Thanks for your support of my music!

Dear Friends:

Thank you so much for your interest and support of my music in 2011!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

benitacharles.com

Happy Holidays from Benita Charles Music!

Dear Friends:

Happy Holidays! I wish you and your family a very safe and joyous season.

Thank you so much for your interest and support of my music in 2011. Your encouragement, attendance of my performances and purchase of my music mean the world to me.

Take care and enjoy the season.

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

Spreading love through music for your inspiration & entertainment!

Artist Website: benitacharles.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Benita-Charles-Music/88019945536
Twitter: twitter.com/Benita_Charles
Youtube: youtube.com/BenitaCharles

A Very Special Thank You: Benita Charles & Friends Holiday Show/Toy Drive 12/18/11

Dear Friends:

I'd like to send a very special thank you to all who attended my holiday show and toy drive last night at Bar Thalia!

Thank you for the wonderful toys you brought. I am so grateful to you!! With your help, we were able to fill the large box from the Toys from Tots organization with toys that will bring joy to many special boys and girls this Christmas season. Thank you for making our toy drive a huge success!!!

A very special thank you to Staff Sgt. Anderson and Sgt. Montana for taking the time to come out to the show, speak to us about the charity and collect the toys.

It was such a beautiful evening! Thank you for sharing it with me.

I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful season.

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Tomorrow: Benita Charles & Friends Holiday Show/Toy Drive 2011

Dear Friends:



I hope you can join me tomorrow for the Benita Charles & Friends Holiday Show/Toy Drive 2011 at Bar Thalia - Symphony Space at 8:00 pm. In addition to great music and entertainment, we will present our 3rd annual toy drive for Toys for Tots. There's no cover but we're asking everyone who attends to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or a girl. The marines will be present to collect the toys on behalf of the Toys for Tots organization. Together, we can make this the best toy drive ever!! See you at the show. bit.ly/uyV5Av (Benita Charles Music)

NY-Vocalist Benita Charles Presents Third Annual Holiday Show/Toy Drive - 12/18/11

(New York, NY): NY-based vocalist, Benita Charles presents her third annual holiday show/toy drive on Sunday, December 18th at 8:00 pm at Bar Thalia at Symphony Space on the upper west side of New York City.

Ms. Charles will perform holiday favorites, R&B, jazz and original music with her band, The Benita Charles & Friends Band, to spread holiday cheer.

Ms. Charles requests those who attend to bring an unwrapped toy for a special child in need this holiday season for her third annual toy drive for the Toys For Tots organization. A representative from the U.S. Marine Corps will be present to collect the toys. Let's make this the best toy drive ever!!

The Toys for Tots program is dedicated to helping less fortunate children throughout the New York area experience the joy of the holiday season. Ms. Charles is honored and proud to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps in this endeavor to serve and improve our local community. For more information, visit: http://brooklyn-ny.toysfortots.org.

To RSVP for the Benita Charles & Friends Holiday Show 2011, send email to starent99@hotmail.com or call (212) 802-9249.

Show Time: 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Admission: No cover (unwrapped toy requested)

Location: Bar Thalia at Symphony Space is located on the upper west side at 2537 Broadway (at 95th Street) in New York City.

For more information about vocalist, Benita Charles please visit: http://benitacharles.com

Happy Thanksgiving from Benita Charles Music!

Dear Friends:

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I hope you have a wonderful holiday. On this Thanksgiving, I am so grateful to you for your continued support of my musical endeavors.

I have a couple of performances coming up that I would like to invite you to:

On Friday, December 9th, I will appear at Wicked Wolf in White Plains, NY with the Showtime Dance Band. The Showtime Dance Band combines the sounds of Motown, R&B, Funk, Dance, Rock, and Jazz. Featured vocalists for the evening include Benita Charles and Bill Hudson. Join us for a night of great music and fun! For more info, visit: http://showtimedanceband.com.

On Sunday, December 18th, I am very excited to present my 3rd annual holiday/toy drive concert at Bar Thalia at Symphony Space benefiting the Toys For Tots organization. This is one of my favorite shows because I know that we can make a difference in a child’s life! Please bring your unwrapped toys to the show. Together we can make this the best toy drive ever! A representative from the Toys for Tots organization will be present to collect the toys. At the show, The Benita Charles and Friends Band will present holiday favorites, R&B, original material and other favorites at the Concert. Special guest vocalist, Christi Gehrisch will also be featured during the concert.

For those of you on Social Media, I encourage you to become a fan of my Facebook music page and if you are on Twitter, please follow me on Twitter. I update these sites often, so please stop by and leave a comment. (Please see the links below to connect.)

Take care and I hope you have an enjoyable holiday!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

Spreading love through music for your entertainment & inspiration!

Artist Website: http://benitacharles.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benita-Charles-Music/88019945536
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Benita_Charles

Performance Details:

Friday, December 9, 2011 - 9:00 p.m.
Showtime Dance Band
Wicked Wolf
166B Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains, NY 10601
Cost: No cover
Phone: (914) 428-3144
http://www.wickedwolfwp.com

Showtime Dance Band combines the sound of Motown, Soul, R&B, Funk, Old School, Disco, Dance Rock, and Jazz with the priority to MAKE THE CROWD MOVE!! Featured vocalists for the evening include Benita Charles and Bill Hudson. Join us for a night of great music and fun!
For more info, visit: http://showtimedanceband.com.

***

Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 8:00 p.m.
Benita Charles & Friends Holiday/Toy Drive Show
Bar Thalia at Symphony Space
2537 Broadway (at 95th Street)
New York, NY 10025
No cover
Phone: (212) 864-5400
http://www.symphonyspace.org/event/7198-benita-charles

Benita Charles & Friends Band performs holiday favorites, R&B, jazz and original music to spread holiday cheer.
**Please bring an unwrapped toy to our 3rd annual toy drive for the Toys For Tots program. A representative from the organization will be present to collect the toys. Let's make this the best toy drive ever!!!
The Toys for Tots program is dedicated to helping less fortunate children throughout the New York area experience the joy of the holiday season. Benita Charles & Friends are honored and proud to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps in this endeavor to serve and improve our local community. For more information, visit: http://brooklyn-ny.toysfortots.org.

To RSVP for the Benita Charles & Friends Holiday Show, send email to starent99@hotmail.com or call (212) 802-9249.

BC&F Band:
Benita Charles, lead vocals
Christi Gehrisch, vocals
Peter Archer, guitar
Manny Montanez, percussion

Thanks for your support of my Bar Thalia performance!

A special thanks to all those who came out & supported my show at Bar Thalia! It was a beautiful night - great music, great musicians, great audience and great venue!! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect night!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! :)

Benita Charles @ Bar Thalia - Symphony Space 10/8/11

Dear Friends:

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

I would like to send a special thank you to all who came out and supported the Benita Charles & Friends Variety show last month. A special thanks to all the artists who participated. It was a fun night.

Next Saturday (October 8th), I would like to invite you to a special performance I have at Bar Thalia - Symphony Space on the upper west side in NYC. I will be performing selections from my CD, Moments In Love, Vol. 1 along with other favorites. Special guest vocalist, Christi Gehrisch will also be featured during the concert.

I hope you can join me for an evening of music and great fun!

Take care and I hope to see you at the show!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

Spreading love through music for your entertainment & inspiration!

http://benitacharles.com
***

Performance Details:

Saturday, October 8, 2011 9:30 p.m.

Benita Charles & Friends Band

Bar Thalia at Symphony Space

2537 Broadway

New York, NY 10025

(212) 864-5400

http://www.bit.ly/pELZZr
No cover

One night only!!! NYC vocalist, Benita Charles performs selections from her debut CD, "Moments In Love: Volume 1" and "Lessons" along with other favorite songs with her band, The Benita Charles & Friends Band. Special guest vocalist, Christi Gehrisch will also be featured at the concert!

Join the Benita Charles & Friends Band at the exquisite Bar Thalia for a night to remember!

For reservations, call (212) 802-9249 or email starent99@hotmail.com.

BC&F Band:

Benita Charles, vocals

Christi Gehrisch, vocals

Peter Archer, guitar

Manny Montanez, percussion

Mi2N.com - NY Singer/Songwriter Benita Charles To Perform At Bar Thalia -Symphony Space 10/8/11

Here's the press release announcing my show on Saturday, October 8th @ Bar Thalia - Symphony Space at 9:30 pm!

Mi2N.com - NY Singer/Songwriter Benita Charles To Perform At Bar Thalia -Symphony Space 10/8/11

Demi Lovato Covers Lil Wayne's 'How To Love' (VIDEO)

This young lady did a nice job with this song!! Here's Demi Lovato covering Lil Wayne's song, How To Love!'

From MTV:

Demi Lovato Covers Lil Wayne's 'How To Love' (VIDEO)
Posted 16 hrs ago by Jenna Hally Rubenstein in Celebrity, Music, Videos


Calling all Lovatics -- prepare to have your mind BLOWN. Our girl Demi Lovato recently stopped by VH1's Top 20 Live to perform a few songs from her album Unbroken. But in between hits from her current catalog, Demi took a little detour to Rapville via her unexpected cover of Lil Wayne's "How To Love." Looking chill in a long boho maxi dress and black hat, Demi took a more acoustic and gentle approach to Lil Wayne's originally harder record.

Armed with a band and two "oohing" backup singers, Demi breathed new life into Weezy's "How To Love" with her soulful and R&B-tinged vocals. Girlfriend definitely had a little twinkle in her eye as she sang, "You had a lotta crooks tryna steal your heart/Couldn't never figure out/How to love/How to love." You can admit it, Demi -- you knew you were killin' it.

If you're wondering what inspired Demi to choose this somewhat unpredictable cover, our pals at MTV News have the 411: "I just love the way that Lil Wayne took a risk doing the song. I put a little spin on it, and I think that it fit with my platform and the message that I have for my fans." Demi goes on to gush, "I've never met [Lil Wayne] in my life so if I got to be on stage with him I would just die!" PAGING LIL WAYNE! Hook a pop star up, will ya?

+ Watch Demi Lovato cover Lil Wayne's "How To Love."

Get More: Demi Lovato, Demi Lovato Music Videos, Live Performances

Vesta Williams - R.I.P.

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of R&B great, Vesta Williams! My thoughts and prayers are with her daughter & her family.

One on my all-time favorite R&B songs: "Congratulations" by Vesta Williams (R.I.P.)

September 11th: We will never forget!

Just like today, it was a clear, sunny day that changed the world forever. We will never forget - 9.11.01.

A special message from Benita Charles Music

Dear Friends:

As many of you know, the East Coast is facing an unprecedented major hurricane (Hurricane Irene) that has crippled New York City and other cities and communities on the Eastern seaboard.

I'd like to send a special message to my East Coast Friends to let you know that my thoughts are prayers are with you and your families for a safe journey through the storm.


I'd also like to send a special thank you to all my family and friends who have called me to check on my status and my whereabouts. So far, the area that I live is okay and I am okay. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers and concerns. It really means a lot, especially at a time like this. It is a wonderful reminder that we are not alone!

Take care and I wish the best for everyone!

Sincerely,

Benita Charles Music

benitacharles.com

Grandfather - John Gooden shares his life story at 93

At 93, my grandfather shares about his life.

Can I Touch You There?

Happy 4th of July!

Dear Friends:

I'm wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July! Stay cool. It's going to be hot today!!

Thank you to all the fans who came out and supported my show for Make Music New York at Billie's Black. We had such a great time and I'd like to thank all the artists who particpated ((aka) Voce, John Virag, Karen Lee Larson, Shrine, and my band, the Benita Charles & Friends Band), Sean Goldman for the wonderful graphic design of the postcards and flyers, Billie's Black for having us be a part of their 5th anniversary celebration and a great crowd. It was such a fun-filled night. Here is my opening performance, "Can I Touch You There?" I hope you enjoy it: http://youtu.be/w9D0CoyXaUM

If you are in the New Jersey area today, I am performing at an Indendence Day celebration in Oradel, NJ with the cover band I perform with called, Pocket Change. We will perform classic R&B, soul hits. I hope you can join us for the celebration (details below).

Take care and I hope you enjoy your day today!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Sharing love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!

http://benitacharles.com
***

Performance Detail:

Monday, July 4, 2011, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Independence Celebration - Oradel NJ

Memorial Field on Prospect Avenue (Exit 165 off the Garden State Parkway)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(212) 802-9249
Free admission

Pocket Change Band (feat. vocalists, Benita Charles, Ed Holley & Harris Punyon) performs for Oradell, NJ's Indendepence Day Celebration. Enjoy your favorite Motown, Blues & classic R&B and pop songs at the park. Hope to see you there!

Pocket Change Band:

Ed Holley, vocals
Benita Charles, vocals
Harris Punyon, vocals & piano
Jason Punyon, bass
Joe Paldino, guitar
Rob Goldmark, drums

http://www.pocketchangeband.com

Happy 4th of July!

Dear Friends:

Wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July! Stay cool. It's going to be a hot one today!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Sharing love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Friends:

I'd like to wish all the fathers of the world a very Happy Father's Day! I hope you enjoy your day.

Much love,

Benita Charles Music
http://benitacharles.com

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

Make Music New York 2011 - 6/21/11

Dear Friends:

Summer is just around the corner and that means Make Music New York 2011 is almost here! Only 3 weeks away from a free day of music!!

On June 21st, I will perform at McKinley's Children Garden and Billie's Black again!

In the daytime, I will be at McKinley's Children's Garden in Jamaica, Queens along with other talented artist. My set starts at 12:20 pm for a 20-minute set.

In the evening, I will present Benita Charles & Friends: Make Music New York 2011 with very special guests (aka) Voce, John Virag, Karen Lee Larson, Shrine, Storm'ea and my band, the Benita Charles & Friends Band. This is our second year at Billie's Black for Make Music New York and we're so excited to be back!! We have an exciting line-up planned. I hope you can join us!!

For more information about the Make Music New York event, visit: http://makemusicny.org/.

Take care and I hope you can join us evening of great music, great entertainment and great fun!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music
http://benitacharles.com/

Spreading love through music for your entertainment & inspiration!

****
Performance Details:

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
McKinley's Children's Garden
Garden - Jamaica
108-56 Union Hall Street
Queens, NY 11433
 
The fourth-annual Make Music New York concert at McKinley's Children's Garden features artists, Kierstin Gray, Benita Charles and Naomi Frank more.

McKinley's Children's Garden is a youth focused community garden that is decorated with flowers and vegetables in a creative manner. Join us for a day of music as we celebrate the first day of summer and Make Music New York – 2011! For more information, visit: http://www.facebook.com/MCKGarden

Daytime Performance Schedule at McKinley's Children's Garden:

10:30-11am - Naomi Frank
11-11:30am - Yukari Roja
12:00-12:20pm - Waty
12:20-12:40pm - Benita Charles
12:40-1:00pm- Sonia Montez
1:30-2:10pm - Toy Sugar
2:10-2:30pm - Kiersten Gray
3:00-3:30pm - Adrian/LDC
4-4:30pm - Purple Space Princess
4:30-5pm - Soular Light
5pm-5:30 - Nova

***
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant
271 West 119th Street. New York, NY. (bet. St. Nicholas Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.)
10026-1103
212-280-2248
No cover - doors open at 6:30 pm

The Benita Charles & Friends: Make Music New York 2011 show features (aka) Voce, John Virag, Karen Lee Larson, Shrine, Storm'ea and The Benita Charles & Friends Band.

Join us for a special night of music and fun at the elegant, upscale Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant uptown in Harlem! For more information about Billie's Black, visit: http://www.billiesblack.com/

Evening Performance Schedule at Billie's Black:

7:00 – 7:15 PM - Benita Charles (opening)
7:15 – 7:30 PM - (aka) Voce, Performance Art
7:30 – 7:45 PM - John Virag, Singer/Songwriter
7:45 – 8:00 PM - Karen Lee Larson, Instrumental (violin)
8:00 – 8:15 PM - Shrine (feat. Karen Lee Larson & Barbara Morillo), Rock (Jam-band)
8:15 – 8:30 PM - Storm’ea, Soul
8:30 – 8:45 PM- Benita Charles & Friends Band, R&B
8:45 PM - Benita Charles (closing)

No cover/ For reservations, call (212) 802-9249 / http://benitacharles.com/
***

Happy Easter!

Dear Friends:

I'd like to wish you and yours a Happy Easter!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

“Spreading love through music for your entertainment & inspiration!”

Benita's Lesson of the Day: Everything Happens for a Reason

I just posted a new lesson on my special blog: Lessons by Benita

Here's the link: http://bit.ly/gA8pTv

Artists You Should Know: Benita Charles [Listen]

Artists You Should Know: Benita Charles [Listen]
Written by Tiffani on February 23, 2011 8:00 am

We imagine at one time someone did Benita wrong and instead of getting even, she went home and put pen to paper. We can only assume that because she sings straight from her soul and she sings with truth. In fact, if you were brokenhearted, her music would be your best friend. Think of her as young Mary J. Blige infused with a little Keri Hilson.

According to her Black Planet Music page, Benita’s biggest influences are reigning queens Aretha Franklin and Beyonce and the Harlem singer currently reigns at local hot spots as the late night talent.

In a market where female artists dye their hair every color of the rainbow it’s nice to see someone who’s a little more au natural.

Want a little more Benita? Follow her on Black Planet.

LISTEN TO BENITA’S TRACKS ON BLACK PLANET MUSIC: http://music.blackplanet.com/Benita_Charles/

We have a whole planet of talent. See below for more undiscovered artists you should know straight from Black Planet Music.

###

Benita Charles Music News: Upcoming Performance 3/24/11

Dear Friends:

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Spring is near!! How have you been? I hope you're enjoying the lovely weather. It's a nice change from the bitter winter.

First, I'd like to send a special message of encouragement to our Japanese friends and those who have loved ones in Japan. I am deeply saddened by the devastating events this past week and beyond. Please know that my thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you and your loved ones. We are all one in this world. What happens to one, affects us all. Please know you have friends who care.

I have a performance coming up next Thursday that I’d like to invite you to. On Thursday, March 24th, I will perform in the showcase, "Indie Is The New Major," at Billie's Black in Harlem at 7:00 pm. This will be a special show, themed "Women In Music In NYC," and it features an all female lineup in honor of Women's History Month. I will perform selections from “Moments In Love.”

Please join us for a special evening of great music, food and fun!

Take care and I wish you all the best!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

http://benitacharles.com
***

Performance Detail:

Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 7:00 pm

Indie Is The New Major Artist Showcase & Open Mic

Billie's Black Bar & Restaurant
271 West 119th Street. New York, NY (bet. St. Nicholas Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.)
New York, New York 10026
(212) 280-2248
Website: http://www.billiesblack.com
Cost: $5 cover/$10 table min. (food/drink)

"Indie is the New Major" presents "Women In Music in NYC" on 3/24. This is going to be a special evening with an all female lineup in honor of Women’s History Month!
Hosted by Dr. Syleecia Thompson & Sean Black, the show features artists, Benita Charles, LeNora Jaye, Kelly Carvin & Tamara J and more.

Join us for one of the hottest independent artist showcases in the city!

"Indie Is The New Major" Artist Showcase - 3/24/11

Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.

Indie Is The New Major Artist Showcase & Open Mic

Billie's Black Bar & Restaurant
271 West 119th Street. New York, NY. (bet. St. Nicholas Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.)
New York, New York (United States) 10026
$5 cover/$10 table minimum (food/drink)
(212) 280-2248
http://www.billiesblack.com

"Indie is the New Major" presents "Women In Music in NYC" on 3/24. This is going to be a special evening with an all female lineup in honor of Women's History Month! Hosted by Dr. Syleecia Thompson & Sean Black, the show features artists, Benita Charles, LeNora Jaye, Kelly Carvin & Tamara J and more.

Join us for one of the hottest independent artist showcases in the city!

Happy New Year - 2011!

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year- 2011! I'd like to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. May all your dreams come true!!

Thank you so much for your continued support of my creative endeavors. There will be more exciting events and new music in 2011. I'll keep you posted!


Much love,

Benita Charles Music

“Spreading love through music for your entertainment & inspiration!”

BenitaCharles.com

*****************************************

AS I CLOSE THE DOOR


Dear Lord, as I close the door on the old year,

I ponder the things I've done...

the things I've said and the joys I've had

I wonder, have I lost or won?


I've thought of new friends I have made,

and the old ones, staunch and true...

the paths of the old year made easier, Lord,

because I have walked them with You


I think of all the many times,

when my burdens were so heavy to bear,

and how my faith slipped away from me

but somehow You were always there


Now, as I open the door to this New Year,

and carefully peep inside,

I wonder what it holds for me...

but I'll throw the door open wide.


Whatever it brings to me and mine,

I'll meet it with a heart so true...

I know that, Lord, whatever it may be,

You'll be there to carry me through

--Merrei Thompson