This began when I saw the Sarah Bush Dance Project perform “Reach” at the Cascade at Joaquin Miller Park accompanied by The Anita Lofton Project. You can see some of the dance performance here - https://youtu.be/-eBLGMaiFEQ You can see the video of the song I Wanna Live Forever here - https://youtu.be/frPBgTMPczk Zhalisa Clarke is the violinist for The Anita Lofton Project. The following weekend, I attended a live performance at The Rio in the city. I have never seen a musician become one with an instrument until I saw Zhalisa play that evening.  

Next, while looking for a video of All of Me by John Legend, I came across this version with Lindsey Stirling - https://youtu.be/xwsYvBYZcx4?list=PLQJig0K78V7jdodRVl2RnvDi_pafWqj9m Oh my! Lindsay's North American tour starts soon and yes, I will be attending at least one performance... at the Fox Theater.

Then, I attended a performance at Freight and Salvage - Lisa Koch, Vickie Shaw, & Roxanna Ward w/ special guest Barbara Higbie. I have known Lisa Koch for over thirty years and even lived in her spare room for a bit in Pittsburgh, PA. So I was attending the event for the comedy not necessarily the music, though I did have high expectations. While this performance was years ago.... it shows Barbara's skill, versatility and love for the violin - https://youtu.be/hW4cvFs0Ue8 It's also some kinda wonderful to see the old Freight and Salvage. I already have my tickets for Barbara's solo performance at the Freight in October.

Finally, I attended Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI. Specifically to see Alabama Shakes and that was mind blowingly incredible. And, interesting... the studio version of the song Guess Who has a violin. Here's a live version of the song - https://youtu.be/T42VSsdEOY8 

The following day, we saw The Indigo Girls and yep, another female violinist. This time Lyris Hung. A favorite Indigo Girls song, not one I saw performed at Summerfest, but one with Lyris - https://youtu.be/GZDjP7-6U9w 

I am absolutely open for what's next musically!