AVIS'S JOURNAL
My friends and my Sisters have always said that I was determined and relentless when it comes to my music career. I have such a deep love and passion for what I do, that I have devoted almost my entire life to doing what comes naturally to me. Singing is my gift and my heart is free when I'm doing it. God blessed me with an unusual amount of talent and He has led me down many paths of moderate success. I'm thankful for the small joys and I have faith that he will open up His gates and provide a venue for me to share my talents with you more often.
I know in my heart that I have done more, and had more opportunities and experiences than many artists have, and I am forever grateful. In all honesty, the missing link is a major record deal. I live, eat, breathe, and drink music because it has been my salvation and the salvation for other. When I can sing a song and touch a heart, make someone smile, make someone laugh, share my blues, (which aren't many) and be opened about my pain, it is a victory for me set to music. In many instances, I live out my truest accomplishments through a song. And all I need is a stage, a great band and you to help complete the circle. This is the work I chose to do. I believe that your work is something that you should love doing and I have so much fun singing and really enjoy performing.
Journal Update
UP COMING SHOW DATES:
08/13/2006 06:00 PM - SUNDAY - Stevie’s on The Strip
STEVIE’S on The Strip & Jimmy McConnell
Presents R&B/Jazz Artist Avis!
With The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra
3 Shows! NO COVER
LOCATED: 16911 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91311 -
An R&B, Jazz, Pop, Musical Experience of a Lifetime!
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09/08/06 8:00 P.M. & 10:00 P.M.
J.D. KESSLER & THE BELAGE HOTEL PRESENT AVIS!
The Belage Hotel
LOCATED: 1020 San Vicente Blvd. W. Los Angeles, CA
w/ The 360 Degrees Band
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February 2007
Tahiti - French Polynesia
The Oscar Awards!!
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PAST EVENTS
07/02/2006 06:00 PM - Stevie’s on The Strip
STEVIE’S on The Strip & Jimmy McConnell
Presents R&B/Jazz Artist Avis!
With The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra
3 Shows! NO COVER
LOCATED: 16911 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91311 -
An R&B, Jazz, Pop, Musical Experience of a Lifetime!
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05/05/2006 8:00 P.M. & 10 P.M. The Belage Hotel
1020 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
AVIS! W/ The 360 Degrees Band
Dinner or Drink minimum
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01/23/2006 06:00 PM - Stevie’s on The Strip
LOCATED: 16911 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91311 -
STEVIE’S on The Strip & Jimmy McConnell
Presents R&B/Jazz Artist Avis!
With The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra
3 Shows! NO COVER
An R&B, Jazz, Pop, Musical Experience of a Lifetime!
INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN ARTIST AVIS!
FORMER LEAD SINGER WITH WAYNE NEWTON
ONE OF RAY CHARLES’ “RAELETTES”
FORMER “MISS BLACK AMERICA D.C.” WHO BEGAN HER CAREER WITH THE SISTER SENSATION GROUP OUT OF WASHINGTON D.C.
“THE FAWNS”
Date: Sunday January 29, 2006
Show Times: 6:00 P.M. & 9:00 P.M.
Address: 16911 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316
Telephone: (818) 528-3500
Dress Attire: Upscale - LA Fresh! Dinner and/or Drink Minimum Required
(Early Arrival Strongly Suggested)
Call for reservations today!
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01/29/2006 06:00 PM - Stevie’s on The Strip
LOCATED: 16911 Ventura Blvd. , Encino, CA 91311 - NO COVER
STEVIE’S on The Strip & Jimmy McConnell
Presents R&B/Jazz Artist Avis!
With The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra
3 Shows! NO COVER An R&B, Jazz, and Pop, Musical Experience of a Lifetime!
INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN ARTIST AVIS!
FORMER LEAD SINGER OF WAYNE NEWTON
ONE OF RAY CHARLES’ “RAELETTES” FORMER “MISS BLACK AMERICA D.C. WHO BEGAN HER CAREER WITH THE SISTER SENSATION GROUP OUT OF WASHINGTON D.C. “THE FAWNS”
Date: Sunday January 29, 2006
Show Times: 6:00 P.M. & 9:00 P.M.
Address: 16911 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316
Telephone: (818)528-3500
Dress Attire: Upscale - LA Fresh!
Dinner and/or Drink Minimum Required
(Early Arrival Strongly Suggested)
Call for reservations today!
To purchase AVIS! “SELF CONTAINED” go to www.cdbaby.com/avis and for bookings, e-mail Avis_Harrell@Yahoo.com
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03/12/06 STEVIE’S ON THE STRIP
No Cover - Dinner and or Drink Minimum
LOCATED: 16911 Ventura Blvd. , Encino, 91311,US - STEVIE’S on The Strip & Jimmy McConnell Presents R&B/Jazz Artist Avis! With The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra 3 Shows! NO COVER An R&B, Jazz, Pop, Musical Experience of a Lifetime! INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN ARTIST AVIS!
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04/09/2006 06:00 PM - The Crystal Rose
Restaurant & Night Club
LOCATED: 9300 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City , 90232, $40.00
ROBINSONS ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS a Scholarship show review for education featuring R&B/Jazz sensation AVIS! IN CONCERT along with 5 other performing artist
APPEARING ALSO WILL BE PAUL RUSSO (ON SAXOPHONE) AND FRIENDS, MEKIEL RUBINS, AND COMPANY AND MS. KEISHA POTTER ON SAXOPHONE.
THIS IS A DINNER AND BENEFIT FEATURING 5 PERFORMING ARTIST AT THE BEAUTIFUL "CRYSTAL ROSE" RESTAURANT AND NIGHT CLUB. DON'T MISS IT!
January 3, 2003
Hello everyone! I'm back in L.A.
from a wonderful tour of the island of Tahiti! Tahiti was once again
FAB-U-LOUS!! The tour was such a great success and I can't believe what a
warm reception I received. The Promoters of the tour greeted me at the
airport and I was immediately taken to meet the press for a news interview and
conference at the Beachcomber Hotel. We sat under a large palm tree tent at
the Hotel as the Photojournalist snapped pictures and interviewed me. French
is spoken in Tahiti so the promoters interpreted the questions from the
interviewers to me. I should have brushed up on my French because the
reporters, photojournalist and promoters shot questions pretty fast. After
an eight-hour flight it was a little hard to be upbeat but I managed. I truly
got star treatment.
Since my last visit to Tahiti, I let them know that I had been performing with
the Jimmy McConnell Big Band and just finished performing at the Mexico Jazz
Festival. The journalist said the Tahitian audience really enjoyed my last
performance, especially the songs from the Motown era. I have always
performed many songs by Stevie Wonder. He is one of my all time favorite
artists and mentors. Everybody loves his music and whenever I sing any of his
songs the audience recognizes them right away. The Tropical Band played quite
a bit of his compilations extremely well and together we created our own
arrangements that were quite exciting. So I promised that I would give them
those familiar songs and a few new surprises as well. I planed to do my
latest single, “One Samba Night in Tahiti” that was inspired by my last
visit.
I also talked about my love for song writing and that aside from performing;
I've been spending time writing my own original music. At this time, my
platform is plain and simple. I just want to bring joy and give a positive
message while singing the best I can. I want to leave the audience high on a
great night of entertainment. I guess that is one of the reasons I love this
profession. I get the opportunity to lift spirits and help people have a
great time.
As we finished our lunch and interview, the photographers asked the Rosonni Brother and me to step outside and take pictures for their news articles. Then we drove over to the studio to rehearse. We ran over about 30 songs so that my show could have variety. The next day, I was taken to the television station to do a news conference with the promoters and anchormen of the French Polynesian News Broadcasting Network. This interview was shown all around the island and in France as well. When the Tahitian people see me, they say that I remind them of Tina Turner. I take this a very high compliment. Tina is my girl! She is a true pioneer who has opened doors for artist like myself.
During the rehearsal, one of the promoters heard me singing "Circle of One" by Olita Adams and suggested I sing it. I was flattered that he felt that I sang it so well and thought it would be appropriate. Without hesitation, I gave them what they requested. After all, love is the greatest gift we can give and bringing it full circle from the U.S. to Tahiti united us as one, despite the language differences. This just lets me know that they are pleased with my versatility.
After the interview, I walked over
to a sound stage. The setting was beautiful with real palm trees blowing in
the wind against a blue sky. The sand at the beach was as white as snow and
in the distance you could see the mountains that surrounded the island of
Morea. It had to be about 100 degrees under the television lights but I
looked cool. I had fun performing Olita Adams song and it turned out to be a
perfect choice. It rocked the house!
When I finished the television taping, I was taken to the radio station. The
promoters are so well respected that the DJ began promoting my concerts and
song on the radio the minute I walked through the door.
Later on that evening, I did my first concert. The D.J.’s must have hyped the
show, cause it was packed! I could go on for pages telling you what a
wonderful time I had and how awesome the band and I sounded together, but I
will let you review the news articles that will follow for yourselves. Just
click on My News Article Gallery. I had such a great time and each time I’m
invited, I'll go again and again. So tune into my news reviews, e-mail me and
let me know what you think. I’ll be keeping you posted on the local events,
and until next time, God Bless.
Love,
Avis
The following is an email from my good friend Annie:
Ia ora na Avis,
I was happy to see you again but we had not enough time.. may be next time.
I was very busy during
the week and Ron and me, we went to Tikehau in Tuamotu islands for
3 days offered by my daughter and her man for my birthday.
I understand that you've had a busy week as well. That's life! I hope you enjoyed your stay.
The children and our
friends have enjoyed very much the evening at the Beachcomber and at
the Mandarin. You sing so well, you're so great and dynamic and you've won
young and old hearts.
Take care of yourself.
We love you.
Annie.
SONOROA STUDIO
When I went into the studio to spice up "One Samba Night in Tahiti", my mind raced through the Universe. I was able to create, and all of a sudden a flow of wonderful ideas took place. It's sort of hard to explain but I was free and very energized! That's what my music does for me. Yeah, it sets me free. I can be my complete self when I'm recording and performing. Someone once told me "don't worry about what a few people say or think about you". Just do what you do and keep doing it well.
Working with Richard Baron (Owner) and Daniel (Engineer) at the Sonora Studio gave me a chance to produce myself. It was so much fun and I made two great friends. I don't mind taking directions at all, and I love the opportunity to use my ideas and to be creative. Sometimes, what I do as far as my music intrigues people to the point that if they have never experienced the ecstasy and the beauty of sounds that take you out of this world, they would not understand the deeper inner me. I take myself there with my voice and invite anyone who would like to come along for the ride. I've got big love for all of y'all that want to share this passionate experience of my music with me.
ROSARITA BEACH MEXICO MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 6, 7, AND 8, 2002
I get excited when I have a great band that respects what I put down. I had the privilege of working with one of the greatest bands in Los Angeles. Mickial and Company at the Hank Robinson's Annual Rosarita Music Festival. First of all the songs that I selected to perform are not the easiest songs in the world. This is my way of separating myself from a typical ordinary vocalist. I select songs that are soulful and that I know everyone likes, but also I like to sings songs that are obscure but take a little more time for the bands to learn. This way the band knows that they have to be up on their instruments and many good musicians do enjoy the challenge. However, I've met so many musicians who have said that they play with this person and that person, and when I put a chart of music in front of them, I hear a completely different story. But that was not the case with The Mickial and Company Band. These men jammed my set and the crowd loved it.
I'm a firm believer in rehearsal before you step out on the stage. I always want to give people their money's worth. However, there have been times when I had to go on stage and not have a rehearsal. I can always pull off the performance, but I feel I can give more when my musicians have got my back and they have an idea of where I'm going. As I said, I perform songs that are not easy, but I try to choose songs that are pleasurable, exciting as well as soothing and palatable to the ear and soul. Sometimes complex and sometimes obscure, but that's one of the things I think makes me different. I strive for that. To be special and unique is where I am comfortable. If I'm like everyone else, I get bored. You only go around this life once and I believe it's up to us to go around with all we've got and with all your might, so that we can leave a great legacy behind. One of my goals is to leave a legacy that I can be proud of. And when I leave a stage, I like to know that I left you with a part of me.
Each year, I try to do one major concert, gig or special event that leaves a mark on people's heart and embeds an experience and memory of music that will last a lifetime. The Musical Festival in Mexico was so much fun! This is my second year performing on it and let me tell y'all it was the bomb! Hank Robinson knows how to throw a party! First, everyone assimilated at a designated area to board the busses. It was a great group of people who came to the party. The bus ride was about 2 1/2 hours. Hank and hostess served soul food and drinks. It was a lot of laughter and joke telling on the bus. People entertained themselves before they got there.
This yearly event is worth the weekend get away vacation treat to yourselves if you've never taken one. I hope the word gets around even more cause everyone ate, partied and was thoroughly entertained. Mickial and Company opened the show with his great sassy saxcy saxophone. And Wow! What a great player he is. He is sooo mellow ladies. And then there was Funny Lady Yvette. She had everyone in stitches and she never really used four letter words. Now thats a great comedian who can make you laugh without cursing. Paul Russo closed the show and had the ladies screamin'! I think he is soooo cute ladies!! (And he rocks on the sax!)
And when my moment came, I can honestly say I had a beautiful audience and Ladies, I have to give y'all big ups. Y'all congratulated instead of play'a hated during and after my performance. What a classy group! Y'all allowed a Sistta' to get down and do her thing and I thank you for it. Men, I hope that you understand that I was requested to sing some of them down and dirty raunchy blues and know that even though I sang them like they was my blues, its part of my act (that I do enjoy!). For those who requested it, glad y'all liked it. Maybe next time I can share some of my passionate ballads with you. I've got a million of them for those who appreciate mellow sensual songs.
Love,
Avis
