Why is it embarrassing to sing in public? On trying to find the nerve to do that at an Oldster event I'm conjuring. And where my curiosity would take me next if I had the time and funds.
I totally believe you're a pretty good singer! There are no cool kids! And wow, you are not alone. I totally relate to longing to sing. I can't even practice guitar when my husband is home! I love that you and your partner are singing together. Keep going!
this topic resonates so much with me, and I would love to watch this film, in whatever form it takes!!
I was a musical theater kid growing up too (though much less talented-- I could dance reasonably well but not sing, so all my roles were dancing ensemble ones) and twenty years later I still have a dream about being on stage at least 4-5x a year. There's just something about performing that I miss. I've looked up community theater auditions, etc, but in the Chicago area all levels of theater are stacked with talent, and I feel too embarrassed to actually try out--I'm not good enough a singer! I wish there were more performance opportunities for amateurs. I would love an Oldster Live where you sang!
When I was growing up, I was a closet singer. I was terribly shy and only sang when my family left the house. In high school, I started doing musical theatre. When my parents divorced during my sophomore year, being part of a cast—having that sense of “family”—truly saved me. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. But first, I had to overcome my overwhelming fear of singing in front of people. It wasn’t easy.
Even now, in my 60s, I still get nervous when I sing—maybe even more so. But my mantra is: "Nothing to prove, only to share."
Sari, I will be there with bells on in October. You can do it! (Your documentary, too!)
PS Last year, I wrote (and sang) about the power of singing—regardless of fear or doubt—and shared a beautiful post from my sister, Ann, that I think might resonate with you.
Also: I have 6 nights at KGB Bar's Red room--last Wednesdays May through October--let me know if you would like to read/ perform/ sing. My email remains the same, not sure if I have your current one.
Oldster: LIVE! = LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Ditto the documentary! Also there are models for no money but a collective coming together with great zest and professionalism--The Secret City Singers and The Resistance Revival Chorus--what about an Oldster Chorus???
Soooooo relatable! She’s in there and she’s grabbing the mic, this wise, larger than life star. She may have to tussle with the shame gremlins who want so badly to protect her and keep her invulnerable but I hope they learn that she is safe now and can take the stage / camera 🎥🧚🏽♀️💞 With you in following the mysterious calls that hound you (I believe these calls have the most wisdom and magic available to us). The thought of you and Brian singing together (at that gorgeous piano) does something to me. It sounds so lovely
I had no idea you were such a badass theater kid! So amazing! I'd totally host a Sari-Sing-a-Long watch party of your documentary! (I'm a closeted torch songstress, myself) 😂🎶🎙️📽️🎉
Sari! The lead in THREE summer camp plays in one summer? You ARE the cool kid! To me, anyway. :) You are an amazing singer! I love that you are dueting with Brian with the new piano. I have no doubt that you could make an amazing documentary film. Of course you can! It will stretch you out of your comfort zone for sure. Is that what you want? There's probably no right answer. But you could DEFINITELY do it. I think the idea of you singing at an Oldster Live event is perfection, I love it so much. Do it!
As a witness to all three of those performances (all fabulous), I say do it. Documentary or in whatever form it takes you. If there’s a way for me to help, I’m in.
I really really really want that documentary! Wish I could help / let me know if I can in some way.
I totally believe you're a pretty good singer! There are no cool kids! And wow, you are not alone. I totally relate to longing to sing. I can't even practice guitar when my husband is home! I love that you and your partner are singing together. Keep going!
💕
I would love to attend an Oldster event.
Would love to feature you!
I would love to be there.
Next October. I’ll be there for the Oldster Sing. Can we have a sing along as well? You can do this…if you want. 💜
Thank you, Karen!! And I will be sure there’s a singalong!
Sing out, Louise!!! (Seemed apropos. I saw Patti Lupone as Mama Rose for my 50th , w Mom & two friends).
Perfect comment! Thanks, Jodi.
this topic resonates so much with me, and I would love to watch this film, in whatever form it takes!!
I was a musical theater kid growing up too (though much less talented-- I could dance reasonably well but not sing, so all my roles were dancing ensemble ones) and twenty years later I still have a dream about being on stage at least 4-5x a year. There's just something about performing that I miss. I've looked up community theater auditions, etc, but in the Chicago area all levels of theater are stacked with talent, and I feel too embarrassed to actually try out--I'm not good enough a singer! I wish there were more performance opportunities for amateurs. I would love an Oldster Live where you sang!
Thank you, Jami! So glad to know you relate!! <3
When I was growing up, I was a closet singer. I was terribly shy and only sang when my family left the house. In high school, I started doing musical theatre. When my parents divorced during my sophomore year, being part of a cast—having that sense of “family”—truly saved me. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. But first, I had to overcome my overwhelming fear of singing in front of people. It wasn’t easy.
Even now, in my 60s, I still get nervous when I sing—maybe even more so. But my mantra is: "Nothing to prove, only to share."
Sari, I will be there with bells on in October. You can do it! (Your documentary, too!)
PS Last year, I wrote (and sang) about the power of singing—regardless of fear or doubt—and shared a beautiful post from my sister, Ann, that I think might resonate with you.
https://open.substack.com/pub/lizcallaway/p/make-your-own-kind-of-music?
I love this, Liz! Thank you. I'll check out the post and the song! <3
Yes to singing! And I'm so curious what happened...
I'll have to tell the story some day!!
Also: I have 6 nights at KGB Bar's Red room--last Wednesdays May through October--let me know if you would like to read/ perform/ sing. My email remains the same, not sure if I have your current one.
Oooh…yes. Will drop you a line!
Oldster: LIVE! = LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Ditto the documentary! Also there are models for no money but a collective coming together with great zest and professionalism--The Secret City Singers and The Resistance Revival Chorus--what about an Oldster Chorus???
Thanks, Tori! Maybe I get The Secret City chorus to chime in. (I don't have the bandwidth to start and run a chorus!)
Understood--talk to Chris--I think that every Secret City had different singers and they had 1 or 2 rehearsals
Soooooo relatable! She’s in there and she’s grabbing the mic, this wise, larger than life star. She may have to tussle with the shame gremlins who want so badly to protect her and keep her invulnerable but I hope they learn that she is safe now and can take the stage / camera 🎥🧚🏽♀️💞 With you in following the mysterious calls that hound you (I believe these calls have the most wisdom and magic available to us). The thought of you and Brian singing together (at that gorgeous piano) does something to me. It sounds so lovely
Ah, yes, THE GREMLINS! Thank you, Kara. <3
I had no idea you were such a badass theater kid! So amazing! I'd totally host a Sari-Sing-a-Long watch party of your documentary! (I'm a closeted torch songstress, myself) 😂🎶🎙️📽️🎉
Love it. Yes!
The right decision? The wrong decision!
To be allowed to go to auditions but not callbacks seems particularly undermining. Start there when you’re looking for explanations.
OR, stop looking for explanations and just go for it!
Thanks, Irwin!
Go for it! The documentary and the singing in public. We should all recapture our childhood chutzpah! That’s a great goal.
💕
Sari! The lead in THREE summer camp plays in one summer? You ARE the cool kid! To me, anyway. :) You are an amazing singer! I love that you are dueting with Brian with the new piano. I have no doubt that you could make an amazing documentary film. Of course you can! It will stretch you out of your comfort zone for sure. Is that what you want? There's probably no right answer. But you could DEFINITELY do it. I think the idea of you singing at an Oldster Live event is perfection, I love it so much. Do it!
Thanks for the encouragement, Steph. 😘😘😘
As a witness to all three of those performances (all fabulous), I say do it. Documentary or in whatever form it takes you. If there’s a way for me to help, I’m in.
Thank you, Jen. 💕