It seems like I've been dreaming of something like this for a long time now.... on October 11Th, 2009. For the first time, I'll be singing with a "big band" at Cliff Bell's in Detroit, MI. I've loved the sound of a big band ever since I found a copy of Harry Connick Jr's "Red Light, Blue Light" album in my roommate's CD stack. That was my senior year in High School. I never really was into jazz that much before hearing Connick. Little did I know the impact that big band sound would have on me.
The closest I've ever been to singing with a big band is singing along to an instrumental. haha! I've had a few performances with smaller ensembles, but one horn doesn't compare to a horn section. I'll have my own horn section in this show and it will be really hard for me to wait until the October show.
This event is actually meant to be my 30Th birthday party, but I really don't care too much about that. I find that ever year, birthdays are less important as they were when I was a kid. you know.... when toys were first priority. So I guess that doing a show rather than having an actual party is probably a little out of the ordinary, but that's just my style.
What I care about is that I get to perform some great standards as well as my own originals at a really cool Jazz bar in town, that is rich with history (check out the website for more info) hopefully I'll bring the club more suburbanite patrons that wouldn't normally come to Cliff Bell's. A lot of my friends haven't even heard of the place nor are they enthusiastic jazz fans/listeners. If you know me, you know that I'm a huge advocate for the city of Detroit and want people to come downtown and experience the city and I want to try my best to support all of the little gems that are hidden and scattered throughout the urban landscape.
I'm also particularly happy that all the proceeds will be going to one of my favorite charities: Suite Dreams Project. It's a non profit that creates healthy, and happy environments for children with serious illnesses. I've donated my art, and have participated in events for this charity in the past and I'm happy for this opportunity to even do a little more for the cause.
The talented Lola Morales will be joining me at Cliff Bell's. We've performed a few times with each other before, and have even done a video together on Youtube. She's been teaching me a bit about the biz, and I've been counseling her about social networking. It's been a good trade off. lol! She has a really sultry and warm voice, I'm really excited to see her set at the beginning of the night, we will also be performing a duet later in the evening.
It's going to be a great night! If you happen to be in the area and would like to go, tickets are available on neptix.com. However, if you can't be there, I'll be sure to have it recorded and posted for everyone to see and hear.
-B
