Do you all know the TED conference? It's an incredible 4 day gathering of some of the smartest and most fascinating people of the planet. I have been going for years, and before it got so fancy. Every year, I wait for that call that says, "Jill we would like to invite you to TED" -otherwise, I would never be able to afford it. I sing for my supper.

Three years ago, they added another location during the conference called TEDactive, which now is in Palm Springs. It is smaller, thus more intimate, a little younger, less self-important and maybe more fun. Also, it cost half the price. Last year, I put together a ragtag group of musicians for a night of music. For some reason -and I can't remember how or why, we called ourselves..."Taco Pants". Taco Pants, by the way, is a very un-TED-like name. We did a mix of originals and worthy covers. The personal of Taco Pants changed this year, but it always includes band leaders: John Doe (X, and Knitters) and me. This year we added Don Was on upright bass, and Sarah Watkins on uke and violin. 

We played two shows: one in the loud hotel bar,  the other in some strange fake western ghost town right on the San Andreas fault. Not only could you hear our band, but you could put someone in jail, shoot bb guns at a booth, and drink all the free bear and wine you acquired. BB guns and alcohol -what a mix! Also, performing that night were String Theory and the DJs from Dublab (who are so deep with their musical knowledge and good taste. That is a good combo)

 So, here is a video taken from a friends phone of a couple of  Taco Pants numbers. Sarah Watkins sings an old Linda Ronstadt on her ukelele, and I sing Big Shoes. My mother joins in with a rap she wrote -really    

Visit the "shows" page on the website to see the UK Tour Dates in March 2010, as well as some new Jill and Julia Shows in January.

The first one is on New Years Eve in Chicago (actually in Evanston at a great place called Space). I hate going out New Years Eve, It's amateur hour. I usually avoid playing that night. However, we came up with a great idea:

How about we play at...6:00 PM? Everyone can be home by 8:30 to either put on pajamas and drink port, or they can go out and get trashed. It's a show for everyone.

We are back at Joe's Pub in New York January 10th. I miss playing there.

Then, we are in San Francisco -on the 27th - for  The San Francisco Sketchfest. This will be my first comedy festival. 

Here is a song that we wrote for the movie of her one-woman show, "Letting Go of God".  Check out my banjo playing.

My semi-famous 2005 Xmas record is on sale on my website. And with each purchase you get a signed CD and a real wooden DREIDEL!  

The record includes "Merry Christmas to the Family" , "Jesus was a Dreidel Spinner", and the song that EW magazine included in their top ten list of "Most Depressing Xmas songs" How can you not order this for yourself, your friends, and your relatives?

If you are on the East Coast, there are still 3 more Erin and Jill shows:

Tonight (Dec. 3): "The Saint" in Asbury Park, NJ.

Tomorrow (Dec 4)  is in NYC at the Highline Ballroom. I think Good Morning America is coming to interview me-probably about fan-funding. What do I wear?

If you hate going out New Years Eve -like I do -come to Chicago and see the Jill and Julia (Sweeney) show at Space in Evanston (near Chicago). Our idea was to start at 6:00PM, so folks, including ourselves, can be home by 9:00 to either Party or call it a night.

When I get home from tour, I hope to just spend time writing and recording.

Email me back with any ideas, questions, or jokes

xo, jill

Oh, also we have  shows in Western Mass and Philly.

I've got "the song of the week" on Mountain Stage. Also the show will be on the air this weekend.   A complete list of stations that carry the show can be found...here.