Colleen Raye Productions - 2008
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www.girlsingersllc.com
Colleen Raye with the help of Cocktail Stevie and the Tablerockers, delivers a tribute to Patsy Cline's life and music. Colleen Raye doesn't pretend to be Patsy, but presents her music and bits about her life in a heartfelt way that also engages the audience to sing along, answer Patsy trivia questions, and even yodel. Colleen's rich voice and sensitive singing does justice to Patsy Cline and her charismatic personality makes for a satisfying, fun night out.
Colleen Raye performs cabaret and jazz music accompanied by piano. Relaxed and intimate, Colleen performs a wide range of music, taking any and all requests they can perform. Usually accompanied by Trey ZehrGrimm, they can also energize a party.
Colleen Raye, along with members of her talented family, perform a wide variety of music, standard favorites and some contemporary offerings. Great harmonies and a highly entertaining show bring people back time after time.
Colleen Raye and family along with the 22-piece Minnesota Jazz Orchestra deliver a polished, Las Vegas style main room show with classic 40's big band arrangements and some variety of pop tunes. Flawless vocal arrangements and audience participation make this a complete night of entertainment.
Colleen Raye's versatile vocal style gives her the ability to tailor her performance to the event. Whether working with a solo pianist or up to a quartet, Colleen can provide an evening of jazz, country, pop, or variety.
Emily Huppert and Colleen Raye shine as their perfectly blended voices sing great classic country and swing music. Combining a natural rapport with the audience and wonderful music, Colleen and Emily are a great bet for festivals, clubs and parties.
The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade
A Salute to the Great Female Vocalists of the 50's
www.girlsingersllc.com
"The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade" is a truly entertaining show jam-packed with hit after hit from some of the best-loved female vocalists of all-time. You'll not only hear fantastic music performed by an outstanding cast, Colleen Raye, Jennifer Grimm, Debra O'Keefe and Sophia Grimm, but also take a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time. Accompanied by three extraordinary musicians under the Direction of Norton Lawellin, the music has a "true to the era" sound with background vocals and instrumentals.
Sit back and enjoy your favorites from Rosemary Clooney; "Hey There", "Come Ona My House", Patti Page; "Tennessee Waltz", "Old Cape Cod", Doris Day; "Que Sera Sera", "Secret Love", Connie Francis, "Where The Boys Are", "Who's Sorry Now" and Peggy Lee; "Is That All There Is?", and "Fever" just to mention a few.
Audiences join in singing, and sometimes dancing, to their favorites, laughing along with some of the novelty tunes and stories, and even getting a little teary-eyed during some of the familiar ballads.
Great music, laughter and a trip down memory lane awaits you. Don't miss this unforgettable show.
ACT ONE
Opening Tune- The Girl Singers
Rosemary Clooney
Come ona My house
Hey There/TenderlyYou'll/ Never Know
Sisters
Botcha Me/Mambo Italiano
Patti Page
Mockingbird Hill
Old Cape Cod
How Much Is That Doggie?
Tennessee Waltz
Cross Over The Bridge
Connie Francis
Who's Sorry Now?/My Happiness
Everybody's Somebody's Fool
Volare/That's Amore'
Stupid Cupid/Lipstick on Your Collar
Where The Boys Are
ACT TWO
Doris Day
Everybody, Loves A Lover
Sentimental Journey
Glass Bottom Boat/Daisies/Lullabye of Bdwy
When I Fall In Love/Secret Love
Que Sera Sera
Peggy Lee
Love Bein' Here With You
Is That All There Is?
Fever/Big Spender/I'm A Woman
It's A Good Day
Reprise - Girl Singers
ENCORE - May You Always Walk In Sunshine
"Girl Singers of the Hit Parade"
What people had to say.......
"Girl Singers" features terrific songs, great pacing, and fabulous voices. Our sold-out audiences loved this show."
- John Potter, Executive Director, Phipps Center for the Arts
Because I respected the work of Norton Lawellin, I booked THE GIRL SINGERS OF THE HIT PARADE into the Old Log. The audience and I were delighted with their performance. It was more than a concert, it was a show carefully put together with excellent musical arrangements, good choreography, and marvelous singing.
- Don Stolz, Old Log Theater
Little did I know when I bought my ticket for The Girl Singers, that I was going to see "A performance of a lifetime"... The 26 members of my chapter that attended can't wait to catch another performance!
- Queen Linda Glenn, Rowdy Red Hat Mamas
"A group of three of us from Voila! went to the Girl Singers Show and had a blast! It's not just for the person from that era; we were finding ourselves, laughing, tapping our toes and singing along. We'd really recommend the show to anyone! --
- The Girls of Voila! Media Group
"Six couples attended the "Girl Singers of the Hit Parade". We were thrilled by the quality! Each and every member of our party raved about the show ... Bring it back!"
- Milt Klohn, Author
A special musical evening...a true joy to hear. Three cheers for your great music making!!
- Don Betts, Concert Pianist
I loved "Girl Singers!" I've been in the business for over 20 years and it's been a while since I've looked around an audience and seen so many people tapping their fingers and singing along. This collection of songs is a perfect collaboration of nostalgia and entertainment. As familiar as these songs and legendary singers are, it is good to be reminded how musically good they are. I had a wonderful time. I highly recommend seeing "Girl Singers"!
- Robyn Hart, Actress, Writer, Comedienne
"Girl Singers of the Hit Parade" is a thrilling, hilarious, and moving biographical revue about some of the last century's most influential female vocalists Ms. Raye's selection of pivotal songs (some well-known, some lesser-known) creates a perfect tribute to these amazing women and their lives. It is a reminder of their greatness and contribution to American Music.
- Aaron Gabriel, Sabes JCC and Children’s Theatre, Minneapolis
"As a 64 year-old 'youngster', I read about the "Girl Singers" and was anxious to take a walk down memory lane... I wasn't disappointed...With high energy, beautiful voices... blending humor with interesting facts and events from the lives of the stars, they made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I asked my best buddy if he wanted to see the show ... (he's 4 years old). He was charmed by the sights and sounds, just like his grandpa. Take your teenager to see this show! Hip-hop and rap will never hold the same allure after they've experienced real music performed by real professionals. .... It's not just entertaining, it's fun. I'll be at the next show with my bowling team and my grandson,
Jack."
- Gerry Deters (64) retired computer engineer
"Colleen Raye's tasteful song selections and Norton Lawellin's fresh arrangements and solid musical backing are a perfect match for the enthusiastic and pitch perfect singing of the ladies in this delightful show. You'll love the it- I did!
- Marilyn Sellars - Singer, Entertainer and Recording Artist
In my opinion the "Girl Singers" is one of the finest shows to come out of the Midwest in a long, long time. Fronted by four very talented women, they mesmerized the audience as they took them on a trip back to the 50's and down "memory lane". The show presents a tribute to five of the best female vocalists that ever sang in a microphone! Forget Elvis tributes! This show is romantic, funny, sentimental, sexy, educational and, very professional! I'll be contacting my clients regarding this show!
- Steve Swenson - Executive Producer - SMP Entertainment
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Colleen Raye brings you along a journey through Patsy Cline's life and music. With the help of the musical group, Cocktail Stevie and the TableRockers, Colleen sings song after song recorded by Patsy Cline while interspersing tidbits about Patsy's life and music. Although Patsy Cline's life was somewhat tragic, Colleen presents her story with a light-hearted air, natural charisma and a sense of humor.
Singing hits like "Crazy", "Walkin' After Midnight", and "She's Got You", Colleen's rich alto voice truly captures the soulful feeling of Cline. Picking up the pace with rock-a-billy tunes, the audience is invited to sing and clap along and even yodel! Folks really get involved when they're asked a few "Patsy Trivia" questions. Performing to standing ovations nearly everywhere she performs the show, "Colleen and Patsy" is a winner every time.
Colleen's background is not strictly country music. She has performed on main stages across the country, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City. She has appeared on countless radio and TV shows nationally and is a song and jingle writer.
For Patsy Cline fans this show is a "must see". If you're not a Patsy Cline fan, you will be by the end of the show. Combining great music, great singing, and loads of entertainment, Colleen Raye's "Tribute to Patsy Cline" is a completely satisfying evening.
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Colleen Raye performs cabaret and jazz music accompanied by piano. Relaxed and intimate, Colleen performs a wide range of music, taking all requests and getting the audience more involved in the show.
Colleen often performs with her son Trey ZehrGrimm (picture to the left). Together their natural harmonies and his deft piano playing create a fantastic atmosphere for music, and a full night of entertainment.
When Trey is unavailable, Colleen pairs up with other well-rounded accomplished musicians such as Bob Scoggin, Norton Lawellin, Emily Huppert, and Craig Wronski.
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Colleen Raye, along with members of her talented family, perform a wide variety of music, standard favorites and some contemporary offerings. Great harmonies and a highly entertaining show bring people back time after time.
Accomplished beyond their years, Colleen's family members are superior soloists and add lush natural harmonies to their performance. This show is appealing to all ages.
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Get Your Kicks at the Phipp's!
“As Time Goes By”
New Year’s Eve at The Phipps
Colleen Raye and Co with The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra
“As Time Goes By” is this year’s theme for the always entertaining New Year’s Eve performance by Colleen Raye and Company. Appropo, since Colleen and her family have been entertaining sold-out crowds at The Phipps Center for the Arts every Dec 31st for the last 13 years. We’ve watched Reed and Sophia Grimm grow up and develop into amazing performers on their own, as well as seeing the show evolve from a 2-piece back-up to the outstanding 18-piece Minnesota Jazz Orchestra.
Songs to be included this year are Bobby Darin’s version of “MORE”, “Luck be a Lady” from “Guy and Dolls” and “Save the Last Dance For Me” all sung by the charismatic Reed Grimm. Sophia will shine, as usual, with her sparkling comedic take on songs like “Lola” from “Damn Yankees” and show her new vocal maturity in a touching rendition of the title song “As Time Goes By” . Debbie O’Keefe has a show stopping Linda Edder tune called “Big Time” with the cookin’ Minnesota jazz Orchestra and Colleen Raye, the consummate entertainer, will delight you with her engaging personality as well as world-class vocals on songs like “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Summer Wind”. The entire ensemble has new 4-part vocal numbers that showcase their genetic blend and genuine delight in working and singing together.
The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Craig Thrane, not only excel playing their instruments but also get involved in the show with hi-jinks in the background. Those of you who have seen the show know what we mean!! It gives a feeling of genuine comradary in the entourage.
Colleen Raye, a native of Wisconsin, has toured the US in several different shows and venues including ”A Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline: and “The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade”. Colleen is a producer and composer as well as singer and entertainer, having the experience of performing professionally since the age of 15.
Debbie O’Keefe, Colleen’s baby sister. has been the featured female vocalist with The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra for the last 6 years along with the male vocalist, Greg Marquardt, who will also be featured on New Year’s Eve, singing a campy duet with Debbie, “You and Me and The Bottle Makes Three Tonight” MJO is a regular at The Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul. Debbie is a resident of Hudson and has appeared in several other Phipps productions as well as singing with The Phipps Festival Chorus.
Don’t know how long we’ll be able to keep this guy! Reed Grimm, Colleen’s son, is a busy performer, currently in three bands in Lacrosse as well as family performances and is a music major at UW La Crosse.
Graduating this year, Reed will have the whole world to choose from to hone and build his talents. Catch him while you can!
Sophia Grimm, daughter to Colleen, a sophomore at The Chicago College of Performing Arts, has made leaps in her performance and vocal finesse. Always a great talent, her newfound maturity at only 19 years old, will leave you amazed.
Make it a point to come to The Phipp’s Center for the Arts this New Year’s Eve. As the family grows and each entertainer has a career of their own, it will be more of a challenge to bring them back for a family New Year’s Eve Show. Catch them while you can!
Showtimes are 6:00 and 8:30
For Tickets Call 715-386-2305 or contact www.thephipps.org
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An accomplished singer, actress, and entertainer, Colleen Raye has traveled the country performing on stages ranging from the Tropicana in Atlantic City to the Tulsa State Fair in Oklahoma.
Colleen has a natural freshness, joined with her superior singing talent, energy, and charisma, she captivates audiences from the moment she steps on the stage. Her versatile vocal style gives her the ability to tailor her performance to the event. Whether working with a solo pianist or up to a 22-piece band, Colleen can provide an evening of jazz, country, pop, or variety.
Colleen performs with a large array of musicians and groups that fit in with her expertise, attitude, and musicianship. Colleen has worked with first-rate musicians in Minneapolis and Chicago areas.
Colleen Raye is a versatile and talented vocalist available to perform in many musical settings and styles. For more information about booking her to perform for your event, please visit her contact page.
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Performing the songs of country greats, Emily Huppert and Colleen Raye shine with their smooth, perfectly blended voices singing the likes of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Bob Wills, Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Sons of the Pioneers and selections from the hit movie and soundtrack "O Brother, Where Art Thou".
Colleen and Emily not only are wonderful singers, but their rapport with the audience has folks singing and clapping and even yodeling along at times. Emily not only sings but also plays an upright bass while talented musical backup adds another dimension to the show. Colleen and Emily can also provide great classic country and swing music for festivals, clubs and parties.
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