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AMANDA'S SHOWBIZZ REVIEWS AND EVENTS

"Sculpture Garden Wizardry"

Thinking of you as I am surrounded by instruction sheets in my intense puzzles: Trying to put together the equipment I got to make a "Home Studio," so I decided to write to you awhile in some sort of fervent wish that these parts will magically put themselves together!
Tears don't help in these matters, either. But a wizard would...if only one would telegraph some secret quantum mechanix to me in a sendfix I'd be very happy.

Last nite I really did see a Wizard, but not a technical one - there was an incredible jazz concert at the MOMA Sculpture Garden!
The name of this Wizard is Billy Bang, and he performed with The Billy Bang Sextet.
Billy Bang has been on the case awhile now, luckily for all of us. His instrument is the violin. Not the instrument one would normally associate with simmering jazz, but Billy has made the violin his own, personal messenger in the adventures he takes us on.
He combines the edginess of NYC streets with the soulful, celestial realms of There, or Here - depending on perspective. Add to that a generous portion of traditional Swing, and you have a good, soaring experience.

Billy Bang was a student at a Massachusetts prep school and met Arlo Guthrie and began to work some music with him then shortly thereafter, drafted into the Army and sent to Viet Nam.

The experience had a deep effect on him, subsequently the themes expressed as a result greatly reflect these responses.
His first piece was titled "Prayer For Peace," then "Song In The Key Of MIA." Everyone in the large group attending seemed to get his messages perfectly, and were rapt within the spell he wove.

By the close of the concert, many people were up and dancing to an all-out jumping swing selection.

I was interested to learn also that he spent ten years working with Sun Ra.

Smiles all around, from wall to wall and even the trees in the garden swayed happily in the nice, summer winds last nite.

And do you know what? These concerts are free, every Sunday at 8:00 pm, with doors opening at 7:00. Hint: Get there early to get a seat, this performa

nce, as others, was totally filled with people standing along the edges of the garden. Also hint: Bring a newspaper or sweater or something to sit on, cos some of the chairs have these grid-forms which you may want to bolster a bit with something. There are also refreshments to buy if you like.

Altogether it's a sweet thing to do on a Sunday evening....

"Is That You"

movie reviews

Lovely Deep Blue Summernight To You - I believe you are there - in fact *know* you are there, as it's true that thoughts do have wings and in this way, we can always communicate freely. You are the same spirit I have known forever, whether in dreams, in waking, in retroition, in song, in word - as well as I know the feeling of me, in varied references when I must regard this vehicle I move about in as something specific, therefore "me" is a functioning entity I can recognize and deal with and thru, I am just as aware that there is a You!
Now. Are you *my* You? If there is such a thing as this; let's be realistic. Can any one spirit actually claim direct priority to another? I wonder. But in any case, the reality is such that whatever is evident is primary kenspeckle and that's enough of a dominion for me. Whatever is true. (Special Life-Coaching by Bob The Cat)
Guess what, I've been working on a film called "I Hate Valentine's Day," a story by Nia Vardalos - you know, "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" person? Well - she's about to have another winning happening with this project. I'll just tell you a little about the premise: A girl had a theory about dating entailing "no dates past 5," because she feels that's the best time you ever have with a person and beyond that the teardrops fall, you have fights and part anyhow.
John Corbett, who played Aidan on "Sex and The City," and Nia's romantic interest in "Greek Wedding," is playing a man named Gregg in this new film, a bartender who falls in love with Genevieve (Nia Vardalos) and seeks to win her heart even with her "5-date-minimum."
The film goes on to reveal all the things Gregg has to go thru to finally win Genevieve against all odds.
The scenes we have been doing involve all seasons that Genevieve and Gregg meet and the people who are there - of which I play several people, plus I was a sort of "utility person" on set, meaning I fill in for everyone who moves and vaguely resembles me. It's a fun job and there's alot of friendly vibes when you work all sorts of long hours and sit in the rain on apple boxes along side of everyone. Thunder and lightning included.
And another thing is the chance to observe the genius of Nia in action - she is writer, director and protagonist, and never loses a beat - is on constant creative vigil and is a "hands-on" filmmaker who seizes every moment to bring out a revelation, a rare moment, a warmly funny interpretation. She waits for nothing to happen, she makes it happen. One time there was a problem with the visibility from a certain angle and she grabbed the bunch of flowers from the vase, shortening the stems in one flash second by twisting them with her foot. The next moment she is there reflecting and measuring distances from the camera, analyzing and exacting the perfect way to reflect the core of the scene.
This is a lovely cast and great people altogether. Wishing the best things to happen for this film!
Later this week: To see my Pal, Brit Fisher's film "Full Battle Rattle" at the Film Forum - having received major notices on prior festival showings, this is to be the debut in NYC and everyone is very excited about Brit's first venture producing a film, so certainly the distributers will have great advantage getting in there now while the getting is good!
Well, I guess I'll say "goodnight for now," and I will open my wings full out for the best soaring flight, so climb aboard the Trans-Gallaxy Dream=Express and let's explore the farthest reaches beyond imagination...

WAY JAZZED

Time for our nitely lullaby, now I'll sing some jazzy themes just to swing your sweetest dreams -
Well... I went to the Equinox Gym tonite and took Pilates Mat and Global Conditioning, both with Michelle Roth, Superstar Fitness Director, worked out on some of the machines then had a wonderful shower and Eucalyptus Steam Bath, fast dried my hair and jumped on Red Feather (my bike) in time to catch the 9:30 show at Jazz Standard to see Jon Hendricks' L, H. & R. Redux. (Aria Hendricks,Vocals, Kevin Burke-Vocals, Ray Gallon-Piano, Paul Meyers- Bass, Paul Gill-Guitar,Andy Watson-Drums)
Somehow I got my regular table again in the middle of the room, where I get the directest view of the Object of My Fancy, The Keyboard - this one the broad, dazzling smile of a Steinway Grand.
Jon Hendricks is one of the finest singers and lyricists in jazz history, and incidentally, is 86 years young, and working with his daughter, Aria in their group. They have a beautiful rapport together and the whole group seems to be having the best fun ever working - really *playing* with each other!
At first the show starts out with the band itself, and the four fellows resemble actual business men, like, if you were on the subway about 8:14 am you'd see them get off at Broadway & Nassau Street: Then the Action begins; the boys cut loose and wowie, hold on, folks - you're in for a jazzy rocketship ride!
You know, that's when people spontaneously start clapping at different moments.
They did some Count Basie - "Little Darlin'" and on "Everybody's Boppin'" they were joined by Satchel, who was visiting and invited to jump in and join.
This show will be on through July 6th, with a 7:30 and 9:30 pm show each night. Go and have a jazz experience, it's way healthy - you'll smile throughout and all the way home, and pick up some of the free magazines and papers they have around there, there's lots going on in town, so come on down!
Goodnight for now, Dearest Friends and Allied Angels, allow the deepest and truest dreams to appear for you, travel with it, fly with people you trust, and I'll check with you soon...

Testimony for The Trees" Pt. III

Smooth and Sweet Evening To You Dear Angels - Good news again regarding the Testimony we gave last night to preserve the Trees in our historic Courtyard, and another Lifeline for Magic Forest! The CB II voted it down by a healthy, good number of votes to save our Trees and Yard!!
Just got back from the Equinox Gym where I had a great Pilates Class taught by our magnificent and inspirational Fitness Director, Dancer - Michelle Roth!
I'd like to tell you about my definition of Stars. Michelle is certainly a great example of a Real Star.
A Star is not just a person who wants to be famous.
A Star is a Real Force, An Energy-System that has the ability to transmit light and energy from inside themselves and touch others and affect their lives because of it.
A luminosity, a body of energies held together by it's own gravity. May have the life span of "only a million years - " depending on it's mass and luminosity. Some stars can exist for billions of years, or ten thousand billion years.
It is believed that stars originate as condensations out of interstellar matter.
In certain circumstances a protostar will form, slowly contracting under its own gravity, part of the energy from this contraction being radiated, the remainder heating up the core, and this stage can last several million years.
In our lives, certain people can have a powerful effect on one another because of these exchanges of energy and care. Our paths can become illuminated.
Michelle puts so much into her work with us in the classes at the gym, and gives positive feedback that motivates us. I think this is the reason I was able to do the dancing scenes in "All Good Things" and the fact that my sciatica is going away can also be attributed to her excellent Pilates and Latin Groove classes.
I would like to say some thoughts about Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling, two of the stars in the movie I just worked on.
These two actors are Real Stars. Not only are they beautiful to gaze at, but they are real galactic entities, radiating goodness and inspiration. They have the inner power to energize and infuse people with joy.
As I go along, I will add more people to my Starlist.
I just remembered my Sister Beverly, she was a Star also, and I miss her. I remember when we had our newspaper that we wrote in the attic and rode around delivering on our bikes, we had a feature called "Star Of The Week Award," and we'd do a feature on each person. The paper was called "The Ring Lane Gazette."
Well goodnight for now my Angelstars - I love you, sweet dreams with happy voyages...

"Night of Smiles"

Live at Judson Memorial Church last nite: SYNESTHESIA 2008!
Artistic telephone across the genres -
Took myself out there to see a super event/happening, was very happened by it...parked my bike at the subway, my "Peugeot Escort," sallied forth to 55 Washington Square Park South.
This is my feeling about the event: Some rare and beautiful energies were discovered and included in my treasure trove of gems.
Particularly loved Shanelle Gabriel, singing "More Than One Of A Kind," a R&B throwback/ thrust forward, thank you dear Shanelle - singer, songwriter, spoken-wordologist.
Another highlight etched in my mind and heart, Jo-anne Lee, a dancer who defies gravity and numerous other natural phenomena. Doing a number called "Still/Crashing" where she takes on a supernatural mode of movements eclipsing reality as it is known till now at least, being at once robotic and elusively kinetic.
Films were shown throughout the event, by Gregory Stuart Edwards, match=dissolved with the live actions taking place in a kaleidoscopic flow.
So much went into this production I can hardly encompass the picture, except to comment admiringly about the Author/Playwright, Damian Lanigan, in "New People," Photography by Peter Kaplan, "Megan," Improvs - Nathan Phillips and Joe Schiappa - "The Paranoid Sectopus and his Friends," Artist, Brian Whiteley - "Candy Stripes and Umbrellas," Author/Playwright, Clay McLeod Chapman - "NASCAR Harmonics" - featuring Walker Lewis as Alan Kulwicki, Jordan Kaplan as Announcer, Singer/Songwriter, Leah Siegel ,a healthy brunette singing in a lovely outfit accented by a ruby red electric guitar, a song titled: "She’s A River," DJ, JayCeeOh, wowee, made that sound happen so big, so nice - I got my dance stuff on as well as the other babes on board, which is a good workout and always a blessing in my book. Of course, the Title Song, SYNTHESTHESIA, Music by: Zac Lasher. Filmmaker, Avriel Hillman - see you On Set, good going, buddy! And, Christopher Jackson Jessup with Additional Video Footage - Nancy Hillman
The Producers really had alot of insight here. Melanie Sylvan & Ashlin Halfnight, thank you for a splendid evening in the Village, and a solid collage of creative feasting on an April nite. Michael Mahoney, Great Graphics! A solid evening, the Electric Pear Productions is an innovative and vital voice in the media, and a voice that reaches every corner of anything you could desire in theater. The After Party was super, great yums and bevs, the works, anytime they’re on - go for it, you’ll have a beautiful night of smiles, beams, dancing dreams and whatever your heart wishes...now, don’t forget to make a wish, nitey-nite for now dear loves!

Music Trails and Tales

Good evening, Precious Hearts - I open my wings to you, gather 'round and nestle up while I tell you a story about where I just flew in from.
Well, at the very last moment, Cathy called with the prospect of a ticket to see Paul Simon at BAM! (Yeah Cathy!) It was not only last moment, but maybe-ish at that, whereupon I scrambled about and re-routed my plan to do the laundry then practice piano and sing and run down to add more soap. Decisions!
Decision to see one wonderful Universal Heart named Paul Simon sing things that are definitely part of my intricate labyrinth of pathways. And I'll bet yours, too.
It really doesn't seem to be THAT long ago I recall riding my bike through balls of sleet under a quarter moon in tears about something, listening to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" tho to be direct, I don't recall why the tears - so the decision to enter the river where this music came from was logical.
Suddenly, there I was! Picking up my tickets at the booth marked "Guest Artists," I slid into the darkened theater where several silky-stepped people guided me seamlessly to my seat, very Orchestra at that.
The Title of the show is: "AMERICAN TUNES."
Guest Artists: Olu Dara, Grizzly Bear, Josh Groban, The Roches, Gillian Welch
Paul Simon's Band: Tony Cedras, Steve Gadd, Jamey Haddad, Bakithi Kumalo, Vincent Nguini, Andrew Snitzer, Mark Stewart
"Love in Hard Times," the Music of Paul Simon
Paul sang so beautifully and gave his whole being to us and the people he was playing with, I could see how he became the music itself as he leaned forward, made the subtlest of gestures, a wave of his hand - moments I saw how he conveyed his thoughts to them, it was very inspiring.
He did "Songs from The Capeman," and "Under African Skies."
I felt it, felt everyone's heart beating in unison so many times this evening; "Still Crazy After All These Years," "The Rhythym of the Saints," "Sound of Silence," three musicians operating as one instrument, intently following the path created and making wonderful circles and arches together, "Parsley,Sage, Rosemary & Thyme," "Bookends," and of course, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," performed by Paul Simon and Josh Groban on piano and joining Paul in voice - Josh's voice is soaring and heavenly to listen to, even with his yelping fans ecstatic over him - I don't hear voices like his often enough. Wearing a plaid shirt and jeans, he stunned me totally when he sang and played piano so magically.
I felt there was a real wake-up message tonite, maybe I was part a sort of "fleet" of 'Silver Girls' indicated in that song - "Bridge Over Troubled Waters - " I'm certain there must be a few of us out there still!
And so, let's "sail on," as the song says,as it is pulling, urging us to take up the reins, the oars, the wheel, and continue our paths without regret, without looking back in tears - after all, isn't that what music is for - to hold the Universal Heart together?
Goodnight for now..

25th Annual MAC Awards!

Hi Loves! It's me, I'm back from the 25th Annual Mac Awards tonite, held at BB King's Jazz Club - a very nice, plushy club in the heart of NYC's Times Square, 42nd Street, btw 7-8th Avenues. MAC stands for Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs.
You may recall I went to this event last month, but was a month early - so this time I was sure to get it right.
Two reasons, among many more reasons also, were to see my wonderful Teacher/Mentor of the Cabaret Scene, win for Board of Directors Award, and to also see Danny Aiello as Presenter of this Award.
A moment of reckoning occurred with Danny Aiello when we spoke and he remembered the scenes in the movie "The Pickle" which I was in with my prior Cocker Spaniel, Nellie, both of us playing space creatures entering a giant pickle which was a space ship that had landed near the Plaza Hotel. Most of the "dance-team" of space people didn't remain throughout the scenes, as it was really cold out there; the filming started in early fall and continued till about December, in little lycra bodysuits.
I felt so thrilled to see Linda Amiel Burns win the Award, and in her usual charming, magnanimous way - she began by attributing this honor to all the people around her, and ended up by telling us all to "Keep On Singing!" Good advice!
There were two lovely people at my table: Andrea Rose, an Inventor, and her friend, Joe Sirola, an Entertainer, both of whom sort of "adopted" me and we had a lovely dinner and shared various interesting cuisine things such as calimari salad and sorbet for desert, plus my handy little flashlite to read with.
This Awards show was very much fun, and there were so many categories. It ranged from music, including Standards, Jazz, Musical Comedy, Broadway, Comedy, Special Material, Piano Bar Entertainment, Review/Special Production, Variety Production, and another wonderful moment was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Maureen McGovern. The Special Achievement Award was presented to Lewis Black.
In the beginning of the show there was a "Red Carpet Experience," where several people in the music world were filmed and the moments were shared on a large screen - this was fun for me cos I was one of the people interviewed. Mostly I just spoke about my lovely teacher, Linda Amiel Burns and Danny Aiello, whom I worked with in "The Pickle," and my 3 pianos.
I had a super evening, and jumped on my bike very happy about the experience, gliding thru the sleek night as tho on a personal spaceship, and maybe in a way "Red Feather" (aka: "Cranberry Dancer") (my bike) is a sort of spaceship. Or a pony, depends on the mood.