From The Road

August 17
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, CA

Wow! Our third show in a row...by now we were ready for at least a day break.

We played here in 2006...the audotorium was intiment and warm. Felt like the audience was on stage with us. A lot of interactioin between Donna and audience. They all seemed to be very familiar with Crayons and was embraced warmly.
After the show, the venue had gift bags for everyone with a beautiful bottle of Merlot wine...
After show...back on bus for a 8 hour ride to San Diego...who cared...we knew we had the next 2 days off!!!

August 16
Paramount Theatre of the Arts
Oakland, CA

Rolled into from Reno around3 pm. As we entered the backstage entrance, you were greeted by photos of past entertainers from decades past. To see all the great's that were on the stage was very cool. The theater was gorgeous...kind of an era setting...deco like.
The conecert began and the audience response when Donna first appeared was overwhelming. This audience, like so many were there for a good time. Donna was very playful and engaging with the fans all evening....Funny moment was when Donna came out to sing Sand On My Feet, one fan yelled out to her "Beautiful Dress!" ...Donna's reply..."Like it? You should...you paid for it". Crowd went crazy...
Overall....it was a great show.



August 15
Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino
Reno, NV


The day of the show, I had a friend take me to see Lake Tahoe. It was a beautiful driving in a convertible just seeing such a beautiful site....I got burned on my face, but so worth it.
What a fantastic crowd! They were energetic and with us the entire show. You could see off to both sides of the ballroom groups the whole evening dancing to the music and enjoying every minute of it. Again we performed Bring Down the Reign and was received well. After the show heard great feedback, even from the owners of the venue on how impressed he was from the response of the audience.


August 13
The Mountain Winery
Saratoga, CA

This is one of my favorite venues to play with Donna. Our third time back....A major change from last year. The outdoor setting has been enlarged to seat more people. Absolutely beautiful! This is the property of the Paul Masson Winery....been there for decades. What a setting to play. The night was perfect! Stage a little smaller than usual, but still was adaptable for a great show. It sits above the Silicon Valley and you could look out and see forever....The crowd was so into the new show. Donna was having fun....just worked the audience into a frenzy....This night was the first time we performed a new song off the project..."Bring Down The Reign"
Went over great! Powerful


August 10
Northern Quest Casino
Spokane, Washington

For those of you who were wondering where I went this past week, it was this show that I took on a nasty flu bug. 10 minutes before the show I was wrapped in 2 blankets with the chills , something that has not happened in some time. Did the show and found my way back to the hotel to rest for the next couple of days. Started a Z-pak to remedy this infection.

August 8 & 9
River Rock Casino Resort
Richmond, British Columbia

After a well needed 9 day rest, we were back on the plane to begin the 2nd leg of the tour.
Great venue...the audience was energetic and a part both nights, but the 2nd night was what stood out to me most. The fans were there to party and wanted to make the aisle the dance floor. Security kept pushing them back and escorting individuals back to their seats. By the time we got to "Radio", they were out of their seats again and wanting to dance....From her microphone....Donna yelled out..."LET THE PEOPLE DANCE". It was as if the cork flew off a champagne bottle....the stage was rushed and the venue turned into one big party. What a moment....FUN!!!

July 27
West Hampton Theater
Westhampton Beach, New York

Arrived from Atlantic City into the Hamptons early afternoon. Big storm passed through the area. Tree limbs, debris, and downed telephone lines all around. Small venue, and Sold Out. Sound check went on as usual and then left for dinner.
Went to restuaruant next door, and during dinner...Power went out....had to eat by candelight...Got back to theater and power down there too. Show was delayed, but not cancelled. They hooked up generators to the theater and the SHOW, as they say, MUST GO ON!

July 25 & 26
Caesars Casino
Atlantic City, New Jersey


2 Nights of great entertainment. Audience was right with Donna....throwing out praises thorughout the evening.
The show rocks...no question about it...I know Donna is having fun with the new material and all the new components that make it a wonderful evening to be a part of.
On the bus now heading to the Hampton's for our last show for the eastern part of tour. Home tomorrow and so looking forward to it.

July 23
Casino Rama
Rama, Ontario


Tonight was the last of 2 sold out shows.
I was so tired before the show. It is just a given that the band always has a Red Bull before we go on to give a little kick...was not happening for me. THe amazing thing is that no matter how tired you feel before the show....when the downbeat hits, Donna appears...everything starts hitting on all 12 cylinders and we are off to the races. Helps too when you have a great audience...and that we did both nights!!

July 22
Casino Rama
Rama, Ontario


Back in Canada. I love coming to this venue....it's in the middle of nowhere, but it's beautiful and a comfortable enviorment to be in....rooms even have fireplaces in them :)
Show was great tonight...Everything on the production side is smooth...
"Fame" was omitted this evening...that encore is so powerful...missed playing that tonight.
We are here again tomorrow evening then off to Atlantic City. The eastern part of the tour is almost over....So ready to see my family!!


July 20
Seneca Allegany Casino
Salamenca, NY


Arrived by bus around 9:00 am. Did not sleep much on bus...blood shot eyes when I arrived.
Got to soundcheck and ran a few songs. During soundcheck we had a jam with Donna for about 20 minutes. It was inspiring. Time to time we do that and come up with some pretty cool songs.
This was a smaller stage and setting was a little different from other shows. The concert was projected on two big screens stage left & right.
Some very dear friends drove almost 3 hours to be there for the show....It was wonderful to see them after so many years! The best part was they brought me a box of cannolis....:)


July 19
Nikon Music Center
Jones Beach, NY

Happy birthday Natalia!!!
Just like Jersey it was hot in Jones Beach.
What a beautiful setting for this venue. Seats 15,000+ Before soundcheck I walked to the very top row and looked out to see water surrounding the stage. Absoultely beautiful!
"Fire" was back in the show tonight and went over great. From here, an overnight trip to Western NY for a show tomorrow night. Tomorrow is going to be a loooong day.

July 18
PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ


The word for the evening was HOT HOT HOT....
When we got to soundcheck it was 94 degrees out. Donna ran a few songs then let us get out of the heat. It was a great crowd and full house.
We replaced "I'm a Fire" tonight with "Brazil".
I missed playing "Fire" and sure the audience did too.
For it to be so hot out....Donna sure enjoyed the evening and danced the night away.

July 16
Pier 6 Concert Pavillion
Baltimore, MD


Beautiful setting for a concert...Water surrounded the pavillion and boats just docked and watched the show.
It was hot, but was not an issue with those there. On thier feet just rockin' to the old and new.
Cool spot it the show is when Donna brought Vienna (Mimi's daughter) and her cousin Mariah to sing Crayons....Nice touch.
Bruce met up with us yesterday. So good to have him back with us!!!!
I know this sounds like a repeat, but each show just gets better....I can tell Donna is having a great time, and the audience feels it, we feel it, and we want to make it a great time for everyone!!!

July 13
BluesFest
Bank of America Pavilion
Ottowa, Canada

5 minutes to showtime, backstage...radio making final calls, pre-show pulsating music, chants for the Diva intensify, Donna arrives on stage, and we get our cue to take stage and start the show.

Out as far as you could see...30,00 bodies with cameras flashing, and anticipating the first appearance of Donna.
We played for 90 minutes with no intermission...It was a great evening for everyone.
Today is a day off for everyone. Travelling and performing after a 3 day run was welcomed.

July 12

Bank of America Pavilion
Boston, MA
What an evening. From the very outset, Donna was received and welcomed as one of their own. A standing ovation early in her performance was a clear indication that those there were ready for a great time. Not only for Donna, but for everyone on stage, we were all ready to party with them.
The new songs were well received, surprising to see how many were singing and already knew the lyric to the songs.
Visited with Donna after the show as we were waiting to leave. She is having fun and so much enjoying the production, music, and giving back to the fans.
2:30 am on route to Canada. Trying to stay awake as long as possible to make the 11 hour trip as short as possible.

July 11

Bethel Woods
Bethel, NY

Wow...this venue was the most meaningful place we have been to so far on tour. During soundcheck I found out that we were playing on the very site that the Woodstock festival happened and made history almost 40 years ago.
The venue holds close to 20,000 people. Not sure of how many were there but it was a good crowd.

Last night's performance kept gaining momentum, especially as she mixed in her old songs...By the time we got to Radio, the party had begun. 2nd half continued with a mix of old and new songs....It was a great concert and with each and every performance it only gets better.
Around midnight we loaded up the bus and headed to Boston for a show here tonight. Got in around 5 am....few hours sleep and do it again tonight for a long bus ride into Canada for a performance there tomorrow evening.

July 9

Mohegan Sun Casino
Uncasville, CT

What a show! 3rd show, everyone on stage is locking in to production and is evident with the response from the crowd. I have been through this show many times, and each night is exciting and different.
The addition of the dancers and video screens add a new dimension to the show....mix that with the greatest voice, and it is magical!
The encore last evening was "FAME"....you could feel the energy throughout the venue...In fact, the fireworks was felt from outside during the song....what a finale and segway into "LAST DANCE".
Off today...then hit it hard next 3 days.

July 8

Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center, Gilford NH

After a much needed 2 day rest, we finished our 2nd show.
In spite of the heat, this crowd was with it from down beat....they were ready to have a good time...and Donna delivered.
The new songs are going over great! Fun to see the reaction and surprising to see how many know the songs and are sining along....
We are now on the bus heading to Mohegan Sun casino in CT. Should arrive around 4 am....hopefully get some rest and do it again tomorrow evening. For those of you who have the opportunity to see the show. it will be a Summer to remember!

July 5

Wolftrap, Vienna VA.

After a full day of celebrating the end of 2 weeks of rehearsal and the 4th of July, we piled in the bus and left for our first show.
We played to a full and receptive audience. Very cool to see such a positive response to Donna's new songs. As always she did an outstanding job, the band, the dancers, really came together nicely for show #1.
Tonight we drive through to our next city

This is a must see show....It really is major change from the past couple of years!

June 14

Coming Soon!
Preparing for Summer Tour...Will be updating soon!