Writing poetry, song lyrics & short stories, Spending quality time with my grandchildren, Gardening,
Sunbathing on a beautiful beach!
Music
Ahhh, I'm lost in classic rock, however I'm partial to the singer/songwriter style,I love good blues and jazz, and am open to just about every style of music.
Movies
I'm a sucker for a good love story! And always love movies that are based around music, such as Glen Hansard's
"Once"
Television
Try not to watch too much, but unfortunately do sometimes,
I'm stuck on LOST, dying to see how it finally ends up!
Books
Good Poetry, Native American history, have a thing for
learning about lost civilizations, healing properties of stones & herbs, past lives and all that stuff (my family thinks I'm a bit odd, but this has always been a part of me nothing I planned on it's just there! But hey you gotta go for what you believe in if it makes you happy!)
1996 - 2001 Co-founder of the Miami based Songwriters In The Round with Songwriter/Producer Desmond Child. This event showcased local, national & international songwriters on a monthly basis.
Through SWITR we started an Entertainment Industry Networking event (music/film/tv/fashion)with various invited guest speakers from these industries.
We also developed a program to present songwriters in the local schools, elementary/middle & High School as well as established a program with the Music Therapy Division at the University of Miami, which grew into a summer Songwriting course. Over the years I have produced several music events for the Cities of Miami Beach, Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale. In 2005 & 2006 worked on the Native American Music Awards at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino in Hollywood, FL. And in 2008 worked on the NAMMY's at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY.
Current projects: Establishing a Songwriting/Music program
in downtown Ft. Lauderdale for disadvantaged & at-risk children. Will be seeking donations of instruments & music equipment.
Revived the Songwriters Showcase "in the round" style, the first showcase was held in downtown Ft. Lauderdale in collaboration with the Daniel Pearl Music Days "Harmony for Humanity" on October 21, 2008 www.danielpearlmusicdays.org; the Songwriter's Showcase will continue the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Broward Center for the Performing Arts (in the Abdo New River Room)www.browardcenter.org showcasing local, national & international songwriters.
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova accepting the Oscar® for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once" - the 80th Annual Academy Awards®.
Just wanted to share this inspirational moment with all you songwriters out there and with everyone who is following their creative passion... never give up, dare to dream...anything is possible!
Featured Songwriter Rod MacDonald performing at the 6/16/09 Songwriter's Showcase at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Videographer Robert Rutherford www.gingerman309.com
Who I'd like to meet: I would have loved to have met Jackie Onassis - she was such an elegant and strong woman.
Had a goal to meet Maya Angelou - beautiful poetry! I accomplished that goal.
There are just so many amazing people in the world it's hard to name them all. I just hope that through the people I have already met, who have taught me so much, that I will remember their wise and caring words of wisdom.
Hello Chrystal Thank You so much for having such a successful showcase lastnight ! I really enjoyed performing and making some wonderful new friends ! ...also... thank You for the bottle of water . Have a fabulous day today and everyday ! Untill next time . Jan Baynard
Chrystal! I had a blast performing at the Showcase :)!! Thank you so much again for the invitation, I've gotten such an amazing response on Myspace & Facebook from the audience, and my fans all over the world got to see the video, couldn't hear it, but enjoyed seeing me anyway :)
So thank you for all the work you do to promote live music, you're awesome!!! It takes a special person to do their best to help others and that is what you are :) I'm honored to know you, All the best in everything you do!! Keep in touch, God bless~~~ Giovy
Thank You soooo very much for making me feel calm and comfortable on my first songwriter showcase ....After I heard the first chord from my guitar come through the monitor...That was it ...I Loved the way everything sounded...I can't wait to do another original song !
Another huge "Thank You" my Beloved Sister for your continued love and support of the musicians in the South Florida area. Your tireless efforts are so very much appreciated and you are loved beyond what words could ever say... but I will attempt it... We love you, I love you...
A huge thank you for an incredible show last night Chrystal. I am happy to have been a part of it and I wish you much success with all of your future projects... WOW!!!
First we want to say thank you for your support and awareness on this very important issue for it is an issue that touches and affects each one of us.
You will be hearing much more from us as we move forward with this campaign. We are currently prioritizing the need for healthcare insurance for the women and children of America. We are reaching out to the community, asking that the community as well, communicate this issue of healthcare for women and children to everyone that they feel understands the issue and priority of healthcare for women and children. We ask that individuals and communities get involved to support comprehensive healthcare for women and children. We encourage everyone to communicate to the candidates running for national office (Congress and the White House) that we will support and vote for a common sense plan for national healthcare insurance for the women and children of America. In support of a coherent plan. It is time think clearly!
