Totally Rad

A revamp, a concert, and Radoslav Lorkovic on my mind.

“A Carol Christmas” revamp is in order

On January 30, I met with Jason Zbornik, Executive Director of CSPS Hall, to discuss this year’s A Carol Christmas and potential changes to the production. Every year I get deeply involved with all aspects of the concert - from images and videos projected on the screen behind the band, to outfitting the VIP tables with goodies, buying poinsettias for the stage, to creating chord charts and leadsheets for the musicians, and on and on. I’m trying to decide what to cut and what to keep. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the process and all the details, but it gets to be a bit much when my focus should be primarily be on the music. Asking for help is not easy, but maybe I should swallow my pride and reach out to others who might be able to pitch in. Hmm.

Me and Rad

After my meeting with Jason, I headed to the box office and bought tickets for my husband and I to see pianist and accordianist Radoslov Lorkovic, perform that night.

I met Radoslov many years ago. We spoke after his performance, he recalled us meeting at Bellevue, Iowa which I vaguely remember.

In all my years of performing at CSPS Hall and going to hear other musicians perform, I have never heard that piano sound as extraordinary as it did when Rad played it. It absolutely came alive with Rad’s soul. I heard tones I had never heard before and was in awe of his prowess. He’s a performer’s performer who has my utmost respect. I am, quite simply, a totally Rad fan.

Originally from Croatia, he was fueled with classical music. His grandmothter Melita Lorkovic, was an internationally renown classical pianist. He moved to the States with his family at age six and soon discovered the blues, much to his grandmother’s chagrin. I’ve included a link to Rad’s website so you can learn more. If you ever have the opportunity to hear him, do so.

Radoslav's Website

The last song of his second set was titled Northwind. It was absolutely gorgeous. It is recorded on his album titled Homer: A Piano Odyssey. I took that CD home with me.

In the Meantime

In the meantime, I am working to find more gigs. I’ve connected with area musicians who have been very helpful in suggesting venues.

My next gig will be on March 15 at First Presbyterian Church, a small country church in Ely, Iowa. The pastor, Rev. Dr, Julie Schuett, reached out to me recently to see if I would be interested in singing during one of their worship services. I said yes and inquired about a possible concert at the church that afternoon. She then suggested having the concert during the service hour which was fine with me! It will be a short, free admission concert and, if you’re in the area, I hope you can join us.

For more performance dates, please visit:

Carol's Website