Saw lots of gal pals at the conference, learned a few tips about getting around this here racket, this indie music biz thing, and heard some good music, including:
Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye--Patti was being honored as the Woman of Valor and was celebrating the 30-year release of "Horses" (nice banquet--said hey to filmmaker
Allison Anders there, too. Her first film,
Border Radio, in which I had a teeny role and sang some Divine Horsemen tunes as well, is coming out on DVD this winter on Criterion! )
Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, the other Keynote Speaker, sang at the
Triple Door , and had me sit in with her on "Ghost Riders in the Sky". It was great to sing with her and have a long talk again....YIPPEEIIOOOOH!. My friend
Rain Perry of Ojai did a beautiful showcase as well with
Sara Hickman in accompaniment. Sara's exhuberant show followed hers, and then the wild little
Erin McKeown proceeded to stir it up. I also got to see my buddies
Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go's,
Rosie Flores for a good talk, and get a brief hug with
Wendy Waldman. I missed her show, though, Waaaahhh. Too much goin' on. Did see Ventura County's
Rachel Sedacca, Newfoundland's heartfelt folkrocker
Cherie Pyne, and quirky Nicky Click. Then, I also got to hear some jazz at Tula's with our sorely missed expatriate bassman Chris Symer...
Karen Hammack, who came to Rockrgrl with me, was giving her considerable talent to that room with L.A. chanteuse Judy Wechsler. Nice tunes! Nice chops. Well, I have to jet. Stay tuned...
