May is shaping up to be a very busy month.  I get to celebrate my and Selena’s birthdays, for a while; then, jump right in to working a lot.  I’ve almost finished the laundry room renovation and we’ll begin another project right after that.  I’ll squeeze in a little Jazz Fest time, too.  It is still a great time for festivals – Cinco de Mayo, Beale Street Music Festival, Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Greek Festival in New Orleans, and the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience.  Mother’s Day is May 11, plus it’s birthday month for Selena’s kids, Dylan and Raegan. 

A brand new gig begins this month:  I’ll play every Wednesday on the patio at Bin 77 in Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, 7pm.  The weather will still be great for sitting outside with food and beverages, plus Bin 77 will be having some special prices on wine bottles, etc.  I will also be performing there on May 4 for a Wounded Warriors benefit.  That’s a Sunday afternoon, 4 – 7pm.  More details to follow, but it’s a great cause! 

Friday, May 9 it’s time for Mid City Merchants’ “Hot Art, Cool Nights” – the mid city business district’s art hop.  It’s one of my favorite gigs all year.  Always a great time to stroll the area, see wonderful art, sample local cuisine, and listen to live music.  I’ll be at Monjuni’s Italian Restaurant on Jefferson near Government, BR, 6 – 10pm. 

I’m finally getting back to The Grapevine in Donaldsonville this month on May 16.  My first visit was so cool and I’m very excited to have been invited back a few times.  Selena loved this place for food and atmosphere.  Everyone raves about it - just a quick drive over the Sunshine Bridge.  I play 6:30 – 9pm.  Also, I have shows there every month through August. 

Another gig of note:  Satterfields in New Roads begins its summer music on False River!  Charles Pierce joins me on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 3 – 7pm.  We always enjoy our time on the dock and I’ve heard the bar has made some fantastic changes, with sliding glass doors that open up on the water all around.  Should be another great summer there.  I’ll do a lot of Saturday afternoons. 

Returning gigs include the Sunday brunch at Beausoleil (which is still one awesome place to work, and it’s about to expand this month!), Metairie Country Club, Bar Louie in the Mall of Louisiana area, On the Half Shell (also expanding soon), The Rusty Nail in New Orleans, and Churchill’s.  I hope my voice makes it to June, and I hope these new gigs keep going well.  I’m grateful for all of it – thanks so much!

So, there are plenty of options for you to join me for a drink and enjoy the last of spring and the start of summer.  I hope this finds you well and that you have a wonderful month!  Thanks for checking out the newsletter and for your help and support….

Kirk