Welcome to BettyComora.com

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Betty Comora playing Washboard with legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel!

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Betty Comora

BETTY COMORA

BIOGRAPHY

Versatile BETTY COMORA is a singer, writer, actor who plays piano and --would you believe -- washboard! . She "comes to the aid of the party" with enthusiasm and a good sense of humor." Betty moved from Paramus, NJ in 1999 to Sarasota, Fl.

She's pianist/vocalist for SUNDAYJAZZ LUNCH at Cafe' Palm, 1341 Main St. Sarasota 11:30 am to 1:30 . No cover charge. See gig/blog for more info.

After years of playing with top forty bands, she now focuses on her favorite style of music --JAZZ of the 1920's-40's. Dixieland, Swing, Ballads and Big Band. She's been featured in jazz festivals and events throughout the United States plus London and Stockholm. She is booked for a return engagement in the prestigious annual Suncoast Jazz Classic Festival. Clearwater, FL, November, 2012. Web: SuncoastJazzClassic.com for complete details.

Betty produced dozens of Jazz Concerts in NJ and NY featuring top artists including; John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Cohn, Ronny Whyte, Warren Vache', "The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band", Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, "The Speakeasy Jazz Babies" and many others.

As Entertainment Co-ordinator (and singing MC) of several NJ clubs, she helped build business by booking the best musicians AND staying within the allotted budget. This kept both musicians and club owners in business...happily.

Guests on "Betty's Jazz Pix" radio show (WFDU), in the 1990's in NJ and NYC, included Dick Hyman, Ken Burns, Ed Polcer, Darryl Sherman, Jack Petersen, Cynthia Sayer, Ruby Vinson, Vince Giordano, Bucky Pizzarelli plus others. You can hear these shows by going to the RADIO page of the site.

NJ Entertainment Guide wrote "There's no typecasting for this musical chameleon. One night she's a throwback to the sophisticated '40s, playing cool jazz piano and singing tunes reminiscent of Billie Holiday and Lee Wiley. The next night, bedecked in flapper dress and feather boa, she's tearing up the house with a rowdy version of 'Hard Hearted Hannah'."

Betty Sokolow grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ, married Owen Comora and raised Michael, Cathy and David in Paramus, NJ. She and Owen (now 'The Birdman of Myakka Park) are grandparents to Ben, Emily, Sage and Teddy.

As Associate Producer for the PBS documentary ,"Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories", Betty interviewed celebrities including Walter Cronkite, Cousin Brucie, John Sebastion, and many others. Award winning documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, narrated the film and Betty wrote some music for the soundtrack. This was a labor of love for Betty who recalled fond memories working (at 14) in the cotton candy booth there.

Betty became Vice President of an award-winning NYC TV Publicity firm 1989 to 1999. Starting the business as a two person operation, she was bookkeeper, contact person, took celebrities to dinner to interview them, wrote promo releases to the National Press -- and also slept with the President (of the firm)-- Owen Comora Associates (for which she was highly rewarded). Google it.

Since moving to Sarasota, some favorite acting roles have been: as Hattie singing "Broadway Baby" in both The Players Theater and Manatee Theater's "Sondheim's Follies", and in Jeffery Kin's "Pete's Repair Shop" in both Manatee Theater and The Players Theater where, as "Grandma" she played piano, banjo and washboard and spoons. A role made in heaven!

After taking playwriting classes in 2007, Betty wrote "PAPA", her first script (based on true life), It was performed by The Meadows Players three times and very well received. She wrote and produced "A Mixed Blessing, an American Fairytale". This 13 minute film is on Youtube. It's used in discussion groups (free) and focuses on the controversy of celebrating religious holidays in public schools -- and how it effects youngsters who feel left out.

"FANNY BRICE TELLS ALL" is the latest project. Betty wrote and performs this one hour show for house parties and community and fundraising events. See the 'Fanny' page on this website for details.

Betty produces "UP UNTIL NOW" videos. Check the page on this website. It's a painless and pleasurable way for people who want to share their lifetime memories with family and/or friends. "We never knew the stories my Mom shared with you. We love watching her come to life on our TV", (Anne Sozo, CT)

"BIG, EXCITING TRIP COMING UP in June, 2012 ! Betty is the guest vocalist/washboard player with the dixieland band, "CANAMGER" (Canada, America, Germany) google them to see schedule, and hear music. This terrific group is returning to Germany for the fourth year to play in Jazz Festivals.

**** If you are looking to book solo piano/vocal, duo, trio, quartet, small or full dixieland groups and a big 16 piece band....give Betty a call. "WE CAN STRETCH OR SHRINK TO FIT YOUR BUDGET"

FOR A SAMPLE OF THE MUSIC: Click the CD page of this website.

For more information regarding ANYTHING -- contact Betty directly.
3310 Sandleheath, Sarasota, FL 34235 Telephone: 941- 378-5166 or click here EMAIL BETTY