It’s quite a silly story actually. I recently returned to California from an amazing trip performing around the world. Upon my arrival to Los Angeles, my best friend James took me to Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. This magnificent estate turned public park was built in 1928 by California oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny for his son, Ned L. Doheny Jr. It’s terrace is one of Hollywood’s most famous sets. The estate has been the set to many films including the famous Bowling Alley scene in There Will Be Blood. James and I strolled through the elegant courtyard of the estate (the interior is not open to the public). The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the fountain was flowing and I felt compelled to SING! I got through the first verse of “The Flower Duet” before I noticed that James and I were not alone. Four smiling faces peered through the glass doors of the estate. Three lovely ladies and a Beverly Hills Park Ranger emerged from Greystone Mansion and asked me if I would be interested in singing at their event inside the estate next week. What a way to book a gig! I came back three days later and sang Opera in the Gallery and Jazz in the Music Hall. These rooms were built to house some of the biggest bands and musical artists of the 1920′s. Let me tell you, the acoustics there were better than any other venue I’ve ever sung in!

I had a wonderful time performing at Gresystone Mansion, and to think that it all began with a sunny summer stroll makes this path I’m on even more enticing. You never know when someone is listening, so why not SING?