Beth Custer

I’m am so very grateful to be in the splendid Adirondacks on a composer residency at Blue Mountain Center.

Being an independent musician with no label support, no hit records nor trust fund, I apply for a lot of grants and residencies to support my work and pay my musicians. I’ve never tracked it but I would say for every fifty things I apply for, I get one and Blue Mountain Center is one of those. Dedicated to social justice and supporting independent artists, we need places like BMC now more than ever.

If you’ve any inclination, consider making a donation of any size to Blue Mountain Center. They remain on the cutting edge of supporting artists and activists in one of the most glorious settings I’ve ever experienced. AND they are presenting a screening of MY GRANDMOTHER at the local Indian Lake Theater, 2pm July 9th.

Again, I couldn’t be more grateful.

My very favorite annual concert is coming up Tuesday, June 21st wherein I’ll be performing duos with Stephen Kent at the gorgeous Oakland Columbarium Chapel of the Chimes on the Garden of Memory event. Thanks to Sarah Cahill who has invited me to perform since it’s inception over 15 years ago, this is a delightful way to hear a gaggle of great musicians in a Julia Morgan designed edifice that is jaw dropping in it’s beauty.

Sunday June 19th I’ll be performing with Stephen at a KPFA benefit at the Crafts Fair in Richmond, 3-5pm. Entrance is free, come on out!

Shortly thereafter I’m off to the Adirondacks to compose a few different pieces including arranging songs I created with writer Bernie Weiner’s poetry for the Mill Valley Philharmonic and begin researching my new large scale work Water Worship that will be premiered in 2017-18 with Left Coast Chamber Ensemble.

Have a lovely summer, come say hi!

Here’s link to a recent interview with the always delightful Anthony Bonet on his show Sex14s on KALX. Anthony and I go way back to the days when he was doing sound at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. He has his ear to the ground and has a vast knowledge of music and comedy, check him out.  I believe KALX was the very first radio station to ever interview me, ever grateful that they are still around and bringing it.

I’ve been having a blast visiting with my very favorite local radio DJs in support of my CD release next Wed., Feb. 17th at the Freight & Salvage. Here’s a taste thus far of my interviews.

KPFA: Larry Kelp: Sing Out! w/David James

KPFA: Stephen Kent Music of the World

KALX: Anthony Bonet Sex14s—-link coming soon!

It’s finally here folks, my new CD, For the Grace of Any Man (with choir!) and a CD release party, Wednesday, February 17th at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.

We’ll have the usual amazing musicians onboard, Chris Grady on trumpet is smokin’ on For the Grace, my stalwart funk machine Jan Jackson on drums, the inimitable David James on guitar and vocals (who also just released a new CD ‘Billionaire Blues’ check it!), virtuouso Vicky Grossi on bass (did I tell you she’s working with members of The Who?!), and the ever inspiring Diana Mangano will be singing.

Special guests on the CD and at the release party Skate Stone and Daria ‘Shank’ Johnson will bring their incredible talents to our group.

Peace & love in 2016 and always