THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ

PLEASE NOTE the correct spelling of the artists’ name, and please be consistent with this spelling in all advertising and program materials you prepare and send out. Thank you!

SPONSOR PLEASE NOTE

The press releases and stories in this press kit are not intended to be used "as is," but should be typewritten double-spaced on plain paper or your own letterhead, using one side of the page only, with appropriate local information inserted in the blank spaces as indicated. Be sure to indicate also when you would like the story used, e.g., "FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 2" or ‘FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE’.

Do not feel you must use these materials verbatim. Stories may be condensed, expanded, combined or rewritten altogether, as you wish. Our objective is to furnish you with sufficient material and information on which you can build and with which you can conduct the most successful advance promotional campaign possible.

We also include press reviews and stories upon which you may draw for material in creating press stories or advertising copy of your own. Our aim, as yours surely is, is to do all necessary to insure a full house of this attraction.

Good luck!

NOTE: This is a Press Kit only. The program and technical information are located elsewhere on this web site.

IMPORTANT REQUEST: Will you please mail a copy (originals please) of each pre-performance story and each review published in local papers about this show, as well as any advertisements in local press. Include a note, if you will, describing your own reactions to the performance and mail to:

Arthur Shafman International, Ltd.
163 Amsterdam Avenue #121
New York, NY 10023-5001

(212) 799-4814 , (212) 874-3613 -FAX

"THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ"

SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS

Press Excerpts

"Her own composition…set the atmosphere with hip-moving, body-screaming, tear-draining, non-stop excitement."
     - Chicago Diplomat

"Joyously exciting…her own pragmatic, uptempo style…memories of these great ladies just come flooding back."
     - New York Guide

"She’s a sassy, brassy, classy lady, exuberant…exhilarating…wonderful!"
     - Evening Outlook

"Star material in the most demanding critic’s book."
     - Des Moines Register

"…(she) sings, dances and cavorts…a performer of high charisma and stage excitement."
     - The State, SC

"…credit belongs to the incredibly talented Sandra ReAves —Phillips in the lead, whose southern flavor and deep, bellowing voice captures Jackson’s vitality. The current success of "Mahalia’s Song" is largely due to ReAves’ charismatic presence."
     - Dayton Daily News

"Reaves-Phillips is a marvelous Mahalia Jackson. Her voice runs the gamut from husky to tender, from poignant to booming out in exultation. Equally important in this portrayal of the queen of gospel is ReAves-Phillips’ body language; her face and hands are wonderfully expressive; indeed, her entire being can instantly change…to someone whose every fiber shakes in exhuberance…Sandra ReAves-Phillips is unquestionably the focal spark of the show."
     - The Journal Herald, Boston

"Sandra ReAves-Phillips has got a way of handing a song its hat and kicking it down the stairs."
     - Los Angeles Times

"…an actress of sterling quality…She’s magnificent!"
     - International Herald Tribune

"She has a phenomenal voice…represents the whopping red hot mama…sings free and easy-like…contralto voice with velvet textured tones… heights of glittering, alluring splendor…silvery clarity."
     - Chicago Defender

"Sandra ReAves-Phillips, blues singer par excellence…"
     - Cincinnati Enquirer

"A new star was born in Hollywood…warm, commanding lady…a stunner…a black Sophie Tucker. Bessie Smith reborn…wail of Nellie Lutcher…lungs of Ethel Merman…sassy as Mae West."
     - L.A. Golden Tymes

"The perfect big, fat, black, sexy mama…The stage does not burst into flames until SR comes out."
     - Chicago Tribune

"Sandra ReAves-Phillips captured it all…She belongs to a special sorority of singers whose expressiveness, vocal power and sheer physical size recalls the classic blues singers of the 20’s and some who followed."
     - Washington Post

"…impeccable timing…dynamism and eloquence…a celebration! A first class
entertainer!"
     - Show Business

"The focus is on Bessie Smith, as vividly personified by Sandra ReAves-Phillips, sweeping into the spotlight in gold gown and white boa, demanding to be recognized as "The I Got It and You Can’t Get It Girl"…a forceful presence."
     - The New York Times

"ReAves-Phillips displays massive good humor and story-telling powers to get her points across. And her deep growl is fun."
     - The New York Post

"A first-class show-woman, a complete and unique artist who deserves, without contest, all the compliments attributed to her."
     - Tribune De Geneve

"The star’s vocal acrobatics underscore much more of what is energetic and inspirational in the show. ReAves-Phillips rocks and sways as she vocalizes to the highest seat in the balcony…a luminous performance."

The Times, Dayton, Ohio

SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS

"THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ’

Press Release #1

SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS TO STAR IN

TRIBUTE TO LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ

Jazz and blues singer/Broadway actress Sandra ReAves-Phillips, who has been presenting her tribute to’‘THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ" AROUND New York City to enthusiastic audience and critical acclaim, is bringing her smash-hit show to (Name of City).

"TRIBUTE" is dedicated to recreating the essences of the fabulous Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Mahalia Jackson. These one-of-a-kind women put their hearts and souls into a song, spreading joy and excitement.

Sandra ReAves-Phillips does just that capturing the auras of each, while becoming herself a presence equal to these greats…classy, powerful and unique.

Come be transported to the sassy, brassy bluesy past by the dynamic swinging Sandra ReAves-Phillips, "The :Late Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz" On (Date and Time) at (Name of Hall). Tickets are (Prices) and are available at (Location). Call (Telephone Number) for further information.

SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS

THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ

Press Release #2

SIZZLING SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS

TO PORTRAY GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ

She has been compared to the great legends of the past, She has been called Bessie Smith-reborn. "The New Queen of the Blues".

Her name is Sandra Reaves-Phillips and she will be singing and swinging in (Name of City) when she presents her smash-hit one-woman show "THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ’ on (Date and Time) at (Name of Hall).

This show is dedicated to recreating essences of the fabulous Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Mahalia Jackson.

ReAves has said, "It is difficult to play the role of a legend. You can’t imitate. You have to reach the height of your own delivery. If I can deliver the spirit (of the singer) to the audiences then I am happy."

She does that. And she does more.

She herself becomes an equally powerful, charismatic presence…a great singer in her own right. She’s unique, sassy and classy, with a dynamite voice. She too is one-of-a-kind.

According to the Washington Post, "She belongs to a special sorority of singers whose expressiveness, vocal power and sheer physical size recall the classic blues singers of the 20’s." For the Chicago Tribune "The stage burst into flames when she came out".

Show Business says "she has impeccable timing…dynamism and eloquence…a celebration!"

Come celebrate the legends of old with the new and fantastic Sandra ReAves-Phillips in her performance of "THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ" at (Name of Hall). Tickets are (Prices) and are available at ( Location). Call (Telephone Number) for further information.