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Welcome to the New Normal...

I've put together ensembles for long term projects or on the fly all over the globe, really. It's astonishing how lucky I've been.  It's been a passion of mine since I was in band in rural New Mexico growing up.  My first band directors in school, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Montoya and Mr. Estrada were all wonderful -- we had a respite from the day being in band making noise together and I fell in love with ensemble playing. 

I got a western classical Performance Degree from University of New Mexico, I also took the opportunity to play with everyone I could find. I was in Jazz Band, Orchestra, Pit Band, Pit Orchestra for theater and Jon Truitt's Early Music Ensemble.  I started a Woodwind Sextet with Pianist Dawn Chambers called Kokopelli Consort.  I accompanied Eva Encinias Sandoval's Flamenco dance classes, toured with Pablo Rodarte's Dance Espana, and had a jazz trio that played weekly at Yanni's Bistro. 

Then I discovered Society for Creative Anachronisms, and started playing for Belly Dancers under the wings of Sazlar, an lovely band of musical ladies that took me to my first Mendocino Middle East Camp in 1990. 

It blew my mind .. playing for dancers.. I fell for it hard.

I moved to Colorado and connected with Sherefe and Pete Jacobs about 20 years ago..  

I started Klezmerize at Beth Evergreen and have played klezmer gigs with Ben Cohen's Klez Despensers, Sheldon Sands and Hadgaba Balkan Band.  I also formed a band with the wonderful Tina Guguler, Mark Brissenden, and Brett Bowen to play for many Colorado Friends of Old Time Music and Dance Contra Dances. Trio Equilibrio featured Brett, Steve Mullins and Megan Chandler for an album project a few years ago.  The Farabi Persian Ensemble is lead by Ahmad Soufiani, an incredible tar, setar and vocalist.  We created a breathtaking soundtrack for David Taylor's Zikr Dance company's Atash. I also adore jamming with Justin Bruen, a dear friend from The Rhythm Slaves.  That group just might reform after 20 years...

I just think there's nothing finer than playing for dancers with other musicians. 

My New Normal Ensemble is me, Pete Jacobs, Eric Koenig, Arthur Lefebure, and guests.  

I'm so lucky that Pete is my brother from another mother, Eric is my Beloved, and Arthur is my son.  

We are creating musical movement projects constantly from our Lakewood home.  

Please enjoy our events and support us on Patreon.