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A Show in Santa Monica and inspiration from Joni Mitchell! 

Hey Music Family, Happy September!

September is already rolling by so fast; before you know it, our show at TR!P Santa Monica will be here!

Put Sunday, September 17, at 9 pm in your calendar! And...it’s a rare free show and a great place to have a drink and enjoy music, so be sure to invite your friends to join!

We can’t wait to see you, sing our hearts out, and give you a hug in real life!

I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend visiting my family up north in Elk Grove. I love living in Los Angeles, but it is heavenly being out in the country; I always feel grounded and inspired while I’m there. We had perfect weather too! I’m so grateful for these visits and spending time with my loving family.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a real treat with an extra surprise! My friend Larry took me to the Hollywood Bowl for a tribute concert honoring the late great American jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. The star-studded concert was led and hosted by a big favorite of mine, Herbie Hancock. (If you follow me on FB or IG, you’ve seen the other Herbie in my life and his namesake, Herbie the love bug, my kitty lol!).

The evening was magical. The lineup of musicians was legendary, and we were enthralled by the music. It was not just a performance, but felt like we were seeing something real happen and unfold before us ...the musicians were improvising, playing off each other, and truly enjoying the moment.

Then, just as we thought the night couldn’t get any better, a surprise guest. Herbie introduced “another one of Wayne’s friends”...

The stage rotated around as it does at the bowl, and on this night, because of the recent “huriquake”, Herbie said, it was done manually by several stagehands...

And suddenly before us was...Joni Mitchell!

The crowd went wild! We were cheering and clapping and laughing with excitement!

She waited a moment, soaking in the love, and then she began singing “The Circle Game,” a song perfect for the occasion. Her voice, now a smoky contralto with exquisite phrasing, held us suspended. This moment was so special for me. Joni Mitchell is my biggest inspiration for songwriting, and I have loved her and her music forever. I’m thrilled I was able to see her live and to see Herbie Hancock accompanying her on piano was surreal!

This night renewed me and reminded me of why I do what I do! Why music is so important and why I must keep on sharing my gift to inspire others, the way Joni has inspired me. What makes Joni even more inspiring is what a survivor she is.

In 2015, she suffered a brain aneurysm. For a time, it was doubtful she would live. But she did. Then there were rumors that she would never walk, let alone play, again!

She has done both. This is a great article about Joni I highly recommend...

Joni Mitchell’s Final Chapter is Epic

A couple of days after the concert, a new documentary series came out about Wayne Shorter. It’s called Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity. Watch the trailer here.

I watched the first episode, and it is phenomenal! Right in the intro, I started hearing and writing down quotes that immediately touched me. It’s a treasure trove of gems and pearls of wisdom. This one is my favorite...

“There are two great events in one’s life; one is being born, and the other is knowing why.” - Wayne Shorter

Wow! I hope this inspired you, too. I can’t wait to see you soon in Santa Monica!

All My Love, Christine

P.S. In case you missed my last post, you can read it here.

I still have space in my studio for new piano, voice, and songwriting students, and I would love to start making music with you!

09/08/2023

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How's your summer? And a new show! 

Hey Music Family!

How is your summer going? I’ll say it’s going way too fast for me!

We started the summer, my favorite time of year, with a show at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Those who were out of town that weekend have asked me how it was, and I have to say it was a dream! We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night.

 

Here’s a lovely text I received from a friend after the show. It made me smile and touched my heart to receive it...

“Christine,
We were so blown away by the sets!!!!
Your songwriting (lyrics, music) and singing were so powerful and the harmonies/singing with John was perfection!
John’s set was so great, and I loved his
“Surprise ending” to the love song.
You two have a deep musical soul connection and we LOVE “the sound of this!!!!” So much storytelling went on last night! Beautiful to hear both voices together! Xoxo”

If you missed it, you’re in luck; we have a show coming up on September 17 at TR!P Santa Monica! I’m so excited to do a show in Santa Monica again, as it’s been years. (Some of my longtime music family will remember coming to many shows at Monsoon Cafe back in the day!)

It’s a free show, so no need to buy tickets this time; just come thirsty so you can enjoy a drink or two along with the amazing music, lol!

Now for something I’m moved to share with you. I’ve talked in the past about my mentors who inspired me to teach. My mom and my beloved college voice teacher Mrs. Perla Warren were my first inspirations.

You can read more about them here.

Someone I haven’t shared about is my amazing voice teacher Robert Edwards. I studied voice with Robert for many years while I did my Masters in jazz studies at USC, all the way to 2019!

We hadn’t been in touch for a while, and after leaving a few unanswered calls, it finally occurred to me to check the obituaries. When I did, I found out the heartbreaking news, Robert passed away at the end of 2021.

Robert was known as “Voice Coach to the Stars,” and his clients included over three dozen Grammy winners, several Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, as well as Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award-winning actors, but he was amazingly down to earth and caring and so supportive to me. Robert attended both my college and grad school voice recitals! He came to the studio with me as I recorded the vocals for my album Been a Long Time.

Robert was truly a gift to this world. His positive, instructive spirit was constant. His singing lessons always included some lessons on living. I learned much from this dear, gentle man. He taught me as much about how to live life as he taught me how to sing.

Robert, my mom, and Mrs. Warren all championed me, believed in me, and had faith in me. They are my role models, and what a gift they all were!

It’s my honor and privilege to pass on all the lessons my mentors taught me to my students and to fulfill my life’s purpose as a singer and songwriter!

Right now, I have a few open spots in my studio, and yes, it’s true, I have an opening just for you!

It feels so good to see friends and students again in person and be able to teach without a mask. I’m offering some affordable packages so you can get started enjoying your voice, playing piano, and even songwriting! (Makes a good gift too!)

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I can see you in person, but also Zoom is wonderful if you’re further away.

Click here to send me an email to get started.

Lots of love,

Christine

P.S. Enjoy the rest of those summer days and evenings, and can’t wait to see you September 17 at TR!P!

Visit my teaching page here.
Listen to our music here.
Watch our music video.
Visit our website.
Visit TR!P Santa Monica’s Website
 

08/17/2023

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This Sunday Live at the Hotel Cafe! 

Hey Music Family!

I can’t believe how fast the last few weeks have flown by and now it’s almost time for our show at the Hotel Cafe!

We are so excited to see you! This is a dream collaboration come true and John and I are pinching ourselves! It has been such a pure and healing experience making this music together and we can’t wait to share all the love and music with you – LIVE!...

Come join us Sunday May 28th at 7pm.

Our name for our duo, The Greatest Lovers, came to me one night when I was drifting off, almost in a dream state.

This, I have found, is a great time to come up with songs, lyrics, and ideas by the way!

Not only was I thinking of the greatest lovers in history but I’m a big fan of the musical “The Greatest Showman”. I adore Hugh Jackman in this role as P.T. Barnum and all the incredible music is so inspiring.

The well-known bible verse also played a part...

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” –1 Corinthians 13:1

Our music is all about love and we can’t wait to sing and share it with you! It means so much to have your support and honestly, I miss you all so much.

Please join us, we want to show you some love in real life.

Get your advance tickets now! 

One of the first songs we wrote is called, “Show Me Some Love”. Here are some of the lyrics....

“I want to fly together, try together.
Walk to the other side of this pain together.
Why are we fighting when we know we need each other?

Show me some love... Can we find the love?”

All my love! xo

Christine

Listen to our single and watch our video here!
Listen to John’s music!
Visit our website!
Visit Christine's website!

Share the ticket link with your friends! 

The Hotel Café
1623 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 9002
Venue is 21+

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.

05/25/2023

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Exciting News!!! Hotel Café Sunday, May 28 at 7pm 

Hey Music Family!

Did March feel like it was 3 months long and April feel like 3 days long for anyone else? Thank goodness the sun is out now, but the rain had benefits for sure!

Those rainy months were the perfect time to “woodshed” our music. We sang and played and practiced and then we did it all over again, and the payoff is huge!

John has an impressive discipline of practice and has inspired me and honestly challenged me to play thru our set of songs in order and refine everything from there.

It’s an amazing experience to be so in synch with each other and to get our groove on together!

Now the engines are ready to take off this month with a live performance at The Hotel Café!

Come join us Sunday May 28th at 7pm.

Get your advance tickets now!

We can’t wait to sing and share this music with you! It means so much to have your support and honestly, I miss you all so much.

The evening is going to be extra special! John is opening for us, with an intimate solo set of his soulful blues!

John’s music conjures up love and the sweet side of the blues and you won’t want to miss it! His voice brought the audience to tears on the last show!

Listen to John’s music, here! (He has 7 albums to date!)

Everything has become so virtual and commercialized, the experience of live music is needed now more than ever, a powerful and restorative gift!

Please join us, we want to show you some love in real life. It’s been way too long! And the next day is a holiday so you can stay up late and enjoy yourself! ☺️

Lots of love! xo

Christine

P.S.  

Show us some love...
Listen to our single and watch our video here!
Listen to John’s music!
Visit our website!

Share the ticket link with your friends! 

The Hotel Café
1623 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 9002
Venue is 21+

05/04/2023

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Will you join us this Sunday at Hotel Café? 

"Love, Love, Love. All you need is love. Love is all you need." – John Lennon

Remember the days when you would countdown to Christmas or summer vacation? We are doing the same here! We keep pinching ourselves! We can’t believe we get to make this music together and bring all this love through our music to you! We’ve been running our set every night this week and are so in sync with each other; sometimes, I get emotional realizing what a gift it all is! 


 

Like John Lennon says, Love is all you need! 

Will you join us this Sunday at Hotel Cafe? 

We will sing our hearts out, in real life, just for you!

We want to love you up! 

Sunday Feb 12th at 8pm! 

Get your advance tickets here! 

All my love and see you soon!!! Christine 

P.S.  Tickets are also available at the door. 

 

Doors open at 6:30pm 

Ages: 21+ 

The Hotel Café 

1623 Cahuenga Blvd 

Los Angeles, CA 9002

02/11/2023

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Live Sunday Feb 12 at 8pm Hotel Café! 

Hello, my dear Music Family!

Where did January go? I had such big plans for writing you the first week, but as I was recovering from holiday travel, it was full speed ahead into the new year! (I flew home on Southwest, so you can imagine lol!)

On Jan. 2nd, I had a little biopsy on my right-hand pinky finger. We had been following a spot under the nail for quite a while and finally decided to check it out, especially because of my mom’s history. Well, the good news is it was completely normal! What a relief! I didn’t quite realize it would be such a big deal, or I’d have my finger all bandaged or would need to keep my hand up for two days. I also found it impossible to do things like wash dishes with basically one hand. The worst part was I wasn’t allowed to play piano! So, I played with my left hand ha-ha!! John was over the entire day after the biopsy, keeping me company, so of course, we started writing a whole new batch of songs!

We’ve been burning the midnight oil all month, on a hot streak of creativity, and we have 10 new songs!

These songs will be a bit of a surprise and secret for now. There’s a theme and concept, and we delve into a slightly new style. More will be revealed soon!

Along with songwriting, we’ve been rehearsing our set for the Hotel Café, Sunday, Feb 12th, at 8 pm! We are so excited to play live music for you! We are very serious, of course, but have a great time playing together. It’s so much fun and gratifying!

We can’t wait to share a beautiful evening with you!

Purchases tickets in advance!

Lots of love, and see you soon! Christine

P.S. I played with 9 fingers for a couple of weeks, but now I’m back to playing piano with all 10! :)

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.

01/30/2023

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New Christmas Song Inside! 

Dear Music Family, 

I can’t believe Christmas is only a few days way! Wow! The last month went so fast, but John and I got a Christmas song, written, recorded, and put out just for you!  We started writing “I Don’t Make Wishes for Christmas” on November 11th, and I know the date well because it was the first time we’d seen each other for a couple of weeks after we both tested Covid positive! That was a big doozy, right on the heels of our show. 

So…backing up a little, our show on October 24th was fabulous!  It was everything I dreamed it would be.  We saw your wonderful faces there, soaking it all in and cheering us on!  John texted me and said he would come “scoop” me up and take me to the club, and we just had the best time and experience ever! 

We were so happy to share our songs with you and finally get them out into the world.  And that was the comment I received most, from so many people, that it was so good to see us so happy, I guess it was just radiating off us! 

Here is just one of the lovely messages I received that night… 

“Christine! The show was wonderful.  The songs were evocative and beautiful.  You and John sound gorgeous together.  Song writing together, what a gift!” 

I want to share a big thank you with you all, although a little belated, honestly, I started the new semester at AMDA (teaching voice) the day after the show and 3 days later Covid hit!   So, that really took us out, at least until November 11th when we got busy on the Christmas song. 

“I Don’t Make Wishes for Christmas” was truly a labor of love and we both feel so proud of us!  I’m getting such great response too!  I sent it to my dad and Laura, and she said it reminded her so much of how she and my dad feel about each other, and she was saying, “I would love for you to sing it at our anniversary!” (Which I can’t believe is 9 years already on December 28th).  Wow! 

I also shared it with a family of a young 4-year-old piano student.  His mom said he loved it, he said he loved our voices, and he loved the music, so I feel it really is appealing to a wide range of ages! 

We wanted to create something about joy and love, reminiscent of the vintage feeling we get from Christmas songs we heard growing up, from Andy Williams and Jackie Gleason’s “Music for Lovers Only” to Vince Guaraldi. 

So please enjoy, share it and know we love you so much and we can’t wait to sing for you again IRL!  You’re going to get the chance because we are going to be, in the new year, at The Hotel Café, Feb 12th, celebrating the power of love and music.  Put Feb. 12th 8pm in your calendar, it's just right around the corner as well! 

Here’s a link to purchase tickets in advance! 

I know the holidays aren’t easy for everyone, and I’ve had my share of spending time alone, especially during the pandemic, but even more reason to savor the time we do have together now.  So, please enjoy your holiday time together, snuggle up, have some hot cocoa and hold the ones you love close. 

(When you hear our song, you’ll hear lots of fun lyrics reflecting that, and I hope will make you smile. 😊) 

Lots of love and big kisses and hugs! 
Christine 

P.S. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.

12/20/2022

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Come be a part of our Music Family this Sunday! 

Hey, everyone!

I am writing in hopes that this will land straight into your inbox before Sunday arrives…we’ve been getting ready for you!

Come be a part of our Music Family this Sunday!

If we’ve spent time together in the past weeks, you’ve already heard me talk about the Hotel Café and how special this evening will be…

It’s the debut performance of our new group, The Greatest Lovers! 

This is a dream collaboration come true, and John and I are pinching ourselves!  It has been such a pure and healing experience making this music together, and we are so excited to share all the love and music with you – LIVE!...

This Sunday, Oct. 23rd, at 8 pm, we’ll be rocking out the Hotel Café! 

Here’s a link to purchase tickets in advance!

We can’t wait to see your reassuring smile in the audience and hug you in real time!  It’s been way too long since we’ve been together in person.

In the meantime, to give you a little taste and wet your earbuds for Sunday, we’ve released our debut single, I Like the Sound of This!

And…drumroll…to build the anticipation for MORE new music and an upcoming video! Stay tuned for more excitement coming your way!

I Like the Sound of This reaches into our jazz roots and captures a romantic day spent at the beach, listening to the beautiful sounds of life and love.

It’s streaming everywhere!  Click to listen and follow us here! 

Lots of Love xo, John and Christine…The Greatest Lovers

Go to our new website and look around, we love visitors! :)

10/22/2022

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The Power and Meaning of Music...and Our New Single Is Here! 

We are only five days away from bringing you all the love – LIVE!  This Sunday, Oct. 23rd at 8 pm we’ll be rocking out the Hotel Café! 

We want to see You there!

Get your advance tickets here; let’s sell out this show!

We are so excited to invite you to this show!  I can’t believe it’s been almost three years…my last show at the Hotel Café was slated for March 2020, but we all know the world had other plans. Everything stopped, or so it seemed at first. Through the unprecedented pandemic, John was my person, my anchor through the uncertainty.

I could never have imagined we would experience the hot streak of creativity that has led us to form our duo, The Greatest Lovers.

Our new music as The Greatest Lovers sprang forth organically. There was no plan to become a group, let alone make music together this way, but over time and space, the music showed up for us as we showed up for each other.

Songwriting is always such a spiritual experience, and this was no different. Though we would connect via John sending over lyric ideas, and I’d reply, and vice versa, the melding of musical minds reached a point of not even being able to discern who wrote what or which of us found each line of melodies and harmonies.

It was all such a pure and healing experience we now have the privilege of sharing with you this Sunday, October 23rd, at 8 pm!

Having this moment at the Hotel Café is also just such a full return to love and life with the power of music.

John has said this is some of the most meaningful music he’s ever been a part of, and I find myself repeating that sentiment to myself often. It’s a strengthening reminder when the stress of putting on a show and setting things up like this gets overwhelming or when the nerves behind sharing our souls creep in as the big night draws closer. It helps me remember the power and meaning behind this music and what a gift it is. Music is so powerful to touch and heal our souls, and that’s what we all need right now.

It may sound corny or uncool sometimes to be so seen and let love reveal our depths while being genuinely open to the experience of being fully loved. When all is said and done, life is too short to miss an opportunity like this, and I’m so happy to share this exciting moment of music and love with you. I can’t wait to connect with you in that hallowed room at the Hotel Café and let you encounter the same spiritual healing we have working together.

Now for the surprise!... 

We are releasing our debut single, “I Like the Sound of This” to give you a little taste and wet your earbuds for Sunday!  And…drumroll…build the anticipation for more new music and an upcoming video! Stay tuned for more excitement coming your way!

“I Like the Sound of This” reaches into our jazz roots and captures a romantic day spent at the beach, listening to the beautiful sounds of life and love.

Click here to listen to “I Like the Sound of This”

Click here to get your tickets to Hotel Café!

 

The Hotel Café

1623 Cahuenga Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Ages: 21 and up

 

We can’t wait to see you and sing our hearts out for you!

Lots of love,

John and Christine

10/18/2022

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The Greatest Lovers, Sunday October 23rd at the Hotel Café! 

My friend Maria and I had coffee last week at Dialog Café in West Hollywood.  It felt so amazing to be out again, visiting with a friend in a café after 2 ½ years!  As we chatted and drank our coffees, she told me how much she loves our duo’s name, The Greatest Lovers.  “It’s so hopeful!” she said, and I started smiling ear to ear! To give hope and share the glow of love with you is exactly what we desire to do.  We are so excited about this music, in fact John said this music is the most meaningful he has ever been a part of!  And I feel the same way, it’s a real passion project for sure!

Our new group makes love-inspired songs, allowing us to share the glow of love with you! Come join us on Sunday October 23rd at the Hotel Café in Hollywood.

Get your Tickets for the Hotel Café here! As John said, “We about to heal your soul with this one.”  It certainly healed ours after such tumultuous times. Come join us in the love and excitement. We hope to see you at the Hotel Café

Read our bio and story here on our new website! Watch our fun video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

09/20/2022

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