violinist & educator

Surely this summer, like the ones before, will include awesome travel plans. (I never say no to an opportunity to travel abroad, especially with a concert or show involved.) But this summer will be alittle different because I will be on the road with WAITIKI. Now that “things” have changed in the band, Randy envisions a specific kind of sound and is now using me more than before, which I am happy about. Now that June is just around the corner, I’m excited about our trip to Berlin as we will be performing in the Water Festival. More information can be found here and there.

In August, I will be performing on keyboards with WAITIKI in Robert Drasin’s Voodoo band at the Tiki Oasis Festival (San Diego, CA). The last time I performed in Drasnin’s band was in Hukilau 2007, where we played a bunch of stuff from his Voodoo II album. It’s pretty mellow stuff with some catchy melodies and harmonies. My favorite is Puente Doble. I’m just simply attracted to those Latin grooves.

Well, after two crazy months of heavy practicing and studying for auditions, I’m ready to play other stuff. I took my first orchestral audition last month, and I have to say that I’m glad that I did it because it was a good learning experience. Hopefully this summer, I can arrange to study with someone on a consistent basis, so I can realize my goals more confidently.

May is just around the corner, but the weather has been strange. Tonight was very chilly, and I’m sure my fiddle (and my bones) are not feeling it. I will be devoting the next two months to intensive teaching as I will have a semi-student recital in the beginning of June at BSM. Time to crack that whip!

Besides the Gordon College concert this weekend, the number of gigs are slowing down. I guess this is what happens as the school year winds down, kids go off on vacations, and travel plans are made. WAITIKI, on the other hand, has plenty of performances coming up – check the website – and hopefully we’ll see you at one of them.