Oh me oh my! Just got home from a gig at a country club. Performing for a country club “member event” can be a tricky business. The age range at this particular club event ran from about 50 to 80 years of age. Some of these folks didin’t know me or my work, nor do they like music volume any louder than a finger snap. They have to be cajoled, prodded, fondled, toyed with and proven to. But it was no sweat for an Uberdiva like myself!
First of all, you must capture the old folks with a little show biz before you blow their brains out with the funk. You feel me? I mean you can’t just say “screw these boring ‘ole folks, I’m gonna do MY thang!” That is not responsible diva behavior. One must consider all of your subjects equally. ‘Ole folks are easy for me. Give ’em some show biz! Cause remember, these folks grew up with the big bands, Ellas, Sarah and Dinah Washington and my favorite world: Broadway! So it’s actually a great time to use my true cabaret diva chops. You treat them like you are a chanteuse. And yall know how raunchy I can get … I throw that in also … give them the truth (story about my weight struggle, death of my parents, some genuine tears) …and some killer vocals … that combined with the mastery of my band and BAM! They are eating out of my hand and I can do no wrong. Then I turn up the volume – refocus on the rest of the crowd (who are enjoying the cabaret schtick and actually responding wholeheartedly when I say: “SAY YEAH!”) rock ’em, make em dance and the dance floor fills. Party done, mission accomplished.
Friday night’s gig was at my beloved Green Dolphin Street. www.jazzitup.com Easy…just sing…play…everyone is up dancing…the applause just happens…I say: “Say yeah” and the audience roars back “Yeah!” I can use colorful language (profanity) Then stay afterwards for the live Latin music and drink and laugh with my folks till 4AM – oops! Then spend a few minutes making out with the sweet man ( who is my buddy ) who gives me a ride home. Ah…smooching can be such fun.
I was wildly inspired by all the folks who told me that they read this blog. I met this disgustingly adorable couple who are considering us for their wedding reception. The groom says he reads it religiously. Love that!! And he was a hottie too. kind of a cross between Ben Affleck and John Corbett. (shout out to you Antoine!)
I am seriously considering doing NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE GREEN DOLPHIN STREET. What do you folks think? Doesn’t that sound like a great time?
Oh GEEZ! I am sitting in my office in the dark. (in bra and panties) My office has French doors that open onto my porch and I just realized that my next door neighbor boys are having a wee little party out there. “Hi boys! Don’t mind me sitting here fully illuminated by this huge computer screen in my underwear!!” OY! Oh well, they are cute and young (legal young, not R Kelly-young)
Hm…it’s only 1:26AM—hip hop dance party at the Dolphin…no, I must stay in. I have a wedding to work tomorrow – four hours!
Reggie showed me his redesign for my dress for the Rush Pres St. Lukes Fashion Show on September 14th – see archives 8/29/06 “the phat truth”- It is so sexy!!!
Goodnight my darlings!