Betsy Stern: Blog

Just arrived in windy and warm Wichita, and everything else arrived too...the suitcases, guitar, dobro, and the Frenchman. So glad it all went smoothly. Driving to Missouri tomorrow for the first concert and very much looking forward to it.

Summer is coming to a close and it's sure been busy. I got through it, despite having torn the ligaments and tendons in my left ring finger (oh, and I dislocated it too), but I kept on gigging. I'm out of the splint and the more playing the better!

I'm off next week to LA to play two gigs at The Children's Museum at La Habra, a place I love, and then leave in early September to meet Pierre in Kansas. We'll be in Kansas and Missouri for five days playing several gigs. He's staying on for the Walnut Valley Festival, which I have to miss because I'm booked out here, but I hear it's a fantastic festival! I'm really looking forward to our gigs on the tour, as we are adding a ton of new repertoire.

We're having a pretty foggy summer here in San Francisco, but I don't mind. I'm hearing such awful tales of heat waves elsewhere and hope that those come to an abrupt end for those of you in those areas.

Fall is very busy and I'm booking more gigs into summer 2011 right now. I'm hoping to get back to France in between, perhaps at the end of the year.

I'm due to fly out Sunday if the volcano is calm and the flights are a go. This trip is really fantastic and I've worked a lot with Pierre on recordings and videos for Betsy and the Frenchman/men (depending on the configuration). I have a lot of events lined up when I return to California and then Betsy & the Frenchman will be playing in the Kansas area in September.

I've added a lot of new tunes on the Music page and links the new videos on my Links page.

The weather here is superb and I'm about to go out with my camera and take some photos and absorb the incredible beauty of Paris. I thank all of my wonderful friends here who have made this trip so amazing.

I'm uploading some new samples right now that we recorded earlier in the week. Last night I played at two Blues sessions, which were great fun. Later today (as it's almost 3am!) I'll be playing a gig at The American Library in Paris, and then may leave Monday if the skies are safe from the problems caused by the volcano. This has been (and still is!) a super trip. Paris is absolutely beautiful in this wonderful weather!

I've arrived, and a bit after me came my guitar and suitcase, but I have both! The weather is now beautiful and I'm going out to walk my favorite city (been inside today, working on music and logistics to visit many wonderful friends and get to jams and gigs). I'm trying to locate an upright to borrow and thank everyone who is being so helpful in this quest! I've been meeting and have had the pleasure of playing with more musicians here. Much fun! Last night I went to hear some guys who play Dixieland. They were very good, and I loved the huge sousaphone. Tonight, the Blues Jam...tomorrow a day with friends...attending a concert in Versailles tomorrow night...Saturday with friends....Sunday, playing the Marathon de Paris and then a recording session...and so it goes...more next week, and I'll post again with details.

I love being here!!!!