Erika Paul

On Friday, May 21st, 2010, at 8 a.m. in the morning (a sometimes dreadful time to have to perform for a jazz musician) Erika Paul Carlson joined a whole band of local musicians to play and talk about careers in music for band and choir teacher Judy Lindquist and her four classes of bright and interested students at Sparks Middle School’s Annual Career Day in Sparks, Nevada. Judy Lindquist, an exceptional teacher and performer, also taught at O’Brien Middle School and was voted MyNEWS4 Teacher of the year in 2004, organized the meeting and continues to inspire kids to work hard and prepare for success. The Career Day band consisted of Michael Bailey on tenor sax, Judy Lindquist on alto sax, Lee Warner on drums, Dr. Don Simpson on acoustic bass, Dwight Carlson on acoustic guitar and papoose and Erika on clavinova keyboard and vocals, singing call and response and “scatting” on vocals with an excited group of choir students. For all four classes, the band also tore it up on some classic Charlie Parker tunes and even excited teachers in the classes down the hall to pop their heads in to ask the name and composer of each tune. The kids asked tons of questions and learned a great deal about how to prepare, including through higher education and private training, for a career in music and engaged in eye-opening discussions of different opportunities available to them to make a living in the field of music performance and education. Each band member thoroughly enjoyed opening up and reflecting on their music experiences and successes for these students who truly appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and “hang out” with “pros” in the field.

On Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 3 to 6 p.m.,the Sierra Swing Band will hold their monthly ballroom dance at the Elks Lodge in Reno, Nevada. The band, a LIVE 16 piece big band, will play dance music and signature arrangements for a full dance floor of dancers. Dance lessons will be also given an hour before the band starts the music. Bar, food and coat check also available. On piano, Erika joins her husband Dwight on guitar as they fill out the rhythm section of this swingin’ group. For more information, search and contact Judy and Russ the Sierra Swing Band in Reno Nevada or visit Erika’s website at www.erikapaul.com. Come join us at the Elks every third Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.