I produced and played in a concert for Argentinian singer Maria Puga Lareo. Joe Tranchina on piano, Eric Lemon on bass, and Tootsie Bean on drums. This was a last-minute conception and came off beautifully. Her sweet voice, fine phrasing and surprising range make her a pleasure to listen to and accompany. Her rendition of ballads like "Drown in My Own Tears" as well as some of her own pieces, is moving.

 Manna House is a music and education center on E. 106 St. near First Ave.,well worth checking out, not only for the charming theatre space but the vocal and other music lessons available to young people and adults; activities such as yoga classes; and the vivacious and health-oriented director, Gloria DeNard.

  Brainstorm: I decided in producing the concert that it should be followed by a singers' jam. Knowing how singers love to come out and throw in their two cents. And the two cents turned out to be many cents! We had a great array of participating singers, from Fran McIntyre to Ayana Lowe, Gates Thomas, Ralph Ravello, Habiba Matthew, Brenda, and the promoter himself doing some heavy and very fast scat singing!

  All told, we are all still in shock that an idea conceived less than a week before, could draw such a joyful, enthusiastic crowd. A truly great event.

by Carol Sudhalter

www.sudhalter.com