Recent Encounters and an Announcement

[JazzKiltz]

Hey gang,

The other day I was walking to the subway and had an experience that showed me how easy it is to be overly-defensive. As I walked (probably late, so pretty focused on where I was going) I heard a man's voice behind me say, "Well, I've never seen a black..." Immediately, my brain filled in ALL kinds of offensive and horrible things he was PROBABLY going to say to me and I started to get angry (amazing how quickly this can happen!) when he finished "...kilt before." Turns out he's a Scot who doesn't wear kilts because his parents forced him to take highland dancing as a kid. We had a great chat and when I mentioned how comfortable I am in my kilt, he sort of sighed and said, "Yeah, I remember that"

Had a gig with an "avant big-band" at the Nuyorican Poetry Club recently. After it was over, I saw the bandleader's wife (also sings with the band) talking to another woman and wanted to say goodnight so I walked over. She introduced me to her friend who, as she shook my hand, looked me up and down (I haven't been that blatently "checked-out" in YEARS!) and, upon seeing my black UK, shouted "Is that a KILT?" When I replied that it was, her response was, "Well, hot DAMN!" We laughed and had a started talking about kilts. Rather, she talked about how much she liked MY kilt. And me in my kilt. And how MANLY and sexy I looked in my kilt. Mind you she still hadn't given me my hand back from our introduction! When I mentioned that some of our illustrious Kiltsmith's also work in leather, I thought she would swoon! Eventually, the pianist sensed I was in distress and he came over and offered me a ride home, allowing me a gracious exit.

Just wanted to let you Western Canadian guys know that I'll be in Vancouver the last week of December performing at a new music space called Rime. The 26th/27th with Texas trumpeter Dennis Gonzalez, the 29th with the music collective Eye of Newt improvising live film music (with special guest Vancouver trumpeter Brad Turner) and, possibly, a duo set with Californian guitarist Anthony Wilson. Since my newly ordered PK (buckskin faux-suede) should be here before I leave, I fully expect to be kilted the entire trip! If you're gonna be out that way (or already are) and are into creative/improvised music (jazz-based, but wider ranging than that), come down and say hi!

Hopefully, I'll get over to check out Bear's shop on one of my off days.

[Riverkilt]

Wish I weren't so far away.

Maybe Steve Ashton of Freedom Kilts can come up from Victoria...???

Ron

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hey Mark... Do you ever get up to the Toronto area??

[JazzKiltz]

Occasionally. I'm trying to come up more often. Last September, I had a gig at the Rex after performing at the Guelph Jazz Festival. LOADS of fun! Since my bride is Canadian (daughter too for that matter) we often talk of moving to Toronto or Vancouver.

by the way, my wife loved your sig file!

[Blu (Ontario)]

I love jazz. Next time your going to be performing in the SW Ontario area, give us the heads up so we can make arrangements to see the show.

[Canuck]

I love jazz. Next time your going to be performing in the SW Ontario area, give us the heads up so we can make arrangements to see the show.

I'll echo that...I'm not far from Guelph or Toronto...could even show you a couple of leather kilts(hint hint knudge knudge). Love to see a horn player play jazz that would be cool.
Have a great time out west.
cheers
Robert

[JazzKiltz]

I'll certainly keep you guys posted, although I don't know if I should see those leather kilts. I want one so badly now it's kinda scary.

[Colin]

Occasionally. I'm trying to come up more often. Last September, I had a gig at the Rex after performing at the Guelph Jazz Festival. LOADS of fun! Since my bride is Canadian (daughter too for that matter) we often talk of moving to Toronto or Vancouver.

by the way, my wife loved your sig file!

We can always use more kilted gents up here in Vancouver.

[GMan]

On your way to Vancouver, you could stop in Denver. I know a bunch of jazz fans here, myself included.

[JazzKiltz]

Sounds like the making of a pretty interesting tour! I could use some time on the road, maybe after the next CD comes out...