A Great Big Diva!

The New York Chronicles: Connection

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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 …

Memorial Day

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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 …

New York Chronicles: Ticket sales. “Buy Your Tickets Now!”

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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 …

New York Chronicles: New York City, Here I Come!

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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 …

Artist’s Angst

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Note from me: I wrote this post in early April but never published it. It seems that now is the time to let it all hang out before I start the "New York Chronicles." April 2, 2013 I go through this a lot. This self examination, this self incrimination. It was a normal morning. I stayed up till dawn watching a Sci-Fi series via Netflix on TV so I slept late. I was feeling hopeful. I booked two gigs this morning and I'm up for an award for Industry Excellence in Entertainment. Not a bad …