Lady K from New Orleans

New Works and Work to do

ladymariak — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:14:58 +0000

Back from San Francisco, inspired and ready to work on new stuff, finish works in progress, and do more promo work.
I’m back with a new digital video camera, simple and easy to use to start blogging my process…both the good, the bad, and the ugly.
It is so hard to pay the rent and eat and buy art supplies, duh! I have sold some pieces this year and for that I am grateful and somewhat astonished!
My new plan is to make funky and pretty hair accessories to sell on etsy as another category outside of original art.
I have collected a ton, a very large quantity of stuff that will make unique items that people will love to buy. $5 to $10 purchases might just help me to keep my art addiction going strong:)

The Pressure is on Baby

ladymariak — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:30:35 +0000

Last night I took a break from my hibernation and walk to Buffa’s to get a world-class sandwich and a drink. I was surprised to see the same band I saw on Saturday night-the Jazz Vipers. Though there is only on person in the former band. Jack Fine quit three months ago and now has his own band. And the great rough voice of Jim? and sax player hasn’t been heard from in weeks. Like all bands, you can find a replacement, but if most of the original players aren’t with the band-the management most likely will cut you out.
Still, this new group put on amazing sets. I didn’t jump in to sing. I just wanted to kick back and listen.
Meanwhile, selling stuff on Ebay (what a pain in the ass!) and on craigslist to come up with rent and food.
Who knows? I may get to Seattle in August if I keep on kickin ass.

THE GODDESS SIGHS

ladymariak — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:08:24 +0000

Last night open mic at Buffa’s

ladymariak — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:38:01 +0000

Last night I walked one block from my apartment to join the Wednesday open mic at Buffa’s-one of the local favorites for food and drinks. I had no idea what to expect. I brought my music book-full of jazz charts and two decorative art pieces I was ready to sell for cheap. I needed money for cat food, toilet paper and coffee. The art pieces I have up on Etsy and hanging on the walls at Green Serene are happily waiting to be adoped. Meanwhile, I have to continue to get out there, sing and meet musicians.

It was really cool. At first there were only 2 people there. The bartender/pianist-DR and violinist Mia. The bar tender told me that no, he wasn’t going to play behind me and well, “This isn’t Karioke (sp?) so I would have to either sing accapella or try to play the piano. I’m not a pianist-I play a little-AT HOME. It worked out that a guitarist in the audience offered to back me on “Me and Bobbie McGee“. It was really fun. I’m enjoying getting out of my comfort zone of tradional jazz. Some really nice people from Canada bought my two Victorian fleur de lis paintings, I heard and met some great songwriters/musicians. One guy blew me away with his version of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin“, done soft and sultry. His nephew, in town from England, played a wicked Irish flute and bones. Wish I had written down their names.

Natasha Sanchez, aka Nattie, played her blue guitar and sang her very funny and cool songs. www.nattie-concepts.com.

A dear friend of mine, Justin, came over to hear me and brought his new, fancy i-phone. He videotaped the whole show. I want a copy, though I sort of dread seeing myself on video!

Home by 10:30pm with cat food and TP and inspiration to write more songs!

Desert Song

ladymariak — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:15:12 +0000

Desert Song

: Fire Hat

I composed this song in 2002, while working with Scott Stead, and the alternative circus group, Xeno, in San Francisco. I wrote this after attending Burning Man in 2002. While there I spent time grieving the loss of my parents and sister who died tragically in 1986.

It resurfaced recently for me when my dear friend’s daughter died suddenly.

My personal favorite shops and items on Etsy.com

ladymariak — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:32:44 +0000

There are so many talented people out there!
new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(8017652, ‘favorites’,'thumbnail’,4,5).renderIframe();

New Art Works by Maria Kramer

ladymariak — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:11:51 +0000

Now showing at Green Serene, in New Orleans.

2011 Picture of Maria Kramer

ladymariak — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:01:14 +0000

It has taken me a long time to get a new picture of me for the music biz. I’m wearing a hat made by New Orleans artist, Charles Bartley. My photographer is Marcus Burrell and we did the photoshoot in my living room/music studio. Marcus is one of my voice students and is a very talented photographer.

Lady K sings this Thursday

ladymariak — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:59:17 +0000

C’mon out this Thursday, December 9th, 7-9 where I will be singing for the Green Light District opening gala!

Green Serene
2041 Magazine Street
NOLA 70130
Special guest: John Rankin

Last night gig at Village Cafe

ladymariak — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:52:52 +0000

In terms of music: it went very well. The groove wasn’t really there but I got into it and had fun. At one point I noticed that the heel of my shoe was on the floor! I picked it up and started singing some totally made up blues song and the band joined in. That was probably the best song I did.

Most of my friends didn’t show and there was a group that saw my flyer that stayed the whole time.

I had hired a bass player some time back-didn’t know him and really wondered if he was good or for that matter a true jazz player. Well, when he walked in I was shocked. I have heard him play with different bands over the last 3 years and he is awesome.

Jack Fine was a little late showing up-he was stuck in traffic coming over the Mississippi Bridge. Then he was upset that the cafe didn’t serve alchohol…so he left to go get some booze to put in his coffee. For those who don’t know him, he is an icon in the jazz scene….80 + young, amazing trumpet player and a friend of mine. 8 months ago he had emergency heart surgery and it took him some time before he could play again. For the last 4 months he has been playing gigs almost every night. Starting today he has to prepare for surgery another surgery on Monday. He says, but doesn’t specify, that the news from his doctor is not good.

I have to stay on this path of getting out there and getting gigs. I hope Jack will be alright.

Forgot my camera and recorder last night.