Benita Charles
News    (Last Updated: June 2010)


Dear Friends:

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and longer days. Longer days mean summer is just around the corner.

To celebrate the beginning of summer, I am participating in the Make Music New York 2010 event on June 21, 2010. Hundreds of musicians throughout the five boroughs will present free concerts to celebrate the spirit of New York through music. For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://www.makemusicny.org/.

I have two performances scheduled for the event. In the afternoon at 1:30 p.m., I will perform a 30-minute set at McKinley's Children's Garden in Jamaica, Queens. Later in the evening at 7:00 p.m., Benita Charles & Friends have a special program planned at a new venue, the elegant, upscale Billie's Black Bar & Restaurant in Harlem (uptown). Join us for a magical night of music and fun!

I hope you continue to enjoy the lovely weather and come celebrate Make Music New York with us!


Much love,

Benita Charles Music "Sharing music for your entertainment and enjoyment!"


CD info - http://cdbaby.com/benitacharles4

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/BenitaCharles

Reverbnation - http://www.reverbnation.com/benitacharles



Performance Details:

Monday, June 21, 2010, 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Benita Charles performs @ McKinley's Children's Garden
McKinley's Children's Garden

108-56 Union Hall Street
Queens, NY 11433
Admission: Free
(212) 673-7030
http://www.facebook.com/MCKGarden


Make Music New York 2010:

Benita Charles and Friends appear at Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant for a special concert for Make Music New York on Monday, June 21, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Special guest artists September Concert Jammers, Brooke Fox, Kurt Gellersted, John Virag, Blue Lady, Donah Hunter and (aka) VOCE will certainly provide an entertaining evening.

Monday, June 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Benita Charles & Friends: Make Music NY 2010

Special guest artists: September Concert Jammers, Brooke Fox, Kurt Gellersted, John Virag, Blue Lady, Donah Hunter and (aka) VOCE.

Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant
271 West 119th Street. New York, NY. (bet. St. Nicholas Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.)
New York, NY 10026
(212) 280-2248
(no cover)
http://www.billiesblack.com/

Performance Schedule:

Time Artist Genre Website
7:00 John Virag Singer/Songwriter http://www.johnvirag.com/
7:15 Brooke Fox Singer/Songwriter http://www.brookefox.com
7:30 Kurt Gellersted Singer/Songwriter http://www.kurtgellersted.com/
7:45 September Concert Jammers Soul http://myspace.com/septemberconcert/
8:00 Benita Charles R&B http://benitacharles.com
8:15 (aka) VOCE Performance Art http://www.myspace.com/vocesoundart
8:30 Donah Hunter R&B http://www.myspace.com/donahhunter
8:45 Blue Lady World Jazz http://blueladynyc.com

For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://www.makemusicny.org/


Dear Friends:

Thank you so much to all who came out to support Preachermann & The Revival at Webster Hall for the Emergenza Festival Northeast final competition on Friday (July 10, 2009). Thank you also to those who couldn't come but sent well wishes!

Although we didn't win the overall competition, Preachermann won an award for the "best singer" of the competition! We're all very proud of him.

The next performance for Preachermann & The Revival is August 28th at 11:00 p.m. at The Bitter End. I hope you can come out and enjoy the soulful sounds of Preachermann and his band, The Revival at this legendary club. For more information about Preachermann, the artist, visit: http://www.myspace.com/preachermann.

Thanks so much and I hope you can make it to the show!!


Performance Details:

Friday, August 28, 2009 - 11:00 p.m.
Preachermann & The Revival
The Bitter End

147 Bleecker St (between Thompson & LaGuardia)
New York, NY 10012
Admission: $10
(212) 673-7030
http://www.bitterend.com


The Preachermann & The Revival Band:

Preachermann, lead vocals

Benita Charles ("Motown Mama"), background vocals

Harris Punyon ("Velvet Technician/Agent Charlie Chocolate), background vocals, piano

Peter Archer ("Easy Like Sunday Morning"), guitar

Kendall Buchanan ("Minister of Defense/Grand Funk Station"), bass

Joe Paldino ("Clean Papa Joe"), guitar

Karl Watson ("The Rock"), saxophone, violin

Tom Pope ("The Pope of Brooklyn"), drums


Much love,

Benita Charles Music "Sharing music for your entertainment and enjoyment!"


CD info - http://cdbaby.com/benitacharles4

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/BenitaCharles

Ringtones - http://www.groupietunes.com/artists/BenitaCharles

Reverbnation - http://www.reverbnation.com/benitacharles


Make Music New York 2009:

Benita Charles and Friends return to The Greenwich Village Bistro for a special concert for Make Music New York on Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Special guest artists September Concert Jammers, Preachermann, Brooke Fox, Yuriko Hoshina, John Virag, Blue Lady, and VOCE will certainly provide an entertaining evening.
*(Please note the schedule change as listed below).

Sunday, June 21, 2009, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Benita Charles & Friends: Make Music NY 2009

Special guest artists: September Concert Jammers, Preachermann Brooke Fox, Yuriko Hoshina, John Virag, Blue Lady, and VOCE.

The Greenwich Village Bistro
13 Carmine Street (bet. 6th Ave. & Bleecker)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 206-9777
(no cover)
http://www.greenwichvillagebistro.com/

Performance Schedule:

Time Artist Genre Website
7:30 September Concert Jammers Pop Rock http://www.myspace.com/septemberconcert
8:00 Brooke Fox Singer/Songwriter http://www.brookefox.com
8:15 John Virag Singer/Songwriter http://www.johnvirag.com
8:30 Preachermann Soul http://www.myspace.com/preachermann
8:45 Benita Charles R&B http://benitacharles.com
9:00 Blue Lady World Jazz http://blueladynyc.com
9:15 (aka) VOCE Performance Art http://www.myspace.com/vocesoundart
9:30 Yuriko Hoshina Cabaret http://yurikohoshina.com

For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://www.makemusicny.org/

Emergenza Festival Update:

As many of you know, Preachermann & The Revival have been in the Emergenza Festival (Northeast Region) since the end of January. We are now in the finals scheduled at Webster Hall on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. The top 14 Northeast bands will compete for a trip to Germany to compete in the international festival. The tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. We need all of our fans to come out and cheer us to victory!! When you purchase a ticket, you will receive a free copy of Preachermann’s debut CD, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk! Get your tickets & CDs today. For advanced tickets and show information, call (212) 802-9249. For more information about the artist, Preachermann, visit: http://www.myspace.com/preachermann

Friday, July 10, 2009, 8:45 p.m.
Preachermann & The Revival
Webster Hall (Emergenza Festival – finals!!!)
125 East 11th Street (bet. 3rd and 4th Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-353-1600
http://www.websterhall.com/

Admission: $20 advance/$25 @ the door
(Please call (212) 802-9249 for advance tickets)

For more information about the Emergenza Festival, visit: http://www.emergenza.net/

The Preachermann & The Revival Band:

Preachermann, lead vocals

Benita Charles ("Motown Mama"), background vocals

Harris Punyon ("Velvet Technician/Agent Charlie Chocolate), background vocals, piano

Peter Archer ("Easy Like Sunday Morning"), guitar

Kendall Buchanan ("Minister of Defense/Grand Funk Station"), bass

Joe Paldino ("Clean Papa Joe"), guitar

Karl Watson ("The Rock"), saxophone, violin

Tom Pope ("The Pope of Brooklyn"), drums

Thanks so much and I hope to see you at the shows!!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music
"Sharing music for your entertainment and enjoyment!"

Artist website – http://benitacharles.com
CD info - http://cdbaby.com/benitacharles4
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/BenitaCharles
Ringtones - http://www.groupietunes.com/artists/BenitaCharles


Dear Friends,

Happy fall season!!

It’s that time again - time for the 6th Annual September Concert Event on Tuesday, September 11, 2007!

The Benita Charles & Friends Band will be at Central Park for a special daytime performance and at The Baggot Inn for an evening performance.

Benita Charles & Friends Band:
Benita Charles, vocals
Ed Holley, vocals
VOCE, vocals
Harris Punyon, piano & vocals
Phil Smith, bass
Rob Goldmark, drums
Chauncy Yearwood, percussion


Tuesday, September 11 (Free Daytime and Evening events)

The September Concert (www.septemberconcert.org)

Central Park (line-up) (location: Merchant’s Gate – Columbus Circle)

12:00 - 12:20: Brooke and band
12:35 - 1:20: Buddahead
1:35 - 2:05: The September Concert Jammers (with at 2pm the citywide sing-along of ‘”I Believe in Music”)
2:10 - 2:30: John Virag and Band
2:40 - 3:00: Benita Charles & Friends Band (feat. Ed Holley, VOCE & Harris Punyon)
3:15 - 4:00: Best Left Unsaid
4:10 - 4:40: Muskrat Hannah

Evening September Concert at The Baggot Inn (Free / 9pm)

Baggot Inn (line-up) (address: 82 West 3rd Street, btw. Sullivan and Thompson Streets).

9:00 Introduction
9:10 - 9:20 - Benita Charles & Friends Band (feat. Ed Holley, VOCE & Harris Punyon)
9:30 - 9:40 - John Virag
9:50 - 10:15 - Sept Concert Jammers
10:25 - 10:35 - Kurt Gellersted
10:40 - 10:50 - Brooke Fox -
11:05 - 11:30 - Best Left Unsaid
11:40 - 12:00 - Michelle Citrin

***The September Concert is a series of free concerts, organized by individuals, schools, businesses, and associations to bring communities together, to reaffirm our hope for peace and to celebrate life and our universal humanity. Concerts are held in all areas of our city, our nation, our world. A global day of music for peace, every September 11th. Anyone can participate! www.septemberconcert.org


Hope to see you at the shows!

Thanks,


Benita Charles Music

http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles



Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 7:00 PM

MOMENTS IN LOVE CD Release Party @ Kenny's Castaways (NYC)

Benita Charles performs live from her first solo project, "Moments In Love."

Kenny's Castaways
157 Bleecker Street (bet. Sullivan & Thompson Streets)
New York, New York

Cost: $7.00

Benita Charles performs live from her first solo project, "Moments In Love" at her CD Release Party!!! Join us as Benita sings hits such as Round & Round, Lose Control and STUCK! with her live band, The Benita Charles & Friends Band (feat. VOCE, Andru Cann, Phil Smith and Coleman Martin) with special guest, Phase One.

For more information, call (212) 802-9249 or e-mail: starent99@hotmail.com

http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles



The world debut of "We Can Make A Difference," the 9/11 tribute CD is released for September 11th! You can find the CD at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/benitacharles3

Be sure to check out all of Benita's music at http://cdbaby.com/all/benita



Benita Charles & Friends: September Concert 2006
"Heal The World Through Music" - Monday, September 11, 2006

Please join us for the 5th annual, September Concert Event 2006. Benita Charles & Friends will present two free shows for this special occasion.

Monday - September 11, 2006

September Concert @ Madison Square Park (12:00 p.m.)
Location: W. 23rd Street @ 5th Ave. [free admission]

John Virag performs @ 12:00 p.m.

Brooke Fox performs @ 12:45 p.m.

September Concert Jammers (feat. Benita Charles, Brooke Fox, Kert Gellersted, John Virag, Karen Larsen, Jeremy Bletterman and Andrew Potenza) perform @ 1:30 p.m.

Singalong (All You Need Is Love) @ 2:00 p.m.

Benita Charles & Friends perform @ 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Confirmed artists:

Grace Gaia
Jasmine Spiess
Ryss
Donah Hunter
Kama Linden

Kurt Gellersted performs @ 3:30 p.m.

Monday - September 11, 2006

September Concert @ The Triad (9:00 p.m.)

Location: 158 W. 72nd Street (bet. Broadway & Columbus) / free admission - 2 drink min.

Confirmed artists:

Yuriko Hoshina
John Virag
Jasmine Spiess
Marci Geller
VOCE
Andrew McCann
Ryss
Donah Hunter
Nhojj
Erika Matsuo
Blue Lady

**We hope you'll be able to make it to our concerts! There are so many talented performers in both shows. It's going to be an uplifting and spectacular event!

For more information about the 5th annual September Concert, visit: http://www.septemberconcert.org

For more information about the Benita Charles & Friends show, call (212) 802-9249, e-mail: starent99@hotmail.com or visit: http://www.myspace.com/benitacharles



Directions to Madison Square Park by train:
Train: R to 23rd Street

Directions to The Triad by train:
Trains: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd street
Walk west (towards Central Park)
The Triad is located in the middle of the block (before you reach Columbus)



Coming soon in 2005 - MOMENTS IN LOVE (new CD from Benita Charles)….stay tuned!



The September Concerts of 2004 were a huge success. I am still getting compliments of the shows months later. It was an absolutely phenomenal day! All the artists were wonderful and they really gave their all in both shows (Morningside Park & The Triad).

Pictures from both shows are now posted on my photo website. Please go to: http://public.fotki.com/benita/september_concert_2004/     (enjoy the magic!)

Featured Artists at Morningside Park (Harlem USA): Ainger, VOCE, Grace Gaia, Preachermann, River Nelson, sean, StephRoc and Crag Haft.

Featured Artists at The Triad (upper Westside- NYC): John Virag, Blue Lady, Rubia, VOCE, Mark Dragon, Grace Gaia, Yuriko Hoshina, Kelly Boyd, River Nelson, Erica Matsuo, Danny Zanker, The Preachermann, sean, StephRoc, Craig Haft and Charmaine Troutman.





Benita Charles & Friends: September Concert 2003 will run during the day at Morningside Park from noon until 2:00 and in the evening at The Baggot Inn at 7:00 p.m.

-- Featured artists for the Baggot Inn include: Marci Geller, Elyse Spies, Nah'jerah Dihann, Melissa Hemann, Mother's Favorite Child, Candida a.k.a. VOCE, Fatimaand Shay Butter.

-- Confirmed artists for Morningside Park include: Leslie August & dancers, Starlett Brown, Ron Bertram, Nah'jerah Dihann, sean, VOCE , Nhojj, 
Shay Butter and Jeanay Say Qua.

Update of 2002 show: We now have CDs, DVDs and VHS copies of last year's 2002 show (Benita Charles & Friends: In Remembrance of September 11) available for purchase. **Prices are as follows: DVD - $25, CD - $15 and VHS - $10.

Send check or money order to:

Star Entertainment New York
244 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 29178
New York, NY 10001.

Please make checks payable to: Star Entertainment New York.

 For more information, please call (212) 802-9249 or e-mail: starent99@yahoo.com
.

You may also purchase CDs online at : http://www.cdbaby.com/benitacharles


**(Please note:  a portion of the proceeds goes to support the September Concert Foundation (a non-profit organization) for their continuous efforts to bring healing through music to the New York community and the world.  To learn more about the foundation and the September Concert event, visit: www.septemberconcert.org)




ALBERT AND ALICE
reviewed by Seth Bisen-Hersh of NYTheatre.com
(reviewed on October 5, 2002)

"...the one exception is Benita P. Charles, whose voice is wonderful. Her rendition of "Let Me Turn You On" is superb and is the highlight of the show. Even in the chorus numbers she sticks out, and she is animated and lively."





Star Entertainment New York presents Benita Charles & Friends: In Remembrance of Sept. 11th. This show is a special program which pays tribute to the heroes and victims of the Sept. 11th tragedy on the one-year anniversary.

Benita Charles and her guest artists will perform songs, poetry and spoken word pieces that will reflect their feelings of the event and hope for the future as the city of New York heals and rebuilds from the tragedy. The show will be an uplifting and healing experience.

The show is a part of the city-wide event called The September Concert in which various artists will present programs related to September 11th which runs from noon until 10:00 p.m. The Benita Charles & Friends show is one of many scheduled for that day but are all a part of the September Concert Foundation event. For more information about the September Concert Foundation, visit http://www.septemberconcert.org

Benita Charles & Friends is scheduled for September 11, 2002 at the Triad Theater at 7:00 p.m. (admission free/ 2 drink minimum)

For more information, please contact Star Entertainment New York at (212) 802-9249.





Star Entertainment New York presents The Benita Charles Variety Show ("The Gift") featuring: Wanda Yvette, seân , Nhojj, Barbie Seigle, Grant Cooper, Just Raymona N.Y., 6'5 (model), Julie Green & Motion Models at Triad Lounge (158 W. 72nd Street - NYC) on Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. [Tix $10 in advance/ $12 @ door - call: (212) 802-9249]

"The Gift" is a unique talent showcase extravaganza because it encompasses artists from various backgrounds, experiences and genres of the entertainment industry.

Come join us for an evening of excitement...talent...great live entertainment!





A Message from Benita Charles

Dear Friends:

I'm sending this note to you to let you know how I appreciate all of your kind support and encouragement for me during this horrible time in New York. By the grace of God, I'm doing fine. Although I work in the immediate area of the WTC, I report to work at 10:00 a.m. so I missed the horrible days events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 (911).

At this time, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support of my creative endeavors throughout the year(s).

Take care and I wish you and your families well. Let us all pray for those families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy.

New York is an incredible city. As we pick up the pieces and finally begin to heal, we are pulling together and helping each other through this horrible time. We are strong and will recover from this and be better than ever. There's a renewed sense of unity that has made us even stronger.

For those of you outside of New York, thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for us as we rebuild our city.

Much Love,

Benita





About the song, "Sexy Punchinella":

Since our initial launch in August 2000, the single is now available online at http:\\www.amazon.com\. Go to music section: Search by song title: Sexy Punchinella and my artist page will come up. Also, you can get there directly by going to my Music Page and clicking on the » Buy This CD Now! « link.

In person, you can purchase it at the following record stores:

Millennium Records (2206 Nostrand Ave. - Brooklyn, NY Phone: (718) 421-1800

Tiger’s Reggae Hut (1092 Nostrand Ave. - Brooklyn, NY Phone: (718) 469-1325

The song is currently playing in Club Moniques in Brooklyn. Also, the song is doing well in Jamaica. It’s playing on Radio Station RJR 94.5 FM’s DJ Richie B’s "The Beat" program in Kingston.

About the song, "Mama Bear Is Always By Your Side":

The song, "Mama Bear Is Always By Your Side", (written by Benita Charles and Emanuel Gatewood) received rave reviews from patrons attending the play, "Mama Bear", written by Sharon Harris. It was presented by Koalaty Presentations in Decatur, GA on February 1-25, 2001 under the direction of Carol Mitchell. Patrons purchased autographed copies of the song during intermission of the performance.

A further update: the song has won the 2001 ASCAP Popular Panel Award presented the end of June 2001. (ASCAP is The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)

For further information about the play and to purchase a copy of the song, please contact Star Entertainment New York at (212) 802-9249 or you can e-mail your requests to starent99@yahoo.com.





Star Entertainment New York is pleased to announce the song, "Mama Bear Is Always By Your Side", written by Benita Charles and Emanuel Gatewood, will be featured in the play, Mama Bear, written by Sharon Harris and produced by Koalaty Presentations in Decatur, Georgia (Atlanta Area).

The play runs February 1 - 24, 2001. Ms. Charles will make an appearance at the show opening weekend. The song is also available for purchase.

For all purchase inquiries, please contact Star Entertainment New York at (212) 802-9249 or e-mail: starent99@yahoo.com. For information about the play, please contact Koalaty Presentations at 770-457-8833 or e-mail: koalaty@mindspring.com.



Star Entertainment New York invites you to an "Afterglow Affair" immediately following "The Benita Charles Show" (11/17/00) at LaVa Gina (116 Avenue C - between 7th and 8th Sts. 212-477-9319).



Leighshaq Records is very proud to present the CD Release Party for its debut artist, BENITA CHARLES, at Club Nix (6 E. 32nd Street, Second Floor) NYC on August 16, 2000. For more information, call (212) 802-9249.



Reviews

Victor Gluck of BACKSTAGE writes of Benita Charles’ performance in The New Yorkers presented at the Medicine Show Theatre in New York:

"Benita Charles as the nightclub chanteuse sang an excellent Laziest Gal In Town."

(BACKSTAGE June 30 - July 6, 2000)