A little bit of sharing, and many more faces broken out into smiles.
This is the reason for my current smile.
And yes, Beatles is on the coming repertoire… I didn’t have this particular song on the list – but may change that. It’s a hit!
Enjoy,
Johanna
Earlier this year I attended the event of the year hosted by San Francisco Business Times – “The Book of the List Party”.
I was there with my friend Sandra Philips, branding and PR professional, and we were after having talked with various people, the exhibiting companies and enjoyed a little bit of the delicious food, standing catching up ourselves. Up to us comes a man wanting to talk, and asks how we are doing this evening. As a response when we are returning the question he says: “It is great. I have had a lot of exciting conversations”. Later on when I hear what his profession is I can’t help but smile – given that this event was slightly male dominated, I am sure he had a lot of “exciting conversations” – he was at the time launching a course for men learning how to come eight times in one evening.
He talks some about what he does, and then he turns the focus on us. “But I am curious – how is it for you both to be single in San Francisco?” Surprised I express “What makes you think that?” He continues: “Well, you know, it is not easy to find a great partner. You may meet someone who is considerate, successful, handsome, and tall – but can he dance?” Now I was even more surprised. I know I am easy to read (in my mind) – but THAT easy? He suddenly gained some points.
The question is: can he dance? How many of you is that important to? And what is the reason for dancing being important?
Johanna
What would life be without music? And more importantly, with live music. It’s like talking with someone you really like over Facebook, Email, Text, Phone – verses in person… SO much better.
I dropped by Sheba Lounge, in the jazz district on Fillmore Street last week. I wanted to catch the last set of Jesse Foster Trio with Jesse Foster on vocals, Grant Levin on piano and Pierre Archain on bass.
Jesse Foster is a singer, songwriter and percussionist extraordinaire, with an original composition and arranging style which conveys deep and personal messages through songs crossing a wide range of musical genres.
Although Jesse has worked with and been influenced by many renowned artists, he credits the body of works by master artists like Wes Montgomery, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, Nat “King” Cole and Miles Davis for having a profound impact on his concepts, musical direction and career.
Talking with Grant afterwards, he said: “I love playing with Jesse. He is the real deal. I love his artistry.” Grant himself is a humble great talent who in this case (below) manages to play perfectly on a piano that is out of tune – yes – you just gotta avoid certain keys… And Pierre, is a cheerful solid bass player.
I’d like to call them my guys. Jesse was my vocal coach for a period of time when I first moved to San Francisco. When hearing his students with whom I did the performance workshop at the time, today, I wish I had continued… Grant is my pianist. It’s so new, so it is even a little unreal to write it – but I have a pianist! 🙂 And he is awesome! And Pierre – he played bass in the quartet that I performed with at what is now called… Tipsy Pigg! Yes, it was a music bar/restaurant at the time on Chestnut in the Marina. Today, it is mostly tipsy…
Anyway. Here is cheers for the real deal, and for Jesse Foster and musicians, bringing the live jazz back to Lower Haight in San Francisco! (See below!) What a…. LOVELY DAY!
Enjoy,
Johanna
And yes – the recording is very dark. You gotta come and visit live!
Bi-monthly Jazz sessions at Two Jacks Niks Place – 401 Haight and Webster.
7pm – 9.30pm: Jesse Foster trio with Grant Levin on keys Adam Gay on bass and Mark Lee on drums – and guest artists of accomplished musicians from the Bay Area.
This morning, I was talking to the world. And the world started talking back to me.
Both of us were lonely, a little angry. Both of us looking for a friend.
We were saying how we’d never be alone again.
All I heard was two little words: love, me. Love, me. Love, me.
And that the end of the note, that I wrote to the world:
Can you here me? Are you listening?
Love me.
These are the first lines from one song on the U.S. debut by Swedish singer Anna Bergendahl. On the record label Decca Records website you can read: (more…)
Love is Everywhere. Love is Equal. Does equal marriage even need to be a question?
Celebrate love. Don’t ban it. Do like Sweden, and raise the flags for all celebrations of love – gender neutral.
During the weeks leading up to Pride Stockholm you can see rainbow flags flying from the flagpoles that line the water in front of the royal castle. (more…)
The Invitation
It doesn’t interest me
what you do for a living.
I want to know
what you ache for
and if you dare to dream
of meeting your heart’s longing.It doesn’t interest me
how old you are.
I want to know (more…)
There is a hidden gem in San Francisco called Jazz in the Basement. That’s what it is. And it’s the best jazz, in a very intimate setting, and with a very friendly ambiance. The singer Jesse Foster and his wife Michele host one concert every month with top notch musicians.
Just about a year ago in conversation with the pianist, we started talking about Swedish music – there was this one tune he knew… I sent him something else to listen to… and one thing led to another. (more…)
When I started this blog some 3-4 years ago, I did it because I had an urge to write – although I didn’t quite know about exactly what. Initially I just wrote from my heart and posted, quickly looking to see if it got any hits at all. If someone was reading. Curiously hiding behind the screen.
I got a push to make it public within a week of start by a coach friend of mine. So I did. (more…)
November 10, Saturday morning in San Francisco. The weather temperature changed from 27 degrees Celsius earlier this week, to 12 degrees right now. I woke up early, put on the largest and warmest sweater I have, soft pants and socks, and started to clean up and fiddle around – clean the light holders in the window… while singing Christmas Carols. “Oh ye be faithful…” to be more precise.
Mm… hot tea, nice breakfast – let me play that song on youtube… And this is what I found. (more…)
Friday, Oct 25, 5.06pm. iPhone reactivated, restored and functioning. With data as of October 23, noon.
Dear Apple: I love you. Your product features are unbeatable, and your service outstanding. Getting a new SIM card and SIM card holder and a functioning phone same day, was fantastic.
Police Department of San Francisco: you did an amazing job, thank you for finding the thief and for driving me till the bitter end…
Dimitri: thank you for calling the cop and for pulling up “Find iPhone” on your Sportique store computer.
Anna Sandgren, E. Denise Johnson, Roger Francisco and team: having a team that know what they are doing and if not, create from what is, is fantastic. I’m glad I could join the photo shoot in the end.
Denise, Tatiana, Agatha and Valencia – you looked beautiful. Especially in those LLXLLQ shoes 😉 You are such pro’s – an honor to work with you! The Michael Boris and GreenBlackDress clothing was a very nice, classy and classic complement as well.
SFMTA – you only did your job – but you better accept my citation protest for the $501 car tow fee and $83 parking ticket, due to me being stuck at the police department processing the claim.
Lessons learned:
1. No matter time and location: don’t walk with valuable things in your hand that can be easily taken away from you.
2. If someone robs you – it is worth running after and screaming – other people will help.
3. The iPhone app “Find iPhone” is outstanding. Having the police on the phone and being able to tell them the exact corner where the phone is located helped track down the thief.
4. The back seats of Police cars ain’t made for comfort – you don’t want to sit there.
5. And finally – it is true what they say: Ladybugs brings you luck. This was my screen “savior”.
If my letter to the 14 year old boy, who stole the iPhone from my hand when I was standing on the street looking for a store, impacts him in a positive way sooner or later – then this was all worth it. That is my last wish to this ladybug before I change the screen saver.
Yesterday was quite a day – from beginning to end. It ended well, and I’m glad it is over.
Enjoy the weekend all. Keep dancing in the moment!
Johanna
Like what you read? Please leave some love for this blog at ExpatsBlog.com
San Francisco Musician and Composer
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- where it all comes together...
Creating Great Days!
definition of GRIT: firmness of mind or spirit
From the heart of Silicon Valley
Phil Sanderson
WordPress Music Theme
a community for VR developers and enthusiasts
Loving Life Blog 
Recent Comments