October 21, 2015: A week or so ago, I received a couple of messages from a film producer and film director. They asked if I'd be interested in a role they had specifically for me. "No audition required, it's yours if you want it." Uhhh, YEAH! Gifts falling onto my lap. Thank you.
On a musical note, where does time go? It seems like it was only yesterday when I had announced a break from live performances, and now here we are. It's time for me to get back in shape to give you my all. I am quite excited to be playing with some new colleagues in the Blues Collective as well. Stay tuned as I introduce each new member as they join us for the gigs! First up is Quebec City on November 7th. See you there!
October 15, 2015: When you think about it, people that cross your path are gifts as well. It has been a good 7 years with the Blues Collective's drummer, Dan Legault. Three albums, awards, nominations, etc. All good things do not necessarily come to an end but time does make adjustments. The adjustment is that Dan will be moving his main focus onto other projects. That's a good thing because when he does come back (from time to time) to play with the Blues Collective, he will bring with him a new flavour and fervor. So it's not a goodbye, it's a "see you later" adjustment.
Oh, while we are on the subject of GIFTS and adjustments, have you seen the new sections of the website? Jazz (that's a new project) and the SHOP? Did you know that when you shop via my website, you are actually helping with the financing of the projects; like the cost of producing the next album(s), tours, videos and all the expenses that are incurred in running the small business of a band. So please take a look a the shop tab and hopefully you'll find something to your liking and, help keep the projects moving forward!
CFBC continues on with the 4th album, pushing the envelope of the Blues genre even further. The songs and sound resonate within me. I feel good about it. It's a new sound for me and it is quite comfortable. But for the meantime, stay tuned to the show's section of the website, come out to a show and meet the new members of the Blues Collective as there are more new members who will be hopping in. While I have your attention, do visit the website regularly as this is where I open up about that's happening...like some exciting news that will be happening in the New Year!
October 10, 2015: It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. I have a lot to be thankful for: the ups and the downs that happen in life that make me a stronger person to keep moving forward and making my dreams come true. The real friends who help see to it that I am keep on keeping on. The quiet moments with, and doing nothing with my husband. The music, the theatre, my corporate sponsors who believe in the music that I make, the work that comes my way and, you. Happy Thanksgiving!
October 9, 2015: ...and the gifts keep coming in. Big thanks to my sponsor, Sennheiser, who supplied me with much needed headphones to help with the recording of my next album and promotional materials for an upcoming event that I will let you know about in due time.
October 8, 2015: Teesri Duniya Theatre's opening night of Rahul Varma's "State of Denial" is a must see. The visual and sound effects, the story - the writing - the message, the acting is beyond this world. Set in contemporary Canada and Turkey of 1915, "State of Denial" is a fictional play that links the Armenian genocide of 1915 with the genocide in Rwanda in 1994-95. The production commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. A definite must see. It is currently on stage at the Segal Centre until October 25. Do not miss it. Teesri Duniya Theatre productions really changes the world one play at a time.
October 6, 2015: Whenever I walk into a room before a gig, there’s a feeling I get. It’s a combination of nervousness, anticipation and exhilaration. I usually take a seat at a discrete corner to see the audience and soak up the vibe of the room. I recently did this at the Black Theatre Workshop’s 45th Anniversary at the Centaur Theatre. It was an intimate affair and I was honored to receive an invitation to perform a short set. An even greater honor to share the bill with none other than Ranee Lee and Jackie Richardson, both living legends and loving Divas. I started the evening’s entertainment with my set. I premiered a song that is part of the upcoming album, entitled “Prayer”, and finished off with 3 songs from my other albums. Little did I know that I was about to receive a gift that I will always treasure. Shortly after I stepped off the stage, Ranee Lee came to me and thanked me for my song. Then Jackie Richardson came, introduced herself and also thanked me for “Prayer”, saying that it was beautiful and touching. I was grateful, honored and humbled that these two ladies who I hold in the highest of esteem would come to me and state their appreciation. THIS is a gift I will always cherish. The night was full of surprises for me, more gifts. I reunited with old friends from my dancing days, former dance partners and colleagues who are now in the acting domaine, and of course theatre friends from the not too distant past. There was a lot of coffee meet ups scheduled and I look forward to rekindling old friendships. It was a night of gifts.