Well, just got back home from work.  I was going to go to Guitar Center to figure out what I want to purchase next - a 5-string bass for a project that will hopefully take off for Chicago Dance Crash in 2010, a portable recording device for song ideas/shows, harmonicas, and/or...all?  Dunno.  However, after standing outside for a few minutes waiting for a train (and realzing that I didn't have a gig bag for said bass IF I purchased it today) and knowing that I had an acoustic guitar on my back, I thought the wisest thing to do would be to go home to, at least, drop off the acoustic.  I KNEW that it would be tempting to just stay inside.  But, I MAY have the courage to go back out there in a bit.  We shall see.

Regardless, I did state that I was going back to Uncommon Ground on Devon again this evening to see a fellow friend and musician, Jeff Brown, play this evening.  I do believe that Jen Porter may be playing at the Underground Wonder Bar for a LATE LATE set tonight as well.  Still have YET to get her a copy of my latest CD (makes sense...considering that she's on half of the damn thing!  :O :D)  Found out last night at UG Devon that one of the servers (Whitney, I believe?  Dunno) is playing the first set at tonight's UG Devon show.  So, small world.  I am excited (despite the bitter cold.)  Speaking of UG Devon,

I had the utmost privilege to play with Kat Fitzgerald who joined me, once again, on percussion.  She just posted a note about last night's show.  Therefore, I felt compelled to do the same.  The show was a lot of fun and, yes, energetic.  The latter was good considering that I had just arisen from a LOOONG nap at home beforehand.  See, the thing is, I've been feeling perpetually tired lately (despite Kat's note of "endless energy.")  From what I can gather (to paraphrase/steal from Kiefer Sutherland re: tapings of "24,") the one thing that I have learned in the past year or so is...how to conserve energy.  I know, I know.  You may be reading this stating, "conserve energy?  HA!"  And, sometimes (if not, most of the time, I'll agree with you.)  However, it's the other moments that I have to refute the accusation.  Seriously. 

I LOVE my life and I LOVE the fact that music fuels my living: artistically, FINANCIALLY (not everyone can say that,) and spiritually.  However, even though one may solely be performing, I have to state that it can drain you.  I don't mean that in a negative way.  However, one must replenish if one is constantly "on the go."  So, even at moments where I may have gotten "a full night's sleep" (which I have never really wrapped my brain, body and soul around said concept,) I still feel lethargic.  Well, the bottom line is, I have to give myself credit and state that: I ... AM ... BUSY.  Which, in this season, state, time and in this economy...is a GREAT thing.  And I feel and am truly grateful, thankful and blessed for that (need to state that to the Universe.)

So, when I have moments like I had on stage last night with Kat at UG Devon, it is truly anl experience when you can lose yourself and replenish yourself artistically, mentally and spiritually in the music.  As Kat stated to me last night, "it took me a while to get into it."   Same here.  Started off VERY low-key.  But, at one point (and this has happened the last 2 or 3 times that Kat and I have played together,) I completely lost track of where I was at and just "got into it."  So, if that's my "caffeine in my veins" (amongst the ENORMOUS amounts of caffeine and minimal amounts...yes, MINIMAL amounts, of nicotine,) so be it.  I would and want to keep this great profession, art form and gift.  Yet, I give it away EVERY time I perform.  THAT'S how I know that it's ok to have and to keep my music.  The old adage: "You have to give it away to keep it."

So, time and time again, amidst all of my whinings and my poutings (whether it be the Holiday season or not,) I have to take a step back, look at the big picture and realize, "I am one of the luckiest sons-of-bitches on Earth.  Truly, I am."  And, as you read this note, I HAVE to count you in as one of the key elements that make my life as wonderful as it is.   Without my friends, colleagues, family, fans, ALL people, I wouldn't have the inspiration or the job that I have.  For that, I thank you!

WHATEVER you may be celebrating, here's wishing you and yours a beautiful and wonderful Holiday season.  As Diana Lawrence said last night in the "best Xmas song...ever."

Happy "Chinese-and-a-movie" Day!  Diana, I LOVE that song.  It's been going through my head ALL day  :D  BTW, www.myspace.com/dianalawrence.

Peace, love and music,
David Kav

So, as I write this, I seriously do NOT know where 2008 went.
However, December is upon us...and there is a LOT going on to report
(truly, no days off for me until, at least, the 17th.  In my line of
business, that's a BEAUTIFUL thing.  :D)

For starters -

I've been asked to lend my vocals in a karaoke version of "Bohemian
Rhapsody" (no joke) in:
Chicago Dance Crash's FINAL show for 2008
"Kyle Kills The Radio Stars" which opens
THIS FRIDAY at
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL.
Showtimes: Fri. and Sat. evenings Dec. 5th through 13th @ 8 pm
Tickets: $15 with advanced reservation, $18 at the door.
For tics: 312-337-6543
For info: www.chicagodancecrash.com
(Yeah, good times.  Looking forward to this production!)

ANOTHER SHOW AT UNCOMMON GROUND!  This time...

it's the Devon location.  I am, once again, going to be accompanied
by Kat Fitzgerald on percussion.  We are providing the opening set for
the main act that evening: Diana Lawrence (Since the recording on Nov.
25th didn't quite come out right, we'll be recording THIS show...and
we WILL get it right!  :O

SUN. DEC. 14th, 2008
UNCOMMON GROUND
(w/Diana Lawrence:  www.myspace.com/dianalawrence)
1401 W. DEVON AVE
CHICAGO, IL. 60660
773-465-9801
www.uncommonground.com
Showtime: 8 pm
Cover: $5 suggested donation
(So, if you've said to yourself, "I've been meaning to get to a show
and have not gotten around in doing so," THIS is the show to come to.
This is GUARANTEED to be a great time.  ;D)

Other than that, I did a taping for the CANTV show "Inner Rhythms"
last week!  It was an hour long show of my music.  It was a
low-budget, no-bones, bare-minimum great time!  Many, many thanks to
AndSte (the host) for that wonderful opportunity.  The show is set to
be aired in January 2009.  Stay tuned for more info on show dates re:
Inner Rhythms.

OTHER DECEMBER 2008 GIGS (beside the aforementioned:)

WineStyles
Thurs. Dec. 11th, 2008
Thurs. Dec. 18th, 2008
1240 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60605
773-431-9999
Showtime: 6 to 8 pm (during their FREE WINE TASTING!)
Cover: donations suggested
www.winestyles.net/southloop (new web site..take note)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 2008
Palmer House Hilton - http://chicagodance.com
Chicago Dance Christmas Gala - 1:00 pm
17 E. Monroe
Chicago, IL 60603
USA
312-337-9503
Price: $95
Providing live music for Chicago Dance's Christmas Gala!  As the
event unfolds, I'll provide more details.  Many thanks to Jennifer
Gage, Gregory Day and Tommye Giacchino for this incredible
opportunity.  Music by myself and Jennifer Lazarz.  More at
www.chicagodance.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19th, 2008
TRADER TODD'S
3216 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60657
773-348-3250
www.tradertodd.com
Showtime: 5 to 8 pm (for their shrimp boil and official toast to the
beautiful sunset of Key West, FL!)
Cover: donations, please.  :)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20th, 2008
The Green Olive
10:00 pm
13501 S. Avenue N
Chicago, IL 60633
USA
773-646-6200
Price: donations, please
Thanks, Joe and Marie Pope, for this great gig!  Looking forward to
rocking out just before Christmas!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27th, 2008
Seamus McGhee's Bar and Grill
9:00 pm
308 Canal St.
Lemont, IL 60439
USA
630-243-7647
Price: donations, please

Had SO MUCH FUN at the Seamus McGhee's gig this past Saturday!  Would
LOVE to bring the same crowd back!  MANY thanks to Mike Stannich for
the awesome times.  Looking forward to playing just before the New
Year!  :D

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your faith, love and
support in my music throughout 2008 and beyond!  Happy Holidays to you
and your loved ones!

Peace, love and music,
David Kav

Hey there!

It's been a while since I've left a post here.  So, I thought...since I have a LOT to write about, now's a better time than ever.  :)

So, on top of the fundraiser for Cindy Brandle Dance Co. that I am performing at this Sat. Nov. 1st with Gathering Moss and Cindy Brandle (more at www.cindybrandledance.com,) I am also playing at the Chicago Dance Crash's Black & White & Red Ball at The Spot on Sunday, November 9th.  BOTH are great causes to raise money for these dance companies respectively.  Please check out more re: CDC's fundraiser at www.chicagodancecrash.com.

There are also new videos up on YouTube courtesy of David and DiscoBoy Productions.  These are from a show that I played when I opened up for Daniel Spratt at Rockwell Lounge back in May 2008.  The one that I will try to post here is of an original song, "The Joke's On You."  This is currently NOT available on any of my albums.  However, I am considering it for a future recording. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuXOCL70YJU

I have yet to tell Greg this at The Fixx Coffee Bar (so, if you're reading this, sorry, Greg.)  However, due to a lack of time for preparation and publicity, I am cancelling the CD RELEASE PARTY (TAKE TWO) show at The Fixx.  Was hoping to get a HUGE PUSH for a band AND an audience for another CD Release party.  Therefore, I will re-schedule this show at a later time.  Please stay tuned.

Just recently, I spent a week in NYC for CMJ '08 - the annual Music and Film Fest.  I won two all access badges courtesy of www.ourstage.com (thanks to Jason Black..and a BIGGER thanks to www.justplainfolks.com.  Without you guys, I would've not discovered the former web site.  So, thank you to both web sites!)  Had a GREAT TIME!  Already homesick for "the city that never sleeps" (even though it is good to be back home in the Windy City.  ;D)  Along with seeing Manhattan, Times Square, NBC Universal (courtesy of Durrell...many thanks to you,) I saw a concert on Thursday that made my entire week an awesome one.

Upon signing up for CMJ '08's badge contest (which I totally didn't expect to win,) I knew that Juliana Hatfield would be performing this past week.  Once I saw this, I was totally psyched.  Truth be told, I haven't been on track with her extensive solo career over the past 10 years.  I remember the radio hits, "My Sister" and "Spin The Bottle."  BUT, I was totally floored with her intimate acoustic performance and her readings from her new autobiography "When I Grow Up."  My God!  The simplicity, the beauty, and the passion from both her book excerpts and from her music were undeniable.  I HAD to buy copies of both her book and her latest CD "How To Walk Away."  Waited in line for her to autograph both the aforementioned items.

Guys, I've only been starstruck by TWO people in my entire life (and both were women.  There - I've said it.)  The first woman was Julia Cameron whom I met when her book "floor sample" was released.  I was nervous as Hell when I approached her in line.  It was no different with Ms. Hatfield.  The difference between the two?  Ms. Hatfield looked at me and said, "hello again."  She remembered me from a panel that was held a day before called "How, Where and Why I Wrote That Song." (I think that was what it was called.  Not quite sure.)  THAT was completely surprising.  I'm definitely seeing her upcoming show in Chicago which (rumour has it) will be held on Dec. 2nd at Double Door! 

The BEST songs on her current album are "The Fact Remains," "Shining On," and the ever sexy "Just Lust."  The book is also unabashedly honest, depressing, and hooking.  I am loving the fact that I can read certain parts of it and say (even in the infancy of my career,) "yes, I can TOTALLY relate."

So, Juliana, if you happen to be reading this, I KNOW what you mean when you say (to paraphrase....'cause I haven't gotten to that part of the book yet...only remember what you read to us during your performance) that "if someone is kissing my ass, there must be something really wrong with this world."  It is not my intention to embarrass you.  Not in the slightest.  It is my intention, however, to state when a performer truly moves me with their honesty, their intelligence and their passion.  So, many, many thanks for a great show, a great book and for your great music.  Thank you for "keeping it real," per se.

Ok.  Quite enough for one reading.  As always, thank you for your love and support in my music.  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  Without you, I don't have a job.  I love my life, and I am truly grateful.

Peace, love and music,
David Kav

Hey guys!

Wanted to let you know of a couple of changes for the CD Release happening Sept. 13th:

a) It IS a 21 and over event.  Sorry to all of those who don't fit into this category.
b) The start time of this event has been pushed up to 9 pm.  That's when the Doors will "open."  Wanted to let you know of this ASAP.
c) Band change up for the evening:
10 pm - Stone Honey: www.myspace.com/stonehoney
11 pm - Daniel Spratt/March On Command:  www.myspace.com/danielspratt
12 am - POSSIBLE BAND HERE
1 am - David Kav and company.  :D

This will be a fun-filled night with music, booze, fun and friends!  Hope to see you all there! 

Peace, love and music,
David Kav
www.davidkav.com