I’ve been in the recording studio the last 2 weeks pretty much non stop, with the likes of David Caldwell (my MD and arranger), Ron Abel, (my Artistic Producer), Robert Smith of Defy Recordings (Engineer Extraordinare), and Robin Batteau, who is playing some kick butt violin tracks for my CD. Since we are wrapping it all up tonight, we are all going to run over to THE SALON and do an impromptu SPOTLIGHT set of 3 songs from the CD, with David, Robin and Ron playing! Even if you can’t make it tonight, THE SALON should be on your calendar as a must see and do – almost every Sunday night at 7 pm at ETC ETC., 352 west 44th Street near 9th Avenue. The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. You may sign up to perform starting at 6:30 and there is a modest $10 cash cover and $15 food/bev minimum – the food and service at ETC ETC are absolutely wonderful, too!

There is one more show of Tom Vaughn in TRAIL OF CHEERS, at LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE (407 West 42nd Street, NYC – 212-695-6909) on Wednesday, April 11th, at 7:00 pm. The evening features arrangements of standards and Broadway classics, folk-pop ballads and Tom’s original music. Joining Tom is special guest, Broadway actress and MAC and Bistro Award winner, Raissa Katona Bennett. Musical Direction is by Jeff Cubeta. The band also features guitarist Chris Conly, Jacob Silver on bass and Mary Rodriguez on drums. Tom’s background vocals can also be heard on the Lucie Arnaz CD “Latin Roots” musically produced by Ron Abel and Lucie Arnaz. There is a $25 cover ($20 for MAC, Cabaret Hotline, Empire Men’s Chorus) plus a $15 food/drink minimum.

I truly can’t wait to see this next one – at 7 pm on Friday’s in April (6th, 13th 20th, 27th) and Wednesdays in May (9th and 23rd), Eric Michael Gillett brings his new show, I WON’T SING A SONDHEIM SONG…OR WILL I? to the Laurie Beechman Theatre. 407 West 42nd Street, NYC – 212-695-6909. Eric’s special guests will be the irrepressible Cookie Stark and Broadway legend, Melanie Vaughn!

And if you are looking for a recommendation on how to be more at peace, I heartily recommend Byron Katie’s – LOVING WHAT IS – true wisdom. It comes in audio form too, which I like, because it features her working with clients. Eye opening and inspiring. You can also find her video’s on the web.

Since Easter is right around the corner, I’m reprinting my advice from last year: PLEASE DO NOT BUY EASTER BUNNIES! Shelters across the country are overrun with bunnies in the weeks following Easter, once children tire of them, and parents realize that they require actual care – forgive my sarcasm, but these are sentient beings, folks. If you are seriously interested in having a rabbit for a pet, do your research, and please, please rescue an existing bunny. They do make wonderful pets, but you need to be prepared. Here is just one link to get you started on your Responsible Rabbit Rescue: http://www.3bunnies.org/rescues.html.

Happy Spring!
Love and Light,
Raissa

I’ve been in the recording studio the last 2 weeks pretty much non stop, with the likes of David Caldwell (my MD and arranger), Ron Abel, (my Artistic Producer), Robert Smith of Defy Recordings (Engineer Extraordinare), and Robin Batteau, who is playing some kick butt violin tracks for my CD. Since we are wrapping it all up tonight, we are all going to run over to THE SALON and do an impromptu SPOTLIGHT set of 3 songs from the CD, with David, Robin and Ron playing! Even if you can’t make it tonight, THE SALON should be on your calendar as a must see and do – almost every Sunday night at 7 pm at ETC ETC., 352 west 44th Street near 9th Avenue. The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. You may sign up to perform starting at 6:30 and there is a modest $10 cash cover and $15 food/bev minimum – the food and service at ETC ETC are absolutely wonderful, too!

Join me for one more show on 4/11 at the Beechman! One of my closest and most talent friends, TOM VAUGHN, is making his cabaret debut this year and I serve as his director, along with being his special guest (for a sizeable portion of his show).I am very proud of Tom and the work we have created in this life affirming show and I hope you will be able to join us for one of the 3 nights. Here’s his press release:

TomVaughn in TRAIL OF CHEERS, at LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE (407 West 42nd Street, NYC – 212-695-6909 – ) on Tuesday, March 20th; Friday, March 30th; and Wednesday, April 11th, all shows at 7:00 pm. after debuting “Trail of Cheers” at the Metropolitan Room in January 2012. The evening features arrangements of standards and Broadway classics, folk-pop ballads and Tom’s original music. Joining Tom is special guest, Broadway actress and MAC and Bistro Award winner, Raissa Katona Bennett. Musical Direction is by Jeff Cubeta. The band also features guitarist Chris Conly, Jacob Silver on bass and Mary Rodriguez on drums. Tom’s background vocals can also be heard on the Lucie Arnaz CD “Latin Roots” musically produced by Ron Abel and Lucie Arnaz. There is a $25 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum.

Saturday April 28, 2012 7:30 PM – I’ll be appearing in the second annual benefit concert, HEAR OUR SONG along with Garrett, and many other talented friends and stars of stage and screen including:  Lucie Arnaz, Tom Vaughn, Christina Connors, Scott Coulter, David Friedman, Kenneth Gartman, Laurence Luckinbill, Roger Mapes, Nancy Timpanaro-Hogan, Tonja Walker Davidson and Lennie Watts, just to name a few. Norwalk Concert Hall 125 East Avenue Norwalk CT – 50% of all proceeds will go to the BJ Ryans Foundation. Concert to benefit Norwalk Education Foundation and other local charities.  Click here for more info.

The CONCERTS FOR CITY GREENS series that I produce and host has been nominated for a 2012 MAC Award in the “Benefit” category!  Formerly known as THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS, we shortened the name to expand our mission, which is to support the “greening” of New York, by linking with a range of community groups, organizations and individuals to increase and diversify the audiences for live music in New York, while encouraging public and private stewardship of green spaces across the City.  The MAC Awards show is March 29th and I’ll post the results on my website and Facebook Fan Pages.

I am regularly performing “Platform” duties at our UNITY CENTER FOR PRACTICAL SPIRITUALITY - I’ll be there 3/18, 3/25 and Easter Sunday, 4/8 I will also be singing with Christina Connors, Scott Couter and Kenneth Gartman!  I will have all future dates listed here on my website . 10:30 a.m., 3 West Main Street, Norwalk, CT.  For those of you wondering what “Platform” is, another term for it is “Pulpit Assistants” – our roles compliment the role of the Minister.  We act as Scripture or inspirational readers, meditation leaders and prayer partners. I hope you’ll join me some Sunday morning – Unity Center, where all are welcome, is a spiritually community founded and based on a concept of always pointing the way toward a more positive way of living – a philosopy that helps people discover and live their highest potential and purpose.

Truth is, there are so many fantastic performers putting out shows this month, that all I can do, is tell you which ones I will definitely be going to and highly recommending.  If there were unlimited time, I’d be at many more.  And so that I actually keep to my New Year’s Resolution and post at least monthly, I’ll keep it brief but say you are sure to enjoy these artists.  In addition, all of them have shared their talents at the benefit CONCERTS FOR CITY GREENS,  as well as many other causes.  But if you don’t want to just take my word for it, here’s what other major publications have to say:

“The verb ‘sings’ is really inadequate to evoke the acute empathy with which Eric Michael Gillett transforms theatre songs. Not only do you see the world through the character’s eyes, but you also feel it through their nervous systems via Mr. Gillett’s theatrical shamanism.”
— New York Times

“La Tanya Hall is a woman ripe with talent (whose) interpretive skills are a marvel.” — Jazz.com

Sounds great right?  You can see La Tanya and Eric ably Musically Directed and accompanied by Jeff Cubeta at:  FEINSTEINS on:

FEBRUARY 21 – 25 , LOEWS REGENCY HOTEL • Park Ave at 61ST,   Tuesday-Saturday @ 8 PM, Late Show Friday/Saturday @ 10:30 PM, – $40 Cover* | $60 Premium Seating* | $25 Food & Beverage Minimum*

For information and Tickets, call 212.339.4095 or TicketWeb.com

I’ll also be catching Dan Furman’s show at the SOMETHIN’ JAZZ CLUB this Wednesday night, Feb. 15, 7-8:45,  212 E 52nd St,  3rd Fl.  $10 cover, $10 drink minimum.  more info at:  www.danfurman.com – can’t wait to hear Dan with his whole band, as I’m a big fan of his already in his solo outings.

We saw Rosemary Loar’s CD release performance of STING, STANG, STUNG last week - this is my third time seeing this show and Rosemary and her band, (Frank Ponzio – Piano and MD, Tom Hubbard - Bass, and Vito Lesczak – Percussion) OWN it big time!  I was never that aware of the fantastic poetry of Sting, until I heard Rosemary strip the songs down into new interpretations and arrangements that really let you experience the lyrics.  She’s at the Metropolitan Room one more night, Feb. 19th at 7 pm.

In time for Valentine’s Day, Karen Oberlin and Sean Harkness are “Stringing Along With Love” – also at the Metropolitan Room for 3 Tuesdays in  Feb. – the 14th, 21st and 28th @ 7pm.  Two of my dearest friends, incredibly talented, and always generous with their musical gifts to so ma

And we are definitely going to see these other favorite pals:

Christina Bianco debuts her new show at Birdland on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in “Diva Moments”.  Christina is not to be missed – a truly gifted performer and as fun offstage as on!

The always fabulous Terese Genecco at the Iridium on Feb. 21st for two sets, 8 and 10 pm, 2 entirely different shows – this month her special guest is Paul Safy, Jr., a finalist from America’s Got Talent, and then next month on March 20th, everyone in the audience goes home with a copy of her new CD - LIVE FROM THE IRIDIUM!

And I’m so excited that Angela Schultz does one more round of her show  “Do Overs” on Feb. 27th at Don’t Tell Mama’s  at 9:15 pm, so I can see it!  She is one of my favorite singers and I’ve never had the chance to see her do her own show, so I’m thrilled about it.

And although her run starts in February, I’ll be seeing Marieann Meringolo’s new show, “ You Must Believe In Spring! The Music Of Michel Legrand” in March – a powerful, beautiful voice and incredible spirit, she will be at Feinstein’s - Sundays February 26, March 4, 11 & 18 all shows begin @ 8:30 PM.

With: Doyle Newmyer: Musical Director/Arranger/Piano; Boots Maleson: Bass; Brian Woodruff: Drums and it’s directed by Eric Michael Gillett.

Cover Charge: $30 for General Admission with Premium Seating @ $50 – Reservations: 212 339-4095

More news to share soon but for now, see you, A LOT this month, in the clubs!

Love and Light,

Raissa

Ok, I resolve to write in this blog at least once every month this year because there is so much to discuss and recommend.

Start your 2012 off right with Lucie Arnaz at Feinsteins, Jan. 5th through the 8th.  She’ll be performing songs from her new LATIN ROOTS album, which is phenomenal and a must have.    Lucie has arranged for a very affordable cover of $40 and $50 ($25 food/bev minimum) so all her fans can get in to see her pay tribute to her Latin Roots.  Speaking personally, I can tell you that she is as warm, talented and funny offstage as she is onstage and you owe it to yourself to celebrate the New Year with her. Ron Abel serves as her Musical Director for her shows and this CD. 

There are many more shows to recommend, but so that I get this posted soon, I just want to touch on two other causes dear to my heart:  the Earth and her animals.  For the first, please check out the Songwriting Contest that THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS is hosting.  During the winter, we long for our warm green spaces, but often forget that we need to continue to work to save them.  We’ve extended the deadline for the contest till Jan. 31st, 2012, so get those submissions in!  Click on the info to the right of this for more info.

Animal Adoption vs. Purchasing: 

When you purchase a pet, you merely have to put your money down, and leave with your pet.   The immediate gratification and falling in love with the puppy in the window is understandable, but it’s only after you become a pet parent, perhaps, that you learn the truth about purchasing a dog from a store.  What you may not be aware of, is that you are likely supporting a “puppy mill” by doing so.   Puppy mills are notorious for inhumane conditions for dogs, poor breeding leading to multiple health issues, and behavorial issues that often lead to animal surrender to a shelter.  Responsible dog breeders DO NOT SELL to stores – PERIOD!   If you choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, you will save a life and take a small, but important step, in putting puppy mills out of business, or under more strict governmental requirements.  You can read much more about this by clicking on the APSCA or HUMANE SOCIETY  links on my on my “links” page.

As of this writing, we are just now finalizing the adoption of our newest fur baby – “Phoebe” – (formerly known as Princess) from Shih Tzu Fur Baby Rescue – from start to finish, it has taken about 2 months – hardly immediate

l to r: Otie, Garrett, Phoebe, Raissa, Brandy Bennett

gratification – but we are talking about a LIFE.  Rescue organizations can be an even better way to ensure the proper fit for you and your new companion.  The reason it can take longer to get your pet, is that the organizations are staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers.  Your application needs to be reviewed, you are interviewed, and they make sure you understand the requirements of your home before they’ll send a dog into another home.  They want to be sure that the dog is not shuttled around from place to place.  On the plus side for you, your future pet has likely been living in a foster home for a few months, so they can evaluate temperment, health and behavior and be sure of an even better fit for you both – something you would never get from a pet shop.

For a list of rescue organizations, go to my links page.  I’ll cover how to choose the right companion animal for your lifestyle in future blogs.

Now back to finishing MY new CD with Ron Abel and David Caldwell, right now in the studio!

Happy New Year!

Love and Light,

Raissa

Trust in the Wind

“TRUST THE WIND” IS FIFTH AND FINAL  IN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JOINING HOST RAISSA KATONA BENNETT ARE “TODAY’S” DAVID FRIEDMAN, CHRISTINA BIANCO, CAROLE J. BUFFORD, SCOTT COULTER, KENNETH GARTMAN, ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT, TANYA MOBERLY, COOKIE STARK, TOM HUBBARD & TERESE GENECCO

“The Concerts at Tudor City Greens” wraps up its fourth season of free outdoor concerts on Wednesday October 5, at 6:30pm. (Rain date: Thursday October 6 at 6:30pm.) “Trust the Wind,” features a mix of prominent performers from Broadway and cabaret, including the singers Eric Michael Gillett, Tanya Moberly, Cookie Stark, and Kenneth Gartman, and the stars of the popular Scott Siegel series “Eleven O’Clock Numbers” — Carole J. Bufford, Christina Bianco, and Scott Coulter. Making a special guest appearance is the quadruple-platinum songwriter David Friedman, from NBC’s “Today Show.”  Also featured are the highly regarded bassist Tom Hubbard, and series regular Terese Genecco on percussion.  The concert’s music directors are Jeff Cubeta and Kenneth Gartman.

Hosted and produced by Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett, the summer series played monthly concerts in May, June, and August.  The September concert, “Back to Cool,” was cancelled due to inclement weather. “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens,” whose mission is to build new audiences for live music while encouraging public and private stewardship of New York’s green spaces, is currently hosting a songwriting contest of songs celebrating the roles parks and green spaces play in the lives of New Yorkers.  Original songs of any musical style are being accepted through December 31, 2011.

Serving as judges for the contest are Neil Sedaka, Amanda McBroom, Ann Hampton Callaway, David Friedman, Michael John LaChiusa, and MTV executive Matthew Parillo.  For contest information visit www.raissakatonabennett.com

“Trust the Wind: the Beauty of Music in Nature” takes place on Wednesday October 5 at 6:30pm, at the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (enter at Tudor City Place, between 41st & 42nd Streets, and 1st & 2nd Avenues). Throughout the series’ fifth season, which is scheduled to kick off in May 2012, eight semifinalist songs from the Songwriting Contest will be performed. A winter concert at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency (TBA) will showcase the contest’s top three songs.  Bennett (Broadway in “Phantom of the Opera” national tours of “Cats” and “Parade”) won the 2010 Bistro and 2011 MAC Award for hosting “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens.”

Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York.  Nestled in the heart of Tudor City, which was built in the late 1920′s, this green oasis in the heart of Midtown was threatened by Harry Helmsley in the 1970′s who planned to build high-rises on the twin parks.  A successful grass roots campaign to rescue the parks was mounted by Tudor City residents.  Today, the Tudor City Association and the non-profit tenants group, Tudor City Greens, www.tudorcitygreens.org continues the tradition of park preservation.

For more information visit: www.raissakatonabennett.com

Back to "Cool"

Swinging on the Moon

THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS CONTINUES ON AUGUST 3

“SWINGING ON THE MOON – COOL JAZZ FOR A HOT SUMMER NIGHT” IS THIRD IN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JOINING HOST RAISSA KATONA BENNETT ARE JOHN DEMARCO, DAN FURMAN, ANDERS HOLST, TOM HUBBARD, DARYL KOJAK, SHAYNEE RAINBOLT, GABRIELLA STRAVELLI, SEAN HARKNESS, TERESE GENECCO

The Concerts at Tudor City Greens, the free outdoor concert series that brings the sounds of music to the heart of Midtown, continues on Wednesday August 3 at 6:30pm. (Rain date: Thursday August 4 at 6:30pm.)  “Swinging on the Moon – Cool Jazz for a Hot Summer Night,” features a diverse group of singers and instrumentalists from the worlds of Broadway, classical, jazz and cabaret, including John DeMarco, Dan Furman, Anders Holst, Tom Hubbard, Daryl Kojak, Shaynee Rainbolt, Gabriella Stravelli, Sean Harkness, and Terese Geneco.

Hosted and produced by the Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett, the series’ mission is to increase new audiences for live music while encouraging private, non-profit and community organizations (and individual citizens) to support and protect New York green spaces.

The guest stars on August 3 include the singers Gabriella Stravelli, Anders Holst, Shaynee Rainbolt and John DeMarco, and the highly regarded bassist Tom Hubbard.  The MAC Award-winning guitarist and Windham Hill recording artist Sean Harkness, and the MAC & Bistro Award-winning big band innovator Terese Geneco are series regulars.  The concert’s music directors are Bill Zeffiro (a series regular), Daryl Kojak, and Dan Furman.

At the August 3 concert, Bennett will announce a songwriting contest of songs celebrating New York’s green spaces, and the different roles they play in the lives of New Yorkers. A blue-ribbon panel of well-known singer-songwriters and music industry executives, who will help choose the contest’s top songs (to be performed throughout the 2012 season), will be announced at the concert. The free outdoor series takes place at the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (enter at Tudor City Place, between 41st & 42nd Streets, and 1st & 2nd Avenues). The series’ continues on September 7, and, weather permitting, October 5 (all Wednesdays at 6:30pm).  Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York. 

Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York. In May, Bennett (Broadway in “Phantom of the Opera” national tours of “Cats” and “Parade”) won the 2011 MAC Award for hosting “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens.”

Tudor City, built in the late 1920′s, features two neighborhood parks that were threatened by Helmsley developers in the 1970′s. A successful grass roots campaign to preserve the parks was mounted by the residents to save their green spaces. Today, the Tudor City Association and the non-profit tenants group, Tudor City Greens, www.tudorcitygreens.org continues the tradition of park preservation.

For additional information visit: www.raissakatonabennett.com

Songs from Stage & Screen

The series continues on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:30PM. (Rain date: Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:30PM). This event will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret and jazz scene, who all donate their time and talent to benefit the Parks.  The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret performer Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera, Chess).
This concert will feature Bistro Award winner Janice Hall, MAC & Bistro Award winner Marieann Meringolo, James Moye (Broadway: Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime), cabaret sensations Will and Anthony Nunziata, Barbara Porteus and Barry Levitt, Adam Shapiro (Jewsical: The Chosen Musical) and Australian Variety Performer of the Year Darren Williams with Windham Hill recording artist and Bistro Award winner Sean Harkness on guitar and MAC & Bistro Award winner Terese Genecco on percussion. Musical direction will be provided by Kenneth Gartman, Doyle Newmyer, and Bill Zeffiro.

The event will take place in the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park – enter at Tudor City Place between East 41st and 42nd Streets, between 1st and 2nd avenues.