July 2016 – Siletz Bay Music Festival 2016
Susannah Mars and I are in rehearsal here in Oregon – just putting the finishing touches on our Irving Berlin Showcase for the Siletz Bay Music Festival and hear through the grapevine that the show’s SOLD OUT! It’s always a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful fundraiser. The education, concerts and community outreach that the Festival does each year is really something special. This annual event promotes such good in the world. To anyone who loves music and enjoys the Oregon coast… Put this on your list. Break’s over – gotta run!
June 2016 – Collaborating with a Jazz Legend
Wo, it’s coming up in just 2 weeks! Summer is such an exciting time and BEAUTIFUL time to be on the Oregon coast. It is also the time of year when rehearsals shift into high gear. I am SO looking forward to performing as part of On Wings of Shakespeare. Jazz Legends Dick Hyman on piano and clarinetist Ken Peplowski, Nicole Greenidge Joseph, Clairdee and Maestro Yaacov Bergman – what an All Star line-up! Wed will be at the Salishan Spa and Golf Resort as part of this performance at the Siletz Bay Music Festival. Back to rehearsals!
February 2016 – Time for a Photo Shoot
The “Winterfest” fundraising event for the Siletz Bay Music Festival was a sell out – I think we raised about $30,000. It’s not often that I am completely pleased with a performance, however, this was a rare exception. I keep receiving emails letting me know how much folks enjoyed the show. We had some wonderful photos taken during the performance – love the action shots. Let me tell you though, it’s not always easy to get an attractive photo of a singer singing. Oh, the faces we singers can make! These, were great!
February 2016 – Irving Berlin Rehearsals
“The Great American Songbook” is what it is today thanks in great part to Irving Berlin. Charlie Creasy, Susannah and I continue to rehearse in Palm Springs. We continue to hone Charlie’s arrangements and orchestrations. We’ll bring the Irving Berlin story to life with a fascinating look at this American composer’s life. With both dialogue and song after song, it is at once funny, informative and a toe-tapping great time! This stroll down memory lane has so much to it that I really need to get back to work. Stay tuned for more updates!
January 2016 – Rehearsal at Artist’s Rep Studios in Portland
We are at it again – “Winterfest” rehearsals last Saturday at Artist’s Rep Studios in Portland last Saturday, January 9, 2016. Susannah’s head-shot is on the wall behind my left shoulder – too tiny to see, however, she can STILL hit those high notes! Pictured here with me is the ever-talented Rick Modlin. He is such a nice man and exceptional pianist. It was appropriate that we were rehearsing in another Arlene and Harold Schnitzer space, their philanthropy knows no bounds! When we rehearse with Charlie in Palm Springs, I will check back.
January 2016 – Winterfest 2016 Rehearsals in Full Swing
Each year I’m thrilled to be a part of the Siletz Bay Music Festival. Live in the area? Have family, friends, children or young adults in your sphere who appreciate world-class music, value music education and understand what it means in the life of a young musician to experience the best of what music has to offer? Then by all means, come to Winterfest 2016! Susannah Mars and I are putting finishing touches on our contribution to this wonderful event, with elements from our Gershwin show and our tribute to Irving Berlin coming to the festival this Summer!
