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LaVon Hardison

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LaVon's Musings & News

The Power of Imperfection 

Lately, I have been procrastinating. I look at my "to-do" list and suddenly hear the siren call of a Youtube rabbit hole that promises to be much more delicious and adventuresome than the task at hand. Anything better than that thing that needs doing is where I want to be. That pan in the sink meant to soak for scrubbing lately is suddenly the most critical work in the world. Does that happen to you? Mentally berating myself into a productive mode never works; following my monkey's dictate doesn't help either. So what to do in these moments? If I am not on a deadline, take a breath. Or a nap.

The power of naps is deeply underestimated in our society. I believe that cats are their visiting missionaries.

If I am on a deadline, I still take a breath to loosen that noose of perfectionism choking the natural unfoldment of what is mine to do. Perfectionism (excessively high standards with a dash of self-criticism) is a type of paralysis that can rob one of joy and focus. It certainly does for me! So in those moments of procrastination,  I embrace imperfection. Just get the task done, it may be messy and not ideal, but it is movement in the right direction. For me, positive action is better than stagnation. So friend, when you are feeling frozen in place by procrastination, be kind to yourself and gentle and allow the lesson of imperfection to unfold.

What I am reading/watching
At the beginning of February, I had an opportunity to hear author Ross Gay read his recent book, Inciting Joy, as part of Seattle Arts and Lectures. He is a beautiful writer and speaker, and poet and his prose flows poetically. I got his book and just started the introduction, and I am ready to buy into the journey: an exploration of joy. 

Upcoming  shows

Some fun shows are coming up in March-see the calendar for details. Here are a few highlights:

March 4th at Traditions, tickets are still available. Traditions will be booking shows til the end of March, and then they are taking a break from offering live music for a while. The fantastic store will continue. Tickets available at Traditions

On March 11th, I will perform with some excellent Seattle-based vocalists, Einah Jordan and Jacqueline Tabor. We will be performing at the WEAVE performance venue. These award-winning vocalists are outstanding, and I am honored to share the stage with them. You can learn about them and hear their music on their websites: Elnah Jordan | Jacqueline Tabor


 

02/27/2023

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Is it spring yet? <looks around> How about now?  

Howdy and hello, my friends,
It has been a minute, but here I be. I hope that you are well in all ways. As I write, I look out the window at the massive camillia bush, home and highway for the backyard squirrels and birds. Most of the buds are resistantly tight in refusal to blossom: "no way, man, I ain't doin' it – too dang cold!" I don't see one right now, but occasionally in this crisp temperature, one bud just doesn't have enough sense or is so deeply sheltered by a mass of leaves that they think spring is perpetual, and they do what they do – they bloom. It is a foolhardy activity to bloom in the cold. Still, that ridiculous ambitious optimistic bud warms me, makes me laugh, and teaches me not to resist the impulse to blossom even when it doesn't make sense to others.

This month, I challenged myself to write a song (a verse, a chorus, or a whole song) to share online weekly. You will find a snippet of the first installment of my music, "28 days," on Instagram. You will find the whole song under videos on my freshly renovated website.

What I'm reading
I started reading a biography of Sammy Davis Jr. There is an intimacy about this book because the interviewer is his daughter, and her subject is her dying father. As I learn more about his performing journey, my awe and respect for his musical, theatrical, and dance accomplishments --DANG, He was a triple threat! Recently while wandering thru Pier 58 on the Seattle waterfront, my husband and I discovered these wooden carvings of the "Rat Pack," including Sammy Davis Jr. Who knew?




Subscriptions
In April, I will be starting my subscription service. Here you will be able to get first access to original music, musical hangs, streaming-only shows, artwork, and other musings and merchandise. There will be different tiers to support your muchly appreciated support. I'll let you know more details soon. 

I hope to see you at some of the upcoming shows/events on the calendar.

Stay fabulous,
LaVon

02/10/2023

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November Updates 

I recently watched an amazing documentary about  legendary bassist Ron Carter called Finding the Right Notes. Mr. Carter has had an amazing career as an educator and sought-after bassist who has played with jazz and pop royalty. He is the most-recorded jazz bassist in the world according to the Guinness book of World Records with over 2,000 documented recorded projects. 

I found the documentary inspiring and deep. Mr Carter thinks about music on a whole different level than your average musician. And while his musicianship is stellar, his character and professionalism are epic. Scholar and gentleman. 

This newly released documentary can be found online at 
https://www.pbs.org/show/ron-carter-finding-right-notes/ 


Projects
I'm wrapping up the new CD of original songs, and I am very happy with the results and looking forward to sharing with you! Watch for news on CD release parties in Seattle and Olympia in February. 

Goodbyes 
Music for me does not happen in a vacuum. Any progress that I have has involved the encouragement and mentor-ship of others. This month the Olympia jazz community says goodbye to one of its elder statesmen, Mr. Joe Baque at the young age of 100! Joe was a phenomenal piano player, teacher and coach. When I was baby jazzer I would go over to his house and he would teach me how to "sing" a song, how to listen to the musical conversation, how to work with an accompanist, how to phrase, how to get out of the way and when to be quiet and wait for the right moment. And man he could swing. I am so grateful that our musical paths crossed and I was able to benefit from his wisdom and his musical heart. Thank you Joe. 


Some of you have asked when more public performances will show up the calendar; I've got a few more gigs this year (see calendar), and 2023 will bring more dates fer sure! I am available for private gigs, life celebrations, weddings, sacred gatherings and the like, so give me a holler. 

Stay fabulous! 
~LaVon

11/15/2022

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©2023 LaVon Hardison

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Terms

notes
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  1. 1
    Sweet Georgia Brown 3:42
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  2. 2
    The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy) 2:52
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  3. 3
    Frim Fram Sauce 3:21
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  4. 4
    Come Together 2:58
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  5. 5
    Unchain My Heart 3:56
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  6. 6
    Ain't Misbehavin' 2:37
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  7. 7
    The Owl and The Pussycat 2:07
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  8. 8
    Stand By Me 3:52
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  9. 9
    It's Only a Paper Moon 2:53
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  10. 10
    I Got Rhythm 3:09
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