Silent Auction Items - WOW!
We now have the list of auction items for tomorrow’s special Launch Show and Party at Red 7. Set your sights on the prize!
Pedicab Tour of Downtown Austin from Dirtnail Padicab, Singing Valentines and Christmas Carols from The Green Twins, Voice Lesson at Fiore Music Studio, one month unlimited classes at Dancers Shape, custom cupcakes from Oh Baby! Cupcakes, custom designed website from Sam Fagan Designs, assortment of brownies and delights, cakes by Whisky Business Cakes, special artisan pieces from Metals Girl and Helena Back, matted photo from Control Images, assortment of beautiful handmade jewelry by Debra Hanson, and a treat from Mary Kay.
This list is pretty complete, but of course, is subject to late additions and possibly a few small changes.
On behalf of the OOO Ensemble and Advisory Council, a huge thank you to all of our donors and supporters. Make sure you thank them by visiting their businesses in the future and toasting them in person tomorrow evening!
All proceeds from this auction directly benefit the artistic endeavors and future development of OOO, its Members, and its Mission. We look forward to a successful auction and successful LAUNCH tomorrow at Red 7! Remember - cash and check only for the auction (there is an ATM nearby).
Doors open at 8:00, which is when the auction opens as well. The show will begin at 9:00, so get there early, grab yourself a drink, a handful of free snacks, and check out these fantastic, unique items from local artists and small business owners.
Thanks, and cheers, friends! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night!
Julie
OOO Launch - Moving Forward
As I sit down to write this post, I find it hard to focus. I sense my mind wandering. There is much to be done in the coming days. I launch an opera company on August 23, after all.
An “opera company.” For some reason, that just doesn’t sound right. Yes, we sing opera, and yes, this is technically a professional company of singing-artists, but the title “opera company” doesn’t quite seem to fit who and what One Ounce Opera is now, and what I hope for it as we move forward.
“Opera company” seems antiquated - one thing OOO is envisioning stripping from the word “opera,” period. For me, it evokes images of elaborate costumes, complicated sets, having to wear pantyhose and trying to share the armrest in a massive, cold hall. It also reminds me of being hired for a role, traveling to where the show will be, spending three weeks of solid rehearsals putting a show together and getting to know these new characters and the people playing them, and then - just like that - any chemistry you created and any ensemble you worked to build is severed when the final curtain goes down.
That is so far away from an One Ounce Opera experience. Look at full details less than book of ra no deposit.
Since April, we have been building something that would take a monster to tear down. We have been creating a sense of ensemble, a team. Rehearsals have become moments to spend with friends, and to explore within a vibrant atmosphere. We laugh a lot - mostly at ourselves - as we continue to surprise each other with bold choices and fresh ideas.
Regardless of what we call ourselves, this is a company of artists, first and foremost. Of that, I am proud.
I am also proud of the fact we have built a community. We rely on one another. And after we take our final bows late on Thursday, August 23rd, it will mark the beginning of something exciting instead of the end. This is the starting gate - the first whistle - and no end date is in sight.
Hope you can be there to help us kickoff One Ounce Opera, officially. We plan to be a part of the game for many, many years to come.
Cheers,
Julie
The reviews are in...
...and One Ounce Opera experienced “stunning success” at our first public performance on June 24th. As I mentioned in a previous entry, we were approached to sing at LeslieFest 2012 in Downtown Austin’s famed Red River District. Wish you could have been there!
After ear-splitting heavy metal and crowds yelling to speak to one another, you could literally hear a pin drop once our music began. Unsuspecting festival-goers were treated to a specially tailored, one-time-only concert program drenched in OOO style - a mixture of some classic slap-stick comedy, a touch of burlesque, simple sentimentality, honest communication, and of course, beautiful singing.
The audience was sold. The crowd easily multiplied as more were entranced by such an interesting sonic and theatrical experience. Memories were formed and emotions were bared. Those that knew Leslie Cochran literally reached out with hugs, saying, "he would've loved this."
More words from our audience keep flooding in, most new fans of opera who are still sharing their thoughts with us via Facebook, Twitter, email, and phone. The reaction has been everything a Founder could hope for. WE SANG OPERA IN A BAR AND PEOPLE LIKED IT.
Now, on to the next chapter of One Ounce Opera, where we continue sharing this gift of music and meaning. A warm, gracious “Thank You” to Brently Heilbron (the organizer of LeslieFest 2012), Juli Phillips (an owner at Lipstick24), volunteers and bartenders at the festival, and most of all, those who were there to help us make this such a positive, satisfying experience.
Cheers, and thanks,
Julie
Julie Fiore
Founder and General Director
One Ounce Opera
First Official Festival Appearance Announced!
One Ounce Opera has been asked to be a part of the First Annual “Leslie Fest,” a benefit scheduled for Sunday, June 24th at several fantastic venues in downtown Austin.
We will update as we know more, but the benefit will last from 4pm to around 11:00pm, and Leslie’s family and friends will be in attendance.
Update: OUR SET IS AT 7:45 at Lipstick24 (indoors).
This is a celebration. June 24th would have been Leslie’s 61st birthday.
This is also a fundraiser for Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, and a way for the community to come together in honor of yet another beautiful reason we have adopted the slogan around here, “Keep Austin Weird.”
If you are unfamiliar with the Legend of Leslie, ask any Austinite. I have also included a few links below for your reference.
OOO will share the bill with eclectic acts from the area - everything from clowns and comedians to marching bands and magicians.
We could not be more excited! Of course, any new announcements will be here as we get them. Add our blog to your RSS feed, just in case.
And don’t forget about our own FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN on Indiegogo. Your support will NOT go unnoticed, I assure you, and time is truly of the essence now! We’re going to need those boas. :)
Check out these links for more info:
http://www.facebook.com/events/162072623915989/
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/city/2012/04/20/friends-leslie-organize-fundraiser-benefitting-hospice-austin
Peace,
Julie