The first time I visited L.A., years ago, I was lucky enough to have an entrée, through the publishing company I worked for, into the music world. I performed at a songwriters' night at the Hollywood Improv, sat in on…
Jan 31 2018
Dec 10 2017
Patti, Me, and NYC
This current New York magazine cover, of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, brought back memories of briefly knowing Patti many years ago. I met her at a nightclub (Banana-something?) on Bleecker Street, where I was singing backup with a band…
Jun 5 2017
"Pink Balloons of Manchester"
After the horrific attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on May 22, I read quite a bit about the victims and the bomber himself, as well as the courage of the people of that city in their response…
Feb 11 2017
Tiny Desk Contest
In my apartment with Joan Chew and Graig Janssen, making a video of "Unrequited Love."
To enter NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Contest, you just need a video of an original song that includes a desk—some people have taken “tiny” literally…
Nov 15 2016
At the Sidewalk Cafe
How fabulous to play the Sidewalk Cafe in NYC last night for the first time, especially when accompanied by Joan Chew and Graig Janssen—extraordinary musicians and human beings! We did some of my older tunes, such as "Madame…
Nov 1 2016
Skyped! Interview on "Louie B. Free"
This morning the redoubtable radio host Louie B. Free interviewed my husband, the writer Robert Rosen, and me on Skype, on the occasion of our recent 15th wedding anniversary. Louie had broadcast our City Hall wedding on his show (via…
Oct 26 2016
Sunday in the Pub with Laura
Laura Cantrell with her band at Joe's Pub, NYC.
The lovely Laura Cantrell played a concert at Joe's Pub Sunday evening celebrating the 15th anniversary of her debut album, Not the Tremblin' Kind. (She explained that it's actually been 16…
Sep 23 2016
That Voice: Betty Buckley
Betty Buckley, currently playing—at gale force—Joe’s Pub. Photo by Scogin Mayo.
We might add to Betty Buckley’s other titles—singer, actress, teacher (all extraordinaire)—that of explorer, for she is a tireless explorer of life’s meaning. Her new show at Joe’s…
Sep 17 2016
An Encounter with Edward Albee
Edward Albee, photographed by Michelle Memran in Montauk, N.Y.
Several years ago I was in line to sign in at a radiology center (I’d injured my foot) behind a frail-looking old man wearing a navy-blue Adidas sweatshirt and leaning on…
Sep 16 2016
Supreme Karaoke
Joe McGinty, the traditional tip jar, and me at Sid Gold's Request Room.
Thanks to keyboardist extraordinaire Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs, Losers Lounge) for his on-the-spot transposing of "Baby Love" the other night at his and Paul Devitt's club, Sid…
Sep 10 2016
Poem: "One World Trade"
As a freelance copy editor, I often work at the World Trade Center. Sometimes it feels like just an office, but a quick look out the window, if you happen to be facing the memorial park, can bring back not…
Jul 8 2016
Angelic Choir of One!
Worked on a new single, "Angel Tattooed Ballerina," at Mercy Studios yesterday with producer Nick Miller. Love those old-fashioned tape reels! My good friend Marty Linz, an opera singer, came along to add beautiful backgrounds with stratospheric notes to wonderful…