A Very Barbra Christmas

Barbra Streisand’s Christmas albums are considered yuletide classics, cherished by many as a treasured holiday tradition. Despite the popularity of these recordings, Streisand has never performed a holiday concert, leaving fans wishing for a Christmas miracle that someday she would do so. While the great diva has not announced any plans for such an event, Streisand fans in the Nutmeg State whose wish list includes attending a holiday concert with “Babs” will be able to enjoy the next best thing.

Joni Lambert, a Barbra Streisand impersonator/tribute artist based in Windsor, CT, will perform two holiday shows singing Christmas songs recorded by Streisand, as well as some of her greatest hits. The shows will take place in Windsor at the Hilton Garden Inn on December 14th at 4:00pm, and in Cromwell at the Crown Plaza Hotel on December 19th at 7:00pm.

Lambert, who has been performing as Streisand to sold out audiences from New York to Hollywood and internationally, scripted the show titled, “A Very Barbra Christmas”.  Considered one of the top Streisand impersonators in the industry, Lambert created this holiday event with the goal of making audiences feel like they are watching Barbra.

“I always try to use as much actual dialog from Barbra’s concerts and interviews in my shows as I can”, says Lambert, “The goal is to be as authentic as possible.“

Lambert Entertainment will donate 10% of the profits from the shows to The Wounded Warrior Project.

While some may scratch their heads wondering why Streisand, who is Jewish, would record Christmas albums, Lambert explains, “Knowing how Barbra values the concept of accepting one another, differences and all, and the fact that for many people Christmas means ‘peace on earth and goodwill toward men’, it kind of makes sense. During the holidays in her own home, she and husband James Brolin have both a Christmas tree and a menorah.”

Tickets are $25 each. For information or to purchase tickets call (860)794-7534 or visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Contact:

Joni Lambert

(860)794-7534

info@mynameisbarbra.com

www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra Tribute Artist Shows Her Streisand Costumes

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CONTEST: CT Ladies - Our Barbra Needs You!

Ladies – our Barbra needs your help! We have compiled a list of questions from audience members that our Barbra will answer during the August 15^th show at the Hilton Garden Inn in Windsor, CT. We’re looking for someone to read the questions off cards that we will provide interview-style during the show.  Since we are already running the “You Don’t Bring me Flowers” contest for the guys, this “Barbra Q&A” contest will be open to ladies only. To enter email info@mynameisbarbra.com, Tweet to @BarbraTribute, or post here on Facebook why you’d like to win. The winner will be announced July 18^th.

By entering you agree to our contest terms and conditions, which can be found at” http://ow.ly/yyEv7

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Sign up for insider information, concert schedules and contest info at www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

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Barbra Streisand Impersonator Creates Personalized Video Singing Telegrams

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By far my favorite part of my entertainment business is being a Barbra Streisand tribute artist. There's nothing like performing and singing as Barbra. Most people will never get to actually meet Barbra or even see her in concert, so I provide these folks the opportunity to get a taste of what that might be like.

I now have a new way to share Barbra! Another part of my entertainment business is creating virtual singing telegrams. These are videos that I produce for customers featuring their choice of a gallery of characters to send a special song or message to a friend, work associate or loved one. These videos can be shared via email, Twitter or posted on their Facebook page. For example, if it's your Aunt Mary's birthday you can order a video singing telegram of Barbra.

For more information or to order click here.

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See video and photos of my Streisand tribute show at www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

"Like" my Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

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Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20

Rare Barbra Streisand recording of "The Music That Makes Me Dance"

I came across this rare recording of Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" on Broadway singing "The Music That Makes Me Dance". This recording is reportedly from her final performance of the show at the Winter Garden Theater.  Despite the less than pristine audio quality (it seems to have been recorded by someone in the audience) Streisand's brilliance shines through. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to listen. 

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See video and photos of my Streisand tribute show at www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

"Like" my Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

Follow me on Twitter @BarbraTribute

Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20

Rare Video of Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl on Broadway

I was only one year old in 1964 when "Funny Girl" opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater. After falling in love with the film I so wished I had been somehow able to see the Broadway show. Alas, that was impossible. I was thrilled, as I hope you will be, to find that there are some very short and rare video clips of the show.

The Broadway cast album of "Funny Girl" is available for purchase - click here.

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See video and photos of my Streisand tribute show at www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

"Like" my Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

Follow me on Twitter @BarbraTribute

Shop for Barbra products at theBarbra Shop 

Adorable Handmade Barbra Streisand Dolls

While browsing Pinterest boards one day, I came across photos of adorable Barbra Streisand dolls. I did a little digging and was able to contact the craftsman, Dennis Beltran.

While Streisand is a favorite of Beltran, he creates dolls of other celebrities, too.

"Generally new clients see my past work and choose which doll they want from photos," Beltran told me, "but every doll is a one of a kind, so is best to chose what character or film one likes most and thinks would translate well to a doll and we go from there."

Dolls start at $300 plus shipping and typically take about a month to complete. They stand approximately 15" tall and are wired, making them easy to pose.

Discussing the creation process Beltran told me, "I like to send progress shots as I work. I feel it helps people bond better with their dolls and they can give any input or suggestions while the doll is coming to life."

Anyone interested in purchasing a doll can contact Dennis via his Facebook page.

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See video and photos of my Streisand tribute show at www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

"Like" my Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

Follow me on Twitter @BarbraTribute

Shop for Barbra products at my Barbra Shop

 

Streisand Impersonator Pays Tribute to Donna Summer

Streisand and Summer image from Advocate.com

Music legend Donna Summer passed away in 2012 after a battle with lung cancer. I remember hearing the news on the television and simply looking on in shock. While I hadn't seen her in many years, my mind instantly flashed back to that time in a small church in New England.

I was part of the worship band and our tradition after finishing the music set was to go to the back row of the church and sit together for the sermon. Shortly after the preacher started the sound man nudged me whispering, "Hey, isn't that lady over there Donna Summer?" 

I looked and whispered that I couldn't see her face. I tapped the guitarist sitting on my other side and asked him, being sure to maintain my hushed tone while the pastor preached. He saw a resemblance, but wasn't sure. He gently nudged the drummer on his other side and asked if he could tell.

The dear, young percussionist took a look and forgetting himself exclaimed for all around to hear, "That ain't no Donna Summer!" 

Much to our embarrassment, we watched as the woman turned her head toward us, looked straight at us, and smiled a big, unmistakable smile. She was, in fact, Donna Summer. Most of us tried to hide our faces discreetly, but were well aware of the fact that we'd all just moments earlier been playing at the front of the church for her to clearly see.

Donna never held the incident against us. In fact, she seemed slightly amused. While she and I never became what I'd call close friends, she was always gracious and encouraging to me as a musician. This was many years before I began my career as a Barbra Streisand tribute artist and I was young and green as a musician. Even so, I had the pleasure of being one of her backup singers a few times at Christian functions in the region.

One day she was looking for me and couldn't remember my name. As she fumbled to ask my whereabouts she came out with, "Where's that...that...little white girl?"

Barbra Streisand released a statement when Donna died saying, "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. It's so sad."

More recently in concert Streisand sang a short version of "Enough is Enough (No More Tears)", saying that she wished Donna was here to sing it with her. I now use that in my Streisand tribute show. For me, it's not just paying tribute to Barbra, but to our mutual friend, Donna.

For more information on Joni Lambert's Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra" visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

"Being" Barbra

I recently had a booking agent friend of mine venting about another tribute artist. Exasperated with how difficult he was to work with, she said it seemed he thought he really was the celebrity he impersonates. Let me say up front, I know that I'm not really Barbra Streisand - at least most of the time.

When I'm on stage performing my Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra",  it's as if a transformation has taken place. The fact that there's a natural resemblance in appearance and sound between Barbra and myself is helpful, of course. Something magical happens when I put that costume on. Being in front of an audience wearing a gown designed to exactly resemble one worn by Barbra, then hearing the music start creates a wonderful atmosphere of joy and excitement.

The sad fact is most people will never have the pleasure of seeing Barbra Streisand in concert live. As a Barbra Tribute Artist, my goal is to bring the audience as close to having that special experience as I possibly can. 

I share a love for Streisand with my audience. I often feel that bond during a performance.

To learn more visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com