March brings so many things: spring rain, snow melt, flowers reticent about yielding their buds as Vernal Equinox coaxes them to bloom, madness embarking on the basketball court, Irish flaunting their green, women's history extolled, AND more opportunities to hear me perform!
Here is a lis of performances for this month: you can come have brunch or dinner (or both!) at the Broadway Grill, or visit the Oakland Public Conservatory (and make a well deserved contribution to their fantastic program). I'm sure I'll be adding more performances, so be sure to check this blog or my website for updates! In any case, MARCH on in, enjoy the music and say hello after the show! ;>
MARCH 2009
Sun, Mar 1
11am-2pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010
650.343.9333 | map
Mon, Mar 2
8-11pm
Live Jazz Jam Session in Downtown Oakland
Fundraiser for Oakland Public Conservatory of Music youth programs
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
Ed Kelly Hall
1616 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.836.4649 | map
$5 - light refreshments and food available
Thu, Mar 5
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Stevie Wonder Tribute with Fred Ross
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010
650.343.9333 | map
Sat, Mar 7
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010
650.343.9333 | map
Sat, Mar 14
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010
650.343.9333 | map
Sat, Mar 21
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010
650.343.9333 | map
Sat, Mar 28
8pm
Music, She Wrote: music by women composers Various styles
Including perofrmances and works by Victoria Theodore, Angela Wellman, India Cooke, Sandy Poindexter, Yehudit, Carla Kaufman and Branice McKenzie
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
Ed Kelly Hall
1616 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.836.4649 | map
510.836.4649
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Concert featuring works by African American Composers
Tonight’s performance with Candace Johnson (Soprano) was a great success! Despite having only had a short amount of time to prepare some rather challenging music, we gave a great performance. The audience was thrilled, and actually stood to their feet after each piece! Candace put together an incredible program of art songs by African-American composers and a series of gospel songs and hymns. Feels like the start of something BIG! I had such a great time and lots of fun working with her and definitely look forward to the next time! :>
The program:
Program featuring works by African-American composers & Hymns
Part I – Classical Works
Lyric for Truelove Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989)
On Consciousness Streams Jacqueline Hairston
On Consciousness Streams
Thou Alone Canst Inspire
Season of Remembrance
From Lyric Suite Robert Morris (b. 1941)
Gospel Blues (I’m So Glad)
Juba (Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit)
There is a Need Olly Wilson (b. 1937)
~ pause ~
Part II – Hymns & Gospel Songs
Blessed Assurance Fanny Crosby/Phoebe Knapp
Order My Steps Glenn Burleigh
Great is Thy Faithfulness Thomas Chosholm/William Runyan
Oh How I Love Jesus Traditional Hymn
More Than Wonderful Lanny Wolfe
His Eye is on the Sparrow C.D. Martin/Charles Gabriel
My Tribute Andraé Crouch
The past week was particularly busy with teaching and performing. Several friends came to performances this week, including Jackie and her family, Louis and his friend, Paisley and Gerald, Kevin, Marci and her granddaughter, two of my aunts and uncles, Sonia and Branice (if I missed your name, please forgive me!). We performers are thrilled to see people we know and love in the audience (hint, hint...), and appreciate when you're able to enjoy our performances : >
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Stevie Wonder Live at Last DVD
Hello friends,
The DVD "Stevie Wonder Live at Last" is being released on March 10, 2009!! Here's a link giving information about purchasing the DVD and about where you can go watch it on the big screen!
PREVIEW
PURCHASE Live at Last [Blu-ray]
PURCHASE Live at Last DVD
It looks great! Enjoy! : >
The DVD "Stevie Wonder Live at Last" is being released on March 10, 2009!! Here's a link giving information about purchasing the DVD and about where you can go watch it on the big screen!
PREVIEW
PURCHASE Live at Last [Blu-ray]
PURCHASE Live at Last DVD
It looks great! Enjoy! : >
I'm no Luddite, but...
For the past 10 days, I’ve been focused on practicing AND composing! I haven’t been online much, simply because I’ve imposed a new standard for myself: I can only access email after practicing for 1 hour, and I’m limited to no more than 30 minutes; I can only log into social networking websites after 2 hours of practice (again, a 30 minute limit); I can only go to the gym and to yoga if I practice 5 hours on any given day. As a reflection of my not meeting that goal, I haven’t been online at all in several days and have only been to the gym and to yoga once in the past week! However, the musical progress is good and I’m excited that I now have tremendous incentive (more than pure discipline) to get in the practice and creative time. I’ve found that I easily become distracted (addicted, some might say) to responding to email and chatting online, and that it’s much easier to work out at the gym than to exert the mental effort to practice and/or create. But long term, practicing and writing are the better choice. I’m rather disciplined anyway, but I felt the need to ratchet it up a few notches.
Today is the last day of my 21-day No Complaining challenge! I did it! Ok, I confess, there may have been times that I complained and simply didn’t catch myself. But, as far as conscious complaining goes, I managed to get through the 21 days! I’m keeping the habit, and if I notice that I’m slipping back into a complaint mode, I’ll resume the challenge again. It just feels so much better to be focused on the positive. Ah…
Today is the last day of my 21-day No Complaining challenge! I did it! Ok, I confess, there may have been times that I complained and simply didn’t catch myself. But, as far as conscious complaining goes, I managed to get through the 21 days! I’m keeping the habit, and if I notice that I’m slipping back into a complaint mode, I’ll resume the challenge again. It just feels so much better to be focused on the positive. Ah…
Friday, February 06, 2009
Victoria Theodore on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Hello friends,
For those of you who couldn't watch the broadcast of Stevie Wonder's performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, here are the YouTube link (which will probably disappear soon) and the link to Ellen's video page:
On Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2009, I received a phone call letting me know that Stevie Wonder would be performing for The Ellen DeGeneres Show in Los Angeles. I made the necessary schedule adjustments and phone calls and packed my bag to head south. I flew to Burbank early Thursday morning, and spent an hour or so in my hotel room reviewing the songs that we were to perform: "I Wish" and Stevie’s new song in honor of President Obama “All About The Love”. I was excited about performing with Stevie for the first time on American television! In England, we performed on The Jonathan Ross Show, but I’d never before performed on a nationally syndicated show. I don’t actually watch much television, but am familiar with Ellen DeGeneres mainly through her amazing performance as Dory in Finding Nemo, one of my favorite animated characters of all time! Upon arriving at the Warner Brothers Lot, we were met by Ellen’s pleasant, accommodating and professional staff, and led into our dressing rooms. The dressing room was very well appointed and loaded with all kinds of snacks…the kind I don’t eat: junk food, sodas, etc. I ventured into the band room (they always place me in the room with the female background singers for obvious reasons!), and found that there were yummy vegetarian sandwiches available! What joy!! I quickly snatched up and ate a few of the avocado, sprout, and tomato sandwiches with glee. While I’m not a true vegetarian (I occasionally indulge in poultry and seafood when I get a craving), I mostly eat fruits and vegetables and I was so impressed that Ellen’s staff provided an option for someone with a healthy food preference!
After finishing my snack, I walked to the stage where we were to run through a rehearsal. Ellen’s stage set is beautiful! It’s very homey (in a high end, exclusive interior decorator designed sense, complete with exotic plants, and luscious hard wood floors), and I felt instantly at ease in the space. We ran a sound check, during which I had another chance to play Stevie’s beautiful Yamaha piano, XS8 keyboard and Hohner Clavinet. I rarely get to play a Clavinet, so it’s always exciting to have the opportunity. Not everyone in the band was able to participate in this performance, but the substitutes, Noland Shaheed on trumpet, and Fred White on vocals, were great.
At the end of the rehearsal, Ellen’s staff told us “ok, you have 10 minutes”. At first, we were all dubious, especially us ladies, none of whom had yet gotten dressed or put on makeup! But, alas, it was true, and, in a flash, I had to quickly put on the top that the wardrobe specialist, Nos, had picked out for me, snatched my hair out of the bun that it had been in, shook my hair around, splashed on some foundation, blush and gloss, and ZOOM! To the stage I flew! During the performance of the first song, I Wish, I began having a minor wardrobe malfunction. I’m rather tiny, and the top that I’d been given was a Small. I wear Extra Small…so, the top kept trying to slide off of me. Thankfully, the strap on the left held it’s place, but after a feeble attempt at adjusting the right strap, while focusing on using both hands during the song (kind of distracting, non?), I gave up and let the strap rest on my biceps. The song went well (including the impromptu intro of “Contusion”), and we walked back to our dressing rooms, where I was able to finish my makeup, have the top adjusted so that it would stay on me (!) and watch the interview with Jennifer Aniston.
Ellen then interviewed Stevie, mentioned the upcoming DVD release “Live At Last" (available March 10, 2009!! I can’t wait to see it!), and asked him about the song that Stevie wrote in honor of President Obama, “All About The Love”. To close the show, we then performed that song. After the show, I had the chance to meet Jennifer Aniston, who was gracious and even shook my hand, Houston Texans tackle Ephraim Salaam and guard Chester Pitts, who are both really nice and funny. Unfortunately, since I don't watch TV, I was fully unfamiliar with their 2008 Superbowl commercial, else I would have spoken to Chester Pitts about classical music (he's also an oboist and might find himself needing to hire an accompanist one day)! It was a GREAT day!
For those of you who couldn't watch the broadcast of Stevie Wonder's performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, here are the YouTube link (which will probably disappear soon) and the link to Ellen's video page:
YouTube: I Wish not legal, so it will probably be revoked soon
YouTube: All About The Love not legal, so it will probably be revoked soon
Ellen So far only the video of the first song is there. Since the new song hasn't been released yet, they might not upload that one.
On Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2009, I received a phone call letting me know that Stevie Wonder would be performing for The Ellen DeGeneres Show in Los Angeles. I made the necessary schedule adjustments and phone calls and packed my bag to head south. I flew to Burbank early Thursday morning, and spent an hour or so in my hotel room reviewing the songs that we were to perform: "I Wish" and Stevie’s new song in honor of President Obama “All About The Love”. I was excited about performing with Stevie for the first time on American television! In England, we performed on The Jonathan Ross Show, but I’d never before performed on a nationally syndicated show. I don’t actually watch much television, but am familiar with Ellen DeGeneres mainly through her amazing performance as Dory in Finding Nemo, one of my favorite animated characters of all time! Upon arriving at the Warner Brothers Lot, we were met by Ellen’s pleasant, accommodating and professional staff, and led into our dressing rooms. The dressing room was very well appointed and loaded with all kinds of snacks…the kind I don’t eat: junk food, sodas, etc. I ventured into the band room (they always place me in the room with the female background singers for obvious reasons!), and found that there were yummy vegetarian sandwiches available! What joy!! I quickly snatched up and ate a few of the avocado, sprout, and tomato sandwiches with glee. While I’m not a true vegetarian (I occasionally indulge in poultry and seafood when I get a craving), I mostly eat fruits and vegetables and I was so impressed that Ellen’s staff provided an option for someone with a healthy food preference!
After finishing my snack, I walked to the stage where we were to run through a rehearsal. Ellen’s stage set is beautiful! It’s very homey (in a high end, exclusive interior decorator designed sense, complete with exotic plants, and luscious hard wood floors), and I felt instantly at ease in the space. We ran a sound check, during which I had another chance to play Stevie’s beautiful Yamaha piano, XS8 keyboard and Hohner Clavinet. I rarely get to play a Clavinet, so it’s always exciting to have the opportunity. Not everyone in the band was able to participate in this performance, but the substitutes, Noland Shaheed on trumpet, and Fred White on vocals, were great.
At the end of the rehearsal, Ellen’s staff told us “ok, you have 10 minutes”. At first, we were all dubious, especially us ladies, none of whom had yet gotten dressed or put on makeup! But, alas, it was true, and, in a flash, I had to quickly put on the top that the wardrobe specialist, Nos, had picked out for me, snatched my hair out of the bun that it had been in, shook my hair around, splashed on some foundation, blush and gloss, and ZOOM! To the stage I flew! During the performance of the first song, I Wish, I began having a minor wardrobe malfunction. I’m rather tiny, and the top that I’d been given was a Small. I wear Extra Small…so, the top kept trying to slide off of me. Thankfully, the strap on the left held it’s place, but after a feeble attempt at adjusting the right strap, while focusing on using both hands during the song (kind of distracting, non?), I gave up and let the strap rest on my biceps. The song went well (including the impromptu intro of “Contusion”), and we walked back to our dressing rooms, where I was able to finish my makeup, have the top adjusted so that it would stay on me (!) and watch the interview with Jennifer Aniston.
Ellen then interviewed Stevie, mentioned the upcoming DVD release “Live At Last" (available March 10, 2009!! I can’t wait to see it!), and asked him about the song that Stevie wrote in honor of President Obama, “All About The Love”. To close the show, we then performed that song. After the show, I had the chance to meet Jennifer Aniston, who was gracious and even shook my hand, Houston Texans tackle Ephraim Salaam and guard Chester Pitts, who are both really nice and funny. Unfortunately, since I don't watch TV, I was fully unfamiliar with their 2008 Superbowl commercial, else I would have spoken to Chester Pitts about classical music (he's also an oboist and might find himself needing to hire an accompanist one day)! It was a GREAT day!
I had a GREAT time performing on the show! I love being on TV! lol
Enjoy!! : >
Victoria
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Victoria Theodore February performances
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
FEBRUARY 2009
Sun, Feb 1 11am-2pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Fri, Feb 6 4pm The Ellen DeGeneres Show
In addition to an interview, Stevie will be performing two of his greatest hits... LIVE!
Thu, Feb 12 9pm Kaylah Marin & Basic BlaQ at Karibbean City
1408 Webster Street Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.832.3774
Fri, Feb 13 6:30-9:30pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Fri, Feb 20 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Sun, Feb 22 4pm Candace Johnson at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church
6026 Idaho Street Oakland, CA 94608 | 510.832.3774
FEBRUARY 2009
Sun, Feb 1 11am-2pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Fri, Feb 6 4pm The Ellen DeGeneres Show
In addition to an interview, Stevie will be performing two of his greatest hits... LIVE!
Thu, Feb 12 9pm Kaylah Marin & Basic BlaQ at Karibbean City
1408 Webster Street Oakland, CA 94612 | 510.832.3774
Fri, Feb 13 6:30-9:30pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Fri, Feb 20 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333
Sun, Feb 22 4pm Candace Johnson at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church
6026 Idaho Street Oakland, CA 94608 | 510.832.3774
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