MEDIA ALERT!
APRIL 12, 2010
CONTACT: ANTHONY R. PAGE
PHONE: 404-786-3277

( Atlanta , GA ). The Estate of Dr. Nina Simone has created a special visual and performing arts tribute titled The Nina Simone Experience. Billy D. Williams, Speech from the music group Arrested Development as well as the family of the legendary Godfather of Soul have all offered their support to honoring Nina Simone's life and legacy.

'The Experience' will take place from April 16th through April 25th at Space Atlanta / Thirteen TEN Events located in Atlanta 's historic West End community at 1310 White Street . The 10-day series includes a fine art exhibition, a spoken word cabaret, a fashion event inspired by Nina's style, as well as other activities exploring the cultural impact of one of the 20th century's greatest entertainers.

'The Experience' will commence with an opening gala Friday April 16th at 7pm following a media and art collectors' preview at 6pm. Throughout the evening there will be performances by Simone, Nina's daughter who's career is flying after a recent Simone on Simone album dedicated to her mom. She will be accompanied by Dekalb School of the Arts, a Grammy Award winning magnet arts school. The evening's additional musical tributes include local singers Erica James, Samantha Cardwell, Ozara Ode' and Twinspirit. There will also be an unveiling of a new Nina Simone statue by George Nock, a sculptor and former NY Jets professional football player.

Anthony R. Page, the Committee Chair and Project Manager, says 'Nina's impact is huge, so it was appropriate for us to let the community shape this event. Our partners, community leaders and many creative talents have transformed The Experience based on their love and appreciation for Nina. The final result will be well suited to Dr. Simone's legacy.'

Among those creative talents is Speech, from the Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development. He will offer a keynote address and acoustic performance on Thursday April 22nd during an evening titled, Music is My Weapon. He noted "Nina is a special and bright light in the arts." This program activity will support the efforts of the 'I Am Atlanta Campaign,' which is a philanthropic organization acting as a stimulus project for the benefit of economic growth, citywide patrons, enlightenment, community awareness and leadership activation.

Deanna Brown-Thomas, one of James Brown's daughters expressed their excitement about being involved in the series, 'We are pleased that Simone is celebrating her mother's legacy in this way, and we, (The James Brown Family Children's Foundation) are glad to support her quest to keep her mother's legacy alive.' Actor Billy Dee Williams is one of the participating featured artists and was delighted to have the opportunity to create a painting for the occasion.

Jonathan Green, noted by art critics and reviewers as one of the most important painters of the southern experience; and Paul Goodnight, whose works have been featured in films such as Ghost, The Preachers Wife, Speed II and Jackie Brown, are among forty-six Atlanta-based and national visual artists in the exhibition titled after Nina's song: I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl.  2010 Trumpet Award Winner: Synthia Saint James is among the national entries into this exhibition. Her paintings grace the covers of over 70 books, including works by Alice Walker, Iyanla Vanzant, and Terry McMillan.

Several of the visual artists will take part in a panel on Saturday April 17th. The artist roundtable will include: Moderator: E. Joyce Moore, Panelists: Michael McBride, J.L. Townsend, Jonathan Green, Charlotte Riley-Webb and Dray Wilmore.

Over the last few years, there have been dozens of tributes and remembrances celebrating the High Priestess of Soul. These activities have spawned a renewed Nina Simone chatter amongst fans and aficionados around the world. 'Every where I go, so many people have come up to me, telling me their Nina stories,' says Simone, Nina's only child. 'They loved her, but at the end of her life, I don't think mommy really felt that love, so I knew I had to do something.'

'Responding to the resurgent Nina Simone interest, we made great efforts to appeal to all of Nina's fans. We know that her life and legacy are many things to many people across the world,' Page remarked. This is clear in the other components to 'The Experience.' Dr. Rosetta Ross, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Spelman College, has coordinated a panel examining Nina Simone's legacy and black women's identities. The panel titled Being & Becoming, Black Womanhood in the Twenty-first Century includes candid dialogue with Simone; Deanna Brown-Thomas; former SNCC member Ruby Nell Sales and Spelman student Sarita Smith.

Anthony Joiner, known across Atlanta for his witty and thought provoking newsletter The A Spot, has planned a one of a kind Spoken Word cabaret on April 21st with contributions from Atlanta's most talented spoken word artists including: CNN Black in America's John Goode, Hank Stewart, Queen Sheba, Nfared, Spinxx, Nukola, Mista Funn, Salakida, Ahrielle and Miss Haze with musical guests: Chimere, Nikki Wade and Shamora.

Looking at Nina's sense of style on Friday April 23rd, Layla K, founder of Haute.Lanta Fashion Week, has put together a fashion event where designers developed works based on and inspired by The High Priestess' wardrobe at various periods during her music career. Among the designers are Beth Pilger, Marqo Kennedy, Layla K, and current Malaysia based designer: Thomas Hooker, who has created a special haute couture piece that includes rare Nina Simone photos. Summer Sheree Jeter of Smitten Designs has created a series of five original designs that will be on display as part of the exhibition.

Rounding out the list of activities is a reading of an original play by Ozara Ode' titled Nina Simone: In Her Own Words, which will take place on April 18th. There will be a closing event, that is youth focused, featuring performances by The Astronomical Kid (Astro) from NYC and Moore Arts Movement, a theater and music repertory company based in Atlanta .

Complete Listing of Activities & Ticket Information:

April 16th - - Nina Simone Experience Opening Gala
http://ninasimonegala.eventbrite.com

April 17th - - I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl: Artist Talk
http://ninasimoneartisttalk.eventbrite.com

April 18th - - Nina Simone: In Her Own Words (Reader's Theater) by Ozara Ode'
http://ninasimonereaderstheater.eventbrite.com

April 19th - - Being and Becoming: Black Womanhood 21st Century
Free Event

April 20th - - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: Interactive Panel
http://ninasimoneinteractivepanel.eventbrite.com

April 21st - - Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter: Spoken Word Cabaret
http://ninasimonespokenword.eventbrite.com

April 22nd - - Music is My Weapon: Special Speaker's Event
http://ninasimoneexperiencemusicismyweapon.eventbrite.com

April 23rd - - The Last Rose of Summer: Fashion Event
$10 at the door

April 24th - - Free tours for community youth groups
Free Event

April 25th - - Closing Sponsors Event: To Be Young, Gifted & Black
Free Event

More about the Exhibition:
Atlanta artists will be well represented in the fine arts exhibition: I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl, which will include works created by Pollock Krasner Foundation award winner Charlotte Riley-Webb and artistic genius Louis Delsarte, who just completed the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mural: Dreams, Visions and Change, which was dedicated on Sunday, January 17, 2010 by Mayor Kasim Reed and the city of Atlanta at the Martin Luther King Natatorium.

Other national artists include Jeremy Sutton, San Francisco, California; Brian Joiner, Cincinnati, Ohio; Anita Rosenberg, Los Angeles, California;  Michael McBride, Nashville, Tennessee, Gail Fulton Ross, Sarasota, Florida and many more.  'The collection of work is exciting,' said curator E. Joyce Moore.  'The art, the genres and the artists are diverse and their creativity with the subject of Nina is incredible, even mesmerizing.  Patrons of the arts will find this exhibition to be a truly rewarding experience.'

For more detailed information about the overall series www.ninasimone.com

Thanks for being a part of the Nina Simone Experience

SIMONE’S HOLIDAY THOUGHTS

Greetings and Salutations!!

The Christmas season is upon us and 2010 is closing in.  My intention was to write something “profound” over Thanksgiving but I never got around to it; choosing to take an adventure instead which resulted in the dolphin pictures you no doubt have seen.

I do hope this blog finds you well for I AM.

I will begin with my next CD that is slated to be released late 2010 – at least that’s what my label has said thus far; I do hope so!!The task of going into the studio and working on new material has proven to be more of a challenge than I anticipated.  Theory is often different than reality for, on paper, there are no X-factors. Reality is fraught with them, and we are challenged to rise to each situation as our determination is tested again and again.

After spending almost 30 days in the studio recording, just prior to leaving for the Sing The Truth tour, I was riding high.  I just knew the material was going to be asfly as I heard it in my mind.  The Soul Planet producers flew back to Holland and we all eagerly waited as the studio files were shipped to them.  That was mid June.  The files were held up at customs until mid August.  By that time, I was chewing my nails.  Once the files were retrieved and themusic reworked into a rough format, another 2 months had passed.  The momentum was lost and I felt as if all the creative wind had been lost with it.  So, I decided to take a creative break and concentrate on getting my daughter into a good school.  And, that’s what I’ve been doing since the beginning of October.  I continued to write, pray and wait.

On November 19th I received a phone call from one of my managers. In short, he’d just gotten off the phone with someone I’d done a demo with about 3 years ago.  This person had called to inquire about my new project because he was hoping to introduce me to a producer he thought would work well with me.  As God would have it, both the producer and I are in the same place.  Serendipitous.  I met with the producer and listened to his ideas on a concept and was smitten!!  We begin recording in January 2010 and I am over the moon!  All those who I love and work with are just as excited and I think you will be quite surprised and pleased when you hear it.

I have attributed this new scenario to the fact that I didn’t “push”.  I chose to lay back in the cut (not without trepidation!!)and be patient, even though I had no idea “what” I was waiting for.  I also make note that this has come about from a seed planted 3 years ago when I did that demo.  It is a reminder that things are at work that we are not even aware of, so caught up are we in our day to daydynamics.  My faith in the ripple effect has been further stoked by this new project.  And, my heart SINGS once more.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Simone

(Enjoy this photo of my Ghana family fan club: Taken Jan 3, 2010.  L to R: My daughter-in -law, neice, sister-in-law, daughter and son.  They surprised me by pulling up in their Simone T-shirts as we headed to the pool for a Sunday.) afternoon swim.

Greetings from Orlando, FL. I arrived late last night and am now quite happy to now be reunited with my daughter; we survived the 10 days!!! And, within those 10 days I have performed with my “Bangin Band” in Park City, Utah, Minneapolis, MN and Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA.

Let me begin by saying Park City, Utah took my breath away! I was not anticipating going there only to be pleasantly surprised by everything surrounding the experience. We stayed one of the lodges in the area – it must’ve been an 8 star hotel because the pancakes were $12.00 !!! They were great, but damn! Next time I will bring a box of my own pancake mix and be just as satisfied. My room was heavenly, complete with 2 fireplaces, a full kitchen and a Jacuzzi….and I was all alone. I made use of the Jacuzzi and the fireplace and enjoyed a meal on one of the terraced restaurants overlooking the lift that was actively taking mountain bikers to the top of a mountain allowing them to enjoy a downhill ride. At 7,000 feet I think the act of going downhill was a lot easier.

Speaking of elevations, our hotel was at 7,000 ft while the venue was at 8,000+. After 4 weeks of sharing the stage and not having to be the whole show, I was already a bit nervous. Add the elevation and the fact my new band and I had only performed once together back in May and one can understand why.

Ryan Shaw (pictured here) shared the bill and opened first. I got a chance to watch him at work for a brief few minutes before I went on. I also wanted to show him my support, not that he needed it! Last time we were in the same place was when we did our showcase at Joe’s Pub in Jan 2008. We took a picture together – looks like we planned our attire all the way down to the locs.

When I went on we began with BLACK IS THE COLOR which has now become quite a piece fusing even more of “me” in it than before; you’ll see when I come to your town and I was off to the races. At times, I was reminded by my lack of breath that I needed to pace myself so I would alter my delivery of a line I might normally hold or else …….NO AIR, NO AIR. The show was a challenge I rose to, reveled in and was quite happy with especially when the entire audience stood up, stayed up and danced during my encore: STOP BY MONIES. I still smile at the thought. My band and I were back in the saddle and riding hard.

On our return to PA for one day before leaving for Minneapolis, our United flight was delayed because of mechanical problems which meant we would miss our connecting (and the last flight) flight out of Chicago. Once I took some deep breaths and reminded myself getting upset wouldn’t solve anything, I called our travel agent. Miss Nancy, the mother of the agent I normally deal with, came to our rescue immediately putting us on a Delta flight leaving 4 hrs later headed for Philly. Unfortunately, we would arrive close to midnight but at least we’d be in the state of PA. To make a long story short, it took us 13 hours, a lot of nail biting and teamwork to get to our respective homes, but we made it safely.

Minneapolis was a private party and we got in the day before so we had time to walk around the area. My band members are all accomplished, positive, amazing musicians and we share a lot of laughs offstage. This evening was no different. As we walked around looking for somewhere to eat, we wound up at the Dakota Jazz Grill. We met the owner, Lowell, who shared he’s been trying to book me for over a year now; COOL!! I wound up sitting in on SUMMERTIME with the band that was playing, cuz I couldn’t help myself when the first chords rang in the air, had drinks and a great meal with promises to return sometime soon.

Our Musikfest Candlelight Series performance capped off the entire weekend and was fraught with every challenge one could imagine in one day. We departed our MN hotel at 5am for a 7am flight into Philly. Upon our arrival we went in separate directions only to meet up again for sound check. I realized upon arriving at our hotel that there was no need for me to even check in considering I had just enough time to eat before my radio interview and soundcheck, so I didn’t. Soundcheck found some of my band members without their music because they thought we would have time to return to the hotel before the show; WRONG. And, Foy Hall’s hall (haha) was an acoustical nightmare!! BUT, alas, we pulled it off complete with some good footage filmed by Service Electric. We received an amazing review, so it all worked out putting a nice flourish on a an otherwise challenging week. What was that commercial that said “Never let ‘em see you sweat”? Indeed.

I am now in Beijng, China and this experience will be chronicled in forth coming blogs…..

Hope all of you are well! Remember to stay that way!

Simone

Greetings from Orlando, FL.  I arrived late last night and am now quite happy to now be reunited with my daughter; we survived the 10 days!!!  And, within those 10 days I have performed with my “Bangin Band” in Park City, Utah, Minneapolis, MN and Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA.  

Let me begin by saying Park City, Utah took my breath away!  I was not anticipating going there only to be pleasantly surprised by everything surrounding the experience.  We stayed one of the lodges in the area – it must’ve been an 8 star hotel because the pancakes were $12.00 !!!  They were great, but damn!  Next time I will bring a box of my own pancake mix and be just as satisfied.  My room was heavenly, complete with 2 fireplaces, a full kitchen and a Jacuzzi….and I was all alone.  I made use of the Jacuzzi and the fireplace and enjoyed a meal on one of the terraced restaurants overlooking the lift that was actively taking mountain bikers to the top of a mountain allowing them to enjoy a downhill ride.  At 7,000 feet I think the act of going downhill was a lot easier.  

Speaking of elevations, our hotel was at 7,000 ft while the venue was at 8,000+.  After 4 weeks of sharing the stage and not having to be the whole show, I was already a bit nervous.  Add the elevation and the fact my new band and I had only performed once together back in May and one can understand why.

Ryan Shaw (pictured here) shared the bill and opened first.  I got a chance to watch him at work for a brief few minutes before I went on.  I also wanted to show him my support, not that he needed it!  Last time we were in the same place was when we did our showcase at Joe’s Pub in Jan 2008.  We took a picture together – looks like we planned our attire all the way down to the locs.

When I went on we began with BLACK IS THE COLOR which has now become quite a piece fusing even more of “me” in it than before; you’ll see when I come to your town  and I was off to the races.  At times, I was reminded by my lack of breath that I needed to pace myself so I would alter my delivery of a line I might normally hold or else …….NO AIR, NO AIR.  The show was a challenge I rose to, reveled in and was quite happy with especially when the entire audience stood up, stayed up and danced during my encore:  STOP BY MONIES.  I still smile at the thought.  My band and I were back in the saddle and riding hard.

On our return to PA for one day before leaving for Minneapolis, our United flight was delayed because of mechanical problems which meant we would miss our connecting (and the last flight) flight out of Chicago.  Once I took some deep breaths and reminded myself getting upset wouldn’t solve anything, I called our travel agent.  Miss Nancy, the mother of the agent I normally deal with, came to our rescue immediately putting us on a Delta flight leaving 4 hrs later headed for Philly. Unfortunately, we would arrive close to midnight but at least we’d be in the state of PA. To make a long story short, it took us 13 hours, a lot of nail biting and teamwork to get to our respective homes, but we made it safely.

Minneapolis was a private party and we got in the day before so we had time to walk around the area.  My band members are all accomplished, positive, amazing musicians and we share a lot of laughs offstage.  This evening was no different.  As we walked around looking for somewhere to eat, we wound up at the Dakota Jazz Grill.  We met the owner, Lowell, who shared he’s been trying to book me for over a year now; COOL!!  I wound up sitting in on SUMMERTIME with the band that was playing, cuz I couldn’t help myself when the first chords rang in the air, had drinks and a great meal with promises to return sometime soon.

Our Musikfest Candlelight Series performance capped off the entire weekend and was fraught with every challenge one could imagine in one day.  We departed our MN hotel at 5am for a 7am flight into Philly.  Upon our arrival we went in separate directions only to meet up again for sound check.  I realized upon arriving at our hotel that there was no need for me to even check in considering I had just enough time to eat before my radio interview and soundcheck, so I didn’t.  Soundcheck found some of my band members without their music because they thought we would have time to return to the hotel before the show; WRONG.  And, Foy Hall’s hall (haha) was an acoustical nightmare!!  BUT, alas, we pulled it off complete with some good footage filmed by Service Electric.  We received an amazing review, so it all worked out putting a nice flourish on a an otherwise challenging week.  What was that commercial that said “Never let ‘em see you sweat”?  Indeed.

I am now in Beijng, China and this experience will be chronicled in forth coming blogs…..

Hope all of you are well!  Remember to stay that way!

Simone 

Greetings all, 

How have you been since my last blog? I write you from a plane headed from Atlanta to my next gig in Utah. I still have to make a concerted effort to remember what day this is….Saturday, 1 August, 2009.  

I’ve been journalizing less due to keeping you abreast of my peripatetic life and in so doing have created my own “simone’s Blogs” folder which will now become my new journal. That’s a huge change as I’ve been journalizing since 1992.  The digital age has now crossed over into a very personal area and I’m really cool with that.  Mind you, I can’t share every nuance of my life, but I can include you as I traverse a path long desired with regards to my career and the ripple effects it has in various areas of my life.

Having said that, I will begin with today’s clash of two important areas: motherhood and career. In order to make this flight I said “see you soon” to my daughter amidst tears (which still threaten) on both sides and a promise to reunite in 10 days.  As I was driven away I held up 10 fingers as a reminder to countdown each day.  She stood there with two people who have been mainstays throughout my life and I’ve chosen to call my “earth angels”; Al schackman, my mother’s longtime friend and MD and my cousin, Joyce stroud. I was flooded with images of myself at her age with so many emotions and memories to juggle while I did my best to maintain my game face lest we lose it altogether.  Saying goodbye has never been and will never get any easier when it comes to my family.  Two days ago, reanna and I said “see you soon” to her father and I fought the tears that threatened as I watched him leave, as well.  Such is the life of a performer who is also a wife and mother.  When I prayed to become a superstar I didn’t take any of this into consideration such was my desire.  Now that I’m on the road to fame, the last thing I will do is complain but I can acknowledge an aspect of this life that never gets any easier.  Remember, I was once the daughter (as the “child in me” so aptly describes), now, I’m the mother and I’ve written and recorded a song which is slated for the new cd (HOORAY!!) called “The hardest part” which deals with this very subject.

Last night lizz wright, Dianne reeves and I, together with my mother’s band once again paid tribute to NINA.  We were joined by two new positive, energetic talented ladies: joi and geri allen as Angelique kidjo and Jeremy berlin could not be with us.  The audience at the woodruff center in downtown atlanta welcomed us from the first word spoken and the first note sung.  I say the first word spoken because much to our surprise 3 distinguished ladies spoke about the event and my mother prior to the actual show, as we know it, beginning.  I’m not good with names and I meet so many people at the same time amidst so much – look I’m still trying remember what day it is – that I don’t remember their names.  These ladies are well known and much respected in the industry, so check out the websites connected with the “ATLANTA BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL” and I’m sure you’ll see pictures and captions.  I’ll look as well because I need to brush up in this area as well.  

Anyway, the evening was a whirlwind of activity, song and celebration.  My daughter got a chance to see the show for the first time and I’ve a picture Dianne reeves took of her watching me from the wings which evoked another flood of memories when I saw it….geez!!  speaking of reanna, she was a hit last night with everyone she came in contact with for she is a happy child and her joy is contagious.  For those of you who know of her ability to “see” and “hear” from her appearance on Psychic kids, larry king and tyra banks, may I share what she shared with me during last night’s show.  And for those of you who don’t believe in “that kind of stuff” skip to the next paragraph…..  ReAnna whispered in my ear that my mother was onstage with us last night dressed in a black gown with gold sandals and a golden headwrap that stood high like joi’s hair was done.  Actually, when joi was singing her first song, Dianne and a couple of other adults commented there was a brief shadow behind her that has become a familiar symbol of Nina – the profile with the high headdress.  It didn’t appear again, but ReAnna shared Mommy was present for the rest of the night at times playing piano beside geri and at one point laying down in front of the monitors as Lizz sang “images” and sitting in front of paul robinson and leopoldo fleming as they kept time.  I can’t “see”, so it was a real treat to hear my daughter share this with me.  I “feel” and am aware of Mommy always but I sure do wish I could “see” her!!!  I use to pray to see her until I realized if that happens I’ll be able to see things I don’t want to as well, so I stopped praying for that.

We received a standing ovation and the hubbub backstage was crazy!!  I met people who knew my grandmother, saw my favorite nanny, coquita (and told her she made the best cream of wheat of them all), hugged one of my godmothers and earth angels, Hannah Ferguson, who attended allen high school for girls alongside Mommy when she was Eunice, passed out flyers for the upcoming NSF fundraiser (which I’ll share more about in another blog) and kept track of my child throughout as we took pictures, reminisced, made introductions and swapped contact information……whew!!!  By the time ReAnna and I got back to the hotel room we had just enough energy to change, brush our teeth and eat a little something we’d been saving for that very moment. 

You’ve traveled the world with me as I paid tribute to my mother alongside some pretty amazing people.  From the Divas, to my mother’s band, as well as the behind the scenes - but equally important - production crew and the promoter!!  Together we laughed, cried, complained, got on each other’s nerves, broke bread, sang, danced, cheered each other on and supported each other throughout to ensure we always brought our best game to the stage.  No matter the circumstances, we did not let it affect our show nor did we forget for one second who we were there to celebrate.  If I had to do it all again, I would!  

I have not forgotten about the photos, so stay on the lookout.  Some future blogs will simply be pictures from the tour which will tell their own story.  I hope you enjoyed the trip as I experienced it and I look forward to continuing our journey together.

STAY WELL -

Simone

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Greetings from Athens, Greece - Home of the Parthenon, the Acropolis and so many wonderful historical sites.....

We arrived today around noon and the weather was warm and inviting................ that's as far as I got this morning at 2 am (up again).  I decided to take a little sleeping aid given to me - over the counter, thank you!!- and wound up sleeping 11  hours!!!!!  Thank GOD, I needed it.  I got up at 2:30 this afternoon fully rested and ready for a meal and some shopping!!!!!

It's now close to midnight here on July 6th and I am in the dressing room after our 3rd show which took place outside on the mountain under  a FULL moon and clear skies!!  Mommy played this same stage, you know!!  I wanted to share the experience of this evening with you while we wait for the mountain to clear.  You see, there's only one road that leads to this place and most people walk, so we're waiting....and I'm writing you.

Tuesday, July 7

Sitting in the Athens airport awaiting our flight to France....I've been making attempts, as you've read and am determined to finish this!!

So, without further adieu.......Upon arriving I managed to visit the Parthenon with Danny, our promoter and Derek, the production manager, and it was EVERYTHING I'd hoped!!!!  If you've never been to Greece put in on your travel wish list.

Prior to taking in the sites I had an interview with a TV station.  Much to my surprise there was a HUGE picture of Mommy and I (ya'll  have seen the shot a thousand times) with the "sleepy-time rhymes"  book, flanked by smaller shots - of Mom back in the day and of me now  - on the cover of the paper.  I was asked questions about my experiences as her daughter and how it felt to be in Greece doing the tribute.  Interesting how one can be asked the same questions in a different country.  Folk seem to find it especially interesting that I’ve embraced my Legacy.  I, personally feel that in order to get to know and accept yourself you have to get to know and accept where you come from.  Not a whole lot of contemplation went into it when I initially made the decision; it was just a natural progression....guess that's how many life altering things happen - at least in my life :-)    I digress...

We must've spent least 2 hours on Parthenon Mountain (that's my name for it) and it was time well spent.  Took loads of pictures and marveled at the architecture as well as the fact we were walking amongst ruins that have stood for thousands of years - if those walls could talk!!!  When we initially left the hotel we were hungry.  We forgot all about our hunger for awhile when we were "marveling" only to be assaulted by it again the moment we came down. We ran into Lizz at the bottom of the hill and all 4 of us began our quest for something to eat.  THAT was another adventure.  By this time my legs  were hurting because I hadn't followed my instincts and worn flip flops instead of sneakers combined with the fact my muscles were aching from the show the night before - being cute in extra hi heels has it's price!!!  At one point we passed through what's coined “Ammonia Square" as we searched for a restaurant and were surrounded on all sides by people who were HIGH as HELL on God knows what.  We felt like aliens in a strange land - GEEZ!!!! - and the heat of their stares.  After making it through the gauntlet we finally took a taxi to a well known area with lots or restaurants and enjoyed a nice dinner.  I even had a glass of wine (took a preventative Claritin) to toast a fine day off that was well spent.  The Parthenon did not disappoint and exceeded my hopes.

The show was one of the few outdoor ones on the schedule and a venue where my mother has played.  I can't figure out how to spell it, so I leave it up to you to look at my schedule - okay, I'll try - the Lybetticus Theatre - Impressive!!!  The morning of the show the promoter was nervous because the forecast was saying rain.  I've run into that at 2 of my 4 NY gigs and couldn't allow myself to worry.  By the time the evening came around and the afternoon showers had passed, there were inklings of thunder here and there under a partly cloudy sky. As far as I was concerned, the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus were assembling for the evening's festivities.  This place is an old amphitheatre surrounded on 3 sides by rock walls and you're at the top of a mountain.

Each night we take a before show picture and we continually marvel at how our outfits are always coordinated.  This evening was no exception.  As we paid tribute to the High Priestess of Soul the full moon was at our 12 o'clock the entire time, and the skies were clear.  

The performance was another success with 3 encores, the last one being Al and myself doing SUZANNE; it was natural, fun and so appropriate considering he's known me ALL my life, was friends and Mom's MD for  about  50 years and was actually one of the angels in my life growing  up.

That's all for now - the schedule has now entered the GAUNTLET: 5 shows in 5 days in 5 different countries (OMG)!!  Sound glamorous?????????????????????????

Please send us positive energy, prayers for good rest and that we can all be in good voice.

Hoping all of you are well.

Until the next blog –

Simone

Greetings World!!  Hope this finds everyone well.  I sit at my computer having been awakened by my neighbor’s TV blasting at 7:30 am…..some people don’t seem to be able to hear very well, it seems.  They were nice enough to turn it down when I knocked on their door and now I’m writing you – 2 months late! 

Where has the time gone? And, what have I been doing?

Let’s see……I opened up the Jacksonville Jazz Festival with my the new band lineup on May 22nd.  These 4 gentlemen are fantastic musicians and great human beings. I will have their bios posted on my website soon enough so all of you can get to know them. Jacksonville was our first gigand we came out swinging.  It feels so good to share the stage with fellow musicians who can play anything.  Par example, BLACK IS THE COLOR now begins a la “Come Together” by the Beatles and shapeshifts at least 3 more times before it ends. And DYSFUNCTION, is now the get down funky acid jazz song it was always intended to be. 

I want to take a moment to thank all the other musicians I’ve had the pleasure of working withthis past year and change.  You are master musicians and I am thankful to each and every one of you for playing an important part in helping me to get where I am today.

We opened up for one of my idols, Stanley Clark – meeting him was a treat. I listened to his music a lot when I was active duty. His trio was outstanding, doing some real innovative stuff and never sacrificing the groove.

The skies were grey the entire time we were in Jacksonville; apparently, hurricane season decided to attend the festival as well.  Luckily for me I didn’t get rained out despite moments of showers during our set. 

My daughter turned 10 years old on Memorial Day,which found us here in Miami enjoying some sun in between storm clouds. My eldest son was visiting from Ghana so it was quite the family day.  Seems like yesterday my little one was a little girl……they grow so fast.  I dread the teen years that are not too far off and pray fervently our relationship will not be tested too much.

THEN!!! June 1st, my producers arrived from Amsterdam accompanied by another amazing artist they’ve been working with: BROWNHILL – ya’ll just wait, his stuff will be out soon and I’m sure you will agree he’s got something special.   My production team’s company is known as SOULPLANET and they are Michael Wouters and Roni Morgan.  Their musical ingenuity ranges from Classical to Funk and everything in between.  They actually produced BLACK IS THE COLOR on SoS and that’s Michael playing the piano, recreating my mother’s approach.  When they walk into a room I joke that Bach and Sly Stone have arrived.  

We spent 10 days at Soundmine Recording Studio in the Pocono Mountains and got quite a lot accomplished. The gentleman who signed me to E1 entertainment formerly known as Koch joined us early on to listen to the direction of the new music.  He stayed awhile, listened to everything we played and commented on the elements he felt we should use or not; it was a good meeting and ended with me receiving the hi-sign to proceed.  That was a good feeling. The musicians began filing in and the studio was buzzing with activity and laughter as we created the music you will hear on my new project due out sometime mid 2010.  

Funny, when I compare the time and effort that went into recording SoS and this CD they are two distinctly different animals.  SoStook 5 days.  It is also a cover album complete with songs that have been tried and enjoyed for years.  This one is a project in progress and already almost 4 weeks have been spent toward its completion with at least 4 more anticipated to comfortably get it done.  It’s one thing to work towards your dreams and quite another to live them I am finding out, having never recorded a project of original material.  I’ve done demos, and have many cassettes of those demos but THIS is the real deal and I continue to learn as I go – with a huge grin on my face!!!

My daughter has been present for all of the sessions, lending her beautiful voice to the backgrounds along with Brownhill, and giving her opinions when she’s not watching TV or on the computer.  She was 9 when we began recording in February, the same age as me when I made my studio debut doing polyrythms on Mom’s album EMERGENCY WARD. It’s amazing, for lack of a better word, to see so many parallels in my life that remind me so much of my mother.  Sometimes it’s scary, too! 

We finished recording after 10 days, on June 13th and everyone went their separate ways.  I flew down here to recharge and get some much deserved alone time, my son flew back to Ghana, the musicians went home and SOULPANET went into NYC for meetings and to enjoy what only NYC can offer before returning to Amsterdam.  Was it all a dream?  Nope!! Cuz when I listen to my new music, in its unmixed form, I enjoy it immensely and cannot wait for the world to enjoy it too!

I am now back in Miami with my favorite girl and the day after we arrived, which would be Saturday, June 14th, we were on the beach by 10:30am…yessiree!!  I am not half stepping.  We spent all day on the beach enjoying the sun and the surf; thank God for sunblock! A great way to begin our mother/daughter time prior to my departure for the SING THE TRUTH tour which will be well underway soon enough.  

Well, that’s all for now.  I have tried to keep up with TWEETing but I forget a lot, so pls continue to bear with me.  I want you to know that I went to France in April, arriving on the 6thanniversary of my mother’s death.  My husband accompanied me, God bless him, and the experience was many things……I will share that on my next blog because that time deserves to stand on it’s own.  Suffice to say, the Black Hole I was so afraid to enter is no more and I am really happy I had the courage to go.

IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT NEW BEGINNINGS, WE HAVE TO BRING ABOUT ENDINGS.  IN ORDER TO RENEW OURSELVES WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE THINGS THAT COMPROMISE OUR WHOLENESS – Susan Taylor, ‘In The Spirit’

Stay well,

Simone

By: Robert Sokol
Special to The Examiner
05/04/09 10:20 PM

Carrying on: Simone puts her own touches on her mother’s classic tunes.

Derived from the Hebrew Simeon, meaning one who hears, the name Simone evokes a softly European aura. 

While she might gladly accept the appellation of chanteuse, Simone is all-American and an accomplished stage actress and vocalist. She is also the daughter of noted singer Nina Simone, whose musical legacy now rests in her daughter’s care.

Though following in her mother’s professional footsteps, Simone has definitely carved her own path. She was last seen in the Bay Area during the national tour of Elton John’s “Aida,” one of many theatrical roles she has undertaken.

“My daughter RéAnna was 2 then. She’s going to be 10 next month!” she says, adding. “Everything is gauged by my daughter’s age now!”

Simone found theater to be an unexpected training ground. “It was not part of my [career] plan, but it has made it possible to do what I am doing now.”

When Simone was still called Lisa Stroud, she studied civil engineering and by the time she decommissioned as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force she had set her career sights on international law. While living in Germany, her first experience publicly singing a song closely associated with her famous mother led her to embrace performing as a new calling.

Warm and elegantly plain-spoken, Simone is pragmatic regarding the preconceptions held about second-generation entertainers. “I’ve read comments people have made about why I have my mother’s name. All I can say is that I chose it to honor her.”

Nina Simone died in 2003. Last year saw the release of “Simone on Simone,” in which daughter paid tribute to Mommy, as Simone calls her, putting a personal touch on classic Nina tracks.

Simone does not feel the burden of legacy that sometime afflicts the children of the famous. “I have a very strong sense of self and of my relationship with my mother. I’m also confident in my abilities, in my talent, and have goals for myself. If this didn’t bring me joy, I wouldn’t be doing it.”

She had actually planned to pay public tribute to her mother while she was still alive, something the elder Simone demurred at the time. “We need to let our great talents, our great leaders know how much they are loved and appreciated while they are still with us,” she says. “I know Mommy’s grinning now. I think she’s very proud that her music and her message are being carried on.”

IF YOU GO

Simone: Tribute of Love

Where: Lincoln Theatre, 100 California Drive, Yountville

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: $35 to $60