Oct 17, 2012
Hi Everyone
How are you all keeping?
It’s been a roadtrip of note in the last few weeks and I’ve got lotsa pics, reviews and news :> The most incredible part of my journey is about the people I work with, meet along the way and the rocks in my life that keep me out of an asylum or at AA meetings!!!
A couple of weeks back I had such a tremendous time performing on Dubai’s prestigious theatrical stage at The First Group Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah for The Fridge’s production of KALUBELA. The show-run included a press buzz of radio interviews and press previews and reviews across the Gulf. Straight after KALUBELA my band started a new weekly residency at SAX on Tuesday in lovely Abu Dhabi – it’s so fab to be back there and see your smiling faces. In addition, we’re busy rehearsing for the grand lead up to a showcase of my original material at The Fridge’s Concert Series next Monday 22nd October. Every gig is different, each has their own setlist, their own type of audience and each day I have to be grounded to recreate stage-life so it’s right for each scenario.
A recent live radio interview on Dubai Eye 103.8 with Dr James Piecowye and Paul Kelly from triplew.me was an awesome opportunity to talk about new songs, artist life and new developments in the Nightline studio!
http://nightline.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-10T21_04_52-07_00
In the recent stage production of KALUBELA I played the role of the naughty but nice girl, unafraid to express herself even with the daunting eyes, saying tutt-tutt around her. The show-run was a four-day theatre production with seven other astounding singers who are all locally based in the UAE. I loved every moment of; dangling midair for 5 minutes before appearing from the rooftops flowing down creamy ribbons shimmering in Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend amongst the stunning dancers, then through the fast-and-furious dress changes – thank you wardrobe and hair ‘n make-up, to the singing-dancing extravaganza of Show Me How You Burlesque, as well as belting out It’s A Man’s World. Performing alongside the great voices of Salha Albusaidy, Rachael Calladine, Kerri-Anne Phillips, Ciaran Fox, Melissa Le Rue, Esmerelda and Misha were also fine memories – I love your energy!!! And of course all the ladies in Hey Big Spender simply sizzling and being Divalicious – dropped a few jaws, however David Omer (aka the batboy) did try steal the show and quite successfully…damn! The immense work of each person and individuality brought the show to life. Especially the Creative Director and Producer, Shelley Frost, her consistent drive and unending kindness set the tone everyday for all of us to be the best we are and just shine. It’s Shelley that has the deepest understanding of how backstage puts the frontline in the spotlight – but each of us have our spotlight to be who we are – and that’s the only way we can all create magic together without the ego stuff you so frequently come across in the music business. It was just too short, and I miss ‘that’ buzz of costumes and curtain calls madly now. Perhaps, there’ll be a re-run…?!
TimeOut Magazine Review
The First Group proudly presents, in association with The Fridge, KALUBELA – A Cabaret and explosive aerial extravaganza show at The First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah
On the day three of the show run, one of my residencies had a Grand Opening, so for Friday Brunch Stoyan (who was the musical director of KALUBELA) and I dashed off to Mina A Salam to perform there. It was a busy day and as much as I needed to save my voice for the show that night – I also had to give all I could that afternoon. But this is how we as artists roll and it was a slightly crazy nonetheless fun schedule :>
With just one day to recuperate from the KALUBELA after-party, half of my band headed to Abu Dhabi where we have started a new residency. On Tuesdays SAX is now live with Lisa Theunissen and the Makers. Great to be back in town and hoping to see all of you that I met at Hilton Jazz Bar last year whilst with Liquid Band. So be sure to say hi :> We’ve already had Ahaim, Zain, Sam, Sarah and friends join us – so it’s a good start. We mainly cover uptempo hits, so you can spin those boogie-wonderland dance moves – quite different from Jazz Bar days…a pure feel-good-factor-vibe! And back again up to Dubai for our Thursdays at Gramercy in DIFC and then Friday Brunch at Grand Mina A Salam. In between all of this the planning and rehearsals somehow all take place too…oh and I guess sleep, entertaining my dear friend Sarah visiting from Singapore and heading home for TLC from my man D!
But not stopping there as rounding off this month, just in time for my birthday celebration is The Fridge Concert Series on Monday 22nd October. It’s a collection of all the songs I’ve written and collaborated on. Leading to the writing partnership of Stoyan and I. This will be an hour’s performance with my full band of original material only. It is an intimate setting at The Fridge of songs from the heart and I would love you to join us on this special evening. A rare occasion in the UAE of a pure songwriting showcase, which really takes me back to playing at The Bedford – miss you London! Happy birthday to Nikki Lamborn, my vocal coach – it’s our birthday week – hope your Bull’s Head gig wakes up the neighbours baby!
Thank you so much to everyone I work with, especially at The Fridge, you make life as an artist even better – it’s all ‘Hell Yeah, Rock On’ smiling and loving it, loving it. Film footage, photo’s and more fun to follow soon.
Stay in touch :>
Miss T