Sunday, September 14th, 2008
The Emmy Goes To AUTISM: THE MUSICAL!
Great news! The Creative Arts Emmy Ceremony was held Saturday night at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles and ‘Autism: The Musical’ was the big winner of the evening, receiving the award for Outstanding Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Picture Editing. Yes, there is justice in this world! Congratulations to director Tricia Regan, the producers, the kids and families. Thank you all for bringing attention to this modern-day epidemic, celebrating the value of the human spirit in overcoming any challenge, and for letting me have a small part in it.
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will air on Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 p.m. on E!
www.autismthemusical.com
Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
Five Emmy Nominations For ‘Autism: The Musical’
‘Autism: The Musical’ has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special, directing, cinematography, picture editing, and sound editing.
Wow, this is sooo exciting! I’m happy especially for director, Tricia Regan, for her three well-deserved nominations, she did camera work too – and five total for the film, the most nominated nonfiction feature at this year’s Emmys!
As for my voice student Lexi, who is featured in the film, she loves singing for the pure love of it and none of this attention ruffles her feathers. Her Dad Joe recently sent me an e-mail describing an evening where Lexi sang at a benefit, the 10th annual “HollyRod” foundation event in Malibu. A foundation started by Holly & Rod Peete to raise money for Parkinson’s & Autism. Here’s an excerpt that lets you know exactly what I mean:
“Lexi, backed by the Rickey Minor band (American Idol, Grammy Awards), sang “Fly” - one of the solos she sings in “Autism: The Musical” (nominated for 5 Emmys). Of course Lex rocked - perfect pitch thru out and when she belted out the final notes, Magic Johnson stood and cheered - the rest of the crowd followed - standing ovation!…of course - all she cared about was meeting everyone. It’s very funny when a celebrity approaches, calls Lex by her name, and she replies - “what’s your name?”
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held Saturday, September 13th at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. It will air on Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 p.m. on E!
Check out these links for fun!
www.autismthemusical.com
www.rickeyminor.com
Monday, March 17th, 2008
Autism: The Musical premieres on HBO Tuesday, March 25!
Autism: The Musical premieres on HBO Tuesday, March 25th at 8PM. I’m so excited; my voice student Lexi is one of the kids featured in the film! I’m proud of her and working with her has been an amazing experience for me. The film is inspirational and concentrates on acceptance, tolerance and understanding. It’s getting rave reviews and many awards. There are even some scenes in the film of one of our voice lessons, so don’t miss it! If you don’t have HBO, you are still in luck. The movie will be streaming from the website, as a public service.
In my podcast I talk about how working with Lexi has inspired me. You can download the podcast and also read the transcript on my website.
Go here to download the podcast- http://www.christinerosander.com/media.html
Here is an excerpt-
LUNDSTEN:…Rosander teaches voice to a girl with autism named Lexi. Both of them were recently part of a documentary.
ROSANDER: It’s about several autistic kids. They come together and they do a musical. So it’s called Autism: The Musical. They follow the students around and one of the things they do is they came to Lexi’s voice lesson.
LUNDSTEN: She says working with Lexi has taught her a lot.
ROSANDER: She just has the agenda to sing the music, to enjoy the music for the pure love of the music, without worrying what other people think of her. One of my goals, or something that I’m coming to in my journey of music is just that I really, I put too much emphasis on it: I need to sing well, I need to play well, I need…you know…but rather it’s better to let it happen and enjoy the process. The way that Lexi sings the music it’s more of a surrender.
Go here to learn more about Autism: The Musical-
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/autism/index.html
Thursday, January 3rd, 2008
Here’s to a great ’08!
What’s your resolution for 2008? I’ve never liked making resolutions and tend to get a little down this time of year. I often remember what I should forget-my disappointments, hurts and failures-and forget what I should remember-my victories, successes and the good times. So, this year I resolve to focus on the future and give my dreams a new beginning. I will keep pressing, believing and keep singing the song that God has put in my heart. I’m grateful to all of you for your support of me; you make what I do possible. I’ll be at The Temple Bar on Jan. 9th, at 10 p.m. to kick off 2008, so join me as I sing those songs, remember the victories and celebrate the future.
Wednesday, December 19th, 2007
Check out video of the CD Release Party on YouTube!
Yay! There are 3 songs from the CD Release Party up on YouTube; Good Boy, Smooth Ride and Kitten. You can also view the video on my website and on my MySpace page. I’m so lucky, I have a great video guy, Ali, who did a wonderful 3 camera shoot. I’ll be adding more songs from time to time, just to savor the moment. I can hardly contain myself because each song is so yummy good, yes truly scrumptious! Just take a quick look; I’m sure you’ll agree.
The Press/Review page has also been updated, so take a minute to poke around and read what’s new. And don’t forget to order or download the CD today! It’s not to late to give “Smooth Ride” as a gift or just enjoy it yourself.
Finally, thanks for all the support you’ve given me this year and all those who have gone above and beyond; I am grateful, blessed and excited about the future.
Tuesday, December 4th, 2007
“Smooth Ride” is now on iTunes, CD Baby, Emusic and Napster!
I’m excited, I’m thrilled, I’m jumping up and down-the CD is available on iTunes, CD baby, Emusic and Napster! If you didn’t get one at the CD Release Party or if you want extra copies for stocking stuffers, here’s your chance. Also there are exclusive bonus tracks. That means on iTunes you can download not only the CD, but my fast swing arrangement of Billie Holiday’s “Tell Me More and More (And Then Some)”. On Emusic the bonus track is “No One Will Be The Wiser” which is my original inspired by Nina Simone-you’ll hear why if you’re a Nina fan. On Napster there is the bonus of another original, co-written with Ronnie Shelton, “Air That I Breathe”. This song has a little Sade, smooth jazz influence.
I’m so happy to share this music with you. It is a reflection of me, my growth as a musician and person, and even surrender to the perfect timing of things. I’m ecstatic about the experiences I have already had and the journey that awaits me with this new album. Surrender yourself to the music and allow me to take you on a journey with “Smooth Ride”.
Sunday, November 11th, 2007
I have been asked to be part of the Jeff Buckley Tribute!
I have been asked to be part of the 10th Anniversary Los Angeles Birthday Tribute honoring Jeff Buckley. Jack Osborne will host the event, which will be held at The Key Club on Thursday Nov. 15th. Apparently Jack found great support in Jeff’s music as it helped him get through a difficult time at rehab. All proceeds to benefit The Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which is owned by Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is a charity that was hand picked by Mary Guibert, Jeff’s Mother, and is one that he would have been greatly supportive of.
I will be singing “Grace”, the title track to Jeff’s only finished and internationally released album. I’m honored and hope to do the song justice while giving it a bit of my own style. I’ll have an outstanding band supporting me, featuring Zane Carney and Bob Tucker on guitars, Jane Getz on keyboard, Edwin Livingston on bass and Kendall Kay on drums. There will also be performances by Rocco Deluca, numerous local artists and special surprise guests, all the makings of a memorable night!
For Tickets:
E-mail me: christine@christinerosander.com
Or
http://www.jeffbuckley.com/news.asp?id=108
The Key Club
9039 Sunset Blvd. Sunset Strip
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Starts at 8:00 PM
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007
Thanks to everyone who made the CD release party a success!
Thanks to everyone who made the CD release party a success!
I am blessed. The night was truly a gift to me, reminding me of all the love that surrounds and supports me. My parents came down from Elk Grove and I leaned on them heavily. I was sad to see them go on Friday morning and we had a teary goodbye. I’m the luckiest girl to have such wonderful parents. Also for friends who gave support, far and above, I am forever grateful. Thanks for delivering CDs to the club, sending flowers, congratulations, messages of encouragement and many prayers. For the folks at Much and House PR who sent out a gazillion press kits, made calls, and even stalked people when necessary to get the job done.
Albane Navizet, my dear friend and photographer, took amazing photos, helped with the set up on stage and was ready with much needed input when I was indecisive. The band is amazing. Anders and Rich are both solid, our foundation, completely reliable, both nice and fun to boot! Mika rehearsed the vocals with me, helped me stuff envelopes and send out fliers, drove me around and brought over dinner! Bob and Jane have been generous with their time, rehearsing, helping me with promotion and even driving to my house to help me unload my equipment. I felt musically and emotionally in the very best of hands, supported and free to express myself, allowed to stretch and completely surrender to the music. I enjoyed every minute of the evening.
Much love, big hug and kiss, Christine
P.S The CD will be for sale on the website very soon, in just a few days, yay!
Friday, October 5th, 2007
I’m so excited about the CD release party!
I’m so excited about the CD release party! The day is quickly approaching. I’ve already had a great rehearsal with the band and more scheduled next week. We had a wonderful time and I was so relieved and happy. I’d been running around all day, feeling anxious, but during the rehearsal I forgot everything else, I just enjoyed the music. I remember thinking that the rehearsal seemed like a party. Rich asked me to make him some coffee. He raved about it and wanted to know my secret, like a commercial from the 60’s! Anders entertained us with some jokes and his pirate voice from the show at Disneyland where he plays in a band. Mika sounded great on background vocals, we’ve been working a couple late nights together and it’s paid off. We managed to get some tight harmony happening between eating our favorite snack, kale salad and popcorn. Bob added his tasty guitar licks and Jane’s piano playing never ceases to amaze me. I’m honored to be playing with these great musicians. They all have truly legendary credits. I remember something my college music teacher, Mrs. Perla Warren, used to say about rehearsals. “If you don’t have a good rehearsal, then you won’t have a good performance”. She also said, “rehearsals are the best part, the most enjoyable, where I can experience the music to the fullest”. We definitely had one of those experiences in our rehearsal and we can’t wait to share it with you on October 17th!