The amazing vocalist Ms. Courtney Sanchez and her band SWAY are fastly becoming a musical tour de force in the Austin entertainment community.  Recently, Courtney was the featured musical guest at several high profile Events during Austin Fashion Week collaborating with Rochelle Rae of Rochelle Rae Cosmetics and Cynthia Bloom of Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelry.  Also, Courtney is preparing to Star in the Zach Scott Production of RENT in a role which seems to be custom tailored just for her and her vocal power!  

As if she’s not busy enough, Courtney and SWAY are making their rounds in Austin’s live music scene.  Each Show is different and provides audiences with different glimpses into the musical versatility of this powerful and very versatile artist.  From Neo-Soul to Jazz.  From Pop to Swing.   Courtney Sanchez and SWAY are a musical experience not to be missed. 

Be sure to catch Courtney Sanchez and SWAY at these favorite venues near you: 

Sunday, September 5^th

10:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Momo’s

618 West 6^th Street, Austin, TX

512-479-8848

www.Momosclub.com 

Sunday, September 12^th

7:00 – 10:00 PM

Ringside at Sullivan’s

300 Colorado Street, Austin, TX

512-474-1870

www.Sullivansteakhouse.com 

Sunday, September 19^th

7:00 – 9:30 PM

The Belmont

305 West 6^th Street, Austin, TX 

512-457-0300

www.TheBelmontAustin.com 

Courtney’s performances in the Zach Scott Theatre production of RENT: 

September 16^th thru November 28^th

Zach Scott Theatre

Kleberg Stage

1510 Toomey Road

Austin, TX

512-476-0541

www.ZachTheatre.org

Keep up with everything Courtney Sanchez by visiting her official website at www.CourtneySanchez.com.

We had the pleasure of accepting the exclusive invite from Mr. Becker to attend the 1^st Annual PAPI Party at Ballet Austin’s Austin Ventures Studio Theater to get a sneak peek at Austin’s 2010 / 11 Season and mix and mingle with artists and patrons alike.  Let me tell you mix and mingle we did!  This was one of the most well organized, well attended and most exciting Parties of the year and not a stone was left unturned by Mr. Becker and his team to ensure guests had a memorable evening. 

The Theatre was transformed into a regal setting in rich colors of black and gold.  Even the crystal accented chandeliers dangling from the ceilings aptly contributed by adding a shimmering glow of soft lighting.  Beautiful floral arrangements of Hydrangeas designed by the amazing team headed by award winning Victoria and Sofia Avila of Austin favorite Mandarin Flower Co., adorned black lacquered cocktail tables.  Accenting the floral arrangements were gold twine formed to spell the acronym PAPI.  Exquisite, the team at Mandarin Flower Co. out did themselves here! 

 The beverages and culinary delights more than pleased and courteous assistants made sure are palates were never disappointed.  Our friend Mr. Marcelo Nascimento, Founder and Chief Bar Chef of Lucky 13 Cocktail Catering and Bar Manager at the new Enzo Restaurant / Lounge to be located in the Austin360 building, orchestrated artistically inspired cocktails featuring a selection of Marker’s Mark, Dulce Vida Tequila and a selection of Wines.  The mixologists put on a rousing display of techniques as they made drinks; bottles were juggled, napkins were spun and glasses were slid.  What a Show!  Word of Mouth Catering tickled our appetites with a delicious array of appetizers.  A personal favorite was the Crabbed Stuffed Cucumbers.  Musical entertainment was provided by The Songbird, Ava Arenella who is new to the Austin Music scene, but is certainly making an impact.  Her lovely voice complemented carefully chosen easy listening standards and added a sense of “Hollywood” to the evening. 

Now of course, the very important ingredient to a successful Event is the people.  And people there were.  Much thought had obviously gone into the exclusive guest list and it certainly made for an enriching experience.  We enjoyed the company of those in the arts, media and entertainment industries as well several well known restaurateurs.  It was a special treat to chat with Ms. Stacy Saxon, Marketing Manager at One World Theatre as we chatted about one of our favorite Austin musical treasures, Ms. Pamela Hart, Austin’s First Lady of Jazz.  

Chip’s heartfelt and humble welcome address was certainly timely has he thanked all in attendance was their consistent support.  He values what he does and how it contributes to the higher quality of life for those who savor the arts in Austin.  As a lover of the arts, we certainly appreciate their contributions.  

As this was the first of what we hope to be many PAPI Parties, it will be a challenge to top this one!  We’re more than certain Chip and his team will rise to the challenge and we’ll certainly make sure we’re on the guest list to write all about the wonderful experiences! 

Mr. Danny Payne, Proprietor and Sommelier and Ms. Shawn D. Farmer, Special Events Manager hosted a Wine Tasting Event with featured Martin Codax Albarino, Veuve Clicquot ‘Yellow Label’ and Rombauer Chardonnay complemented with Blue Cheese Beef Croustades which are a tasty combination Filet Mignon sliced and topped with Blue Cheese and Red Wine Demi.  I must admit blue cheese is not one of my favorite cheeses; however, this delicacy is a perfect balance of taste and actually seems to enhance the “experience” of the wine tastings. 

My personal favorite is the Martin Codax 2008 Rias Baixas Albarino.  This is a refreshing food friendly wine, showcasing a pale yellowish color with touches of bright gold.  It is described as crisp, elegant and dry and has aromas and flavors of fresh pear, passion fruit and pineapple with bright acidity. 

Of course, one can never go wrong with Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label”.  For the taste and price point, this wonderful Champagne is always the perfect complement to reasons for celebrations and there were several.  Among the guests and celebrating were Ms. Ivonne Ruggles, Founder/President and Ms. Michelle Perez, Vice President of Marketing and Retail Strategy of Evie Evan, who were fresh from a very successful Young Women Alliance Fashion Evolution Fashion Show at The Driskill where their make up line was featured on all the runway models.  Mr. James Martinez, CEO of Web Insite, Inc. had just closed a very important business transaction and was thrilled to share the excitement by inviting selected guests to enjoy Veuve Clicquot.  Through my expanding entertainment management firm, W. Jackson & Associates, LLC I was pleased to have confirmed several musical performance engagements with well-known downtown entertainment venues.   Indeed, plenty of well deserved reasons to cheer! 

As an appropriate closing to this Event, I invited selected guests to indulge in Kobe Beef Sliders which are served on a potato roll with spicy mustard, lettuce, pickle, tomato and Cheddar cheese. EXCELLENT! 

III Forks is always an amazing dining experience whether it is for an intimate meal or a vibrant happy hour experience while listening to live music in the lounge.  For me the experience is always warm, but inviting.  III Forks offers a sophisticated club-like ambiance with an elegant bar and lounge.   The luxurious Black mahogany trimmed Bar  with Triple Crown molding and Michelangelo Italian marble surroundings are uncomplicated and understated.  Classically done!  Make sure you greet Sean, who is an excellent and very knowledgeable bartender. 

III Forks is located at 111 Lavaca Street (at Cesar Chavez) in downtown Austin and is ideally situated with a view of Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin’s business district and close to the world famous entertainment and trendy Second Street Shopping districts. 

Visit III Forks at www.IIIForks.com!

The Women in Jazz Association Proudly Presents It’s Ella:  A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald starring Pamela Hart, Austin’s First Lady of Jazz with special guests Karan Chavis and Willie Nicholson on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at One World Theatre. Two Shows 6:00 and 8:30 PM.

These ladies will be joined by the William Menefield Quartet and Mike Malone.  The tickets are only $22, $27 and $32 available at http://www.oneworldtheatre.org/ or by phone at 512-330-9500!

The official site of Pamela Hart is http://www.pamelahart.com/!

They also know a key ingredient to staying in tune with the business and professional world at large and that is to bring great minds together in a stress less environment, vibrant atmosphere with all the trimmings.  We’ve had the pleasure of attending several Events hosted in Austin at the popular Paggi House, Maggiano’s Little Italy in The Domain and the most recent at the historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. 

The Event held Monday, July 12^th at the Driskill Hotel honoring Texas Gubernatorial Candidate Mr. Bill White provided a stylish backdrop for networking and socializing.  Notable guests included Ms. Connie Bakonyi, Founder of Austin Fashion Association, Ms. Sloan Foster, Vice President of Marketing for HBMG, Mr. Randy Umlah, Proprietor of Cool River Café, Ashley M. Hunter, President HM Risk Group and Mr. Ricardo G. Lerma, Banker with Regions Bank.  Having opportunities to network in a comfortable atmosphere with pundits from various industries is what makes NSIDE Magazine Events worth their weight in gold.  Deals are being made, opportunities are being created and strong relationships are being created.  NSIDE Magazine is helping to bring back the humanistic aspect of what it is to being human; this accomplishment is surely over and beyond the original intent of the monthly Events.

For this Event, Ms. Dunne wanted to add another exciting and memorable element and turned to Mr. William Jackson of W. Jackson & Associates, LLC to provide that element; which was musical entertainment.  Ms. Courtney Sanchez, The C Note as she is often referred, provided just the right touch of musical softness and elegance.  Ms. Sanchez, accompanied by well-known pianist Mr. Thomas Hughes, sang like a Song Bird.  She floated from standards such as the George Gershwin classic Summertime to If I Ain’t Got You by the amazing Ms. Alicia Keys, as if she were on a magic carpet.  Guests welcomed the opportunity to network, enjoy tasty appetizers and beverages and at the same time be lifted away by The C Note to an unexpected musical summit not soon to be forgotten.   Many commented on how much the extra touch of entertainment added to the thrill of the Event.  Winning call Sara Dunne!  Kudos to Mr. Beau Curtis, Senior Producer with ATX Event Systems for ensuring the sound system rocked!  

If you haven’t had the opportunity to read NSIDE Magazine you need to do so.  Anyone who wants to stay current with the business climate in central Texas to be better informed and ahead of the game does well to get inside with NSIDE Magazine.    We know you’ll be at the next Issue Release Event so stay tuned with NSIDE Magazine for all the exclusive details.   

Your next opportunity to Experience The C Note is Sunday, July 18^th at the Belmont in Downtown Austin as she welcomes Mr. Kenny Williams of Zach Scott Theatre Fame.  Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Williams will perform everything from Jill Scott, Chaka Khan and John Mayer and you’re presence is warmly requested.  The Performance is scheduled from 6-8PM and will be complemented by Happy Hour Menu prices from 3PM to Close. 

Please join The C Note, Ms. Courtney Sanchez and her amazing band SWAY this Sunday, July 18th, at The Belmont downtown with special guest, Kenny Williams of The Lion King. 

This special performance will feature songs from Chaka Khan, John Legend, Jill Scott, John Mayer, Simply Red, Sade and more. If you are looking for a Show to soothe your soul and excite your senses, don’t miss this one! Those who remember Kenny from his memorable performances at Zach Scott in Rockin’ Christmas Party, Dreamgirls, etc., KNOW they need to be “in the spot” from 6-8p Sunday night. No cover and Happy Hour Menu prices 3 p.m. to close! Come on down for an amazing evening! 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

6:00 - 8:00 PM

The Belmont Austin

305 West 6th Street

Austin, TX  78701

512-457-0300

www.TheBelmontAustin.com 

Kenny is a tenured member of The Lion King cast on Broadway and is one of the original stars of some of Zach Scott’s hit musicals, Rockin’ Christmas Party, Dreamsgirls and more! 

Courtney is an award winning singer and actress.  She has been in Austin music for over 15 years and some of her acting credits include Dreamsgirls, Porgy & Bess, and coming to Zach Scott in September, RENT, directed by Dave Steakley and Allen Robertson. 

Courtney’s official website is www.CourtneySanchez.net!

The desire was to create an intimate evening for distinguished guests to socialize, network and experience a few surprises complimentary of W. Jackson & Associates.  Included were Ms. Sara Fox, Chief Operating Officer of SPIbelt, Ms. Lene Saint-Orens, Publisher of Whole Kids Lifestyle Magazine, Ms. Laura Aidan, Austin’s Top Model for 2008, Mr. Marques Harper, Fashion/Style Writer and Columnist at Austin American-Statesman and Mr. Rich Haering of BBA Booking and Management. 

Ms. Melissa Nobles, TRIO Event Manager organized a tasteful menu of featured appetizers, including Baked Golf Oysters, TRIO of Sliders which is a selection of local Lamb, Beef & Turkey, and Truffle Mac and Cheese.   Also, enjoyed were Wine selections by award-winning Sommelier Mr. Mark Sayre, which deliciously complemented food selections and included a Schloss Reisling, Rheingau 2007, Cava, Poema a Sparkling from Penedes, Spain and a Cabernet, Amavi Cellars, Washington 2007. 

As a finale, guests were treated to a TRIO of Mango, Lemon & Raspberry Sorbet, while enjoying the vocal styling of Ms. Courtney Sanchez, accompanied by Mr. Matt Meuhling on acoustic guitar.  Ms. Sanchez mesmerized as she effortlessly sang popular standards such as George Gershwin’s Someone To Watch Over Me and the Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington classic made popular by the Glen Miller Orchestra, The Nearness of You. 

The “star” studded event was a delightful ending to a productive and very busy week and the appropriate start to a successful weekend.   As expressed by Ms. Marcia Nelson, Dell Computers, “The food was excellent as well as the company.  The performance by Ms. Courtney Sanchez was amazing”. 

Compliments of TRIO, guests left with a gift of gourmet popcorn and well wishes.  All are looking forward to future opportunities to gather and socialize.  

. . . Any fan of the Legendary Songstress, Billie Holiday recognizes these are the lyrics to the popular ditty, Them There Eyes and is a perfect selection to open a performance haled as a Tribute to Lady Day, as Billie Holiday came to be famously known.  This is exactly what Pamela Hart, Austin’s First Lady of Jazz elected to do for her starring performance in Lady Day:  A Tribute to Billie Holiday which was masterfully presented on Sunday, June 13^th at Austin’s One World Theatre. 

Pamela has performed alongside the best of them as part of her Women In Jazz Concert Series.  Do the names Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves and Rachelle Ferrell call to mind thoughts of musical grandeur?   None would argue Ms. Hart is a mesmerizing singer as she demonstrates her natural skills time and time again, leaving audiences craving more.   So the obvious progression is to respond to eager audiences with a Show developed just for them, with enormous amounts of “Pamela Hart” personality, plenty of soothing instrumentation done right and of course, the voice of Pamela Hart singing the songs for which her voice was created and made popular by an artist she’s admired for years. 

From the moment the petite songstress took to the stage, the audience knew the anticipation was worth every anxious minute.  Pamela’s voice was in perfect form; she truly owns her voice.  Accompanied by the well-known James Polk Quintet, who truly understands her gifts, Pamela seemed to be riding on a floating carpet as she performed her favorite Billie Holiday classics, in custom-made arrangements to perfectly and eloquently showcase her voice and showmanship.  The Quintet was always the perfect support, able to keep up with Pamela as she floated between key changes, tempos and melodies. 

The excited audience raved as Pamela flirted with and engaged them with her contagious smile and childlike energy.  She has a keen understanding of the lyrics she sings and incorporates just the right amount of “her” to make the performance believable, as if she actually experienced them at some time.  Good Morning Heartache is a classic done by, well, just about everyone in secular music and Pamela, seemed to hypnotize the audience as she paused, collected her spirit and then summoned every bit of self to perform this classic.  It seemed no one in the audience dared to take a breath.  And rightly so as the noise from the exhalation, or the energy it took to do so, may have interrupted the performance. 

The encore performance of God Bless The Child was most appropriate. Pamela was accompanied by renowned Violinist Sara Driver of the Austin Lyric Opera and had changed into a flowing custom gown which made her appear as a musical angel as she interpreted the meaningful and poignant lyrics.  Ms. Driver’s talent was an excellent accompaniment, adding an element of mystery and haunting. 

It was an enchanted evening to be in the presence of greatness.  Despite her greatness, Pamela is most humble and gracious.  She is a songstress who understands her craft, while at the same time valuing the support from those around her.  Many of the musicians with whom she works know this and welcome every opportunity to work with her. Pamela lets them shine; often encouraging them to do so. 

Ms. Hart is set to star in It’s Ella:  A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald on Sunday, August 15^th, again at One World Theatre where audiences will again experience more of her versatility.   How thrilled local fans are that Pamela calls Austin her home because of the opportunity of regularly experiencing her talent.  Those who live elsewhere, be thankful for CDs, YouTube and Facebook.  Stay tuned Ms. Pamela Hart will be personally coming to a location near you and trust, it’ll be an experience you don’t want to miss. 

Visit the Official Site of Pamela Hart at www.PamelaHart.com!

Distinguished guests were warmly invited to the private residence of Mr. Torres to celebrate the Premiere Launch Event of The Worldwide Maniac Foundation coming to the Austin Music Hall on Saturday, June 19, 2010. 

The coveted guest list was a veritable Who’s Who of Austin’s fashion, entertainment and hi-tech industries and included Ms. Cynthia Bloom of Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelry, who was accessorized by wisely chosen pieces from her stunning Collection, Ms. Megan Summerville, Chief Executive of Sew Sister Austin’s Intimates Designer, Ms. Cheryl Bemis of Fashionably Austin, Mr. Michael Barnes, Social Columnist of the Austin American-Statesman and Ms. Laura Aidan, voted Austin’s Top Model and husband Chris.   Special mention provided to Ms. Sandra Rascon of Leviathan Productions, Inc., Ms. Candice Johnson of Adobe Software and Mr. & Mrs. James and Marcia Nelson of Apple Computers and Dell Computers respectively. 

Guests were invited to savor tastefully prepared delicacies and enjoy mimosas while the musical styling of popular Austin Guitarist, Mr. Matt Muehling serenaded softly in the background.   The atmosphere beckoned guests to acquaint themselves with one another, chat about current events in the Austin area and build excitement for the Premiere Launch Event of The Worldwide Maniac Foundation which is planned to be an evening of eco-chic entertainment and experiences like Austin has never seen. 

Mr. Torres spoke excitedly about the Mission of Worldwide Maniac and provided an exclusive 10-minute preview of a documentary demonstrating the value of an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Guests exchanged dialogue with the film’s producer Mr. Adrian Golden.  An extra special treat, was Courtney Sanchez who commanded center stage and surprised guests with a memorable rendition of the George Gershwin standard, Someone To Watch Over Me, while accompanied by Mr. Matt Muehling.  Her melodious tones were mesmerizing.  As Mr. James Nelson of Apple Computers said, “Now, there’s the real deal.  No need for auto tune when Courtney Sanchez belts out a song.”  Ms. Sanchez’ husband Paul, the vocal coach of choice in Austin and Opera Tenor, followed with a stirring Aria in Italian.   In the case of the Sanchez family, music is in the blood and the children are poised to follow suit as they have already exhibited noteworthy musical talent. 

The Brunch was successful, because the guests made it successful.  The value of taking opportunities to slow down, relax and enjoy the experiences of others in an inspiring setting cannot be articulated in words.  It doesn’t hurt a few unexpected surprises were included as well! 

All look forward to seeing one another again at The Worldwide Maniac Foundation Event on Saturday June 19^th. 

THE VILLAGER, a free community service weekly, is distributed each Friday in neighborhood businesses, libraries, major supermarkets, churches, dining establishments, beauty and barber shops, pharmacies and newsstands in East Austin, Northeast Austin, Montopolis, Huston-Tillotson University. 

The policy of THE VILLAGER is to publish a community paper that serves consumers and merchants in the Austin market. With an emphasis on African Americans, THE VILLAGER focuses on community and national news, events, announcements and newsmakers, as expressed in general, political, business and sports news, along with editorials and comments. 

THE VILLAGER has a subscription mail-out that reaches across the U.S., Austin, surrounding cities / states and counties. 

Visit Pamela Hart’s Official Website @ www.PamelaHart.com. 

Visit the official website of The Austin Villager Newspaper @ www.theaustinvillager.com.