Ok, I resolve to write in this blog at least once every month this year because there is so much to discuss and recommend.

Start your 2012 off right with Lucie Arnaz at Feinsteins, Jan. 5th through the 8th.  She’ll be performing songs from her new LATIN ROOTS album, which is phenomenal and a must have.    Lucie has arranged for a very affordable cover of $40 and $50 ($25 food/bev minimum) so all her fans can get in to see her pay tribute to her Latin Roots.  Speaking personally, I can tell you that she is as warm, talented and funny offstage as she is onstage and you owe it to yourself to celebrate the New Year with her. Ron Abel serves as her Musical Director for her shows and this CD. 

There are many more shows to recommend, but so that I get this posted soon, I just want to touch on two other causes dear to my heart:  the Earth and her animals.  For the first, please check out the Songwriting Contest that THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS is hosting.  During the winter, we long for our warm green spaces, but often forget that we need to continue to work to save them.  We’ve extended the deadline for the contest till Jan. 31st, 2012, so get those submissions in!  Click on the info to the right of this for more info.

Animal Adoption vs. Purchasing: 

When you purchase a pet, you merely have to put your money down, and leave with your pet.   The immediate gratification and falling in love with the puppy in the window is understandable, but it’s only after you become a pet parent, perhaps, that you learn the truth about purchasing a dog from a store.  What you may not be aware of, is that you are likely supporting a “puppy mill” by doing so.   Puppy mills are notorious for inhumane conditions for dogs, poor breeding leading to multiple health issues, and behavorial issues that often lead to animal surrender to a shelter.  Responsible dog breeders DO NOT SELL to stores – PERIOD!   If you choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, you will save a life and take a small, but important step, in putting puppy mills out of business, or under more strict governmental requirements.  You can read much more about this by clicking on the APSCA or HUMANE SOCIETY  links on my on my “links” page.

As of this writing, we are just now finalizing the adoption of our newest fur baby – “Phoebe” – (formerly known as Princess) from Shih Tzu Fur Baby Rescue – from start to finish, it has taken about 2 months – hardly immediate

l to r: Otie, Garrett, Phoebe, Raissa, Brandy Bennett

gratification – but we are talking about a LIFE.  Rescue organizations can be an even better way to ensure the proper fit for you and your new companion.  The reason it can take longer to get your pet, is that the organizations are staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers.  Your application needs to be reviewed, you are interviewed, and they make sure you understand the requirements of your home before they’ll send a dog into another home.  They want to be sure that the dog is not shuttled around from place to place.  On the plus side for you, your future pet has likely been living in a foster home for a few months, so they can evaluate temperment, health and behavior and be sure of an even better fit for you both – something you would never get from a pet shop.

For a list of rescue organizations, go to my links page.  I’ll cover how to choose the right companion animal for your lifestyle in future blogs.

Now back to finishing MY new CD with Ron Abel and David Caldwell, right now in the studio!

Happy New Year!

Love and Light,

Raissa

Trust in the Wind

“TRUST THE WIND” IS FIFTH AND FINAL  IN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JOINING HOST RAISSA KATONA BENNETT ARE “TODAY’S” DAVID FRIEDMAN, CHRISTINA BIANCO, CAROLE J. BUFFORD, SCOTT COULTER, KENNETH GARTMAN, ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT, TANYA MOBERLY, COOKIE STARK, TOM HUBBARD & TERESE GENECCO

“The Concerts at Tudor City Greens” wraps up its fourth season of free outdoor concerts on Wednesday October 5, at 6:30pm. (Rain date: Thursday October 6 at 6:30pm.) “Trust the Wind,” features a mix of prominent performers from Broadway and cabaret, including the singers Eric Michael Gillett, Tanya Moberly, Cookie Stark, and Kenneth Gartman, and the stars of the popular Scott Siegel series “Eleven O’Clock Numbers” — Carole J. Bufford, Christina Bianco, and Scott Coulter. Making a special guest appearance is the quadruple-platinum songwriter David Friedman, from NBC’s “Today Show.”  Also featured are the highly regarded bassist Tom Hubbard, and series regular Terese Genecco on percussion.  The concert’s music directors are Jeff Cubeta and Kenneth Gartman.

Hosted and produced by Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett, the summer series played monthly concerts in May, June, and August.  The September concert, “Back to Cool,” was cancelled due to inclement weather. “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens,” whose mission is to build new audiences for live music while encouraging public and private stewardship of New York’s green spaces, is currently hosting a songwriting contest of songs celebrating the roles parks and green spaces play in the lives of New Yorkers.  Original songs of any musical style are being accepted through December 31, 2011.

Serving as judges for the contest are Neil Sedaka, Amanda McBroom, Ann Hampton Callaway, David Friedman, Michael John LaChiusa, and MTV executive Matthew Parillo.  For contest information visit www.raissakatonabennett.com

“Trust the Wind: the Beauty of Music in Nature” takes place on Wednesday October 5 at 6:30pm, at the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (enter at Tudor City Place, between 41st & 42nd Streets, and 1st & 2nd Avenues). Throughout the series’ fifth season, which is scheduled to kick off in May 2012, eight semifinalist songs from the Songwriting Contest will be performed. A winter concert at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency (TBA) will showcase the contest’s top three songs.  Bennett (Broadway in “Phantom of the Opera” national tours of “Cats” and “Parade”) won the 2010 Bistro and 2011 MAC Award for hosting “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens.”

Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York.  Nestled in the heart of Tudor City, which was built in the late 1920′s, this green oasis in the heart of Midtown was threatened by Harry Helmsley in the 1970′s who planned to build high-rises on the twin parks.  A successful grass roots campaign to rescue the parks was mounted by Tudor City residents.  Today, the Tudor City Association and the non-profit tenants group, Tudor City Greens, www.tudorcitygreens.org continues the tradition of park preservation.

For more information visit: www.raissakatonabennett.com

Swinging on the Moon

THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS CONTINUES ON AUGUST 3

“SWINGING ON THE MOON – COOL JAZZ FOR A HOT SUMMER NIGHT” IS THIRD IN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JOINING HOST RAISSA KATONA BENNETT ARE JOHN DEMARCO, DAN FURMAN, ANDERS HOLST, TOM HUBBARD, DARYL KOJAK, SHAYNEE RAINBOLT, GABRIELLA STRAVELLI, SEAN HARKNESS, TERESE GENECCO

The Concerts at Tudor City Greens, the free outdoor concert series that brings the sounds of music to the heart of Midtown, continues on Wednesday August 3 at 6:30pm. (Rain date: Thursday August 4 at 6:30pm.)  “Swinging on the Moon – Cool Jazz for a Hot Summer Night,” features a diverse group of singers and instrumentalists from the worlds of Broadway, classical, jazz and cabaret, including John DeMarco, Dan Furman, Anders Holst, Tom Hubbard, Daryl Kojak, Shaynee Rainbolt, Gabriella Stravelli, Sean Harkness, and Terese Geneco.

Hosted and produced by the Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett, the series’ mission is to increase new audiences for live music while encouraging private, non-profit and community organizations (and individual citizens) to support and protect New York green spaces.

The guest stars on August 3 include the singers Gabriella Stravelli, Anders Holst, Shaynee Rainbolt and John DeMarco, and the highly regarded bassist Tom Hubbard.  The MAC Award-winning guitarist and Windham Hill recording artist Sean Harkness, and the MAC & Bistro Award-winning big band innovator Terese Geneco are series regulars.  The concert’s music directors are Bill Zeffiro (a series regular), Daryl Kojak, and Dan Furman.

At the August 3 concert, Bennett will announce a songwriting contest of songs celebrating New York’s green spaces, and the different roles they play in the lives of New Yorkers. A blue-ribbon panel of well-known singer-songwriters and music industry executives, who will help choose the contest’s top songs (to be performed throughout the 2012 season), will be announced at the concert. The free outdoor series takes place at the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (enter at Tudor City Place, between 41st & 42nd Streets, and 1st & 2nd Avenues). The series’ continues on September 7, and, weather permitting, October 5 (all Wednesdays at 6:30pm).  Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York. 

Tudor City Greens is one of a small number of privately maintained public spaces in New York. In May, Bennett (Broadway in “Phantom of the Opera” national tours of “Cats” and “Parade”) won the 2011 MAC Award for hosting “The Concerts at Tudor City Greens.”

Tudor City, built in the late 1920′s, features two neighborhood parks that were threatened by Helmsley developers in the 1970′s. A successful grass roots campaign to preserve the parks was mounted by the residents to save their green spaces. Today, the Tudor City Association and the non-profit tenants group, Tudor City Greens, www.tudorcitygreens.org continues the tradition of park preservation.

For additional information visit: www.raissakatonabennett.com

Songs from Stage & Screen

The series continues on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:30PM. (Rain date: Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:30PM). This event will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret and jazz scene, who all donate their time and talent to benefit the Parks.  The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret performer Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera, Chess).
This concert will feature Bistro Award winner Janice Hall, MAC & Bistro Award winner Marieann Meringolo, James Moye (Broadway: Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime), cabaret sensations Will and Anthony Nunziata, Barbara Porteus and Barry Levitt, Adam Shapiro (Jewsical: The Chosen Musical) and Australian Variety Performer of the Year Darren Williams with Windham Hill recording artist and Bistro Award winner Sean Harkness on guitar and MAC & Bistro Award winner Terese Genecco on percussion. Musical direction will be provided by Kenneth Gartman, Doyle Newmyer, and Bill Zeffiro.

The event will take place in the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park – enter at Tudor City Place between East 41st and 42nd Streets, between 1st and 2nd avenues.

Springtime Serenade

The new season of the Tudor City Greens FREE outdoor concert series resumes on Wednesday, May 25th at 6:30PM. (Rain date: Thursday, May 26^th @ 6PM). This event will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret and jazz scene, who all donate their time and talent to benefit the Parks.  The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret performer Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera, Chess).
This May’s season opener concert will feature MAC & Bistro Award winner D.C. Anderson (Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera), Marianne Challis (Bistro Award winner), vocalist and recording artist Father John Sheehan, The Howard Sisters (Broadway’s The Sound of Music), with Windham Hill recording artist and Bistro Award winner Sean Harkness on guitar and MAC & Bistro Award winner Terese Genecco on percussion. Musical direction will be provided by Jeff Cubeta, Tracy Stark and Bill Zeffiro.
The event will take place in the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park – enter at Tudor City Place between East 41^st and 42^nd Streets, between 1st and 2nd avenues.

Concerts will feature a variety of performers and themes (tba) and  will begin at 6:30 pm. 

Dates: May 25^th, June 22^t,h , Aug. 3^rd , Sept. 7^th

Possible additional concert, weather and schedules permitting: Oct. 5^th

Special thanks to:

925 Lounge for providing beverages
Feinstein’s at the Regency for donating printing services.
Hector Coris for donating graphic design and press services.
Sound system provided by Dr. Garrett Bennett, Facial Plastics and Sinus Surgery

The sun is finally shining, thank you God!  While I’d love to do some cool major graphics here, it’s more important that I let you know about some great shows/causes I would like to recommend to you.

PLEASE DO NOT BUY EASTER BUNNIES!  Shelters across the country are overrun with bunnies in the weeks following Easter, once children tire of them, and parents realize that they require actual care – forgive my  sarcasm, but these are sentient beings, folks.  If you are seriously interested in having a rabbit for a pet, do your research, and please, please rescue an existing bunny.  They do make wonderful pets, but you need to be prepared.  Here is just one link to get you started on your Responsible Rabbit Rescue: http://www.3bunnies.org/rescues.htm

First, this Saturday, April 16th, the lovely SUE MATSUKI brings her talents to The Darien Arts Center with her show “The Gals Who Make Me Wanna Sing” – a two act tribute to the great ladies of jazz.  Joining her will be musical director Greg Toroian on piano and our talented tenor friend, Edd Clark.  It’s at 8 pm, and reservations are a must – Garrett and I will be there, so come join us!  This is a venue we are really trying to cultivate as a viable cabaret space, close to NYC and in a lovely and accessible part of CT.  (in the Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT).  Call 203-655-5414 to reserve or click the link to buy.

Then, Sunday night, we scoot home to catch ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT in his benefit show” I Won’t Sing A Sondheim Song … Or Will I?”  for Cabaret Cares, which is concluding its 2010/2011 season on April 17th at 7:00 PM at The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Eric Michael Gillett has appeared on Broadway and Off Broadway. He also an award winning cabaret perfromer in New York. Eric received the first ever Spirit Award in 2010 given out by Help Is On The Way Today. The evening will include special guests Karen Akers,Melanie Vaugan,as well as Chris J. Handley,and Kelly McDonald.Jeff Cubeta musical directs the evening.

Cabaret Cares is the award winning series that raises funds for Help Is On The Way Today a non for profit organization that helps and assists children and youth living with HIV and AIDS.

Cabaret Cares April 17th at 7:00PM Doors open at 6:15 PM
$20 Cover Charge and $15 food/drink minimum
212-695-6909

Then I’m running to FEINSTEINS to catch the legendary Jamie deRoy celebrate with her 20th season in her first show at FEINSTEINS!  My friend Ron Abel is musical director, it’s directed by Barry Kleinbort, and her guests include Larry Gatlin, Christianne Noll, and Daryl Sherman.  It starts at 8:30 and doors open at 6:30 for  dinner/drinks.  212-339-4095 for reservations or click on the link.  Seats are $50 premium and $30 for general with a $25 food/bev. mimimum.

Sunday, the 17th offers an embarrassment of choices for shows.  If you feel like trying out a new song in a new venue for the award winning series, THE SALON, head over anytime between 7 and 10:30 to their special location this week, SAN MARTIN, 143 E 49th St, between Lex and 3rd.  I love this venue – great food and atmosphere and great prices.  This week, just a $10 cash cover and $10 minimum.  I wish I could be in 10 places at once!  The Salon is hosted by my dear and talented friend, Mark Janas, and produced by the incredible force of nature, Tanya Moberly.  There is always a high level of talent, pro and semi-pro  trying out their tunes there in a friendly and supportive environment.

April 25th you can catch JIM VAN SLYKE at FEINSTEINS and my incredibly talented pal, TERESE GENECCO is guesting with him there, the night before she returns to her monthly gig, Tuesday, April 26th, at IRIDIUM, after being “down under” in a tour with SHAYNEE RAINBOLT, yet another close and talented friend.  Shaynee is still touring New Zealand and Australia, but she has a fairly regular gig at the Sugar Bar in NYC, so click on her link to see when she’ll be back with us.

JIM VAN SLYKE has been wowing audiences with his tribute to singer/songwriter NEIL SEDAKA for a year.  Mr. Sedaka himself is 100% behind this production and is regularly seen performing duets with Jim in this show!  Jim and Mr. Sedaka appear every Monday in April at Feinstein’s.  They add Terese to the mix on their final Monday performance on April 25th.

April 26th is also the date for the 26th Annual Bistro Awards at the Gotham Comedy Club.  We were honored by receiving a Bistro Award last year, for THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS, and there are some wonderful recipients this year too.  I’ll be there cheering them on – again, wish I could be in two places at once!  I may get to run over to see Terese after the awards show….

And for my metaphysical/spiritual recommendation this month, visit the newly ordained,  REVEREND ROGER ANTHONY MAPES and click on his MIGHTY COMPANIONS MINISTRIES tab, for your dose of positive living with a smile and a song.  I’m so proud of my Mighty Companion, Roger.  His life is truth in action – I’ve watched him grow and nuture those around him to be the best they can be. He is a powerful presence in my life, and I hope you’ll avail yourself to his message!

Love and Light,

Raissa

April 1st. 2011

Will the winter ever end?!  We are so ready to get back into the parks at TUDOR CITY GREENS and plant our musical seeds, for the new concert season.  The big news this week, is that I’ve been honored with a MAC AWARD Nomination for Host of a Variety Show/Series,(for THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS) along with fellow nominees (in this category) and dear friends, Mark Janas, Phil Geoffrey Bond and Dana Lorge.  The winner of this and many other categories, will be announced on May 10th at the MAC AWARDS SHOW at BB Kings.  visit: www.macnyc.com for more details.

My friend, and phenomenal singer Father John Sheehan, runs a very worthy organization called Xavier Society for the Blind and he asked me to take part in their benefit, which I was honored to do for such a wonderful cause.  So,on March 28, at Playwrights Horizons Theatre on 42nd Street in Manhattan, I performed in an evening of song and theatre to benefit the Veterans Outreach Program of the Xavier Society for the Blind.  It was a wonderful evening, made even better by the Musical Director of Charles Lindberg, who I’ve been wanting to work with for a long time now.  He’s just an amazing talent and good human being to boot!  I also met and heard some incredibly talented opera singers, whom I fully expect to coerce into singing for us this season at THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS, which by the way, start up again on Wed., May 25th at 6:30 pm – more info to come on that….

Finally, the show coming up this week is called Hear Our Song, on Friday, April 8th, 2011 at the Norwalk Concert Hall at City Hall; 125 East Ave Norwalk, CT.  I was born in Norwalk, and my folks both went to High School in the Concert Hall, which was Norwalk High School, back then!  And just look at the line up of talent involved!  It includes many of my closest and most talented friends, including my husband, so this whole evening will be special for me on so many levels and I hope to see lots of old friends and new ones there!

Hear our Song features (along with myself) Lucie Arnaz, Dr. Garrett Bennett, Christina Connors, Scott Coulter, David Friedman, Kenneth Gartman, Bobbie Horowitz, Lina Koutrakos, Rosemary Loar, Laurence Luckinbill, Roger Mapes, Don Martocchio, Valeria Roncoli, Nancy Timpanaro-Hogan, and Wayne Timpanero-Hogan.

This show is being presented by our spiritual center, Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, and portions of the proceeds will benefit the Norwalk Hospital’s Whittingham Cancer Center, and the Norwalk Domestice Violence Crisis Center.  And as soon as this fabulous show is over, Garrett and I head down to North Carolina to celebrate and sing at our neice’s wedding – Jen and Anthony, here we come!  We cannot wait to share in your happiness.

Hope to see lots of you in the coming months -  especially as we gear up for THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS,  so keep checking back here for updates!

Love and Light,

Raissa