Kim's blog

busy week - Friday concert

2012-01-26T15:04:00.002-05:00

spoke with a groom this morning in tears after he listened to my recording of When I think of Us from my CD Close. Leslie Erickson (ClubViolin) and I'll be providing music for his wedding this summer - guess we know one song we're doing!

I'm meeting with Rev. Leslie Buck-Ferguson later this afternoon. Leslie not only is a minister who officiants weddings but is also a great musician who has donated her time and talent to our Christian Music Summer Concert Seies benefitting ICO (InterFaith Community Outreach) & our local Food Bank.

I attended the annual VOLUNTEER-DONOR APPRECIATION dinner for ICO last night. Always a fun evening with great community involved people - thank you volunteers & donors for all you do for our community!

The winners of the Living Room Concert I donated to the Outer Banks Hospital Gala silent auction/fundraiser called this morning to schedule their night of music sometime in the spring!

more info to come on the Women's Night Out in March at the Ramada Hotel in Kill Devil Hills-music, wine tasting and more...

Tomorrow evening Friday Jan 27 I'm in Mechanicsville, VA at Church of the Redeemer 6pm potluck dinner, 7pm show...if you're in that area, come join us! I'll be doing a mix a material from all my CDs

What a gift of a day!

2012-01-21T22:59:00.001-05:00

What a gift of a day! Spent the afternoon with 50 spirit filled & lead women at the Women's Retreat at Holy Redeemer Church lead by Pat Bowers & Jane Moore. I love my music but I love it even more when it can be shared amongst friends. Thank you Ladies for the blessings!

old friends - new ventures

2012-01-19T18:09:00.005-05:00

I always know when Fr Mike McCarron is in the house...his voice is loud & strong!! and on key!!

Fr Mike & I go back to my days at William & Mary & his days at Mt Carmel Church in Newport News...we finally got a chance to have lunch today at Good Life Eatery in Kitty Hawk. Fr Mike is now at St Bede Church in Williamsburg & is leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (his 10th!)...so if you are interested in joining him, space is still available. This is from the web site:

Join Msgr. McCarron in a 12 day pilgirimage to Israel April 17-28, 2012. See the sites of our Lord's life, from the cave of the Annunciation in Nazareth to His home base in Capernaum. Celebrate Mass on the Hill of Beatitudes and on the Mt of Olives. Stand in awe at Golgotha and in wonder at His empty tomb. In each place new scenes, images, experiences will ensure that you will NEVER again pray or hear the Scriptures in the same way. Go to www.bedeva.org for more information.

Women's Retreat: Jan 21 Saturday

2012-01-19T17:30:00.003-05:00

I had coffee (& an apple turnover - thank you Pat!) today with Pat Bowers & Jane Moore today, the facilitators of the Women's Retreat this Sat Jan 21 at Holy Redeemer...so far we have 48 people signed up...a wonderful mix of women from the Outer Banks community (not just Holy Redeemer - yeah!) So if you're thinking about it, but haven't committed the time, it's 11:30-4:30pm...these ladies are fun & real...and the retreat will be a gift you don't want to miss...we still have room...come join us! Call Jan Martin 261-2482. It' $15 which includes lunch & materials

Dream Wedding!

2012-01-09T11:05:00.006-05:00

Another Outer Banks Wedding Expo Weekend a success! fun, exciting especially for Shannah & Brad winners of the 2012 Dream Wedding a $45,000 package of donated services & product from Outer Banks Wedding Association select members (including yours truly). The wedding is May 3 2012. Lots of brides, friends & family came to my booth, was great to meet them all...from 10-4pm yesterday...my fingers and feet are tired but I slept well last night! Looking forward to another great season of weddings in the Outer Banks.

I do have some venues on the calendar between now & spring: Mighty Winds Church Jan 15, 22 & 29, Women's Retreat Jan 21, Church of the Redeemer Jan 27, Christian Women's Luncheon Feb 2, Light House Concert Feb 10, Unitarian Church Feb 12, Kelly's Feb 14, Ignited by Truth Conference Feb 24 & 25, Taste of the Beach March 16& 17, BPW's Girl's Night Out March 23

Check the calendar for more details or drop me an email if you'd like information on booking me in your area for

a venue or Living Room Concert!

Wedding Weekend

2012-01-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

gearin' up for the weekend of Brides! OBX Wedding Association Expo starts tomorrow with the Wedding Tour: I'm at the Saltaire House in Duck 10am-3pm. Then tomorrow evening the cocktail reception is at the Duck Woods Country Club hosted by David Tutera - I'm singing and will be joined by Leslie Erickson from Club Violin 7-10pm (ticketed event). The Expo itself is Sunday (buy tickets at the door) at the First Flight Middle & High Schools with booths, food & Dream Wedding winner announcement. My booth is #43 in the High School. Come join us for a fun day of excitement and ideas for your wedding, renewal of vows or anniversary celebration! Vendors will have their product for sampling and contract ready to sign to book your special date. More info on Outer Banks Wedding Association FB page or web site.

and yes I will be at the 5pm mass on Saturday as well...

Women's Day of Reflection Jan 21

2012-01-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

" A Woman's Heart- the Dwelling Place of God" is a one day ecumenical woman's retreat offered on Saturday January 21st 2012

from 11am to 4:30pm. All are invited and welcome to attend. The retreat will be held at Holy Redeemer Church on Kitty Hawk Road in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

I will be providing music for this day along with topic presentation, and opportunity

for small group sharing and activities. The focus of the day will be on the four cornerstones of spirituality - simplicity, serenity, service and surrender.

Facilitators are Pat Bowers and Jane Moore co-authors of the book "Psalms and Parables for Ordinary Times".

The cost of the retreat is $15 which includes lunch and handouts.

To register or for further information call Jan Martin @ 252-261-2482.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T13:08:00.000-05:00

New Years Day...so I opted for "wired with coffee" & yes my eyes were open at 9am mass...lots of fun last night at Williamsburg First Night...thank you Ron Fetner for the use of his equipment...& thank you Cat for cookies :)

Thanks to all the volunteers & staff that pull that event together every year & make it happen... #19! some great artists...got some coffee time with Rich Follett, his wife Mary Ruth & guests, Kim Person & Lana Puckett...we all go WAY back (but who's counting??) & of course the good folks at I-Hop! Always wonderful to sing in Williamsburg & see so many friends & meet new ones...thank you Williamsburg!

New Years Eve I will be...

2011-12-28T22:27:00.002-05:00

singing in Williamsburg VA at First Night - a non-alcoholic, family event with lots of entertainment vendors & venues...check out the web site www.firstnightwilliamsburg.org for more info. I'm in the Campus Center Little Theater with 45 minute sets at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm and will have CDs including my newest release: The Early Years (audio clips found on this site)...& will then be joining friends at I-Hop to bring in the new year with pancakes!

I'll be at 9am mass at Holy Redeemer on Sunday (because I'm in Williamsburg Sat night so the choir graciously agreed to switch with me - thanks John & Choir!)

Thanks to all for your friendship & support in 2011. Here's to a bigger & better year in 2012!!

Christmas can't be very far away...

2011-12-16T19:04:00.003-05:00

I can breath! It has been a busy last very weeks...thankfully! I had some wonderful time in Florida: first of all and most importantly, I had family time with Mom, Dad & my sisters....and I got to eat Italian food EVERY DAY!!

Mom made a large pot of ravioli, meatballs and sausage that lasted all week including the trip back to OBX...but the container was empty when I pulled in the driveway. I'll be making my Italian sauce for Christmas dinner-yum :)

All of my programs for Florida were fun, well attended and received: Lifestyle Center at Marion Landing Community - always good to sing for these folks, Auburndale Rotary Club Christmas dinner - good to be with these movers & shakers again as well, First Christian Church of Wildwood had a potluck and show - they always have great food and an appreciative turnout and Auburndale First Presbyterian Church - lots of fun, great turnout and good cookies! So as you can see I had lots of fun, food and sunshine! I need to do that more often!! Thank you Florida!

This week at home I sang for the League of Women Voters Christmas luncheon - these ladies do ALOT for our community. As a silent auction item , I gave a Living Room Concert and the winner has already called and scheduled the date for her friends and family! Yesterday I sang for the Outer Banks Hospital staff Christmas luncheon where even Santa walked away stuffed (catered by Good Life)...beautiful day, lots of fun!

New Years Eve has been booked in Williamsburg VA at the First Night program...looking forward to being there!

I am still available for holiday parties...my cd/dessert recipe book makes a great stocking stuffer and of course all my CDs fit the wide mouth stockings :)

Merry Christmas to all - see you on the road!

down time

2011-11-22T18:16:00.003-05:00

Someone kindly emailed me today to remind me that I hadn't blogged since August 19th...well I have been FaceBooking but I guess that doesn't help if you're reading this...sorry for the delay...Hurricane Irene did end the season a bit earlier than expected...people are still cleaning up from the destruction...Mother Nature is amazing.

I have done some gigs since then: living room concerts, weddings, Wags and Whiskers Benefit, Dare County & 99.1 The Sound songwriter night for the Outer Banks Sounds CD Sampler, Whalehead Club Wine Festival, Ocassion for the Arts in Williamsburg VA, Kitty Dunes open house and wine tasting. Coming up in December, I'll be in FL Dec 4-9 check out my calendar for dates/info.

I do still have some dates available for holiday parties and living room concerts.

I also have New Years Eve available...

My new CD, The Early Years, is available on the web and at performances

and in the theme of the season, I am thankful for so much in my life, especially you who affirm my gift of music.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jake needs a home

2011-08-19T12:24:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't know me well, I am a dog advocate & have several of my own so picking up a stray is not uncommon for me...this dog Jake was found on my way to a meeting w/ Fr Dorgan at Good Life Eatery on a back road in Kitty Hawk on one of the hottest days in July. Jake had no collar, no micro chip and was in awful condition...in fact I called animal control to pick him up but they were not available & I was running late for my meeting so I dropped him at the vet's. He was dehydrated, missing 3/4s of his coat, ears & eyes very infected and way underweight and very wobbly...he did manage to get into my truck...didn't want to get out when we got to the vet's. Three weeks later he is looking great, starting to make eye contact, still a little wobbly, but much more confident, eating well and loves going on walks.

He cannot however stay at the vet's indefinitely so I need your help to place him with a special big hearted person. Abandon animals sometimes come with issues we know nothing about so it may take a little extra time to bond.

This guy is about 7-8 years old, neutered, heart worm & intestinal parasite negative and his blood work looks good. We do not know how he is with children or other animals. Please contact me if you are interested or know someone who might benefit from the love of a canine companion. Thank you for your assistance

summer time....

2011-07-31T15:28:00.002-04:00

It's already August & I still haven't worked on my tan...dang! I have some schedule changes (see the calendar posting) and have some open dates end of August...if you're in the area & would like to schedule a living room concert, call me at 252-441-2555. And since we're talking about living room concerts, these are my favorites...have some family or friends over, add a little food (cheese & wine or desserts or a full dinner) and you have a great memorable evening! Since the economy is what it is, I have a special offer for the rest of the year starting in September, Monday through Friday: cover my travel expense (gas for my truck) and I'm there with guitar and CDs!

Beyond that I found a very dehydrated, hot, unweight dog on Tbursday wondering the back road I live off of...he is still at the vet's...all tests came back negative and he is fixable. He does need a forever home so if you are interested or know anyone who might be, please contact me. He looks like a small shepherd mix (45-50lb range)

and age guess per the vet is 9-10 years. Seems very sweet but we don't know how he is with other animals yet.

We will get him up to par medically before putting him in a home.

hope to see you at an upcoming gig!

Duck songwriter series concert

2011-07-08T11:30:00.003-04:00

had a great time in Duck on Tuesday at the new amphitheater! Beautiful stage & surroundings...there's lots going on in Duck so do check it out if you have time to attend something there...my guys really did well considering that was our first time playing together with NO REHEARSAL! Nashville players..gotta love 'em...and turned out that Bob Reames, my steel petal player, knows my good friend & co-writer Debi Champion...small world! I am not your typical country player, nor is my music typical country so for musicians to be able to keep up with chord changes , stops & start...well I was impressed...thank you Greg Jones (drums)...and thank you to Chris our sound man for making us sound GREAt! I've met some folks through out the week who attended and expressed their support and compliments. Thank you Kathy M-Testa for your continued support and the Town of Duck for all they do for local artists!

Mother Nature rained me out at Tale of the Whale last night, but tonight I'm inside at the Dockside Restaurant in Pirate's Cove in Manteo tonight Friday 7:30-10pm...the food is getting rave reviews and the view over the water is beautiful...they have a full bar...and of course great music!

Christian Music Night resumes Monday with Jarvisburg Church of Christ Praise & Worship band...7pm at Good Life Eatery MP 4.5 on the bypass. This group has been with us every year & we always have a great evening with them.

Also on Monday I'm at the South Beach Grill in Nags Head from 3-6pm on their new covered deck...great place to relax.

Don't forget to check out my new CD audio clips of The Early Years and order your copy!

See ya soon!

NEW CDs are IN!!

2011-06-30T09:50:00.004-04:00

I've been previewing selections from the new CD THE EARLY YEARS at my last few venues: Chip's Wine Market and Froggy Dog

and the tunes have been received well so thank you to all who have been listening. The CDs are in and I'll have copies at my venues starting tomorrow at Dockside in Pirate's Cove in Manteo 7:30pm-10pm.

I'm very excited about the Town of Duck Songwriter's Series July 5th...joining me will be a few local musicians so do stop by if you're in town 6-7:30pm.

Please be safe & have a wonderful 4th!

hot Hot HOT!

2011-06-25T16:16:00.002-04:00

somebody lower the sun dial please...it is officially the season of BUSY! check my calendar for appearances here in OBX: church, restaurants, weddings, living room concerts...and July 5th I'm at the Town of Duck kick off concert Singer/Songwriter's Series...my fellow OBX musicians: Laura Martier, Ruth Wyand, Marcie & Lou of Coyote will be sharing the stage on Tuesdays in the month of July...I am honored to be a part of this series! So to celebrate the event, I'm releasing a NEW CD of 9 originals & 2 covers all previously released on now out of circulation cassettes. "KIM KALMAN: THE EARLY YEARS" will be available July 5th at the concert, on my web site and other performances. I hope to have a few guest musicians with me on July 5th...so come enjoy a night of original music by yours truly and get your limited edition of the new project! It's an outside, free, family event at the new Town Amphitheater in Duck NC on Duck Road (Rte 12).

I am also booking for fall events - if you are interested in hosting a dinner and song weeknight or a living room concert or would like to sponsor me at your church or a fund raiser, now is the time to start looking at the calendar. Drop me an email and let's see what we call come up with!

Come say "HI" while your in the Outer Banks...and as they say: if you can't stop, WAVE!

spring has sprung!

2011-04-30T13:58:00.002-04:00

It was a looong winter...February brought me to Raleigh, NC for the 9th annual Ignited By Truth Conference where Matt Kelly (speaker & writer) reminded us what it is to live life with passion and purpose from his newest book Rediscovering Catholicism...interesting reading. I also met Deby Schlapprizzi (speaker and radio host)...great message, visit her site: www.spendorofyou.com. I returned to Raleigh in March for the Southern Women's Show. Met a wonderful artist: Howard Blichfeldt and now proudly display 2 of his prints in my office. Visit his site : www.blichfeldtphotos.com. I think my fav is "Life's challenges are not designed to break us but to bend us toward God." We had Taste of the Beach here in the Outer banks in March...was very well attended...it has really grown in the last few years...I sang at the Good Life Eatery and we had folks dancing in the isles! Put that on your calendar for next year...you'll enjoy it! Thursday May 12 I'll be debuting with my buddies THE JAZZMEN (keyboards, bass & drums) at the ribbon cutting reception for Cafe Lachine in Wanchese 5-8pm...join us for some great food and music! (252-473-5700 info@cafelachine.com)

Sunday May 15th I'm in Edenton Music in the Park Sunday Series...free & open to the public...stop by...I'm on at 4pm-5pm

Currently I'm gearing up for the summer schedule. The Christian Music Summer Concert Series is looking good. We will be at the Good Life Eatery at MP 4.5 in Kitty Hawk this year Mondays 7-8pm beginning Memorial Day May 30 with the kick-off started by yours truly. Gallop Funeral Services is one of our sponsors so you might want to bone up on your funeral trivia for Courtney Gallop's trivia game. This is our 3rd season. Proceeds will benefit the Food Bank and ICO. All artists who have CDs will have them available. Food and beverages from Good Life will also be available.

The rest of my summer schedule will be posted as soon as I can get confirmation from my vendors.

If you're visiting the Outer Banks and would like a living room concert at your rental/summer home while you're here, please use the phrase "Life's too short!" when you contact me for a special discount!

see ya in the sun!

Happy 2011

2011-01-10T18:59:00.002-05:00

Since my last entry, I have been to and from Florida visiting family and singing for some wonderful folks in Wildwood, Ocala, and Auburndale. I also was in Williamsburg VA for the New Years Eve First Night Celebration...always good to go back to Williamsburg. I was able to show "Footprints: a tribute to our troops" at many of these shows. One of the shows (Ocala) was a benefit for Honor Flight which transports veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials. We had many veterans in the audience that night and the video was well received.

This past weekend was the Outer Banks Wedding Association's 2011 EXPO...I sang all day Sat & Sun...yes ALL DAY!...but we had a blast!

So you ask, what am I doing with all my free time? I'll be cleaning off my desk, working on taxes, scheduling and hopefully will get some creative time in there somewhere.

Unfortunately, I've said goodbye to 3 dear friends and they will be missed: Audrey Parks, Zee Merkel and my dog Hogan (yes the golden/lab mix in my cookbook & on this site).

I hope your holidays were enjoyed and blessed...and your 2011 is filled w/love, laughter and good health!

see you on the road....

our military

2010-12-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

If you have not viewed the recent youtube clip on my site or youtube, please do but have a box of tissues handy. This was put together my my media/graphics manager Barbara Roche. I have not been a shout-out-loud "support our troops" kind of person, but this video really puts all in perspective especially at this time of year. I have the utmost respect for our troops - I don't know how they do what they do but I am evermost grateful for the life they provide me. This was sent to me via email this morning from a viewer: "This means so very much to me. My very best friend and the man I love went into the army not long ago. I never thought I'd see the day that he wouldn't be by my side, but that day did come and much too soon and long, long before I was ready. I love you MQD. I'm proud of you and I always will be. Thank you for serving the US."

I will try to show this video at all my performances as a "thank you" to those who have served and those who continue to answer the call of duty. If you have a loved one serving, I pray their team of angels is working overtime.

Footprints in the Sand - Kim Kalman

2010-11-27T21:13:00.001-05:00

life gets in the way

2010-11-03T21:37:00.005-04:00

I don't understand why the first words out of someone's mouth who I haven't seen in a few weeks or months is "you're staying busy, aren't you?" I can't imagine they've checked my web site knowing that I haven't BLOGGED since JUNE when all you-know-what broke loose...so to recap we had a great Christian Music Summer Concert Series and raised $2000 which was split between our local FOOD BANK & ICO (Interfaith Community Outreach). It was a terrific mix of musicians from many different faith based communities and I'm am so proud of the fact that our audiences got what we were doing and rose to the occasion! Thank you to those who came once or every week for your support of our musicians and the cause!

I love the summer here in OBX because I get to see so many familiar faces and meet many new folks all while doing what I love to do: music - weddings, festivals, restaurant gigs, private parties, church. It only takes 2 months to clear my desk of all the paper work that has to wait until you all go home!...hence the tardiness of this entry. I was in MD & PA 2 weeks ago (ST Peter's in Hancock MD, a retirement party for Bill somewhere near Williamsport PA & a living room concert for Jean & Frank in Millville PA)...if I can't sing here I'll come to you! Next week I'm off to Wilmington DE for the Nativity Preparatory School Benefit at Tatnall School where the Nativity Prep Boys Choir will make their debut singing with me - you don't want to miss this night! Also joining me will be the string ensemble and the girls choir (lovingly referred to as my Divas) from Tatnall High. Then off to St Paul's Luthern Church, Ardmore PA and Seaford DE Church of the Nazarene...December takes me south to Florida with hopefully some stops along the way...love it! Where would I be without my GPS! Check the web calendar for all the venue info and COME!

The only difficult part of all this is when life gets in the way...my ball playing buddy Tigger of 11+ years died the end of September from cancer...if you have a 4 legged fury angel, give him/her lots of love every day because as with any living gift, when they're gone, they're gone...Tigger & I were bonded from the moment I stepped out of the truck & she jumped in my lap as a lost 4 month old pup...we played ball every day...she had that "poster puppy" face and an ever-ready battery bunny outlook on life...and I miss her~

The dog on my web site, handsome Hogan, is 13 and has cancer as well...if you've ever been a care taker, you know what is going on in my world...

but...I have lots to be thankful for, including my own health and the daily miracles in my life...and people who I see every so often who ask "you're staying busy aren't you?"

Thank God yes I am...and thank you for asking...

summertime, summertime...

2010-06-23T08:17:00.003-04:00

catching up here...thank you to all for your support of the Nativity Preparatory School benefit concert May 27 and special thank you to all our musicians who gave their time and talent: our church choirs, Leslie Erickson (Club Violin), Shannah Noble, Bill Rea, George Graham, Bill Downing, Cheryl Needham...thanks to Doug Leal on sound (OBX-PA), Susan Cheney and crew. We gave the school rep, Deb Piper, a check that night for $1500. Next major concert, we hire a production manager!

Our Christian Music Summer Concert Series was kicked off June 14 Monday by the Sojourners Quartet from Elizabeth City (www.sojournersmusic.net): Randy, Rich, Gwen & Woodie...a great evening had by all!

This past week, Great Day Gospel Ministries (www.greatdaygospel.com) put on a wonderful program of material from their newest CD Family Tribute. It was Lisa's last concert at the age of 15...Tuesday was her 16th birthday and we wish her a year full of love, laughter and peace! Bill, Brenda, Lisa & Steven (6 year old brother) have a beautiful blend. We hope to have both groups back next year!

My schedule has me as usual all over the map from Corolla down to Avon & everywhere in between! Check out my schedule...join us for the Monday evening programs at Holy Trinity in Nags Head,,,they're free and fun (bring the kids!)...catch me on the decks and stages around town this summer. I am doing living room concerts, retreats, weddings as well...feel free to email or call with questions about scheduling.

On a special note - thank you to the anonymous person who mailed me cash with a note "please accept this $$ for a CD I made a friend using some of your songs." Now I know we all do this but the cold hard fact of the matter is when we do this we are actually depriving the writer of the tune royalties...one of the ways writers get paid is by the song/cd sold so if we're making free cds for our friends, someone is not getting paid for the gift. The artist also loses money ie if we make a cd for someone, that's one less cd you'll buy right? just food for thought

Look forward to seeing everyone...if you're at a venue, please come say hi!

Church of Redeemer Mechanicsville VA

2010-05-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

Last Friday April 30 I was at Church of Redeemer in Mechanicsville VA to share my muisc. I knew it was going to be a good show when I arrived to bowls of M&Ms on the tables AND coffee brewing...my kind of refreshments!

Thank yous to Fr Jim for joining us, the team of Community Life committee that put the evening together and to Cindy Jenkins for the invitation. Cindy & I are W&M buds and have kept in touch since graduation. The best part of the evening for me was after the show, after the clean up and break down of equipment, the kitchen was filled with "stories of when" from my new Italian family at Church of the Redeemer. After the stage, the kitchen is my favorite indoor place to be...here are a few words from coordinator Nancy Crosby:

The only word to describe Kim Kalman’s concert is “awesome”! From the first song to the last she had her audience at Church of the Redeemer in Mechanicsville, Virginia, in the palm of her hand and left them clamoring for more. Time literally stood still the entire time she was on stage. Her voice is pure and vibrant and her songs are magical.

We were truly blessed by her too short performance. She is, indeed, an awesome talent.

Thank you Nancy for your kind words & support...& the M&Ms!

Christian Music Summer Concert Series

2010-04-22T17:44:00.004-04:00

I am sooo excited...we have some great music already booked for this summer's program! This year we are running it EVERY Monday evening at Holy Trinity in Nags Head 7pm starting June 14: Sojourners Quartet from Elizabeth City, Great Day Gospel Trio from Central FL, Rev. Leslie Buck from Hatteras, rap artist NOTE, Praise & Worship Band from Jarvisburg Church of Christ...just to name a few...yeah the spirit is gonna be kickin' the roof in at Holy Trinity this summer...it's free, bring the family...relax & have fun! What better way to spend a Monday eve while on vacation...renew your spirit at the beach with some goood Christian music!

May 27 Concert of Hope 2010

2010-04-22T17:36:00.002-04:00

This concert benefits the Nativity Preparatory School for inner city boys 5-8th in Wilmington DE and is shaping up to be a very fun evening. The Holy Redeemer Choir will be opening the show along with 1 or 2 other choirs from our church...& I've asked several of my musician buds to join me: Leslie Erickson (Club Violin) Shannah Noble (Outer Banks Showcase 2009), Cheryl Needham (Keyboards), Chip (yes from Chip's Wine & beer market! on harmonica),Bill Rea (bass & vocals), Bill Downing (bass) and other guests will be popping up between no & then...Thursday May 27 (Memorial Day weekend). Get a jump start on a long deserved weekend & join us! Tickets go on sale after all masses at Holy Redeemer & Holy Trinity, wherever I'm performing and at the door $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

CONCERT REVIEWS

2010-04-22T17:23:00.006-04:00

Kim’s gift of song is fresh, vibrant and effervescent. From the first moment she walks on stage the audience knows that a something different is about to happen. Kim does this with song yes, but more so by her engaging and scintillating person. She invites the audience not only to listen to music, but live each note and lyric. By concert’s end, her listeners leave renewed and wanting more. I recommend that anyone who needs to see life with joyous and happy eyes come hear Kim. It’s a real experience.

FR. Richard DeLillio, OSFS President of Nativity Prep Wilmington DE.

Last night’s concert was pretty darn awesome! Thanks for the honor and pleasure!

Holy Redeemer Choir Concert of Hope ’09

I don't think I have the words to describe your concert Kim....you did GOD proud. You voice filled the room Kim and it was just beautiful. You totally delivered and made this evening a very special one. CD, VA :Concert of Hope

The Concert of Hope at Holy Redeemer was successful. In fact, it was filled with miracles, in fact it was awesome! We raised approximate $1500.00 in ticket sales, $104 from the 50-50 and oh by the way, a parishioner has offered to match the final number...so you should see at least $3000 from the Outer Banks Nativity Scholarship fund by midweek.

Kim's performance was inspired. I would strongly recommend that you find a venue for her in your area and turn her loose!

Susan Cheney Chair for Concert of Hope ’09

I can’t imagine anyone experiencing a performance by Kim Kalman and not wanting to hear more. She is an amazing talent and has a special gift for making her audience feel like they are a part of the show.

There are some singers who can sing certain genres and can’t step out of that arena. Kim is not one of those artists. She can sing any type of music and make it her own. She has a unique way of touching the hearts in her audience in so many ways and on so many levels. You cannot leave a Kim Kalman performance without feeling good!

Nativity Preparatory School was blessed to have Kim perform a benefit concert for us in Wilmington, Delaware this past Friday evening, November 13, 2009. At the end of the concert, the audience was on its feet as Kim left the stage. It became difficult to end the evening, as audience members spent time in the theater lobby chatting with Kim as she graciously signed her CDs for them. Later that night and throughout the next day, I received calls from attendees reporting how much they loved the concert and were already looking forward to the next. We thank Kim for making the trip to Wilmington and sharing her gift of music with all of us! What a wonderful way to spend an evening!

They LOVED you!! While I was out, I also got some calls on my cell from some who attended and they, too, were so impressed with you! I already have volunteers who want to help with promotion of the event next year.

Deb Piper Director of Development Nativity Prep School Concert of Hope '09

Thank you again for the long drive to Delaware and sharing your accomplished songs and songwriting with us at Tatnall.

My students clearly received a big ‘kick’ from singing with you on stage tonight.

Wilson Somers

Choral Director/Music Coordinator

The Tatnall School

Lighthouse Center Benefit:

Maybe it was the inspirational atmosphere or the audience or whatever, but I thought that the tone and clarity of your voice was the best that I have ever heard from you. You are always great in my opinion, but that night your voice was at its prime. GM, NC

You were wonderful last night and I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful gift of soul filled (Holy Spirit), music that you gave to the folks that came to the concert. I know you have a growing fan base in our area. I think you should consider booking another benefit concert for us next year!!!!!

Teresa Stanley – Board member for The Lighthouse Center

Good Morning Kim!

I have been on a high since Friday night's event. Just getting back on computer today. Dan and I have Moonlight on now and thoughts of Friday are flowing. Love this CD!

I was at Social Service's big thank you event last night and saw about 10 of the guests from your concert, including unexpectedly, the birthday couple, Ruth and Dan who were with the same friends. Everyone was still speaking of the concert and so appreciative of the music and fun of the night. Others around heard about it and they were sorry that they did not attend. I told them next time....

The Art Journal women loved you and the night. This will be a memory of a lifetime for them. The anticipation of coming gave them hope and light in their darkness and also made them feel a part of something very important.

Kim, thank you so much not just for your time, but the gift of the music and the spirit which is so wrapped around and through you and your music. Such a gift to me and others!

Truly renews me, as I get so frustrated with all the pain and societal wrong doing I see daily and wonder where God is sometimes in my impatience to get things speeded up a bit!... and then Friday night there God was flowing out of a 'Daughter' sitting on a stool with a guitar, lifting everyone in the room. Then we all wished time would stand still for a little longer.

Again, thanks for the music, the conversation and the spirit.

Blessings to you always Kim.

Deb

Deborah Maloney, Director

The Lighthouse Center

Volunteers of America, Chesapeake. Inc.

825-18th Street

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

757-437-4911(o) 757-437-4864 (F)

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Kim Kalman to you. Kim has lent her musical skills to perform in various charity events I have directed. Kim is a crowd pleaser. She sets the appropriate tone for any event.

Kim has a warm, beautiful lyrical voice that combines well with a fine interpretive, dramatic and musical sense.

Her vocal technique is flawless throughout her performances. She's an intelligent singer and sensitive to the nuances written by the composer. She is a consummate musician and is always fully prepared for her performances. Kim boasts a lovely appearance and persona on stage. Our audiences have responded to her artistry with high enthusiasm and deep emotion.

She is an Outer Banks treasure in every way.

Carl V. Curnutte III

The Lost Colony

Executive Director & Producer

252-473-2127 ext. 227 + 757-880-7847 cell

what people are saying about I LOOK TO YOU

2010-04-22T17:14:00.003-04:00

I can not find the words to tell you how beautiful this song is..It made me cry...What a beautiful job you did on this. It makes you feel like reaching up and giving GOD A BIG HUG. CD, VA (Psalm 62 Only in God)

OH YEAH !! That is rockin hot..I love the arrangement and your voice is amazing. CD, VA (closer walk)

I loved this!!! K Henry (closer walk)

fabulous! CB, FL

So very beautiful. I love your voice. This is a song that reaches in and touches your heart and makes the tears flow. CD, VA (I look to you)

I loved it! RS, NC (closer walk)

WOWSA!!!!!! We all loved it - it is goose bumpifying! Holy Redeemer Church staff, NC

Wow! It is great! Now that I have heard the cd all the way through many times I can really appreciate how incredible it is. It really is a powerful cd. DE, VA

Where to begin with the new CD "I Look to You"--- With your lovely voice,? With your vocals and style with some of my favorite hymns? With your selection of songs? I started out listening to KIM but was very soon wrapped up in the message of God's Grace that your amazing voice brought forth.

"I Look to You" presents comfort, hope, love, praise and invitation all in one small package. Often, as I listened to it, I had tears in my eyes and, then, with a song change, I was tapping my foot with joy for all God offers us if we accept His Love.

Thank you for such a beautiful Easter present--"I Look to You". God will surely bless you for praising Him with your singing and sharing your faith in Him with others.

I've listened to this CD so many times while I've been cleaning the cottage that I'm sure you will be the one singing these particular songs in my mind every time I hear them from now on! Wonderful,, huh! I thought " Moonlight" was my favorite but it has been pushed into second place by this new CD. ME, VA

I’ve listened to I Look to You Many, Many times!! I LOVE IT!! Just when I think you can't get any better--------you definitely do!! NK , VA

Yeah! We recieved your new CD, I Look to You, today, It is absolutely brilliant. The children and I listened to it during home school lessons today. We did get a little side tracked by singing along...but we do need to study music. I'm listening to it now and I have my CD player set for repeat...smile. Thank you for sharing the gift God has given you! The Bakers, MD

Each song is so beautiful and grabs your heart. This has GOD all over it.. Wow!! I love it

The back ups are awesome! GOD's spirit is in this CD I can feel it. This CD makes you want to just lift it all up to GOD..WOW !! CD, VA

you really did it this time..... i can hear it through your voice.....what a blessing. JS, VA

catching up...

2010-04-16T19:22:00.005-04:00

I know I haven't blogged since Feb...& you're just waiting with baited breath to find out what I've been doing...cleaning off my desk, mixing & remixing the new CD which was finally released Easter weekend...I LOOK TO YOU has been getting wonderful reviews from those who have purchased it...thank you!! My taxes were done & then redone because I had switched from PC to MAC & didn't quite figure out all the ins & outs of Quicken on MAC...then there's my dog Tigger...she's had knee issues complicated by Cushings disease...it's been a bit stressful but she is a trooper and is my little miracle pup!

Had a great Saturday in VA last week ...actually had breakfast with my friends from way back before heading off to sing at a beautiful wedding on the James in Richmond & then went to Williamsburg for the ground breaking of St Olaf's Church new church ...celebrated mass with the now retired Bishop Sullivan and then did a show...good to be back in the Burg and wonderful to see old friends and meet some new ones...thanks to Nancy & Frank for all their work in putting everything for the day together! This is my buddy Eric Jones...Eric's dad is a musician so he was watching my fingers & listening intently! Thanks Robin (his Mom) for the photo!

April 30th is my next trip to Virginia for a visit and concert with the parish of Church of the Redeemer in Mechanicsville (see my web calendar for address).

May 27 will be a benefit here at Holy Redeemer in OBX for the Nativity Prep School in Wilmington DE. Joining me will be Leslie Erickson from Club Violin, Bill Rea on bass & vocals, Shannah Noble on violin & vocals, keyboardist Cheryl Needham, Bill Downing on bass, the Holy Redeemer choir and TBA other musical guests. Should be a wonderful evening...come join us!

I've also started scheduling the Christian Music Summer Concert Series...every Monday eve at Holy Trinity in Nags Head (across from KFC/TACO BELL) 7pm. I'll keep you posted on who will be joining us.

I'm still working on the summer restaurant schedule. So far I'm at Tale of the Whale on Thursdays & Bagels to Beef and Froggy Dog on Weds, a few dates in Manteo, Duck and Corolla...keep an eye on the web calendar for additions.

Can't wait to see everyone!

Sarah Hart concert rescheduled: Oct 10

2010-02-03T21:16:00.003-05:00

for immediate release: Sarah Hart is scheduled to sing at Holy Trinity Sunday October 10 3pm, Columbus Day weekend. Tickets will go on sales Sept 10 through my web site, and after masses at Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity. The concert will benefit the Creative Choices Crisis Pregnancy Center in Kill Devil Hills.

And by then, who knows how many new singles she'll have released to radio...go Sarah!

Snow & Sarah don't mix

2010-01-30T09:22:00.004-05:00

So who forgot to tell Mother Nature we already had Sarah Hart on the books for this weekend?? Needless to say the decision to cancel was out of our hands...we are working on rescheduling a date in October & of course you will be the first to know as soon as it is confirmed. In the meantime I spoke with Sarah yesterday...in the world of songwriters, one can only hope to get a song they've penned recorded by a major act. Sarah has done it! Yesterday Amy Grant released

"Better Than A Hallelujah" to radio and it is on the album due for release March this year. So call your local stations and ask for it by name or the new Amy Grant single. Congratulations Sarah!

This is very exciting !! There is a video on u-tube of a concert Amy did last night in Orlando singing the song and she gives credit (as all good artists do) to the writers.

Sarah promised to do the song at her concert when she is here.

For ticket refunds, see me after masses at Holy Redeemer & Holy Trinity if you're in the area/when you can get there or call me 252-441-2555. You must have your ticket for a refund.

See you when the sun is shining...I'm going back to bed :)

making of a CD: mixing day 3-5

2010-01-24T21:05:00.002-05:00

it's all a blur at this point...we were in the studio way past my bedtime Wednesday, Thursday and Friday trying to get everything done...I think we did. I left Friday at midnight, drove straight to OBX ...yup no sleep stops, tried to listen to the CD to make some decisions and finally gave up...haven't listen to it since I'm home. I did manage to sing at the 5pm mass yesterday on 45 minutes of sleep and a cup of coffee...was good to be back.

I'm ready for the week coming up: back at Bagels to Beef Wed 12-2pm, a few meetings, and last minute items to cover for the SARAH HART CONCERT SUNDAY!

Tickets will be available at the door...don't miss this one! See ya there...

making of a CD: mixing day 2

2010-01-20T01:36:00.002-05:00

It's Tuesday/Wednesday...Kenny started mixing Monday & I joined him today...had tea w/my bass player Dave Francis at Starbucks and will have breakfast with my old boss, Kyle King in the morning at our breakfast hang out, the Loveless Cafe....always good to catch up with my buds....we're half way through the tunes...still have some tweaking to do on the 6 Kenny turned out today.

I'm staying in Kingston Springs (where I used to live) with friends...it is beautiful out here (20 minutes outside Nashville proper) and I love coming back to visit.

that's it for now...gotta get some sleep...

Wedding Couple's Thank You

2010-01-17T21:05:00.002-05:00

Kim...thank you for your gift of song at our October 2, 2009 wedding. You were everything that we had hoped you would be and more: professional, flexible, on time and a beautiful voice. What more could we have asked for? Many blessings to you in 2010...Lisa & Ray Huffman

the making of a CD: nashville day 5

2010-01-17T20:27:00.003-05:00

now that I can think clearly...can you say exhausted? That was 1 looong week, but filled to the brim! We were in the studio Friday ALL day : Jim Hoke on harmonica (incredible what this guy can do!), Kim Parent on back up vocals (www.kimparent.com) , Terry White on back up vocals (great job Terry), Kim Kalman on back up vocals (who?) then we hit the road. Got back to OBX Saturday night not early enough for 5pm mass (thank you John Buford for covering) but with time to say hi to all my fury angels (even Winston...& thank you to our pet sitter Cathy who did an awesome job keeping everybody's fur down and nails in) ), clean out the truck, eat dinner (thank you Seaside Gourmet in Kitty Hawk), clean up and hit the sack by 9pm...I feel wonderful today...will hit the road tomorrow to meet Kenny Tuesday morning for mixing. Wave if ya see me driving by....

the making of a CD: Nashville day 3 & 4

2010-01-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

Well as you can tell day 3 slipped away from me. We were in the studio 10am Wednesday, did alot of mixing, had a schedule change with vocals and then at the end of the day, recorded the last song that I still had to do...we got back to the hotel around 11pm and I was in bed by midnight because day 4 was just as long.

My backup vocalists from way back (I've had them on all my CDs but Moonlight)

came in at 10am on Thursday and were ALIVE in the spirit! Amen!! Vicki Hampton, Robert Bailey and Kimberly Fleming. They did vocals on 6 (SIX) songs in 5 hours!!! and wait til you hear them! They were the backup vocals for the original version done by Wynona Judd on one of the songs I'm using on this CD so they had that one down pat. Barb got them on video so look for some footage on my web site down the road. Recording CDs is truly a labor of love, a birthing if you will. It becomes its own life. There is a lot of "stepping out of the way, leave your ego at the door" for all parties involved (including your truly) to let the best of everyone's gift come forth and become a part of the "whole." It is truly an awesome God filled experience...and it is a pleasure to work with so many spirit filled souls in 1 room!

So today is the last day of the week...today's session starts at 10am with my harmonica player (another artist I've had on my projects since way back...and an incredible artist in his own rite, Jim Hoke). Kim Parent (another long time music family member) comes in for back up vocals at 11am, Terry White (male vocalist) comes in at 3pm and then I have parts to do before hitting the road for OBX.

Hogan and Jackson have been perfect roadies! Yes I left my big brown dog and prayer partner Winston, at the homestead watching after the cats, the house and Molly (our alpha senior pup 15 years old) not necessarily in that order.

off to the studio...

the making of a CD: day 2 in Nashville

2010-01-12T20:59:00.004-05:00

Well another long day in at 10am left about 8pm but got through 4 songs...still have 2 songs to record but they'll have to wait until tomorrow evening. We left Kenny (my producer) tweaking material so that when Dave (my vocalist/bass player) comes in tomorrow at 2pm, his material will be ready to roll. Hopefully when Dave finishes we'll have time for me to record How Great thou Art and Come to Jesus. Being out of the studio early means a real dinner other than a sandwich and/or soup so we've placed an order at the restaurant next door and I'm off to pick it up...I'm hungry! more tomorrow...

the making of a CD: Nashville day 1

2010-01-12T08:49:00.007-05:00

We left Sunday afternoon 3pmish...it was cold in the Outer Banks but when we hit the mountains between NC and TN all was put into perspective: it went down to 6 degrees...our dogs, Hogan & Jackson were in the back of the truck almost frozen by the time we got to the hotel (3:30AM). They are resting peacefully in the hotel...

I got about 5 hours of sleep, we hit the studio Monday 2pm...thank you for your prayers Connie D. and all who are continuing to pray for this CD...we got 5 songs recorded by 9pm...that's awesome! I'm going for 6 today...trying to get all my vocals done BEFORE the back up vocalists come in Wed-Fri...so I'm balancing coffee & water, light foods and lots of positive energy! The title track has yet to be decided...we'll know by the end of the week...life is good...God is gooder!!

Wedding Expo:

Saturday was the wedding tour: part of the Outer Banks Wedding Association's Expo weekend. I'm a member of the association so I sang at a house in Nag Head from 10am-12noon visited by many brides-to-be as a potential rental house for their special day...1-3pm I was at the Good Life Gourmet where Susie & Steve Mace (owners) entertained brides-to-be regarding food & cakes, & Doug from Outer Banks Productions showed videos of his past work and offered package deals. That evening we were all at The Point Grill (Golf Club) in Powells Point for a mock wedding & reception: thank you to my fellow musician buds for making it a great evening - Leslie Buck (guitar & vocals) , Leslie Erickson (strings), Steve the Dream (DJ) & Mike from Outer Banks DJ and Sue Artz (violin). The bands were set up in the tent which I didn't even get to! The evening was well attended and our food vendors did a yummy job....love those crab cakes Scott (Coastal Provisions)!!

10AM I'm off to the studio....

2009-12-29T00:07:00.003-05:00

SARAH HART CONCERT!!

We are thrilled to have Sarah Hart, national award winning songwriter come to Kitty Hawk on Sunday Jan 31 .

This family event is at 3pm at Holy Redeemer fellowship hall. If Sarah's name sounds familiar maybe it's because half of the material I've recorded on my CDs I'm Not Alone and Let the Door Swing Wide were penned by Sarah, including the title tracks. Come join us for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, bring the family! Tickets are available on this web site. Here is the press release:

Listening to the music of Sarah Hart is a transforming experience. Put any of her recordings on your player and you’re immediately hooked by her sweet, compelling voice. Follow the lyrics, and you become immersed in the spirituality and honesty of a seeker who helps us discover the God who walks with us in our daily lives. Sarah’s lively, contemporary blending of folk, pop and rock welcomes and delights listeners from every age and background.Sarah is currently a staff songwriter for EMI-CMG Music in Nashville, TN and Spirit And Song in Portland, OR. Her songs have been recorded by numerous artists such as: Robbie Seay, Matt Maher, 33 Miles, This Beautiful Republic, Sarah Reeves and Jaime Jamgochian. Her music has appeared in the television shows “Joan of Arcadia” and “Strong Medicine”, and most recently in the new film “Coyote County Loser”. Her songs can be found in print in almost every Catholic church in the U.S. Sarah has also penned music for two musicals, and works as a songwriter and voiceover artist with the Tom Tichenor Children’s Theater in Nashville, TN. She is the recipient of six Unity awards for her work.

At events, Sarah’s love for music and ministry intersect in amazing ways. As an artist with Spirit and Song, Sarah travels all over the United States and the world. Her special passion for women’s ministry has prompted her to write the first two of what will likely be several retreats for women, which she carries to parishes as a mission. She performs at such events as NCYC, LA Congress, and World Youth Day, as well as churches and colleges; and she loves performing at such small venues as The Bitter End and The Bluebird Café.

Sarah’s newest recording, “SaintSong”, highlights the texts and lives of twelve Saints; she studied the texts and wrote contemporary music to their brilliant thoughts. The enhanced CD includes a devotional book penned by Sarah.

Sarah’s favorite “job” is that of wife and mom to her two young daughters.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-28T08:11:00.003-05:00

I can see the light...sorta...tis a busy season...wishes for peace within your circle of friends and family this season. Thank you hugs to all who sent emails and cards...great to hear from everyone!

Bobbi & Ed Beckley volunteer for the Salvation Army every year and sent this with a note that they were dancing to my A Christmas to Remember CD while collecting. They win the "most creative way to use my music for the community" award! Thanks Bobbi & Ed for all you do!

With the in-stores, privates parties and masses behind me, I'm working on material for the new CD (release date April/May 2010). We were in Nashville a week before Christmas (who's in charge of scheduling!?) cutting instrumental tracks so I can practice before hitting the studio again Jan 11...so that's what I'm doing...in my "free" time (HA!) & in my sleep! This CD has some beautiful tunes on it and is really taking on a life of it's own.

Many have asked about the recording process - it is VERY different than a "live" performance. Singing to walls that don't give back any energy can be grueling but I have found that with the right attitude and energy of my own it is well worth it. I have been working with my producer, Kenny Royster and most of my studio musicians for 10+ years recording all of my projects with them. We have a 5 piece core band: drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard and bass. They put tracks down in 3 hours sessions, usually 10-1pm, 2-5pm and 6-9pm depending on how many songs and their complexity. That is done on Monday. Tuesday I usually have my auxilary crew in: acoustic guitar, keyboards and stand-up bass, cello, violin, harmonica, saxophone - not all in the same time frame ie guitar & keyboard, bass 10-12pm, cello & violin 12-2pm again depending on the songs and arrangements. Remember these musicians do this for their living: they read, eat and sleep music so laying down tracks to what sounds like a complicated song can take less than an hour for most songs. When I go back to do vocals, I'm in the studio 10am-10pm, singing, listening, drinking lots of coffee & water! and tweaking, tweaking and tweaking...when I'm done with my vocals I bring in my backup vocalists. On this project, I have my 4 who I've used on past projects: Kim, Vicki, Robert and Kim (Yes 2 Kims NOT including me) and I have my bassist, Dave Francis doing some vocal parts. Dave did some parts on my CD Moonlight (the first project I did with the gang). All of these musicians are AWESOME and I truly value their gifts and friendships. After the vocals are done, the mixing begins and THAT is tedious!! It is usually a week long process & could be longer...my ears are usually fried and I drive back to the beach in silence (13 hour drive from Nashville). It then goes through various manufacturing stages before getting to the customer: mastering, graphics, packaging, shipping. Every artist has their own process depending on financial resources and time, but this works for me. Yes a labor of love...so when people buy the new CD and then come back a month later and ask when the next one will be out I do have to laugh...it's like giving birth: do you really want to do that again in less than a year? Between researching material and the actual project, it really does take about a year or longer from start to finish.

New Years Eve will take me to Williamsburg for their First Night celebration this year...I'm excited to see old friends and meet some new folks! Beyond that I'm still at Bagels to Beef in Southern Shores when I'm in town (check the calendar) and Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity...Florida the end of Feb where I'll be at The Villages (Church on the Square). I'm looking to book churches in the area so if you're interested please email or call.

Thank you for your emails, calls and notes...I love to sing, but I love singing for you!

Be safe, stay warm...see you in 2010

2009-11-16T09:07:00.009-05:00

well thank God for the sun! The Outer Banks has had more than our share of H2O...there are still "ponds" all over with side streets closed and unaccessible...drove up to Wilmington DE on Friday and hit all I left in OBX on the way BUT the show was worth it. The jazz band from Tatnall High is excellent under the direction of Jonathan Whitney (Mr J) and my string ensemble and "Divas" choir really did their homework and added a wonderful flavor of warmth and depth to our theme song for the show "You Raise Me Up."

I was delayed in traffic/weather and got to the school for a 15 minute rehearsal...that's incredible!! Thank yous to Christina Von Duyke, string & vocal director, Jonathan Whitney & Wilson Somers, music directors...and Deb Piper from Nativity Prep and the Salesian High School Marching Band! :) I hope to be back in the area next year if not before. The school itself is beautiful with an awesome performing arts center. Thanks to the community for making the commitment to the arts!

This was sent to me via email...it's by Phillip Moffitt...Happy Thanksgiving:

Gratitude… the sweetest of all the practices… mindfulness of gratitude leads to a direct experience of being connected to life... to the realization that there is a larger context in which your personal story is unfolding.

Cultivating thankfulness for being part of life, blossoms into a feeling of being blessed… an appreciation for the interdependent nature of life… being consciously grateful to family, friends, teachers, benefactors and to all who have come before you who have made it possible for your existence to be comfortable, informed, and empowered.

Gratitude elicits feelings of generosity… creating further joy… softening a heart… building the capacity for forgiveness… meeting life with an open heart… in each moment as it arises.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.

inquiring minds want to know...

2009-11-10T07:51:00.002-05:00

Many, many! have been inquiring so I'm happy to announce 2010 will bring a new Christian CD to my offerings...I will be in the studio December and January between holidays with a release scheduled for May 2010. I am in the middle of music selection/rehearsal/arrangements...it's not titled yet but I'm sure that will change soon.

Thank you for your inquiries and support!

catch up

2009-11-07T10:14:00.002-05:00

Well once again it has been too long since I've blogged...now that it's getting chilly, I realized the other day it is November so I've got some catching up to do! September and October are always busy wedding months...and if Mother Nature cooperates, gorgeous...& she did!

Taste of Edenton was a beautiful night on the water in downtown historic Edenten...great food!! and lots of folks who had a fun-filled evening...if you are in the area, put it on your calendar for next September. That same afternoon I was at the Christian Bookseller in downtown Edenten...wonderful store...I'll be there again Dec 18 Friday (time to be announced but most likely in the afternoon) for the holiday festivities.

Finding Your Passion workshop: Thank you to those who participated...it was a nice day, intimate, casual as we moved it to a home donated for the day on the beach road (thank you D!).

Thank you also to the community at large who were my sounding board before the workshop (Val & Marion!) & to those who were supportive in prayer even though they couldn't participate. I did get something out of it for my own personal use as well as left over pasta from lunch! Thank you Quianna Grace Frost for leading us through the day. A few of us celebrated at the Beach Bread Company that night after my set...was a fun day!

I have been asked by several people when the next workshop will be...I currently do not have any plans as I have a few other projects I'm working on...but we'll see where the spirit take me on this. I have been asked to do a workshop at the Women's Expo March 26 2010 at COA Manteo Campus sponsored by the Dare County Business & Professional Women's Chapter.

I'm also still booking Living Room Concerts especially for the holidays which may include a sing-a-long section...visit the link on the web site for more info.

Coming up in November the fund raiser for animal welfare organizations at the Aquarium in Manteo Friday Nov 20 6pm.

Next Friday Nov 13 I'll be in Wilmington, DE for a fundraiser concert for the Nativity Prep School (we did a fundraiser in May at Holy Redemeer for them). Tickets are still available. Joining me that night will be the Tatnall High School Jazz ensemble, womens chorus and string ensemble. Check my web site calendar for info.

I'll also be at Festival of Trees this year at the Pearl at the Sea Ranch Hotel in Kill Devil Hills Saturday Dec 5...an annual fundraiser for Hot Line...always a fun few days and for a great organization!

New Years Eve is just around the corner & I will be at First Night in Williamsburg, VA ...

and one item for next year: SARAH HART a wonderful singer/songwriter whose material you hear at church and on my Christian CDs will be joining us January 31st, Sunday 3pm at Holy Redeemer in Kitty Hawk. Tickets will be available on the web site or by calling me. For those of you who have enjoyed my music and CDs, this is a great opportunity to meet the writer and hear her versions and material from her other CDs (Christian and folk). Check out Sarah's web site for more info: www.sarahhartmusic.com...hope you can make it!

til we meet again - stay warm, take time out for friends & family...God bless!

my summer time back up vocalists

2009-09-05T22:40:00.003-04:00

I met Marion about 3 summers ago at Millers...she comes each year with family to enjoy the Outer Banks beauty, good food at Millers and wonderful music on the deck! Marion is writing a book which should be out BEFORE her next visit to OBX...we'll keep you posted on the final copy availability. Good luck Marion!
Tale of the Whale is a most scenic venue...the water, the light house off in the distance, the water fowl, the people...ahh yes the people. Occasionally folks will bring friends and make a night of it on the gazebo...that's exactly what this group did the week before the season ended...a beautiful evening inspired them to join me on all the songs they knew singing back ups on material especially from my CD of standards, AT LAST: Slow Boat to China was the favorite! Thank you Barbara, Gladys, Mary Ellen, and Dee!

End of our Summer Concert Series

2009-09-01T22:16:00.004-04:00

Vocalist Scott Hopkin, keyboardist Carolyn

Hopkin & Kim Kalman

Christian Rap artist, NOTE & Kim Kalman

Kim Kalman & saxophonist Pastor DeCarmo

from Bay View Chapel in Stumpy Point

Bill Pitt from ICO, Kim Kalman & Marilyn Canning,

Beach Food Pantry

Last night was the last of our Christian Music Summer Concert Series for the '09 season. Over the course of 8 evening performances we had approximately 450 attendees who contributed $1020 to our "love offering" which was split 50-50 and presented to its recipients last night: Marilyn Canning from the Beach Food Pantry and Bill Pitt from ICO (Interfaith Community Outreach). We enlisted the talents of 8 other Christian artists who blessed us with their material, energy and time. I am humbled and honored to be part of such a generous community. Thank you to all who supported us this summer. See you in 2010!

Connie the blue heron & white egret were doing "the dance" without you tonight at Millers! missed ya!!

Peace...

kim

beautiful music for our wedding ceremony...

2009-08-27T08:29:00.002-04:00

Kim,

Thank you so much for providing us w/such beautiful music for our wedding ceremony. You have the most beautiful voice and the songs you sang hold such great meaning to us. You helped to make our wedding day all the more special by being a part of it. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Sara & Tom Longstretch

Sara & Tom were married on the pier in Manteo July 24. Congratulations Sara & Tom!

2009-08-26T15:24:00.005-04:00

Where has the summer gone?! Just a few more weeks 'til we start winding down...

Bagels to Beef has become quite the networking spot: we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, life and death, introduce new neighbors...very neat...come have a bagel & coffee and enjoy life!

We saw dolphins at Millers on the waterfront last night...a first for me at that venue...they swam right off the gazebo.

The Jarvisburg Church of Christ Praise & Worship band, headed up by Gene Berry along with members Michele on guitar, Eric on guitar, Kim on flute, George on guitar, Bob on bass, Brian on drums, Donna on guitar & Kevin on sound did a wonderful job of raising the roof on Monday at our Christian Music Concert Series...thank you to all for sharing talents & time...& unloading & loading 2 trucks worth of equipment!! I was impressed with the mix...good job Kev! They will be at the ICO Family Festival at the Church of Christ in Jarvisburg Saturday Sept 12 ...check out the ICO web site (www.interfaithcommunityoutreach.org) for more info on this or call 480-0070. It's a fund raiser..all are welcome!

Christian Rap artist, Nick Jenkins aka NOTE

This Monday August 31 at Holy Trinity will be the last Monday scheduled for the concert series. "Note" will be back along with some special musical guests performing with me and on their own: Pastor DeCarmo from Stumpy Point Bay View Chapel on saxophone, Carolyn Hopkin (keyboardist) and Scott (vocalist) and who knows who else will show up! We will be presenting ICO and our local Food Pantry with donations of $500 each (raised through our "love offerings" from the series). I am so excited to be able to do this on behalf of our volunteer musicians and all the folks who came to enjoy the music. Thank you to all involved for sharing talent and to all who supported us...God is smiling upon you!

Kiss of the Egret

2009-08-18T10:10:00.005-04:00

For those who remember the "kiss of the egret" last summer at Miller's on the Waterfront, the egret is back! and has a mate!! not to worry, the fishing line was removed so no more romantic encounters with my feathered friend.

Last night at Holy Trinity we had a great turnout for the Christian Music Summer Concert Series!

NOTE, our Christian rapper, did a terrific presentation of his new self titled CD and Curtis Campbell had us crying and laughing with tunes from his various CDs. Thank you to all for sharing and blessing the evening with your talents and presence. Next week the praise and worship band from Jarvisburg Church of Christ will be joining us, same place and time.

Happy Birthday Ellen & Ron!

2009-08-05T22:44:00.003-04:00

Well these newlyweds (just kidding) celebrated their birthdays a week a part at Bagels to Beef with the gang this week AND last week! of course no one told me ahead of time so I couldn't bone up on Melancholy Baby for Ron...next year Ron! And to top it off, we had a surprise visit from Fr Jim! A good time was had by all - thanks for the brownies Ellen!!

Strumming in the sun

2009-08-05T08:26:00.005-04:00

24/7 yes that's my summer motto...it's been great to see old friends and meet new ones and visit with family, and be surrounded by beautiful sunsets, dolphins and osprey... I am one blessed musician! It's August and we still have some fun gigs coming up: the Froggy Dog Aug 10, the Whalehead Club Wine Festival Aug 19, the Christian Music Summer Concert Series August 17 & 24, Taste of Edenton Sept 11, along with my weekly venues: Tale of the Whale, Millers on the Waterfront, Ortegaz Grill, Beach Bread Company and Bagels to Beef. We've celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and just plain fun times!

The Christian Music Summer Concert Series: last week we featured our first local Christian Rap artist, NOTE ...it was his very first time on stage and he has produced his first CD: No One's Tough Enough with some original material. We're proud of you Nick...continued blessings on your ministry!! We also had some tunes shared by Nick Hodsdon, local musician- minister-story teller-historian, who did some instrumentals and sing-a-longs. "Thank you!" to both for sharing!

On Aug 17 NOTE will be back along with Curtis Campbell, vocalist/guitarist/minister.

On August 24 the Jarvisburg Church of Christ Praise Band will be with us! (this will be the last evening scheduled ...stay tuned for 2010 schedule!) Thanks to all who have been sooo supportive of all the venues and events...you're the best!

Upcoming events: more info to come but put these on your calendar!!

Oct 24 Saturday 8am-4pm Finding Your Passion: spiritually & creatively

a workshop for women @ the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk.

Jan 31 2010 Sunday 3pm: singer/songwriter SARAH HART IN CONCERT @ Holy Redeemer church, Kitty Hawk

Feb 19-21 A weekend retreat at the beach for women only

May 27 2010 Thursday: Concert of Hope Holy Redeemer Church 7pm

and...rumor has it that there may be a new Christian CD in the works with a May release date

Come say "HI" next time you're in town at a venue or church...we're booking for the fall so if you're interested in me coming to your church, singing for a wedding or a living room concert, please contact me via email kim@kimkalman.com or call 252-441-2555

If Winston answers, tell him if he takes the message correctly, there's a treat in it for him!

Thanks from Chicago!

2009-08-05T08:25:00.007-04:00

Janice & her family came to Millers this summer to say "Hi." We had exchanged emails last year so it was nice to put a face to the name! Janice is a teacher and is involved in her church's music ministry: a double hats off to Janice...thank you Janice for all you do!

Hi Kim, Thanks for adding to our great week in OBX. Your ministry has definitely touched my life. I've been in the music ministry for nearly 30 years, first in PA, a couple of years in SC (during grad school) and now at St. John Neumann parish in St. Charles, IL. Our group has done several of the songs on your CD's, including "God With Us", "Sweet Redeemer", and "So We Will Worship". In past groups, I've also done "Surely", "Holy Is His Name" (a favorite of mine) and "Wonderful, Merciful Savior." I'm also in a CRHP formation team currently, and I plan to share your gift with these ladies as well. Thanks so much! Sincerely, Janice Krouse

Christian Music Summer Concert Series kick-off

2009-06-15T23:11:00.004-04:00

Tonight was the kick off of the Christian Music Summer Concert Series...about 50 energized folks came...was fun, exciting, Italian (thank you Fr Fitz!), ecumenical as we had a good mix from our community...and we celebrated Jeanette & Charles Anderson's 63rd wedding anniversary! Help us spread the word by talking it up out there. Our "love offering" is donated to ICO and our local Food Bank. We've got interest from other churches so let's pray that the spirit moves them...literally!!

To all who came...thanks for making it a "good place" evening! The next scheduled date is next Monday June 22, 7-8pm at Holy Trinity in Nags Head...bring a friend!

summer is here!

2009-06-13T14:35:00.004-04:00

I'm busy, hot & a year older...& wiser??...time will tell on that last one...thanks to my friends at Bagels to Beef who helped me bring in the new year w/a rousing rendition of the birthday tune & cake!

Lots of weddings and seasonal gigs kicking in...all your favorites: Millers on the Waterfront, Tale of the Whale, Bagels to Beef, Beach Bread Company, Ortega'z Grill, Meridian 42, Hilton Garden Inn, Froggy Dog, Whalehead Wine Festival & Sunset Concert, Town of Duck Sunset Concert...I may be missing a few so check my web calendar...and of course Holy Redeemer & Holy Trinity...and new this year I'm hosting the Christian Music Summer Concert Series at Holy Trinity 7-8pm selected Monday evenings...again check the calendar.
I'm starting to book for the fall so if you have any venues, festivals or churches or church events ie retreats/workshops, you'd like me to explore, please email me kim@kimkalman.com...also booking weddings for 2010.
October 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk we will be holding a retreat day for women: Finding your passion : spiritually & creatively...more info to come as it's available...the day will include speakers, activities and local artist vendors...if you are interested in a vendor spot please contact me ASAP.
I'm off to sing...see ya in the sun!
I

Concert of Hope a success!

2009-05-26T21:49:00.002-04:00

Well we did it! We raised over $3000, had close to 200 attendees...had a good vibe on the street the next day and people are still talking about it! Thank you to all who gave time & talent: Barbara Roche, Susan Cheney, Leslie Erickson, Stephanie Peppler, Dan Martier, Pat Cahill of Coastal Impressions and Metro Rentals, the Holy Redeemer Choir and Joanne Gregory...there has been talk of making this an annual event...will keep you posted on that!

Raise Me Up: A Concert of Hope!

2009-05-01T20:04:00.002-04:00

My first concert of ALL Christian material from I'M NOT ALONE and LET THE DOOR SWING WIDE in the Outer Banks...this is a benefit and will include the efforts of my music buds: our own violinist Leslie Erickson, cellist Stephanie Peppler and percussionist Dan Martier (yes, Laura's hubby). We will be taping this for DVD release at some point. Please read the release below for additional info and feel free to contact Susan or me for more info....and PLEASE COME!! It's the Thursday of Memorial Day Weekend.

For Immediate Release:
National recording artist, Kim Kalman, will perform songs from her contemporary Christian CDs, I’m Not Alone and Let the Door Swing Wide on Thursday, May 21, 2009,
7PM at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Fellowship Hall. Joining Kim for the evening will be violinist, Leslie Erickson, national touring percussionist, Dan Martier, cellist, Stephanie Peppler, and members of the Holy Redeemer Choir. All performers will donate their time and talents to raise money for the Outer Banks Partner Scholarship for the Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Nativity Preparatory ( HYPERLINK "http://www.nativitywilmington.org" www.nativitywilmington.org) educates low income boys of ALL faiths, grades fifth through eighth. All students attend the school tuition-free and are selected based on their demonstrated superior discipline and work ethics. The school was opened in 2003 by the Oblates of St Francis de Sales, an order of priests. The staff of teachers and coaches works along with the Oblates on a volunteer basis.

What does the Nativity Preparatory School have to do with the Outer Banks? Susan Cheney-O’Connell, a member of Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk, began the scholarship fund for Nativity Prep in February 2009 with encouragement from the Pastor Father Bill Walsh. "I taught school in a New Jersey ghetto community after college and realized only education solves the poverty challenge. My 30 years of military service reinforced my belief. Because our parish priests are Oblates, I realized I had found a volunteer activity that resonated with my personal beliefs."

There are over 50 Nativity model schools in cities throughout the US - 90% of their graduates finish high school, 80% complete college. The Nativity model transforms individuals who wind up transforming communities because the whole community becomes invested in the transformation process. In essence, the cycle of poverty, crime and underachievement is replaced with the cycle of challenge, structure and success.

"In reaching out beyond our own community, we are taking positive steps in bettering our county and hence our world" says Kim.

All proceeds benefit the school. Tickets are $10 and are available through Susan Cheney (441-1575), Holy Redeemer Church (261-4700)and www.PrayerThroughMusic.com.

Address and Email updates

2009-05-01T17:10:00.002-04:00

My computer system recently experienced a "hard drive crash." Any mailing or email addresses that were added since March 1 through April 15 of this year were lost. If you attended any shows ie Florida in Feb or March or ordered cds during that time and would like to be added to my list, please fill out the form on my web site or email me with your info. Thank you for your assitance!

Reston rendezvou

2009-05-01T11:01:00.004-04:00

I made it to Northern Virginia in record time on Wednesday (yes my truck has wings).
St John Nuemann Church is beautiful...we had a nice warm crowd of wonderful listeners...and singers (good job folks!), some of whom I'd met at the beach in previous summers....will definitely revisit...thank you CJ for your hospitality (good luck with your organ lessons). Thursday I stopped to see Patrick Kane and his buds at the Inova Cameron Glen Care Center...we did some dancing, some joking, some singing...good time had by all...love those fuzzy, pink feet Sibella! I'll be back for bingo next time! Susan Kane arranged for me to sing at Cafe Mortmartre later that evening ...set on Lake Anne this is a beautiful replica of an Italian villa....great food, more dancing (go Lori and Bob) and singing...happy birthday to Wa, George and Bob. Thank you Ann and staff for a very nice evening. Next time you're in Reston go have dinner and tell Ann I send my regards.
Needless to say, my pillow was a very welcome site....
off to Manassas tonight...come join me!

St Theresa's Prayer

2009-04-20T08:49:00.003-04:00

This was sent to me by my dear friends Connie & Bill with a beautiful photo of multi colored flowers...love the prayer, goes along with Francis deSales saying "great occassions for serving God come seldom, but little ones suround us daily"...thanks Connie & Bill!
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

I'm off to St Stephen's in Chesapeake, VA tonight to celebrate prayer through music!

Kim & her friends

2009-04-10T14:30:00.012-04:00

When I was a kid we lived in an area of northern New Jersey that was still farm country. When we drove pass the dairy farms with all the dairy cows out in the pasture, my Dad would always say jokingly: "there's Kim & all her friends" ...I think it was because I liked animals or playing in the mud, not sure which...so when we were visiting our friend, Janet in Asheville, NC a few weeks ago at her 200 acre farm (yes I did manage to get a few days in of R&R) I couldn't resist having my photo taken with, you guessed it, The Cows...if nothing else for my Dad...and NO I did not have my boots on but I will remember for next time! some deep sh...oveling! Thanks Janet! You can visit her website at www.heavenlyhideawaycabin.com to see the estate and book a nice romantic cabin with great views and plenty to do. This photo is of me with Valentine, the newest addition to the family.
Happy Easter!

Spring has sprung!

2009-04-05T09:26:00.003-04:00

Just a month ago I was sitting at my desk bored...careful what you wish...now I can't see my desk!! It's Holy week so needless to say I'll be busy with masses at Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity. It is beautiful at the beach and the dolpins say Hi!
Florida in February was wonderful! The Women's Conference for the Diocese of Orlando had a turnout of about 200 woman...met some terrific woman, all on the same page spiritually...it was very energizing...thank you Winkie and Susie and staff!! I felt very much at home at the Continental Christian Church on Sunday as that was a return visit...great vibe..thank you Chuck and church family! Monday at the Church on the Square in the Villages (a city unto itself) I visited with family and lots of friends...we packed the place! Great venue...if you get to FL, go visit!! I even ran into folks from the old neighborhood in Ironia NJ, the Ameos...nice to see them and catch up...been a while!!
The end of this month into May I will be traveling to Northern Virginia to a variety of venues: churches, restaurants, a festival and living room concert! Check out the calendar on my web site for specific info. I have room for a few other bookings in that week so if you have something in mind, contact me asap (kim@kimkalman.com)
May 21 will be a fundraiser concert at Holy Redeemer for our Oblates schools...put that on your calendar if you're in the area...I'll have a few local musicians joining me ...should be an exciting night...more info to come...
People have been asking about new projects but nothing in the hopper for this season...I actually have a few on the list I'd like to do in the future but haven't set any studio dates yet...you'll be the first to know!
thank you as always for your support...good to hear from everyone...see ya on the road!

Carry Me

2009-02-23T17:39:00.003-05:00

Singing at Holy Redeemer during the summer season gives me an opportunity to meet many folks from all over the country. This past summer Laurie Maier from MD came to one of our masses. In January she contacted me requesting lyrics for a song from my CD I'm Not Alone for a Catholic Schools Week prayer service at St Mary's School in MD....the song was Carry Me. I sent her the tracks and she got the lyric off my web site. Today I received a HUGE package with a DVD of the service and alot of thank you cards. The DVD is of the "choir of many" and their version of Carry Me...it warmed my heart! It was great...they did a super job...and made God smile! Thank you Laurie and choir!! Keep singing!!

Valentine's weekend

2009-02-17T17:55:00.004-05:00

A wonderful weekend had by all...Friday I was at Ortega'z in Manteo...great food...we celebrated Carl's birthday (89th), said hi to Sue Waters from Club Violin and Sandy & Fred from Holy Trinity. Saturday I sang at Meridian42 in Southern Shores(under new ownership & a great new classic Italian menu - YUM!) Lots of locals out: Marian & Frank, Val & Tom, John & group, Robin & Kevin from Outer Barks, Sandy & Fred (again!), Mila from the Hilton and of course Michele and Steve & their folks checking out my music for their wedding in May...I got a "2 thumbs up" from Mom & Dad! The teams at both restaurants did a great job...always a little crazy on a holiday. Thanks to all who came out to celebrate
"love" ...good food & drink, good company, good music makes the world go 'round!
I leave next Thurday for Florida for the Orlando Diocesian Women of Faith conference along with some other
appearances (check the web site calendar for specifics). Maybe I'll have time to work on my tan....
see ya soon!

Gone to the dogs!

2009-01-19T18:36:00.003-05:00

suffice this to say the weather has gone to the dogs...even Tigger is cold! (& she has a 2-3 inch layer of fur under that sweatshirt!) We are expecting 4- 6 inches of snow here in the Outer Banks! We only know how to shovel sand!

Carmellos in Manassas

2009-01-18T19:03:00.003-05:00

Friday evening I sang for the first time at a wonderful family owned restaurant in Manassas called Carmellos. The atmoshphere was great with the serving area and horseshoe sit down bar in the same room. My Woodbridge alliance showed up and brought reinforcements!...thanks to Connie and Cami the room was full! Robyn from William & Mary days who I haven't seen in...whose counting...how many year came w/her Mom & youngest daughter Mia (Rob you missed a fun night!)....good to see all! One of my new friends brought a fun gift for me: Colette Iusi designs "girlfriends with attitudes" which is what I'm holding in one of the photos...she even got it down to the covers of my cds!! and Colette has great taste in desserts as you can see from the photo! you can email her at marycshell@hotmail.com if you're interested in her custom "girlfriends" for gifts...as unique as the person you are gifting! Photos by Eric...thanks Eric for snapping 'em & getting them to me for this blog! Thank you Northern Virginia for a fun night and thank you to Miguel & Alice at Carmellos for the opportunity. ~k

first blog of the new year...

2009-01-09T16:15:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve at Holy Redeemer was busy! We did the children’s mass at 5pm... Ashley & team coordinators did a great job... all went well. Then a first - Leslie Erickson (violinist) and I joined the choir for midnight (12pm) mass... coffee is a wonderful thing... Joanne, our choir director, and group sounded great and the addition of guitar & violin really added a warmth... we're looking forward to doing more special masses with the choir! and yes I sang for the 9am mass on Christmas day, came home, made breakfast, did gifts & fell asleep on the couch with Winston my big brown dog... Merry Christmas....

New Years Eve in Williamsburg was cold (it was winter) & great!! Saw lots of folks who remembered me from 1995 (thank you Ryan and Dad) when I sang for the first First Night in Williamsburg... WOW!! Ron Fetner (thank you for the use of your equipment), Dennis Lee & Ron Barnes (his band members) were my alternating act and we had fun! I asked Ron (who plays flute & mandolin,) and Dennis (who plays stand up bass) to join me on the last number of 2 of my sets... a rare treat for me as well as the audience. I hope we can do that again soon... before NYE 2009!

The Outer Banks Wedding Expo is this weekend so I will be busy connecting with brides and grooms to be.

Tonight I'm singing at the GEM's (adult day care center) Harmony Cafe... it's their monthly fundraiser with local musicians, beverages and goodies donated from the community... always good to see everyone and spend time catching up.

There is a new icon on my web site for living room concerts... an intimate setting in your home with friends and great music. Contact me if you're interested... I do travel!

I'll be in Florida doing some singing the last weekend on Feb/first of March... good time to schedule a living room concert!

Next Friday Jan 16 for all those in the Northern VA area I'm at Carmello's in Manassass 7:30-11:30pm. Check my calendar for address and phone.

For all you romantics, I am offering Valentines Day Song-o-grams again this year. Call or email to schedule your song in red.

I'm also offering bulk cd sales for non-profit groups as fundraisers. Again email or call for more info.

See you on the road... good luck with your 2009 resolutions!

A Day Off

2008-11-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

a day off!! so we shuffled off to Ocracoke for a walk with the dogs & a quick bite to eat... & off course some photo opps... the boys were ready to go! Winston (the one with the grey beard) & Hogan love to travel so they are my roadies during my "off time" If you live in the Outer Banks area, yes that's me walking them to the beach every morning unless it rains (Winston hates to walk in the rain, Hogan on the other hand is part duck)

Local Artist Zee Layne

2008-11-10T00:03:00.010-05:00

As many of you know, in one of my past lives I was a restaurant owner/chef... yes the combination of cooking and singing turned into turning tables... the Horny Toad Cafe was a wonderfully intimate, colorful, southwest cuisine with music venue: appetizing food, yummy desserts, and an array of folks we still see occasionally at my gigs. We met lots of locals and visitors who were artists in their own rights... one of those many was Zee Layne (& husband Bill) who painted some horny toads that we had hung on the walls of the restaurant. When we sold the business, we kept the artwork and of course many of the friends. Zee is now selling her art at one of our local venues The Lone Wolff Trading Co - 210 East Gallery Row - Nags Head - 252-449-5111. These samples are some of her latest that she has shared with us...keep it up Zee! We love ya!!

life AFTER Labor Day

2008-10-06T20:46:00.003-04:00

well to say this entry is over due would be an understatement since my last one was July 8...needless to say it was a busy season and though it technically ended w/Labor Day I'm still "gigging" locally and catching up on things that should have been done during the craziness of summer: oil changes, paper work, cleaning the garage...other than walking Winston to the beach and back in the morning, I don't get to the beach for enjoyment during the season so yesterday I actually walked alone to the beach, fell asleep, woke to watch the dolphins swim by (& wave!) went next door to Art's Place for a burger, beer and conversation...was a nice relaxing Sunday...tried it again today but the sun didn't cooperate...oh well...

Lots of radio play going on for Let the Door Swing Wide. If you're not on my email list, email me and I'll keep you posted on the stations w/emails as well as scheduling of venues...

If anyone has an area you'd like me to visit/blitz, supply me with some venues and/or churches to contact and I'll give it a shot!

No there are no new cds in the works...I'm taking a break from the studio for now...I love you Kenny but...

I'm still seeing lots of folks on the weekends coming to visit...you can always email or phone before or once you're here regarding venues I'm scheduled at...I'm always working on new ones... I'm available for singing at holiday parties ...and I'm booking weddings for 09 already.

Played in Columbia (NC just 1 hour west of OBX) a few weeks ago at Vineyards on the Scuppernug...beautifully done winery...if you're going through Columbia and you're a wine fan, (or if you're not you might be after stopping!) take time to stop...tell Grace and Jack I sent you!

Started Saturday eves at Beach Bread Company this past weekend...nice crowd, thanks for joining me...had some folks come in who heard At Last playing at the Wanchese Pottery in Manteo (thank you Bonnie & Bob) that afternoon and checked out the web site to find me! Marketing 101 DOES work! I'm also still at the Beach Bread Co and Bagels to Beef for lunch during the week...and Holy Redeemer & Holy Trinity for weekend masses.

My little birthday kitty, CJ, has doubled in size but she still has that little kitten face...adorable...and we have another new kitten as well...he was an orphan Winston and I brought home one earlier than usual morning from our walk...

his name is Toby (which means I'm told "God is good" ) and he is a beautiful snowball white with 3 Ash Wednesday smudges on his forehead where he was obviously touched by the angels! We should all be so blessed...

see ya on the road...

another day at the beach!

2008-07-08T23:45:00.000-04:00

well today was filled with old and new friends...at both the Beach Bread Company and Miller's Waterfront...great to see all, thanks for coming!

all and all it was a beautiful day...even when the storm moved in the clouds were awesome...some lightning, some thunder, lots of wind, a little rain, a rainbow, an egret getting caught in some hung fishline (to keep the birds away...Brian!!) and then the rescue efforts by yours truly...got ole Lucky untangled but not before he practically bit my head off (somebody took pictures!)...but he did fly back around the deck honking (I've never heard an egret honk!)as he went by as if to say thanks...& then he caught a fish & swallowed it infront of us to say "I'm ok" after I said "his neck has a kink in it" and flew off into the sunset...literally...another night in the Outer Banks...it's 11pm so if you'll excuse me I have to wash the egret spit off my face...

New CD Release!

2008-06-18T18:17:00.004-04:00

I'm exhausted already & it's only the 2nd week of June... Well, into the season, it's been great seeing old and new folks at my restaurant gigs and at church!...

"Let the Door Swing Wide" is due for arrival this Friday June 20 & will be available as soon as I can get them out of the box so I will have them at Miller's Waterfront that evening as well as at Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity on Saturday & Sunday. My mother has already pinned her favorites & my Dad (who doesn't listen to Christian music) has given it "2 thumbs up". Anybody else for an endorsement? email your comments please!

As for our cardinals, they flew-the-coup literally when a snake attempted to rob the nest... we intervened but they moved anyway.

I have a new furry, four legged addition to the family (she is a birthday gift)... her name is CJ (calico-tabby mix) 9 weeks old, she is a joy and being accepted more each day by the pack. Winston (my big, brown dog and walking partner) is afraid of her.

Special thank yous to all who helped me celebrate "the big one" at the Beach Bread Company last week... great mix of friends and family (yes Mom, Dad & my youngest sister drove in from Fl as a surprise)... was fun, even if I did have to sing! ~K

we have babies!

2008-05-27T01:17:00.001-04:00

Our cardinal family has hatched... can't tell how many but they were feeding Saturday when I arrived home... and yesterday I heard their first vocalization (how's that for a singer's description?!)

The season kicked in with weddings, masses, weekly bookings this weekend... I performed in Downtown Manteo at the waterfront stores this morning... beautiful day, nice crowd and good company... tonight I'm on my way to one of my favorite outdoor venues, Tale of the Whale Gazebo... gorgeous setting, good food, lots of wildlife... and fun folks! The Pearl Restaurant is another favorite spot right on the ocean: great food & beautiful scenery... I'm there Wednesdays and Saturdays.

After tonight's performance, I'm on the road back to Nashville to tweak the cd one last time before it goes to the next stage...all is going well but I feel like I need a vacation... Be sure to click on the link to see my music video for the title track to my CD, Let The Door Swing Wide.

see ya soon! ~k

What day is this??

2008-05-20T23:53:00.009-04:00

I have lost count of what day in the studio this is.... driving back to OBX for weekend engagements has made this a looong process & tiresome BUT never the less an endurance test that is almost done yet just the prelude to my upcoming summer season! The blessing and gift column always out weighs the other side... last week (Friday) we had breakfast with a friend from the past, Lisa Chapman. In conversation Lisa mentioned she had a cabin on a lake she'd like us to stay at the next time we were coming to town. That time of course was this week so we are staying on 1500+ acres in a cabin on a lake in the middle of nowhere. I was in the boat & on the water within 10 minutes of unloading the car. I am in heaven, thank you GOD! (& thank you Lisa!) A pair of geese met us & literally gave us the grand tour of the lake... introducing us along the way to the bass, turtles and water fowl.... it is beyond beautiful.... ahhhh

Back to the studio: we finished all the back up vocals today. Again a wonderful experience being surrounded by in-spirit, talented & good humored sisters and brothers...what a high! It's exhilarating to say the least...

On the home front, 2-3 days before leaving for Nashville (the first week) I noticed a pair of cardinals outside my office window frantically flying in and around a tree. When I got home that weekend they had started gathering nesting materials. When I returned the nest was done and upon leaving Sunday mama was sitting on eggs. Now I didn't plan this cd project and I certainly didn't time it in sync with the nesting cycle of a pair of cardinals. Some would not pay any attention to this so called "coincidence" but I don't believe in coincidences and find it interesting that my new cd is going to "hatch" in conjunction with the eggs being incubated outside my office window.... I'm sure there is a deeper meaning to it all, but I'm so brain dead right now I haven't figured it out so if anyone who is reading this gets it, email me please.... thanks!

We'll be mixing for the next 3 days and then some. I'm back in OBX for Memorial Day weekend and then back in Nashville to finish up the project... see you at the beach! ~k

Day 4 in Nashville

2008-05-15T00:27:00.003-04:00

I am ready to start Day 4! After rushing home for the weekend in the Outer Banks, we arrived back in Nashville Monday midnightish ...overslept Tuesday morning (thank goodness for cell phones which brought us to reality very quickly) & hit the studio by 10am ....got through my vocals on 5 songs! ...left around 9pm ....good deal ....back at it today ....I miss my morning walks with Winston

....on a local note, Mother's Day dinner at The Pearl restaurant was wonderful! Nice group of folks, everyone enjoyed! The atmosphere is very nice, comfortable, intimate ...the ocean view is gorgeous and the food is devine ...I'll be there most Wednesdays & Saturdays between Memorial Day & Labor Day (check my website schedule for specifics) so if you're in the OBX plan to join us at least one night. One of the chefs at The Pearl was my chef Jeremy at the Horny Toad & he is very talented!

Day 2 in Nashville

2008-05-09T16:47:00.011-04:00

Wow! we finished all 10 instrumental tracks on Thursday...

12+ hours in the studio...great job guys!! We laughed, danced (thank you Pat!) and worked hard!

...exciting to be surrounded by such creative and talented

“in-spirit” people...good vibes, warm fuzzies, good humor and great coffee (thanks Kenny!)...

Can’t think of a better way to spend a day in Nashville!

Friday we visited with friends before getting to the studio to record my string section: John Catchings and David Davidson from the Nashville symphony...and Jim Hoke my flutist (Jim has played sax and harmonica on past projects for me).

This is gonna be a gooood cd....stay tuned

peace ~k

on the road... again

2008-05-06T23:49:00.010-04:00

It's the night before we hit the road to Nashville to start the recording process of "Let the Door Swing Wide"... I've made notes, I've listened & re-listened to material, I've picked the keys and most of all I've thanked God for the opportunity and for the blessings of this project, the time spent on it and all those lending their gifts of creativity to it... and THANK YOU for your emails, calls and prayers of support and encouragement... wow!

Let the doors swing wide! ~k

Spring Has Sprung!

2008-04-14T13:50:00.026-04:00

Well Happy Spring!

I've finally caught up on 2007 paperwork... January was time to recoup. In February we launched my singing telegrams for Valentines Day.

WAVY-TV 10 (from Portsmouth VA) came down to film the delivery... what a blast!! It was a wonderful way to spend the day - delivering music to homes, shipyards, Home Depot and restaurants. This has been added to my website and is available for birthdays, anniversaries, get well, whatever special occasions you might have!

I've done a few special performances at a few churches in this area and have been warmly received...music and conversation about personal journeys. It's great to share our stories.

Spring has now sprung in the Outer Banks & so has my schedule...I'll be back at 3 of the same venues I was at last year 2 nights a week at each venue: Tale of the Whale, Millers on the Waterfront, and The Pearl Restaurant (formally Ocean Front Trellis in the Sea Ranch Hotel). I will also be leading song at Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity churches on the weekends (see my calendar for mass times). I'm still working on my afternoon schedule so keep an eye on my calendar. I have a good number of weddings, some solo, some w/other local musicians (Leslie Erickson-violin, Sue Waters-violin, Jason Evans-keyboard, Suzanne Blackstock-flute). Leslie and I lead music Sunday mornings at Holy Trinity in Nags Head.

Leslie Erickson and I will be at the Beach Bread Company this Saturday April 19 @ 7:30 for our joint restaurant debut.

Along with all the marketing, accounting and scheduling I had to finish in March, I've managed to squeeze (literally) time out of May to record a second Christian cd. We start May 8 and will be in and out of the Nashville studio ALL month! The title of the cd is my motto for 2008: “Let The Door Swing Wide” title song written my by most favorite female Christian singer-songwriter, Sarah Hart. The material on this cd is wonderful and I'm anxious to hear what my fellow studio musicians and back up vocalists create! My ever present God will have hands full with this project!

Look forward to seeing everyone in the coming months...if you stop by a venue, church or restaurant, please come say hello!

blessings ~k

Happy New Year!

2007-12-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

It's almost New Years Eve...I'm looking forward to singing at Williamsburg's First Night & having breakfast with the crew @ I-Hop! (a tradition)

The last few weeks have been filled with Christmas...we did in-stores for retail support at several of my vendors: Good Life Gourmet, Beach Bread Company, A Holistic Pet Shop, Salty Paws Biscuits, Chip's Wine & Beer Market, Bagels to Beef. Great to see everyone, thanks for joining me & supporting our vendors!

The title track from the Christmas CD, A Christmas to Remember, was put into rotation on Mix 96, Orville & Wilbur. I had 2 radio interviews: Mix 96 & The Sound 99.1 Acoustic Coffee Break (great job Sam & Jeff...thank you!) & of course press releases in the local papers (Coastland Times & Sentinel)...look for more coverage in papers & radio in 2008 as well as retail as several vendors are interested in working my other CDs during the summer! Exciting marketing...now if I could just clone myself...

During the next 2 months I'll be doing some local appearances at some of the restaurants: Good Life Gourmet, Beach Bread Company & working on some others...check the calendar for scheduling or email me...

I'm rehearsing extensively with Leslie Erickson my violinist for weddings, private parties etc offering more of an instrumental selection: classical and contemporary...there are audio samples on my wedding page on this web site...check it out!

Here's to a healthy, prosperous, exciting new year filled with friends, family, and peace....let the doors swing wide!!

peace ~k

Blessings

2007-11-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

It's 2 weeks before Thanksgiving & this blog is WAY over due...my apologies but blogs are not my thing...but it's Saturday, I was supposed to be at the church yard sale but woke up to rain...the dogs are fed and out and I've had my first cup of coffee so here goes...

This year has been one filled with God and blessings every turn I make...I began the year with recording sessions for, my debut Christian cd ...not only did we sell through the first 1000 ordered, but I'm now being referred to as a Christian artisit! The summer was 24/7 music: restaurants, weddings, festivals, churches, fund raisers and more recording sessions for the Christmas cd, which finally became A Christmas to Remember. My cat Nikki died during my sessions so a portion of the proceeds from that cd will go to Feline Hope, www.FelineHope.org, our local cat rescue organization here in the Outer Banks of NC...she does make herself known through spirit every now and then. The summer brought lots of old friends back to the venues I sang at and lots of new friends were made as well...I love singing outside during the summer on the gazebos watching the geese, turtles, dolphins, kids and of course the sunsets...it is just the most beautiful setting to sing in (other than the woods)...we had many dance competitions on the gazebos among our young visitors this season ...I'd love to bottle their energy! I went back to Nashville in September to finish recording A Christmas to Remember.

In conjunction with the Christmas cd, we published a recipe booklet of holiday desserts my sisters (wait till they see these photos!) and I grew up with...gathering the recipes and photos for this project from family was a blast...talk about memory lane! They really are great tasting treats and the photos are a trip! In the spirit of Thanksgiving we are donating the profits from the sale of this project to America's Second Harvest; a wonderful organization working with corporate America, mom & pop businesses, volunteers and schools to fight hunger here in the US. Check out their web site for more info: www.secondharvest.org.

I'm working on the 2008 schedule...if you'd like to suggest any venues, please email me kim@kimkalman.com ...I'd love to hear from you as well...I'm on the road through November and home for December (as of now). The sun is now out, it has stopped raining...time to take Winston (my dog) for his morning walk...see you on the road...thank you for your continued support and affirmation of my music...thank you for receiving it as my gift to you! May your blessings be abundant and may you be thankful for all that comes your way...

peace ~k

Christmas in May

2007-05-19T10:44:00.003-04:00

Back from Nashville AGAIN... this time starting the christmas cd project... was great to be back in the studio with my guys: Pat McGrath on acoustic guitar, newlywed Dave Francis on bass (stand up & electric), Dennis Holt on percussion (all kinds!), Jim Hoke on saxophone & harmonica, John Catchings on cello, David Davidson on violin, Ray Herndon on electric guitar, & new comer (to me) Jeff Roach on keyboard... & of course my producer for more than 10 years Kenny Royster who has pulled more notes out of me then I knew I had!

I'll be back in Nashville in Sept after the National Quartet Convention in Kentucky to do more vocals & add my back up vocalists... ahh the makings of a cd! all just in time for the holiday season... stay tuned to the website for when it's ready...

peace ~k

3rd Annual Southern Gospel Fest

2007-04-18T09:38:00.003-04:00

Oh what a night! Saturday I opened for the 3rd Annual Southern Gospel Fest in Waynesboro VA sponsored by Blue Ridge Talent Agency & promoter, Pam Barton (great job Pam!!) Not only have I never listened to southern gospel but needless to say I've never opened for a show of that caliber. We had 500+ in attendance & they were ALIVE in the spirit!!

The other acts included Greater Love Trio (formally quartet but their bass was out on medical that night), Mark Bishop (singer/songwriter), Brian Free & Assurance, and The Tabernacle Baptist Drama Team of Lumberton, NC. It was energizing, moving, electric & fun...I met some great people (see my photo gallery page) & opened my ears to some new sounds... got home @ 4am to sing mass at 11am @ Holy Trinity :) ...and I was awake (coffee is a wonderful thing!) Thank you to Waynesboro for welcoming me & to Pam for the invitation.

I'm currently working on material for the Christmas CD...I'll be in Nashville in May doing instrumental tracks & then go back in Sept to finish up vocals.

Most of my appearances this summer will be in the Outer Banks area, restaurants & church ...in Sept (before my studio time) I'll be show-casing @ the National Quartet Convention ...the convention invites solos, duo & trio along w/quartets ...this is exciting!

If your church is interested in booking me for a fund raiser, please have them contact me as soon as possible for scheduling.

peace ~k

I'm Not Alone

2007-04-02T00:17:00.001-04:00

The production of I'm Not Alone has truly been an instrument in my life... divinely inspired. I heard a voice almost a year ago at mass telling me now was the time to step outside the box & share the most intimate part of me: my spiritual journey. I've been a church musician since I was 14 years old but I NEVER thought I would record a cd of Christian material. From the get-go divine intervention was obvious...researching material brought me to Sarah Hart who happened to be in FL singing on the same weekend I was doing a Hospice benefit just an an hour away from her workshop & show...once in the recording studio in Nashville, my musicians gave me goose bumps when they got the vision & translated it into music... over lunch in the studio, there was a sharing of personal journeys w/my backup singers on how God touched & graced our lives...the studio was filled w/little miracles daily while I was engulfed in song for 2 weeks on my own mini retreat. I sang, I cried, I danced... it was fun, grueling, invigorating & draining... my ears were fried after 12-14 hour days in the studio...the outside world was non-existent except for my bed & a hot shower... what we will do to feed our passion, to stir the soul, to be in total harmony with the why I am here, to set my prayers to music... to thank God I'm not alone.

peace ~k