Some people measure their lives by years, some by success in career or by money. I measure my life by friends. They are my very treasured capital. This page is dedicated to all my fine friends who live simply and share their talent, bringing a joy and warmth to everyone around them. These people I love - they are all my people!

My special words are for my only sibling - big sister Natasha. She is always my first audience (right by the phone!), my objective and ironic critic (judge), my most sensitive and grateful admirer (fan). I’ll always be her “baby sister” - what she still calls me.

Of course I appreciate my husband Peter. This website would not exist and my songs would not be done if not for him. It’s hard to imagine life without him - period.
Starting from his youth and until now he has been playing drums in different bands. Also he learned how to play keyboard and guitar. He is professional video engineer, but music was always his passion. His hearing ability is amazing and he has very refined taste. His music collection opened for me so many interesting things and names in different genres.
Peter has developed a great interest and knowledge about Russian culture and history. When my aunt first met him she exclaimed: “ He is not an American, he is our “kazak”! Peter liked it and since then he considers himself a “kazak.”

What can I say about my good friend, Kamila Shachtachtinskaya? She is a Pianist with a capital P! Whenever she plays, whether an official concert or in somebody’s living room, it strikes everyone with the music coming from her soul. I always cry when she plays “Island of Joy” by Debussi because I know how fragile is her own island of joy, and how vulnerable is her soul. Recently Kamila recorded a disc of classical piano music. I’m proud to be a little part of it by writing the historical notes about the recorded pieces.
(www.kamilapiano.com)

Nadya Koslova (Zarembo) is very kind and easy person. When she reaches for something she never stops. She came to America as a professional musician – domrist. (domra is a Russian folk instrument similar to mandolin). After further study, she received a Masters degree as conductor and organist.
Some time ago her friends were joking about her being a virtuoso - that she can play the domra holding a pick between her pinky and ring finger. I’m sure she can! 

I also would like to mention Alexander Roldugin with whom I went to a music college. He and his wife Lidia are my close friends. Sasha is a very intelligent and charismatic person as well as a very bright bayanist (bayan is a Russian accordion with buttons instead of keys). He is a winner of many international competitions and festivals. He is also producer and lead player of a very unique ensemble of folk Russian instruments called “Mosaic”.
(Listen to ensemble “Mosaic”)

Natasha Carr is a wonderful pianist from Lipetsk. She has also become a very talented artist since she came to America and tried her hand at painting. Now her exhibits are highly successful and her beautiful still life pictures are in high demand. (www.natashagallery.com)

Kenny Albright, Greg Metzler, Ron Lane, and Josh Lief are guys who played with Peter in a band called “The Empty Hats.” After losing contact for 23 years, they organized a reunion in August of 2004. They played again in front of their fans and friends. It was a very touching and exciting moment! Watching these mature, balding, and happy men who were full of young and positive energy, I knew that this is what life is all about! Since then we try to get together occasionally, and we highly value our rediscovered friendship.
(listen to "The Empty Hats”)

Pete McCoy is a man of many talents with an infectiously positive attitude and amazing sense of humor. My husband played with him in a band called “The Healers” from 1994 to 1997 in Virginia. Pete is a soulful vocalist, guitarist, song writer and leader, and was the prime reason for the success of the band. We always have a great time on the rare occasions that we visit Pete and his wonderful family.
(Listen to The Healers and Pete McCoy)

Norman Jenkins was keyboardist/vocalist in the Healers. His rock-n-roll improvisations were so creative and outstanding but when I found out that he taught himself to play piano, I started doubting my own musical education.
Even though we have moved to different parts of the country, we never lost connection with each other. Norman and his wife, Debra, have recorded a number of great tunes. (You can listen to them here.)

I would like to mention Dennis Klee – a solid musician, song writer, and the owner/host of “Harmonious Monks,” a very unique nightclub in Jacksonville. What makes Harmonious Monks different is that the wait staff IS the band – and all of them are talented! I am always amazed how Dennis can get the whole place rocking. Once in a while Peter will sit in on the drums – it’s wonderful to watch them play.
(listen to Dennis' songs)
Dennis’ wife, Toni is my wonderful friend - very energetic, helpful and thoughtful. She writes children’s stories which are kind and clear as her soul.

Lena Bredis is the most readable journalist of “Lipetzkaya gazeta” (Lipetsk newspaper). She is a fighter and a very decent person who is not afraid to write the truth. It was her initiative that inspired me to write articles-observations about my life in America. She is also an author of fine and philosophical songs.
(listen to Lena’s songs)

Alla Korobova is my oldest friend. Our families were neighbors when we were growing up. We read the same books, went to the same school and music college. Alla is a pianist and beautiful soprano. She is also an historical-archivist. Her articles and selections of archive pictures got published in a great Russian historical magazine - “Rodina”.
www.istrodina.com

Lena Svezhenseva is a warm sunshine from my childhood. She appreciates and values every moment of life, and is a tireless traveler and adventurer. Lena has a special talent to capture, with her camera, amazing moments in the mountains, under water and just in every day life.

I also remember a very gifted and modest guitarist Vitaly Monachov, who accompanied my songs at several concerts.

I want to also mention talented artist Vladimir Kudryashov whose fantastic water color pictures decorate our home.

Of course, I appreciate my understanding and faithful friend Tanya Alatkina who is so welcoming during my visits to Russia.

Galya Sevostianova, Lena Chavez, Sergey and Alla Mazur, Zema Rustamova, Irina and Yuri Anikin, Sergey Zarembo, Iya and Leo Dickinson, Alexandra Stolyarsky and Yuri Turovsky, Ivonne and John Jenkins.  It’s all these people with whom I’m living on the same wavelength and with whom I can be myself. They are truly a pleasure to be with.

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