Fundraiser for Ronni Gordon.

My colleague and friend Ronni Gordon has been fighting leukemia for a while now. She's quite stoic, and her blogs and articles about her illness, her remissions, her setbacks, and her recoveries are both blunt and inspirational.

I've known Ronni since the mid 1980s, when I was the publicist for a local regional theatre (and she was the features reporter assigned to cover it). I was an arts and features reporter for another media source, and we became friends as we went to cover shows and catch coffees.

It's been a tough summer for Ronni. She got laid-off from the Springfield Republican, and along with the absence of a paycheck was the news that her health benefits were now history. She's a single mom with three kids in school.

A fundraiser has been planned to give Ronni a needed hand. The August 18 request is below:

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August 18, 2009
 
Dear Friends, Neighbors and local Business owners,
 
How would you feel if you were battling leukemia for almost 6 years and you recently became unemployed?  You were about to lose your health insurance and you had three children, one still in high school.  As a single mother, Ronni Gordon of So Hadley, is faced with these issues.
 
I am writing to you with a plea for help.  We are putting together a fundraiser in her honor.  It’s scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 6pm to midnight, at the Holyoke Country Club, near the Delaney House in Holyoke. There will be a buffet, music and dancing.  We are also planning on doing a raffle. This is where you come in.  We would like you to donate something of interest to raffle off.  We’d appreciate any assistance that you can offer, whether it be a monetary donation, an interesting raffle item or a gift certificate of some sort. Perhaps this would be the perfect way to thank your employees and give them each a ticket to the event.
 
All gifts will be acknowledged with a card next to the donation unless requested otherwise.
 
If you are interested in attending the party, the price is $20.00 per ticket and you can obtain tickets by contacting either myself or Pat Holtz. I can be reached by my cell phone-335-2377.  Pat can be reached at home-533-2534.  You can also get tickets at my place of business, which is Ahimsa Yoga Center, So Hadley in the Village Commons.   We are shooting for a deadline date of October 16th.
 
We ask that you take some time to consider how you might help make this event more successful.  It’s in times like these that it’s important to join forces to help someone in need. Let’s make this a powerful and successful community outpouring of support.
 
Thank you,
Erin Kelly
Ahimsa Yoga Center
123 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040
________________________________________________________________________________

Hope everyone can help.

Here's an article Ronni wrote for the New York Times about her battle:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03LIVES.html?n=Top%2FNews%2FHealth%2FDiseases%2C%20Conditions%2C%20and%20Health%20Topics%2FLeukemia

Here's Ronni's blog with ongoing recaps of her ups and downs.

http://www.runnerwrites.blogspot.com/

"Says You!" now on Facebook

"Says You" now has a fan page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Says-You/152023436417

Says You Holland Trip: Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

Says You! Holland Trip
Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

The early bird discount deadline for this trip has been extended until September 30, 2009. For information on the trip and to download an itinerary, look at previous blog postings, or visit www.saysyou.net or www.ccjourneys.com

"Says You" in Tennessee

"Says You" taped performances in Nashville last weekend. A blogger who attended one of the tapings wrote an entry about being part of the audience. http://joy-babbleon.blogspot.com/2009/08/says-you.html

Also, "Says You" heads for Memphis on 3/19-3/21/10. Performances will be held at the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's School. For performance information: http://www.artsmemphis.org/event/detail/31749

People We're Glad We Know: Jane Scheckter

Jane Scheckter is a Springfield, MA born-and-raised talent. Her dad was a well known harmonica player. Her mom was my 4th grade teacher. Jane was one of the first free-spirits I knew growing up in the area. When I worked for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, we had a summer pops concert series at Stanley Park in Westfield. I recommended a series that showcased local talent who had moved on. Jane performed an evening of pops standards before 5,000 people. She won the crowd over. I've seen her subsequently in a cabaret venue where she belongs, because she's dazzling to watch and hear in an intimate setting. If you're in NYC, she's worth a listen. The Metropolitan Room is a great club.

JANE SCHECKTER

PLAY A SIMPLE MELODY

A Tribute to Irving Berlin

“Invaluable musical skill. A bright, clear voice with a brassy edge and a luscious, rounded vibrato. Meticulous phrasing, a sultry lower register...and she swings!”

Stephen Holden, NY Times, May 9, 2008

Metropolitan Room at Gotham

Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00

Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7:30

Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:00

Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7:00


Tedd Firth, Musical Director

Tom Hubbard, Bass

Peter Grant, Drums

New York: Acclaimed jazz stylist Jane Scheckter will make her Metropolitan Room debut with her all new show, “Play A Simple Melody — A Tribute to Irving Berlin,” with four shows only on Tuesday, Sept. 1, Wednesday, Sept. 2, Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept 13. All shows are at 7:00 except Sept. 2 which is at 7:30. Tedd Firth will be musical director with Tom Hubbard on bass and Peter Grant on drums. Metropolitan Room at Gotham is located at 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues.) There will be a $20 music charge and a two drink minimum. Discounts for MAC, NYSMS and Cabaret Hotline. Reservations: (212) 206 0440.

As in the past, Jane Scheckter will not be doing a biographical show. Her new show will focus on the music and lyrics; songs that have special meaning to her. Along the way, she will share a bevy of anecdotes from Irving Berlin's amazing career and personal life. She said, “The title is totally misleading because nothing about the man or his music was simple. As Jerome Kern wrote, “ Berlin has no place in American music; he is American music.”

The program will feature many popular Berlin hits as well as some surprises gleaned from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and his lesser know works such as “The Best Thing For You,” “Fella With An Umbrella” and “Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun.” Ms. Scheckter also noted, “ The fascinating thing about Irving Berlin is how a school dropout (at thirteen,) could emerge as one of our greatest composers ranking alongside Gershwin, Porter, Kern and Rodgers in sophistication, style and versatility.” It will all be enhanced to the fullest by Tedd Firth's swing arrangements with his trio which has been referred to as, “ ... one of the strongest trios in cabaret.”

Starting in New York, Jane Scheckter has performed in many leading night clubs and concert halls around the world including Los Angeles, Paris and regularly on the French Riviera. She appeared in “Our Sinatra” with Peter Cincotti and was a guest soloist with the Springfield (Mass.) Symphony Pops Orchestra with Mike Renzi and Chip Jackson. She regularly headlines at Hotel Majestic at Cannes in their “Jazz Nights” series. She began her career singing backup vocals on Barry Manilow's first album and was a regular at Reno Sweeny's and Grand Finale. She was honored with a Back Stage Bistro Award as Outstanding Female Jazz Singer in 1996 and has recorded three albums, “I've Got My Standards” and “Double Standards” with Mike Renzi for DRG. Her 2003 CD, “In Times Like These” features Tedd Firth, Jay Leonhart, Joe Cocuzzo, Grady Tate and Scott Kreitzer.

On the web, www.singjanesing.com.

For information or press reservations, please contact Donald Schaffer at (212) 946 1265 or DSPR@nyc.rr.com.

Two Clients Partner: Cross-Culture Journeys Develops Springtime Holland/Belgium Tulip Cruise for "Says You!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2009
CONTACTS:
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, 413-733-7095 or MGAuerbach@gmail.com

"Says You!" Presents "Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium" a Springtime Cruise with Host Richard Sher

Boston, MA---"Says You!", public radio's popular game with words, has organized a 9-day/7-night, fully-escorted journey to Holland and Belgium with a Tulip-time cruise of the rivers and canals of the Low Countries from April 17-25, 2010.  Richard Sher, creator and host of the Boston-based show, will join the travelers for the voyage. 

The trip was developed by Cross-Culture Journeys, an Amherst, MA travel company that produces specialized travel programs for public radio stations, alumni organizations and the public.

Travellers begin their tour in Amsterdam, where they board the brand new MS Amadolce to begin their cruise through the Dutch and Belgian countryside. With the ship serving as home base, travellers will discover the Amsterdam of vanGogh and Rembrandt, the medieval cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, and savor the region's world-famous cheese, pastries, and chocolates. The ship is equipped with bicycles for those who choose to experience the blossoming tulips and flowers of the spring countryside on wheels. On two evenings, Richard Sher will host games of "Says You!" for fellow travellers.

Prices begin at $2,995 per person, double occupancy. Airfare, which can be arranged from any North American city, is extra. Cross-Culture Journeys will provide free transfers from the airport to the ship for those who book flights through the company. A complete itinerary is available at the "Says You!" website at www.saysyou.net or by calling Cross-Culture
Journeys at 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

"Says You!" is the popular public radio quiz show, independently produced by Pipit & Finch in Boston, MA. First broadcast in 1997, it is carried on over 120 stations coast-to-coast. Show creator Richard Sher has been its producer and host since its premiere. In 2009, "Says You!" broadcasts were taped before live audiences in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Maine. For a backgrounder on "Says You!", visit their website at www.saysyou.net.

Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering individual and customized group tours for over 20 years. They specialize in all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb by air, land and small-ship. Over the last decade, Cross-Culture Journeys has developed travel programs for alumni associations and numerous public radio stations, including NPR member stations in Western New England, Washington, DC; Virginia, Ohio, Utah, and Texas.  For information and itineraries,visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

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Where Has Mark Been? Chapter 2:

July 24, 2009: Script Outline #3 Approved

To see Chapter 1: either click on "Client: The Writing Project" or http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/2009/06/where-has-mark-been.html

All of us Yankees know that 2009 has not been the summer for natural tan-enhancement, as my somewhat pale body attests. (Take my word for it, don't investigate. The Michael Phelps' swimmer's body of years ago has morphed into more Shelley Winters as Belle Rosen look). So, being indoors working on this writing project has not been too difficult. No pool distractions. No lazy summer days beckoning through the windows. From so much rain, my patio looks like "Grey Gardens". Weeds and grasses are growing fast and furiously from the sand spaces between the bricks. I'm torn between letting nature take its course and modern technology: Green vs. Round-Up! I imagine myself garbed as Little Edie, repeating the words "honestly" and "staunch" while furiously spraying every weed and grass blade within view. Another personality takes over as Big Edie, the matronly environmental activist pleading "Stop, Edie. Stop!" I put the Round-Up down (cussing "Honestly, Mother darling" under my breath) and remove the weeds the old-fashioned way, bending over and uprooting them one weed at a time. Ah, the somewhat idle brain is the devil's playground here on the condo flood plains in River City.

When I last did a project update on June 29, the research had been about 75% completed, and I had drafted Outline #1. Outline #1 was critiqued by multiple parties and revised into Outline #2 , which was again critiqued by the same multiple parties and revised into Outline #3, which was submitted on July 17. There are more revisions to come. I know it.

Some of the scenes outlined play over and over in my head. I'm personally attached to some of them. It won't be difficult to lay them out on the page when it comes time to write the actual script, but I don't know how I'll react if my favorites are rejected or revised to the point that they're completely different than they are at present.

The waiting game has been tough. Thank god for simple distractions.

Distraction #1: Johnny Depp announced that he'd like to play Carol Channing in his next movie. I imagine my writing project transformed. In my project, one setting is New Orleans. Now, I imagine Johnny Depp sitting there as a club patron. A sudden shower hits the French Quarter and Carol Channing darts in to dodge the rain. The rest is history. He sings "I'm Just a Little Girl from Little Rock" from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". She swoons. She responds with a medley from "Sweeney Todd". They encore together with something from "Hello, Dolly!". He now wants to play Patti LuPone and rushes to find a script to "Evita". Curtain.

Distraction #2: The Long Island Lolita, Amy Fisher, provided headlines as she announced her two-performance only run at The Mardi Gras, my hometown's famous strip club (now turned "cultural center" for one night). Now, I imagine her starring in my project, which is now set on Long Island (change at Jamaica). She does her pole dance to the music of "The Five-Fifteen" from "Grey Gardens" (the only showtune to mention the Long Island Railroad's Montauk Line). My project now plays strip clubs from Times Square to the Tenderloin to the Chicken Ranch. Amy, who doesn't do matinees, relinquishes the role to Varla Jean Merman (one of my favorite impressionists), who forges a new career as a plus-size pole dancer. Curtain.

Distraction #3: When I'm not being script-writer, I'm still PR dude. There is client work to be done. My clients need the same attention and dedication that the script is getting. The curtain doesn't fall.

I fast learn that the art of making art is not a solo gig. Besides the producers to answer to, there is the subject of the theatre piece, who will also perform it. The subject has final approval. We get along well, so there have been little difficulties in communicating. Soon, there will be a director and a designer (s), musicians, perhaps a choreographer, and management, publicists, etc. etc. I like the collaboration and the feedback.

Nonetheless, this part of the writing is the lonely part. I'm not at liberty as yet to discuss the initimate details of the project, so I have to be careful as to what I divulge--and to whom.

I share my project challenges with my first professional mentor, an international arts administrator who has worked globally with some of the finest performing and visual arts festivals. I was a young marketing guy at Wolf Trap, when he discovered my abilities and forced me to exceed other people's expectations. He, as he always does, provides encouragement, unconditional support, and sound advice.

I share some details with the "boys", (two colleagues from my WFCR days, one of them's partner, and a mutual friend of the group). Over regular lunches they keep me laughing and grounded. I won't be able to get too carried away with them around--on the other hand, smash hit or infamous flop, they'll be there for me. One, a theatre dude, will be my sounding board. He used to work directly with me, so he knows how to phrase his criticisms and commentaries so I react positively. (He also knows how to push my buttons, which he might do for the amusement of the other boys). Another, who's a PR and marketing guy, will take on some of my client work, when I need an extra hand.

And, there's my pool buddy of many years, a neighbor, with whom I'm close. Theatre is quite the unknown to him. He's been to live theatre once--an outdoor Shakespeare performance which left him preferring a root canal without anesthetic to another theatre trip. (In fairness, he's a Red Sox junkie, and I can hardly sit through a game). He checks in with me constantly to make sure I'm OK. I couldn't ask for more from someone who will likely only attend my opening night under extreme duress (provided that the performance doesn't conflict with a regular Red Sox game, playoff, World Series, spring training game, or someone's DVD of Red Sox highlights).

Then, there are the unknowns: 1) an unknown 12 year old kid, who taught me how to text message on a layover in the Atlanta airport. I wish I'd known his name; and 2) an unknown kid of the same vintage, who taught me some computer skills at the local library when some research put the filters into use. He showed me how to over-ride the filters. Thanks, guys.

Fast forward: Friday afternoon, July 24--we're on !!! I get the encouraging e-mail from the lead producer. The third outline has been approved by both producers and the subject of the musical! No more outline revisions!!! The next step is 1) producers pulling together a funding prospectus and a production budget -- thankfully, not my job and 2) the script coming together in time for a rehearsal and backer's audition to be held on October 1--my job under extreme pressure.

Friday night, the lead producer (the guy who got me into the project) calls. He updates me on the meeting the two producers had with the subject of the project. Producer #2 will give me guidelines on the next part of the process. I also hear from the subject; we'll be chatting on Tuesday.

The next chapter begins....