It is hard to believe that over TWO years have gone by since my 'temporary move' to Ohio . . .
to say that I 'miss Colorado' is an understatement!
Although it amazes me how much closer I have grown to friends who reside West of the Mississippi,
even while I continue to make new friends here in the Dayton area.
Summer of 2005 seems like a decade ago; with so many changes in this winding course of life.
True, a songwriter seeks material for inspiration, and these past two+ years have provided just that.
On July 28th of 2007, I finally stepped into Smallwood Studios in Lebanon, Ohio,
with a notebook full of songs, music and lyrics inspired by this time in Ohio; a journey through childhood memories,
of reconnecting with family, and the disappointments and joy associated with these experiences.
I continue to hear my adopted-father's voice, pushing me to get back on stage and to again
pursue the music life that I've missed so much.
These past two years have been filled with some wonderful music experiences.
I have been so lucky as to see live performances by Dr. John, John Hammond Jr., Mavis Staples,
Deborah Coleman, Guy Davis, Walter Trout, Koko Taylor, Ann Rabson and even the Funk Brothers!
And, to top it all off, have added each one of their signatures to my collection of autographs.
In August of 2007, The Funk Brothers were in town for a special United Way show, and I was blessed
to meet Bob Babbitt, Uriel Jones and Eddie Willis. What an incredible experience to sit and talk
with these so humble, living legends of the Motown era!
Early in 2007 a great group of musicians from the Dayton area, The Gem City Soulshakers, approached me with a business proposition.
As headliner for upcoming Dayton Blues Festival August, they invited me to make a special guest
appearance for their festival appearance. The timing was right, and on August 12th, we did it! The
excitement and energy of working with a full band again surged through my veins like a new life force.
I have to mention these talented gentlemen; Jeb Buchanan- Harp, Doug Hart-Guitar, Tim Arnold-Guitar,
Mike Jordan-Organ, Dana Clouser- Drums, and Martie Romie- Band Director, Booking Manager and Bass.
A special thanks to the Gem City Soulshakers for inviting me to share the stage with them and for introducing
me to the Dayton Blues Fest crowd.
The new CD '24 Months and 63 Days' was completed in September 2007, just in time for my two-week 'mini-tour' to Colorado.
The tour kicked-off with an intimate performance for the celebration of Eden Theatrical Workshop's Anniversary event.
Held at Cora Faye's restaurant in Denver on Saturday afternoon, September 22nd, I 'sang for my supper' and ate the best
'home cookin' that a traveling musician could ask for! Thank you to Lucy Walker and Lynn and 'the crew' for a
wonderful afternoon. Lucy Walker has successfully run Eden Theatrical for over 40 years, sharing her passion for
the arts and her support for both seasoned and ' up and coming' artists within the Denver community.
Stay tuned for the next BIG event at Eden Theatrical in September 2008 . . . guess 'who' will be in town again . . . ?
September's tour included a return to my old stomping ground, Ziggie's Saloon- Denver's oldest and finest Blues bar.
The evening featured Rex People's and X Factr, and yours truly as the opener. My solo performance was welcomed by friends
who traveled from a five-state region to fill the house for this 'one night only' event. Special thanks to Rex People's
and his tasty group of players (including Tim Mahoney from my 'Hometown Boogie Kings' days!) for sharing the stage and the night !
And thank you to Chuckie for making me feel right at home again. Thank you to Mia for sharing her budding vocal talents with
us (she's only five years old now, but just wait . . .) and to Sue Burton for entertaining the crowd with her bawdy,
feminist humor while I changed guitars. And, especially, thank you to John Gore for manning my CD sales for the night!
The tour continued with a trip to Southern Colorado to the The Lariat Bar, located in Historic Downtown Buena Vista.
Thank you to Connie and Family for taking such good care of me; and Rabbit from KGOAT radio who joined me on
stage to share his Blues-harp talents for the evening; and Cody Masters, who plugged the night for weeks
on his KSBV- RiverRat Blues Show THEN made an appearance with HIS Blues-harp to show US that 'the Blues is
truly ageless' - (Cody 'looks' too young to 'know' the Blues, but when he PLAYS it, the harp speaks for him!!).
And, special thanks to my long time friend, Ray 'the Gutter Guy' who put it all together, and helped me sell a ton of the new CDs!
The final 'blow out party blast' at Diane's provided an intimate, acoustic, backyard concert for close
friends with an opportunity to showcase the more 'personal' songs from the new disc. And not to forget
my Grandmother Lucy Walker's version of Alberta Hunter's 'Dark Town Strutter's Ball' taking our backyard
concert to a completely different level of performing arts! Thank you to many friends who traveled from
across the state just to share my final night in town. And, thank you to photographers JR Wolfe,
Carole Ray and Lynn Johnston for capturing the evening's antics on camera.
Check out the website for more details and photos from September's tour . . .
I returned to Ohio in October, and started gearing up for upcoming performance at one of Dayton's
oldest music venues, and perhaps the finest listening room I have experience- Canal Street Tavern.
Owner and proprietor, Mick Montgomery, prides himself in nurturing the song writers and original
performers of yesterday and today. It was a great honor to play at Canal Street Tavern in November and December,
sharing the night with some of Dayton's finest artists, and introducing my acoustic show to a brand new
audience (thank you Mick!). A November article in the Dayton Daily News (writer Donald Thrasher) helped to
'get the word out' about this lil gal from Colorado. These new faces in the room, combined with my new
circle of 'Blues friends' here in Dayton, made for two successful shows at Canal Street Tavern.
Visit www.canalstreettavern.com.
Steady sales of '24 Months and 63 Days' have continued since my return from September's tour.
Recent reviews from Donald Thrasher, Dayton Daily News writer, have helped to increase local,
Dayton area interest both in the CD, and in my select area performances (thank you Don!).
This humble little disc was even included in the 'Top 25 Local CDs' by the Dayton Daily News in December of 2007.
For CD orders in the Dayton, Ohio area, please visit 'Boutique-Unique-Lady in Waiting'
located at 10 West Stroop, Kettering. For store hours and directions call 937-290-0520.
Or, for out of state orders, please visit www.littlemary.com and click on "CDs".
Performance Dates - DAYTON, OHIO (so far . . .) Thursday, March 13th, Gilly's Jazz. Dayton's home of Jazz and Blues for over 40 years!
Little Mary opens for National Touring- Alligator Recording Artist, Coco Montoya.
Doors open at 7:00pm. Little Mary performs from 8:00pm until 8:30pm ONLY! Coco Montoya begins at 9:00pm.
For ticket info call 937-228-8414. Gillys is located at132 South Jefferson Street, corner of 5th and Jefferson, Downtown, Dayton.
Performance Dates