Luisa Marshall

Summary of My 2007

2007-12-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

The year 2007 has been such a fantastic year for me as a tribute artist and a performer. My performance as Tina Turner in the new groundbreaking musical concert of her life, “TINA A Rock ‘n Roll Journey”, has received rave reviews and numerous standing ovations. This ambitious project made me realized that everything is possible if you are extremely dedicated to being an artist first and then help other fellow artists like my band and my dancers to fulfill their own passion. We have successfully toured all over British Columbia, Canada this year. Not only that we had so much fun on the road, we also became special friends. The show became so strong as we have one common goal.... to rock on every performance. I am so happy that audiences from all walks of life, Tina and non-Tina fans flocked the theater and enjoyed every minute of it. The thunderous applause and standing ovations are unbelievable.

This musical theater show has helped me grow to a higher level that I've never even imagine. Two years of careful planning includes conceptualizing the show by my director, Leandro Mendez, choice of songs, musical arrangements, choreography, auditioning the right people (dancers, musicians, videographers, musical arrangers, graphic designers, consultants), the never-ending rehearsals, wicked costume designs, and effective advertising. There were details to consider and strict guidelines to follow. Lots of patience and resourcefulness are a big must. Tons of energy and determination is needed. I am proud to say that I have matured more and grew into an artist who only allows perfection and professional talented people into my tribute life. All the hard work puts the show on a pedestal… there will be tour dates in Amsterdam (Netherlands), Australia, New Zealand, U.S. and Alberta(Canada)soon.

It was indeed quite an interesting, wonderful but painful journey for me this year. While I was busy being a mom to my 2 daughters and a tribute artist, my mother passed away last August. She’s finally resting peacesully after a long gruesome 7 years of pain and suffering. The years I looked after my mom made me a stronger person. At times I was feeling torn and defeated. Every time I looked at her fragile body, I realized I was selfish to keep her alive. It was difficult for me to accept her deteriorating health and finally made the painful decision to let her go. I was stressed out, cranky, and losing focus. I fought hard that my professional career and my family relationship remained strong. I moved on. I am lucky to have a loving understanding family and caring thoughtful friends.

To my mother dear, you have been my inspiration ever since I started singing many years ago. You were my no. 1 supporter. I thanked you for being there for me all those years that I've been travelling. You endlessly looked after my little girls while I was gone. I sincerely pay tribute to your great efforts into making my life easier so I can make a decent living out of my passion as a singer/performer. You have continuously encouraged me to try a lot of different things. I am grateful for all your constructive criticisms as I learned more by listening first and then doing it right with the best of my ability. I will always remember our wonderful good old days together. How much we ate and laughed!!!! How much we slayed bad singers and all!!!! I miss you so much especially during my home shows. I am just so happy everytime you're in the audience watching me. This will be my first X'mas without you. But I know you are in a much better place. You are happy and peaceful. And you are watching all over us guiding us to the right path. You've given me hope and inspiration. And I know that you're very proud of me and all my brothers and sisters. I love you, mother dear, forever.

The support I get on the TINA musical project is so overwhelming. I wouldn’t have asked for anything more! I learned that with passion and love and careful determination anything is possible… surround yourself with good and sincere hardworking people. I am mighty proud of the TINA cast and crew. What a year I had!!!! It has been quite an enormous undertaking… wherever this will take me I will do my best!

MAY THIS NEW YEAR 2008 BRINGS MORE JOY AND HAPPINESS TO EVERYONE!!!!!

2007 Highlights
* The BC Tour of "TINA" A Rock 'n Roll Journey
* Merritt Mountain Music Festival showcase "TINA" A Rock 'n Roll Journey
* Big Sisters Fundraising Event honoring me at the Pan Pacific Ballroom
* First Nations Awards Night in Regina
* A special appearance at the Greater Seattle Business Association ( With Pride )
in Seattle, Washington
* NOKIA's "Simply The Best" X'mas Party
* Nass Valley's New Aiyansh New Year's Eve Bash
* New York's socialite Tracy Shopkorn sent an expensive present

TINA A Rock N Roll Journey cast

2007-10-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

TINA A Rock N Roll Journey cast
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

TINA A Rock N Roll Journey cast at the Mcpherson Theatre in Victoria, BC

Hello to All !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

I apologized for not being able to write to all of you, my friends and my fans, since the last time. My dear mother passed away after a long battle with her illness last August 29th. No words can express how I'm still feeling. It has been 53 days now since I last saw her and I felt that I had been grieving for more than 7 years since her fatal stroke. There wasn't a day that I didn't think of her... how much I love her and I how badly I miss her. Yes.... I'm crying all over again... this is probably why I couldn't get myself to tell you this. More importantly, my mother is finally resting in peace. Her beautiful face has made my lonely heart filled with gladness and relief that she's finally not feeling pain anymore.

The past days and months have been quite difficult for me as I have to face my professional life with all my strength. Each passing days full of live shows, press interviews, neverending rehearsals, travelling tirelessly on our 2007 TINA Journey Tour, and hectic family schedule made me more fragile and eventually got so stressed out. Thank God I knew what was coming and I was impressed with myself overcoming some real physical and emotional blows. The result was unimaginable!!! I did it!!! Yessssss... I did it!!!

2007-10-25T14:32:00.001-07:00

The shows were awesome and tighter than ever. We rocked all the way from Terrace to Prince Rupert, Kelowna, Powell River, Campbell River, Duncan, Nanaimo, Victoria, Sooke, Sidney, Kamloops, to Vernon. The whole cast of TINA A Rock 'N Roll Journey has been the most beautiful group of people I've ever worked with. My band ( The Big Night Out )has worked so hard to get the music down for this project to be a rockin' success.We have a new drummer, Gilberto Moreaux, and he is amazing. This talented wicked drummer came originally from Cuba.

And my dancers, oh yesss..... the most talented dancers in the whole wide world have worked so hard to perfection even on nights that some of my dancers, Marco and Kyle, have accidentally injured themselves. The TINA Journey show has been quite a huge undertaking as it demands quite a bit of technical stuff on stage, but talent and a real good script with great Tina Turner songs are big factors added to the package.My journey as Tina has been eased with the talented people surrounding me and eventually made it quite easier for me to perform each night with my grieving heart. And most of all, I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who came and watched our shows. Your generous applause is still ringing in my ear. Your numerous standing ovations will be forever remembered. Your singing and dancing to all Tina Turner's hit songs will be the talk of the town. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Successfully, I fulfilled my other Tina Turner tribute shows during the nice hot summer. My band and dancers were at the Cascades Casino in Langley and that was such a fun night. The crowd was just amazing. I was tempted to gamble but I just ate snacks instead. Great prime rib burger!!!! Yummmm. Then me and the band flew to the Queen Charlotte Islands the next day. It was the Skidegate Days Event and we had fun performing new songs, Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani, Don't Cha by Pussycat Dolls, and my favorite, Umbrella, by Rihanna.... ella, ella, e, e, e. If you haven't partied in Skidegate... then you haven't partied at all. That night was a riot!!! They asked us again to perform for their New Year's Eve bash.

A week after I flew to Terrace via Hawk Air to do a fundraising event for the flood victims, the Hawk Air Hanger Party. It was well attended and I had the best time. My mom-in-law, Mary Ellen, and Wally and sis-in-law, Kathy, droved from Prince Rupert to Terrace to join me. Steve and I were delighted and we had a brief family reunion.

There was a couple of great shows in August. North Van had my Tina Turner Tribute show 4 years in a row at the Lonsdale Quay Market Festival. My gorgeous dancers, Odessa, Tara, and Jo, were energetic as ever despite the hot sunny afternoon. There were lots of tourists and locals who came to sing and dance with Tina. Luv it!!!! Then I remember that I did this show at the River Rock Theater with my dancers 3 days before my mom passed away. My aunts were visiting that time and they have watched my Tina Turner tribute show for the first time. I was trying to remember that night but I felt numb and worried about my mom. I didn't know how I did it but my show was well received. The evening started with everybody so formal and then everybody turned loose on the dance floor going crazy singing and dancing. Then they were still asking for more but I had to graciously leave the stage for the next band. I was soooo glad.

I love my life despite the sadness and all the struggles I have encountered the past years with my mom's worsening condition. All these made me stronger as a mother and I've been so lucky that my husband, Steve, and daughters, Kim and Zenia, have been all the way so understanding to my fragile state of mind and very supportive of my career as a Tina Turner Tribute Artist. I will be forever grateful to God for giving me the strength when I needed it most. Now I understand that I can overcome my weakness by merely accepting them.

To my family and friends, thank you for standing by me. I love you all!!!!!

TINA A Rock N Roll Journey cast

2007-10-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

2007-10-25T14:30:00.001-07:00

Standing ovations

2007-10-25T14:27:00.003-07:00

Standing ovations
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Here is one of the 12 in a row standing ovations Tina A Rock N Roll Journey received while on tour this year.

TINA's New Monster Drummer Gilberto

2007-10-25T14:27:00.001-07:00

TINA's New Monster Drummer Gilberto
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

The Tina show welcomes new drummer, Gilberto Moreaux, (Buddy!!)
He is originally from Cuba and is very famous musician from there.

Although he is very noisy at night in the hotel, (and everywhere else) he is the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. If you want to lure him just offer him bananas.

Rehearsal band and dancers

2007-10-25T14:25:00.003-07:00

Rehearsal band and dancers
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Jo and Marco working on their Private Dancer dance solo with the band during sound check

Luisa's costumes, wigs, shoes for quick change

2007-10-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

Luisa's costumes, wigs, shoes for quick change
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Here's an ensemble of wigs, shoes, costumes, and accessories on the side of the stage for Luisa's quick change during the show. The rest of the wigs, 5 costumes and shoes are in her dressing room. She has less than 30 sec. to change at some points. There is no room for error.

Dressing Room with the girls

2007-10-25T14:24:00.001-07:00

Dressing Room with the girls
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Odessa, Jo and Melena getting ready for a show in Castlegar, BC.

Dancers getting ready for show

2007-10-25T14:23:00.001-07:00

Dancers getting ready for show
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Kyle is getting instructions from Odessa (the dance captain) before the show while Melena streches again.

The three stooges

2007-10-25T14:21:00.001-07:00

The three stooges
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Jason, Gilberto and Sean who is sporting his new look (no hair) strike a Charlies Angels pose. The boys shaved Sean's head to the max one morning. He was devastated the next day. We love his new look. Coooool!

Luisa getting ready with dancers

2007-10-25T14:20:00.001-07:00

Luisa getting ready with dancers
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Luisa is checking some last minute details before the first act. Melena is still stretching while Tara watches. Steve yells in "10 minutes to showtime" that is when everyone freeks out.

Steve Darling from Global News

2007-10-25T14:19:00.001-07:00

Steve Darling from Global News
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Steve Darling from Global News just presented Luisa a bouquet of flowers and a gift for performing at the Big Sisters Diva's Gala Celebrating their Heroes at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver. After 7 days in a row on Vancouver Island Luisa was able to perform during her 2 days off before going on the road again.

Disco Inferno costumes in dressing room

2007-10-25T14:18:00.001-07:00

Disco Inferno costumes in dressing room
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

The dance crew getting ready for Act 2 in Victoria. It was great we had a props person that specifically looked after all the costumes during the evening.

Sean and Steve chilling out

2007-10-25T14:17:00.001-07:00

Sean and Steve chilling out
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Steve and Sean chilling prior to the Victoria Mcpherson Playhouse Date. Luisa and Tara seen a ghost in the building which was built in 1913.

Sean's 80's rock pose

2007-10-25T14:15:00.003-07:00

Sean's 80's rock pose
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Sean missed his hair so much that he did his rock star pose wearing Luisa's 80's Tina's wig during sound check on the Sidney's Charlie White Theater. Yeahhhhhh !!!!!!

Steve with Band having fun

2007-10-25T14:15:00.001-07:00

Steve with Band having fun
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Steve misses playing his drums. He had great pleasure playing non Tina songs with the boys during sound check. Gilberto doing some Gypsy Kings tunes, Sean playing Guns n' Roses, and Jason's just there. WHOA !!!!!

Crews first meeting with Santa

2007-10-25T14:14:00.003-07:00

Crews first meeting with Santa
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

The cast and crew were on their best behaviour in our usual aftershow venue Boston Pizza while trying to impress Santa. Actually Santa is John Hills with his wife Caroline who are personal longtime friends with Steve and Luisa from many years ago.

John is the most sought after Santa on Vancouver Island. He is the real thing.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

2007-10-25T14:14:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
Luisa became the paparazzi and suprised the Tina Journey dancer Jamie James.

Dancers acting like tourists

2007-10-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

Dancers acting like tourists
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Dancers having fun during a stop in Osoyoos BC.

Dancers amusing themselves

2007-10-25T14:11:00.003-07:00

Dancers amusing themselves
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Its amazing how entertaining the little funny face camera thing on a mac can be. Dancers had a blast during our trip back to Vancouver.

Merritt Mountain backstage

2007-10-25T14:11:00.001-07:00

Merritt Mountain backstage
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

The crew is getting ready to perform at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival 2007. The crowd went crazy when the Tina show began. It was the highlight of the day. YEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAW!!!!!

Getting Ready to see Carrie Underwood

2007-10-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

Getting Ready to see Carrie Underwood
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

We were backstage last night and now we are in the audience waiting for Carrie Underwood and Reba Mckentire.

Yesterday, we saw Grechen Wilson perform. Wow, she rocked.

Luisa and Daughter Zenia

2007-10-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

Luisa and Daughter Zenia
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Mom is trying to steal Zenia's cotton candy at Merritt Mountain Festival

Steve with the girls

2007-10-25T14:06:00.001-07:00

Steve with the girls
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

A couple of days off after the Merritt Mountain Fest. Steve shares an afternoon delight with daughters Shauna, Zenia and Kim. Dan, Shauna's boyfriend, is all smiles until we told him he had to pay.

A silent moment on the road

2007-10-25T13:51:00.001-07:00

Cam check his doodad for emails and Steve catches up with the news. For the record Steve has many Daddy Cools Pub shirts on the road.

A silent moment on the road
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

2007-10-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

Centennial Theatre stage shot

2007-08-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

Centennial 3
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Coolest shot of TINA A Rock N Roll Journey beyond Thunderdome.
Taken from our guitar player Sean's view.

Tina Journey Centennial 1

2007-08-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

Tina Journey Centennial 1
Originally uploaded by daddycools24

Live show at the Centennial Theatre last year.

Summer Lovin' TINA

2007-08-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

Spring just passed so swiftly with too many exciting things happening to the show.
We have finally added the band to the musical "TINA" A Rock 'N Roll Journey. It just felt so complete and electrifying that my good friends who have been with this show all these years are finally getting into the final stage of this show this coming fall.

Thanks for all the people, friends, fans, and families who came to see our show at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. A special thanks to Ed and Salve Dayao of New Westminster's Java Jazz for an overwhelming support. And also not to forget Elena Aikenhead of Channel M. Another wonderful supporter is Channel 4's The Express Show. Yessss.... you guys are awesome!!! The standing ovations brought tears to our eyes.

Our first pub show at the crowded Tidewater Pub proved whether it's a big or small venue, we would make room for a lot of fun and entertainment. That was a lot of fun!!!

Chilliwack's Mother's Day Event had a real good turn-out. Another night with standing ovations. Thanks to all the mothers who brought their entire families to the Chilliwack Arts Centre. Hope to see you again next year. Unfortunately, the nasty rain had taken over the our Cloverdale Rodeo show. "I Can't Stand The Rain...." Thanks to all the people who stayed out in the pouring rain just to see us.

The Kootenay Tour (Nelson, Cranbrook, and Trail)in May was very successful with great turn-outs, standing ovations and rave reviews. We definitely made a lot of friends!!! We promised to go back there again sometime next year. Thanks to all our supporters and sponsors. We loved passing through Osoyoos. The dancers started drinking wine during lunch. So the trip back to Vancouver was filled with fun and laughter. We would like to welcome a new addition to our show, Melena. The crew and dancers had a blast!!!

On June 2nd, we travelled to Seattle to do a show at the Bellevue Arts Museum, a benefit show to support underpriveleged women into pursuing their career. The venue was great, the people were dressed immaculately like in a masquerade ball, the food was superb. It was a riot when our show started with "The Best". Loved every minute of it. Then on June 9th, Luisa was a special guest of the Night Train Revue at the Grooveyard Reunion at the Red Robinson Theater, Boulevard Casino. She sang Tina's "Finger Poppin" and "Proud Mary".

And of course, the favorite part this summer is flying to Regina in the morning of July 30th. It was quite a tiring trip with a 1 hour and 45 min. lay-over in Edmonton. However, the show had a real good turn-out depsite the real nice hot weather. Fans flocked to Casino Regina's famous showroom to see for the first time the musical. We've been there twice in the past but with the tribute show. The people were surprised and delighted with how much different the new show "TINA" A Rock "n Roll Journey from the biggest Tina Turner tribute show. We signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans during the meet and greet. When we get back to the hotel, Jason, our bass player, ordered the same biggest, supreme pizza you'll ever see in this planet. Oh yes, Super Dave subbed in for Sean, our guitar player. Great job, Dave!!!

Yee-haaaaaa....... yes, guys, we're not country but we ROCKED at the hottest Merrit Mountain Music Festival at midnight. We did excerpts from the musical "TINA" and this brought down the house. Despite the numerous technical difficulties we managed to do an outstanding performance. We loved the Merrit fans. However, we apologized for not being able to do Proud Mary as finale due to unbelievable consequences. We promise to do it next time. Yes, we loved Carrie Underwood and Reba Mckentire. But the biggest surprise to us is the redneck woman, Gretchen Wilson. WOW... we became instant fans of this great singer and performer. What a show!!!!