Catherine Benskin: Who I Am

CD Baby is giving $1 for every hard copy CD or full album download. If you were thinking about bringing my some of my awesome tunes into your home, everyone wins if you upgrade and purchase the entire collection at one time.

Just a quick update to let you know that all the recording for You Welcome Me (final version) and Lily, So Beautiful is complete. Bruce @ Sterling Productions is mixing it up this week. Then I will send it out to CD Baby for iTunes and other digital download resources.

Sorry, no hardcopies right now. Since I only have 2 tracks that aren't related, it would not be cost effective at this point.

Thanks for listening and purchasing!

C

I'll be in studio this Thursday and next hopefully completing my first 2 original recordings. Lots of web hits this month hopefully means lots of digital sales to pay for my recording.

The SOME benefit was a great success. We had a full house at the Crypt Church. I was grateful to have the opportunity to work with Elaine Rendler, Chris Walker and composer Henry Mollicone. I know that those in attendance were blessed by the performance as well as the many that the funds raised will help.

On another note, this week my producer and I have been pushing to get my demo recorded before next week's NPM convention. My friend, Paul Loebach and I had a great time laying our backgroud tracks yesterday. Today, we'll be mixing it up and getting the final product. Thanks Bruce Kane @ Assembly Line Studios in Sterling!

Also, I've been editing Bible Camp scripts before I leave this weekend so I can start rehearsals upon my return. Hopefully, the writing team will be hard at work in my absence and ready to start learning their lines.

It's a beautiful day and great things are happening. God is at work!

Peace All!

Some of my St. Rose music ministers and I are participating in this event. It should be a wonderful night. Buy tickets in advance to be sure there is space!

40th Anniversary Concert for S.O.M.E. on July 1
On July 1, 2009, 7:30 pm, we will perform Henry Mollicone's Beatitude Mass (for the homeless) under the direction of the composer at the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. to inaugurate the 40th anniversary of S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat). Featured soloists will be Christopher Walker of Los Angeles and Kathryn Hearden of northern Virginia

Purchase Concert Tickets for preferred seating now. Preferred seating tickets will not be available at the door. You may also Make a Donation and become a S.O.M.E. sponsor! Sponsorship levels include tickets:

SOME Angel ($2500 or above) - 10 tickets
Seraphim ($1000 to $2499) - 6 tickets
Archangels ($500 to $999) - 4 tickets
Choir Angels ($250 to $499) - 2 tickets
Guardian Angels ($100 to $249) - 2 tickets

Tickets without sponsorship are only $20.

http://www.georgetownchorale.org/

This month I have received a few visits from people who are struggling with mental illness. Please know my prayers are with you. I have posted my interview with Lisa from CatholicMom and I have been open about my journey to serve as a beacon for others. I hope you will find the medical and emotional support you need. You can beat this!

With my love, Catherine

It was great being back in studio! This time with my own original songs! Finally bringing them to life!

I am pleased to have Alan back on keyboards, Wayne Estes on bass, Gary White on drums and Bruce Kane of Sterling Productions in the booth. Thanks guys; Great work!

Send prayers up as I go into studio this Friday to start work on recording a couple original songs!

I google myself every once in a while to make sure that all the crazy things out there about me are actually true. Last night I found that someone had used my rendition of "The Summons" in their school video for Catholic Schools week. Honored and Flattered!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUFQ1Icfcps
PS Do something great for Earth Day!

The pastor at one of my churches, St. Raphael in Rockville, passed away on Holy Thursday after liturgy by a sudden heart attack. We are grateful that his suffering was not drawn out.

There will be a Mass on Monday evening, April 13 at 7:30 and the Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday morning at 9 AM both at St. Raphael's church off of Falls Road in Rockville.

Prayers for the community are appreciated.

After what seems like an eternity, my music partner Alan and I are back working together on my upcoming studio project. Will we make it without killing each other? Will our friendship survive...again?

Our first rehearsal went great. Within a few seconds of his talented fingers hitting the keys, my heart felt at home. We ran through the 2 original pieces I hope to record. Alan will be taking these notes home and fixing/improving on some of my arranging handiwork and putting his personal touches on it.

Hopefully, we will get together soon to see how it is gelling. Stay tuned for more updates!

Father Kelly was the pastor of St. Francis in Purcellville, VA, one of the parishes I serve as cantor. A truly genuine and humble pastor. We were blessed to have him.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8175098&version=6&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Thanks all who downloaded my music this month. It was a record matching month for me. This comes at a great time as you know I am heading into the studio soon. I appreciate all your positive response!

After my last entry, I sent the second song I have decided to record to some of my musical friends and/or mentors (does it count as friends if someone has made you their friend on Facebook?). I just got a note back from Catholic Composer/Performer John Angotti whom I have worked with a couple times that he really likes this song. This was great affirmation for me on this song because I really respect him and his work (plus who wants to spend a bunch of money recording music that is not so good?). Plugging forward!

For those of you who keep asking, "When are you doing something else??" I had a pre-production meeting with my producer today. I think I am going to be back in the studio this fall and winter ($$ willing) to record 2 of my own original songs. One is ready to go, the other is mostly there. I'll try to keep you posted on the progress!

http://www.unashamedfaithcafe.blogspot.com
Hope to run into you there!

Working on getting into the studio this month for pre-production on a single I will release digitally. More to come!

- Author Unknown

I cannot change the way I am,
I never really try,
God made me different and unique,
I never ask Him why.

If I appear peculiar,
There's nothing I can do,
You must accept me as I am,
As I've accepted you.

God made a casting of each life,
Then threw the mold away,
Each child is different from the rest,
Unlike as night from day.

So often we will criticize,
The things that others do,
But, do you know, they do not think,
The same as me and you.

So God in all His wisdom,
Who knows us all by name,
He didn't want us to be bored,
That's why we're not the same.

We all know that we can look into our family history to learn about who we are and why we do the things we do. Last night's journey on the web answered a lot of questions about myself.

Well, I've known all along that my favorite Uncle Alec was gay and had an alter ego. Prompted by a recent article in the Post Magazine, I did a little more research on the early drag scene in DC. I found out that Alec had quite a history in activism and entertainment! As an added bonus, I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that I am related to Miss Gay Universe 1967! He was buried with his sceptor. http://www.rainbowhistory.org/brice.htm . Thanks for indulging me....

We Miss You Alec!

I know I am not as up to date on this as I used to be. I do want to drop a piece of cool news, though. Look for me at NPM. I will be singing back-up and "Rockin' the Parkway", NJ. Hope to see you there!

From my friend Christina....
Dear Family and Friends,

As you may know, I recently returned from Germany and running my first international race. This was a half marathon in my college hometown of Freiburg, located in the south western corner of Germany near the Black Forest, Switzerland and France. Well, needless to say the race was terrific and being with friends made the journey even more wonderful. My Dad often recites an Irish blessing that says in part..."may you count your age in friends not years..." I am truly blessed by many close friends and family around the world and I am asking for your support as I run my next marathon -- The Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, CA, to be exact.. Yes, I have picked the next one and this time I am doing it in honor of all my friends and family who have been touched by cancer. This will be the first time that I run for a cause. Like you, I am sure that you are able to list more than 5 people who have been directly affected by cancer. It is for this reason that I am running for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training.

As I continue with my training and prepare for the race in the Fall, please take a moment to make a donation and keep me in your prayers. Our initial goal is approximately $4,500, however, I hope to far surpass that amount with everyone's support.

To make a secure and fully, tax-deductible donation on-line, please go to: http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/nikesf08/ccahillane If you would prefer to send me a check, please make it payable to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and send to me at 2776 Washington Street, Adamstown, MD 21710.

I currently have two cancer patients for whom I am running: 1) Jania Sturdivant, a 29 year old, stay at home, mother of two boys. She has luekemia and has been in treatment since December 1, 2001. 2) Emily Zimmerman, an 8 year old, fourth grader, who has T-Cell A.L.L. Stay tuned for pictures of both of these champions and more on my webpage. Finally, I am also running in honor of those people I know (and you know) who have lost their battle with cancer. I will be posting pictures of these champions and would be happy to post pictures of family and friends of yours who have had cancer as well. Send pictures with names to me as soon as possible.


My first target date is Sunday, June 1, 2008, when I would like to be at $750.00 in donations.

Thank you in advance for your continued support! Oh, and please pass on this email to your friends and family that you think might be interested in making a donation. The more the merrier! Thanks!

With much love,

Christina

It's been a busy few weeks for me. Amidst the preparations for the Papal Mass, I had the opportunity to attend a House Concert with John Angotti. What a great opportunity to have dinner, visit and "JAMM" with him and his drummer Dion Clay. Much aprreciation to our hosts and to music director Cindy Cummins and Father Kelly for investing in nurturing events with their musicians!

And yesterday at the Papal Mass.... Wow! So Exciting! I learned all the music in time and I think the choirs did a great job. Watching the Popemobile enter was a very surreal experience. I didn't take any pictures as, well, I am one of those people who is too busy living . Hope you were all able to catch it one way or another.

On Sunday, my cantor mentor, Joe Simmons will be the psalmist for the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium. Keep an eye out for him!

Yikes, yesterday my husband & I had the flu. Yes, we believe in doing things as a couple. I didn't tell my music director because I had a funeral to sing today and I knew (from my son's illness) it would only be 24 hours. I didn't want her to worry. Apparently, she was holding out on me too. I was preparing to start the Mass, one of the family members asked me a hositality question and told me that it would be helpful so he could pass on that information to Governor O'Malley. That was unexpected. Patti, my director said she didn't want me to be nervous. Glad I didn't cancel out on this one.

Caroline Jessup sounded like one of the creations God would be especially proud of. Although I am sure I would have been more happy to meet her, I am proud I was able to lead for her funeral Mass.

First:
Dear Catherine,
We called for singers for the Papal Mass in Washington, and the church of Washington responded in a wonderful way. Nearly 500 singers auditioned for the Papal Mass Choir last weekend, and it is clear from the voices we heard that God has blessed our parishes with musical gifts. The judges had a very difficult task selecting the 250 singers we need for the Choir. But they have carefully reviewed the audition results and after prayerful consideration they have given me the list of Choir members. I am pleased to offer you a place in the Alto section of the Papal Mass Choir. I hope that you will accept this invitation to lead the church of Washington in song during the Papal liturgy on April 17.

I am looking forward to working and learning with a choir of this size and dedication!

Second:
Cantor Express (see Aug 9, 2007) is coming to Baltimore. Co-led by Joe Simmons, I highly recommend this weekend to cantors of all levels of experience. Go to NPM.org for more information.

Best Wishes for a Transforming Lenten Season!

Several summers ago I took part in this magical retreat. Besides vocal training, there is light exercise and guided spiritual meditation time. The retreat takes place at a wonderful place called the ARC Community. Healthy, delicious food, calm atmosphere. I highly recommend this experience! http://www.jeannecotter.com/
JULY 12 - 17 YOUR TRUE VOICE -
Maximize your vocal potential through this empowering Vocal Retreat for the beginner through professional singer (cantors, choir members, choir directors, performers ,teachers). Retreat includes both individual coaching and group learning.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper, The Gazette. I hadn't realized that my letter had been chosen for publication until yesterday when I cleaned out the bottom of my recycle bin and found the papers that my neighbor had stashed there while I was gone.
If you are interested, here is the link:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/112107/montlet62907_32362.shtml .