Mission Valley Country Club

Well, the picture above should have people in it. I meant to bring my camera to our show at Mission Valley last night so I could take pictures of all our friends and audience members. But I FORGOT. So here's a picture I lifted from their web site. Just use your imagination and put people in those empty chairs, okay?

So anyway, we had a GREAT crowd last night. Those Mission Valley folks are fun, and ready for a good time. We could tell it was Italian Night at MVCC because the minute we walked in, the smell of garlic just about knocked us back out the door. That's not a bad thing, mind you. The kitchen staff out-did themselves with the Italian feast they put on. (We never eat just before a show, so even though they generously offered us food, we gratefully declined and nourished ourselves instead with espresso flavored vodka at the bar. Hey, that's Italian too.)

The show went great, with lots of laughter, smiles, and even a few tears. I admit I was surprised when I began to introduce a Barbra Streisand song, and several people started saying "NO! No Streisand." Huh? Still not sure what that was all about, but we just said "Okay, we can do something else." And we rolled into a foot stomping Donna Summer medley instead. No problem. That's one thing about us.....we'll just roll with the punches and shift gears! We ended the show with a tribute to the armed forces, singing the anthems of the Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Army and we asked members to stand when they heard their anthem. Then we finished it with "God Bless America" when everyone stood and sang along. It felt good.

Many thanks to all the members, and especially to Denny Foley (otherwise known to all as "Doo-wop Denny", famed "oldies" music entertainer), Marion John (entertainment committee chairman), Diana Kirvin (director of marketing) for all her help in advance of the show, Jessica (dining room manager) and all her staff for a marvelous job, and to old friends Caroline, Barbara and many others who greeted us and treated us like old friends. We appreciate the warm welcome.

Looking forward to next time, and next time I'll bring my camera.

Italian American Club Show

We had a ball last night performing for the Venice, Fl Italian American Club. What a great audience! It was especially gratifying because the occasion was an appreciation night for all the hard-working members who volunteer to cook and serve at their popular Friday night pasta nights. These folks show up and work their butts off every week, so we were proud and pleased to entertain them the best we know how. And they all had a great time. Buddy's stories of the old neighborhood really hit home and brought howls of laughter, and when I sang Connie Francis's "Mama" in Italian, they clapped and cheered. (I was a little nervous singing in Italian for all those Italians!)

There are plans in the works for us to return to the beautiful Italian American Club Hall later on to perform a show that will be available for the public to attend. We'll keep you posted!

Here are a couple of photos. Buddy with Teddy, (who is himself an Italian troubadour), and

two lovely ladies, Linda and Barbara.

Visani Dinner Theater FUN

We just finished two fantastic shows at Visani Dinner Theater in Port Charlotte, Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. The audiences were great at both shows. (Well, Tuesday night we did have one lady -and we use the term loosely - who was pretty sure she was funnier than us and kept yelling stuff at the stage. But it was close enough to full moon to chalk it up as full moon madness.) As usual, everybody raved about the food, which reminded me that we're about due for a dinner at Visani ourselves. It's just so good.

Wednesday we did a matinee show and entertained a fun group who came by motor coach from Country Village in Bradenton, and many others who came by car. Many thanks to all who came and blessed us with their smiles and laughter.

We love it when groups come to our show. And our matinee shows are a great way for anyone to enjoy dinner and a show without having to drive at night.

So remember, we will be appearing at Visani Dinner Theater in Port Charlotte THE FIRST TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY of every month from now through April. (Tuesday shows are 7:30 pm and Wednesday shows are matinees with doors open at 11 am and show at 1 following meal.)

Come and bring your smiles. THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING THERE!