Well, it seems like I have been so caught up in posting the "Riga Tales" that I have forgotten to mention everything else that has occurred in my world lately so I will give a brief summary now. The past few months have been pretty active. I had some money problems, a tax audit, achey knees, started hosting shows for the Chicago Cabaret Project (which I love) performed in the Baltics, got an Award of Excellence for performing from the Cook County Treasurer's Office and lost ten pounds!!!! …
Journey Home, Lessons Learned.
Back at the Albert Hotel... I pack my clothes in my suitcase and sort through all my power converters, adapters and chargers. I stuff my boa and wings into the front panel of my suitcase and finally - after replaying the night's show in my head - go to bed. I stop by the breakfast buffet in the morning for a quick bite and bid "adieu" to the Albert Hotel. Zigis drives me to the Riga airport which seems surprisingly pleasant today - I have quite a different attitude then when I arrived here …
Last Show in Riga.
I stay in bed until the last possible moment. Thank goodness the club is across the street from my hotel. I keep pushing the alarm time forward a half hour and finally - after hitting the snooze button several times on my cell - I drag my ass out of bed. My knees are aching and I am just plain tired. I force myself out of bed and start gettting ready. I was so excited about my outfit for tonight's performance - a new designer tie dyed gown, long and flowing. Unfortunately, I put it on and …
First Gig at Bites Blues Club in Riga
At the risk of sounding immodest and boastful: I slayed 'em at Bites Blues Club on my first night. I gave them everything. I cried. I joked. I started the show by walking through the room singing the intro to "Something's Got Ahold of Me" - a cappella. …
First Gig in Riga – the Corporate Party -Ladies in White
Zigis informs me that I will have a dressing room at the gig so I decide to carry my ensemble and change on site. I dress in jeans and drag it all downstairs to meet Zigis who is waiting at the Club for me to "make food" then depart for the gig which is a bit of a drive away in a resort suburb of Riga called Jurmala. Jurmala is located by the now frozen Baltic Sea. I am sure that in the Summer it is gorgeous but in the cold dark of Winter, it is just cold and dark. The event is being held at …