Natasha Miller: Press

Just as I thought I couldn't find more success and wonder in my life as I had last year, the last few weeks have been exhilarating (and exhausting). Even if it weren't so exciting, I still appreciate the warm sun, the scent of star jasmine and the sweetness of my Bennett. It's nice to find joy in everyday life (you can better count on it) and be surprised by the other BIG joys that pop up every now and again.

*** The Movie ***

Added to the production team of the movie about me and Bobby is Emmy-Award nominated Director Arthur Allan Seidelman as well as Emmy-Award winning writer Haden Yelin. It's got momentum, and I'll let you know the moment it's in production. (and if indeed Morgan Freeman will play Bobby... fingers crossed!)

*** Skywalker Ranch Recording ***

My outstanding band and I completed the recording of 12 songs in one and a half days up at George Lucas' ranch with the expert engineering of Leslie Ann Jones (I'm bowing down to her, you just can't see me). The songs are so wonderful and quite possibly as perfect as I could hope for. I think there was a sprinkling of magic fairy dust over the scoring studio for those sessions. Whatever it was... I'll take it!

I have raised a considerable portion of the recording expenses, but am still accepting "producers" for the CD. Let me know if you're interested in being a part of this amazing and historical recording.

The release date is September 13. (right before I perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival along with the likes of Tony Bennett, Pat Methany and John Scofield)

*** Natasha featured on CNN ***

Two interviews with me and Bobby aired numerous times throughout the month of May on CNN's "Comcast Local Edition" with Jack Hanson. I'll be loading it to my site under "press" so check back soon to see it.

*** Licensing Deal with OpTic-NoISe ***

Lisa Klein, an extraodinary music licensing and placement agent has taken on my catalog of music to promote the use of my songs in film, TV and commercials. I'll let you know as soon as one of my songs lands somewhere of note... hopefully on a great blockbuster film!

*** Natasha + Bobby Heading to Fantasy ***

I'll be producing a CD of Bobby Sharp singing and playing his beautiful tunes with a band for the first time in over 40 years! Of course, we'll do this at Fantasy with Stephen Hart/engineer because that's where many great jazz sessions occurred. Nothing but the best for Bobby! Want to attend the session? Email or call for details.

***Pure Pleasure = $.99 ***

Download music from my last 3 CD's. Only $.99 a song!

I Had a Feelin'
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=14883325&originStoreFront=143441

Talk to Me Nice
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=6237159&originStoreFront=143441

Her Life
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=6237104&originStoreFront=143441

*** You + iPod ***

OK, I like to have way too much fun. I found this place on the internet where you can upload a photo of yourself (or your kids, dog, etc.) and they'll turn it into an iPod ad-looking photo. It's SOOOO COOOL! They're best if it's an action shot to begin with.
http://ipodmyphoto.com/?ref=natasha%40natashamillerweb%2ecom

*** JUNE Concert Calendar***
details: http://natashamillerweb.com/calendar.html

June 3 Napa- Cafe Society 8p

June 5 Oakland- Coliseum 1:05p (National Anthem)

June 11 San Francisco- SF Black & White Ball 10p

June 18 San Rafael- Art Festival 11:30a

June 24- Sausalito- Jazz + Blues by the Bay 6:30p

In July: Freight & Salvage, Fillmore Jazz Festival + L.A. dates!

I hope you're experiencing joy this spring. As always, I love to hear from you.

The time is drawing near, and my nerves are becoming a bit frayed, but mostly in excitement! I'm hoping that after reading this email, that you'll call to get tickets for the Dec 12th Yoshi's concert because I would HATE IT if it sold out (like it has for my past Yoshi's engagements) and you were standing at the counter upset because you couldn't get in. Not a good way to start off the holiday, and it would really bum me out.

Yoshi's MONDAY Dec 12th 8p/$14 10p/$10 ALL AGES!

Yoshi's box office opens at 10am! 510.238.9200

Ticket Web (online) http://ticketweb.com/user/?region=xxx&query=search&interface=ticketweb&newhps=1&search=Natasha+Miller&x=0&y=0

:: YOSHI'S: WHAT TO EXPECT ::

We're preparing an amazing, spiritual, warm, and magical "Holiday/Winter" concert for you and will include wonderful songs you'll know as well as a couple REALLY GREAT surprises. Some of the arrangements have me crying in rehearsal, so prepare for some tears of your own.

Bobby Sharp (Unchain My Heart) will perform a tune from his upcoming CD, and we will also sing "As the Years Come and Go" together. (we just finished mixing his CD at Fantasy... it's coming out right after mine in March '06!)

:: YOSHI'S SPECIAL GUEST ::

Another incredible addition to this evening is guitarist Steve Erquiaga who has recorded many songs for Windham Hill and is the top call session guitar player in the bay area. He will be accompanying me on a couple of pieces, as well perform a few for you on his own. His "Cafe Paradiso" CD is just BEAUTIFUL!!! http://www.erquiaga.com

:: GENEROUS PATRON ::

I have been given the gift from an "anonymous" patron to record this evening's concert. This is so amazing and generous! John Lucasey from Studio 880 (where my new office is located) will be producing and engineering, so I'll have a Holiday CD come next year! http://www.studio880.com (of Green Day/American Idiot fame) As well, my office mates OnPoint Productions will be filming the concert, so I'll have footage for a DVD! Things are happenin' around here!!!

:: KEEPSAKE ::

Want a poster to print for a keepsake, hang in your office, or to email to a friend? Click this:
http://www.natashamillerweb.com/images/yoshisposter.jpg

:: COVER GIRL NATASHA ::

If you live in the East Bay, check out the Dec issue of the MusicScene, I'm on the cover. Thanks to John Blakemore!

:: DON'T MOVE ::

The artwork is being shipped to China, where a gorgeous hard bound book with 24 color pages will be born for the packaging of my anticipated "Don't Move" CD. It won't be long now...

:: MOVIE UPDATE ::

And were you wondering about the movie? The producers are thinking Mary Louise Parker to play me, what do you think of that? It's still making progress in Hollywood, so I'll keep you posted on the news.

See you at Yoshi's!

Warmest regards,

Natasha

P.S. A tender good-bye to sweet James and wonderful Josh. You are sorely missed and thought of often. Too soon, too soon you left this earth.

:: SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE DEVOUT ::

P.P.S. If you've read this far, then you're invited to suggest a song for the Yoshi's concert and make a dedication. I will take as many requests as i can fit into my sets. Thanks!!!

I recently realized that after writing this newsletter over the years that I mostly detail the wonderful and exciting things that happen in my life and career. That must really come off as though I have a nearly perfect
life. Well, I wouldn't be completely honest if that's what you were led to believe, so let's just say that since Thanksgiving, I've had 3 pretty nasty debilitating colds, a near-nervous breakdown and an "uncomfortable situation" with a friend as it relates to her dating my ex-husband. There.
It's out. My life is far from perfect, but I keep plugging away so that I
can make some of my dreams come true, and bring them to you.

On to the good stuff. (email if you want a newsletter of mostly bad stuff, I'll put you on a separate list)

As always, please scan this whole email for subjects that interest you.

*** NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED ***

I won't wax poetic here, but it's really good... easy to navigate and some fantastic additions. You can see me in TV interviews (the best is Noel Cisneros' on KRON 4) in "In the News", hear not only my music, but cuts by Bennett (Big Storyteller), Bobby, and two beautiful songs my dad wrote,
which can be found in "Listen". I update my journal and gallery a lot. It's a hobby. The newest feature is pretty cool. You can sign my guestbook and add a note. Let's keep the comments in the "PG-13" realm if you will, as they are published on my site.

*** THE MOVIE ***

Thanks to all who offered your suggestions on leading actress to play me. The votes were tallied, and Catherine Zeta Jones wins the part, followed by Ashley Judd (can she sing?). We just signed the 9 month contract with the great producer Marc Lorber and Lisa Mouhibian (who keeps mentioning
names like Clint Eastwood to me... OH MY GOD!) so we'll see who gets to
play me. Of course, Morgan Freeman has the Bobby part, he won't even have to audition.

*** HEAR NATASHA ON NPR ***

Bobby and I were interviewed by Reese Erlich for KQED's "California
Report" last week. If you can spare the time, please listen to it on-line.
It's very well done and sweet. Bobby plays and sings live, he's a master!
http://www.californiareport.org/domains/californiareport/archive.jsp?date=
20050121 (you'll have to scroll to the segment which is 3 stories in)

*** NATASHA TAKES GIANT STEP ***

I've taken my career to the next level, actually to the top. I've hired
Michael Bloom to work miracles in the publicity world, and am so excited
to have him aboard. This is our direct line to Oprah and Letterman. One
can hope.

Here's a little about him:
Michael Bloom's career in the music business includes 10 years at record
labels such as GRP (where he helped launch the careers of Diana Krall,
Arturo Sandoval, David Benoit, and Diane Schuur) and Windham Hill/High
Street.

After starting his own public relations consultancy, Bloom's first client
was Herbie Hancock. Since then he has worked with many notable performers
including Dave Brubeck, John Scofield, Stanley Turrentine, Karrin Allyson,
Artie Shaw, and Rolling Stone drummer Charlie Watts among other notable
musicians.

So, I'm in good hands. If you have any media contacts or ideas, please let
me know and I'll forward the info to Michael.

*** GET YOUR YOSHI'S TICKETS NOW ***

Last year's show sold out, and I want you all to be able to come. There
are 330 seats per show, and there are already 100 accounted for. Call
510.238.9200 for tix. get a group together and have a great night out!
You'll experience a history-making event while watching me and Bobby
perform with my "mini-orchestra" with horns and strings! Bobby and I will
perform a duet that's so lovely! This concert will be recorded for my 4th
CD release, and you'll be there for it! yoshis.com

I'm taking requests for this show. Please email to me the song you most
want to hear at this concert. Please select repertoire from any of my CD's
or past concert sets.

*** YOU CAN PRODUCE MY NEXT CD ***

Email or call for information on how to be a producer on my next CD. This
offer has gone out already to 10 of my most devoted fans and the response
has been amazing! It's the only way I can keep producing this music and
performing, with your support. THANK YOU!!!

*** TELL 10 PROGRAM ***

Earn a free CD or tickets to an upcoming show. Tell 10 of your friends to
sign up on my Guestbook and you'll receive your choice of one of my 3 CD's
signed, or a pair of tickets to any upcoming show. Make sure they tell me
you sent them. You'll get an email asking for your mailing address after
the 10th person signs up. Cool, huh?

*** CATCHING UP WITH NATASHA ***

If this newsletter wasn't enough, then read the writing of Julia Park from
the last article she published about me. It's really well written, and
she's just great! http://www.natashamillerweb.com/press-group-21.html

*** CONCERT CALENDAR ***
details on my website under "calendar"

Feb 7 Kelly's of Alameda 7:00

Feb 12 Auctions by the Bay in Alameda 8:00 w/Michael Morgan and Frederica
von Stade. I'll be playing violin on the Brandenberg Concertos.

March 21 Yoshi's Oakland 8:00p + 10:00p

April 7 Kuumbwa Santa Cruz 8:00p

This concludes this edition of my nearly-monthly newsletter. Thanks to
many people, but especially Marshall Lamm, Flicka, Julia Park, my sweet
Bennett and Greg. You make everything so nice and easy!

Warm regards,

Natasha

sponsored by:
Entire Productions
Music for Every Event
www.entireproductions.com

Hi there-

I'm ignoring the holidays for now, so this isn't the "Season's Greetings" note you might have expected. I just thought I'd keep you up to date on my crazy wonderful life so far. Read all the way down... there's some pretty cool stuff. Please write back with your own crazy wonderful events. I love hearing from you!

Morgan Freeman, Bobby Sharp & Natasha Miller © WireImage

- - - - - - NATASHA ON TV - - - - - -

I just returned from Des Moines, Iowa where I visited for Thanksgiving, then "gave" a concert the night following to a lovely crowd of friends and family, past teachers and those who caught one of the interviews that aired on TV. Those clips of the TV interviews are on my website, and you can watch them with RealPlayer. My daughter Bennett told me I looked silly and that I am so "annoying". Oh well...
http://www.natashamillerweb.com/press.html

- - - - - - NATASHA & BOBBY IN THE MOVIES - - - - - -

Bobby Sharp (of Unchain My Heart fame) and I are being sought for film rights of our story by 4 different producers/writers! I'm overwhelmed, honored, amazed, etc. Now I have to think about who might play me... any ideas? I'll let you know when we know more. This would be such an incredible way to get Bobby's beautiful songs heard by all!

- - - - - - AWARD CEREMONY - - - - - -

I accepted an award for "Outstanding Women in the Arts" from the Business and Professional Women's Organization. How humbled was I that I was honored by professional women and presented this award by Congressman Pete Stark! I also was given a proclamation by Wilma Chang and Barbara Lee! At 33 years old, I can't believe I've done enough to warrant such honor, but I'm thankful!

- - - - - - SECRET TRACKS - - - - - -

I have finally uploaded more music on my site including samples from all 3 CD's, as well as songs never released, and my acapella National Anthem demo!
http://www.natashamillerweb.com/music.html

- - - - - - NATASHA IN HOLLYWOOD - - - - - -

If you're dying to see me with the likes of Usher, or Ellen DeGeneres etc, go here:
http://www.natashamillerweb.com/photos.html

- - - - - - SALE - - - - - - SALE - - - - - - SALE - - - - - - SALE- - - - - - SALE - - - - - -

For the next week, all 3 of my CD's will be discounted to $10 so that you might be enticed to buy a bunch of them for use as Christmas presents! Go here for the deal:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nmiller3 "I Had a Feelin'" (jazz/2004)
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nmiller2 "Talk to Me Nice" (jazz/2003)
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nmiller "Her Life" (pop/rock/2003)

and as always, you can download per song on all of the popular sites like iTunes:
http://natashamillerweb.com/store.asp

- - - - - - DATES - - - - - -

****Friday Dec 10 (8p) in Napa Cafe Society 1000 Main Street 707.256.3232 $20.

****Saturday Dec 11 (7p) Natasha's Holiday Concert to benefit the Midway Shelter (for abused women and children) 1st Presbyterian Church 2001 Santa Clara Ave Alameda $15/suggested donation.

I'll be joined by STEVE ERQUIAGA, GARRIN BENFIELD, ELLEN HOFFMAN, JUSTIN & JEREMY MILLER (my brothers), a children's choir and a handbell ensemble!

**** February 12, 2005 I'll be playing with the Oakland East Bay Orchestra in the Brandenburg Concerto Concert. I'll start practicing now... more on this soon.

**** March 21, 2005 mark your calendars for my LIVE RECORDING concert at Yoshi's! More to come on this!

That's about it for now. Thanks for hanging in there. I wish you all the best that's coming to you, and hope you avoid the flu. That's my seasons wish for you!

Talk to me soon-
Warm wishes,

Natasha