, when there was a break, talked to the musicians,
in Spanish. They were entertaining the whole week, to sponsor a month long Hilton -
Mexico joint venture with Mexican cuisine in the dining room, promoted by Mexico
tourism. I promised to come back nightly to hear them, before heading off to the
tavernas and a a few hours of ouzo ( not my favorite beverage but, when in Greece...... )
and Greek dance. It was a great vacation!

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday - check out the site and join in the fun!!

Jazz, Burgers and Beer - Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA

My friend, Margie Baker, the wonderful jazz singer, PhD, esteemed San Francisco retired teacher and educator, performs one Thursday a month at the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay, California.  I've always wanted to see her in that venue but the Ritz is a little out of my price range, especially since my retirement.  Nonetheless, my friend, Silvia and I decided to go for their "Jazz, Burgers and Beer" event this past Thursday.  The Ritz offers this package for $19, including validated parking so we figured that wasn't too bad.  We'd sip and eat slowly, enjoy
great music for three hours, and enjoy the incredible ambiance.

I must say, this Ritz Carlton is one of the most beautiful I've seen.  It is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific coast of Half Moon Bay, about 25 miles south of San Francisco.  We went on a perfect day, just before sunset so, for our $19 each, we had magnificent views ( of course, the view could be had for no monetary outlay, compliments of the Creator - but the enhancement of a nice glass of wine and Margie Baker singing the blues made it truly beyond description! ).

One of many orchid displays

Part of the golf course, on the Pacific

Pacific sunset at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA

Day is almost done

The gazebo, in the glow of the setting sun

The Ritz, as viewed from the Pacific Ocean side -

lounge is one the second floor with the wide windows

Silvia had fish and chips

I opted for fritto misto - a combination of calamari and shrimp

Our beloved, Margie Baker

Margie did three songs that really made me happy - "Georgia" ( of course, this GA girl always

likes to hear that and can she ever do this song justice! ) - "Basin Street Blues" ( Margie knows I went to nursing school in New Orleans - my friend, Shota Osaba, a fabulous jazz pianist who plays for Margie occasionally and is the one who introduced me to her, always plays this for me

but this is the first time I've heard her sing it - WOW! ) and my all time favorite, "At Last" ( in her wonderful voice that can reach out to the Pacific, Margie sang this so beautifully, it almost brought tears to my eyes!  Really, every song she sang was great but I love to hear her do blues.  It always makes me think of those nursing school days back in New Orleans. 

I just kept thinking that this woman, who taught the children of San Francisco for almost half a century, and traveled the world singing jazz, probably did more for world peace than half the U.N. negotiations and political struttings over the years.  I think music is a universal language that helps people communicate and understand each other and Margie Baker sure knows how to speak it!

Music, Music, Music

What a week I've had, indulging my love for music!  Sunday I started off at the Burlingame Hyatt, listening to Margie Baker who I did the blog about recently.  I had sent her a copy of it since this delightful retired school teacher doesn't even use a computer ( she is over seventy ) - she has one, she says, but it is still in its box!.  She had called and left me an endearing phone message, thanking me profusely for what I had written.  She said it made her feel like crying, it touched her so deeply.  Margie was terrific, as always, and Shota Osabe, was on the piano - my dear friend, along with a great bass player and a drummer I hadn't seen before who was outstanding. 

Monday night, I went to Zingari, the intimate jazz lounge at the Hotel Donatello, that is part of Zingari Restaurant, one of my favorite places to see performers - small, with just a few tables and a bar off to the side.  Shota told me Sunday that he would be playing for Kathy Holly,  who I know, so that's all I needed.  My friend, Silvia, went with me.  I was so delighted to find a handicapped parking place right down the street, which I always consider a good omen!

Kathy Holly is a native San Franciscan whose love of show business begin at the venerable age of six when she had the lead in a school play.  From then on, she began doing plays for her own family, elisting her young relatives as the actors and, of course, Kathy was the director!

Kathy is multi-talented.  She can sing, dance and act.  She sings in eight different languages and has performed all over the world.  Her venues have included hotels, cruise ships, clubs and restaurants.  That's what I love so much about her shows - she acts out her songs and they are all wonderful!  I was telling her how much "Scotch and Soda" impacted me the other night
when Anne O'Brien did it.  Kathy sang it for me and it was easier to hear this time.  Of course, I had been playing it on my computer all weekend!

The lovely Kathy Holly at Zingari Jazz Lounge at the Donatello Hotel, San Francisco

My favorite piano player of all time, Shota Osabe, with Kathy Holly

Getting close and making beautiful music

Kathy says every lady HAS to have a boa!

My beloved friend, Silvia Solorzano

Kathy Holly sings Anema e Core

Kathy Holly sings Danny Boy

Tuesday, Shota was playing for Amanda King at Zingari.  He's been telling me for the past two years that I should see her.  Well, all I can say is that I was completely blown away with this woman's unbelievable talent!  That I deprived myself of hearing her voice for the past two years is incredibly sad.  She is such a joy.  Amanda has songs that she absolutely will not sing -

some she calls "karaoke" and, when a patron requested, "Summertime," she said she would not do that ( though I bet she would be incredible singing it ).  She sings songs she likes though she does take requests.  Another patron asked for "New York, New York."  Amanda said, "Sorry, I don't do cabaret."  With a big smile, though, she offered to do her favorite song of the moment.  I forgot what it was but, oh, my goodness, was it fabulous!  I asked her if she did blues and she said she'll work on it.  Shota Osabe is her pianist and he's been working with her so I asked for some blues!

Toward the end of the evening, an Australian couple came in and joined us.  They were doing a month long trip of the U. S. and were staying at the hotel.  Another lady, a drug sales rep was also in the lounge.  She'd been to Zingari the year prior and saw Amanda.  When back at the same conference this year, she came to Zingari and was thrilled to find Amanda performing again.  She had requested a song for which Amanda didn't have the lyrics.  This young lady promptly pulled them up on her I-phone  ( modern technology ) and Amanda sang it.  After Amanda had announced her last number, the Aussies asked for "It's a Wonderful World" which, of course, Shota could play ( I wonder if there is anything this man doesn't know ) but, for which,

Amanda did not have the lyrics.  So Amanda sang it, with Mr. Australia, joining her, then we all began singing along.  It was really kind of moving and a very nice United Nations end to the evening!

The fabulous Amanda King

A magical voice!

Amanda, Mr. Australia and "It's a Wonderful World" - thanks to an IPhone!

Amanda King and Kim Nalley, Jazz at Pearl's, San Francisco

Amanda King at the Fillmore Jazz Festival 2008

Amanda King at Pearl's, Slap That Base, Shota Osabe on the Piano!

Since I constantly rave about Shota Osabe, whose piano is simply superb - he's actually the draw that got me to see many of the great singer's I've met in the San Francisco area, I've added a couple of links where you can hear him at work, performing with other artists.  He has a couple of great CDs of his own but I see no separate entire pieces on YouTube ( get to work on that, Shota-san! ).

 

Season - Jazz at Pearl's with Shota Osabe's great piano!

Amado Mio - Lydia Lau with Shota Osabe on piano!

Music in Nature

Joanne Olivieri, my long time mentor and fellow poet, recently had a contest, requesting entries on the topic of music in nature.  She announced the winners yesterday on her blog and I am honored to have been a runner up.  Glynis Smy of Author Blog won with her poem, "Symphony of Life."  The five honorable mentions were:

Secondary Roads

The Writing Nag

Secret Forest

The Everyday Adventurer

Don't Know Much About Photography

Congratulations to everyone and thanks to Jo for hosting this contest.  Here is my poem: 

Music In Nature

Nature abounds

In all sorts of sounds,

That seem musical to my ears –

 

Gentle soft murmurs,

Violent crashing crescendos,

With electricity so hot that it sears.

 

The ripple of wheat,

in a soft summer breeze,

Or the ping of hail,

As rain starts to freeze.

 

The roar of a waterfall,

The droning of bees,

The cawing of crows, 

Fluttering leaves in the trees.

 

The booming of thunder,

Waves caressing the shore, 

They all create a symphony,

Need I say even more?

Carmen Henesy

                            Copyright © 2009 Carmen Henesy.                            

All Rights Reserved