My parents got divorced about 6 years in, the uke was hung up on the wall as a decoration, it gathered dust till I turned 15. My mother sold my Steinway piano when we moved to North Carolina, so out of necessity I pulled the wall decoration down, Mum taught me a few chords. I began writing songs.

“Is that a violin?” people always wanted to know upon spotting the case. “No, a ukulele.” I’d squeek out, knowing what was to follow.

Laughter. Not laughing with, but laughing AT the notion. The ukulele was as distasteful as John travolta between his Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction years. Ukulela Non Grata. Piew piuw peeeyooooh!.

The other half would cleverly (in their minds) mention that “Tiny Tim” guy.

But I just kept writing my songs. In 2005 or so, my then sweetheart spotted notice of…are you ready for this…the “New York Ukulele Festival” on a sandwich board outside Theatre for the New City. He walked me in, downstairs to the Cabaret Space, and I entered a new world. A world where people were colorful and odd and magical, and nobody laughed at the ukulele. In fact, (I still have to rub my eyes when I think about this to make sure it’s true) They ALL PLAYED Ukuleles. ALL Of them.

Tomorrow night I’ll be playing in that same community, part of it at least. We’ll be honoring Mary Martin’s Frank, and we will be playing and singing joyful Ukulele music to remember him by. It’s practically impossible to play sad music on a uke. I of course have managed it, being from the Kate Bush Joni Mitchell school. But I can pull off light and sweet these days too.

For Frank and Mary, I’ll see what I can do.

Dana Sings Lincoln Center Ourland 2012 with Joe Hurley conducting, Tish & Snooky, Tami Lynn, and Sheryl Marshall, the boys from Blue Coupe, (Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult), Megan Gould and Music Director Chris Flynn

Dreaming. I must have been dreaming. My Aunt Wendie put it well, she said she’d be excited to stand on that stage and not do anything. I had that experience too, before anyone arrived, posting a set list on the stage I stood there, not a soul in sight, 6,000 empty white folding seats, an empty stage, silence. It was, in the true sense of the word, awesome.

Now paint that empty canvas of stage with a grand piano, an outstanding band filled with  Blue Oyster Cult’s Joe & Albert Bouchard, R&R Hall of Famer Dennis Dunaway from Alice Cooper Group, Music Director Chris Flynn, soul legend Tami Lynn, my favorite background singers ever Tish & Snooky, the lovely Sherryl Marshall, Artistic Director and Rock Star Joe Hurley, and, there in the middle.(Apple in throat.) Me.

Me.

Well, as the first lyric of the U2 song I was singing says: Oh my love, it’s a long way we’ve come.

Photos by Bill Desjardin

Dana McCoy & Joe Hurley, OurLand Fest @ Lincoln Center

I came on board last, and hit the ground running. This photo was taken at the home of Noel and Hanora Kilkenny, The Consul General of Ireland and his wife. They were unbelievable lovely hosts, light, fun, grace personified. Alfie McCourt, Lianne Smith, Joe Hurley, and The legendary Tami Lynn all sang songs, fantastic.

Now we just have to figure out what exactly is going to happen on three stages outside at Lincoln Center from 2pm to 10pm, and then we have to figure out how it’s all going to happen. And how to pay for it to happen. Not a problem. everything’s fine. Is it hot in here?

I’m going to sing a song which holds sentimental value for me, Molly Malone. It was taught to me by a Jew. Richard Dienst. Richard was a cop defender though, so it’s not too hard to figure out where he learned that song. I sang it full force at his memorial, and he’ll be in my heart as I sing it to thousands on the 29th.

Life. You just never know.

Stef Seskin, Jane Keitel, Donna Jean Fogel, Bekka Lindstrom, and Dana McCoy

 Wow. What a rush. I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am to have sung and performed with these fine women. How many people get to do what they love with people they love? What could possibly be more like flying? It was a three week Off-Broadway run, a chance for producers and investors to see us, and many did. And we’ll see what happens next. The dust will have to settle and a plan will form. Right now I’m just enjoying the stardust (or is it just sleep) in my eyes. I stretched and reached and grew. It ached at times but my friends were there and I was there for them too. I know all of us are better for this experience.

For this I thank Richard Caliban for giving us all this chance, for writing this wonderful play with a cast of 5 women, not girls (rule his world). For assuming we could do things we couldn’t, but because he thought we could, we did. Stef was new to acting, I’d never played bass or drums before, very little acting either, Deej had never touched a drum kit and she’s our drummer, I don’t think Bekk had sung much harmony, and well Jane had done all of it and more, but with structure. This was less of a play, more of a Rock Band, and that was brand new for our Janey. So…we wrestled and itched and scratched and sang and acted and played together since 2009, and low and behold, we became a cohesive unit. I mean we learned to play our instruments and work together. Sometimes it wasn’t graceful at all! Often it was angelic. Because even though we were cast in these roles, well, I’ll speak for myself, I came to truly love these people. Yeah, there were times I wanted to slap them silly, and I know damn well they felt the same about me. But at the same time we are puzzle pieces that fit together. When the chips were down, we were all there. From moves to pneumonia to divorce to family illnesses/deaths, broken hearts to broken bones, substance issues, loony bins, paper cuts. We’ve been there. And we’re not telling you who had which going on, either. Love. That’s what I have for my flying team. Love, and respect and gratitude.

I know I’m standing taller than when we started.

xoxox

Left - Ingrid (Dana McCoy) w/Melissa (Bekka Lindstrom)

I am one of the 5 woman cast. The storyline is we’re bored house fraus who start a band to raise money for our kid’s high school. By a fluke, the band becomes a supernova. That’s really where the story starts. What do Superstar MoM’s do? How do they handle the pros and cons of uber success.

Of course there’s been a lot of controversy about whether the play’s feminist or misogynist or various other ists.

Mainly people seem to just have themselves a ball.

Promo Vid – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q4kWXX_Fh8&feature=email

Place:  The Barrow Group     312 W 36th St, 3rd Floor       New York, NY 10018   

Performance Dates: April 12th thru 28th

MoM's BEFORE - Stef Seskin, DJ Fogel, Dana McCoy, Bekk Lindstrom, Jane Keitel

Tickets: http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=MOM8

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoM-A-Rock-Concert-Musical/288372854552261

MoM's AFTER, Stef Seskin, Jane Keitel, DJ Fogel, Bekk Lindstrom, Dana McCoy

My last post was September 27th. It’s now very nearly Christmas. Time warp. Keeps happening. So, here’s the deal since then. (well, the part I can tell.)

I’ve been working at Theatre 80, connected with some new investors for Cube Rat, producers of interest, I have worked closely with Silence the Musical, Howl Festival with Jane Friedman, The All For One Festival of solo shows during which I got to take workshops with Matt Hoverman, meet and learn from the heads of NY Fringe, NYMTF, Samuel French’s short play festival. I’ve met several potential directors for Cube Rat, and found one I’m crazy about. I co-wrote a power ballad as a favor to a friend for a wedding which seems to have made quite an impression on the bride and groom, so I’m told it may have a shot at being published.I got to go to my very first Broadway Opening Night  and Opening Night Party, I felt like Cinderella. I was part of a film by Jonathan Pillot where I got to read a poem that made me cry the first time I heard it:

What’s next? that’s the big question. I still have editing to do on the Edinburgh footage of Cube Rat. I thought I’d float right through that process the moment I returned to New York, but I’ve been mired in the quicksand of tech hell. I have a brand new baby Mac Book, but it’s not compatible with any of my older gear or software, so now I’m looking for tech help to reconnect everything so I can get back to music and film work.

I believe I’ll get to do this editing over the holidays as I’ll have a couple of weeks of quiet after Christmas. I’ll be on retreat in a quiet artist community. Will be working also on Cube Rat Script with the aforementioned outstanding writer/director.  I’m over the moon about how well our sessions are going.

I might even bring my uke and write a few songs, can you imagine? Who knows, maybe I’ll really aim high and bring along a book to read! Yeah right.

La Lucha Continua

Happy Holidays everyone. See you in 2012.

xo Your

Dana

I offer all of you my heartfelt thanks for your contributions. I will work tirelessly to see this project the rest of the way through in honor of all your faith in me.

Music and video in the works, to be posted/sent as soon as is humanly possible.

Much Love,

Dana

As Richard Caliban, who’s taken the Edinburgh adventure pointed out, isn’t it frustrating when people ask, “How was it?” and you get through half a sentence before they say “Wow, that’s great, anyway, we’ve got…and they begin ticking off the New York paced list of 3 years worth of to do’s you have to accomplish by nightfall.

In a way, thank god they don’t really want to know, because where in the hell would you begin? Honestly?

But I’ll never be the same. NEVER.

I learned that in spite of how I didn’t want to hold the money bucket, when I did, people put money in it. I learned people packed the house when I flyered in costume, which I didn’t want to do because it goes against my pull toward invisibility, a ridiculous direction for a performer. I learned it works best when I’m myself, not trying to be anything else.

I learned when I ask for what I need it’s ok.

Really weird. really really weird.

I never witnessed an ounce of violence, not even on TV till I was on the plane on the way back to the good ole US. I realized I’m American. A fish doesn’t know it’s wet. I never really thought about being an American, because my only trips away were relatively short lived. 6 weeks was enough of a chunk to get it. We are the spoiled blond popular girl of the world, the one who has no idea what it’s like to have zits and divorced parents, and not to be able to afford a limo for prom. We’re very often a good force too, trying to give acne cream to the poor unwashed.

Meanwhile, In Brittain, they’re much more aware of the rest of the world’s difficulty, but they lead a very graceful, civilized life. Truly lovely.

I was surprised to be homesick, because I also didn’t want to leave.

Back at Theatre 80 my beautiful Kooks continue their rhythm same as before. And I fit fine.  Meeting with the Genie and the team about organizing the mayhem, following Lorcan around like a puppy on all his little tasks; try out some tapas at local restaurants, get paprika at the spice store on 1st Ave. I never knew existed, pick up cherry tomatoes for a new recipe. Life goes on unbroken. Like none of the magic ever happened. I guess because…this is magic too.

Amen.

I’m sure I’ll find center again soon and begin whirling with the next phase. I’ll get video of the show edited, begin plans for next shows. Tomorrow I have a gig for the 25th anniversary of the Playwright’s Theatre of New Jersey. They’ve invited “MoM, A Rock Concert Musical” to be part of their celebration. We’re actually closing the show! I’m very honored. Those guys took great care of us during our run with them last year at this time. The latest is we’ll be going on tour early in the new year! So, the adventure continues.

My life is fairly enchanted, I’d say. Great family, friends, community, health. Yeah. Life’s just fine.

More soon folks, a CD and Video of Cube Rat coming up.  Love to all who helped me rock Edinburgh. Like I said. I’ll Never NEVER be the same.

Anyway, not over yet. I’m staying at Borthwick Castle, can’t begin on how magical this place is, will post pics as soon as I possibly can. There’s been little internet or phone access which is why my posts have been few and far between. Now I have access again, so here I am. Pics, not sure I’ll have time to weed through before I leave Edinburgh, but hope to post more soon. Certainly have been taking plenty! Scotland is so extraordinary, the sky, I never get tired of looking at it and how it contrasts the buildings with their intricate weatherveins and gingerbread details, and of course, the chimney pots.

As far as festival, I’m having such a ball, but it’s not at all how I imagined. I’m learning where my strengths and weaknesses are as an artist, and my strengths are strengthening (voice, improvising with audience). My areas of less experience are improving, (not telling you what those are, silly billies) and when doing the things I like least, like the necessary evil of flyering, which is standing on the street and pedaling yourself. Ick, what could be worse? But I’m learning SO MUCH from that process. When I don’t do it, when I leave it to others that don’t know the show, it’s ineffective. When I connect with people in a positive way, inviting them to my show because I think they’ll enjoy it, I get audience. Face it, if I don’t believe in it, why should they? My mother’s hair must be curling reading this, she’s been telling me this my whole life!

Also, the process of flyering caused me to meet many lovely people and artists and make some friends I hope to keep. It’s an integral part of learning the city, the other venues and performers, getting my bearings.

Press has been really quiet on the show. That’s a shame, there’s some chance reviews will still come out, we’ll see. I think they’ll be good if they exist somewhere, but one never knows what others enjoy or appreciate. I feel very good about the show, loads of people have approached with thanks saying they want to persue writing their book, but they’re stuck at the secretary job, or they dream of starting a school, but they’re sheep shearing or whatever it is. So I sense this thing has purpose, and I doubt we’re done with it. When I return to New York I plan to develope it further with help from my co-writer, Bernadette Daly, and some other coaches and directors I respect.

I absolutely love the community of EdFringe, the artists struggling together and supporting eachother has been really heartening. We all have had days with two people in the audience, (not many thank god) we all have had days with full houses that reacted like oil paintings, and we all have hugged eachother and said, I know, I know…

And we’ve all had some glory. Absolutely gems of glory where a kid asks for your autograph, or someone giggles at something you thought no one would get, or your flyering a line for a six hundred seat theater and someone says, OH I saw this yesterday, was GREAT!!! and everyone in the line reaches for a flyer.

Being here’s a little like a glamourous non-violent war situation in that it’s such an intense experience, not sure how to go home, and I don’t want it to end, yet of course I can’t wait to get home at the same time. And I can give wisps of impressions, but will never be able to fully explain what this was like.

All I can do is try to live up to it by improving and continuing and growing some more, bringing all I’ve learned to the next adventure.

Now on a more important note. I can’t stop eating Haggis. I LOVE the stuff. Don’t tell me what’s in it, I don’t want to know, I don’t care at all. I’ve had haggis burgers, haggis buritos, haggis stuffed chicken, and my favorite at Rabbie Burns Cafe and Bar, Haggis and Neeps. (Neeps are turnips! I LOVE turnips!) Also, Iron Brew. Relax, many of you know I don’t drink, but iron brew, is a soft drink, tastes like a cream soda, but better and more fun to order! So I now wear a kilt given me by Paul at Rabbie Burns, it’s just like the ones his staff wear, I have a tartan cape, I eat haggis all day everyday, all I need is one of those mini daggers the Scot’s keep in their socks.

Happy happy girl. Love you for reading. please write back below and tell me what’s up in your world.

xoxoxox Dana

Ok im stalling. It can’t be all be sunshine up the bum. The first two shows were rough. On one hand i was amazed we even made it through considering how little rehearsal time we had, and no tech. Being unprepared because there’s not enough time or money is a terrible feeling. I mean a sick to your stomach feeling. But all things for a reason. The help i’m getting here on how to present better is outstanding from Calvin’s team. Kati Hind gave great edits after seeing show number one, and jessica had excellent notes after show 2 which was toniqht. My feeling is two clicks to the right and we’ll have a great show. Asking for help is so hard, isnt it? But getting it is amazing. And the largest theatre festival in the world seems to be teaming with the kind of help i want and need.

Graham and i played a show friday night at this GORGEOUS venue called the Voodoo Rooms, the Voodoo Review produced by JuLie-ann Laidlaw, and hosted by Desmond. I could kick my own pants i didn’t have my camera. You could believe the show without actually seeing it. I know all my ukulele friends would have loved it and fit right in. Proud to have been a part.

This friday we’ve been invited to play the New Town Bar. I’ll let you know how that goes. Sweet place on Dublin Street.

Funny, for each of my first two shows i teases the hell out of an audience member, and they turned out to be reviewers. We’ll see how that bodes…

There’s so much more to tell, it’s been raining for three days, every little thing is different, ive nearly been killed by wrong way traffic, they have haggis in the grocery stores, my bank card doesn’twork at atms for some reason, and don’t eat the sandwiches from poundstretchers. Seriously.

Out for now, more eciting blogs after rest. Xoxoxox d