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CHECK OUT ..BETTY COMORA...ON YOUTUBE.COM
Solo piano/vocal videos are: "If He Were Straight and I Were Young" and "New Hip" duo videos: Betty Comora and Mike Evans (banjo), and Betty Comora with Big Band
Betty Comora playing Washboard with legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel! in Nashville. You can click on the blue to see this one. What a 'hoot' that experience was!
To see a 13 min. film I wrote & produced - go to Youtube and type in... Mixed Blessings A Fairytale, Part two (both part 1 and 2 will show up) It's the only way to find it. I have it available on DVD, too. Youtube announced they accept up to 15 minute films now..but we can't seem to be able to get it accepted in it's entirety. Other people have tried for us..and failed, too. Can you help?
2009 recap...Today (1-28-10) I was working on my taxes and ..I was reminded it was a very good year for me. I suspected that. Some highlights were:
*Writing and producing "Mixed Blessings?" a short film (13 minutes) with director Banks Helfrich. I'm thrilled with the results and was invited to present and discuss it in the Manatee College film class. Program chairpersons have shown it (gratis) for discussion regarding church and state issues. It's not confrontational, ..just thought provoking. Want a copy?
* Acting at The Players in "Country Christmas Carol" with a great cast and Jeff Kin directing with his upbeat, encouraging manner.
* I played for a year at "New York, New York" for their Sunday Brunches. Owner Terry Flotteron called the Jazz Club to ask for a recommendation and....I GOT IT. As the Betty Comora Duo.. I selected wonderful musicians weekly to join me.
* We took a wonderful trip to England to visit several friends, see four marvelous shows and to sing at Neville Dickie's Sutton Jazz Club.
* My late friend, the very clever Jack Burns (NJ) left me a brilliantly clever legacy. He wrote a parody for me called "New Hip" (since my surgery) and I've been amusing folks with it at various parties ...even in England. They love Jack's brilliant lyrics .
* Of course visiting kids and grandkids is always a highlight . Varied and assorted volunteer jobs, all ages, indoors - outdoors..added to the enjoyment. Without a diary I rely on intermittent flashbacks to warm the cockles of my cold heart.
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DECEMBER 31: WE RANG IN THE NEW YEARS AT PAYNE PARK (BALLROOM CITY), SARASOTA, I SANG WITH BOB ZIMMERMAN'S BIG (16 PC. BAND) with tunes reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey, Ellington, Glenn Miller, etc.
Earlier in the day some of us -- musical do-gooders volunteered to entertain at the Friendship Center on Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. Mike Evans/banjo, Howard Smith/bass, Dale McGrew/drums and I ( piano/vocals ) played lively music for dancing and singalongs to welcome 2010's arrival.
) 2010 GIGS FOR THE NEW YEAR
I began playing for Sunday Brunches at "New York, NY" restaurant last APRIL..and I'm still there! I love it. It's a duo gig and I select a different wonderful musician to play with me weekly. I'm the luckiest old lady with pigtails in Sarasota!
January 3: SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH at "NEW YORK, NY" Hillview St. 955-6969 to reserve. My special musician guest is Ernie Williford on bass & vocals. Shirley will tap a bit and welcome folks to the "NYNY Community Table". If you come alone..you're welcome to join them. It's the best bargain in town. Order from the menu..no minimum or music fee.
January 6: I'm volunteer pianist in the lunchroom at Sr. Friendship Center 12 - 1. I do it every 1st Wed. of the month.
January 10: SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH at "NYNY" 955-6969 for info. Joining me today is great guitarist Russ Brannon...back from Canada.
JANUARY 15-25 We're going on the JAZZSEA CRUISE (google it) in the Caribbean . The line-up of terrific Dixieland Jazz bands is very exciting. Mike Evans/banjo (who I work with locally) will be playing with the exciting "Coast To Coast" dixieland band. Mike will join me when I play in the lounge. PLUS...there are official jam sessions for passengers to join in . I may have too much fun and not want to leave the ship to do the day tours.
JANUARY 17 and January 24: While I'm on the Jazzsea Cruise --- Vocalist Nancy and pianist Keith Carmen will sub for me at NYNY Sunday Jazz Brunch 955-6969
JANUARY 25: We're back to reality......SARASOTA.. We had a terrific time on the Jazzsea Cruise on the Equinox Ship. Some of the highlights on sea were: Performing an hour show with fun banjo/singer Mike Evans, - which was videotaped bv a patron who will send us a copy. Hurray! I sang and played washboard with the terrific "Coast to Coast" dixieland band, and jammed with the Jazzsea Jammers on piano and banjo. For a fun bonus..I played ping-pong. On land..we toured several Caribbean Islands and trekked into lush, dense forest areas where Tarzan might have thrived. We hope to go on another of the JAZZSEA Cruises in the future. Check out their website.
JANUARY 29: I'M VOCALIST WITH BOB ZIMMERMAN'S BIG BAND at the WOMEN'S CLUB, Bradenton. Open to the public It's a great place for ballroom dancers and we perform there a couple of times annually. I don't have phone numbers. Sorry.
JANUARY 31: MY SUNDAY BRUNCH GIG AT "NEW YORK, NY" 1936 Hillview St., Sarasota 955-6969 Wonderful sax guy Jim Wellen will be with me from 11:30 - 2:30. The prices of delicious brunch are VERY reasonable. I'd say the average price is $10 AND you get music included!
FEBRUARY, 2010
* THE BETTY COMORA DUO WILL PLAY EVERY SUNDAY 11:30 - 2:30 AT "NYNY" 955-6969 Tap dancer Shirley Goodman..my very dear friend..always drops in to perform and 'wow' the audience!
* NEW IDEA "PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD" ON WEDNESDAYS FOR LUNCH! 941-955-6969 I proposed this idea ...and believe it will work. In addition to nostalgic JAZZ..I'll include some trivia and fun games. WEDNESDAYS Feb. 2, 10, 17 and 24 from 12 - 2 pm New York, NY,1936 Hillview St.
FEB 1: I'm playing 12 - 1 at Friendship Center in dining room
FEB 3: "Play with your Food"..music/games at NYNY 12 - 2 955-6969
FEB 7: SUNDAY BRUNCH AT "NY, NY" 955-6969 11:30 TO 2:30 Mike Evans on banjo & vocals with me
FEB 10: "Play With Your Food", music/games at NYNY 12-2 pm 955-6969
FEBRUARY 13: BETTY'S HAPPY JAZZ BAND QT with Mike Evans/banjo, Bruce Wallace/tuba, Tony Martin/drums and me on piano/voc...and a bit of washboard at THE ARBORS (private)
FEB 14: SUNDAY BRUNCH AT NYNY 955-6969 11:30 TO 2:30 Guitarist Russ Brannon joins me for some special Valentine's Day tunes..and more.
FEB 16: ** MARDI GRAS MADNESS AT "NYNY" 6 - 8 PM Early New Orleans Jazz for dinner..with time for folks to get to the theater on time. Betty Comora/piano, Bruce Wallace/bass and Jim Wellen/sax perform. I'm bringing my banjo so we can lead a march to "The Saints" at the end of each set
FEB 17: "Play with your food", at NYNY restaurant 12-2 pm 955-6969
FEB. 18: ** MARDI GRAS MADNESS at NYNY 6-8 pm Theater folks can make curtain time easily. Mike Evans - banjo, Betty/piano/washboard and Bruce Wallace/tuba lead parade to "The Saints". Work off those calories!
FEBRUARY 19: PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB, My Quartet for dancing includes me on piano, Bruce Wallace/bass, Jim Wellen/sax and Tony Martin/drums 6:30 - 9:30
FEBRUARY 20: This isn't a gig..just a day of fun. This weekend is the Harborside Banjo Fest. in Punta Gorda. I was asked to play with tubist Al Helfricks group on Feb.19 (last night)...but I had a gig in Sarasota. So, today I'm going there for the day to sit in and jam..AND also hear some great banjo players on tonight's bill.
FEB. 21: SUNDAY BRUNCH AT NYNY 955-6969 11:30 - 2:30
FEB. 24: "Play With Your Food", music/games at "New York, NY" 955-6969
FEBRUARY 26: I'm accompanist for the CHJ PURIM PARTY
** FEBRUARY 28: THE ANNUAL DIXIELAND BAND CONCERT AT THE MEADOWS in SARASOTA. This will be the 7th year that 'BETTY COMORA'S (7 piece) HAPPY JAZZ BAND' will play outdoors 1:30 to 3:30....behind the Meadows Community Center, 2004 Longmeadow. Our music is combined with the annual photo show that's located inside the building. FREE..............AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The band includes: Mike Evans/banjo, Bruce Wallace/tuba, Dale McGrew/drums, John Miller/clarinet, Jim Brenner/trombone, Gene Sprague/trumpet, me on piano and washboard!
FEB 28: I'll be playing the above gig at The Meadows..but..Nancy and Keith will sub for me at NYNY 11:30 - 2:30 Jazz Brunch
In my spare time, I enjoy doing various volunteer work with children and with adults. It makes me feel 'worthy' of all the fun I have in life. Who the heck expected all that?
BACK TO MY DIVINE SUNDAY BRUNCH GIG AT "NEW YORK, NY" where I play piano and sing from 11:30 to 2:30...941-955-6969 to reserve table
Sunday, March 7 with Jim Wellen/sax
Sunday, March 14 with Ernie Williford/bass
Sunday, March 21 with Russ Brannon/guitar
Sunday, March 28 with Mike Evans/banjo
MARCH 9: BETTY on piano/vocal/washboard and Mike Evans on banjo/vocals at Tri-Par-Estates, Sarasota
MARCH 14: SPECIAL**** INTERNATIONAL "CANAMGER" (Canada-America-Germany) DIXIELAND BAND PERFORMS AT 'NEW YORK, NY' FROM 6 - 9 PM. There's a $10 music fee and you can order dinner from the regular menu in the 'stage room'. In the adjacent room..there's a $10 music fee only. NYNY is at 1936 Hillview Ave. in Sarasota
MARCH 24: MIKE EVANS gig..with me..at The Landings 4-5 We just played that gig yesterday..and it was so much fun. We have pretty well honed our 1 hour act which is full of humor as well as music. What a delight to see the smiles and hear the laughter.
APRIL....EVERY SUNDAY BRUNCH AT NEW YORK, NY from 11:30 - 2:30 I sing and play piano and alternate wonderful jazz musicians to play with me weekly. Ain't I the lucky one! Customers get a great deal..you can order directly from the menu..and for an average price of about $10 - get lunch and music. Reserve a table 941-955-6969 at NYNY, 1936 Hillview St. Sarasota In season, Shirley Goodman, tapdancing delight performs with us.. I'll miss her when she goes north. Her last day at New York, NY will be Sunday, May 2....until the Fall.
Sunday, April 4 Sunday Jazz at NYNY with Jim Wellen/sax Jim heads back to NJ in a month
APRIL 9: I'm vocalist with Bob Zimmerman's Big Band at Woman's Club, Bradenton, Manatee Ave. 7 - 10 (open to the public for folks who love to dance)
Sunday, April 11 Sunday Jazz Brunch at NYNY with Don Dean/ bass
The big CRASH! bummer! I got a phone call today (April 13) from the very capable and likeable manager Candace -- "New York, NY" restaurant is closing ! It was nice while it lasted..almost a year for my Sunday Jazz Brunch gig. It was a dream gig that came to me when owner Terry called the Jazz Club for a recommendation . The right person answered the phone! Serendipity. It was a perfect fit.
I had excellent and fun musicians with me weekly...plus my close friend -- tapdancer Shirley Goodman. Yesterday, the late-breaking news arrived right before I was a guest on Jane Blanchard's radio show "Women Matters" on WSLR. Timing! 'Start Spreadin' the News'...NYNY's closed"
That.. .as they say..is Show Biz, folks. I'm pleased to report I had the longest run of any musician at NYNY. Well, 'one door closes and another opens'...(but usually you have to bang on it alot) I'll keep you posted.
April 22: I'm playing piano with Mike Evans/banjo in lunchroom at Sr. Friendship Center 12 - 1 pm..then we're moving to the Big Room to play 1 - 2 until Lillette Jenkins arrives from another gig. She usually plays 1 - 3 gig on Thursdays at SFC. She's an amazingly talented gal and if you never heard of her..google her. She's also lots of fun..and a friend (I'm proud to say).
LIFE IS GOOD! I just wrote..'one door closes, etc'. Well..there 'tis. NYNY closed and I'll miss the festive Sunday Jazz Brunch gig and the wonderful staff and audience...but...I auditioned at The Players Theater and today I was told that I won the 'coveted' role of Grandma Ange! I had this role several years ago at Manatee Players and LOVED IT. It's a major part and I play piano/banjo/washboard/spoons and sing..along with the other musical actors onstage. "Pete's Repair Shop" is written by brilliantly talented Jeff Kin . I haven't yet heard who the rest of the cast is..and I'm anxious to know. The show will be in June and the box office number is 941-365-2494. Come one..come all.
April 27: Im subbing for pianist with Skip's Dixieland Band from 1 - 3 pm at Sr. Friendship Center, on Brother Geenen Way, Shirley Goodman's stopping in for a tap dance treat..before she heads to upstate NY for summer.
April 28: I'm presenting the documentary film "Palisades Amusement Park" at Lifetime Learning Academy at noon in room A-217 at USF, Tamiami. I produced it with my son, David, for PBS years ago and it's 'Century of fond memories' about the park where I worked selling cotton candy as a teenager in Cliffside Park, NJ. Ken Burns narrates it and it was very well received by viewers...and nominated for a local Emmy. Lots of folks remember it and like to recall their fond memories.
April 29: Playing solo in lunch room 12 - 1 at SFCenter. I'll miss banjo pal Mike Evans who goes back to Ohio for a few months. What a dumb idea that is! Doesn't he know that?
May 4: Jim Wellen/sax..and I are playing for the Bradenton Symphony Association or Guild..at the Bradenton Country Club luncheon. Imagine that!
May 7: 2 - 4 pm..I'm singing with a BIG SWING BAND for the JAZZ CLUB CONCERT at Bayfront Community Center, 2 - 4 pm 809 N. Tamiami Trail, open to the public..members $5 and non-members $10 The leader of this wonderful, newly formed 16 pc band is Don Stewart. You'll have a chance to submit YOUR suggestion for a band name. Be nice. Some of my tunes include "All That Jazz", "Nearness of You"..plus several other charts I love.
Did I tell you I joined the Ping-Pong Club? What fun. We play Tuesday and Thursday at Bath and Raquet Club..but right now they have full membership (30 people). If you take any more..no one gets a chance to play. Some folks are 'snow birds' so you probably could come and pay a daily rate as guest during this time. It's a hoot...and thanks to my hip replacement...I'm back on 'the courts'..picking up the ball from the floor and STANDING UP AFTERWARDS!
MAY: I went to NJ for four days to visit my daughter, Cathy and my son and daughter-in-law David and Mary and grandchildren Emily and Teddy. It was great to see them all . Our oldest grandson Ben is attending his first year of college in Valencia, Spain...and loving it. Next year he'll be in Tallahassee, Florida...quite a bit closer to us. It was a short visit because rehearsals for "Pete's Repair Shop" were about to begin.
MAY 14: " BETTY'S NOSTALGIC JAZZ BAND" at FREEDOM VILLAGE, Bradenton. Jim Wellen/sax, Bruce Wallace/tuba, Tony Martin/drums and me on piano/vocal.
June 11: Hey..Owen is getting sooo smart. He made a Youtube thingee of me performing the tune "If He Were Straight and I Were Young". It's a poignant song written by Francesca Blumenthal and Ronny Whyte..and I adore it. Audiences do, too. Go to Youtube.com and type in: Betty Comora, and the song title. It SHOULD come up. Bragging rights allow me to tell you these comments..Francesca said "I really do like your reading of my song. Thanks for doing it." and author Marc Acito wrote "Love it! This is the best Lena Horne song she never recorded." Google both Marc and Francesca to learn more about these talented folks.
Outside the Betty box....check out "owens birds", on youtube.com Our daughter, Cathy Comora began a weekly show and I may be slightly biased...but it's fun and interesting to watch.
JUNE 17, 18, 19, 20, : THE PLAYERS THEATER presents "PETE'S REPAIR SHOP", a fun musical with a good message..I play 'Grandma Ange'..and come back from heaven to help my grandson. Wudja' believe..I get to sing and play piano/banjo/washboard and spoons! A hoot. box office..365-2494..or check their website.
well, it's over...no more applause for "Pete's Repair Shop"...it was fun while it lasted. I can't wait to get the video and in October I'm having a 'screening' so my snowbird friends who missed the actual show...can attend.
JUNE 29: COME ONE..COME ALL..to "FABULOUS FINDS" event from 1 - 4 pm. As volunteer at this thrift shop, we're having an event including trivia quiz (with prizes) and special musical performances..Kiley will provide music on drinking glasses...then I'll play my washboard along with "Happy Feet" on my CD. We're at the corner of Orange and 12th St. It's the original thrift shop...(not the one further south on Orange). 941-552-1849 Ask for Bob. (proceeds to to The Pines Eldercare Residency. You can't find a friendlier staff anywhere!
*ATTENTION! "JAZZ AT NOON" EVERY SUNDAY IN JULY AT PALM CAFE & GRILL 941- 312-4383 It's on the corner of Honore & 17th St. I'll have a jazz duo there from 12 noon to 2. Friendly owners Caroline and Rick offer moderate priced delicious American and Argentine dishes. No extra music fee. Each week I'll have a different guest musician with me.
July 4: Betty and bassist/vocalist Ernie Williford at Palm Cafe OPENING DAY WAS BUSY!
July 11: "SUNDAY JAZZ AT NOON" Betty & drummer Dale McGrew 12 - 2 pm
July 18: "Sunday Jazz at Noon", Palm Cafe 12 - 2 312-4383 with bassist Don Dean
July 25: "Sunday Jazz at Noon", Palm Cafe 12 - 2 with guitarist/vocalist Thom Parks
I had a wonderful week as a "ROAD SCHOLAR" (formerly Elderhosteler)..at Eckerd College in St. Pete, FL. The three courses were: Sondheim music, Mike Nichols and Elaine May and Detective novels. How could I NOT have a great time. I recommend it highly and intend to go back again another time for other fun choices.
August 1 & 8...I WON'T be playing at Palm Cafe..but the food and service will still be great. I'll be in Colorado....and taking my washboard along.
ALAS! I LEFT MY 'DELUXE WASHBOARD' AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT! We had a terrific time in Colorado with family and friends (new and old)...and plenty of fun. I had an opportunity to play the washboard a bit during a 'Road Scholar' Jazz program...so it justified taking it on the plane. It's a well traveled instrument: England, Sweden, as well as across the U.S. I've been honored to have it played on by an Australian Marathon winner in Boston...and many well known musicians. So..it has both monetary and sentimental value. Bad news...........and....GOOD NEWS. The Colorado Airport Police found it. My son, Michael will be shipping it to me! Am I lucky!. I thought I'd have to change careers and become a brain surgeon or something like that.
August 15: SUNDAY JAZZ AT NOON..Palm Cafe, 1756 Honore (corner of 17th) Bassist-vocalist Ernie Williford will be with me from 12 - 2 pm
We're going to Tallahassee a couple of days this week to see our grandson Ben who starts 2nd year of college there. The first year he spent in Valencia, Spain. Ah...the good life!
August 13, 20, 27 I'm volunteering at Sr. Friendship Center to play music in the lunch room from 12 - 1 pm. If you want to sing or play along..come on.
I volunteer at the "Fabulous Finds" Thrift shop on Mondays from 1 - 3 pm. It's on 12th and Orange in Sarasota. Proceeds go to The Pines Nursing Home. Browsing is encouraged. Stop in and say 'hello'....and you may want to volunteer, too.
I'm working on a project with "Legendary Journeys" Travel Business. I'll be host for a trip in April to the "French Quarter Festival" in New Orleans. Details will be posted shortly here....and there, too. Me..Me....Me....well...it IS MY 'blog'.
Apparently I'm not at the Palm Cafe to play music on Sundays. Alas. Gigs change..due to MANY circumstances. I'm sorry for you folks who called to tell me they went there ..and were disappointed.
2011
FEBRUARY 19: Mike Evans and Betty at the Bayshore Condos, Bradenton
FEBRUARY 20: Betty's Happy Dixieland Band will play (8th year) for the annual Art event at The Meadows Community Building, 2004 Longmeadow
May 8: Sarasota Music Archives 2:30 to 3:30 pm at Holley Hall
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