"The tang of wine is in the air,
I’m drunk with all the happiness
That Spring can give.
Never dreamed it could be so
Exciting to live.
April in Paris..."
– Vernon Duke and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg
Ok, I'm not in Paris, but wouldn't that be lovely? But, being in the beautiful Bay Area for Spring isn't half bad! ; >
I've been slacking on my blog all year, but I'm going to try and be better from this point forward. I do have to say that I've been spending my time wisely, practicing and writing, writing, writing! Finally! I'm very happy with what I've been creating and look forward to more. It's so nice to be in the creative flow. I have to keep this habit!
I have several great performances coming up. I hope to see you soon!
Wed, Apr 7
12pm
FREE CONCERT!
Candace Johnson, soprano
Noon Concert: American Song
UC Berkeley, Hertz Hall
Near College at Bancroft Berkeley, CA 94704
Sun, Apr 11
11am
Plymouth United Church of Christ
Oakland, CA 94611 | 510.654.5300 | map
Thu, Apr 15
7:30pm
2010 Fisk Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert
I am this year's featured guest artist/composer. Come hear me perform my own music with the Fisk Jazz Ensemble!
Fisk University
Fisk Memorial Chapel
1000 Seventeenth Ave NorthNashville, TN 37208 | 615.329.8500 | map
Sat, Apr 17
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144 | map
Fri, Apr 23
6:30pm - 8:30pm
E-22 Café
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
1366 Powell Street Emeryville, CA 94608-2506 | 510.428.9334 | map
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
2010 - First quarter blog update
It's been nearly 4 months since the start of the new year, and I've been utterly unable to get myself to blog on a regular basis. I've been enjoying a lovely 2010 so far, and I'd love to share my adventures with you. I'm so far behind at this point, I feel like just giving a short synopsis:
January
NAMM 2010
Nate Watts, legendary bassist primarily known for his work with Stevie Wonder, was honored by Samson/Hartke, and Nate asked me to perform in the band with him that night. He also asked me to perform something classical for him. Of course I was honored! I got to work a few weeks before the concert, practicing a few virtuoso piano works: Two pieces from Schumann's (Davidsbündlertänze: Balladenmäßig and Zart und Singend) and Rachmaninoff's Etude #5 in Eb minor from the Études Tableaux. It felt soooo good to have that kind of challenging piano music in my hands again. I've got to start putting in more practice time CONSISTENTLY! I'm quite good at the occasional 3-5 hour practice day, but on a regular basis? Sigh... no where near...
At NAMM, I practiced my pieces upstairs in the piano room, mostly on Fazioli pianos (I'm a fan). At one point, I sat down and played, completely oblivious to the fact that Paolo Fazioliand Herbie Hancockwere standing less than 7 feet away from me (which someone pointed out after I'd finished playing). Yikes! Mr. Hancock left the room shortly after I played (I didn't get to speak to him), but Mr. Fazioli came over and I had the chance to meet him.
Nate's concert included several amazing musicians, with whom I had the honor to perform:
Paul Jackson, Jr., Ray Parker, Jr., Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Brian Culberton, Darryl Phinnessee, Freddie Washington, many of the members of Stevie Wonder's band, with whom I adore playing, and several others. Over the course of the 2 days I was there, I got a chance to finally sit in with my very talented friend, Matt Cusson, and hung out with several different friends. It was a good trip!
PHOTOS
The week after NAMM, I attended the Grand Opening of the Nate WattsPiedmont Piano Store. Owner, Jim Callahan, invited Paolo Fazioli to give a demonstration of his pianos, and I had the chance to speak with and play for him again. After hearing me play, he paid me an enormous compliment and offered me great encouragement for continuing my pursuit of mastery of classical virtuoso piano works. I'm getting there! I had the chance to meet Jonathan Cainand Taylor Eigstithat week.
PHOTOS
FEBRUARY
Keep Music Rockin' Foundation
I gave a lecture at a local high school, teaching the students a couple of Stevie Wonder tunes, and had a great time! The students are really talented and their enthusiasm was infectious.
PHOTOS
Skywalker
I was invited to a recording session at Skywalker Ranch, and fell in love...with the ranch!!! Wow! It's just beautiful. Mr. Lucas happened to sit down at the table behind me during lunch. But of course, NO ONE told me that information until after we'd left. DRAT!! I coulda got a picture! lol
MARCH
My sister celebrated a BIG birthday (I won't say which) by coming to my gig at Marcello's. A huge group of people joined in and it was merriment all around!
I played for a couple of rounds and for the grand finale of the Jazz Search West Competition. The talent was impressive, and I had fun playing with drummerJeff Marrs, bassistGeoff Brennan, and host Kyle Blase
Over the last few months, I've had a bunch of great gigs, fun recording sessions, writing sessions, new writing collaborations yielding dozens of new songs, have been playing and singing more than ever, and feel my musicianship growing. Given the fact that most of my time is consumed with practicing, writing and performing (oh yeah, and teaching!), blogging has become a challenge. I will try to do better, even if it means writing a mere sentence or two. In closing, I've included random photos from my various performances. Enjoy! HAPPY SPRING!!
January
NAMM 2010
Nate Watts, legendary bassist primarily known for his work with Stevie Wonder, was honored by Samson/Hartke, and Nate asked me to perform in the band with him that night. He also asked me to perform something classical for him. Of course I was honored! I got to work a few weeks before the concert, practicing a few virtuoso piano works: Two pieces from Schumann's (Davidsbündlertänze: Balladenmäßig and Zart und Singend) and Rachmaninoff's Etude #5 in Eb minor from the Études Tableaux. It felt soooo good to have that kind of challenging piano music in my hands again. I've got to start putting in more practice time CONSISTENTLY! I'm quite good at the occasional 3-5 hour practice day, but on a regular basis? Sigh... no where near...
At NAMM, I practiced my pieces upstairs in the piano room, mostly on Fazioli pianos (I'm a fan). At one point, I sat down and played, completely oblivious to the fact that Paolo Fazioliand Herbie Hancockwere standing less than 7 feet away from me (which someone pointed out after I'd finished playing). Yikes! Mr. Hancock left the room shortly after I played (I didn't get to speak to him), but Mr. Fazioli came over and I had the chance to meet him.
Nate's concert included several amazing musicians, with whom I had the honor to perform:
Paul Jackson, Jr., Ray Parker, Jr., Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Brian Culberton, Darryl Phinnessee, Freddie Washington, many of the members of Stevie Wonder's band, with whom I adore playing, and several others. Over the course of the 2 days I was there, I got a chance to finally sit in with my very talented friend, Matt Cusson, and hung out with several different friends. It was a good trip!
PHOTOS
The week after NAMM, I attended the Grand Opening of the Nate WattsPiedmont Piano Store. Owner, Jim Callahan, invited Paolo Fazioli to give a demonstration of his pianos, and I had the chance to speak with and play for him again. After hearing me play, he paid me an enormous compliment and offered me great encouragement for continuing my pursuit of mastery of classical virtuoso piano works. I'm getting there! I had the chance to meet Jonathan Cainand Taylor Eigstithat week.
PHOTOS
FEBRUARY
Keep Music Rockin' Foundation
I gave a lecture at a local high school, teaching the students a couple of Stevie Wonder tunes, and had a great time! The students are really talented and their enthusiasm was infectious.
PHOTOS
Skywalker
I was invited to a recording session at Skywalker Ranch, and fell in love...with the ranch!!! Wow! It's just beautiful. Mr. Lucas happened to sit down at the table behind me during lunch. But of course, NO ONE told me that information until after we'd left. DRAT!! I coulda got a picture! lol
MARCH
My sister celebrated a BIG birthday (I won't say which) by coming to my gig at Marcello's. A huge group of people joined in and it was merriment all around!
I played for a couple of rounds and for the grand finale of the Jazz Search West Competition. The talent was impressive, and I had fun playing with drummerJeff Marrs, bassistGeoff Brennan, and host Kyle Blase
Over the last few months, I've had a bunch of great gigs, fun recording sessions, writing sessions, new writing collaborations yielding dozens of new songs, have been playing and singing more than ever, and feel my musicianship growing. Given the fact that most of my time is consumed with practicing, writing and performing (oh yeah, and teaching!), blogging has become a challenge. I will try to do better, even if it means writing a mere sentence or two. In closing, I've included random photos from my various performances. Enjoy! HAPPY SPRING!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Victoria Theodore Press
I got a mention in this week's East Bay Express:
East Bay Express: Article on Victoria Theodore
Tell your friends! : >
East Bay Express: Article on Victoria Theodore
Tell your friends! : >
Monday, March 01, 2010
Victoria Theodore March Performances
"There's joy in the mountains;
There's life in the fountains;
Small clouds are sailing,
The rain is over and gone!"
– William Wordsworth, March
Hello Friends,
Can you feel it? The slight warming of air? The crunch of new grass underfoot? Even the raindrops fall in a manner that belies coming Spring! Winter has been good to me, but sun lover that I am, I happily embrace the change in season...though I suspect that the rains aren't truly over and gone!
February was a busy month. I've still not managed to keep up, or even update, my blog at all this year. I intend to take a few hours and finally document some of the exciting, and occasionally mundane, experiences in my musical life. Just don't ask me when...sigh...
March is promising to keep me a busy bee. Lots of performances for you to come enjoy!
Fri, Mar 5
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Competition
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Come compete or enjoy the music! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Avonova Studios
417 Avon Street Oakland, CA 94618| 510.652.8440 | map
Contestant fee: $25, Audience members: FREE!!
Sat, Mar 6
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144 | map
Fri, Mar 12
Sat, Mar 13
10pm
Darwin Tillery Orchestra, playing hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today
Cache Creek Casino, Club 88
14455 Highway 16 Brooks, CA 95606| 888.772.2243 | map
Thu, Mar 18
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Competition
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Come compete or enjoy the music! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Pier 23 Cafe
On the Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94111| 415.362.5125 | map
Contestant fee: $25, Audience members: FREE!!
Sat, Mar 20
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144 | map
Fri, Mar 26
6:30pm - 8:30pm
E-22 Café
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
1366 Powell Street Emeryville, CA 94608-2506 | 510.428.9334 | map
Sat, Mar 27
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Grande Finale
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Winners chosen tonight! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Piedmont Piano Company
1728 San Pablo Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.547.8188 | map
$10
There's life in the fountains;
Small clouds are sailing,
The rain is over and gone!"
– William Wordsworth, March
Hello Friends,
Can you feel it? The slight warming of air? The crunch of new grass underfoot? Even the raindrops fall in a manner that belies coming Spring! Winter has been good to me, but sun lover that I am, I happily embrace the change in season...though I suspect that the rains aren't truly over and gone!
February was a busy month. I've still not managed to keep up, or even update, my blog at all this year. I intend to take a few hours and finally document some of the exciting, and occasionally mundane, experiences in my musical life. Just don't ask me when...sigh...
March is promising to keep me a busy bee. Lots of performances for you to come enjoy!
Fri, Mar 5
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Competition
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Come compete or enjoy the music! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Avonova Studios
417 Avon Street Oakland, CA 94618| 510.652.8440 | map
Contestant fee: $25, Audience members: FREE!!
Sat, Mar 6
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144 | map
Fri, Mar 12
Sat, Mar 13
10pm
Darwin Tillery Orchestra, playing hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today
Cache Creek Casino, Club 88
14455 Highway 16 Brooks, CA 95606| 888.772.2243 | map
Thu, Mar 18
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Competition
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Come compete or enjoy the music! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Pier 23 Cafe
On the Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94111| 415.362.5125 | map
Contestant fee: $25, Audience members: FREE!!
Sat, Mar 20
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144 | map
Fri, Mar 26
6:30pm - 8:30pm
E-22 Café
Come hear me play and sing!
It's also open mic! Sing with me! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me! Any style!
1366 Powell Street Emeryville, CA 94608-2506 | 510.428.9334 | map
Sat, Mar 27
7-10pm
Jazz Search West Grande Finale
The Bay Area's first jazz talent search for solo vocalists and instrumentalists. Winners chosen tonight! See the website for details. I'm playing in the rhythm section.
Piedmont Piano Company
1728 San Pablo Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.547.8188 | map
$10
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