Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking

I'd been anxiously awaiting this TED talk, hoping that I would be able to write an insightful post that would get at the heart of the issues Amanda Palmer would undoubtedly raise. Instead, I cannot add much other than affirmation. Just watch. . .

and remember one thing. In answer to the question: "How do you make all these people pay for music?"

. . .the real answer is: 'I didn't make them; I asked them. And through the very act of asking people, I connected with them. And when you connect with them, people want to help you.

Art is a successful endeavour when it truly connects with an audience. That connection is not an easy feat, but with that connection comes success.

Welcome home, Jazz Gallery

I checked out the new home of the Jazz Gallery on Friday night. The Linda Oh Quartet made their first appearance in the new venue, which recently moved to 1160 Broadway at 27th Street from its original location on Hudson Street. (You can read a story about the space and it's recent move here.)

It was also my first chance to see Oh performing as a leader. (I know her work in bands lead by Joe Lovano and my client Dave Douglas.) The band was great and the space quickly seemed familiar, as if it had always been there.

If you're interested in adventurous jazz with the downtown aesthetic that the original space was known for, you'll find it alive and well at the new space. Definitely take my invitation to check out a performance there yourself.