"...the ladies were treated to humor, music and song performed by the talented Cali Rose.  Blessed with a wide vocal range, nimble fingers on the keyboard and a sweet but frisky sense of humor, Ms. Rose performed from a huge repertoire of songs from the 20th Century and a comfortable personal history of amusing anecdotes and observations on the conditions of women." 
Lillian Smith (excerpted from the Agua Dulce/Acton Country Journal)

"We were delighted by the entertainment you provided and everyone has commented what a wonderful performance you put on.  You are indeed a multitalented performer and provided all that you are noted for as a singer, a pianist, a storyteller and comedienne."    California Federation of Women's Clubs

"We all want to Thank You for providing us with such a great time. We had so many great comments from the members, they felt it was the best Holiday Luncheon ever."  Ford E. of The Bank of America Retirees Club

"WILD CALI ROSE" interview by Stephen M. Fry (in the Culver City News and Blue Pacific News/March 25, 2005)
For my continuing series of interviews with local musicians, I recently talked to Cali Rose, a very busy singer and entertainer who accompanies herself on piano.  She is a long-time Culver City resident whose husband teaches at Venice High School.  As a performer, she is personable, witty and sometimes just a bit naughty, and she is a splendid pianist.  She writes a lot of her own humorous songs reflecting the quirks and peculiarities of our society.  I chatted with her over lunch in Culver City.  Click to read the rest of the interview

"What a great evening!  Everyone loved you and the "group" participation was wonderful."  
Helen C. of the Top Notch Senior Club of Gardena, CA  

"My father couldn't say enough about you.  He thinks you're wonderful.   It's so wonderful the way you bring such joy to these seniors."
Linda C. after a show at Westwood Horizons

On Friday afternoons
We always hear some tunes
When a performer comes, plays the piano and sings
And also says some funny things
One lady who comes is quite a star
She used to play and sing at a piano bar
Music books she's not needing
Plays all the songs without reading
Sometimes she picks up her ukulele
Sings Hawaiian songs as she strums it gaily
One resident she'd often tease
The audience it never failed to please
The resident's name was Seymour
She would ask him, "do you really see more?"

This poem about Cali is written by Jane G. Watson from (as she calls it), The Generic Retirement Home
in the Generic San Fernando Valley

"On behalf of all of the members fortunate to have been at your program on Tuesday....please accept my thunderous applause for giving us your very best!!!  The reports are in, and you were a huge success.  When you took time to speak with some of the members, you must know that it meant so much to them.  Thank you for that very special touch.  I enjoyed having a chance to chat with you before the program, and that gave me great pleasure as well.  Have a great Summer rest, if possible, and don't change an iota of your greatness!"  Ginger C. of the Pacific Palisades Woman's Club

"What can I say!  You are the best!  The best singer, the best pianist, the best humorist, the best entertainer and most charming and beautiful person I've ever met.  On behalf of our Auxiliary Board and all Auxilians in attendance, I want to thank you for your wonderful performance, ('the best ever' comments) at our Auxiliary General meeting on July 19, 2008.  Your repertoire selections of songs from the movies were perfect for our 'Salute to Hollywood' theme.  Your superb rendition of our beloved songs were much appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.  And we certainly all has a good time."  
Ella L from Olive View-UCLA Hospital Auxiliary

"...we wish to express our appreciation for the lively, song-comedy routine you presented at our luncheon.  The manner in which you intermingled the various songs and included members of the audience as well was an enjoyable treat to all." 
ARCO Retirees of Long Beach

"Thank you Cali and Craig, you are both beautiful people to work for and with.  What a gift both of you are to the world of music." Mahalo and Aloha Nui Loa, from our family to yours, John Kitakis.  (Both Cali and her husband Craig are artist endorsers for The Ko'olau Guitar and Ukulele Company, the splendid artisans in Hawaii who made our ukuleles.)

"...Just a brief note to say 'Thanks Again' for your special gift of musical entertainment!  Every performance is a gift of joy.  Your visits brighten the lives of so many.  Blessings dear heart."  Fondly, Sharon C. of The Gardena Senior Center

"Thanks so much for giving our seniors at St. Matthew's such a fine performance yesterday.  You did it just right!  They loved your songs (which you knew were their songs), and your jokes and your keyboard playing.  You must have noticed they were smiling the whole time.  And I was really astonished that you were able to get them to sing along and even spell out LOVE with their bodies." Elinor O. of L.A. Today Custom Tours

"You did a fantastic job and helped make our 50th a night to remember.  We've had so many positive comments from friends, relatives and family.  You helped make everything complete.  Thanks so much."  Marcia and Jerry H.

"You were superb!  Thank you so much for putting on an awesome show on Sunday for the guests at our Temple Beth David Sisterhood Donor Luncheon.  Everyone is still raving about your show."  Melanie A.  

"I don't think I've ever seen, or read, a more warm-feeling or inviting website.   I had no idea I would find such a work of art!    Wow!!  If you wanted to, with your talent and skill, and with that website, you could be working ALL THE TIME!!!  You've really done great things with your life and your talent, Cali, and I just wanted you to know how much I truly enjoyed your very beautiful website.   Your really poured yourself into it.  You can add me to your list of fans, too!"  Entertainer Barbara Leigh

"You were terrific and I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon.  Thanks so much for sharing your talents and great spirits with us at the event!"  Corey R., City of West Hollywood

"...we had such a wonderful time enjoying your fabulous show at the Thursday Morning Club luncheon!  Talk about talent and gorgeously professional abilities -- Egon and I never stopped talking about how much we enjoyed your fun, funny and absolutely sensational show!"  Marilyn R.

"All of you were just fabulous at our Culver City 90th Anniversary celebration. Everyone told me that you, collectively, made the party. Doug, the hotel manager, also said you were the best people they could imagine to perform for the event.  It was like a dream come true for me to have all of you, my most favorite friends and musicians, come to the hotel to entertain. What struck me about the evening was how diverse all your styles and performing personalities are, and what terrific musicians you all are. You are all also really wonderful people, and, as Cali sang last night, you all 'give me the shivering fits.'" Stephen Fry of The Culver City News

"You were absolutely wonderful, I will definitely invite you back and "sing" your praises.....Thank you for making last night such a special evening."  Miriam B. of Temple Kehillat

"I want to thank you for being with us at St. Matthew's.  You were a great comfort to all of us.  The Parrish has had a rash of serious illness and your music was just right for us at that time."  Rev. Betsy A. of The Parish of Saint Matthew in Pacific Palisades

"We loved your performance.  Very talented and very personal.  You're an excellent entertainer.  Your selection of material and your comfort with the audience was beautiful to watch and be part of."  John S. of Stephen S. Wise Temple
 
"Thank you very much for entertaining us at the El Segundo Women's Club.  We were delighted to have you and thoroughly enjoyed your performance.  Many of the ladies requested that we have you back again.  Gratefully,  Colleen J."

"...you were terrific and everyone was saying it was the best Members Only Party ever and I know it was all your doing.  Thank you for your humor, patience, singing and beautiful music.  It was just wonderful!" Long Beach Assistance League   
                                                                                       
"Cali Rose gave a wonderful performance {for the St. Jude Club} with her singing and piano selections of many old-time favorites.  Those that attended really appreciated her talents and showmanship...a great show." Leisure World, Seal Beach   

"The California Retired Teachers Association thanks you for entertaining us.  Your one woman show proved to be enjoyed by all." Mary S.

"I want to thank you so much for your brilliant performance Friday night.  You were so great.  You made lots of friends and admirers."  Frieda W. of Wise Seniors

"...thank you" for your beautiful entertainment and dialogue which many of our friends especially told us how nice it was to have the good music.  It really made the party, in spite of the cramped quarters.  I hope we'll see you one day soon again.  With warmest wishes to you for your sweet personality and beautiful talent.  Nancy and Gary M.

"Hi, Cali, I look forward to your second annual performance in Room 132!!  I'll be there with students!  You are a fantastic musician, singer, and entertainer!  With admiration, Phyllis"  (Cali presented a show for 11th grade U.S. History students on the music of World War II at Venice High School in Los Angeles--March 2005).  see photos

"...thank you for making our event so fun and successful.  Comments about the dinner on the next day usually started with:  'the entertainment was great.'  So again, thank you for your warmth and caring."  Mary Lou F. - Top Notch                                                                                                         
"Thank you for providing Vallecito residents with an evening of beautiful music.  You delighted all of us and I would recommend you to all regardless of age."  D. Lewolt

"You bring so much joy to everyone here. We really love you. You always lift the energy with your wonderful music and your amazing warm personality."  Lynda at Summerville, Chatsworth

"Thank you so much for bringing such joy to the lives of our seniors.  Your music has such wonderful energy to it and it is always a treat to have you entertain us."  Sharon C. of The Gardena Sernior Day Care Center

"Comments by the members indicated how much they enjoyed your music and other talents.  The sing alongs were great fun."    California Retired Teachers Association of Long Beach

"You brought such life and joy into their lives yesterday.  Each group participant left with a smile on his or her face.  I do not know if I made it clear to you that this was a group of holocaust survivors; even the most bitter of the group felt joy.  Thank you again."
The Westside Jewish Community Center

"Thanks so much for the giving my residents and us happiness with your beautiful voice.  You are always welcome in our homes."  Cathy of The Sanctuary

"The Eagle Vista Seniors enjoyed your keyboard playing and the chance to sing along with you.  And today the ladies were all talking about how you got the men involved."  P. Saul

"Thank you for a great time for our group last night.  You received "rave reviews" from the crowd."  Orange County S.C.O.R.E

"I can't tell you how exciting it was to hear you perform on the Queen Mary.  You are to be congratulated not only for your talent (which is considerable), but also for your style and grace.  You conduct yourself wonderfully with your audience.  It would be a pleasure to listen to you for hours!   D. Gill

"Approximately 100 retired teachers turned out at the Ebell club...Cali Rose, an extremely talented singer, pianist and comedienne, with a beautiful voice, nimble fingers and a quick wit, kept the audience entranced with her versions of some old favorites."                  
Long Beach Press Telegram

"Thanks for your uplifting performance.  The residents just love you."  G. Morgan

"That was a delightful program you prepared for our senior's meeting last week.  You have so much exuberance, it seems you enjoy performing as much as the audience enjoys hearing you.  You are so talented."  55+ Club

"Just a brief note to thank you for the wonderful show you gave us.  You were such a hit with all our volunteers and staff."  Alma Connors, City of Gardena

"Thank you for entertaining us so beautifully.  You express such joy as you play and sing.  The range of your voice is fantastic."    Palisades Seniors

Dear Cali:  You are the greatest -- we always have a good crowd for your shows, and you are a real entertainer.  You take time to make a real show and have a plan, and tell interesting things about the composers of the songs you have that time (often in their birthday months).  You are fun, and energetic, and all the things us old folks like.  Makes us think we are back out of the 80's and like we were when we had our wits, our energy, our muscles to dance and do things we can just watch and remember now.  How lucky we are to have you come and put up with us.   Fondly, Fran L.

"Well, you were a complete success, congratulations!  The women of the club were crazy about your performance.  You got rave reviews and several members expressed interest in having you work your magic for their future events."  Rossmoor Woman's Club

"Thank you soooo much for sharing your talents and caring with our residents.  We have heard nothing but raves about you and your music!"  The Kensington

"Morning, noon or night, your shows are always a delight!"  W. Gobas of Leisure World, Seal Beach

"It was wonderful to have you at Villa Sorrento.  You are perfect entertainment!!!" 
Robin S. (Activities Director at Villa Sorrento in Torrance)

"Thank you for making memories for everyone at Casa La Merced.  They treasure your programs." 
Love the Casa La Merced residents and staff.

"Many thanks for your presence and performance at our luncheon and silent auction.  You were superb and everyone was thrilled with your music and talent.  You brought the affair together by your ease and vast knowledge of music."  J. Bright of Rose Vista

"Whenever it is announced that you will be entertaining us, the Port Ambassadors know they will have a good time.  The Port Ambassadors really enjoy being included in the entertainment.  You are really a multi-talented person."  (Barbara C.)

"I thank you so much for all the great music and joy you bring to all of us at Silverado.  You are great to talk to and are a very positive person.  We are lucky to have you as an entertainer."

"Cali sings like a bird...which sometimes means she sings about chickens...makes the audience swing from the chandeliers...her songs make you forget your troubles and laugh at the world."  Recording artist, Lisa Haley                                                                                                                      
"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.  That's what your performance was.  I can't remember when the response from the members was so enthusiastic."  Dorothy C

"...she has the talent to become a superstar." Tedd Thomey, Long Beach Press Telegram

"Cali Rose opens the show with her considerable talent for combining insight and humor into first rate songs."  Fret House

"I have always said that you are the finest entertainer that I have had the privilege of knowing over the years."  John B.

"Wow!  You were terrific!  We are so glad you were able to do the music for our wedding.  You added so much to the spirit and joy of our day.  Thank you so very much."  Marilyn & Joseph S.

"Thank you so much for helping to make our 40th Anniversary luncheon a great success.  Everyone loved you, including me." 
Shirley D