This is the launch of my official blog! It’s very exciting that I finally have a place online where I can share what’s going on, and I owe it all to the wonderful Alex Coleman, who has not only built me a beautiful website, but has made it possible for me to update you all myself! Anyone in need of website wizardry should definitely check him out!

In November, The Vipers launched a new record at the Reservoir Lounge, where we’re into our sixth year of Monday night residency. Check out Lesley Mitchell Clarke’s review in this month’s WholeNote Magazine.

At the end of November, I was thrilled to lead the two youngest divisions of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company as they participated in our Winter Celebrations concert. I was so proud of the children as they took to the stage - many of them for the very first time. Some of my own earliest experiences in front of an audience were as a chorister with the CCOC, and I feel so lucky to still be working with such an amazing group of young singers!

December has already started to shape up to be the perfect balance of work and rest before 2012 gets off to a flying start!  

A couple of really great shows I’m involved in in January….

• Sunday December 11th, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Dynamic Duos concert at Hugh’s Room -  A special night of great musical duos featuring:
  Shannon Butcher & Ross MacIntyre, Sophia Perlman & Adrean Farrugia, Barbra Lica & Colin Storey, Big Rude Jake & Alison Young and Julie Michels & Kevin Barrett. Tickets are $20 in advance $22.50 at the door.
• December 18th, I’ll be a part of the Toronto Rhythm Initiative’s tribute to Oscar Peterson. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Check out this video of TRI’s last show featuring the music of Stevie Wonder!

Also, in December, I’m running my first group improvisation workshop. I’ve always been fascinated with the way that singing in a group impacted the way that I hear harmony, and how it informs my improvising as a jazz musician. On December 10th, we’re going to explore those connections and work on our improvising skills in a really fun, safe environment!

Mostly, I get to spend December preparing for Tuesday, January 10th, when Adrean Farrugia and I are recording a live duo album at Musideum! For those of you who haven’t seen this fantastic new space in the 401 Richmond building, The Musideum is a fantastic, intimate concert venue, with a stunningly beautiful C. Bechstein piano! Adrean and I are really looking forward to recording this album which will be released in the spring! Tickets to the concert are $15 and advance tickets are strongly recommended, as the room only seats 30 people! Call 416.599.7323 for reservations and information.

Other dates in early 2012 include:

• Friday February 3, with the Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra, as a part of the Crescendo Concert Series in Hamilton.
  
• Friday February 17, with my trio at the Homesmith Bar in Toronto
• Saturday February 18, with Adrean Farrugia at the Artword Artbar in Hamilton.

Hope that everyone has a wonderful start to their winter, and a safe, happy holiday, that leaves you recharged and ready for the new year ahead!