Grad School & Homeless Connect

I'm dog paddling in the deep end at graduate studies. I never though in million years I'd be in University again but there I am and what a privilege it is. I've already read more books and articles in one month than I have in the last 20 years. At 3,000 pages a week, class time and paper writing...whew! However, I'm exhilarated. It's not every day that I can focus on the blues all day long...music, music, music.

This past weekend I played at the Shaw Conference Centre for a project named Homeless Connect. As you know if you've followed my blogs, I care alot about this topic. There are always lots of opportunities to play for free so I've had to limit that because...well...I am running a music business and Revenue Canada expects that I'll make money some year. My strategy has been to pick a social issue that I care deeply about and do 3 benefits a year. Keeps my Karma in check and helps out the community at the same time .

Anyhow, homeless connect is not just about giving it's about our neighbors, the citizens of our community ..its about saying 'hey, you have a chance here. we want to hear you and help you'. It brings together the corporate and private business world with thousands of people to offer a hand up not just a hand out. The gig is not about recognition, not about publicity, not about sales, not about the show...it's about the fact that musicians need to be paid and people who need music in their lives need to have free access.

I felt so honored being a part of that experience. I hope you keep your eyes out for the next one in May and come down to spend time sharing food, sharing resources and sharing encouragement.

xo Kat

Blues Heat

Hey Y'all,
Thanks for tuning in. I've successfully recovered from heat exhaustion at the Calgary International Blues Festival and am ready to roll...well, almost. I'm getting prepared for the big transition to graduate studies and full time performance. I always seem to have multiple jobs. Maybe that works best for my restless mind? Whatever the case, life is good. I have no complaints.

I've been raising funds from my fanbase toward the next cd project. I'm now half way there and feeling hopeful that this project will find the light of day. I'm taking the next couple weeks to write some song threads that have been hanging on for awhile. I thank them for waiting for me -- LOL!

I had an amazing time at the Calgary International Blues Festival! Awesome experience and I learned alot and met some really wonderful people. Gotta get that video posted on YouTube. The next project. Until then...keep well and keep in touch!

xo Kat

First Class: Calgary Folk Festival

Been there...and definitely loved that!!! The Calgary Folk Music Festival turned 30 and I felt 30 again. What a festival, what a vibe, what love...yum!

Thanks to the audience who showed up at my stages and to those who followed because they couldn't get enough of what I offer. It is sheer joy to feel like the music I create reaches people. I received so much support...Steve Dawson, Geoff Hicks, The Sojourners, Don Benedictson, Ferron...and the list goes on. At this stage in my career to be there learning from the best...what can I say...it was awesome.

Mavis...Mavis...Mavis...I wanna be like Mavis when I grow up.

In the next bit I'll be posting YouTube footage and photos on MySpace and this blog. I hope you'll touch back in to share in the afterglow.

xo Kat

Calgary Folk Festival - Wow!

Ooooohhhhhh yeah baby...I'm getting really excited about the Calgary Folk Festival. Mavis Staples, Corey Harris, Ferron and The Sojourners all on one little island in the middle of Calgary. It's all a dream come true! I'm feeling so grateful to the AD Kerry for having confidence in me and I look forward to the new people I will meet. Please take a look at KatDanser.com for updates. I'll be in touch soon...

xo Kat

Long Live Wang Dang Doodle Koko Taylor Style

Dear Friends,

It is with the saddest heart that I write tonite about the passing of Koko Taylor. She died this afternoon after complications from surgery. I had a profound meeting with Koko in Tunica in 2008 when I was in Mississippi. Our shared love of Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey was the foundation for our time together. I also had a chance to talk about her connection with Willie Dixon and the music they created. They were 'old school' Chicago with an innovative approach to standard blues form. I loved her attitude, her prowess and the fact that she wasn't afraid to tell the story of a woman in her music. I wish deepest prayers to her family and friends. Long live 'Wang Dang Doodle" - Koko Taylor style.

Hugs,
Kat

Me & Mavis

So...yeah...learned that Mavis Staples and I will be performing at the same folk festival this year! After the kind of year where I've felt so connected to her disc, We'll Never Turn Back, I'm pumped. More pumped than Arnold. Now that's saying alot.

I'm in this very interesting transition. I'm leaving my social work life and moving wholly into creative expression through songwriting and academia. While it is exciting, it is also very challenging. A woman once said to me..."when one door closes another opens but it's hell in the hallway". I know what she means. Overall though, I'm gaining deeper perspective and am starting to feel more and more like I am making this move to improve my artistry on all levels. No matter what I engage in it seems like educating is always a part of it.

On another note...check out my facebook page...www.facebook.com/katdanser...and see video I've posted on the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale, MS and Mavis Staples "Down in Mississippi". Enjoy.

Until next time...see you in the hallway!
xo Kat

Mississippi V.1

I'm in reflection mode...it's been one year since I left for Mississippi. When they say time flies whoever 'they' are...they're not kiddin' around. Wow! A year since that journey south. The miles upon miles of beauty, time, space and searching for inspiration. I've never had a more inspired year since I was in Mississippi. Finished one documentary, working on a second, recorded 3 new songs for the new disc AND got accepted to pursue my love of music full time. My world has expanded to such a degree that it's hard even to keep up. C'est la vie I suppose.

I feel so totally blessed to have the internal and external resources to follow what I love. I appreciate all the teachers who continue to cross my path. I was reminded of them the other day at the Blue Chair with a sold out show and some dear musical friends coming to play just because I asked. Now those are whatcha call friends with a capital F.

Stay Cool...Kat