When I sing at a church on Sunday, I am often snapped into attention or gently nudged in the ribs with a gentle inner whisper, "Ahem, pay attention, this applies to you," or "Listen up, this might help you with...". I go to the service thinking that I am going to a gig when, in actuality, I am placed in an environment to be quiet, catch up with myself, and listen. This happened recently when I sang at the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle (CSL). The guest speaker was Rabbi Olivier of the Bet Alef Temple, who spoke about holiness. The word holiness causes me to tighten up slightly; it feels like an aspiration similar to running up the stairs of the Space Needle. It is a word that excuses treating others like poop and using their backs to climb for a better view. As we look around our neighborhoods and beyond our nation to the world, there are a lot of folks doing things out of a skewed sense of "holiness." So forgive me if I am a little cautious when I hear the word. He based his meditation and talk on his birth Torah potion, which led him to ask, "Where is that Ikea map to build myself into a holy person?" There was laughter. He then mentioned spiritual luminaries like Mother Teresa and Gandhi expressing holiness. But the point from his talk that jumped out at me was that the Western concept of holiness is often associated with perfection. Honestly, I heard a loud crack inside at that statement. Perfection is not holiness. Let that sink in. Now, let's talk about a loaded word: perfection. Striving for perfection, whew, it makes me tired. Once I got a slight expansion about the term holy, I started to think about what holy looks like these days. I often think of the word holy as wholly, describing a state of being whole. And what does that mean? Being wholly means being comfortable in one's skin, speaking and hearing the truth, having a low tolerance to hypocrisy, and having a wholesome sense of radical self and self-acceptance. A sense of purpose and stewardship. In these contentious times, there is a need for wholly-ness.We need wholeness to comfort and stand for and learn to live together. What does wholeness look like for you? You can listen to Rabbi Oliviers talk here (https://www.spiritualliving.
Upcoming Shows in March
This Saturday, I will be sharing the stage with Seattle guitarist Cyd Smith. We will each be performing original music. You can get an acoustic sample at this show if you have not yet picked up Brown Girl's Dream. We'll be at C & P Coffee, an intimate setting for music; I hope to see you there Saturday from 7-9pm.
Please check out my calendar for more dates.
Upcoming Workshop (click image for details)
|
LaVon's Musings & News
It Might As Well (Almost) Be Spring!`
Hello beautiful peoples!
I hope you are feeling spring's sweet courtship right now. Although there is a chill, new life is chomping at the bit and ready to go! I am enjoying more sunlight. Welcome spring, we're ready for you. If you are new to the mailing list, welcome I am glad that you are here.
New Music:
SMH
My Patreon supporters got first listen, and now my new song is available to all! SMH (Shaking My Head) is a funky country song about a woman has had enough of a trifflin' relationship. It was a lot of fun to write and fulfills my sassy sensibilities. You can listen and purchase at Bandcamp
Message in the Moon
And if you missed it, you can also check out my previous single, Message in the Moon. It's not a song about the Lunar New Year, but if you're celebrating the incoming Year of the Dragon, happy new year to you!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on both songs!
Upcoming:
In March I am delighted to share the stage with songwriter and guitarist Syd Smith. We will be doing a show of originals - acoustic style. Syd's a terrific songwriter! It will be a fun evening. We'd love to have you join us.
When? March 9th 7pm - 9pm
Where? C&P Coffee shop , 5612 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Stay fabulous!
Happy Solstice and other winter holidays!
Dec. 6 Holiday Show & New Single!
Upcoming shows
Hey Seattle Fans: This Wednesday, Dec. 6, I will be performing with some of my friends at the Seattle Center of Spiritual Living. Our Soul of the Season show is an interfaith celebration of the season. With music director Jake Sele, this is great way to inaugurate the holiday season. More information: https://bit.ly/
Tickets are going fast and I would love to see you.
New Music!
My new single “It's Not About You” is out on Monday Dec. 4 on my Bandcamp page. I wrote it a couple of years ago in response to bad behavior from a particular political leader. Like many, I was angry and appalled by the sense of entitlement that was being expressed. After deep breaths and a little prayer, writing a song seems like the best medicine both for myself and to lift the vibration of the world. Today while shopping, the salesperson shared that he wrote a song after I told him I was a musician. He too shared that he was overwhelmed with what was happening during the pandemic and just wanted to “say something.” I knew and know that feeling. I always feel better after writing a song. I hope you enjoy it!
Get an Easy A+
This past weekend, I had the honor of being a part of a memorial service. Depending on where the family is in their grieving process and who the presider is, services can vary in emotional intensity. My job, as I see it is to provide a musical soundtrack to set the tone for folks to celebrate and/or say goodbye to their loved ones.
The service I attended was dedicated to a father who exemplified a life well-lived. He was family-oriented, actively involved in his community, and sincerely enjoyed his career. His living rippled and touched many lives. His memorial was a perfect blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration. Listening to the many tributes and shared memories from family and friends, I hoped that he knew how much he was loved and appreciated.
During the service, the eldest daughter expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support. She encouraged everyone present to tell their loved ones how much they appreciate them, in specific and meaningful ways. The message was not shared in regret but as a simple reminder. I recently came across a quote that resonated with her ask: "Success breeds complacency." Our relationships, built on openness, honesty, and reciprocity, can sometimes be taken for granted unintentionally. The human mind is forgetful and inattentive. Untethered, it can lead us to overlook the love and support we receive from those who embody the feeling of home for us.
Let's not wait until death memorials to remind us of the importance of expressing appreciation for gifts given. Instead, let us seize every opportunity to tell our loved ones and those who are part of the daily landscape that makes our lives sweeter how much they mean to us. Sharing our appreciation of others' influence and gifts to our lives enriches everyone involved with depth and meaning. The act of expressing our gratitude and affection has the power to breathe life into everyone it touches.
So bring it on! Bring on the “thank you” and the “you rock because...”!
There is no F grade in this department. Every one gets an A+.
Now go, be fabulous!
One of my favorite people Kizzie Jones, saw my cat stickers online and asked: “Where are the pups?"
Well, ask, and you shall receive! Kizzie loves Dachshunds. What other critters do I need to draw?
Upcoming shows
There are some fun shows coming up in November; please visit lavonhardison.com for more details.
Monday, November 6th Eagles Club, Olympia -Go here to RSVP: https://fb.me/e/Tf3XdF9c
Wednesday, November 8th, Table 47, Gig Harbor
Saturday, November 25, Frederick Holmes Gallery, Seattle
I hope to see you at one (or more!) of these!
Inspiration from an Asteroid
I recently stumbled upon a fascinating podcast that pulled me into its gravity well. As a fan of stories like Star Trek and the Expanse, I have always enjoyed imaginative science fiction. NASA's Johnson Space Center podcast, aptly named "Houston, we have a podcast," opened my eyes to the thrill of learning about real-life space missions.
One episode in particular captured my imagination; The episode titled "Return of OREEx: Part 2" delves into the first US attempt to collect a sample from an asteroid. On September 24, 2023, the spacecraft returned to Earth, carrying samples from the asteroid Bennu and plopping them down in the Utah desert. As I listened to these passionate scientists, I couldn't help but wonder: what if we faced our own challenges with the same curiosity and expectation?
Listening to these dedicated scientists talk about their discoveries and the potential for problem-solving left me downright bubbly with inspiration. It reminded me that embracing challenges with a positive and curious mindset can transform my experiences. Instead of dreading problems, I can view them as opportunities for growth and exploration. I know it may sound a bit corny; who wants to embrace a spikey problem? But dragging myself down with dread doesn't work very well either. It's a new season. I am going to try imbibing the NASA scientist spirit! Who's with me?!!
Are you facing a problem? Can you find a way to embrace the unknown with curiosity, expecting a solution to unfold? Please share you inspiration; I would love to hear from you!
Music news.…
I'll be releasing another new song in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye out!
Stickers
On a non-music note, I have gone down this rabbit hole of new delights: creating stickers. I don't know why they delight me so, but what can I say? Here are some of my seasonally appropriate-creations:
Projects
My recent Town Hall song, Let Me Live Myself Again, in response to Idrissa Simmond's beautiful untitled poem and was so fun. I got to make music with guitarist songwriter Cyd Smith. We will be doing more projects together in the new year. Here I am, cheezing with the beautiful Idrissa.
Shows
Many church gigs coming up (I do love using music to inspire people!); a couple others of note are Brother Don's in Bremerton Oct. 30, and a rare Olympia show at the Eagles Hall Nov. 6. See my calendar for all the details.
That's it for now. I hope your autumn has been full of beauty and wonder so far.
Deer! Wales! New Songs!
Hello friend!
September is here, believe it or not!
In our household, we have been enjoying the bounty of the yard. With a fenced yard, the deer have not been stealing our groceries, like they have in the past. So we have been enjoying tomatoes and flowers and apples and other things that would have been budless nubs pre-fence. I have seen deer pass by the yard, perhaps the grandchildren of the bold deer that used to use our yard like a buffet. I imagine that they are giving a nostalgic tour of fine eateries: “Ah this use to be a good restaurant, but now it's boarded up, what a shame.” I am sorry for their loss, but I do feel a certain delight as they pass the gate looking like poor urchins.
August was a beautiful music full month for me. I performed at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales!
I saw and met some wonderful local musicians. I performed with the Glen Manby Quartet; sang with the Monmouth Big Band led by trombonist Gareth Roberts. I also sang with the wonderful Alive and Kickin' community choir led by Tanya Walker, and I did a workshop in Cardiff. It was a bit of a whirlwind of a trip and I am forever changed! The Brecon Jazz Festival has been around since 1984 and it completely transforms this usual quiet little town in to a grand musical party. The Brecon Fringe Festival happened the same week, making the seams of the town burst with activity.
I returned from Wales, and was off to Seabeck Conference Center to be a resident artist at the Seattle Center of Spiritual Living's yearly community retreat! A week full of community building, workshops, and music. I had not been to camp since I was a kid! Camp is good!
Happy to be back home now, and eager to see how the upcoming months will unfold.
Patreon
Last month, I released a new single – Center of my Gravity – and my Patreon Posse got the first listening. It is a delicious pop tune that was really fun to write and sing. If you haven't heard it yet, you can go to Bandcamp and listen/download. Please consider a monthly Patreon donation, this money helps immensely in creating, recording new material. There are various contribution levels. Visit Patreon
Upcoming
On Saturday, September 30, I will be one of the Bushwick Book Club's musicians presenting an original song. This is a collaboration between Hedgebrook, Bushwick and Seattle Arts & Lectures to present “Great Minds: On the Unreliable Narrator, the Necessity of Joy, and What Doesn't Make the Cut” featuring authors Ijeoma Oluo, Sonora Jha, and Idrissa Simmonds-Nastili. I'm writing a song in response to a beautiful poem by Idrissa Simmonds-Nastili. Tickets (in-person and livestream) are available from Town Hall Seattle.
I hope that you have been blooming well where ever you be!
Thanks for reading and Do Be Fabulous!
New song from LaVon!
Howdy all!
I am sitting on the sofa marveling at the natural yoga of my cat. How does that leg bend behind… never mind.
New Release
Here is a new song that was recorded at Jack Straw Cultural Center and produced by Tim Kennedy. Center of My Gravity is inspired by Seattle author Helen K. Thompson's short story, “Maybe This Time.”
Wonderful personnel on this one:
Tim Kennedy - piano/keys
Hans Teuber - horns
Brad Gibson - drums
Ian Sheridan - bass
produced by Tim Hunter
Listen / download / read lyrics at Bandcamp
Travels
This month I'll be at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, with two main performances if you happen to be in the area:
Aug. 11 @ Castle Hotel, Brecon
Aug. 13 @ Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Unfortunately, these shows will not be streamed. Next post, I will be sure to include some pictures and maybe some video.
Keep tabs on other upcoming shows at lavonhardison.com/shows
And as always, stay fabulous!
Arrgh, there be Wales!
Jazz in the UK
I am tickled to announce that I am on the roster for the Brecon Jazz Festival! This annual jazz festival is held in Brecon, Wales (yes, I had to look on the map too), some 175 miles west of London and a little more than 30 miles north of Cardiff. This festival has been around since 1984 and has continued to introduce audiences to artists from all over the world! One of my shows will be at The Castle, the oldest hotel in Wales. I am excited to see this beautiful land, meet the festival's devoted organizers, and develop more musical friendships. You can find out more about the festival and support their work and vision at www.breconjazz.org
Patreon
I met with Patreon supporters in July for our monthly zoom chat. It was was fun to see faces and share some upcoming projects. If you would like to learn about becoming a Patreon supporter visit patreon.com/lavonhardison
What I'm reading /watching
I have been completely seduced by the fun fantasy world of author T. Kingfisher: The Wonder Engine and Clockwork Boys. A fantastical world of magic and technology and unheroic like heroes. Fun mind candy
Upcoming shows
I'm spending time getting ready for Brecon, but I do have a few shows coming up:
July 31 @ Brother Don's in Bremerton
Aug. 2 @ Berryfest at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland
Aug. 11 @ Castle Hotel, Brecon Jazz Festival
Aug. 13 @ Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon Jazz Festival
show details at lavonhardison.com/shows
Enjoy the sun and the berries and whatever else summer is bringing you, and stay fabulous!
~LaVon
Patreoning through the Pansies?
Hello! Friend!
I have been tip-toeing thru the tulips. Took a little nap and overslept.
I hope your relaxing time has been most satisfying!
Patreon!
I am excited to share that I have a presence on Patreon. If you like the work that I am doing now and would like to support me on my music journey, I would love to have you along for this creative ride. Please consider becoming a supporter of my Patreon. (Note: there are prizes!)
Learn more here.
Projects
One of the projects that is close to my heart is Bushwick Book Club Seattle. I love their mission: "The Bushwick Book Club Seattle delivers literature, music, and songwriting to the Seattle community while building the next generation of musicians and readers."
I can definitely support that. My association with them has been so good for disciplining and inspiring my songwriting. What do they offer? A good book to read and a deadline to get the related song finished! Many of the songs on my EP were written as a result of Bushwick shows.
Reading a book and having to write about it makes me read more carefully. It is also a lot of fun to hear others share their musical interpretation of the book. The creative camaraderie is really inspiring. I recently participated in the reading of William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways: A Journey into America at Town Hall Seattle. Keep an eye on Bushwick's Youtube page for a replay of the event.
Upcoming gigs
On Saturday, June 10th I'll be performing several sets between 5pm and 9pm at White Barn Home and Garden, 23611 NE WA-3 in Belfair, WA.
On Monday June 12th, I'll be at Brother Don's Bar and Grill, 4200 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA from 6-9pm