http://kikucollins.com/blog.html Kiku Collins: New Blog Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:18:51 -0800 http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/growing_up
I'm amazed at people when they fall and won't get up and try something again. Or they assume the worst for someone when THAT person decides to go for it another time. Why stay on the ground? The worst that can happen is that you fall again. But if you learn along the way, you'll know what tools you may need to avoid tripping.

I'm really enjoying this life I'm in. Not everything is chrysanthemums, but everything is an opportunity to do my best, which should be better than the last time. I'm willing to try again, if that something can bring happiness and fulfill my life a bit more. Why not?

A wonderful second concert for www.musicforautism.org today - I can't even express with words how much joy it brings the 3 of us (David Gibson, Hendrik Helmer and I) to be front and center with a room full of beautiful souls - all gifted in their own way. We get the honor of creating music that makes them dance, hum, run, sit, whatever it does to bring emotions to the forefront without fear. And without fear for their parents and caregivers. A safe place to express themselves, to feel accepted. But they're not only accepted, I celebrate them. I can't lie - it's a tear jerking experience. Musicians should all find ways to give to the disabled community. I don't even like that word - because you bring music to their ears and it seems they are more able than most to feel and express.

xo,
NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/growing_up Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:18:51 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/delicious_december
Christmas was amazing. Great vibes, lots of laughter - I love my little family like crazy, and my friends too! This week has been wonderful with a very special member of the family with us, and I'm tired but thrilled - I've been cooking up a storm, we've been playing board games, video games, chatting, laughing... no shortage of love in this house!

And the new year is about to hit. This past year has been so beautiful, I can't imagine what's in store for 2012, but I'm anticipating more amazingness!

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/delicious_december Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:25:28 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/the_strength_of_thousands
I've always been a proud mother - proud of my girl in every way. But each obstacle comes along and I watch her clear the hurdles with such natural ability. I watch her soar. What a gift to me, to the world.

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/the_strength_of_thousands Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:54:17 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/generosity_and_karma
Got a bunch of really nice gigs coming up, many private, but all are chop and character builders. Super excited for the challenges ahead!

Always remember to not let one person upset your apple cart, as my favorite showstopper Mr. Eddie likes to say. And I sure do like apples, so I'm hanging on!

xo,
NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/generosity_and_karma Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:21:54 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/arigatogiving
Feeling a bit bloated from all the good eats, my daughter and I ended up going to trapeze class on Sunday. I've been several times, this was my second on the flying. Her first, ever. Natural? Amazing. No fear. Total focus. Proud mom. A splendid mother/daughter day! Roll video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbAmVPhTsoE It's hard to tell because she's so tall for 10, but she's the first acrobat, I'm second. She's also very funny about doing her announcer voices. We both can't wait to go back - and urge everyone to try it at least 10 times. I mean, once. We go to Streb in Brooklyn - no frills and great instructors. http://www.streb.org/ You learn so much about your mind. How it works for and against you. I think it's good "therapy" for lots of different types of people. Just sayin'... try it once! I mean 10 times!

Once in a while I look back at my life, and am amazed at things that I've done. Good and bad, but there's no use in punishing myself. Learning, growing. I'm so happy at what has developed over a lifetime. Feels like I'm constantly growing, but fine tuning the direction in which I choose to grow. Lots of love stuffed in that! Forgiveness. Smiles. And quality people surrounding me and my little family.

I wrote a new tune today while walking, sang it a thousand times, found my key in my brain, and somehow lost it anyway, but not the vibe (or key). I think it's gonna be good, and my brain let parts of it go so it could breathe and sprout new limbs. I'm feeling the itch to write again. *scratch*

Smiles!

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/arigatogiving Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:50:02 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/whirlwind_of_amazing_energy
I estimate that this will last approximately 14 more minutes. And I will enjoy every one of them.

It's amazing how much changes in our lives in the blink of an eye. For performance artists, you work hard at a show, and after the performance, it's over. Your one shot deal. I don't care if you're playing it tomorrow - that's a whole separate performance. Tonight's audience came for tonight's vibe, notes, visuals, tuning, whatever you're bringing to them. It's a gift. If you think about it, musicians are like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Cupid - we give our gift to those who choose to attend, and especially those who choose to pay attention! But it's not our choice who comes or not - how they listen or not. We just do our best and let them choose their mode of appreciation. Or not.

I heard a story recently about some well-known musicians, hired for a gig that perhaps they think is beneath them. They didn't appreciate the act of gift giving. They rolled their eyes, made jokes, and MISSED playing the music RIGHT! Or even WELL! The audience got cheated. Santa's sled was empty. What a shame!

I've been heard saying "don't be the jerk" when talking to folks in master classes, lectures, or just chit chatting about being artists. I like quality artists, but quality is more than how well known you are. Quality is the amount of effort you put into performing, how much you love what you do and how it shows, and how willing you are to challenge yourself. Anyone who does their best is never the jerk.

Anyway, that was that - a situation I was not a witness to, but heard stories about. Good vibes, people - keep it happy. Musicians don't do this to get rich, we do this for the artistic wealth - the shared love between other artists and audience. We're in this to have a great time and enhance each others lives. Right?

Last week, after a few auditions, I was lucky enough to be cast in yet another tv commercial, playing the trumpet! Again?! Did you see the one I shot a few years back with my daughter (goodness, she was so little!!! She's almost as tall as me now!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCijeEwyT2k

This one was just me, I think she's given up on trumpeting for now (but damn, her singing voice is great and her pitch is scary good!!!) We'll see how it comes out when it airs - will post when I see it (or let me know if you do - we don't have tv here!)

Yesterday, I attended a rehearsal in Minnesota. In NYC. Via Skype. Technology rocks. Next week I'm heading out to Frozen Country to hang and play and chat with the Bemidji State University Big Band - we're doing a little tour out there and then playing on home turf - and I'll also get to play with the High School band too! I'm prepared to have fun, and hope I don't feel too old next to the young whippersnappers! Gotta dig out some warm clothes... brrrrr! Very excited for some amazing performances, got some sweet big band arrangements of a few of my originals in there!

I think my 14 minutes is just about up, but one more thought. Life is so uncertain. Last night, a young lady lost her life in NYC, hit by a car going to a club where many of my friends were performing (I wasn't there though). I didn't know her, but Rest in Peace. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Daniela-DErcole-Killed-Crossing-Street-Broadway-NYC--133696503.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150389547993351_19815265_10150389610228351#f1705c41a4e2d18

A moment of silence. Take a breath, be grateful for the air in your lungs, the beating of your heart, and the love that you have. Make every minute count, even if you spend 14 of them on the couch with your fellow cats.

And now, I have work to do, I'm tired but happy. I know that my life is a gift. I love my daughter, my partner, my friends, my animals, my choices, my words, and every day I decide to smile and do my best. I feel fortunate, but I think we all are. We just need to open our eyes and see the fortune around us, within us.

xo,
NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/whirlwind_of_amazing_energy Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:39:58 -0800 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/reflection
Think before you say No. Or, maybe don't think. Just try.

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/reflection Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:25:35 -0700 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/black_girls_rock__ok_all_girls_rock http://www.bet.com/content/betcom/shows/black-girls-rock/2011/photos/introducing-the-black-girls-rock-all-star-band.html#!101411-shows-bgr-band-landing-kiku-collins

Had an exhausting and exhilarating week - performances with Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Melanie Fiona, Mary Mary, Elle Varner, Shirley Caesar, Estelle ... hope I didn't miss anyone! The band was amazing, big thanks to Kim Burse for being amazing and funny and as always, a pleasure to work with - love working with so much talent around me! What a freaking blessing! Worth the lack of sleep and puffy chops! Tune in on November 6th on BET - I will catch it on line since I don't actually have TV! :)

Last night I had the pleasure of working with Lauriana Mae and her very talented band for a label showcase. Very powerful voice on such a tiny woman - and I really enjoyed the band and working with Kwame on some tracks and in person. I would LOVE to see that band take off! I'd consider it an honor to play with them anytime!

What a lucky girl I am... getting some big band charts at the ready for my trip to the Freezing Land of Bemidji, MN where I'll tour with the college big band and perform on their turf with the same crew as well as the high school big band. I'm not sure, but I think I can bedazzle a snowsuit!!!

Be well, be happy, be honest. If you don't love your life, adjust the controls until you do!

xoxo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/black_girls_rock__ok_all_girls_rock Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:43:56 -0700 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/oops_where_was_i
New Beyonce Video! Countdown! Look for it! Yup, I'm a blurry trumpeter in the back - sporting an amazing marching band uniform. Hadn't worn one since Junior year of high school. As unflattering as I remembered!!! We had a fun, and I really enjoyed reuniting with old friends, including B! Nice to work with her again - that is one powerful woman. Had a great time and really enjoy the final product!

This week I'm seriously crazed... in long rehearsals for a tv show - airing in November. Long days, tiring, love doing what I do. I'm exhausted and exhilarated. Another situation where it's great to be reunited with some talented musicians and friends!

So, on that note - I have a few things to review, some music to learn for another completely separate gig on Monday, and some snuggles which are essential.

Smiles!!!

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/oops_where_was_i Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:03:23 -0700 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/on_rest_and_relaxation
Haven't had that in a long time... it's been busy over here in Ninja Princess Land.

Just in the last week, I did a few gigs, shot another music video, and am doing 2 gigs this weekend... all the while - life!

Caught a bit of a cold, no time to rest. I know, you need to rest when you're sick. But what if there's no time? Do what I do. Do your best. Which is not nearly what your best on a great day is, but it's better than not doing your best, right???

Looking forward in my calendar, I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to rejuvenate, but I suppose I can be happy enough that I'm *in demand*. Very exciting things on the horizon for sure, and I can't wait to share them with the world when they develop from ideas into events!!! And I always hope that more great opportunities will fill in those blanks. For me, great work is life-giving. It helps me heal as well as anything. And great family and support and love, no matter how I'm feeling, I can look and see that I'm cared for, always.

Stay well, all! I'm taking it as easy as I can during this all and certainly will not let this bug get the best of me, my time, or my life!

xo,

NP]]> http://kikucollins.com/blog.html/on_rest_and_relaxation Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:46:27 -0700 Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, Actor! - Kiku Collins - New Blog