Dear Friends,
.....Can you believe that it's Holiday time again? I know I can't. The years just seem to go by faster and faster. With each passing year, more value is placed upon the really important things in life. In light of that, we'd like to wish a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season to you all, and to all of your loved ones!
.....I'd like to start off by thanking all of you who have consistently supported us by coming out to join us throughout the year. The harsh economy is slowly making live music on Long Island more and more difficult to find. The fact that you continue to come out and enjoy the music we create is more important and appreciated more now than ever.
.....2004 turned out to be a fabulous year full of wonderful music brought to us by old friends and new. I'd like to take just a moment to thank all of the amazing musicians I've been fortunate enough to share a stage with this year. As always, Jim Ahrend has been my most valued partner in crime. Despite his heavy schedule recording, touring, writing and doing TV spots with guitar virtuoso Esteban, as well as writing and performing presentations promoting Peace and Justice in our world, Jim has provided flawless musicianship as well as friendship.
.....Another very important individual that requires special mention is Kenny Mackenzie. I am constantly floored by Kenny's talent and the unwavering ear he has for all of the music he creates. I am indeed lucky to be able to call him a friend as well as accompanist.
.....I would be remiss if I did not mention and thank all of the other unbelievable musicians I have had the honor to work with this year. On bass, the one and only, John "X-RAY" Ray has graced us with his wonderful playing whenever we have been able to add a third piece to our duo. Also, having had the opportunity to perform with world-class saxophonists Jerry Weldon, Bill Easley and Jeff Lange and drummer Bob Leto has left me with musical memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you to all of you, and may we have many more opportunities to make music in the near future!
.....I would like to also mention all of the wonderful venues we've been honored to have performed at during this year. If memory serves correctly, (which can be iffy sometimes since that aneurysm!), we'll be coming up on our 5th anniversary of Saturday's at Collins and Main this February. What a wonderful experience it continues to be. Vincent, Jerry, and the staff at Collins and Main in Sayville continue to provide some of the most wonderful food and ambience to be found anywhere, not just on Long Island. And if that isn't enough, we will also be celebrating our 2nd anniversary of Thursday evenings at Meritage in Bellport. Meritage is also well-known for both its exquisite cuisine and warm cozy atmosphere. Keith, Rich, and their staff are always warm, friendly and the epitome of class. We are thankful to both of these establishments for always striving to keep live music on the forefront; against all obstacles, as well as for the friendship they have shown us over the years.
.....We'd
also like to thank the people from some of the other venues and organizations
we have been privileged to perform at and for this year. The South
Country Public Library, the Patchogue Chamber
of Commerce for including us in Live at Five,
Trio of Patchogue, the Sayville Chamber of Commerce
for featuring
us at their Arts and Jazz Festival & the lighting of the Sayville Christmas Tree, and the Bellport Chamber of Commerce for having us be part of their Summer Bandshell series. We would also like to thank all of you who hired us for your weddings and special functions. All of these events have been special to us, and we thank you all for having us. We hope that we can continue to contribute to the success of the organizations that provide them.
.....A special thanks also goes out to our webmaster Monica Stoller for her endless contributions and work on designing and maintaining our web site. She is a master at her craft.
.....Now on to 2005! I can't believe I'm even saying that! The most exciting thing I have to report so far is the addition of another steady gig at yet another of Suffolk County's most beautiful venues. Beginning on January 7th, Kenny Mackenzie and I will be performing on alternate Friday's, from 7pm-11pm at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale. The Snapper Inn, which is located right on the water, is a wonderful establishment which boasts some of the best seafood (and other cuisine as well), this side of Long Island. Every Friday The Snapper Inn proudly presents wine-tasting and hors devours for a very reasonable price while we play in a lovely cozy room with a fireplace! We are looking forward to many great nights at The Snapper Inn, and hope you can all join us!
.....Hmmmm
what else is in the works for 2005? For starters, I am currently working on
my debut cabaret show with Lina Koutrakos, 2004's winner of the Best Cabaret
Director MAC award. If all goes well, we should be up and running with a Cabaret
show in NYC within the next 6 to 8 months. We'll be sure to keep you posted!
We have also been asked to consider doing some appearances on the beautiful
island of St. Croix. As some of you know I was also in Greece this fall. During
our stay on the Island of Samos, we met some club owners who suggested that
I return for some engagements during the high season there as well. We are
also planning to do more library and outdoor performances this year. This
is always a thrill because it gives me the opportunity to perform with a full
band of incredible musicians. We are currently trying to work out the particulars
on all of the above, so stay tuned!
.....As
always, my debut CD, Second Chances, is continuing to do well. Please remember
that Second Chances makes a great gift and can be purchased at: Tower Records,
Mother's Music Store in Patchogue, Listen Here in Port Jefferson, The Piano
Outlet in Patchogue, www.Amazon.com, www.CDbaby.com, and through my web site,
www.allisonparis.com. Jim and I are constantly discussing songs for our next
project. We are always open to suggestions and would love to hear your input!
.....For
complete information about scheduling, venues, directions and times, how to
order CD's, and any other questions you may have, visit: www.AllisonParis.com.
Remember to sign our guestbook. We love hearing from you!!!
.....I
guess that's it for this year! Once again, may this New Year bring all of
you Happiness, Peace, Health, and Great Music!
Love and peace
The End!!
