Nothing can keep us from ABBA...

I had a wonderful time this weekend singing the music of ABBA with the Niagra Symphony Orchestra and brilliant JnC vocalists Katalin Kiss, Stephanie Martin and Lis Soderberg.  Wicked company, great tunes, very satisfying harmonies, but...it was not a weekend for the faint of heart.  (Read that last sentence again in a scary Vincent Price voice, and then continue.)

We drove through an epic lake effect snow storm to get to the gig.  Whiteout conditions, jackknifed trucks, icy treacherous highways...but even an arctic hurricane couldn't keep us from ABBA.  A surprise mid tune fire alarm did require the complete evacuation of the building into the frigid cold...but even impending disaster couldn't keep us from ABBA.  There were also monsters and aliens that we had to fight off with our bare hands, even they couldn't keep us from ABBA.  (OK, that last part was made up, but I'm an artist...I'm built to embellish.)

Our audiences were nothing short of amazing this weekend.  There was copious dancing in the aisles (even by the lady with crutches in the front row!) and a few feather boas liberally applied to our gorgeous conductor Bradley Thachuck.  As the dust settled, and the fire trucks retreated, I couldn't help but feel fortunate.  Three very sincere cheers for the outstanding Niagra Symphony Orchestra and its' administration.  Three cheers for the fantastic crowds that came out to these snowy dangerous shows.  Three cheers for the killer JnC band that always makes it look so easy, and so handsome.

I can't explain why, in the midst of all this excitement, I didn't have my camera handy.  Alas, I have no pictures...but I decided to draw a very realistic and artful sketch of what you might have seen if you had been there.  Enjoy! 

See you down the road...
-AK

A Holiday Message from the Women of Jeans 'n Classics

Hello!
December 25 is mere moments away... we can't let the season go by without sending you a little something from all of the women of Jeans 'n Classics... Enjoy!

Happy Holidays! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Lis Soderberg:

Lis sends everyone her warmest of holiday wishes, along with a link to her younger daughter Ellis Barkman's cover of the Christmas classic, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch".
http://soundcloud.com/ellie-barkman/youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch

(Ellis is 17 years old and will be graduating high school in the Spring. She claims music is a hobby for her, but she sounds like a little more than a hobbyist! We hear she has been accepted into University of Ottawa next year... congrats Ellis!)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Andrea Koziol:

"Sending light filled wishes to everyone out there!  The dark December days are luscious to me because they are filled with the people I love, and of course, a whole lotta good eating!  I'm looking forward to hunkering down with my family over the next few weeks, and also having the time to write some new music for a few of the projects I'm involved with outside of Jeans 'n Classics.  

One of those projects is my brand new collaboration Tarbelle.  www.tarbelle.com  Have a listen...

Happy Holidays!  Here's to a wicked 2015 for all!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Kathryn Rose:

"Shalom! I've had another great year singing and doing admin and tour coordination for Jeans 'n Classics. 

I have three things to share with you this holiday season... 

#1. When it's the first night of Hanukkah and you are about to get the kids from after school daycare and you realize your warped aluminum sad and sorry excuse for a menorah simply needs to be retired, but those 8 days and nights aren't going to light themselves...

....A suspended bread board with tea lights will definitely do in a pinch! Now you know! Now I know!

The lazy susan even fit underneath it with applesauce and sour cream for the potato latkes!

#2. It's a KR Khristmas! Listen to my version of a few Xmas faves here: https://soundcloud.com/kr_kathrynrose/sets/its-a-kr-khristmas-1
...Maybe next year I'll record some Hanukkah hits.

#3. You can make butter (well, a butter substitute) out of coconut oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil. I made 12 jars of it this year as gifts. (Spoiler Alert to friends of mine who haven't received it yet.) Recipe below.

The "Perfect Fat" Recipe
1. Soften a bottle of Coconut Oil by setting jar in a pan of hot water.
2. Pour the soft contents (2 cups) (or 1 + 1/2 cups) Coconut Oil into a pan and heat on the stove medium heat. Add 1-2 cloves of garlic and 1 medium onion chopped. Cook for 3 mins or until partially clear. Remove from oil. Save and reuse cooked vegetables if desired. 
3. Let Coconut Oil cool. Then add 1 cup (or 3/4) of cold pressed flaxseed oil. Mix.
4. Pour flavoured fat mixture back into jars and refrigerate. Use as butter adding sea salt or Herbamare before eating.
5. Step 2 is optional if you don't like onion or garlic, leave plain or add other herbs.   


Before I sign off, I'd like to send a special shout out of thanks to an unseen woman of Jeans 'n Classics, our webmistress Tara Bowd of Sonic Notes. Tara has been very busy revamping many elements at our website this year. Thank you Tara! Check out the changes and additions at: www.jeansnclassics.com

Happy Holidays whatever you celebrate! Looking very forward to the JNC shows in 2015."
xo kr


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Leah Salomaa:

"Winter Solstice and Merry Christmas greetings from me over here in downtown Toronto! 

Here I am singing The Holly and the Ivy as part of the St. Anne's Anglican Church Christmas concert on December 7. 

This holiday I will be curling up with some good books and taking things real slow. I'll also be editing my new music video soon to be up on my website. 

Check for updates at www.leahsalomaa.com. 

All the best to you and yours. Let's have a cracking 2015!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stephanie Martin:

"One of the greatest joys in my life is to get on a stage with a symphony orchestra and feel and be part of the glorious sound! Today, my wish for the whole extended JnC family across North America and around the world is for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!"

(After a successful recent Kickstarter campaign, Stephanie will soon be working on her next album project, "Walk in the Light." This past month, Stephanie graced the intimate, unique Musideum stage in Toronto for a 2-night run on December 12 & 13, providing a taste of her new material. JnC singers Gavin Hope and Kathryn Rose were in attendance, Stephanie was wonderful! Here's a shot from the Saturday night performance.):

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rique Franks:

The beautiful and talented Rique Franks also sends her best holiday wishes, along with her version of "Little Drummer Boy" from a few years ago. Have a listen.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Katalin Kiss:

"Happy Holidays to the loyal and kind friends of Jeans and Classics. 
Looking forward  to another year of shows, with some of the greatest orchestras across North America. 
Wishing you and yours all the best.

Love, Katalin Kiss"

The view from Katalin's wintry log cabin window in Picton, Ontario.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Those are our holiday messages! 

See you for our 2 upcoming New Year's Eve shows:

•Back to Back - the Music of Elton John and Billy & Joel with the Reading Symphony, (Reading, Philadelphia);

•Shaken Not Stirred - the Music of James Bond with the Lima Symphony (Lima, Ohio).

...and at all the shows in 2015! 
(2015 concert calendar.)

       &     

Springfield Holiday Extravaganza!

The talented Harvey Felder!

Hello friends!
I had a simply marvelous time in Springfield MA last weekend.  JnC vocalist Gavin Hope and I were special guests for a very special evening of music celebrating this time of year.  It featured the incredible Springfield Symphony under the gifted and kind baton of guest conductor Harvey Felder, as well as the Springfield Symphony Chorus, under the direction of the gorgeous Nikki Stoia.  I can safely say that we were all carried to a most joyful place!  Yay!!  I was so grateful to be there, and I'm still singing the praises of the team who hosted us.  (Dear SSO Staff...you guys rock!)

Some of the glorious SSO women: Audrey, Karen and Shari.

Oh Santa!  Oh Jules!  Oh Gavin!

The craziest part of the night for me was performing the ever so sultry (and exceptionally greedy) song Santa Baby.  Harvey introduced it as the 'unwholesome' selection for the evening, and I think that was pretty accurate.  I was joined on stage by a large golden throne and Santa himself, who had to pull on his collar a few times, but seemed pretty happy being a ham bone!  Apologies to the first few rows stage right, who I (sigh) may have flashed inadvertantly...I was just REALLY into it! 


It's always wonderful to sing and travel with Gavin Hope.  He is an astonishing musician and wonderful human.  I should also mention that all of the photos in this post were taken by him or with his camera...thanks Gavin!

Looking forward to returning to Springfield in a few months time for a romp through the repertoire of Michael Jackson.  I can't wait to see everyone again. 

Thank you Springfield.  You made us feel so welcome, and we sure hope you enjoyed the show!
Be well.  Love music!
-AK

Re: March 28 Tucson – Amazing ‘80s (from Andrea)

March 30, 2014

My head is still spinning after returning home from glorious Arizona, where singers Stephanie Martin, David Blamires, Gavin Hope and I performed alongside the Jeans n Classics band and the incredible Tucson Symphony Orchestra.  

The show was The Amazing 80's, and the songs were out of this world!   (U2, Tears for Fears, the Bangles, The Police, Prince, Cindy Lauper, the B52's...wow!)  The Tucson Symphony were seriously impressive under the precise and very playful baton of conductor Keitaro Harada, who embraced the theme of the night with 2 fabulous costume changes.  Keitaro, the orchestra and the TSO administration were absolutely delightful to work with.  Kudos to all of them.

Tucson is a funny gorgeous place.  The lovely hot air, the dangerous spiky plants, the sandy mountains calling out to you from all around the city...it's a place that asks you to just start walking, because around every corner there is another feast for the eyes, and another interesting character to chat with.  (I understand why people visit here and never want to leave.)  But one of my favorite aspects of Tucson...is it's darkness.  With a strict light pollution policy, the city uses light sparingly so that there's little interference with the myriad of telescopes that call the city home.  The scientists get to stay up all night hoping to understand the secrets of the universe, and the rest of us get to remember what a "star studded sky" actually looks like.  (Here's to hoping those scientists share the occasional bottle of wine in their observatories... 

All the stars were certainly aligned for our show.  It was so much fun to sing - we smiled till our faces hurt - and the audience made us feel right at home dancing, and singing along.  What a wonderful crowd!  Thank you Tucson.  We fell in love with you all...

I feel so lucky to be part of the Jeans and Classics crew.  Sharing the stage with so many gifted people, and being able to sing my heart out...is one of the finest things in life.  Looking forward to the next great adventure!

-AK

www.andreakoziol.com

(Photos by Andrea, Gavin and Stephanie)

AK in Anchorage (from Andrea)

Hello everyone!  Just back from an invigorating weekend in Anchorage Alaska, where Lis, Kat, Steph and I performed the fabulous music of ABBA.  We had 2 truly amazing audiences, who arrived ready to let their hair down, sing along to all the tunes, and dance like no one was watching.  I've got to say that Anchorage has captured my wild heart.  It's beautiful on every level.

Of course, this little journey north also taught me a few unexpected things:

-    I learned that hunters (just like singers) have to struggle with getting their make-up off at the end of the day.  (Who knew?)  For me it's the darn sparkles that I use in my eyeshadow, for them it's the dark greens and browns of classic camo.  The Anchorage Army Navy revealed these handy wipes ... and believe me they'll will take anything off your face!!

-    I learned that the Mayor of Anchorage is a music fan!  (He offered us the 'keys to the city' post show...)

-    I learned that Steve Meacher (our front of house sound guru) will spontaneously dance with bears in tutus. 

-    I learned that the Anchorage Symphony is one of the finest in all the land.

Thank you Anchorage.  We can't wait to see you again!

-AK (who's right at home in AK)

The Jeans 'n Classics 2011 Holiday EP is ready for download!

Hope you're all enjoying your favorite foods and people right about now!


The Jeans 'n Classics 2011 Holiday EP is ready to download ... get your copy here (and help yourself to last year's EP if you'd like) ... We've extended an invitation to the whole organisation this year, and you'll be hearing a new take on some seasonal favourites as well as a few songs to enjoy post-holiday.

download the Jeans 'n Classics 2011 Holiday EP


This year's PDF also includes Andrea's fabulous signature cocktail recipe and Lis's favourite mushroom appetizer recipe ... download the whole EP and the PDF will be included.

See you in 2012! 

A Gift For You ...

Happy Holidays!

Please accept our gift to you in appreciation for the wonderful times we've had in your fair cities ... this is the first of what will hopefully be a new Jeans 'n Classics tradition, and the platform that we're using (Bandcamp) means that we will be able to include extra files like PDFs, videos etc.

For our first offering Katalin is sharing a new family recipe (PDF included when you download the EP), and there are six fresh holiday tunes from Leah, Rique, Kathryn, Lis, Andrea ... and guest "Woman of J'nC" Jean Meilleur. :-)

http://jncwomen.bandcamp.com

Click on the "free download" link to immediately download the entire package; choose MP3 for the quickest download, and other formats for higher-quality audio (be warned that these can be quite large!). If you'd rather not download the files, you can hear the full song versions streamed.
Hope you enjoy, and have a fantastic 2011!