Blast from the Past

Just a little blast from the past. Greg released this on Facebook. It's from the last official photo shoot of me as Marilyn Monroe. New York City 1997 or '98. Photographer: Greg Vonmirsky.

At the end I pretty much had perfected the look to best the best of my abilities. I took it as far as I was willing to take it. I wasn't feeling it anymore. I did the MM thing for about 14 years and I was ready to evolve and move on. I was anxious to go forward and not look back. I have no regrets.

It was a special moment in time and I have no desire to repeat it.

Even if you never knew she was a beautiful movie star... even if you had never heard of her... you'd still want to know who she was just by the sound of her voice and the way she talks. Such a sweet voice. Marilyn sounds relaxed, poised, intelligent and real. You can hear the charisma in her voice. This is NOT as dumb blond.

Here is an interview with Marilyn Monroe from one of my favorite YouTube channels devoted to her. He does a great job collecting footage. Check out YouTube channel: 77marked

PLANNING NEXT SHOW AT THE UPRIGHT CABARET!

Here are the Bookmarks that my graphics guy designed for me. Instead of 4x6 flyers (boring) I wanted him to make me some bookmarks because they are useful and also advertise my show.

There are some serious talks going on with my management and a hotel casino in Lake Tahoe. I would be headlining my own show there. We'll see what transpires and I'll let you know.

I now wake up early everyday (around 8:00am) and work at my new desk. I see the gorgeous sunshine coming through my big windows and all things seem possible. Usually between 12pm & 3pm I'll go out for a jog and then get back to work later on.

BUSY FEBRUARY / BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!!! / MARILYN!

So much has been going on in February and I've been gathering the info and pictures for you.

First of all A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
I FINALLY HAVE A NEW WEB DESIGNER!
Not only will he be able to finally get my web site together, he's also great at graphic design for CD covers, Business cards, Flyers, Posters etc, etc... He can do everything I need to pull my image together for all kinds of products that I have planned. I'm anxious to open my web store soon. I love having products to sell because I'm very conscious of detail and quality.

I'm also going to have mp3s!!! on my web site for people to purchase and download. My own recordings are soon going to be available!!! This is all new technology.
I have at least 4 albums right now that I want to upload on the site. I have entire albums that were always popular and sold very well at my shows but were never particularly available in a store.

Feb. 4, 2010 my new business cards came in. Here's the front and back. You should be able to click on the images to see them close-up:

ANOTHER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
NEW MANAGEMENT!!! YES NEW MANAGEMENT!!! FINALLY!!!
This has just happened and it's going to be good! I am carefully piecing together a team for myself. I will give you more details as soon as I can.

February 6, I went to Traver Rains photography showing in his Hollywood Studio and it was a blast. Traver was 1/2 of the design team HEATHERETTE in NY. A few years ago we were all in NYC and now he's moved out here to rock & roll. The party was fun and he sold all his photos. They were very cleverly framed. Big success!

Posing in front of a Traver Rains chained mirror.

Galen, me, Traver.

Jeni with a Traver Rains blood stain effect dress.

Lots of people at the show. He sold lots of pictures. I should have stolen something.


Around Feb. 10: While the East Coast was being slammed with snow...
MARILYN MONROE!
For all the years when I impersonated MM, I only had access to pictures, movies, videos, stories of actual accounts of meeting her etc...
Nothing ever came as close as when I ran into the Madame Tussauds Marilyn on Hollywood Boulevard! OMG! I was mesmerized by this incredible life-like sculpture. I have to say, that this has to have been the closest I have ever come to her in 3 dimensions. I was spellbound. The DETAILS were impeccable. I took pictures of my friend Armen Ra with her. He took pictures of me with her too but I was dressed so crappy that day, I don't want to show them.
What do you think of her? CLICK ON THE PIX TO ENLARGE.
Here are my critiques (mind you I'm being extremely picky):
I Think the top of the hair needs have more weight but they did a great job.
The eyebrowns need to be darker and more of a peek in the middle.
The eyeliner needs the MM secret lining.
The nose needs to be smaller.
The mouth should be smaller.

Headdress, Justin Bond, Ryan Raftery, TommyBoy Records!

DIVA IN A HEADDRESS!

Here's a photo from Odyssey Magazine, LA of me after my show at The Upright Cabaret. Headdress by Shawn Lochridge. I wish I had a better picture but I was too busy performing to worry about my own camera.

The following weekend (Jan. 29-30) I got to see Justin Bond from NYC perform at The Upright Cabaret last Friday. Justin Bond has played Carnagie Hall as Kikki of "Kikki & Herb." He also was in the movie "Short Bus" by John Cameron Mitchell.

Ryan Raftery also performed wildly (Saturday night). He's appeared on "Ugly Betty" among other things as well. Both performers packed the place. They're my friends so I was very proud of them. Both have too many credits for me to mention right here but you can Google them.

Justin Bond on stage and afterwards signing merch. I loved when he sang Joni Mitchell's "Court & Spark."



Ryan on stage singing and dancing with a full band. They're all very talented.
It just keeps feeling like I'm still in New York. I still have New York friends here in LA and I see my New York performer friends in clubs. Maybe it's just beginners luck.
I didn't trade off the people - just the weather. LOL!

Speaking of New York ... this past Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 1 & 2) MORE NEW YORK at my door step in LA. Tom Silverman and his lovely wife Donna invited my friend
Armen Ra (http://www.myspace.com/armenra) and I to The Roxy to see some musicians performing for The NEW MUSIC SEMINAR. Among the several performers, we got to see: Semi Precious Weapons rock the house. Adam Lambert was there rocking out.

Silverman was also very generous to have Armen and I attend the SEMINAR at the Henry Fonda Theater as his guests. It was an all day event (9am-7pm). So many great speakers to discuss the future of the music business. I absorbed everything and took notes. So much to learn.

THANK YOU TOM SILVERMAN & DONNA FOR YOUR GREAT ENERGY AND GENEROSITY!

Tom Silverman (Tommy Boy Records) opens the day with a speech about the current state and future of music.

Music Industry experts!

So lucky to hear these people give advice. Lead singer from Semi Precious Weapons (in nude boots) who we saw perform the night before. Another New Yorker. He and his band are opening for Lady GaGa's tour 2010.

Some advice from Music Industry Expert - Martin Atkins. I bought his book: "TOUR:SMART...And Break The Band"
Really good book about music biz.

Ok, so it's my fault I'm inconsistent with my blog. TeeHee...