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