The Hustle, a new hip hop band that nora co-fronts with MC Kuf Knotz, was recently featured in Buck's County's Intelligencer. Links are below....written by the fabulous Naila Francis.

Sound clip is here: http://www.intelligenceronline.com/

Story here: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/81-07072008-1559608.html

Kuf Knotz, Tom Copson Jr. and myself have a really exciting show coming up on Thursday at World Cafe Live Upstairs. We're doing acoustic versions of Hustle songs as part of a songwriter in-the-round at World Cafe Live Upstairs. It's hosted by the lovely Lizanne Knott, features four other excellent songwriter projects and has been "welcomed by" WXPN. For more details see the shows page!
A rare opportunity to experience the bare bones versions of Hustle repetoire...

If you're planning on catching Nora in Bat Boy the musical at Haddonfield Plays and Players - they're running a special for Thursday and Friday, May 1st and 2nd: Half-priced tickets!!
Also, seating is NOT general admission so I'd recommend buying them in advance so you can sit with your peeps.

www.haddonfieldplayers.com

Thanks to Rowan University's "Locals Only" for playing our tunes.

http://www.localsonly897.com/setlists.htm

The SHOWS page will list all major performances for all band members.
The first line of the listing will describe the show, aka. "Ben Cleal Plays with Road" while more detailed information will follow.
Please note that these are not Nora Whittaker Band shows but shows with our other projects.
Read carefully and plan your schedules accordingly.

Thanks and have a great holiday season!

Missing the Nora Whittaker Band mailing list email?
We're taking a break from sending out emails as we are currently going through a transition period.
Please continue to check the website for updates, news and show listings.

In the meanwhile....

Bassist Ben Cleal can be heard playing in his project "Road" throughout Doylestown, PA and the surrounding areas. http://www.magichatrecordings.com/roadindex.html

Nora Whittaker can be heard playing with the hip hop band The Hustle, www.myspace.com/thehustleband, and also doing solo gigs (will be listed on this site).

Nora will be performing "Expressway to Your Heart" and The O'Jay's "For Love of Money" at Xpn's costume party finale in celebration of the 885 greatest music moments of all time.
This is a members event and a costume is required! check it out at www.xpn.org and select the 885 countdown.

Other performers include Jim Boggia, John Francis, Melody Gardot, The Blue Method, Birdie Busch, Bitter Bitter Weeks and Cinder'fella.

Hosted by Helen Leight and the staff of XPN at World Cafe Live Downstairs THIS Friday Oct. 26th. Doors at 6pm!

Please join us at the triumph brewery on Nov. 3rd for Ben's birthday! We'll be playing from 10:30-midnight with a $5 cover.....21 and up. Awesome beer and eats!

Nora has been singing and playing keys for the hip hop band, The Hustle: fronted by MC Kuf Knotz of the burndown allstars.
Visit www.myspace.com/thehustleband for shows and more info.
Socially conscious lyrics and creative musical arrangements.....

Thanks to everyone who made the band's California tour June 2007 such a blast! You know who you are and, REALLY, we couldn't have done it without your help, assistance and love!

CALIFORNIA TOUR JUNE 2007:
We promised, and now we're following through....Nora and the band will be back to California for some excellent shows in the bay area, central and southern! Here´s a short list of the venues, more details will follow in the June Music News Email 2007 and on the "shows" page.

Friday June 8th Epic Arts FULL BAND, Berkeley, CA
Sat. June 9th The Bistro, FULL BAND, Hayward, CA
Mon. June 11th F. McLintock´s, SOLO, Shell Beach, CA
Tues. June 12th F. McLintock´s, SOLO, Shell Beach, CA
Wed. June 13th Mongo´s, FULL BAND, Grover Beach, CA
Thurs. June 14th Frog & Peach Pub, FULL BAND, San Luis Obispo, CA
Fri. June 15th Mr. Rick´s (Avila Beach farmer´s market), FULL BAND, Avila Beach, CA
Sat. June 16th Zoey´s Café & Loft, FULL BAND, Ventura, CA

- Nora and the Nora Whittaker Band

I usually don't do this...but I have a feeling this concert will be landmark!

---------------------------------------------------------

The Philadelphia Songwriters Project Presents
BEYOND MEASURE
Philadelphia's leading Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
Performing the works of Philly Songwriters

at Church Of The Saviour
651 N. Wayne Ave. - Wayne, PA 19087

Saturday, April 14 at 8:00 pm

Featuring performances by:
The Anna Crusis Women's Choir – SheWho –
Tony Moore & Jehovah's Chosen-
Umibaji Haki - The Neo Men´s Choir
Combined Select Choirs from Wissahickon High School & Germantown Academy

This landmark concert features 6 of Philadelphia's premier choirs and
small ensembles performing the works of 12 award winning local songwriters
Who's work was specially arranged for multiple voices. This event fuses
styles from Indie Rock to Jazz into the lush, textured realm of vocal
harmony.

Tickets Tickets: $25- $35 available: www.phillysongwriters.com

A video presentation is also available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuyVgSs22Yw%20

Ticket Line: 610.994.5990
Questions: Dena@phillysongwriters.com

SPRING 2007 lineup:

Mar 8: Erik Mitchell & Nora Whittaker

Mar 22: Arlon Bennett & Lynn King

April 12: Lili Anel & Joey Mutis

April 26: Tania Alexandra & Andrew Lipke

May 3: Joe Taylor & Gina Kaz

May 17: Jonathan Beedle & Christy Jefferson

June 14: Craig Bickhardt & Ellipsis

June 28: Lizanne Knott & John Conahan

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=entertainment&id=4684535

Glad to see that my old acting habit of speaking way too fast has not left me. But, hey, it was my first TV interview. :)

The interview will air on the philadelphia abc station early february. Once we know the exact date, you'll receive an email (if you're on the mailing list).

-Nora

A couple live songs from Nora's December 2006 Steel City performance are available on the abc local music site. Check it out. Interview and a possible third song to follow.

Please note that if you haven't already purchased tickets for the World Cafe Live show next Saturday, you will not be able to!
The show is sold out.
Once we receive official word from the venue that no more tickets will be made available, you will receive an email bulletin.

If you missed this one, you can catch Lili Anel and the Nora Whittaker band teaming up again at Puck Live in Doylestown Feb. 16th.

Nora emerged as a "recognized finalist" in the Plowshares Songwriting Competition 2006! The songs submitted were "make me some rain" and "find him".

Thanks also to all the enthusiastic audience members who attended First Night Annapolis. It was a wonderful experience for all!

A solo interview and performance highlights from the Dec. 22nd show at Steel City will be appearing on the abc local music site.
Eventually the clips will also be shown on a Sunday abc broadcast -- date yet to be determined.

Much thanks to Neil and his team for his efforts to support and promote local music!

Have a great holiday season, everyone! Hope you get through the craziness successfully. And, just a reminder, "Imaginary Friends" would make a great gift..... :)

Happy birthday, Ben! Please embarrass him, write him and send him as many birthday wishes as possible. Whoo hoo!

Check out the pic of Nora at Zoey's Cafe (Ventura, CA) on their myspace page. Anyone can look at their picture slide show. What an AWESOME venue!

MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/zoeyscafeandloft

Well Nora's back from California with tons of great experiences and stories. Check out the link below for a great podcast out of Central California. Thanks to jordi, speed and mark! Speed was their guest DJ for the show and is always so support of the band's endeavors.

http://www.halibut.com/~mark/mp3s/ThreeGuysTwelveSongs/2006-10-16/

Visit the website below and click on the "musicians" page for a rare portrait of Nora. We appreciate the support, of course, but I don't remember Nora being that "well endowed". :)
http://www.artyay.com

" River Wide " added to the play list at : Emerging Artists Radio -- an internet radio station based out of Southern California.
Check it out at: www.live365.com/stations/suns2

Also, "Everything is Goin' Right" has also been played frequently by 93.7 STW in Delaware. Special thanks go to Mark Rogers for playing our tunes and Luis Moreno for passing the CD along!
Check it out at: www.wstw.com/heroes

"California Musings" up on myspace. Some short poem/stories written based on our experiences playing on the Central Coast of California.
http://blog.myspace.com/norawhittaker

Check out Nora's vocals on "Freeze Frame" from the upcoming Kuf Knotz solo album. www.myspace.com/kufie.

The Grape Street Show in the Acoustic Lounge will begin closer to 7pm, instead of 8pm! Please note and plan accordingly.

Thanks!

Happy Birthday, Dan! Please feel free to post embarrassing happy birthday wishes to Dan on the message board! We love you, Dan! :)

All confirmed dates for California are up on the SHOWs page.
We hope to add more to this list so keep checking back!

Nora will be participating in the race for the cure on Sunday the 14th - Mother's Day! She's looking for sponsors to give a few bucks to help with a great cause. You'd also be supporting Nora's FIRST race. There is absolutely NO likelihood that she will WIN, but there is a GREAT likelihood that she will FINISH as she has been practicing for a while now.

Email info@norawhittaker.com if you'd like to be a sponsor! Even 10 bucks will help!

Thanks so much to the warm and responsive crowd that came out to the Steel City show on Saturday. What a wonderful performance experience for both Kate Klim and I. You guys rock!
The show also featured Sean W. sitting in on backup vocals - a rare treat - and the fab Luis Moreno on bongos. Thanks to you guys for giving your time and coming out to perform. Happy Spring!

We're in the midst of recording tons of new material! Stop by a show and you'll hear fresh original tunes and covers. We won't neglect all those favorites from the first two CDs, however, so feel free to make your requests known.

And if you're from California.....Nora will be out West playing mostly solo and (hopefully) a couple full band gigs in June 2006! Keep checking the website for confirmed dates.

The new website is up! Let me know what you think....Post on the message board.

Important Gig Cancellation!
It wasn't officially announced or put up on our website, but some of you have mentioned you're coming out to the thanksgiving Triumph Brewery gig. Please note that this gig is cancelled!

Thanks!
-the band

New review on Imaginary Friends up on www.philadelphiamrk.com. Check it out.

If you haven't received an email update in a while, I may have the incorrect email address. Each time I send out an update, I get emails returned to me from people that I remember were really enthusiastic about being on the band's email list. For corrections, deletions, etc, please email info@norawhittaker.com. I don't want you to be out of the loop!

Thanks,
Nora

Just looking at proofs for the new website! I'm so excited! It should be up by 11/1/05 so stay tuned. It'll be more band-centered too....
Featuring that wonderful photograph from our postcards and new posters, taken by the talented Jennifer McCafferty of jpmphoto.net. Check her out!

My apologies to those of you who came out to the benefit last night at Steel City. I was struck down with laringitis and homebound without email access.
Usually you would have received an email/illness announcement. When I receive my hopefully more reliable internet access on Oct. 3rd, this sort of thing won't happen again.
Again, my apologies. Stay healthy everyone!

hey guys! We were Philly local pick of the day last Wednesday the 14th. Thanks to everyone who keeps calling in and requesting and thanks to Helen L. at xpn for playing our music!
Whoo-hoo!

Some lyrics.....by special request:

Go On:

Go on you know don't have to show you what it's about
Go on you see how easily it comes out of my mouth
Go on save yourself now sister
Go on now see what you need and for god's sake don't look back at me.

Waiting for you was not the best time that I ever had.
And when you came around you said you look like your mother and not much like your dad
Save me save me Father
All I want to see is a gentle look in your eye.

Go on go back to yourself you don't know where you're going and I don't want to help you.

Oh no oh no I didn't mean to say it just like that
It wasn't fair, It just wasn't right when you turned your back
Hey now Hey now I didn't mean to walk away
I just want you to believe in me.

Go on go back to yourself you don't know where you're going and I don't wanna help you.
Go on go back, go on.

Go on you know I won't see you anymore.
How easily and how hard.


Buddy Coal Mine:

Buddy Coal Mine with your ear to ground
You felled your mama without any sound
Oh buddy coal mine there ain't nobody else around
And you're gonna make your mark on this cold, dry-roasted town.

Buddy Coal mine with your crooked chin
Your tunnels are ghosts now and your gospel sin
Oh you took them one by one by one like the black death into your heel
And you laid your daddy down on the track, put his ear to the steel.

They call you buddy coal mine 'cause you let the lies roll
Your hair so black now, as dark and deep as your soul
And like a coal mine he takes you in with a mouth so wide
But when you hear the creaking of the timbers you know you'll never get out alive.

Sleep now little children who hear the monster roar
Make me a witness of what he has in store
Don't fear the monster with the jaws and the teeth that bite
It's buddy coal mine who keeps me up at night.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Tin Angel gig on the 3rd. We know it was a hard weekend for everyone to come out and you made the show great!
Thanks again!

Check out www.cdbaby.com/nora2 to purchase copies of "Imaginary Friends" online. Electronic distribution details soon to come!

Also, keep your eyes peeled for MAJOR changes to the website. I'm working on a complete facelift to incorporate some great live photos, band bios and more!
This is still in the planning and funding stages, and takes a whole lot of work, but we'll get it done!

'Imaginary Friends' will be up soon on cdbaby.com for online purchase. They've received my first shipment of CDs and are working on putting the page together. I'll let you know when it's up there!

What can I say? The CD release at the Grape ROCKED! And it's thanks to all you guys who came out and supported our music. I hope you had a great time.
Manayunk is always a party!

Check out this guys! Can you hear me way in the back?

www.cocacolazero.com

CLICK ON CHILLTOP..

All the other times I've been played on the radio I've missed it.

But....today I heard the band's "River Wide" (from the upcoming CD) start up while I was grumbling over catering staffing forms!
Check out www.xpn.org and request "River Wide" online!
Helen Leight has been playing it during her Tuesday night philly local program (9pm) and today it was on during the leight lunch!
Can you tell I'm excited? I don't think I've used so many exclamation points before. Thanks to everyone who has been requesting...

Nora was recently featured in the Hartford Courant May 19th, prior to a full band show at the Buttonwood Tree in Middletown, Connecticut.

http://www.courant.com/hc-kamins0519.
artmay19,0,4234319.story

En-route to Connecticut....A three hour drive turned into 6-1/2 hours of thick traffic. Luckily, I had Ben to drive with me. Unluckily, we both developed low blood sugar and road rage.
Despite all the odds and setbacks, the show only had to start 30 minutes late. And the audience was intimate and receptive...AND I could actually HEAR myself. (If you're not familiar with the perils of playing live with a full band and all different sorts of sound systems, it's often really hard to hear yourself. So I'm often finding my lyrics and pitch purely by faith.
But this show I could actually hear myself, the piano, Dan AND Ben.) Wow.

In other news, Nora has hired the fabulous and talented Kate Brennan as her manager. Kate's already been hard at work getting Nora's gigs in order and telling Nora what to wear.

Uncommon Ground online radio will be playing a live Nora Whittaker recording from her performance there in September!
Tune in at www.uncommonground.com on 4/20/05 and 4/21/05!

Rockin' show at the Kimmel Center! Thanks to Dena and Stu for organizing a wonderful evening of Gershwin.

Check out the artists, besides Nora, that participated:
Alfred James Band
Hoagie Wing (percussion)
Adrian Mowry
Adrien Reju
Lizanne Knott
Lelia Broussard
Stu Shames

Thanks to everyone who came out the house concert yesterday -- your positive energy was perfect for such an intimate setting. Wow, it was such a long day for me but what a great ending! Props to dan and ali for having it in their home. And additional props to all the guys who helped out with sound, recording and everything else.

Apologies to those of you who emailed me and wanted to come, but didn't get the information in time. I found a bunch of return-to-senders in my inbox this morning. Hope you can get out to another show soon.

Here's a little promo for a friend of mine who has done a lot of photography for me in the past. You can see her work on this web site (the shots where I have on the black and white shirt and jeans....with bright green background) and as we start to re-visit the website design and concept. She's just taken some nice photos of the full band and done the photos for my poster.

Anyway, the photography is Jennifer McCafferty of JPM Photography....website coming soon. She does studio work, wedding and business photos in addition to more artsy musician shots.
If you'd like to contact her email me at info@norawhittaker.com and I'll make introductions.

She's also a great human being and fun to work with -- qualities that I think are essential for a great photo shoot.

That's the end of my promo....

I'm enjoying the brilliant sunshine before our incoming bought of snow and wind this Monday. A wonderful day for fresh air - my favorite.

The Point show on Saturday night with Kate Klim was so rockin'!
The best part for me were the scores of supportive people who came out and had a great time. I had more fun on stage than I have had in years.

So I can't thank everyone enough....hope to see you all come out again and party with us in the future.

And some happy news...

The show at the Point on the 19th IS happening! Check the shows/gigs page for more details. Hope to see you there.

Happy New Year!

And even more late developing updates re: the CD....
The tides have changed again and we intend to wait and release a more substantial CD - adding at least five more songs into the mix. The currently completed five songs will be sent out for booking and to encourage some radio airplay before the release. Hopefully the new momentum that we've experienced will speed the rest of the songs along.
We have plenty of reasons for this decision, but, let me assure you, it was the most democratic decision yet. Sometimes I have to be reminded that it's not another solo release.
Those interested will be happy to know that "I Know" will be included on the full length CD -- complete with fab backup vocals by Kate Brennan.

Other thoughts....

I'm excited to play with Kate Klim again (The Point in January 05) - I enjoy her onstage antics and am interested to meet her full band. There are more details on the schedule page. We're going to rock The Point at this show!

The new year will bring new teaching jobs and new money jobs for me. I'm entering the cooking and catering world on a more regular basis - working with a great friend and mentor, Carl Drake, at his (and his family's) ambitious small business (Drakes Gourmet Foods and Catering). Already I'm working on a non-fiction piece based on one of my catering experiences. The song "Maniquin" also came out of a party so I'm excited to develop more pieces on the "lifestyles of the rich and famous".

Have a great new year and a great holiday. Be safe.

Where is the Nora Whittaker Band?
We're taking some time to finish up five songs from the new CD to be release VERY SOON as an EP/promo. Once we have the means, we intend to expand those five songs into a full length CD. The EP will be available (tentatively) January 2005.....featuring band members Dan Quill and Ben Cleal rocking the rhythm section.....gospel-blues-soul artist John Murray on guitar....Sean Whittaker and Kate Brennan on backup vocals...and, of course, Nora wailing away on vocals and piano.
Warren Burke has come up with a great design concept for the CD cover- inspired by an antique photograph.
We're excited for you to hear Glenn Barratt's (Morningstar Studios) production. Dave S.'s engineering work also rocked out!

The Hinge Cafe, an intimate listening room that we'll be playing at on the 19th, have made us these great tickets for our show. So you can get them in advance from me and GUARANTEE a seat in the show.
This place has great food and staff. They're also new to the area so they really need our support and encouragement.
Please email me at nora@norawhittaker.com to purchase tickets.

What an awesome SOLD-OUT Show at the Tin Angel last night opening for Julia Othmer! Thank you guys so much for coming out and supporting the night. And I'm so sorry that some people didn't get in. Who knew it would sell out?
Remember that you can always ask me to pick you up some tickets in the future. I'm glad to do that if you're coming from a distance. :)

Lucy's Hat Shop Show tomorrow Sept. 28th is CANCELLED!!!
Also...
Due to web problems, my email didn't get to all mailing list subscribers who use AOL. I'll keep trying, but I apologize in advance if you don't get your notification.

Whew! Just got back from Chicago and wanted to give a shout out to all my buds in the city for coming out to the show at Uncommon Ground. And, Rachel, you were the best host!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to get up and play at Davenports too... The trip was a great experience for me and I hope to return to your neck of the woods soon.

....So I played at the Society Hill Dance Academy last night and I cannot stress how great the energy is at this place! Thanks so much to Nancy Costello and Shayna for organizing and promoting the event. Also, the food from Tavern on Green was great! Thanks also to Warren for coming out and playing guitar for a few songs.
It was definitely a very "different" show for me (audience standing in a semi-circle) but everyone who came out was so supportive. And watching the couples dance after I played was probably my favorite part of the evening. There are some really fantastic teachers and students at this place!
So....I recommend that everyone check out www.societyhilldance.com....
Great people and a beautiful trio of dance studios decorated with breath-taking visual art.

WEDDING SONG

You´re looking lovely, let me button you up.
Glad that you chose the lilac instead of buttercup.
Does this mean that you´re perfect?
Are things going to change?
Do you see me as a girl who´s lonely and deranged?

Are you getting married just to end the nights
Of crying out in public and getting into all of those bar fights?

Drove past Indiana
I was thinking of you.
Haven´t heard from you in weeks, what´s a girl to do?
All your friends getting married, maybe they leave town.
All the bars and clubs ain´t been the same since you´re not around.

I don´t know if this guy you´ve found can get you what you need,
´Cause he´s not adept at poker and he doesn´t peddle speed.

But you´re looking lovely
And who am I to say who you are and who you´ve been since I´ve been away.
But I built you a cradle back behind the swing
That we used to play on when we thought of simple things
And goodbye, my darling.

c2003 norawhittaker

By request here are the lyrics to The Wedding Song.
This song isn´t necessarily about getting married. It´s about relationships and betrayal. I wrote it about a couple of people that I knew – of course cloaking the content in some ways so I wouldn´t be so blatant.
Every day I say I´m going to change the title for this song, but I keep going back to this one. If I changed it, I think I would forget what song I was referring to with the new title.

Some thoughts about summer reading...

So I've just finished Carson McCullers' 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' and I have to say I was completely engrossed all the way through. Talk about "other people's secrets"! I can't believe I've never read anything by her before, either, because her style drew me in at the book store -- and I actually bought the book.
Next on the summer reading list is "Wicked". I'd like to see the broadway show too because all of my musical theatre students having been prancing around belting the songs. They also say I'd love it. My students know me best! I haven't been to see a broadway show in about ten years, I think, so I think it's okay to splurge too. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Wicked -- I don't know about you, but I have to have plenty of rationalizations and arguments for purchasing broadway tickets.

Thanks to everyone who made the trip out the the Triumph Brewery in New Hope this past week. Dan, Ben, Jess and I had a great time. If it hadn't been for you all we wouldn't have had much of a crowd....so it's even more important that you realize how crucial it was that you came out. Continue to support local music!

I'll be sitting back playing organ and doing some backup vocals for John Conahan again this upcoming Wednesday night at The Point. If you've never been there....it's an awesome, intimate venue. Check out John's web site, www.johnconahan.com, for more info. It's odd being in these spaces accompanying instead of being out front. But I know it's going to be a good experience for me. And I get to play a glock-en-speil. Can someone tell me how to spell that instrument please?

If you're in the tri-state, check out the feature article in the Thurs. June 24th Philly METRO entertainment section on Nora Whittaker. Thanks again, to Matt Smith.
And that picture was taken by Karim Donarum, by the way. Nice photography but no credit given. Figured I'd at least give her a shout out on the web site.

Haven't found the article on the internet yet, but I'll let you know if I do....

Two new articles to check out....

http://www.pacpub.com
(6/17/04 special on me written by Matt Smith and published in the Princeton Packet)

http://www.discoveringartists.com
(Kristen reviews "Other People's Secrets" and unveils the easy listening nature once-and-for-all. Wait until you hear what we have planned for the new CD. Much more representative, I think, of the full band sound. Anyway, it's so nice to get intelligent feedback...especially before going into the studio.)

Some lyrics about a house I loved...

Wide width beams for your floor
You've got wide width beams for your floor
We've been here since 3 am
Didn't leave like we planned
Can't get myself away from these wooden floors.

Skylights letting in the light
There's skylights letting in the light
At my house we've got metal frames
And every night we hear the train
Just can't myself away from these skylights.

This old house doesn't know I'm checkin' it out
And this old house doesn't know what I'm all about.
I wanna know your beams want to know every nail, plank and mouse.
I'm on the inside and I want to play house.

Had to leave last night via 90 West
But I'll tell everybody you were the best
Couldn't get too close and I hope you understand
I feel if I had you I wouldn't need another man.

This old house doesn't know I'm checkin' it out.
And this old house will never know me.

Due to some great hospitality from musician Kate Schutt (www.kateschutt.com) we stayed in her awesome house in Cambridge, Mass. last weekend. What a beautiful house!
I've started writing a song about a love affair with a house as a result. There are lots of love songs about lost love and even pets (Nelly McKay), but there aren't many about houses.
And I think there should be.

Check out Kate Schutt's bass-guitar hybrid on her website. Kate is also developing her own label, "Wild Whip Records". I'm sure we're going to see great things from her in the future.

Thanks again, Kate!

Some new exciting news!

Music from Other People's Secrets is available for electronic purchase per song at the following sites to name a few.....Appleitunes, Napster, Rhapsody, MusicMatch, emusic and more. Complete list to come on the music page.

Also....'What He Drives' was played on two NPR shows this past weekend: international public radio and Car Talk! You can hear the Car Talk broadcast on the internet via download or a live listen at www.cartalk.com. It's the Saturday May 23rd show (#200421) and it's around the third segment early in the show. One of two songs featured during the show (besides the show's regular theme songs). Thanks to everyone who congratulated and alerted me via phone and email. Glad you all were listening.

Of course, I was at my brother's graduation and missed a radio broadcast again. I have yet to hear myself live on the radio! BUT....Sean's graduation was well worth it, however, and we got to walk up on the platform together...since I also graduated from the same college. I salute all those graduates for managing to look pleasant while wearing black synthetic robes in over 90 degree weather IN THE HOT SUN.
Congratulations, Sean! You rock!

Okay, Karim showing people the "cool black and white photos" didn't really freak me out. I was just kidding. It did make me laugh mid-song. I guess sarcasm (is it sarcasm?) doesn't read so well in internet journals. Love you Karim!
And...The triumph rocked and I have only happy feelings right now about the night.

We're working on more rockin' material for next month's show at Triumph Princeton! And starting piano lessons again with the jazz pianist Skip Wilkins has been rewarding and well worth the drive. He's getting me to write some songs with more chord variety to change up the material. .......Basically I'll be ripping off old jazz songs for a while. (And enjoying every moment of it) :)

One last thing....it was Dan Quill (Nora Whittaker Band's illustrious drummer)'s birthday last Tuesday! Happy Birthday, Dan!

We had our first gig with guitarist Jess Rowan last night at the Triumph Brewery in Princeton. Talk about expanding our appeal! It brought out the rock enthusiasts in the crowd and he did a great job at remembering everything after only two rehearsals! Dan, Ben and I can't wait to get him working on more material.

One of the most interesting events of the night, in my opinion, was a man working through mathematical formulas at his table....through the entire first set and beyond. I've never seen anyone sit in a bar and calculate so this was a first for me. I spent the rest of the night wondering, with part of my brain, what he was working on. I'm still wondering. Hmmm....

Karim Donarum brought an album of cool new black and white photos from our shoot last week and showed everyone in the room, I think....(including some people that I don't know which kind of freaked me out.) I guess if I find any black and white photos of me circulating through the internet I know who to blame. :)

Thanks to everyone who came out to this show....we've started to develop a cool little crew that shows up at a lot of gigs. You guys are so supportive and just generally awesome.

-nora

The library benefit went so well tonight thanks to the talents of all of our lovely performers. If you didn't get to come out, please check out their websites (listed in the April 5th entry) and visit them at a live show. The young performers don't have websites, but I'm sure they will someday.

It's so nice to have the opportunity to perform in such a nice space with lights and full sound and a warm audience. Besides being overwhelmed by organizing the whole thing ("okay guys. I got back from Massachusetts on Saturday!") there were few hangups and problems.
Warren did a great job on sound as did our friend up in the dark booth.

Thanks to everyone who came out. Thank you thank you thank you! Please write your congressman or sign a petition at one of the Bucks County Libraries.

Please note changes in the artist lineup for the library benefit concert below.

Change to Advance Tickets:
Advance Tickets are now available at many Bucks County Libraries. Please check with your local librarian for more information.

SAVE THE LIBRARIES!!
Sun. April 25th
7:30pm
If you come out to one show at all this year, come on out to the Bucks County Library System benefit at Bucks County Community College's Library Auditorium.
We really want to fill this space (300 people) and the libraries need you more than ever now!

Here is the artist lineup (in alphabetical order):

Gregg Cagno, www.greggcagno.com
John Conahan, www.johnconahan.com
Ray Naylor, www.raynaylor.com
Julia Othmer, www.juliaothmer.com
Nora Whittaker, www.norawhittaker.com

Young Performers:

Joseph Block
London Clark
Melanie Parson
Carly Price

This night features some excellent performers with influences including, but not limited to, folk, soul, country and jazz.

Directions to the audition location for Goldilocks & Jane are located in the January 20th news entry.

They will be held at the Piano School/The Academy of Music and Art in Southampton, PA.

Please email nora@norawhittaker.com with any other questions regarding directions.

Thanks,
Nora

Peavey´s 2nd Annual SXSW Blowout Info Below, courtesy of Chris Lausch....

Well…it´s that time again! On the heels of last years blazingly successful, jam-packed three-night band blowout down at SXSW we are doing it all over again, but this time with an even more amazing line up of cutting edge acts. Viva le ROCK! The event will again be at the event´s hope The Bitter End Brewery (3rd & Colorado), which is both one of the closest venues to the conference and one of the finest brewpub/restaurants in the country. Homemade suds and quality music…what more do you want at SXSW???

As you may recall last year we had such names as Silvertide (Clive´s new act), The Figgs and Those Legendary Shack Shakers to name a few…well hold on to your studded belt because this years schedule is one step beyond all expectations. As you can see within the schedule listed below we have secured the likes of RAZORLIGHT (one of Spin Magazines "next big thing" acts, and one of UK´s top names), RUN RUN RUN (one of LA´s hottest names), THE WITNESSES (NYC rave act), and THE DEXTER ROMWEBER DUO (Ex-Flat Duo Jets legend!)…just to name a few. Are you impressed yet?



Anyway, each night is completely FREE, no wristbands or badges necessary. What else can you get for free in Austin during SXSW, come on! So come one, come all and see what this years buzz is all about for Peavey´s no holds barred 2nd Annual Bitter End SXSW blowout!



Cheers,



Chris

Peavey Bitter End Blowout

302-645-7644, Delaware@ce.net



Here is what´s on Bitter End´s tap…



Thursday, March 18


7:00 – The Carlsonics

8:00 – The Break Up

9:00 – Low Flying Jets

10:00 – Some Action

11:00 – The Witnesses

12:00 – The Izzy´s



Friday, March 19


6:00 – The Foxx

7:00 – The Witnesses

8:00 – The Phantom Drifters

9:00 – The Dexter Romweber Duo

11:00 – Tom Gillam and Tractor Pull

12:00 – Kate Schutt



Saturday, March 20


6:00 – The High Strung

7:00 – Nora Whittaker

8:00 – Rusty Martin

9:00 – Kate Schutt

10:00 – Razorlight

11:00 – Run Run Run

12:00 – The Phantom Drifters

Nora and the band will not be performing at the Triumph or Dogfish head this weekend due to illness. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Thanks to Katie Kohler from npr Allentown who has been giving some of my tunes radio airplay.
And thanks especially to Cara for being so supportive in general and facilitating the whole thing! You guys rock!

Youth Auditions for the Bucks County Library Benefit will be held at the Piano School/The Academy of Music and Art. It is between Klinger Middle School and the Southampton Day Camp. PLEASE FOLLOW UP VIA EMAIL TWO DAYS AFTER YOUR AUDITION!

The Piano School. 1423 Second Street Pike. Southampton, PA 18966. 215-942-7531
Auditions will be held in the garage studio.
PLEASE VERIFY ALL DIRECTIONS VIA MAPQUEST OR RANDMCNALLY.COM.

Directions from 476:
476 N
276 E toward NJ
Take the Willow Grove Exit.
Merge onto 611 N.
Take your first right after merging onto 611 at the first light.
Take this road to County Line Rd.
Make a right onto County Line (gas station on right).
Take County Line Rd. past a series of strip malls.
Take a left onto Huntington Pike/232/2nd Street Pike.

Directions from Doylestown/Northern Bucks County:
Go NW on S Pine Street
Turn left on Ashland Street
Turn left on Main Street
Take Main Street as it becomes Easton Rd.
Take Easton Rd. to Street Rd./PA 132
Turn left onto 2nd Street Pike/232
Pass Klinger MIddle School on your right.

The piano school is a small house in between Southampton Day Camp and Klinger Middle School. The address is between Street Rd. and Bristol Rd.

SAVE THE LIBRARIES

Save The Libraries benefit information

It´s funny how information can pass you by if you don´t travel in certain circles. This is how it was with me and the current crisis within the Pennsylvania Library Network. I tend to interact with the library staff over the summer and lose touch with them during the school year. This is how I only recently found out about the devastating predicament of libraries throughout PA.
You see, it seems that the state government has not renewed a huge portion of the libraries´ funding. It´s in the hands of the senate and yet to be totally finalized, but it looks like at least a huge chunk, if not all of the funding will be affected.
The funding cuts will affect programming and even jobs resulting in cutting of special programs (book clubs, summer reading clubs, signings, etc.) and staff who have worked in the state for years may lose their jobs.

So here´s the point…
I am organizing a musical benefit for the Bucks County Library Network in late April. I am actively seeking musicians to perform. The show should be appropriate for families although not necessarily "geared toward kids". If you are at all interested in lending your musical talents and time, please email nora@norawhittaker ASAP.
You may also call my business and booking number at 215-920-0043.
We are hoping that this benefit will inspire others in other counties throughout Pennsylvania.

Additional Disclaimers…The show is being performed with the support and blessing of the Bucks County Library Network, but they are not involved in the organization of the night. I should also stress that I will not be personally benefiting from the fundraiser either – many of you may be familiar with the children´s rock musicals my group has been performing at the libraries. This is just an effort on my part to support an organization that has been crucial in my upbringing and general well being. If you feel the same way about a library near you, please become involved. Even if you can´t sing there are other things you can do!

I am the featured performer on Ray Naylor's 'Open Mike Monitor Online'. Visit the link below to see what he says.

mysite.verizon.net/vze5bmjn/
theopenmicmonitoronline/index.html

If you can't click on the link on your computer, it might be a good idea to copy and paste the above link since it's so long.

Have a great holiday!!!!

A special shout out to Kathy Whittaker and everyone who drove in to Rehoboth last Friday. It was a fun show and we couldn't have done it without your enthusiasm.
Much enthusiastic thanks also for Ben, Dan and Sean who rocked onstage. Special thanks to Warren for his rousing In Your Eyes. Always good to include a sing-a-long number.

A quick recommendation....If you're ever in Rehoboth and you like Ann Taylor...make sure that you check out the Ann Taylor outlet. I have never seen such fantastic deals on petite clothes from that company. I nearly fainted! What a great introduction to Delaware's outlet shopping.

...I love the fact that we've been able to enjoy a proper Fall this year. Does anyone else feel like we were cheated out of a Spring in 2003?...

Anyway, if you're just checking in and haven't heard the news....

Nora will be playing with a band for some venues. Dan Quill on drums and Ben Cleal on bass pump up the energy (and the volume) on my tunes. They're great guys and a blast to play with! Full band concerts will be specified "FULL BAND" on the concert listings page. We're trying to add these guys to as many shows as possible and, if you catch us at Dogfish Head, you'll see why. Sean Whittaker will also add his dulcet vocals and rhythm guitar to as many of the full band shows (and duo shows) as he can.

Also keep your eyes peeling for Eric Hastings (drums) sightings.....Eric may be joining me, schedule permitting, on some future duo gigs. He's a talented, passionate musician who has been very much in demand these past few months....he's played at the Painted Bride, The Tin Angel and countless other places.

Last but not least....Kate Brennan will be helping out with some booking and promotional materials. Kate is really intelligent, positive and motivated....we need more helpful people like her in the world.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! :)

If you're in NYC tomorrow, Tuesday Sept. 23rd at 7pm. I'll be playing at the C-Note Cafe in the East Village. More info available via the "shows" link so check it out!

I've been writing a lot of "news/writings" lately, haven't I....

Quote of the month:

"Listen!....Do you smell that?"
-Ray Stanz, Ghostbusters

Some new lyrics I've been working on...

I want to buy a grape vine in this lazy town.
Each day I'd hike to see it with my knees against the ground.
I'd let it break my fingers and wear away my hands...but only if it gave me back the sweetness and the sand.

A vagrant bikes through Italy, browned and gently frayed.
All she knows is the corners of the beauty that she's made
She tries to speak the language, but the heat has thinned her out and replaced her breath with brambles pulling phrases from her mouth.

Siena's face is churches, walls of buildings.
Sinea's face is frozen, placid yielding.
And I wish...

A man at Il Capitano, he sounds a little Spanish
He's got a little pasture, he only speaks a little English
He's swearing like a sailor of the woman he's got home but at least he has a grapevine and a town he calls his own.

And down the street they've got a lot of prayers for St. Cecilia,
But Catherine was the darling and there was no St. Ophelia
She's up in pious paintings prostrate to the peaceful dove,
But I don't think they've gathered all the passion that she was.

I have always wished to have a faith like that:
Shave all my hair off and move to the "Ad-or-on-dacks".
I'd be like a giving tree, sell my soul to science, give up every part of me.

Siena's face is churches, walls of buildings.
Siena's face is frozen placid yielding.
And I wish that she would tell me all the secrets she's been keeping
And I wish that I wouldn't see her face when I am sleeping.

Some thoughts from Vernazza of the Cinque Terre on Italy´s North West Coast:

Vernazza is a coastal fishing village cut into a hillside – the shops, the eateries and the beach suck in the small crowds while smaller pockets of community remain hidden away from the eyes of prying tourists like myself. But I am the best tourist spy there is….there is special kind of delight when you wake up on a still-cool early morning and watch a woman across the street bake the bread for the week, laying out pale rolls on long sheets with practiced hands. Here in Vernazza, there are fewer tourists than the big cities, or even Siena. When they appear they are, for the most part, happy and quiet. This town demands respect.
Dark, earthy-smelling steps lead us up to our sunny, high-ceilinged room overlooking the best portion of the harbor and the hills. The walls are white and, while half of the ceiling follows the pattern of the walls, the rest is made up of lacquered mooring planks. The wind has been strong and insistent here, rolling out magnificent waves and wild-haired women.
I can become invisible here- banal and small. I wear long-sleeved shirts in gray and keep my voice low and watch. When I keep my face tranquil and mask-like, I can study without being seen. What a thing it is to be hiding, and what a luxury it is to be thinking….and what a luxury it is to be eating so well!

Most of my travel journal involves detailed descriptions of the food that both my traveling companion, Becky, and I consumed during the trip: sumptuous cheeses, salamis, hand-crafted pastas and so many seasoned sauces that we couldn´t count. One favorite was a fresh hazelnut cream sauce over spinach ravioli – a local favorite in Vernazza. And what words can capture a successful bluefish experience?

What was the first meal we had the US? Take-out chinese food. Oh yeah.

If you're looking for Nora, she'll be out of the country August 18th to September 2nd. She will check her email occasionally and will have someone answering the phone. Check back for details on the Italian countryside!

At your request...here are the dates, times and locations for the children's rock musical tour, 'Goldilocks & Jane' (all shows are at the town libraries):

Mon. July 7th, 7pm Warminster
Wed. July 9th, 7:15pm Northampton
Thurs. July 10th, 10:30am Morrisville
Tues. July 15th, 7pm Bensalem
Wed. July 16th, 11am Lower Southampton
Thurs. July 17th, 6:30pm Upper Southampton
Mon. July 21st, 7pm Fallsington
Tues. July 22nd, 7pm Langhorne
Wed. July 23rd, 7pm Yardley
Thurs. July 24th, 11am Wrightstown
Tues. July 29th, 10:45am, New Hope
Wed. July 30th, 7pm Quakertown
Thurs. July 31st, 1:30pm Levittown
Thurs. July 31st, 7pm Levittown
Tues. August 5th, 7pm, Perkasie
Thurs. August 7th, 11am, Bristol
Sat. August 9th, 10am, Doylestown

You can email info@norawhittaker.com for directions.

The CD release party at Fran Sherr & Bob Hess's was a blast: a roaring fire, fancy food, friendly and diverse company. If you're checking out this website and you attended, thanks for making the night so memorable. And if you see Fran or Bob wandering around the main line please give them a hardy thanks for hosting the event and providing the munchies and drinks. Thanks to Warren and the whittaker family for getting the beer and ice as well. Can't have a party without beer, can we.

A CD update:
Nora's CD is now available for web purchase through www.cdbaby.com/nora.

Enjoy this week's sunshine!

What people have said about Nora's CD:

"...Our household hasn't been so excited since we got a microwave and cooked a hot dog in 30 seconds"

-Lillian Klupka

Thanks to everyone else's kind words on the message board and in personal emails!

MUSICIANS NEEDED AND A FUNNY QUOTE:

I'm currently looking to put together a back-up band for bigger rooms/gigs. Specifically, I'd love a bassist and a percussionist. I welcome any recommendations of Philly area people from anyone checking out this website.

And I have to post this quote....it made us laugh for about 15 minutes.

"Nora, hold on, I have to wipe the blood off my guitar"
-Sean Whittaker, Sat. June 7th 2003.

The CD is finally printed, duplicated etc. through the efforts of Dischounds and the phenomenal Sean Akers. Email info@norawhittaker.com to make arrangements to secure your copy if you are not in the Pennsylvania area. ....Or check out where Nora is playing in your area and pick up a copy at a gig.