I met Ian Coury last winter as he slipped through Denver, way under the radar. He was playing in a small venue many have never heard of. Well, you have, if you read my rambling emails.

He was playing at La Cour on the way to a gig at the NAMM show in LA. And as soon as she booked him, Janet, the owner of La Cour, sent me his link, "Have you ever heard of this kid?" I hadn't, but I listened and said, IM COMING! And I immediately thought "I want to play with this rapaz."

There was a handful of brasileiros and Brazil music fans there, and we had a great night listening to great music and meeting Ian, his Mom and his friends. We exchanged CDs, and they left the next day. End of story.

Apparently not! A good friend, Eva (aka CrestoneStar Productions) called me up awhile later and asked, "Have you ever heard of Ian Coury? Im thinking of booking him here...who should I get to back him up?"

The rest is about to be history. Buy tickets NOW and come to Broomfield Auditorium Friday, Oct 12. Write the last chapter for yourself!

As The World Turns was a tv soap opera in my youth. I confess to never watching it, thinking yes, the world always turns and there is always low-grade drama. Seems I take less for granted now, including the world turning. (No, I dont live on the flat side of the planet.) Lately it feels like a sensory experience - our little home in the universe turning upside down every single day!

Human soap opera aside - the season seems to be changing and it's abundantly clear nature doesn't stand still. Fall is in the air suddenly, lending urgency to a final weekend of outdoor music. Take advantage! 

And make a special note of my performance/conversation Sunday afternoon at Barr lake State Park: Passport to Everyday Race with Norma Johnson. It's an important and timely subject matter. Last few shows have been SRO and this one is open air! Check below and please REGISTER for this free event.

A lot of events and info I post and invite are for your pleasure. Your pleasure IS my benefit - that's how my life works and I like that, a lot.  But once in awhile, there is an event where just by showing up, you benefit the whole community.

Sunday afternoon is one of those times. It's not that I'm trying to raise money for a cause. The afternoon is entirely free of charge. But the internal reactions we have, the perspectives we open up, and the way we live our lives and the things we say to each other and ultimately the love we share... this is the stuff with potential to change our world for the better. Take the easy step. Come out Sunday. Even if you never come out for anything else, ever, come Sunday.

See you soon!
Dexter

SHEREFE OUTDOOR HOUSE CONCERT

September 28 @ 6:00 pm

Always special to hear Greek, Turkish, Balkan and Arabic music outdoors and dance in the grass, weather permitting (plan B indoors!)

At the home of Amy Biondo and Billy Bonk in S. Boulder, Sherefé presents a fine mix of Greek, Turkish, Balkan, and Arabic music in the backyard. Please bring a blanket to sit on (some chairs available).

And of course —> space for dancing!  Children warmly welcome!  No need to RSVP, just show up.

When: Friday Sept. 28th —  Potluck at 6:00pm, Music ~ 6:30-9:00 pm.

Where: The backyard, 711 Crescent Drive, Boulder, CO 80303

Who: James Hoskins (cello, gadulka, bouzouki, vocals), Jesse Manno (saz, bouzouki, laouto, oud, vocals), Brett Bowen (doumbeks, frame drums, and tupan), Julie Lancaster (vocals and accordion) and Dexter Payne (clarinets and sax)

Suggested Donation: $15, kids under 5 free. All proceeds go to the band.

Opa!  Hope to see you then!

Find out more »

Transforming the Bustop with Mmmwhah Ensemble

September 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Bustop

Mmmwhah Ensemble collaborates with a handful of ensembles and individuals to commemorate a metamorphosis at the site of one of Boulder's oldest businesses. The property is on the way to becoming affordable housing and a community art center on N Broadway.

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Passport to Everyday Race

September 30 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road 
Brighton, CO 80602 United States + Google Map

Must register

Poetic storytelling of Norma Johnson woven with music of Dexter Payne. It's a community conversation, about the role that race does play in our lives. Bring a picnic. Free event, REGISTRATION REQUESTED!  Complimentary bus ride available from Brighton City Hall AND State Park fees have been waived for the event, should you want to drive there directly.

Register here   or email: DEICouncil@comcast.net

• 1pm            Complimentary bus from Brighton City Hall
• 1-2pm        BYO picnic
• 2-3:30pm PASSPORT TO EVERYDAY RACE
• 3:30pm     Conversation and complimentary dessert.

PLEASE CLICK to REGISTER, so the Council and Park Service can anticipate numbers!

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Midday Music Meditation

October 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave 
Boulder, CO 80304 United States + Google Map

Don't hesitate, just come and simply be for one hour. You'll be glad. Once a month this group gathers to improvise music for your contemplative space. The time has come.

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Ian Coury with Dexter Payne Quintet

October 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Broomfield Auditorum Broomfield, CO United States + Google Map

Ian Coury is an amazing 16 year old mandolin (bandolim) player from Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. He will be in the US in October and coming to Colorado especially to perform with Dexter Payne Quintet.  Dont miss this concert. Reserve now!

Find out more »

Taiwan. I feel I have truly scratched the surface, mostly in one county. Yes, Im far from knowing this place and already completely amazed.

Driving will be a key to seeing the multiple facets, and so far driving in Taiwan can be pretty much characterized by turning the wrong way down a one lane alley. That's the feeling I have when I get behind the wheel - adventure doesnt begin to describe.

It's an unusual summer here - so far no typhoon, which in recent summers is a repeated event. So much so that the accelerated erosion is very evident everywhere in the subtropical mountain forests.

Not done yet, and I have to sleep, but stay tuned!

Dexter