OSA Lecture

This afternoon, I gave a lecture at the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA). Back in November, 2008, I was asked to participate in a choral competition as a judge. As someone who has both performed in and accompanied choirs, and loves choral music, I was thrilled at the opportunity, and immediately accepted the task. Although it was a pleasure to hear all of the talented young people who performed that afternoon, the students from the Oakland School of the Arts, directed by Cava Menzies , were superlative. Not only were these singers gifted with beautiful voices, but their intonation, musicianship, energy, stage presence and professionalism were unparalleled. Ms. Menzies had clearly worked very hard in training her students, and the results were ineffably spectacular. OSA easily won the competition that evening, and shortly afterward contacted Cava to congratulate her on a job well done. She, in turn, asked me to come and speak to the students in her music business class about life as a professional musician. Once again, I was thrilled at the opportunity. As a teacher myself, I relish being able to offer guidance, inspiration, advice, etc, to students in any way that I can. I live for the moment of epiphany when a student just “gets it”, and perhaps uses something I say as a catalyst for their art, education, life, etc. What greater joy is there than to know I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life? Wow…

As the day for my lecture approached, I imagined what I might say to the students. I created a simple outline including important moments in my musical development, my work habits, influences, and music business insight based on my personal experience. Excited, I took off from home early, anticipating that I’d arrive at the school 30 minutes before my scheduled lecture time. However, on my way to the school, I encountered a major traffic jam. Apparently, CalTrans had decided to do emergency roadwork on I-880 North literally starting when I entered the freeway. So, I was stuck…for a while…a long while. While I appreciate those who keep our roadways safe and clear, it could not have been worse timing for my schedule. I exited the freeway as soon as I could, but then was stuck in street traffic because everyone else was trying to do the same thing. I ended up backtracking and driving through Alameda to get to downtown Oakland, which most of the other drivers didn’t know about as an option, therefore giving me clear roads, but even with my ingenuity and astute driving skill, I was 30 minutes late for my lecture. Oh well! What’s that old adage about making plans…

I finally arrived at the school, breathing deeply, determined not to be thrown off because of my tardiness. Cava met me as I parked and walked me around the building to her classroom. I entered and the students all applauded, which immediately set me at ease, and pushed the memory of extreme traffic out of my mind. Cava introduced me, and I began to speak about my life as a musician. I didn’t use my prepared notes. I felt inspired by the beautiful faces of the students in the room, and spoke extemporaneously, keeping the overall point of contributing pertinent information in mind (after all, I was there to offer guidance, not just spew my resume). Once I completed my lecture, which primarily focused on how discipline and determination are just as (if not more) important than inherent talent, with examples from my life, I took questions from the students. They had so many questions! It was great! Their questions included queries about the process of auditioning for superstars, my practice habits, what it’s like to perform in front of tens of thousands of people. Once the question/answer segment was completed, the students asked me to perform. I played a couple of classical pieces, and played and sang a couple of Stevie Wonder songs. After I performed, the students asked if they could perform for me. Exactly what I was hoping for!

The students sang “Blackbird”, “Zingela”, “The Color Purple” and a beautiful song composed by singer/composer Branice McKenzie “Angels Here On Earth”. I performed with Branice for the first time a few months ago in the Music, She Wrote concert at the Oakland Public Conservatory , and I’ve since become a fan of her work. After performances by each of the mixed choral groups, a group of young men asked to perform “A Ribbon In the Sky” for me. It was an awesome performance!

I had such a wonderful experience sharing my thoughts with the students of OSA. I am thoroughly impressed by their poise, work ethic, talent and excellence. Thank you to Cava Menzies, Branice McKenzie and all of the students who attended my lecture and sang for me. I encourage all of you to keep up the good work and keep being amazing!

Victoria Theodore May Performances

“May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God's blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you may your heart be strong. May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.”

It's May (almost) and we've already been experiencing an abundance of beautiful flowers, blue skies and (mostly) warm weather. Technically, more rain would be good in this perpetually semi-arid Northern California climate I'm so attached to, but I won't complain!

This month, I've got lots of performances and it always is a joy to see your beautiful, smiling faces in the audience. Marcello's Restaurant is an "open mic" gig, so let your inner superstar shine, and come out, have dinner and sing / play / dance with me! It'll be fun. Be sure to bring sheet music, if you have it. I can read anything, but if you don't have sheet music, no worries, as I can also play virtually anything by ear.

Speaking of reading, I've been rehearsing some awesome musical works ("Dismal Swamp" by William Grant Still and "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copland) with the OPC Chamber Orchestra in Oakland. We're performing on May 31. I'm excited about performing with an orchestra again, and am enjoying the process!

I'm also heading to Morocco towards the end of the month, so if you happen to be in Northern Africa, let me know! It'll be my first trip to the continent, so I'm super excited!

Here's a listing of the shows I currently have booked:

MAY 2009

Sat, May 2
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar: Open mic! Come sing! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sun, May 3
3:30pm
NANM Festival of Spirituals
Beth Eden Baptist Church
1183 - 10th Street Oakland, CA 94607 | 510.444.1625
Donation requested

Fri, May 8
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar: Open mic! Come sing! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sat, May 9
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333

Fri, May 15
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar: Open mic! Come sing! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sat, May 16
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333

Sun, May 17
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar: Open mic! Come sing! Bring your instrument! Play a song or two with me!
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sat, May 23
7:30pm
Stevie Wonder
MAWAZINE Festival: Rhythms of the World
OLM Souissi • Sofitel Rabat Jardin Royal • Avenue Addoustour Rabat, Morocco

Sun, May 31
5pm
Oakland Public Conservatory Chamber Orchestra
Sandra I. Noriega, Music Director
Performing the works of Aaron Copeland and William Grant Still with Victoria Theodore, piano
Skyline Community Church
12540 Skyline Boulevard Oakland, CA 94619 | 510.531.8212

Please check out my website to see a full, up-to-date listing of when and where I'm performing. Just click on one of the links and then click the button that says "SHOWS".

Have a wonderful month! I hope to see you soon!

Victoria Theodore
Pianist / Vocalist

April musical adventures

Several weeks have passed, and again I’ve found myself struggling to follow a regular blogging schedule. I think about writing often, however, during the midst of the day, I am inundated by the mundane tasks of everyday life, practicing, chores, errands, teaching, email, phone calls, administrative tasks for my business, etc., and by the time the end of the day approaches, I’m too exhausted to consider writing anything…or if I do, what I write is lazy, poorly executed and not of a quality that I’d feel comfortable publishing. And that’s with a personal assistant! Once a week, my fantastic personal assistant, Mandoline, comes to my office and helps me with all manner of tasks. I don’t know how I ever got along without her help! One day, when I have a real budget, I want to hire an assistant full time!

Anyway, I shall attempt to bring you up to date with what I’ve been busy doing over the past several weeks:

On April 9, 2009, I taught the first session of my class at the Jazz School in Berkeley. A few months ago, I proposed teaching a class on the music of Stevie Wonder, and everyone at the Jazz School seemed excited about the prospect. Initially, my concept revolved around working with keyboard players, but it was suggested that instead I teach an ensemble class. I had a few weeks to prepare charts for the students, but given the fact that I had no idea who would show up, I really couldn’t begin charting until the class structure had been determined. So, at the last minute (as in the night before class), I stayed up all night doing quite literal transcriptions of Stevie’s recordings for the class. A classic example of my tendency towards perfectionism, I had no reason for putting that much detail or so many hours into class preparation, but I did it the night before the first class, and again for each of the past 3 Wednesday nights. I can’t do it anymore. My fatigue level has reached a new high (low?), and if I don’t find a way to get more down time, I’m afraid I may break. We’ll see…wish me luck in overcoming a lifelong habit of perfectionism… Nonetheless, I’m having a great time with the class. The students clearly love the music and are very responsive to my coaching, which makes teaching so much easier!

I’ve had several performances at local restaurants where I sing and accompany myself on the piano. This is a new phase of my musical journey. I’ve played hundreds of gigs as a solo pianist, but only in the past few months have I started singing too. All of a sudden, I get more requests for performances as a singing pianist than as a solo pianist! I must say that I am enjoying the process of honing my skills in this new role. My confidence as a lead vocalist is growing (singing background is ENTIRELY different), and I’m working on building a repertoire. I’ve had several friends stop by the restaurants where I’m performing, including on one night in Burlingame, my yoga buddies Karen, Janet, Jenny, Jamie and his friend Michelle; my friend Alan brought his friends Noelle and Guy. On a different night in Danville, my yoga buddies LaShara & Jaime brought 2 of their friends, and my music colleagues and friends Angela, Sandra, and Sandy and her friend Lisa came to my gig. Lisa even built up the courage to sing a couple of songs with me. I do enjoy accompanying, so in my gig promotions, I encourage people to come perform with me at my gig in Danvile. It’s fun and gets the clients involved in my performance in a more intimate way. Performing as a background artist is quite isolating at times.

I had lunch with one of my mentors a few weeks ago. Bill Bell has been a steady and supportive presence in my musical life, and it was a pleasure to sit and catch up with him over lunch. Mr. Bell (I still can’t bring myself to call him by his first name) is and has always been a great inspiration for me. He’s an accomplished musician, instructor, composer, and conductor and has always graciously shared his insights, both musical and otherwise, with any number of Bay Area musicians, both aspiring and professional.

Those are some of my recent musical adventures. I will try to be better about writing…

Why I Love My Job!!

Hello friends,

Here is video from Stevie's DVD (amazing what you can find on YouTube!). We're performing Chic Corea's "Spain" in these videos. I'm at the start on this clip:
Spain, Part I

And my solo is on this clip at 0:48:
Spain, Part II

I love playing with the people in this band, and Stevie of course! Everyone is so incredibly talented!

These videos probably won't be on Youtube for long, so go buy the DVD! ; >

Buy the DVD

Sister Sunday

This weekend, I had a couple of fun performances. On Friday, my friend Fred Ross, needed a keyboard sub on his gig at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, and by a miracle I was actually available. So, I headed over to the city, wary of parking and loading restrictions, lugging along my keyboard and sound equipment. Of course, as is usually the case, I got an excellent parking space, and one of the maintenance employees of the Sir Frances Drake hotel, happened to be outside and assisted me in unloading and transporting my equipment to the elevator…AND he refused to allow me to tip him! The night was off to a good start, indeed! Once set up, with my keyboard at an angle to the piano, the other instrumentalists (Bill Hampton, guitar; Deszon Claiborne, drums; and Joe Thomas, bass), played an instrumental set, mostly of songs that I didn’t know…but that never matters! My ear is good enough that I can literally “catch” any song. Besides, it’s fun to be spontaneous when playing (I definitely learned to appreciate spontaneity from playing with Stevie…the band NEVER knows where he’s going! Lol). Fred decided to take advantage of my knowledge of the Wonder catalog, so we did several of Stevie’s songs. I sang 2 songs “Come Back as a Flower” (from “The Secret Life of Plants”), and “American Boy”. I had a great time, and the crowd was enthusiastic.

Thanks to Kevin, for coming to the Starlight Room, and to Anthony, Leslie, Taylor, and Jim and his friend, for coming to hear me at Marcello’s Restaurant in Danville, CA. Last night was my first appearance at Marcello’s and I had a great time!

So, it’s now Sunday, and I actually only have plans to hang out with my (adult) sisters! My second youngest sister, Shionda, had a birthday last month, and I haven’t seen her yet to celebrate. My sister Nina is driving up to spend the day with us. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m looking forward to some quality down time with my sisters. Baby sis isn’t coming, but she’s still a bit young to participate in an official Girl’s Day Out! Happy Sunday everyone!!

Spring is in the air!

Spring is here!! And although we've had a bounty of rain, and we spoiled Californians are more than ready for warm, dry weather, it would do the environment good to have some steady April showers. In the meantime, until the rains fall once more, I hear that we're going to be asked to ration water yet again. So, avoid the temptation of excessive water usage by getting out of the house and coming to a show! I've got a few restaurant gigs this month, so make it a Saturday night out! Bring the kids! ; >

APRIL 2009

Sat, Apr 4
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sat, Apr 11
6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Broadway Grill
1400 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 | 650.343.9333

Fri, Apr 17
7:30pm Angela Dean-Baham
Allen Temple Classical
8501 International Boulevard Oakland, CA 94621 | 510.569.9418

Sat, Apr 18
8:30pm - 11:30pm
Marcello's Restaurant & Piano Bar
515 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 | 925.838.8144

Sun, Apr 19
9:30am
Danville Congregational Church
989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Danville, CA 94526 | 925.837.6944

Music, She Wrote

Music, She Wrote… On Saturday night, I participated in a concert of original music performed by female composers and musicians.  A few weeks ago, I was invited by the director of the Oakland Public Conservatory to participate in a their second annual celebration of Women Composers, "Music, She Wrote". The other performers and composers in the ensemble were:

India Cooke - violin

Kelly Fasman – drums

Karen Horner - bass

Branice McKenzie – vocal

Sandy Poindexter - violin

Angela Wellman - trombone

Yehudit - violin

It sounded like a wonderful concept, and so I signed on.  Week after week, trying to gather each of the musicians together for this volunteer effort (a fundraiser for OPC’s wonderful program of offering music instruction to Oakland’s youth) was proving to be problematic.  All of us are active performers, teachers, and composers, with schedules that would possibly be defined as overwhelming, except for the fact that we all manage to handle them!  Finally, the week before the concert, everyone came together for a rehearsal on Tuesday.  Thanks to some world-class creative procrastination, I waited until the last minute to compose a work specifically for the gathered ensemble: piano, bass, drums, 3 violins, trombone and voice.  I came up with the foundation of my piece (a rhythm section groove and violin support), hastily notated my music using music software as quickly as I could before shifting gears to teach my piano and voice students.  I only had about 90 minutes of time to prepare my score, and managed to print out something legible!

The rehearsal that evening was a bit bumpy, partly because some of us (…ok, me…) didn’t have completed or accurate scores of our pieces, but we got through it.  I was enthusiastic and excited about the music we’d be performing.  On Saturday, I was still struggling with coming up with a confirmed melody for one of my compositions.  We had all agreed to meet at the Conservatory at 6pm for a run through.  At 5:15 lightening struck, and EUREKA!  I created a melody.  No lyrics, but a melody that I actually love and a general concept of the song…in case I write lyrics at some point. I headed to the Conservatory and we did a quick run through of the music, each of us professional enough not to be worried by anything musical and 8:20 or so (maybe it was a weeee bit later) started the performance.

First, we performed a piece by Karen Horner, “House Spirit”, a lovely ode to the birth of her daughter in 6/8 time, with African rhythms.  Next, “Ra Storm” by India Cooke.  I have very little experience with free jazz, but India is a master of the idiom.  Not only did she create a composition that was clear, evocative and exciting, but her musical leadership focused our sound in creating an incredible musical journey. “HJ”, a piece by Angela Wellman in dedication to her friend, the reknowed musician and Oakland music educator, Helena Jack, was next on the program.  Reminiscent of a McCoy Tyner waltz, “HJ” was solidly in the jazz tradition yet expansive and healing in its intent and performance.  The violinists took a break on Branice McKenzie’s first piece, “Shelter”, a charming R&B / Samba with lyrics reminding the listener to look inside one’s self for “shelter” from life’s storms. 

Sandy Poindexter ’s pieces both infused the night with Latin rhythms.  Her first piece, “In The Stars”, was a nod to celestial themed entertainment (she specifically named Star Trek as an inspiration!).  Yehudit and the violinists opened Yehudit’s “Song of Praise, Song of Peace” with a beautiful trio, joined at the repeat of the theme by the trombone, and then further developed with the rhythm section into a form of the blues.  The final piece of the first half of the program was my hastily composed tune “Alone” (title is tentative).  I was inspired to write a song in 7/4 time, and am quite pleased with the piece, though it’s still a work in progress.  I tend to compose in popular music forms, and this song is no different.  I was utterly thrilled to hear the piece performed live and am sure I will record it at some point.

During intermission, several of the performers offered their CDs for sale.  Please visit their websites (links provided above!) and support these fine musicians by buying their CDs!  You will not be disappointed!

The second half of the program opened with Angela’s ballad “Who Will Speak for the Children”.  Angela’s dedication to musical education, to supporting children and youth in Oakland and beyond is perfectly conveyed in this lovely piece.  In keeping with the spirit of children, next I performed my song “Faith of a Child” with the rhythm section.  I wrote this song in honor of my niece Naomi’s triumph over leukemia.  I had hoped that Naomi could have performed the song with me (we’ve performed as a duo – me on piano and singing, and Naomi dancing), but she was already booked to perform at a fundraiser in another city.  At 6 years old, she’s already in demand as a performer!  For the next piece, I took a break!  Yehudit composed her piece “Blue-per” for non-chordal instruments, so I sat back and enjoyed this fun bluesy romp! Then came “Sun”, another piece by India.  This was one of my favorite pieces of the night.  Another example of free jazz, India and I played this piece as a duo.  Despite my inexperience in free jazz, I followed India’s instruction to play with “big ears and a big heart” and I think it worked brilliantly! 

After “Sun” set, we moved into “The Prince To Another Land”, a piece that Sandy dedicated to a friend of hers (whom it appeared that everyone in the ensemble knew except for me).  The piece opened with a beautiful melody, played in a rubato (somewhat freely) style, and then moved into a Mambo which grew in intensity over time.  Branice then came back to the stage to sing her gorgeous song “I Can’t Remember”, another of my favorites.  She composed this piece for a film featuring Gregory Hines.  The song was not selected for the film, but should have been!  To close the program, we performed two grooving, bluesy pieces.  First, Karen’s “What Goes Around”, which she composed for young students, and Angela’s “Well Jack”, which she composed with her friend Helena Jack, who is currently dealing with a serious illness.  It was a great way to end a night of amazing music.  I personally enjoyed performing everyone’s music, and am grateful to the other ladies for having performed so beautifully on my pieces!  I’m sure we’ll be organizing another performance of “Music, She Wrote”.  If you missed this one, I implore you not to miss it again!  It really was great.

Why Music Matters

A friend of mine recently emailed the following article to me. It's long, but I took the time to read it, and am glad I did. For those of you struggling with finding purpose in music, searching for rationale in challenging times, read this for inspiration. I did, and I couldn't keep it to myself : >

Dr. Karl Paulnack's address to the Boston Conservatory Freshman Class

Getting things done!

I am so proud of myself! I have been making real progress on my to do list, including items which had been sitting, ignored, for months on end! Also, this afternoon, I sat down and composed a new song! I loooove it already, and I've only got the piano, bass and drums recorded (quick, cheezy tracks, but still...)! I'm so happy, oh so happy, I'm so happy, and creative and pleased! : >

A Driven Week

Not my car. Photo used for effect (I do love an Aston Martin DB9, though...)

No more driving. I’m done. Well, for the day. This week, I drove to and from LA for my gig, and then today drove to Sacramento to visit my grandmother (ok, my cousin Tony drove, but I was in the car). I am utterly car fatigued. I was supposed to have a rehearsal this evening, but thankfully it was cancelled. I would have been rather useless.

I'm so wiped out that despite wanting to practice, I’ve decided to take the night off and … drum roll …just relax! I might even take a bubble bath! I’ll get up early tomorrow morning and practice. Really… I mean it! No, I’m not kidding… I’m not going near the piano… Not even to try this really cool new exercise that Peter Horvath showed me… No!!!! Tomorrow!!! Get up now, and walk away from the studio. Don’t look at the piano as you exit, Victoria! Bubble bath….buuuubbbbblllle baaaaath… sleeeeeeeep! I can do it! I can resist the temptation… inhale, and GO RELAX!

The Hawk, The Bustier and the Gig with Kaylah Marin

On Wednesday night, after having worked all day performing and teaching, I packed up and drove to Los Angeles. Bay Area artist, Kaylah Marin, with whom I’ve performed recently, asked me to travel to LA to perform at the Urban Network Conference held at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry. The rest of the band was traveling via van earlier in the day, but because of my teaching schedule, I wasn’t able to leave until late. I set up my navigation and my iPod and I hit the road, listening alternately to audio books and my favorite high energy music: usually a mix of spirited contemporary gospel, popular R&B and dance pop and alternative metal – anything that I can sing along with and keep myself awake on the long drive. As I was traversing the Grapevine, I felt myself starting to get drowsy, and was at the point where I felt the need to pull over. In the moment before making a decision to stop the car, a gigantic bird, with a wing span nearly as wide as my windshield made a dramatic dip towards my car, sending my adrenaline through the roof! The bird swooped low and then went off to the right of my car. I’d never seen anything like it. The bird’s appearance was very well timed, and the energy I gained from the sighting propelled me all the way to the Resort, thus sparing me an accident and saving me time.

I arrived at the Resort at 2:35am, went to bed and slept until 12:30pm…a much needed respite! I got dressed and went to lunch in the main restaurant on the ground level. I noticed a camera crew and several people dressed in golf wear. Given that the Resort is a popular golfing location, I assumed there was some kind of golf event taking place. A group of young men came in and sat at the table next to me. They appeared wealthy (the haircuts, the glowing skin, the tight bodies), and I assumed they were golf pros. One of the men looked familiar, and I thought to myself “he really looks a lot like Matt Dillon, but that’s not Matt”. I don’t watch golf at all, unless Tiger Woods is playing and he’s in a good match, so as far as I knew, they could have actually been golf pros. While sitting alone at my table, with apparently nothing better to do, contemplating who these men were, a young African-American women walked over and asked to take a photo with the men. Now, I’m sure there are African-American women who are avid golf fans and know golfers who aren’t Tiger Woods, but I don’t personally know any such women! So, I thought to myself “wow, it’s so cool that golf appeals to a diverse audience today”. Intrigued, I asked my waiter who the “golfers” were. Apparently, I’m not only ignorant of sports figures: these men were actors from the HBO show “Entourage” and the reason that one of the men reminded me of Matt Dillon is because he was Kevin Dillon, Matt’s brother, a cast member of the show. Of course, Ms. Lives in a Cave (that would be me) has never seen the show and is utterly clueless about who actors are except the Ultra Famous (Brad, Will, Denzel, etc. – oops, am I drooling?). My phone rang, breaking my voyeuristic spell, and I was summoned to sound check. I had to leave TV land, but it was fun to watch the set for a few minutes.

After sound check, I dressed for the show and received abundant validation of having made the correct wardrobe choice: form fitting pants, sky high boots and a subtly sexy bustier. I could barely walk 3 steps without receiving additional "validation"!






The show went well, and Kaylah received lots of attention. Hopefully she’ll gain the exposure that she and her staff were hoping for in booking the gig. Several people watched the show, and I heard only positive comments when walking around after the show.



The band had dinner as a group, reveling in a job well done. Earlier, I had informed everyone that I would be driving back home after the gig. I had hoped to secure a Friday night job in Los Angeles, which would have justified staying an extra day, but I had no further booking luck, so I didn’t cancel any of my obligations back at home. Marvin, one of the background singers, was kind enough to be my co-pilot on the drive back to the Bay Area. It’s amazing how much easier it is to make a long drive with another person in the car. I don’t think I’ll be doing that drive again on my own, errant hawk, notwithstanding!

On Friday I cried...

More on that later : >

It was a weekend full of music, my own and that of others. It all began on Thursday night: I’d been asked to perform in a Stevie Wonder Tribute show with the incredible vocalist, Fred Ross, at The Broadway Grill, a local restaurant where I frequently perform as a singing pianist.  Both of us enthusiastic Stevie Wonder fans, we took on the task with glee.  Unfortunately, the performance wasn’t sufficiently advertised, so the audience was small and thanks to a subdued sound system, barely aware of our presence.  Regardless, Fred and I agreed that it was fun and that our duo (actually a trio, with the drummer) should be repeated.  Fred is one of those rare singers who’s unafraid (and actually able) to sing Stevie’s demanding songs in the original key.

Friday was intense.  I woke up at 5am and went to the gym, my “reward” for having practiced 5.5 hours the day before.  After a brief nap, I went to yoga, returned home to prepare for the day.  I drove to the school where I’m the choral program accompanist, and accompanied the very talented teens, rehearsing music for their upcoming music tour.  After school, I drove to a senior living community, where I performed for an enthusiastic audience of senior citizens.  I received requests for music ranging from Chopin to “In The Mood for Love” to “Phantom of the Opera”; of course, I happily accommodated them all.  It was an interesting contrast to play for (and accompany) people of such diverse ages back to back: both have clear love for music, and are demonstrative in their appreciation of my performance, but differ in the type of feedback energy that I sense as a performer, the restlessness of youth versus the focus of maturity.

After my performance for the senior community, I decided to spend my free 2 hours before my next event having a late lunch with a friend.  After lunch (dinnertime for most people), my friend and I made an attempt to view a few art galleries under the moniker Art Murmur, a group of galleries in Oakland that have openings every first Friday of the month – and it’s FREE (my favorite word of the moment!). Our first stop, at a gallery in Jack London Square, was a bust: the gallery was closed, despite having been on the list of galleries.  So we sped off to the next gallery (as I only had about 40 minutes left to keep my schedule), 510 Gallery.  The 510 Gallery featured an incredible series of angel wings cast of plywood.  The artists were on hand and happy share their creative vision and process.  I was astonished at the delicacy of their work, and how thoroughly the work reflects the character of wings.

Next, I headed to Berkeley to see the Berkeley Playhouse production of “Once on this Island”, directed by Kimberly Dooley.  For several years, I worked as an accompanist for Elizabeth McCoy, the artistic director of the Berkeley Playhouse, and was excited to finally have a chance to witness the results of her hard work as an audience member.   I had no idea that Kimberly, Erika Bowman and Michael Mohammed, were also involved in the production.  I’ve worked with all of them over the years, and it was a pleasure to see them in a musical theater context.  From start (with the beating of drums as audience members entered the theater) to end, this production was excellent!  Kimberly’s vision of an island in the French Antilles was beautifully rendered through gorgeous set design, vibrant, engaging performances, energetic choreography and lovely music.  I had a hard time sitting still!  I wanted to jump up and dance with the performers! The biggest surprise was seeing my friend’s daughter, Zendaya, on stage.  I’ve accompanied Zendaya in school concerts before, but had no idea she was such a natural stage performer!  I enjoyed myself immensely!  “Once on this Island” is showing through March 15.  Go see it!

After watching the musical, doing my networking (which I always do when in musical environments…it’s a business!), and chatting up old friends, I was thoroughly exhausted.  However, I received a text message from a friend who’d invited me to see Stanley Clarke that same evening.  After having promised Elizabeth that I’d come see her production, I had to turn down the invitation, but I really, really, really wanted to see Stanley perform.  I’ve missed countless opportunities to see musical legends perform over the years, mostly because of conflicts with my own performance schedule, but sometimes because of budget.  Well, after receiving that text message, I called and discovered that tickets were still available for the 10pm show.  Hm…I was running on fumes at this point, and the tickets were outside of my current budget, but I spoke on the phone with another friend who (thankfully) encouraged me to go to the show.  So I did.  I sat behind the pianist at a table with strangers (who didn’t seem all that pleased to have me sit with them; at least they were utterly non-responsive to my pre-concert chit-chat…oh well!  It was an open seat, so I took it!).  One word: amazing.  And then, my weepy moment. It came during Stanley’s composition “Paradigm Shift”, which he wrote in honor of President Obama’s election.  Stanley’s music can be quite complex, and extremely difficult to execute technically.  Through the statement of the theme and solos by Stanley’s pianist and violinist, this technical difficulty was evident.  The musicians played with fierce virtuosity and soaring energy.  However, during his solo, Stanley played with utter simplicity and delicacy, creating such exquisitely beautiful sound and phrasing, that I could barely contain my emotions.  That moment alone justified my fatigue and the expense.

Other notable moments were the solos of pianist, Ruslan Sirota, and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr., during the song “After the Cosmic Rain”, a Return To Forever classic.  Ruslan has superlative technical facility and a tremendous musical imagination.  I only wish he’d add a greater element of emotion into his playing.  Ronald was plain ridiculous!  I mean that in the best possible way!  His solo was a demonstration of how to have fun when playing music.  His joy was irrepressible and his playing full of vitality.  Violinist Zach Brock was consistently expressive and passionate in his playing.

Stanley’s first finale was Bass Etude #6, during which he played the acoustic bass as if it were a Flamenco guitar.  I’d never seen anything like it.  What a show.

Having been duly inspired, back to work I go! And a one, two, a one, two, three, four…

Looking for a gig in the LA area Friday, March 13, 2009!

Hello friends,

I'm performing in the LA area next Thursday, March 12, and if I can get a gig for Friday, March 13, I'll stay an extra day. Anybody looking for a keyboard player / background singer for that day? Book me!! : >

Blessings and Music,

Victoria

A Stanford Weekend

I spent 3 of the past 5 days on the Stanford University campus! A Stanford weekend! On Thursday, I drove to Stanford to attend a songwriting lecture with the incredibly talented Esperanza Spalding. I first met Esperanza at Stevie's 2008 House Full of Toys fundraising concert in LA. I had the opportunity to accompany her on her catchy tune "I Know You Know".

Esperanza is terrifically talented as a singer, bassist, songwriter and pedagogue. During her Stanford lecture, she shared profound musical insight. I was utterly impressed by her ability to articulate the balance between nuanced sensitivity and technical practicality in the creative process. My favorite quotes were: “practice finishing songs” and “be sure that your skill set is fully cultivated”. Esperanza told us a story about recording with bass legend, Stanley Clarke. She had been spending time practicing finishing songs in her down time, flying around the planet, etc. During the recording session, Stanley Clarke asked her to complete a song for him. Because of her diligence in practicing writing and completing songs, she was ready and able to fulfill his request!

Esperanza's story so inspired me, that the next day, my friend Amy and I met for a song writing session. We got to work, with a self imposed time limit of 90 minutes, and we wrote a song that we really like! We are both proud of ourselves for setting an intention, working hard and fulfilling that intention! Thanks to Esperanza for the inspiration!

On Friday, I again drove to Stanford to hear Esperanza in concert. She was kind enough to invite me as her guest. I’d never had the opportunity to hear Esperanza and her band in concert, so I was thrilled. Her band includes pianist Leo Genovese, drummer Otis Brown, and guitarist Ricardo Vogt. Anthony Diamond, a Stanford student, joined the band onstage for a couple of numbers, and was a welcome addition to the vibe. The concert was excellent! If you have the chance to hear Esperanza in concert, don’t miss it! Not only did she perform several of her wonderful compositions (including “I Know You Know” and “She Got To You”) but also brilliantly reconceived and arranged versions of “Body and Soul (Cuerpa y Alma)” and “Wild Is The Wind” – which was one of my favorite performances of the night.

Another favorite performance was a piece that Esperanza sang accompanied only by her pianist, Leo. The piece is based on an Argentinean rhythm, I can’t remember the name of the rhythm, and therefore only remember the second half of the title, which was “Liliana”. Whatever the title, it was a blazing example of pianistic and vocal virtuosity, and at the same time a beautiful example of superlative musicality. The primary melody was doubled in the piano and Esperanza’s soaring soprano. The piece was intricate, esoteric, yet appealing and vibrant! For most of the concert, I couldn’t sit still in my seat. Otis Brown’s groove on the drums was undeniable and Leo and Richard’s comping propelled Esperanza’s natural groove. I had a GREAT time. After the show, we all ate dinner and hung out for a little, ending the evening early because the band had a 5am airport call time.





Finally, this morning I found myself once again on the Stanford campus, attending a lecture by General Colin Powell. He was GREAT! I had no idea he’d be such a charismatic and humorous speaker. He given a lovely introduction by former Secretary of State George Shultz, and then spent the next hour explaining to the audience what his life is like now that he’s no longer a power player in the sense that he was during the Reagan and Bush administrations. What I mostly loved about his speech is that he’s not one of those intransigent Republicans that is so devoted to party, that he won’t admit when a candidate from another party is superior. He brilliantly articulated his reasons for supporting then-candidate Obama over his friend Senator McCain, and offered examples of justification from his own experience as a military leader. I thoroughly enjoyed the speech and enjoyed hearing an example of a “conservative” that didn’t just seem angry and bitter that their side “lost”. How refreshing! Lol I do love visiting my secondary alma mater…

Victoria Theodore March performances

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

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 : >

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! : >

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…

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:

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

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