shakeh: News

As those of you on my email list know, my song "Brazos De Amor" went out to thousands of instructors all over the world this month via the Zumba Dance Cool Down CD. I got my first email off of my My Space page from an instructor in Texas who loved the song. That felt so good! I'm looking forward to seeing more!

This has been a truly golden time. Rehearsing the duo with Rich, playing some cool outdoor concerts and etc. The Bite of Seattle with the Band is this Sunday and should be a blast. Life is good. :)

I was supposed to come up to Washington the weekend of May 30th. but got really sick. So I had to cancel my gig in Seattle on June 6th. but am up in Arlington now rehearsing with Brad and Rich for the Edmonds Arts Festival this Friday from 7-9 PM. We're going to sound really great and I can't wait to play "Never Been Cool" live with this group as well as the other Shakeh songs. If you're in the Northwest I hope I see you soon!

I played at my first Village fest on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and will be back on May 22nd. What I learned is that I need to have someone selling the CDS while I play and get some lighting going on. I had a good time and while on break saw Huell Hauser who does California Gold on KCET. I grabbed a CD and a card and dashed into Ruby's Diner to give it to him. I almost didn't do it but I did. Let's see if we get a song in a segment or a call. He thanked me and said he'd play it in the car and let me know. Made me think of how many times I've dashed after someone and also how many times I decided not to dash. Sometimes I think I live by that line...."You never know"

Dwain and I tore it up at the Calabasas Fine Arts Festival. Highlight of the day was our new fan, Zeke, who came up on stage and played tamborine with us. His enthusiasm and sheer joy took my breath away. Zeke's in a wheel chair living his life and being an enthusiastic, fun, amazing kid. I was more than moved. I was enchanted with him.
Yesterday, I had tech hell with my day job and was in such a pissy mood I impressed even myself with my testiness. After that I went to Brotman to volunteer which I do twice a month. I was greeted with chocolate cake which gave me an instant cosmic boost....or maybe it was the sugar....Then I played for the patients and they took me up right out of myself as they always do. I left feeling great and greatful. I find it so easy to get caught up in my complaints and "what ifs" at times and I'm glad there are people like Zeke in the world to show me what's truly important. Have a good day and play a tamborine.

Northwest shows went very well and I've been a booking/gigging fool. Everything from Festivals to State hospitals, to house concerts/private parties, wineries and etc. So far no invitations to do Pole dancing, but the year is still young....Highlights for the summer will include my band playing the Bite of Seattle on July 20th, doing the Edmonds Arts Festival, Calabasas Fine Arts Festival and Coupeville Fine Arts Festival.

I had a great time at PG Speakeasy on Friday night in Duvall. A small but attentive group and the smell of garlic made my night. They cut me loose early because of the snow and it was very hairy getting home, but I did. Paula is a joy and wants me to come back this summer to stroll, play and work my magic outside so we will plan on doing that.
Yesterday I played at the CSL in Bothell. Had them up in the aisles singing "Halleluiah Amen" and "I Am A Light". Met some great people and saw other old friends from before. Rev. Suzi Schadle always does such a great talk. I may be doing a house concert this summer for one of the practitioners.
PEACE...

Had fun at my Papi's Pizza gig last night but there's over 8 inches of snow on the ground here in Arlington, WA. today. As I was loading the car and getting in to drive to the gig last night it struck me that if I hadn't had a gig to play I'd never even venture forth. As it was, I braved the snow, the cold, the rain, the difficult parking, the loading of the gear in and out, my toes freezing 'cause it was 62 degrees inside the restaurant and of course I had open toed shoes, and etc. Sometimes I do feel like an actual warrior...out to overcome all these little dammitts and the discomfort in the search for that most wonderful of things...playing music and connecting with the audience. I did have a few good moments and will do it again tonight in Duvall. Kudos to musicians everywhere who go out to play live and overcome all of the obstacles that the audience never sees to keep the flame alive. We burn baby, we burn...

It's been a great couple of weeks. Best visual on the trip is: Driving up the 101 and seeing a UPS truck driving through a flock of sheep very carefully on his way back to the highway. He was being very careful and the sheep would part and let him through and then bunch together again. Quite a site of nature and UPS coexisting peacefully!
My three dates at McMenamins were truly a blast. Here are the details:
First night at Edgefield I'd driven all the way up from Weed, CA. that morning leaving at 7 AM. Stopped in Medford for a few hours to do my day job and then drove the rest of the way. Typically, anytime I go near Portland I get lost and this was no exception. I got there just in time to set up the PA, throw my stuff in the room and myself into the shower and then play the gig. The setting was great. It's a wine cellar with romantic lighting and a long corrider. I was exhausted but the wonderful people in my audience made it all worthwhile and I had a great time. Ended up with a mention from the Oregon Blogger which I know I shared with you last week.
Next day I was off for the Grand Hotel. Directions did work this time but the route was very convoluted and interesting. Out in the middle of nowhere it felt like, but a beautiful drive thorough a lot of rural areas and quite enjoyable. I played for a good group of people and did the gamut of spontaneous songs, Shakeh songs, and some standards/old rock 'N roll. Had them up and dancing and it was a high energy night. At the end I went out to the salt pool to soak in the hot bubbly water while the rain came down. Truly a Northwest moment...
Third day was a pretty easy drive to Hotel Oregon. Yes, the directions were weird, yes I did get a little lost,but a lovely waitress named Krista from the local Applebee's set me straight and came in with her friends later that night to see me to boot. This is an old hotel and the bar is in the basement. Small, but very friendly and cozy. Lots of hecklers which we always enjoy and lots of high energy music from moi the whole night. A great end to a wonderful experience.
My performance at World Cup Espresso and Wine in Seattle was also very enjoyable. Not a lot of people, but a cool venue, very nice owner, Ron, and the sound was great in there. Got a bunch of new names on the email list and will come back again this summer.

Tomorrow I head out for the first leg of my drive on my Northwest Tour staring with 3 dates at McMenamins hotels in Oregon. I've looked forward to this for a long time and now it's finally happening. Will work my day job until 1 PM and then off to Avila Beach to stay with my Cousin and his wife. Second night should be in Roseberg, Oregon at my cheap and cheerful Shady Oaks Motel ($45) and then onto Troutdale...sounds kind of fishy.... I'll keep the blogs coming.

This was a formal event and I made up songs for the girls and traded sets with The Tornadoes who were one of the original surf bands in the 60s and then had a resurgence when their song was played in Pulp Fiction in the 90s. We made a lot of money for the cause and it was a very successful event.

Being back at my alma mater was truly a trip. They have moved the coffeehouse every few years and one student and I figured out that I've played at every single location including the original of course! Estaire and I had them rocking and we had so much fun. Here's a copy of the email from Yvonne:hey shakeh. Shakeh you were awesome at the Motley. I received so many
compliments on locating a Scripps graduate that could really rock the
crowd all night. You were able to get the crowd involved and I saw lots
of smiles in the room. Your voice was definitely one of the better
voices that the Motley had heard all year. Keep your eyes on our website
motleycoffeehouse.com so that you can get in touch with the future music
manager so you can come back to the mot next year!!

***Something magical that happened in the Desert Last Week***
When I was doing my gig at The River shopping/entertainment plaza, I was ready for a break when this big black bird flew into a tree right above me and started to sing and I mean really sing to what I was doing. I kept on for another 20 minutes and alternated singing and then just playing and letting him/her sing. The people in the crowd were amazed as was I . You can't plan something like that even though some people asked me if I had!!!!! Reminds me of the magic that is always there just waiting to happen when you let it every time you play music or create something.

Luck be a Taylor Tonight

Last Sunday I went to the Slack Key Festival at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. My dear friend, Chelle, is married to Cyril Pahinui who is the son of the legendary Gabby Pahinui. Cyril is up for his 3rd Grammy this year which is way cool. Chelle and he have been married for 6 months and they live in Hawaii..of course...So I met up with them and worked their booth as well as Makana's booth selling CDS like mad. I walked up to the raffle boxes and saw one for a $2600 G7 Taylor Guitar. I immediately knew that if I entered I would win it. Every once in awhile I do have an intense, exact, true psychic moment. At that exact moment, Chelle comes up and says let me buy you 2 tickets as a belated birthday gift. I filled out the tickets and said, I am winning this. And then I did!!!! It's gorgeous, cocoa brown with a yellow sunburst and abalone trim. I feel so blessed and am just still recovering from the happy shock of winning it.

Placements....placements....possibilities.....

Zumba Dance with Brazos De Amor should be happening in another month or so. They will be using it on their cool down CD This will be distributed all over the world. yeah!

It's a Grind...this has taken awhile....but we're looking at Brazos De Amor and Coffee For One being on their Muzak roster in over 100 stores this spring.

I am working on several songs for several different film projects

Currently in the studio with Mark Paladino, Bellage and Adriano recording "I Feel The Rain" which I'm submitting to the non profit organization RAINN for usage consideration. They are dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse and loved the lyric I sent so keep your fingers crossed. The song is turning out great especially after Linda Jackson did some backing vocals the other day.
Also, just so you know, on my birthday when we recorded and the session the other day, it was raining both times....Eerie huh?

Here's a little lyric from "I Feel The Rain"

I feel the rain
Thank you for the rain
I feel the rain
Thank you for the rain

I felt nothing for so long
Now I feel everything so strong
I am not the same
Since you brought me rain

Living outside myself
Feeling like someone else
I needed you to call my name
Bring me rain

Upcoming Northwest Tour

Will be crusing back up to the Northwest in March doing dates in Oregon at McMenamins Hotels, Washington venues including P&G Speakeasy in Duvall and the World Cup Wine and Espresso Bar in Seattle. Got to my site and click on Calendar to see complete list of dates. I can use more so if you want to do a house concert or want to suggest a venue bring it. http://www.shakeh.com
Sign the guest book too!
Playing with the Legendary Tornedos in March

March 1st. I am doing a benefit for Rett's at the Ritz Gardens in Whittier. Also on the bill are the legendary Tornedos who started the surf music craze before the Beach Boys even. More details will be forthcoming in future emails. Do you think the bikini will look good with the Taylor?

Miracles that have taken place the last few months

As you may or may not know, I have been out of a job since October 1st. 2007. During this time finances have been a challenge but everytime I needed something the money would just appear and great things happened. My good friends were feeding me especially Carol and Nick and I just wanted to share a few things here with you. I am starting a new job part time on Monday with Ideal Scanners and Systems which will give me time to still push for my music which has been progressing along quite well for the most part and give me some welcome financial relief.

Mystical Soap moment: There is this great guy named Dave who sells soap at the Farmers Markets. I love his soap and had run out during this financially tight time so could not justify purchasing a bar of soap for $6 when I still had some OK.....though not as wonderful...bars of soap at home. But I really did crave the orange one that he has....really wanted it....Anyway, we were talking and he was complaining that he needed a new dimmer nob for his light and it was really bugging him. So I went across the street to Tru Value in Culver City and for $1.50 got him one. I just gave it to him because I wanted to with no strings attached. He was so thrilled and greatful that he said I could have anything I wanted. Now, there are items that are $20 and up on his stand. But I just wanted my orange soap so I got a bar of that and had a lovely giddy bath that night.

Bagels.....we crave bagels....
Whenever I'm broke, there tends to be a food that I crave consistently. This time it was bagels. I wanted one almost every day. So I made sure that I scraped the 99 cents together to treat myself to one every day. On this one day I ordered one bagel but he gave me 3 and when I was charged for the three I said, there's been a mistake, I only want one. He gave me all three for 99 cents and I felt like I had the world by the tail.

$$ when you need it

I had several things come up suddenly like two new tires for the car which took all the money I'd made in the last few days at my odd jobs and yet everytime that happened, other money showed up like magic. Then another odd job would come along so I made exactly what I needed every time. Once unemployment kicked in, I could breathe a little easier. But this pattern has continued to happen. It reminds me that you do get what you need out of the universe. So now what do I do with all of my worry beads????

No panic, God is taking care of me

Through these last few months I have been queen of the odd jobs and pushing for gigs and festivals like mad. I've actually been working more hours than when I had a full time job! But I have this newfound faith in who I am and what I can do and the absolute knowledge that God is watching over me and is guiding all of this. I've always been one not to bother God too much since I figure he has a lot on his plate and only really dig into prayer when things are really bad or to say thank you. But through all of this when I was getting ready to panic I just knew that it was all going to be taken care of and all I needed to do was keep reaching and believing that all was well. And it has been. I've never been laid off of a job before or collected unemployment until these past few months and you know what, I have to say it's all made me grow and stretch and get stronger and happier than I've ever been before.

Final words

See, I told you I had a lot to say this time! Let me end with a thank you to you for being on my list and following this artist on her path and let me say that I am greatful to have you here.

159 CDS Sold so far.....Valentines Day is coming so get one for someone you love or someone who needs to receive some love!

This is an email I sent out last week and pretty much sums up a lot of what's going on recently with me.

Luck be a Taylor Tonight

Last Sunday I went to the Slack Key Festival at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. My dear friend, Chelle, is married to Cyril Pahinui who is the son of the legendary Gabby Pahinui. Cyril is up for his 3rd Grammy this year which is way cool. Chelle and he have been married for 6 months and they live in Hawaii..of course...So I met up with them and worked their booth as well as Makana's booth selling CDS like mad. I walked up to the raffle boxes and saw one for a $2600 G7 Taylor Guitar. I immediately knew that if I entered I would win it. Every once in awhile I do have an intense, exact, true psychic moment. At that exact moment, Chelle comes up and says let me buy you 2 tickets as a belated birthday gift. I filled out the tickets and said, I am winning this. And then I did!!!! It's gorgeous, cocoa brown with a yellow sunburst and abalone trim. I feel so blessed and am just still recovering from the happy shock of winning it.

Placements....placements....possibilities.....

Zumba Dance with Brazos De Amor should be happening in another month or so. They will be using it on their cool down CD This will be distributed all over the world. yeah!

It's a Grind...this has taken awhile....but we're looking at Brazos De Amor and Coffee For One being on their Muzak roster in over 100 stores this spring.

I am working on several songs for several different film projects

Currently in the studio with Mark Paladino, Bellage and Adriano recording "I Feel The Rain" which I'm submitting to the non profit organization RAINN for usage consideration. They are dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse and loved the lyric I sent so keep your fingers crossed. The song is turning out great especially after Linda Jackson did some backing vocals the other day.
Also, just so you know, on my birthday when we recorded and the session the other day, it was raining both times....Eerie huh?

Yesterday was my birthday and I spent most of it in the Studio recording "I Feel The Rain". Ironically enough, it actually was raining like crazy in LA. We consider this to be a good sign.
I put out my annual email requesting Birthday Kudos and got such a wonderful outpouring of reponses that it made my head spin. The amazing thing is hearing from people on the list that I may have met only once at a show and finding out they love the CD and play it all the time and how my performance affected them.
I get so caught up in trying to get to the next "thing" and this reminds me that wherever I am and whenever I'm making music, there is someone listening.
So now that you''re reading this, please know that it means so much to me having you here and I belive that that some wonderful things will be happening in 2008 for you and for me. Thanks for being part of my music, my life, and my joy on this crazy journey of mine.

This has been an amazing time. My former company is jacking me around with my unemployment, I had to put two new tires on the car which felt like a major financial set back, and I wake up at 3 AM sometimes concerned about the future. Then there's the amazing stuff that's happening with getting a lot of wonderful response on my music, scheduling in gigs like crazy and seeing so many opportunities out there. Plus my wonderful friends feeding me and calling me with support, helping me learn cover songs so I can extend the range of what I do, and being there for me. Tonight I do my first night at Davio's and am looking forward to it. Will be there every Wednesday in November. Ciao!

This past month has been amazing with all kinds of wonderful music opportunities coming up. Rusty of Rusty Hicks Entertainment got me into the McMenamins chain to do 3 dates in March, I will be doing a residency in Westminster at this hot Italian Restaurant called Davio's every Wednesday night in November, I have a few dates in December including some Fridays at West Coast Pizza and Pasta in Moorpark, and am exploring lots of opportunities for festivals and events. Also looking forward to playing the Rescue Me Benefit and APLA Aides Marathon Benefit in November. Being unemployed means I'm scraping for money. But I feel so great finally digging in and working for myself and my music that it's quite a wonderful time.

This is always so much fun! I think I was sounding extra good with my big PA, the wireless and was inspired by the panoramic views and the cute boys and the sunshine and...and...what can I say....one of my favorite gigs to do!

We were dancing in the street, getting press, TV news coverage and doing good things for the little critters. Got some pictures to post on the website and I will be doing another benefit for Rescue Me in Brea on November 17th.