Random Thoughts from A GREAT BIG DIVA: It's so scary to produce an original piece of work. People have asked me: "Why are you doing this? (My one-woman show)" I have only one answer: Because I have to. I am compelled to do this work. I have tried to ignore it for years - ever since my days at University. It's something that has never gone away. But it was safe in my head, in my notebooks and computer. Now I will put it out there, and that's scary as Hell, exciting and crazy! It (I) will be …
Tonight’s the Night!
It's Monday and in ten hours I will be hitting the stage with the return of my Nina Simone show at City Winery Chicago. I have NO idea how many tickets have sold. I checked a week and a half ago and the low sales frightened me. The venue seemed secure that the show will sell well. Of course I am not so sure. I never am. Folks say: "you always sell out!" "You always pack the house!" I never count on that. I push, push, push the show until I am crazy. But you never know ... Dress is laid out. …
No More Fussing About this Election. Only Love today.
I am not spending another minute fussing about this election. Today, I am going to spread love and laughter and continue building excitement for my show tomorrow night at City Winery Chicago. (shameless plug: I sing Nina Simone at City Winery, showtime is 8pm I will include a link for tickets) It's what I do. I sing. I express myself and my shows are a time for celebration and joy and dancing and maybe a few tears. My intention is to make people feel good. Everyone: do something, say something …
Bringing My Nina Simone Show back to Chicago. Monday, November 7th
I first performed my Nina Simone tribute in January 2013 at City Winery Chicago. We sold out. It was my first performance there and my first ticketed sold out show. and now after sold out shows in NYC and Atlanta, I am bringing it back home. The show has evolved. I have evolved as a performer and as a person. Singing Nina Simone's music is quite like coming home for me. And performing her protest songs during these times, on the night before the election, well, it's just crazy Kismet don't you …
My Words for the New Year 2016 and for 2015: Verklempt & Gratitude!
Verklempt. Definition: Verklempt is a Yiddish word that means "overcome with emotion." Pronounced "fer-klempt," people use it when they are so emotional that they're on the verge of tears or at a loss for words due to their emotional state. I am Verklempt. I've been trying to compose a New Year's message but I am just so grateful for the love that I have received, the response to my Gofundme campaign and my recent sold-out show at City Winery (for starters) that I just end up sitting at my …