Julie Mondanaro - "Out of This World"

     There are so many talented people in the world and one of my joys in writing Taking the Plunge is expanding their audience!  

     Julie Mondanaro & David Williams, a vocal and piano duo based in Dallas, Texas, are traveling to the Pacific Northwest and will not only perform at Peninsula College on August 6^th, but will conduct a Master Class for Elaine Gardner-Morales’ Vocal Jazz Ensemble. [more details below.]

     I realize if you are a reader not within a hundred mile radius you’re out of luck for this performance, but maybe in the future you’ll be lucky enough to spend an evening listening to Julie’s smooth vocals and David’s tasty accompaniment. 

     Some standards like "Out of This World" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “Lush Life” by Billy Strayhorn, and “My Ship” by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin may trigger memories. Julie's  rendition of Murray Grand and Elisse Boyd's “Guess Who I Saw Today” brought it home for me. Mmmm, mmmm.

Julie Mondanaro

     David and I are looking forward to our visit to Port Angeles and performing at Peninsula College on August 6^th as well as conducting a Master Class the evening before.

     We met while I was playing in the Pyramid Room at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after meeting I hired him as my accompanist. David has been a professional musician since the age of fifteen. I, on the other hand, started earning a living as a singer when I moved to Dallas over twenty years ago.

     David & I have been able to work in many different settings, including small groups, big bands, studio recordings, and concerts. We love music, art, writing (Dave is an excellent writer) and I speak French. 

See you in August!  

           1. Who are you? List 5 nouns that best describe you.  
               Artist – Observer – Curious – Nature lover – Humor

           2. What have you done that you’re most proud of? 

               The decision to earn my living as a singer. It took a long time. 

           3. If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be? 

               I don't believe in changing the past. That is what makes us who we
               are.

           4. On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

               People's driving make me crazy.
               I get joy when I achieve something artistically. 

       5. Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities),
           What would you most like to do? 
           Speak many languages without studying. I speak French.             
           It's wonderful to think in another language.

Julie and David

Click Here to hear "Out of This World"

                                     

PORT ANGELES
             On Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 pm, fans of jazz vocalists will thrill to the sounds of the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble's Summer Solo Concert under the direction of PC music instructor Elaine Gardner-Morales.  The concert will also feature special guest artists Jazz Chanteuse Julie Mondanaro and Pianist David Williams of Dallas, TX. The free performance will be in the Little Theater.

Peninsula College performers include Gabe Bagno, Bunny Corwell, Tara Dupont, Rachel Heath, Brandi Larson, Tyler Napiontek, Theresa Pierce, Judith Sinclair and Marissa Willson singing such well-known and beloved hits as "Mack The Knife", "Orange Colored Skies", "St Louis Blues", "Stormy Monday", "Take Love Easy", "You've Got To Hurt Before You Heal", "Fly Me To the Moon", "Fever" and "Choo Choo Ch Boogie".

The concert is preceded by a special vocal clinic for ensemble members by Mondanaro and Williams on Monday, August 5. Community members are invited to sit in on the clinic and listen and observe as the two guest artists critique the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. This event begins at 7:00 pm in Maier Performance Hall and is free to the public based on seat availability.