Welcome to BettyComora.com

FOR A FUN VIDEO check out YouTube.com and watch
Betty Comora playing Washboard with legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel!

Betty Comora

BETTY COMORA

BIOGRAPHY

"BETTY COMORA is a versatile entertainer who enjoys performing as vocalist, pianist/vocalist, rhythm banjoist and --would you believe -- washboard player! Her other interests are acting in theater and working in video production. She will come to the aid of the party with enthusiasm and her good sense of humor."

After years of performing with wedding and top forty bands, she now concentrates on her favorite style of music -- the jazz of the 1920's through the 40's -- Dixieland, Swing, Ballads and Big Band. She has been featured in jazz festivals and events throughout the United States plus London and Stockholm.

Betty produced and promoted dozens of Jazz Concerts featuring top artists including; John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Cohn, Ronny Whyte, Warren Vache', "The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band", Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, "The Speakeasy Jazz Babies" and many others. Several restaurateurs sought her help in building their businesses since her position as Entertainment Co-ordinator/ Emcee /Promoter proved to be profitable both in NJ and in FL.

For over 5 years, "Betty's Jazz Pix" radio show featured interviews and music with Dick Hyman, Ken Burns, Ed Polcer, Darryl Sherman, Jack Petersen, Cynthia Sayer, Ruby Vinson, Vince Giordano, Bucky Pizzarelli plus a host of others. If you have reason to play them, they are on audio tape. Just ask.

NJ "Entertainment Guide" wrote "There's no typecasting for this musical chameleon. One night she's a throwback to the sophisticated '40s, playing cool jazz piano and singing tunes reminiscent of Billie Holiday and Lee Wiley. The next night, bedecked in flapper dress and feather boa, she's tearing up the house with a rowdy version of 'Hard Hearted Hannah'."

Betty grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ and raised her children; Michael, Cathy and David in Paramus, NJ. She and Owen Comora ('The Birdman of Myakka), became a fulltime residents of Sarasota, Florida in August, 2002 . They are Grandma and Grandpa to Ben, Emily, Sage and Teddy.

As Associate Producer for an award winning PBS documentary ,"Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories", she arranged for and interviewed celebrities including Walter Cronkite, Cousin Brucie, John Sebastion, and more. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns generously offered his services as narrator plus his recording studio in New Hampshire. Heard on the soundtrack is some of Betty's original music plus her vocalizing. Son, David Comora, was Executive Producer, and it was a labor of love for Betty who worked in the cotton candy concession at as a teenager, in Cliffside Park, NJ. Fond memories, indeed.

Betty's varied life experiences came in handy when she became Vice President of an award-winning NYC TV Publicity firm1989 to 1999. She handled finances, interviewed celebrities nationwide, wrote press releases -- and also slept with the President -.of the firm, Owen Comora Associates (for which she was highly rewarded).

As performer in Community Theater, her favorite roles were singing "Broadway Baby" in both The Players Theater and Manatee Theater's "Sondheim's Follies", the role of Grandma in Jeffery Kin's "Pete's Repair Shop" where she also played piano, banjo and washboard, plus as an Italian Grandma in comedy "Over The River and Through The Woods" .

As of 2007, Betty has added "Playwright" to her interests. Her first play,"PAPA", based on true life adventures was performed by The Meadows Players in Sarasota. One of her short scripts, "Mixed Blessings?" is now a DVD made available at no cost for discussion groups.

Active both behind and on-camera for "Wine and Dine News" while in New Jersey, she continued video work in Florida as a volunteer for Annette Scherman's "Community" TV show. Betty's original song still runs under the closing credits .

"Up Until Now", is a product that evolved from a hobby. For Seniors, Betty offers to combine their personal photographs through the years with an on-camera interview. They can keep the DVD which is ready immediately. The cost is only $100 for the gift of a lifetime. "We never knew the stories my Mom shared with you. We love watching her come to life on our TV",Anne (CT)

FOR MUSIC BOOKINGS: You wonder "Howmuchayacost?" She says "Howmuchayagot?"

Betty provides music including: solo piano/vocal, duo, trio, quartet, small or full dixieland groups and a big 16 piece band. The size of the group can shrink or stretch to fit your budget. Click a sound sample on the CD page of this website.

For more information regarding ANYTHING -- contact Betty directly.
3310 Sandleheath, Sarasota, FL 34235 Telephone: 941- 378-5166 or click here EMAIL BETTY