It's been 7 weeks since I wrote this little newsletter of mine, the break did me well! As I ametta writing I am listening to www.KCSM.org 91.1 radio to their tribute of the Great Etta James and Johnny Oits! It is hard sometimes to express what the music means, as it is so much a part of my soul, so having this experience this afternoon listening has blessed me and has made me feel so grateful that I can appreciate truly soulful music.

Thank you KCSM so much for doing this - I have truly been inspired by the music and the stories! My deepest appreciation for the work of Melanie Berzon, Chuy Varela and all the other radio hosts who bring the music in such a real, tangible and visceral ways.... I have had moments of chills throughout your show.... thank you! Please support these stations, www.KCSM.org, www.KPFA.org, www.KPOO.com - they are truly so valuable!

Since last writing, Jazz at Georges at Georges Nightclub in San Rafael has taken off with superlative performances by Roberta Donnay and the Marcus Shelby Quartet! Coming up on horvath herbieThursday February 2, you can see an encore performance of Peter Horvath plays Herbie Hancock! I saw him do this show through the SFJAZZ Hotplate Series and it was absolutely electric! He is featuring Ray Obiedo on Guitar, Marc Van Wageningen on Bass, Brian Collier on Drums, Norbert Stachel (direct from NYC) on Saxophone and of course Peter on Piano! Do check this show out - these are the shows I live for - pure magic! Check this video out to catch a bit of what you will hear and see!

Also at Georges, the last Thursday of every month is SALSA and this Thursday January 26 will feature the exciting Rumbache! Open Dance Floor! Great Sound! Come out - this is a lovely venue and perfect for dancing!

I am also incredibly excited to be partnering with Casa Sanchez, in the heart of the Mission at csumplogo24th and York to bring LIVE MUSIC every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 - 9pm - for only $5 starting this Friday January 27 with the Adam Theis (of Jazz Mafia) Trio and on Saturday Jan 28 the John Calloway Trio and on Sunday Jan 29 Brian Andres and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel Quintet! To Read More Click Here - and to View ALL Links

This week has many musical surprises in store for all of you! I am thrilled to present for two nights at Yoshis San Francisco, Women of Jazz Celebrate the Holidays featuring on Monday December 12, Roberta Donnay Jass Ensemble - attributing the women of jass of the 1920s and '30s and CHELLE! and Friends ringing in the spirit of New Orleans with 4-part harmonies, horns and rhythms! The next night, Tuesday December 13th, I will present the incredible Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio - aka - Harpist from the Hood - and Pianist Victoria Theodore -playing with Stevie Wonder since 2007. These two shows promise to be soulfully spirited and a true celebration of the holidays and the beautiful women in our lives we get to enjoy! I have a chance to win tickets so see details below!

Saturday night, the effervescent Quijerema is at Red Poppy Art House - featuring Quique Cruz, Maria Acuna, Jeremy Allen, Henry Hung and John Calloway - this is an amazing folkloric group that threads jazz through every note...CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTIRE NEWSLETTER

I took a little time off from the newsletter, as you will learn in this newsletter I have been quite busy! I am happy to back to share fantastic music with you all! Urban Music Presents has some tremendous shows happening throughout the month of December starting with this Tuesday at Yoshi's Oakland with The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, "Carolizing Christmas" featuring Marco Casasola, Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley! No one can deliver the spirit of the holidays like Miss Faye! I have a chance to win tickets below, so see details!

Other extraordinary shows this week also at Yoshi's - in San Francisco the Legendary Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, celebrating his 75th Birthday! Mr. Palmieri is a not to miss artist - he goes on my list of the true greats of our time! Lucky for you I have a chance to win tickets so see below for details!

Over at Yoshi's Oakland, a truly phenomenal R&B and Jazz vocalist, Lalah Hathaway! What a treat for us as she granted Urban Music Presents an interview with Dr. Wes Watkins! I have excerpt below along with a change to win tickets... To read entire interview please click here! CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTIRE NEWSLETTER

Some Urban Music news to report. The Best of Roots series has canceled at the Berkeley Art House due to licensing issues... but the fabulous news I have been asked to present a JAZZ series and some one off shows at the beautiful venue George's Nightclub in San Rafael! This is state of the art venue, amazing sound, good food and a great vibe. I have started booking my shows which will begin in December, so be sure to check out my calendar listings and thanks George's for believing in my work!

Well the world is moving in force since the last time I wrote and I just want to send a SHOUT OUT to the OCCUPIERS and thank you for your determination and integrity to move on your beliefs! I have been attending, not as much as I would like, but every time I am amazed, my spirit lifted and I FULLY 100% believe we are going in the right direction. Perhaps the high unemployment is giving people time to really think and to respond to what is incredibly unfair and now have time to do something. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTIRE NEWSLETTER - CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE JAZZ MAFIA SYMPHONY, OMAR SOSA, 4TH ANNUAL INT'L BODY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND MORE!

Loving the Fall tinge in the air and have so much to share with you on the musical front. Many of you know my dear friend, saxophonist Dayna Stephens is in need of a kidney transplant.

Last July 4, the Bay Area Jazz community came together to raise funds to offset the anti-rejection medications he will need once the transplant takes place. Recently, Dayna had a set back and it has become apparent that the need for a kidney organ donation sooner than later is what is really needed. While Dayna is now out of the hospital, and playing music - in fact he will have two CD's coming out in 2012, he and his close friends have learned how his system is extremely vulnerable and why the waiting is risky, so we are organizing to try to minimize what has been estimated as a 10 year wait, we hope to cut this time by half- already 2 years have passed, with each day 13 hours of dialysis just to get to the next day, all the while playing amazing music and being a great friend!

While Dayna was in the hospital I reached out to his East Coast friends and community and I was told about the Jazz Foundation. This is an incredible organization that is saving Jazz and Blues...one musician at a time. They have allowed us to receive donations through them in the name of Dayna Stephens to ensure his health services are not interrupted and 100% of the donations will go directly to his medical and living bills as he journeys the path to full health! I would like to share with you a video that his friend Taylor Eigsti produced with a few messages from the people who love and support him. Should you find it in your heart to donate some funds to assist with medications or to get tested for possible kidney donation please click visit www.helpdaynastephens.org to learn more about Dayna and how you can help. From the bottom of my heart thank you to all who have stepped up to help and truly thank you to the Jazz Foundation for caring for the musical community in their toughest times of need. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTIRE NEWSLETTER - CHANCE TO WIN MANY TICKETS!