tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61675972012-02-16T01:10:47.567-05:00"You thought you could get me to go down where you live. I am stronger than you think, I remain positive." Aline Vidarllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.comBlogger941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-18417511035067411912012-01-19T02:17:00.001-05:002012-01-19T02:17:14.757-05:00

Two peas in a pod. Georgia invited me to sit in with her and her band at BB Kings. I am so grateful for her. She inspires me so much. I am so grateful to have sung at BB Kings. It was a packed room. The crowd was warm. Georgia also invited two of her other friends. Each spicy in their own way. It was wonderful to watch them. So, full of life. I felt like I was in the Color Purple ( The Juke Joint

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-90961072258054004902012-01-02T20:18:00.000-05:002012-01-02T20:18:05.070-05:00

The day of my aunt's memorial is approaching. I feel mostly angry at the thought that she is no longer in my life. She was a special person and woman. I will sing at her memorial and hopefully not cry during the song. I am angry because, I truly feel her death could have been avoided. She went to doctors over and over again and they told her that her issues were caused by crohns. She was suddenly

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7143528 -74.005973140.5217853 -74.3218301 40.9069203 -73.69011610000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-74100793143154121202011-12-27T00:50:00.001-05:002012-01-03T20:38:39.790-05:00

Mom Thomas Gruen Maria Mrs. Head Ms. Jackson Jenny Mantle Jennifer Dorwachter Darolyn Nelson Chelsea White Scott Zimmerman Erik Youngblood Melenna Michael Garcia Beth Mrs Centanni Richard Peck Colleen Peck Matt Thornton John Peck Madonna Young Leroy Ball Lorca Hart Maria G. Jair-Rohm Parker Wells Chuck Anthony Stevie Klasson Bengt Kirshchon Master Henry Gibson The Lindows Ms. Lindman-

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-26040744680686815202011-12-21T23:33:00.000-05:002011-12-21T23:33:11.709-05:00

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-37886965679044753012011-12-20T21:11:00.004-05:002011-12-21T01:47:20.126-05:00

One of my favorite singers is dying of Cancer too!!!!!!!!!!! I am so angry. Way too many people have died of cancer. Poor Etta. Etta James that is .

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-27811251897252561062011-12-18T23:00:00.001-05:002011-12-20T01:46:46.105-05:00

My aunt died of cancer today. She was the kindest person. She always listened no matter what. God knows I don't have her patience. lol. I miss her so much already. I am very angry that she is gone. The world feels empty when someone so good is taken so early. I am grateful that I went to see her before she died. It is still very shocking. I hope I can try to be half the person she was.Aunt Mary's

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-46236257909924198502011-11-16T01:01:00.004-05:002011-11-16T01:12:17.861-05:00

A close relative is terminally ill now with cancer. I went to see her in Alabama. They have brought her home for hospice care. I love her so much. It is so much to bear just seeing her in this situation. This is a very trying time. On my flight back to NYC, I was lucky enough to sit next to an actor whose work I have always admired. Seeing my ill relative and dealing with some drama that ensued

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-76357864814585541082011-10-28T13:10:00.002-05:002011-10-28T13:12:05.759-05:00

I am writing and recording new material. This is uplifting. This is where my heart lies. It is finally starting to get colder in New York City. The faces of the people on the train looked really drained. The theme is have less people do more work. I admire the protestors for sticking to their guns and staying out there every day.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-28997184681720778772011-09-22T00:47:00.003-05:002011-09-22T00:54:03.448-05:00

I believe an innocent man was executed last night. His name was Troy Davis. He was executed in the South, a region not known for its fairness to African-Americans. This is a very sad day. How I wish things would change. We can just keep trying to do what is right/fighting for what is right and hope that some people develop a conscience and a heart.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-14672983659542593462011-07-21T00:46:00.002-05:002011-07-21T00:50:26.804-05:00

A family member has passed on which means I will have to go to the South and show my support. Death will definitely come for us all at one point. So, if you are not doing what you love, you are not living. Time is passing. I am putting the finishing touches on new songs with my writing partner. It will be great when the songs are completed, but there will always be more to write as long as I am

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-63790761464350106462011-06-26T23:53:00.002-05:002011-06-26T23:57:57.620-05:00

I sat in with Jim's trio and it went pretty well. It is good to remain active, but I really look forward to singing my originals again. Singing a cover verses your own songs is expressive on different levels. I am writing a lot lately with a partner which is great. Working with other people always gives you another perspective and that is really important.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-17505489591368312882011-06-22T22:20:00.003-05:002011-06-22T22:22:57.456-05:00

I have been singing with Sweet Georgia Brown at the Lenox Lounge. Every time I watch her I learn something else. Jim Satten has invited me to sit in with him at his gig. I will sing some covers and keep my feet wet. In the mean time, I am working on creating more material. It is long overdue. It is time now.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-82573704270014039102011-05-26T20:51:00.008-05:002011-05-26T21:12:29.630-05:00

I am finally settled into my own place and so much happier not to have a roommate. There comes a point in life when you need your own space. It is time to make up for lost time and create even more.Sweet Georgia Brown has invited me to sit in with her at the Lenox Lounge. She performs every Tuesday there. I sat in with her band this past Tuesday and will continue to do so since she has laid out

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-47139976496743181442009-10-29T02:50:00.007-05:002009-11-02T03:45:34.497-05:00

I decided to go back to the Sugar Bar for the open mic. This time alone. I sat at the bar and ordered some tea. The bartender was also an actress, a beautiful latin woman. She said it was a good place for her to make contacts. I drank my tea. The bar was packed. The tables are for dinner guests only. I am no Rockefeller. I try to avoid using my credit card so no table for me and besides they do

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1998261452285374882009-10-22T00:49:00.004-05:002009-11-02T03:38:46.826-05:00

I have lived in New York City for 7 years and all of these years I've known and heard about a place called the Sugar Bar owned/ran by the acclaimed R&B songwriting couple and production team, Ashford and Simpson. They have an open mic there every week and I never went because I speculated that they would not actually be there. For some reason, I just never had the inclination to go. Maybe because

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-33959926826600747622009-08-28T01:24:00.004-05:002009-09-01T11:27:36.750-05:00

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-90341065149808620742009-08-15T16:42:00.001-05:002009-08-15T16:42:41.248-05:00

I was fortunate to see a contemporary ballet ensemble called Ballet Noir. Art keeps it all flowing. Thank you.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-14270471765443007102009-08-07T13:11:00.020-05:002009-08-08T03:28:17.818-05:00

My brother came to visit me in this crazy city with his cousin from Paris. The left most picture is of my brother and I. The middle is of my brother,his cousin and I. The right is of Brian and I. We had a blast. We searched all over for the perfect bar with a view. It had good music and a great view. It was a nice crowd. Women decked out for potential candidates. Lots of caricature hats which

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-46967568443408367282009-07-26T03:10:00.001-05:002009-07-26T03:12:29.291-05:00

This is beautiful. I can relate so much. Maybe I should have been alive in this period. He was gorgeous and the music so sensitive. We need some more of this today.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-9023040002337867732009-07-20T22:55:00.003-05:002009-07-20T23:00:41.082-05:00

I love this song by Carla. I met her through my friend Danny Sadownick. She is excellent. Please support us. We are out here.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-88558603840709913882009-07-19T16:16:00.003-05:002009-07-19T16:21:14.460-05:00

I would like to thank all of my fans that keep asking when the next show is. You keep me going. In the mean time we all have to take care of ourselves. I am writing new material. My tape recorder is in my dresser drawer. Here is a link to a friend of the family's piano improvisation. Absolutely beautiful Phillipe Vilain . How the hell do you get from point A to point B? Just need a guide.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-40689871869068252082009-06-30T23:30:00.003-05:002009-07-01T00:06:32.968-05:00

Today a wonderful saxophone/woodwind player invited me to sit in with his trio in Central Park. We had a gig several months ago together. It was when I sang for Sweet Georgia Brown's Birthday. His name is Adrian Cunningham. He is very good at his craft. I recommend you see him whenever you get the chance. He is also an excellent composer. Ladies and men who happen to like other men. ...He is

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-36019255272536328072009-06-08T13:21:00.007-05:002009-06-08T23:28:24.347-05:00

I am grateful for my true friends. I am grateful for being able to swim in the ocean. I am grateful for having a place to get away to. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for all of the possibilities that I can see and that I can not even imagine. I am grateful for a 6th sense which I unfortunately have not been taking full advantage of. I am grateful for people that point out what

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-4567238817619554122009-06-06T12:05:00.003-05:002009-07-12T02:43:35.574-05:00

I sang with Steve Marshall's band last night. He is always a lot of fun. We did not get a chance to do all of the songs we rehearsed, but it is always good to stay active. The audience seemed into it. We are all a WIP. There was also another band from Brooklyn I believe called All Mobbed Up. They really put on a great show. They had this beautiful woman named Brooklyn Baby Doll that looked like a

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-46147045502192277122009-05-31T22:54:00.002-05:002009-05-31T22:56:37.746-05:00

Those that are not real fall to the wayside. Focus on the love of those that are always there. The fake can not accept the real. One match can light even the darkest room. This is to all of my fans who are always there. Lots of Love.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-43938796196793435202009-05-31T02:58:00.006-05:002009-05-31T03:21:55.430-05:00

We had a really fun jam tonight on the roof. I can't believe the neighbors did not call the cops. Steve Marshall was the ring leader.I had so many belly laughs. I love improvising with the guys. That is probably the most fun for me. We were cracking each other up. We were doing parodies of songs with serious gutter humor. It was awesome.Never am I as happy as when I am singing. It is when I

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-15541336837306814702009-05-30T20:57:00.001-05:002009-05-30T20:57:02.220-05:00

A new leaf has turned.The dead one has blown awayIf there should turn out to be a dust devil,I'll deal with it then

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-57901895703647780652009-05-30T20:56:00.001-05:002009-05-30T20:56:49.044-05:00

A friend invited me to a house party It should be lots of fun.We'll probably jam. Shooting the breeze is the best though in NYC,looking out over the city.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-2098599943004692732009-05-29T23:55:00.004-05:002009-06-06T12:03:44.751-05:00

Any hoo!!!!!I am still writing and writing. I need to clear my head and what better way to do that than to go to the beach. Let's give mother nature a big round of applause, because she is fine(in the Black sense of the word) My friend invited me to his beach house. I can not wait. Ahhhhhhhhhhh. There should be some good surf too. It will not be the same as California, but it will be

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-18660593881902287262009-05-29T15:52:00.003-05:002009-06-08T23:33:26.183-05:00

I sat in with my friend Jim Satten this past Wednesday. Although,I usually dont sing jazz on a regular basis, I sang a couple of standards. I used to only sing jazz when I was much younger. Everyone told me it suited my voice. Singing jazz puts you in another place, another scene. Jim is doing a jazz organ trio thing now. He has decided to reinvent his style. That is the cool thing, if you really

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-44060663912995109052009-05-26T22:51:00.005-05:002009-05-27T00:59:46.881-05:00

If you have ever loved someone, don't ever regret it. If anything you have added some more love to the world and that in itself is an impact. Love is never lost. That person may not even be aware of it at the time, but believe your love will make a difference.On another note,I have been speaking to some of my musician friends. I love that we support each other when we can. That is very important.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-14817021073226545702009-05-14T14:37:00.002-05:002009-05-14T15:17:47.018-05:00

Pour mon petit amiJe veux te dire que je t'aime peu importe se qui s'est passé ou va se passer. Le temp passe.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-15804255957291720502009-05-14T12:38:00.001-05:002009-05-14T12:59:14.576-05:00

I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Loving for having the strength and love to fight for what we all should be able to do, love each other and get married to each other if we want to. If it was not for them, my parents would probably have had a tough time. That is why I think we should continue to have more and more interracial children.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-37954823308934261392009-05-11T18:11:00.002-05:002009-05-11T18:13:12.030-05:00

Woman by Carla Duren More Carla Duren music on iLike

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-67419103382605648802009-04-21T03:35:00.001-05:002009-04-21T03:36:38.774-05:00

Le Papillon - Myfrfr.comThis song reminds me of my father and I when I was a little girl. A good memory. Le Papillon (The Butterfly) French lyrics Pourquoi les poules pondent des oeufs? Pour que les oeufs fassent des poules. Pourquoi les amoureux s’embrassent? C’est pour que les pigeons roucoulent. Pourquoi les jolies fleurs se fanent? Parce que ça fait partie du charme.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-88981942475432089832009-04-21T02:47:00.000-05:002009-04-21T02:48:09.196-05:00

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-53356363148964608002009-04-19T00:50:00.002-05:002009-04-19T01:26:32.716-05:00

RoseJe lis tous les romansÀ l'eau de roseRoseJ'en souligne des passagesAu crayon roseRoseLe bonheur m'obsèdeÀ la névroseRoseLà où il y a du grisJe mets du rose...Sur sa bouche je poseMes deux lèvres rosesJe l'aime car il supposeQu'aimer est toujours roseRoseLa couleur de tes jouesQuand glissent mes bas rosesRoseJe m'ouvre si tu pressesLe bouton roseRose

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-4722777249601757232009-04-14T21:24:00.007-05:002009-04-16T03:03:58.872-05:00

So, It is time for the next show. I am putting together a set list. I may just do covers until the next album is recorded. There are so many great songs. I am still writing more songs like every singer should do. It is a muscle. I am going to see one of my friends.He always inspires me. Have a Good Night and I hope that you are enjoying your time.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-13593747521540373922009-04-13T23:06:00.006-05:002009-04-14T01:31:42.451-05:00

Temptation is all around. Ahhhh. Where are they coming from ? Ha Ha.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-51245872522039998742009-04-10T22:24:00.005-05:002009-04-12T15:48:35.789-05:00

The new songs are coming out. Let the games begin. I am contemplating in participating in Make Music NY again this year. AB and Toby called. We will be recording new music in June most likely. I am buckling down. My fans keep me inspired to keep on keeping on. Love also does. Love does everything when you think about it. It can make you get out of bed in the morning or stay in bed in the morning.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-15883592837786957392009-04-10T00:22:00.007-05:002009-04-16T03:03:36.228-05:00

New Songs. Bring it. Chords are coming first this time for some reason. I used to write the lyrics first once upon a time. Now everything is all over the place. I can not wait to be settled and have my own little studio. Just one of the goals. My own little puppy. I would to have one of this foo foo diva pip squeak dogs in the city though. I always make fun of the rich old ladies with their tiny

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-52934719852256096312009-04-04T20:28:00.003-05:002009-04-04T20:41:13.185-05:00

Georgia had a great turn out. She as always put on a great show. A good part of it was letting the fellas in the band have it for not following all of her cues. It was fun and funny. I sang "Feeling Good". Stew and I had a very dry run through before. It was good.It could have been better. Then Georgia sang "I Feel Good" to get the momentum back up again. I sang background vocals for her and I

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-61481358588199645492009-03-26T14:38:00.003-05:002009-04-04T20:23:01.114-05:00

Georgia Brown has also invited me to sing for her birthday bash at the 55 Bar . It is this Saturday, March 28, 2009. She has a lot of people coming down to wish her a Happy Birthday by performing. They call her one of the last red hot mamas and that is truly what she is. She reminds me of Shug Avery in that she is totally free when she performs. She says exactly what is on her mind. A very strong

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-34266473865012507332009-01-16T04:16:00.006-05:002009-02-07T18:15:25.374-05:00

Tonight was nice. Moogy played his song, "Dust in the Wind". There was a nice crowd. It was a cold night. The type of night that even when you are dressed properly, you think," Dam it's cold!" There was frost on the streets from a previous snow. Today, a plane crashed, technically yesterday, but everyone on the plane survived.It crashed in the Hudson River. You keep walking and keep seeing life

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-54454501527497190522009-01-11T00:05:00.010-05:002009-02-02T17:24:29.391-05:00

All my life experiences change my outlook and how I relate to life and people. The weird thing is his cruelty has inspired me even more. He thinks we musicians should get "real jobs". Anyone that downs you or your passions is not truly living. I call it emotional meat that gets added to my bones. I sing songs with a different timber and color. I don't know if you ever are able to forget or stop

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-13784676464385983992009-01-09T02:00:00.003-05:002009-01-11T20:30:26.429-05:00

In spite of the recent heartbreak and shock, life must go on.Maybe he will come around. Maybe he wont. I still have to sing. I will always have to sing. Sometimes people try to down your dreams because they are miserable inside and their kindle is dwindling. Stay away from them. Stay around people with as much light as you can.My friend Baby Monroe is also a singer and he always invites me to

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-60124776402267394852009-01-06T20:36:00.006-05:002009-02-02T17:09:50.973-05:00

If you are lucky to have someone show you that they love you and there is an inkling in your heart that you truly love them too. You may only get one opportunity to show them. We all make choices. You may not be able to tell everyone everything. Some people can not drop their defenses after they have been hurt, but Thank God for music and my voice.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-38164647446101617332009-01-05T14:24:00.003-05:002009-04-04T20:28:20.384-05:00

Love is probably one of the most complicated emotions. Some people are scared of it. Some people submerge themselves in it. Some people dance for a while. Some people get tired. Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-85000514372782731762008-10-27T09:40:00.002-05:002008-10-27T09:48:10.275-05:00

Friday, I had the pleasure of working with some of my favorite people and musicians. AB+Toby Williams moved away from NYC a while ago.So we dont get a chance to see each other that much at all. I miss them very much and wish we could play together more often. We had a huge session.So, it was for old and new. I also had a chance to work with Martha Redbone and Georgia Brown. It was fun and

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-77719606006328438652008-09-11T23:00:00.000-05:002008-09-12T20:29:18.553-05:00

There is something about the purity of children that makes me cry cleansing tears. They remind me why they/we are born. I believe that they are born to keep us hopeful and to remind us that what we do in our lives has a universal impact. Whenever I see a baby or a child walking with their mother or father, it makes me so happy and softens my heart no matter what type of day I am having. The way

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-35432374856602331772008-08-27T04:00:00.000-05:002008-09-12T20:23:08.187-05:00

I can not sleep. I am not fulfilled. What do I need to do in order to do what I love all of the time and only that to make a living? I would like to sing for a living until I die. I would like to be on tour and have a family of musicians around me. There is no road map. I was talking to a friend and telling him, it sure would be nice if there was a GPS for success. I want to wake up to my only

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-44209845468357833182008-08-24T19:00:00.001-05:002009-01-16T04:13:46.182-05:00

NY Summer Streets was another experience. We arrived early for our sound check like we were asked to, but we did not actually have it until like 2 minutes before our set. There were all of these joggers and cyclists getting a move on. Petrosino square is getting a serious makeover so the small stage was set up on Cleveland Street. The organizer was very gracious. It was nice to meet him in

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-67093543790309923352008-08-19T01:00:00.000-05:002008-09-12T20:21:23.555-05:00

I went to see some friends play tonight at Hacienda. They did a short set. It always gives me hope to see them together. They are united spiritually. You can feel that, no matter where they are. They are free to be and each of them will carry the other. A cab driver once told me, that if you have one match it can light up the darkest of any room. I think I found a matchbook and in the matchbook

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-53086294785991440692008-08-15T21:40:00.001-05:002008-08-15T21:40:02.150-05:00

Make Music New York 2008 Festival

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-8288451461906402352008-08-04T02:16:00.001-05:002008-08-04T02:17:59.721-05:00

I can not sleep lately.Somethings need to change.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-6093843634215684502008-08-01T07:19:00.001-05:002008-08-01T07:21:09.223-05:00

Hi: I decided to join my peers and sign up with snocap. Let's see how it goes. Promote it baby.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-39530129825828417592008-07-08T01:00:00.003-05:002008-12-10T18:36:07.901-05:00

It has been quite a while since I performed. It felt like part of me was dying when I was not. Finally, I can afford to pay my musicians again. CD baby had sent me an email saying that I should apply to be a Make Music NY performer. I applied and was accepted to perform at Dante Park. There was no electricity, so I had to buy a generator and a portable pa system. This was an expensive gig. No

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-21670157977360236522008-05-22T00:23:00.001-05:002008-05-22T00:24:31.792-05:00

This bug or drive will not die. Music of NY will be coming soon and it looks like I will be performing soon. I will post all the details on my website. So, keep your eyes and ears open. I am still a singer and will never ever give up.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1152179553344227402006-07-06T04:01:00.000-05:002007-02-20T23:13:37.098-05:00

Not one day goes by that I am not grateful for resigning from an extremely hostile work environment. It was always made very clear to me in overt and subtle ways how unwelcome I was. If anyone has mistreated you, you do not deserve to be harassed(sexually/verbally/or in an other form). You do not have to be subjected to racism or the cruelty of the cut throat. No one has the right to speak to you

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1140620668126143452006-02-22T09:52:00.000-05:002006-02-22T10:04:28.173-05:00

I have decided to become a vegetarian. I have always been a borderline vegetarian, but the commitment is in place. It is incredible the amount of toxins the body can hold onto, but now that is all being cleansed.I am reading the Nature of Good and Evil by Sylvia Browne. It confirms what my tuition has told me all along.I have been studying for my MCSE cert and it is boring as hell, but it should

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1138681266006063662006-01-30T23:13:00.000-05:002006-01-30T23:24:34.930-05:00

This year began with a performance at XL Lounge. It was a fun show. The contestants made me smile. Will was funny too.In order to sing at night, I have to find another day job. I chose to work in the IT field because it is always in demand and you make a great deal when you work freelance. Of course creating a momentum of steady clients in the task to accomplish. Then I can afford to pay for

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1134994032154341862005-12-19T07:02:00.000-05:002006-01-30T23:28:47.796-05:00

It is that time again. Time to spend time with the family. My girlfriend and I are going away from the chaos for a spell.We are going to visit my mother's side of the family in Alabama. I can't wait. It is going to be wonderful. The southern hospitality will be very comforting.We are going to go horseback riding as much as we can at my friend's ranch. I wish everyone a happy holidays.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1132399309068029242005-11-19T06:07:00.000-05:002005-11-19T06:50:39.586-05:00

This performance was not one of my happier moments.I explained what my first song would be about. Although the songs were in the exact order on the cd, the sound person played the 6th song instead of the first and so on and so forth. That's what I get for not doing a sound check and for assuming that a cd could be played in order. I don't know what happened. Maybe the sound guy was being pulled

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1130847930840209022005-11-01T07:13:00.000-05:002005-11-01T07:25:30.870-05:00

I went out with some wonderful friends. Some were visiting from Sweden. We had several adventures.(Costume Party, birthday party,a strip bar, and then breakfast)We saw Lara Croft,Harry Potter,Collin Farrell, and many others. I tried on one of my new wig arrivals and the feedback was warm .So it will definitely be a future performance accessory. At the end of the night, my ankle had been twisted.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1129301145646345962005-10-14T09:43:00.000-05:002005-10-14T09:45:45.646-05:00

With Passion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Just imagine her with a tan. :)

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1129300743087165422005-10-14T09:31:00.000-05:002005-10-15T03:31:37.953-05:00

This was a wonderful experience. Flotilla deBarge was one of the judges and he had me cracking up with his brutal honesty. All of the competitors were in rare form. One of the guy's danced to Kelis's milkshake song and it was really entertaining. I sang Proud Freak and the audience was warm. It was raining like crazy all day. I did not think anyone would show up, but there were tons of people.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1127844558005832762005-09-27T13:05:00.000-05:002005-09-27T13:11:47.420-05:00

I might get a sponsor. Keep your fingers crossed.J'adore mon fou chou chou.Il n'aime pas le fleur.Mon dieuooh l'amourHa! Ha! It says I love my crazy babyHe doesn't like flowersMy Godooh love

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1126238246080531122005-09-08T22:57:00.000-05:002005-09-08T22:57:26.080-05:00

It looks as though I will be a featured performer at the Gay Men's Porn Idol Contest. That will be a wonderful story to tell my grandchildren. Another day,night more experiences to learn from and try to stay open.My friends and I have gone out just about every night. I've met all sorts of artists whether they be designers for the home, make-up artists,photographers, all creating in different

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1124169992788037772005-08-16T00:24:00.000-05:002005-08-16T00:26:32.793-05:00

I have been thinking about how I can break even. The best solution I can come up with is to play out with only a guitar or piano player and have a residency. Although, I would love to have a full band right now, it is just too expensive. It will come.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1122965782908024392005-08-02T01:42:00.000-05:002005-08-02T02:00:52.816-05:00

The other day, my friend/club booker, Kris and I got together to go over some songs for his birthday. He made me laugh. It was very fun. I met another perfomer name Rome Neal at Kris's office. http://http://www.monktheplay.com/He had an incredibly strong spirit. It turns out that he had put on a one man show portraying Thelonius Monk. Wow! It received rave reviews. I wish I had known about it,

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1120857924108924852005-07-08T16:16:00.000-05:002005-07-08T16:25:24.113-05:00

Last night was a wonderful night. There was a really nice turn out Thanks to my fans and friends. The night was not taken for granted at all. The band was excellent. Each song seems to make more sense when I have a great audience to bounce emotions off of. The money I made from the door( The first ten cover charges went to the venue and 4 of the 7 dollars went to me from then on) less each

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1120269517227269082005-07-01T20:52:00.000-05:002005-07-01T20:58:37.233-05:00

I started to volunteer with NY cares. I started to think if there are parts of the world that I do not like, why don't I do something about it. So, one of the children I worked with made this beautiful gift for me. It will be treasured always. Rehearsal for the show is this Sunday. The show must go on. AB says I am in good hands with Robin Macatangay. It will be fun.still moving forward,Aline

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1116941234628280092005-05-24T00:30:00.000-05:002005-05-24T08:27:14.626-05:00

Another show ..........I am getting ready for another show. That means choosing a set list. I still want to sing all of my most recent originals. They are still my babies and they just learning to walk. I need to get more postcards made that don't cost an arm an a leg. Promo never ends. I am going to see some bands this week. That is always inspirational.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1116941126919623142005-04-22T07:00:00.000-05:002005-05-24T08:25:26.920-05:00

Creating a following in this city can deplete you of all your l'argent. Ooh La La! My friend, Danny, tells me that is the way it will be on the path until my following gets larger. Promo never ends. My Danish friends will be going home soon and I will miss them. You meet people from all over in this circle. I love that. I sent tons of demos via snail mail and email. Time is passing. Yes indeed!

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1116941077059959352005-04-05T05:45:00.000-05:002005-05-24T08:24:37.060-05:00

It is like 4 in the morning. I can not sleep. I went bike riding with some friends the other day. It was wonderful. I am going to go again today with some other friends. It is so beautiful outside. No one should stay in. The next gig has to cover my musicians costs. My guitar playing is getting stronger slowly but surely.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1116941014329829662005-03-20T18:30:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:00:58.366-05:00

I performed at Fagapalooza last night. Kris and Charmaign were just as sweet and professional as they always are. They are wonderful to work with. Shelton was on guitar and Anthony Maulella was on drums. They rocked! The room eventually filled up after I sang a few songs. A wonderful photographer came down to take some shots named Jose Ivey.I want to sing full time and have my music be my only

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1109939895720019242005-02-28T07:37:00.000-05:002005-03-04T07:38:15.806-05:00

Rehearsals have gone well. The next show will be on the 19th of March. That is just around the corner. There is a lot that needs to done as always. The artwork is still being worked on. If there was a way for me to do everything, I would. A lot of time is spent waiting on people to finish projects for you which is why artists are doing more and more for themselves. I definitely prefer this route

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1109939832324897542005-02-06T07:36:00.000-05:002005-03-04T07:37:12.326-05:00

I have started rehearsals and so far so good. This muscle needs to be worked out a lot more. The t-shirt graphic never came through. Note to self: Never ever hire a "friend." Lesson learned. The set list is coming along. There will be plenty of originals and some really fun covers. Stay tuned for gig dates.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1107680619883961732005-02-06T04:00:00.000-05:002005-02-06T04:03:39.883-05:00

I have started rehearsals and so far so good.This muscle needs to be worked out a lot more. The t-shirt graphic never came through. Note to self: Never ever hire a "friend." Lesson learned. The set list is coming along. There will be plenty of originals and some really fun covers. Stay tuned for gig dates.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1106957577800019832005-01-28T19:09:00.000-05:002005-01-28T19:14:05.586-05:00

Since AB is so far away. I have to face the fact that I will have to play with other guitar players. So, I started to interview some candidates. I will sing three times a week and let" them "( the audience)come. Did you ever get the fortune cookie that says, " If you build it, they will come?" That is true. I am ready. I always have been. I will start rehearsing with a guitar player tomorrow and

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1106412074013142462005-01-22T11:38:00.000-05:002005-01-28T19:09:26.990-05:00

My electric guitar arrived the other day. She is beautiful, but she needs to see a guitar doctor so that she is ready to work out. Michiko and I will not be able to work together. As talented as she is, I just can afford her right now, but that is yet another goal to shoot for. A friend of mine is going to pull his resources. If all else fails, I can find a student to create the art work. Promo

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1106113874287490122005-01-19T00:50:00.000-05:002005-01-19T00:51:14.286-05:00

I am still working out. It is such a great feeling not to have to go back to my day job. It was truly exhausting. One of my favorite artists and I are working on a concept for my marketing apparel. Her name is mishiko and she is awesome. Check her out at www.mishiko.com. Support all the artists that are different. Sometimes you have to track them down and hear about them through word of mouth,

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1105259861230680182005-01-09T04:32:00.000-05:002005-01-09T03:37:41.230-05:00

It is all becoming very clear where I belong. I gave my day job my two weeks notice. I never belonged there. I saw the most amazing singer yesterday. His name is Marc Anthony Thomas. I gave him a mic before I found out he was also a great performer. It is nice to know that my old mic will be in great hands. Yeah, this is my last week at the day job. I need a steady team. They will come. Thank God

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1101797891448063942004-11-30T01:54:00.000-05:002004-11-30T01:58:11.446-05:00

The days are getting more and more difficult. I know something better is just around the corner. I am holding on. My favorite guitar player is in town and that is always a great thing. I look forward to singing at night full time. That is my passion and God continues to lead me to good people. Check out chocolate-genius.com. He has a refreshing style.I have been writing, but the surface has only

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1101267635683804002004-11-23T22:38:00.000-05:002004-11-23T22:40:48.036-05:00

Besides God, only my family is most important to me. It is Thanksgiving. I will visit my mom. That will be fun. I look forward to the day that I can sing full time. My day job is exhausting.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1101100501081314302004-11-22T00:08:00.000-05:002004-11-22T00:15:01.080-05:00

Okay. It is time to get real with this. That means specific goals each week until I am making a living only through my music. The cd duplications are done and the graphic design is excellent thanks to Enuma and Kris from Landshark. Kris invited me to perform at a new venue. That will be fun. The next goal is to find a booking agent. Like most singers, I just want to sing. There is someone in

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1094077732937688772004-09-01T17:28:00.000-05:002004-09-01T17:28:52.936-05:00

The new recordings are finally complete. It is time to get them duplicated and sold. I do not want to work a day job forever. My passion is music. I am going to have to dig down deep to find the energy I will need to work the circuit at night. This recording experience was an all around positive one. The entire team was great. I would like to keep the same team for the next sessions.

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1086084308720303052004-06-01T04:56:00.000-05:002004-06-01T05:15:14.216-05:00

This year is almost half way done. Somehow I will find some musicians I can depend on for the next studio session. I would prefer to work with Alan. He lives in Chicago now. He is so easy to work with. The studios are very expensive here. My momentum for school is decreasing although it is the last home stretch.I went on a tour of New York this weekend.We were able to see the costumes of the Lion

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1084113136685357962004-05-09T09:32:00.000-05:002004-05-09T09:37:12.530-05:00

I have been neglecting my music since I started school. I am two classes away from completing my certification process which means there will be one more musician that actually knows how to manage their own money. My day job is very exciting,because my boss always keeps me on my toes. The studio session did not happen in Chicago because of the logistics. I wish that I could find musicians that

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1077104429550297562004-02-18T06:40:00.000-05:002004-02-18T06:43:08.763-05:00

We are two months into this year.There are new recordings to be made. Time is passing. My favorite guitar player and I have been collaborating over the phone. I come up with the raw chords,lyrics, and melodies and he smoothes out the edges. I hope we can record by the end of this month.I know my classes will go by very quickly.It will be so nice to hear the finished product and supply the demand

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1076735443964801672004-02-14T00:10:00.000-05:002004-02-14T00:13:17.590-05:00

www.skwilbur.com

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1074412217888300912004-01-18T02:50:00.000-05:002004-02-14T00:11:03.543-05:00

It has been a hectic ride following this dream of mine, but it has been an exciting ride also. The more I talk to people the more I realize how much we are the same in that we can all help each other. Check my new friend's website out. If you know some sistas that like glam clothes, hook my friend up and refer your friends to his site. www.skwilbur.com I am four classes away from earning a

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1070575134529576272003-12-04T16:58:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:25:54.680-05:00

9/13/2003Where do I begin? It looks as if this dream is finally beginning to become a reality. Now if I could only get this site overhauled, I would be much more ahead. Please help if you can anybody.I have been preparing to participate in a documentary directed by Edo Bertoglio for some time now. The documentary will be about NY artists and what their lives are like now. His first version was

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6167597.post-1070574001225058152003-12-04T16:40:00.000-05:002003-12-04T16:40:11.723-05:00

1/21/2003 Thank God that I am alive. I sang with Baby this past Sunday. It was fun as usual. We sang all kinds of soul covers. I always learn so much by just watching him.Leo played pieces of cardboard. They were his drums.He can play anything. Baby brought these yellow sunglasses for all of us to wear. So, Leo,Jason, and I had our yellow sunglasses on as we backed him. I was a standby guest at

rllngriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289542976179305109noreply@blogger.com0