The summer of 2006 has come to an end, and we at THE VOICE hope it was an enjoyable one for all. What better way is there to begin fall than with some fresh reading material about our favorite singer! The latest edition of THE VOICE is once again filled with news, exclusive interviews and pictures, and more!

The Home Page is always an eagerly anticipated feature of THE VOICE. We can always expect Linda to comment on her career, and usually she leaves us with a few teasers about things to come. She really likes to keep us guessing! However, in this edition, Linda has written a letter unlike any other we've ever featured in THE VOICE. This letter doesn't include a single mention of her career! It is a letter from deep within her heart and soul. We know this letter will strike a chord with every fan, whether you are a son or daughter… a mother or father… a grandmother or grandfather. It is simply beautiful.

We know you'll enjoy the in-depth interview with Andy Ezrin, Linda's keyboardist and assistant musical director. Andy wears many hats in his career, but one of the recent highlights is certainly his "Bar Mitzvah dance!" Many fans have experienced it during a concert in the past several months, and Andy talks about how it came to be performed on stage with Linda, among other things. We loved interviewing Andy and we hope you'll love getting to know more about him.

It hardly seems possible that it's been almost eight months since the premiere of Trail MIX. Ronan Tynan, one of the celebrities Linda interviewed for the show, took the time to speak with us about his career and about filming Trail MIX with Linda in an insightful interview. And, we're sure you'll enjoy reading about Fan Lou Cabibi's experience of being interviewed for the show, plus messages about Trail MIX from some fans.

Linda and the EDER-tors at Pets Alive

The spring of 2006 brought the first auction held by Linda and THE VOICE EDER-tors to benefit Pets Alive. The fans were amazing in their support of this charity, and auction winners Toni Alterman, Gerry Cardwell and Judi Mc Cabe wrote of their experience as volunteers at Pets Alive with Linda. It was a great day of volunteering and fun!

On August 19, 2006, many of Linda's fans had the opportunity to attend a reading of the first act of a new musical comedy at The Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center in Marlton, New Jersey. THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE was written by Linda's friend Jack Murphy, who also wrote the music. Jack was thrilled to be able to share thoughts on the new show from his perspective. He told THE VOICE, "Well, we had a great reading of Act One of THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE on August 19th at the Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. It's a kind of whacky, screwball comedy set in the 1950s starring our own, Miss Linda Eder. Vincent Marini, the Artistic Director of the theater, directed the reading (as well as co-wrote the Book), with orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg under the musical direction of Koen Schoots — who came all the way from his home in Berlin to be a part of this. The reading was cast in Philadelphia and the actors were great — doing spectacular work with very little time. I've got to tell you, hearing Linda sing my songs is a thrill I won't soon forget — I Want More! Vincent and I are continuing to work on the piece and hope to have a completed first draft of the entire show by the end of November.
We'll keep you posted." Feel free to visit Jack's Web site at www.jackmurphymusic.com.

Keeping SHEILA VALENTINE a "family affair," Linda's friend, Kim Scharnberg orchestrated the music for the show. Kim was kind enough to share his experience from the reading and also a little about his other current projects.

"It was truly a fun time orchestrating Jack Murphy's new show, THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE, featuring Linda! The show is hilarious and just perfect for her. Hopefully, she'll start doing some of the material in concert with her band… I just happened to write it for the exact same instrumentation… hint, hint! It was like old home week with Koen Schoots coming in from Germany to be musical director (I'd just worked with him on a show called RUDOLF over in Budapest), plus Tim Shew was one of the other leads. Tim and I went to high school together back in Iowa, so it was fun catching up with him. I always get to remind him that I was FIRST trombone and he was SECOND! I had a great visit over breakfast with Linda and him… just some Midwestern folks sitting around talking about stuff! I'm told that the show went great. Unfortunately, I couldn't see it because... I was in the pit playing trombone! Since I'd officially retired from playing after my Broadway debut as a trombone playing Santa for Linda's Christmas concerts at the Gershwin several years ago (what could top that?!), it was fun and only slightly painful playing for this. Word has it that it was me whistling on one of the songs too! I can't wait to do Act 2 of SHEILA VALENTINE and see this thing get to Broadway!

As for me, I'm staying busy as always. Besides orchestrating RUDOLF in Budapest this past spring, I'm still hard at work on the 'Metal Messiah,' which is a rock version of Handel's classic piece. I'm co-producing and orchestrating the album, which also will be a PBS style video and then a tour going out a year from this holiday season. I'm also doing some more arranging for guitar great Earl Klugh. My big project is that I'm starting to publish a lot of the pieces I've written and arranged over the years. No… no Linda charts. Those are hers and hers alone, but I have several things for Pops orchestra and several brass pieces getting ready to go 'out there' for the first time! Look on my Web site (www.KimScharnberg.com) for more information in a few months."

Linda's multi-talented band members are always quite busy with other projects when they are not on the road with Linda.

Dan Levine tells THE VOICE, "I've been busy working on the new series of Dunkin Donuts commercials as a player and orchestrator. I also performed and made a DVD with Jay-Z at Radio City Music Hall and have been doing some recording and performing with my old pals, They Might Be Giants."

Barry Danielian tells THE VOICE, "2006 has proven to be a busy year for me. I recorded with Tony Bennett on the upcoming 'duets' CD; performed at Radio City with Jay-Z and the Roots; and performed at Carnegie Hall with Sting, Billy Joel and James Taylor for the Rainforest Foundation. I am currently in rehearsals for Barbra Streisand's US tour and am working on my second CD. I am also the lead trumpet player for the hit musical, THE COLOR PURPLE." Visit Barry's Web site at www.barrydanielian.com.

John Meyer's life has been quite exciting since we interviewed him for THE VOICE last year when Linda recorded one of the songs he wrote for Judy Garland, "I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning." He welcomes the chance to update Linda's fans. John told us, "I've been very busy since I was interviewed for THE VOICE as Linda prepared for the release of BY MYSELF: THE SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND. I was thrilled to be able to attend Linda's Carnegie Hall performance in November and to hear her sing my songs as well as other 'Judy songs.'

The new edition of Heartbreaker, the story of the time I spent with Judy Garland, was released in May, and since then I've done one radio interview and three readings at library fundraisers in both East Hampton and West Hampton. I bring my keyboard and get everyone to sing along with one of Judy's songs, 'For Me And My Gal.' On November 26, 2006, I'll be at the Jewish Association for the Aged (JASA) at 1 p.m. For further information call (212) 273-5304.

I've also adapted the story into a nightclub show with a superb singer/actress, Paty Lombard. We tell the story and sing five of my original songs, plus a few of Judy's standards. Paty is able to evoke the Garland spirit without doing any kind of impersonation. For me it's stimulating acting the part of John (myself) against Paty's Judy. We're repeating the show on October 23 and 24, 2006, at The Metropolitan Room on West 22nd Street at 9:30 p.m. For more information call (212) 206-0440. (A special note from the EDER-tors: GO!!! We saw the show in June — it's wonderful!)

The best part has been hearing from people who've reacted to Heartbreaker by e-mailing me. One guy called it 'the best book about Judy — yes!' Another said 'it's like discovering a pristine shipwreck.' I think he means 'Perfectly Preserved.' Some people have even taken me to task for bad language. But, hey, that's the way it was.

I'd be happy to hear from interested parties, both pro and con, at jmeyr@earthlink.net or www.judygarlandheartbreaker.com. I'd like to thank the marvelous Ellen Jacobs, Amanda Christensen, and Lori Phelan, EDER-tors of THE VOICE, for the chance to communicate with Linda's fans once again."

Many fans have had the great pleasure of attending a "Two For The Road" show since it first debuted more than a year ago. Linda Eder and Michael Feinstein are truly a "match made in heaven!" Check out the "Two For Review" page for enlightening interviews with Michael and Linda, fan reviews and exclusive pictures from the show.

Karel is a renowned radio talk show host from California and a huge fan of Linda Eder. He has had an interesting and varied career and has had the honor of having Linda on his show several times. He was so gracious as we spoke with him about his career, personal life and connection with Linda.

Fan Heather Hunt was very fortunate to attend the graduation at Central Lakes College where Linda received her honorary degree this spring and to hear Linda give the commencement speech to the lucky graduates. As you will see in this issue's Guest Reporter feature, Linda was very inspiring and made a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Also as a special treat for the fans, we've included a video of Linda delivering the commencement speech! Check it out for a limited time.

Some of the fans really showed their imagination and creativity, as you will see from the entries in "THE VOICE Beau-TEE-ful Fashion!" Summer 2006 Contest. Congratulations to all the participants! Don't forget to send in your votes for the winner!

Fan Corner is once again filled with great pictures and messages to Linda from all over the world. It's always wonderful to hear from old fans and new fans as well! It's the fans who continuously show their support for Linda and her career, and who make THE VOICE possible.

We'd like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to this edition of THE VOICE.

To Linda: We are so grateful for your continuous support of THE VOICE. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you for your inspiration to hold the auction for Pets Alive. The task looked monumental in the beginning, but we did it!

To Andy Ezrin: It's great to have you back where you belong! Thank you for offering the fans a glimpse into your life and career. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.

To Michael Feinstein: You may love a piano, but we love you! The "Two For The Road" tour has been nothing less than delightful. Your knowledge of the Great American Songbook astounds us. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.

To Ronan Tynan: You are an inspiration to us all. We can't thank you enough for sharing your story with THE VOICE. It was an honor and a pleasure speaking with you.

To Karel: Our interview with you was a joy! It was great to get your perspective as a fan, as well as a respected media professional… and on top of that, it was just so much fun! Thank you.

To Heather Hunt: You did a fabulous job reporting on Linda's commencement speech. Thank you for helping us to get such great pictures, too!

To Toni Alterman, Gerry Cardwell and Judi Mc Cabe: Congratulations on winning the Day at Pets Alive with Linda, and thank you for sharing you thoughts on the experience. It was fun! Your generosity has helped to make a true difference at Pets Alive.

To Our "Special Friends of THE VOICE"- Jack Murphy, Kim Scharnberg, John Meyer, Dan Levine, Barry Danielian, and David Finck: Whenever we ring the bell, we can always count on you to answer! Thank you for helping to keep THE VOICE current and interesting for our readers.

To Ronni and Dave Hart, Jill Siegel and Jeffery Osborne: As always, thank you so much for your behind-the-scenes help and support. You make our job much easier!

To All Linda's Fans: Thank you for your interest in THE VOICE. Without you, we would not have such a wonderful newsletter. Please check out the "Future Issue" page to see how you can get involved. Keep those photos and messages coming! We always look forward to hearing from you.

Happy reading!

Warmest regards,
THE VOICE EDITORIAL STAFF
Amanda Christensen (Webmistress and Editor), Ellen Jacobs (Editor) and Lori Phelan (Editor)

We would love to hear from you! Please write to THE VOICE at lethevoice@comcast.net
or feel free to share your comments in THE VOICE section of the Linda Eder Message Board.