TEDxBerkeley this weekend!

I'm performing on Saturday for the TEDx Berkeley event being held April 20, 2013 at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley!  For those who don't about about TED and TEDx events, check out the websites:  TED.com and TEDxBerkeley.com

TED is an organization that works under the concept of "ideas worth spreading".  It's a gathering of great minds, tackling the challenges of humanity, searching for answers, solutions, creating a vision for a better planet, advancing human potential, etc.  And they invited me to perform!

I've created a new composition for solo piano specifically for this event and will also perform one of the songs from my "Grateful EP". This will be an amazing day and I hope that you will attend!

Saturday, April 20

10am - 5pm

TEDxBerkeley: "Catalyzing Change"

Zellerbach Hall

U. C. Berkeley Campus (near the corner of Bancroft & Telegraph)

2200 University Drive

Berkeley, CA 94720

Tickets: $100 General Admission, $30 CAL Student/Faculty/Staff (with ID)

Greg Bridges interviewed me on KPFA, focusing on the Music SHE Wrote concert.  Check it out!  Transitions On Traditions.  My interview starts right at minute 12:00.

Friday, April 26

8pm Music SHE Wrote: Featuring Victoria Theodore Fundraiser for OPC - proceeds to support OPC's youth programs

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music

1616 Franklin Street

Oakland, CA 94602

510.836.4649

$15 advance tickets, $20 at the door

Sistahs in Sound

Tonight, I performed as a duo with my long time friend, flautist, Kymberly Jackson, the Pied Piper of the Bay. We performed a 90+ minute set consisting of jazz standards, R&B cover tunes and original compositions, including a song from my Grateful EP, "All I Need". It was a fun night, and we had a good sized, enthusiastic, fun loving crowd!

It was yet another example of how blessed I am; how one way or another, I end up having all that I need. I usually only teach partial days when I have a gig, but today, I taught my full Saturday schedule. So, by an hour before showtime, my brain running on fumes! Thanks to the kindness of my wonderful friends, the mistakes that I made due to fatigued brain function tonight were overcome!

Thank you to my Mother for being my #1 fan, helper and running buddy!

Thank you Awele for helping in so many ways! You are awesome and saved the day! Thanks to Val too!

Amy & Brad, what would I do without y'all?? Thank you, Amy for saving me from YET another air-head based near disaster, and thanks Brad for helping mom and HANDLING the business.

KJ, thanks for having the vision for tonight's show and making it happen! It's always fun to share the stage with you, and tonight was no exception.

Thank you, Joyce, for hosting the show in your beautiful gallery. Thanks to everyone for your support: James, Krista, Ron E., Ron S. M., Skipper, Marc, Crystal, Ouida, Jeffrey, Val, and everyone else who came to hear us perform. Until next time...xo

Yoga in the garden!

I try to practice yoga every morning.  Doing yoga is a calming way to begin the day, great exercise and a healthy practice, but on the mornings I don't make it to class, I usually do my own routine at home in my office.

I don't get direct sunlight in my office until the late afternoon, so in the mornings, it's a bit chilly in there.  This morning, it happened to be especially beautiful and already warm, so I decided to grab my yoga mat and head outdoors into my yard.  I laid the mat on the concrete, facing away from the sun and towards my roses, and my apple and cherry trees, all coming into blossom.  It was BEAUTIFUL!  I do believe that this will be my practice from now, at least on warm, sunny days!

I'm truly grateful to have a beautiful home, with space to offer praise through moving meditation.  Namaste...

And let the gigs begin!

So....it's been a while since I've done my own shows.  I finished my EP, and had my release concert/celebration, and then...um...(head hangs with a sigh)...I just haven't gotten it together to start booking gigs.  (commence busy musician whining)  It's sooo hard to be an artist, with all the practicing, rehearsing, composing, arranging, second-guessing, rewriting, working on music for other people's gigs, teaching, lesson preparation, blah blah blah, AND I have to do the administrative work, booking, following up, accounting, creating and printing and disseminating fliers, promotions, interviews, etc. etc. etc.

But things are changing!  I'm learning to delegate and to let people help me.  I've got some real angels in my life, and for that I am truly grateful.

There are several shows coming this month.  The first is with my friend Kymberly Jackson, this Saturday night in Oakland!

Saturday, April 13 7:30pm Sistah's in Sound
The Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 – 14th Street Oakland, CA 94612 510-465-8928 $15 advance tickets$20 at the door
Also, check out this new article by Shelley MacKay, all about me!

"Grateful" SF Times

And don't forget about these shows:


Saturday, April 20
10am - 5pm
TEDxBerkeley: "Catalyzing Change"
Zellerbach Hall
U. C. Berkeley Campus (near the corner of Bancroft & Telegraph)
2200 University Drive
Berkeley, CA 94720
Tickets: $100 General Admission, $30 CAL Student/Faculty/Staff (with ID)

Friday, April 26

8pm Music SHE Wrote: Featuring Victoria Theodore Fundraiser for OPC - proceeds to support OPC's youth programs
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
1616 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94602
510.836.4649
$15 advance tickets, $20 at the door

Theodore at TEDx!

"If ever there were a spring day so perfect, so uplifted by a warm intermittent breeze, that it made you want to throw, open all the windows in the house..."
– Billy Collins, "Today"

Today was another beautiful day in Northern California.  The Billy Collins poem perfectly sums up the kind of day it was.  I opened the door to my garden and basked in the gentle breeze...until it was time to get back to work!  I've got a couple of shows coming in April that I'm preparing for.

I'm excited to announce that I was invited to perform for the TEDx Berkeley event being held April 20, 2013 at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley!  For those who don't about about TED and TEDx events, check out the websites:  TED.com and TEDxBerkeley.com

TED is an organization that works under the concept of "ideas worth spreading".  It's a gathering of great minds, tackling the challenges of humanity, searching for answers, solutions, creating a vision for a better planet, advancing human potential, etc.  And they invited me to perform!  Yay!  (For those who didn't get the pun in the blog title, "Ted" is a nickname for "Theodore", my surname...).  Well, this particular "Ted" aims to be Victorious!  (Ok...no more puns...lol)

Saturday, April 20
10am - 5pm
TEDxBerkeley: "Catalyzing Change"
Zellerbach Hall
U. C. Berkeley Campus (near the corner of Bancroft & Telegraph)
2200 University Drive
Berkeley, CA 94720
Tickets: $100 General Admission, $30 CAL Student/Faculty/Staff (with ID)

I've created a new composition for solo piano specifically for this event and will also perform one of the songs from my "Grateful EP". This will be an amazing day and I hope that you will attend!

I also have a performance with my Sistah-friend, Kymberly Jackson, AKA the Pied Piper of the East Bay.  We've performed together around the Bay Area for years, but this time we'll be a duo!  We'll be playing music from both of our catalogs and some special cover tunes.  You won't want to miss this show either!

Saturday, April 13
7:30pm
Sistah's in Sound
The Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 – 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
510-465-8928
$15 advance tickets, $20 at the door

Friday, April 26

8pm

Music SHE Wrote:
Featuring Victoria Theodore

Fundraiser for OPC - proceeds to support OPC's youth programs
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
1616 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94602
510.836.4649
$15 advance tickets, $20 at the door

One Nation Under...George Clinton's Groove!

Last night, I went to see George Clinton for the first time.  It was WILD!  And great.  I danced until I was sweaty, and managed to (mostly) ignore the couple standing close to me who were lip-locked so tightly it was shocking they could breathe.  Even my BF (shy dancer that he is) worked in some Funkadelic moves.

The band was funky as (*&% and the singers were hollerin' in the most earnest way possible (especially Kimberly Griffith - how does she scream like that and still speak???) prompting most of the crowd flash their "lights".

I am still suffering the side effects of being exposed to THAT much ... ummm ..... "herb" (I don't smoke, don't drink, no drugs, etc.) but just woke from a 2 hour nap...and am still woozy.  Here's a clip from the show.  "Something about the music..."

RIP Mrs. Betty Youngblood

My grandmother, Betty Youngblood, was a young grandmother, and as my sister testified at the memorial service, she reminded us of that fact occasionally when we were children.  But she loved us, and all of her other children, grandchildren, neighborhood children, pets, and other folks who came across her path, and let all of us know it through her words, and actions.  She was highly social, physically active until near the end, mentally sharp the entirety of her life, with a quick wit and never at a loss for words.  She was funny, had an easy laugh, sweet, and yet, all of us knew better than to invoke her anger.  We knew better...

Betty Youngblood lived a long, healthy life, and passed away on February 22, 2013.  She was a beautiful, intelligent, poised, loving mother and grandmother, and is sorely missed.

She joins my grandfather, Earl Youngblood, other 2 grandparents, Mary Alice and Uree Pulliam, in their heavenly abode:

I am blessed to still have experienced the love of so many elders, and still have 1 grandparent left on this earth.  I hope to honor them all in all that I do.

I love you Grandmother Betty!

Black History Month on KQED and other performances

The day after I returned from the Super Bowl, I performed at a Black History Celebration Presented and sponsored by KQED and Union Bank, in collaboration with Afro Solo, honoring individuals whose work has helped to create a better Bay Area for all.  I accompanied the always brilliant Robert Sims (my classmate at Oberlin!  Go Obies!) in performance of African-American Spirituals.

The program will be broadcast on KQED, Channel 9 in the San Francisco Bay Area, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 7pm, Monday, February 18 at 1am, and Saturday, February 23 at 6pm.

For details, check out the KQED website: KQED

Watch the video on YouTube: Robert Sims and Victoria Theodore performance
We come in at 39:44

Here are some other chances for you to hear me perform:

Saturday, February 16, 2013
7pm

Joiful Music presents
Ashling "Biscuit" Cole (of Graham Central Station)
Opening for Tony Lindsay (of Santana)
George's Night Club
842 4th Street
San Rafael, CA
$15 presale, $20 at door


Sunday, February 17, 2013
7pm

Black History Celebration on KQED


Wednesday, February 20, 2013
7pm-10pm
Wednesday Night Ramble
celebrating Ashling's birthday and recovery from injury!
Empress Theatre
330 Virginia Street Vallejo, CA 94590
707.552.2400
$7/advance and $9/door


I'll be performing a couple of tunes for each of these shows.  See you there!

Who dat at the Big Game?

I was at the Super Bowl!!  I'm sure most of you have seen Stevie Wonder's commercials for Bud Light (VooDoo, Luck Chair).  Stevie gave a concert at the Bud Light Hotel in New Orleans the night before the game, and I was lucky enough to get to go to the game the next day!

New Orleans was abuzz with excitement, and the 49er faithful were out in full force.  Unfortunately, my home team didn't win, but thanks to an exciting 2nd half (and the weird blackout), I had a great time.  I was decked out in my nephew's 49er jersey, and my sparkly, gold sneakers, but I guess my voodoo wasn't strong enough lol

Nate Watts and me arriving in NOLA - I know,  I know, purple jacket and shoes, but I really was excited for the 49ers!

Stevie Wonder at Saturday night's concert with guest Gary Clark, Jr. (me in the background)

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!

Shaq walked by...he's really, really, really tall!

See!! I told you I was cheering for the 49ers!! : >

Saturday Jan 26 @ Yoshi's SF

Hello friends! My friend Frédéric Yonnet will be performing at Yoshi's in San Francisco with special guest artist Talib Kweli this Saturday night, January 26 at 8pm and 10pm.  Also expected to make a guest appearance are vocalist Patti (of famed Tuck and Patti), Martin Luther, Mara Hruby and me!  Frédéric has been a guest artist with Stevie several times, and is a brilliant musician.  Don't miss this show!!!  Buy your tickets ASAP!

TICKETS

Inauguration event #2: Inaugural Ball

We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth –
President Obama's 2nd Inaugural Speech

On the morning of January 21, I stayed in bed to watch the pomp and circumstance of the 57th Inauguration. I had wanted to go stand with the crowd, then visit the King Memorial, but after learning of the challenge of transportation, and that public transit might be suspended for a portion of the day, I decided it was too risky to venture into the city, given that I was to perform later in the day. There would be plenty of other chances for being a tourist in the nation's capital.

Watching the Inauguration from my hotel room, I especially enjoyed the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir! What great singing and such a lovely arrangement.  The soloist, Alicia Olatuja, was exceptional!  I also enjoyed Beyonce's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner - though the controversy over whether or not she lip-synced is disappointing.  Either way, she's a fantastic singer.

At 5pm, the band met in the lobby, then boarded the shuttles to the Washington Convention Center. Once we arrived, we had to navigate several security stations, walk in circles as we tried to figure out where to go inside the venue (thank GOD I wore comfortable shoes), and then finally met up in our designated dressing room.

Me, waiting outside of our dressing room

Shortly after finishing my make up, we were rushed to the backstage area ('hurry up and wait' was again in effect), where we watched others performers come and go for about an hour. I was able to meet members the band Fun (and yes, I was singing along LOUDLY to their song "We Are Young"), members of the band Maná, John Legend and members of the band Soundgarden. Finally, it was Stevie's turn to perform. The crowd loved it, but sadly, I learned later, CNN decided to only show portions of his performance. Who can predict a director's editing decisions? Oh well.

Andrew Dost (Fun), Nate Watts, Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff (Fun), Me

Me, Emily Moore (Fun)

Roland Gajate, Héctor Quintana, Me

Me, John Legend

Me, Jamie Foxx

I had a great time, and relished every moment of standing on that stage next to the platform where the President and Mrs. Obama danced. As I walked off stage, Jamie Foxx was preparing to go onstage, and graciously extended a hand to help me off stage. It's nice to encounter a superstar who is also a gentleman!

While I was unable to meet the President or Mrs. Obama, I am thrilled to have had the honor to perform for them. Next goal? To perform at the White House of course! 2013 - my year of Jubilee!

Inauguration event #1: Candlelight Celebration

We arrived at the venue after a circuitous 50 minute drive thru unrelenting traffic, passed through several security stations and finally ended up in a corridor heading to our holding area. I had decided to wait until I got to the venue to do my make up, and after the unexpectedly long drive, I didn't have much time. Just as I finished applying my foundation, I heard the announcement for Vice President Biden and his wife Jill, grabbed my camera and dashes over to the best vantage point possible.

After making a short speech, the Vice President introduced President Obama and Michelle. I was so excited! I listened to both of them speak for a few minutes, but still had to go finish my make up. I had just enough time to finish before being called to the stage area. My stage position is stage right (to the left, if you're in the audience), and I walked in that direction, only to be stopped by secret service. "M'am, you need to go the other way" was the terse instruction. Complying with the agent's request, I started to turn and head back to the other side of the stage, and happened to look up to see the President standing right there, about 30 feet away from me! He had such a lovely spirit of calm and kindness, I immediately felt even more admiration for him. I had to go on stage, so I didn't have time (or nerve) to wave, speak or take a photo, but I hope to get another chance. Possibly tomorrow...

The show was great! One amazing Stevie tune after the next, and I danced so hard, my wireless headset pack flew off of my dress! Thankfully, our stage manager was nearby and could quickly reconnect me! What a beautiful day...and what an HONOR! Grateful...

 President Obama and Mrs. Obama, Vice-President Biden and Mrs. Biden

The crowd

The ticket, held by one of the attendees.

Sound checks

12:30pm We just finished the first of 2 sound checks. I'm so thrilled! This is going to be a great day! The weather in DC is mild, the sun in shining, and I'm smiling!

3:45pm Just finished the second sound check.

Tonight we play for a private event - which will probably not be aired on TV. Tomorrow night is the inaugural ball, which will air on television. I'll let you know as soon as I know when you'll be able to watch.

Roland Garcia, Nate Watts, me, Morris O'Connor, Stanley Randolph

Martin Luther King Day and the 57th Inauguration

Hello friends,

On this Martin Luther King Day and Inaugural weekend, I hope that you hold in mind one of Dr. King's quotes:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that...

I hold a vision of peace and prosperity for our country - and our world.  Regardless of party, race, gender, class, etc., we are one people.  Let's honor and celebrate THAT!

It's official! I can announce that I'm in DC for the Inauguration!! I'll be performing twice with Stevie Wonder for the President and will be putting all the details on my website (www.victoriatheodore.com) about when you can watch me performing on TV. I'm super excited and honored to be participating in this historic event! Wow...giving thanks...❤

Have a great holiday weekend!

The quickie blog

I'm giving myself 60 seconds to write this.  My fingers fly across the keys as I find yet another way to keep myself inspired to tackle far too much!  I need an assistant, but am not quite at the point where I can hire someone to be onsite to do what I need done.  I need to be practicing 5 hours per day.  No excuses!  I need to be composing, writing lyrics, arranging, producing, etc., at least 2 hours per day.  Of course, I also have a bunch of students...and there's the buzzer.  Wow!  It's amazing how quickly a minute can pass.

Happy New Year!! New website and another Yoshi's show!

It's a New Season...It's a New Day!
A fresh anointing is flowing my way!

– "New Season" by Israel Houghton


2013!  Happy New Year!  Another year has come and gone and it's the season for resolutions, new habits, declarations and new beginnings.  I'm claiming my victory today and encourage you to do the same!  We are each our biggest obstacles, and I'm ready to get out of my own way!

My resolutions?  To keep my positive perspective on life and the inevitable challenges, to complete my CD, to perform my own music around the world, to become a greater musician, person, friend, teacher, yogi, dancer, chef and human being.  Always reaching higher...

Speaking of new things, I have a new website!  Check it out and enjoy some photos and samples of my new music.  Please forward this message to anyone you think might enjoy my music and my philosophical musings.

www.victoriatheodore.com

I will be appearing at Yoshi's in Oakland again this coming Monday!  I'll be appearing with a group of fantastic Bay Area based artists for the New Year Jazz Legends concert.  I hope to see you there!


Monday, January 7, 2013
8pm
New Year Jazz Legends
510 Embarcadero West Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-9200 $15


Directed by Daniel Lucca Parenti, this heavy hitting group of Bay Area Jazz Legends are sure to bring in the New Year the right way!!! Featuring the unparalleled talents of artists such as Victoria Theodore on Keys, Tommie Bradford on Drums, Lorn Leber on Guitar, Rich Armstrong on Horns and Percussion and Indra Jones on Vocals, The New Year Legends are truly a sight to be seen, and heard. If you like Modern Jazz all mixed up with Blues, Rock, R&B, and even a little Gospel, then please come and join the Bay Area New Year Legends for an amazing night of Celebration and Music!!!!!

Yoshi's Oakland Dec 18

"The lessons, the blessings
even the mistakes,
the sunshine and the rain,
I'm grateful for it all today!"
– "Grateful" by Victoria Theodore & Amy Levine

Hello friends! Thanks to everyone who came to my show, and for all the loving messages from those who couldn't make it. It was a fun night, getting to play my own music, the first of many such nights to come!

Speaking of which, I've got another appearance at Yoshi's Oakland next week. And since you're on my "insider" list, here's a discount code you can use when you buy your ticket online before the show date:

"PARTY" typed in ALL CAPS
This will waive the online ticket purchase service fee: BUY TICKETS.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012
8pm
The Not-So-Silent Yule Party
featuring Victoria Theodore with Kevin Wong & the BASSment
510 Embarcadero West Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-9200 $15 adv / $18 door

I'll be performing right at 8pm, so don't be late!!

And of course, I'll be in Los Angeles with Stevie this coming weekend.

Saturday, December 15, 2012
7:30pm
Stevie Wonder
House Full of Toys
Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
777 Chick Hearn Court Los Angeles, CA 90015 | 213.763.6000

I hope to see you soon!

Grateful - revealed!

It was a clear, cold night, the stars shining brightly overhead, Oakland buzzing with the energy of a throng of art / music / culture / hipster enthusiasts roaming the streets in search of inspiration, excitement, intellectual challenge, discovery and fun.  On the corner of 18th and San Pablo, a piano store sat, lit with soft gold tones, inviting people to come hear the music.  My music!

And what a night it was!!  The event was sold out!  Filled to capacity and then some.  I am so utterly humbled and grateful for all of the people who shared their love and support with me at my EP release concert.  Given everything taking place in the neighborhood, easy parking was nearly impossible, yet people still came and supported my work.  The energy of the crowd was beautiful, and I offered my heart through my music in gratitude.

Special thanks to the people who helped me in this journey, and to those who I saw and spoke to at the event, including my sweetheart, both of my parents, my sister and her kids, my other siblings, most of my extended family members on both sides of the family, my students, mentors, friends, neighbors, and fans.  You all made last night one of the most memorable in my life.  I am GRATEFUL.

Tomorrow night! Victoria Theodore: Grateful EP RELEASE PARTY AND CELEBRATION

"The lessons, the blessings
even the mistakes,
the sunshine and the rain,
I'm grateful for it all today!"
– "Grateful" by Victoria Theodore & Amy Levine

Hello friends!

My EP Release party and celebration is almost here!! Tomorrow is the big day! I hope to see you there! I recommend calling and reserving your ticket(s) ahead of time. Just call the number below.

Also, tomorrow morning, I will be the guest on the KCSM radio program "Desert Island Jazz" with Alisa Clancy! Tune in at 91.1 FM (in the Bay Area) or online at KCSM.org. The show will broadcast from 9-10am PST.

Friday, December 7, 2012
8pm

Victoria Theodore: Grateful
EP RELEASE PARTY AND CELEBRATION

Piedmont Piano Co.
1728 San Pablo Ave.
on the corner of 18th St. (next door to the Oakland Ice Center)
Oakland, CA 94612

Advance tickets (510) 547-8188
$15 General/ $5 Students
"Grateful" CD - $5 with Admission

It's up to me...

Monday. I'm practicing even more lately.  Now, if I can just get myself to maintain this level of practice all of the time!  Sky's the limit, if only I let go of the minutae of busy work, crisis thinking and poor time management.  I can do!  I can do it!  I'm GRATEFUL for the opportunity to prove it to myself : >

This week's performances and appearances are below.  I hope to see you soon!

Friday, Dec 7


Victoria Theodore: Grateful
EP RELEASE PARTY AND CELEBRATION

Piedmont Piano Co.
1728 San Pablo Ave.
on the corner of 18th St. (next door to the Oakland Ice Center)
Oakland, CA 94612

Advance tickets (510) 547-8188
$15 General/ $5 Students
"Grateful" CD - $5 with Admission

Tuesday, Dec 4

I'll be interviewed by Skyler Jett and S. Denice Newton on their show Solutions Now

Wednesday, Dec 5

I'll be performing at a Bay Area institution, The Ramble

with Don Bassey and the North Bay All Stars
Special Guests: Ariane Cap, Ashling "Biscuit" Cole & Victoria Theodore

Empress Theatre
330 Virginia Street Vallejo, CA 94590
707.552.2400
$7/advance and $9/door