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JANUARY 2010 Happy New Year! Thank you for all your support and love. I almost made my goal of 150 gigs in 2009. I met so many wonderful people and musicians. Rekindled some old friendships, and solidified some new ones. I proved to myself that I AM a solo player, I fell in love with my Martin. ZiGZaG is really cookin now, and the band got an agent...the time has come for Outta State Plates. I got a feelin 2010 is gonna rock!
New Year's Day...I watched movies ALL DAY and RELAXED for the first time in MONTHS...it was great. I look forward to time off...and get so antsy when I am not playin...so two days later, I played at the Circle-A Cafe for the Sunday Alive at 8 music series. Bill the Fan brought Rosettes to share...with seven shots....good times.
Lookin at some time off in January but a few things are goin on....the band recorded twelve songs for a demo, mp3s should be ready at the end of the month. Still singing every Sunday at SLGM with Whitebird. Rehearsals with the band every week, and once a month with Randy and Mambo.
I am playing solo at the Bella Caffe on Friday January 15th...it's Gallery Night in Milwaukee and the weather is supposed to be good so I am really lookin forward to tryin out some new tunes there.
ZiGZaG is gonna be a the Redstone Pub and Grill on the 22nd...it's in downtown Waukesha...a new place for us....we would love to see you there. I happily return to the Nice Ash on January 30th. What a fun place...HUGE room, cigars, hookahs, cocktails and great people!
Check the Calendar for more information. Coming in February ZiGZaG is gonna rock the Latest Edtion on the 5th, I am playing a solo matinee at Joyce Parker Productions on the 6th, and return again to The Nice Ash on the 20th...ciao!
DECEMBER 2009 Behind again with the journal...holidays depress the hell outta me...Scrooge, no...Bohemian, yes...enough about the holly jolly crap.
Randy and I started December with a ZiGZaG private party gig. The year before when we played on that date, we battled blizzard conditions on the ride home from Watertown, this year...we were in 'Tosa and it was almost sixty degrees...now that was darn nice! We had a great time playin for the folks and their party...
I caught a bad cold right after Thanksgiving...thought I had it beat and then WHAM...cough, hack, cough...the bronchitis took hold...brutal. I had to cancel four gigs cause I absolutely could not SING...bum me out. Finally, after lotsa rest, chicken noodle soup, Jagermeister and Emergen-C...oy.....I started comin outta the woods after three weeks of croakin and hackin...yeesh!
I did the Bella Caffe and boy did it feel good to sing...still a little weak but a good warm up for the band gig the next night. The Outta State Plates blew the doors off of Conway's. Packed house....Our other singer, Tom Charney, had the ladies swoonin' with his rendition of All My Only Dreams. Hell I needed a cigarette when he was done...the boy was HOT! I think our version of White Rabbit was pretty well received too....we encourage you to feed your head. Keep an eye out for more gigs with the OSPlates...We are recording a demo in January and have an agent...we are ready to RAWK!
I played for T.Lee's Art Show Reception at the Fixx Coffeehouse in St Francis...wonderful crowd...we weren't sure because this is Packer country and there was a big game on, but a lot of folks showed up...T.Lee sold a couple of pieces of art...I had an audience...and got my portrait painted by Milwaukee poet/artist Tim Kloss...how effin cool is that?
Later in the month, Doctor Mambo and I played a ZiGZaG gig together at Sprizzo without the Reverend Randy...(schedule conflict). We had a special guest opener Roxie Beane with her cool soulful tunes (damn that girl is good). A fun night although don't think some of those other folks in the scene quite know how to take me. Well here's a little message for ya'll... I don't abide drama so you don't have to worry about me goin off...but in the future, you might wanna think twice about toyin with somebody's mixing board without askin...especially somebody you don't even know...I'm just sayin.....
Celebrated the Winter Solstice at Seven Seas and their Solstice Party. Hung out with Roxie, Stormy and Ms. Cream...Had some good chow...mmmmm...Had a cocktail and sat alone at a table listening to the other performers and watching everyone else texting....someone....it was trippy, real trippy.
ZiGZaG took home December with a party for Doctor Mambo...yes there was a blizzard...yes there was ice...yes we got "mambosized" and had a BLAST! Happy Birthday Mambo! Night of nights! Food, booze and pup dogs everywhere...and generous folks who were ready to party and really appreciated the music!
T.Lee and I played the Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service for SLGM. I did a solo version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him". Never played that to such a receptive crowd before. We also played New Years Eve for the annual Release Ceremony...then we went out for New Year's Eve dinner with some really dear friends...we had a great time (it was sooooo COLD). We got home before midnight....I spent New Year's Eve with my Facebook friends...it was really cool...maybe you think that sounds pathetic...but it was one of the best New Year's Eve I ever had...LOL!
NOVEMBER 2009
I am back at the Nice Ash on November 21
OCTOBER 2009 October…my favorite month…and this one really rocked! Started out by jamming with the boys (Outta State Plates). We played at the Springs Gallery during the Waukesha Art Crawl…OMG…I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun! The party theme was “Hippie Heyday Celebration” and there were people dancin…hula hoopin…and makin merry! The boys were HOT that night…Stuart and Morgan ran our sound and made everything on stage PERFECT! Night of nights!! We are just gettin started...I love these guys…and here they are:
I had a great time at the Bella Caffe…it’s become a steady gig for me because I love the room and the staff and the folks who come there to hang out. I have dates there through the end of the year, check the calendar. My pals Roxie Beane and Stormy came out to the show…when it was over we hung out at their pad where I was initiated into the world of Rockband…I gotta say for being an old fuddy duddy…I held my own…lol! I mean come on folks, I don’t’ even have tv…so the whole video game thing just BLOWS my mind….Good times though...I just love those two! T.Lee and I played a show with Dan and Deb (Whitebird) at Andersons out in Delafield…real nice place…a lot of music goes on there….
Then I played a solo gig at a place that shall remain nameless…that was one of the weirdest freakin shows I have ever had…they treated me like…well….folks had warned me about the place...needless to say I won’t be back there…enough about that…except that I ain’t never been kicked out of any place that I wanted to stay…. Then came my birthday gig with ZiGZaG…Randy and Doctor Mambo. We ROCKED the Sprizzo Caffe…and took away all my bad feelings…We then went across the street to have a birthday cocktail…some young good lookin thing was on a cougar hunt...I thanked him, cause it was flattering and all but...ANYHOO...I had sooooo much fun that night…got home, was unloading the car and feelin pretty good til my 12 string took a nose dive down the basement stairs… (it was in the case - it survived without scratch….whew), but DAMN…the racket was enough to wake the dead. In my giddy state, I just busted out laughin…it was all so stupid and the noise factor so funny...guess I was a little buzzed. T.Lee came racin to the foyer…he thought I had biffed and was cryin. But I wasn’t…got the equipment in and stored, then he gave me my birthday present…YOWZA! Had my first gig at The Nice Ash Cigar Bar…a really cool place in downtown Waukesha…some friendly faces stopped in to show their support, and I saw some old friends...Doug and Scotty…I really enjoyed myself….folks were listening and receptive….I am back there November 21
SEPTEMBER 2009 Okay, here I am writing about what happened instead of what’s gonna happen…I dunno…maybe it is better that way… First I have been having a ball on Facebook reconnecting with old friends and making some awesome new friends. It is really a cool way to network. Stay away from the apps and the goofy games and you will be okay. LOL!
Now September came in with T.Lee and me doin the Fred and Ethel thing at Café Carpe. We shared the evening with the vivacious and talented Tricia Alexander (she is a Reiki Master…so if you can dig that you know what she is about…) We talked Bill C into playin for a song circle second set. That man has the most beautiful voice. When he sings Boots of Spanish Leather…I tell ya…. We hung around afterwards and got home about 3am.
I got up later (at 5:30am) to play for the Lake Country Half Marathon in Oconomowoc…that’s right folks, Ms “Never Sees Daylight before Noon”…was goin on two hours sleep, drivin into the fog…with the Martin and a Coke and a donut…buzzzzzzzz, got lost twice… THEN I found it. Got there an hour early…yegawds…Neighbors were peekin out their windows…wondering wtf is this chick doin…then they would wander out to get their papers and quiz me. I would tell them I’m playin music for the runners when they come by…OHHHH, they’d say…the race… is that today…I would tell them I am playin music because I couldn’t run if someone was chasin me and we would laugh and they would go back to their business assured that I wasn’t casing their houses. Sheesh! Even had the cops checkin on me…damn I musta looked pretty seedy! But they were cool…better safe than sorry! Anyway…I don’t know who won the race…and I never did find my pal Randy who was playing there too…but it was a really cool scene with lotsa great energy…and I really enjoyed watching the day “begin”…especially in the beautiful lake country…then I treated myself to another Coke and headed home to crash for awhile.
Later that night T.Lee and I (as Fred and Ethel…wtf) played again at the Annual Hunger Stomp hosted by my pals T.Keller and Jim Mishler. It was great to see and hear T, Katie, Jim, Cheryl, Julie, Denny and Tom P.
Played the Bella Ceffe during Indian Summer and got a great view of the Fireworks down by the Big Lake. Found out there is FREE PARKING in the parking structure across the street…after 6pm FREE as in no moola…nobody seems to know this…I’m telling ya!
Went to an open jam a met some nice folks…the hosts Colleen and Jared (from Ulterior Motive) are incredible musicians…as were Jason and Joe…good times…then on the way home, I locked my keys in the car while I was getting gas…the gas guy is all shook up cause I am blocking the pump…I’m like what do you want from me…if I could do miracles I would open the bloody door to my car! Dude there were five other pumps and it’s midnight….ANYHOO…long story short, I got home safe and sound and with $40 less in my pocket…whaddya gonna do?
I went back to the studio with my boyish pal Randy to finish up some background vocals on his soon to be released disc. Dan Bono from Pink Houses was also there laying down an accordion track for the project….went from the studio to play at the Coffee Vault where a hen party was takin place…loudest gaggle of women I’ve ever heard…weird night…one of those…why am I here nights…. Had a good stiff couple shots and went to see Randy jam with The Thrillcats at the Latest Edition…Lars Hanson is my drum playin idol…gawd amighty he sure plays the licks, love watchin the boys jam….
The next night I had a fantastic gig at the Carleton-Grange Pub! Met some new folks and saw some old friends. Had the ladies dancin in the aisles…I think everybody had a good time…I know I did. Whitebird had its official cd release at SLGM Anniversary picnic. We played outside on a beautiful day…sold cds…woohoo… visit www.myspace.com/whitebirdsings to hear tracks from the disc. I missed out on the Equinox Party at Seven Seas because of the cd release…I was bummed about that…but I just couldn’t be in two places at the same time…though I have tried…it don’t work.
Still playing mandolin and singing with Whitebird every Sunday at Spiritual Living of Greater Milwaukee, and rehearsals continued every week with the “new” band Outta State Plates. We effin rock, if I do say so myself…we are playin at the Wauskesha Art Crawl October 3rd…more on that later….
AUGUST 2009 Started off August with the First Annual Taste of Wisconsin in Kenosha. I had a lot fun and got some good feedback from folks…I will be returning there next year. The crew there rocked. Later that night I played at the Carleton Grange Pub one of my faves. The Bella Caffe is another one of my faves, and despite the rain, there was a decent crowd. The Saturday of the Farmers Market the rain was coming down in buckets so even though I drove up there…I didn’t play…couldn’t figure out how to hold the guitar and the umbrella at the same time…oh well back there next year too.
Had a photo shoot with Whitebird on Sunday the 9th. Our new cd will be released in September…there will be a cd release party at the Spiritual Living Center of Greater Milwaukee. We have a myspace page and as soon as the final mix is available, I will post tracks and pix too, (www.myspace.com/whitebirdsings)
Lookin forward to jamming with Reverend Randy and Doctor Mambo at the Sprizzo on Saturday August 15th. I am back at the Grange on Saturday August 22nd.
T.Lee and I will be doin the Fred and Ethel thing on Thursday August 20th at the Coffee Vault in Dousman –all original music that night…Fred and Ethel have a show coming up at Café Carpe on Friday September 4th too…Bill Camplin rocks!
Saturday the 29th of August, I am back at the Fixx Coffeehouse. You should check out their art wall. T.Lee’s paintings are hanging there and everything is for sale at very reasonable prices for original art! More to come…keep an eye out….
JUNE/JULY 2009 Happy Summer! I am waaayyyy behind with my news here...I reckon that is good...means I am busy...and I plan on gettin busier. June was awesome. Started out with a recording session with Whitebird. We recorded a five song demo of new thought church music in the Towering Pines barn...Dan is so together and down with our sound...we knocked it out in 4 hours, well not the mix of course but still that was pretty cool. Deb and T.Lee have written so many great songs it was hard to choose so we are gonna to record five more...I will keep you posted...everyone at the Spiritual Living Center WANTS a cd of the FOUR of us...soon I promise!
I am now on Facebook www.facebook.com/judekinnear and reconnecting with so many old friends and making new ones...I found out one thing...my home state of Oklahoma...ya'll ROCK!
No sense in reviewing past gigs...is there? I rocked the Poplar Inn all through June and will be back there in the fall. I love those guys. West Bend Farmer's Market was so much fun...had no real idea where I was goin and I got a parking place like a half a block from where I played...generous folks strolling the streets that day. Sunshine and a street market...makes my little heart go pitty pat. Coolest thing happened...I played a really obscure Uriah Heep song (What Should Be Done - it's from Look At Yourself, one of my faves), anyway when I am done this guy comes over to me and says..."wow...I never thought I would ever hear THAT Ken Hensley song covered by anyone and I NEVER thought I would hear it covered by a female singer." Well baby you just heard it! And I might add he was mighty generous to my tip jar.... I love music! I am back at the West Bend Farmers Market on August 8th.
Jammed with Rachel Trapp at Smokin Joe's in West Allis...that gal is a phenom on that fiddle...we gonna do some more jammin in July and August @ Joe's so keep an eye out.
Shared a big ass adventure with Roxie Beane after the Seven Seas Summer Solstice gig. RB had a show in Waukesha so I went to see her. While she was playin, it started raining like a sonofagun...no biggie...but it kept raining. She finished her show...didn't wanna load in the deluge...not good for gear...so we kicked back with a hookah and a couple of Long Island Teas. Finally we figured out it was not goin to stop raining so we got her gear loaded and said our farewells and headed for Milwaukee...she went one way and I went another...All of a sudden I am in WATER up to my wheels...whoa...backed out and tried another way...flooded; another road, flooded; another road, flooded...this went on for 45 minutes...me driving all over Waukesha tryin to get out...
Finally I am on Sunset thinkin I am gonna make it...and then I hit water comin over the railroad tracks by West Ave like a waterfall...that's when it finally dawned on me...I am in a FLASH FLOOD!! Street lights are out...cops everywhere, dead cars, stranded motorists... It was REALLY BAD...and I thought even if I get outa here what's out there...on the dark county roads? I backed tracked and navigated across town and thru several small ponds (by that time I admit I was careless) to get to my brother and sister-in -law's house...it's almost 2am...Bless them for takin me in. I called T.Lee and left him a message to tell him not to worry and where I was...incidentally he was at home in Milwaukee and SLEPT through the whole storm...didn't even know I was gone until I got home at 6:30am...then he says can't you come up with a better excuse for stayin out all night than "a flood" LOL!! Anyway that's my story and I am stickin to it. I was so worried about Roxie but she made it home okay...she had big adventures too, but she made it...what a night!
Kenosha Bloomin Days was fun...such a cool scene...you feel like such a rockstar....T.Lee went with me on a whim and we ended up jammin together on the corner...after fifteen years singin together...we haven't lost a beat...I reckon so. Ran into James from Union Pulse...hung out at Frank's Diner to listen to their set...but the rain came and we ran away. It was a good time and we are gonna do it again next year.
The anniversary party at the Carleton Grange was a beautiful night...perfect for playin outdoors. Lotsa great feedback...I love the Grange...I am back there July 11th and TWICE in August...so be sure to check the calendar for the dates.
I also play the Bella Caffe on July 10th to kick things off. I am REALLY excited about the week of the 13th...on Thursday July 16th, T.Lee and I return to the Coffee Vault to do a song swap of ALL original music! The folks really liked it last time so we are goin back and have dates there through October. Then on Friday July 17th at Conways, I am part of the Women in Music Series hosted by my pal Roxie Beane. The show features Roxie, Melissa Czarnik and me! I am really lookin forward to that night...I play so many background music gigs, and I love every minute of it, but it's gonna be nice to let 'er rip...got some new tunes too!
Saturday, the 18th, I am at a new venue (new for me) called Books and Company in Oconomowoc for an intimate acoustic show. On July 20th I am the featured performer at Linneman's Poet Monday (10pm)...and there is no cover charge!
Well if I think of anything I have left out I will post it later, meanwhile be sure to visit/friend me on myspace and/or facebook...oh yeah I am on twitter too....
Love you too
APRIL/MAY 2009 Alright then…let’s see April…oh yeah…RAIN…well it started out with a BANG when ZiGZaG returned as the trio to the Latest Edition. Doctor Mambo was in fine form on percussion that night. Jammin with Reverend Randy and Doctor Mambo is always cool. I played the next night at the Fixx Coffeehouse and some folks I hadn’t seen in a long time showed up. Good vibes. The next day after performing at the church service, T.Lee and I jammed as Fred and Ethel at Ed Ross’ Annual Memorial Concert. It is always good to see Gary and Debbie and Devin and all the folks at Conway’s.
The Bella Caffe was a blast! I played there for the first time (in April) and I am really looking forward to going back…(May 15th) what a beautiful place…Randy I played as ZiGZaG the duo at Bunkers…nice place….ALWAYS fun with Randy…he is so talented and a hoot to be around.
Two days later I traveled to West Bend to the Poplar Inn with minimal gear to play what I thought was gonna be a quiet tiny small high class restaurant…instead it was upstairs in the PUB! It was cozy bar area so I got by with the system I had. The nice gentleman in charge helped me carry the stuff up the stairs…and at the end he carried it all down for me while I loaded the car…(did I mention it was RAINING) for which I was sooooo grateful. Everybody liked my music and the folks there were SO NICE to me - they want me back - so I am returning to sing songs for the Poplar Inn in May on Saturday the 16th and Friday the 29th…don’t forget, I am upstairs in the pub!
What else…oh I did a solo gig opening for the Mud River Lee Bluegrass Orchestra…always a good time…hung around with my pal A.L. Williams…we hadn’t seen each other in ages so it was good to connect! Two days later back to the Grange…great time. I really love the Grange. Did I mention it was RAINING....
The next day I performed solo at the church service as everyone had some other commitments. I held my own…playing for the church is a very personal thing for me, I will only try to relate it to words by saying that what I feel when I sing there are incredible waves of love….
April saw Wendy and the Lost Boys rehearsing every week and getting ready for the Pathfinders Benefit on May 1st. We performed for over 300 people. It was a blast…I was nursing a strained voice with Jager and it worked…Singing with T-C’s harmony is so effin cool…he is right on…love them air tight harmonies…just love em!!! Gary and David held the beat true and steady. Barry blew the doors off the Harley Davidson Museum’s Garage with his lead on Rockin In the Free World…it was AWESOME (HOLY COW!) and Giles blew up his amp with during the lead on We Gotta Get Outa This Place…but recovered quiet nicely…good times…good times….
Back to the last day of April, I had the privilege of performing with Roxie Beane and Kate Scovell, two VERY talented young women in the Milwaukee music scene. Damn they are GOOD! We each played a set to a packed house at Walker’s Pint in Milwaukee…it was so cool for me to get to let me hair down in a cool scene. I love my quiet background music gigs…but every now and then the acoustic rock chick needs to tear it up…I had damn good time and it felt good to let it rip on stage! Love to all of you that came down to support me and especially to you Shelby dear for coming down to hang out with me. I met so many cool folks.
Back at the Grange the Saturday after The Pint and The Pathfinders Benefit…T.LEE was playing next door at the Fixx so he came to see me when he was done and indulged in a tasty fish and chips dinner I must add….I love the Grange…everybody there ROCKS! Played for church the next day and for a special ceremony luncheon afterwards….now….I have some downtime coming…and just in time…cause my voice is need of a little rest, then everything will be fine! Looking forward to the Bella on May 15th, the Poplar Inn on May 16th and 29th and the Northstar American Bistro with ZiGZaG the duo on May 30th….ROCK ON!
MARCH 2009 Big doings this month. Tom has an art show at the Leenhouts Gallery 1342 N Astor (Milwaukee). The opening reception is on Sunday March 22nd at 1pm. On Saturday March 28th I am doin a concert at Joyce Parker Productions in Bay View at 3pm. It's only an hour show so I am gonna do some Moody Blues tunes and my own songs that reflect Justin Hayward's influence on my music. Later that night I am back at the Carleton Grange Pub at 8:30pm.
WHOA! Last minute gig...Friday March 6th at the Beautiful Day Cafe. Remember they are no longer serving food, just deserts and beverages and they can only accept cash or checks. Also all of their boutique goodies are on sale!
Wendy and the Lost Boys are still working hard. We are building our set list and havin a blast being together. We have scored a great gig in May...I will fill you in Can't wait to start playin out with the boys...but I can be patient...cause honey we gonna do some world shakin
My cd, Playin With Myself, is now available at any show. The project was recorded live with absolutely no overdubs or Pro Tool tricks, imagine that. It's just like I am there in the room with you, singing some of my favorite covers to you with all my heart and soul. A producer fella once told me that the studio (recording) is like looking in big mirror...and a lot of people don't like what they see....well folks, this was the best studio experience I ever had, and I liked what I saw. I was relaxed and comfortable, TOTALLY because of Geoff McCormick (who recorded the project in his studio The Wall Recording Studio). This is what Geoff had to say about the experience..."Jude has a killer, killer voice. Range, dynamics, she's one of those people that has 'it' ". This recording is everything I wanted it to be...it's raw and real.... Later tater.... February 2009
From The Bluegrass Blog - http://www.thebluegrassblog.com (http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/wp-print.php?p=5191)
The Night Began with Jude Kinnear. She is a remarkable lady, who just oozes with coolness, and ability. She rocked out classics with her Joplin twists, and does sing much better than Joplin ever could. If you ever dreamed of what it would be like to see Joplin, you can see Jude, she is as close as it gets while remaining herself all the while. She is …I will say it again…a very cool lady.... Garsh, thanks ya'll....
Found a new home at the Fixx Coffeehouse...cozy and smoke free, great for listening with PLENTY of room....even comfortable couches and wine! I will be back there in April and May. Last but not least I did another show at the Coffee Vault...great place...LOVE the acoustics...love em! Christine and the folks that come to show are great! After the show I went to Sullivan to Janie's open jam...met some wonderful wonderful people! The nice gentlemen in charge set me up with great sound and cocktails. It was awesome to feel so welcome...I had a great time. Unfortunately I was on a timetable that night so I had to split early...but I am goin back to hang out and make some new friends! And so it goes....spring is coming and I can't wait to dig in the dirt and bake in the sun!
January 2009 Here we go...another year over...a new one just begun....Happy New Year! I hit the floor runnin...January 3rd at the Grange. Lotsa folks showed up! It was GREAT! On the 9th I jammed with Randy and Dan at the Beautiful Day Cafe (wow me and TWO Capricorns on the eve of a full moon...sigh).
Anyhoo.... On Saturday the 10th, The Lost Boys and I recorded a live demo. We set up and recorded in a beautiful little theatre. The whole day was documented on video....it was awesome, the full band, Giles, Barry, Tom C, David, and Gary, the stage, the lights, the FANTASTIC sound (extra special thanks to Morgan and Stuart)...a perfect day. I have said it once and I will say it again...I LOVE my Lost Boys! We are setting up a page on myspace, www.myspace.com/wendyandthelostboysrock so stop and by and check us out. While I am on the subject of myspace, ZiGZaG also has a myspace page. I invite you to visit www.myspace.com/zigzagtoo and be our friend!
In other news, Tom and I released our Fred and Ethel Spiritual CD "Brand New Positive Attitude" on Sunday the 11th at the Spiritual Living Center of Greater Milwaukee to rave reviews. The response was incredible. Watch for mp3s on Fred and Ethel's myspace. You can also buy the disc online, check the Fred and Ethel website for details.
Back to the subject of my boyish friend Randy...he is playing with the THRILLCATS (Steve Grimm and Lars Hanson) on Saturday January 17th at the Latest Edition in Jackson WI. Since I am off that weekend I figured I would give him a plug!
WOW! Randy and I were invited by John Harrison (The Great Big) to an open jam that he is hosting at the Buzz Bar (the Old RJ Waters) in Watertown. Johnny and his partner Aaron (bass, keyboards, sound) set us up and we jammed some tunes with them and as ZiG ZaG and solo. Nice place, nice folks...I reckon it was a night of nights. Keep an ear open for some more musical brewings with these guys....
I am back at the Grange on January 24th. It's a great place. It's gonna be my new home. I return to the Coffee Vault on Thursday the 29th. Then on Friday the 30th I open for The Smiling Orange at the Bremen Cafe. There is NO COVER CHARGE...so come on down and support these guys and their awesome original music and check out the really cool characterization of yours truly from the poster made by Chris of the Smiling Orange (See above) ....Don't that just effin ROCK!
On Saturday January 31st, T. Keller, Jim Mishler and I are gonna do the trio thing again and open for the The AcoustiKats (Craig the Breeze and Ramie Espinosa) at The Firehouse on 35th and Forest Home...I told you after playing together at the Toy Box, Jim and T. are gettin ideas....
As Wendy once said to Peter Pan... "Peter, I should like to give you a kiss." I want to give a shout to my friend Peter Tory down in San Antonio Texas! I know ya'll are gonna appreciate that incredible songwriter down there...let the journey begin my friend....
Rest in peace Auntie Dolores...and don't you worry, I will keep your little angels safe. I will always think of you when I look at them.
Last but not least....no California trip...the conference has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (i.e., the recession, unemployment, pis poor economics.) Oh well...moving on....
December 2008 I reckon if it is December then Pandora's Box Annual Toy Box and Food Drive must be around the corner. Come on down Saturday December 6th. Tom and I will be doin the Fred and Ethel thing along with who knows what cause we are gonna be playin and singing with T. Keller and Jim Mishler ALL NIGHT LONG! I have been workin on some tunes to sing with T and Jim - we are psyched about FINALLY doing something together after all these years! T and Jim are the first two musicians I met when I moved here a long time ago. Phenomenal musicians and singers. I love singing with T. Every year T. and Katie host this party to benefit the Bayview Community Center. Raffles for great prizes and drink specials, great music and maybe even a bawdy British pub song or two from Katie! A donation of a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item is appreciated.
Let me say thanks again to Geoff McCormick at The Wall Recording Studio. Randy and I tracked a four song demo back in November that just ROCKS. We still have a few tweaks but I will get mp3's loaded soon on the ZIGZaG site, (watch for us on myspace - coming soon). Also I want to thank my sponsor Peter Roberts Fine Guitars for providing me with the wonderful boomin Martin HD35 and the Fishman Loudbox 100 acoustic amp. I recorded with the Martin and the amp...effin sweet...it has added so much to my sound and made me a better player. If you are lookin for a FANTASTIC acoustic amp or new or used stringed instrument, including the amazingly beautiful Gallagher Guitars, I invite you to call Peter at 262.363.1585 for more details.
ZiGZaG's debut at the Beautiful Day Cafe was a success! We return to the BDC on January 9th. While I am on the subject of ZiGZaG, we are rockin RJ Waters (in Watertown) on Friday December 5th. We will also be rockin the Carleton Grange on Saturday December 27th.
Tom and I are at the Beautiful Day Cafe as FRED and ETHEL on Friday December 19th...it's been awhile.
Oh yeah I am doin the Conway's thing on December 11th. I don't really know what this scene is about...it's suppose to be an open acoustic mic with featured performers and I reckon that is what I am.... I was supposed to do a spot in November but things got really nuts that week. Yes I finally admit it...too many things to do and not enough ME to go around so I had to back out. Felt bad about that, but in this business if you HAVE to look out for yourself cause nobody else cares doodley squat about your dilemmas or problems. I always put music first ALWAYS...just ask my family. I have missed so much over the years (including my daddy's funeral) because the show must go on...so all I can say is BAH! BAH! I say!
Wendy and the Lost Boys are still alive and growing! We are building up our repertoire. We found our drummer, Gary back in the summer, and we recently added another Lost Boy, Tom C. on vocals and rhythm guitar. We are recording a demo in January. I love singing "guy" songs as well as "girl" songs (ahem), so the sky is the limit. These fellas need to be unleashed on this town...some of the best players around, seriously folks ...Barry blows doors as a lead player and that's not all, he blows a mean bluesy harp, plays mandolin and has a great ear for production. He is always trying to find the "right vibe" to make the song ours! Giles keeps us focused and keeps track of musical arrangements and our bookings. His rhythm guitar is laced with tasty riffs, and he rips into some smokin leads as well. And of course the anchor is David on bass...with an ear like a steel trap, he keeps us steady through the murky waters, and keeps me on my toes with his insightful anecdotes! Plus he knows who Yosh and Stan Shmenge are! I love my LOST BOYS!
I am gonna be in the audience for CORRUPTABLE's CD release party on December 13th at Linnemans, 1001 E Locust in Riverwest Milwaukee. Charlie, Robert and Al-X are great guys, awesome musicians and they ROCK. Check out their sound on MySpace or CDBaby. Heavy Nova and Danny Price and The Loose Change will also be performing.
I am marking the days for the California trip...I know I am supposed to living in the moment, but at this moment it is snowing like crazy outside so I just can't help but think about being poolside in California...sigh. MORE WINE!
WOW that's a lot of NEWS! Lots of other really cool things are on the horizon...can't tell you now...but I will soon.
Hey...Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas!
Milwaukee's Journal Sentinel features Jude on SOUNDCHECK - A big thanks to C.A. Dowe for the new PIX on the gallery page...You ROCK girl! I am takin a break from performing for a couple of weeks in October and November cause I am back in the studio to record a cd of new thought church songs with Tom...we will keep you posted. Another project I am working on is Fred and Ethel's new cd "Together Alone". By hook or by crook the disc is gonna be out before the year's end, we are really excited about that...
Reverend Randy and I are also gonna be in the studio in November and we are shooting a video on Sunday November 9th at the Clubhouse at the Willow Run Golf Course...c'mon out...the bar is open we we will be rockin....Randy and I will debut at the Beautiful Day Cafe on Friday November 21st...should be an interesting evening....then get ready for ZiGZaG Watertown...we are at RJ Waters on Friday December 5th. On Saturday December 6th Tom and I will be doin the Fred and Ethel thing along with who knows what at the Pandora's Box Annual Toy Box and Food Drive. Every year T. Keller, Jim Mishler and Katie Keller host a huge bash that benefits the Bayview Community Center. A donation of a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item is appreciated.
So many exciting and wonderful things are goin on. I am so happy (and blessed) to be back to fulltime with music....I have Thomas to thank for that...2008 has pretty much SUCKED until August...sometimes a ghost from the past brings a gift instead of pain. I am meeting so many wonderful people lately who are supporting me and promoting my music. I am finally gettin back on track and focusing on what I have...and that I am loved...you know something...that is ALL that REALLY matters....
Mark your calendar for Saturday November 8th...I am back at the Carleton Grange Pub by popular demand...you guys ROCK!!!
October 2008
I am at the Coffee Vault on October 9th. Beautiful ride so come on out and indulge in some wine and good music (ahem). If you get a chance...go see my wonderful and talented friend Reverend Randy perform with Dirty Ernie in Jackson on Friday October 10th for some kick ass rockin blooze! I am gettin up early and goin to West Bend with my pal A.L. Williams on Saturday October 11th to rock the Farmers Market. I am back at the Parkway Cafe on the 16th and no doubt Tom and Mike Jane and even Reverend Randy may show up to jam some tunes with me. It will be AWESOME! Oh and by the way...my pal Randy is gonna be at the Parkway on the Thursday the 30th of October so you should check him out. His shows are always entertaining and a rockin good time! I am gonna swing by after the studio so BE THERE!
Recorded my first solo cd. I did it "live". No overdubs, punches or Pro Tool "magic". Geoff McCormick at The Wall Recording Studio did an awesome job setting me up and engineering the sound and performance I wanted to capture. I tracked thirteen songs... I really wanted to record an album of some of my favorite songs. I have never felt so relaxed in the studio. The whole scene was conducive for me the minute I walked into the recording booth and I think, no, I KNOW this recording, sparse as it is, reflects that vibe. I am workin on gettin some songs loaded on my music page here, but until then you can hear them on my myspace page at www.myspace.com/judekinnear. I would love to know what you think!
Happy Halloween...See you in November!
September 2008
Voting ends on September 26th for the Shepherd Express reader's poll Best of Milwaukee. I am in two catergories: Best Female Vocalist and Acoustic Musician! If you would like to show your support for your beloved rock chick, please follow the link and vote for Jude Kinnear in one or both of these categories. http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/ Click on the VOTE NOW link and then click on the ARTS and Entertainment Ballot. You can also mail in your vote by using the ballot found in the Shepherd Express. Thanks again for all of you who support me and for putting my name on the ballot...you rock!
The party at the Carleton Grange ROCKED. Beautiful night...perfect for an outdoor gig. The patio lined with flowers all in their summer glory, lotsa people and BUG FREE. Cool beans....Tom set my sound perfectly and I just let my music do the rest. I didn't put out a tip jar but people were droppin money at my feet at the end of the show. How effin cool is that? Later I sang with my pal Reverend Randy during his last set...it was a magic night. Ahhhh love that gig afterglow....
I am back at the COFFEE VAULT in Dousman on Thursday September 4th. Great place to play...the acoustics are sweet. I believe it is wine night and they have mighty tasty food. I would love to see you there. I am at the Parkway Cafe in 'Tosa Thursday September 11th...oh you lucky people....Check out the Parkway. Great food, wonderful people....and ME :-)
PLEASE NOTE: The Parkway Cafe gig on 9.25.08 has been rescheduled for 10.16.08
Barry, Giles, David, Gary and I are gonna rock The Bowary on Saturday September 13th as Wendy and the Lost Boys. We have some really cool eclectic tunes. No cover charge. If it's nice we may even be outside...I'll let you know. UPDATE: THE LOST BOYS ROCKED! Watch for video soon to come.
Last but not least, Fred and Ethel are gonna open for the Remedies at Linneman's on Friday September 12th for "GIVE PEACE A DANCE" a Peace Action Wisconsin Benefit. Only $7 and it' s for a good cause! Then on September 19th we are back at the BDC.
Thanks again to Peter Roberts Fine Guitars for the wonderful Martin HD35 and Fishman Loudbox 100 acoustic amp. This setup is rockin my world.... Peter Roberts Guitars - Fine guitars and other stringed instruments - 262.363.1585
Be sure to visit me on myspace to my original tunes or just to be friends!
August 2008
Summertime, yeah the livin is easy.....Okay, I slacked off in July and now I am gettin back to bizness. August 1st - I filled in for Fred and Ethel at the BDC. Fred aka Tom Jane, is recovering from a hand injury, so I stepped up to the plate. Good show, wonderful crowd - they hung on every note. That room is just incredible... Gawd I love the Martin....which I am now performing with courtesy of Peter Roberts Fine Guitars. I will be filling in for another last minute gig on Thursday August 7th at the Parkway Cafe in 'Tosa. My boyish friend Reverend Randy has graciously invited me to do a set at two of his Ala Carte gigs at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Thursday August 14th (5pm) and on Saturday the 16th at 2pm. Isn't he just the sweetest thing around? Saturday August 30th I return to the Carleton Grange Pub in St Francis for their HARLEYFEST PARTY. I kick things off on the patio at 5pm and go until 8pm. Then Randy performs inside from 9-Midnight. No doubt throughout the evening we will be jammin some tunes together.
Be sure to visit me on myspace and listen to my original tunes. I will get a cd out soon...I promise. At least you can't accuse me of vanity projects!
July 2008
On a happier note...my boyish friend the good Reverend Randy let me sit in for a couple of numbers at his gig on Saturday night (June 28th). Always a good time with RPJ. We are gonna be ROCKIN together in August for the annual Zoo Ala Carte and for the Carleton Grange Pub's Harley Fest Party in Augut so watch for more details! The Coffee Vault rocked. I will be back there in September....
June 2008
I made a page on MYSPACE Check it out: www.myspace.com/judekinnear now folks can listen to demos of my original music! Okay....I have to go plant flowers now....
May 2008
April 2008
P.S. To the high-spirited folks who found it necessary to throw a brick through the back window of my car (and after a playing a PEACE CONCERT yet)...thanks for the new perspective on life.... Oh and remember what goes around comes around...ten times...hosers.
March 2008
February 2008
The annual event is held at a beautiful resort and spa in the sunny desert near Palm Springs California. I am very excited about being asked to perform for these wonderful ladies again. What a great bunch of gals! It is a weekend of empowerment and enlightenment and FUN! After the conference I am treating myself to some much needed R&R at the spa with some extra days poolside under the palms with nothing but sunny skies, the mountain view and wine...aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....When I return....(or should I say IF) I will be back in Milwaukee at the Parkway Cafe on the 21st and the next night in Watertown at one of my faves the Berres Brothers cafe on the 22nd. You can check out the calendar page for more details. I would love to chat some more darlings, but I simply must go pack for my trip! Ciao!
January 2008
December 2007 AND SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS, I hope you had fun...in keepin with the situation. The end of the year...this month is/was a whirlwind, starting with the BLIZZARD on December 1st (Yegawds). The benefit concert for Deb Martel was well attended and a great success, with nearly $30,000 raised for Deb's treatment. FRED and ETHEL had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Krause (sports director at AM620 WTMJ), at the concert. We told him we always listen to the games on the radio and he gave us a "holla" during the broadcast of the December 12th Bucks game! Lots of benefit concerts at the beginning of the month so there were wonderful musical reunions with folks I haven't seen since the year before. Got to hang out with dear pal and amazing songwriter Peter Tory on his last night in town. And of course performing at the annual Toy Box with T. Keller and Jim Mishler is the high-water mark of the season for me. ZiGZaG made their first road trip and it rocked! Reverend Randy is such a pro and the consummate entertainer. Three of the Silvertones (Barry, Giles and I) stormed the stage at a local open jam with Barry's swampy orchestration of Ode to Billy Joe...and well, let's just say it was really cool. I am pursuing more solo venues and I am totally psyched about playin at a new place in Elm Grove called the Elm Grove Perk and Pub. Great food and smoke-free so come on out Saturday December 29th...8pm.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me this year, especially Thomas, because he puts up with the most from me. To all my wonderful, wonderful band mates, Randy, Barry, Giles, Rick, Mark, David, Dan and Deb, I am so grateful to have you all in my musical life. And to everyone that comes to the shows, I will never forget your love and your support...Happy New Year my Darlings....
November 2007 HAPPY BIRTHDAY OKLAHOMA! 100 years young November 16th. Just had to say it somewhere, to somebody...guess I am a little homesick....The talented Reverend Randy will be my guest this month at the Parkway Cafe...we are also performing at Jose's Blue Sombrero on Thursday November 29th - I know, I know... there's a Packer game...geez people, it's alright, we will play before the game and at halftime, so come on down for great food, margaritas and smokin hot acoustic rock by ZiGZaG. If you are out and about at the outlet malls in Johnson Creek, be sure to stop by Berres Brothers for a little (or large) caffeine fix on Friday November 16th. I am flying solo...ha ha...the cafe is on Air Park Drive get it....?
Tom and I recorded a cd of the original songs that we play for the folks at Spiritual Living Center of Greater Milwaukee on Sunday mornings. Nothing fancy, just bare-boned Tom and Jude. We are very excited about this project. Tom's songs add another sub-genre category to New Thought Music. Oh, and just to give it a plug FRED and ETHEL will be at Cafe Carpe on November 30th sharing the evening with the incredibly gifted Tricia Alexander. For more gig dates check out the calendar here. Biggest news, it has been confirmed, Jude Kinnear is gonna be performing again at the Wise Woman Conference in February 2008. And so it is....
October 2007 TRICK OR TREAT at the BDC on Wednesday October 24th . Dan had decided to take the night off. That boy works hard and had a chance for some time off - and that's good! Bad news I couldn't figure out how to work the board...duh. After alot of discussion (heavy on the cussin part), I decided to hell with the effin sound system - I had this wonderful "pindrop" crowd. Nobody talked - they were there to listen...and they seemed to hang on every note I sang... Without having the microphone and Dan's drumming to hide behind, I was feeling a little self-conscious so I closed my eyes went deep into every song, like I do when I am rehearsing in my room with nobody but the cats listening. I don't usually reveal myself like that when I perform in public, but the atmosphere was so intimate. When I finished the last song, I opened my eyes and looked around to find Kathleen, Gee, Susan, Tom, Karen, Amanda, Giles, Karen and the really nice lady that always comes to my shows just sitting there and staring at me. Gee proclaimed "Something magic just happened here." I must say I think it was the coolest solo gig I ever had.
September 2007
August 2007 Jude continues her solo tour with a debut at the Allegro Martini Bar in Thiensville at 7pm on Saturday August 11th, Conway's in Milwaukee on Friday August 17th, Beautiful Day Cafe on Wednesday August 22nd and Berres Brothers Cafe in Watertown on Friday August 30th. Tom and Jude will perform at the WISCONSIN STATE FAIR as FRED and ETHEL on Saturday August 4th and Thursday August 9th. Show time is 3pm. The concept of FRED and ETHEL was born at the fair...so needless to say this is a very special gig for the dynamic duo...you won't want to miss it!
July 2007 Holy cow...Jude solo at the Cuda Cafe, Parkway Cafe, with Fred and Ethel at Conway's and It's a Beautiful Day Cafe, with the Silvertones at John Hawks Pub and Waterfront Wednesdays, with ZigZag at the Carlton Grange Pub....Check the calendar for more information.
June 2007 Check out Jude's latest project with Milwaukee rock veteran Randy Strumberger... www.zigzagtoo.com
May 2007 Jude flies solo at It's A Beautiful Day Cafe on Wednesday May 30th. Jude entertains the patrons with a variety of obscure and favorite covers, as well as her own songs, on guitar and mandolin in this intimate, casual, smoke-free and listener oriented venue. The Cafe serves delicious sandwiches, including the best Reuben you'll ever taste, salads, deserts, a variety of coffees, teas, sodas, brewskis, wine and other yummy cafe favorites. Tables fill up quick so you might want to call for reservations: 262.691.2233
April 2007
March 2007 Audtions audtions audtions....chord charts chord charts chord charts.... song lyrics song lyrics song lyrics....HEY new website launched!
February 2007
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I
reckon I wasn't in the mood to be chatty this month, since it took me this
long to write about anything...winter blahs...maybe. I really missed making the
annual trip to California...but I guess it was a blessing in disguise. I checked
on the weather out there that weekend - it was raining and 48 degrees...WHOA! It
was actually warmer in Milwaukee! So that made me feel a little better.
Okay....rocked the Grange on the 7th...great place by a Great Lake, if I may
quote my friend Reverend Randy. Speaking of, my dear friend and I did a show at
the BDC...then ZiGZaG traveled to Jackson to rock the Latest Edition. ZiGZaG is
now a trio with the addition of percussionist Dr. Mambo! He even brought his own
fan club!! I went to Conway's on the 11th for Mud River Lee's surprise birthday
party. Found out some folks on the Bluegrass Blog said real nice things about me
after I played there....
Due
to the wonderful weather I scored a LAST MINUTE GIG on Friday September 26th
- 7-11pm at the
Every
year the Shepherd Express has a reader's poll for the Best of Milwaukee.
This year I am in two catergories:
Best Female Vocalist and Acoustic Musician! If you would like to show your
support for your beloved rock chick, please vote
for Jude Kinnear in one or both of these categories. THANKS FOR YOUR
SUPPORT...YOU ALL ROCK!!
You
love me, you hate me, you ignore me BUT... you still can't figure out what genre
I'm in. Okay...I gotta vent somewhere....Apparently after listening to
samples of MY original songs it appears that some folks think I am not capable
of "rockin out".... Granted my original music is mostly of a ballad nature; BUT
I also rock out - I do...DIG!?!?! I reckon I will have to remedy that situation
with another effin demo... Then of course folks will say I am too much of a
rocker....More to come about July but I am just too aggravated right now...
I
return to
the Parkway Cafe on Thursday June 5th and things are really gonna be cookin
with special guests Tom and Mike Jane, and Giles Colahan. Stop by...this could turn into a night of nights! We will be doin
some tunes together...Parkway Cafe is at 92nd and Center in 'Tosa. Stop in and dine "Alfresco" or just enjoy a
cup of coffee, glass of wine or brewski on a fine spring evening....I am off to
Kenosha on Saturday, June 7th, to perform at the Blooming Days Street Festival
at Carolyn’s Coffee Connection (5706 6th Ave). This colorful and musical
lakefront festival celebrates the arrival of summer while supporting
beautification efforts in Kenosha’s downtown and harborside neighborhoods. Live
musicians and artists strut their stuff on street corners while local
restaurateurs offer food. Supposed to be a beautiful day. Later this
month, Tom and I return as FRED and ETHEL to see our wonderful friend Bill
Camplin at Cafe Carpe Friday June 13th. We head back to the Beautiful Day Cafe
on Friday June 20th, where the gracious duo has offered to let me play an
opening set.
I
will be
performing with Reverend Randy as 
Don't forget the
Annual Ed Ross Memorial and Benefit Concert is happening at Conway's (2127 W
Wells in Milwaukee) on Sunday April 6th 2008. An extravaganza to remember Ed
Ross who was the music manager at Conway's and gave a lot of local groups a cool
place play and to build a scene. Some of Ed's favorite groups are scheduled to
perform, including FRED and ETHEL, Sue DaBaco and Wise Fools, Union Pulse, and Big Johnson
and the Thrusters. The music
starts at 1pm. $5 at the door. Raffles, prizes, drink specials, great music,
tasty food, lots of room and great people. It's a wonderful way to pay tribute to Ed
and help a good cause! ALL proceeds
from the door and the silent auction will be donated to the American Diabetes Foundation.
I return to
the Parkway Cafe on April 3rd where things are really gonna be cookin with
special guests Mike Jane and Tommy Nesco. Parkway Cafe is at 92nd and Center in Tosa.
Gigging out in winter is sooooo much fun! YE GAWDS will this crap ever effin MELT! Guess I got
spoiled by the sunny California sky and NO SNOW or ICE! The trip was
wonderful...wheeeee! The conference was wonderful! Wheeeee! The sky, the SUN, the people,
the music...everything was wonderful. Wheeeee! The folks who organize the
conference asked me to be Music Director for next year so I am goin back
again...WHEEEEEEEEE.....and so it is! Some exciting stuff goin on this month. Can't wait
to get back to Berres Brothers on March 14th. The place was PACKED last time it
was SO cool. Thanks to Mandy and the crew for building a scene for me you are
THE BEST! On Thursday, the 20th of March, FRED and ETHEL are part of the all
star line-up performing for the Peace Action Wisconsin Benefit Concert at Linneman's in Riverwest.
Then on Wednesday March 26th I am back at the Beautiful Day Cafe...in
search of the lost note or something like that. 
CALIFORNIA HERE I COME! Wise Woman Conference 2008. WHOOOOOHOOOOO!
HAH?
How can it last so long but go so fast? January was over before I knew it. After nearly twenty gigs in December, a foot of
snow and all the holiday holly jolly humbug...nope can't slow down now....FRED and ETHEL
closed the show for the monthly food pantry benefit at the 19th Street Coffeehouse Neil Young tribute. ...a very successful
evening, standing room only. We also rocked the Allegro again. What a cool place. Inspired by the Cali's storming of the
stage a new project - a guitar trio called Wendy and the Lost Boys has been conceived. Jammin with Barry and Giles (two of
the best IMHO) and we have so much FUN! Look for WLB March 26th at the Beautiful Day Cafe...and more dates in the near
future...it's gonna be cool! Now
as for lil ol Jude at the Elm Grove Perk and Pub in December and January...unfortunately it was two of the slowest Saturdays
in gig history even though hundreds of people have begged for me to perform there.....tongue and cheek folks...tongue and
cheek....it's a great gig, the place has ambiance, booze, tasty food...oh well, moving on....ZiG ZaG ROCKED a packed house at
Jose's on one of the coldest nights of the year. We will be back there in March.
Jude
is back from performing at the Wise Woman Conference. The annual event was held at a
beautiful resort and spa in the sunny desert of Palm Springs California. After
the conference Jude stayed at the resort and treated herself to a few extra days of being a rock star. The itinerary; sight-seeing,
shopping, a manicure, massage, In and Out Burger, more shopping, swimming in the warm mineral water pool, sipping white
zinfandel poolside, basking in the sun on gloriously balmy 80 degree days, filet mignon, more wine.... Ah, yes a woman could get
mighty use to that kind of life.
Meanwhile
back in that booming metropolis known as Milwaukee, Tom was enduring 30 below zero temperatures - was that with or without
the wind chill? Now you know why they called it a Wise Woman Conference!