Half Waif, AKA Nandi Rose, singer, songwriter, and producer, performed her entire album on a beautiful night in the open-air Pavilion Theater at PS21 Chathum's world-class stage and sound system. An eight-piece ensemble joined her. It was a moving experience.

Nandi incorporated thoughtful props and movement as metaphors to set the stage, letting the music unfold. The production captured the depths of hardship and grief while delivering a celebratory tone. So distinct was the music’s scaffolding excursion into the cycles of nature where death and rejuvenation act as one. The swirling array of electronic pop and orchestrated music collides with mirroring harmonies and instrumental details to capture the exuberant turmoils and solemn moments. 

Although grief is a universal experience, it is a lonely individual process shouldering through the depths of sadness while still living and breathing. Nandi has brought it out of the shadows, striking a moving balance within an emotionally charged topic through her artistry. 

The opener was Elori Saxl, an experimental electronic composer stationed at her mothership of synth and inputs while conducting her accompanists on violin and cello with brief head nods. Together, they amplified nature's violent and soothing sounds to create an unworldly noise experience.

Kelli Baker A Phenomenal Force; Live at the Colony

I watched from a distance for seven years as Kelli Baker said yes to a dream. 

Her music trajectory stalled early but picked up later in life as she honed her skills for a new moment. Hard work and grit mixed with the poetry of I can. 

Seeing Kelli and her band at the Colony in Woodstock, NY, on July 7th was a night of connection, music, and showmanship. Her vocal range is a phenomenal force floating between blues, soulful rock, folk, and Americana. She can belt, explore, and be slow and sultry, as evident when she sang her original Six Feet Under. Incredibly, even her cover of Aretha Franklin’s Dr. Feelgood (Love is A Serious Business) sounds fresh. I loved the seamless flow of Gone, Georgia Gone leading to Folsom Prison, a testament to smart musical styling.

Her roadworthy band, PJ LaMariana on bass and Adam Wooten on drums was joined by featured artist Noé Shocha, a virtuoso on guitar and harmonica. Noé can make the guitar strings fly seamlessly, plucking, sliding, and picking impressively, creating an expansive sound.

Kelli Baker’s star power is undeniable, but her collaborative spirit sets her apart. She radiates warmth and cheerfulness towards her fellow musicians and the audience. There was quite the buzz when the show ended, as people gathered to meet Kelli and Noé, eager to share how moved and blown away they were by the set.

This year, I shut down negative roadblocks and plowed through to launch a Yes campaign. I attribute this impetus to my muse, Kelli Baker.