I depart for NYC tomorrow at 6AM. The plan is to go to the venue and get a feel for the room, the staff, the vibe and promote my show by handing out postcards at their outdoor music and wine festival featuring The English Beat. Weather forecast: thunderstorms. Oy! I’ve been spoiled by City Winery Chicago. They treat me like a queen. I am welcomed with open arms and hugs. I’m not quite sure what the vibe is at the New York venue. Right now I am just an unknown entity who is well-liked in Chicago. So I decided to take matters in hand and go and introduce myself before the show date on July 2nd. Maybe they will be inspired to push the show more as the date draws ever closer. I have single handedly promoted this show with the help of my village. This is one scenario where I proudly boast: “It takes a village.” My friends, class-mates and family have successfully spread the word all over. City Winery NY printed 2500 postcards for distribution which was great. I have a street team who promise to pass out and place the postcards in various locations throughout Manhatten, Brooklyn and so on. Continue reading ›

Tags: city winery chicago, city winery ny, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, lynne jordan and the shivers, musical tribute Nina Simone, new york, new york city, performing in NYC
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

I was just inspired by three truly unique performers. I know it’s an unlikely grouping but if you think about it – they have some important similarities: uniqueness, individuality, control over their own careers, intelligence and they are/were fantastic. It is the individuality of these three artists that has touched me. A British comedian, a Bluesman and Nina Simone. Their names alone say who they are if you know them. Think about it. Russell Brand: that’s who he is. Howlin’ Wolf: He’s Howlin Wolf. And Nina Simone: Need I say more? You really can’t pigeon hole either one of them. Continue reading ›

Tags: ain't no cryin the blues in memory of howlin wolf, Black ensemble theatre chicago, chicago theater, Howlin Wolf, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, lynne jordan and the shivers, Lynne Jordan at city winery NY, musical tribute Nina Simone, Nina Simone, performing, personal growth, Russell Brand
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

My New York Street-Team Leader just picked up my fliers for my City Winery Show NY on July 2. It feels real now for some reason. It’s been in the distant future for so long. I am happy that the flier says it will “SELL OUT!” Ahhh … The power of words. That one little phrase has boosted my morale like you wouldn’t believe. I have been so worried about ticket sales that I forgot to hope and be positive. I forgot to approach this as an opportunity – a dream come true – a next step. New York. Continue reading ›

Tags: 5th annual Music & Wine Festival: The English Beat 6/18, city winery ny, city winery nyc, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, lynne jordan and the shivers, Lynne Jordan at city winery NY, musical tribute Nina Simone, Nina Simone, performing, performing in NYC
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

Last night I sang at Petterino’s Monday Night Live which is a pro open mic night hosted by two dynamic women who happen to be my friends. Some of the other guest singers were from the touring casts of Broadway musicals playing here in Chicago (“Book of Mormon”) and from the musical “Jungle Book” which makes it world premier at the Goodman Theatre Chicago. Most of the singers were from New York and their performances were breath-taking and awesome. It did my heart good to see them and to be embraced by them. Continue reading ›

Tags: Book of Mormon, Broadway singers, cabaret singing, city winery ny, Goodman Theatre, Jungle Book at Goodman Theatre Chicago, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, lynne jordan and the shivers, Monday Night Live at Petterino's, musical tribute Nina Simone, new york city, performing, singing
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

Oops. My bad. On March 22 I posted about my plans to get into shape for my NYC club debut at City Winery NY on July 2.  I must be accountable, even if it is to cyberspace.  And now it’s time to check in.   I worked at it.   Lost quite a few pounds and then … well, I reckon I just plum forgot. I reckon I just didn’t give a damn for a few weeks. I think it was watching myself on video that prompted my last weight related post.  Today’s post was prompted by my condition after some walking I did this past weekend. We aren’t talking miles here folks – but it was a lot for me.  I hadn’t fully realized the consequences of being sedentary for so long.  I was dripping with sweat, out of breath and totally miserable but I was also filled with a small sense of triumph in the end.

It’s so hard to explain why I keep falling off the wagon. It’s hard to explain to people who don’t have the “eating thing.”   Continue reading ›

Tags: blogging, city winery ny, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, Lynne Jordan at city winery NY, new york city, weight, weight control, weight issues, weight loss
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

We are entering the final stretch. My Musical Tribute to Nina Simone at City Winery NY is just a month away. I have gone through all kinds of panic over this show. Mostly, I have been traumatized over ticket sales but I have done much work thus far to promote this show. It has been too early to e-blast folks about a show months away so I have told everyone I know to tell their friends about the show mostly via Social Media. Social Media has become a powerful tool for so many reasons. It allows you to be a graphic designer, PR person and master networker. The potential to connect is boundless. I have reconnected with old friends who in turn do me the favor of spreading the word about my NYC show to their network and so on and so on. Continue reading ›

Tags: city winery ny, city winery nyc, connection, Facebook, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, Lynne Jordan at city winery NY, musical tribute Nina Simone, new york, new york city, performing, personal growth, Social Media, Twitter
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

Despite my frequent moments of panic over ticket sales, preparation for my musical tribute to Nina Simone at City Winery NY has helped me grow in so many ways. The fact is that all of the promotion and just getting to the gig has fallen on my shoulders. I had to find replacement players (found some world class professionals) and now is the time to focus on the material – all the while carrying on the PR campaign. But as daunting as these tasks seemed, I had enough lead time to lay a good foundation and create a strategy and MOST IMPORTANTLY I discovered how many friends I have. I have discovered that people care about me and want to help me. I am humbled by this and it never ceases to amaze me. I am so grateful that it makes me weep even as I write this. It’s all about connection. Continue reading ›

Tags: Macy Gray, Macy Gray at City Winery Chicago
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

Memorial Day was a very active Holiday in my house while growing up. It is officially the day for honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United states military. My dad served and survived both World War II and the Korean war so I grew up with the language of Veterans my entire life. Our home was filled with his memorabilia from his days “in the War.” He was active in the VFW, and marched in Memorial Day Parades as a color guard. We would pack up and drive to small towns throughout Ohio so that he could march with his VFW Post 3808. It was always a proud moment for me. We were always the only Black VFW post marching in those parades in small-town Ohio. Daddy stood so tall and proud alongside his fellow veterans, calling out commands as they they marched in formation with rifles and flags. There was no wavering on the correctness of that war. Those veterans knew they were fighting for a righteous cause: to end the Nazi threat.

Memorial Day was also the day to go to Woodlawn Cemetery in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio to place flowers on the graves of our dead relatives. It was my moment to shine because I always knew how to find everyone’s graves in that sprawling place. I later found out that Woodlawn Cemetery is one of the Nation’s oldest “garden” cemeteries with an arboretum of trees and rolling hills dating back to 1841. Prior to the late 1960′s all the African Americans were buried in the low lying flats of the cemetery. So we would go there first to drop off flowers – most of which were picked out of our huge garden. Daddy maintained a massive flower garden of roses, lilies, iris, peonies, lilacs and tulips. I loved going to the cemetery. The whole thing became a social event when we were in the Black section of Woodlawn. Continue reading ›

Tags: cemeteries, Daddy, Dayton, family, Korean war, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan & the shivers, Memorial Day, ohio, remembrances, The Korean War veterans, VFW, VFW Post 3808, Woodlawn Cemetery, World War II
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

My New York Club debut is just around the corner. I am performing my Nina Simone tribute on Tuesday, July 2 at City Winery NY. $15. I have 300 seats to fill. Today, my niece texted me. “30 tickets sold!” I was not very enthused even though the placement of her exclamation point seemed to express excitement. I was filled with a mild panic.

No one is coming.

Now, I know the show is more than a month away. I know it’s too early to tell. My BFF Babs said to me just last night:
“Don’t let one gig give you a heart attack from stress!” But I have to be concerned. I need to fill those seats. People are being so positive.
“You will do it!”
“Know in your heart that you will fill that room.”

I am positive. But positive thinking is not enough. I am doing all I can. I am working social media. I am reaching out to all the folks I know – and some. However, I have to do more. I have to make this happen. I have got to pre-sell tickets.

Of course plenty of folks have said they are coming. And I get it. The show is more than a month out and there is no worry that the show will sell out in most folk’s minds and I know there will be a huge “walk-up” contingency of tickets sold. That’s what I am hoping for.

“If you know you are coming then please buy your tickets NOW!”
Link for tickets:
Admission
$15 Music only Music only

Upgrade to a wine pairing for the evening. Five wines chosen to accompany the music.
Admission:
$30 Wine pairing

Tags: city winery ny, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan and the shivers, musical tribute Nina Simone, new york, Nina Simone, ticket sales
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva

I did it! I have booked myself in New York City as a headliner. I will be performing my musical tribute to Nina Simone on Tuesday, July 2nd at City Winery NYC. I am fairly confidant about my show and I know I will make a good impression on the New York audiences. But y’all know me – I have to fret about something. It’s terrifying. The terrifying part is filling the room. I have told everyone I know about this show – at least twice. I am asking everyone to tell their friends and family in or near NYC to come and support me. It’s a huge step for me. Huge! It’s a miracle really. After all of this time, finally at age 51, I am going to take on the Big Apple. I am ready. I’m at the top of my game performance and voice-wise. But there are some major steps I want to take: I need press, I want a review of the show and I want it to sell-out. The good news is that I have some contacts. They are so willing to help me. I just asked for help.

There is a lesson in all of this: Just ask. Continue reading ›

Tags: city winery ny, city winery nyc, liza minnelli, Lynne Jordan, lynne jordan chicago singer, musical tribute Nina Simone, Nina Simone, NY press, performing in NYC, personal growth, singing
Filed under: In the Life of a Diva