April 2012 Ideas
Since I want to be sure to get every month’s recommendations in on time, I’ll continue to add to this page, so please check back often.
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
