Treading Life
7 years ago
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The King Family
It was my privilege to attend a vocal workshop with L.A.'s premiere jazz singer, Cathy-Segal Garcia, and her guest clinician, Marilyn King. Cathy refers to Marilyn as the female Frank Sinatra.
I had been a fan since the King Sisters' grammy-nominated song, Imagination, became so popular. They were referred to as the female "Four Freshmen." They were all gorgeous, and had wonderful families to boot. Marilyn is still fabulous, talented, and funny.
We were so lucky to have her share a DVD of her solo variety show, in which she so beautifully wore Bob Mackie gowns. She told great stories (and she had plenty of them) about her travels as a King Sister, as well as her solo gigs. Marilyn had the lead roles in Hello Dolly and Guys and Dolls on Broadway. She is still out there doing it...and you can catch her tomorrow night (Friday, May 29) at Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill.
The King Family Show was a musical variety show in the 60's, which featured not only the King Sisters, but their extended family as well. The King Cousins were a group of talented offspring. Tina Cole, daughter of Yvonne was featured on My Three Sons and also Hawaiian Eye TV shows. I was happy to hear that the Family is back and 2009 will bring a host of new projects. You can check it out on their official website.
We had a fabulous pianist, Dave Moscoe, accompanying us as we each sang two songs. Marilyn's supportive critique was much appreciated. She's a real pro. It was a privilege to get to sing for her and especially for us to listen to her perform for us. What a talent. Get out to see her whenever you can. Her impersonations are not to be missed.
I had been a fan since the King Sisters' grammy-nominated song, Imagination, became so popular. They were referred to as the female "Four Freshmen." They were all gorgeous, and had wonderful families to boot. Marilyn is still fabulous, talented, and funny.
We were so lucky to have her share a DVD of her solo variety show, in which she so beautifully wore Bob Mackie gowns. She told great stories (and she had plenty of them) about her travels as a King Sister, as well as her solo gigs. Marilyn had the lead roles in Hello Dolly and Guys and Dolls on Broadway. She is still out there doing it...and you can catch her tomorrow night (Friday, May 29) at Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill.
The King Family Show was a musical variety show in the 60's, which featured not only the King Sisters, but their extended family as well. The King Cousins were a group of talented offspring. Tina Cole, daughter of Yvonne was featured on My Three Sons and also Hawaiian Eye TV shows. I was happy to hear that the Family is back and 2009 will bring a host of new projects. You can check it out on their official website.
We had a fabulous pianist, Dave Moscoe, accompanying us as we each sang two songs. Marilyn's supportive critique was much appreciated. She's a real pro. It was a privilege to get to sing for her and especially for us to listen to her perform for us. What a talent. Get out to see her whenever you can. Her impersonations are not to be missed.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Inspirational Story re Blue Angels Flight
There was an article in the newspaper last Thursday about a man who lives in Newport Beach who out of the blue (as in Blue Angels?) received some unexpected news that would help him understand the fatal crash that cost his father's life at age 36 when he was just a boy of 12. Fifty years later a stranger would contact him with a very special gift.
Tom Berg who tells this story in a very interesting way said he was constantly surprised while writing this and had to rewrite it due to last minute-news from an eye witness to the crash. Check it out. If you decide to write a screenplay, let me know. I could play the mother.
Tom Berg who tells this story in a very interesting way said he was constantly surprised while writing this and had to rewrite it due to last minute-news from an eye witness to the crash. Check it out. If you decide to write a screenplay, let me know. I could play the mother.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Griffith Observatory
The problem with living here in Southern California is there are so many cool things to visit that it's easy to put off actually going. So, when we had an opportunity to sign up for a trip to the Griffith Observatory with a fine restaurant, Mr. Stox, who charters a bus, serves us wine and lunch on the way, and dinner when we return, we just did it. This particular Sunday wasn't the clearest we've seen, which was a little disappointing, because the view is magnificent from Mount Hollywood, 1,134 feet above sea level.
The Griffith Observatory, which opened in 1935, with leading astronomers and architects who guided in the design and construction, is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy and has become the most visited public observatory in the world. It offers public telescopes, astronomy exhibits, and a planetarium theater, where you lean back on comfy chairs and are treated to a wonderful view of the solar system. I'll warn you, though, if you're a teeny bit tired, it's easy to take a nap and miss the show!
After 70 million people had entered the building from 1935-2002, it underwent a major restoration. The ironic thing is when we were there Sunday, they said the construction is such that it would be a good place to be when an earthquake hit. I came home and was sitting at the computer when a 4.7 quake, which lasted 15 seconds (seems like 15 minutes!) hit. Regardless, I think it would have been scarier to have been in that huge structure with all those people.
I'd recommend a visit to enjoy the amazing views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and beyond. Did I mention that admission is FREE!
The Griffith Observatory, which opened in 1935, with leading astronomers and architects who guided in the design and construction, is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy and has become the most visited public observatory in the world. It offers public telescopes, astronomy exhibits, and a planetarium theater, where you lean back on comfy chairs and are treated to a wonderful view of the solar system. I'll warn you, though, if you're a teeny bit tired, it's easy to take a nap and miss the show!
After 70 million people had entered the building from 1935-2002, it underwent a major restoration. The ironic thing is when we were there Sunday, they said the construction is such that it would be a good place to be when an earthquake hit. I came home and was sitting at the computer when a 4.7 quake, which lasted 15 seconds (seems like 15 minutes!) hit. Regardless, I think it would have been scarier to have been in that huge structure with all those people.
I'd recommend a visit to enjoy the amazing views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and beyond. Did I mention that admission is FREE!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Motherless Daughters Day
Every year the day before Mothers Day, those of us who lost our moms when we were 21 or younger get together to celebrate our mothers' lives.
One of the things we do is get in what we call the "Circle of Remembrance" and join hands and give our name and our mother's name as well, i.e., "I am Cami, daughter of Cecelia." It's a touching moment. I look forward to being with my Sisters at Heart on this day in what we call the "unsought sorority."
I won a fabulous prize from Wine Country Gift Baskets and got to take home a tulip plant from Trader Joe's as well, which now resides in my front yard.
If you know of anyone who had an early mother loss, please recommend Hope Edelman's book to them, Motherless Daughters, A Legacy of Loss. It's a great way to begin the healing process.
One of the things we do is get in what we call the "Circle of Remembrance" and join hands and give our name and our mother's name as well, i.e., "I am Cami, daughter of Cecelia." It's a touching moment. I look forward to being with my Sisters at Heart on this day in what we call the "unsought sorority."
I won a fabulous prize from Wine Country Gift Baskets and got to take home a tulip plant from Trader Joe's as well, which now resides in my front yard.
If you know of anyone who had an early mother loss, please recommend Hope Edelman's book to them, Motherless Daughters, A Legacy of Loss. It's a great way to begin the healing process.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
My friend, Derek, called and invited us to an event at which he was performing in Beverly Hills last Sunday. He couldn't give us many details, so we had no idea what we were getting into. If you've read this blog before, you know I'm game for spontaneous outings, especially if it benefits a friend.
This took place at Beverly Hills High (you know, 90210). So, we showed up at 5:00 p.m. as ordered. The show was supposed to start at 5:30, but in typical Southern California fashion, it started later. The audience appeared to be mostly teenagers and some parents scattered here and there. Much to our surprise, the evening
turned out to be quite inspirational.
It was a benefit for the Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation, set up by the father of a former BH high school student, who was killed by a drunk driver. Karen (there's a mark over the "e") gave a touching speech, warning students about the ills of drinking and driving and drug use. "Believe me, nothing good can come of it."
The first two performers were terrific. A 12-year-old whose vocals and guitar playing were excellent. http://www.jessarae.com/. Carolina Liar is a group of three great singer/musicians, who sang their hit, "Show Me What I'm Looking For." Their music has been featured on many tv shows, including "90210." They also won the "Responsible Artist Award" this night. http://www.carolinaliar.com/.
There was an auction with terrific prizes, ie., two polo lessons at the California Polo Club, Tour of the Playboy Mansion for six, two upcoming Steve Carell Movie Premiers and After-Parties. Following the intermission there was a terrific fashion show. Much to our amazement, the models were not professionals, but high school students. That became clear as the students in the audience cheered and called out their names. The models remained poised and polished.
After the fashion show, there on a large screen were Vahagn's large brown eyes. Then, we heard Derek Bently's voice, singing in Italian, Gira Con Me. He slowly walked down the aisle towards the stage. It was perfect placement in the program. Derek sang it beautifully. The audience loved it.
Apparently, the money raised prior was used to present a two-day event designed to dramatically raise teenagers' awareness of the potentially lethal consequences of drinking alcohol. All the students of BHHS were involved and were encouraged to reflect on personal choices when alcohol is involved. The program challenged participants to make mature decisions and recognize that their actions affect others besides themselves.
The foundation also gave Vahagn Setian Financial Awards to three talented and deserving BHHS seniors, whom teachers and students at the school had nominated. This is a 501(c)(3) foundation as well as classified as a public charity 509(a)(1), which makes all contributions tax-deductible. The Foundations' Federal IN is #20-8057062.
The evening ended with a visual presentation of Vahagn's life, showing his love of music. As his father mentioned,he was an old soul. How many teenagers do you know who know Billie Holiday's music, or Miles Davis' genius.
Looking around the theatre at the audience, and watching these teens interact with one another, it was very refreshing to see the next generation. I left with a good feeling, as well as feeling the father's pain in losing a beloved only child, whose life touched so many.
This took place at Beverly Hills High (you know, 90210). So, we showed up at 5:00 p.m. as ordered. The show was supposed to start at 5:30, but in typical Southern California fashion, it started later. The audience appeared to be mostly teenagers and some parents scattered here and there. Much to our surprise, the evening
turned out to be quite inspirational.
It was a benefit for the Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation, set up by the father of a former BH high school student, who was killed by a drunk driver. Karen (there's a mark over the "e") gave a touching speech, warning students about the ills of drinking and driving and drug use. "Believe me, nothing good can come of it."
The first two performers were terrific. A 12-year-old whose vocals and guitar playing were excellent. http://www.jessarae.com/. Carolina Liar is a group of three great singer/musicians, who sang their hit, "Show Me What I'm Looking For." Their music has been featured on many tv shows, including "90210." They also won the "Responsible Artist Award" this night. http://www.carolinaliar.com/.
There was an auction with terrific prizes, ie., two polo lessons at the California Polo Club, Tour of the Playboy Mansion for six, two upcoming Steve Carell Movie Premiers and After-Parties. Following the intermission there was a terrific fashion show. Much to our amazement, the models were not professionals, but high school students. That became clear as the students in the audience cheered and called out their names. The models remained poised and polished.
After the fashion show, there on a large screen were Vahagn's large brown eyes. Then, we heard Derek Bently's voice, singing in Italian, Gira Con Me. He slowly walked down the aisle towards the stage. It was perfect placement in the program. Derek sang it beautifully. The audience loved it.
Apparently, the money raised prior was used to present a two-day event designed to dramatically raise teenagers' awareness of the potentially lethal consequences of drinking alcohol. All the students of BHHS were involved and were encouraged to reflect on personal choices when alcohol is involved. The program challenged participants to make mature decisions and recognize that their actions affect others besides themselves.
The foundation also gave Vahagn Setian Financial Awards to three talented and deserving BHHS seniors, whom teachers and students at the school had nominated. This is a 501(c)(3) foundation as well as classified as a public charity 509(a)(1), which makes all contributions tax-deductible. The Foundations' Federal IN is #20-8057062.
The evening ended with a visual presentation of Vahagn's life, showing his love of music. As his father mentioned,he was an old soul. How many teenagers do you know who know Billie Holiday's music, or Miles Davis' genius.
Looking around the theatre at the audience, and watching these teens interact with one another, it was very refreshing to see the next generation. I left with a good feeling, as well as feeling the father's pain in losing a beloved only child, whose life touched so many.
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