Had a photo shoot today with the AMAZING John Gress. I was so nervous. What to bring? What to wear? Will I have enough energy to come across on film? Will I look like crap? But John is such a dear and so patient and enthusiastic- all was well. And I had a blast. Thanks to Lovely Marcus, make-up/hair/wardrobe/BFF Brayzill Stevenson or none of this would have happened! Here's a sample of one look. (untouched) Can't wait to post the final images!! Onward to new branding, new images, new …
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 …
Step Out of the Comfort Zone!
Stepping out of the comfort zone. It's scary. But often, it is the only way to move forward. Sometimes it involves taking a risk: leaving a job that doesn't fulfill you but pays the bills; taking on a new venture of any kind; leaving a partner; taking a chance on love when you've been single and content-ish for ages "who needs the pain?;" performing new music; writing your book; re-arranging furniture; changing the color of your walls - it's all about going for what you want and not letting fear …