Susan Savia: News/Journal

Hey, y'all,
Summer is in full bloom and I'm wishing you a Cosmic one. I was just out picking wineberries, blackberries and lamb's quarters. I love the delicious free food in the summer!

I have been traveling a little -- went to Northern California, stunningly BEAUTIFUL and inspiring. I have written a new song, "Giant at Sunset" about the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove (Yosemite National Park).

I'm learning to play harmonica, and doing pretty good on the blues thing. It's a little harder to blow and play guitar at the same time -- I have a new found respect and admiration for those who can do it well. I guess it will be practice, practice, practice for me.

I am writing new songs, more in the traditional genre of singer/songwriter, blues... a little more mainstream. Looking forward to having time to record and get them on a new CD.

Speaking of CD's, it's hard to believe that it has been a year and a half since the release of Cosmic Summer Sojourn. I still have plenty available, please contact me for a copy.

Let's see... also learning ukulele. Too many instruments, so little time.

I'm sad to say that my Sunday gig at The Pour House has ended; they discontinued having music on Sunday mornings. Slow business time, I suppose. I really enjoyed it while it lasted and I'm grateful for everyone at the Pour House who supported my music.

New venues I will be playing (come check it out) -- Cool Beans in Thurmont, MD. A beautifully eclectic coffee house, good food and friendly service. Connie and Mark will be there to give you the full treatment and I'll be there singing, hopefully once a month.

I'm still performing for the elders at a lot of assisted living facilities. We have such a good time singing those old songs, and they are my BEST audience. We have a blast!!

Just went to Trapeze School two days ago. What a HOOT. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a JOLT. I was successful in all tasks required to "fly with the greatest of ease". Now I know why people run away to join the circus. I like school's motto -- "Forget the fear, worry about the addiction." I've found a new drug.

Finally, I'm still on a raw (living) foods diet. I feel better than ever, have lost weight, am no longer hypoglycemic, have renewed vigor. I really enjoy making speciality dishes, but my most sensual pleasure is JUST EATING FRUIT. Something I couldn't do while hypoglycemic. Had the rare delight of eating a cherimoya -- exotic and sweet. Anyway, if you want excellent health, please look into the raw food diet. Even just incorporating green smoothies into your diet will do a world of good for you. Contact me for more info, or check out Victoria Boutenko, David Wolfe, and Gabriel Cousens. Loads of sites to check out. And if you're looking for the best nuts in the world, go to www.NutsOnline.com. I love those NUTS!

Wishing you bliss and love,
Susan

Spring has burst forth with verdant grandure. Life is wonderful and I'm wishing you all peace, happiness, lots of laughter, and excellent health.

I'm headed to Delaware tomorrow to sing for 4th to 6th graders as they learn about Water -- the ambrosia of life. I'm excited to be a part of the festival and look forward to learning with them.

Water is our most precious asset -- life giving, thirst quenching -- my favorite drink on the planet. I'm really glad that our children have embraced the care of the environment; I have great hopes that they will save us from ourselves, and save our planet.

Then, I'm headed to Norfolk to celebrate with my dynamo sister-in-law, Janet, who will receive her Ph.D. from Regent University. We are all SO proud of her accomplishment. We have a doctor in the family!!

Next week I travel to Florida to celebrate the graduation of my niece, Amanda, from high school. She is a brilliant young woman who has great promise for her future.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family the next two weeks.

I'm writing new tunes -- just finished one for ukulele called "My Blue Skin" -- it's about the care of the planet. Also, composing a new tune on guitar, a rearrangement of another 1890's Post-Romantic era tune, "Were I the Nightingale".

I'm recording and hope to have 2 new CD's in the very near future:

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blues"

AND

"Grace L. Hosmer - Songs for Little Singers"

Stay tuned! THANKS FOR READING this FAR.

May all beings find perfect peace and lasting happiness. OM AH HUM.

Love,
Susan

Happy New Year to all. May 2008 be filled with lots of love, laughter, good health, prosperity and ADVENTURE.

I've been busy gigging -- private parties, coffee houses, assisted living facilities -- all GREAT. I'm looking forward to even more in 2008.

I will begin recording again in January. Some old songs that I meant to record before Cosmic Summer Sojourn -- my old rock, blues, punk stuff. Also I'll be putting down on track an entire CD of Grace Hosmer songs (Songs for Little Singers - 1915).

Life is good! DRINK GREEN SMOOTHIES!!!

Love,
Susan

Hi, everyone,
Thanks for visiting and caring enough to read. I don't write often, I figure you have better things to do with your time, and I'm busy these days with raw food menus and rebounding for health. So, I'm going to just thank you for your continued support, and I hope you come to see me at a show sometime soon. I'm playing a lot of private events, but a few public ones too, so I'll do my best to keep my schedule updated.

George and I just returned from a wonderful three day weekend in Cape May, New Jersey. The shore is beautiful! Every day we were fortunate to see large numbers of migrating birds, especially hawks. Go the Cape May Bird Observatory for numbers. www.birdcapemay.org

Today's message from OSHO:
Remember, life is not going to follow you. You have to follow life."

Enjoy this beautiful autumn day!

First, Happy Birthday, Alyssa!

I guess it's time that I report that I'm on day 15 of a three week total vocal silence. I wish it was simply a Silent Retreat. I continued to gig the past months while I was sick with a bad cold and I developed nodules on my vocal cords. Devastating for a singer, but they are small and I was assured by the ENT that if I can just keep my mouth shut for a while, the nodes will disappear on their own.

After the initial shock and disappointment of losing my voice, both speaking and singing, I decided to really try to stay quiet. It's difficult when you're around people to not speak. The funniest thing I have experienced -- People who don't know me either yell at me (like I can't hear them, don't know English...) or they whisper when speaking to me. I smile a lot and use hand signals (of a sort), mostly my middle finger. KIDDING. Any way, it's been very interesting all the way around, being non-speaking in a vocal society. A very good lesson in many ways.

I suggest everyone take one day a week and NOT speak (or sing). You will find it difficult at first, but refreshing after a while. I use a notepad when necessary, or communicate with my husband via laptop. It keeps the chatting to a minimum.

I'm looking forward to gigging again on August 19, when Purple Jim will join me at The Pour House. This may be my last gig there, I have heard that they may be discontinuing music there. This has been a highlight of my month, performing there for Sunday brunch. I'm grateful to Paul Harrison and the management for keeping me on regularly, and helping to get me established, returning to performing.

I have many gigs coming up, and I will resume recording in August. I have a lot to put down on "tape", old stuff as well as new.

I hope everyone is enjoying summer, grateful for some rain. I'm thrilled that the butterflies, cicadas and baby deer have returned to my yard. Enchanting!

Love to all,
Susan

Hey, everyone, thanks for checking in. I've been crazy busy like everyone, just finished a week of vacation with my nephew, Andrew. My first time to whitewater raft, we traveled the Upper Lehigh River thanks to Nud and Lou Lou.

I'm still playing out when I can, sometimes in Maryland, sometimes in Virginia, sometimes in Philly, and I'll be playing at home in York in July.

The Compilation CD, "Chill Out: East Coast Version" has been released and is ready for sale. They will be available at all shows, as will be "Cosmic Summer Sojourn".

I'll write soon. Please feel free to email me at www.susansavia.com, anytime.

Love, Peace and Happy Cosmic Summer Sojourn to you and yours,

Susan

WOW, last night was amazing. Check out the lineup, and go visit them on myspace, at least. First, Flamboyant Host Ron Goad in his ever tropical shirt, accompanying almost everyone (brilliantly, I might add) on percussion. He's the host with the most. Rod Deacy complimented everyone as our great soundman (not to mention hugs all around).

John Holly treated us to some profound poetry. He's really got the knack, I liked the "Haiku" quality to it. I have invited him to "perform" during my break at the Frederick Coffee Company. Be sure to catch it - May 5.

My bud, David Papke, shined on stage with my favorites of his original tunes "Why Buy What I Don't Need", "Doin' Nothing At All", and "Locked and Loaded". Thanks, David, for letting me drag you to Frederick so I can show you off to the music community.

Michael Berkowicz, boy genius followed up -- how does an 18 year old get wise that quickly? Jean Bayou, President of Songwriter's Association of Washington along with Ron Goad, great songwriting, playing and singing, and just too darn pleasant to watch.

Dulcie Taylor was the showcase performer. She KNOCKED my socks off and she ROCKS, I'm telling you. She is a great songwriter, musical storyteller, singer, player of guitar and dulcimer, passionate, distinctly southern (sweet as pie as my darling Claire would say).

I had to follow all that? You betcha. I did it as best I could, in a new flashy skirt. It was a hoot having Ron Goad accompany me on an acapella version of Morning in the Orchard, and he even played on Dreamy Kid, I loved it. I pulled out Allegory of Spring, thank God for a warm spring day so I can sing it at least once a year.

Doug Alan WIlcox, Lori Grigsby and harmonist Sandy, again accompanied by Ron Goad. Great harmonies, Lori's wonderful songs, Doug Alan has a sweet voice and plays a mean harp.

Then, the painter/storyteller Eric Balkey graced the stage, as he always does, with some finely crafted stories that just punch you in the gut, in a good way. Such a delicate singer for such powerful lyrics.

Come to the WestSide and hear music, folks. It just doesn't get ANY BETTER.

Happy Spring, and Thank you so much to Carl Duzen and Susan Jewett for their generosity in opening their enchanting home to serve up my enchanting music. I'm thinking there were well over 30 people in attendance to listen to me perform tunes from Cosmic Summer Sojourn, and a few other ditties mixed in. We met some great friends and had the best time!

I fell in love with Philadelphia while I was there -- easy to do with Carl and Susan, and Renee Daily was so kind to put me and George up in her lovely home overnight. Such hospitality -- all around!

I'll be back in Philly this Friday, performing at Illuminare, a gorgeous upscale Italian restaurant in the Museum District.

Tonight I'm back at the WestSide for the Songwriter's Showcase, always a favorite of mine. Tomorrow I head over to add harmonies to Laurence Baer's debut CD. He's an amazing songwriter and singer and I'm honored to be included among some wonderful musicians on his CD. More details to come when I find out.

Lots of music in store, I'm continuing to book gigs at a location near you. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. I'm headed to Portland Maine to play over Easter Weekend, I'll let you know how it goes up there in the Noth. In the meantime, I'm sure enjoying the signs of Springtime. Love to everyone!

Hey, nice to see you! Just got back from a working vacation in Big Pine Key. I was fortunate to sing at a house concert, fed a manatee that showed up in the canal, steered a sail boat for about 20 minutes, enjoyed the beach.

Last night, I had the good fortune to see one of my heroes -- John Hammond. There are no adjectives appropriate to describe this man's greatness. Just amazing. Please go see him, you will thank me for it.

I'm continuing to gig regularly and enjoying it SO MUCH. I'm thrilled to have been selected to appear in Austin, Texas at the Woman's Film, Music and Literary Festival in April.

I'm still receiving requests for my CD from around the world. I think they'll love me in Berlin, baby.

Thanks to everyone who takes time out from their busy schedule to come see me play. You give me joy and purpose. And thanks to the wonderful people who book me to play in their venues and houses. I'm grateful!

Please email me, let me know if you hear me on a radio station near you.

I'll write more soon, thanks for reading and checking in.

Love and Peace and LOTS OF FUN,
Susan

Well, I'm looking out the window at the lovely snow, covered with lots of birds at the feeder. Yesterday it snowed, last night we got sleet, then it rained, now it's snowing again. It's a mess out there!

Now that I set the tone...I want to thank everyone who has been coming out to the shows to support local music and art. Thanks to my sweetie, George, for his enduring support, being my roadie and driver, and for always being with me when I sing.

Local artist Brett Greiman painted an amazing picture while I sang songs from Cosmic Summer Sojourn at Border's in York, PA. We had a wonderful time. Saw many new and old friends. It was very heart-warming for me to see so many smiles while I sang.

Life is busy, I spend most days at the computer networking, looking for gigs, checking out MySpace and gathering new friends on that.... I've met some interesting new people through MySpace. Thanks to Jordan Davis from Kingsfoil for talking me into getting a MySpace site.

My CD is now for sale on CD Baby, iTunes, and can be heard on WMUD in Vermont. I've been sending it to other radio stations as they have requested it, within the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. They're gonna love me in Europe!

I've been getting some interesting singing jobs, and I also will be teaching yoga to 7th and 8th graders at a Coeus International School in D.C. one day a week for 8 weeks. What a hoot. A very unique school, check it out at www.coeusis.org.

While I'm in DC, I'll be helping a French singer with his vocals, while he shows me how to play guitar like Jacques Brel. Check out the website www.myspace.com/bagatelle. Great French Music!

I'll be performing in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia within the coming months and I hope to see you there!

Hey, it's been a busy month. Gigging, looking for gigs, taking the CDs to places that would be interested in selling them, selling CDs at shows, then there were the holidays.

We had a great time at the New Year's bash at the VooDoo Lounge. Lots of great music, food, fun. A wonderful way to start off the new year.

I played at a few assisted living facilities -- they just love me there, especially when I sing "That's Amore" and add in some opera.

I subbed in a church choir down in Baltimore. Thank goodness I can kind of sight read. :~)

I played the Reader's Cafe, The Pour House, and two luncheons at the American Red Cross to honor platelet donors. WOW, that was inspiring. If you get a chance, please donate blood or platelets. There were people there that donate once a week! (Do HIPA regulations restrict me from telling you this?)

Yesterday I went into RawTech Productions Studio to record my first jingle. It was very fun, very interesting to watch the process. Government Officials have been writing jingles for about 4 years, and really know their stuff. Anyway, I hope to be heard on the radio soon -- listen for "Advance Remodeling". I still have the jingle stuck in my head.

I've had a number of requests for my CD to be broadcast on international radio stations. So, if you find yourself in England, Canada, Australia or Germany, let me know if you hear my songs being played on the radio.

Still plugging along, looking for gigs. A few exciting ones coming up.... Brett Greiman and I will appear in Border's at York. He will paint a masterpiece while I sing songs from Cosmic Summer Sojourn. February 9 at 7 pm.

March 23 I've been invited to sing at my first house concert in Philadelphia. I'm so excited!

I've been asked to participate in a compilation CD -- Chill Out: East Coast Version -- my song "Under the Stars Tonight" will appear. I'm looking forward to hearing the other artists. CDs will be available for sale when I get my hands on them.

Thanks for reading my journal. I'll write again, soon.

Love to everyone,
Susan

I'm happy to be selling CDs and hearing wonderful and varied reviews from those who are giving it a serious and frequent listen. I'm gratified by the response, and so appreciative of everyone's support.

Brett, brilliant artist, secured a spot for us at Border's in York, for a CD and Limited Edition Poster signing. I look forward to performing and greeting my fans. Date to be announced.

Many retailers are agreeing to carry this first release. I have much work to do to get this out to the public, especially as an independent artist. The internet gives us independents more options and exposure. Still much to learn on this adventure.

I'm looking forward to seeing more fans at upcoming shows, and actively pursuing the college circuit, summer festivals, and a foreign travel in the near future.

Happy Holidays Everyone, and Peace and Blessings for the New Year! Love to all.

Thank you to my friends who made the trek to Frederick, MD last night to support and watch three fantastic women perform at the WestSide Cafe. Thanks to Rod for hosting such a wonderful event. Judy Marti and Lori Grigsby joined me for a singer-songwriter in the round. I love Judy's music, she sings with reckless abandon with her head high and flung back like the Weavers, and she plays a mean banjo like Ollabelle Reed. Not only a wonderful organic farmer, but a fantastic organic singer-songwriter. My first time to hear Lori Grigsby and her vocal accompanist, Sandi. Soulful ballads from the heart, wonderful vocals! It was a joy and an honor to be placed between these two grand ladies, and to be in performance with them. I really enjoyed harmonizing. Richard, I met you last night and got pulled away to pack up before I said a proper "goodbye" and wonderful meeting you and chatting with you. We folkies sure do appreciate your support and kind words of encouragement.

So, we might be coming back to the WestSide for another songwriter in the round, January 21, afternoon. I'll let you know as soon as that happens. Thanks, Rod, for giving us another opportunity to play together at your wonderful venue.

In the meantime, you can catch Judy tonight at the Reader's Cafe Open Mic (I'm hosting) and Lori and Sandi are regulars at The Pour House in Westminster, first Sunday of every month (10:30 a.m.).

I was excited yesterday to receive 1,000 copies of my first CD, Cosmic Summer Sojourn. I need to sell these fast -- I don't have much space to store them at home!

Thanks to my greatest fans who are already purchasing multiple copies for Christmas and Chanukah presents. I hope you will enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed creating.

Thursday, November 9 was spent re-mastering (thanks to Jake Mossman and Rob Ziv). After a good listen, I sent everything on its way by UPS to Oasis CD Manufacturing on Friday morning. They are promising a 12-18 day turnaround. I should have the finished product in hand by the beginning of December. I'm thrilled with this project, amazed that it evolved in a way I never expected, into a true Cosmic Summer Sojourn. Rob Ziv has put so much of his heart and soul into this creation, and I really enjoyed our collaboration. Please buy a copy for yourself and a few for your friends for Christmas, just in time to reminisce about Summer... :~)

Hey, everyone. I spent two days in the studio with the amazing Rob Ziv and he was able to finesse the nature sounds between tracks; we added a few more recordings to bring the summer to life in your ears. Rob came up with a brilliant idea of replacing one sound file at the end of the CD (re: midnight on the day of the sojourn). Instead of crickets and cicadas, we have crafted a cosmic medlee, entitled RobZ reM Med LeE #Pi. It's a hoot, no pun intended. (There is a great horned owl on the track before this one....). Anyway, I'm so excited. Mastering will be complete this Thursday.

I've been working with Brett Greiman, a wonderful artist, who has generously donated his time and skill in getting the art ready for the CD. In the process, he has kindly offered his masterpiece "When Owls Sweep" for the cover. Check out the photo gallery. This illustration so defines the music on the project. POSTERS will be available.
I'm expecting to have the CD in hand by the end of November or the beginning of December. You can order directly from me, I'll be happy to send copies on to you just in time for Christmas!
I'm in the process of downloading all the songs so you can hear them. But I will admit, this CD is best appreciated by getting into a comfortable chair, sipping your favorite drink, and spending 73 minutes on a sublime journey. You'll see what I mean.... :~)
Love to EVERYONE!

Hey, everyone. The CD was mastered with Jake Mossman at Sheffield, and we threw in some nature sounds -- this is a lovely quilt of music and summer sounds -- anyway, I just HAD to finesse a few things with master engineer Rob Ziv, he really has a feel for this project and I knew he would be able to work these in masterfully. SO, I go back in this coming Wednesday to put the final, FINAL, FINAL touches on the CD before sending it to Oasis. Brilliant artist Brett Greiman has agreed to allow me to use one of his very blissful works of art for my CD cover -- wait til you see it! I'm still anticipating an end of November release. Summer Sojourn just in time for chilly December and Christmas gifts!! Love and Blessings to you all.

I spent a productive day with my amazing recording engineer, Rob Ziv, at Sheffield Studios yesterday, working on final mixing of Cosmic Summer Sojourn. I go back next Wednesday, October 18, to master with Jake Mossman. The master will go to Oasis CD for manufacturing on October 22, when I drive to Virginia for a family reunion. I should have the CD in hand by the third week of November! Well, it only took me nine months from start to finish in the studio. The baby is about to be born and it's beautiful!