All posts tagged: NewYorkCity

NYC – A Day in the Moment

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Certain things grabbed my attention recently as I traveled from commitment to commitment. Manhattan is full of activity, but I consciously tried to stay in the moment and keep my mind as quiet as possible. Because of this intention to be especially observant, a few small things remained in my mind long after I saw them. I noted them for further reflection, and this blog post is the result. Navy blue confetti, Wow! One piece has survived, folded and battered, yet still intact. It is stuck to the curb on the street where I live, near the United Nations—far from Times Square where the confetti was ceremoniously released in celebration on New Year’s Eve, more than three weeks ago. How it managed to stay dry, and full of color for this long, through the cold and rain, is a mystery. Blue can be a color of hopefulness, and in this case maybe even resilience. Each New Year’s Day I take a stroll outside looking for any confetti that was carried by wind as far as my block. I am always surprised that these little shards of tissue paper can travel …

Journey of Imagination

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To celebrate its 100th birthday in 2011, The New York Public Library hosted “Find the Future” which included an amazing exhibition of artifacts at their 42nd Street building, a really cool interactive event (a overnight scavenger hunt in the library for a lucky few), and corresponding online game. One of the aspects of the online game was to respond to writing prompts and then entries would be read and commented on by other “players”. In response to one of the prompts I wrote “My Worldwide Creative Journey: to visit, see, absorb, learn, and/or sing!” I have updated and changed the piece a few times in the years since I first drafted it, and I still enjoy the idea of it, this imagined journey; it reminds me of all the wonderful opportunities I still have to explore this planet. I find there is nothing like a change of venue to spark my creativity and to move me into a more “in the moment” mindset. I detach from my expectations and learn to enjoy what is right in front of me. Yes, before I go on …

Banana Puddin’ Jazz: Jazzy Ladies Night

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Post Performance UPDATE:  In addition to  an edited version being streamed to television/internet on BRIC (Brooklyn Public Network), an audience member captured some of the event on their cellphone and uploaded to YouTube – not my best angle, but the sound is pretty clear. On Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, 9:30 PM – Arlee Leonard and I will be singing at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe along with some amazing jazz musicians who just happen to also be women. Miki Yamanaka will be at the piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, and Josephine Josafina on the drums. You know, Rome Neal never disappoints with his Banana Puddin’ Jazz events, so, come on down to 3rd Street, give a listen, and then sing or play in the Jam Session that follows! Tickets are $15 LINKS: Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe 236 East 3rd Street New York, NY 10009 (212) 780-9386 Rome Neal’s Website / email Direct link to tickets

YouTube, Barry Harris Workshops, and a Favorite Song

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To initiate my blog here at WordPress I will start this first “MUSIC” post by sharing one of my favorite songs, Where is Love? by Lionel Bart, from the 1960 musical, Oliver!  The original Broadway cast album of Oliver! was one of my favorite records growing up, played it over and over, sang these songs all the time.  I include the full song lyrics below, as well as a link to my recording on YouTube. In 2009, I setup a YouTube Channel to share original songs, but it seemed like anything that I posted there was not safe. The honest truth is that I have had things stolen by pirating websites who then asked listeners for money to download. I never received a penny. Therefore, I am wary of posting anything else until after I publish a CD of my work. So…for the time being, on my channel there are a couple of songs to listen to and you will see a lot of playlists I have put together as I have been using the channel to create reference lists for myself and other students that study with …