Ms. Eleni-ous News

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Hello, dear friends!

Happy New Year!

I'm staring out the window of my office, at massive snow drifts, pondering how different life is here, in the dead of winter, in Ann Arbor, Michigan ! I have finally accumulated enough winter gear to brave the cold with alacrity; and my Mediterranean blood has thickened enough for me to actually view a 30 degree day as "warm-ish." BUT, I will never be a snow bunny. This explains why I'm heading to Austin, Texas in March, not only for the South By Southwest music conference, but to BE IN WARMTH (and eat good Mexican food)!

In between now and then, I'll be braving even colder temps, showcasing at the Folk Alliance conference in Montreal (brrrrr....) in February.

BUT, cold, or no cold, I'm extremely happy, both personally and professionally! Let me fill you in a little:

My latest CD, WHERE I COME FROM continues to sell well and, most important, get great response from whoever hears it. In addition to promoting this CD, I have been busy in the past few months extending myself into areas heretofore unexplored-- most notably, performing arts venues. I had the honor of showcasing at the annual Ohio Arts Presenters Conference this year, which opened up a whole new network of performing venues, bookings and possibilites. As a result, I am visiting Ohio often in 2005, performing at some lovely venues such as the Troy-Haner Cultural Center and Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. In addition to my regular music show, I will be performing my Tallest Poppy Show, and related Tallest Poppy Workshop, in various school systems and as part of special events like "Diva Week" in Trumbull County, OH (sponsored by their Fine Arts Council. It is immensely satifying to broaden my performing base as well as my performing focus. The more people I touch with my music and my stories, the better!

For those of you who are wondering what my Tallest Poppy Project is all about, I suggest you visit www.tallestpoppy.com for specific information. Generally speaking, The Tallest Poppy Show and Workshop allow me to bring my music and my stories to a young audience and use them to address the themes of standing out/being unique and reaching high/unlimited potential that are at the heart of my inspirational song, The Tallest Poppy. I'm especially interested in bringing the Tallest Poppy Project to pre-teen and early teen girls, as a way to counteract the messages they are being given by the media (and often, by their peers) to blend in at the expense of their uniqueness, or to otherwise diminish themselves in some way, shape or form. If anybody reading this is interested in bringing The Tallest Poppy show and/or Workshop to their community, organization or school system system, write to me (info@tallestpoppy.com).

As far as my touring is concerned, I am scheduled to visit Virginia/DC twice this year, and will be performing in Canada for the very first time (in November). I'm planning another tour through California, and a return to New England (after a wonderful tour through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey this past October!!!!! My thanks to all the folks who booked me, put me up in their homes, and/or came out to my shows)!

After headlining a show celebrating the Athens Olympics, at the Lowell Summer Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts last July (as well as having performed at several other Greek-themed events over the past few years), I am also more motivated than ever to perform for Greek communities and organizations across the country. The older I get, the more I appreciate-- and more I want to share-- my rich, Greek heritage. As a result, I am writing more and more songs that touch on this history and illuminate my personal story as a Greek-American woman; and I am also including some gorgeous Greek songs in my repetoire!

The wonderful thing about being a performing artist is the opportunity to grow and develop and then grow and develop some more... often in areas you never expected! I am as touched and inspired by my audiences as (I hope) they are by me!

Life here in Ann Arbor is rich and full. I am continuing to develop an audience here, and in the midwest in general; after a very successful double bill at the Ark, Ann Arbor's phenomenal listening room, with my friend, Terry Gonda, a talented local singer-songwriter, I'm looking forward to my next appearance there. Here in Ann Arbor I am also helming SPEEK-- Speaking Powerfully and Effectively, with Eleni Kelakos--a communications coaching service that allows me to use tools and techniques gleaned from my extensive background as a performer to help business leaders communicate more authentically and persuasively. I also lead workshops and trainings, and give presentations on issues related to verbal presentation and performing. (for more info, check out www.s-p-e-e-k.com). So, needless to say, I have a very full plate!

On the personal front, Jim and I celebrate our first wedding anniversary this February, and are exceedingly happy. We enjoy the cavalcade of artists (fellow singer-songwriters) who come through the area and stay overnight with us in our home. Life is good for me on all levels... and I hope the same is true for you! Thanks for your continued support! See you on the road in 2005!


elenikelakos 2:36 PM - [Link]
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