"fun stuff from Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen. This is a tribute in song to 100 years of women blues singers (see under cd for a list of inspirations) with a great mix of sass, sentimentality, sexual innuendo and humor."
-Duncan Hudson, KXCI
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Benefit at Boondocks for New Beginnings
AZNightBuzz.com : Benefit at Boondocks for New Beginnings on Sunday:
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.20.2009
Benefit at Boondocks for New Beginnings on Sunday
Women rule the Boondocks Lounge on Sunday as it hosts the second annual Goddess Gumbo benefit concert.
The evening will raise money for New Beginnings, an organization that helps get homeless women and children off the streets.
A wide cross-section local women performers, including Nancy McCallion, Lisa Otey, Namoli Brennet, Jo Wilkinson and the Silver Thread Trio, will perform.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $10."
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.20.2009
Benefit at Boondocks for New Beginnings on Sunday
Women rule the Boondocks Lounge on Sunday as it hosts the second annual Goddess Gumbo benefit concert.
The evening will raise money for New Beginnings, an organization that helps get homeless women and children off the streets.
A wide cross-section local women performers, including Nancy McCallion, Lisa Otey, Namoli Brennet, Jo Wilkinson and the Silver Thread Trio, will perform.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $10."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Celebrate Juneteenth at free fest Saturday at Kennedy Park | www.azstarnet.com ®
Celebrate Juneteenth at free fest Saturday at Kennedy Park www.azstarnet.com ®
Celebrate Juneteenth at free fest Saturday at Kennedy Park
By M. Scot Skinner
skinner@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 06.18.2009
Tucson's 39th annual celebration of Juneteenth culminates Saturday with a free festival at Kennedy Park.
Juneteenth, observed in one fashion or another by 31 states, marks the date when slaves in Galveston, Texas, finally got word that they were free — 2 1/2 years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
"People think that Juneteenth is a celebration for blacks, and it is, but it belongs to all Americans," said festival chairman Burney Starks.
"Until June 19th, 1865, this was not truly the United States, land of the free," said Starks. "It's a very significant date in American history."
In addition to vendors selling all kinds of food, there'll be kids activities and a fully loaded lineup of musical and dance performances on the Fiesta Area stage near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard.
Although admission is free, the Community Food Bank will be collecting nonperishable items for its shelves.
"We're encouraging everybody to bring a couple cans of food," said Starks, who will hit the stage at some point with his True Devotion Motown Revue.
The Juneteenth All-Star Band, featuring Bob "Big Bird" Elliott , Lisa Otey and others, will be featured, and no Juneteenth would be complete without African dancing from the Barbea Williams company.
Although the schedule was still being tweaked when we went to press, a total of 42 performers will be spotlighted during a Hip-hop and R&B Showcase that starts at 5 p.m., said Samantha Baxter, who is coordinating the entertainment this year with her husband, David, and DJ Terry Thomas.
The Rising Star Praise Dancers, the HTJ Step Team and the Human Project dance ensemble will perform, along with D-N-A, Mo Watts, Southern Union, Mic Jordan, Desert Tactics and Good Hood Music.
Miss Juneteenth 2009 — Tatiana Acosta, 19 — will be introduced along with the runner-up, Ynisha Carter, 15.
Acosta will perform "Listen," from the musical "Dreamgirls."
Celebrate Juneteenth at free fest Saturday at Kennedy Park
By M. Scot Skinner
skinner@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 06.18.2009
Tucson's 39th annual celebration of Juneteenth culminates Saturday with a free festival at Kennedy Park.
Juneteenth, observed in one fashion or another by 31 states, marks the date when slaves in Galveston, Texas, finally got word that they were free — 2 1/2 years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
"People think that Juneteenth is a celebration for blacks, and it is, but it belongs to all Americans," said festival chairman Burney Starks.
"Until June 19th, 1865, this was not truly the United States, land of the free," said Starks. "It's a very significant date in American history."
In addition to vendors selling all kinds of food, there'll be kids activities and a fully loaded lineup of musical and dance performances on the Fiesta Area stage near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard.
Although admission is free, the Community Food Bank will be collecting nonperishable items for its shelves.
"We're encouraging everybody to bring a couple cans of food," said Starks, who will hit the stage at some point with his True Devotion Motown Revue.
The Juneteenth All-Star Band, featuring Bob "Big Bird" Elliott , Lisa Otey and others, will be featured, and no Juneteenth would be complete without African dancing from the Barbea Williams company.
Although the schedule was still being tweaked when we went to press, a total of 42 performers will be spotlighted during a Hip-hop and R&B Showcase that starts at 5 p.m., said Samantha Baxter, who is coordinating the entertainment this year with her husband, David, and DJ Terry Thomas.
The Rising Star Praise Dancers, the HTJ Step Team and the Human Project dance ensemble will perform, along with D-N-A, Mo Watts, Southern Union, Mic Jordan, Desert Tactics and Good Hood Music.
Miss Juneteenth 2009 — Tatiana Acosta, 19 — will be introduced along with the runner-up, Ynisha Carter, 15.
Acosta will perform "Listen," from the musical "Dreamgirls."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Belting out the boogie and blues | www.azstarnet.com ®
Belting out the boogie and blues www.azstarnet.com ®
Belting out the boogie and blues
By Jim Davis
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.26.2009
Nothing beats live music, except live music on a beautiful day. With that, the stage was set for LAVA's (Live Acoustic Venue Association) Boogie 'n' Blues at Pantano Stables, 4450 S. Houghton Road, Sunday.
The first performer was Mitzi Cowell singing blues songs accompanied by bassist Sabra Faulk.
Next were the "Wild Women in Music," Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen, who belted out a mix of hot jazz, sultry blues and cabaret numbers.
Diane Van Deurzen does her part for the Boogie 'n' Blues multi-artist show at the Pantano Stables, 4450 S. Houghton Road Sunday.
Photos by Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star
Soon after, Grams & Krieger came on to play an electric blues set with drummer Ralph Gilmore. Bassist Steve Grams and guitarist Danny Krieger traded off on the vocals.
Other performers finishing out the afternoon included Heather "Lil Mama" Hardy, Arvel Bird and Tony Redhouse and, finally, Mr. Boogie Woogie.
LAVA's future event schedule can be found online at www.lavamusic.org.
● Contact photographer Jim Davis at 807-7768 or jdavis@azstarnet.com.
Belting out the boogie and blues
By Jim Davis
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.26.2009
Nothing beats live music, except live music on a beautiful day. With that, the stage was set for LAVA's (Live Acoustic Venue Association) Boogie 'n' Blues at Pantano Stables, 4450 S. Houghton Road, Sunday.
The first performer was Mitzi Cowell singing blues songs accompanied by bassist Sabra Faulk.
Next were the "Wild Women in Music," Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen, who belted out a mix of hot jazz, sultry blues and cabaret numbers.
Diane Van Deurzen does her part for the Boogie 'n' Blues multi-artist show at the Pantano Stables, 4450 S. Houghton Road Sunday.
Photos by Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star
Soon after, Grams & Krieger came on to play an electric blues set with drummer Ralph Gilmore. Bassist Steve Grams and guitarist Danny Krieger traded off on the vocals.
Other performers finishing out the afternoon included Heather "Lil Mama" Hardy, Arvel Bird and Tony Redhouse and, finally, Mr. Boogie Woogie.
LAVA's future event schedule can be found online at www.lavamusic.org.
● Contact photographer Jim Davis at 807-7768 or jdavis@azstarnet.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Northwest Reverb: Memorial concert for Cline Otey - former Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera musician and teacher
Northwest Reverb: Memorial concert for Cline Otey - former Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera musician and teacher
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Memorial concert for Cline Otey - former Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera musician and teacher
A memorial Concert for Cline Otey will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 3:00pm, St. Anne's Chapel, Marylhurst University, 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43). The concert will feature Otey's family, friends, colleagues and students and will benefit the music therapy program at Marylhurst.
According to Otey's daughter, Lisa Otey, enjoyed a musical career for nearly 40 years in the Portlandarea. He played violin in the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera, was assistant conductor to the Portland Youth Philharmonic and taught thousands of children in the orchestras of North Clackamas School
District.
"Music was my father's life," said Lisa. "The only thing more important to him was children. He spent his career nurturing and inspiring the talents of his students and his own family."
Otey passed away on Aug. 5, 2008. Lisa Otey mentioned that one of his passions at the end of his life was music therapy. He longed to bring music into children's hospitals. Even when he spent a short time in a nursing home, he played for the residents and brought healing to their lives.
"I am most interested in finding m dad's former students," stated Lisa. "I have found some online but am at a disadvantage, living in Tucson, Arizona, which is so far away from Portland. It would mean so much if you could list the concert and also a call to his students if they wish to articipate in the concert. They can reach me at lisa@owlsnestmusic.com, www.lisaotey.com and 520.370.5912. It is my dream that this will become an annual event to keep my father's memory and legacy alive."
Concert for Cline
benefit for Marylhurst Music Therapy program
Sunday, March 1
3:00pm
St. Anne's Chapel
Marylhurst University
17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43)
$10 suggested donation
all donations accepted
Posted by James Bash at 9:50 AM
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Memorial concert for Cline Otey - former Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera musician and teacher
A memorial Concert for Cline Otey will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 3:00pm, St. Anne's Chapel, Marylhurst University, 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43). The concert will feature Otey's family, friends, colleagues and students and will benefit the music therapy program at Marylhurst.
According to Otey's daughter, Lisa Otey, enjoyed a musical career for nearly 40 years in the Portlandarea. He played violin in the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera, was assistant conductor to the Portland Youth Philharmonic and taught thousands of children in the orchestras of North Clackamas School
District.
"Music was my father's life," said Lisa. "The only thing more important to him was children. He spent his career nurturing and inspiring the talents of his students and his own family."
Otey passed away on Aug. 5, 2008. Lisa Otey mentioned that one of his passions at the end of his life was music therapy. He longed to bring music into children's hospitals. Even when he spent a short time in a nursing home, he played for the residents and brought healing to their lives.
"I am most interested in finding m dad's former students," stated Lisa. "I have found some online but am at a disadvantage, living in Tucson, Arizona, which is so far away from Portland. It would mean so much if you could list the concert and also a call to his students if they wish to articipate in the concert. They can reach me at lisa@owlsnestmusic.com, www.lisaotey.com and 520.370.5912. It is my dream that this will become an annual event to keep my father's memory and legacy alive."
Concert for Cline
benefit for Marylhurst Music Therapy program
Sunday, March 1
3:00pm
St. Anne's Chapel
Marylhurst University
17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43)
$10 suggested donation
all donations accepted
Posted by James Bash at 9:50 AM
PINETOP PERKINS: Ladies Man (Live Recording) | Music Blogs At Traveling Luck
PINETOP PERKINS: Ladies Man (Live Recording) Music Blogs At Traveling Luck:
"PINETOP PERKINS: Ladies Man (Live Recording)"
Review: In my mind, I felt that this, my 400th review for JazzReview, was a personal milestone. Then this CD landed on my desk. My little milestone is dwarfed by this release by the 91-year-old Pinetop Perkins. Pinetop has made a living playing the blues since 1926. Now that's a milestone! Nine admiring and talented women surround Pinetop. Im humbled again!
An original Mississippi bluesman, Perkins was born at Belzoni, MS in the year 1913. Starting on the guitar, he switched to piano after an injury made the execution of guitar passages quite painful. Under the tutelage of the legendary Clarence Pinetop Smith, Willie Perkins composed Smiths signature tune, Pinetops Boogie Woogie recorded by Vocalion in 1928. Smith died in 1929 and Willie Perkins took on the Pinetop nickname in respect for his mentor.
Mention such respected names in blues as Chess Records, King Biscuit Time, Sun Records, Muddy Waters and they were part of Pinetops life. He is, in every sense, a living legend.
Recording executive, Mark Carpentieri, felt he had a valid idea in recording the boogie man in his ninety -first year. He picked up the ball and ran with it. The veteran bluesman was recorded in the company of some of the brightest blues women on the scene today. Sessions took place in California, Memphis, New York and Ottawa, Canada. The result is a fabulous CD in every way.
Please check out the track listing below. Ive listed the featured ladies beside each song. Elvin Bishop is the only male artist featured with Pinetop on this release. Bishop wails on How Long Blues. If someone were to ask about my personal favorites on the CD, I would truly be hard-pressed for an answer. There isn't a single track that didn't merit five stars." A sentimental favorite would be Since I Lost My Baby because I love the old Ivory Joe Hunter classic. Then theres the awesome power generated when Marcia Ball joins Pinetop on Pinetops New Boogie Woogie. Delicate artistry reigns when the veteran and Ann Rabson pump out the perfect rendition of Careless Love. They are all stars and are accompanied by some wonderful rhythm players. Id like to mention that, although not given major billing on the cover, Lisa Otey deserves special mention. Lisa is a gutsy, two fisted piano player who accompanies Pinetops vocals and also plays alongside the star on five tracks. Just listen to Kansas City for a sample of Lisas exciting style. Richard Bourcier
Recording information: Raven Street Studios, Ottawa, Ontario (2003); Tiki Recording Studios, Glen Cove, NY (2003); Memphis Soundworks, Memphis, TN (2003); Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio, CA (2004).
Personnel include: Pinetop Perkins (vocals, piano); Deborah Coleman, Madeleine Peyroux, Susan Tedeschi (vocals, guitar); Odetta, Angela Stehli, Ruth Brown (vocals); Elvin Bishop (slide guitar); Marcia Ball, Ann Rabson (piano); Bob Stroger (bass guitar); Willie Smith (drums).
Thanks go to Cheech for this one.
Your purchase helps support NPR Programming...Thanks!!!
Tracks:
1. Meanest Woman - (with Deborah Coleman) 2. Since I Lost My Baby - (with Susan Tedeschi) 3. Big Fat Mama 4. He's Got Me Goin' - (with Madeleine Peyroux) 5. Chains of Love - (with Ruth Brown) 6. Kansas City 7. Pinetop's New Boogie Woogie - (with Marcia Ball) 8. How Long - (with Elvin Bishop) 9. Hey Mr. Pinetop Perkins - (with Angela Stehli) 10. Trouble in Mind - (with Odetta) 11. Careless Love - (with Ann Rabson) 12. Chicken Shack
Details
.. Year: 2004
.. Label: M.C. Records 53
.. Bitrate: VBR
.. Home-Page: http://www.pinetopperkins.com/index.htm
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/pinetopperkins
.. Last fm: www.last.fm/music/Pinetop+Perkins
.. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinetop_Perkins
.. Buy: http://www.cdmojo.com/
"PINETOP PERKINS: Ladies Man (Live Recording)"
Review: In my mind, I felt that this, my 400th review for JazzReview, was a personal milestone. Then this CD landed on my desk. My little milestone is dwarfed by this release by the 91-year-old Pinetop Perkins. Pinetop has made a living playing the blues since 1926. Now that's a milestone! Nine admiring and talented women surround Pinetop. Im humbled again!
An original Mississippi bluesman, Perkins was born at Belzoni, MS in the year 1913. Starting on the guitar, he switched to piano after an injury made the execution of guitar passages quite painful. Under the tutelage of the legendary Clarence Pinetop Smith, Willie Perkins composed Smiths signature tune, Pinetops Boogie Woogie recorded by Vocalion in 1928. Smith died in 1929 and Willie Perkins took on the Pinetop nickname in respect for his mentor.
Mention such respected names in blues as Chess Records, King Biscuit Time, Sun Records, Muddy Waters and they were part of Pinetops life. He is, in every sense, a living legend.
Recording executive, Mark Carpentieri, felt he had a valid idea in recording the boogie man in his ninety -first year. He picked up the ball and ran with it. The veteran bluesman was recorded in the company of some of the brightest blues women on the scene today. Sessions took place in California, Memphis, New York and Ottawa, Canada. The result is a fabulous CD in every way.
Please check out the track listing below. Ive listed the featured ladies beside each song. Elvin Bishop is the only male artist featured with Pinetop on this release. Bishop wails on How Long Blues. If someone were to ask about my personal favorites on the CD, I would truly be hard-pressed for an answer. There isn't a single track that didn't merit five stars." A sentimental favorite would be Since I Lost My Baby because I love the old Ivory Joe Hunter classic. Then theres the awesome power generated when Marcia Ball joins Pinetop on Pinetops New Boogie Woogie. Delicate artistry reigns when the veteran and Ann Rabson pump out the perfect rendition of Careless Love. They are all stars and are accompanied by some wonderful rhythm players. Id like to mention that, although not given major billing on the cover, Lisa Otey deserves special mention. Lisa is a gutsy, two fisted piano player who accompanies Pinetops vocals and also plays alongside the star on five tracks. Just listen to Kansas City for a sample of Lisas exciting style. Richard Bourcier
Recording information: Raven Street Studios, Ottawa, Ontario (2003); Tiki Recording Studios, Glen Cove, NY (2003); Memphis Soundworks, Memphis, TN (2003); Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio, CA (2004).
Personnel include: Pinetop Perkins (vocals, piano); Deborah Coleman, Madeleine Peyroux, Susan Tedeschi (vocals, guitar); Odetta, Angela Stehli, Ruth Brown (vocals); Elvin Bishop (slide guitar); Marcia Ball, Ann Rabson (piano); Bob Stroger (bass guitar); Willie Smith (drums).
Thanks go to Cheech for this one.
Your purchase helps support NPR Programming...Thanks!!!
Tracks:
1. Meanest Woman - (with Deborah Coleman) 2. Since I Lost My Baby - (with Susan Tedeschi) 3. Big Fat Mama 4. He's Got Me Goin' - (with Madeleine Peyroux) 5. Chains of Love - (with Ruth Brown) 6. Kansas City 7. Pinetop's New Boogie Woogie - (with Marcia Ball) 8. How Long - (with Elvin Bishop) 9. Hey Mr. Pinetop Perkins - (with Angela Stehli) 10. Trouble in Mind - (with Odetta) 11. Careless Love - (with Ann Rabson) 12. Chicken Shack
Details
.. Year: 2004
.. Label: M.C. Records 53
.. Bitrate: VBR
.. Home-Page: http://www.pinetopperkins.com/index.htm
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/pinetopperkins
.. Last fm: www.last.fm/music/Pinetop+Perkins
.. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinetop_Perkins
.. Buy: http://www.cdmojo.com/
The Observer - Tucson, Arizona: Desert Voices Thrills Sro Audience at Annual Cabaret
The Observer - Tucson, Arizona: Desert Voices Thrills Sro Audience at Annual Cabaret
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Desert Voices Thrills Sro Audience at Annual Cabaret
TUCSON (Observer Update) - “Wow! … The Chorus was in fine, fine form! …The best yet! …Thanks for that wild, glorious production! …A real pleasure to be among the sold-out crowd!”
It was standing room only at the Historic Y in Tucson on February 7th as Desert Voices Chorus brought the house down with a solid musical comedy performance in their 20th Season Cabaret, “In the Basement”. Special Guest Stars, Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen joined with Desert Voices for a raucous, risqué and thoroughly entertaining musical event. Silent Auction bidding was heavy on the more than 150 items donated to Desert Voices for their only fundraising event of the Season. Appetizers and spirits from Carrabba’s Italian Grille, Barefoot Wine and Woody’s Bar perfectly complemented the electric atmosphere of the concert.
Thanks to Artistic Director, Chris Tackett, musical numbers were inspiring and demonstrated the range and diversity of performance so prevalent in all Desert Voices’ Concerts. Otey and Van Deurzen contributed the right touch of raw emotion, timely comedy and up-tempo renditions that consistently elicited an enthusiastic response from the sold-out house. The final concerts of the Season will be on April 18, 7:30 p.m. and April 19, 3:00 p.m. at the Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College, West Campus. “Out and Proud” celebrates 20 years of Desert Voices concerts with a retrospective featuring musical selections celebrating 25 years of GALA choruses. Namoli Brennet returns for her second special guest appearance of Desert Voices 20th. Season. Tickets are still available but selling quickly as this will be the last chance to catch Desert Voices during what has been a phenomenal Concert Season.
For tickets, call: (520) 791-9662 or visit their website: desertvoices.org.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Desert Voices Thrills Sro Audience at Annual Cabaret
TUCSON (Observer Update) - “Wow! … The Chorus was in fine, fine form! …The best yet! …Thanks for that wild, glorious production! …A real pleasure to be among the sold-out crowd!”
It was standing room only at the Historic Y in Tucson on February 7th as Desert Voices Chorus brought the house down with a solid musical comedy performance in their 20th Season Cabaret, “In the Basement”. Special Guest Stars, Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen joined with Desert Voices for a raucous, risqué and thoroughly entertaining musical event. Silent Auction bidding was heavy on the more than 150 items donated to Desert Voices for their only fundraising event of the Season. Appetizers and spirits from Carrabba’s Italian Grille, Barefoot Wine and Woody’s Bar perfectly complemented the electric atmosphere of the concert.
Thanks to Artistic Director, Chris Tackett, musical numbers were inspiring and demonstrated the range and diversity of performance so prevalent in all Desert Voices’ Concerts. Otey and Van Deurzen contributed the right touch of raw emotion, timely comedy and up-tempo renditions that consistently elicited an enthusiastic response from the sold-out house. The final concerts of the Season will be on April 18, 7:30 p.m. and April 19, 3:00 p.m. at the Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College, West Campus. “Out and Proud” celebrates 20 years of Desert Voices concerts with a retrospective featuring musical selections celebrating 25 years of GALA choruses. Namoli Brennet returns for her second special guest appearance of Desert Voices 20th. Season. Tickets are still available but selling quickly as this will be the last chance to catch Desert Voices during what has been a phenomenal Concert Season.
For tickets, call: (520) 791-9662 or visit their website: desertvoices.org.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Aisle seats: Arts picks for the week | www.azstarnet.com ®
Aisle seats: Arts picks for the week www.azstarnet.com ®
Aisle seats: Arts picks for the week
Published: 01.30.2009
Cathalena E. Burch
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Desert Voices / Desert Divas
Desert Voices is bringing two local blues belters along when it goes "In the Basement" for its annual fundraising concert Feb. 7.
Blues diva Lisa Otey and her Desert Diva sidekick Diane Van Deurzen headline the 20-year-old chorus' annual Cabaret and Silent Auction, which the chorus describes as "a risqué, slightly bawdy and thoroughly entertaining musical comedy event."
Otey is an award-winning singer and pianist known for her progressive blues styles. Van Deurzen has won audiences over with her vocal talents and solid songwriting.
Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Historic Y, 300 E. University Blvd. Admission is $30 per person, and the event is open to "adults only," the chorus advertised on its Web site.
Since it got its start in 1988, Desert Voices has grown to more than 50 voices under artistic director Chris Tackett.
The chorus will close its 20th season April 18-19 with Namoli Brennet headlining "Out and Proud," a 20-year retrospective. Those concerts will be held at Pima Community College West Campus. Details: 791-9662 or http://www.desertvoices.org/
Cathalena E. Burch
Aisle seats: Arts picks for the week
Published: 01.30.2009
Cathalena E. Burch
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Desert Voices / Desert Divas
Desert Voices is bringing two local blues belters along when it goes "In the Basement" for its annual fundraising concert Feb. 7.
Blues diva Lisa Otey and her Desert Diva sidekick Diane Van Deurzen headline the 20-year-old chorus' annual Cabaret and Silent Auction, which the chorus describes as "a risqué, slightly bawdy and thoroughly entertaining musical comedy event."
Otey is an award-winning singer and pianist known for her progressive blues styles. Van Deurzen has won audiences over with her vocal talents and solid songwriting.
Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Historic Y, 300 E. University Blvd. Admission is $30 per person, and the event is open to "adults only," the chorus advertised on its Web site.
Since it got its start in 1988, Desert Voices has grown to more than 50 voices under artistic director Chris Tackett.
The chorus will close its 20th season April 18-19 with Namoli Brennet headlining "Out and Proud," a 20-year retrospective. Those concerts will be held at Pima Community College West Campus. Details: 791-9662 or http://www.desertvoices.org/
Cathalena E. Burch
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Observer - Tucson, Arizona: Lisa Otey & Diane Van Deurzen to Guest Star at Desert Voices Fundraiser
The Observer - Tucson, Arizona: Lisa Otey & Diane Van Deurzen to Guest Star at Desert Voices Fundraiser
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lisa Otey & Diane Van Deurzen to Guest Star at Desert Voices Fundraiser
TUCSON (Observer Update) - Tucson performing legend, Lisa Otey and fellow Desert Diva, Diane Van Deurzen will make a special guest appearance at Desert Voices’ Annual Cabaret and Silent Auction, February 7th at the Historic Y, 300 E. University, Tucson. Doors open at 6:00 pm for, “In the Basement”, a risqué, slightly bawdy and thoroughly entertaining musical comedy event.
In celebration of their 20th season, Desert Voices has invited some of Tucson’s best performing luminaries to share the stage for 2008-2009.
Lisa Otey, described by the Arizona Daily Star as a blues/jazz diva extraordinaire, has won many awards for her progressive blues style including 2001 Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, 2001-2004 Arizona Commission on the Arts, 2000 Arizona Composer of the Year, 1998 Arizona Blues Showdown winner, 1997 TAMMIES Musician of the Year and Best Local Performing Artist of 2007.
Diane Van Deurzen’s debut CD, “I Never Knew” co-produced with Lisa Otey for Owl’s Nest Productions, is a celebration of love, passion and poetry. Diane is a performer with solid songwriting talents and a voice that is, “Warm and soothing, pouring out the lyrics with effortless control.”
All proceeds from this year’s only fundraiser will be used to help Desert Voices sustain its mission of uniting our community through our music and providing a voice for all. Since its inaugural season in 1988, Desert Voices, Arizona’s Premier GLBTS Chorus has grown to over 50 voices strong under the artistic direction of Chris Tackett.
Desert Voices will close its 20th season with, “Out and Proud”, a 20-year retrospective featuring music from twenty-five years of GALA Choruses. Special Guest, Namoli Brennet returns for these concerts, April 18th & 19th at the Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College West Campus. For ticket information please call, (520) 791-9662.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lisa Otey & Diane Van Deurzen to Guest Star at Desert Voices Fundraiser
TUCSON (Observer Update) - Tucson performing legend, Lisa Otey and fellow Desert Diva, Diane Van Deurzen will make a special guest appearance at Desert Voices’ Annual Cabaret and Silent Auction, February 7th at the Historic Y, 300 E. University, Tucson. Doors open at 6:00 pm for, “In the Basement”, a risqué, slightly bawdy and thoroughly entertaining musical comedy event.
In celebration of their 20th season, Desert Voices has invited some of Tucson’s best performing luminaries to share the stage for 2008-2009.
Lisa Otey, described by the Arizona Daily Star as a blues/jazz diva extraordinaire, has won many awards for her progressive blues style including 2001 Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, 2001-2004 Arizona Commission on the Arts, 2000 Arizona Composer of the Year, 1998 Arizona Blues Showdown winner, 1997 TAMMIES Musician of the Year and Best Local Performing Artist of 2007.
Diane Van Deurzen’s debut CD, “I Never Knew” co-produced with Lisa Otey for Owl’s Nest Productions, is a celebration of love, passion and poetry. Diane is a performer with solid songwriting talents and a voice that is, “Warm and soothing, pouring out the lyrics with effortless control.”
All proceeds from this year’s only fundraiser will be used to help Desert Voices sustain its mission of uniting our community through our music and providing a voice for all. Since its inaugural season in 1988, Desert Voices, Arizona’s Premier GLBTS Chorus has grown to over 50 voices strong under the artistic direction of Chris Tackett.
Desert Voices will close its 20th season with, “Out and Proud”, a 20-year retrospective featuring music from twenty-five years of GALA Choruses. Special Guest, Namoli Brennet returns for these concerts, April 18th & 19th at the Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College West Campus. For ticket information please call, (520) 791-9662.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Heather Hardy and Friends' Tribute to Sam Taylor
Tucson Weekly : Music : Live
PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 15, 2009:
Live
By JIM LIPSON
Heather Hardy and Friends' Tribute to Sam Taylor
Boondocks Lounge, Saturday, Jan. 10
Under a full moon, more than 300 people packed into Boondocks to see electric-violinist extraordinaire Heather Hardy (and friends) pay tribute to the late Sam Taylor. Hardy and Taylor were friends and frequent collaborators, and Saturday's gig was truly inspired, with Hardy making room onstage for many of Taylor's musical friends and sidemen throughout the years.
Hardy's core band included Danny Krieger on guitar, Sabra Faulk on bass and Marx Loeb on drums, all of whom put in significant time onstage with Taylor, and all of whom had stories to share. Stories about Sam were in abundance both on and off the stage. Representing the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, Stefan George introduced the show by alluding to Sam's legendary ability to hustle money on the golf course. A former middleweight boxer, he was also a scratch golfer who didn't necessarily look the part.
Hardy's first set included Barry Stillwagon on harp as the only invited guest, but that would soon change. After opening the second set with a stirring solo rendition of "Amazing Grace" ("I need to play this so I can feel closer to Sam"), Hardy seamlessly orchestrated the comings and goings of musicians including George, Chris Leonard and Tall Paul Webner on guitars, Darren Boswell on bass, Robin Horn on drums, Lisa Otey on piano, Heidi Wilson and Clay Brown on saxophones, and Don Nottingham on vocals, sharing a duet with Hardy on "Since I Met You Baby," a song she used to sing with Taylor.
Though many of these folks are used to fronting their own bands, there was a chemistry and synergy present, often allowing the music to become more than the sum of its parts. The set was highlighted, however, by Hardy bringing her 12-year-old son, Jacob, onstage to play ("he's one badass drummer!"), and recalling how when she was unsure about being pregnant, "Sam looked at me and proclaimed, 'This is a child of God!,' and I knew then that everything would be OK."
In the end, it was Loeb who put it best: Reflecting upon all the good vibes in the room, he remarked, "What a cool gig this is. Sam would be so fucking pleased."
PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 15, 2009:
Live
By JIM LIPSON
Heather Hardy and Friends' Tribute to Sam Taylor
Boondocks Lounge, Saturday, Jan. 10
Under a full moon, more than 300 people packed into Boondocks to see electric-violinist extraordinaire Heather Hardy (and friends) pay tribute to the late Sam Taylor. Hardy and Taylor were friends and frequent collaborators, and Saturday's gig was truly inspired, with Hardy making room onstage for many of Taylor's musical friends and sidemen throughout the years.
Hardy's core band included Danny Krieger on guitar, Sabra Faulk on bass and Marx Loeb on drums, all of whom put in significant time onstage with Taylor, and all of whom had stories to share. Stories about Sam were in abundance both on and off the stage. Representing the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, Stefan George introduced the show by alluding to Sam's legendary ability to hustle money on the golf course. A former middleweight boxer, he was also a scratch golfer who didn't necessarily look the part.
Hardy's first set included Barry Stillwagon on harp as the only invited guest, but that would soon change. After opening the second set with a stirring solo rendition of "Amazing Grace" ("I need to play this so I can feel closer to Sam"), Hardy seamlessly orchestrated the comings and goings of musicians including George, Chris Leonard and Tall Paul Webner on guitars, Darren Boswell on bass, Robin Horn on drums, Lisa Otey on piano, Heidi Wilson and Clay Brown on saxophones, and Don Nottingham on vocals, sharing a duet with Hardy on "Since I Met You Baby," a song she used to sing with Taylor.
Though many of these folks are used to fronting their own bands, there was a chemistry and synergy present, often allowing the music to become more than the sum of its parts. The set was highlighted, however, by Hardy bringing her 12-year-old son, Jacob, onstage to play ("he's one badass drummer!"), and recalling how when she was unsure about being pregnant, "Sam looked at me and proclaimed, 'This is a child of God!,' and I knew then that everything would be OK."
In the end, it was Loeb who put it best: Reflecting upon all the good vibes in the room, he remarked, "What a cool gig this is. Sam would be so fucking pleased."
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Desert Voices Are ‘Spectacular’
The Observer - Tucson, Arizona: Desert Voices Are ‘Spectacular’
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Desert Voices Are ‘Spectacular’
TUCSON (Observer Update) - “It was spectacular… amazing! We laughed… we cried…. So professional… the blend of sounds was beautiful! I saw you perform Silent Night two years ago…what you achieved was amazing… you could have heard a pin drop! We’re now lifetime season ticket holders!”
This is just a small sampling of audience reaction to Desert Voices’ 20th Season holiday opener, “Down the Chimney.” The concert played on consecutive nights to near-capacity audiences that made many first-time Desert Voices concert attendees--converts for life. Special Guest Star, Namoli Brennet’s elegant, wistful performance blended seamlessly with Desert Voices’ nearly 50 member chorus.
Not wanting to stand on their laurels, Desert Voices has begun preparation for their Annual Cabaret & Fundraiser, February 7 at the Historic Y. Special Guest Stars, Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen will join Desert Voices for “In the Basement", a risqué, slightly bawdy and totally entertaining evening of music and comedy as Lesbian coffee house meets Gay piano bar.
Auction action on an excellent assortment of items begins at 6:00 p.m. Appetizers will be provided by Carrabba's Italian Grille with wine and champagne provided by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. A limited number of tickets are still available for this once a year event and may be purchased by calling (520) 791-9662. All proceeds will help Desert Voices to sustain its artistic and community mission.
Desert Voices is Arizona’s premier GLBTS Chorus. Our abiding mission is to unite our community through our music and provide a voice for those who may have no voice. Each year Desert Voices, under the artistic direction of Chris Tackett, extends a musical invitation to our community to join with us as we celebrate with programs that inspire while providing laughter and lasting memories.
For more information, please contact Jeffrey Scotland, General Manager of Desert Voices (520) 908-8740, Jeffreyscotland@desertvoices.org online at desertvoices.org.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Desert Voices Are ‘Spectacular’
TUCSON (Observer Update) - “It was spectacular… amazing! We laughed… we cried…. So professional… the blend of sounds was beautiful! I saw you perform Silent Night two years ago…what you achieved was amazing… you could have heard a pin drop! We’re now lifetime season ticket holders!”
This is just a small sampling of audience reaction to Desert Voices’ 20th Season holiday opener, “Down the Chimney.” The concert played on consecutive nights to near-capacity audiences that made many first-time Desert Voices concert attendees--converts for life. Special Guest Star, Namoli Brennet’s elegant, wistful performance blended seamlessly with Desert Voices’ nearly 50 member chorus.
Not wanting to stand on their laurels, Desert Voices has begun preparation for their Annual Cabaret & Fundraiser, February 7 at the Historic Y. Special Guest Stars, Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen will join Desert Voices for “In the Basement", a risqué, slightly bawdy and totally entertaining evening of music and comedy as Lesbian coffee house meets Gay piano bar.
Auction action on an excellent assortment of items begins at 6:00 p.m. Appetizers will be provided by Carrabba's Italian Grille with wine and champagne provided by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. A limited number of tickets are still available for this once a year event and may be purchased by calling (520) 791-9662. All proceeds will help Desert Voices to sustain its artistic and community mission.
Desert Voices is Arizona’s premier GLBTS Chorus. Our abiding mission is to unite our community through our music and provide a voice for those who may have no voice. Each year Desert Voices, under the artistic direction of Chris Tackett, extends a musical invitation to our community to join with us as we celebrate with programs that inspire while providing laughter and lasting memories.
For more information, please contact Jeffrey Scotland, General Manager of Desert Voices (520) 908-8740, Jeffreyscotland@desertvoices.org online at desertvoices.org.
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