JAZZMOUTH AMONG US

Get up, Get up, Gossip Lovers,

If you haven't already been attending Jazzmouth 2009 events best get a move on . Today (Saturday) and tomorrow are the end of it. So much to do!

Last night's event in honor of Robert Dunn at the Spring Hill Tavern was PACKED. Katherine Towler, who spoke at it, said both those that knew him and others discovering his work for the first time were in attendance.

Here's a quick shot, taken at night's end of Katherine and the current Portsmouth Poet Laureate Mark DeCarteret.

I'm sure you'll see them both wandering from event to event over the course of the weekend. Things get hoppin' at 11 a.m today - so up off the couch! Grab the beret.
Spring! Poetry! Glorious!

Yours in the love of pen
Gossip Lady

Info on JAZZMOUTH
Info on the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program

A Lost Boy

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Yes, I'm speaking directly to you . (Take your eyes off my spectacular chapeau and pay attention).

Please note: if you don’t know this man that’s all the more reason to read on. He needs YOU.

This is Todd. Todd is in a tizzy.

Just take a gander at that forlorn face – or is that a pensive artists’ look? Either way, you can see he’s a little lost here.

For those of you unfamiliar with Todd, he is known on the local music scene as Todd Royce, a highly respected guitarist and composer, who performs jazz, rock and blues – solo, due, trio, etc. More recently he's been known as Todd Royce Morton.

For reasons G Lady will not say – so as not to bias you – he is considering yet another moniker change. What or if that change will occur is to be determined by votes, the aid of an excel spreadsheet and great consideration on the part of the angst filled fellow.

I promise to reveal his reasons down the line. But for the purist selection it’s best if you are ignorant that you remain so – at least on this matter.

When you go to the voting site scroll past Todd’s explanation. Instead take the time to read and feel the sound of each name on your tongue. Listen to its dance on the ear. Ponder what each conjures in your mind. Then make your utmost sincere selection for the best possible stage name.

Here are the choices:
1. Todd Morton
2. Todd Royce
3. Todd R. Morton
4. Todd Royce Morton

To vote click here. But remember scroll below Todd’s explanation and vote before reading.

Once you vote – your work here is done. Then, it’s up to Todd. - Oh, and give yourself a gold star for helping.

I’ll get back to you in a few weeks with the results. Rather exciting isn’t it?

TaTa for now; yours in support of all things creative - and fun,

Gossip Lady

Bruce Pingree doing WHAT?

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Well this is a sight to behold hum? Here lies one of the well meaning who's getting his do
for what he's done. Or maybe its because of a more recent move. Read on Gossip Lovers!

The Black and White below depicts Larry Simon BEFORE he had his great idea for a jazz and poetry festival. The guy passed out on the floor is also Simon, snapped last week, just months before the fifth annual Jazzmouth - the festival he founded.

Simon says the additional, average 3 1/2 hours a day on top of a teaching job and home life are taking its toll, (obviously). His wife is saying the same thing he adds. Loudly.

So what’s a guy to do? Add to the event of course. You can learn more about all that in that McCartin woman’s Spotlight Gossip Column next week. But for now – here’s proof Larry is coming unhinged.

One of the new events is “Poetry for Kids” at G Willikers the week before the official festival. And you’ll never guess who is working it with him. Bruce Pingree, Press Room manager, radio DJ and music aficionado

Now pause and ponder that a moment. Lots of tiny, noisy tots and Bruce Pingree.

Let’s just say Bruce isn’t what you’d call Mr. Warm and Fuzzy - cool and smart to be sure. But kid cuddly?

When asked why he chose Bruce Simon LAUGHS. “He’s going to terrify the little kids,” he says. “I can see it. … He’s going to stare at them and the kids will go ‘mommy that man is scaring me.’” He ends with another maniacal laugh.

“Nah. Really, I chose Bruce because he’s one of the best readers of jazz poetry anywhere.” It's that teacher thing kicking in. If you want to hook kids, give them the best. And so that’s exactly what Simon is doing.

Bruce will read from Wynton Marsalis's "Jazz: ABZ” and other children's books, accompanied by Larry Simon and Friends.

All joshin’ aside, those will be some lucky, lucky kids.

Yours in fun and arts
Gossip Lady.