…from my October Newsletter You can sign up here.
Many thanks to you all for your all the love you’ve been sending! I have jumped in head-first, and I’m finding the rewards for risky behavior are much better in music than in anything else I’ve ever tried. 😉 Here are a few things I’ve been involved in since we last corresponded:
Pearl Wine Residency
I have been telling everyone about Pearl Wine Lounge, and it’s not just because I play there. This cozy wine lounge has events every day, and an unsurpassed selection of wine, thanks to the shop next door, where you can grab anything for retail and just pay a corkage fee! I play there as a duo or trio on a regular basis, and have been meeting some great people in doing so. Brian Seeger has been my regular foundation on guitar, but we are adding more and more guests to the roster. You can see us this Saturday, 6-8 with bassist Ted Long.
Last Thursday, I had the honor of joining clarinetist Evan Christopher‘s Clarinet Road to celebrate Gershwin’s birthday, with a night of his and Ira’s music and a 5-course wine-paired meal. The band was the same one that graced the stage of this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival, with Joe Ashlar on keys, Don Vappie on bass and guitar, and Ocie Davis on drums. It was such an amazing opportunity to be their vocalist for the night, and the experience changed me.
Symphony Chorus of New Orleans
My vocal chops are being worked with this season’s program with the Symphony Chorus (the official Chorus that accompanies the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra). We’re doing a world premiere at the WWII Museum on November 11th, Britten’s piece on WWII at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on November 22nd, and this Saturday, 8-11: the Saenger Opening Gala Concert with Kristen Chenoweth.
Jesuit Church
Forgive my moment of proselytizing, but I joined the recently formed, but impeccably directed chorus (by Paul Wattingly, formerly of St. Patrick’s) at my parish, Immaculate Conception. For those of you looking for a parish that is realistic about life and knowledge-seeking with a spiritually-uplifting musical experience, I invite you to come to the 7:30 mass at the Jesuit Church, 130 Baronne Street (in the CBD).
Much love to all of you. I can’t thank you enough for the the love you’ve thrown my way.
Yours,
Sarah Gromko