our military

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

life gets in the way

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...

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

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

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

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.