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Whisper Room’s closing brings Brooke Alford to Karma Bistro

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Churchill Grounds’ Whisper Room is no misnomer. For 10 years, the small-capacity setting hosted some of jazz music’s biggest names — and the staff would indeed shush you for speaking too loudly as the music played. But as of July 31, the Whisper Room is no more.

While Brooke “Viosocalist” Alford was to be among the accomplished musicians such as Freddie Cole and Russell Gunn that have played at the Whisper Room, the violinist’s show will now take place at Karma Bistro (formerly Echelon 3000) on Thursday, Aug. 15, 8 p.m.

And jazz will play on at Churchill Grounds — which is a couple doors down from the Fox Theatre — but on the cafe side, just as it did with the venue first opened.

Alford’s release party and performance are in honor of her second album, The Viosocalist. Expect violin versions of soul and R&B classics such as Mary J. Blige’s “Love No Limit,” Beyonce’s “Deja Vu,” and Jill Scott’s “Golden.”

Alford has performed with plenty of adult contemporary and smooth jazz artists including Najee, Will Downing and Frank McComb, and has shared the stage with James Ingram, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Alex Bugnon.

Here’s a video to give you a taste of what Alford, her band, Refresh, and their surprise guests will have in store next week. Get your tickets in advance if you can.

ChanteSez … I could use a million bucks!

Posted by on in ChanteSez Tip of the DayLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but I could use a million bucks. Now here’s a question: Is there a difference between a million bucks and $1 million?

If you’re thinking that one is wild game, I guess you’re technically correct.

But I’m thinking more in terms of colloquialisms such as “bucks” and “ducats” vs. dollar-dollar bills.

When you’re referring to actual, countable dollar amounts, use the dollar symbol ($). Another tip: Don’t double up on the dollars. There’s no need to repeat “dollars” if you’re using the dollar sign. (Wrong: I could use $1 million dollars.)

If you’re generalizing or making grand statements, drop the dollar sign and use whatever slang term you want.

Here are a few examples:

The foundation raised more than $1.5 million as a direct result of her leadership.

“This deficit situation is beyond my imagination. I can’t even think of what a billion trillion dollars looks like.”

The price for a new Porsche Panamera ranges from $78,100 and $161,100 depending on the features.

Now let’s go make millions!