On Monday, April 23, 2012, I joined Yoshi’s San Francisco as Director of Marketing & Publicity. After three weeks, I am stepping back, organizing, and setting realistic goals for the future. For the next six months, JFM Presents will be on sabbatical. When it resurfaces, my focus will be exclusively on nonprofit organizations. From now until then, any blog posts here will be business related as Director of Marketing & Publicity, Yoshi’s San Francisco, or personal as Lisa Bautista.
Click here to view pdf: Charmaine Clamor in this week’s Philippine News
CHARMAINE CLAMOR
on Easter Sunday
Hallelujah!: A Celebration of Rebirth
Sun, 4/8, 7pm
$30
The RRazz Room
222 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com
Celebrated by The New York Times as “a gifted vocalist” and by The Los Angeles Times as “one of the important and original new jazz singers of the decade,” Filipino-American recording artist and cultural trailblazer Charmaine Clamor has earned her Queen of Jazzipino crown. More…
Jazz Singer
Musicians are my heroes, and music is my life force. Through the years, I have been blessed to not only meet but also connect with amazing musicians. Legendary big band leader Tommy Igoe is one of my new heroes. Last January, Team RRAZZ traveled to APAP-NYC, and I met Tommy Igoe for the first time with his Birdland Big Band. Since his relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area, I have spent time getting to know Tommy at various work-related events. He is a husband, father of twins, and overall great guy. Last night, I had the opportunity to witness Tommy’s new beginning at The RRazz Room, and it was spectacular.
The Tommy Igoe Big Band is scheduled to perform (18) Monday nights at The RRazz Room. He specifically asked me not to invite media for the first two installments, but oh, how I wish media could have reviewed last night’s performance. The (15) piece big band included four familiar faces:
~Pianist Adam Schulman, whom I met through Bay Area vocalist Natasha Miller
~Trumpeter Louis Fasman and the legendary Trombonist Wayne Wallace, whom I have worked with for The Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
~Trumpeter Steffen Kuehn, who was part of my original JFM Presents roster
There were two members of the band, whom I know through their connections:
~Trumpeter Larry Lunetta, who is married to Tony Award Winner Faith Prince
~Trumpeter Alex (?), who works with NYC vocalist/bandleader Terese Geneco
What made last night’s debut stand out in my mind is Tommy’s sincerity:
“Band leaders acts as if they know what they’re doing; I’m bringing you with us.”
The 70-minute set was as fresh and organic as they come. Throughout the night, Tommy engaged the audience with statements like, “Witness live birth,” and “Thank you for keeping live music alive.”
And at the end of the night, every person who attended this debut could see that Tommy Igoe knows how to have BIG FUN. Talented and full of personality, Tommy Igoe is unassuming, kind and gracious.
I highly recommend you become part of this truly amazing experience taking place Monday nights at The RRazz Room. And THANK YOU, Tommy Igoe, for changing the face of Bay Area Nightlife on Mondays!!!
THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND
Live at The RRazz Room
Featuring 15 of the Bay Area’s finest musicians
Including members of Tower of Power, Santana and The Doobie Brothers
Mondays at 7:30pm $25
Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
For the last five years, Tommy Igoe developed a new big band at Birdland, and it became the most popular weekly event in New York City. He brings the same musical acumen to San Francisco, and endeavors to change the face of nightlife on Mondays. Igoe brings his big band pedigree (his father Sonny Igoe was the drummer for Benny Goodman and Woody Herman during the 40s-50s) to create a big band for the 21st Century. This is not nostalgia, but a forward-looking spin on a uniquely American format. Tommy Igoe prides himself on finding music you may not have heard, but will love nonetheless. Eighteen Monday night performances beginning April 2nd. More…
15-Piece Big Band
Photo Credit: Pat Johnson
Every year, President Rory Paull and Vice President Robert Kotonly have donated a portion of their annual gala celebration proceeds to non-profit organizations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2009), Haiti Relief (2010) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2011) and (2012). When late entertainer Danny Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in 1962, he not only changed the lives of those children who walked through its doors, he changed lives across the world. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Ranked the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital by Parents magazine and the No. 1 children’s cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report, St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. http://www.stjude.org
Check out what the performers are saying about the benefit concert:
“Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital means the world to me. Being a father and blessed with healthy sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, I can only imagine the pain and sorrow of parents whose children are stricken with sickness. I will help St. Jude in any way that I can.”
~Pete Escovedo
“Taking care of our young is our responsibility. As a mother of three, I can’t even imagine having a terminally ill child. It’s a devastating thought. We must realize how lucky we are and help others. It can happen to anyone. My mother was a huge supporter of St. Jude. I am a Catholic girl, and must follow in her footsteps.”
~Pia Zadora
“I’ve always been a fan of Danny Thomas who really brought St. Jude’s to the limelight. And though I don’t have any children, I think I was a child once upon a time or I acted childish recently. My motto has always been ‘children and dogs: ya gotta love ‘em,’ so I came back home to help out.”
~Sharon McNight
“As long as I can use my talent to help others, I will, especially the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
~Freda Payne
“I am very honored to take part in the Rrazz Room’s concert in support of St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. This is a very important cause, and to fly in from New York for the night, to sing alongside such gifted singers and entertainers…it’s all good. I’m happy and blessed to entertain alongside my brother Will all the while keeping in mind the children and families this concert is benefiting. Robert and Rory and everyone at the Rrazz Room have created a very special evening that I am honored to be a part of.”
~Anthony Nunziata
“When I was asked to come from NYC to San Francisco to perform for an event for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, I didn’t even think twice. ’Yes!’ Growing up, I would watch Marlo Thomas on television, along with other celebrities, talk about the positive, comfortable, and hopeful environment St. Jude’s provides it’s patients and their families. To be able to donate my talent and time for an organization whose message I believe in, and for the thousands of children they impact in the most positive way on a daily basis, I feel honored to be apart of this great event and excited that all the money raised is going to one of the most important hospitals in the world.”
~Will Nunziata
“My father, brother and I are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this very important cause. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is working hard to find cures for pediatric illness and never turns a family away. I can’t imagine a more important approach or mission. We’re appreciative for the contribution The Rrazz Room continues to make and we’re very grateful for including us in their efforts tonight.”
~Juan Escovedo
“James 2:14-17
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
‘St. Jude. Thank you for walking in faith, and for putting that faith to work. May God continue to bless you.’”
~Peter Michael Escovedo
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/
I really feel blessed to be a part of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital charity event because the health of our society begins with the health of our children. I am fortunate to have had a wonderful family and a healthy childhood, and it is an honor contribute to an organization that gives other children that chance. St. Jude’s does such important work, and I am proud and honored to be associated with this wonderful event.
~CeCe Peniston
“I’ve had warm feelings for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for years. We were asked to sing at Christmastime for the children. After that, I wanted to see what I could do to help. All children should be able to go to a place like St. Jude. Their concern is not just for the children, but for the families, parents. Naturally, my hope is for ‘ALL’ children to be well and whole of all disease. Until then, St. Jude is the place for them, so that they can ‘Stay Hopeful and Happy Little Ones!!’ Love you, St. Jude.”
~Edna Wright
4th Annual RRAZZiversary Gala Celebration & Benefit for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Wed, 3/21, 8pm
$75 General Admission Rear Of House Seating
$125 Preferred Seating
$175 Limited Golden Circle Seating (includes post-show wine and reception with the artists.)
The RRazz Room
222 Mason Stree
San Francisco, CA 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com
Next Wednesday, March 21, 2012, is our biggest event of the year: the annual RRAZZiversary. I joined Team RRazz in November 2009, so this will be my third RRAZZiversary. The 2010 and 2011 hostesses were Sterling James and Nikki Thomas respectively, both radio personalities for 102.9FM KBLX. Hosting this year’s 4th Annual RRAZZiversary Gala Celebration & Benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is Sharon McNight, an entertainer who performs on Broadway and the Cabaret stage. She was nominated for Broadway’s 1989 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for “Starmites.”
Two things are different this year:
1) The RRAZZiversary is not on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day and
2) The hostess has requested bios in advance of the event.
Note that in 2010, Sterling James filled in last minute for Jan Wahl, and Sterling received my handwritten notes about each performer just minutes before the event! Both Sterling James and Nikki Thomas are Johnny on the spot when it comes to hosting events. As hostess for this year’s event, Sharon McNight will have one week to prepare, and if you have seen Sharon on stage, she is a brilliant entertainer. Tickets are selling fast, so do not wait until the last minute!
4th Annual RRAZZiversary
Gala Celebration & Benefit For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Wed, 3/21, 8pm
$75 General Admission Rear Of House Seating
$125 Preferred Seating
$175 Limited Golden Circle Seating (includes post-show wine and reception with the artists.)
The RRazz Room
222 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com
San Francisco’s Party Of The Year!
A Special Evening In Celebration Of The Premier Nightclub Of The West Coast
Musical Director, KELLY PARK, and Special Guest Hostess Sharon McNight
Star-Studded Lineup**
Natalie Douglas
Pete Escovedo, Juan Escovedo & Peter Michael Escovedo
Edwin Hawkins
Tommy Igoe
Linda Lavin
Deana Martin
Will & Anthony Nunziata
Freda Payne
CeCe Peniston
Billy Stritch
Mary Wilson
Edna Wright
Pia Zadora
As a child, my mother’s music collection included the following:
Elvis Presley
The Platters
Dionne Warwick
The Everly Brothers
Connie Francis
and
Nat King Cole
I recently stumbled upon Nat King Cole’s version of “Dahil Sa Yo” on YouTube. While I am not fluent in Tagalog (main language of the Philippines), I do understand some basic words. As a child, hearing the song “Dahil Sa Yo” always made me feel sad; without knowing what it meant, I could feel the sadness.
Nat King Cole \”Dahil Sa Yo\” on YouTube
I found this translation online, and it moved me to tears. Perhaps the Frank Jackson & Friends Tribute to Nat King Cole set list will include “Dahil Sa Yo.” If not, I’m sure Charmaine Clamor will sing it.
Sa buhay ko’y labis
Ang hirap at pasakit, ng pusong umiibig
Mandin wala ng langit
At ng lumigaya, hinango mo sa dusa
Tanging ikaw sinta, ang aking pag-asa.
Long have I endured in my life
The pain and sorrows from Love arise
Then you came and redeemed me, my dear,
My only hope in my darkest fears
Dahil sa iyo, nais kong mabuhay
Dahil sa iyo, hanggang mamatay
Dapat mong tantuin, wala ng ibang giliw
Puso ko’y tanungin, ikaw at ikaw rin
Because of you, I yearn to be alive
Because of you, ‘till death (you) must realize
In my heart I know there is only you
And ask my heart, you’ll know that this is true
Dahil sa iyo, ako’y lumigaya
Pagmamahal, ay alayan ka
Kung tunay man ako, ay alipinin mo
Ang lahat ng ito, dahil sa iyo
Because of you, I found happiness
That to you I offer this love that is so blessed
Though indeed I may be a slave for loving you so true
It matters not to me, ‘cause everything’s because of you
Recently named one of the “Ten Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area,” Kim Nalley has an intl reputation as one of world’s best jazz blues vocalists. Described as “jazz’s working class hero, a true man of the people,” Houston Person came to national attention with a series of soulful albums recorded for Prestige in the 1960s. Person’s fame grew still more with his successful 30-year musical partnership with vocalist Etta Jones. Nalley & Person join forces for A Soulful Jazz New Year.
More on Kim Nalley…
More on Houston Person…
Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Folk, Gospel Singer, LGBT
Photo Credit: Scott Chernis
Review of Kim Nalley and Houston Person at San Francisco’s The Rrazz Room
By Ken Vermes
How many performers can bring tears to your eyes? And I mean the good kind of tears, the ones that come from the shear joy of experiencing something special, unexpected and moving to the point of blissful, delightful joy?
Well that’s what you get from singer Kim Nally, now settled in to San Francisco’s The Rrazz Room through New Year’s Day. The tears came at a surprising and delightful moment, when Kim announced she was going to do a tribute to the great singer Etta James, who is ailing. I don’t think anyone in the audience knew that they were about to hear what must be one of the best rhythm and blues performances this listener has ever heard. And the mastery came from the unemotional and beautifully controlled execution that marks the almost casual mastery that Ms. Nally is now ready to deliver. The song, “Sunday Kind of Love,” is one many people have heard, but there are few people on earth who could have taken this tune, wrapped it around their fingers, and put in our hearts in just this way.
Kim Nalley has been a local favorite for some time now, and her level of performance has always been high. But no vocalist can be anything but thrilled to be sharing a stage with the great Houston Person. Houston may very well be one of the last in a long line of classic tenor sax players who dedicated a big part of their lives to supporting and teaming with singers. Many of today’s younger players are great, but it is doubtful that they are willing to travel the long road of one night stands over decades, and develop the unique musical love affair that is at the heart of the sax and vocal duo. Houston has traveled that road, and still has the sheer joy in his playing that he always has demonstrated.
Together, Kim and Houston are digging through to the very roots of American music, and mining gold, silver, diamonds and all of the rest. And powered by the brilliance of bass play Jeff Chambers, and the solid support of pianist Tammy Hall and drummer Kent Bryson, this group is doing a show that is rare and unique. That is the “goin’ to school” style, moving through the rich history of American and international song, from the blues shouters, to swing, Latin and beyond, and demonstrating all of the excitement and passion that makes this great song book an endless source to draw on.
With these performances, The Rrazz Room will take you back to the days, no so long ago, when emotion, swing and sheer musical power and brilliance ruled the stages of America. So don’t miss this. And this year, let us express thanks that this kind of art is still sailing though the jazz universe and that we are around to experience it one more time. Kim and Houston have arrived on the San Francisco shores. And the real music lives on. Please keep on sailing through our hearts and souls and let the world know that this spirit will never die.
Wednesday, December 28, 8pm $35
Thursday, December 29, 8pm $40
Friday, December 30, 8pm $40
Saturday, December 31, 7:30pm $75
Saturday, December 31, 10:30pm **$150
Sunday, January 1, 7pm $37.50
**10:30pm show includes party favors, champagne toast at midnight, countdown to 2012, and post-show buffet
The Rrazz Room
222 Mason Street
San Francisco 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com
Photo Used With Permission
Remember the good ol’ days when movies and concerts were “double features”?! Well, during Week 2 of “Season of Giving,” The RRazz Room would like to spread the love:
Purchase tickets to both comedienne LONI LOVE’s “America’s Sister” Tour and the PETE ESCOVEDO Latin Jazz Orchestra Featuring JUAN & PETER MICHAEL ESCOVEDO for a $5 discount to each performance.
Enter code “lonipete” at checkout
http://therrazzroom.com/index.html
This holiday season, connect with family and friends through the Universal Language of Love:
laughter and music!
KGO Newstalk 810’s 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Charities
KGO Newstalk 810’s 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Charities fund-raiser kicked off October 24, 2011 and runs through mid-December. This charity drive will benefit four Bay Area agencies that assist the homeless and hungry throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and is spearheaded by KGO talk show host Gil Gross. In the past 22 years, KGO Newstalk 810 has raised over $4.7 million for the hungry and homeless.
Listeners are encouraged to donate by sending checks to: Thanksgiving Charities, 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 or donating online at KGOradio.com (http://kgoradio.com//Article.asp?id=2307930)
The benefactors for KGO’s Thanksgiving Charities are St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco, St. Vincent De Paul of Alameda County in Oakland, Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose and Fresh Start of Walnut Creek.
St. Anthony’s Foundation www.stanthonysf.org
St. Vincent De Paul www.svdp-alameda.org
Sacred Heart Community www.shcstheheart.org
Fresh Start Walnut Creek www.walnut-creek.org
The 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Charities drive is supported by Fremont Bank and Mancini’s Sleep World.
