The fun begins, but first a story
I grew up on stages and in studios, steeped in theater, dance, and music from the time I can remember.
It was my daily bread. My formation. Thank you, Mom, for forcing me to do it!
From Shakespeare and children’s theater production on the Big Island, to costume sewing and prop design and onstage performance, I have lived and breathed the craft.
I love it so much!
Even after becoming a mother, I stayed in the rhythm of performance, eventually shifting from the stage to the less demanding focus (for a new mom) on the music and local gig world. Songwriting became my great love. I really loved it and was always learning as much as I could – a bit of percussion and hand-drums, guitar, and uke.
My last play was in the The Vagina Monologues in 2012 (not a feminist, just a theater girl who said “why not?”), I gave myself wholly to the role, and it was very challenging and rewarding. That’s the magic of theater: it asks everything, but it gives so much back.
Back to my story. When I was 16, I decided I was going to be a jazz singer, after realizing I wasn’t cut out to be an opera singer (LOL!!!!). This decision was also very bold for a girl still learning where the beat landed. My sense of timing was off, my ear still green. But I had a big heart for singing, and so much love for vintage music from the time I was a toddler. I also had a mentor.
Jim had played with the legends: Nat King Cole, Anita O’Day, Blossom Dearie. He comically named his home, Club Jim, and it was a living archive of jazz history… a sanctuary for any musician who wanted to show up to his weekly jazz jams…that came with an open invite to all his musical friends. I showed up. I stayed. I learned. I had no idea how blessed I was to be there!
He became a very close friend, my mentor, and a formative part of my musical soul.
So now, in that same spirit, I’m launching “Club Grace” …a little corner of my home where the all those old romantic songs still live, a makeshift stage is in the making, and I hope many musical moments will be made with my musical friends. Not just vintage jazz. I am all about variety in musical genres!
Club Grace (a work in progress, going to make a better stage):
Every Thursday night, or possibly every Monday, I’ll be hosting a sweet and groovy jam and playing some great music, right from my front room. Just me and friends, old and new, carrying the torch with the same joy that started it all.
For all of us who love the music.
I hope to be sharing these performances on my YouTube channel and here at gracearmstrong.art.
You’re invited to join me , wherever you are.
Stay tuned. Light a candle for the blessing that is music. And welcome to Club Grace.
gracearmstrong.art 