Strictly Taboo Saturday Night

Michelle Johnson's production of Strictly Taboo dazzled with seven notable female vocalists including Michelle, Mary O, Kellie Wright, Naomi Mauro, Avana Christie, Elyse Branch, and Genevieve Dew.

Along with a top notch 17 piece orchestra led by musical director Joe Escriba, this was to pen Michelle Johnson's term, "a salicious musical revue about the divas of jazz."

Elyse, Avana, Kellie, Michelle, Mary, Genevieve and Naomi

As the ladies took the stage for their opening number Lady is a Tramp, what stood out most to me were the elegant outfits.  I loved the gowns, the diamonds, the elbow length gloves and long strings of pearls. These divas celebrating other divas were dressed to the nines and there was not a slightly falling hem or missing sequin to be seen. In addition, the expertly coordinated costume changes throughout the show made this more than a performance, but a beautifully crafted revue.

Michelle, Genevieve, Naomi, and Musical Director Joe Escriba

Some highlights of the night were Michelle Johnson as Ella Fitzgerald, Avana Christie as Bessie Smith, Naomi Mauro as Anita O'Day, Genevieve Dew as Billie Holiday, Kellie Wright as Rosemary Clooney, Mary O as Nancy Wilson and Elyse Branch as Nina Simone.

The ladies took turns and sometimes sang together for tunes such as Witchcraft, Guess Who I Saw Today, Mambo Italiano, A Little Sugar in my Bowl, Someone to Watch Over Me, Bless the Child, Send In The Clowns, and Fever.

Adding to the show were stories interwoven between the songs about the colorful and sometimes scandalous lives of the divas of jazz being paid tribute to, which I appreciated because I didn't know a lot about them so it made their songs and music more meaningful to me. Although I am willing to bet the lives of the singers on stage that night would have made just as interesting stories! Perhaps next time we will hear more about them.

Another surprise were the dancers, who intermittently jumped into a couple of numbers filling the stage with movement and energy....(especially tap dancers Victoria and Victoria).

Michelle Johnson performed a few solo numbers that night, all had different tones, sound and feel. Michelle is one of the most diverse performers we have here in Las Vegas. Although she is often referred to as the First Lady of Jazz, I tend to think that term confines her to one genre in some people's minds.  She is so much more.

Michelle Johnson

The night before her show I caught Michelle as part an event called "The Set List" at House of Blues.  Her take on the Rolling Stones' classic Wild Horses was poignant and powerful! I've been hearing a lot about Michelle lately. She sang the national anthem at a Las Vegas 51's game, then the other day at an NBA event, a few days after this show she performed at a corporate event for Microsoft. All of that was in just a two week span! Her next performance will be September 15th for her show Tapestry Unraveled a Tribute to Carole King, (also at Cabaret Jazz).

Michelle recently posted an inspiring public message on FB and since it was public I decided to share it here... "I especially want to encourage performers to focus on their own journeys. You have a unique voice that is all yours. Run your own race and you will get to the finish line. I promise you that. Just run your own race! That is what has made all of the difference for me in the past two years. I stopped comparing myself to everyone else and I stopped trying to be someone I wasn't. As soon as you acknowledge who you are, and embrace and celebrate it, things just start happening for you. Please take that leap and add single mindedness and discipline, and watch your life soar. No one can play you better than you. Make your move and leave a mark. You matter"....Beautiful words from a talented artist who we here in Las Vegas are fortunate to call a local.

This particular show was my husband and my wedding anniversary and was a perfect way to spend it. Cabaret Jazz is a special separate theater venue that is part of  The Smith Center for the Performing Arts complex and is intimate at 240 seats, but large enough for a show with an orchestra and dancers.  They serve drinks and some food including bento boxes with cheese, fruit, meat and other varieties. It's a great place for a date night, or when you have friends in town and want to show them someplace local and off of the strip.

Photos courtesy of Ed Foster

Michelle Johnson's Salute to the Great Singer-Songwriters

Michelle Johnson performed her "Salute to the Great Singer-Songwriters" last Friday night at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center.

I've known Michelle for a few years now. We met when I first wrote about her as part of an ensemble cast in "Divorce Party" at Bally's. She is multi-talented and always involved in a lot of different things, but I've noticed recently she seems to have zeroed in on singing as her main focus. 

After kicking off the show and opening song, This Is It by Kenny Loggins, Michelle dealt with a wardrobe malfunction by joking about it and moving on.

She then went on to talk about some of the singer-songwriters that inspired her from a young age like James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Carole King. This was followed by her especially poignant version of Both Sides Now. 

Michelle shared that she also has written a lot of her own songs. Recently, after playing a few for Grammy Award Winning Producer Kamau Kenyatta he encouraged her to record them, and so they are now working on an album of her originals. She then sat down at the piano to play and sing one of these songs. It was a touching ballad about being "All In."

Michelle Johnson Myron's Cabaret Jazz photo by Ira Kuzma

During the show she also sang one of my favorite Joni Mitchell numbers Big Yellow Taxi, while weaving in a little scat here and there. I was pleased Michelle also included Tracy Chapman, who is someone I personally never hear enough of. The song was Fast Car, which we all know is not really a song about a car but about getting out of a rut and changing the direction of one's future.

One of the highlights of the show and most enjoyable renditions of a song I've ever heard was Serve Somebody by Bob Dylan. Michelle did this as a what I can only describe as a disco gospel style, and with the band and backup singers, it was the best blend of all of the onstage talent of the night!

Michelle has worked with many well known singer-songwriters over the years. Near the end of the show she talked about one time in particular when she sang Hey Jude at the Hollywood Bowl as part of an All Star fundraiser with none other than Paul McCartney. She told this story intermittently while singing the song. It all built up to a beautiful climax and the audience seemed to love it, as did I.  

Michelle Johnson's next show, "Tapestry Unraveled," which is a tribute to Carole King will be back at Myron's Cabaret Jazz on November 18, 2018

Michelle Johnson's Tribute to Singer-Songwriters

Musical Director Jeff Neiman

Singers Gret Menzies Gonzalez, 
Jassen Allen, Jolana Sampson-Adamson

Band Pablo Gadda, Walter Jones, Don Meoli

 

Tapestry Unraveled

I've always liked it when a singer takes an album that another artist has done and performs it in its entirety. Michelle Johnson did a beautiful job with this for her show Tapestry Unraveled, on November 18 at Myron's Cabaret Jazz. During this show she performed her interpretation of Carole King's album, Tapestry.

Michelle weaved in stories of her life and her experiences in combination with the songs from Tapestry that she said touched her so much as a young person. For her first song of the night, So Far Away, she talked about how she was born in New York, but she and her family moved to Egypt when she was a toddler and so she grew up far away from her home country. Then she sang the song beautifully with the undertones of longing that make this song so meaningful. 

Her first Carole King album Michelle said was called Music. It's what got her into Carole King before Tapestry. 

Michelle Johnson, Photo by Ira Kuzma

Michelle talked about her young adulthood returning from Egypt and going to college at Yale. She shared with us the struggles of pursuing her music career while also trying to provide for herself. Like many young people with a dream of the arts her parents encouraged her to have a back up plan and not to focus too much on her music career. She found out why years later.

Then she sang one of the best versions of a song by Carole King I've ever heard. Michelle's version of It's Too Late was like a show in itself!

Michelle told us about starting a new chapter several years ago when she moved to Las Vegas. She got a role in "Country Fever" at the Golden Nugget, and stayed and made Vegas her home. She talked about meeting a man who became a friend and another man who became her husband. There is more to that story but it is more meaningful than a sentence in an article so I'll leave it alone. Her soulful rendition of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, followed.

"To me, everyone's life is a tapestry." - Michelle Johnson

She talked about real friendships and not just social media friends and that many of us have come to lean on technology a little too much in our relationships. As a reminder of the importance of real friendships she then sang, along with her back up singers, a dynamic group version of You've Got a Friend, joined by vocalist Dani Corley who appeared onstage briefly to sing a few lines. 

Dani, Jolana, Michelle, Gret and Jon, Photo by Ira Kuzma

For one of the songs, Beautiful, she asked the ladies in the audience stand and sing along, which was a hit with the crowd. I noticed that some of them stayed standing for the rest of the show, moving to the music, at least up in the second level high top tables where I was seated.

Michelle spoke briefly about meeting and working with singer/songwriter Louise Goffin, (Carole King and Gerry Goffin's daughter), and how they recently held a joint class for songwriters in Las Vegas.

After completing her salute to Tapestry Michelle finished the night with her original song I'm All In, about putting all of your heart and soul into something, as she does with her music. 

I've written about three of her shows in the past year or so and one thing is always true. Michelle Johnson is more than a singer.  She is a songwriter, composer and producer that puts out a variety of entertainment with talent and passion that touches me, and her audience every time I see her. This is why her shows routinely sell out.

Musical Director Jeffrey Neiman. Back up singers, Jolana Sampson-Adamson, Gret Menzies Gonzalez, Jon Celentano. Musicians, Walter Jones, Pablo Gadda and Don Meoli.

The Composers Showcase...A Variety of Originals

Last week I attended a recurring musical event that has great word of mouth around town. Run by composer Keith Thompson of PK Entertainment, "The Composer's Showcase" is the work of several composers, musicians and singers presenting their original work about once a month at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center.

The show first began with a group of musical directors and composers working and living in Las Vegas who wanted to get together and showcase their own new music. That was 12 years ago and it's still going strong. Most are established composers and artists with an occasional up and comer in the mix. This is not an open mic style show but a planned and rehearsed production of a variety of original music.

Keith Thompson, Photo by Ira Kuzma

Composer Keith Thompson  not only produces the event but is also the emcee. Keith opened last week's show with a lighthearted song that set the tone for a  night of congenial entertainment. The other half of PK Entertainment, Philip Fortenberry joined some of the acts on piano, appearing and disappearing from the stage (like a brilliant musical ghost).

After Keith was Dr. Mark Wherry who sang with some of his students from College of Southern Nevada. The song was called Financially Made and was a humorous reflection on the rigors of financial aid. His students sounded great and had fun attitude and character in their performance. Next up was Jordan Sanders who sang her original song Man in the Moon while playing guitar. Jordan is a student at Las Vegas Academy and her voice is enchanting. 

Jeff Leibow sat down at the piano and shared a meaningful song he wrote about the loss of a baby six years ago called Lost Soul. It was sorrowful and comforting at the same time because it had an uplifting message about lost souls ultimately finding their way home. It takes a lot for a performer to share something so personal and I think that means a lot to an audience. It did to me.

After him one of my favorite composers Michelle Johnson sang a song she wrote on a bus while touring many years ago about a dead end relationship...I Don't Make Your Heart Sing. Spellbinding as always, I enjoy when Michelle shares some of her original music (like she did at her most recent show at Myron's this past summer). Michelle then had a surprise for us all and introduced Lousie Goffin who performed one of her songs, The Last Time I Saw my Sister, from her upcoming album "All These Hellos." 

Dennis Blair inspired chuckles with his comedic song It's Not A Good Idea, about a man who obviously does not think he should marry his girlfriend! This performance featured Joey Singer on piano. Although touted as a comedian, Dennis is also an excellent singer, as proven on his most recent album Hapless Romantic. 

A dynamic performance of his song Explode by Kyle Khou, was a hit with the crowd as well.  Kyle was an American Idol finalist and has an album out titled "No Boxes." Focusing on the Halloween month that is October, Rylan Leo Helmuth debuted what I'll refer to as a spooky horror opera style song that I don't recall the name of but involved powerfully talented singers and a string section which added a haunting depth. I get scared easily so I had to busy myself with my Bento Box and cocktail, (Myron's serves food and drinks during shows). 

Then Matt Dorman introduced Betsy Holms who sang Empty House, a beautifully done version of a classic country song reminiscent of Tammy Wynette. Following her was Halsey Harkins who sat down at the piano and shared her song Technicolor Shades; which she said came to her after seeing someone desperately intoxicated, and the melancholy surrounding that moment.

One of my favorites of the night was a song by Keith Thompson that he said he wrote years ago when going through an especially self reflective time. It's called I Am The Song, about meaning in life and spreading light. Philip Fortenberry was on piano and David Warner on what they referred to as a harp cello. I mentioned to Keith after the show how touching his song was and he said, "Thank you that was hard for me to do. I'm usually joking around and this song shows a more serious side of me."

Elijah Rock with Uli Geissendoerfer  Photo by PK Entertainment

Closing the show was Elijah Rock.  It was his first appearance at this event and he was rocking the white tux style jacket with black trim exceptionally well, not to mention his voice and vocal style! Accompanied by Uli Geissendoerfer he sang Matters of the Heart then New York in the Springtime.  Elijah's new album is "Gershwin for My Soul." Elijah's motto, "Keeping Thine Eyes to the Future and Thy Ears to the Past," fits him well. 

I absolutely loved this production. With it's eclectic style, congenial feel and high caliber performances, "The Composer's Showcase" makes its own kind of magic.

October 10 "The Composers Showcase", Dennis Blair, Matt Dorman, Uli Geissendoerfer, Louise Goffin, Halsey Harkins, Rylan Leo Helmuth, Marisa Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Kyle Khou, Jeff Leibow, Elijah Rock, Jordan Sanders, Ketih Thompson, Mark Wherry. The performers were Thomas Calvin, Sam Holder, Betsy Holms, Jenelle Magbutay, Gret Menzies, Karsten Pudwill, Coco Lane Rigbye, Jolana Sampson, Ashley Stone, Rachel Tyler. The show included some performers and musicians not mentioned here. 

"The Composer's Showcase" is now a Nevada nonprofit. 

Hot Rocks! The Set List 3.0 does the Rolling Stones

The Set List productions are about capturing the mood, music and energy of a specific artist or group by performing an album of theirs in its entirety for one performance only. Created by Andrew Wright, The Set List debuted in 2015. These kinds of  productions are my favorite. They're special, beautiful and original in their rawest form, like an uncut diamond. 

For Set List 3.0 last Friday night at House of Blues Las Vegas, tourists and locals were treated to a fantasy mix of performers from shows such as Mystere, Rock of Ages, Alice, Tenors of Rock and others, for a vocal tribute of The Rolling Stones' "Hot Rocks" album.

The Set List 3.0    Photo by Ira Kuzma

Lance Bryant's groovy and soulful opening of Time is on my Side set a high bar for the rest of the night. Then Stephanie Sanchez ripped through Satisfaction, grasping the song's pent up frustration and mirroring how we've all felt at one time or another about life, love, sex and even money. Enoch Augustus Scott (of Zombie Burlesque) surprised with his bitchy fabulous rendition of Get off my Cloud. According to Mick Jagger this song is a "stop bugging me post teenage alienation song."...that may still be true but I think it would also make a great anthem to internet trolls everywhere to shut up already!

Stephanie Sanchez

Singer Dina Emmerson (Mystere), began what started out as a beautiful Cirque De Soleil style aria then in a Vegas style song twist quickly segued into Mother's Little Helper.

19th Nervous Breakdown, performed by Ashley Fuller (Alice), relayed the song's feelings of hysteria, putting on it a rock opera spin of her own. Jaclyn McSpadden's version of Paint it Black, captured the pain and anger of sudden loss of love. Under My Thumb, by James Simpson, gave this rock tune a bit of a pop flavor. Then came Robert Torti's classic interpretation of Ruby Tuesday, a song written by Keith Richards about his young love Linda, who had just left him for Jimi Hendrix. 

Valita and her version of Let's Spend the Night Together was energetic while she hopped, danced and moved like Jagger. Anne Martinez (Alice) popped in for Jumpin' Jack Flash,  backed up by Jerry Jones on harmony, (as he did so very well for many of the songs that night). After that Franky Perez showed us his Street Fightin' Man and pulled an Adele at the Grammys by starting over and hitting the nail on the head the second time around.

One of the highlights of the night was Paul Johnson (World's Greatest Rock Show), and his version of Sympathy for the Devil. It was flawless and slightly spooky just like the original. Honky tonk woman was treated with attitude and grit by Kellie Wright.

Another killer highlight of the night, Gimme Shelter, by Robin Vincent and Philip Drennan, (Vegas! The Show), showcased Philip's strong vocals with the absolutely haunting voice of Robin who captured the angst and fear of the original song which was written during the Vietnam war. "That's kind of an end of the world song really" says Mick Jagger.

Midnight Rambler was interpreted by Jared Dalley, (Rock of Ages), and was a very bluesy House of Blues  take on the tune. Brown Sugar, by Kelly Anne Gower, in a bustier and leather pants, looked like a pussycat doll, but sounded like a wildcat.

Then Michelle Johnson broke our hearts with Wild Horses, owning it like she'd written it herself. The final duet of You Can't Always Get What you Want turned into a group song started by Tommy Sherlock with Stephanie Sanchez who were then joined by the rest of the cast.

After the music there was a vote of who sang 'em best, guys or girls and the girls won by audience vote! Honestly though this was an unnecessary distraction to me. No tricks, games or props are needed with these performers. "They" are all the show needs.

The Set List is a look at some of the best the Las Vegas entertainment scene has to offer. It's a chance for those who are lucky enough to be there on a night they do one of these shows to see some of the most promising, talented, energetic vocalists you can put together on stage, and only for the very best reason, purely because they want to be.

Next up for The Set List will be this fall at House of Blues for The Who's classic famous double album "Tommy."

Charles Garland, Guitar

The Set List 3.0
Vocalists
Lance Bryant, Stephanie Sanchez, Enoch Augustus Scott, Dina Emmerson, Ashley Fuller, Jaclyn McSpadden, James Simpson, Robert Torti, Valita, Anne Martinez, Frankie Perez, Paul Johnson, Kellie Wright, Robin Vinent, Philip Drennan, Jared Dalley, Kelly-Anne Gower, Michelle Johnson, Tommy Sherlock, Bob Torti and harmonies, Jerry Jones
Musicians
Vince Verderame, Music Director/Drums
Charlie Dennard, Keys
Dave Ostrem, bass
Charles Garland, guitar

Photos by Ira Kuzma

Local Cast is making "Divorce" a Hit on The Strip

UPDATE....just found out this show is ending its run in Vegas on June 19 to go on tour. Catch it through June 19 in Las Vegas or look for it on the road after, it may have an upcoming showing in your town!

This show is sexy, fun and fast paced...just like the center of the strip where it plays.

  

Divorce Party The Musical opened on the strip this spring, and is generating heat with its hilarious musical parodies and sizzling Las Vegas based cast. After the show I went backstage for a little divorce party after party to get to know this delightful and high energy cast a little bit better…and ended up making five new friends! 

Divorce Party The Musical was written by Amy Botwinick, who authored two books on surviving divorce after she went through a three year “drama trauma” herself. The show debuted in her home state of Florida, had runs in various cities and now has a home in Las Vegas at Windows at Ballys.

“When we brought the show here, because of my knowledge of the Las Vegas talent base, I insisted on an all local ensemble.  With award winning industry professional Troy Heard as casting director, we were fortunate to find the family we were able to create.”  

- Jennifer Young, Producer        

All of the performers do live in Las Vegas, and the cast is a magical combination. Their five voices are beautifully matched to the fun and saucy songs and to each other. This musical includes some spicy, fun and up to the minute lyrics which are tailored parodies of American standards.

In Divorce Party Las Vegas, Linda, who just embarked on the tumultuous journey herself, is packing up her life and getting ready to start over, with no idea how to do it. She is surprised by her big sister Carolyn, her cousin Courtney, and former college roommate Sheila. These ladies, being a bit more experienced in marriage, divorce and dating, decide to spend a couple of days helping Linda to accept her divorce, move on, and embrace her new found single status, with a divorce party!  They hire a hot masseur to relax Linda, a stylist to give her a fresh look…..in addition to a few other surprise visitors. 

Of the song parodies featured in Divorce Party Las Vegas, two of my favorite are, Respect, which became D-I-V-O-R-C-E, and My Favorite Things, about the "miracle" of surgical cosmetic enhancements.

Kelly Ward is Linda, the soon to be divorcee, who has lost her mojo after her sixteen year marriage fell apart. Over the course of the weekend, she is “turned on” to a whole new world of dating and is intrigued as well as terrified. Kelly has shined in previous Las Vegas productions such as Nunsense and Hairspray.

Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, is the wise but sassy older sister Carolyn, who is smart enough to know that it will all pass and her little sister will survive and thrive. Her rendition of I’m A Cougar Hear Me Roar, rocks the house. Having seen Jacquelyn perform in the past I knew she would bring zest and sex appeal to the show, and she did. A former lead in Mamma Mia, and EFX previous to this she originated the role of Jocelyn in Soduko the Musical. 

Michelle Johnson is Sheila, Linda’s former college roommate. Her upbeat version of “Hair,” is comedic yet soulful and gives the song a whole new meaning. Michelle has performed on Broadway, national television, and much more. I saw her in a moving jazz performance last year, and there is no doubt as to why she is referred to as the “Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz.”

“Because this is a fairly new show, we were able to put a little more of ourselves into the creation of the characters than in some previous productions we have starred in.”  – Robin Berry Vincent

Robin Berry Vincent as Courtney, is the sexy and high energy cousin who has been divorced multiple times. She is now experimenting with dating, her sex life and cosmetic surgery, and relishes living judgement free. Robin has wowed audiences before in Guys and Dolls, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and sultry live jazz performances.

Jeff Brooks, the one male in the show, plays various roles with hilarious results! Jeff, the only cast member not originally a local, recently moved to here from New York. “I got a phone call offering me the part and I was given two days notice to move to Las Vegas for this show. I had never even been here before. Living here since January, now I know there is a lot more to this town than just the strip!“…Jeff’s talents were previously honed in productions such as Into The Woods, Chicago and Carousel.

Like many former and current productions successfully brought to Las Vegas, Divorce Party Las Vegas was trimmed down from its original length of just over two hours. The show now runs about 80 minutes and is packed with music, laughter, surprises, and multiple “OMG” moments.

Tim Bennett, Resident Director was previously the resident director in Las Vegas for the The Lion King, and other several other successful productions nationwide.

Michelle Johnson, Kelly Ward, Robin Berry Vincent, Jeff Brooks, Me, & Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, Ballys Windows Showroom

What makes Divorce Party Las Vegas such a welcome addition to the family of Las Vegas strip shows is not just the cast, music, and sexy sass, but that everyone leaves with something. Whether it be a few laughs at a situation in your own life that you couldn’t see the humor in before, or the thought of calling a friend who might need a divorce party of their own, it will make you smile (and maybe even hum a song parody on your way out!)....

Understudies...Zipporah Peddle and Steven Arlen

Creative....The best of the best....Mark Schwartz, Dr. Amy Botwinick, Jay Falzone, Victoria Lang, Jennifer Young, Tim Bennett, Kat Winston, Alec Bart, Roxanne Andrews, Jason Hamblen, Troy Heard, Bradly Vieth, Karen Gibson, and W. Michael Close

Press/Public Relations....Langdon Flynn Communications, 702-889-2705....langdonflynn.com

For tickets, link below...(Show is on every night at 8 pm but is dark on Fridays) Only on thru 6-19-14!

Divorcepartylasvegas.com

Related articles..

Hollywood Underdog....Congratulations on your Divorce!...2014


Anna Wendt Copyright 2014

Hitting the Right Note....Rita Lim

I love going to see "live" music. Especially jazz. You never know what you're going to hear, or how a song will be interpreted. Like most people I don't get out and do it enough, but I should more often because it is a gift to the heart and soul. With jazz you rarely ever hear a song just like it was originally recorded, and that is its magic.

Earlier this month with some friends I checked out jazz singer Rita Lim and some of her friends at the Mad Greek Cafe...(another unique venue here in Las Vegas).

True to the nature of jazz, Rita and her friends interpreted some well known songs in a way that was new to me such as Rainbow Connection, (which I now no longer think of as a song from the Muppets), and a melody from The Carpenters, (Close to you).. that was very different than the elevator sound of the 1970's version. I always thought Karen Carpenter had such a longing, a sadness in her voice that many didn't pick up on. Rita did.

I liked the sisterhood on display that evening. She was first joined by the talented Carol Joyce, her "sister from another mister" as she describes her. They are now good friends after meeting the first day of rehearsals singing backup for a Barbra Streisand performance. She was also joined by Bill Fayne for a duet of "Somewhere out There" again, an interpretation with poignancy and on Bill's part, grit. I'd like to thank them both for giving that song it's true "due" and getting the movie version out of my head. Stuart Schweit's rendition of "What a Wonderful World" was hauntingly beautiful, reminding us all of the joys of simple moments of happiness and wonder in between the emotional peaks and valleys of life.

"It took me many years to be honest with my performance. When I was young I often tried hard to prove myself to the world that I am somebody but now I have passed that stage and all I want  to do is to share music and interpret lyrics. My challenge as a singer is to get to the essence of my talent in time for a concert" - Rita Lim 


Later joined by Michelle Johnson and Pascale Elia, the sisterhood on display by Rita and her friends was something that effected me that night. Whether intending to or not they reminded me of how much our friends can support and lift us up. They weren't just singing together they were experiencing the music....as one. I noticed Rita was so much more free when singing with others. Like training wheels on a bicycle. My observation is she doesn't need those training wheels to shine, but with them feels more free to express herself and tap into her true talent. One line from one of the songs she performed with her friends was..."life was a tragic joke before I met you"....haven't we all felt that way about someone at one time or another?

Rita and her friends were supported by the talented and respected musicians; Dan Ellis on Keys, Mike Michem on Drums, Fred Watstein On Bass, Pablo Gadda on Guitar.

Rita with her "Sister from a different Mister" Carol Joyce
June 5, Mad Greek Café, Las Vegas

I Wish You Love.....Rita Lim....YouTube


Where Do You Start....Rita Lim with Bill Fayne


Like her on Facebook...https://www.facebook.com/RitaLimMusic





What is "jazz?"......

While jazz is considered difficult to define, improvisation is consistently regarded as being one of its key elements. Summarizing the difference, pianist Earl Hines remarked in a 1975 film that,

... "when I was playing classical music I wouldn't dare get away from what I was reading. If you've noticed, all of the symphonic musicians, they have played some of those classical tunes for years but they wouldn't vary from one note—and every time they play they have to have the music. So that's why for some classical musicians, it's very difficult for them to try to learn how to play jazz.^"

In jazz, therefore, the skilled performer will interpret a tune in very individual ways, never playing the same composition exactly the same way twice. Depending upon the performer's mood and personal experience, interactions with other musicians, or even members of the audience, a jazz musician may alter melodies, harmonies or time signature at will.

Excerpt above from Wikipedia.org

 

Congratulations on your.....Divorce!

One of the best gifts a writer gives to others is the reminder that no one is alone....That no matter what you're going through, someone else has been through it....and lived to write about it!

Dr. Amy Botwinick is a perfect example. Having gone through a traumatic divorce several years ago, she decided to share what she had learned with others. Both of her books about surviving a divorce and thriving after are helpful and informative, but with a twist. She lightens things up with a sometimes humorous perspective on a serious subject.

Congratulations On Your Divorce...The Road to Finding your Happily Ever After...(2005) Optimistic, chatty and accessible, guides you through the treacherous paths of divorce and into a life of renewed joy. It describes the world of divorce—warts and all—with some much-needed comic relief and heart. You’ll realize you’re not alone as you read about how the author and other women have coped with the emotional craziness of un-coupling, jettisoned their emotional baggage and gotten back on the road to defining and finding their happily ever after. Excerpt from Amazon.com.  

Divorce Party and Moving on Handbook...Plan a Great Celebration for Yourself or a Friend...(2012) What’s the best cure for that painful divorce hangover? A Divorce Party, of course! With this inspiring guide in hand, you can throw a fun-loving, out-of-the-box celebration for yourself or a newly divorced friend that will jump start your foray into the exciting land of Singledom. Your guide, Mizz Movin’on, has been there and done that and looks forward to helping you make the most of this exciting journey. Half the fun will be planning the party. Excerpt from Amazon.com

 

After the success of her two books Amy was inspired to create a musical and Divorce Party the Musical, A Hilarious Journey to Hell and Back, was born! She collaborated with Mark Schwartz, a successful Author/Producer (Nine, La Cage Aux Folles, Menopause the Musical, etc.), and Jay Falzone, Book/Lyrics/Director/Choreographer, (Cooking with the Calamari Sisters, Calamari Sisters Big Fat Italian Wedding, SHOUT! The Mod Musical), etc.

Divorce Party the Musical first debuted in Florida in 2012, with limited runs in several cities after. Divorce Party Las Vegas opened for a long term run in Las Vegas last month at Ballys' Windows Showroom! Cast and creators on opening night are pictured below.  

Kelly Ward, Robin Berry Vincent, Dr. Amy Botwinick, Mark Schwartz, Michelle Johnson, Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, Jeff Brooks

For Tickets go to DivorcePartyLasVegas.com

Dr. Amy Botwinick has a B.S. from Rutgers University and a D.C. degree from Life Chiropractic College. She is the author of “Congratulations on Your Divorce – The Road to Finding Your Happily Ever After” (published worldwide by Health Communications, well known for the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series) and “Divorce Party and Moving On Handbook – Plan a Great Party for Yourself or a Friend!” In addition to her books Dr. Botwinick found a new way to help others powerfully manage their divorce transition through her websites at  www.womenmovingon.com and www.divorcecoachsupport.com. 

Sources:

Amazon.com

DivorcePartyLasVegas.com 

Lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/feb/27 

Huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/12/new-musical