I really can't explain how this happened, so I will leave that out.

I have been invited by Moscow Conservatory-trained pianist and President of the Cultural Center of Kazakhstan in the U.S. Alia Alhan Mal'keeva to speak briefly this Saturday evening at the Kazakh New Year's festival at Lincoln Center, "From Kazakhstan With Love." It's a unique, if somewhat peculiar, honor to take the Allen Room stage at the Time Warner Center and acknowledge Kazakh contributions in music, dance, and other fields to an audience that will include the Kazakh ambassador.

Something makes me think that this was intended for Cimbi, and somehow the two of us were mixed up along the way. After all, she is the one with international exposure.

Anyway, aside from myself, the attractions will include, among others, Prima Ballerina and Miss Kazakhstan Saule Rachmedova, pop folk group URKER, and Alia Alhan Mal'keeva herself.

Tickets can be purchased through the Jazz at Lincoln Center website.

And, if anyone has any suggestions for what I should say, your contributions will be greatly appreciated.