Lately we have been blessed with so many opportunity to work with so many wonderful artists. And a lot of them women. We’ve met and got to work with some seriously ROCKING ladies.
Getting ready for the Rags with Natalie
With Yula at the backstage
Last July, we went to Boston to play a couple of shows. The first night there, when we got to the green room, this goddess-like creature comes up to me and says “Not sure you remember me but we played years ago in DC…” And I literally screamed “Yula???” Yula and I played together some years back in DC and we both liked each other but somehow we never connected. And now we were re-united in Boston. The irony is that we both live and have lived in Brooklyn all these years. We promised each other to stay in touch and we did, this time. And we got to work together almost right away for the Rags, the last one at the Hive. The Rags is a multi media work that includes dance, fashion and music. Under the keen eyes of Yula, this seeming chaos comes together as an amazing work of art. I witnessed it. And if I didn’t I wouldn’t have believed it possible! The level of artistry and sophistication was beyond I imagined. And I suspect it is all because of Yula’s uncanny talent to bring out the best in artists. Yula is a producer, director, writer, artistic director, performer…and everything else you can think of! She’s a force to reckon with.
I got to create a new work just for this occasion and my amazing dancer friend Natalie came and collaborated with us. Yula sung with us and a guitarist joined us. Other than the occasional simple chords, the work was done all a cappella. We didn’t want the Rags to end. It was just simply magical. So much talent all squeezed into two nights of performance. Pure energy and fun.
Performing Floral Poetry at the Rags
Our short weekend in Boston didn’t stop at reunion with Yula. Our second performance was at the legendary the Cloud Club. I’ve met Mali who organized the show, again years ago and we stayed in touch. The Cloud Club is a haven for creative people. A sculptor bought two brown stones next to each other in the 70’s and slowly decorated the place with found objects. It’s beautiful and messy, depending on who you are. Of course Rebekah and I just fell in love with it. Did you know that we have a drummer in Boston? Last year, when we were invited to play at a food/wine festival hosted by a local public radio station in Boston, we’ve met and worked with Dylan. He fit the band like he’s been playing with us for a long time and this time was no exception. It was so much fun to play with him for the two shows. And now we also have a bassist. This talented bassist that played with Crystal Bright (who, by the way, also AMAZING!) offered us to be our bassist next time we are in Boston. Time to move to Boston, maybe??? I can’t wait to bet back there!
Crystal Bright, Mali, Miwa & Rebekah at the Cloud Club
With Dylan and our brand new bassist Tony at the Cloud Club
When we got back from Boston, we went straight into our big show of the summer, Rockwood Stage 2 with Brenda Carsey. Brenda and I met because she plays with Matt, our dummer in LA. Funny we have a drummer in LA and Boston but NOT in NYC. Matt moved LA several years ago and although we miss him dearly, I’m so happy that he connected us. She’s talented and very organized. I love working with her because she will make sure every details is well taken care of, especially promotion. I admire her for many reason but for her organizational skill especially. We’ve been talking about collaborating for a while and I was so excited we got to do it finally! We performed David Bowie’s Starman. We did fairly well considering how little time we had practice. We love playing with Brenda and hope to see her again soon!
With the King of Midnight Radio Show, Charlotte Lily
Fairy Rebels are ready for REVOLUTION!
Sometime life offer you an unexpected adventure and you should jump on it. We did. Jennie’s friend refer to us to a cabaret that was happening in Vinegar Hill and although we didn’t know anything about it except that there are going to be puppets but that was enough for us. Turns out that we get to be fairy rebels (who doesn’t want to be a fairy rebel???) and the people whom we worked with were so talented and generous. The place, hidden by a long drive way in a cozy neighborhood of Brooklyn, in itself was like something out of a fairy tale. It had a large French door, and loft space with plants hanging all over. The walls are all different colors and covered with cabinets with labels like “tiny hats” and “dragon masks.” Unfortunately Jennie couldn’t join us but Rebekah and I had a great time. I even acted a little bit… I’d like to challenge myself now and then. The theatre space keep a close guard on its secret, but I hope we get lucky enough to be invited to the performance again soon.
With Jocelyn and Aviva Jaye after the show
The last but not the least, came our collaboration with ever effervescent Jocelyn Mackenzie. We were so honored when Jocelyn asked us to play at one of her residencies. I’ve known her for a long time and I’ve always loved and admired her as an artist. She’s got an incredible voice and her songs are beautiful crafted. Of course by then, I was well into the habit of “let’s collaborate!” so I asked Jocelyn if she would let us sing a song or two and she said “yes!” We had a lovely rehearsal the day of the show (because that’s how most of the artists roll) and performed a few hours later. The show was so warm and filled with love. I felt so lucky to be performing that night. It reminded me of why I do this. Because it’s easy to forget. So with that in mind, I’d like to thank all the wonderful ladies (and a gentleman) that we got to perform with this summer. I feel so fortunate to have all of these wonderful people in my creative world. And I hope to continue this with our first ever residency this coming November! Oh yes, did I mention that we have residency coming up? Well more on that next week!