Jim Rice, Ed Loder, Valerie, and Maestra Janita Hauk of The Charlotte Symphony

My fiance Ed Loder and I put together a hurricane benefit for the victims of the hurricanes that plagued Southwest Florida on September 26th, 2004. We raised over $5,000 at this show . As an encore of our 7PM show, we got married ON STAGE as the grand finale. The ceremony was performed by our music director (also an ordained minister) Jim Rice.  THIS was truly the happiest moment of my life.
 

Valerie a few years back

This picture was taken by a great photographer, Brennan Cipro, of The Southbridge News for an article that was being written for my very first one woman show. I LOVE how he made my 5'3" person look 6'.  MUAH Brennan!

Valerie in 2003

This picture was taken by a marvelous journalist out of Punta Gorda, FL, Gordon Bower.  Gordon's photographer was on vacation and so he was forced to take the pictures.  So many people have complimented this picture that I figured it would be fun to share it.

Valerie, Valerie's Mom, and Al Holland

This picture was taken following my debut POPS performance with The Charlotte Symphony.  I had the wonderful opportunity to sing with this professional orchestra under the baton of Maestra Janita Hauk.  We had an audience of nearly 4,000.  The show was performed under the stars at The Edison College Campus in Punta Gorda, FL.

Valerie singing with the POPS

I sure was having a good time being backed by these amazing musicians.  I was singing "I'm Gonna Was That Man Right Out Of My Hair" from South Pacific.  This evening was the highlight of my performance career.

Val and her husband Edward

This is a picture of my husband and me.  Isn't he dreamy???

Jim Rice

The pianist and music director on my "Let Me Be Strong" debut CD.
(photo by Brennan Cipro)

Steve Marchena

The guitarist on my "Let Me Be Strong" debut CD.
(photo by Brennan Cipro)

Steve Skop

The bass player on my "Let Me Be Strong" debut CD.
(photo by Brennan Cipro)

Mick Lewander

The drum player on my "Let Me Be Strong" debut CD.
(photo by Brennan Cipro)

Chris Evans

The sound engineer on my "Let Me Be Strong" debut CD. (photo by Brennan Cipro)

Longview Studio Farms

The room where we recorded the "live" takes on my
"Let Me Be Strong" debut CD.
(photo by Brennan Cipro)