Last Thursday, June 4, 2009, I was lucky enough to be invited to watch Diane Birch perform her new album, Bible Belt, at City Winery. Esa noche/ That evening, my friend, Christina, and I arrived at the venue a few minutes before the performance. As we were escorted to our table, we were happily surprised to find that our reserved seating was a short distance from the stage. In fact, I think Diane Birch and S-Curve Records must have read my mind, or my previous post, because City Winery was the perfect venue for her Special Record Release Show!
As we waited for the performance to begin, we quickly scanned the floor. It was a bit dark so I could not make out many of the others seated around me. I later found out that there were many other wonderful bloggers at the event, although I did not get a chance to speak with them, including Mom in the City, a wonderful blogger who I had the pleasure of meeting at a previous event, StyleMom, Momtrends, Paula Bruno, Rock and Roll Mama, Savvy Auntie, and so many others!
Shortly after we were seated Diane Birch came on stage! It was a wonderful show! Back to back melodies that had the audience tapping, clapping, bobbing their heads, and just enjoying the performance. I have to say that her voice has a soulful quality to it. Although I prefer to not label artists since music can be so personal, others around me compared her to the old school tunes of the 70s, as well as more contemporary artists like Norah Jones and John Legend. It was also interesting to find out that she created and composed the lyrics to all the songs on her album and was discovered on MySpace – talk about the power of social networks!
At one point, Diane Birch ushered “Whoopi Goldberg” to the stage. Of course I was so excited when I heard “Whoopi Goldberg” was joining her, that I quickly tweeted about it! Que bochorno/How embarrasing when I later discovered on my way to the restroom that it was not Whoopi but an impersonator with a well placed hat that resembled her so well from a distance! Hmmm no wonder I was able to get so close to her without getting attacked by bodyguards! In the end, I blame it on my dry contacts and I’m sticking to that story!
I was able to take a short video with my Canon, shown below; however, I have to warn you… it does not do her justice as my video taking skills are sorely lacking and I should have listened to Big K when he told me to buy a Flip!
If you were wondering, yes that is my voice in the background hooping and hollering at the end! ¡Esta Latina le encanta gritar cuando esa teniendo un buen tiempo!/This Latina loves to screams, especially when I’m having a good time watching a fanastic performance with wonderful people.
If you enjoyed my amaturish video of Diane Birch’s soulful singing, then you will be happy to know that Diane Birch will be performing again on June 29th at 9.30 pm at Joe’s Pub in New York. Tickets are currently on sale for this event. She will also be performing a FREE show on July 25th at Roosevelt Island, New York. Click HERE for more details on both of these upcoming shows.
If you decide to buy her album, I am happy to announce that $1 from each album sold will be given to one of six charities: Autism Speaks, March of Dimes, Keep A Child Alive, Share Our Strength or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I thought this was such an amazing way to give back to the community, while rasing awareness for some great causes. Should you wish to purchase the album, please be aware that purchases made via my blog will help Share Our Strength, by stopping childhood hunger, something that no child should ever have to face.
I have to give a big Latinalicious gracias/thank you to Katja and Barbara for introducing me to such an amazing artist!
{ 4 comments… add one }
Ms. Latina,
Thanks for the great review of the show. It appears you all had a great time and that the artist gave a great show. Perhaps I will try to catch that freebie on 7/24th.
I loved the show!! She is really great! Thanks for bringing me…keep me posted on any other up and coming artists. Hopefully there’s more to come =)
Seems like a great event. It is wonderful to meet new people especially those that you only knew online by name; it must be great to put a face to the names online. Hooray to the planners and all that made it possible.
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Diane Birch did a wonderful job. I’m glad that you enjoyed the show too!