Angela Bofill takes flight once more in The Angela Bofill Experience. Photo by Georgia Neheime.

One artist says hello once more, another says farewell again, & we say howdy to “PreShow” for a second time while a showdown awaits.

Rebirth of the Angel: Soaring on the wings of the glorious music she made for years, Angela “Angie” Bofill takes flight again, reborn in The Angela Bofill Experience currently running at The Rrazz Room. Angie narrates her story, & her music is served up in video clips as well as sung live by Maysa (lead singer of “Incognito”). Recently I had the honor of speaking with Angie. “My manager, Rich Engel, came up with the idea,” she shared by phone. “My fans really wanted to see me, (but) the stroke damaged my vocal cords, no more singing. Brainstorming with my manager, we came up with the idea (and called it) The Angela Bofill Experience.”

“A band is together, Maysa’s ready to go, everybody’s goin’ here in the Bay Area,” Angie continued. Among the performers (besides Maysa), “David Valentin, Phil Perry, Norman Connors, my touring band… it’s a party!” In spite of the challenges, we talked about how being alive was reason enough to celebrate. “Yeah, I think so! Oh my gosh…” she trailed off laughing. “Every day’s a blessing, I like my life. One day at a time….”

Strokes are happening to atypical populations. “Before the stroke happens, regular check-ups. Younger and younger it’s happening.” Her life is different now, in that it includes “physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy… continues everyday, still. Slow process of recovery. Everybody’s different.”

Though the process is daunting, she has some potent medicine on her side, “The power of music is very healing.” As we wound the conversation down, she wanted to let her fans simply know this: “I love you all.”

Come give Angela some of that love back between July 22-25. Tix/info at therrazzroom.com.

“PreShow” Pampering: We return with “PreShow” — the feature focused on events surrounding the nightclub experience. What better way to enhance the event pre-show than arriving to your event in style? Recently I had the joy of riding with chauffeur-to-the-stars Don Berger, owner/proprietor of Regency Limousine in San Francisco (RegencySF.com). With 27 years consecutive service, Regency is among the longest continuously running, privately-held, gay-owned & operated business. 

Don is a supporter of cabaret, with many local luminaries amongst his clientele roster. Here’s the thing, though, you don’t have to be a celebrity to feel like a star & arrive in style. My partner & I went in Don’s towncar to the Bettye LaVette concert. I can’t remember ever getting to an event so relaxed, feeling ready for the evening ahead.

Next time you prepare for a special night out to see your favorite cabaret or jazz star, I strongly recommend Regency as part of your “PreShow” experience. Feel free to post your excursion experience with Don & Regency on our Facebook site. 

Check out Don’s interview with David Perry on “10 Percent TV” — he shares some great stories about his travels with celebrities. Contact him through his website (RegencySF.com), where you can find additional contact info & special excursions as well as a discount.

Cherwell to B, B & B: Recently I jokingly said to the amazingly talented Carly Ozard that her final appearance of Bewitched, Bothered & Bipolar at The Rrazz Room (July 30) was her “Cherwell Tour” (a loving nod to Cher’s 4 or 5 final farewell tours).

This is it, though, folks. Carly’s creative life is taking off, & she’s on to the next wonderful project. Music direction for this bow will be none other than Joe Wicht (you might know him as his fab, uber-talented musical drag persona, Trauma Flintstone). Go to TheRrazzRoom.com for ticket ordering info.

Book a ride with Don at Regency to get you there!

Showdown’s a Comin’: Hey gang – tune in next week for all the latest, greatest news on Martuni’s Cabaret Showcase Showdown Grand Finale. Trauma plays, Katya Smirnoff-Skyy is emcee, & yours truly is one of the guest judges. More info in next edition, as well as at DragAtMartunis.com & on the Facebook page of “Jazz & Cocktails.”

Enjoy the jazz & cocktails in this lush cabaret life!