Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Those who read my blog recently saw this entry about my submission for ForTalent.com's online contest to sing at James Barbour's Holiday Concert.
Well...I WON!!!!
I am their #1 contest winner and will be singing live on December 12th. I also won the $150 cash prize. James was kind enough to extend an offer to fellow contestant Jovani McCleary, who is the runner up contest winner and will be singing live at the December 13th show (with a previously unannounced $100 cash prize). I will sing one song of James' choosing (it may be the same "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" that I submitted with, or another) in his 90-minute set. And I just read from James' blog that special guests that evening will be fellow Broadway alums Robert Cuccioli and Merwin Foard!
For those in the NYC area...short notice, I know...but here are the details:
Sunday, December 12th at 6pm, runtime: approx 90 minutes
Purchase tickets online here.
$35 or $45 price
Location: BIRDLAND NYC
315 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 581-3080
Now...what the **** do I wear?!?
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
** UPDATE 12/7/2010 **
My friend, the lovely Erika Amato (on ForTalent.com/erikaamato), blasted the competition and won with 46 votes for her live concert rendition of "I Miss the Mountains" from Next To Normal. I was 2nd in the video submissions with 25 votes, but only after beautiful audio submission by Cait, which garnered 37 votes (so I was third overall). Erika assures me that I'm her date for the evening, so whether either of us are chosen to sing by James himself or not, we're going to the concert!
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
As read in a previous blog entry, Sue Matsuki reviews for Cabaret Hotline Online. She came to see "Twist of Fate," the show I'm currently performing in for artist Kevin McMullan. Read the entire article here.
The back up singers: Adam West Hemming, Sierra Rein & Dara Seizman are all STARS in their own right but here they exercise restraint to be exceptionally good supports in this show with knock out vocals and harmonies. Special "props" also to the lovely Dara for her Gypsy Ballet ... it was stunning.Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
"Kevin McMullan presentsTHE JAMES FRADRICH MEMORIAL CONCERT DVD PARTY
A benefit for the JAMES FRADRICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP for Classical Pianists and Composers at Lawrence University, Jim's alma mater.
Many attended the all-star, now-legendary JAMES FRADRICH MEMORIAL CONCERT, exactly one year ago minus a day from the day of this event at St. Malachy's Actors' Chapel in NYC featuring some of the brightest talent from cabaret and Broadway. Many have been asking about the DVD.
My companion, the well-known off-Broadway composer, Jim Fradrich, was an extraordinarily talented, yet modest composer who kept his talents under wraps, and people hearing his music for the first time at the original concert were amazed, even stunned at the versatility and talent he had to offer. Jim's compositions embraced classical, Great American Songbook and Broadway styles.
At the memorial concert, we barely scratched the surface of the musical legacy he left behind. The DVD party, a sort of "follow-up," will be feature songs written by Jim that are not on the DVD, so whether you were at the concert or just want to hear some beautiful music from lush
ballads to comic ditties to swing, never before heard, now's your chance! The DVD will be a gift to all who attend.
Sunday, November 14 at 4 PM
Metropolitan Room
34 W. 22nd Street
New York, New York
Reservations strongly suggested: 212-206-0440
$20.00 suggested donation; checks preferred.
(Please make out checks to "Lawrence University" with "James Fradrich Scholarship" on the memo line.)
2 beverage minimum
Featuring the dynamic singing group…
MARQUEE FIVE
(MICK BLEYER, ADAM WEST HEMMING, VANESSA PARVIN, SIERRA REIN and JULIE REYBURN)
Also starring…
JOAN JAFFE, ROB LANGEDER, ROSEMARY LOAR, KEVIN McMULLAN, SARAH RICE, MAUREEN TAYLOR and WALTER WILLISON …
Musical Direction by MARK JANAS and MATTHEW WARD.
Produced by KEVIN McMULLAN
…all joining in a continuing celebration of the beautiful music of my life companion, the off-Broadway composer, concert pianist, musical director and orchestrator, JAMES FRADRICH.
We hope to see you there!
Kevin McMullan"
I'll also be singing a solo of Jim's music, in addition to a duet! Hope you can make it!
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
"Everyone was great but I look at and hear some of the Broadway types that do The Salon on a regular basis and I think, "How much more talented does one have to be to make it on Broadway?" Some of the singers of this caliber. There are singers of all levels and genres which makes the night an eclectic one. They also have a theme every week which adds yet another fun layer.The song title in question was "This Place is Mine" from Maury Yeston's Phantom. Thanks, Sue!
There are too many folks to "highlight" on nights like this but I do want to mention one gal in particular because every single time she steps on a stage, she blows me away. I am speaking of Miss Sierra Rein who sang a tune I think was called "A Diva's Work is Never Done" in what was a pure, operatic/theatrical voice and performance worthy of a Tony. When I first met Sierra, she was performing with a puppet. Then I heard her do the "Only Make Believe" duet from Oklahoma with another wonderful singer at Salon and THEN, I was shocked to hear her wailing our a Janis Joplin tune in the latest Marquee Five show. This girl can literally sing anything."
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
"OH, wow, did I see a great cabaret show on Saturday afternoon (October
23rd)! Kevin McMullan and his great creative team served up a show you
simply must see: TWIST OF FATE at the LAURIE BEECHMAN. It's described in the
listings below - it plays this Thursday, October 28th at 9:30 pm. I'm not
going to review it here - I want to give Sue Matsuki first divs on writing
the review in her column, but I will tell you this: do not arrive late (as I
did, thanks to the MTA's messed up Saturday subway schedule), because the
opening number is incredible - in fact the whole show is incredible. I'm
going to have to return, since I missed the first 2 songs of this magical,
mysterious, scary opening medley. There's singing, there's dancing, there's
storytelling, a glorious band, incredible arrangements (by Mark Janas) and
the best darned violin solo ever heard in cabaret! I'll probably see you
there Thursday night!"
-Stu Hamstra/Cabaret Hotline
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
I'll be singing as the youngest sister in a showcase reading of the new musical "The Good Girl" - Music & Lyrics by Mary Liz McNamara, book by award-winning playwright Arden Kass and Mary Liz McNamara. Presented by Musical Mondays Theatre Lab, this reading will take place on Thursday, October 28 · 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Snapple Theater Center, Jerry Orbach Theatre. Admission: $15. MMTL Subscription series of 4 shows for 2010-11: $40. (Payment by cash or check only at box office the day of show) For reservations, call 212-989-6706 or email reservations@musicalmondays.
You can read my current email newsletter online here for more of my upcoming and current news, performances and events!
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Sue Matsuki (who is a Cabaret performer of the highest esteem and who I highly respect), has started writing for Cabaret Hotline Online. Marquee Five's latest show, "8-Track Throwback," was chosen by Sue in her first run of reviews for the online site. And once again, I cannot be prouder of this show! You can read the review from the website itself here, or just read the following.Cheers,***************************************October 2nd 2010 - Don't Tell MamMARQUEE FIVE in 8 TRACK THROWBACK - Singer/Songwriters of the 60's & 70's
a
This award winning team of singers, Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming (arranger), Vanessa Parvini, Sierra Rein & Julie Reyburn collectively called Marquee Five have yet another hit show on their hands!
Great music by Wonder, Mitchell, King, Joplin, Dylan ... you know the GREATS ... by 5 very special and incredible voices. Just GO SEE THIS SHOW! It's like no other you will see out there. Music we all know done SO differently that it may take you a few minutes to realize what you're listening to. (This can be a good thing or a not so good thing but most of the time, in this show, it's a good thing!)
Beautifully played by Mark Janas on piano, Matt Scharfglass on bass, Tony Romano on guitar and directed by Joseph Ward, this is a fast moving, dynamic trip down memory lane ... and speaking of a "trip" ...
When I say Janis Joplin, I'm sure the first person that comes to mind is Sierra Rein, right? Here's this beautiful, classy looking woman rasping out to Joplin's Move Over in a jaw dropping performance that made me look at Sierra in a whole new light. The audience went wild for this number.
On A Case of You I was first thrown by the tempo of the song having known it no other way than how most sing it but in Vanessa Parvin's hands and lovely voice, and with Adam's super arrangement, it was like hearing a new story on a song I thought I knew well. Brava Vanessa!
Let me just say this, to do a show like this where the arrangements are yet another "star" in the show, it should be noted that the entire cast seemed to have an individual acting connection or point of view with each of the tunes that they were the lead on - also impressive in ensemble work.
The boys ... oh my stars ... Mick Bleyer's take on Elton John's Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word with Adam West Hemming's take on All is Fair in Love was STUNNING! The pain in Mick's voice as the "younger" man played against Adam's more mature perspective of pain with a little "oh well" thrown in - it gave me chills. Another audience favorite and one of my favorite moments in the show.
Disclaimer: Julie Reyburn and I are friends, good friends but I have "reviewed" many of her shows by postings to various places so it will be no surprise to anyone when I write:
Music is to Julie Reyburn what a Tech Director is to the stage ... Music IS Julie's light. It's like the minute she opens her mouth, she has a pin spot on her. Her Tangled Up in Blue and then later taking the lead on Will You Love Me Tomorrow showed me, once again, that this era of music seems to be Julie's "heart music" being the daughter of two hippies and all. She can sing anything but I love her doing this music.
A long review because there are so many notable moments and each singer is a star in their own right. There's a line in Jolene that said, "You can have your choice of men" and here we are seeing three women realizing Jolene has done exactly that, chosen all of their men ... the girls really deliver on this tune as well. Listen, I could go on and on but you should just go to see their last show which is:
Saturday, October 16th at 6:00 pm at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street (Between 8th & 9th) - Reservations: 212-757-0788 - $20 Cover / 2 Drink Minimum, Cash only. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
http://www.MarqueeFive.com
Sue Matsuki, Sue's Views, Reviews & News on http://www.CabaretHotlineOnLine.com - Oct. 4th 2010
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
************************
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
CabaretScenes.org just posted this stellar review by Sandi Durell regarding "8-Track Throwback," Marquee Five's latest show highlighting singer-songwriter favorites from the 60's and 70's.
I gotta just quote the whole thing here, I'm so excited!
Soaring on the success of their debut show, We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb, which earned the group a 2010 MAC Award for Best Vocal/Duo/Group, Marquee Five isn’t leaving any dust in their wake as they forge ahead in this latest creation. 8-Track refers to music on magnetic 8-track sound recordings popular in the ’60s and ’70s, eras that produced many of the greatest hits of all time.
Reminiscent of The Modernaires, the 1940s quintet with the Glenn Miller Orchestra who recorded “Make Believe Ballroom Time” for WNEW, the tight harmonies of Marquee Five are, indeed, top-notch spectacular. Impressive, too, are the talents of the individual singers who comprise the group: soprano Vanessa Parvin; mezzo Julie Reyburn; alto Sierra Rein; and the two smooth-sounding males, Mick Bleyer and Adam West Hemming, the latter responsible for the clever arrangements and musical direction.
From group numbers like “Moondance” and the smart, witty “Copacabana”(that intermingles “Oye Como Va,” “Them from The Pink Panther” and “Theme from Sex and the City”), to individual highlights—including Hemmings’s rich and beautifully phrased “A House Is Not a Home” underscored with “Honesty,” Rein’s strong and expressive “Move Over,” Reyburn’s intense rendition of time and love “Tangled Up in Blue” and the juxtaposing duet of Bleyer and Hemming’s pairing “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” and “All in Love Is Fair”—there isn’t a dull moment. The musicians are a unique combination of talents: Mark Janas (piano); Matt Scharfglass (bass guitar); John Benthal and Tony Romano sharing dates on acoustic/electric guitar. Joseph Ward directs. Special thanks to Father Jeffrey Hamblin who produces Marquee Five.
Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
September 17, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
"When the five of them harmonize, they're reminiscent of the reception choir stationed directly inside the Pearly Gates. The five of them are Julie Reyburn, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, Mick Bleyer, and Adam West Hemming, the latter of whom apparently does all the arranging. They also divvy up in various, usually rewarding ways throughout their set. Not too many quintets make a go of this sort of thing; this ensemble deserves attention."
-David Finkle, VillageVoice.com
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
See you there!
"...but you don't really care for music...do ya?"
- Leonard Cohen
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
Alto, Marquee Five
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
I had fun on Sunday, even with lyric sheet in hand, singing for Adam Shapiro as he returns to land after 8 months on a cruise performance job.
For reasons why I didn't have time to memorize the lyrics, check out the blog entry here or www.marqueefive.com!
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Download a PDF of the Marquee Five Press Release for "8-Track Throwback"
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Find Audition Psych 101 on Facebook
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
I was able to attend two shows on Friday! The first was the MAC SUMMER PREVIEW SHOWCASE at Don't Tell Mama, an evening featuring 10 MAC member acts. The purpose of the showcase was to allow audience members to catch a glimpse of these performers' full upcoming shows. (I would have loved to have Marquee Five in the lineup, only our bass Mick Bleyer is doing summer stock in Lake George!) On the docket for the evening were:
Musical direction and a bit of piano playing was by Tracy Stark, with additional accompaniment by pianist Barry Levitt and bassist Tom Hubbard. It was hosted by Hector Coris. I was particularly affected by the artists that took risks with their work, or who had such a unique onstage personality that - like them or not - they stood out from the lineup. It was a good lesson to me to ask "What is unique about myself as a performer? What are my passions that, when I perform, can shine out bright?" It's a good thing to think about when putting together a show, singing at a showcase, or even choosing material for an open mic. In one hour I saw so many different and specifically unique singers - it was just a matter for audience members to say "I'm intrigued by this singer, I'll go see his or her full show next week."
Julie Reyburn
However (and not to totally disregard the wonderful preview performance at Don't Tell Mama), the real highlight of the evening was to go to the famous Feinstein's cabaret and dinner club on East 61st Street to see Marquee Five member Julie Reyburn perform her show "Summer Nights," and sit with Marquee 3 (re: Marquee 4, Mick, see above). With Julie on stage was Mark Janas (who played for our show last December) and bassist Ritt Henn. Lennie Watts directed it, Walter Usiatynski was on drums, and Jeff Hamblin produced. I'm not going to praise Julie because she's a member of M5 - I'm going to praise her because she is goddamned awesome.
After the show, I was trying to compare her to something we can all relate to. I came across the imagery of The Best Dessert in the world. Julie is like the best dessert you have ever tasted in your life; rich and creamy, yet with a light aftertaste that allows you to want to have more. You are willing to pay extra for it, for that special evening, and yet are grateful when even just a nibble is available. You will email the menu item to your friends, saying "this is the thing to eat in the city."
Okay, enough with the metaphor - Julie is the real deal. She has a beautiful voice - part human, part trumpet, but all with a great amount of power and control. She has a gorgeous mix (the part between the belt and the soprano) and is able to hold on to notes with ease and breath. She can soar to high notes with grace, and belt with energy. And that's just her vocal prowess. When it comes to interpretation of a lyric and nailing the acting part of a song, Julie is a maestro. She never lets a lyric go without taking care of each phrase with thought, passion, humor, and the *story* in mind. Even when she sang "Abadaba Honeymoon" (a very silly song), she painted the romantic relationship between the Monkey and the Chimp beautifully. Each song comes from a personal place in Julie's heart, and when she sings even the most "standard" of songs, you come away with a unique interpretation - one that is uniquely hers. She's always trying to emphasize something - even in the lyric to "Moon River" "there's such a lot of world to see," Julie reminded us of potential adventure. She makes every single song new and unique. Unique, unique...I guess I can't help but using that word to describe what she does with a song.
And she had another ace up her sleeve in addition to her lyric interpretation and vocal prowess: the musical direction and arrangements of Mark Janas. Those arrangements were flawless, brilliantly orchestrated, some with mind-boggling musical wit and surprise mixed in. Julie sang at the MAC Award-Winning The Salon open mic on Sunday as well, and performed three pieces from her "Summer Nights" show - I blog for The Salon, so you can read about some of Mark's amazing arrangements at the official blog here. When I put together my show, I want to save enough money to hire Mark for my arrangements - once you invest in one of his masterpieces (which combine musical traits from musical theater, cabaret, classical and rock), you know you have a unique piece that can never be replicated by another. Collect enough Mark Janas original arrangements, and you will have a repertoire of music that will last you your lifetime.
I'm so glad I know these amazing, creative people!!!
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
With Every Breath I Take, "City of Angels" by sierrarein
Cheek to Cheek (Irving Berlin) by sierrarein
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Check out my friends Julie Reyburn (member of my group Marquee Five), Bill Zeffiro, Mark Janas and Thor Fields (Julie's hubby) featured in this article and accompanying video by TheDailyBeast.com. It was to celebrate the "Play Me, I'm Yours" art exhibit, in which 60 pianos were put out for public use across New York's 5 boroughs. Check it out!
Play Me, I'm Yours from The Daily Beast Video on Vimeo.
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Brothers Paul & David Rigano are song writers and have asked me to sing at their showcase "The Rigano Songbook" this coming Sunday, June 27th, at The Metropolitan Room, 9:30pm. Their style is fun, youthful and the song I'm singing is folksy and sweet.Tickets are a steal at $12 ($7 for MAC members!) with a 2-drink minimum!
More info at the Metropolitan Room site and DavidRigano.com.
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Whew! Okay, it's been a long time since I posted something - but now I can do some updates! The content of this will be slightly all over the place, not based on date but on "theme."
The beginning of May was pretty damned good. What with my group Marquee Five winning a MAC Award on the 4th and all...yay!...we're starting up rehearsals again for our NEXT show (title TBD) with all songs arranged by Adam West Hemming. Since then, I have upped my audition attendance in a very mindful way, completed the school year's job of teaching 6th graders some improv drama games at All Soul's Church, sang for a church gig a few times, and saw Iron Man 2 on the big screen (it wasn't that bad, and since it was our first in-theater movie in MONTHS we were hungry for anything good).
One of the things I always look forward to each week is The Salon, an open mic event each Sunday. I was particularly excited to be singing at The Salon on the 23rd for the theme of "Sondheim." Not only was the night filled with some of my favorite music by one of the best writers alive, but the special guest was Len Cariou, the original Sweeney Todd. I sang "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music. Audio of that song can be heard here! In the beginning, you can hear the lovely "correcting" of the pronounciation of my last name by the audience (I get it all the time in auditions and doctors' offices as "Rain" when it really is pronounced "Rah-een" in the Austrian tradition). You can read my blog entry of this event at the official Salon blog here and images from the event here. At the Salon on the 30th, I sang "Mr. Snow" from Carousel and "Whatever Happened to My Part?" from Spamalot - audio can be heard of "Mr. Snow" here.
At the 6/13/10 evening yesterday, which was themed "A Girl and a Guitar" (Female Songwriters), I sang Carol King's "I Feel The Earth Move" (audio here) and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" (audio here), as well as Goldrich & Heisler's "Fifteen Pounds (Away From My Love)." I also sang one of my father's favorite songs for him, "If I Loved You" from Carousel, and recorded it here for him as it is his Birthday today! You can hear my recording for him here.
On other aspects of my month: My husband Pete and I shot a few Jay & Kay videos for 12seconds.tv and on Weds the 26th, I saw my friend Hector Coris sing selections from his new live CD "Life Is Wonderful" at Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Square. On Saturday the 29th, I did one of the most fun, childish, geeky things: Pete & I went to a live Lightsaber Battle in Chrystie Park, and pretend sabre-battled with him and a complete pack of strangers. You can see some pictures Pete took here and here. I was ambushed by two 13 year old kids; they cut my legs off at the knee then did a double-handed cross-bladed move to cut my head off :). Memorial Day, I had a one-on-one session with Erin Cronican of The Actors Enterprise, getting some feedback on my career choices and some structural tips on cover letter writing, then went to a Memorial Day party, fully equipped with sangria and these amazing chorizo-date-bacon wrapped appetizers.
On another creative side this month, I got to return to one of the roots of my life that has laid dormant for a while...Directing! My UCLA alum friend, Brian Alan Hobbs, invited me to direct the 20-minute BMI presentation of his 4-song version of "Calvin & Hobbes," which had lyrics by Jeff Bienstock and music by Hobbs. It starred Adam Spiegel (another composer...more on him later) as Calvin, Brittney Lee Hamilton as Susie, Doug Shapiro as Hobbes, and myself as Mom. The presentation, which occurred on the 25th, went wonderfully and it was great seeing the other mini-musical pitches as well. I went back a week later to see Adam Spiegel's own BMI presentation of his version of "Back to the Future," where the ever-versatile Doug Shapiro played Doc Brown. Adam's use of doo-wop and tight harmonies, combined with some gospel R&B (which appropriately reminded me of Huey Lewis and the News), was fantastic - seeing the scene in the soda shop ("you are my density") set to music as the song "Lorraine" made me want to see the show in full...once it's written in full!
On June 2, Pete & I got our geek on again, taking in the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson live at the Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History, as the finale of the SciCafe series held there. He talked for an hour and a half (you can download an mp3 of the full speech here), answering questions from the audience. His humor, enthusiasm, gravitas and knowledge kept us laughing and entranced by his words. Seriously - if you like the Universe, the Earth, and Humanity's survival listen to this hour and a half of audio (it's a big file, be patient with the download!).
On Sunday the 6th, I took Pete out for an official Birthday Sushi Meal at Planet Sushi (very reasonable, big portions, laid back atmosphere, and then experienced what it feels like to eat an entire Shake Shack Shack Attack Shake...oohhhh the chocolate goodness!
That's about it for now! I have an informal reading of new material by a musical theater composer on Friday (but it's so early in the development to make any announcements), then I'm slated to sing for the Rigano Brothers in their June 27th composer showcase at the Metropolitan Room - more info on that later!
Best,
Sierra
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
How to Guide: Do It Yourself <-- Richard Skipper & Sydney Myer are quoted in this one for producing a Cabaret or Comedy act!
How to Guide: The Audition <-- A lot of "Don't's", but it's basically "be a nice person" at the audition.
How to Guide: Social Networking, Marketing & Representation <-- Important info on how to present yourself to the industry via mail, and how to best keep your presence and personality safe on the Internet.
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Just in time for the Summer, a song about the ending of December!
Sierra Rein sings "Merry January" by Paul Farinella.
Performed at Big Night Out Holiday Extravaganza, hosted by Jennifer Wren & Bill Zeffiro.
December 17, 2009 at Don't Tell Mama, New York.
www.bnonyc.com
Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Today is the first truly bittersweet Mother's Day in my life. I learned a week ago last Sunday that my step-mother, Brenda Rein, passed away from esophageal cancer (after battling with it for years). Yesterday, I would have sent her a Mother's Day card. Today, my Dad, sister, and Brenda's family/friends in Oakland, CA are having the burial. I'm not there to take part, but I sit here in my New York apartment and think of her.She was a dynamo of a lady - intelligent, beautiful, classy, stylish, well-read and well-traveled. Before my dad, she was married to an ambassador to Turkey, she spoke middle-eastern languages and I always remembered how she would stick her well-manicured, blood-red nails out the window to practically force cars to let her into their lane on the freeway. She matched her outfit impeccably with scarves, earrings, rings and brooches and knew how to dress a dining room table with ever color under the sun. She decorated the house with paintings, masks, decorations, flowers, pottery, books and sculpture. She was an incredible cook and even when she couldn't eat solid food in these past few months she would cook huge pots of jambalaya and deliver it to others. She threw wonderful parties and knew how to feed people and be a gracious hostess. She was incredibly supportive of my career and inspired my husband, Pete, to write his 6-part fiction novel series just by handing him a book on alternative Templar Knight history. Pete and I were inspired to be married outside Edinburgh because of that book. She raised two extremely intelligent and successful children, Vincent and Pamela (I remember visiting Vincent in London, where we drank from a bottle of wine that was MY age at that time, and driving through the fields of mustard flowers in his convertible).
On the other side of the coin, Brenda also battled additions to cigarettes and liquor, two vices which ultimately became her physical and emotional downfall. It became tough for the family to see this, and it's a tragedy that she made the choices she did. She leaves behind a lot of wake in the water, both positive and negative, but to be sure she also leaves behind hundreds of friends, and a family who loved her despite some of the chaos.
Her obituary is here. Like it says, please send donations to the American Cancer Society. I don't quite understand how so much money is wasted on wars -- while cancer is practically the largest killer in the Western world, yet so underfunded in comparison. Pete wrote a great blog entry on this - his own side of the family is dealing with it as best they can.
Rest in Peace, Brenda. I love you.
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Close-harmony vocal group Marquee Five, who happen to be a 2010 MAC Award nominee, has a unique angle in their approach. It's not just their superb blend in song, and it's not just their perfect physical counterpart to one another; rather, it's that they were borne from a production of And The World Goes 'Round, the famed revue by Kander and Ebb which started Off-Broadway and became a shot heard 'round the world, as it were. As, indeed, so might Marquee Five, if they continue on the same path as occupied thus far.
Comprised of Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein and multi-award-winning chanteuse Julie Reyburn as well as Adam West Hemming (who also serves as Musical Director while the show is played solely on glorious piano by the incomparable Mark Janas), the quintet opted to present their most recent act at Don't Tell Mama as a tribute to Kander & Ebb. Which, some might contend, would simply be an effort not to stretch their collective creative muscles and simply perform a modified version of the aforementioned revue. This, however, is not the case; it's an utter departure from any compilation of the duo and instead emerges as an extremely purposeful show all its own.
The five segue from "And All That Jazz" into "Coffee In A Cardboard Cup" from 70 Girls 70, before Bleyer and Hemming dazzle the room on a couplet of "I Don't Remember You" and "Sometimes A Day Goes By." From There, Parvin, Rein and Reyburn have a beautiful moment on "There Goes the Ballgame," before they hit it out of the park on a topnotch rendering of "Class." And their solos are equally sensational; Hemming does a masterful job with "We Can Make It," Rein is simply scrumptious on "Maybe this Time," and "Isn't this Better?" really couldn't be better as delivered by Parvin. Likewise, Bleyer's rendition of "Sara Lee" backed by all three ladies, and Reyburn's truly standout moment with "Sing Happy." They end with three group numbers, namely "A Quiet Thing," "Cabaret" and "We Can Make It," done as a reprise from Hemming's earlier solo version near the top of the hour. It should equally be noted that Peter Napolitano has offered a directorial hand here that is not merely fantastic, but shows deep care for both the performers and the material they perform, and that Randy Lester has singlehandedly shown herself to be a technical director par excellence with her handling of the lighting and sound design.
At this writing, it's unclear as to whether Marquee Five will return to cabaret with this particular show or an entirely new outing. Whatever the case, they should not be missed the next time around, by any means.
***On Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 Marquee Five received the 2010 MAC Award for Vocal Duo/Group
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James
Outside BB King's:
This picture:
Resulted in this picture:
The official Award announcement card:
The stage (that's Adam Feldman from TimeOut)
With Mary Lahti and Adam West Hemming
Accepting the award:
Marquee Five, looking sharp!
Mick Bleyer enjoys an official/special MAC Martini
"We all come into this world innocent, full of hope. As long as babies' basic needs are met, they are happy. That's why young children are such good actors - they have come not to impress or to achieve, but to play. Then that innocence gets drilled out of us and we spend years trying to get it back; as Sainte-Beuve said, "There exists in most men a poet who died young, whom the man survived." But we still all have the desire to tap into our innate creativity, to experience that moment of transcendence in which we are most creative, and most generous. William Blake called this mysterious power the Imagination, and he said it was God."
"4. Make suggestions with them in mind- Once someone has communicated a frustration, think through what might be a potential solution and present it as something that will help them. For example '________ I completely understand where you are coming from and it seems that perhaps the easiest thing to do is to try it this way. If ___________ is still upset, we can revisit it and find out why' "
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