Category Archives: Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment – Motivational, Entertaining Speaker, Author (“Queens of Comedy”), Singer-Songwriter, Educator, Children’s Books, Susan Horowitz, PhD

Dr. Sue Dance Parade Positive Entertainment

Red Silk Dancers with Dr. Sue - Dance Parade

Red Silk Dancers & Dr. Sue

We’re “dancing in the street” and on the stage at the annual Dance Parade! The parade route boogies down Broadway to Tompkins Square Park, NYC to celebrate the performing arts and multi-cultural fun! Web: www.danceparade.org Dancing divas, colorful costumes, and diversity rule the day in New York City! Here I am with the beautiful Red Silk Dancers – a Chinese-American Company that performs traditional and contemporary dance. http://redsilkdancers.weebly.com/

Pure Onyx Movement Dr. Sue

Brooklyn is in the house – with Pure Onyx Movement – an American company that celebrates its African/International roots, Belly Dancing, and Inter-Generational Sisterhood! Director Jeannie Mitchell says, “We breathe together.” Here I am with Pure Onyx Movement! Web: http://pureonyxmovement.webs.com/

Navatman Dancers with Dr. Sue - Dance Parade

Navatman Dancers & Dr. Sue

Is Bollywood calling? Navatman is a South Asian Dance and Music Company. The troupe and school is based in New York and trains dancers in traditional Indian performance styles. Here I am with the Navatman dancers. There are two lovely ladies and two utterly charming children. Web: www.navatman.org

Dancing Wheels & Dr. Sue

Diversity means more than multi-culturalism. It extends to the differently abled – like members of The Dancing Wheels Company and School. Director Mary Verdi-Fletcher, may be in a wheelchair, but her passion for dance, vision of possibilities, and sheer capability have created a company and school where thousands of children and adults with and without disabilities study and perform together. Web: www.dancingwheels.org

Dancing Wheels

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” – Robert Browning (Photos by Jay Berman) Hope you enjoy hearing me sing my original song: “You Can Be a Hero” copyright 2015 Susan Horowitz

Creative Living by Dr. Sue: Support the Arts! Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Book: “Queens of Comedy” (Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!) www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367 Musical: “SssWitch”: www.ssswitch.net www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos

Dr. Sue Lake Hopatcong Cruises Positive Entertainment

Lake Hopatcong Cruises

How’d you like to take a break on a lovely lake – with wining, dining, and mansion views? If New Jersey’s greenery, gorgeous scenery, or a floating feast amuses – then book lunch, dinner, cocktails and more on Lake Hopatcong Cruises. If I got a bit carried away with show-tune style rhymes, it’s because many of those mansions we sailed past were built by Broadway stars. In fact, our boat/ aka floating dining room “Miss Lotta” was named for Lotta Crabtree – a successful, wealthy vaudeville headliner.

Dr. Sue on
Lake Hopatcong

Once you climb on board “Miss Lotta” (the boat, not the lady), you’ll enjoy a two-hour narrated architectural/nature cruise. There are vintage and modern homes, boathouses, condos and bungalows. We even spotted an eagle nesting in a tree! There’s a full bar (cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks) and delicious buffet (lunch, brunch, and/or snacks for cocktail hour. The staff is friendly, courteous, and very attentive. (While I was outside exploring the upper and lower boat decks, my waitress “Cupcake” set me up for a second mimosa.) Lake Hopatcong is located in a state park in Morris County, New Jersey. (The nearest semi-big towns are Morristown and Hackettstown, NJ) – about an hour from Manhattan (in weekend morning traffic). It’s a long time since “Hopatcong” was named by the Native Americans, who may have been able to follow those twists and turns down to the lake – so turn on your GPS and Google Maps. (Type in 37 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.) Reservations strongly advised (our cruise was packed). For more information and to book your cruise, visit the Lake Hopatcong Cruises on the web: http://lakehopatcongcruises.com/. Creative Living by Dr. Sue: You Deserve a Break – On or Off a Lake Why wait till you have the time and money for a major vacation? Plan a mini-cation that fits your pocketbook. Cruise a lake or local hotspots for relaxation and fun! (Photo of Dr. Sue by Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue MAC Cabaret Awards 2015 Positive Entertainment

MAC Awards with Dr. Sue

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) celebrates live entertainment at this annual NYC awards show! Director Lennie Watts ( MAC President), Producer Julie Miller, Musical Director Barry Levitt, Stage Manager Amy Wolk, and Host Karen Mason (plus a platoon of presenters) put together an evening that honors the gifted members of this creative community. A blend of divas, divos, and glamorous gender-benders, the MAC awards are entertaining (super voices and standards plus songs from new writers). The evening was “a gas!” (and not just the bubbles in our champagne) beginning with the opening song “There You Are” (by Peter Napolitano) that gently kids the nominees and two-drink minimum and urges everyone (win, lose, or booze) to enjoy the show.

MAC Awards 3-26-15

Winners include: Gabrielle Stravelli (Female Vocalist), Sterns Matthews (Male Vocalist), Stacy Sullivan (Major Artist), Celia Berk (New York Debut – Female), Kristoffer Lowe (New York Debut – Male), Ivan Farkus (Musical Comedy Performer), Rev Roger Anthony Yolanda Mapes (Impersonation/Drag Artist), Ted Stafford and Lorinda Lisitza (Duo/Group), “Revolution” Dawn Derow and Kathleen France (Revue), Salon (Recurring Series), “Dancing with Death” Thomas Honeck (Special Production), Tom Gamblin (Emcee), Tom Hubbard – Bass (Ensemble Instrumentalist), Nate Bucieri (Don’t Tell Mama) Nate Buccieri – (Piano Bar Instrumentalist), Bill Zeffiro (La Mediteranee), Elaine Brier (Piano Bar Singing Entertainer – Female), Bobby Belfry (Piano Bar Singing Entertainer – Male), Tracy Stark (Musical Director), Eric Michael Gillett (Director), Jean-Pierre Perreaux (Technical Director), Stearns Matthews (Recording), Bruce Kimmel “Simply” (Song), Amy Wolk and William TN Hall “The Brit Song” (Comedy/Novelty Song), Phil Geoffrey Bond “The 54 Sings” (Show of the Year). Honorees include Meg Flather (Hanson Award), Baby Jane Dexter and Steve Ross (Lifetime Achievement Awards), David Kenney, WBAI FM Radio ( MAC’s Board of Directors Award), Marc Nadler (Celebrity Artist), Urban Stages, Winter Rhythms (Ruth Kurtzman Benefit Series Award). Live Tweets by Natasha Castillo Creative Living by Dr. Sue: You’re Never Too Old or Too Young: Steve Ross sings the age-defying “I’m Not Through” and teen group Wingspan (mentored by Frances Hill, Lennie Watts, and Peter Napolitano) sing “Over the Rainbow” as a chorus with solos. Cabaret is an entertainment tradition that welcomes groups that are often marginalized due to age, ethnicity, and/or gender issues etc. If you think that your personal difference excludes you from opportunities, come to the cabaret! “You Can Be a Hero” by Singer-Songwriter Dr. Sue

Photos by “GENEVIEVE” (Genevieve Rafter-Keddy)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Duke Ellington’s Birthday Bash Positive Entertainment

How do you say “Happy 115th Birthday” to a legend? You throw a Birthday Bash Party and Show (April 29, from 7:30 PM until 10 PM at Ballroom Off Fifth (37 West 37th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues). Duke Ellington’s granddaughter, renowned dancer and choreographer Mercedes Ellington, who is Artistic Director of the Duke Ellington Center, hosts the festivities, with wine, cake,snacks and soft drinks. Music is by the Eli Yamin Trio. Performing talents include tap dancer Alex Cowings, Ballroom dancers Michael Choi and partner, and Singers Marion Cowings, Antoinette Montague, Viktoria Tocca, Adrienne Haan, Kent Drake and a selected Open Mike. (Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/655165)

Dr Sue Swings –
with Duke Ellington!

Pre-party festivities included the annual free jazz concert with dancing in Central Park in front of the Duke Ellington Statue overlooking the Gateway to Harlem — the corner of Fifth Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan. This year’s concert showcased outstanding musical and dance talents. Artists included The Middle School Jazz Academy (MSJA), The Youth Workshop Band from Jazz At Lincoln Center (JALC), the LaGuardia High School Senior Jazz Band, and the multi-Latin Grammy nominated Afro-Cuban Orchestra, conducted by percussionist and Latin bandleader Bobby Sanabria, two swing dance couples and one jazz tap dancer. Renowned jazz vocalist Antoinette Montague roused the crowd in a gold lame “she-ro” cape and flew us on a musical journey to the jazz greats (Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and of course, the Duke.)

Tony Ponella & Bobby Sanabria Swing the Duke!

Tony Ponella, an up-and-coming singer and finalist in Michael Feinstein contest, contributed his rich vocals and boyish charm. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was the 20th century’s most prolific composer, with over 3,000 compositions – which he called American Music -and he took his band all over the globe. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. In 1999, Duke Ellington was honored with a Pulitzer Prize. Duke believed that racial integration was just a stepping stone to a much more important goal: “Human harmony beyond dignity.” Duke’s April 29 Birthday Bash is a celebration of the life and legacy of real American royalty! Let’s toast the Duke in champagne, birthday cake, and good fellowship! Let freedom ring – and swing! Creative Living: Celebrate great music – sing, dance, or just tap your feet in the audience. Socialize with positive people. Learn about our great, diverse heritage of popular culture – and don’t forget to have fun! (Photographer/Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Gotham Writers Positive Entertainment

Daffodils

“April in…” Can you name that song? If you said “April in Paris” you were right about the Vernon Duke/E.Y “Yip” Harburg standard. But as the Billy Crystal/Debra Winger movie advised: “Forget Paris.” New York City has its own April delights – including the beginning of Gotham Writers Spring Semester, where you can study songwriting, screenwriting, and much more. This week, I attended the Gotham Writers Open House – a free sampling of writing courses: Articles, Creative Writing, Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Novel, Playwriting, Poetry, Screenwriting, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Songwriting, Stand-Up Comedy, TV Writing. So many seeds for thought – so little time! I did manage to sit in on a few courses, and here are a few tips from the instructors: Songwriting (Instructor: Jody Gray – jodygray.com) Most popular songs are written with a “hook” (a repeating refrain) and a classic structure, For example, the song “Over the Rainbow” has a hook that shows up in the title and each “A” section. The form is A, A, B, A. Can you find the hook and figure out what the “A” sections are? You can do it (and write it) if you take Jody’s class! Humor Writing (Instructor: Ryan Britt) Humor (even when it’s based on life) usually includes certain elements: misunderstanding, exaggeration, odd combinations, and/or inversion of expectations. Can you think of a story from your own life or imagination that includes these elements? You’re half-way to funny! Ryan’s class includes readings from top humorists and a chance to rough out and polish your own ideas. Screenwriting (Instructor: Jason Grieff) Screenplays often begin with the familiar and throw in a twist! (Think Dorothy – a farm girl, who is whisked out of Kansas into Oz by a tornado or “twister”!) Like most great protagonists, Dorothy really wants something – to go home – but first she must undertake a life-changing journey! (Sound familiar? Like many screenplays, “The Wizard of Oz” has deep roots in mythology – in this case, Homer’s classic tale: “The Odyssey”). What kind of screenplay should you write? You can start off by listing three of your favorite movies. As Jason points out, they can give you clues about what you love and can successfully write! Gotham’s courses run from 6 weeks to 10 weeks and include one-day intensives. For more information, visit gothamwriters.com By the way, do you know who wrote the lyrics, much dialogue, and served as script editor for the movie: “The Wizard of Oz”? If you said E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, then you brought it all back home – from Paris and Oz to Gotham Writers in NYC! Creative Living: Exercise your mind! Pull out those lazy mental weeds (like “I have no talent or time”), plant those seeds of thought, cultivate your craft, and watch yourself bloom! (Photographer/Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Cabaret – MAC Awards NYC Positive Entertainment

MAC Awards

“Come to the …” Can you name this Broadway musical? Even if you missed Cabaret by Kander/Ebb, you can still enjoy live entertainment in an intimate room or a large venue like BB King’s Restaurant, in Times Square NYC, which hosts the annual MAC Awards. MAC stands for Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, but the talent is international, and the material is varied: show tunes , jazz, pop , comedy, tribute shows, drag acts, singer-songwriters, etc. Almost anything goes as long as it’s the personal vision of the performer. The key is sincerity (and if you can fake that – you’ve got it made)!

MAC Awards – Dr. Sue
Photo: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

I had the thrill of interviewing MAC winners and nominees (past and present) for StageBuddy.com – a website devoted to the best in NYC entertainment, where you can see our videos. Lennie Watts, Head of MAC’s board of directors, and Julie Miller co-produced the awards show, directed by Watts, who won his own MAC award for direction (musical direction by Don Rebic). Mr. Watts shared insights on how to help performers weave stories and songs into a cohesive show – plus the practical realities of sustaining a cabaret career. Therese Genecco, hosted the show, sang a mashup that included “Applause”, told jokes, and modeled three outfits (two guys’ suits and one gown). Video: Dr. Sue Interviews MAC Cabaret Celebs for StageBuddy.com Highlights include the marvelous Marilyn Maye (86 years old and going strong!) who won a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by legendary costume designer Bob Mackie. (She considers it her “midlife award”). Ms. Maye delivered a powerful, emotive, singing tribute to life and “you” her appreciative audience. Her sensitive phrasing and attention to lyrics exemplified what she teaches in her master classes. Linda Lavin, who won the other Lifetime Achievement Award, sang and accompanied herself on piano. Other winners included the Eugene O’Neill Cabaret and Performance Conference (accepted by John McDaniel), and Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal was among the presenters. Songwriters Julie Gold (Grammy-winner “From a Distance”) and Christine Lavin (“Good Thing He/She Can’t Read My Mind” ) shared sources of inspiration (from the social idealism of the ’60’s to dating deceptions) plus the latest cabaret/internet interface: concertwindow.com

Baby Jane Dexter- Dr. Sue
Photo: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

Singer Baby Jane Dexter infuses her cabaret show with raw emotion – some from her personal history. She also teaches Master Classes to both aspiring cabaret stars and at-risk, inner-city teens. There were sequins a-plenty, plus wigs. (Hello, Reverend Yolanda, a six-foot tall gender-bender gospel goddess) – plus sensitivity and search for meaning in this most personal of performing art forms. Did I miss anyone? Of course I did. But you can make it up to them – if you come to the cabaret! Creative Living: Cabaret connects performers and audiences in a way that mass media and stadium-sized arenas never can. Performers develop their talents; audiences get to be part of an art form that’s individual and special – not canned and homogenized for the mass-market. It’s unpredictable, in-the-moment, and interactive – like life. You might even catch a rising star! (Photographer: Genevieve Rafter Keddy & Jay Berman, Editor: Jay Berman, Videography StageBuddy)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue: Coffee & Tea Festival NYC Positive Entertainment

Cup for Education with Dr. Sue Horowitz

“I love coffee, I love tea, I love the java jive and it loves me…” (“Java Jive” by Milton Drake & Ben Oakland). If you’re looking for a cuppa caffeine, an herbal serene, or an entertaining scene, you’ll hum, jive & come alive at the annual Coffee & Tea Festival NYC at the 69th Regiment Armory – listed as one of the “Ten Best New York Events.” Perked up by morning cappuccino ($25 for VIP tickets – early entry plus swag-bags) we bought raffle tickets for “Cup for Education” – a non-profit company that supports educational projects in poor, coffee-growing areas. (All donations go to the local communities – the staff is all-volunteer.)

Tea Fields with Dr. Sue Horowitz & Erica Morrison

Prizes included goodies from vendors – established tea brands like Red Rose/Salada plus newcomers like “A Gift of Tea” – which makes “Tea Fields” – a tea-infused, shea body butter which my skin is drinking in along with my morning cuppa. Coffees range from local – like Toby’s Estate, a Brooklyn roasters/espresso bar and New York Gourmet Coffee (“Fuhgeddaboudit!”) to major brands like A&P’s Eight O’Clock coffee. Ancillary products include Nektar’s crystalized honey (non-sticky) and chapstick, Stevia (organic, and non-caloric sweetener) and glass tea pots, warmed by tea candles – even sea-salted chocolate samples by Salazon and vegan ice cream from Alchemy in Long Island City. This weekend’s festival (produced by Starfish Junction) was sold out in advance – including the VIP tickets. But there’s always next year – plus many other shows at this Armory. The 69th Regiment has a history going back to the Civil War, so have a cuppa coffee, tea, and history! Creative Living: Swag-bags are fun, but here’s the real perk – caffeine (in moderation) actually reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia and helps you live longer. Supporting charities like “Cup for Education” makes you feel better about your life – so do good, be well, and spend some dough on a cup of joe (and tea). (Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” Positive Entertainment

$A Jewish Girl Named Tex - Photo by Russ Weatherford$

A Jewish Girl Named Tex – Photo by Russ Weatherford

A song publisher once advised me to write story songs. He said that some of our favorite songs tell stories. Audiences enjoy them, and they’re hard to get! I love stories, comedy, and writing challenges! I also believe that if you can do something a bit unusual, you have a real advantage, so I was excited about taking a class in comedy songwriting at my favorite songwriting/performance camps (www.Summersongs.com ), and Posi Music Festival at Empowerma.com in Orlando, Florida). I wound up writing and performing my song “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” in many venues, including Summersongs concerts and New York City cabarets. Please enjoy the video, and read on for a few thoughts about writing story songs and comedy. Video: “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” ) $Sue Tex (2)$ 1. What makes a great story? One of the most important elements is a central character with a strong “want”. Also, when a sympathetic character is unfairly mistreated and/or headed for trouble, we worry and want to know what comes next. In “A Jewish Girl Named Tex” the main character is abandoned by her parents, confused about her identity, and looking for love. Sympathetic? You bet!) The other important character – the impulsive mother – gets used and dumped by a no-goodnik, but she’s still “hopin’ for romance.” What happens? The song takes you on a journey that answers these questions. 2. What makes something funny? Question #1 doesn’t sound funny – but it is, because comedy is rooted in pain – as long as it’s framed as comedy pain and uses comic writing/performing techniques. How do you do that? To answer that question (plus questions about comic combos like Brooklyn girls and cowboys, song structure, rhyme, punch lines, audience participation, etc) , we need more than a short blog. I invite all writers/performers (amateur and expert) to contact me for workshops in New York City, Online via Email, and at Summersongs.com and Posi Music Festival.

I also invite you to hear me sing romantic songs & parodies in New York City and songwriting camps like Summersongs! Creative Living: Do What You Love – and Be Part of a Community: I love writing and performing songs. What do you love? Can you find a way to connect (via camps, conferences, meet-up groups, clubs, professional associations, etc.) that supports who you are. Chances are you’ll find more than feedback on your skills – you’ll find friends and community. (Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman, Videography: Jim Vern)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue New York Times Travel Show Positive Entertainment

Win a Cruise @NY Times Travel Show

The annual New York Times Travel Show has something for everyone: from fantasy vacations to a fun afternoon! You can vacation globally (Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Antarctica)! You stay-cation in NYC with a Broadway Show, Dining Certificate & Parking Voucher with ManhattanClub.com You can spin a wheel and win a deal (a cruise for two) at GetReadyToCruise.com

You can book a cruise or cruise with books with RoadScholar.org , EnrichmentVoyages.org , or SemesteratSea.org (learning & adventure for savvy seniors or college students). You can time-travel through New York State via ILoveNY.com/PathThroughHistory,. You can climb-travel in the Himalayas or a fiberglass wall at the Javits Center. (The wall is a good place to drop off the kids – but fasten that safety harness – unless you really want to drop them off!) You can climb into a bikini at a resort pool… or climb into a martini at a midtown Manhattan bistro…

Sue “Dr. Sue” Horowitz (Vocalist) & Rick Bogart (Clarinet) Perform Jazz Standards, Romantic Songs & Clever Parodies Broadway Thai Restaurant 241 West 51^st Street (btwn Broadway-8^th Ave) NYC Saturday/Sunday Nights (212) 226-4565, No Cover. Thai & American Food & Drinks are delicious (and reasonable) Creative Living: Live Your Vacation Dream – You can’t take it with you – but you can take a plane, train, bus, boat or taxi to wherever you imagine! So as the song goes, “Pack up all your cares and woes…” and go for it! (Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Media Personality Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue shares Creative Living Tips on WBAB-WBLI Radio! Life & Love Tips plus Entertaining Banter & Songs ‘How do you deal with stress? Does your own life and relationship seem lacking? Are you comparing your life with glamorous images in the media? Dr. Sue encourages you to celebrate your life!

“Plugged Into Long Island” with host Donna Donna Dr. Sue: Media Personality Radio/TV! Recording of entire show available on request.

Sue “Dr. Sue” Horowitz (Vocalist) & Rick Bogart (Clarinet/Musical Director) Perform Jazz Standards, Romantic Songs & Clever Parodies Broadway Thai Restaurant 241 West 51^st Street (btwn Broadway-8^th Ave) NYC Saturday/Sunday Nights (212) 226-4565, No Cover. Thai & American Food & Drinks are delicious (and reasonable) Creative Living: Celebrate Your Life! Comparing yourself to others who seem more fortunate (and we don’t usually know the inside story) creates unhappiness. Change what you can (be bold), and if you cannot, appreciate what you have! Live Your Dream!: I love to sing, and the chance to sing with the world renowned Rick Bogart Jazz Trio is a dream. If you have a dream, go for it! If a door doesn’t open, try a window (of opportunity)! Act As If: My radio host Donna Donna shared with me that when she started on the air, she wasn’t very good, so she imagined what a host whom she admired would do. She acted “as if” she had his confidence, and as she got better, she did! Nobody is born a successful media host, performer, athlete, author – or whatever you imagine yourself to be. Keep improving your skills, get in the game, and act “as if”! (Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman; Media Agent: Nancy M. Melito)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.