My husband is doing National Novel Writing Month!

My husband Pete is doing http://www.nanowrimo.org/ this November, starting TOMORROW!!!! The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month, and he will post what he writes on his Tumblr.com blog. Follow the RSS feed or just hop by his blog when you can!

Go to: http://manhattanstory.tumblr.com/

and use http://manhattanstory.tumblr.com/rss to follow the blog on your RSS reader. Or sign up to get the posts in your email each day! As he says "you reading along as I write is a huge help! Please @ reply me on Twitter to let me know you're reading. Thanks!"

You can @ reply him via Twitter using @thepete

Go Pete, GO!!!!!

Happy Halloween from my friend Drakayla!!!

Introducing MARQUEE FIVE - Press Info For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Website:  www.marqueefive.com

Contact: marqueefive@gmail.com

Club website: www.metropolitanroom.com

NEW VOCAL GROUP

TO DEBUT AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

DECEMBER, 2009

Marquee Five will be appearing at the Metropolitan Room in December, 2009, in "We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb": an exhilarating evening of your favorites from Cabaret, Chicago, Flora The Red Menace, The Rink, and more, including stunning new arrangements.

Joining them will be Mark Janas at the piano.

Directed by: Peter Napolitano

Musical Direction: Adam West Hemming

Marquee Five, “We Can Make It: The Songs Of Kander & Ebb” at the Metropolitan Room

 

December  7th - 7:00 PM

December  9th - 9:45 PM

December 12th - 5:00 PM

December 14th - 7:00 PM

 

$17 cover ($12 MAC/AEA members), 2-drink minimum

 

The Metropolitan Room

34 W. 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Ave, near the 23^rd Street stops of the N, R, W & F,V lines)

New York, NY 10010

Call for reservations: (212) 206-0440

About Marquee Five

Tight harmonies,clever arrangements, and an actor’s sensibility characterize Marquee Five, the collaboration of singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn. In the vein of The Manhattan Transfer, Marquee Five brings a spunky, intelligent flair to New York’s cabaret world with exciting five-part arrangements running the gamut of the Broadway canon.

Clockwise from upper left:

Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin and Julie Reyburn.

TO DOWNLOAD AN EXTENDED PRESS RELEASE PDF, GO HERE: http://tinyurl.com/marqueefive-press

Sierra Rein sings "Fifteen Pounds (Away from My Love)"

I'm uploading past videos onto YouTube, here's the latest:
From "Ridin' High" my one-woman cabaret, June 22, 2007.
Directed by Calvin Remsberg
Glenn Sidwell on piano
Brian Boyce on drums

"Women on Love at the Square One Series" November 1, 2009

Yeah, it's my first Christmas Caroling gig today (October?!?! Yup!) and I'm still in rehearsals for my vocal group (www.marqueefive.com)'s Metropolitan Room debut in December, but why not throw in a composer showcase?

"Women on Love at the Square One Series"
Presented by "Golden Fleece: the composers chamber theatre"

An excerpt from 'Women on Love", a theatrical song cycle by Katya Stanislavskaya, will be presented along with excerpts from three other works. A talk-back will follow the performances.

Starring:
Amy Linden
Sierra Rein
Cristen Page

Accompanied by Katya Stanislavskaya

Sunday, November 1, 2009
8:00pm - 10:00pm
353 Studios
353 West 48th St., 2nd floor

I sang a few songs of her's last December for a Christmas new-works show put on by Reed Prescott & The New York Theater Barn. Katya's music is beautiful, intricate, funny and haunting. I'm looking forward to this!

And then I can be seen either in hoop skirt/bonnet or classy little black dress - whichever floats your boat.

-Sierra

Sierra as Nimue in "Camelot," Fullerton CLO

ANNOUNCING: MARQUEE FIVE

Here's a nice big update for you!

Introducing a new vocal group:


Tight harmonies, clever arrangements, and an actor’s sensibility characterize Marquee Five, the collaboration of singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn. In the vein of The Manhattan Transfer, Marquee Five brings a spunky, intelligent flair to New York’s cabaret world with exciting five-part arrangements running the gamut of the Broadway canon.

Check out our new website, which has more pictures, bios, and information about our December Metropolitan Room Debut "We Can Make It.": WWW.MARQUEEFIVE.COM

"GetCrackin" video posted on 12seconds.tv

On another note, I shot, edited and uploaded this 12second clip for a Pistachio campaign on 12seconds.tv


How Maria Callas Would Get Crackin on 12seconds.tv

If you're on Twitter, sign in, bump, comment (with a nicer tone than one of the previous commenters) and see if you want to join in the fun! The interesting thing about 12seconds is the constant challenges to be creative, which is a wonderful thing to have on hand when you're artistic. Plus, I can flaunt my high notes if I want to...

Enjoy!

And to prove I'm incredibly humble, here's an outtake from the shoot:


Awwwwwwww....outtake from my Get Crackin video on 12seconds.tv

Sierra for Hire in the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers!

For the third year in a row, I will sing with the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers, a professional company made up of 4-part groups who sing contemporary and traditional Holiday, Christmas and even Hanukkah songs a cappella. We arrive in festively traditional hoop-skirt-and-bonnet and top-hat-and-cape Dickens-era finery (but can also perform in classy black if you wish). Perfect for office and home parties, promotional events, and kids love us when they can sing/dance/play those jingle bells along with us.

All of our groups are incredible singers with fantastic harmony and solo abilities; however, if you want ME at your party, ask for my quartet in particular. :)

Visit the company's official webpage (covering Los Angeles to New York, and some cities inbetween)

For New York City and the outlying boroughs, go here. Call (888) 225-1331 or (949) 295-6500 or email Adam at adam@definitelydickens.com

For New Jersey State prices and info, go here. Call (973) 327-4671 or email Vanessa at vanessa@definitelydickens.com

Want to see video of the group? Go check out my mini-playlist of us in 2008 here. Or just watch us here:

Pictures from "Smokin'" at The Duplex

Some pictures, taken by George Bonnano, of “Smokin’: Warning, the Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman” at The Duplex, NYC October 5, 2009. With Kevin Massey, Mick Bleyer, Matthew Lutz, Lori Marinacci, and Kay “The Pal” Pringle. With Jay Alan Zimmerman on piano.

Sierra, Matt, Lori “My Mistake”

Sierra, Kay The Pal, Matt, "Bald Barbie"

Sierra

Sierra, Lori, "Only Words"

Lori, Sierra

Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick

Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick

Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick

Jay, Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick

- Sierra

Plugging Away!

I have to spend some time (now that I’m finished promoting the composer showcase I was in on Monday) to plug some of my friend’s upcoming work.

First of all, I’ve already mentioned “Rob Langeder: Undead in Hell’s Kitchen,” October 30th and 31st, which I’m interested in checking out. The guy can do jazz and scat like no other, but this show is all about Rock n’ Rolling-in-your-Grave! I do hope to be there! www.RobLangeder.com You can get $7 tickets if you make reservations by the end of TODAY, October 7th!!!!
****************************************
October 10th @ 11:45pm at the Metropolitan Room: Jenna Esposito sings Connie Francis. One of the hardest working women in Cabaret, Jenna Esposito, will combine her sweet but sassy voice with the songs of Connie Francis, which to me is a perfect match. From her website www.JennaEsposito.com: “Join Jenna as she sings the songs of "America's Sweetheart," Connie Francis. You’ll hear favorites such as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who’s Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems! Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. Call 212-206-0440 for reservations.”

****************************************
Next, is one of my favorite Open Mics – BIG NIGHT OUT! Hosted by the fabulous Jennifer Wren, with musical genius Bill Zeffiro! They have a number of really cool shows coming up in October and November: most evenings have an hour of open mic followed by a special guest composer, performer, or event.
October 15th will feature a composer showcase featuring Jonathan Larson Award-winning Lance Horne. This evening will be at Don’t Tell Mama’s instead of Etcetera Etc, so make reservations ahead of time by calling 212-757-0788.
October 29th will feature co-host Julie Leedes, who was with me in the top 5 finalists of 1930’s Idol. This lovely and talented lady will help the evening flow.
November 5th will be an entire evening featuring 2009’s 1930’s Idol Champion Sigali Hamberger! She has a lovely soprano voice and some unique choices in repertoire, so it will be a great evening of music!
November 19th will feature composer Mario Sprouse!
PLUS! I saw the lovely Jennifer Wren and the equally charming Doug Shapiro will sing with Marisa Rosen for the Madison Avenue Baptist Church on November 18th.
****************************************
October 30th and November 4th,the Metropolitan Room will feature my friend and Champion of 2008’s 1930’s Idol, Danielle Grabianowski! From her website: “Danielle is making her solo cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room with a show of early songs from the Great American Songbook and new tunes from the likes of Christina Courtin, Regina Spektor and the White Stripes.
Friday, October 30 at 9:45PM & Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30PM
All shows are $15.00 with a two drink minimum.
The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street in New York City.
For reservations, please call (212) 206-0440 or visit them on the web at www.metropolitanroom.com
****************************************
November 22nd: And finally, I have to promote (and will blog on later) “I’ve Got A Little Twist,” 3:30pm – “New York Gilbert & Sullivan (NYGASP)’s original cabaret act featuring a fresh take on G&S favorites and the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan in musical theater – at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd Street”

More info can be found at the website of David Auxier and a Backstage.com review and a NYTheater.com review of the earlier January 2009 performance of the work.


- Sierra

A plug for a Halloween Show: "Rob Langeder: Undead in Hell's Kitchen"!

This man's voice and control, style and humor is to DIE for...literally!

**************
Please note! As usual, you get my best discount if you reserve early! October 7th is the last day to reserve for this show at the low, low price of just 7 bucks plus the drink minimum!
Such a deal!

Call 212-757-0788 or log on at DontTellMamaNYC.com!

**************

Hey, kids, do you like the rock and roll?

Well, then, you are going to LOVE my upcoming Halloween show, ROB LANGEDER: UNDEAD IN HELL’S KITCHEN! After all, what better way to get in the spirit of the holiday than by groovin’ along to a little of “the devil’s music?”

Miles Phillips, Tracy Stark and I are cookin’ up a witch’s brew that is fun, hip, smart, naughty, and oh-so-tasty! Think cabaret-meets-haunted-house-meets-rock-concert! And, since I’ve scheduled the shows at 7:00, it’s the perfect way to whet your appetite for the weekend’s costume parties and parades! *

You’ve seen me do gospel. You’ve seen me do jazz. Now, come on over to Don’t Tell Mama for Halloween and GET READY TO ROCK!

The most fun you’ll ever have being scared!



Mwahahahahahaaaa!!!

- Rob


* Costumes welcome at the show, but not required.
*********************************
ROB LANGEDER: UNDEAD IN HELL’S KITCHEN
A New Halloween Show!

Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Friday, October 30 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 31 @ 7:00 PM

Reservations: 212-757-0788
or DontTellMamaNYC.com
Cover + 2 drink minimum

$13 (Ooooh, scary!) for the regular cover
$11 (Much luckier!) for MAC/Cabaret Hotline members
$7 (Luckiest of all!) for reservations made on or before October 7


The multiple award winning team who brought you the gospel smash
Rob Langeder: Broadway Revivalplumb the depths of the dark side for
an unholy thrill ride of a show guaranteed to put you in the Halloween spirit!
Tons of fun, but definitely not for the faint of heart ... Enter, if you dare!

Director – Miles Phillips
Musical Director – Tracy Stark

For more information, please visit: RobLangeder.com


- Sierra

It's THE DAY of the Show "Smokin': The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman"! Tonight! Monday, Oct 5th, 7pm - The Duplex, NYC

Smokin'! @ The Duplex

WARNING: The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman

You know you shouldn't, but you're gonna anyway: smoke, drink, eat donuts, fall in love with the wrong people. So come celebrate your vices with Jay and abunch of hot next-gen Broadway singers: Kevin Massey, Lori Marinacci, Matt Lutz, Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein and her puppet (!)

It's all written by Jay Alan Zimmerman -- who really should give up music because he's deaf now, but what the #$@%?!

SMOKIN'! is only 10 bucks, and because you need to stop drinking, there's a two-drink minimum. Sure, it's hazardous to your health, but it's gonna feel soooo good.

To make a reservation, click here.

Date: Monday, October 5, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: The Duplex
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave.) New York, NY
map

Price: $10 cover & 2 drink minimum
Phone: (212) 255-5438

A very special "Sounds from the Subway"

Haven't done one of these in a while, but I found the perfect opportunity to break my "no posting cool sounds and music I hear while in the Subway system" fast.

Friday, my hubby Pete & I were on our way down to Trader Joe's, taking the A line. Two young men entered, threw down their knit caps in the center of the train. One had a guitar, the other a violin. The guitarist started strumming a pounding background tune, and after about 16 bars the other musician started playing..."Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson.

Really well.

I had to first hit record on my iPhone, then took one of my precious $1 bills from my wallet (I say precious both in comparison to my wallet and in comparison to the rest of my checking account) and put it in one of the caps. I was the second to do so, and within 2 minutes of them playing, about 6 other people added (one put a wad of about 3-5 bills in). I'd say within the totality of their playing, they made roughly $10, maybe $15. That's damned good for 1/20th of an hour's work.

Pete & I had to get off at 14th street, and hung around the closing door long enough to get a few more last notes. I don't know who those guys are, but I'd grab their CD. Maybe the recording won't do them justice, and certainly it won't capture the energy of the violinist, who bent his knees and really dug into his notes.

Here's the mp3 of what I was able to capture on audio of this duo.

Beka Goschiashvilla (update from last blog entry)

An update to the last post about Cast Party: the young jazz pianist (13 years old!) who blew the roof off is
Beka Goschiashvilla <---learn and look out for this name!

(Image stolen from Cast Party blog entry...yes, I admit it.)

You can read the Cast Party Blog of the night's events here. I and some of my fellow singers are also mentioned.

Oh and for those reading this who are still interested in my Duplex showing for Jay Alan Zimmerman's "Smokin: Warning: the songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman" showcase, tickets can be reserved by going here. There is a cover and a two-drink minimum. Show starts at 7, and there will be a puppet.

Yes, a puppet!

-Sierra