Monday, November 1, 2010
Gearing Up for the Holidays
Halloween is over now so the race is on. Christmas will be here before we know it. The Reminiscents have 2 private gigs coming up before Christmas which I am so grateful for. We're still working hard to get future gigs. We'll be learning some Christmas tunes, which should be fun.
I'm not singing with MOS for the Christmas concert because I will be involved with Chords of Faith the first 2 weekends in December. But I'll be with MOS for the Messiah Sing-a-long. I am also singing with an SSAA group from my ward. We will be singing for several Christmas functions.
Opera club is going to get started with Romeo and Juliet after Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to that.
I'm not singing with MOS for the Christmas concert because I will be involved with Chords of Faith the first 2 weekends in December. But I'll be with MOS for the Messiah Sing-a-long. I am also singing with an SSAA group from my ward. We will be singing for several Christmas functions.
Opera club is going to get started with Romeo and Juliet after Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to that.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Post-Opera Life
Post-opera life has been a little hard to adapt to for me. After two weeks though, I'm settling in. I've been able to spend a lot of time with my children and concentrate on their needs.
I've decided not to have any more basement concerts. They have not been well attended unfortunately, so we will just push forward without the fundraisers and see how much we can get done. It may or may not happen by March.
Now I have Chords of Faith (www.chordsoffaith.com) on Sundays. We will have 2 concerts, one in December and one in April.
I'm also singing for my 7th season with The Michael O'Neal Singers and Chamber Singers. (www.mosingers.com) We have many concerts to look forward to which I will post of course.
The Reminiscents have not had a gig for quite some time. We're still praying that things will take off someday.
I'm trying to start an opera club (I'm sure we'll come up with a better name) in order to learn opera roles. I would really love to have a wonderful group to sing with on a weekly basis. We'll meet, learn the roles, and then perform the opera in concert.
I've decided not to have any more basement concerts. They have not been well attended unfortunately, so we will just push forward without the fundraisers and see how much we can get done. It may or may not happen by March.
Now I have Chords of Faith (www.chordsoffaith.com) on Sundays. We will have 2 concerts, one in December and one in April.
I'm also singing for my 7th season with The Michael O'Neal Singers and Chamber Singers. (www.mosingers.com) We have many concerts to look forward to which I will post of course.
The Reminiscents have not had a gig for quite some time. We're still praying that things will take off someday.
I'm trying to start an opera club (I'm sure we'll come up with a better name) in order to learn opera roles. I would really love to have a wonderful group to sing with on a weekly basis. We'll meet, learn the roles, and then perform the opera in concert.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Tartuffe Sept. 10-12
We have been in rehearsals now for Tartuffe for 2 weeks and have fully blocked the 1st and 3rd acts. They are looking good! We were excited for our Tartuffe to join us this week upon his return from New York and are looking forward to our Damis to come in on Thursday and make our cast complete (and so we can block Act 2). To order tickets, go to the Capitol City Opera website at www.ccityopera.com.
Tartuffe is an opera in English by the composer Kirke Mechem and Capitol City Opera Company is producing it on the stage at Oglethorpe University on Fri. and Sat. Sept. 10 and 11 at 8PM and Sun. Sept. 12 at 3PM. The costumes will be fantastic, but will not be able to overshadow the great singing that is going to happen. The opera is based upon the play by Moliere that premiered in 1660, but the opera premiered in 1980 at the San Francisco Opera. It is very easy to listen to and the comedy should make it easy to watch as well; however, that does not diminish the fact that it is tough to sing.
I can only speak for myself, of course, but the entrances are tricky and the first note of each phrase is sometimes elusive. I have never worked so hard to learn something. My part is also dauntingly large for me at this time in my life, but I am relishing the hard work. I play Dorine, the maid. She is intrical in scheming the overthrow of Tartuffe and therefore, I have conversations with each of the characters separately, sing the well-known aria "Fair Robin I Love" and laugh a lot (which in opera makes for some very difficult music).
I did some interesting research this week on the time period. The king of France at the time was Louis XIV. He reigned for a whopping 72 years, the longest of any European despot. He loved the theatre and was a dancer himself, taking part in several productions at court. Moliere plays were a favorite at court; therefore, Moliere frequently wrote scenes in deference to his sovereign (as seen in Act 3, Scene 2 of our opera). It was a relatively peaceful time for the country so our bourgeoisie characters would be living a life of pious devotion in the country, which is where all the trouble begins. In search of true Christianity, Orgon invites Tartuffe into his home. Everyone else in the house, Damis and Marianne (Orgon's children), Dorine, and Valere (Marianne's fiance) can all see Tartuffe's true colors, which include his lust for Orgon's wife Elmire, and must plot to get him out of the house and keep their inheritance at the same time!
I am thoroughly enjoying figuring out this character and learning the music and rehearsing with some other great singers. Now, if only we had an audience.....
Tartuffe is an opera in English by the composer Kirke Mechem and Capitol City Opera Company is producing it on the stage at Oglethorpe University on Fri. and Sat. Sept. 10 and 11 at 8PM and Sun. Sept. 12 at 3PM. The costumes will be fantastic, but will not be able to overshadow the great singing that is going to happen. The opera is based upon the play by Moliere that premiered in 1660, but the opera premiered in 1980 at the San Francisco Opera. It is very easy to listen to and the comedy should make it easy to watch as well; however, that does not diminish the fact that it is tough to sing.
I can only speak for myself, of course, but the entrances are tricky and the first note of each phrase is sometimes elusive. I have never worked so hard to learn something. My part is also dauntingly large for me at this time in my life, but I am relishing the hard work. I play Dorine, the maid. She is intrical in scheming the overthrow of Tartuffe and therefore, I have conversations with each of the characters separately, sing the well-known aria "Fair Robin I Love" and laugh a lot (which in opera makes for some very difficult music).
I did some interesting research this week on the time period. The king of France at the time was Louis XIV. He reigned for a whopping 72 years, the longest of any European despot. He loved the theatre and was a dancer himself, taking part in several productions at court. Moliere plays were a favorite at court; therefore, Moliere frequently wrote scenes in deference to his sovereign (as seen in Act 3, Scene 2 of our opera). It was a relatively peaceful time for the country so our bourgeoisie characters would be living a life of pious devotion in the country, which is where all the trouble begins. In search of true Christianity, Orgon invites Tartuffe into his home. Everyone else in the house, Damis and Marianne (Orgon's children), Dorine, and Valere (Marianne's fiance) can all see Tartuffe's true colors, which include his lust for Orgon's wife Elmire, and must plot to get him out of the house and keep their inheritance at the same time!
I am thoroughly enjoying figuring out this character and learning the music and rehearsing with some other great singers. Now, if only we had an audience.....
Monday, July 26, 2010
Summer is coming to an end
Capitol City Opera Company gave another Summer On the Lightside on Saturday night. This year, we sang the music of Rogers and Hammerstein to a sold out crowd.
Next up, Build the Basement #4: Upon this Rock. The very talented Tom Gregory and I have been working on some of the Christian music I wrote when I was younger, bringing it back to life. Edward Galaviz will join us on drums on Saturday night, August 14th at 7PM in the basement. Franco and I have framed out the recording booth and Franco has been working on the wiring. So, the next step is the sheetrock. Then, it will really look like a room!
Next week, I begin rehearsals for Tartuffe. I'll be playing Dorine, the maid. It's a fantastic part for me and I am very excited about it. Tartuffe plays September 10th and 11th at 8PM and September 12th at 3PM at Oglethorpe University.
The Reminiscents are working on some bookings for the fall. I'll keep you updated on that.
The Michael O'Neal Singers and Chamber Singers are getting started again soon and I'm auditioning for Chords of Faith this year. That ought to keep me plenty busy!
Next up, Build the Basement #4: Upon this Rock. The very talented Tom Gregory and I have been working on some of the Christian music I wrote when I was younger, bringing it back to life. Edward Galaviz will join us on drums on Saturday night, August 14th at 7PM in the basement. Franco and I have framed out the recording booth and Franco has been working on the wiring. So, the next step is the sheetrock. Then, it will really look like a room!
Next week, I begin rehearsals for Tartuffe. I'll be playing Dorine, the maid. It's a fantastic part for me and I am very excited about it. Tartuffe plays September 10th and 11th at 8PM and September 12th at 3PM at Oglethorpe University.
The Reminiscents are working on some bookings for the fall. I'll keep you updated on that.
The Michael O'Neal Singers and Chamber Singers are getting started again soon and I'm auditioning for Chords of Faith this year. That ought to keep me plenty busy!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Sing for Christ
I sang on Saturday, June 26th at the Sing for Christ concert. I don't get to sing this style of music very often so it was a treat, especially because I go to sing duets with Lee Herring.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
July 2010
2 things for July:
1st is the 3rd installment of the Build the Basement concerts on Saturday, July 10 from 2-4 PM. It will be an ice cream social highlighted by some patriotic music.
2nd is the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera, On the Lightside. This year, the troupe will be performing Rogers & Hammerstein. You know I love that! Sorry, this show is already sold out, but we're seeking another venue to have a 2nd performance. I'll let you know!
1st is the 3rd installment of the Build the Basement concerts on Saturday, July 10 from 2-4 PM. It will be an ice cream social highlighted by some patriotic music.
2nd is the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera, On the Lightside. This year, the troupe will be performing Rogers & Hammerstein. You know I love that! Sorry, this show is already sold out, but we're seeking another venue to have a 2nd performance. I'll let you know!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A Successful Week
I thought I didn't have anything to do this summer. Boy, was I wrong! I gave 6 concerts last week. On Saturday, June 12, I had the 2nd Basement Concert. It was such a pleasure for me to share 14 of my favorite classic broadway pieces, which included "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered", "Many a New Day", and "Much More". All of the pieces were from shows that debuted between 1940-1960 and many were by Rogers & Hammerstein, as they ruled Broadway during that time. Keri Hughes won the name that tune game. She named all 14 pieces and the shows they were from and got almost all the composers as well! Wow!
On Sunday, I went to sing in Roswell Square with Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers. I sang "The Sound of Music" as a solo also. It was so hot! But the audience still enjoyed the chamber, folk, and popular music. After the concert, John, Debbie and I went over to John's house with Allen and Catherine to practice for Dinner and a Diva. I sang through Queen of the Night twice and I was soooo tired afterwards. Long day!
Tuesday night was Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge. I sang "Der Holle Rache", "Chi il bel sogno", "In quelle trine morbide", "Saper vorreste", and "Caro nome". That was a lot of high notes, but I was well warmed up and it went rather well. I would have liked to have known the words to In quelle trine morbide a little more securely, but my brain was full. And Caro nome was rather funny. I got stuck in a loop on one phrase and after singing it twice, I looked at Catherine like "Help me!" and she skipped ahead, played a chord really strongly, and got me going again. John said it was the extended version of Caro nome. Luckily, the audience appeared to have drunk enough wine not to have noticed. We repeated the same program at Sugo on Thursday night and I sang Caro nome perfectly. I was so vocally tired by this time that my F's were a little closer to E and 1/4, but no one is perfect and that is the foibles of live performance.
On Wednesday morning, I did 2 Dr. Seuss's back-to-back. We don't normally have school shows during the summer, so I was glad this summer camp had hired us. Capitol City needs all the income it can get to prepare for Tartuffe.
Lastly, on Saturday night, the Alba's held a lovely party in their beautiful backyard and I got to sing a duet with Lee Herring. I sang "If I Loved You" and "Where the Boys Are" solo and then Lee and I sang "More than Wonderful" and "Upon this Rock". I closed the night out with a sing-a-long of "Que Sera Sera". In between there was a bagpipe player. Very cool! And a wonderful performance by the Tuesday Diva's. They're so great!
Lee and I will sing those duets again next Saturday at "Sing for Christ" at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church. I will also sing "Upon this Rock" and "We Shall Behold Him". I'm so happy to finally be able to sing these songs that I grew up hearing my mom sing. Very sentimental!
Then, I have to start learning the music for the Capitol City Opera Company's annual fundraiser On the Lightside. This year it is the music of Rogers & Hammerstein, so I already know a lot of it. That will be Saturday, July 24 at Callanwolde. Several tables are already sold out, so people should go ahead and make reservations. www.ccityopera.com
I definitely need to be working on Tartuffe. The role of Dorine is slighty larger than I imagined and will take some hard work to learn. Hopefully, I can perfect it before September 10th when we open at Oglethorpe.
I have my calendar ready for all the Build the Basement Concerts for the rest of the year. I'll add that here as well. Phew! I think that's it!
On Sunday, I went to sing in Roswell Square with Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers. I sang "The Sound of Music" as a solo also. It was so hot! But the audience still enjoyed the chamber, folk, and popular music. After the concert, John, Debbie and I went over to John's house with Allen and Catherine to practice for Dinner and a Diva. I sang through Queen of the Night twice and I was soooo tired afterwards. Long day!
Tuesday night was Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge. I sang "Der Holle Rache", "Chi il bel sogno", "In quelle trine morbide", "Saper vorreste", and "Caro nome". That was a lot of high notes, but I was well warmed up and it went rather well. I would have liked to have known the words to In quelle trine morbide a little more securely, but my brain was full. And Caro nome was rather funny. I got stuck in a loop on one phrase and after singing it twice, I looked at Catherine like "Help me!" and she skipped ahead, played a chord really strongly, and got me going again. John said it was the extended version of Caro nome. Luckily, the audience appeared to have drunk enough wine not to have noticed. We repeated the same program at Sugo on Thursday night and I sang Caro nome perfectly. I was so vocally tired by this time that my F's were a little closer to E and 1/4, but no one is perfect and that is the foibles of live performance.
On Wednesday morning, I did 2 Dr. Seuss's back-to-back. We don't normally have school shows during the summer, so I was glad this summer camp had hired us. Capitol City needs all the income it can get to prepare for Tartuffe.
Lastly, on Saturday night, the Alba's held a lovely party in their beautiful backyard and I got to sing a duet with Lee Herring. I sang "If I Loved You" and "Where the Boys Are" solo and then Lee and I sang "More than Wonderful" and "Upon this Rock". I closed the night out with a sing-a-long of "Que Sera Sera". In between there was a bagpipe player. Very cool! And a wonderful performance by the Tuesday Diva's. They're so great!
Lee and I will sing those duets again next Saturday at "Sing for Christ" at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church. I will also sing "Upon this Rock" and "We Shall Behold Him". I'm so happy to finally be able to sing these songs that I grew up hearing my mom sing. Very sentimental!
Then, I have to start learning the music for the Capitol City Opera Company's annual fundraiser On the Lightside. This year it is the music of Rogers & Hammerstein, so I already know a lot of it. That will be Saturday, July 24 at Callanwolde. Several tables are already sold out, so people should go ahead and make reservations. www.ccityopera.com
I definitely need to be working on Tartuffe. The role of Dorine is slighty larger than I imagined and will take some hard work to learn. Hopefully, I can perfect it before September 10th when we open at Oglethorpe.
I have my calendar ready for all the Build the Basement Concerts for the rest of the year. I'll add that here as well. Phew! I think that's it!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
June 2010
The 2nd Build the Basement Concert is coming soon. Saturday, June 12 at 7PM in the newly framed basement at 3071 Woodlake Ct. Marietta, GA 30062, I will be doing "Classic Broadway: Music that Electrifies" to celebrate the installation of the designated breaker box. Tickets are $5 each. There will be a Name that Tune contest with a prize for the winner. Also, the 2X4's are still exposed and can be purchased and signed or decorated for only $2.50 each. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some really great music and have a little fun in the process. I can't tell you what I'm singing because that would ruin the Name that Tune contest, but I promise it's good! For more information, you can contact me at amber.brooke.soprano@gmail.com.
Sunday, June 13 at 3PM, the Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers will be singing for a 2nd year in a row on the Roswell Square as part of Roswell's Concerts on the Square series. This is free to the public. Bring a chair and enjoy the beautiful music and, hopefully, beautiful weather. www.mosingers.com
Tuesday, June 15 at 6:30PM, I will be performing the Queen of the Night aria as well as "Che il bel sogno di Doretta", "In quelle trine morbide", "Saper voreste", and "Caro nome" with the Capitol City Opera Company as part of their Dinner and a Diva monthly concert series at Petite Auberge. I will be joined by Debbie Rostad and John LaForge for "Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi". Tickets are $55 for a 4-course dinner and the concert. www.ccityopera.com (check out the new website) We will repeat this program at Sugo in Roswell on Thursday, June 17 at 7PM.
Saturday, June 19th, Ill be celebrating Father's Day at the Alba's and singing with Lee Herring (Yay!). Sorry this is by invitation only!
Saturday, June 26 at 7PM at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church, I have been invited to perform, with Lee Herring again, on the 2nd annual Sing for Christ. We will be doing a few duets and some solos each. www.ajcexchange.com/5-Community/27-art-music-theater/ads/566477/detail
I am soooo busy learning all this music, but I am in heaven. Not only is it all really great music, I love to be busy! There are so many choices for being entertained, I hope you choose one or two!
Sunday, June 13 at 3PM, the Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers will be singing for a 2nd year in a row on the Roswell Square as part of Roswell's Concerts on the Square series. This is free to the public. Bring a chair and enjoy the beautiful music and, hopefully, beautiful weather. www.mosingers.com
Tuesday, June 15 at 6:30PM, I will be performing the Queen of the Night aria as well as "Che il bel sogno di Doretta", "In quelle trine morbide", "Saper voreste", and "Caro nome" with the Capitol City Opera Company as part of their Dinner and a Diva monthly concert series at Petite Auberge. I will be joined by Debbie Rostad and John LaForge for "Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi". Tickets are $55 for a 4-course dinner and the concert. www.ccityopera.com (check out the new website) We will repeat this program at Sugo in Roswell on Thursday, June 17 at 7PM.
Saturday, June 19th, Ill be celebrating Father's Day at the Alba's and singing with Lee Herring (Yay!). Sorry this is by invitation only!
Saturday, June 26 at 7PM at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church, I have been invited to perform, with Lee Herring again, on the 2nd annual Sing for Christ. We will be doing a few duets and some solos each. www.ajcexchange.com/5-Community/27-art-music-theater/ads/566477/detail
I am soooo busy learning all this music, but I am in heaven. Not only is it all really great music, I love to be busy! There are so many choices for being entertained, I hope you choose one or two!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lots Coming Up
On Friday night May 14th, the Michael O'Neal Singers will be performing "Songs from America's Heartland" at RUMC at 8PM. www.mosingers.com
On Saturday night May 15th, the "Build the Basement" concert is from 8-11. (see below) When you arrive, please have your picture taken and sign the guest book. Enjoy socializing, some snacks, and dancing to 60's music all night.
Then, in June, I'm looking forward to another "Build the Basement" concert on Saturday, June 12th at 8PM. Since we will be installing the new breaker box for the studio in June, I will be singing "Classic Broadway: the Music that Electrifies". If you attended May's concert, you can pick up your picture.
Tuesday, June 15th is Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge and on Thursday, June 17th at Sugo. I'll be singing some Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi and a duet with John LaForge. WooHoo!
On Saturday, June 19th, I'll be singing at the annual Father's Day concert at the Alba's. I couldn't decide on a style (story of my life) so I'm going to sing all my styles. I'll be singing some Broadway, 60's, opera, operetta, and Contemporary Christian unless I can find a tenor who will do duets with me...
On Saturday, June 26th, I'll be singing at the 2nd annual Sing for Christ at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church.
In July, I'll be singing at the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera Company. This year we're doing Rogers and Hammerstein. That's right up my alley. Should be great. www.ccityopera.org
I start rehearsals for Tartuffe in July also. It runs at Oglethorpe University on September 10-12. I'm so looking forward to that!
On Saturday night May 15th, the "Build the Basement" concert is from 8-11. (see below) When you arrive, please have your picture taken and sign the guest book. Enjoy socializing, some snacks, and dancing to 60's music all night.
Then, in June, I'm looking forward to another "Build the Basement" concert on Saturday, June 12th at 8PM. Since we will be installing the new breaker box for the studio in June, I will be singing "Classic Broadway: the Music that Electrifies". If you attended May's concert, you can pick up your picture.
Tuesday, June 15th is Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge and on Thursday, June 17th at Sugo. I'll be singing some Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi and a duet with John LaForge. WooHoo!
On Saturday, June 19th, I'll be singing at the annual Father's Day concert at the Alba's. I couldn't decide on a style (story of my life) so I'm going to sing all my styles. I'll be singing some Broadway, 60's, opera, operetta, and Contemporary Christian unless I can find a tenor who will do duets with me...
On Saturday, June 26th, I'll be singing at the 2nd annual Sing for Christ at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church.
In July, I'll be singing at the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera Company. This year we're doing Rogers and Hammerstein. That's right up my alley. Should be great. www.ccityopera.org
I start rehearsals for Tartuffe in July also. It runs at Oglethorpe University on September 10-12. I'm so looking forward to that!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Build the Basement Concert Series
The first "Build the Basement" Concert will be held on Saturday, May 15 from 8 - 11 PM in the basement of 3071 Woodlake Ct. Marietta GA 30062. The theme this month will be "2 X 4 = 60's". What does that mean? I'll be singing 60's all night so ya'll dress up in your 60's garb and come and twist the night away. The ticket price is $2.50 for each person or family. This buys you a 2 X 4 board in our basement which you will be able to write or paint on while you listen to the music and enjoy dancing and socializing. Kids of all ages are welcome and I'm hoping we will have some guest performers as well. Come join us for the fun!
History of the Build the Basement Concert Series:
In 1997, Franco graduated from The Full Sail University in Orlando with a degree in Audio Engineering. He then went to work onboard the Ocean Breeze where he met singer/dancer Amber Brooke. We got married and have gone on to have 3 beautiful children. In the ensuing 11 years, Franco has joined the corporate world and given up his dream to become an audio engineer. Two years ago, we bought our dream home with a full basement which has been sitting waiting to be turned into a recording studio. For Franco's 39th birthday, I promised him that I would complete his recording studio in one year in time for his 40th birthday. So, if you attend one of the 12 monthly concerts in the next year, you will receive 4 things:
1) part ownership in Franco's recording studio
2) a copy of the first CD we produce down there
3) 12 fun evenings with great music
4) an invitation to Franco's 40th birthday bash in the finished basement (to be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011)
Each month will feature a new theme and you will be able to see the basement progress from its current state to a full-blown recording studio! Some concerts I'm considering include Contemporary Christian music, musical theatre (of course), hymns, and the 20's - the 70's. Should be interesting! We hope you will want to be part of the magic!
By the way, that's not all I'm doing, Chamber Singers has 2 concerts coming up. The first is May 8th in Big Canoe at 7:30PM and the second is June 13th on the square in Roswell at 3PM. Michael O'Neal Singers will also be performing Music from the Heartland on May 14th at 8PM at RUMC. http://www.mosingers.com/
I am also greatly looking forward to some action with CCOC. In June, I will be performing on the Dinner and a Diva concert series at Petite Auberge and Sugo. In July, we will perform the Lightside fundraiser at Callanwolde. This year's theme is Rodgers and Hammerstein. And in August, I begin rehearsals for Tartuffe which will be performed at Oglethorpe University on September 10-12, 2010. http://www.ccityopera.org/
This year we will have the 2nd Father's Day bar-b-que and concert at the Alba's on June 19th. I'm honored to be asked to perform with them again. This year I'm thinking about something like "Time to Say Good-bye".
And last but not least, on June 26th, I will be performing at the 2nd Annual Sing for Christ. I'm still looking for a tenor to perform with me on that one. I would love to pull out some old Sandi Patti/Larnelle Harris duets!
Oh yeah, the 2nd "Build the Basement" concert will be on Saturday, June 12th from 8 - 11 PM.
History of the Build the Basement Concert Series:
In 1997, Franco graduated from The Full Sail University in Orlando with a degree in Audio Engineering. He then went to work onboard the Ocean Breeze where he met singer/dancer Amber Brooke. We got married and have gone on to have 3 beautiful children. In the ensuing 11 years, Franco has joined the corporate world and given up his dream to become an audio engineer. Two years ago, we bought our dream home with a full basement which has been sitting waiting to be turned into a recording studio. For Franco's 39th birthday, I promised him that I would complete his recording studio in one year in time for his 40th birthday. So, if you attend one of the 12 monthly concerts in the next year, you will receive 4 things:
1) part ownership in Franco's recording studio
2) a copy of the first CD we produce down there
3) 12 fun evenings with great music
4) an invitation to Franco's 40th birthday bash in the finished basement (to be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011)
Each month will feature a new theme and you will be able to see the basement progress from its current state to a full-blown recording studio! Some concerts I'm considering include Contemporary Christian music, musical theatre (of course), hymns, and the 20's - the 70's. Should be interesting! We hope you will want to be part of the magic!
By the way, that's not all I'm doing, Chamber Singers has 2 concerts coming up. The first is May 8th in Big Canoe at 7:30PM and the second is June 13th on the square in Roswell at 3PM. Michael O'Neal Singers will also be performing Music from the Heartland on May 14th at 8PM at RUMC. http://www.mosingers.com/
I am also greatly looking forward to some action with CCOC. In June, I will be performing on the Dinner and a Diva concert series at Petite Auberge and Sugo. In July, we will perform the Lightside fundraiser at Callanwolde. This year's theme is Rodgers and Hammerstein. And in August, I begin rehearsals for Tartuffe which will be performed at Oglethorpe University on September 10-12, 2010. http://www.ccityopera.org/
This year we will have the 2nd Father's Day bar-b-que and concert at the Alba's on June 19th. I'm honored to be asked to perform with them again. This year I'm thinking about something like "Time to Say Good-bye".
And last but not least, on June 26th, I will be performing at the 2nd Annual Sing for Christ. I'm still looking for a tenor to perform with me on that one. I would love to pull out some old Sandi Patti/Larnelle Harris duets!
Oh yeah, the 2nd "Build the Basement" concert will be on Saturday, June 12th from 8 - 11 PM.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Amber Brooke - mom/singer/construction worker
Since The Reminiscents' gig on March 20, it appears I have ceased to be a singer and become a construction worker! Now after finishing remodeling the master bathroom and the laundry room (really, I did it myself), it's time to get a manicure and do some practicing. I don't have many performances in the next little while, so it's a great time to prepare for what is coming.
In May, the Michael O'Neal Singers will be performing America's Heartland: Celebrating Our Heritage on Friday, May 14 at 8PM at RUMC. They will also be performing Hear the Future: 2nd Annual MOS Invitational Music Festival on Sunday, April 25 at 3 PM where they will be singing the Vivaldi Gloria again. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend that concert so won't be able to do that solo again. What a shame! I encourage you to check out what MOS is doing all year and buy season tickets at www.mosingers.com. It is the best large choir in the area next to the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and very reasonable to attend.
In June, I'll be doing Dinner and a Diva on the third Tuesday of the month at Petite Auberge and the following Thursday at Sugo. Also in June, we will be doing the 2nd Father's Day concert at the Alba's home. Two years ago, this was a wonderful time to hear the talents and enjoy the company of our friends. This is a free event if anyone would like to attend. I'll be singing some more popular music. On June 26th, I'll be participating in the 2nd Annual Sing for Christ. I'll be singing with my church choir as well as doing a set on my own. I'm thinking of doing some Sandi Patti or something like that. This is also free to all and all are welcome. I'll send out more information about it when I know.
July will bring the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera. We are only doing one night this year of Rogers and Hammerstein so hopefully the audience will come out to support us. It is a picnic dinner and concert. Buy a whole table and bring your family and friends!
In August, I will begin rehearsals for Tartuffe which will be performed at Oglethorpe University in September.
Many of you have asked me about Broadway for the Ridiculously High Soprano and I appreciate that. It has been innordinately difficult to schedule this performance because of Allen's busy schedule and all the school holidays and vacations and such; however, we are keeping our fingers crossed for a date in November. I am trying to convince Jenny Rawson to join me in a duet recital of English music with Purcell, Handel, Stephen Foster, Copeland, Bernstein, and some musical theatre. Hopefully, it will come together and we may do that in November instead and keep putting the Broadway concert off a little longer.
After that, it's back to Michael O'Neal for the next season and whatever else comes along for Capitol City Opera and The Reminiscents. We are looking for gigs for The Reminiscents if anyone has any ideas. Feel free to recommend us. www.thereminiscents.com
In May, the Michael O'Neal Singers will be performing America's Heartland: Celebrating Our Heritage on Friday, May 14 at 8PM at RUMC. They will also be performing Hear the Future: 2nd Annual MOS Invitational Music Festival on Sunday, April 25 at 3 PM where they will be singing the Vivaldi Gloria again. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend that concert so won't be able to do that solo again. What a shame! I encourage you to check out what MOS is doing all year and buy season tickets at www.mosingers.com. It is the best large choir in the area next to the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and very reasonable to attend.
In June, I'll be doing Dinner and a Diva on the third Tuesday of the month at Petite Auberge and the following Thursday at Sugo. Also in June, we will be doing the 2nd Father's Day concert at the Alba's home. Two years ago, this was a wonderful time to hear the talents and enjoy the company of our friends. This is a free event if anyone would like to attend. I'll be singing some more popular music. On June 26th, I'll be participating in the 2nd Annual Sing for Christ. I'll be singing with my church choir as well as doing a set on my own. I'm thinking of doing some Sandi Patti or something like that. This is also free to all and all are welcome. I'll send out more information about it when I know.
July will bring the annual fundraiser for Capitol City Opera. We are only doing one night this year of Rogers and Hammerstein so hopefully the audience will come out to support us. It is a picnic dinner and concert. Buy a whole table and bring your family and friends!
In August, I will begin rehearsals for Tartuffe which will be performed at Oglethorpe University in September.
Many of you have asked me about Broadway for the Ridiculously High Soprano and I appreciate that. It has been innordinately difficult to schedule this performance because of Allen's busy schedule and all the school holidays and vacations and such; however, we are keeping our fingers crossed for a date in November. I am trying to convince Jenny Rawson to join me in a duet recital of English music with Purcell, Handel, Stephen Foster, Copeland, Bernstein, and some musical theatre. Hopefully, it will come together and we may do that in November instead and keep putting the Broadway concert off a little longer.
After that, it's back to Michael O'Neal for the next season and whatever else comes along for Capitol City Opera and The Reminiscents. We are looking for gigs for The Reminiscents if anyone has any ideas. Feel free to recommend us. www.thereminiscents.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
February and March 2010
February and March have mostly been dedicated to The Michael O'Neal Singers and Chamber Singers. The Chamber Singers had 2 concerts in February. Hopefully, I'll be getting a copy of the CD soon, because it was exquisite! In March, the big group will perform "Wearin' of the Green" in honor of St. Patrick's Day. It is the Michael O'NEAL Singers after all. But, it's fun to watch the Irish Step Dancers. www.mosingers.com.
The Reminiscents have a gig this month which I'm really excited about. We'll be singing the whole night for the Cherokee County Humane Society Fundraiser "Dining for Pets Sock Hop." I've put a lot of new video on our website, if you haven't seen it lately. www.thereminiscents.com.
The Reminiscents have a gig this month which I'm really excited about. We'll be singing the whole night for the Cherokee County Humane Society Fundraiser "Dining for Pets Sock Hop." I've put a lot of new video on our website, if you haven't seen it lately. www.thereminiscents.com.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A New Year
Not much going on in January, but the year is just getting started. I have a couple of school shows and my son's birthday party this Saturday. He wants a Dr. Seuss themed party and for mommy to sing Gertrude McFuzz. Seriously, I didn't put him up to it. He really asked for it. It's the same party Mali had last year and she is really mad that he has "stolen" her idea.
I sang for Capitol City Opera last night at their January Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge. I couldn't find the charger for the video camera (of course, it showed up today in my husband's car). I even tried to buy a new one that ended up not working. So, sorry, no videos of my fabulous high F from Glitter and Be Gay. I had a tough night for lyrics but felt I sang well.
Unfortunately, the Teaching Museum North completely fell through as a venue for "Broadway for the Ridiculously High Soprano" so that is not going to happen until I can find a suitable venue.
Next up, two concerts with the Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers in February and Latitia in Old Maid and the Thief in March followed by a gig with The Reminiscents also in March. By the way, if you haven't seen The Reminiscents website lately, you should really take a look. I changed the design to be very psychodelic with all new pictures and videos. We're crossing our fingers for more gigs!
I sang for Capitol City Opera last night at their January Dinner and a Diva at Petite Auberge. I couldn't find the charger for the video camera (of course, it showed up today in my husband's car). I even tried to buy a new one that ended up not working. So, sorry, no videos of my fabulous high F from Glitter and Be Gay. I had a tough night for lyrics but felt I sang well.
Unfortunately, the Teaching Museum North completely fell through as a venue for "Broadway for the Ridiculously High Soprano" so that is not going to happen until I can find a suitable venue.
Next up, two concerts with the Michael O'Neal Chamber Singers in February and Latitia in Old Maid and the Thief in March followed by a gig with The Reminiscents also in March. By the way, if you haven't seen The Reminiscents website lately, you should really take a look. I changed the design to be very psychodelic with all new pictures and videos. We're crossing our fingers for more gigs!
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