So many.  The mainstays are mainstays for a reason.  Gigi’s, Stissing House, Terrapin, Mexican Radio, Babalouie’s, Miss Lucy’s, The Bear Cafe, New World, Basement Bistro, Joshua’s, Village Cafe, Maya Cafe, Red Onion.  And for the low low key but noteworthy: Giordano’s, Village Pizza, Mirabella, Love Bites, Sweet Sue’s.  Still want to try Ruby’s, Havana, Santa [...]

The move away from country mousedom is bringing up a lot of thoughts about what is important.  I thought I was living in such a way that I was doing what is important to me but lately, it has been called to my attention that choices must be made, more specificity is demanded as a [...]

After almost 4 years spending half my time in the Catskills area, we are making some changes and staying in the city for a while. I will miss it so much (the house, my lifestyle here, the area, vibe, and people) and the decision entailed thoughts of fully relocating, existential “where am I supposed to [...]

It’s getting to that time when we are wearing at least 3 layers and so many of us in NY are asking why we don’t live on the West Coast.  I wear flatter shoes more often so I can walk quickly and my long long down to the ankles white down sleeping bag coat–one of [...]

I just came across this found and just released Elliott Smith track from circa ‘97.
More on his other brilliant albums can be found at Sweet Adeline.

I do spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to navigate the state of the music biz, such as it is or isn’t. My problem then is I get bogged down in all the chatter and don’t do much because I don’t know where to begin.  Jon Pareles’ post today on the [...]

Part of me reason for giving up TV was the hope I’d be more productive.  If I’m not out with my friends, I’d like to be home writing or recording.  Having worked from home most of the year, I did not need to unwind after a day at the office.  The big victory  came in [...]

Trying to market my songs has always been daunting.  Friends say, “you have an advantage because you do PR,” but it’s hard to do my own PR.  Each year, more and more sites “help” artists. It’s great in theory but overwhelming.  More musicians can clutter the internet and more startups to help musicians mean spending [...]

I didn’t want to buy a book on hiking in the Catskills.  I just wanted to know how to plan, understand the lay of the land, not drive out of my way, and know where the trailheads are. There are many, some secret, like the swimming holes like “Big Deep.”  Every few weekends, when we [...]

I was stuck in traffic a few nights before Christmas some years ago. I was stresed and annoyed and flipped around on the radio stations in exasperation until a bell chime and a held note caught my ear.  It was magical and beautiful.  I was introduced to Mahalia Jackson’s take on Silent Night.  It is [...]