I was really excited when Spain-based American pianist Grace Nikae contacted me to organise her CD launch party in Toronto.
Talk about an ideal client. Grace is high-energy, ambitious, gifted, and clearly a disciplined and hard-working pianist. She devotes a lot of time to important causes such as Save the Children and World Wildlife Fund, by performing at benefit concerts. As if it’s not enough to be a globe-trotting concert pianist, Grace founded and is artistic director of The Renaissance Academy in her home state of Hawaii. The Academy is a non-profit organisation that brings culture into her hometown community.
I was so damn impressed by all this, and her playing, that I was thrilled she approached me to launch her second CD in early August.
The other thing that makes Grace an ideal client is that she is communicative. She writes back. She understands deadlines. She understands how the media works (blogging, Facebook, and Twitter), and to top it all off, the woman is gorgeous and photogenic!
If you’re a musician who wants to be heard, it’s so important to work with your Type A administrators who want to put you on the map. It’s so important to understand each other, really. I understand you need a good piano to practice on, some space to be neurotic, and that you might need contact lens solution at 2 AM. And in turn you’ll understand that I need you to return my emails, send me stuff, and stay in touch.
Grace soOOooooo gets all this which makes her a joy to promote.
A few people get a back-slappin’ thanks: the fabulous Rosemarie Umetsu, fashion designer extraordinaire; Scott Wilson of Terzetto Wine; and Paul Hahn & Co. for the loan of the piano. You guys are all beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
If you’re interested in attending this CD launch party, PLEASE email me at liz@lizpr.com with your name and guest’s name. Space is limited and there’s a strict guest list policy.
See you there!
Grace Nikae will perform and chat live at Classical FM 96.3 in Toronto on Wednesday, August 5 from 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM. Or watch it live at www.classical963fm.com.
She launches Chopin | Schumann: Sonatas at Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu, located at 96 Avenue Road (across from Whole Foods), on Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 PM. Please note strict guest list policy mentioned above. For more info on Grace: www.gracenikae.com
Thanks Liz – can I just say that all of this is possible at such a high level because of your energy, creative ideas, and commitment to quality and details?
It’s easy to respond when someone is engaged with such dedication – I am very excited and can’t wait!
And I’m so excited the launch was a huge success!!! You, Rosemarie, Wayne, Terzetto, Paul Hahn & Co. – all dreams to work with. I hope UNICEF is pleased with your efforts! -Liz