I <3 Seattle. I really wish I had more days there...

I rolled in from Vancouver in the late afternoon, definitely pressed for time to get to my show. Normal... I stayed in Bellevue with my friend Arash. Quickly ran in, got dressed, made up, drove off to Enlighten Cafe in the Ballard section of Seattle. I had absolutely NO idea what to expect.

I was happy and relieved to see all the equipment was already set up. All I had to do was start playing. One problem. There were 5 people in the (large) cafe: one girl studying up front, a couple talking behind her, and 2 girls reading all the way in the back. Immediately after I started playing, the front 3 people got up and left. I found myself left with a choice - Either let this get really awkward, or make the best of it. After I finished a song, in an attempt to save the small audience that remained, I called to the girls in the back of the room.... "So...! You go to school here?...!" They shouted back, "No...! I'm from Denver and she's from Minnesota...! Just visiting...!"

So, we were in this together. I continued singing and we enjoyed some clever banter. Thai, who was running the cafe, was also a lot of fun. I kept playing songs and more people started coming and going. Before long, Jenny, a girl I had not seen since 8th grade, walked in with two friends of hers. We connected recently on Facebook, and it was so cool to see that re-connect take place physically so soon. She now lives in Renton, WA and is one of the select few, yet awesome people I know in this area.

Soon thereafter, the other two people I know in the area, Kai and Susan strolled in. I met them a couple years back when Shawn invited me as a plus one to a wedding in Ashland, OR. We all hung out at the wedding, and thankfully stayed "in touch" on good ol' FB. I was so jazzed to see them again. Kai's band, The Bucharest Drinking Team, had a show that day and they were going to be headed to the after-party. I really appreciate that they took the time to come out to the show with all the other stuff they had going on. The show went great! AND Kai and Susan invited me to the party :)

This party was unlike any party I'd ever been to. Definitely a huge highlight of the trip! As the name suggests, the Bucharest Drinking Team is a band of Balkan musicians. I have very limited experience with this genre, but these folks were super cool! There were tons of instruments being passed around - some, I still don't know the name of. Thus began an epic Balkan jam session complete with drink, boisterous dance, bountiful accordions, and many gemini birthdays to celebrate.

Amy Denio was there.

I didn't know of her, but she caught my attention several times with her incredible clarinet and accordion playing. I learned she's quite prominent in this area. She hypnotized us all with a solo accordion/vocal piece she composed. Very cool lady! Another honorable mention of the night goes to the girls singing songs from the country of Georgia. I wish I had links to these songs to share. I hope to soon. Absolutely amazing and beautiful music.

Well, I mostly hummed along and shared playing of the castanets and tambourine until a gentleman named Peter introduced me to the group. I shared a couple of multicultural pieces and finally felt initiated into this wonderful family. Soon, we dove into American music and went for hours and hours. I left after 3am and I know many of them were still going strong. Brilliant night. Absolutely brilliant!

That night taught me the joy of jamming. It also taught me I am getting old. I was completely wiped out the next day. I took 3 naps and finally felt human again around 8pm.

Arash and I shared several meals, including one at this fine establishment.

We also went to see Hangover Part II. If you haven't seen it yet, it's just like the first movie, just as shocking, and seriously, JUST like the first movie. Arash is a great friend. I'm so grateful for the time we had to catch up and for all the hospitality he showed me during my time there. They don't make 'em like Arash anymore.

I went and got coffee with Jenny, too. We had a nice catching up. I don't know how many opportunities I'll have to reconnect with someone I haven't seen since childhood. This was definitely a very cool coffee date. In fact, I found we have a lot in common! If only we lived in the same state... Regardless, I'm happy for where she's headed and to have her as a Washington amiga.

I wanted to perform more, of course, so I hit up some open mics. First: Bad Monkey Bistro. It was nice, but not too many people, so I got to perform 2 sets (total of 6 songs...) It was a good place to get some video, so I did some of that. A guy named Nick approached me and told me of some other things going on that night. I took his suggestion of Seamonster Lounge in the Wallingford area. AWESOME venue! I loved the quirky way it was set up. It was also full of people who totally rock. I had a great time playing for them and meeting new folks there.

And that was my last night in Seattle. Started with a bang and went out with a bang! I still feel the need to get back there... and I guess that is the whole point of this trip: to eventually go back. :)

The next night was scheduled for Tacoma, but that fell through. The venue had to close for refurbishment. Although unplanned, I couldn't deny I was more than happy to leave for Portland a day early. I'll save that story for another time, but yeah.... <3 Portland <3...