Beyond The Lights, Home at Belly Up Tavern

Photos by Philip DeFalco

Last Sunday night I played my first solo show at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA. I opened for the talented singer/songwriter of Maverick's fame, Raul Malo. It was an strange experience for me...lonely and liberating all at once!

Belly Up is my home stage. I played my first show there in 1996 and since that time have shared the stage there with Dr. John, Candye Kane, and Tommy Castro, among others, as well as won a "battle of the bands" competition there in the late 90's. As a bandleader, I have always been accustomed to the company of my bandmates at a show. Their drama. Their problems. Their support and encouragement. Their laughter. Like a family. And on stage there is safety in numbers. Confidence and security and comfort in that cloud of sound surrounding me with the band...not to mention the interaction and creative challenges we spark within each other. I found myself backstage before my set feeling oddly lonely. It was quiet, too quiet, despite my friends and goings on before my set. Where was my family? My comfort zone, my home?

Once I hit the stage, however, the show was on, and I was in my element...band or not. Peering beyond the lights into the audience was a sight I'd never seen at the Belly Up. The usual rowdy, dancing, nightclub patrons were replaced tonight by a listening crowd. I don't know what was scarier...the fact that I was to play solo or the fact that everyone in the audience was seated and their attention was focused on me! The entire dance floor was lined with rows of chairs and as far as I could see, the bleachers, the upper balcony, and the floor were full. A few nervous strums, a deep breath, a swig off my bourbon, and I was ready.

I stumbled a bit through the first song. Tentative. Unsure what to expect from this crowd. From myself. I launched myself fully into song number 2 "Beyond The Lights" -- I told myself to get over it and bring on the SHOW. And so I did. I had the audience laughing in between my sad love songs. I sold out of my EP's. I didn't even drink the cocktail (thanks Gabs!) that I thought I really needed. I was home.

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Nena Anderson at Belly Up this Sunday

This SUNDAY February 28 at BELLY UP TAVERN 8pm sharp

This will be a great night of songs by two fantastic singers in an intimate, seated setting at the Belly Up.

Nena Anderson opens at 8pm with a 45 minute set. Experience a rare solo show of her jazz, blues, and country inflected original songs. Nena's captivating and warm contralto will draw you in so you never want to leave.

Nena will also debut a new limited EP, entitled "Daggers" at this show! only $10

Raul Malo's (Grammy winning frontman of The Mavericks) velvet baritone has been described by The New York Times as “exceptional” and The Wall Street Journal as “exquisite.” His songs recall the great tunes of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, made famous by Malo’s musical heroes like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.

Get your tickets online at http://bellyupsolanabeach.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=39048&eid=45612 or at the Belly Up box office.

Belly Up Tavern
143 S. Cedros Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075

swim

Need a push
A leap
Off the high board
Into the deep end

Will you be there?
Dont dare to catch me
Watch me drown?
Swim with me

Valentine

After a busy weekend in Los Angeles, I arrived home yesterday afternoon and fell into a much needed catnap. When I woke, sitting next to my face on the pillow was a note.

My son (7) had made me a Valentine heart scrawled with the words : I love you Mom

The best things in life are from the heart.