Welcome Joe Holt, Jr

Some months ago, (my son) Joe, Jr. came back to Maryland, and walked into a part-time job (in addition to his full-time job at Acme that he acquired soon thereafter) as my PR rep. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as opportunities are coinciding with the place I've reached as a performing artist. I'm very optimistic about continued growth in both realms. And now, what has eluded me to this point: someone to represent me who can catch the vision as I see it (including the tint of the rose colored glasses), and can walk the path with me, has shown up in my own DNA. Glad to have Joe back in Chestertown, and on board the Joe Holt's Notes express. To everything there is a season ...

A Return to the Mainstay

On Saturday, November 19, I'm looking forward to a return to the Mainstay, in Rock, Hall, MD for a solo performance of "Happiness ... A Thing Called Stride". This concert will be similar in scope to the Tri-State Jazz Society event back in Feb, that provoked the review posted earlier in this blog. The Mainstay is an Eastern Shore treasure, in a "who'd have thunk it" location for it's eclectic, frequent, and well supported programming. I'm pleased to be in the company of performers who occupy the Mainstay stage. It helps that the director/founder likes me:
Joe Holt can be called a "piano man" in the tradition of the great single acts of the piano world....While he focuses on the stride tradition, his range is great.....Joe Holt is fine; to see, to listen to, and experience. I am deeply impressed. Tom McHugh
If you're in the neighborhood, please consider setting aside the evening to come and share in the happy music (and stuff). While you're at it, pass the word around, get a little buzz going, and let's fill the Mainstay! Hope to see you!

A New Steady for Shore Jazz, and more

Almost when we weren't paying attention (so to speak), the newly minted "Shore Jazz (instrumental) Trio" began to hit stride. Coinciding with John Ewart pushing out on his clarinet (in addition to his alto and tenor sax), "Shore Jazz" has attracted new fans, virtually every week. Both at Beseme', in Lewes DE, on Saturday nights, and (our new venue) The Big Pickle Food Bar, in St Michaels, MD, on Fridays, regulars return, and unsuspecting newcomers are drawn in. The vibe is distinct at each venue, which makes it fun. Now, a potential next level thing, as we have booked a show at the Night Cat in Easton, MD on December 2nd, with a new CD release in progress. Follow Shore Jazz on Facebook, and we'll see where it all takes us.

3 New Performance Venues in 2012 (so far)

This is truly an exciting time. I can say that for many reasons, highest among them (relating to my career) is the now consistently open "portal of connection" whenever I sit down to play. Striving to grow artistically is always the goal of one who is serious. Related to that is the whole needing to make a living thing; a motivator to find opportunities to connect with new listeners (fans - funny word), and share the deepened connection with those already on board. This is where (unlike many artist types) capitalism actually works for me. I've come to an understanding that a deepened connection when playing/performing becomes that which others experience along with me, and positions the snowball at the top of the hill. A version of "My Word shall not return to me void, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent". As the snowball now begins (it seems) to accelerate down the hill, many things are happening at once. Important among them are the acquisition of new performance venues for my 2 solo piano concerts/shows: "Spontaneous Joy", and "Happiness ... A Thing Called Stride". In addition to upcoming performances on the schedule at (among others) The Mainstay, Prince Theatre, and St. Margarets Church, 3 new venues (so far) have found their way to the 2012 calendar: 49 West, Annapolis, MD on January 15th, Germano's Cabaret, Baltimore, MD on March 9th, and St. Paul's CoffeeHouse, Centerville, MD on May 11th. Look for these, and other dates to be reflected on my website schedule soon.