Raissa Recommends - week of 9/12/09

Hi Friends:

Holy Cow! What a finale to the outdoor season of the Concerts at Tudor City Greens. We had over 350 people in attendance, and in addition to our fabulous cast and musicians (see previous blog), we also were honored by the presence of Borough President Scott Stringer and Councilman Dan Garodnick. Both of these men have been very active in helping to preserve the Greens. They were blown away by the concert and totally let me "play" with them - I asked when they had shows coming up, etc., and they went right along with it! The weather was comfortable and cool, and as the concert was almost 2 hours this time, the lights came on in the park, and it was magical.

It's taken me two days to recuperate! Pictures will be posted when I get them from Cynthia Crane's wonderful hubby, Ted Story.

And on we go! Tomorrow night, join me at Sue Matsuki's show at the Beechman, and Monday night at Sarah Rice's show, same place!

Not sure what else I can get to this week, as I'm deep into rehearsal for my debut show at Feinsteins on Oct. 19th. Reserve early! I have a band this time! My Musical Director, David Caldwell on piano, Sean Harkness on guitar, Mayra Casales on percussion and Ritt Henn on bass! Directed by Eric Michael Gillett and my associate Musical Director is Mark Janas - it doesn't get cooler than this for me!

Before that, I'll be co-hosting the Algonquin Salon on Oct. 4th, lobby of the Algonquin Hotel from 7 to 10 pm. Stay posted, there may be a special feature that night.

Then, on Oct. 10th, I'm honored to guest in a benefit for Zani's Furry Friends - a special performance of My Friend, The Cat, by Phil Geoffrey Bond, at the Beechman. If you know me, you know what a HUGE fan I am of this piece, as well as being very active in animal rescue. (as I write this, my two rescue dogs are napping in and around my lap!) Bonus, getting to work with old pals Phil, Julie, Mark, and getting to finally work with Johnathan and Lisa!

Time for bed - hope to see you at the shows this week!

Love and light,

Raissa

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa