Have had a great year so far singing the US National Anthem at various different sporting events around the country, including for the LA Dodgers, for the Mets at Citifield, for the DC Nationals, and of course for invitationals across the country for the PBR (that's Professional Bull Riding for those non-cowboys out there!) It's been awesome, and I love it!
Feel free to check out my "God Bless America below" MP3 attached!
I just got back from Kansas City where I sang "America The Beautiful" for the PBR again, and I have to say the sport of bull riding is probably one of the most addictive sports to watch, as even when you don't want to watch, you can't tear your eyes away when there is a 2000 lbs bull bucking and twisting and turning and a cowboy seems to be getting flown around like a ragdoll...
Well this weekend there were some pretty serious accidents, with two riders being trampled pretty bad by the bulls they were riding - had it not been for the helmets they were wearing they probably would have died - the paint even got scraped off the helmet of one while the other rider's grill (protecting his face), was the only barrier to the bulls horn when the two collided mid air Saturday night...
I guess that's what makes it such a growing and hugely popular sport - I for one am a fan, and though I may often be routing for the Bull (all of whom get treated really well by the way, and all of whom have just the most fabulous personalities on display every night that they're bucking), I do have to take my hat off to those Bull Fighters and the horse and roaper who are all probably some of the best in the business worldwide - but in truth the entire PBR family is great, and they put on a great show, fronted by Flint and the Announcers, and there's always plenty of rugged cowboys to watch so... CHECK IT OUT IN A TOWN NEAR YOU one of these days!
To see the PBR Schedule go to: http://www.pbrnow.com/competition/bfts/
Okay, apart from the obvious moaning about the hideous weather NYC seems to be offering me so far this year, there are plenty more pros than cons of spending more of my time here...
- One is the abundance of AMAZING musicians here (I have managed to pull together two different types of a band - one "traditional" band of Drums, Guitar, Bass and Keys with Trumpet, and the other a lounge-feel Piano and me combo!)
- Sony Studios is almost across the street from my apartment so you never know if I'll "accidentally bump into" their A&R guy or gal and talk them into giving me a deal!
- Inspiration is everywhere, with probably 8 million people bustling down the cobblestone streets, there are more life-stories you hear, more jokes, and more tears and heartaches for inspiration than my boring little life could ever stew up for itself!
- All the fantastic live gigs, Operas, Shows, and Plays you can check out (and for any budget!)
... and so many more... I love New York!! (Though don't get too distressed Los Angeles -you are still just as dear to my heart, and I'm not planning on moving to one or the other full time yet... at least for a while longer I'll have to endure those Red-Eye flights from Coast to Coast every few weeks!)
I had the honor of speaking on the panel at the GlamourGals Leadership Training Institute, "Find Your Voice" on November 22 in New York! For those of you who are not well acquainted with Glamour Gals yet - it is one of most fabulous and fun non-profit organizations that fosters intergenerational relationships between teen girls and elderly women living in senior homes through monthly facials and makeovers. What quickly became evident is how well-spoken, confident and caring the young Glamour Gals are, and what fabulous leaders this organization is fostering!
The panel included makeup artists Cynde Watson, Emily Kate Warren and myself, and the talks focused on how to find your own unique voice, how to use that voice in effective leadership, and how other's voices shouldn't limit you or stop you from achieving anything you want to achieve. All the girls who attended got to take home one of my CD's - for those GG's, I hope you like it!!
If you have a chance, check out Julia's Blog about the event: http://juliakayporter.blogspot.com/ or for more information on Glamour Gals check out: http://www.glamourgals.org/
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Heather Von Dillenburg playing the Nun.
Rick Boston as the Mad Scientist.
Kodie Kitchen as the Runaway Bride.
Amanda Annan as the Beauty Queen
Justin Rausch as Mr. Straightjacket
Neil Colin as Mr. Bond
Antony and Jennifer Ferguson playing Bonnie & Clyed
Kidane Gebremesk as the Taxi Driver
The very talented director, Matt Cronin.
The fabulous producer, Tracy Fijal (right) at the mercy of the DP, Steve Harnell.
The fabulous DP, Steve Harnell (right), with Mr. Straightjacket. 
The lovely Cassie Brower who was managing sound and talent.