Letter from the Editor - Summer Issue

Hi Cafe'ers

Hope everyone is staying healthy during this time.  

We have a good issue this time around.  A lot of great stuff in here.

As always, we are always in need of content - so don't be shy and submit today --> just drop me an email  holidaycafe.nicole@gmail.com

See you in the Fall

Nicole 

Musings for Moms - Covid

When we were first told to stay at home, it was for two weeks, then it became a month and now here we are three months later.

Thankfully, some of the restrictions have lifted, while others have stayed in place.  During those first few weeks, it was hard to juggle everything and worry about going out to the grocery store and bringing back this sickness and infecting the entire family.

My boys, they have held it together better than most, and I am thankful for their resiliency during all of this.  Online schooling was not always the easiest thing for us to get through, but we managed 12 weeks of online remote learning.  I truly hope that they will be able to go back to school in the fall.  I mean going to their actual schools.  Kids need to be around other kids, and can learn so much more in a classroom environment.  If they have to do some in-class and some remote, fine... whatever to keep the kids safe and healthy.  

Sure, they are on their devices way too much, but they also get outside and ride their bikes and swim.  My youngest learned how to ride a bike without training wheels during all of this.  So I guess that is something.  And we take walks around the block.  

I know my sleep schedule is all messed up, and when I return to work (in office - not at home) it's going to be an adjustment... like that last day of summer before school starts.  

Stay healthy everyone.

Nicole Leckenby is the co-founder/editor of The Holiday Cafe. She works full-time at the University of Pittsburgh and she has two amazing boys at home that keep her busy, along with a whole host of other things.  Check out her website leckenby3.wixsite.com/nicoleleckenby

Evan Dean Band - Interview

The Evan Dean Band puts on a fantastic live show, I have seen them perform live and on live video feeds for the past few years now.  I also have the pleasure of family being in the band (ok, so my family makes up like half the band), kinda cool right?!

They are a great group of people, and I was able to talk with Evan Dean briefly for a little interview.  Check it out, then go check them out!

1. Tell our audience about the Evan Dean Band? When did it begin? What kind of music do you play?

The Evan Dean Band began in 2015 in tis current iteration: Joe Cipollone- Keys, Vocals, Steve Dunn- Bass, Chris Belin- Drums, Natalie Belin- Percussion

We play Classic Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul, and Classic Country . We have a very eclectic playlist. It’s common for us to go from the Rolling Stones to Otis Redding to Johnny Cash to Chris Stapleton to Muddy Waters. 

2. When did you begin playing music? What instruments do you play? 

I began singing in the church choir at age 5. I’ve always been a singer. My mom said I came out singing… or was that screaming? In any case, I’ve always loved singing and when I was an awkward teenager, it was the only thing I liked about myself. I played violin and piano before guitar. But on the last day of 7th grade I broke my ankle and I decided that I would spend my summer learning the guitar. I was 13. From then on I was hooked on the instrument and I’ve never been able to put it down.

3. Who are your musical influences?

I have a very wide range of musical influences. Ask me on any day and you’ll get a different answer. But overall, I try not to write like any particular artist. I just try to get out what I hear in my head. I try to tell a good story, or paint a picture with my lyrics. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Marcus King Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Allman Brothers, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Wood Brothers, T-Bone Walker, Howlin Wolf. 

Evan Dean Band, Picture taken by N. Leckenby

4. Where are your favorite places to perform? 

We love playing outdoor festivals, community days, and private parties. We’re still playing a few despite the pandemic and we’re really looking forward to the Pleasant Hills Community Day on August 8th.

5. What is my inspiration for writing music? 

Most of the time I write about my own pain. I’m trying to process it and get another perspective on it. Writing about joy is harder, but “Southwind” was one of the first songs about joy and hope that I ever wrote and really liked. Sometimes I like to tell a story that’s totally made up but expresses something I’m feeling or a truth I see; The “Nitty Gritty” is an example of that kind of song.

6. The best way to get the most up to date info on the Evan Dean Band is at our website: www.EvanDeanBand.com. On our facebook page you can find our gig events, crazy pics, fan videos, etc: www.facebook.com/evandeanband. If you just want to see videos of my solo acoustic and the band go to my YouTube page: www.youtube/evandean31.

Nicole Leckenby is the co-founder/editor of The Holiday Cafe. She works full-time at the University of Pittsburgh and she has two amazing boys at home that keep her busy, along with a whole host of other things.  Check out her website leckenby3.wixsite.com/nicoleleckenby

Elephant

Painting By Pittsburgh Artist - Mary Dunn

Mary has been an artist since the age of 11.  She paints mostly in acrylic and takes commission work.  

Additionally, Mary has a  YouTube Channel where she provides free art lessons in acrylic and art journaling.

Mary has a BS in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Public Management.  

Recently, Mary illustrated a book, Summer Vacation by Nicole Leckenby.  She is working on her next illustrated book that should be completed around October, 2020.  Mary has also illustrated another book, The Many Colors of Natalie, by Natalie Belin.  Both books can be purchased on Amazon.