Kenny Washington joined Nic in the second set with a searing duet.

In the audience we had 2 artists who were showing their work that night. Melissa Martin brought over a dozen paintings. All displayed her confident brush strokes and a fearless color palette. The urban and industrial landscapes she paints attracted me. I see beauty in the vast planes of objects-colors found in an urban view. Her colorful rural subjects are a continuation of the California landscape tradition dating back to the early 20th century.

Showing 2 paintings and 2 stunning sculptures, Alphonse Generalao was a suprise treat. A friend of Melissa, they paint together sometimes. Their similar Bay side landscapes testify to their shared vision. Alphonse’s sculptures were Japanese Sumo inspired. The softly polished terrazzo bust of a wrestler radiated weight and calm. The other piece was a bronze of a wrestler frozen; poised on one leg caught during a ritual display before a match. It was full of tension and time interrupted.

In keeping with our habit, we made food based on the band’s preference. Nic is from Nashville orginally so we made Southern food with a NorCal spin. Instead of grits we grilled polenta as a base for some BBQ flavored black eyed peas with greens and carmelized onions. There was a 3 cabbage cole slaw with a spicy Dijion dressing. Desert was cupcakes and triple chocolate cookies with a kick of cayanne pepper.

All these performers are busy working the Bay Area, so look for their names when you are planning a night out. www.nicolasbearde.com

Kendra Shank began her career playing in Parisian cafes and eventually settled in New York to focus on her jazz career. Kendra has described her approach to music as “sound painting.” She brings a broad palette of colors to each new canvas, merging with her collaborators, more colors, textures, and brushstrokes.

With 5 albums out she has won rave critical reviews and fans internationally. The New York Times describes her as a “superbly skilled vocalist” and an artist of “effervescence, depth, and integrity.”

For more info on Kendra, go to her website: www.kendrashank.com

This show featured local singer/writer/musician Rachel Efron. In our small performance space Rachel captivated those who came out. Stunning in her shimmery dress, Rachel displayed a combination of sophisticated musicianship and commanding lyricism. Her songs felt very personal as if she wanted to honestly share herself with her listeners.

Rachel is a celebrated songwriter who teaches this craft at the JazzSchool. She is completing a new CD and we loved hearing new songs fresh from the studio. Dan Feiszli on bass added his rich frame and rhythm on which Rachel wove her music. In a duo setting there is amazing space to hear each note, each word. www.rachelefron.com