The SPARK w Lynn Hollyfield.

A portrait of rob in his natural habitat by photographer Luca Crudeli. See his photographs here : https://fotocrudeli.pic-time.com/efhrCb53o3Tin

Eeshan getting ready to take the stage. Many of tonight’s artists are performing together on Saturday as part of a songwriter event in Rockville that I couldn’t attend, but I could at least recommend lots of performers for. Jay Keating (saw.org) was looking specifically for singer/songwriters who feel that the open mics have been part of their creative process – and Eeshan definitely counts!

Tonight I was off the hook for documenting the night as we welcomed a photographer into our midst! Luca Crudeli had approached me about building up his portfolio documenting the local scene and it was a lot of fun having him. He captured some beautiful moments and it was also fascinating to watch him become visually acquainted with our little room, finding reflections and new angles over the course of the night.

It meant I did NOT spend my time photographing anyone and… gasp! There were photos of *me*! His pictures can be seen at : https://fotocrudeli.pic-time.com/efhrCb53o3Tin

Tonight was one of those interesting nights that was full but felt light. A long night that went fast. A sad day that went well. Dolly Parton died this morning, and that stained the day. A couple of artists brought Dolly songs or Dolly-referential songs. I just played hard because it feels like death is all around us. Peter Cullen, Tim Curry. I’m running out of time to watch movies to pay tribute.

Neither here nor there – Lynn Hollyfield was our featured artist and it was quite Lovely having her in our little womb of creativity. I haven’t seen her without her band in a LONG time (most recently performing together at Eastport A’Rockin in Annapolis, MD) and it was a beautiful, different intimacy to “just” have her solo.

Lots of good feels tonight. We need them.

Some more beautiful shots by Luca. He did a really excellent job documenting the evening – you get a really great FEEL for the night through his gallery: https://fotocrudeli.pic-time.com/efhrCb53o3Tin

We do this every Tuesday night at School of Musical Traditions’ SPARK performance space (7112 Willow Ave., Takoma Park, MD). Signup by 7pm, randomized list, 2 songs or 10 minutes whichever’s shorter with a fantastic featured artist somewhere in the middle. We’ve got calzones and a piano! What else could you want? Nominally family friendly.