Heidi Krenn: News

May will be a busy and eventful month and I’m excited to share my upcoming events with you. First I want to bring you attention to something non-music related. About two years ago I was introduced to Nonviolent Communication (NVC) which I find to be one of the most powerful communication concepts I have encountered so far. It is based on honesty and compassion and has taken my relationships, may they be personal or professional, to a deeper level by becoming aware and respecting each other’s needs and creating a win-win situation for all sides. I started an NVC practice group about a year ago and I am proud to announce our first official workshop which will take place at the end of this month. Please take a look at our website www.nvc-shanghai.org to find out more. We are currently offering a great value early bird special  for only 800RMB for a two-day workshop including lunch and a light snack. I hope you will check it out and will find it just as much a life-enriching experience as I have.

Of course there’s also plenty of music happening this month! First Steve Sweeting and I will be lending our talents to a good cause and perform at K5’s AIDS charity event this Friday.

After an incredible first night at the Zpark Bar last Saturday, I got asked back to perform again later this month. Check out this new venue with its spectacular view over the Zhongshan Park area. Of course we will also be at the Expo this month where I am featuring my own band, the Heidi Krenn Group. And last but not least Steve Sweeting and I will finally return to twocities gallery for their final twocities in tune concert for this season. Click here for all event details.

As you can see May is filled with wonderful music! I hope you will join me at one of my events and maybe even support a good cause while enjoying great jazz.

See you around,

Heidi

NONVIONLENT COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP TAUGHT BY ABEL B'HAHN 

The Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Group Shanghai is offering a two-day interpersonal communication workshop to equip people with straightforward solutions – whether it be for strengthening a relationship, improving the work environment, or getting closer to the kids. Taught by experienced trainer and mediator, Abel B'Hahn, the workshop will offer an introduction to NVC and include practical sessions based on everyday scenarios. Participants will get to branch off in pairs and small groups to practice in their area of interest (exp. home, work, friendships).

CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY: K5 AIDS AWARENESS CHARITY

After years of staying silent on the topic of AIDS awareness, Shanghai is the 5th year running in the World-wide Candlelight Memorial Remembrance Day on May 15, 2010. The organizer of this historic AIDS awareness and fundraising event is Kathleen's 5 Rooftop Restaurant & Events. All net funds raised will go to benefit AIDS affected families and their children, and to promote AIDS awareness throughout the city. Beneficiaries are the Shanghai Red Cross and the Other Foundations which work with AIDS Impacted Children in China.

AMAZ ING JAZZ NIGHT @ ZPARK BAR

Zpark Bar is one of Shanghai’s hidden gems with luxurious décor and a spectacular view from the Renaissance Hotel’s 25^th Floor. Every other Saturday you will be able to enjoy jazz in its finest form played by NY jazz guitarist Tony Pereira and his trio featuring Heidi Krenn on vocals and Michael Brownell on bass. A free welcome drink and light snack will be served all evening. Click here for more details.

HEIDI KRENN GROUP LIVE @ THE EXPO'S AUSTRIAN PAVILION 

The EXPO  is definitely the biggest show in town and the Austrians sure know how to represent ! If you always wanted to visit Austria, climb the alps, see Mozart’s birthplace, and enjoy  Viennese coffee in one of Europ e’s most charming capital’s, you can get the whole Austrian experience right here in Shanghai at the Austrian pavilion. I am thrilled to be performing there with my new band over the next months to come and am excited to share my origins w ith you, giving you a first had impression on what my homeland is like. More details can be found here.

TWOCITIES IN TUNE

Steve Sweeting and I were asked to return to twocities gallery  for their final concert of their twocities in tune series this season. This time around we will feature the timeless classics of modal jazz, made famous by jazz greats like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Check the events section for more info.

One of the things I really enjoy as an expat living in China is that you get to celebrate the New Year twice. It’s such a great reminder that every day is a fresh start and the promise of spring in the air gives you that extra drive of motivation and optimism. I feel truly inspired these days and luckily for you that means there’s plenty of new music in the works for you to check out.

BIRTHDAY SHOW REFLECTIONS

Once again a big thank you to all of you who came to my birthday show! I was so moved by how many of you came, you made this a very special night for me! It is rare to have an audience of such dedicated listeners. Sean Higgins’ piano playing was something else that night! It was such a treat to be singing with him and being able to share it with you. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

AN ODE TO SPRING & NEW BEGINNINGS AT BRICK

As many of you know, Brick has become the home for my duo with Oleg Roschin on Saturday nights. Winter has been far too long and to celebrate the long awaited warmer season, Oleg and I have prepared a special program for you. With March 20^th being the night of the vernal equinox which marks the beginning of spring, we thought we couldn't think of a better occasion to present it to you. You can find out more here.

THE HISTORY OF JAZZ SINGING – A FREE LISTENING SESSION

I am excited about hosting my first listening session at my house this month! I know many of you are interested in learning more about the history of jazz singing – how it all came to be, the different styles, learning more about the singers we all know and love  but also getting to know the unsung heroes. Anyone is welcome to stop by, just make sure to RSVP. Click here for more info. 

With gray clouds, heavy rain and the cold still sneaking in, it might be hard to believe spring is just around the corner. Just stop by at Brick sometimes and feel the cold of winter melt away and let the music comfort you until spring finally arrives.

Love,

Heidi

Happy New Year everyone! Welcoming the New Year can be an exciting time, and this one is filled with lots of great news and events I am eager to share with you.

HEIDI’S BIRTHDAY SHOW AT BRICK

I always love the beginning of a new year, since it launches right into my birthday in the end of January. What could be a better excuse to get together and celebrate? I hope you will come and join me at my birthday bash at Brick on January 30^th! Good music, good times. For more info click here.

THE ART OF THE DUO – EVERY SATURDAY AT BRICK

2010 has been off to a great start, giving me the opportunity to perform with the talented Oleg Roschin at Brick every Saturday night. Brick is a cozy New York style wine bar, tucked away on Sinan Lu near Huaihai Lu. It is one of the few venues in Shanghai that features jazz vocal-piano duos which as many of you know is a rare treat in this town. Singing with Oleg has been amazingly inspiring and beautiful new music is taking shape. I hope you’ll make it down sometimes to hear it for yourselves while enjoying a glass of wine and excellent food. For more info click here.

JZ SCHOOL STUDENT CONCERT 

We kicked off the New Year at JZ School with our biggest student concert yet. It was a huge success and a lot of fun for everyone and we are already getting busy preparing for the next one. Thank you all for coming out and showing your support and once again congratulations to all the performers on a fantastic performance! I'm already looking forward to our next show.

NEW JZ SCHOOL VOCAL GROUP CLASS

Due to high demand I’ve decided to offer a new vocal group class at JZ School on Sundays, starting January 31st. Space is limited and filling up fast! To sign up and more info please call JZ School directly at (21) 5403 5273.

If singing is your passion and you want to learn how to sing your favorite songs better to impress your friends at the next Karaoke night – this is the class for you!

We will work on vocal technique to expend your range and strengthen your voice, so you can sing with a healthy sound production and sing your songs with ease.  We will work on songs from a wide range of styles  like soul, R’n’B, jazz, musical theatre. You will be able to learn songs made famous by artists such as Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, the Carpenters, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones and from movies such as Fame, Dreamgirls, The Sound of Music.

All JZ Vocal Students will have the opportunity to perform at the student concerts with a professional pianist accompanying them.

Info & sign up
JZ School
Tel: (21) 5403 5273
admin.jzschool@gmail.com

You can see there is a lot going on and this is just the beginning of the year! Make sure to check back, there is much more to come.

Love,
Heidi

I've been talking about getting a website up and running for YEARS but alas the day has finally arrived! If you are reading this it means it indeed has happened, although this is only the try-out version. Please leave a comment in the guestbook section, I would love to hear your thoughts!

I also made it easier for you to stay updated with my current news. Simply fill in your email address in the little box in the top right corner and you shall never miss another upcoming show again. :)