The Power of Love

THIS is how I spent Monday night - Huey Lewis and the News at Irving Plaza. AWESOME! This isn't my video, but it was pretty much my view. (there's no way you're not smiling after watching that video)

Celebrate good times…

I don't want a party... Is what Gramma said…

But we didn't listen and moved ahead.

Party planning started and the invites were made… 

RSVPs came in, and the plot was laid. 

We would go to lunch, with just a select few… 

But in reality, we were planning a big to-do.

Family and friends gathered for laughs and food…

And Gramma was the center of attention, brightening the mood.

It was a day to remember, because, you see...

It's not every day someone you love turns 90!

Happy 90th birthday to the best Grandma out there. (and the most avid Jillness reader there is!)

Go Back Home

Oh Bess...

A lot of singers have good voices. Others can carry a tune and have catchy songs which string them along. But there are a few performers that have a God-given talent where their voice is more than a song – it’s an instrument.  And that’s what I saw last night in Audra McDonald’s Lincoln Center concert.  She was master-class. 

Amazing.

Amazing.

Amazing.

After seeing her live, I’m bummed (again!) that we missed her in Porgy and Bess. While the understudy we saw was talented, we were blissfully unaware of HOW GREAT Audra was in the role. Sure we heard the critics talk… but I felt confident in the show I saw. And while I’ll never take anything away from the magnificent actress we saw that night (and the other memorable performances), I now realize how magical Audra’s performance must have been.

But, I got to see her last night… and that was special.

Here’s a write-up from Playbill.com. As mentioned in this quote, I was part of the “typically casual public” half. Maybe one day I’ll graduate to the "spiffed-and-bejeweled" half. “The audience was visibly split, wardrobe-wise, between spiffed-and-bejeweled benefit participants and the typically casual public.”

Bravo, Audra. 

Run the World (Girls)

I have some amazing girlfriends. Women who could literally run the world. They’re smart, independent, charismatic, beautiful on the outside and inside, and overall fabulous. The past few weeks I’ve been to Vermont and back (twice) with some of these lovely ladies. Here’s how it all went:

Two weeks ago, I went to my friend Colleen’s house in New Hampshire where we:

Went to a Maple Syrup Festival.

Walked around a ski mountain. 

And relaxed.

The following weekend, I went up to Manchester, VT with some former locals. 

And we shopped. A LOT!

We also hit up my favorite variety store on the drive home.

And then last night, in my home city - NYC, my friends and I went to the Sleep No More rooftop - "Gallow Green." 

It's a hauntingly beautiful rooftop w/ yummy wine and food.

...and an AMAZING view. I love NYC!

Cheers, ladies.

It happens all the time…

Fleetwood Mac - on the screen and on the stage.

Sandy (my #broadwaybuddy/#concertbuddy) and I have seen some great concerts over the past few weeks…

Ed Sheeran. Apparently he’s known for touring and opening for the new, and arguably the most famous, Westerly, RI resident – the Miss Taylor Swift. (Yes, that house is in my hometown. No, that house is not representative of the rest of the town... Although it would be cool to be such a baller. But I digress…) Sandy won tickets through the American Public Television's Live From the Artists Den series. It was an intimate concert and even though we were probably the oldest ones there, and only knew one of his songs, we walked out fans. He performs with a looper which made the songs exciting and really showed off his musicality. A+ for Ed! 

Fleetwood Mac. Sandy almost cried when I told her we got tickets to see Stevie, Lindsey and the gang again. For almost three hours, we got to listen to (honestly!) some of my favorite songs. It doesn't get better than that!

Megan Hilty. I’m a Broadway fan. She’s a Broadway girl. She was doing a CD release party at Joe’s Pub so obviously Sandy and I had to be there. Basically, she’s my new girl crush. Watch the video and you will see why!   

Magic to do

Some of the cast members...

I SAW PIPPIN!

First I’m going to gush.

Then I’ll tell you about being part of #leadingplayers and what I learned.

Then I’ll tell you about the plot.

Cool?!

The gush: OMG! I saw Pippin two weeks ago and it was amazing. Quintessentially Broadway, the show has everything. Catchy music. Endearing characters. Amazing costumes. Beautiful dance sequences. I feel like I need to see it again to say for sure, but I think Pippin may creep its way into my top five list of shows. (or at least tie with one) Top five out of 120+… It was that good!

The #leadingplayers: I’ve wanted to see Pippin from the time I heard it was previewing in Boston. I know a lot of the music (I even mentioned it in my Word of Mouth profile) and it’s been on my “shows to see” post-it note that’s stuck to my work computer for months. (yes, I have one of those!) Randomly, I saw on Facebook that the Pippin marketers were looking for a group of Broadway fans to do some social media for the show... tweeting, posting pics on Instagram, etc. All things that I do anyway. I filled out the simple application and a few days later found out I was picked to be part of their #leadingplayers. As a result, I was given a ticket to the show and the opportunity to do a meet and greet with some of the performers. #awesome #winwin

I got to the theater and was escorted downstairs with a group of about 20 others. We were then introduced to three of the talented actors in the show. They told us about Pippin history and what it’s like being in the show. We learned that Chet Walker appeared in the original production of Pippin as a teenager, and now, 40+ years later, is choreographing the revival – following in the footsteps of Bob Fosse. They told us their Broadway inspirations were Cabaret, Cats and Disney and that they do their own makeup. (I’d like that eyeliner lesson!)   

The plot: The story is so relatable. It’s about that “I’m destined for more” feeling. We’ve all felt it at one time or another. In fact, I still think it at times…

We follow Pippin on his quest for “more.” Fame? Power? Love? Along the way, we’re also joined by the fabulous Patina Miller. She’s by Pippin’s side and serves as the voice in his head to aim bigger. She dangles glitter and glam which entices Pippen and, at times, leads him in the wrong direction.

A stand out performance was the Grandma. With her high-flying acrobatics, quippy lines and sing-a-long lyrics, she literally got a standing ovation BEFORE her song was even finished.

The performers are fabulous. The music is fabulous. The dancing is fabulous. The show is fabulous! Thanks #leadingplayers for giving me the chance to see the show. And I cannot wait to go back! #joinus

Want to know more? Check out what this cutie has to say about the show. 

And watch the promo video here:

Girl on Fire

On FIRE!

I have a good friend who helps me live like a rock star. (or at least gives me the chance to SEE a lot of rock stars) Last night, I went to Alicia Keys’ latest concert. And she was on FIRE!

This is the third time I’ve seen her – the first time at Live Earth years ago, and the second in 2010. Her voice is always perfection and she’s gorgeous to watch. I always get pumped when I hear “Empire State of Mind” (for obvious reasons) and I could listen to her play the piano all night. She didn’t sing Superwoman – which is one of my favorites – but she was on stage singing her heart out for about two hours, so I’ll let it slide. ;-)

It was a great night EXCEPT for the obnoxious girl next to us. She was a great example of what NOT to do at a concert (worse than some of the Daughtry fans!). I should’ve reminded her of some simple concert etiquette:

• Try not to show up halfway through the concert. It’s disruptive. If you are late, sit down quickly. Don’t remain standing (blocking others’ view) while you take off your coat, fix your hair, cheers your friend, etc. This is even more important if it happens to be during a slow song when everyone around you is sitting.
• If you have the bad habit of smoking, don’t blow smoke in people’s faces. Especially after someone else complains and you get told by the usher to put it out.
• Great that you like to dance. It’s a concert. That’s what you’re supposed to do. But, if you do dance, make sure to keep your a$$ within the confines of your seat. Do not shake it in someone’s face – especially if they’re siting and at eye-level to said a$$.
• Overall, just be aware of people around you. We’re all there to have fun. Enjoy it – but recognize that it’s not all about you.

Maybe this girl will stumble upon Jillness and learn a thing or two. Although, based on her behavior, my guess is that she wouldn’t even relate those bullets to her. Ah well.

Yay, Alicia! You rock!