Elaine Stritch is a hoot. 89 years old and still making waves. A broadway diva, TV & Movie star, cabaret and now this Documentary feature. I met her while we both performed for an event in Chicago. She was writing her one woman show. I told her I wanted to do the same. she said: "It's the hardest thing I've ever done. Whatta pain in the ass!" I cried when I saw her perform her famous rendition of Sondheim's "Lady's Who Lunch" Of the audience (socialites from Chicago - ladies who lunch) she …
Haters are So Boring and So Obvious
Being older and wiser mostly means you have developed a thick skin. Being in show business requires this with all of the rejection and criticism you must face every day. But a recent experience just begs for reporting here on my blog. I did a very successful concert and afterwards whilst basking in the glow of a job well done, I was the recipient of a barrage of thinly veiled insults from a somewhat mousey and obviously envious young woman. It was a small matter from a person with a limited …
Why I love Movies.
Someone asked me why I am so passionate about film. I don't mean to sound dramatic but this is my truth and my relationship with the movies: A great movie will transform you just by experiencing its glory and taking the ride. A movie's glory is the way in which all of its elements make you feel. A great movie tells a story whether it's linear or not. The story, characters, acting, shots, editing, music, special effects, costuming, direction and mood transform you. It can render you …
Performing for the Older Crowd
I had an interesting gig yesterday. I was hired to sing at a "retirement community" in the suburbs. Cast aside all of your normal visuals of a nursing home. This was a 38-acre compound that offers five levels of care (independent homes to full care nursing) a "town square, shops, library and a performance space that seats 220+ with a state of the art sound system. Initially I was going in with just a piano and then I figured why not take in an ensemble so that I could give them a "show" and I am …
2014
The Universe is calling out to us all. Be the best that you can be, practice patience and tolerance, let love rule - always, speak the truth, keep smiling, take good action, take and maintain control of our lives, be good to others but don't be no fool, FORGIVE, let go of negativity, lighten up, Interact, step out of your comfort zone, don't expect the worst from your fellow Human, LAUGH, dance, cry, grieve, experience silence, experience the Arts, consider History, respect Science, dare to …