Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

My guest today is Perry Smith, guitarist, activist, and community builder. Perry grew up in California’s San Francisco Bay area, listening to folk music and alternative rock, but tells the story of when he was bitten by the jazz bug at age 11. He loved the complex, sophisticated jazz chords as well as the freedom of improvisation that jazz music offered. Perry went to University of Southern California, to study with jazz legend Joe Diorio. Nine years ago Perry moved to NYC, where he completed his Masters in Music at NYU, and became a leader of his own groups and a busy sideman for local and touring artists. Perry has a devoted sense of striving, humbled by how much more there is to learn! His knowledge of what's out there, creates a wonderful cycle, that keeps him engaged, growing, and expanding as an artist. Perry honors the origins and history of Jazz music; jazz was born out of oppression and was an essential outlet for the discrimination that the African American culture experienced. As an active player in the NYC jazz scene, Perry hosts a weekly series in Brooklyn called The Nest Session, where he performs with different groups of jazz musicians while building community to create a meaningful social justice forum. After 4 years of building community, Perry just announced that Wednesday December 19th will be the final show at The Nest. Come out and celebrate all that Perry co-created through this venue. Check out the show notes for links to Perry’s website, to hear his music, buy his CDs, and see all of his upcoming performances. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.perrysmithmusic.com New West Guitar Group  No Biggity The Nest Brooklyn

My guest today is Nicole Zuraitis, vocalist, pianist, songwriter and music educator. As one reviewer said: “Nicole is not your average jazz singer, she is a lady powerhouse!” Nicole played soccer as a youth, but since she towered over her peers, she played on the boy’s teams. She even trained with the Olympic Development Team. Nicole admits that she was thrilled to immerse herself in music after a soccer injury ended her involvement with sports. Nicole learned that she had a big voice and was directed to study classical music. She received her Opera degree from NYU but soon discovered her passion for jazz, pop, soul, and fusion. In addition to her big voice, Nicole has a big heart - she cares deeply for the oppressed and the vulnerable, be they humans or animals. She is a gifted artist who dares to take a stand; writes and performs music that both delights and soothes her audience, as well as courageously challenges injustice. Nicole lights up a stage with her authenticity and limitless enthusiasm!! Come hear Nicole perform this Thursday 12/6/18 at The Jazz Gallery with the female trio: Sonica, which includes Nicole, Thana Alexa and my daughter, Julia Adamy. All three of their husbands happened to be outstanding drummers, so for the first time, Sonica invited their husbands, Dan Pugach, Antonio Sanchez, and Ross Pederson to be their special guests! I’m eager to hear these stunning, soulful rhythm wives!! Check out the show notes for Nicole’s website, to hear her music and learn about her upcoming performances with the Birdland Big Band, Dan Pugach Nonet, and others. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.nicolezuraitis.com Birdland Big Band - Jazz Vocalist Birdland Theater Generations of Her 55 Bar Nonet with Dan Pugach “No Ban No Wall” (YouTube) Litchfield Jazz Camp @Bianca the jazz dog

My guest today is Peter Calo, guitarist, singer/songwriter, film score composer, and truly, a man of HEART! Peter’s parents were refugees from Europe during WWII and spent 2 years in a Siberian prison camp, eventually moving to a small farming community in Alberta Canada. Years later, Peter’s family moved to Boston, where Peter, as a teenager, jump-started his music career. His rich, expansive music career has included performing/recording with such diverse artists as Carly Simon, Dionne Warwick, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson, and Hall & Oates. In fact, Peter has been playing and writing with Carly Simon since 1990! His range of genres and venues: from classical to soul; opera stage to biker bar; sideman to songwriter; film scores to Broadway; coliseums to intimate jazz cellars, capture Peter’s enthusiasm to find the joy in every gig. He is grateful to be invited to the party of life! In addition to his music, Peter brings his large heart to lessons learned from his wife, and their 3 daughters. You are in for a special treat: during the recording of the podcast, Peter plays an impromptu performance of his brand new song about Leonardo DaVinci, called “When You Drew A Line”. My husband, Paul Adamy accompanies him on acoustic bass. I trust you, too will be moved by his music and lyrics, they certainly touch my soul! Check the show notes for video links of a few of his songs as well as a link to Peter’s website to find his CDs and announcements for upcoming shows. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.petercalo.com Do I Love You Too Much? (YouTube video) Ida At The Back Door (YouTube video) Takin’ a Sip  (YouTube video)

My guest today is Randi Linick, yogi, educator, addiction counselor and psychotherapist. Randi shares her background: growing up on Long Island, NY, attending Washington University in St. Louis, moving to Atlanta, GA after college, and her fulfilling 10 years as an inner city middle school teacher. Randi speaks of making meaning out of loss, painful experiences that cracked her heart open, the courage to make critical changes in her life, which all ignited her to follow a spiritual path. Randi admits that she had no intention of working with addicts, yet realized that the universe was opening a valuable opportunity to work as a counselor in a half way house for women in recovery. After 7 years of witnessing devastation, growth and miracles, Randi moved over to The Center for Integrative Psychiatry and Counseling, two days a week, where she is the addiction therapist. Two other days a week, she works as a therapist at The COR Group, while recently finding time to also begin her private practice. Randi speaks lovingly of all that her 2 daughters have taught her, honoring the confidence, maturity, freedom and independence of these 2 powerhouse young women.  Randi embodies wisdom and joy, as she lives with humility, humor and authenticity. Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Center for Integrative Psychiatry & Counseling The COR Group

My guest today is Will Esposito, wrestler, yoga teacher, and non-profit business owner. After college, 2 friends of Will’s died; one from cancer, the other was shot and killed. Will was searching for healing, for peace, for meaning, he was determined to be engaged in life with purpose and passion. Will realized the need for high school students to know themselves more fully, explore career options, see and meet people who were doing what they love and how they got there. He has created HYPELITE, a non-profit organization that sheds light on the hype of entrepreneurship. Through HYPELITE, Will has built a network of passionate entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and professionals to act as examples and/or mentors to help students discover their own passions and sense of purpose. HYPELITE creates customized events and programs to inspire and empower teens to take charge of their future. I’m happy to promote Will’s annual “Giving Tuesday”. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, 11/27, HYPELITE will organize a community wide clothing and toiletries drive. If you are interested in participating in "Giving Tuesday", or interested in bringing HYPELITE to your community or perhaps you would like to join the network of a mentors, check out the website link below. Thanks for taking a minute to rate and review the podcast. Enjoy!   Links: www.hypelite.org [email protected] FaceBook Twitter Instagram YouTube