http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ6XuvoKtBE

I've always been enamored with this song and James Taylor. I think I'm in good company in that regard, with my three favorites, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon. Here's my dreamy and heartfelt version of Fire and Rain, filmed in my parent's living room, with the help up my dear and talented friends, David and Ruby Sketchley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns4SPRUAIy8

I pay tribute to Joni Mitchell in my personal Christmas Greeting to you. I sing my own unique arrangement of the classic song River from our living room in Los Angeles CA. Merry Christmas! love, Christine

Great news! The Creative Arts Emmy Ceremony was held Saturday night at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles and 'Autism: The Musical' was the big winner of the evening, receiving the award for Outstanding Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Picture Editing. Yes, there is justice in this world! Congratulations to director Tricia Regan, the producers, the kids and families. Thank you all for bringing attention to this modern-day epidemic, celebrating the value of the human spirit in overcoming any challenge, and for letting me have a small part in it.

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will air on Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 p.m. on E!

www.autismthemusical.com

'Autism: The Musical' has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special, directing, cinematography, picture editing, and sound editing.

Wow, this is sooo exciting! I'm happy especially for director, Tricia Regan, for her three well-deserved nominations, she did camera work too – and five total for the film, the most nominated nonfiction feature at this year's Emmys!

As for my voice student Lexi, who is featured in the film, she loves singing for the pure love of it and none of this attention ruffles her feathers. Her Dad Joe recently sent me an e-mail describing an evening where Lexi sang at a benefit, the 10th annual "HollyRod" foundation event in Malibu. A foundation started by Holly & Rod Peete to raise money for Parkinson's & Autism. Here's an excerpt that lets you know exactly what I mean:

"Lexi, backed by the Rickey Minor band (American Idol, Grammy Awards), sang "Fly" - one of the solos she sings in "Autism: The Musical" (nominated for 5 Emmys). Of course Lex rocked - perfect pitch thru out and when she belted out the final notes, Magic Johnson stood and cheered - the rest of the crowd followed - standing ovation!…of course - all she cared about was meeting everyone. It's very funny when a celebrity approaches, calls Lex by her name, and she replies - "what's your name?"

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held Saturday, September 13th at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. It will air on Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 p.m. on E!



Check out these links for fun!

www.autismthemusical.com

www.rickeyminor.com

Autism: The Musical premieres on HBO Tuesday, March 25th at 8PM.
I’m so excited; my voice student Lexi is one of the kids featured
in the film! I’m proud of her and working with her has been an
amazing experience for me. The film is inspirational and
concentrates on acceptance, tolerance and understanding. It’s
getting rave reviews and many awards. There are even some scenes in
the film of one of our voice lessons, so don’t miss it! If you
don’t have HBO, you are still in luck. The movie will be
streaming from the website, as a public service.

In my podcast I talk about how working with Lexi has inspired me.
You can download the podcast and also read the transcript on my
website.

Go here to download the podcast-
http://www.christinerosander.com/media.html

Here is an excerpt-

LUNDSTEN:…Rosander teaches voice to a girl with autism named Lexi.
Both of them were recently part of a documentary.

ROSANDER: It’s about several autistic kids. They come together and
they do a musical. So it’s called Autism: The Musical. They follow
the students around and one of the things they do is they came to
Lexi’s voice lesson.

LUNDSTEN: She says working with Lexi has taught her a lot.

ROSANDER: She just has the agenda to sing the music, to enjoy the
music for the pure love of the music, without worrying what other
people think of her. One of my goals, or something that I’m coming
to in my journey of music is just that I really, I put too much
emphasis on it: I need to sing well, I need to play well, I
need...you know...but rather it’s better to let it happen and enjoy
the process. The way that Lexi sings the music it’s more of a
surrender.

Go here to learn more about Autism: The Musical-
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/autism/index.html

What's your resolution for 2008? I've never liked making resolutions and tend to get a little down this time of year. I often remember what I should forget-my disappointments, hurts and failures-and forget what I should remember-my victories, successes and the good times. So, this year I resolve to focus on the future and give my dreams a new beginning. I will keep pressing, believing and keep singing the song that God has put in my heart. I'm grateful to all of you for your support of me; you make what I do possible. I'll be at The Temple Bar on Jan. 9th, at 10 p.m. to kick off 2008, so join me as I sing those songs, remember the victories and celebrate the future.

Yay! There are 3 songs from the CD Release Party up on YouTube; Good Boy, Smooth Ride and Kitten. You can also view the video on my website and on my MySpace page. I'm so lucky, I have a great video guy, Ali, who did a wonderful 3 camera shoot. I'll be adding more songs from time to time, just to savor the moment. I can hardly contain myself because each song is so yummy good, yes truly scrumptious! Just take a quick look; I'm sure you'll agree.

The Press/Review page has also been updated, so take a minute to poke around and read what's new. And don't forget to order or download the CD today! It's not to late to give "Smooth Ride" as a gift or just enjoy it yourself.

Finally, thanks for all the support you've given me this year and all those who have gone above and beyond; I am grateful, blessed and excited about the future.

I'm excited, I'm thrilled, I'm jumping up and down-the CD is available on iTunes, CD baby, Emusic and Napster! If you didn't get one at the CD Release Party or of you want extra copies for stocking stuffers, here's your chance. Also there are exclusive bonus tracks. That means on iTunes you can download not only the CD, but my fast swing arrangement of Billie Holiday's "Tell Me More and More (And Then Some)". On Emusic the bonus track is "No One Will Be The Wiser" which is my original inspired by Nina Simone-you'll hear why if you're a Nina fan. On Napster there is the bonus of another original, co-written with Ronnie Shelton, "Air That I Breathe". This song has a little Sade, smooth jazz influence.

I'm so happy to share this music with you. It is a reflection of me, my growth as a musician and person, and even surrender to the perfect timing of things. I'm ecstatic about the experiences I have already had and the journey that awaits me with this new album. Surrender yourself to the music and allow me to take you on a journey with "Smooth Ride".

I have been asked to be part of the 10th Anniversary Los Angeles Birthday Tribute honoring Jeff Buckley. Jack Osborne will host the event, which will be held at The Key Club on Thursday Nov. 15th. Apparently Jack found great support in Jeff's music as it helped him get through a difficult time at rehab. All proceeds to benefit The Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which is owned by Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is a charity that was hand picked by Mary Guibert, Jeff's Mother, and is one that he would have been greatly supportive of.
I will be singing "Grace", the title track to Jeff's only finished and internationally released album. I'm honored and hope to do the song justice while giving it a bit of my own style. I'll have an outstanding band supporting me, featuring Zane Carney and Bob Tucker on guitars, Jane Getz on keyboard, Edwin Livingston on bass and Kendall Kay on drums. There will also be performances by Rocco Deluca, numerous local artists and special surprise guests, all the makings of a memorable night!

Thanks to everyone who made the CD release party a success!
I am blessed. The night was truly a gift to me, reminding me of all the love that surrounds and supports me. My parents came down from Elk Grove and I leaned on them heavily. I was sad to see them go on Friday morning and we had a teary goodbye. I'm the luckiest girl to have such wonderful parents. Also for friends who gave support, far and above, I am forever grateful. Thanks for delivering CDs to the club, sending flowers, congratulations, messages of encouragement and many prayers. For the folks at Much and House PR who sent out a gazillion press kits, made calls, and even stalked people when necessary to get the job done.
Albane Navizet, my dear friend and photographer, took amazing photos, helped with the set up on stage and was ready with much needed input when I was indecisive. The band is amazing. Anders and Rich are both solid, our foundation, completely reliable, both nice and fun to boot! Mika rehearsed the vocals with me, helped me stuff envelopes and send out fliers, drove me around and brought over dinner! Bob and Jane have been generous with their time, rehearsing, helping me with promotion and even driving to my house to help me unload my equipment. I felt musically and emotionally in the very best of hands, supported and free to express myself, allowed to stretch and completely surrender to the music. I enjoyed every minute of the evening.

Much love, big hug and kiss, Christine

P.S The CD will be for sale on the website very soon, in just a few days, yay!