Unfortunately, the editing is a bit choppy. I only had time for 2 takes before I realized just how much I was running out of time, and in editing, I mean swapping back and forth between two takes (it was all I had time for)  to cut out the chippery-chirps and garble from my quaker parrot who tried to sing along with me!  I didn’t realize until after it was all posted and done that I had totally cut out the third verse, where I sing “Oh Mr Stewart please, let’s make sweet harmony” and the tag at the end where I sing ‘the first cut is the deepest, so spare me the pain and let it be me”

And now, it’s all up to the voters.  I can’t believe that the highest total number of votes will win this thing, and actually get to sing with Rod Stewart in Las Vegas! I have never been to Vegas before.. I’m not much of a gambler but I would love to go, to experience it, to travel and explore somewhere new, and maybe see a show or two..including Rod’s of course.

WOW! Sing with Rod Stewart… me?? Is it possible??

If you are reading this, please take a moment to vote for me.. here’s the link:

http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/ae3ea3e9041a77bbaf27da380e7e4f5a/209
You will need to sign into Talent House with either a facebook or twitter account, then click the VOTE button on the page. If you don’t use facebook or twitter, there’s a link below the vote button that you can click on to access at text number.

Martin Luther King said that the dreams of today shape the realities of our tomorrow. I sure hope and pray that in this case, this dream becomes my reality!

Here’s the tune.. hope you enjoy it!

Such was the occassion last week when Vasco and I performed at the wedding of my sister Ada to the love of her life, Dave. The wedding ceremony was held in a beautiful indoor solarium and garden at Carruther’s Creek Golf and Country Club in Ajax, ON.  Prior to the ceremony itself, while guests were arriving and finding their seats, Vasco and I helped to create a love-in-the-air ambiance with our jazzy renditions of “Girl from Ipanema”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, ”Sway”, “Unforgettable”, and other timeless classics. Once the ceremony began, Vasco played a beautiful instrumental version of “Unchained Melody” during the procession, while the wedding party glided down the cobblestone path adorned with greenery and the fresh scent of  lavender, while the mist from the cascading waterfall  filled the air with a fresh coolness. Once the blushing bride began her parade down the isle, Vasco enhanced the music with a harmonic string section.

The bride had wanted to honour the Italian side of her husband-to-be’s family, by featuring a song in their native tongue. Since neither Vasco nor I could speak (or sing) Italian and did not have enough time to learn one, she asked us to perform the Spanish song we do quite frequently at wedding banquets, which we were happy to oblige. During the happy couple’s signing of the wedding register, we were asked to play Besame Mucho, a beautiful Spanish piece that has been covered by all the greats of past and present, including Frank Sinatra, Cesaria Evora, Elvis Presley and Jennifer Lopez. Rather than play it in our typical Samba style, we went with a slower Rumba style that proved to be sexy and romantic. Once the happy couple said their “I DO’s, it was time to break into “This Will Be An Everlasting Love”, as made famous by Natalie Cole, to accompany the newly married couple and wedding party during the wedding recession.

Photo courtesy of Denise Wilkins, LifeartDesigns.ca

The compliments received during the banquet that followed were wonderful.  Some said that they never realized the music was live until they finally noticed us standing up front, behind and off to the side of the beautiful rose trellis that would serve as the wedding altar.  They thought they were hearing cds or the radio! When  it comes to weddings, our musical presence is professional yet under-stated on purpose, as a wedding ceremony is a sacred affair where all the attention should go to the bridge and the ceremony – not the wedding singers.

Both Vasco and I were thrilled to be a part of Ada and Dave’s special day and we thank them both from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us to participate in such a joyous occassion.

Should you need a singer for your special event, please contact us and we would be happy to speak with you.

The Karaoke Idol competition was run by Carol Dandary & Robert Simpson, otherwise known as the English Rose and the Mad Scotsman. The karaoke event consisted of four rounds of six people, with a final round consisting of the top two from each of the previous rounds (six to eight finalists). Zelda sang in round 2 and was one two singers who made it to the finals in this round. She didn’t win the event but had a great time meeting up with old friends, meeting new ones and enjoying a day in the sun.

The Highland Creek Heritage Fesival is an annual event and parade that occurs in June each year in Scarborough and comprises lots of food, merchants tables, cultural dancing and more. The competition was held in the Beer Garden, making it a lively venue which warmed up as the day went on.

If you’re not familiar with the English Rose and the Mad Scotsman, this dynamic duo has been entertaining guests with their karaoke shows in and around Toronto, Scarborough and Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, etc.) for many years. You can find them on  Thursdays @ Coyote Jack’s in Ajax from 8:00 p.m. to midnight (Harwood + south of the 401 in Harwood Plaza), on Saturdays @ Winners Bar & Grill, 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Birchmount + Lawrence E), and at their newest venue, The Fossil & Haggis Bar And Grill on Tuesdays beginning June 28, 8:00 p.m. to midnight (Morningside and Military Trail). Their shows are always full of life and great fun for all.

Indulge in the best kept secret in Markham Village – mouth-watering authentic Italian cuisine, exquisite diningroom setting and warm, friendly atmosphere as you listen to the legendary jazz of yesterday, along with some contemporary favourites.  This is Zelda and Vasco’s second appearance at Al Dente’s and we are so pleased that they have asked us back.

Come on out for a lovely dinner on the town and sing and dance along to all your favourite jazz hits from Patsy Cline, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ray Charles, and more!  We hope to see you there!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

6:30 – 9:30 9m

Al Dente Italian Restaurant

39 Main Street North, Markham, ON

As all musicians and music lovers know, there are a lot of different musical genres out there, from hip-hop to classical, opera, jazz, funk, disco, heavy metal and of course, rock & roll (to name but a few) and that doesn’t include all the fusion cross-genre styles that are coming out all the time. With ZELDA and the Legends classic jazz and blues band, we love the legendary jazz and blues hits of yester-year but placing this slower, loungier, smokier style of music in amongst high powered energy hitting rock bands may be a risky move for both the event organizers and for ZELDA and the Legends. We knew walking in that in order to fit in and be respected in amongst some awesome local rock bands, we had to stand out and be true to who we are as a band.  Bottom line – they’re either gonna love it or hate it but either way, doing something *outside the box* will usually spark some kind of opinions and feelings in others and you’ll be remembered.

That’s how I felt at the CP24 Children’s Wish Charity Benefit concert, put on by a legend himself in the Toronto music scene and someone I’m proud to call my brother and mentor,  the musically talented Mr. Andy O’Connor. If you’ve never played with Andy or attended one of his jams, he can be a bit intimidating. Andy does not just have a talent – he has a true musical gift. Have you ever known someone with the ability to just pick up an instrument – any instrument, and start playing it – no matter what it was? Well then you’ve probably met Andy. On the other hand, if you have had the honor of playing music with Andy then you also know the warmth and sense of belonging he brings to all musicians he shares the stage with.  It’s not about competition or who is better, it’s simply about the music – as it should be, and I have had the pleasure of singing in a couple of his bands over the years.

Anyway, I digress…. while performing at the charity event, our jazz act hit a snag right from the start due to some freakly dry throat thing that I had never experienced before. This was not just a dry throat that a glass of water could refresh but rather, it was like my throat had closed in on itself and was literally sticking together.. yes STICKING TOGETHER. I opened my mouth only to hear some faint squeeks and chokes coming out of me! I was horrified! YIKES! I couldn’t speak and it was getting hard to breath. Was was happening to me? Was it nerves? I didn’t feel nervous, in fact I was really happy and excited about performing at this show. I knew people in the crowd and had sung at this venue many times before. I knew my band was comprised of some awesome, seasonsed professional musicians and I had the full support of my awesome brother and the equally awesome crowd, who all seemed really excited to hear a jazz band in the mix of the musical evening.  Whatever it was, it was hindering my ability to sing! There I was, up on stage, with the crowd all looking to see what I sing – or do next…. *peep peep squawk!* Aaawww…. I ran for some water but it did very little to help at first.  My bandmates – Vasco Alfonso, Glenn Ellis and Mike McClelland being the pros that they are, carried along, playing lovely music while I, standing in front of a packed house, tried to push and stifle out some kind of vocal sounds to accompany the music.  What do I do??

(This lovely photo of me and Glenn was snapped by Gord Dawe at about that time of the evening. Looks like I’ve just bitten into some sour grapes.. Thanks Gord! lol)

Well, as all musicians and other performers know, the show much go on … so we did! Eventually, after a little water (and embarrassment), my throat loosened up a bit  – enough that I was able to carry on. This was NOT my best performance by far but I do believe (judging by the response of the crowd) that it passed as being acceptable for the night. I did notice that my lower vocal range was stifled throughout our set - which is not good considering many of the jazz songs we perform involve me singing in my lower range.  All I could do was to take it an octave higher where and when I could and for the rest, simply relax and do the best I could with what I had because as I said, the show must go on!

This video clip is one of the songs that turned out not too bad. In fact, this tune was a request that was shouted out by a few jazz lovers in the crowd - which I suppose is another indication that despite my vocal issues at the beginning of our set, it all turned out ok in the end. On behalf of ZELDA and the Legends, our many thanks to the organizers of the event for including *ZELDA and the Legends* in this year’s event and for the friends, fans and audience for your patience, love and support. It was an experience and a night, I will never forget!

~Zelda

Each week we perform jazz and soft pop classics, while guests arrive and congregate for their loved ones’ wedding reception. What I love most about this gig is the opportunity to share in such a special day with so many happy couples and their families, and participate in such a joyous and loving atmosphere.  Ok, I also love the dressing up part! Each week I get to dress ‘to the nines’ in a formal dress, polished nails and make-up, and spiked heals…wooohoooo! A dream come true for the girly-girl in me

Seeing the faces of the older generation, tapping their toes and singing along to “Fly Me to the Moon” or “Cheek to Cheek”, watching the girls behind the bonbonnaire table dancing along with “La Isla Bonita”, and getting a smile back from the wee little ones who are also dressed ‘to the nines’ in their white leotards and bow ties, shy and not too sure about all the crowd, noise and hub-bub until they hear the soft, sweet  music of “What a Wonderful World” – these are the highlights of my weekly experience, singing at the Premier Banquet Hall.

I think it’s wonderful that Premier offers this service to their clients and guests – it’s a nice time passer for wedding guests and one less thing the Bride and Groom need to worry about when planning for their wedding day. I also think it’s wonderful that Premier enjoys our music so much that they have offered us this opportunity to join them each and every week.  And with such a big, beautiful banquet hall to have that special event, offering live music is simply the icing on the cake! (Hmm… I love icing .. and cake … I hope it’s chocolate

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Zelda

PS: I would like to add that this photo was taken of Vasco and myself, compliments of Bogdan Radu of Studio Solaris in Toronto.  Vasco and I have a regular gig here at Premiere, and many photographers have taken our picture to add to the bride and grooms collection of wedding event pics. And because we are performing at other people’s weddings, we can’t exactly ask a photographer to come in and take our photo – there’s the rub. We had nothing to add to our website, portfolio or electronic press kit that showed us playing together.  Bogdan was different – he was the ONLY photograher out of a few dozen, who was kind enough to leave me his contact information and then send me a few shots of  us performing together. The BONUS was when I visited his website to see the extrraordinary, beautiful work he does.. he really captures his subjects in the perfect light, setting and mood…  A true artist.  Bogdan and his lovely wife also do some very exquisite period work too that is quite simply… stunning! We wish to thank Bodgan for the great pictures and recommend his photo studio, to anyone looking for high quality, professional, beautiful engagement and wedding pictures.

Just click here and see for yourself!  http://www.studiosolaris.com/

Now, venues have the option to book Zelda and the Legends as a solo act, a duet, a trio, classic quartet or full 5 piece band.  Same great music – custom-fit to any sized event!

Some might wonder if doing this is a bit of a gamble.  Believe me, there are plenty of top-notch local talent out there all DYING to be playing live and making a few bucks doing what they love to do best – play music!  Zelda and the Legends features some of the most well seasoned, excellent local talent that Toronto and Durham Region have to offer - ensuring you receive top quality entertainment at any size – and price to fit any event budget.

Zelda and the Legends Classic Jazz & Blues Ensemble features Zelda (Sally) O’Connor on Lead Vocals & Percussion, with an array of seasoned, talented local musicians who share her love for the legends

This musical specialty act features professional sound, lighting and props and is a one-of-a-kind show that you don’t want to miss!  Enjoy the sounds of legendary artists including: ELLA FITZGERALD * BILLIE HOLLIDAY * ROSEMARY CLOONEY * DIANA KRALL * ETTA JAMES * JULIE LONDON * THE MCGUIRE SISTERS * ARETHA FRANKLIN * EARTHA KITT * SARAH VAUGHN * DINAH SHORE * SHIRLEY HORNE * PATSY CLINE * PEGGY LEE *  DORIS DAY * NINA SIMONE *  RAY CHARLES * CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES * and MANY MANY MORE!

Book as a Soloist, 2-piece duo (vocals with accompaniment), 3-piece trio, 4 piece classic quartet, or a full 5-piece band – Whatever your need,  Zelda and the Legends is the perfect size at the perfect price to make YOUR next venue simply perfect.

ATTN MUSICIANS:  click here >>>>

If you are a musician looking to play live shows performing jazz, blues and pop classics in and around Toronto and Durham, including Pickering, Markham, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Bowmanville, Stouffville, New Market, Niagara Falls, Guelph, and surrounding areas across southern Ontario, then please contact us today for more information.

Show time: 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Venue: Absolute Lounge, Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, Markham, ON

For me, this feels like a year of reaping what’s been sewn and receiving the blessings that have been lined up ready to go!  Already, doors of opportunity are begining to open and interest has been sparked. I am very excited – and grateful to be embarking on this project with such phenominal musicians.   More details to come shortly…. please stay tuned!

We thank you for your patience as we attempt to build our site over the Christmas season. We are looking to start booking the band in January.