Eddie Pepitone, Steve Bluestein, Jillian Lauren, Vicki Abelson & Tiff Randol

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:45:20 -0800

Gary Kroeger, Cathy Ladman, Jamie Rose, Vicki Abelson & Steve Cooke

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:04:48 -0800

Steven Weber, Carrie White, Quinn Cummings, Vicki Abelson & Chris Bonno

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:00:00 -0800

John Fugelsang, Wendy Liebman, Lynne Stewart, Vicki Abelson & Gary Stockdale

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:00:00 -0700

Dee Wallace, Michael C Ford, Diane Louise Salinger, Vicki Abelson & Korel Tunador

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:54:03 -0700

Phil Rosenthal, Barra Grant, Sonya Sones, Vicki Abelson & Robbyn Kirmssé

Mon, 30 May 2011 21:00:00 -0700

Bruce Vilanch, Dylan Brody, Dennis Danziger, Vicki Abelson & Eric Schwartz

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

“Yesterday was great fun. What a terrific crowd! Who KNEW?....but then, I stopped at a light and read the list of previous participants....suitably humbled, I hit the freeway.” Bruce Vilanch
Recap

Vicki Abelson Presents:

Readings For Women
by

Women Who Write
and more than occasionally, exceptional men who do too

Tuesday, APRIL 26th, 2011

with

Dennis Danziger, Dylan Brody, Bruce Vilanch, Vicki Abelson, Eric Schwartz

Photo by Linda Abse
We laughed and laughed and laughed. And I can say, unequivocally, we laughed more than we ever have before. But then, I'm in menopause, and I really don't remember the other ones. Never has hilarity ensued from the moment we began until the last lady left. I don't think. This was funny soup for the joke starved soul. A day, which every time it comes to mind, brings not a smile, but a guffaw. Yes, a guffaw! Over the last few weeks, whenever I've run into anyone who was there that day we start laughing out...yeah..that. There will be none of the "initial" happiness, around here, sir, thank you very much.

As the food began arriving, with it came the women. Wait. Back in each others company, in anticipation of the magic that was sure to unfold, there was much laughter before nary a punchline was delivered. WHAT?!? That's right, we laughed our asses off, right from the lit-off (lame, now overused, football kick-off reference). Have I used the word "laugh" and it's derivatives enough? Just you wait, Henry Higgins, just you wait!

Photos by Nicole Stranz and Linda Abse

There was an undertow. In the early morning, while checking Facebook, I caught sight of a post. Phoebe Snow had passed away. She never recovered from a brain injury incurred more than a year earlier. The tears rolled as I played one YouTube video after another. Like this one, "Either or Both," my favorite Phoebe tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tewdim5Ugek Steve Conte pictured below (middle), knew of my, since high school obsession, and delivered her unto me late one rainy night at The Rock n' Roll Cafe. It was a surreal and euphoric night. Following that evening, for a few months back in 1989, Phoebe and I girl "dated." She'd call, come pick me up, take me out, and then like pretty much every guy I knew at that time, she dropped me flat. But, boy, did we have some crazy fun. She continued to come to my nights at various clubs around the city, always stealing the show and my heart, while taking my breath clear away. She had the voice of an angel and no doubt, now is one.

Since January, we've eulogized three lost love ones. I pray that's the "charm." No more. Please. Enough.
Photo by Louise Palanker
As the women enjoyed some eats, and meets, while settling into their seats, I inquired if Eric Schwartz, knew any "Phoebe"? Grabbing Andrea-Ross Greene, her Mac and his guitar, they set about quickly putting together a tribute tune. There was a sharp contrast bewteen the levity of the day and Phoebe's death. At first I felt guilty laughing and feeling so joyful, but that's life, and an episode of Mary Tyler Moore. BTW, that adorable girl above, to the left of the fab Tracy Newman, is Lynne Stewart, who played Maya Rudolph's mama in "Bridesmaids," and charmed every scene she was in, without uttering a line. OMG, do I love these ladies!

Photos by Linda Abse
I took to the podium, welcomed the crew, regaling the babes (and much to the shame of my beloved father), the men, with tales of my oft maligned menopause. I don’t even think that's English. See if I care. You can to listen?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBUq1fCa0qc&feature=channel_video_title

Photo by Louise Palanker
Bringing up Eric Schwartz -here's his intro, listen....it's funeeeeeeeee. No, HE'S funneeee. Followed by a teeny little eulogy for the Phoeb's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6seML6Epwc&feature=channel_video_title
And then the magic. Eric accompanied our own angel, Andrea Ross-Greene, led us in an impromptu, heartfelt rendition of "Poetry Man." I dare say we were perhaps the first to honor her as such, as it was merely a few hours after her passing. Hearing 50 women and a handful of men singing along to Phoebe’s most popular song created quite a "sultry air." If you listen to but one video of this spectacular day..please let it be this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6seML6Epwc&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda Abse

When Tracy Newman makes a suggestion , I listen. So highly did she speak of Eric Schwartz, I actually listened to his cd. And then I booked him. That very night I ran into gookalicious (before you call the race police-her shirt this day said, “GOT GOOK?” See below.), Suzanne Whang and her boyfriend, who I'd met before. After cordial "hello's" he realizes that I have NO idea that he's the Eric I booked that day. Right. Hello, menopause. Slowly, I turned....step, by step......Eric is perhaps the only artist in history who's been reviewed by "Sing Out" and "Hustler," has toured as a folk singer, composed a muscial, had a couple of million-hit videos online (say WHAT?!? Say HOW!), won the International Songwriting Competition's Comedy/Novelty Song of the Year in 2009, as well as the Just Plain Folks Novelty CD of the year in 2009, and has had his music played on Howard Stern 100, NPR's "All Things Considered," and Air America. More importantly, he provides stud service to our girl, Suzanne. Quite well, I understand. Bottom line, top line, and side to side, Eric is one of the funniest and most entertaining singers EVER...Who could resist, "Who's Gonna Fuck the Singer?" Only a repressed puritan, and what would any of them be doing reading my recaps?
Watch the vids..oh, don't miss the vids!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzOgr-TJGTc&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WrFJm8lTM&feature=channel_video_title
And then order his CD...funny, funny, and more funny! http://www.ericschwartz.com/

Photos by Linda Abse
About two years ago I began discussion with Amy Friedman, about coming to read for us. She has an AMAZING story. Anyway…we weren’t connecting. Then approximately six months ago, Karen Hart tells me about a very funny guy, that the woman will LOVE. Easy on the eyes, she says. Nancy Mehagian tells me the same thing. Well, you don't have to tell me two times. Wait. Dennis Danziger is the author of the novel, "A Short History of a Tall Jew," which Jewish Book World called "a compelling and surprisingly heart-warming work of fiction." He is the author of a non-fiction book, “Daddy, The Diary of an Expectant Father,” which for reasons no one can explain sold more copies in Germany and South Korea than in America. He spent a decade of his life writing sit-coms, most notably for TAXI, and for the past two decades has been teaching English in the Los Angeles Unified School District and probably taught more than a kid of ours or two. He was charming, FUNNY, and is, always, tall and Jewish.Watch the video, buy the book! He’s terrific!!!!
Intro to Dennis http://www.youtube.com/user/fergushaggis?feature=mhee#p/c/598A61817D99BC62/5/1LI7enjoWKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBG9PB_BEWk&feature=channel_video_title
http://dennisdanziger.com

Photos by Linda Abse

I was upstairs trimming my feathers when Dylan Brody arrived. As I descended the stairs, there before me was Dylan, rifling through the podium to read his intro. I have yet to meet a more persistent and ambitious artist than Mr, Brody. And persistence pays off. I've known Dylan forever, or 10 months, whichever's longer. We immediately discussed his reading for us. But then it was like this "thing." Everywhere I went, and I mean EVERYWHERE, there he was en masse with a posse of other incredibly funny people. Wildly talented and fantastic, I was torn. I try to bring together artists that we'd be unlikely to see anywhere else, especially together. But you couldn't hit The Facebook, well, ever, without seeing another Brody gig announced. With good reason. And then divine guidance finally spoke. Ironically at the same time, it also whispered "Eric" another of that, so-called "posse." Dylan is an award winning playwright, humorist and a thrice (yes, thrice) published author, and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. In recent years, he has emerged as a radio raconteur (dig that!), whose witty and profound tales of his journey through life are unique, yet recognizable to everyone, earning him a reputation as one of America's fastest rising storytellers. Dylan's latest CD, A TWIST OF THE WIT is available at: http://dylanbrody.com/blogs/ Order one, you'll think, you'll laugh, and if you don't, he'll harangue you until you do. His one person show, MORE ARTS/LESS MARITAL premiered in LA in January of '09 to a standing ovation. We made him feel right at home. Tune in to his hysterical reading that was fashioned, just for us, not that other brilliantly funny stuff he parades all over town.
Intro to Dylan Brody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHcxarvC7c&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1SQIS2I1I&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWEyEny_-w&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda Abse

After opening with "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," I read the 27th installment from my fictionalized memoir, "Don't Jump." It's 1990, well, not now, in the chapter. Andi, a 30 something, single, up and coming rock n' roll promoter is dating two guys. Lenny, her old friend and comedy teacher, who unknowingly led her to her current career as a successful rock promoter in NY, AND reintroduced her to her childhood, boy-next-door best friend, who's his writing partner. (Woe is that a run-on sentence.) But, they no longer write together, they no longer talk together. Barry's also a comic, and a way more successful music promoter than Andi. After going out with both of them on the 4th of July, she has yet to be kissed by Barry, while Lenny rounded home, breaking rubber. She awaits the results, while continuing to whore it up with both. Tramp.
Intro to my reading: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaBU570-jyo&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax8x28a3ZAc&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda AbseI
How did I talk Bruce Vilanch into reading for us? I sent him a semi-naughty picture. Of me. Don't be cynical, he came didn't he? Oh snap! In exchange, he photoshopped me into a nuns habit. I knew a lot of Bruce's credits going in. Who doesn't? A six time Emmy winner, he's written 21 Oscar broadcasts, as well as writing for the Tonys, Grammys, and Emmys and did a four year stint on Hollywood Squares, as both a performer and a writer, slipping the other squares,their best stuff. Befriending then struggling nightclub singer, Bette Midler, Bruce gave her some very astute career advice, "You're pretty funny. You should talk more onstage." He helped her, writing for her 1974 Broadway show, CLAMS ON THE HALF SHELL. He's written jokes for Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O'Donnell, Paul Riser, Elizabeth Taylor and Robin Williams, although Bruce says, "It's more accurate to say that he's written comedy "at" Williams, than "for" him. He's had numerous acting roles, in MAHOGANY, LAW & ORDER, and BUSOM BUDDIES. He reunited with Bette on DIVINE MADNESS, and wrote the tune she serenaded Johnny with on his next to last Tonight Show. That just blows my mind. He's punched up scripts for "Die Hard 2" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." He starred on Broadway as Edna Turnblad in the musical HAIRSPRAY, after originating the role in the shows first national tour. Bruce won consecutive EMMY AWARDS for the Billy Crystal-hosted Academy Awards telecasts. There is so much more, but my fingers are TIRED! Bruce came to us taking the whole "Women Who Write" literally. He KILLED us with readings as STARR JONES, SHIRLEY MACLAINE & CARRIE FISHER. Whatever you do, do not skip these vids. Pure hysteria!!!!!!!! Not only the readings, the intros to each one, kick ass, as well. I LOVE this man!!! Or is he a.....hmmmm......well, he DID play EDNA very convincingly! He tore my house down. Thank goodness for the team of half naked handy-men (and I do mean, handy), he sent to rebuild.
Intro to Bruce http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4JwZrK4EzU&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycm0vAP1ij8&feature=channel_video_title as Starr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVfSDMovbHY as Shirley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37zCxaAC4Jc as Carrie
_____________________

Did we laugh? Did we have fun? You betcha............

Photos by Louise Palanker and Linda Abse

It was well after 2 when we finally got to discussion. We talked about monetizing, promoting, spirituality, being true to ourselves, SEX and dirty talk. Sorry, footage is temporarily unavailable. It was simply, TOO HOT. *cough*
_______________

Heartfelt thanks to Nicole Stranz, for the great, perfectly exposed videos, an arduous feat in my living room; Linda Abse and Louise Palanker for the exceptional photography! Gifted gals! Nancy Mehagian for the ongoing loaner coffee maker and the incredible food that she and all the woman delivered with love, whether they cooked it or bought it, it rocked! Lynne Stewart, those roses made me so happy for a week at least, thank you, sweet woman! Andrea, I think you've performed more than any other human at our little afternoon soirees. Thanks for stepping up, yet again. Eric Schwartz, I can't thank you enough for pulling that Phoebe outta your chapeau, and for your AMAZING set, which quickly changed the tone and brought such unbridled joy..hot damn! Dennis Danziger, Dylan Brody, Bruce Vilanch...like WOW. You are three VERY VERY smart and funny men. I'm honored to have had you to home. Women, thank you for filling my heart, my head, my soul, and now, my jar. My gratitude to you for sharing this with me is boundless. Rick Smolke, sultan of swag, as always, thank you for making us feel cherished. My half-caf, vente latte runneth over.

_________________
"I had a terrific time at the salon today. Thank you so much for having me in. What a great lineup of readers and what a
marvelous group of humans you have gathered around you. Just splendid, you." Dylan Brody, Xenophobia and the Jewish Druid & Other Stories

"I wanted to thank you for providing the best atmosphere and the best audience I've ever experienced as a reader.
Thanks for including me in your world which is unique and glorious and I'll treasure today with you and your friends forever." Dennis Danziger, Short History of a Tall Jew

“Wow. What a blast! 'Women Who Write' is a hidden gem that shines like the clitring on Lady Motodiva on a Harley in the Mojave. Such talent. Such repast, such an enormous concentration of estrogen in one biosphere!” Eric Schwartz, Redder Than Ever

“I showed up all tired and hormonal yesterday, more in the mood to spit than laugh. But that turned around the moment Eric began to sing.
And it went form there. I howled and chortled and felt much better. Great, great day. Again. Thank you. Again.” Gina Angelone

"I know i say it every month but omg syrupmouth (because everything that comes out of your mouth is nectar to all of us) this
was top of the pops - the ace of events -I have never experienced such energy, talent, warmth, friendship, exquisite life lessons
and oh the humor - especially in these scary times we are living in. WWW is a monthly oases to all of us parched women
and in that i am unanimous." Lorna Richards

"Truly a memorable experience! Your guys were every bit  as terrific to listen to and comical! Your wonderful group of spiritually enlightened women writers an inspiration. Loved every minute there!  You have a true gift in what you do. Hope to return again soon." Giselle Shapiro  "Just wanted to say thanks and that your chapter was definitely the funniest thing said today. God, it's just awful, but so real!  That's what made me laugh so hard." Karen Tyler

"I just wanted to thank you for putting on a wonderful event and for inviting me. What a great group of players, you included!
Great to see some familiar faces as well. I'm looking forward to the next one." Lauri Fraser

"I had the best time today! Can't remember the last time I laughed that much! Thanks for including me."
Elizabeth Menduke

"Thank you for another wonderful soiree. You do have the very best people-presenters and audience alike." Janie Tutelman Spielberg

"What a friggin f-ing fantastic day in f-ing Montrose! Who knew? Many f-ing thank yous. XX" Harriet Helberg

"The whole day was soooo much fun...thanks so much for providing such happiness and laughter each month..."
Adele Beeman

Thank you for having me! It was such a great day!" Louise Palanker

“Yesterday was magical. Thanks for creating it!” Suzanne Whang

"Haven't laughed that much in ages." Nancy Mehagian

"Magical day as they all are!!!!!" Lynne Stewart

________________

It was a BIG month for this Women Who Writes outside my living room. I taped interviews for PopCulture Radio and The Dave and Brett Show, coming at you, soon.
Here's a link to a somewhat amusing one minute sneak peek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0nC826_68&feature=channel_video_title
The video before the podcast without video of The Dave & Brett Show w/Vicki Abelson
www.youtube.com

Spent an incredible hour with my gal, Zoe Moon, talking destiny, fate, synchronicity......we had an amazing time! Come listen!
The Podcast Show from 5/19 feed://podcastrss.play.it/the-zoe-moon-astrology-show_mp3_32.xml
The Zoe Moon Astrology Show
podcastrss.play.it

And, the article that Alix Cohen wrote about me won a New York Press Club Journalism Award. Congrats Alix!

Internet
"Vicki Abelson: Move Over Gertrude Stein"
Alix Cohen
WomanAroundTown.com

You can read it, here

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/locations/new-york/vicki-abelson-move-over-gertrude-stein

Tuesday, June 28th:

Steve Postell, Amy Friedman, Louise Palanker, Vicki Abelson & Larry Hankin

© 2009 Vicki Abelson

Harry Hamlin, Todd Waring, Muffy Bolding, Vicki Abelson, & Andrea Ross Greene

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Robert Klein, Gary Dell'Abate, James Grissom, Vicki Abelson,Tony Bruno, Tommy Byrnes, & Hughie Carroll

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 13:03:43 -0800

"Reading a portion of my book to a group of literate ladies at the WOMEN WHO WRITE gathering was a pleasure and an honor. We laughed a little and even though we teared up a little we didn't feel at all like John Boehner." Robert Klein The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue

Lisa Rinna, Karyn Reece, Vicki Abelson & Anna Montgomery

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:00:00 -0800

“I loved the Women Who Write event! It was filled with inspired, creative, strong, beautiful women and I felt so empowered by their presence!!! Vicki is a rock star!” Lisa Rinna

Taylor Negron, Paul Levine, Claire LaZebnik, Vicki Abelson & Karen Hart

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700

"Vicki! Thank you for having me in your home today to read. I met such nice people. Karen Hart is still playing in my mind- Paul and Claire---This show can run on the ROAD---in other people apts...Your story was so touching and truthful- Excellent work and thank you again for including me" Taylor Negron

Dennis Palumbo, Annabelle Gurwitch, Hope Edelman, Vicki Abelson & Kat Parsons

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

"Vicki Abelson has created something rare and special in her townhouse in Montrose. The energy, the talent, and the creativity that coalesce in her living room every month is unlike anything I've witnessed before. Participating in Women Who Write was a high point of my book tour." Hope Edelman, The Possibility of Everything