Birthday Stream 1/18/21 @ 6pm

So, we're going to sing a beautiful song from Brazil by Pixinginha called “Carinhoso”. It sort of embodies the phrases you've seen a lot everywhere lately, thanks to the historic tension of our times: LOVE TRUMPS HATE, CHOOSE KINDNESS, CHOOSE LOVE... I could go on and on...

If I can remember, I'll go live a little before 6pm to remind you to watch our video as it goes live. We'll be able to chat in real time. And if you're bored, you can twist my arm, and I'll sing a song for you live afterwards. But only one that uplifts MLK's vision for peace and justice 😍🎶🎸🎤

Anyone else remember those plastic toy high-heels with the rainbow straps from the 80s? Anyway, I'm pretty sure I put those on, as well as my tutu (sp?) and a little crown on that day because it was my birthday. Maybe 7 or 8? not sure....

Anyway, it's my birthday again, and this year I have the honor of sharing it with MLK. It's pretty awesome. It happens every once-in-awhile.

On Monday, Jan 18 @ 6pm (NYC time), I will be posting a YouTube Premiere video for the first time ever. My bestie, Venissa Santí (yes, please put an emphasis on the last syllable of her last name, cause that's how she rolls😋) let me rope her into recording a duet with me for you.

I know, I know! I'm giving YOU a present on MY birthday 😆. Apparently, in some cultures that’s what you're supposed to do. You invite all of your friends out for drinks, and YOU pay the bill! (Crazy, right?)

I met Venissa several years ago when she lived in Philadelphia and when our boys were little. We got to perform together with a flamenco dance company called Pasión y Arte, thanks to director Elba Hevia y Vaca, who had an idea for a show using flamenco and cuban music. And the rest is history :)

We have been discussing what we want to do. And as all of this unfolded, the Covid cases are climbing and the prospect of traveling to be with each other for a livestream together is thinning. So this may end up being put together long-distance. Either way, I am really looking forward to this and hope you can be a part of it too!!

December Livestream: Presenting Miss Ayla Huguenot

“Songstresses” : Ayla & Me

Saturday, December 19 @ 6pm

HOW WE CAME UP WITH THIS IDEA

Today Ayla and I rehearsed our songs in Tompkins Square Park. This was pretty special for me because have watched Ayla grow up, writing songs and just developing into an amazing young young lady. She is a born-and-bred East Village teenager who went to my son's school, our beloved East Village Community School, and now attends the Professional Performing Arts School. Ayla is also the daughter of another woman who I love and admire and who is a precious friend, Cresta Kruger, whose photograph is on the cover page of my website! (www.BarbaraMartinez.com)

Ayla reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger, and yet she is really very different. One thing I never dared to do (seriously at least) until very recently was to write my own songs. Ayla's been doing it since she was 3 years old! And it's artists like her who have encouraged me to give it a try. I feel I have a long way to go before finding my own style and "voice", but it is so very satisfying to give this a try. I am thrilled to be able to share our songs with you. I think you will really enjoy them, and also our conversations about the creative process.

Honestly, I also thought it would be lovely to do this with Ayla so that she could have a place to shine, of course, but also so that she could help me get over my own nerves about sharing my own creations. As some of you already know, when Covid hit and we were cooped up at home, one of the things that I started doing was writing songs. They all came out in English (to my surprise) and really have nothing to do with flamenco (also to my surprise!)

Learn more about the incredible singer/songwriter that is Ayla Huguenot.

*This concert series is free for Patreon members, but available to all for a donation or a shoutout*