Shifting Sands... and Brazil Wed @ St Julien

I am grateful and so happy each time I get involved in a creative project with relevance. Thurs night's Shifting Sands was one of those times. The performers were all inspired and touched by the subject and the setting. And I think everyone else was, too.

Creator of the show, Scott Kinnamon , is a delightful and intensely creative individual, responsible for the series "The Lab at Belmont" which combined creative media and brought together artists in unusual and inspired contexts. Thursday night, in Shifting Sands, Scott set the mood, by performing the musical opening with us, then led the way in a series of 9 readers who gave selections from the book. They ranged from CO Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll to three high school students from Denver School of the Arts.

Eric Moon and I created musical interludes and a sonic backdrop for the readings. Working with Eric is a joy. He always brings a high level of integrity and sensitivity to creating in the moment.

Looking ahead, Wed the 28th of October is Brazil night @ St Julien, 6:30-9:00.
Dexter Payne Quartet featuring Bill Kopper, Francisco Marques, Raoul Rossiter. Choro, samba, bossa, baiao - come listen and dance to Brasilian roots!

Wow - when have we had a fall like this? So dark and cold! Meanwhile, Thurs I will visit a really sad part of our American heritage... and a great book that captures the essence of it. Hope you will join me:

Shifting Sands: A Musical Evocation of To Kill a Mockingbird

Scott Kinnamon, Dexter Payne, Eric Moon and famous Denverites

Location:University of Colorado Denver, King Center Recital Hall

Time:7:00PM Thursday, October 22nd

Time to reflect... & Ginga Tonight!

Fall is "in the air". That's putting it mildly! Suddenly cold weather... and no work this week. OMG! What will I do with myself? Actually there is PLENTY of work to do - don't kid yourself. The fact is, I had to turn down a really great job opportunity to make room for a family trip - a pilgrimage of a sort - leaving tomorrow with my Dad and sister for a trip to his hometown in Missouri. Next week is another story. Nuff said.

If I write you here and it's not about my gigs, do I have to change the name of this blog? More importantly, should I cease and desist with mailing it out to those who have subscribed, taking precious space in your inbox? I value your feedback! Write me directly at or comment publicly on the blog

Meanwhile, tonight, my friends and cohorts hold forth at Dazzle: Ginga will be there for two sets at 7 and 9. I plan to be there, maybe even sit in for a choro or two. Ginga, Thurs Oct 15, 7 & 9pm @ Dazzle (9th&Lincoln, Den) with groove-master, Ken Walker, on bass. Dont miss it!

Keep summer alive in your heart

Thanks to those who came out last week to celebrate the last night of the season on the patio! I promised I would remind you about this week!

The Dexter Payne Quartet reappears at St Julien Hotel Tuesday, Oct 6, 6:30-9:30pm (Walnut&9th, Bldr) playing Brazilian choro, samba, baiao –

Everything you need to feel the warmth of the southern hemisphere as the weather outside celebrates our turn towards fall. Come samba by the fireplace! And pretend for a moment that we get to hear these sounds every week.

Imagine that - if we will it, it can be so!

Check this out - in addition to their amazing recreation of Brazilian choro (traditional jazz) from the early to mid 20th century, the quartet is mining the rich trove of northeast Brazil - "musica nordestina" to bring you baiao and other rhythms for dancing "foro". Say you cant samba? No worries - Foro translates literally to "for all". Consider it Cajun music from Brazil - and get out and shake a leg! Every time you hear this group we will be adding more infectious, irresistible musica nordestina !

Dexter also appears with Salem on FRI Oct 9, 9:30, @ Alma's Only Bistro in Alma, CO

Meanwhile there is a remarkable event taking place for the the second and final week in Denver Oct 7-10 at Crossroads Theater. The amazing singer Rene Marie is staging her first theatrical endeavour, the one-woman show "Slut Energy". I mention this not just because she is my friend, not just because I have had the honor of performing with her, but because Rene is one of the most evocative performers alive, let alone singers. She communicates with her audience at a level that is very rare. I will be there – and I encourage you to treat yourself to an evening that will be both memorable and moving. And probably inspiring!

See you soon,
Dexter

Autumn songs

With the earth turning the corner in its orbit and the sun less available there is a feeling in the air... many descriptive names for it, depending on your inclination. In this country it feels like "back to school" as many actually are. There is always lots to learn! Learning, and everything else goes better with less stress. So get the blood running, celebrate fall and by all means - relax! Good music is a secret ingredient for living fully. Aha! You are in luck!

THURS Oct 1 7:30-11 Outlook Hotel (28th St Frontage Rd @ Baseline)
Laurie Dameron (original/standard jazz & blues)

FRI Oct 2 3:30-7 Boulder Drafthouse (the old Redfish - 13th S of Spruce)
Bill Kopper, Dexter Payne, Raoul Rossiter (Brazilian!)

FRI Oct 2 10-1 Boulder Drafthouse (the old Redfish - 13th S of Spruce)
Todd Johnson's Salem (R&B/Latin/Hiphop fusion)

TUES Oct 6 6:30-9:30 St Julien Hotel
Dexter Payne Quartet (Brazilian wi Bill Kopper, Raoul Rossiter, Francisco Marques)
I will remind you about this!

See you there,
Dexter