I’m in another airport heading to another ship. Three days ago we were in Malaga, Spain staying in this ultra modern hotel room with a delicious yellow chair against a backdrop of muted gray tones. I immediately claimed the yellow chair as mine, even though I don’t think Neal even noticed the chair. It was in this yellow chair that I continued to read “The Time Traveller’s Wife” which is a poetic yet disturbing tale of one man’s journey through the blurred boundaries of time.
Malaga is a beautiful city and Neal and I had a wonderful late night meal in an authentically Spanish café drinking Sangria and munching on a massive amount of local cuisine. To work off some of the meal, we took a walk and ended up strolling along the beach … quite unusual for a mid-west girl to be doing in November!
Then it was off to join the Navigator of the Seas, which is a massive Royal Caribbean ship. Neal’s show was the first night and he worked for a total of 15 minutes and received an entire week’s pay (slacker). For some strange reason, after the show we headed to the disco and I was dancing like a complete maniac. Maybe it was the Strawberry Margaritas I was drinking … lol! When we first got to the disco I was the only one dancing, but I think my enthusiasm spread ‘cause before long the floor was packed and we were Electric Sliding, and Soul Train lining and trying to remember Michael Jackson moves when “Thriller” was played. I danced so hard in fact that the next day I was barely able to get out of bed. That’s what dancing like a fiend at 43 will do to you! So, we spent our second day on the Navigator in bed watching T.V. only getting up to eat breakfast. When we got hungry again, we ordered a feast from room service including a Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert … how decadent!
The next day we were on the island, Funchal, Madeira, just off the coast of Africa for a day. We spent a few hours exploring the city and enjoying the ocean views and finally stopped off for Sangria before heading back to the ship (we really like Sangria). That night, we went to see the Production Show on the ship, and I had totally forgotten how great Royal Caribbean is a putting on a show. It was awesome … the costumes, the singers and dancers, everything! As many of you know, I used to work for Royal Caribbean as one of the production singers, and seeing the Navigator show really did bring back some awesome memories. Also, one of the dancers I worked with during my first contract was on the ship … Jason!
So, here I sit in Athens, Greece and I’m exhausted after having spent 6 hours walking around and taking in the sights. It was a wonderfully sunny day and the weather was perfect for wandering! Neal and I are pros at that. Now we’re both on our computers, completely ignoring each other just like an old married couple … and we’re not even married yet! I don’t want to think about the implications of this behavior … LOL!
More on Greece after I’ve had a nap!
Later …
Glo.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ode to Dry Land
Have you ever had the desire to kiss the ground? I have on three different ocassions. First, when I returned from Belize, Central America after having spent a week there. When we arrived in Miami International Airport I literally wanted to kiss the ground. The second time was at the end of a Transatlantic cruise from Europe to the US. When we arrived in Nassau, Bahamas after six days at sea, again, the ground was looking mighty good. And most recently, four days ago at the end of another Transatlantic journey. On Tuesday, October 27, we left Tenerife, Canary Islands and set off to the Caribbean. I knew we were going on a cruise, but I had no idea exactly where we were going, and surprisingly, had done no research as to the ports we’d be visiting.
Much to my surprise, we were headed to several Caribbean Islands with our final port being Barbados. First of all, I did not pack the right clothes. I’ve done about four transatlantic cruises and usually the weather is iffy, and often cold and rainy. However, the route from Tenerife landed us in the most amazing, sunny weather. I didn’t even have a bathing suit. The challenging part of this journey has been the five sea days in a row right at the beginning of the voyage. Once I hit the shops and bought some beach wear, I found my self sitting up on deck, working on my tan, and adopting the persona of a slug. I read, I slept, and I ate to the point of chronic boredom.
Just when I thought I wouldn’t be able to take another day of lounging around the pool, we arrived in St. Lucia, and again, I had the distinct sensation of wanting to kiss the ground. I lived in Florida for almost 8 years so I’m used to the hot weather, but nothing could have prepared me for the heat I experienced in St. Lucia. It was so hot that it was a little scary. I found myself muttering away to myself in disbelief as the sweat was pouring out of places I didn’t know I had places. During our walk I noticed a guy standing on a corner muttering to himself and I was wondering if this was a common effect of the heat, especially since I was muttering away to myself. Maybe after several days of being exposed to that level of heat, you simply go crazy. I seemed to be well on my way. We found our way to a bar and had a cold drink and enjoyed an afternoon of Karaoke with some locals.
Our next port was St. Martin and was another extremely hot day. On this day, instead of muttering to myself, I was simply drained of any energy I was supposed to have. I could barely move, and was a bit irritable (just ask Neal, poor thing)! We still managed to spend several hours wondering around and made a few stops at bars along the way. I think I might have suffered a little heat stroke, ‘cause once we got back to the cabin, I took a shower and was out cold until Neal woke me for dinner, and then after dinner, I went right back to bed and stayed there ‘til morning.
Yesterday, we were in St. Thomas, and since it’s a US port, we had the wonderful pleasure of going through US Immigration before anyone could leave the ship. I waited in line for over an hour. Once I showed my passport to the Immigration officer, she said that I was the only American passenger on the ship. Amazing. I’m on a P&O ship, the Ventura, and it’s a British cruise line. Neal said I was probably the only American on board, but I didn’t believe him until the Immigration officer confirmed it!
Today we’re in Antigua and Neal’s doing laundry and I’m blogging. We do plan to have a little look around the town for a couple hours. I’m on a mission to find some black hair products, ‘cause I know once I get back to the UK that will be a challenge.
Wish me luck!
Glo.
Much to my surprise, we were headed to several Caribbean Islands with our final port being Barbados. First of all, I did not pack the right clothes. I’ve done about four transatlantic cruises and usually the weather is iffy, and often cold and rainy. However, the route from Tenerife landed us in the most amazing, sunny weather. I didn’t even have a bathing suit. The challenging part of this journey has been the five sea days in a row right at the beginning of the voyage. Once I hit the shops and bought some beach wear, I found my self sitting up on deck, working on my tan, and adopting the persona of a slug. I read, I slept, and I ate to the point of chronic boredom.
Just when I thought I wouldn’t be able to take another day of lounging around the pool, we arrived in St. Lucia, and again, I had the distinct sensation of wanting to kiss the ground. I lived in Florida for almost 8 years so I’m used to the hot weather, but nothing could have prepared me for the heat I experienced in St. Lucia. It was so hot that it was a little scary. I found myself muttering away to myself in disbelief as the sweat was pouring out of places I didn’t know I had places. During our walk I noticed a guy standing on a corner muttering to himself and I was wondering if this was a common effect of the heat, especially since I was muttering away to myself. Maybe after several days of being exposed to that level of heat, you simply go crazy. I seemed to be well on my way. We found our way to a bar and had a cold drink and enjoyed an afternoon of Karaoke with some locals.
Our next port was St. Martin and was another extremely hot day. On this day, instead of muttering to myself, I was simply drained of any energy I was supposed to have. I could barely move, and was a bit irritable (just ask Neal, poor thing)! We still managed to spend several hours wondering around and made a few stops at bars along the way. I think I might have suffered a little heat stroke, ‘cause once we got back to the cabin, I took a shower and was out cold until Neal woke me for dinner, and then after dinner, I went right back to bed and stayed there ‘til morning.
Yesterday, we were in St. Thomas, and since it’s a US port, we had the wonderful pleasure of going through US Immigration before anyone could leave the ship. I waited in line for over an hour. Once I showed my passport to the Immigration officer, she said that I was the only American passenger on the ship. Amazing. I’m on a P&O ship, the Ventura, and it’s a British cruise line. Neal said I was probably the only American on board, but I didn’t believe him until the Immigration officer confirmed it!
Today we’re in Antigua and Neal’s doing laundry and I’m blogging. We do plan to have a little look around the town for a couple hours. I’m on a mission to find some black hair products, ‘cause I know once I get back to the UK that will be a challenge.
Wish me luck!
Glo.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Hangin' Out With My Future In-Laws
When Neal arrived home on Friday morning after leaving me on my own for 11 days, we knew we only had the weekend to get everything in order so that we can both leave on Tuesday morning and start ship-hopping for the next month. We have been running around non-stop until yesterday when we took a moment to exhale. We slowed down enough to spend the day with my future in-laws on The Isle of Wight, which is the Norman Rockwell-esque community that Neal and his Brother, Chris, grew up in.
You have to take a ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to The Isle of Wight and it was a very pleasant 40-minute journey ... we slept the entire time. As soon as we cleared the ferry, Neal pulls over and it's my turn to drive. It's time to see if those driving lessons paid off. Unbelievably, I was driving like I've been driving in the UK my whole life, that is, of course, after I realized I was driving in the wrong lane. But, once I got that straight, I was driving like a pro. Neal had to admit that the lessons were worth every dime, and he seemed quite impressed with my newly acquired driving skills. We drove over to his dad's house in a town called Shanklin, and the first order of business was to have a cup of tea. I love how the men of England can talk of having tea while sitting in a garden without the fear of having their man-hood questioned! Then we had a little pre-lunch stroll to the seaside cliffs and for the end of October, the weather has been quite mild and we were blessed to have a beautifully sunny day.
The seaside was great. Then it was off to meet Barbara, the neighbor of over 40 years, at The Conservative Club. This is a social club for one of the UK's political parties of which Neal's dad is a member. We each had a traditional Sunday roast. Mine was lamb and besides getting a great upper-body workout trying to cut the lamb, my meal was great. The meal also came with Yorkshire Pudding. Now, the name gives you the idea that it is a dessert and that it should be thick and creamy. NOT. It's bread made of flour and egg. It tastes amazing, especially if you cover it in gravy ... well, let's face it, everything tastes better covered in either gravy, bacon or cheese.
After lunch and great conversation, we went by Barbara's to see her new bungalow. After 40 plus years of being the O'Connell's neighbor, she has moved across the Island to a smaller place. For a little old lady, she's got pretty awesome taste. Her home was still in that "just moved in" state, but her furniture was classic and extroadinary. The type of craftmanship that you just can't find these days. I'm looking forward to visiting her again when everything is in place.
From there we headed to a special church service that was remembering those who had passed on. Neal's mom passed earlier this year and we were invited to honor her memory. Neal's brother Chris, joined us and it was a very nice service. Then it was back to Neal's dad's house for more tea and a sweet.
We ended our awesome day on the Isle of Wight with Neal´s brother´s family. Of course we started the visit with more tea and a little adult conversation, before Millie & Ellis joined us to update us on the goings on of the UK teenager. Millie´s a little dancing queen and Ellis is a brainiac! Millie and I are definitely kindred spirits both having a flair for the dramatic, though I think Millie´s got me beat by a mile. If there´s not an Oscar in that girl´s future, I´d be very surprised! After we got caught up on each other´s lives, it was off to the pub for dinner. The kid´s talked me into a cheeseburger with bacon (really, it didn´t take that much convincing) and it was soooooo good. I had to keep an eye on Millie who was keeping her eye on my pint. She wanted to know if it was as refreshing as the commercials say it is, and I convinced her to take my word for it, it was!!
Finally, we made the mad dash back to the docks to catch the 10p ferry home to Waterlooville. It was a pleasant 40-minute journey, we slept the entire time!
Glo.
You have to take a ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to The Isle of Wight and it was a very pleasant 40-minute journey ... we slept the entire time. As soon as we cleared the ferry, Neal pulls over and it's my turn to drive. It's time to see if those driving lessons paid off. Unbelievably, I was driving like I've been driving in the UK my whole life, that is, of course, after I realized I was driving in the wrong lane. But, once I got that straight, I was driving like a pro. Neal had to admit that the lessons were worth every dime, and he seemed quite impressed with my newly acquired driving skills. We drove over to his dad's house in a town called Shanklin, and the first order of business was to have a cup of tea. I love how the men of England can talk of having tea while sitting in a garden without the fear of having their man-hood questioned! Then we had a little pre-lunch stroll to the seaside cliffs and for the end of October, the weather has been quite mild and we were blessed to have a beautifully sunny day.
The seaside was great. Then it was off to meet Barbara, the neighbor of over 40 years, at The Conservative Club. This is a social club for one of the UK's political parties of which Neal's dad is a member. We each had a traditional Sunday roast. Mine was lamb and besides getting a great upper-body workout trying to cut the lamb, my meal was great. The meal also came with Yorkshire Pudding. Now, the name gives you the idea that it is a dessert and that it should be thick and creamy. NOT. It's bread made of flour and egg. It tastes amazing, especially if you cover it in gravy ... well, let's face it, everything tastes better covered in either gravy, bacon or cheese.
After lunch and great conversation, we went by Barbara's to see her new bungalow. After 40 plus years of being the O'Connell's neighbor, she has moved across the Island to a smaller place. For a little old lady, she's got pretty awesome taste. Her home was still in that "just moved in" state, but her furniture was classic and extroadinary. The type of craftmanship that you just can't find these days. I'm looking forward to visiting her again when everything is in place.
From there we headed to a special church service that was remembering those who had passed on. Neal's mom passed earlier this year and we were invited to honor her memory. Neal's brother Chris, joined us and it was a very nice service. Then it was back to Neal's dad's house for more tea and a sweet.
We ended our awesome day on the Isle of Wight with Neal´s brother´s family. Of course we started the visit with more tea and a little adult conversation, before Millie & Ellis joined us to update us on the goings on of the UK teenager. Millie´s a little dancing queen and Ellis is a brainiac! Millie and I are definitely kindred spirits both having a flair for the dramatic, though I think Millie´s got me beat by a mile. If there´s not an Oscar in that girl´s future, I´d be very surprised! After we got caught up on each other´s lives, it was off to the pub for dinner. The kid´s talked me into a cheeseburger with bacon (really, it didn´t take that much convincing) and it was soooooo good. I had to keep an eye on Millie who was keeping her eye on my pint. She wanted to know if it was as refreshing as the commercials say it is, and I convinced her to take my word for it, it was!!
Finally, we made the mad dash back to the docks to catch the 10p ferry home to Waterlooville. It was a pleasant 40-minute journey, we slept the entire time!
Glo.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My Weekend in London - Day Two
I can’t think of a better way to have started my second day in London than a wake-up call from Neal. We had a lovely chat ... Neal was heading off on his own adventure to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. So far I hadn't seen my host, Johnny Jay. I got the key from his doorman when I arrived on Friday, and returned home pretty late after “Sister Act.”
So my plan for Saturday was to do very “English” things, so I started out by having a traditional English breakfast at a pub just down the street from Johnny’s flat. So this traditional English breakfast is quite a feast consisting of barely toasted toast, hash browns, baked beans, sausages (not those skinny ones we get in the states), bacon, a fried egg, 1 mushroom, and a strangely prepared slice of tomato. As difficult as it was, I managed to eat the entire breakfast except for the strangely prepared tomato.
Then it was off to The Tube station to head to the West End to pick up my ticket to see the matinee of “Billy Elliott.” This was a much less complicated Tube ride than Friday’s. I only had to transfer trains once. I arrived at Victoria Station and found my way to The Victoria Palace Theatre with no problem. After getting my ticket, I decided to take a stroll. Again, I walked until I actually heard my left knee cursing me out. By that time I had wandered to what I dubbed “Designer Row” in the Chelsea/Knight’s Bridge area. There they were, Versace, Gucci, Prada and many, many more. I was pretty sure I would be arrested by the fashion police if I actually made eye contact with anyone so I kept my head down looking at my no-name Wal-Mart trainers in utter shame. Once I lifted my head, I was at the famed Hyde Park. Just as I was going to walk into the park’s gates I stole a little glace at my watch. To much surprise and horror, it was 1:30p and “Billy Elliott” started at 2:30p and I had absolutely no idea where I was in relation to the theater.
I am blessed with a good sense of direction and was pretty sure I was headed in the right direction to get back to Victoria Palace, but I couldn’t chance walking. Thankfully, there’s a Tube station practically on every corner so I headed for the nearest one and like a pro, found my way to Victoria Station just in time to hit the pub and have a pint before the show. Whoa, that was very Bri’ish! Oh Lord, I’m already dropping my “T’s”!
After downing a pint of Strongbow and a bag of crisps (that’s chips in American), I found my seat and waited anxiously for the show to start. So, where “Sister Act” was all glitz and glamour, “Billy Elliott” was all grime and grit! “Sister Act,” overtly American, “Billy Elliott,” very British. There was so much of the dialogue that I just didn’t get. By the second day in London I had gotten cheap so I didn’t buy a program so I don’t know the actor’s name who played Billy, but he was pretty fabulous. A pint-sized triple threat. He sang, he danced, he acted and did it all with ease! The show did feel long and had some political moments involving Margaret Thatcher that I could have lived without, but overall, I enjoyed the show. I’m not sure if having ice cream during intermission is a traditional British thing to do, but I did have the spoonful of ice cream that cost me 3 pounds (about $4.50), and it was good!
I thought I would return to the same pub that I went to before the show to have fish ‘n chips, but it seems everyone who left the theatre had that same idea, so Plan B was to head back to Putney and have dinner near Johnny’s place. So my final traditional British task was to eat of meal of fish ‘n chips. I went to The Boat House, had another pint, and had the most wonderful meal, except for the “mashed peas” they served with the fish ‘n chips. Hey, I like sweet peas so I figured I’d like mushy peas … NOT! Me no likey.
Thankfully, I only had to walk a couple steps to Johnny’s building, ‘cause I was stuffed like a pig, and my legs were about to revolt. It was only about 7:00 p when I got home and still no Johnny sighting. I decided to read the book I’ve been trying to finish since last Thanksgiving until Johnny came home. By about 7:30p I was sound asleep and the book was still unfinished. I finally woke up about 10:30p to wash up for bed, and then I passed out again ‘til morning.
Sunday morning I was feeling all of my 43 years and finally, a Johnny sighting. He was heading off to a meeting, but he had a few minutes for coffee and the reader’s digest version of the Neal & Glo engagement story!
Finally, about mid-day I was on a train headed out of London and back to reality. My weekend was exhausting, stimulating, inspiring, fun and definitely an adventure. My next adventure starts in a week when I will begin a month of ship-hoping with Neal.
Stay tuned …
So my plan for Saturday was to do very “English” things, so I started out by having a traditional English breakfast at a pub just down the street from Johnny’s flat. So this traditional English breakfast is quite a feast consisting of barely toasted toast, hash browns, baked beans, sausages (not those skinny ones we get in the states), bacon, a fried egg, 1 mushroom, and a strangely prepared slice of tomato. As difficult as it was, I managed to eat the entire breakfast except for the strangely prepared tomato.
Then it was off to The Tube station to head to the West End to pick up my ticket to see the matinee of “Billy Elliott.” This was a much less complicated Tube ride than Friday’s. I only had to transfer trains once. I arrived at Victoria Station and found my way to The Victoria Palace Theatre with no problem. After getting my ticket, I decided to take a stroll. Again, I walked until I actually heard my left knee cursing me out. By that time I had wandered to what I dubbed “Designer Row” in the Chelsea/Knight’s Bridge area. There they were, Versace, Gucci, Prada and many, many more. I was pretty sure I would be arrested by the fashion police if I actually made eye contact with anyone so I kept my head down looking at my no-name Wal-Mart trainers in utter shame. Once I lifted my head, I was at the famed Hyde Park. Just as I was going to walk into the park’s gates I stole a little glace at my watch. To much surprise and horror, it was 1:30p and “Billy Elliott” started at 2:30p and I had absolutely no idea where I was in relation to the theater.I am blessed with a good sense of direction and was pretty sure I was headed in the right direction to get back to Victoria Palace, but I couldn’t chance walking. Thankfully, there’s a Tube station practically on every corner so I headed for the nearest one and like a pro, found my way to Victoria Station just in time to hit the pub and have a pint before the show. Whoa, that was very Bri’ish! Oh Lord, I’m already dropping my “T’s”!
After downing a pint of Strongbow and a bag of crisps (that’s chips in American), I found my seat and waited anxiously for the show to start. So, where “Sister Act” was all glitz and glamour, “Billy Elliott” was all grime and grit! “Sister Act,” overtly American, “Billy Elliott,” very British. There was so much of the dialogue that I just didn’t get. By the second day in London I had gotten cheap so I didn’t buy a program so I don’t know the actor’s name who played Billy, but he was pretty fabulous. A pint-sized triple threat. He sang, he danced, he acted and did it all with ease! The show did feel long and had some political moments involving Margaret Thatcher that I could have lived without, but overall, I enjoyed the show. I’m not sure if having ice cream during intermission is a traditional British thing to do, but I did have the spoonful of ice cream that cost me 3 pounds (about $4.50), and it was good!
I thought I would return to the same pub that I went to before the show to have fish ‘n chips, but it seems everyone who left the theatre had that same idea, so Plan B was to head back to Putney and have dinner near Johnny’s place. So my final traditional British task was to eat of meal of fish ‘n chips. I went to The Boat House, had another pint, and had the most wonderful meal, except for the “mashed peas” they served with the fish ‘n chips. Hey, I like sweet peas so I figured I’d like mushy peas … NOT! Me no likey.
Thankfully, I only had to walk a couple steps to Johnny’s building, ‘cause I was stuffed like a pig, and my legs were about to revolt. It was only about 7:00 p when I got home and still no Johnny sighting. I decided to read the book I’ve been trying to finish since last Thanksgiving until Johnny came home. By about 7:30p I was sound asleep and the book was still unfinished. I finally woke up about 10:30p to wash up for bed, and then I passed out again ‘til morning.
Sunday morning I was feeling all of my 43 years and finally, a Johnny sighting. He was heading off to a meeting, but he had a few minutes for coffee and the reader’s digest version of the Neal & Glo engagement story!
Finally, about mid-day I was on a train headed out of London and back to reality. My weekend was exhausting, stimulating, inspiring, fun and definitely an adventure. My next adventure starts in a week when I will begin a month of ship-hoping with Neal.
Stay tuned …
Monday, October 19, 2009
My Weekend in London - Day One
I woke up Friday morning ready for my adventure running around London on my own. The first challenge, however, was getting there.
Taxis, Trains & The Tube …
It’s amazing how a simple thing like phoning a taxi can seem so daunting when you’re in a foreign country. So, I nervously call “Andi Cabs” and with the timidity blaring through my American accent, I manage to order the taxi and it arrived right on time!
I had a fantastic cab driver. We laughed and cracked jokes all the way to the train station, which was great ‘cause it kept my mind of my next scary task … buying a train ticket. I made Neal walk me through what I needed to say and he swore there would be a person at a ticket booth from whom I could buy my ticket. There was a booth, but no person. Then I spot them … these very complicated looking automated ticket machines. Let’s face it, none of us enjoy looking like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we certainly don’t want to look foolish. There I am staring at the machine, experiencing a private summer from the heat of looking foolish, and I have no idea what to do.
Taxis, Trains & The Tube …
It’s amazing how a simple thing like phoning a taxi can seem so daunting when you’re in a foreign country. So, I nervously call “Andi Cabs” and with the timidity blaring through my American accent, I manage to order the taxi and it arrived right on time!
I had a fantastic cab driver. We laughed and cracked jokes all the way to the train station, which was great ‘cause it kept my mind of my next scary task … buying a train ticket. I made Neal walk me through what I needed to say and he swore there would be a person at a ticket booth from whom I could buy my ticket. There was a booth, but no person. Then I spot them … these very complicated looking automated ticket machines. Let’s face it, none of us enjoy looking like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we certainly don’t want to look foolish. There I am staring at the machine, experiencing a private summer from the heat of looking foolish, and I have no idea what to do.
Finally, someone takes pity on me and walks me through pushing the right buttons and then out pops a ticket and I’m good to go … or at least I thought I was. As soon as I turn to walk onto the platform I’m confronted with gates that are closed and I again have no idea what to do. Then I remembered all the other trains I’ve successfully boarded around Europe and most of them you have to run your ticket through a slot in order for the gate to open onto the platform. So I ever so coolly look for this slot, and bingo, there is one and I’m now safely on the platform.
I was already ready for a pint and I hadn’t left the train station yet. The train ride was great. The London exit is called “Waterloo,” and needless to say I couldn’t get that tune out of my head. You know the one, ‘cause it’s now going through your head. Sorry.
Neal had arranged for me to stay at his friend Johnny Jay’s place in the Putney area of London, so once I got to the Waterloo station I had to follow Johnny’s instructions to get to his flat. Listen at me sounding all British! Thanks to great directions, I arrived at Johnny’s flat, aka, the lap of luxury, with no problem. This place was fabulous. Here’s the view from my bedroom window … nice huh? As difficult as it was, I managed to pull myself away from the lap of luxury and head off to The Tube to find my way to the London Palladium to pick up my tickets for the 7:30p show of “Sister Act.”I guess navigating your way through the subway system is a lot like riding a bike ‘cause in no time at all I was figuring out where I needed to connect to different lines in order to make my way to my destination. My stop was “Oxford Circus” and up to this point, moving through the train system was just as ordinary as walking around Milwaukee. A manageable amount of people, no big deal. Then, I found my way out of the station onto Oxford Circus and the word circus could not have been more fitting. I couldn’t believe the amount of people. I sometimes like to listen to what I call “conversation fragments” and one fragment that rang through to me just as I was trying to cross the street without getting killed was … “I hate London.” I couldn’t help but laugh cause at that very moment, I was completely enamored with it! I instantly picked up my walking pace to keep with the flow of traffic and before long I was knocking people over right along with the rest of them!
I found the theatre and picked up my ticket, then headed off to do some shopping. Turns out I was in the perfect area for that. Amazingly, I managed to not spend any money. Okay, I did spend some, but only in LUSH where they sell homemade cosmetics, soaps, etc.
I walked my legs off ‘til about 6p when I finally crashed at a Starbucks for a pick-me-up before the show. The people-watching was fantastic. The Café Mocha gave me just the boost I needed and at 7p I headed to the theatre. On my way inside, there was a huge group of “Nuns” preparing to go in as well. I tried to resist, but to know avail. I had to have a picture with them.
I took my seat next to Barbara and Helen from Liverpool (home of the Beatles) and as soon as the curtain rose on Sister Act it was ON! The show was fabulous. The set was extremely high-tech with moving parts and pieces flying in and stuff dropping into the floor … really cool. The star of the show, Patina Miller, who I’m pretty sure is my cousin, was too amazing for words. She commanded the stage from start to finish! Another highlight was Ako Mitchell who played Eddie the cop. He had some “steal-the-show” moments. And, I can’t forget Sister Mary Patrick (the hyper, high note singing one), played by Claire Greenway. She was as good as the actress who played the character in the movie, if not better!
The show let out about 10:30p and the streets were still heaving with people. I’m not sure how this happened, but I found myself in line at McDonald’s ordering a Big Mac meal. It’s probably been 2 years since I’ve had a Big Mac, but for some reason that seemed like the perfect late night meal to have after seeing such an awesome show … and it was!!!
So, with my stomach sufficiently stuffed, I navigated my way back through The Tube and found my way home to rest my weary self and wake up refreshed for day two of my London adventure … more on that tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Survived My First Driving Lesson
Roundabouts, piece of cake!!! So I survived my first driving lesson and it was definitely easier learning from a complete stranger than trying to be taught by Neal. My lesson was a great start to the day and then I headed off on the bus to Portsmouth. What a sense of accomplishment to find my way there and back without getting lost.
My first stop was a shopping/dining/living area called Gunwharf Quay. I've been there before with Neal, but was so excited to have found it on my own. They had lots of sales on at the shops, but I didn't buy anything, even though there was a red dress that I can't stop thinking about. After having lunch, I walked through Portsmouth to a shopping center called The Cascades. I was doing my wifely duty of exchanging a gift that Neal bought for his best friend's son.
I was headed home just as the kids were getting out of school and all I could think about was Harry Potter! LOL! All the kids looked like extras from the movie with their little ties on and crisp white shirts. They were just missing those black robes and wands! I also have to mentioned the two ladies who sat just behind me on the bus ... from the smell of them, I think they spent the afternoon in the local pub ... LOL! Definitely a liquid lunch.
Well, that's it for today. I'll have another installment after my London weekend. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliott" or "Sister Act" in the Westend. I saw an advert for "Sister Act" today and it looks fabulous. My friend Evan says he saw "Billy Elliott" and loved it. What's your vote?
'Til Next time ...
Glo.
My first stop was a shopping/dining/living area called Gunwharf Quay. I've been there before with Neal, but was so excited to have found it on my own. They had lots of sales on at the shops, but I didn't buy anything, even though there was a red dress that I can't stop thinking about. After having lunch, I walked through Portsmouth to a shopping center called The Cascades. I was doing my wifely duty of exchanging a gift that Neal bought for his best friend's son.
I was headed home just as the kids were getting out of school and all I could think about was Harry Potter! LOL! All the kids looked like extras from the movie with their little ties on and crisp white shirts. They were just missing those black robes and wands! I also have to mentioned the two ladies who sat just behind me on the bus ... from the smell of them, I think they spent the afternoon in the local pub ... LOL! Definitely a liquid lunch.
Well, that's it for today. I'll have another installment after my London weekend. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliott" or "Sister Act" in the Westend. I saw an advert for "Sister Act" today and it looks fabulous. My friend Evan says he saw "Billy Elliott" and loved it. What's your vote?
'Til Next time ...
Glo.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
First Day of Exploring on my Own!
Last night was my first night in my UK home and let me just say that I'm not used to the house noises. I probably sat up in bed 12 times thinking someone was coming up the stairs ... it didn't help that I watched a documentary about Jack the Ripper right before I went to bed. Yeah, I just couldn't make myself stop watching it. Hopefully tonight will be a bit better.
I have to pause here and tell you about the amazing sunset I'm seeing just outside my kitchen window. Pink, purple, yellow, and some patches of blue are filling the sky right now. Awesome!
Anyway, I decided to venture outside today and take a look around my new neighborhood. I'm not driving yet (I have driving lessons set up for Wednesday and Thursday), so I had to to explore on foot. I live in Waterlooville which is a very small town south of London. The city center is more like a strip mall so there's not much to it. I did, however, manage to spend a fair amount of money.
The weather today was beautiful and I really enjoyed my wander around town. I found a grocery store that sold baked-chicken flavored potato chips (crisps as they're called over here). I tried them and they are frickin awesome!!!
After my driving lesson tomorrow, I may venture onto a city bus into Portsmouth which is the nearest big town. To be honest, the only place I really want to go is Asda's which is the UK's version of Wal-Mart! It's not nearly as big as what we have in the states, but it will do. I want to do some decorating while Neal's away and I know I can find what I want at Asda's. If my lessons go well, I may venture there on Thursday. Neal bought a GPS for me, so I'll hopefully get to put it to use.
I'm headed to London over the weekend and my plan is the do some shopping (of course), have some fish 'n chips, and see a show in the West End. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliot."
I'll let you know how my lesson goes tomorrow!
Cheerio!
Glo.
I have to pause here and tell you about the amazing sunset I'm seeing just outside my kitchen window. Pink, purple, yellow, and some patches of blue are filling the sky right now. Awesome!
Anyway, I decided to venture outside today and take a look around my new neighborhood. I'm not driving yet (I have driving lessons set up for Wednesday and Thursday), so I had to to explore on foot. I live in Waterlooville which is a very small town south of London. The city center is more like a strip mall so there's not much to it. I did, however, manage to spend a fair amount of money.
The weather today was beautiful and I really enjoyed my wander around town. I found a grocery store that sold baked-chicken flavored potato chips (crisps as they're called over here). I tried them and they are frickin awesome!!!
After my driving lesson tomorrow, I may venture onto a city bus into Portsmouth which is the nearest big town. To be honest, the only place I really want to go is Asda's which is the UK's version of Wal-Mart! It's not nearly as big as what we have in the states, but it will do. I want to do some decorating while Neal's away and I know I can find what I want at Asda's. If my lessons go well, I may venture there on Thursday. Neal bought a GPS for me, so I'll hopefully get to put it to use.
I'm headed to London over the weekend and my plan is the do some shopping (of course), have some fish 'n chips, and see a show in the West End. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliot."
I'll let you know how my lesson goes tomorrow!
Cheerio!
Glo.
Greetings from the UK!
If you haven’t heard by now, I’m getting married. FINALLY … LOL! I was engaged to Neal Austin on June 29th and I seem to have been caught up in a whirlwind that is still spinning quite fast! Since June 29th I have finished recording my CD, quit my day job, performed my last gig of the year, and temporarily moved to England. See what I mean about the whirlwind?
I have decided to blog my adventures while in the UK and wanted to invite you to come along on for the ride. All future blog entries will be available by subscription only. If you would like to subscribe to my blog so that you are automatically alerted when I’ve made a new entry, please click the subscribe button.
I’m on hiatus from performing ‘til the beginning of next year, however, I am still adding the finishing touches to my CD which is now scheduled for March, 2010 release. We are in the mixdown/mastering phase and it’s going great. Please stay tuned for additional information on my CD release.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
I have decided to blog my adventures while in the UK and wanted to invite you to come along on for the ride. All future blog entries will be available by subscription only. If you would like to subscribe to my blog so that you are automatically alerted when I’ve made a new entry, please click the subscribe button.
I’m on hiatus from performing ‘til the beginning of next year, however, I am still adding the finishing touches to my CD which is now scheduled for March, 2010 release. We are in the mixdown/mastering phase and it’s going great. Please stay tuned for additional information on my CD release.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
**SPECIAL EDITION** Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 13 "Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk"
In honor of my mom, Christine Miller, and the countless others who are living with Alzheimer's, I am determined to make a difference in the fight against this disease. By participating in the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® on Saturday, October 3rd, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.
Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of the disease.
I want to do my part to fight this disease, but I need to ask for your support! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. Please visit my fundraising website: http://MemoryWalk09.kintera.org/milwaukee/gloriamiller and make your donations directly to the Alzheimer's Association on-line. Any amount you donate is greatly appreciated. Also, if you'd like to join my team and walk with me, you can sign-up right online. That would be awesome!
On behalf of the millions of Americans who are living with this disease thank you for supporting my efforts. We're on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s! Please stay tuned to future editions of my newsletter for updates on my fundraising efforts and highlights of the Memory Walk coming up on Saturday, October 3rd!
That's it for this week! As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts, rants or general opinions! Hope to see you at Memory Walk, and again, thanks for your support!
Glo.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 12
Welcome to my weekly newsletter providing you with a little glimpse into the world of Gloria Miller Music!I’m baaaaaaaaack! Did you miss me?
I apologize for being so silent over the past several weeks. My absence has been for good reason though. As you know, I’m releasing a CD this year and I officially started recording it on May 19th. My band and I started with recording the basic tracks … keys, bass and drums … recording everything live with me doing “reference” vocals. I am blessed to have some of Milwaukee’s finest musicians playing on my CD. Scott “Buttermilk” Currier on keys as well as assisting with arrangements; Chris Mell on drums and Jon Matelski on three different types of bass (electric, fretless and upright) … Awesome!
Once the basic tracks were recorded, I had Jeff “Mush Mouth” Kuliga come in and record percussion. I wasn’t there for his session and when I
finally got a chance to hear what he did, I was floored. Jeff has an arsenal or over 100 instruments from around the world, so I’m not quite sure what he was using to make the magic he made, but I love it! That’s why it’s so fun playing gigs with him … I never know what new toy he’s gonna pull out of his bag of tricks!
I’ve had three sessions where I recorded background vocals. I’m doing all the background vocal parts and let me tell you, sometimes it gets quite confusing trying remember what part you’re recording. Glen, my engineer, can attest to that! There were times when I was supposed to be recording the alto part and ended up singing the tenor part … LOL! I had an awesome time arranging the background vocals, which I do in my head … yeah, it’s scary in there! The weird thing about arranging in your head is that in theory, everything sounds awesome, perfect even … however, when you start actually singing parts out loud, things can get a little tricky. Glen has done an amazing job creating a relaxed environment where you can test out your theories to create something magical. The vocals we ended up with sound great!
There’s still lots to do on the project, and my hope is to be done by the end of June, mid-July at the very latest. On my way to the studio this past Tuesday I had a pep talk with myself giving myself permission to relax and to take whatever time is necessary to make the best CD possible. I realized that I was imposing these “deadlines” on myself which was stressing me out. Now, I’m cool …
So, 7 songs are recorded and I have 2 more to do, maybe 3. I’m thinking about recording a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Scott and I have developed a killer version of this song which has evolved over the past year or so that we have been working together. Now, every time we perform it we look at each other with that “we need to record this song” grin on our faces. What do you think? Should I include it? Your input would be greatly appreciated here … hopefully, you’ll help me make up my mind!
Next steps will be to get Mark Rattner in to record guitar; Janet Schiff will lay cello parts; Glen Quarrie is adding alto and tenor sax, and Scott has a few finishing touches to add. This Saturday I’m going to start recording “real” lead vocals which will take us into the home stretch!
So, that’s why you haven’t heard from me in so long. I’m back on track now and will keep you updated with “Glo’s Week in Review” every week! Stay tuned … Follow this link to view a slideshow of my studio antics ... http://www.slide.com/r/wlomjedf6D-4RKlmWZufuOlQnwpTZfqD?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original.
I apologize for being so silent over the past several weeks. My absence has been for good reason though. As you know, I’m releasing a CD this year and I officially started recording it on May 19th. My band and I started with recording the basic tracks … keys, bass and drums … recording everything live with me doing “reference” vocals. I am blessed to have some of Milwaukee’s finest musicians playing on my CD. Scott “Buttermilk” Currier on keys as well as assisting with arrangements; Chris Mell on drums and Jon Matelski on three different types of bass (electric, fretless and upright) … Awesome!
Once the basic tracks were recorded, I had Jeff “Mush Mouth” Kuliga come in and record percussion. I wasn’t there for his session and when I
finally got a chance to hear what he did, I was floored. Jeff has an arsenal or over 100 instruments from around the world, so I’m not quite sure what he was using to make the magic he made, but I love it! That’s why it’s so fun playing gigs with him … I never know what new toy he’s gonna pull out of his bag of tricks!I’ve had three sessions where I recorded background vocals. I’m doing all the background vocal parts and let me tell you, sometimes it gets quite confusing trying remember what part you’re recording. Glen, my engineer, can attest to that! There were times when I was supposed to be recording the alto part and ended up singing the tenor part … LOL! I had an awesome time arranging the background vocals, which I do in my head … yeah, it’s scary in there! The weird thing about arranging in your head is that in theory, everything sounds awesome, perfect even … however, when you start actually singing parts out loud, things can get a little tricky. Glen has done an amazing job creating a relaxed environment where you can test out your theories to create something magical. The vocals we ended up with sound great!
There’s still lots to do on the project, and my hope is to be done by the end of June, mid-July at the very latest. On my way to the studio this past Tuesday I had a pep talk with myself giving myself permission to relax and to take whatever time is necessary to make the best CD possible. I realized that I was imposing these “deadlines” on myself which was stressing me out. Now, I’m cool …
So, 7 songs are recorded and I have 2 more to do, maybe 3. I’m thinking about recording a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Scott and I have developed a killer version of this song which has evolved over the past year or so that we have been working together. Now, every time we perform it we look at each other with that “we need to record this song” grin on our faces. What do you think? Should I include it? Your input would be greatly appreciated here … hopefully, you’ll help me make up my mind!
Next steps will be to get Mark Rattner in to record guitar; Janet Schiff will lay cello parts; Glen Quarrie is adding alto and tenor sax, and Scott has a few finishing touches to add. This Saturday I’m going to start recording “real” lead vocals which will take us into the home stretch!
So, that’s why you haven’t heard from me in so long. I’m back on track now and will keep you updated with “Glo’s Week in Review” every week! Stay tuned … Follow this link to view a slideshow of my studio antics ... http://www.slide.com/r/wlomjedf6D-4RKlmWZufuOlQnwpTZfqD?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original.
The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network is hosting our 4th monthly networking meeting and we have a wonderful evening planned for our members and guests. For more details about this organization, please visit: http://www.milwaukeemusician.com/.
Here are the details of the meeting:
Tuesday, June 23rd – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Baby Grand Piano Bar
The Baby Grand Piano Bar
11302 W. Bluemound Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226-4030
Wauwatosa, WI 53226-4030
P: (414) 778-1577
If you are involved in any capacity with the Milwaukee area music scene, please plan on attending and learning more about MAMN. RSVP BY: Monday, June 22nd. Email or call Stephanie at 262.293.3527 or http://www.steph@o2mproductions.com/.
Well, that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 11
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you with a little glimpse into the world of Gloria Miller Music!
I know you've been waiting with betted breath for this edition of Glo's Week in Review." Sorry for the delay, but I'm changing it's release day to Sunday instead of Wednesday. I'm a lot more focused on Sundays after usually sleeping in on Saturday recharging myself physically, and going to church on Sunday recharging myself spiritually! So, here we go ...
Featured Gig
I will be making my debut on Saturday, May 9th at Andrew's @ The Delafield Hotel, performing with Scott Currier on keys. Looking for something to do that night? Come and join The Gloria Miller Duo as we perform your favorite Jazz, Blues and R&B songs with a few surprises thrown in to keep the night interesting. Scott and I will also be previewing a couple tunes from my upcoming CD. You don't want to miss this great night of entertainment. Here are the details ...
Saturday, May 9th
7p - 11p
Andrew's Bar & Restaurant
The Delafield Hotel
415 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
http://www.thedelafieldhotel.com/
Scott and I are looking forward to seeing you there on May 9th! Mark your calendars!!!
MAMN
Let me say that singing in front of people is so much easier than speaking in front of them. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to conduct MAMN's second monthly meeting solo. The meeting was held on April 28th at The Jazz Estate and that entire day I was a nervous wreck. Trying to remember everything that I needed to bring and all the info I wanted to cover was a challenge. It helped that I am very organized and I that I live most of my life pulling things together at the last minute. I was able to have everything ready and set up before the first of our 15 guests arrived.
The meeting went great. Our guest speaker, Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com shared some incredible insight into social networking and gave us a sneak preview into his social networking site, http://www.sonicjive.com/, and outlined some of the many new features that will be rolling out this Fall, including a new name, http://www.jivewired.com/. If you are a musician and don't have a Sonicjive page setup yet, do it today! There will be some amazing profit-sharing opportunities exclusive to members joining before the Fall rollout.
Also, if you are also a member of MAMN, Sonicjive will host your website for free. Just one of the many benefits of membership in MAMN. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 26th (location TBD). Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we work to unite musicians, venues and providers of professional entertainment in the Milwaukee area to position our work to be on the cutting edge of the world's music scene!
CD Project
I can't believe it's already May and I have yet to get into the studio to get my project done. I started working on it in June of last year and really thought it would be done by now! Oh well. I'm trying to put out the best release that I can and that's taking time. We are close, though. Next week we have two rehearsals scheduled and the following week we should be ready to start recording.
In last week's issue I mentioned that we would be using a cello player on the CD. Honestly, at that time that was a sheer statement of faith 'cause I had no idea who that cellist would be. You see, I didn't know any cellists! But, thanks to my friend Cheryl who stopped by my house on Friday, April 24th to drop off a flyer to go to an "Art Walk" in Wauwatosa, I found a cellist!
My friend Georgie and I were chillin' at my house gabbing a mile a minute (as we often do) when Cheryl stopped by on her way up north to drop off the flyer. Georgie and I decided to go and headed over the Wauwatosa. Long story short, as we're walking into the Underwood Gallery, there sits this beautiful woman with a beautiful cello and I whack Georgie on the arm nearly knocking her over 'cause I doubt she weights 100lbs soaking wet ... LOL! As I'm steadying Georgie, I proclaim, "There's my cello player!" Not wanting to freak the cellist out, I hover towards the back of the room while she's finishing up a song. As soon as she was done I pounced ... introducing myself, begging her to consider playing on my CD and getting her business card … all in one breath 'cause I was so excited, LOL!
To make things even more fantastic, the music she was playing was all original and fabulous. (I'm just as excited reliving it ... so much so that I've forgotten to tell you her name. Janet Schiff.) Anyway, she said that she would be able to write the cello part for me, not just play it. I nearly fell over! While tiny Georgie was trying desperately to steady me, I shamelessly gushed over Janet and told her I'd be in touch. YAY ... I have a cellist!
If you'd like a sample of Janet's work, visit her website: http://www.cellojanet.com/.
What is so exciting about my CD project is that I'm using all Milwaukee talent and there are some of the best musicians working in this town! I have Scott Currier on keys and helping with arrangements; Jon Matelski on bass; Chris Mell on drums; and Janet on cello. Also, my recording engineer, Glen Quarrie also plays a mean tenor sax so he'll be lending his flavor to the project too! I'm still trying to tie down a guitarist. Oh, how can I forget?... I have Jeff Kuliga throwing down some killer percussion. And that rounds out the project.
As always, I will keep you posted on how the CD is shaping up!
Mirrors of Desire
Just a quick reminder for you to get your ticket for my Milwaukee theatrical debut as I join some amazing Broadway singers in the reading of "Mirrors of Desire," written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy. Here are the details ...
Mirrors of Desire
LaCage
Monday, May 11th - 8p
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20. Contact me to reserve your ticket or visit http://www.mirrorsofdesire.net/ to purchase your ticket online.
Well, that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
I know you've been waiting with betted breath for this edition of Glo's Week in Review." Sorry for the delay, but I'm changing it's release day to Sunday instead of Wednesday. I'm a lot more focused on Sundays after usually sleeping in on Saturday recharging myself physically, and going to church on Sunday recharging myself spiritually! So, here we go ...
Featured Gig
I will be making my debut on Saturday, May 9th at Andrew's @ The Delafield Hotel, performing with Scott Currier on keys. Looking for something to do that night? Come and join The Gloria Miller Duo as we perform your favorite Jazz, Blues and R&B songs with a few surprises thrown in to keep the night interesting. Scott and I will also be previewing a couple tunes from my upcoming CD. You don't want to miss this great night of entertainment. Here are the details ...
Saturday, May 9th
7p - 11p
Andrew's Bar & Restaurant
The Delafield Hotel
415 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
http://www.thedelafieldhotel.com/
Scott and I are looking forward to seeing you there on May 9th! Mark your calendars!!!
MAMN
Let me say that singing in front of people is so much easier than speaking in front of them. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to conduct MAMN's second monthly meeting solo. The meeting was held on April 28th at The Jazz Estate and that entire day I was a nervous wreck. Trying to remember everything that I needed to bring and all the info I wanted to cover was a challenge. It helped that I am very organized and I that I live most of my life pulling things together at the last minute. I was able to have everything ready and set up before the first of our 15 guests arrived.
The meeting went great. Our guest speaker, Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com shared some incredible insight into social networking and gave us a sneak preview into his social networking site, http://www.sonicjive.com/, and outlined some of the many new features that will be rolling out this Fall, including a new name, http://www.jivewired.com/. If you are a musician and don't have a Sonicjive page setup yet, do it today! There will be some amazing profit-sharing opportunities exclusive to members joining before the Fall rollout.
Also, if you are also a member of MAMN, Sonicjive will host your website for free. Just one of the many benefits of membership in MAMN. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 26th (location TBD). Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we work to unite musicians, venues and providers of professional entertainment in the Milwaukee area to position our work to be on the cutting edge of the world's music scene!
CD Project
I can't believe it's already May and I have yet to get into the studio to get my project done. I started working on it in June of last year and really thought it would be done by now! Oh well. I'm trying to put out the best release that I can and that's taking time. We are close, though. Next week we have two rehearsals scheduled and the following week we should be ready to start recording.
In last week's issue I mentioned that we would be using a cello player on the CD. Honestly, at that time that was a sheer statement of faith 'cause I had no idea who that cellist would be. You see, I didn't know any cellists! But, thanks to my friend Cheryl who stopped by my house on Friday, April 24th to drop off a flyer to go to an "Art Walk" in Wauwatosa, I found a cellist!
My friend Georgie and I were chillin' at my house gabbing a mile a minute (as we often do) when Cheryl stopped by on her way up north to drop off the flyer. Georgie and I decided to go and headed over the Wauwatosa. Long story short, as we're walking into the Underwood Gallery, there sits this beautiful woman with a beautiful cello and I whack Georgie on the arm nearly knocking her over 'cause I doubt she weights 100lbs soaking wet ... LOL! As I'm steadying Georgie, I proclaim, "There's my cello player!" Not wanting to freak the cellist out, I hover towards the back of the room while she's finishing up a song. As soon as she was done I pounced ... introducing myself, begging her to consider playing on my CD and getting her business card … all in one breath 'cause I was so excited, LOL!
To make things even more fantastic, the music she was playing was all original and fabulous. (I'm just as excited reliving it ... so much so that I've forgotten to tell you her name. Janet Schiff.) Anyway, she said that she would be able to write the cello part for me, not just play it. I nearly fell over! While tiny Georgie was trying desperately to steady me, I shamelessly gushed over Janet and told her I'd be in touch. YAY ... I have a cellist!
If you'd like a sample of Janet's work, visit her website: http://www.cellojanet.com/.
What is so exciting about my CD project is that I'm using all Milwaukee talent and there are some of the best musicians working in this town! I have Scott Currier on keys and helping with arrangements; Jon Matelski on bass; Chris Mell on drums; and Janet on cello. Also, my recording engineer, Glen Quarrie also plays a mean tenor sax so he'll be lending his flavor to the project too! I'm still trying to tie down a guitarist. Oh, how can I forget?... I have Jeff Kuliga throwing down some killer percussion. And that rounds out the project.
As always, I will keep you posted on how the CD is shaping up!
Mirrors of Desire
Just a quick reminder for you to get your ticket for my Milwaukee theatrical debut as I join some amazing Broadway singers in the reading of "Mirrors of Desire," written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy. Here are the details ...
Mirrors of Desire
LaCage
Monday, May 11th - 8p
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20. Contact me to reserve your ticket or visit http://www.mirrorsofdesire.net/ to purchase your ticket online.
Well, that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 10
FEATURED PERFORMANCE
Mirrors of Desire, a dark musical comedy, is the story of one man’s journey towards forgiveness, redemption and enlightenment, written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy.
Save the date:
Monday, May 11
LaCage
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20
Visit: www.mirrorsofdesire.net to purchase your ticket.
Cocktails start @ 6p; the preview starts @ 8p and then they’ll be a DJ from 9:30p until close.
I am thrilled to be a part of this preview. We’ve already had a couple rehearsals and this show promises to be an emotional journey that you don’t want to miss! Get your ticket today!
SPEAKING OF BILLY KIRCHEN …
I had a great time sitting in with Billy at The Baby Grand on Sunday, April 19th. We did a few duets, including an impromptu “The Way We Were.” Billy is an amazing Broadway singer and it’s such a pleasure to listen to him perform.
Billy and James Chudy wrote a beautiful song, “Only Love” that they asked me to take a listen to and see if I would like to sing it. At first, I wasn’t sure about the song because when I first heard the song it wasn’t in my “key” so I couldn’t really get the feel for it. Then Billy sent me an MP3 of the song in the perfect range for me, and every time I would sing it, I fell more in love with the song. Finally, I sent him an email asking if I could include it on my CD. And he said yes. Wait ‘til you hear this song. It’s awesome. I sang it twice on Sunday … LOL! (Billy made me … LOL)! I think “Only Love” is the perfect song to close out the CD. It just may become my “signature song!”
BELWAH CAFÉ SHOW UPDATE
On Friday, April 17th I had the pleasure of performing at The Belwah Café @ Beloit Inn with my Quartet! It was awesome. We started out playing outside, but as soon as the sun set it was freezing outside. So, during our first break we headed inside to finish out the night. Thankfully, they fed us ‘cause after having to set up twice for the same gig, we needed a little sustenance. Beloit is a little over an hour from Milwaukee, so it’s a bit of a drive, but the great crowd and getting to work with my Quartet made the trip totally worth it!
We made quite an impression out there, because they have already asked us back for five more dates over the course of the summer … YAY!
CD PROJECT
We are just a couple weeks from actually being in the studio. I have my core musicians all set to record the basic tracks, then we will go back in to record the guitar, vocals, cello (yes, we’re going all out here), and some funky Latin grooves courtesy of Jeff Kuliga! I have Scott Currier on Keys, Jon Matelski on Bass, and Chris Mell on Drums. Scott and I are meeting one more time before we have one or two rehearsals with the band, and then it’s on … to the studio we go! I’m getting more and more excited about the project. This is my second CD, but the first one where I’ve been this involved with selecting the musicians, and the songs, everything really. It’s fun being in charge … LOL! (And quite stressful!)
MAMN
The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network (MAMN) will be hosting its monthly networking meeting on Tuesday, April 28th @ The Jazz Estate (http://www.jazzestate.com/).If you are a musician, venue or music professional, please plan on joining us. Our guest speakers will be Brian Sanders of The Jazz Estate and Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com (http://www.sonicjive.com/). Here are the details …
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, April 28th6p – 8p
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-9923
http://www.jazzestate.com/
Free pizza will be provided by Transfer Pizzeria Café (http://www.transfermke.com/) one of our sponsors. Please RSVP by Monday, April 27 by email (steph@O2Mproductions.com) or by phone (262-293-3527) if you plan on attending.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Mirrors of Desire, a dark musical comedy, is the story of one man’s journey towards forgiveness, redemption and enlightenment, written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy.
Save the date:
Monday, May 11
LaCage
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20
Visit: www.mirrorsofdesire.net to purchase your ticket.
Cocktails start @ 6p; the preview starts @ 8p and then they’ll be a DJ from 9:30p until close.
I am thrilled to be a part of this preview. We’ve already had a couple rehearsals and this show promises to be an emotional journey that you don’t want to miss! Get your ticket today!
SPEAKING OF BILLY KIRCHEN …
I had a great time sitting in with Billy at The Baby Grand on Sunday, April 19th. We did a few duets, including an impromptu “The Way We Were.” Billy is an amazing Broadway singer and it’s such a pleasure to listen to him perform.
Billy and James Chudy wrote a beautiful song, “Only Love” that they asked me to take a listen to and see if I would like to sing it. At first, I wasn’t sure about the song because when I first heard the song it wasn’t in my “key” so I couldn’t really get the feel for it. Then Billy sent me an MP3 of the song in the perfect range for me, and every time I would sing it, I fell more in love with the song. Finally, I sent him an email asking if I could include it on my CD. And he said yes. Wait ‘til you hear this song. It’s awesome. I sang it twice on Sunday … LOL! (Billy made me … LOL)! I think “Only Love” is the perfect song to close out the CD. It just may become my “signature song!”
BELWAH CAFÉ SHOW UPDATE
On Friday, April 17th I had the pleasure of performing at The Belwah Café @ Beloit Inn with my Quartet! It was awesome. We started out playing outside, but as soon as the sun set it was freezing outside. So, during our first break we headed inside to finish out the night. Thankfully, they fed us ‘cause after having to set up twice for the same gig, we needed a little sustenance. Beloit is a little over an hour from Milwaukee, so it’s a bit of a drive, but the great crowd and getting to work with my Quartet made the trip totally worth it!
We made quite an impression out there, because they have already asked us back for five more dates over the course of the summer … YAY!
CD PROJECT
We are just a couple weeks from actually being in the studio. I have my core musicians all set to record the basic tracks, then we will go back in to record the guitar, vocals, cello (yes, we’re going all out here), and some funky Latin grooves courtesy of Jeff Kuliga! I have Scott Currier on Keys, Jon Matelski on Bass, and Chris Mell on Drums. Scott and I are meeting one more time before we have one or two rehearsals with the band, and then it’s on … to the studio we go! I’m getting more and more excited about the project. This is my second CD, but the first one where I’ve been this involved with selecting the musicians, and the songs, everything really. It’s fun being in charge … LOL! (And quite stressful!)
MAMN
The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network (MAMN) will be hosting its monthly networking meeting on Tuesday, April 28th @ The Jazz Estate (http://www.jazzestate.com/).If you are a musician, venue or music professional, please plan on joining us. Our guest speakers will be Brian Sanders of The Jazz Estate and Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com (http://www.sonicjive.com/). Here are the details …
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, April 28th6p – 8p
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-9923
http://www.jazzestate.com/
Free pizza will be provided by Transfer Pizzeria Café (http://www.transfermke.com/) one of our sponsors. Please RSVP by Monday, April 27 by email (steph@O2Mproductions.com) or by phone (262-293-3527) if you plan on attending.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 9
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you with a little glimpse into the world of Gloria Miller Music!
Cocktails start at 6p; the show starts at 8p and there will be a DJ from 9:30p 'til close. Email me @ gloria@gloriamillermusic.com to reserve your ticket.
Lastly, I wanted to share a web-site with you that may be helpful if you or someone you love has ever struggled with substance abuse or has been physically or mentally abused: www.myspace.com/wearesafe.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Piano Blu
It was so great performing with my Trio this past Friday @ Piano Blu. There was a great crowd out on Good Friday and the dance floor was packed. We even got a request to do some Salsa, so Jeff Kuliga, who really is the King of Latin on the drums (in my humble opinion), took Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale” from standard Swing to sexy Salsa! Caliente!
CD Project
Scott and I met again this week to work on the arrangement for “Your Touch” which is one of 12 original songs I wrote for the project. As Scott and I go through each song, we try to categorize the song, e.g., Bossa, Swing, etc. However, this song can only be categorized as “Sexy Chocolate.” LOL! It’s not Rated “R,” but its close. Nah, I’m just kidding. It’s full of subtleties and innuendo, and YES, very sexy.
MAMN
The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network (MAMN) will be hosting its monthly networking meeting on Tuesday, April 28th @ The Jazz Estate (http://www.jazzestate.com/).
If you are a musician, venue or music professional, please plan on joining us. Our guest speakers will be Brian Sanders of The Jazz Estate and Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com (http://www.sonicjive.com/). Here are the details …
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, April 28th
6p – 8p
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-9923
http://www.jazzestate.com/
Free pizza will be provided by Transfer Pizzeria Café (http://www.transfermke.com/) one of our sponsors. Please RSVP by Monday, April 27 by email (steph@O2Mproductions.com) or by phone (262-293-3527) if you plan on attending.
Reminder
It was so great performing with my Trio this past Friday @ Piano Blu. There was a great crowd out on Good Friday and the dance floor was packed. We even got a request to do some Salsa, so Jeff Kuliga, who really is the King of Latin on the drums (in my humble opinion), took Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale” from standard Swing to sexy Salsa! Caliente!
CD Project
Scott and I met again this week to work on the arrangement for “Your Touch” which is one of 12 original songs I wrote for the project. As Scott and I go through each song, we try to categorize the song, e.g., Bossa, Swing, etc. However, this song can only be categorized as “Sexy Chocolate.” LOL! It’s not Rated “R,” but its close. Nah, I’m just kidding. It’s full of subtleties and innuendo, and YES, very sexy.
MAMN
The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network (MAMN) will be hosting its monthly networking meeting on Tuesday, April 28th @ The Jazz Estate (http://www.jazzestate.com/).If you are a musician, venue or music professional, please plan on joining us. Our guest speakers will be Brian Sanders of The Jazz Estate and Mike Canter of Sonicjive.com (http://www.sonicjive.com/). Here are the details …
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, April 28th
6p – 8p
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-9923
http://www.jazzestate.com/
Free pizza will be provided by Transfer Pizzeria Café (http://www.transfermke.com/) one of our sponsors. Please RSVP by Monday, April 27 by email (steph@O2Mproductions.com) or by phone (262-293-3527) if you plan on attending.
Reminder
Save the date:
Mirror of Desire
Monday, May 11th
@ LaCage
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20
Cocktails start at 6p; the show starts at 8p and there will be a DJ from 9:30p 'til close. Email me @ gloria@gloriamillermusic.com to reserve your ticket.
Lastly, I wanted to share a web-site with you that may be helpful if you or someone you love has ever struggled with substance abuse or has been physically or mentally abused: www.myspace.com/wearesafe.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 8
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you a quick look into what's currently happening with Gloria Miller Music!
Wow, it’s been three weeks since my last newsletter. There’s lots to cover so let’s get started!
PIANO BLU
Let me start by saying how exciting I am to heading back to Piano Blu on Friday, April 10th. So far this year I’ve only performed as a Duo. I’m sure this is a direct result of what’s happening in the economy. Well, Piano Blu marks my first gig this year with my full band! Yep, Gloria Miller & The Glo Trio are back! So, if you’re looking for something to do this Friday, join us at Piano Blu. We start @ 9p and the dance floor will be open.
MAMN’S DEBUT
I am happy to report that the first monthly meeting of the Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network was a huge success. YAY! We had about 20 people come to check us out, including musicians, singers, booking agents and venue owners. This is exactly who MAMN wants to bring together to put Milwaukee back on the “music” map as being a viable, thriving hub of great entertainment.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Transfer Pizza, Bucketworks (http://www.bucketworks.org/), and O2M Productions (http://www.o2mproductions.com/) for being a strong foundation of us to come out strong for our first meeting. We had several people join MAMN and will be holding our next monthly meeting on April 28, 6p @ The Jazz Estate. Plus, our first committee meeting is in the works to start getting our members involved.
If you are a musician, entertainer, venue owner/manager or other music professional, please join us on April 28 to see what MAMN is all about.
CHICAGO GETAWAY
Wow, it’s been three weeks since my last newsletter. There’s lots to cover so let’s get started!
PIANO BLULet me start by saying how exciting I am to heading back to Piano Blu on Friday, April 10th. So far this year I’ve only performed as a Duo. I’m sure this is a direct result of what’s happening in the economy. Well, Piano Blu marks my first gig this year with my full band! Yep, Gloria Miller & The Glo Trio are back! So, if you’re looking for something to do this Friday, join us at Piano Blu. We start @ 9p and the dance floor will be open.
MAMN’S DEBUT
I am happy to report that the first monthly meeting of the Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network was a huge success. YAY! We had about 20 people come to check us out, including musicians, singers, booking agents and venue owners. This is exactly who MAMN wants to bring together to put Milwaukee back on the “music” map as being a viable, thriving hub of great entertainment.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Transfer Pizza, Bucketworks (http://www.bucketworks.org/), and O2M Productions (http://www.o2mproductions.com/) for being a strong foundation of us to come out strong for our first meeting. We had several people join MAMN and will be holding our next monthly meeting on April 28, 6p @ The Jazz Estate. Plus, our first committee meeting is in the works to start getting our members involved.
If you are a musician, entertainer, venue owner/manager or other music professional, please join us on April 28 to see what MAMN is all about.
CHICAGO GETAWAY
On Saturday, April 4, I went to Chicago to be with my God-daughter Kayla to celebrate her 14th birthday. We went to see the Alvin Ailey dancers and they were absolutely amazing. That was my first time seeing them in person, I’d only seen them either on TV or DVD. If you are not familiar with them, please check out their website (http://www.alvinailey.org/) to learn more.
CD PROJECT
I am very fortunate to be able to work with some of the best musicians in the Milwaukee area and Scott Currier is one of them. He has graciously agreed to work with me on my CD project and we had a meeting this week on the songs I’ll be recording. We brainstormed and came up with some fabulous production ideas. I’ve been working on this project for several months and it was great having Scott’s perspective on the songs ‘cause my perspective is a bit jaded ‘cause I’m just too close to the project. After our meeting I felt excited, energized and ready to get started.
Over the next couple weeks we’ll be working out the final song arrangements and putting the musicians together. YAY, we’re really on our way!
GLO OF ALL TRADES
Okay, so you know I’m a jazz singer right? And in a previous life, I dabbled in Broadway/Musical Theatre-style singing when I worked on cruise ships. Well, I’m thrilled to be getting the opportunity to venture back into this genre and be a part of the preview of selections from the musical Mirrors of Desire written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy. Mirrors of Desire, a dark musical comedy, is the story of one man’s journey towards forgiveness, redemption and enlightenment.
Save the date:
Mirrors of Desire
I am very fortunate to be able to work with some of the best musicians in the Milwaukee area and Scott Currier is one of them. He has graciously agreed to work with me on my CD project and we had a meeting this week on the songs I’ll be recording. We brainstormed and came up with some fabulous production ideas. I’ve been working on this project for several months and it was great having Scott’s perspective on the songs ‘cause my perspective is a bit jaded ‘cause I’m just too close to the project. After our meeting I felt excited, energized and ready to get started.
Over the next couple weeks we’ll be working out the final song arrangements and putting the musicians together. YAY, we’re really on our way!
GLO OF ALL TRADES
Okay, so you know I’m a jazz singer right? And in a previous life, I dabbled in Broadway/Musical Theatre-style singing when I worked on cruise ships. Well, I’m thrilled to be getting the opportunity to venture back into this genre and be a part of the preview of selections from the musical Mirrors of Desire written by Billy Kirchen and James Chudy. Mirrors of Desire, a dark musical comedy, is the story of one man’s journey towards forgiveness, redemption and enlightenment.
Save the date:
Mirrors of Desire
Monday, May 11th
LaCage
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20
Cocktails start @ 6p; the preview starts @ 8p and then they’ll be a DJ from 9:30p until close.
I am excited to be working with such talented singers and musicians and I feel very challenged by the material that I’m being asked to perform. I’ll be stretching here folks and you don’t want to miss it! If you are interested in joining us for what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment, please contact me for more info or to get your ticket.
That's it for this week!
LaCage
801 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI
Tickets are $20
Cocktails start @ 6p; the preview starts @ 8p and then they’ll be a DJ from 9:30p until close.
I am excited to be working with such talented singers and musicians and I feel very challenged by the material that I’m being asked to perform. I’ll be stretching here folks and you don’t want to miss it! If you are interested in joining us for what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment, please contact me for more info or to get your ticket.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 7
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you a quick look into what's currently happening with Gloria Miller Music!
Okay, so it turns out the third time is not a charm ... LOL! I just can't seem to find a format that I like and want to stick with. So, I'm back to combining the newsletter with my blog. This allows me to not only share my weekly shananigans with those of you who are on my mailing list, but also to my friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.
So, here we go ...
UPDATE FROM THE BAYOU
On Friday, March 13, Sam Steffke and I were Back at the Bayou! What a great place to perform and this time I had some food. WOW. Very good. I had a Shrimp Poboy and I had about 15 minutes to eat it in between sets. Besides having to swallow a few burps during the second set the sandwich was amazing and I'm looking forward to hitting the Bayou again when I'm not performing so I can indulge in the Jambalaya. Care to join me? Just say when and I'm there ... LOL!
We also had a people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries so I found myself singing happy birthday a couple times, and serenading couples with their favorite song for their anniversary. Here's one birthday girl, Tracy (second from the left) with her boyfriend, sister and me.
CD PROJECT
I have to admit this project is stressing me out. I'm coordinating the musicians, the studio, and working on the song arrangements. That's a lot to juggle and sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed. On Monday, I came very close to simply throwing in the towel and calling it quits. Thanks to Joel Osteen's very encouraging "free" podcasts ... specifically the one entitled "You're Closer than you Think," I was encouraged to keep moving forward and not to grow "weary in well doing."
Okay, so it turns out the third time is not a charm ... LOL! I just can't seem to find a format that I like and want to stick with. So, I'm back to combining the newsletter with my blog. This allows me to not only share my weekly shananigans with those of you who are on my mailing list, but also to my friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.
So, here we go ...
UPDATE FROM THE BAYOU
On Friday, March 13, Sam Steffke and I were Back at the Bayou! What a great place to perform and this time I had some food. WOW. Very good. I had a Shrimp Poboy and I had about 15 minutes to eat it in between sets. Besides having to swallow a few burps during the second set the sandwich was amazing and I'm looking forward to hitting the Bayou again when I'm not performing so I can indulge in the Jambalaya. Care to join me? Just say when and I'm there ... LOL!
We also had a people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries so I found myself singing happy birthday a couple times, and serenading couples with their favorite song for their anniversary. Here's one birthday girl, Tracy (second from the left) with her boyfriend, sister and me.
CD PROJECT
I have to admit this project is stressing me out. I'm coordinating the musicians, the studio, and working on the song arrangements. That's a lot to juggle and sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed. On Monday, I came very close to simply throwing in the towel and calling it quits. Thanks to Joel Osteen's very encouraging "free" podcasts ... specifically the one entitled "You're Closer than you Think," I was encouraged to keep moving forward and not to grow "weary in well doing."
I met with Scott Currier who's playing the piano on the project and helping me with the song arrangements, so at least I feel like we're making some progress. I'm actually still writing songs for the project. Since I'm not booked to perform this weekend, I'll use that time to work on the last two songs.
WEARING OF THE GREEN
I'm not Irish, but that didn't stop me from celebrating St. Patrick's Day! The best thing about the day was how warm it was in Milwaukee. It was sunny and that fact alone was enough to make you want to celebrate. Anyway, after work my friend Cheryl and I headed over to "McBob's" for a traditional Corn Been 'n Cabbage boiled dinner. I didn't have any "green" beer, but there was plenty of it floating around the place. Then I headed over the Transfer Pizzeria & Cafe (http://www.transfermke.com/) to "audition" to get booked, but there were so many singer's there, it turned into a regular JAM session. Another great singer, Brenda Smith (www.myspace.com/besmith3) was there and she brought the house down. Crooner Jerry Grillo (http://www.jerrygrillo.com/) was there wowing the crowd with his awesome vocals, and then there was me trying to hold my own up against these amazing performers. I gave it a good effort ... LOL! My friend Georgie met me there and then we headed off to swing dance.
WEARING OF THE GREEN
I'm not Irish, but that didn't stop me from celebrating St. Patrick's Day! The best thing about the day was how warm it was in Milwaukee. It was sunny and that fact alone was enough to make you want to celebrate. Anyway, after work my friend Cheryl and I headed over to "McBob's" for a traditional Corn Been 'n Cabbage boiled dinner. I didn't have any "green" beer, but there was plenty of it floating around the place. Then I headed over the Transfer Pizzeria & Cafe (http://www.transfermke.com/) to "audition" to get booked, but there were so many singer's there, it turned into a regular JAM session. Another great singer, Brenda Smith (www.myspace.com/besmith3) was there and she brought the house down. Crooner Jerry Grillo (http://www.jerrygrillo.com/) was there wowing the crowd with his awesome vocals, and then there was me trying to hold my own up against these amazing performers. I gave it a good effort ... LOL! My friend Georgie met me there and then we headed off to swing dance.
Georgie has been inviting me to go swing dancing for weeks and I finally worked up the nerve to go. Swing is usually held at The Milwaukee Ale House, but because of St. Patrick's day, it was moved to The Warehouse. I honestly had only planned to be a spectator, but before I knew it I was on the dance floor. Apparently, I'm an old man magnet 'cause every old man in the room seemed to find his way to me and ask me to dance ... LOL! Finally, a young one grabs me to dance and I couldn't help feeling a bit like a pedofile every time he put his arms around my waist. He was a mere child! LOL. Really, I had a great time and can't wait to go again.
If you're interested in learning how to Swing dance, Maureen Majeski teaches lessons in various locations around the Miilwaukee area. Check out her website for more info (http://www.jumpinjiveclub.com/). Maybe I'll see you at the Ale House next Tuesday!
MAMN
Just a reminder that the Milwaukee Area Musicians Network will be holding it's first networking meeting on Tuesday, March 24th! Here are the details ...
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
6p - 8p
@ Bucketworks
1340 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 305-1324
If you're interested in learning how to Swing dance, Maureen Majeski teaches lessons in various locations around the Miilwaukee area. Check out her website for more info (http://www.jumpinjiveclub.com/). Maybe I'll see you at the Ale House next Tuesday!
MAMN
Just a reminder that the Milwaukee Area Musicians Network will be holding it's first networking meeting on Tuesday, March 24th! Here are the details ...
MAMN Networking Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
6p - 8p
@ Bucketworks
1340 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 305-1324
http://www.buckworks.org/
This event is being sponsored by Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, O2M Productions & Bucketworks.
If you are a musician in the Milwaukee area, please plan on joining us for what promises to be a great kickoff meeting and a continue source of valuable information regarding the local music scene. To RSVP, email steph@O2mproductions.com.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
This event is being sponsored by Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, O2M Productions & Bucketworks.
If you are a musician in the Milwaukee area, please plan on joining us for what promises to be a great kickoff meeting and a continue source of valuable information regarding the local music scene. To RSVP, email steph@O2mproductions.com.
That's it for this week!
Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!
Glo.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 5
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you a quick look into what's currently happening with Gloria Miller Music!
Let's get started ...
Let's get started ...
I will be performing at Hotel Metro this coming Saturday. Here are the details ...
Hotel Metro
Saturday, March 7th @ 9p.m.
411 E. Mason Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-1937
Hope to see you there!
So much has happened in the past week that I hardly know where to begin. Okay, here goes … You may recall that I was scheduled to be in the studio on February 21st to start recording the vocals for my upcoming CD release. Well, a few days before my session, Glen Quarrie, Owner & Engineer of the Sound Quarry Studio where I'm recording calls me and says that we need talk. This makes me just a bit nervous and after a little game of phone tag, we finally catch up to each other. Long story short, he didn’t feel that the music that my record company had produced was exactly what I was expecting and thought that instead of my session being a “recording” session, we should make it a “listening” session. I agreed.
By the time that Saturday rolled around I had picked up a last minute gig and ended up rescheduling our listening session to the following Tuesday. I get to the studio, Glen and I sit down with a nice cup of tea and we start listening. First we listen to some of the current projects that Glen is working on. Then we get to my project and I’m unpleasantly surprised at what I’m hearing. Glen is right. The way the music was sounding was not what I was expecting and I could slowly feel the wind going out of my sails as we discussed how to get the project back on track.
I’ve been in a few conversations with my record company and they are very much in partnership with me to release a project that we can all be thrilled with. The situation in my mind has boiled down to this … either Tate Music Group will re-record the music in their studios in Oklahoma or, they will allow me to record the entire project here in Milwaukee. I expressed to them that I want to record the project here with musicians who I know will get the job done! Stay tuned to see what happens. I will know one way or the other by the end of the week!
Friday, February 27th I performed at Bayou Cajun Restaurant and Lounge and it was such a great gig. I had Sam Steffke with me on keys and got a fantastic surprise when my sax player, Lyn Lewandowski walked in. Most of my gigs last year were with my Quartet which included Lyn. However, so far this year I’ve mostly been performing as a Duo. It was so nice having Lyn sit in with her Alto Sax -- she really spiced up the night!
I also had some friends who I’ve become friends with through Facebook come to the show that night … Madelaine and John. They are performers as well so I invited them to sing and they did “Embraceable You.” At the very end of the song Madelaine pulled out this teeny beany “Ewe” and placed it on John’s shoulder. It was very cute. The next morning I was still giggling about the little Ewe.
That brings me to tonight. My friend Georgie and I went to the Spreenkler networking meeting held at Bucketworks where we were able to get some great information on some of the creative things going on in the Milwaukee area. If you’d like to learn more about Spreenkler and their networking event, please visit their website: http://www.spreenkler.com/.
Also, I am co-founder of a new organization called the
Milwaukee Area Musicians Network (MAMN) and we are holding our first meeting on Monday, March 24 @ Bucketworks. Here are the details:
MAMN Networking Meeting
Monday, March 24th
6p – 8p
Bucketworks
1340 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
The other co-founders of this organization are Stephanie Wagner of O2M Productions (http://www.o2mproductions.com/) and Tracy Anderson (http://www.organizemeplease.net/).
If you are a musician in the Milwaukee area, please plan on attending this networking event to learn more about us and to become a part of what we’re doing. Also, if you are on Facebook, please join our MAMN Group: http://www.facebook.com/events.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=51694007010.
I’ve been in a few conversations with my record company and they are very much in partnership with me to release a project that we can all be thrilled with. The situation in my mind has boiled down to this … either Tate Music Group will re-record the music in their studios in Oklahoma or, they will allow me to record the entire project here in Milwaukee. I expressed to them that I want to record the project here with musicians who I know will get the job done! Stay tuned to see what happens. I will know one way or the other by the end of the week!
Friday, February 27th I performed at Bayou Cajun Restaurant and Lounge and it was such a great gig. I had Sam Steffke with me on keys and got a fantastic surprise when my sax player, Lyn Lewandowski walked in. Most of my gigs last year were with my Quartet which included Lyn. However, so far this year I’ve mostly been performing as a Duo. It was so nice having Lyn sit in with her Alto Sax -- she really spiced up the night!
I also had some friends who I’ve become friends with through Facebook come to the show that night … Madelaine and John. They are performers as well so I invited them to sing and they did “Embraceable You.” At the very end of the song Madelaine pulled out this teeny beany “Ewe” and placed it on John’s shoulder. It was very cute. The next morning I was still giggling about the little Ewe.
That brings me to tonight. My friend Georgie and I went to the Spreenkler networking meeting held at Bucketworks where we were able to get some great information on some of the creative things going on in the Milwaukee area. If you’d like to learn more about Spreenkler and their networking event, please visit their website: http://www.spreenkler.com/.
Also, I am co-founder of a new organization called the
Milwaukee Area Musicians Network (MAMN) and we are holding our first meeting on Monday, March 24 @ Bucketworks. Here are the details:MAMN Networking Meeting
Monday, March 24th
6p – 8p
Bucketworks
1340 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
The other co-founders of this organization are Stephanie Wagner of O2M Productions (http://www.o2mproductions.com/) and Tracy Anderson (http://www.organizemeplease.net/).
If you are a musician in the Milwaukee area, please plan on attending this networking event to learn more about us and to become a part of what we’re doing. Also, if you are on Facebook, please join our MAMN Group: http://www.facebook.com/events.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=51694007010.
If you haven't done so already, please join my Facebook Musician Page. Here's the link: www.facebook.com/pages/Gloria-Miller-Music/9486129890. We are up to 103 Fans. YAY!
Thank you so much for your continued support and I welcome your thoughts, comments or rants. Join the conversation!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 4
Welcome to my new weekly newsletter providing you a quick look into what's currently happening with Gloria Miller Music!
Let's get started ...
This Friday, February 27, I’ll be performing at Bayou Cajun Restaurant and lounge. Here are the details …
Friday, February 27th @ 7 p.m.
Bayou Cajun Restaurant & Grill
2060 N. Humboldt Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 431-1511
www.bayoumilwaukee.com
Featuring Sam Steffke on Keys!
This past Saturday, February 21, I performed at Centennial Bar & Grille for the first time and it went great. It was such a pleasure performing with Hal Miller (Bass) and John Hefter (Keys). For that night we decided
that we would all go by the last name “Miller” and I would introduce Hal and John as my cousins. Just to give you a slight visual, here’s a pic of John. Hal’s coloring is of a similar nature so the audience had a lot of fun with us … and trust me, we milked the whole cousin thing for laughs the entire night!
Many cities around the world have gone “smoke-free,” however, Milwaukee has not fully jumped on the band wagon with this concept so I am including a link where you can take action for smoke-free workplaces in Wisconsin. I urge you to take action and spread the word!
Click on the link below: https://secure3.convio.net/ctfk/site/Advocacy?_oo=kHJYhRPz_EhwNz6dXyAyqw..&id=325
A couple times a month I am blessed to get the opportunity to sing for the elderly and on Friday, February 20, I performed at Aurora Adult Day Center. For this center I’m usually the birthday act and we sing, dance and generally have a fabulous time. Here’s me with a couple of the birthday girls. I’ve been singing at Aurora since last summer so we have a growing list of favorites that I have to do every time I’m there. Of course, I have to do the Birthday song, and there’s no way I can leave that place without singing “Amazing Grace.” Every one in the place joins in on this one, including the staff!
On Sunday morning I went to my sister and bro-in-law’s new church, International House of Faith, where they serve as pastors. Admittedly, it had been a while since I’ve been to church and I really have no excuse. The service was so beautiful and I cried through most of it. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a heathen … LOL … or if I was just caught up in the Spirit! I choose to believe the latter. So, if you’re looking for a place of worship in the Milwaukee area, check out their website: http://www.heavensgateministries.net/.
In today’s economy there are just a few things that you can buy for under a buck. Music is one of them. Did you know that my music is available on I-Tunes? For just $0.99 you can download one of my songs. Visit: www.gloriamillermusic.com/music to download!
If you haven’t already done so, please join my Facebook Musician page: www.facebook.com/pages/Gloria-Miller-Music/9486129890. My goal is to grow this page to 1,000 fans. So far the count in 89. You can help me reach 100 fans by next week.
Well, that's it for this week.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and/or rants. Or, if you just want to give a "shout out" I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time ...
Glo!
http://www.gloriamillermusic.com/
Let's get started ...
This Friday, February 27, I’ll be performing at Bayou Cajun Restaurant and lounge. Here are the details …
Friday, February 27th @ 7 p.m.
Bayou Cajun Restaurant & Grill
2060 N. Humboldt Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 431-1511
www.bayoumilwaukee.com
Featuring Sam Steffke on Keys!
This past Saturday, February 21, I performed at Centennial Bar & Grille for the first time and it went great. It was such a pleasure performing with Hal Miller (Bass) and John Hefter (Keys). For that night we decided
that we would all go by the last name “Miller” and I would introduce Hal and John as my cousins. Just to give you a slight visual, here’s a pic of John. Hal’s coloring is of a similar nature so the audience had a lot of fun with us … and trust me, we milked the whole cousin thing for laughs the entire night!Many cities around the world have gone “smoke-free,” however, Milwaukee has not fully jumped on the band wagon with this concept so I am including a link where you can take action for smoke-free workplaces in Wisconsin. I urge you to take action and spread the word!
Click on the link below: https://secure3.convio.net/ctfk/site/Advocacy?_oo=kHJYhRPz_EhwNz6dXyAyqw..&id=325
A couple times a month I am blessed to get the opportunity to sing for the elderly and on Friday, February 20, I performed at Aurora Adult Day Center. For this center I’m usually the birthday act and we sing, dance and generally have a fabulous time. Here’s me with a couple of the birthday girls. I’ve been singing at Aurora since last summer so we have a growing list of favorites that I have to do every time I’m there. Of course, I have to do the Birthday song, and there’s no way I can leave that place without singing “Amazing Grace.” Every one in the place joins in on this one, including the staff!On Sunday morning I went to my sister and bro-in-law’s new church, International House of Faith, where they serve as pastors. Admittedly, it had been a while since I’ve been to church and I really have no excuse. The service was so beautiful and I cried through most of it. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a heathen … LOL … or if I was just caught up in the Spirit! I choose to believe the latter. So, if you’re looking for a place of worship in the Milwaukee area, check out their website: http://www.heavensgateministries.net/.
In today’s economy there are just a few things that you can buy for under a buck. Music is one of them. Did you know that my music is available on I-Tunes? For just $0.99 you can download one of my songs. Visit: www.gloriamillermusic.com/music to download!
If you haven’t already done so, please join my Facebook Musician page: www.facebook.com/pages/Gloria-Miller-Music/9486129890. My goal is to grow this page to 1,000 fans. So far the count in 89. You can help me reach 100 fans by next week.
Well, that's it for this week.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and/or rants. Or, if you just want to give a "shout out" I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time ...
Glo!
http://www.gloriamillermusic.com/
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 3 - Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Let me start by thanking all of you who came to my Valentine's Day show at Twist 'N Olive. We had a standing room only crowd, thanks in part to the efforts of Tracy Anderson, who has been helping me with booking and promoting my shows!
My next performance is at Centennial Bar & Grille. Here are the details ...
The Gloria Miller Trio
My good friend Jeannine Rivers, an amazing singer in the Milwaukee area, asked me to fill in for her as she's recovering from vocal rest, so I get to work with her fabulous musicians. I've actually worked with John Hefter (piano) before, but this will be my first time working with Hal Miller (bass) and I'm thrilled.
So, if you looking for something to do this weekend and you're in the Milwaukee area ... I'd love to see you out!
Lastly, also this Saturday, February 21st, I'm meeting with my producer to start discussing my new CD due out later this year. Please stay tuned for updates on how the project is progressing!
Well, that's it for this week.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and/or rants. Or, if you just want to give a "shout out" I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time ...
Glo!
Joel Freishinger was my accompanist for the night and with his skill 
and expertise, we were able to move seamlessly through many genres of music, including a hip-hop version of "My Funny Valentine! Thanks to Joel's drum machine and amazing left hand keyboard bass playing, our duo gig felt more like a trio gig!
and expertise, we were able to move seamlessly through many genres of music, including a hip-hop version of "My Funny Valentine! Thanks to Joel's drum machine and amazing left hand keyboard bass playing, our duo gig felt more like a trio gig!The highlight, however, was when my friend from high school who I haven't seen for over 15 years walked in with her husband. Brenda (Humphrey) White and her husband Troy drove all the way from Chicago to Delafield, WI (which is almost an hour past Milwaukee) just to come to my show. It was such a pleasure to see her and it brought back so many awesome memories ... like when we used to color our hair with kool-aid! LOL! I'm not even joking.
On Sunday I had an impromptu performance at The Baby Grand in Brookfield. On Saturday, I forgot to bring Joel his pay for our gig so we arranged to meet at The Baby Grand where he was playing on Sunday. The event was a mix of Broadway and Jazz music, featuring Billy Kirchen (http://www.billykirchen.com/), Rachel Exner, Sue Russell & Gail Valenti. My main reason for going was to pay Joel, however, I was more than happy to join in the performance when so graciously asked to by Billy.
First, I sang "Fever" which has become one of my favorites to perform, and then Billy asked if I'd sing "Summertime" with him as a duet. Never one to turn down a chance to sing, I agreed and we did a fabulous, totally off-the-cuff version that was a beautiful mix of Billy's pure Broadway sound with my laid back Jazz styling that breathed new life into this classic song. Good times ...
In last week's newsletter I shared the Nick Name Guy's website with you and one of my fans, "Scuba Judy" shared her nick name story on their website and with me. Here's the address again if you want to check it out: http://www.thenicknameguy.com/.
My next performance is at Centennial Bar & Grille. Here are the details ...The Gloria Miller Trio
Saturday, February 21 @ 9p
Centennial Bar & Grille
10352 N. Port Washington
Mequon, WI 53092
(262) 241-4353
My good friend Jeannine Rivers, an amazing singer in the Milwaukee area, asked me to fill in for her as she's recovering from vocal rest, so I get to work with her fabulous musicians. I've actually worked with John Hefter (piano) before, but this will be my first time working with Hal Miller (bass) and I'm thrilled.
So, if you looking for something to do this weekend and you're in the Milwaukee area ... I'd love to see you out!
Lastly, also this Saturday, February 21st, I'm meeting with my producer to start discussing my new CD due out later this year. Please stay tuned for updates on how the project is progressing!
Well, that's it for this week.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and/or rants. Or, if you just want to give a "shout out" I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time ...
Glo!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Question: Does (or did) being single make you feel embarrassed or empowered?
It’s always around this time of year that being single is magnified in the light of Valentine’s Day. As I was contemplating my singleness a question flooded my thoughts… Do I feel embarrassed or empowered as a single person?
Most days I would say I feel empowered. Why? Because I’m taking care of myself, I create my own happiness, and I love the fact that I am solely responsible for how I spend my time. Admittedly, I do spend a lot of time by myself, but I rarely feel lonely. There always seems to be so much to do with working fulltime, running my music business and trying to stay connected with friends and family, that when I do have down time, I’m usually too tired to feel lonely.
Not that I never have moments of loneliness, because I do. It usually sneaks up on me and I’m always surprised at how palpable it can feel. I am very thankful that the lonely times are few and far between.
So, I ask you … Does (or did) being single make you feel embarrassed or empowered?
I welcome your comments, thoughts, and/or vents and invite you to subscribe to my weekly blog and join in the conversation!
Most days I would say I feel empowered. Why? Because I’m taking care of myself, I create my own happiness, and I love the fact that I am solely responsible for how I spend my time. Admittedly, I do spend a lot of time by myself, but I rarely feel lonely. There always seems to be so much to do with working fulltime, running my music business and trying to stay connected with friends and family, that when I do have down time, I’m usually too tired to feel lonely.
Not that I never have moments of loneliness, because I do. It usually sneaks up on me and I’m always surprised at how palpable it can feel. I am very thankful that the lonely times are few and far between.
So, I ask you … Does (or did) being single make you feel embarrassed or empowered?
I welcome your comments, thoughts, and/or vents and invite you to subscribe to my weekly blog and join in the conversation!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie!
Hi, my name is Gloria Miller and I’m a self-help-aholic!
I remember laughing at my friend Kimberly whenever she was chattering away about the lastest self-help book. I thought those types of books were for wimps, and I wouldn’t be caught dead in the “Psychology” section of a bookstore.
Well, that was then and this is now …
Then … in love, in my late 30’s, thriving career, waistline tight.
Now … dumped, in my early 40’s, challenging career, waistline gone … enter self help!!
I like my self-help administered directly to the brain via IPOD, either in the form of an audio book or podcast. This week I tried a little experiment to see if I could go a week without any self-help of any kind. Here’s how the week unfolded (or should I say, unraveled) …
Monday: I felt fine, no problem.
Tuesday: Still fine, but a little edgy.
Wednesday: I felt strange, confused and lost.
Thursday: My daily workout routine was out the window and I found myself sitting on my couch like a slug.
Friday: I wake up bear hugging “The Power of Now,” but I have no idea how the book got in my arms.
Saturday: I stayed in bed all day.
Sunday: I binged on junk food at a Super Bowl party.
The next Monday: I'm back on self-help ... I listened to two Joel Osteen podcasts and all is right with the world!
Today as I write this, I admit that I’m thankful that there are tools that we can use to support us through the transitions of life! According to “Body for Life for Women,” I’m in the 3rd of 4 phases of a woman’s cycle and let me tell you, aging is not for wimps! I learned more from that book than I wanted to, but knowledge is power and I find the more I understand about what’s going on in my body, mind and spirit, the easier it is to stay positive and focus on ways to feel better instead of being stuck on “why is this happening to me.” And the “this” can be anything …
If you’re facing your own “this,” I encourage you to face it head on and not shrink in fear. Learn everything you can about it because no matter what you’re facing, good or bad, there is always a root cause. If the root cause is positive, you’ll want to learn how to cultivate it. If it’s negative, you’ll want to know how to uproot it.
Self-help is my way to stay the course and face whatever my “this” happens to be at any given moment. What’s yours?
I welcome your comments, thoughts, and/or vents and invite you to subscribe to my weekly blog and join in the conversation!
I remember laughing at my friend Kimberly whenever she was chattering away about the lastest self-help book. I thought those types of books were for wimps, and I wouldn’t be caught dead in the “Psychology” section of a bookstore.
Well, that was then and this is now …
Then … in love, in my late 30’s, thriving career, waistline tight.
Now … dumped, in my early 40’s, challenging career, waistline gone … enter self help!!
I like my self-help administered directly to the brain via IPOD, either in the form of an audio book or podcast. This week I tried a little experiment to see if I could go a week without any self-help of any kind. Here’s how the week unfolded (or should I say, unraveled) …
Monday: I felt fine, no problem.
Tuesday: Still fine, but a little edgy.
Wednesday: I felt strange, confused and lost.
Thursday: My daily workout routine was out the window and I found myself sitting on my couch like a slug.
Friday: I wake up bear hugging “The Power of Now,” but I have no idea how the book got in my arms.
Saturday: I stayed in bed all day.
Sunday: I binged on junk food at a Super Bowl party.
The next Monday: I'm back on self-help ... I listened to two Joel Osteen podcasts and all is right with the world!
Today as I write this, I admit that I’m thankful that there are tools that we can use to support us through the transitions of life! According to “Body for Life for Women,” I’m in the 3rd of 4 phases of a woman’s cycle and let me tell you, aging is not for wimps! I learned more from that book than I wanted to, but knowledge is power and I find the more I understand about what’s going on in my body, mind and spirit, the easier it is to stay positive and focus on ways to feel better instead of being stuck on “why is this happening to me.” And the “this” can be anything …
If you’re facing your own “this,” I encourage you to face it head on and not shrink in fear. Learn everything you can about it because no matter what you’re facing, good or bad, there is always a root cause. If the root cause is positive, you’ll want to learn how to cultivate it. If it’s negative, you’ll want to know how to uproot it.
Self-help is my way to stay the course and face whatever my “this” happens to be at any given moment. What’s yours?
I welcome your comments, thoughts, and/or vents and invite you to subscribe to my weekly blog and join in the conversation!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Paddy's Pub Debut & More!
Last week was awesome. Let me tell you about it … On Friday, Jan. 23rd, I performed at Aurora Adult Day Center for their Senior guests and we had a great time. I perform there monthly, usually for the birthday celebration and singing for these wonderful people is always the highlight of my performance schedule.
On Saturday, Jan. 24th, I performed at Paddy’s Pub for the first time and what an awesome venue. It’s so eclectic and fun. There was a great crowd, the staff were fantastic and so helpful, and they had Strongbow on tap. My kind of venue! I was blessed to be working with Sam Steffke for this gig and he is an absolute wonder on the keyboard! We both seemed to feed off of each other allowing us to feel free enough to stretch and try out some new stuff. I was trying stuff vocally that I’ve never done before ... and it was working! Sam said he was trying new licks too! I can't wait to work with Sam again!
On Saturday, Jan. 24th, I performed at Paddy’s Pub for the first time and what an awesome venue. It’s so eclectic and fun. There was a great crowd, the staff were fantastic and so helpful, and they had Strongbow on tap. My kind of venue! I was blessed to be working with Sam Steffke for this gig and he is an absolute wonder on the keyboard! We both seemed to feed off of each other allowing us to feel free enough to stretch and try out some new stuff. I was trying stuff vocally that I’ve never done before ... and it was working! Sam said he was trying new licks too! I can't wait to work with Sam again!
I’m scheduled to be back at Paddy’s on Saturday, March 28th. http://www.paddyspub.net/
Sunday was family dinner day and I headed out to the West Bend area to my parent’s house. My sister Chris makes a mean meatloaf, and to my surprise, she had my favorite chocolate dessert, brownies! There went the diet …
The next couple of weekends I’m not performing, but I am preparing to go into the studio to record the vocals for my debut Tate Music Group release due out later this year (http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/). I’m visiting Sound Quarry, a recording studio in Brookfield, WI this coming Thursday to discuss my project. Here’s their website if you want to check them out: http://www.soundquarry.com/.
Sunday was family dinner day and I headed out to the West Bend area to my parent’s house. My sister Chris makes a mean meatloaf, and to my surprise, she had my favorite chocolate dessert, brownies! There went the diet …
The next couple of weekends I’m not performing, but I am preparing to go into the studio to record the vocals for my debut Tate Music Group release due out later this year (http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/). I’m visiting Sound Quarry, a recording studio in Brookfield, WI this coming Thursday to discuss my project. Here’s their website if you want to check them out: http://www.soundquarry.com/.
More to come next week! Until then ...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Barack Obama!
What a sense of pride I feel today … not just the pride in being an African-American, but mostly, the pride in being an American! As CNN’s Campbell Brown put it last night, “without the hyphen, just American!”
It’s a scene of beauty the confetti of faces that I see as the various angles are captured of this mega crowd of people poised to witness “change” often breaking into the simple, yet poignant chant that permeated a dynamic campaign to victory … YES WE CAN!
When Obama rose to prominence in Illinois, I was entertaining on cruise ships and though I occasionally would catch CNN while on board, there was very little talk of him on an international level. I do remember being home in Chicago during one of my vacations and seeing campaign signs with this strange name “Obama.” I, like many others, thought the person attached to this name had to be a Muslim, and if a Muslim, then probably a bit radical. Of course, this is a stereotype that I’m ashamed to admit that I subscribed to, but I did. Then I see the person behind the name and in looking at this straight laced, nerdy man, radical was the last thing I thought about him.
Illinois Senator … U.S. Senator … Presidential Candidate …
Honestly, I have no idea when all these milestones in Obama’s political career took place, but when I realized that November, 2007 would mark the end of my last ship contract and that I would actually be home during an election year, I started to pay attention to those vying for my vote.
The choice to vote democratic was kind of a no brainer considering the current state of affairs under a republican leadership, and it didn’t take long before the democratic field narrowed to just two … Clinton and Obama. It wasn’t until I surfed across Oprah’s endorsement of Obama that I really started to lean towards him and ultimately decided to cast my vote for CHANGE!
As it turned out, many Americans voted for change and elected Barack Obama as our 44th president. As he is sworn in today, the DREAM becomes a reality in all of us, and under President Obama’s leadership, it’s up to all of us to right the wrongs that have lead us to these challenging times.
“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.” - President Obama.
It’s a scene of beauty the confetti of faces that I see as the various angles are captured of this mega crowd of people poised to witness “change” often breaking into the simple, yet poignant chant that permeated a dynamic campaign to victory … YES WE CAN!
When Obama rose to prominence in Illinois, I was entertaining on cruise ships and though I occasionally would catch CNN while on board, there was very little talk of him on an international level. I do remember being home in Chicago during one of my vacations and seeing campaign signs with this strange name “Obama.” I, like many others, thought the person attached to this name had to be a Muslim, and if a Muslim, then probably a bit radical. Of course, this is a stereotype that I’m ashamed to admit that I subscribed to, but I did. Then I see the person behind the name and in looking at this straight laced, nerdy man, radical was the last thing I thought about him.
Illinois Senator … U.S. Senator … Presidential Candidate …
Honestly, I have no idea when all these milestones in Obama’s political career took place, but when I realized that November, 2007 would mark the end of my last ship contract and that I would actually be home during an election year, I started to pay attention to those vying for my vote.
The choice to vote democratic was kind of a no brainer considering the current state of affairs under a republican leadership, and it didn’t take long before the democratic field narrowed to just two … Clinton and Obama. It wasn’t until I surfed across Oprah’s endorsement of Obama that I really started to lean towards him and ultimately decided to cast my vote for CHANGE!
As it turned out, many Americans voted for change and elected Barack Obama as our 44th president. As he is sworn in today, the DREAM becomes a reality in all of us, and under President Obama’s leadership, it’s up to all of us to right the wrongs that have lead us to these challenging times.
“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.” - President Obama.
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