To start off the REAL new millennium, I decided to drop the name "piano with a twist" as the title of my show. My decision was based on two realizations. First, even after 5 years, some people did not understand what "piano with a twist" meant. (Ah, what seems so simple to some, totally baffles others.) Second, with the release of the CD, I did not want any confusion about what I was trying to promote. "piano with a twist" was just a live show that pays the bills. Michael Kontras is the CD that illustrates where my heart is as it relates to the world of music. My goal is to have my CD generate enough interest in my music to get it in front people in the industry who can help me. This is part two of "The Plan".

Each is an entity in and of itself but both are still part of "The Plan". Michael Kontras, the live show for 2001, will now include more of the music from the CD. Eventually, my hope is that Michael Kontras, the CD, is the musical entity that takes over and gets me past "paying the bills". On January 25, the CDs finally arrived. I'm now using the new logo on business cards, stationary, letterheads, envelopes and even as my new backdrop on stage.

My son, Adam, was back in town for a few days in April. He spent a night video taping my show so that he could put together a promotional video for me. It occurred to him that during this year and this year only, he would be exactly half my age. Because of this occasion, we decided he should perform with me. As I write this, I realize I will be 80 years old when this moment occurs with my other son, Kenny.

A picture may have to suffice.

On April 29, 2001, I was asked to perform music from my CD at church. This was a very exciting morning. I had never before performed in such a venue and I must say, it did make me a little nervous.

The music director for the church selected the songs for the services. I was quite pleased with her choices. The congregation's response was overwhelming. "Lonna's Theme" received standing ovations at both services.

I was able to meet with many members of the congregation after each service. Several people purchased CDs. The book & music store in the church is also carrying the CD. The entire morning was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for a long time. To learn more about this wonderful church, please go to: www.UnityofColumbus.org

On May 9, for the first time ever in all of my musical career, a local newspaper did an article on me. The photo was FRONT PAGE. (You can't ask for more than that!) It briefly touches on my many years in the business and that I am in the "...elite circle of musicians who make their living from music...". It mentions the CD several times and how it has the "...sound of movie theme songs". Also in the article I'm accurately quoted as saying "I'd love to have the opportunity to write one theme song..." and "I didn't get into the business to become a star. I did it because I love what I do" . Now, if a little 'stardom' comes my way, I'm sure I will adjust.

A reunion of my old group "Reflection" occurred in June. The sister of the bassist saw the newspaper article on me. She contacted me through my website and told me her brother was coming into town from Nashville. I immediately contacted the other members of the group. We all gathered at one of my gigs. Everyone got up and sang a song and we all did one together as well. It was a great night. The actual photo was taken at the reunion and the addition of the head shots shows what we looked like 26 years ago.

After nearly three years of having people ask me if I have any CDs of my live show I finally had the time to put together a collection of tunes for a new CD.\ Many of the songs were previously released on a two cassette set of tapes back in 1999. Back then, I had only cassettes made and many people wanted a CD. So here it is!

All of the recordings on the CD are from a live show except for No. 19. This one unique recording is the May, 1978 studio version of "Mack the Knife" when I was in the group Reflection. I digitally copied the recording straight from a brand new 45 rpm single. The sound quality is very impressive. There was very little vinyl "noise" since it was the first time the record had ever been played. I am still amazed at the continued popularity of this tune after all these years. E-mail me for a FREE COPY of this CD!

My CD was featured at this year's huge Annual Greek Festival.

I attended, signing copies as they sold.

I am up at 7:30 this morning. I make sure Kenny has everything for his day at school. He leaves the house at 7:50.

"He's lucky" I thought. "All he has to do is hop the fence in the back yard and he's on school grounds."

I cook my usual 2 egg sandwiches and eat breakfast while watching an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" that I taped last night. Around 8:30 I pour a cup of decaf and head for the office. God knows I have plenty to do.

Around 8:50, Lonna calls from her office. "Hi sweetie."

"Hey. What's up?" I ask.

"Have you got the TV on?" she asks, with a certain uneasiness in her voice.

"No. Why?" I reply, puzzled by her tone and the call.

"A plane just crashed into the World Trade Center."

"Oh no" I gasped, reaching over to turn on the 5" black and white TV on my desk. I couldn't believe what she was telling me. "When did this happen?"

"Just a couple of minutes ago. They think we're under attack by terrorists."

"Dear God, they're probably right. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I guess. I need to get back to work...if I can. I just thought I'd call to tell you."

"Yeah...huh...okay" I mumbled. I couldn't take my eyes off the tiny screen. "I'll talk to you later, honey. I...I love you"

"Love you too." she said, then hung up.