Music is so very inspiring to me these days.  In the night, I have dreams about meeting John Lennon and the Beatles, and sharing music with them.

I just got back from back to back weekends at music festivals;  each was so different and unique!!!

First I was at the Lucidity Festival with Danyavaad and Leilainia of the Shimmy Sisters.  The environment was in the mountains of Santa Barbara, with trees and 40 degree weather, and rain and mud.  The mud didn’t stop the imagination, though, and the happiness of everyone at the festival.  I was able to see so many people by surprise, and even ran into Scott Marcus, a teacher of mine from Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp.  He taught me a little about playing the arabic scales, or maqams, and how to travel in between the notes.  His influence on my improvisation can be heard in everything I play.

Our show was so much fun!!!  We had beautiful dancers and choreography, Jason James Johnson on accordion, and an amazing stage to perform upon.  I’m looking forward to seeing video;  I know it’s out there!!!

This last weekend I played at Electric Poncho in Guadelupe Canyon in Mexico.  It was a mecca of electronic music, dance and art.  I performed with Dr. 42, Duckman, Lisa Ubiquitous, and Holden (in camp!).  I also performed with the Hoop Unit!  Wait until you see their stage show;  it blows my mind.  I get to set the stage at the beginning, drawing the audience and an unsuspecting wanderer into the mirage…. Fortunately, it will be performed again in San Diego on May 12th!!!  Check out the event page in Facebook, and buy tickets before it sells out here.

At the afterparty, I’ll be playing violin with Dr. 42, Duckman, and Hobotech.  A couple years ago at Elysium, another amazing festival, I played a track with Hobotech.  We’re going to do it again.  While at Electric Poncho, Jon Margulies (Hobotech) and I got into a very inspiring conversation.  He described to me the process of playing music more and more, until it becomes just something that you do, and that spawns the path in front to the next big performance.  I’ve been feeling like the cycles of the years are lending themselves to repeating my performances at events, as well as leading to new roads and new opportunities.  It gives me hope that the path to the future is bright.  Thank you, Jon!!!!

Yesterday I was fortunate to play a 4 hour and 20 minute set with Dj Duckman.  Oh, by the way, our new stage name is “Duckberry Crunch!!!” It has so many amazing songs, all over the map of genres and mixing…turn it on, and feel rejuvenated!!!  I love playing music that gives energy to people. Here’s the HERE from soundcloud to download and enjoy it.

The performance was caught on a video feed as well, so of course I had to bring SUPERPIG for his first online video appearance.  He got a little saucy, but at the end of the day it left him pondering the future, and wondering what will happen next.  Superpig is not used to having such deep thoughts about himself or the world around him, so it will be interesting to see if the creative process changes him, or if he’ll just keep looking for the next body piercing or tattoo.

Love you all!!!  See you soon!!!!