Tuesday, August 14, 2012

OK, THAT'S IT - Fire Prevention


OK THAT’S IT! 

It’s time to take some action…

Last week there was a big fire on my street.  I woke up to what sounded like a big “gong” sound that reverberated for a long time – too long to be a normal bang of metal.  I looked out the window to see smoke billowing over the top of my garage and immediately went outside to see the whole neighborhood watching the building a few doors down.  It was engulfed in flames. 

A neighbor yelled for me to go close my windows as the smoke clouded the air.  After I did that, I joined a number of people combing the area looking for the two dogs that belonged to the owner of the burning building.  They were later found unharmed. 



Thankfully, there were no people or animals injured in the fire.  It could have been much, much worse.  The charred remains of the building and the business it housed are still a terrible and frightening loss.  The accidental fire was apparently the result of a stray spark caused by welding equipment.

The neighborhood community gathered outside for two hours while the street was filled with fire trucks and equipment, sheriff cars, EMTs, and concerned citizens.  We had much to think about. 

Seeing all of that smoke and watching helplessly, we each reviewed our own moments in which we realized something was terribly wrong.  We were all standing ready to help in any way we could.  I felt like I wanted to do something.

I started reviewing the particulars of my own home’s fire safety.  Do I have combustibles?  Are they stored properly?  Are the fire detectors working?  How old are the fire extinguishers?  What did I do with that lamp that seemed like it was getting too hot?  I wanted to go through the whole place checking for any possible dangers.

In talking to many people about the experience of that day, I found that a lot of people have little household hazards that can turn into major tragedies.  Is there some nagging little voice that you’ve been ignoring telling you to put a new battery in the smoke detector?  Do you have a fire extinguisher?  Is there an appliance with a bad cord you’ve been meaning to replace?  What about that extension cord with way too many things plugged in?


Let’s make this unfortunate loss motivate us to take some action.  Let’s give some meaning to this sad event by making it the catalyst for positive change in our own homes.  Let’s review the safety of our homes and businesses and actually do something to make them safer.

That’s it.

Xoxo

 Fire Prevention week: Oct 7-13th



Tuesday, August 7, 2012

St. Maarten...

I thought I would have a quiet week, just me and the dogs…  Then Russ called and said that Ms. Roberta Flack would like me to call her that evening...  The next thing you know, I am flying around the house packing, making lists, checking the stove, driving off to airport, learning songs, rushing through NYC traffic to rehearsal, packing again, flying off to St. Maarten, trying to stuff more songs into my head, FREAKING OUT like a groupie over Maxi Priest, taking video on my hotel balcony at 5:37AM, hopping back on a plane, packing again, back in the car and finally collapsing right back where I was a week ago… Maybe I can sit still for a while THIS week (probably not - LOL). 



People have told me that I am “so lucky” when they see this video of my hotel balcony view.  I am indeed very Blessed, but not in exactly the way they probably think.  Although the Island was beautiful and it was definitely a privilege to be there and to see it, I was not on vacation in St. Maarten (at least not the way most people think of vacation).


View from my hotel balcony

When other people (there on vacation) were enjoying the sun and relaxing, I was worrying myself to death about remembering my harmony parts.  I trotted through a sea of tanned sunbathers, who were playing BINGO and drinking fruity cocktails by the pool bar, in a mad dash to eat quickly and gather my electronics from the room in time for the bus that would take us to soundcheck.  While tourists cooled themselves in the ocean, we baked in the hot sun checking microphones and running through songs on stage – and finally, while most of the Island slept, I jumped in the pool at 3:30AM, because it was the only time that I could, and took pictures off the balcony at 5:30AM.  Some band members never slept at all.  But you wouldn't hear any of us complain - this is what we do, and we all LOVE it.


Soundcheck

Soundcheck

Soundcheck

While my schedule and activities might have been different than what most people think of doing when they go to a Caribbean Island for the weekend, I had an absolute BLAST just the same.  The lucky (or Blessed, rather) part for me is that I LOVE working on music and being part of the band of musicians.  Oftentimes, we work while others are “playing” (although it’s funny how we say that we are “playing” music).  We are incredibly fortunate in that we are able to work at something we truly enjoy. 


Dinner with some band and crew members before the show...

At dinner... I was still reviewing my parts on headphones

St. Maarten is beautiful.  It was rainy and windy when we first arrived (Friday) – Tropical Storm Ernesto was responsible for cancelled flights and we worried for a little while if some band members flying from Barbados and NYC would make it.  They did, and the weather cleared up nicely for the day of the show (Saturday). 

From the bus window en route to soundcheck

I was so excited about singing behind Maxi Priest!  (For those of you who don’t know, my first professional music experiences were when I joined a reggae band in Buffalo, NY.  We used to cover some Maxi Priest songs and I felt like I journeyed back to my musical roots when I heard those familiar rhythms and melodies.)  Although I was there as a singer with Ms. Roberta Flack’s band, she once recorded a very successful duet with Maxi Priest and they would be singing it in this show.  Maxi performed with his own band as well as for the duet with us.  I danced around on the side of the stage during his set – AND OH!  I forgot to tell you… I knew Maxi’s guitar player!  I sang in a band in Brooklyn when I first moved to New York and J.J. was a part of that band.  I hadn’t seen him in years and it was so nice to see him and reminisce.

Russell Graham, me, J.J. Sansaverino


Our set followed Maxi’s.  Ms. Roberta Flack is one classy lady.  I’m quite sure I would like to be her when I grow up.  It is an absolute privilege and honor to be a part of her band and performance.  She has a love and passion for music that shines through in everything she does and it just makes you smile.  She performed some of her classics as well as some from her new album of Beatles material that recently came out.  Her band consists of INCREDIBLE musicians who are also beautiful people and it's just a pleasure to be a part of her family of musicians – and staff and crew.

Click here to preview "Let It Be Roberta" - in iTunes

It was a late show – our set started after midnight and we didn’t end until sometime close to 2AM.  I got a picture with Maxi Priest! J.J. (guitar player) introduced me.  Maxi was so nice – and didn’t mind our taking pictures at all.

Me and Maxi Priest!

Russell Graham, Maxi Priest

After we got back to the hotel, I knew it was my only chance to get into the pool.  So despite the fact that I had to be in the lobby and ready to go back to the airport at 9:45AM, and it was already 3:30AM, I changed, went back downstairs, eased into the cooler, night water and swam up to the pool bar (then closed).  The sun was just coming up when I finally got all packed up and went to bed.  The last pictures I took were of the moon still high in the sky as the whole horizon was illuminated by the sun.

Can you believe this is the MOON!?

Easier to tell here...

After we arrived back in NYC and were saying our goodbyes, Ms. Flack told us to go on and write some songs now… vocalize, music music music… there’s no time to waste…

OK Ms. Flack.  Thank you.
Xoxo!

Monday, July 30, 2012

"Physical Perfection"


Just now, as I got out the computer to write this blog (which was going to be about my “vacation”) I picked up the book sitting here on the table as the machine was booting up.

The book is called “Everybody’s Life Preserver” and this copy is about one hundred and forty years old.  I bought it at a farmer’s flea market and auction we attended a few weeks ago.  I don’t know… it looked interesting and it was clearly old.  I opened and read a few sections and wanted to read more.  So, although the guy wanted twenty bucks for it (which really seemed like a lot compared to most other things at this flea market) I gave him the money and brought it home.

The first paragraph on the page I opened up to just now said this:

“We may say, with great truth, that the material glory, permanence, and power of any community consists in the physical vigor of the individual men and women who compose it; for physical perfection gives mental energy and mental health.”

I was inspired.  I thought of those Olympic swimmers we were watching last night.  (While watching, my sister, who currently has three jobs, turned to me and said that watching those tremendous athletes made her feel like the laziest person in the world.  “Me too,” was my response.)  I’ve been trying to eat healthy and get in better shape, but something always seems to prevent me from eating and exercising the way I should.

I ran into the kitchen, where Mom was, and read her this paragraph aloud after proclaiming, “Listen!  Listen!  This is why we have to get up and exercise tomorrow!”

As she slowly turned from the sink, our eyes met and she never had a chance to speak.  The laughter was instantaneous for both of us…  I had forgotten that she was making s'mores…


:) :) :)

Cheers!  Hope you all are enjoying your summer!
xoxo

Monday, July 2, 2012

A Few of My Favorite Things...


Ahhh… home.  Family reunion time… summer heat… barbeque and homemade sausage… good friends… water balloon launches… laughter… children playing… smiling faces… salad fresh from the garden… (I could go on for a good long while here).

Anyway, I had an absolutely FANTASTIC time at our lovely event this weekend at The Book Nook!  There was something so perfectly right about singing “Only Way Home” here at home – like comfort food.  Like a bowl of hot chili on a cold fall night – or a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day – or that blast of cool air that hits you when you open the fridge to get it (I’m going on again).  It was just great.  Family was there, neighbors, good people, and new friends.  It was a beautiful day with wonderful folks and a benefit for a great cause.

Richard Donovan, Andreanna Dolce, Mark Balzer, Mary Beth Dolce, A.J. Dolce, Frank Zaccari, Tanya Diona, Russell Graham

 Want to know my favorite part?

How could there possibly be a favorite moment in a sea of precious moments?  There were really a few “stand out” moments for me.  One was when my little, nine year old cousin was amazed that my youngest sister was younger than me!  She thought for sure that I must be the youngest one – a statement for which I proclaimed her to be “my favorite kid” - but there were a couple of others that were tops too.



One was when a very nice lady was telling me about how she loved the song “Spend My Life” and that she planned on playing it for her special guy and how it could be “their song.”  LOVED THAT! (You all know who you are) xoxo!

But how about when during the song “Only Way Home” a gentleman smiled and made a phone call, talked hurriedly then held the phone up for the other on the line to hear…  He told me afterwards that the song spoke to him, mainly because it was exactly suited for a friend of his, who had recently returned home.  He bought a copy for her and I signed it with a quote from the song… “Boldly forward is the way back home.” 






There is something simply amazing that happens when a song does its job.  When people hear it and relate, when the pieces all come together and clarity shines down.  This is what a song is supposed to do.  This is why we write and record.  This is why we sing and perform – to touch people.  I am reminded of the reason for EVERYTHING.

Music has (obviously) had a profound and deeply moving effect on my life.  For me, those feelings are all too familiar - when the music we hear inspires us, makes us cry, gets us in touch with our own feelings, helps us understand others, provides an emotional release, or just inspires great fun and laughter, or love.  It’s just perfect when these things happen.  It’s even more perfect when you can see those things in action - when you can actually see a song come to life in the hearts of others.

Thank you to all who came and supported the event.  Thanks for all who listen and allow the music to somehow move you.  It’s my favorite thing in the world…

God Bless,

T



Monday, June 25, 2012

Life Is Short...


Ninety-one years go by so fast…  Today, we celebrate the life of Grandma Bertha.  

Danielle, Grandma Bertha, Russell
In loving memory... we'll carry you with us everywhere.



EVERYWHERE

In my solitude 
I sometimes think of you 
Where I am lost, you’d know what to do 
When I can’t break free 
Gripped by uncertainty 
I go searching for some truth to comfort me 

Deep in the night 
When the answers come 
I can smile 
Feel the warmth of love rush through my soul 
And I know, I know 

**Chorus** 
I know that you’re here 
I feel you in the air 
You’re everywhere 
And when I close my eyes 
I can see so clear 
That you are always here 
You’re everywhere with me 

I’m filled with gratitude 
Though you never truly knew 
All you have done for me 
Now I thank you 
You have blessed me 
Incredibly 
Because of you, faith guides my destiny 

I pray that you never doubt 
What your life was all about 
You touched us so 
And I know 
I know 

**Chorus** 

You stand with your wings 
And all of these earthly things 
Slip away, into the deep (Off to sleep) 
The true you stays the same 
You remain 

**Chorus** 

With me 


I know 
You are here 
In the air 
Everywhere 
I close 
My eyes 
See so clear 
Always here 
Everywhere


from Nothing To Prove​.​.​. Something To Say, released 04 July 2010
Written by: Tanya Diona (BMI), Lawrence J. Diggs (ASCAP), and Russell Graham (ASCAP)


Russell, Grandma Bertha


Monday, June 18, 2012

Coming Out of the Blender...


Hi Everybody!  It’s so good to be back!  Whew – what a whirlwind I have been in…

Let’s see… we moved to L.A. with our two dogs, I became a vocal arranger for the number one show in America, worked as a vocal producer for the record company (one of the biggies) affiliated with the show, we lost both of our cars (one to a freak accident while it was parked overnight, one to a costly repair job that just wasn’t worth it), packed up our entire apartment in a day, said goodbye to all of the most wonderful people that we’ve worked and lived side by side with over the last four months who have become our family, shipped a pick-up truck full of boxes through FedEx, installed a trailer hitch on my new car and rented a trailer, hauled our butts back across the country in five days after twice having to stop for antibiotics because we both got sick, arrived back in New York in time for Russell’s rehearsal for the Apollo Theater’s Spring Benefit Gala, unpacked and returned the trailer, and went to the vet for the dog’s heartworm medication.

On the way to L.A.

Sadie and Bentley outside our apartment door in L.A.

Me and Russ at the studio

With Ray Chew of "Ray Chew Live"

With Napoleon and Tabitha of "Nappytabs"

With some of our favorite studio guys... Pete, Jose and Phil

Bye to our lovely little courtyard... and little doggie friends...

"Bye for now" to our GREAT neighbors... Robert and Dan

Sadie and Bentley trying to drive us home


Can I take a nap now?

:)

It was a strange sensation coming home.  After being gone so long, and working so hard in what felt like another life, home felt almost like a stranger.  I just stood and looked around the house, taking it all in for a few minutes thinking, “I remember this place.”  Maybe it’s time to move from here – our other place near Buffalo feels so much more like home for me.  Well, that’s another story.

Thank you for understanding my absence for a little while.  This sure is a crazy life.  There are times when I wish for a steady, predictable, safe and comfortable lifestyle where I can just rock on the front porch, drink lemonade and read a book.  Maybe I could go to the farm stand and buy some corn to cook up for dinner… Maybe I’ll hitch up the trailer and take that old snowblower in to Monte’s Small Engine Repair to get it all tuned up and purring like a kitten. 

In short, I can hardly wait to get “home” home again.  I’m watching “American Pickers” on the History Channel and dreaming of the “sometime soon” when I can get back to my Western New York, small town roots.


At "Panama Rocks" last year


Xoxo

Much Love,
T

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I'm Here! I'm Here!

Hi All!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am thinking of you.  I have become very busy working - which is a GREAT thing!!!  But I am plagued with guilt for having no blog last week.  Russell and I are in our element when we are working ourselves like mad though, and so here we are.

We are both very proud to be a part of Season 11 of "American Idol!"

I will try to make sure - no matter how busy I am - to at least drop you all a line here, to let you know things are good.  :)

Much Love and appreciation,

T

xoxo!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Backtracking to Carnegie


Backtracking to Carnegie…

I realized that I never put up these pics…

In February, Russell and I were fortunate enough to be a part of the band for Ray Chew’s “A Tribute to the Music of Motown” show at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Here are some pictures from the show – and rehearsal.  It was an absolute honor to be there and to sing background vocals for such incredible performers. 

Tanya and Ray Chew outside Carnegie Hall


Ray Chew, Tanya, Russell after the show

Russell, Alyson Williams, Tanya

Tanya, BeBe Winans

Stefano and Tanya at rehearsal

Eric Roberson, Tanya

Tanya with "Kindred the Family Soul"

Paul Shaffer, Tanya, Dennis Edwards of the Temptations

Tanya, Martha Reeves
Other performers included Dionne Warwick, Boyz II Men, Melba Moore, Ryan Shaw, and Kelli Sae.

Xoxo!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Today's Miracle...


“Today’s Miracle is tomorrow’s standard.”

Russ heard this from somebody this week and it seems to be true.

Did you ever work so hard at some seemingly impossible task that the end result seemed like a miracle?  Did anyone notice?  Then did they come to expect that kind of performance from you all the time?  Did you expect more of yourself?

Clearly, Russ can lift boulders...


I remember working very hard on songs that I can perform easily now.  I remember feeling Blessed that I had people around me who pushed me to strive for more. 

It’s not just in musical performance.  It applies in any kind of work performance.  What about if you make an absolutely delicious batch of cookies?  Don’t people know you can do it then – and expect that level of deliciousness the next time?  (I know we all anxiously await my mom’s batch of chocolate-mint brownies at Christmastime.)

Chocolate-mint brownies?  (Hint, hint)  Do we really have to wait for Christmas?


Anyway, the point is… well you get the point…

Note to Self: 
Set your standard for yourself high.  Once you get there – set it higher.  Keep going.  You know you can do it – and so does everyone else.



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Rattle Your Cage?


A friend of mine once conveyed this sentiment…

“Are you nervous?  Scared?  Do you feel short of breath?  Are you all anxious?  Are you sweating?  Heart racing?  Then congratulations my friend!  You are really living!”


Russ rides the "FireBall" at the County Fair



Russ rides the "FireBall"

The point was that sometimes we get all "too comfortable" with ourselves and just go through the motions of life when we could be pushing the envelope a bit and gaining a wealth of experiences.  A little stress (in moderation, of course) can be a GOOD thing!

Try something new!  Get out there and go for it!  Do something that might feel a little scary or uncomfortable at first – it may be totally invigorating!  You might make a new friend – or discover something you love!  - This was the point.

The Apollo - that was scary... but sure glad I did it!


Life is too short.  Our time here is so limited.  Sometimes we have to have our cage rattled to wake us up a bit and help us get into the spirit of living life to the fullest! 

These are the ideas that surround me this week as I work my butt off accomplishing new tasks and find myself thoroughly enjoying the challenges.  It feels like people all around me are echoing the idea – friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances alike. 

Hey, when it feels like the universe is trying to tell me something…  I like to try and listen.

Just wanted to share.  J

Xoxo!

While certainly scary, probably NOT the best idea to let the dog drive...
A+ for effort though Bentley!