Hi Everyone!

Happy Easter to you...

It's official and the date has been set for a second tribute concert for the wonderful Long Island composer, recording artist Palma Pascale.

Palma left this world on September 8, 2009.  Her music and legacy will live on and endure in the hearts of this loving community of fans and friends, as well as those around the globe who have fallen in love with that beautiful voice,  and those incredibly awesome compositions.

As my regular readers are aware, Palma composed in many genres from Ragtime to Contemporary Christian music.  Her fan base is huge and truly spans the globe.  Just ask someone from the Philippines to sing "LOVE ME FOR WHAT I AM" for you - and they WILL!  They know every word, as evidenced by the YouTube video of Martin Nievera, the "Concert King" of the Philippines who sang this song to an audience of 50,000+.  When the camera panned the audience, they were all singing the song; every single word.  Watch it, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIbSqjuO4Yc&playnext_from=TL&videos=qLdyUy3X81I

Palma was so touched when, at various times last year when she was in the hospital, Philippine nurses, techs and aides alike would come into her room singing her own songs to her.  She felt very well cared for by all of them, and they adored her and her indescribably vast talent.

Personally, I long to be a part of this tribute event, as I was fortunate enough to be counted among Palma's "close friends."  I was given the opportunity to contribute to her last Christian album, due to the thoughtfulness of Tiki Recording Studio owner, Fred Guarino. I was extremely honored to help with this project - a most rewarding experience for me - contributing musical arrangements as well as lending my voice to the effort.  I've never been more proud of any musical accomplishment as I was of this - something I couldn't have imagined getting to be involved with four short years ago.

I will not be able to attend this event, nor will I be one of the "friends who have worked with her in the music industry" who " wish to celebrate her artistry" on this night - one of those who will be performing - showing their love to the world for both Palm and her music.  I will have to wait on a report of the evening's events;  then I promise to write about it here.  I have no doubt whatsoever it will be a huge, sold-out success, just as the first tribute concert was.

And, speaking of reporting - I can tell you that the first tribute to Palma "In Her Own Words" was, indeed, a monumental success.  St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethpage, NY, was the venue, and these same artists performed music composed by Palma to a sold-out, standing room only crowd....and there was a "waiting list" for last minute available tickets.



The performers: Frank Rendo, Patrizia DiLorenzo, Jackie Carey, Al Barbarino, Bobbie Ruth Levy and Laurie Mangano sang solos and duets, and they gave their all on this night to a large crowd of appreciative individuals who left the concert with a little more love and a lot more happiness in their hearts.  Friend Jackie Carey is an Interpretive Dancer, and her contribution to both events is an Interpretive Dance to Palma's title song, "This Must Be Heaven"  with Palma, herself, singing the vocals.  All reports, from the performers themselves, to audience members told the same story of the success of the event.  I have no doubt, whatsoever, that Palm was having a heavenly party on that night - looking down from the Heaven that she wrote so eloquently about, and being reminded of just how loved she was: and what an impact she made on so many lives within the musical world, and outside of it, with her compositions.

It was on this night that THIS MUST BE HEAVEN was initially released.  As my previous blog is all about this magnificent CD, I won't repeat lots of details about it here - suffice to say, however, there are two people who, without them, THIS MUST BE HEAVEN would never have seen the light of day as a completed CD.

First, my talented friend - master engineer, Fred Guarino.  Fred's vision to finish this CD, and the untold hours of love and toil he put into its production is just without description.

Secondly, the tenacity of Frank Rendo who performs on the CD (part of the joy for me in doing my part was singing with Frank and working closely with Fred) .   Frank had performed so intimately  with Palma over the prior two years, both in concert, and in the studio.  He was instrumental in helping to organize the first tribute show, as well as this one - performing in both as well as acting as Master of Ceremonies for both events.

This, of course, is the CD I was a part of, as well - and I wrote my most difficult blog ever, all about it.


I thank Fred for his determination in producing this CD.  It could not have been a more difficult task for a friend and colleague of more than 25 years to do - finish the production of the CD where Palma's voice literally played over and over again in Fred's ear - hour after hour, until the final track was mastered, and in place.  This only weeks after her untimely death.

Frank, on the other hand, had shows to do - with tracks made for his last three albums by Palma - and her voice on many of them.  Plus, a good number of these songs were her very own compositions.  The previous year, these two dear friends shared the stage with each other many times (as well as the untold number of hours they were together in the studio), but most notably at Christmas time.  Frank was charged with continuing to perform, only this Christmas season, without his friend and collaborating partner at his side.

There are many things that generally aren't given much pause, until one lives through them, eh?  Typically, none of us really look at the depth of a significant loss in the broader scope of its ramifications.  In this case, there were many.  The ripple continues to this day.

As for me, I plan to continue my writings regarding Palm and her music.  You see....I asked a lot of questions early on, which Palm rarely, if ever, failed to answer for me - IN DETAIL!  She didn't have to do it, but she never felt that any question was trite or pointless, and an answer would always come.  Oh sure, there are MANY things we were GOING to discuss ...... later.  Sadly, later will never happen for us.  But, I have much to write about - a tremendous amount to say, and a lot of good e-mails and archived "Palma" information to draw from... for a long time to come.

If you are one of the fortunate ones who live in or around the Long Island area, make your plans NOW to attend this second, quite special night of music and celebration as these 7 splendid artists share with you the stunning music of Palma Pascale.

Hmmm....7 artists - Palm would very much have appreciated that, as 7 was her favorite number.  Fitting somehow, don't you think?

Here then, are the details:

ADVANCED TICKETS - $20.00----Tickets  MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED - (phone reservations are not available for this event) 

Tickets are available by contacting Samantha's Li'l Bit of Heaven287 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY  11731.

PHONE:  631-262-1212.

Doors will open at 8pm - show begins at 8:30 pm.

Samantha's is a fragrance-free environment.

RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!!! (Early Reservations Suggested)

Call now to reserve your seats for one East Northport's GREATEST evenings of music, celebration and refreshment.  A Tribute To Palma Pascale.

www.SamanthasLilBitofHeaven.org.

Until next time, I remain

Musically yours,
~Tim  (AKA) Martini~

PHOTOS in order of appearance - Martin Nievera, Tim San Paolo & Fred Guarino, Tim San Paolo and Palma Pascale, Palma Pascale's THIS MUST BE HEAVEN CD cover, Palma Pascale & Jackie Carey, Fred Guarino, Frank Rendo, Frank Rendo & Palma Pascale, Tim San Paolo, and the performers of the TRIBUTE TO PALMA, "In Her Own Words."