It's a Blowout!

I'm really looking forward/nervous about tomorrow night. I'm joining the panel at Showbiz Talk (Stagebuddy.com's weekly discussion with Dave Lefkowitz) and co-hosting the Open Mic. We''re trying to bring some Singers Forum people out to check out the event. Apparently, they have great panelists and a random attendee is selected to audition for the panel. Not that anyone needs to audition for me, but the panel also includes casting director Kimberly Graham and Filmmaker/Director Lev Gorn, so that's a great opportunity. Then there's the Open Mic, which is also a contest. Plus, there is a chance to network at the start of the evening. And it's all only $5, which includes a free beverage.

Honestly, I have been wanting to go myself fo a while, but my schedule has been too busy. I was psyched to get the invitation, but yes, I am nervous! I love talking about Singers Forum, I just hope people love to hear about it as much!

Check out www.stagebuddy.com/live for more info and for videos of the past events. Yes, they videotape (digitally record?) the Showbiz Talk and the Open Mic! It's such a great idea for an event. If you come by, say hi to me!

Taking Care of Your Voice When You're Sick

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, and I have a few auditions and performances coming up, so I thought I would do a bot of research on best methods for voice care when you're sick.

I already know to take in plenty of fluids. I drink plain old water and coconut water to stay hydrated (Hint: Some places really overprice coconut water. You can get it for $1.75 for a single serving at most stores. Don't pay $3 like I did one night!). The internet helped me out with some tips I already knew as well as some new info!

eHow lists some instructions, including hydration, vocal rest, and warming up slowly. I don't agree about sucking on candies, though; I'd rather have a Throat Coat herbal pastille than a sugary candy!

Associated Content has 4 Tips: No antihistamines (check! I hate that dried out feeling.), drink water (check!), warm up carefully (I plan too!), and make sure you've got good vocal monitors (this only applies when you are singing into a microphone).

I also like to take vitamin supplements, like Emergen-C and licorice (for respiratory health), but you should talk to your doctor before adding any vitamins to your diet.

Do you have any tips for singing while sick, or staving off that pesky summer cold?

Bring Some Music into Your Summer Nights

Dan Furman will be playing with his Trio and a number of guest vocalists at Puppets in Park Slope tonight. Dan will also be at the keys for our Open Mic tomorrow night, as you know. I recommend checking him out doing what he loves best tonight in Brooklyn, so you can truly appreciate the talent it takes to play both jazz and musical theater and pop and whatever else you guys throw at him at Open Mic!

We also have some showcases coming up this month and in August, more details to come. Save the dates for: The Arrangement Experience: The 80s Showcase on 7/16, Sing the Truth Showcase on 8/4 and Eric Michael Gillett Student Showcase on 8/5.

Speaking of Eric Michael, he is being honored with the Dick Gallagher Award at The 20th Annual Cabaret Convention in October. Also performing will be SF teachers Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, guest teachers Julie Wilson, Karen Mason, Ann Hampton Callaway and Mary Cleere Haran, and SF friends (and Anselmo Award Winners) Karen Akers and Billy Stritch. More news on that as it approaches!

Summer is Finally Here!

I never thought I would see the sun shine again, but it's been pretty consistent lately, so I think it's safe to say that summer is finally here!

Because of the holiday weekend, our July Open Mic is this Friday, July 10. Come join us for a fun evening of eclectic vocal performances, accompanied by the very talented Dan Furman. Incidentally, Dan and his trio will be playing at Puppets in Park Slope, Brooklyn, this Thursday.

So, how many of you have been to Open Mic? Take this week's poll and let us know!

What's your favorite thing about Open Mic? Biggest gripe? Favorite singer? I'm dying to hear what you think!

Follow Us!

Follow the Fold, Follow the Drinking Gourd, I Will Follow Him... there are a lot of songs that mention following! Now you can follow Singers Forum on Twitter! Just visit www.twitter.com/singersforumnyc and click the "follow" button! And don't worry about getting a ton of ads in your stream... I'm mostly tweeting about our students and faculty in shows and the sort of stuff your friends tweet about! Follow Friday, trending topics, what music I'm listening too, etc. And, I only tweet a few times a day, so it won't clog up the flow.

Actually, I'm convinced I can get more followers for Singers Forum than I can for my personal Twitter account! Help me make it a reality!

See you soon,

Alexia