hiding and healing

I’m coming off such a high from yesterday, as I had the incredible privilege of performing music with our son and a few friends for Porchfest here on Peaks Island in Maine. I don’t know what’s better in my world than bearing witness to our talented boy capturing a crowd with his mesmerizing voice, especially with Amy Winehouse’s version of “Valerie.”

It was also the first time I’ve performed in over twenty years, ever since I succumbed to a hand problem that ended my music career. What a giant step toward healing.

My entire summer has been about healing, so please accept my apologies for lying low lately. I’ve been consumed by the present, by friends and family and small and wonderful moments, by the ocean and these islanders and this little island that dazzles at every turn.

Nine days till The English Bookstore in Bologna arrives! I can’t thank you enough for a pre-order as they help tremendously in pushing momentum. If you like Italy, good food, books, and zany characters, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

-Lake Union is giving away 100 digital copies on Goodreads here.

-My buddy Kevin Kermes included me in his new 3x5 napkin series. As you know by now, I don’t hold back.

-And my friend Marta Lane was kind enough to interview me for her Living with Big Dreams series. Learn all my secrets!

Mikella and I had the chance to once again attend the Newport Jazz Festival, and it was a total balm for the soul. We’re committed to never missing another one.

I’ve mentioned Gotts Street Park before. They were sensational live, especially when they brought out Olive Jones. Here's one of the tunes they sang.

I got to experience a set with maestro Charlie Hunter, who plays a custom guitar that allows him to lay down a bass line with the low strings, then play chords and melodies over it with the higher strings. He performed with Ella Feingold, who has become one of my fave guitarists of late. She plays this dirty, funky style that slow-drips with sassy attitude. Here’s their brand new album, Different Strokes for Different Folks. Embrace the subtle sounds, and you’ll discover a wonderland of groove.

Another giant highlight was when Jon Batiste, who commands an audience like no other, brought Flea and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers up on stage for a totally unplanned improvisation. Flea killed it on the trumpet, and for a moment, I felt like Chet Baker was playing through him. I can’t recommend this festival highly enough. It doesn’t hurt that Newport is one of the coolest towns on the planet, complete with a marvelous food scene.

Here are a few more shots.

Other than that, my dev editor, the supremely sharp Jodi Warshaw, has returned with her edits for Salvation Isle. That’s where my energy is headed for a while. Thanks for hanging around. Enjoy your summer.

much love,

boo