To sing with a Big Band has been a life-long dream for me ever since I was a little kid. My Dad would take me out on Sundays and we'd listen to a big band show on the radio in the car. He grew up listening to Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman and all of the greats of early Jazz. I developed a strong love for great singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Frank Sinatra and perhaps my guiltiest pleasure, Barbra Streisand. My Dad is not an official music historian but he could tell you who sang with who, what, when and where and give you all kinds of fascinating information about the big bands of the 1930's & '40's. In 1988, I co-founded a rock band called Yer Girlfriend and sang with this group for many wonderful years. I love singing rock-n-roll, blues, folk, and all kinds of music. But what is nearest and dearest to my heart are the old standards with their soaring melodies, interesting chord changes, brilliant lyrics and unparalled romanticism many of these songs embrace. They are timeless and ever relevant. On March 4, 2008 my dream of singing with a Big Band will come true at The Jazz Factory. I will be singing two songs with The Don Krekel Orchestra which is one classy act featuring 17 superb musicians. I'm so excited! I just pray I can pay tribute to these songs by doing a good job. Brigid Kaelin will also be singing a couple of tunes. Her grandfather used to play with these guys so it's cool she's carrying on the tradition and helping to keep this great music alive. Everyone is welcome to come to the show. It starts at 7:30pm.
