I know I know it’s a ways off and all but we can write new music and practice like mad and perhaps dream of an OPERA featuring a Sasquatch with a lisp in there somewhere as well…and why not?! Frankies will be with Holly Burke & The Naturalz on Sunday January 18th, 8 pm. tickets here: http://www.frankiesjazz.com and Valentine’s Day at the Blue Frog will be with Don Stewart and Friends. It’ll be a total blast with lots of room for solos, yes? fun fun fun, and what good company. In other news my poem-song “Love is a Traveller” will be published in the upcoming winter edition of Persimmon Magazine. Yea…it feels good to be fruitful and flute-full, despite life’s challenges. My heart and my flute Seraphina are happy. She’s always been my passport to good things. Let’s see what happens next!

At this interesting and evolving time here in Canada, I am indeed grateful for so much, the band! Kristian Alexandrov on piano, Randall Stoll, drums, Brent Gubbels on bass, Nick Apivor on vibes (that’s the full festival band) and most of all my beloved Bill Runge on saxophone. I couldn’t imagine having more compassionate and talented players to create with, or a more wonderful audience. Our colourful friends and family, my grand-cat Ishi who was lost AND found today (!) for having hands and a brain, any kind of brain, and a body that is able to dance and explore and do things I like to do. It’s so wonderful to be in touch with you and share our creativity with you!

Say…it’s not too late for a fall poem is it? there’s still some sumac out there – like this.

Flames of Sumac

The fall brushed air swirls around my face and ruffles my hair

I see runes written in the moss that grows

along the stone wall by the lagoon

There are dandelions still standing

stretching as long as they can

toward the falling green and golden light

flames of sumac

be inside it

and the wind lifts these pages ))) )))) )))))

Wishing all of you fine folks a very good festive season, and good cheer in 2026 and beyond! 🎄🌹🦒🐰🌈🌟🏆🎹🎷🌎 See you at Frankies January 18th🌟💥 and the Blue Frog on Valentines February 14 ❤️❤️

hb and the Naturalz ~ the end continues...ok I borrowed that from Spinal Tap 2 🤣 – highly recommended!

*merch is available here: please do! https://hollyburkeandbillrunge.bandcamp.com/album/dreamride

https://hollyburkeandbillrunge.bandcamp.com/album/nature-girl

‘The Flute Player’ by Angela Brown