June 2008
A Mostly Monthly E-Newsletter by and about GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

A contest where everybody (and nobody) won…a little new FREE music to hear right this minute…a workshop in Pittsburgh…premiere of our newest ballad…and all our love. Enjoy!

1. Playbill Article/Photos About Battle Of The Broadway Bands: No Contest
2. Hear “Fragile As Love” From LONG STORY SHORT (Free) Right Now!
3. LONG STORY SHORT Workshop @ Momentum Festival In Pittsburgh June 12-15
4. Michael Winther To Sing “Still Love” From LSS @ Metropolitan Room June 18
5. Upcoming Shows: Full List

Matt Blank wrote an article for Playbill about the event (see below), and it features some fun photos by our friend Neale Eckstein, including one of Petal Pushers Pete and Bev.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/118029.html

http://citytheatrecompany.org/momentum.html

Momentum weekend includes readings of four new works in various stages of development. The other three are: SPEAK AMERICAN, written and directed by Eric Simonson; HIM, written by Daisy Foote and directed by Stuart Carden; and WHEN JANUARY FEELS LIKE SUMMER, written by Cori Thomas and directed by Billy Porter.

Readings: $5
Momentum Pass (to get into all readings): $10

LONG STORY SHORT Readings:
Thursday, June 12 @ 7:30 PM and Saturday, June 14 @ 8:00 PM
Mainstage
City Theatre of Pittsburgh
1300 Bingham Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412.431.CITY

We’ll also be participating in a writers’ panel, and leading a songwriting workshop. For more info on the festival, as well as the full schedule, go here:

http://citytheatrecompany.org/momentum.html

From Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden’s blog:

The big weekend of readings takes place June 12-15 and is scheduled in a way that allows playwrights to hear one another’s work and promotes a dialogue between these artists. We’ll hold playwright and industry panel discussions, and a musical theatre writing workshop aimed at providing working writers, as well as audience members a window into the type of new play development we do at City. And since everyone loves a party (especially the lushes at City Theatre) we’ll throw one almost every night of the festival, celebrating the work of these excellent playwrights and the twenty five actors and directors participating in Momentum 2008.

http://stuartcarden.blogspot.com/2008/04/momentum-festival-2008-refreshing-plays.html

“New Love Songs”
Michael Winther with Kimberly Grigsby
Wednesday, June 18
7:30 PM
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22nd Street Between 5th & 6th Aves
New York, NY 10010
212.206.0440
http://www.metropolitanroom.com/
$20.00 Cover, $15.00 Minimum

Join Broadway actor-singer, Michael Winther (MAMMA MIA, 1776, SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED 2006 Drama Desk Nominee — Best Solo Performance) and one of Broadway’s top musical directors, Kimberly Grigsby (GREASE, SPRING AWAKENING, LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA) for a unique, romantic evening of new love songs by some of our best contemporary theater composers and lyricists.

“A theater singer of unusual refinement,” Michael Winther “has a voice that also traverses genres. Endowed with a strong, appealing folk-pop voice, he also displays the range, ballast and discipline of a trained theater singer. Mr. Winther’s singing actually gains strength as he reaches into a clear, expressive head voice, maintaining perfect enunciation and control.” — Stephen Holden, The New York Times

www.groovelily.com/index2.html?gigs

We’ll be in touch again next month…

love,
GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 5 6

Thanks to everyone who came out to our late-April shows in NJ and NYC. We had a blast, and will be gigging again soon. Check out some video footage and photos in #2, #3 and #4 below … and if you’re in Manhattan this coming Saturday night, stay up late and join us for Battle Of The Broadway Bands!

1. Battle Of The Broadway Bands @ Zipper May 17!
2. Video From Maplewood Gig: Bring It On
3. Video From Joe’s Pub Gig: Apocalyptic Love Song
4. Photos From Joe’s Pub And Maplewood
5. WATT?!? Staged Reading In MA: Barrington Stage May 24 & 25
6. Upcoming Shows: Full List

Come join us for an “informal smackdown between bands” this Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 PM, one night only at The Zipper Factory, 336 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Tickets are $20 by calling 212-352-3101 or log onto www.nymf.org. Pre-show dinner packages, drink specials and late night fare will be available.

Last year’s Battle (the first) was won by John Gallagher (SPRING AWAKENING) and his band, Old Springs Pike. On the bill this year along with us are: Stew (PASSING STRANGE), Anthony Rapp (RENT), Lauren Pritchard (SPRING AWAKENING), Chester Gregory II (CRY-BABY), and others.

www.vimeo.com/groovelily

http://blip.tv/play/Abe+ZAA

Maplewood
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110266&l=1ec9a&id=897935470

Joe’s Pub
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113528&l=0762b&id=897935470

Thanks so much to Rob, Mark and Adam for documenting!

http://www.barringtonstageco.org/currentseason/index-detail.php?record=14

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 5 5

We are so excited to get out and PLAY again. We haven’t gone this long without a gig since we started the band over a decade ago … so come join us on April 26 in Maplewood, NJ and April 27 at Joe’s Pub in NYC!
Brendan and Val got to attend the official press opening of TOY STORY on April 10, and were thrilled to be mentioned in Jon Lasseter’s curtain speech. Check out photo and video coverage in #2 below.
On the cruise ship, their 2 1/2-year-old son Mose fell in love with Woody and Buzz, whom he had previously known only from the artwork imprinted on his diapers. Full blog coming soon; meanwhile, happy spring, everyone!

1. Nightlife Spotlight: Joe’s Pub April 27
2. Toy Story Opens At Sea! NY Post Coverage, Slideshows, Video
3. April 26 Gig In Maplewood, NJ: All-Request Second Set
4. Just For Fun: The Korean Gene Lewin?
5. Is Your Name Denyse? We’ve Got A Free CD For You
6. Upcoming Shows: Full List

There is a slew of stars over at Joe’s Pub…including Nellie McKay (April 1)…Melissa Errico (April 23-24), GrooveLily (April 27), and Sutton Foster (April 28)

We are honored to be in such distinguished company. Here are the details:

Sunday, April 27, 2008
7:30 PM
Joe’s Pub
425 Lafayette Street
New York, NY
Tickets: $20 General Admission
Web: www.joespub.com
Phone: 212-967-7555
Email: sthake@publictheater.org
Please come join us in one of New York’s best listening rooms.

ARTICLE from New York Post:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04012008/entertainment/travel/it_s_a_toy__104458.htm

SLIDESHOW from Webshots:
http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/562946521NBbyvk;jsessionid=abctKAyZRDNqO5KvkOuLr

VIDEO from Central Florida News 13:
http://www.cfnews13.com/Entertainment/HeyJohn/2008/4/11/toy_story_becomes_a_musical.html

VIDEO from Orlando Sentinel:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-toystory1108apr11,0,2846860.story

VIDEO/PIX from Laughing Place:
http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-631.asp

At this very special show, which could very well become an annual tradition, all Petal Pushers get in for FREE (a pair of tickets for each PP) – and absolutely everyone is invited. We hope to see you in Maplewood on April 26.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
UNDERGROUND CONCERT SERIES
Maplewood Middle School Auditorium
7 Burnet Street
Maplewood, NJ
8:00 PM, $22 General Admission (FREE for Petal Pushers)
973.762.0119
www.undergroundconcerts.com
jamie@undergroundconcerts.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPWjNX4PBlI

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 5 4

Almost out of hibernation, people…

1. April 26 Show In Maplewood, NJ: “Petal Pusher” Gig
2. April 27 Show at Joe’s Pub, NYC
3. Gene With Audra McDonald: More Gigs Added
4. “Long Story Short”/”Sleeping Beauty Wakes” Workshop Wrapup
5. More LA Accolades For “Sleeping Beauty Wakes”: Garland Awards
6. More Press About “Long Story Short” & “Toy Story: The Musical”
7. Far-Flung Friends Performing In NYC: Britt Swenson, Christopher Fuelling
8. We Also Recommend: Fugitive Songs (Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen)

Our Petal Pushers (GrooveLily street team) have been wonderful and indispensable to us over the years, and we want to give something back. At this first-ever Petal Pusher gig, all PPs will get in for free, AND…we’d like them to help write the set list.

Please mark your calendars (and just to be clear, EVERYONE is cordially invited, not just Petal Pushers) for Saturday evening, April 26 – and any PPs with song requests should email us at us@groovelily.com — we will compile the requests and write the set accordingly. Please make your requests by March 21, and we look forward to seeing you at this very special show (which could very well become an annual tradition).

Saturday, April 26, 2008
UNDERGROUND CONCERT SERIES
Maplewood Middle School Auditorium
7 Burnet Street
Maplewood, NJ
8:00 PM, $22 General Admission (FREE for Petal Pushers)
973.762.0119
www.undergroundconcerts.com
jamie@undergroundconcerts.com

Sunday, April 27, 2008
JOE’S PUB
425 Lafayette Street
New York City
7:30 PM, $20 General Admission
212.967.7555
www.joespub.com
sthake@publictheater.org

Each show had a reading with an audience, on a cold soggy night in a small room … and we have emerged even more enthusiastic about both projects, galvanized to finish our work. Val and Bren’s 2 1/2-year-old son Mose has emerged with two new favorite phrases, repeated frequently with vehement happy arm gestures: “US Airways!” and “Holiday Inn Express!”

From the Back Stage web page on the 2008 Garland Awards:

PRODUCTION

Sleeping Beauty Wakes
Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre at Kirk Douglas Theatre

SLEEPING BEAUTY WAKES, winner for Production

“Sleeping Beauty sleeps. She of the Charles Perrault fairy tale was born a princess centuries ago to a doting king and queen but was cursed by an evil fairy who was not invited to the princess’ christening. Under the curse, the princess fell into a deep sleep that could be broken only by the kiss of a prince. Or so the traditional fairy tale tells us. Cleverly interweaving that tale into today’s world of sleep clinics, Sleeping Beauty Wakes is modern in music, language, and staging but achingly timeless in sensibility and themes, with book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda. Adding to the charm, a sizable portion of the cast is deaf or hard of hearing, communicating with us in American Sign Language. So hearing actors voice and sing those roles in addition to portraying others.”

– Dany Margolies

Full story here:

http://www.backstage.com/bso/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003717668

“Milburn and Vigoda, a married couple at the heart of the ‘cult band’ GrooveLily, are hot right now, with their ‘Striking 12′ a 2006 off-Broadway hit and their ‘Sleeping Beauty Wakes’, written for Los Angeles’ Deaf West, a record-breaker at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.”

Full story here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08071/864048-42.stm

***

And, we dress up sometimes.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/115686.html

Britt Swenson
SO MANY LADIES
The Zipper Factory
336 West 37th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)
New York City
Sunday, April 6
7:00 PM, $15 tickets
212.352.3101
www.thezipperfactory.com

“A Best Bet!” – The Denver Post

Hailed as being “Lily Tomlin-esque” by The Denver Post, So Many Ladies is a one-woman tour de force written by and starring stand-up comic and Groundlings veteran Britt Swenson, who plays a total of 15 characters – everything from a Broadway has-been to Laura Bush. Swenson began her stand-up career in New York, and after a move to LA, became a member of the Groundlings and a regular at The Comedy Store. She now lives in Denver, where So Many Ladies premiered to critical acclaim in 2006. Val, who has known Britt since they went to violin camp together at age 12, is a huge fan and can’t wait to see her show at the Zipper.

For a sneak preview, check Britt out on YouTube:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AQTlOfbuMgI

***

Christopher Fuelling
ART MONASTERY GALA FUNDRAISER
City University Of New York
Shepherd Hall, Convent Avenue near 137th Street
New York City
Saturday, April 12
Doors 7:00 PM, Baroque Concert 8:00 PM, Donations $20-$60
Silent Auction, Italian hors d’oeuvres
http://artmonastery.org/Art_Monastery/Fundraiser_NYC.html
ben@artmonastery.org

Val’s college friend Christopher (a tenor specializing in Early Baroque music and Gregorian chant, among other pursuits) is founding a beautiful artistic retreat in Italy in an old monastery near Rome, with a group of likeminded musicians and artists. This creative haven is called The Art Monastery Project, and Chris & co. are kicking it off with a fundraising tour next month. They’ll be in LA, Philadelphia, NYC, Bloomington, Kansas City, Seattle and San Francisco…Val and Brendan will be at the Manhattan gala on April 12, listening to glorious Baroque singing and cheering on our expat friends.

From their site:
The purpose of the Art Monastery Project is to produce art that is relevant to the contemporary world yet is informed and inspired by tradition. Our strategy is to apply the disciplined efficiency and contemplative serenity of monastic life to art production. As such, the Art Monastery will support artists and projects that best exploit the unique environment we are generating.

www.artmonastery.org

From their press materials:
Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen have crafted a series of theatre songs for their restless generation. Fugitive Songs is a 17-song journey across America, spotlighting people on the run: a disgruntled Subway sandwich employee, a jilted ex-cheerleader, a pair of Patty Hearst fanatics, a stoner who robs a convenience store against his will, and many others. Blending traditional folk music with contemporary pop, Fugitive Songs offers a new sound for a changing America.

FUGITIVE SONGS
45th Street Theatre
354 West 45th Street
New York City
March 9 – 30, 2008
Wed-Sat 8 PM, Sat & Sun 2 PM
$20 tickets
800.595.4849
www.dreamlighttheatre.org

Music by Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Directed by Joe Calarco

We’ll be in touch again next month…

love,
GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 5 3

Writing, writing, writing, making sheet music, making demos, making plans, making coffee, fending off frostbite, teaching Mose about “please” and “thankyou” (his latest statement on the subject being “hitting is good, please!”) … teaching Elias about the difference between snare drum and tom toms, and not to drum directly on Da-da’s shins (his latest statement on the subject being “bwahbwah!”) … working on the new GL website, and sending you all February love from frozen Brooklyn.

1. Larson Award, Again!
2. “Long Story Short” World Premiere Announced: Pittsburgh & Palo Alto 2008
3. “Long Story Short” Workshop Feb 29, City Theatre Of Pittsburgh
4. What’s Gene Up To? Laurie Krauz, Broadway Boys, Audra McDonald Gigs
5. Photo From First High School Production Of “Striking 12″ (Tampa, FL)
6. “Sleeping Beauty Wakes”: Working On The Show/Concert Version Underway
7. “Toy Story: The Musical” Disney Cruise Info, In Case You’d Like To Join Us
8. Since You Asked: Mark Wood’s New Electric Violin Starter Kit
9. Upcoming Gigs: Coming Soon. Keep Resting.

From the Larson website: Jonathan Larson’s dream was to infuse musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful urban vitality. After 12 years of struggle as a classic “starving artist,” his dream came true with the phenomenal success of RENT. To celebrate his creative spirit and honor his memory, Jonathan’s family and friends created the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support and encouragement to a new generation of musical theatre composers, lyricists and bookwriters.

www.jlpaf.org

Pittsburgh: October 23 – November 15, 2008

Palo Alto: December 3 – December 28, 2008

“Long Story Short,” based on a David Schulner play about a “roller-coaster romance, examines the life-cycle of a relationship from first date through old age. It retraces a brief encounter between two 20-somethings which develops into a love affair that lasts a lifetime.”

Full stories here:

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/114882.html
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/living/events/s_550760.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_8172187

Friday, February 29, 2008
Hamburg Theatre, City Theatre of Pittsburgh
7:00 PM, FREE but *extremely* limited tickets
Reservations required: (412) 431-CITY [2489]

I’m rehearsing with singer Laurie Krauz, musical director Daryl Kojak, and bassist Sean Conly in preparation for Laurie’s new CD “Tapestry Rewoven,” a re-imagining of Carole King’s classic recording. Laurie is a good friend, great singer, and incredibly dedicated artist…this record is going to be really cool. For more info, check out:
www.lauriekrauz.com

I’m also playing with “The Broadway Boys” (a fantastic vocal group led by the fabulous Jesse Nager, our friend and co-conspirator on “A Little Midsummer Night’s Music” – you may remember his glorious singing on “All Shall Be Well”). The Broadway Boys play Birdland on March 9th. Come check it out if you’re in NYC!
www.myspace.com/thebroadwayboys

And I’m going out on the road again with the wonderful Audra McDonald:

Friday, March 28th at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts in Savannah, GA
Sunday, March 30th at the Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta, GA

http://pics.tampabay.com/?method=view.image&param=27458&param=188

What’s happening right now:

1) Brendan, Rachel and Val have completed a second draft, and there will be an informal reading of this version in a rehearsal room at McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ on March 8, as part of their IN-Festival. (Unfortunately the room is too small to invite you to join us — our apologies!)

2) Gene, Brendan and Val are putting together a concert version of SBW for GrooveLily to perform.* The first one has already been booked, by the Portsmouth Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH for April 2009. We plan to record the album of songs in preparation for these concerts…stay tuned.

*This concert version is entirely separate from any future full productions of the show, which will include American Sign Language and a much larger cast.

www.disneycruise.com

She would like you all to know that for the first time, Mark Wood (inventor of the Viper) is introducing an extremely affordable electric violin starter kit. Val thinks this is BRILLIANT: it contains everything you need to get going on the electric violin, including your instrument, an amp, a wah-wah pedal, an instruction book, and all the cables you’ll need to plug in and play. Check it out, and enjoy!

http://www.woodviolins.com/html/home.html

love,
GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 5 2

January in Brooklyn: the Statue of Liberty is easy to spot through leafless branches and over the dark water of the East River, inspiring us with her upraised arm. Brendan and Val’s son Mose and Gene’s son Elias play in shirtsleeves in Prospect Park, enjoying the unexpectedly balmy winter sun. Joggers in shorts dodge discarded Christmas trees.
No matter where you find yourself and what the weather, we hope you enjoy this month’s profusion of videos and photos: check out “Striking 12″ highlights and a prototype hi-res “GrooveLily Channel” on Stage6, as well as the first sneak preview of “Toy Story The Musical”!

1. “Striking 12″ Photos By John Atashian
2. “Striking 12″ Video Highlights By Rob Bond
3. Prototype Hi-Res “GrooveLily Channel” on Stage6, Also By Rob Bond
4. Sneak Preview Of “Toy Story The Musical”: Article & Podcast!
5. NOT GrooveLily: Cincinnati New Stage Collective “Striking 12″ Clips
6. Department Of Gratitude: WXPN, Free For All With Beth And Jules
7. Upcoming Shows: None At The Moment. Stay Home And Rest.

http://www.groovelily.com/index2.html?gallery
(click on “Winter 2007-2008″)

“Overture 2007″:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbULAnc7M20

“Screwed-Up People Make Great Art”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHUOK6JSoiQ&feature=related

“The Little Drummer Boy”*:
http://www.stage6.com/user/bigfan007/video/2034693/

*To play this video you will need the DivX Player. You should be able
to download the DivX Player plug-in once you go to the page referenced
above (in Internet Explorer you will get an Active-X installation
prompt for the DivX player. In FireFox you will see a puzzle icon,
prompting you to install the DivX plug-in).

This is a single, hand-held, camera recording from the audience of the
29-Dec 2007 “Striking 12″ performance at The Zipper Factory in lovely
NYC.

http://www.stage6.com/GrooveLily/

Rob writes, “I have prototyped a ‘GrooveLily Channel’ on the video file sharing site ‘Stage6′. The concept of a ‘Channel’ is that it provides a means of collecting video content with a common theme and allows you to build a community of interest around the content. Not only can you comment on the individual videos (like YouTube), but there is also a Discussion Board for the channel, plus a Blog feature for the channel owner (me at the moment).

The channel has a number of ‘Groups’ that I have defined: ‘Striking 12′, ‘Sleeping Beauty Wakes’, ‘Wheelhouse’, ‘TV Appearances’, ‘Covers’ and ‘Concerts’ (for the general GL music catalog). The ‘Group’ concept allows you to collect related content within the channel for ease of access. There is currently no content uploaded for ‘Sleeping Beauty Wakes’ or ‘Wheelhouse’, but the others have some initial content. To see all the videos go to the ‘GrooveLily Channel’ at http://www.stage6.com/GrooveLily/ and select ‘View All’.

Stage6 members (it’s free to be a member) can ’subscribe’ to a channel, in which case they receive immediate updates when new content is loaded.”

“Disney officials wanted a new stage show, so they thought big. Then they thought small. And then, inflatable. The result, set to be announced today by Disney executives, is a multimillion-dollar musical version of Toy Story, the 1995 Disney-Pixar animated film that shrank moviegoers’ perspective to the size of Mr. Potato Head and company.”

Read The Full Story Here:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-toystory0808jan08,0,4485262.story

Podcast:
Behind the scenes at rehearsal in Toronto last month, including nice footage of Brendan and Val (and interview with Val). Lots of big big big puppets.

http://www.cdbproductions.com/ToyStoryPodcastREV4.mov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WWK6vANEmY

New Stage Collective in Cincinnati
TV Interview + “Snow Song”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3AXYAVqxQ&feature=related

“Can’t Go Home”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcgIPThICrE&feature=related

Also, New Jersey’s own Beth and Jules did the same thing on their Free For All program on January 8. They played the whole “Striking 12″ CD, along with some late Schubert string quartets; we are grateful to be in such illustrious company.

We send out a big THANK YOU to all the independent DJs who continue to make their own decisions about their playlists. Whether or not you include our music specifically, we salute you and celebrate your maverick spirit!

We’ll be in touch again next month…
love,
GrooveLily

December 2007
A Mostly Monthly E-Newsletter by and about GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

Happy holidays, everyone – and thanks for an amazing 2007. Details on “Striking 12″ in NYC between Christmas and New Year’s, “Sleeping Beauty Wakes” Ovation wins, extremely large T-shirts, various fun press and YouTube items, and warm fuzzies going out to you, below.

1. Ovation Awards: WE WON!
2. “Striking 12″ At Zipper Dec 27-31: Tickets Going Fast/New Year’s Eve
3. S12 Is Featured Holiday Pick In New Yorker, NY Times, NJ Star-Ledger
4. You Asked For ‘Em: XXL “Screwed-Up People” Shirts Available Now
5. Pomona Magazine Feature Article On Brendan
6. Website Design Update: Coming Early 2008
7. Fun YouTube Find: Val With Joe Jackson (Sessions @ West 54th Street)
8. Department Of Gratitude – YOU

***************************
1. Ovation Awards: WE WON!
***************************

It was an incredible evening. Our show “Sleeping Beauty Wakes” was nominated for 10 Ovation Awards (the Los Angeles Tonys)…and we won two, including the one we had most hoped for, which was World Premiere Musical. This award, given to the writing team (Brendan, Val and Rachel Sheinkin), was the very last one given out at the ceremony – and it means a lot for the future of our show. Brendan also won for Musical Direction.
The Vigoda/Milburn house is now adorned with two lovely lucite statuettes, stored on a shelf far out of Mose’s reach.

Here’s a rare photo of Val and Brendan in formal wear.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=22996
(scroll all the way down to the LAST pic!)

******************************

*****************************************
2. “Striking 12″ At Zipper Dec 27-31: Tickets Going Fast/New Year’s Eve
***********************************************************************

If you’re in NYC, or planning to visit for the holidays, now’s the time to get your tickets for “Striking 12″ at the Zipper.

December 27, 28, 29 & 31
“STRIKING 12″ in concert
THE ZIPPER FACTORY
336 West 37th Street
New York, NY
8 PM, $35 tickets
www.thezipperfactory.com
212.352.3101

Clarification: there has been some confusion about New Year’s Eve, with the 8 PM show and what’s going on afterwards. Here’s the deal:

BEFORE the show, there is a special prix-fixe dinner at the adjoining Zipper Tavern, which is a sit-down dinner. We encourage you to do this, because we know the food there is fantastic – but since it’s BEFORE the show, we won’t be there to join you.

AFTER the show, we plan to meet and greet in the lobby/bar area for a little while, and then repair to the Tavern for food/drinks/relaxing/ringing in the New Year with alla youse. It is NOT, however, a sit-down dinner – it’s more of a party with passed food and open bar all night, with a cover charge. If you are interested in this option, definitely let the Zipper know you are a GL fan and there may be a discount (as of today, we have not heard final word on this).

These are all separate options – it is completely fine to come for “Striking 12″ only. Dinner, drinks or none of the above, we will be delighted to see you at the show!!

Tickets are on sale now, and details are available at www.GrooveLily.com/index2.html?gigs

************************************************************************
3. S12 Is Featured Holiday Pick In New Yorker, NY Times, NJ Star-Ledger
************************************************************************

Many thanks to Bill Coyle from the Zipper for making these all happen.

1. New York Times: Charles Isherwood will highlight the show (currently the photo pick) in the weekly WEEK AHEAD column in Arts & Leisure on Sunday, 12/23.

2. New Jersey Star-Ledger: S12 is the photo pick in Michael Sommer’s Sunday column for this past weekend, Sunday 12/16.

3. New Yorker: S12 is a Holiday Theater Pick in the Holiday Issue, on stands as of November 19.

*******************************************************************
4. You Asked For ‘Em: XXL “Screwed-Up People” Shirts Available Now
*******************************************************************

Calling all big and tall GL fans! Due to popular demand for these extra-extra roomy comfy T-shirts, here they are.

www.GrooveLily.com/merchandise.html
(scroll down to find the shirts)

**********************************************
5. Pomona Magazine Feature Article On Brendan
**********************************************

Brendan’s alma mater, Pomona College, is very proud of her own. Many students and faculty came to see “Sleeping Beauty Wakes” in LA, the college invited Brendan to speak last spring (his first honorarium), and now the alumni magazine has featured him (and Val) in a lovely 4-page spread.

“Once Upon a Musical” – The fractured fairy tale world of Brendan Milburn ‘93

Full Story Here:
http://www.pomona.edu/Magazine/PCMFL07/FSmusical.shtml

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6. Website Design Update: Coming Early 2008
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Our move to a new blogging site is progressing nicely. We have enlisted the help of graphic designer Michelle Aptman and code monkey Dan Coulter, who is creating WordPress templates and plug-ins for a group of like-minded bands and artists: Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm and Jim Boggia. As we inch closer to our unveiling, we are getting more and more excited about all the possibilities here, for easy downloading, selling songs directly from the site, more/better interactivity with our friends and listeners, and a place to showcase fan-created content (like the wild videos we’ve seen on YouTube these past few months)…it’s gonna be great. Stay tuned!

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7. Fun YouTube Find: Val With Joe Jackson (Sessions @ West 54th Street)
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Going way back to 1997, here are some videos of Val in Joe Jackson’s band. On the tour, it was just Val, Joe and Elise Morris (the other keyboard player shown here) – so on the road, Val got to play all the violin parts and sing the soprano vocals…but on this TV show, it’s a much larger group, including performers from the “Heaven & Hell” album (Jane Siberry, Dawn Upshaw, Joy Askew, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies, and more). You can spot Val at the keyboard, sporting shoulder-length blonde hair and her long-lost engagement ring.

The seven deadly sins, in order from least to most deadly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7EpY2XgPHs&feature=related (Gluttony)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrnaQ0Em8V0&feature=related (Lust)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV61s5-RHJY&feature=related (Avarice)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG_9tE5Rbgk&feature=related (Sloth)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdjwoM9GmnY&feature=related (Anger)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmwa5_s_Pw4&feature=related (Envy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6OLzW9DEo0&feature=related (Pride)

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8. Department Of Gratitude: You
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2007, which marks the 10-year anniversary of Val/Brendan/Gene (and the 13th year since Val started the band!), has been an incredible year for us…and you have had everything to do with that. If you’ve known us for a long time, you’ve stuck with us as our music and career focus have evolved, changed and changed some more – and we appreciate it more than we can say. If you’re new to GrooveLily, we are delighted to welcome you to our community. Every time we read an appreciative email from you, or see your smiling face at the merch table after a show, or receive a CD order online, we are reminded that we are on the right track, and that we should keep going. Thank you. We have high hopes that 2008 will be even better, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

November 2007
A Mostly Monthly E-Newsletter by and about GrooveLily

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

“Striking 12″ season is upon us…we just returned from our kickoff weekend in Tacoma, WA, where we had a fantastic 5 shows at the beautiful Broadway Center for the Performing Arts – and are delighted to learn that we get to return to the area again this season. JUST ADDED: “Striking 12″ in concert in Seattle, December 14-15! We look forward to seeing some of our new Washington State friends again next month. Details below, along with interesting YouTube discoveries, “Midsummer” concert photos, NJ “Striking 12″ audition opportunities and more.

1. “Striking 12″ In Seattle: Capitol Hill Arts Center Dec. 14-15
2. “Striking 12″ Complete Tour List, Including New Year’s Eve NYC
3. “Screwed-Up People” T-Shirts Going Fast
4. Fun YouTube Discovery #1: “No Room In Your Bag” A Cappella
5. Fun YouTube Discovery #2: “Phantom Lover” Video
6. “Midsummer” Concert Photos from BroadwayWorld, And Thanks
7. Want To Be In “Striking 12″ In NJ? Edison Playhouse Auditions
8. Department Of Gratitude: Calzone
9. We Recommend: “Crossing Brooklyn” (Music By GL Alum Jenny Giering)
10. Upcoming GrooveLily Shows: There Will Be More In 2008!

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1. “Striking 12″ In Seattle: Capitol Hill Arts Center Dec. 14-15
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We had such a great time in the Pacific Northwest, we can’t wait to return for three shows in December!

Friday & Saturday, December 14 & 15, 2007
“STRIKING 12″ in concert, featuring GrooveLily
Capitol Hill Arts Center
1621 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA
Friday 8:30 PM
Saturday 6:00 & 8:30 PM
www.capitolhillarts.com
206.388.0569

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2. “Striking 12″ Complete Tour List, Including New Year’s Eve NYC
*****************************************************************

The show is (once again) slightly different from last year…this season’s concert version includes a new sung overture, and a few other small tweaks.
Our tradition of doing “Striking 12″ on New Year’s Eve continues – this December 31 you can find us at the intimate Zipper Factory in Manhattan, with an early 8 PM show, followed by optional dinner and drinks with us at the fabulous adjoining Zipper Tavern.

Nov 10 Reading, PA
Nov 16-17 St. Louis, MO
Nov 26 Searcy, AR (this one is a GL concert, NOT Striking 12)
Nov 27-29 College Station, TX
Dec 1 Huntingdon, PA
Dec 7 Burlington, VT
Dec 8 Portsmouth, NH
Dec 14-15 Seattle, WA
Dec 27-29 & 31 New York, NY

Tickets are on sale now, and all details are available at www.GrooveLily.com/index2.html?gigs

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3. “Screwed-Up People” T-Shirts Going Fast
******************************************

Our wonderful Petal Pusher shipping department (Meg and Jim in Silver Spring, MD) is working overtime to fulfill the orders! These T-shirts with our surprise-hit “Striking 12″ motto – “Screwed-Up People Make Great Art” – make great gifts and they are flying off the shelves. Here’s the link to get yours:

www.GrooveLily.com/merchandise.html
(scroll down to find the shirts)

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4. Fun YouTube Discovery #1: “No Room In Your Bag” A Cappella
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We don’t know this group, but are very glad to see and hear a lovely a cappella arrangement of our song “No Room In Your Bag”! (You’ll notice the lead singer forgets the second verse just like Brendan often does.)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xa_juyvQWfs

Thanks to Amy Malkoff and Maureen McEachen for sending us this link.

To hear our version of “Bag” (it’s the song about Brendan’s mom, from our “Are We There Yet?” CD), go here:

http://www.myspace.com/groovelily

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5. Fun YouTube Discovery #2: “Phantom Lover” Video
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We were surprised and highly amused to discover this wacky video of one of our very oldest songs, “Phantom Lover,” with fascinating ghostly visuals.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=34IW6CBxgQ8

Thanks to Adam Wolf for the heads-up!

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6. “Midsummer” Concert Photos from BroadwayWorld, And Thanks
************************************************************

We had a great time at our October 14 “Midsummer” CD celebration concert in NYC. Thanks so much to everyone who joined us, and especially our brilliant guest musicians, Andy Parsons on sax and Jesse Nager on vocals. Andy’s wild soloing on “While You Were Sleeping” and Jesse’s glorious singing on “All Shall Be Well” truly brought the house down.

To see a few pix from the show (courtesy of Genevieve Rafter Keddy at BroadwayWorld), go here:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=22175

And here are some photos from PP Adam Wolf:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/awolf12/tags/groovelily101407

To listen to some CD tracks and get your own copy of the disc, “A Little Midsummer Night’s Music,” go here:

http://www.psclassics.com/cd_groovelily2.html

[Midsummer Night's Dream] is built around the jazz-rock band GrooveLily, and their luscious stylings recall a smooth but hard-driving blend of Roxy Music and Herbie Hancock, quite suitably ornate and theatrical.
– Jonathon Warman, The New York Blade

Much of the familiar dialogue, conveniently written in rhyming couplets, is scored and sung with contemporary GrooveLily melodies so well suited to the words that it’s hard to believe they were written centuries apart.
– William Westhoven, The Daily Record

This Dream is not only embraced by an original score and songs by GrooveLily, a New York-based trio, but is set in motion by them…Their music, sensual, glib, romantic and raucous, delights throughout with its varied and eclectic musical vocabulary traversing rock, blues, Broadway, folk and jazz, even a passing nod to Kurt Weill, but mostly defined by its originality and independence.
– Simon Saltzman, CurtainUp

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7. Want To Be In “Striking 12″ In NJ? Edison Playhouse Auditions
*****************************************************************

Among the licensed productions (meaning productions we are not in) of “Striking 12″ this year are shows in: Philadelphia, PA; Cincinnati, OH; Tampa, FL; Seoul, Korea…and now there’s one very close to home, at a lovely small theater in Edison, NJ. If you’ve always wanted to be in the show, now could be your chance!

Edison Valley Playhouse will hold additional auditions for the new musical “Striking 12″. This small cast one-act takes a new look at the end of the year doldrums and how one man meets midnight with the help of others. Not only do the actors sing some great new music, but the band has a big part in telling the story through dialog and song. Looking for men and women in good voice and able to play multiple characters. Also looking for a young girl for the part of the Little Match Girl. The director is Bill Seesselberg.
Also looking for musical director who can not only lead performers but can perform as well. Musicians needed include a drummer who can sing, keyboard, guitar, bass, violin and cello.
Auditions will be held November 3 & 4 from 2-4 PM at the playhouse, 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison. Performances begin December 14 and will close on New Year’s Eve. For more info contact bill@evplayhouse.com.

Edison Valley Playhouse
2196 Oak Tree Road
Edison, New Jersey 08820
(908) 755-4654
http://evplayhouse.com/

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8. Department Of Gratitude: Calzone
************************************

You may have noticed that Brendan has lately (since the premiere of “Sleeping Beauty Wakes” this past spring) been sporting a gorgeous new red Nord Stage keyboard. It sounds lush and warm and huge, with those fantastic Hammond organ tones that are such a big part of the GrooveLily sound…and thanks to Linda Tilson at Calzone Cases, he is now flying around with the Nord to every gig. Linda previously won our hearts by designing Val’s blue flight cases, in a down-to-the-wire rush job involving driving the cases personally to the Metro North station the day before a flight…and she’s come through again. On our trip to Tacoma last weekend, the stencil read “GROOVELLY” but the case couldn’t have been sturdier…and now we’ve changed the name of the band and we’re good to go.
I mean, they fixed the typo.
Thanks so much to Linda and Calzone for helping to make us flight-worthy, portable and able to sound great on the road!

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9. We Recommend: “Crossing Brooklyn” (Music By GL Alum Jenny Giering)
**********************************************************************

Our dear friend Jenny Giering (who sang with us in the early days of the band, went to grad school with Brendan, and released her gorgeous “Look For Me” CD last year with production by Brendan and participation by all the members of GL) has a new show Off-Broadway! She wrote the music, and Laura Harrington wrote book and lyrics. “Crossing Brooklyn” is genuinely heartfelt, moving and at times laugh-out-loud funny; it runs through November 18 at the Connelly Theatre, 220 East 4th St (between Avenues A and B), New York, NY. For tickets, go to: www.transportgroup.org

To check out Jenny’s “Look For Me” CD online, go to:
http://www.jennygiering.com/look_for_me.html

“Giering’s elusive yet somehow accessible melodies captivate” — TheaterMania

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/11936

“Jenny Giering…finds the right type of music to let characters sing, without resorting to melodrama or mush” – EdgeNewYork

http://www.edgenewyork.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=theatre&sc2=reviews&sc3=performance&id=7691

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10. Upcoming GrooveLily Shows: There Will Be More In 2008!
***********************************************************

Don’t worry, the lack of shows listed for next year does NOT mean the band is breaking up. Far from it – we have so much going on next year (writing deadlines, workshops, readings, potential productions) that we simply haven’t given our booking agents at SMG a chance to book any gigs yet. We will keep you posted as it all falls into line…after this “Striking 12″ season ends on New Year’s Eve, look for our brand new revamped website and lots of exciting news in 2008.

The full list of shows is constantly updated, and all details are available as we receive them, at

www.GrooveLily.com/index2.html?gigs

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 4 9

We’re getting dressed up! Val will trade her Desitin-stained yoga pants, and Brendan his applesauce-festooned running shorts, for formal dress and tuxedo…because “Sleeping Beauty Wakes” has been nominated for TEN Ovation Awards. Also known as the “LA Tonys,” these awards celebrate theater in Southern California and we are incredibly honored to take part. Not only is “Beauty” nominated for World Premiere Musical, as well as Musical Large Theatre, but also we’ve received some individual nods: Val is nominated for Lead Actress in a Musical, and Brendan for Musical Direction.
If we win anything, the trophies go to Gene for his award-winning years of putting up with a married couple in his band.

The ceremony is November 12; and meanwhile, all three of us are kicking off our busy fall and winter with our not-to-be-missed Midsummer concert October 14, and “Striking 12″ on the road starting in late October!

1. *The* GL Fall NYC Event: “Midsummer” Concert @ Zipper Oct 14
2. “Striking 12″ On The Road: Tickets On Sale Now
3. “Dramatist” Magazine Roundtable On Women Writers (Featuring Val)
4. Ovation Awards Details And Link
5. Upcoming GrooveLily Shows: Full List

Much of the familiar dialogue, conveniently written in rhyming couplets, is scored and sung with contemporary GrooveLily melodies so well suited to the words that it’s hard to believe they were written centuries apart.
– William Westhoven, The Daily Record

This Dream is not only embraced by an original score and songs by GrooveLily, a New York-based trio, but is set in motion by them…Their music, sensual, glib, romantic and raucous, delights throughout with its varied and eclectic musical vocabulary traversing rock, blues, Broadway, folk and jazz, even a passing nod to Kurt Weill, but mostly defined by its originality and independence.
– Simon Saltzman, CurtainUp

There WILL be a show on New Year’s Eve! Details coming extremely soon.

Direction of a Musical (Jeff Calhoun)

Musical Direction (Brendan Milburn)

Lighting Design Large Theatre (Michael Gilliam)

Sound Design Large Theatre (Eric Snodgrass)

Lead Actress in a Musical (Valerie Vigoda)

Lead Actress in a Musical (Alexandria Wailes)

Supporting Actor in a Musical (Kevin Earley)

Supporting Actress in a Musical (Erika Amato)

For more details and info on the Ovation Awards, go here:
http://www.theatrela.org/ovationaward.asp

And here’s a nice article from Playbill:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/111309.html

Valerie Vigoda: vocals/violin
Brendan Milburn: keys/vocals
Gene Lewin: drums/vocals

G r o o v e L i l y E – N e w s # 4 8

September is a magical month for all three members of the band: it’s when Brendan and Val’s son Mose was born, and (on the same fateful weekend in 2005) when Gene met his lovely wife Suzanne. We plan to celebrate these events, as we do all milestones these days, by 1) Val and Bren racing with Mose around the playground while he yells “Tain!” (train), “Caw!” (car), “Kuck!” (truck) and “Beekwee!” (BQE – the raised highway in our area of Brooklyn)…and by 2) Gene and Suzanne, after viewing this and seeing what they may be in for, frantically toddler-proofing their apartment as baby Elias crawls with increasing strength and determination toward the staircase.

After all of that, we’re going to play some music. Hope you can join us!

1. Surfacing In September: Chatham, NJ Concert Sep 22
2. Announcing *The* GL Fall NYC Event: “Midsummer” Concert @ Zipper Oct 14
3. The Next GrooveLily.com: Thanks For Your Input!
4. “Striking 12″ On Tour (With GrooveLily): WA/PA/MO/TX/VT/NH/NYC
5. “Striking 12″ Productions (Without GrooveLily): Philly, Cincinnati, Korea…
6. GL In Soap Opera Digest, Due To “Home” On “The Young & The Restless”
7. Upcoming GrooveLily Shows: Full List

This Dream is not only embraced by an original score and songs by GrooveLily, a New York-based trio, but is set in motion by them…Their music, sensual, glib, romantic and raucous, delights throughout with its varied and eclectic musical vocabulary traversing rock, blues, Broadway, folk and jazz, even a passing nod to Kurt Weill, but mostly defined by its originality and independence.
– Simon Saltzman, CurtainUp