Let’s tickle those ivories, shall we? New cabaret coming right up!

It's that time again…for me to come out of my working mom cave and perform on stage! I'm gearing up for my next cabaret at the Seattle Cabaret Festival in May, and I'm feeling a delightful cocktail of excitement and absolute panic. Why, you ask? Because this time, I'm going to be a one-person band, singing and playing the piano simultaneously for a good part of the show! It's a giant leap from my usual shtick of having a pianist, but hey, every artist needs a good challenge, right? The festival rules require you to memorize all music, and being one who usually depends on the notes in front of me, let's just say it's like I'm torturing myself. But whatever! Who knows? I might just fall head over heels for this new gig and make it my thing!

Me at Egan's Ballard Jamhouse in Ode to My Tiger Stripes

Coming Out of the Cave: A Juggling Act

Being a working mom means that my performance opportunities are limited. I typically grace the stage about once a year amidst my busy life, which includes project managing at Microsoft, school runs, kid activities, and the occasional superhero rescue. My last performance was in December 2022, where I shared heartfelt stories about the pandemic, my journey with breast cancer, and the memory of my dad, who passed away the previous year. It was an emotional ride, to say the least!

So why am I diving headfirst into this singing-playing-piano venture? Well, it’s about growth: artistically and personally. I've always believed that stepping outside your comfort zone is crucial for development. This one dude on YouTube who I recently started following, Dr. Joe Dispenza, says do or think of something different to change your life for the better. In other words, you won't grow if you keep doing the same thing everyday. So let’s just say I like to make myself uncomfortable. Plus, let’s face it, the thrill of sharing a little piece of my life with the audience brings me a lot of joy too.

“Thinking the same thoughts leads us to make the same choices. Making the same choices leads to demonstrating the same behaviors. Demonstrating the same behaviors leads us to create the same experiences. Creating the same experiences leads us to produce the same emotions. And those same emotions then drive the same thoughts.” — Dr. Joe Dispenza

Where it all began for me.

The Power of Storytelling: A Life in Review

This year’s cabaret show is going to be a fun exploration of "my life in review." I am starting with one of Earth Wind and Fire's classics—do I hear a collective cheer? It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about celebrating the experiences and moments that have shaped who I am.

In my first solo cabaret in 2017 when my daughter was two, I sang about lactation and the joys of being a new mom. In 2020, my husband and I wrote a cabaret about how childhood informs our experience as new parents. This year, it is simply about how the heck I got to where I am today; the dreams I obsessed about and chased and what I've learned by the end of (hopefully) the first half of my life.

My Busy Life: The Balancing Act

Juggling work, family, and performance might sound like I am in a constant circus act, right? I assure you; it’s not always easy! But there’s an undeniable benefit to this balancing act.

Every time I perform, I'd like to think I am modeling passion and dedication for my kid. She sees me step onto the stage, doing my thing, and enjoying myself. It teaches her the value of pursuing dreams, regardless of the hurdles, and regardless of what anyone else thinks.

One of my latest tattoos, capturing what I feel has kept me going…and a hidden mickey.

And let’s not forget the tiny moments of joyous chaos! Preparing for a show often involves stealing moments here and there for practice—five minutes when the noodles are boiling or jamming at night after everyone is asleep. These snippets of time, though brief, contribute significantly to the overall performance. I often say that there's nothing you can't do, unless you decide not to do it. Everyone needs to make time to be creative and do something you love. So here I am, doing my best to get out there.

Me at 6 in the morning getting a practice in while the house is quiet.

Come See Some Cabaret and Celebrate Life Through Music

As I count down the days until I hit the stage again in May, I invite you to join in the celebration of dreams, music and life. It's an opportunity for all of us to reflect and connect through the power of song. Tickets are available, and I promise to make it a memorable night filled with some fun, nostalgia, and hopefully a few laughs.

You can snag your tickets here:

• May 15th show at 9pm: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6559804

• May 23rd show at 7pm: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6559853

Hope to see you there!