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.

CONCERT REVIEWS

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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....