DiGiTaL OvErDoSe Musical Productions: Home

I am so sick and tired today. I am tired of working my job and not doing my music full time. I am sick and tired of passive, inactive people who won't even vote on line to support an artist me. I am sick and tired and being measured by my breast size, color and age and not my talent. I am sick and tired of not making the money I deserve and struggling like a dog in spite of the fact that I work like one. I am sick and tired of phony people who act one way one day and another way the next day. I am sick of reaching out to people, trying to build friendships and having them act like they are doing me a favor. I am sick and tired of millions of people making the dancing cat an internet sensation on Youtube, while videos of substance like 9/11 or Ignorance Is Bliss about the genocide in Rawanda barely get viewed. I am sick and tired of scanning my Facebook page for meaningful connection only to find a series of self serving, unconnected, random thoughts, shout outs and periodic comments about insignificant nonsense. I am sick and tired of having to be politically correct so I don't offend anyone with what I say or how I act. I am sick and tired not being able to meet a strong, successful, confident, funny, single, honest, sensitive, chivalrous, attractive man who is interested in dating and courageous enough to get out from behind the computer and say hello like a real person in person. I am sick and tired of feeling like I have to "dumb it down" to be accepted and appear non threatening to certain people. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired, but I will not be moved. I promise myself to continue to be me in all my brightness and blackness. I will continue to strive to be the best I can every day and speak my truth. I will continue to make my music not for the masses but for the one who heard "Sane" at a recent show and cried because he finally felt like someone understood him.I will continue to look in the mirror at my Hershey chocolate skin, my thick hips, my kinky hair, my curved lips and tell myself " I am beautiful and worthy of everything I seek. I am a child of God and perfect just as I am. I will remind myself that I path I chose is less traveled and it is lonely at the top. I will continue to thank God for each day as a gift and a new opportunity to be better than my best. I promise to remember that even when it seems that I am alone, I am not. As in the poem "Footprints", Jesus carries me when my load is heaviest. I will not be moved. I promise myself that I will not wear my heart on my sleeve, but as a badge of honor on my chest to share and be shared with. Peace, love and hairgrease.

Better late than never. This is what happens when you don't have staff of writers yet. I recently had the pleasure of performing at Derby Day in Derby Connecticut on Saturday, June 26th, thanks to our recent affiliation with the Valley Arts Council. I must admit, I was a little apprehensive. I had never done a street festival in Derby and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a beautiful day. The ride from my house was effortless and I found parking a few feet away from the entrance. I planned to bring jewelry and CD's and my drum, but I ended up leaving everything in the car except for my Street Performing Case (This is a big travel tote on wheels with a pull up handle that I can put my Street Cube and other stuff. It is large enough for me to have put my jewelry, CD's and drum, but I did not prepare my case in advance. (Remember the importance of preparing in advance. This way you don't forget things.) With a deep breath, my son and his friend and an open heart, off I went to play my heart out. My partner in crime, Moonshine Kellie and I set up at the entrance of the Derby Green under a nice big tree in what appeared to be the children's area. There were lots of games, activities and people. The first songs are always the roughest as you get your sound and feel correct. As we were setting up, a 4 piece "barber shop" style band came over and proceeded to play a song. I am sure the expression on my face said everything and one of the members assured me that they would only play one song. As we played people stopped to listen, sat down and chilled and the people in the tent next to us encouraged us to keep playing. Some people put money in the tip basket. After an hour or so, we moved on to the next spot right on the street in between The Hill Health Center tent and a toy tent. The vibe was great! People stopped, tipped and applauded. I was feeling the love and the kids were having a ball. The music flowing onto the street, and latched on like a soundtrack to the sights and sounds of kids playing, families walking together, merchants hawking their wares and scents of various foods dancing in the air. I was at home. I felt like I was in NYC. People got it. Unlike a lot of cities in CT, people in Derby seemed to fully embrace and understand the Street Performer and the natural thing to do was to listen, applaud and tip. Simple and fabulous. Its amazing how some of the biggest ideas can come out of the smallest towns. Thanks Derby CT. and everyone at The Valley Arts Council!