Category Archives: Events

What’s happening, live, event marketing

Summer Plans; Be a House Concert Host

Summer Plans

house concertWhy not plan a house concert this summer? Summer started early for us in Alberta and is in full swing. I am loving the lush green leaves and blue skies. Fragrant blooms abound.

The road ahead is uncertain, yet I keep my feet steady & my eye on the prize as I move forward into the unknown.  I remind myself everything I need comes to me. So much of life consists of variables. I set intentions and try to stay in alignment to receive. Despite the plans we can make, we don’t always end up where we would expect to be.

That said, may new exciting possibilities are opening up. I am willing to venture into the unknown. Having led the gypsy life for much of my earlier years I became a homebody for a while. Once again, my feet are ready for some adventure. House Concerts are a venue I want to pursue in order to create my own niche. My summer plans include fitting in a few House Concert dates. It’s about connection and bringing your community together through music.  Anyone can be a host.

deborah robinson musician
What You Need To Be a House Concert Host

If you have ever wanted to do something that could draw your community closer together, house concerts are a great way to do just that. Invite twenty to thirty people, and bring a performer like me to you. You can include dinner, or wine &  cheese, have a potluck after the performance if you wish.

You’ll get a stellar evening of entertainment in a casual environment. You will want a seat for everyone in the room. Folding chairs, benches whatever works. It is just a matter of rearranging the furniture to accommodate the guests. Outdoor is fine too with a backup plan in case of weather issues. If you can put me up while travelling outside of Calgary, that would be awesome.

You can expect some folk, pop, blues, jazz, standards and originals. I will sing & perform on piano & guitar, bring all the equipment I need which really doesn’t take up too much space.  After the concert, as the host you will request donations to go to the performer. It’s not a set price so people can give what they wish.

I am working towards writing and recording my album. I just finished a Songwriter Course through Berklee College of Music and it has inspired me. For more information about my music:
https://www.deborah-robinson.com/music/
https://www.reverbnation.com/redgypsee/

Travel throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta & British Columbia is my focus currently. Contact me for further details if you would like to be a host! I am open to public venues along the way. Here are some images from a recent House Concert in Calgary, Alberta.

Face Painting

Face Painting

face painting

Available for Parties, Holidays   &   Events

I will come to you and add to the fun of your party, special occasion, holiday or event by painting faces. We’ll let our imaginations run wild and see what we come up with. My background in the entertainment and beauty industry, has made face painting a natural for me. I am used to working with children and adults alike.

I offer a professional service observing the guidelines set out by Alberta Health Services. Only non-toxic products are used, and sanitation procedures are strictly followed. I have been accustomed to these types of procedures, due to my cosmetology career.

Previous engagements:

  • Calloway Park
  • Canmore
  • Banff Springs Hotel
  • Banff Winter Fest
  • Calgary
  • Private Parties

Live Music Shows

Live Music Shows

Upcoming

Stay Tuned for New Dates

Calgary Musician & Vocalist for Hire

Available for live music shows and studio recording work, I look forward to enhancing your event with an eclectic mix of roots, blues, easy listening, pop, jazz, soul & contemporary. Performing on piano &/or guitar, I am also a strong vocalist. Instrumental, background are other options. You will hear standards, covers & original compositions. I have the necessary equipment for a single act, and for larger venues I will collaborate with other musicians.

Instrumental Piano Sampler Recorded Live

Instrumental Guitar Sampler Recorded Live

Guitar & Voice Sampler Recorded Live

Summertime Cover Guitar & Voice

Coming Soon: voice/piano samples | new voice/guitar tracks

Originals

Rot Blues n’ Junk Streets Full Band Studio

For more see this page

Available for:
  • Coffee-Wine Bar
  • Corporate
  • Pubs
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge
  • Weddings
  • Festivals
  • Art Openings
  • House Concerts
  • Please contact me:
    For booking live music shows.
    *Request a Media Kit*


Previous
  • Private Function, March 10, 2020,
    Legion, 1918 Kensington Road NW
    Calgary, AB, T2N 3R5 8-10 pm
  • Town of Drumheller, Christmas Party, December 7, 2019
  • Alberta Society of Artists, Artpoint Gallery, September 2019, Calgary, AB Shows at 6pm & 8pm
  • Sat., Aug. 25, 2018, 7-10, Wedding, Calgary, AB
  • Saturday, August 10, 2018 5:30pm-7:30pm
  • Avatara Pizza, 3406 3 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0M2
  • Saturday, July 14, 2018, Inglewood Art, 3-5 pm, Cal., AB
  • Sunalta Outdoor Festival, June 30, 2018
  • Saturday, June 16, 2018, Blackie, AB
  • Leighton Art Centre, Millarville, AB
    Sunday, June 2, 2018, 2-4 pm
  • Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9pm-1am
    Pizza Bob’s, 2610 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4S5
  • Sat., Jan. 13, 2018, 7-10, Private Party, Calgary, AB
  • Sat., Nov. 18, 2017, 5 pm-9 pm, Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • Sat., Sept, 16, 2017 East Side Studio Crawl, Artpoint, Calgary
  • Sat., August 19, 2017, 7 pm-11 pm, Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • Sun., Sept 10 at 1:30 pm, Mountain View Arts Fest, Didsbury, AB
  • Sat., July 15, 2017 Millarville Farmer’s Market,11:30–2:00 pm
  • Tuesday, June 6, 2017, Private Party, 7 pm – 9 pm
  • Sunday, June 4, 2017, Leighton Art Centre, 2 pm – 4 pm
  • Sat., June 3, 2017, 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • Sunday, May 19, Host of Open Mic, Mugs Café, Didsbury, AB 1 pm – 4 pm
  • April 15, 2017 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • Sat., Mar 11, 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm Latitude Gallery Four Feet Fiesta
  • February 2, 2017 6 pm-9 pm  Artpoint Gallery & Studios
  • February 4, 2017 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • December 3, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • October 1, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • August 6, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
  • April 21, 2016 6 pm – 9 pm Alberta Society of Artists Opening at Artpoint Gallery & Studios
  • April 10, 2015 Deborah’s House Concert Live Stream on Concert Window
  • Host of Fireside Open Mic at the Kensington Pub
    Sept 14, 2014 – February 7, 2016
  • Caprices Fine Arts at Fort Calgary
    My Musical Performance, 11 am to 12 pm
  • Saturday, June 14, 2014 10-5pm
    Caprice’s Fine Art Summer Event
  • Inglewood Community Hall, 11 am to 12 pm
  • Nickelodeon Music Club, Calgary, AB
    Hotel Arts, Calgary, AB
  • Lougheed House, Calgary, AB
  • East Coolie Spring Festival, East Coolie, AB
  • Ladybug Festival, Priddis, AB
  • Tompkins Park, Calgary, AB
  • Lilac Festival, Calgary AB
  • Folk on the Rocks, Yellowknife, NT
  • CBC Radio
  • NWT Pavilion, EXPO ’86
  • Lounges & Dining Rooms, including Delta & CP Hotels
  • South Slave Friendship Festival, Ft Smith, NT
  • International Woman’s Day Concerts
  • Northern Arts & Cultural Centre Concerts
  • Concert for African Famine Relief

Press

Press

 

piano-handsFrom a musical family, a seasoned performer, Deborah has honed the magic to mesmerize & touch her audience. A gypsy spirit with a true love for music, she has played at festivals, clubs, concerts, jams, both in bands and as a solo performer.

jazz-singer-deborah-robinson“Any form of creativity is a path from the soul. Awareness of how tones of the scale relate to different colours. When I paint a deep blue colour, I hear a cello or an oboe, sounds like deep grief only more comforting.

I would like to know that I have touched people somehow through my art & personally.” ~DL Robinson Jayne Darcy’s A Light in the Dark (Mar 29, 2005)

Press, reviews and recommendations:

“Amazing vocalist, blues singer.” ~Colleague, George Duncan

“Deborah is a detailed talented musician, who is extremely professional.” ~Colleague, Rick Maddeaux

“Great Results, Personable, Creative.” ~Client, Pat Buckna

“Actor, artist, singer, musician and business woman, Deborah Robinson could be
deemed a real renaissance woman. A professional musician-she toured both solo & with a band. Since her arrival in Yellowknife, Deborah Robinson has been heavily involved in the northern arts scene.” ~Marge Strano, Yellowknifer Renaissance Woman Balances Art With Business (Mar 15, 1993)

“A well disciplined voice mixed with a true love for music is the magic combination Deborah Robinson has captured. Whether playing piano or strumming guitar, Deborah has a heartfelt quality to her songs. Belting out the blues is her specialty. Her version of Summertime will curl your hair.” ~Rick Poltaruk, Yellowknifer Northern Stars (Jun 13, 1985)

Musical Background

Musical Background

Performance; piano, guitar, voice

 Musical composition, arranging, recording

Musician, songwriter and vocalist Deborah Robinson’s musical background allows her to play an extensive repertoire on piano & guitar in a variety of genres. Her powerful voice is well-complimented by well-developed instrumental accompaniment.

“A well-disciplined voice mixed with a true love for music is the magic combination Deborah Robinson has captured. Whether playing piano or strumming guitar, Deborah has a heartfelt quality to her songs. Belting out the blues is her specialty. Her version of Summertime will curl your hair. ” ~Rick Poltaruk, Yellowknifer Northern Stars

With a solid foundation in classical piano through formal training in classical piano, Deborah also became an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, & composer.

“After years of classical study, I had learned to only play what was on the sheet music. Despite having a wide range of knowledge, I was not free to express myself with music. Retraining myself to improvise & think a different way about music is how I overcame this. Learning another instrument helped make the shift. It was a process that took about five years. I learned to branch out beyond convention through my self-taught retraining.”

 

Find me on REVERB NATION

PERFORMER

Bands; 4-5-6 piece, four-part harmony / trio, duo
Single; concerts, piano bars, weddings, coffee houses, wine bar, & busking

EDUCATION

Songwriting; Berklee College of Music
Jazz Improvisation I & II; Capilano University, Vancouver, BC
Classical Piano (11 years, Grade VIII RCM) Royal Conservatory of Music, RCM London, UK
Private Guitar Studies; Heather Bishop

RECORDING

Wrote grant proposal, received grant from Arts Advisory Council for recording project.
Grant application used as a model for later proposals
First musical artist produced in NWT, Producer; Pat Braden
Grapevine Studios, Vancouver, BC recorded self funded album of original songs

AFFILIATIONS:

Member of SOCAN (Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers Association of Canada)

Marketing

Marketing

  • Marketing for Small Businesses
  • Event Marketing
  • Conference-Webinar
  • Live Tweet
  • Email Campaigns
  • Virtual Assistant

My marketing experience goes back to when I was designing print ads & radio campaigns for my hair salon. Even before that, I designed flyers and business cards and painted sandwich boards for our vintage clothing store business in Vancouver’s Gastown. I found out recently that the new owner is still using the cards designed by me so long ago. My artistic talents paid off.

I have changed with the times, embracing new technology.  How wonderful it would have been to have these tools at my disposal several years back. Regardless of the times, the message remains the same. It comes down to people, and I am an intuitive marketer who can help you to create a presence. I have a proven track record of being on the social web for more than ten years.

And I love the web!

Creating good content is just the beginning. As a creative entrepreneur, I know it can be a challenge to find time to manage all the small details. You will want to make sure your event is well attended and everything comes off smoothly.

For your upcoming event, conference or webinar, why not let me be your extra set of hands? I can help with organizing, promotion & email campaigns. Working from my home office or your place of business, I can liaise with your vendors, sponsors & partners.

A conference or event is a great opportunity to connect and to grow your network. I will design a social media strategy and also manage your social media before, during & after your event. #LiveTweet is a great way to bring it all together, with lasting positive effects for you & your organization.

 

Art Events

Art Events

Upcoming Exhibitions

Stay Tuned for More Exhibitions & Events

Obviously COVID has impacted in person showings. You can make an appointment to view my art in person.
Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on the latest art events and exhibition news.

Past Events

LUX, show and sale Friday, February, 2-28, 2018
Caprices Fine Arts at Fort Calgary
Caprice’s Fine Art Summer Event
Saturday June 14, 2014 10-5pm
Inglewood Community Hall.
Art for display & sale

Art Combat Participant LIVE PAINTING COMPETITION CALGARY, AB MAY 15, 2014

Small Business Support

Small Business Support

Connection • Engagement • Presence

I want to offer you small business support to help you to achieve business success by engaging with your target market.  Small business support is my specialty.  Through social media and a good website with relevant content, you can build your brand and stand out. Self-directed, my business was built from the ground up, and I have spent a lot of time studying what works for small businesses.

Equally important is my practical experience. I know what it’s like to take the risk. It is what sets you apart from others. You’ve invested everything. Let’s collaborate as professionals, so you can meet your goals. A second set of eyes and hands is sometimes what you need to go to the next level. I can offer fresh start assistance, or build on what you have started.

By placing service and value above all, I have found business success, and I want success for you too. You may also have internal struggles that need solutions. Interpersonal relations in business and customer service solutions is a specialty. I have dealt with people from every walk of life and understand the nuances and the motivators of both employees & customers.

Before we can talk about marketing, we want to make sure the groundwork is in place. With a strong foundation, you can ensure the longevity of your organization. Many small businesses do not make it to the five-year mark for a variety of reasons. The current economic climate, and the pandemic, has been challenging. Of those who held on for so long, some just couldn’t make the long haul.

“By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail”. ~Benjamin Franklin

See the ENGAGE MY SERVICES page to find out what’s in it for you.

Social Media Strategy

Social Media

I am a connector.
Hire me to tell the story of your brand.
Empower your business through social media.
Social Media Coaching & consulting.

Who is managing your social media strategy? Creating your web design and content? Maybe it’s a new website you are after, or you need marketing assistance for your small business or event. Did the search results bring you here?

You know you need to be on Social Media, but have no idea where to start. I specialize in supporting your event or business through blogging, social media, marketing, web design and writing relevant content for search engine optimization (SEO). Delegating these tasks is a way to give yourself time to do what you do best.

So many have a great product or services to sell yet may have no time left over to promote themselves. You’ve spent a lot of time developing your vision. You want to market yourself effectively, so you can engage your target customer. Managed effectively, you will have a strategy for success driving traffic to your site, thereby increasing your profits. Be ready for your audience when they find you.

Every business has a story, and you need to get your name out there. With a proven track record of more than ten years of being connected on the web. I have blogged for more than ten years. My Twitter following is well-developed and active daily. I am on almost every social network, and so I can set you up on any platform(s) that is suitable for your business or event.

I will design a strategy to engage your target audience, set up and monitor your accounts, as well as coach you in maintaining your presence by showing you how to increase your follower counts. As a content creator, I seldom run out of something to say. Your story needs telling.

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram … & more …

Social Live: Social media coordinating for events.
Branch out and find your people on the web.

Renaissance Soul

Renaissance Soul

Welcome to Renaissance Soul;
DeborahI am a Creative, Solopreneur who wears many hats, not all at the same time, fortunately; Artist, Muralist, Musician, Writer, Photographer, Educator, Social Media Consultant, Web Designer, WordPress Specialist. Also, a career Hairstylist, and Reiki Practitioner.

This is my home where I have combined all my businesses on one site, which is the result of years of study & practice. Herein lay my passions.

Embracing my Renaissance soul, I have integrated all I do here. Thank you for visiting. If you arrived here from my former domain which mostly focused on my art, you will still find lots of visuals here, namely my art and photography as well as a multitude of writing and other business services.

“Planting many seeds has given me a bountiful garden.” ~Deborah Robinson

URBAN CAT, CALGARY CAT SITTING

Experienced cat sitter-check out my offerings. Find out more.

Featured

NEW Popup Gallery of New Works

New Artworks Available
art-collage

Nursery Mural

Mural Testimonial

Our 2018 started off with the most pleasant experience, meeting Deborah. We were looking for a Calgary mural artist to do a nursery mural and came across her website … read more

Visit my Blog Posts Page:

Blog Posts
Many of my blog posts were imported from a previous platform. Unfortunately, I was unable to save any of the comments. When you read the posts, please feel free to comment here. I would love to hear from you. If you want notification of new posts, you can subscribe at the bottom of any post.

What I Do
  • Artist-Muralist-Musician-Writer-Photographer-Educator
  • Social Media Connector-Web Designer-Marketing for Small Biz
  • Stylist & Makeup Artist-Reiki-Aromatherapy-Facepainting.

I have always been independent & curious about many things, The variety keeps me going.  The best way I have found to optimize influence in our lives is to live our passion. In my case, the road always leads to this, as there is no escaping authenticity. In creating my niche, I felt it was imperative to integrate the many hats I wear. For a full list of products & services, go HERE.

Gift Certificates Now Available for any of my services.

Polymath; a person whose expertise spans a significant number of subject areas.