Awesome thunderstorms here in Austin last night. Great lightning shows. The anxiety of another long, hot, drought-dry summer is quenched, at least temporarily, with more rain today. I’m grateful.

The cloud formations outside my window today are pretty neat, too. Makes me just want to sit and watch and not get any work done. But, ahhhh, there is much to do. And much to tell you about.

First off, an update on the new CD, "Shadows & Light"

The long and the short of it is the project has been on hold until we can raise about $8000 more to finish it. I really don’t like that it’s taking longer than I thought it would to get this thing done, but then, I’ve come to realize (and yes, trust…) that everything happens in the perfect right way, at the perfect right time…yeah, patience…hmmmmnnn…

I’m open to creative ideas on how to generate the cash to move forward. Please feel to send in your suggestions. In the meantime, I want to extend huge thanks and even huge-r hugs to those of you who’ve already contributed to the project or pre-purchased the CD. You got the ball rolling and your patience will be rewarded. I PROMISE.

Those $15 Pre-sales can add up fast! Go HERE to Pre-purchase a copy (or several!) of “Shadows & Light” or contribute any amount of dollars and/or pocket change for the betterment of the planet, via the Kit Holmes Music Experience. Really. I’m not shy about sayin’ that…though, I promise that won’t be the title of the next CD.

So, I’m out here workin’ it, baby. And I’d love to see you. And hug yer neck, and stuff. So, c’mon.

My songwriting practice of late has been to write the thing, then with every re-write go back and eliminate at least 25% more of the lyric, without losing the point of the whole thing. Hmmmmnnn. If I keep up with this approach I figure I’ll eventually get back to just composing instrumentals and let you, dear listeners, come up with your own story as to what the song is about…oops, then I’ll have to remove “songwriter” from my resume. Drat.

I just recently edited the “bio” section of the website because it came to my attention that there was just WAAAAYYY too much verbage there. Get to the point, Kit.

So here’s the point of this newsletter: To let you know I love and appreciate you, friends and fans, and to ask you to come on out and say “Hi, Kit, we love you, too!” at one of my upcoming shows. Also, if you feel so inclined, please share my music with your friends. The more people hear me, the better my chances to sell out more shows, sell more music and dominate the world via love and laughter. YOU can be a part of this plan. ‘nuff said.

Okay, so I bailed on a newsletter in February. My excuse is that my manager/booking agent and personal handler Cindy (I love saying that) gave me the month off…hahahahhaha…hardly…naw, the good news is: things were cookin’ along so well with gigs and gigs to come and opportunities opening that I never got around to sharing the news. The bad news is: I didn’t keep you in the loop. Sorry…how can I make it up to ya?

First thing I need to do is express huge amounts of gratitude to all the folks in Washington State, Colorado and all points in between who made the whole of January and February magical, memorable, fun, and yes, even somewhat profitable (how often do you hear that in the music business these days?)! Mucho love and shout-outs to Eddie Watkins, Jr. Eric O’dell and Stephan Plummer in Seattle; Cheryl &Vic Rohert and Angie in Yakima, WA; Mailyn Faulkner (Sassy Sister!!!) in Denver/Arvada, CO and Barbara Bue, Laura & daughter Julia in Greeley, CO…all of you (and all of you who came to the concerts/gatherings, etc.) totally ROCK!!!

Welcome to the family…

The biggest news (at least since Saturday the 13^th) since we last gathered in cyberspace is the addition of another member to the Kit Holmes Music Family. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Chief Puppy Love Officer (CPLO), Taddy P. Holmes.

She’s a boxer/lab mix, approximately 3 months old and 10 pounds of stick-to-your-soul love. She refuses to give up my forearm as a headrest for napping, which makes writing this newsletter (or getting anything else done for that matter) near-to-impossible. But I’m not complaining…I mean…wow... Or, as the case may be: bow wow, wow!

So, here’s the thing (and you’ve probably already figured this out a few times): Love has a way of turning your world upside down – and in a good way.

After the passing of my sweet Mackenzie dog in July of 2008 I kept saying I didn’t ever want to get another dog, at least not for a long, long time. One must protect one’s heart, no? And over the last year and a half I found all kinds of reasons and excuses not to get another one – you know...especially if I was going to be touring, especially if I was going to remain “free” at any moment to be called to do a stadium show in London - especially if it meant I was going to have to let go of the past and heal a broken heart. 

Funny thing is (and you probably already know this, too) I sing and write a whole lot about love, loving unconditionally, healing life’s bumps through love and the like, but what I’d been doing (unconsciously) was building thicker walls around my loving heart, thinking this would somehow heal me.

So what am I? Crazy? I love dogs! Many of you know this about me. Their unbridled, unfettered joy about the littlest things (like a ride in the car) and the way they love us no matter what kind of mood we’re in is exquisitely beautiful and enormously instructional for a wonderful way to live life.

“More wagging, less barking” is one of my favorite bumper stickers. I’ve reveled in playing with friends’ dogs and being the adopted co-parent of my partner Cindy’s dog Angel-Pie.

(This is Angel-Pie...Chief Leader of the Pack Officer, Kit Holmes Music)

But, a few hours after I had the little Taddy bugger home I found myself – surprisingly – in a state of panic. It wasn’t about the process of house-training or all the sleep one loses in the first few days/weeks of puppy-dom. No, it was the stark realization that even though I had consciously chosen to take on the responsibility of giving a good home to a little four-legged my unconscious (though vastly more wise and vocal) heart was cracking open to be healed. And it was terrifying!

This little Buddha-bellied pup clearly chose me to be her “Mom”, but it’s me who’s clearly feeling more like an awestruck, wonder-filled child.

...and I'm so grateful.... 

 What? We're supposed to be talking about music?

Oh, Yeah...

My gig calendar is full and getting even more so and I'm truly grateful, especially to partner/manager extraordinaire Cindy. Please consider yourselves welcomed with open arms to any (or all) of these shows. You'll be glad you came. I promise.

Better late than never...and this one's gonna be short and sweet this month, kiddies. As you all know, I sometimes love to get long winded and wax poetic and all but, by golly, there’s just so much going on I’ll just get to the point. (I hear a collective sigh…)

THE NEW CD:  In Mid-December, I got four songs laid down on "Shadows & Light" with the help of some awesome folks. Roger Friend on drums and percussion, Chris Marsh on bass and producer Stephen Doster on guitar. Yours truly knocked out the basic piano parts and lead vocals despite a stuffy nose and sore throat during the two long days in the studio. The universe sometimes has a wicked sense of humor, especially when the meter’s running.

Thanks SO MUCH to all of you who’ve already contributed financially and pre-ordered the new CD. The four tracks we’ve got so far sound amazing! I envision getting the project finished and out before the summer but could really use a lot more help in getting the funds to do it. Even if you can’t spare the $15 bucks (there are MANY more funding options, too – see HERE) right now, please hold the vision for me for a successful, fully-paid-for project. Good thoughts create great outcomes, right?

December – the season of Joy. Wouldn’t it be really cool if we made every month – how ‘bout every day – a season of joy?  If you spend any time watching the news it might seem kind of difficult to find a lot of joy these days. But I’ve found that it’s really easy to find it when I choose to limit my exposure to the squawk-boxes that spew doom and gloom 24/7. I mean, how many times a day do you need to be beaten over the head with how terrible things are in the world before you begin to believe it?

I’m not talking about burying your head in the sand and saying “bad” stuff doesn’t exist. I’m saying consciously choose to see the good – in every one and in every situation. It’s always there. With practice (and it takes practice – and patience) it becomes second nature. The key is to be genuinely willing to do it.

This holiday season, the gift of compassion (especially for yourself) can be a powerfully peace and joy-inducing thing. What extraordinary gifts each and every one of you are in my life. Thank you. You totally rock. (I like saying that…)

The NEW CD...

…is finally coming to life! This Sunday (December 13) will be the first day of recording with producer/musician/songwriter Stephen Doster. The working title of the new record is “Shadows and Light.” That title has been kinda tapping gently on the back of my brain asking me to pay attention to it…we’ll see where that goes…

Contribute, Support, Pre-Order...

The “flying-by-the-seat-of-our-pants” team here at Kit Holmes Music is still finding all kinds of creative ways to entice/cajole/strong-arm you - the loving and way-cool fans of the music – into participating (ahem, financially…) in the new CD project. We’re giving a big, hearty shout-out to those of you who’ve already contributed generously! You’ve made it possible for us to get a couple of days in the studio. We’ve still got a way to go, but I trust it’s all going to come together perfectly.

Now, the rest of yous guys can still get in on the action: Pre-sales of the new CD are a happenin’ deal. For $15 lovely dollars you’ll snag yourself a copy. There are many, many more ways for you to support, too, at all kinds of financial levels – go HERE to check it out. Hey, how ‘bout hosting a house concert/fundraiser? Fun, fun, fun!!!

Gifts, anyone?

 The “Hey-this-new-CD-is-gonna-rock-and-it-will-come-to-your-doorstep-when-you-least-expect-it (long after you’ve forgotten I gave it to you)” I.O.U. note makes a great stocking stuffer.  (Kit’s other CDs make great gifts, too! Go HERE to find out where to get ‘em).

Gigs for DECEMBER: See the calendar!

More FUN stuff...

Hey, check these new logos out! You’ll be seeing a lot more of them – on T-shirts, stickers, posters, CDs and other way-cool swag. Thanks to the good

folks at Arsenal Brand, LLC, Austin Texas for the fabu designs. Check them out at www.arsenalbrand.com. You guys (Anne Marie and Jonathan and crew) rock!...and your little dogs, too!

One last, little gift for y'all...

The other night I got together with “photographer to the stars” Steve Hopson for a photo shoot. Here’s one of the first posts. Give Steve a shout, eh? And check out his portfolio online. Good stuff. Here’s the link:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevehopson/4174422510/

Thank you, Steve. Can't wait to see the rest of the pix! Thanks to Sondra for being such an awesome stylist and friend for the project.

Please be good to each other and gentle with yourselves this holiday season. I mean, really...is it really worth gettin' all nutted up about? A month from now it will all be a distant memory.

I love you all, I thank you all and I wish you all the best and brightest this holiday season. Hang onto your hats, kids, 2010 is gonna knock yer socks off!!!

Cool, dry air. Deep blue skies. A myriad of red, orange, purple, yellow, brown and green colors…and that’s just on some of the outfits being worn around downtown Austin!  

Remodeling work has been taking place around the ‘ol Kit Holmes Music home. Yeah, it’s pretty disruptive to the routine of everyone in the household (dog and cats included…) but we know it’s temporary.  

The progress so far has already put us in better spirits: more light in the center of the house, more move-around-able space with old dividing walls gone. Hmmmnnn, one might begin to think the place would be shaping up to be perfect for say…house concerts?….Stay Tuned!

Speaking of progress…the latest update on the new CD is this: Looks like the CD will not be ready for public consumption until early 2010 (which is really not that far off…). Arrangements (both musical and personnel-wise) are being mapped out as we speak. I’m still so very excited to be working with producer Stephen Doster. I know the end result will be worth the wait!

In the meantime, you can get in on a great deal by Pre-Ordering the new CD now! For as little as $15 you can invest in an amazing new work of art! Production costs for studio time, musicians (I’m thrilled to say some pretty “A-list” players will appear on this record…), engineers, artwork, etc. can add up fast. With your support we can have the new tunes tickling yer cue little ears in no time!  

There are many, many ways you can support the project, so please click HERE to get the info. Visiting the website: www.kitholmesmusic.com will also get you there. Thank-you in advance. You totally Rock. You do. Really.

My shamelessly self-promoting (and quite gratuitous) rant...  

If all the retailers can jump on the holiday sales bandwagon right after Labor Day, why the heck can’t I? Pre-ordering the CD or showing your support in bigger financial ways (you get some cool stuff in return) may not get you the CD in time for gift giving this December but if you Pre-order or Donate before DEC. 15 we’ll send you a nifty little “I Owe You” card so you can let your gift recipient know how magnanimous and thoughtful you are for supporting original, amazing and wonderful music. (Yes, I mean, mine…). Plus, when that new disc arrives during the winter doldrums, your loved one(s) will thank you again for sending them such a cool thing after the frenzied holiday season is over.

SHOWS, SHOWS AND MORE OP's to Hear/See Kit LIVE!

Some truly transcendent musical moments with the Light Travelers gang (Dana Clark, Kevin Lewis and Chris Pfeiffer) plus Roger Friend on percussion as my backup band. I can hardly call them "backup" because each of these fine people are amazing "stars" in their own right. Too cool.

I was pretty blissed out - of course that might have had something to do with the host's exemplary job on homebrew and the hostess's over the top munchies. One of those truly magical evenings you don't ever want to end.

MMMMmmmmmmm. Life sure is yummy, isn't it? 

I recently felt moved to send a “letter to the editor” via email to our local daily newspaper. Using a tongue-in-cheek approach to the subject at hand I guess it piqued the editor’s interest enough (or made him think it would provoke strong reactions on both sides of the issue – and it did - enough) to publish it. The content of the story/situation I was commenting on is not really important here but this is: other people’s reactions to my letter brought up some really interesting reactions in me.   

First of all, I made it clear (I thought) to the newspaper that I didn’t want my email address published. Well, they published it anyway. So, my email box started to fill up. The first few responses from other readers were kinda cool, like written “high fives” saying they agreed and wished they’d had the nerve to express their feelings publicly, too.

Today I got the first of the “other” sort of response that left me scratching my head, saying, “Wow, I had no idea I was the anti-Christ.” The reader had clearly missed my point. It’s amazing how angrily (and easily) some people will spew rivers of hate at people they don’t know.  

Can I really say I support and respect everyone’s right to their beliefs if they don’t agree with mine? In theory, it sounds easy - and noble, for sure. But putting it into practice is a whole lot harder.  

A recent road trip (re)opened my eyes to the sad fact that even in late 2009, right here in the good ‘ol US of A there are still places where homophobia, racism and general xenophobia are pervasive – and acceptable, even flaunted. It was really uncomfortable to find myself shaken out of the sense of peace and grounded-ness I’ve come to enjoy (and consciously create) in my life. 

After the initial disturbing wake-up call, I am grateful to have been reminded that the work I do, the music I make and the path I choose to walk is one of joy and love and knowing we’re all part of a greater whole – one I’m fascinated with uncovering the mystery of every day. No one can make me feel bad (or good…) about myself unless I allow them to do so. So, I choose to meet aggression with compassion. I choose to see my perceived enemy as a teacher…I choose to meet fear with its most powerful opposite: love.     

 Feel the LUV... 

This Sunday, October 11 is House Concert Day and I look forward to seeing you all there, joining in the love and laughter and music and munchies…and, and, and!!  

Fellow Light Travelers Dana, Kevin and Chris (and other musical guests) will be along for the ride! 

Here’s the scoop:   

Sunday, October 11th, 2009
FUNdraiser House Concert for Kit's New CD - Doors at 4 p.m. - Show at 5 p.m.
FUNdraising House Concert - Austin TX 

 7441 Bonniebrook Dr
Austin, TX 78735

Organic snacks and munchies from Greenling, beverages and some adult drinks provided (you're welcome to bring your own special drinks). If you have a favorite dessert you'd like to share, please feel free to bring it to the party! 

SEE YOU THERE!!!

 Progress Report: The NEW CD

 Speaking of the new CD, we’ll be heading into the studio (yeah!! finally!) the first week of November. Producer Stephen Doster is a busy, busy guy – but that’s a good thing! He's in high demand! We’re still shooting for a “before the end of the year” release, but I’m going to “release” this to knowing it will all happen perfectly at the perfect, right time.  

However, we can still use your help! 

We're taking CD presale orders NOW!!! For a mere $15 buck-a-roos, you can pre-order the new CD. There are many other levels of support you can give and in return get some really cool stuff, along with the new CD!!! Please visit: www.kitholmesmusic.com and go to the “Pre-Order/Buy CDs” page. You’ll see all the details there. Or just go HERE. 

An Important Message from Agent Cindy:

Hey, yous guys (and girls): My phone ain't ringing and my email box is a little empty. Kit's gonna fire me if I don't get some more bookings for her pretty quick! 

Did you know that Kit's available (and loves) to perform at your special events and gatherings? She loves doing house concerts, private parties, holiday stuff and more. 

Did you know Kit's a pretty wicked good jazz pianist with a huge repertoire of classic pop and standard songs (and of course, her own awesome tunes)? And, she's still got some dates for the 2009 holiday season open. Great rates, great music. Contact me for more details:

Cynthia Millonzi

cmillonzi@kitholmesmusic.com

(360) 870-2592

Well, kids,

 That's all for now. Please visit us at www.kitholmesmusic.com. We always love to hear from you.

 From the whole crew at Kit Holmes Music (Kit, Cindy, Angel, Joe and Moxie):

 Thanks for your support. Be well. Be the change. Spare the change. 

Happy September, you wonderful, you... 

No Place Like Holmes is the publishing arm of the vast, global musical empire known as Kit Holmes Music (hey, I can dream big, right?) and also the new name of the monthly (maybe more often - when the mood strikes) newsletter to you all, the friends and fans of moi and the music I am grateful to be able to create.

So, Welcome! I'd love your feedback on the new format. Shoot me an email, a Skype or Facebook message....(contact info below)

September is a rather transitional month, don’t you think? Even here in Central Texas where there are only two seasons – Summer and January – there is a noticeable shift in the air.

Everything has a season, of course: schools, music and theater, fashion, food, sports, gardens, life, love, etc. The season I find myself in currently is one of preparing for harvest…And I could use your help.

You see, I’ve got a whole crop of new songs that need to be shared so they don’t end up a moldy, musty old pile of fading sheet music synapses (or is it synaps, synapsis?) in the recesses of my brain.

Many of you have been asking (for a long time, I might add…) when I was going to record a new CD….well, the time is now and here’s your chance to get in on the action!

This is my personal invitation to all of you, with this caveat: if you’ve ever enjoyed my songs, my shows or just said to yourself upon meeting me for the first time, “Hey, I think Kit is a pretty cool, rockin’ chick and I love to support original, quality music and the person(s) who create it”, you can now PRE-Order the new (as of yet, untitled) CD.

We're shooting for a November, 2009 release but it all depends on how much moola/cash/coin we can raise for the project right now.

See this picture? It's me really workin' it....man, can't you just feeeeel the love? Don'tcha just wanna go to the website right now and order your copy of the new CD?

It's SOOOOOOO easy to do! Just go HERE. For as little as $25, you can be a part of history. Yes, I said it. History!!

You can sponsor by pre-purchasing the CD, hosting a house concert/fundraiser or even just donating to getting the CD recorded, produced and released. And even better, you’ll get all kinds of cool stuff for helping out (including that warm, fuzzy, good-all-over feeling – what could be better?). Your financial contribution can also be a great gift! (Holidays…hint, hint….)

Please go HERE or go to the “Go Shopping” page at www.kitholmesmusic.com. You’ll be glad you did. THANK YOU!!!

YOU CAN help this project come to fruition by PRE-Ordering your copies NOW!! Please visit the "Go SHOPPING" page at www.kitholmesmusic.com to see all the options you have to support Kit at various financial levels. You'll get not only some amazing new music but lots of cool thank-you gifts, too!

It will take $10,000 - $15,000 to produce this CD - From studio time, musicians and audio engineers to  artwork, printing, replicating, photography, promotion and more...it all takes time, talent and yes, money.

The estimated release of the new CD is November 2009 and we know that the perfect, right support is here now. Thank you in advance!

Please visit the "Go Shopping" page at www.kitholmesmusic.com. You can support at various levels (from $25 to $1000) or simply donate any amount you want. All funds are securely received through PayPal.  

Why not gather your family, friends, social group, business, or organization and pool resources? It's a great way to share something in common: enjoying Kit's music! And in return, your group will receive some lovely promotion and gifts!

Better yet, gather everyone you know and support at the $1000 level and get a house concert, FREE!

Visit the "go Shopping" page at www.kitholmesmusic.com for all the info.

Thanks, thanks and THANK YOU!!!