Kennedy Center Honors
"Hey honey, the Kennedy Center just emailed. They want me to perform," he said.
"Hmm, let's investigate. Things like that don't just fall out of cyberspace." she replied.
Surprise, surprise! We were blessed with the honor to travel to Washington DC, where
JP played a wonderful hour of music and made great connections. The show is
archived in cyberspace as proof that now and then blessings befall unexpectedly.
JP at the Kennedy Center!
Left Turn at Albuquirky
In October, we journeyed to the land of higher altitudes for a weekend in a beautiful place -- Albuquerque.
I had a half-marathon to conquer there, and thanks to our friend Lesley, we also had a gig to subsidize
the trip! We were blessed by great conversations and scenic observations beyond expectations.
Curb Our Enthusiasm
The vehicular mishap pictured at right had nothing to do with (1) my blondeness, (2) my being a
female driver, or (3) JP's navigational skills. This incident was solely due to my obsessive effort to
snag the first parking space at the (now-defunct) Lyrix club where we had a gig. I hurriedly popped
the steep curb, leaving the car's carriage resting on concrete. We had to summon a tow truck to
give the car a lift. I had the driver paid and on his way just in time to take my place on stage.
A Ripcord is the Tie that Binds
JP signed a co-venture publishing agreement with Ripcord Entertainment, run by
husband-wife team Robin Welty & John Pisciotta. The deal gives JP's music not only
a home, but a launching pad. Within a month of the signing, JP had a song selected
as the opening track for a film slated to debut at the '08 Sundance Film Festival. Pictured
at right, the contract signings, including the 'official' event at BMI headquarters with Robin,
John and BMI exec Jody Williams (no relation).
Sharing the Arena with Messina
The Mable House Amphitheatre was nice digs for a great gig this past summer. JP was invited to
open for Jo Dee Messina at this lovely Georgia venue, and the weather, the surroundings and the
audience couldn't have been more lovely. JP earned some new fans that night. Mom & Eddie were
on hand to help sell and de-shrink wrap CDs for the adoring fans awaiting autographs.
Half-Marathon - Whole Lotta Fun
We launched the year by training for the Country Music Half-Marathon. Fox Sportsnet took notice of our
story and featured us on their national program about the event. Though JP's since retired his running shoes
and I'm now back to solo runs, we wouldn't trade one step of the experience we shared.
Family & Friends Frenzy
Other hallmarks of our wonderful year one include the birth of nephew Grayson Kultau, the 40th birthday of big bro Todd, nephew
Matthew's star-studded senior year (Heisman honoree!), another great Pig Roast hosted by the Smiths, a visit from our dear friends the
Peraltas of El Paso (and subsequent slumber party with Lucette..."I Like Turtles"), JP's Bluebird round with Tony Arata - hosted by
Curtis Smith, Sydney's 4th birthday bash, several fun trips/gigs with the No Hit Wonders (thanks to Jimmy, Joe and Sabrina), the
Labor Day weekend visit of dear friend Kim Schuerer, a great trip to Chicago thanks to my awesome bosses at GAVI, getting involved in
our church - Crosspoint Community, hosting family and friends to our home (y'all come!) and being hosted as well, taking care of the
Steelman kids when Todd & Tracy went to Vegas for their 19th anniversary, Friday Night Supper Club, the Chicks with Picks gig, surviving
the infamous broken glass shower door incident, the blessing of a new laptop for JP, the writing of many new songs (thanks Belinda,
Jason Cox, Rob Gray et al), booking our trip to Ireland thanks to Budget Travel Magazine and general happiness all around.
We also note the passing of JP's great grandmother and my Uncle Tom.
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