Winning the 2009 IMA Ringtone Award

I am so excited about winning this category at the Independant Music Awards. Rigamaroll is always so much fun to perform because of its high energy and open “jam” format that gives the band a chance to let it out. There’s a new studio version on my new CD with Nez and Marcus trading fours, Keith taking a solo and kicking off a doubletime swing piano solo… we had fun and did this song in one take.

I am really hoping to see everyone at the CD release party on May 12. The line up will include me on both keyboards and that beautiful grand piano, Keith on bass, Ricardo Monzon on percussion and Nez on Drums. We may have one or two surprises up our sleeves as well.

Tickets to the May 12th show are available at http://web.me.com/sueauclair/Bill_Champitto_At_Scullers/May_12_09.html

To access the free ringtone of “Rigamaroll by Bill Champitto” from your cell phone Text “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

Winning the 4th Annual Steppin’ Out with the Stars Talent Showcase

I was selected as a finalist from thousands of entries and edged out three other finalists for the opportunity to perform at Steppin’ Out with the Stars 2008 Gala. With Keith on bass and Keita on percussion, we performed live for a panel of judges and, according to the Dimock Center’s press release, “energized the audience” at Scullers Jazz Club on Monday, September 29th. “His trio edged out three other artists/ensembles for the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Steppin’ Out gala Saturday, November 8th.”

We performed my new single “A Better Way” and the best selling single from “Water’s Edge”, “You Know Me”. The show lineup includes such great jazz and R&B artists as Lala Hathaway, Andre Ward, Monty Alexander, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spaulding, Kendrick Oliver, Wannetta Jackson, Larry Watson, Julia Nixon and Samba Tremeterra.

Thanks to all of you who showed up in support. This was fun and the show in front of an aduience of 3,000 will be very exciting.

About Dimock, in case you don’t know… (from their website)

The Dimock Center, founded on July 1, 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, was the first hospital in New England opened and operated by women for women, and only the second in the country. Noted prominently for its role in the history of women in medicine, Dimock strives to continue in the innovative spirit of trailblazers like Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, who established the hospital, and Mary Eliza Mahoney, the country’s first black nurse who studied here in 1879. Our nine-acre campus was designated as a National Historic Site in 1985 and a National Historic Landmark in 1991. Today, as the largest community based agency in Roxbury, Dimock serves thousands upon thousands of children, adults and families each year.
Dimock is a local and national model for the delivery of comprehensive health and human services. Our Health Care programs provide health maintenance, screening, immunizations, and prevention for adults and children with specialized clinics, including Women’s Health and OB/GYN, HIV/AIDs, eye care, and dental care. Our Child and Family Development programs offer group fitness activities, academic support and computer training, as well as a safe environment for children and adolescents. Our Behavioral Health program assists those struggling with mental illness, developmental delay substance abuse or violence issues. For many individuals and families, participation in Dimock’s programs and services literally saves lives.

http://www.dimock.org
http://dimock.org/display.asp?node_id=11673