12/21/08



Happy Winter Solstice!
We've all had a pretty tough year, so 2009 has GOT to be better, right?!
Seriously, we do count all our blessings regularly, and I think
that's a very important thing to do -- staying in gratitude keeps your heart and your mind open to the Divine Inspiration for your life.
However you celebrate the Coming of the Light,
we wish you many moments of good cheer, joy, fun, and laughter
now and throughout the coming year!

Click here to download a special free song we did for the DVD version of the
cult classic movie "Timothy Leary's Dead".
(Simply right-click or Ctrl+click the link and choose "Save link as" or "Download linked file".)

12/13/08

Right up my alley -- I attended a wonderful Book Club meeting this afternoon, that centers on the studying of Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth". I've been studying this book since I took Oprah's online class earlier this spring, and it has been making a HUGE change in my life. I believe, as Eckhart puts it, that this IS the next evolution for humanity -- otherwise we may be facing extinction!

Later in the evening, we attended an absolutely fab 1960's fundraiser, complete with go-go dancers dancing to the appropriate music of the era, people in authentic 60's hostess pajamas, mod dresses, and the de rigeur hippie outfits, along with the movie "Woodstock" being projected onto huge balloons on the stage. The bash benefitted Sarah House that provides low-income residence and care for those facing the end of their life -- a very worthy cause indeed.
Thank you, Bernie & Lori, for making us aware of this.
See our holiday photo above to catch the energy of the evening!


12/12/08

At a very warm and fun, homey holiday party in Santa Monica this evening,
I was pleasantly surprised to make the acquaintance of television anchorwoman/
actress/political activist Bree Walker! What a dynamic, courageous and
inspirational woman -- she attained career success in a highly visible field, in spite of a genetic deformity of her hands, and continues her work in
defense of the "little guy" to this day.


12/10/08

I was very excited to hear that a Lithuanian film is up for an Oscar this year,
for Best Foreign Language Film -- it is entitled "Loss", about the separation
of a mother from her young son and her struggle to get him back.
The website is at http://lossmovie.com/
Wouldn't it be nice for a Lithuanian film to win this year?!


12/6/08

VERY happy to be a part of the Blessingway for the welcoming into this world of Tangee & Dalmacio's baby Andrik Darius. Tangee and I started life coaching together about 8 years ago, and then she and Dalmacio became fire dancers and performed at Temple of the Goddess, among other places.
Best wishes to the happy parents-to-be!




12/1/08

Did anyone happen to catch the cool Venus/Jupiter/crescent moon conjunction early this evening? As AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein says in his article on Yahoo! News: "The three celestial objects come together from time to time, but often they are too close to the sun or unite at a time when they aren't so visible. The next time the three will be as close and visible as this week will be Nov. 18, 2052, according to Jack Horkheimer, director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium." Below is my humble attempt to capture the moment --
notice the dark side of the moon bathed in Earthshine!




11/29/08

Tonight we went to see another new musician friend, Peter Manchak,
play with his band Luna Gitana in downtown Santa Barbara. What a cool sound --
they are like a Gypsy Kings tribute band, but they do opera,
flamenco, Beatles, and other fun stuff too. We very much enjoyed them!
Peter also has another band, Black Lotus, which Montino plays with --
a blend of Classical Indian music with Latin, jazz, flamenco and elektronic!


11/28/08

One of the new friends we met as a result of our party is Montino Bourbon --
a brilliant virtuoso on the 14-string Indian sarode, who studied under
the master Ali Akbar Khan who played with Ravi Shankar. Tonight
we had the privilege of jamming with Montino and a host of other
talented musicians -- including a classical Indian singer who accompanied herself on tambour -- at Montino's studio in Montecito, known as
The Academy of Universal Music. What a treat!


11/27/08

We have SO much to be thankful for this year. It was QUITE the tough year,
but much good came of it all too. It's good to take a moment to
count our blessings. Americans have it SO much better than most
othercountries, and I just hope we appreciate what we've got --
even now that the (consumer) "party" is over...


11/22/08

We decided to have our "cool house party" this weekend --
we weren't going to call it a "houseWARMING" this time! We told all our
new friends in Santa Barbara to invite their friends, so we can meet
new people. It was a wonderful crowd, and we met some great people,
including the lovely actress LorI Saunders who was a regular on
Petticoat Junction. What a blast!


11/13/08

This day is a day -- as they say -- that will "live in infamy!"
The record exec from London who is releasing our album with
Jon Anderson this coming spring, was in town for a dinner meeting with us.
As we're driving to meet him, we notice a fire burning at the top of our hill.
Little did we realize that by the end of dinner, as we drove back home, our area
was engulfed in smoke and ash, with people evacuating. This was the infamous Tea Fire that claimed 1940 acres and levelled 210 homes --
some just about 6 blocks up the hill from us. It was mandatory for us to evacuate also, but we were among the fortunate ones who had no damage
other than a little smoke smell to contend with. We had planned
a housewarming party for the weekend too -- needless to say, that had
to be cancelled -- it had gotten WARM enough around our place!


11/4/08

Definitely a most historical election! I am delighted at the sense of hope
that most Americans are feeling today, and I know our new
President-elect Obama has got his work cut out for him.
I just pray that the system hasn't gotten so corrupt that his hands
are tied regarding what he has the power to accomplish.


10/28/08

Anybody into astrology? I just read an amazing article about Pluto in
Capricorn that gave me chills! Here is a tiny excerpt:

"[Pluto] will journey back into Capricorn on November 26, 2008 and remain there until January 21, 2024. For sixteen years, Pluto will engage in a process of breaking down and then rebuilding the structures on which we depend for a successful experience in the material world.

There is a natural evolution to the path of the planets through the zodiacal signs as each sign offers a completely different experience than the sign before. In Sagittarius, Pluto has been compulsively expansive and optimistic, intensifying religious fervor - all qualities of Sagittarius. In Capricorn, Pluto seeks to contract and solidify, and build solid structures for society. In the process, the structures that already exist are broken down and irrevocably transformed."

I already see that happening, don't you?!

10/24/08

Tonight we watched a PBS special about the history of Islamic Spain
entitled "Cities of Light". It was shot in Spain and in Lithuania! The story is about a time when Christians, Jews, and Muslims all lived together and flourished from the sharing of their cultures and beliefs -- an excellent message for today's times.
For me, it was also great fun to watch vast masses of Lithuanian extras
acting like they were Spaniards, Jews, and Moors! ;->


10/18/08

We had a great evening at the home of fellow Lithuanian Saulius Urbonas tonight! Saulius is an esteemed videographer, who has had 4 of his videos shown on the Oprah show (he's also partied with her, but that's another story...), and the name of his company is Amber Productions (very apropos -- for a Lithuanian, that is...). We also enjoyed meeting his sweet and lovely wife
Barbara, as well as his charming daughter -- also named Nijole!
Of course, she's a fabulous girl with a name like that, eh?!
I have offered myself as her adopted pagan goddess-mother!
(Well, you know -- some girls have a fairy godmother...)


10/11/08

Tonight, we were quite privileged to be the guests of our long-time friend, the most talented Dustin O'Halloran, as he opened for k.d. lang at the very special and gorgeous Arlington Theatre. We've known Dustin since I was vocal coach to the fair and lovely Sara Lov, lead singer of his band devics (one of our favorite bands EVER!) many eons ago... Dustin played selections from his two albums entitled "Piano Solos" and "Piano Solos Vol. 2". His music has been compared to that of Erik Satie -- very emotional and spacious -- and 3 of his pieces were recently featured in the Sofia Coppola movie "Marie Antoinette".
Congrats, Dustin, on your great work!

k.d. lang was, of course, superb with that luscious voice of hers, as well as her great wit, creative selections, presentation and interpretation, and all-around genuine artistry. We were happy to see our fellow musician friends in her band: Ian Walker on bass, whom Fritz has played with, and Danny Frankel on drums, whom I've performed a couple very interesting gigs with. It was great hanging with Ian, Dustin and families after the show. A wonderful and memorable evening!


10/4/08

Attended an indie film screening in Ventura this evening -- a hilarious broad comedy about angry relationships called "Hold It Like A Baby", written and produced by our close friends, Michael & Tina Love. Afterwards, dinner with the cast and crew in the very cool Moroccan-styled back room of Cafe Fiore. We wish this team the best as their "Baby" starts out on the festival circuit!


10/2/08

Alright! The film featuring our music, "Belonging", premiered at the
Vancouver International Film Festival tonight!
Gerard says my song "Everything" really made for a most
emotional end credit song. How happy I am to be of
service to this excellent film narrated by Dustin Hoffman. YAY!


9/27/08

WOW! Tonight we caught the Flamenco Festival's fantastic
choreographer Rafael Amargo and his fabulous troupe from Madrid.
It was a really great show, very spirited, and Rafael is known for
bringing Flamenco into the 21st Century.
Not only was the show a total treat for us, but
the cellist for this show was none other than John Krovoza,
who played on my "Parallel Universe" CD.
Way to go, John!
Partied afterwards at the Matador restaurant with the whole troupe,
and met some wonderful new friends as well.


9/26/08

Have you checked out Inga Swearingen yet? What a lovely voice!
We were so fortunate to see her perform for free on the
steps of the GORGEOUS Moorish-style courthouse in
downtown Santa Barbara. What I loved most during Inga's show,
was that she brought her sister out on stage every now and then
to sing these wonderful abstract harmony duets. They are Swedish
girls, so no doubt their voices stir my Nordic blood... ;->

It was also my great privilege to meet the Poet Laureate of
Santa Barbara this evening -- Perie Longo -- at Sullivan-Goss gallery.
She's also into Poetry Therapy -- right up my alley!!
Funny -- spoken word artist Celeste Goyer, who wrote a lovely
farewell poem for me and Fritz, told us we'd meet the
Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara in no time. What does it all mean??


9/24/08

We had a call tonight from our good friend Filmmaker Gerard Ungerman.
Fritz had finished scoring his and Audrey Brohy's latest film
called "Belonging". Gerard asked if he can use my song "Everything"
for the end credit roll. It is my pleasure and privilege to be a part of this
very beautiful and important film about Global Climate Change and its impact
on the Innuit tribes. Narration is by Dustin Hoffman.


9/21/08

You know, I had quite the challenging summer -- what started out with an innocent family reunion tour of the California missions, got interrupted with a call to testify in a lawsuit, and ended with our having to move because the landlord sold our house. In between were Hurricane Dolly that landed at the exact time and place our plane was going to land for my mother-in-law's 80th birthday celebration, two major financial downturns, some personal health issues, Jon Anderson being back in hospital for a couple of operations, and assorted good-bye parties and dinners... One whirlwind later, today we find ourselves in Santa Barbara, having vegetarian lunch with VoicePrint Records exec Rob Ayling from London, discussing the Jon Anderson album project release for next spring.
Ah yes, a whole other year delay... That's life!


9/18/08

Attended the amazing Avant Garde Night event at the Santa Barbara Museum
of Art. What a scene! Wandering around the museum's really great exhibits of avant-garde art from the 30's through the 60's with a martini in hand, rubbing shoulders with assorted students, artistes, patrons, and costumed performers. There were also a couple of great exhibits of Picasso's pencil sketches on paper, and Hollywood glamor and movie still photos from the 1930's. But folks, that's not all! Various bands playing -- from power punk on the front steps, to improvisational happening music in one exhibit hall, a salsa band in another -- people making their own art -- wrist cuffs and masks and x-ray signs supervised by men dressed like Rockie Horror nurses -- and the big whoop-de-doo in the downstairs outdoors huge plaza, featuring KCRW DJ Jason Bentley spinning for a PACKED throng of dancing humanity, as well as onstage performance artists. The entire affair was nicely rounded out with VERY scrumptious free
hors d'oeuvres to boot! Now that was a memorable evening...


8/9/08

My song "Evening Prayer" has been picked up by an interesting podcast
known as The Tarot Corner (click here for more info) out of Kentucky.
Thanks for spreading the word about my music!


7/6/08

Finally -- the event I've been talking about to everyone --
the 13th Quadrennial Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival --
for the first time held West of the Mississippi in Los Angeles at USC's
Galen Center (usually held in that big Lithuanian community in Chicago that I'm from!). Just another fun pagan tradition, where we worship fire and celebrate goats and the harvest -- that sort of thing... ;->
My Lithuanian singing partner, Sigute Miller, was the fabulous MC for the event, and I had assorted cousins and second cousins doing some dancing.
Besides being busy all weekend connecting with family
and old-time friends who flew in from all over to either participate or simply spectate, I had planned our own personal family reunion for this weekend.
Some photos I took:

Dance with the Harvest Mother	I LOVE the Goat Dance (I have a thing for goats...)!
Orchard Dance	Windmill Dance

Here are some videos my brother shot of the dancing:
The 8-Heddle Loom Dance
Sister Planted the Orchard
Burn, Fire!


6/26/08

I know, I know -- I'm talking a LOT about other people's music this year and not enough about mine... What can I say? I'm seeing a lot more music this year -- probably because the promo for my CD has run its course right about now and I'm looking for my next inspiration. And tonight I FOUND it, with the wonderful
post-folk all-female vocal quartet (with cello) called VOCO. Ah, this is the group I wish I had founded! But I have to hand it to multi-talented Moira Smiley for putting it together -- she has an amazing voice herself, and with her 3 other talented cohorts, they perform a very inspiring blend of Americana, Celtic and Bulgarian music, as well as a few originals of their own. The strong point of the group is the vocal harmonies and interplay (and you KNOW how much I love my vocal harmonies!). These ladies definitely get out there, with just a cello accompaniment and the occasional accordion added by Moira. Check them out!


6/23/08

I want to take a moment here to bring everyone's attention to the over 1,000 fires blazing in my beautiful home state of California right now. This year's fire season has been the worst one yet, and there are hundreds of thousands of gorgeous wilderness acres being destroyed at this very moment, not to mention people's homes and businesses being threatened or already lost. Our skies are polluted beyond belief and we will never see Big Sur and other unique natural environments in their pristine states after this unfortunate turn of events. Please say a prayer for Californians whose lives are being touched by the fires...


6/22/08

Tonight, our dear friend Paul Hellerman (producer of two Quentin Tarantino films and Peabody Award winner) hosted a special preview screening for a new documentary that Fritz just recently finished scoring, produced by Bob Kiviat -- noted producer of several television specials. We will keep you posted as to when this latest doc, revealing some startling new evidence, will be released!


6/13/08

Another fun Pecha Kucha night at Steynberg Gallery -- this time our friend
Mark Bryan is one of the presenters! He did a fine job -- he has so many really interesting paintings -- so iconoclastic, yet referring to the classics...
This painting of his is bound to go down in history:



"The Mad Tea Party" by Mark Bryan


6/10/08

As part of the birthday celebration of our good friend, Jack McCall, we went to see Crosby Stills & Nash in concert tonight -- very nice, laying on our blankets under the sky, not far from the ocean. CSN were in good voice and played many of their classics that made me feel very nostalgic... We were so amped up, we attracted the attention of one of California's Finest as we went SPEEDING home -- but he was a fine officer and a gentleman and he let us off the hook, once he realized we were just into the music and nothing more... WHEW!! ;->


6/5/08

Today was our first face-to-face meeting with Jon Anderson since his collapse -- he and Fritz had a conference call with the folks over at Apple regarding a possible promotion for the upcoming album rollout. We were heartened to see that Jon was recovering from his collapse quite well, though we know he still has quite a healing road ahead of him. Please still keep him in your prayers!


6/1/08

Thanks to our dear friend Tim Mayer, we got to enjoy a lovely Sunday brunch at Indigo Moon with exquisite songstress Jill Knight performing. Jill's got the voice of the sweetest songbird, and besides her outstanding interpretations of other folks' great music, she shares her own amazing original songs that belie a deeply sensitive soul beneath that bad-grrl exterior. A performer to watch!


5/27/08

I learned of a fellow Lithuanian musician in my area today -- classical pianist Rudolf Budginas. But he's no ordinary stuffy classical pianist -- check out the top video on his Videos page -- the guy's very accomplished, but he's also a HOOT!


5/24/08

We had a call from Jon Anderson today -- thankfully, he's resting comfortably at home after his stay in hospital. Unfortunately, this means he won't be able to
tour with "Yes" this summer. But he is eager to put all his attention into
getting our joint project with him released this summer instead.
We are still praying for his recovery to go smoothly...


5/23/08

Went to see an old friend perform tonight -- master finger-style guitarist
Robby Longley -- whose fingers dance in the most intense and innovative flamenco / gypsy jazz original melange you've ever heard!
A show of his is always a TREAT!
And he tells the coolest stories too... a master.


5/15/08

Saw a great young husband-and-wife duo perform tonight -- Montana Skies --
a dynamic and sometimes raucous duet between guitar and cello,
playing a wide range of music from Pink Floyd to Vivaldi.
They tour constantly, so check them out when you can!


5/13/08

We thought Jon Anderson was flying out for a much-needed rest to Hawaii today (after his spring tour of both coasts with the Paul Green School of Rock), but were quite alarmed and dismayed to later find out that he collapsed from a severe asthma attack and was hospitalized instead. Please keep Jon's health and recovery in your prayers.


5/3/08

Wow -- that's all I can say. Do you know Hawaiian slack-key guitar music?
How about an amazing young visionary performer who has broken the boundaries of this traditional music, playing different complex parts
on the guitar as though he is bass, lead, and rhythm all in one, melding and merging it with other musical forms. All this and Makana is just 24 years old,
has already been playing professionally for 14 years, and has opened for
stars like Sting, No Doubt, Santana, etc. And he's an amazingly spiritual
person to boot. Here's a lovely quote from his MySpace page:
"Have you ever held a paradox, friend? Hold it carefully, but not tightly;
watch it closely, but allow your eyes to blur slightly; it is moving between
multiple possibilities as quick as light reflects between two mirrors facing
each other. The Game is ever changing: don't memorize the rules!
They'll be obsolete momentarily!"


5/2/08

Had the great pleasure today of meeting a rock 'n roll legend -- John Madara,
co-writer of the classic 50's songs "At The Hop" (read the interesting story
on his website), as well as other amazing hits ("You Don't Own Me" being
one of my personal favs...). But all that acclaim has not spoiled the man --
he was quite low-key, down-to-earth, pleasant and very spiritual.
And he lives right in our backyard!!

Tonight we also had the privilege of visiting another fine artist's studio --
Stephen E. Price, an amazing Trompe l'Oeil artist -- which means
"trick of the eye". He calls his business Flat Magic Art, and his paintings
and mural work truly do fool you into believing you're looking at the real thing.
Just check them out!


4/25/08

Have you heard of Pecha Kucha night? We attended our first one at Steynberg Gallery tonight. Pecha kucha is the Japanese phrase for the sound of conversation. It's a social movement, a networking event, an art-sharing, a learning, a gathering... and it's GLOBAL! Just check out the website.


4/20/08

Went to a lovely gathering today at the home of artist Tom Sage,
painter of luminous realms -- of whose work we are BIG fans.
While we were taking in his "vibrational essences grounded in physical reality", we met another artist -- Mark Bryan, painter at a different end of the spectrum: iconographer extraordinaire of the dark comedy of life...
Check out both their websites (by clicking on their names...)!


4/2/08

Now this is what I live for: here's what a TAXI reviewer wrote
about my song "Parallel Universe" (remix):
"This is what 'journey' music it supposed to sound and feel like!!!!! I truly have to pause and recognize the amazing fx and EQ settings on the vocal tracks (I"m standing on my desk in full applause).
This song is more than music...but an actual experience as it becomes the moment that transports the listener through the portals of time and space to experience the world's that are 'parallel'! Beautiful Tune, Nijole!"
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


3/23/08

Okay, I know I'm behind on my movies, but today we finally had a moment's rest and watched "Across the Universe" on Pay Per View. Wow! For a long-time Beatles fan, this movie is the epitome of the finest interpretation of these classic songs, especially the unique perspectives on each one, as well as the intertwining of some very important social commentary throughout the film. Very well done by Director Julie Taymor, who also directed another of my all-time favorite films, "Frida". Both are highly recommended!


3/13/08

My 86-year-old dad, bless his heart, gifted us today with a very old Russian balalaika and an old mandolin that he had been carrying around with himself since being in the German camps during World War II. I treasure these old instruments as they are gracing our home with their presence right now...


3/11/08

Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with the distinguished assistant editor of the "I Love Lucy" show, as well as many other shows and films, Bill Phillips and his wife Pat. Thanks to our neighbors, Ron and Rochelle, for the introduction and the wonderful meal. We loved listening to Bill's many great stories of the early days of film and television...


3/8/08

We spent the evening tonight with the debonair and talented Antoine Bonsorte, who hosted my CD release party at his very cool art studio/performance space in Santa Monica. Joining us was his new girlfriend Janet who owns Holistic Skin Food.com, which carries TRULY organic (not just one organic ingredient added, like some who tout that moniker!!) skin care creams. Her favorite line is, of course, Dr. Alkaitis -- an amazing Lithuanian skin care scientist whose products are incredibly pure and effective. What synchronicity, being an amazing Lithuanian myself! ;->


3/3/08

Are you hip to it? Oprah has teamed up with renowned author of
"The Power of Now", Eckhart Tolle, to hold the first-ever online class about his latest book, "A New Earth". The book deals with how to heal the human dysfunction of our ego that is identifying too much with what is outside of us (and in our heads), and not enough with the Spiritual Essence that is who we really are. This stuff can heal war and the deterioration of the planet, people!! During the first class this evening, there were over 700,000 people online at the same time. Imagine it -- Oprah is single-handedly waking up the sleeping world to Consciousness!!


2/25/08

Had brunch with my dear friend Sara Lov today at Hugo's (organic dairy-free, wheat-free beet & pistachio nut pancakes - YUM!!). Sara is the very artistic lead singer of Devics, but she just finished her own solo album --
click here to hear songs from her new album!
Always great spending time in your presence, Sara! ;->


2/12/08

My "Parallel Universe" CD has been picked up by SeeQRadio! And today I learned that the dance remix version of "Parallel Universe" that Jamie Dunlap did for me got picked up for TV/film licensing by Crucial Music! A very nice
(almost) Valentine's gift for me indeed!


2/1/08

Okay! My Lithuanian interview came out in the newspaper today! Looks great -- took up an entire huge newsprint-size page, plus one-quarter of a second page. A couple of photos -- well, they had to print them in black-and-white. I'm thrilled to be in there anyway! I'll also be up on the website on Monday! YAY!!!
(Click Reviews above to read the English translation!)


1/29/08

I discovered a very important video animation today, thanks to the Positive Music Association. Everyone has GOT to watch this one -- it's called The Story of Stuff, is very well-done, clear, direct, and is very eye-opening about some serious stuff!


1/25/08

Great organization -- I decided to join the Positive Music Association today! Dedicated to helping musicians whose music evokes a positive response in the listener (mine does, doesn't it?! ;-> ), the PMA has done a lot already to bring the awareness of Poz music to the world.


1/21/08

Moving forward on the collaboration with Jon Anderson -- the Trance-scendant Dance album -- we met today with a very talented producer, Stephen James Taylor. I loved his studio -- it's built upon the Golden Mean! (set up in a Fibonacci spiral -- just like what these fractals are made of ----- >>>>>> ).
A very inspirational musician, Stephen gave us his blessing to create 5.1 mixes for each of the tracks, after Jon Anderson popped by briefly.


1/14/08

I am pleased to learn that the Chicago Lithuanian newspaper "Amerikos Lietuvis" (The American Lithuanian) has invited me to be interviewed by journalist Vita Malinauskiene! Better brush up on my Lithuanian language skills!
;->


1/11/08

Caught a very cool group tonight -- nothing like starting the New Year with some great music! They're called Cafe Musique -- 4 musicians that play violin, guitar, accordion, and upright bass, and they play unique arrangements of gypsy, tango, classical, swing, waltzes, etc. A pleasant surprise at the Sycamore Hot Springs (which I received a gift certificate to, for Christmas!!).

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CLICK song titles
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In My Dreams
Parallel Universe
My King
Sky High
Phoenix
Now I'm Here
Everything
Sweetest Fruit
Fateful Day
Rise
Evening Prayer