Reservoir Road Brings Community and Music at the Yellow Studio

The Yellow Studio in the Yellow Monkey Village aims to be a place where women can nurture their creative side and showcase the work they produce, according to founder/owner Tina Villaveces. An art gallery, residency and performing space, Reservoir Road got the call on Wednesday August 23, and lead singer Robin Reitzes was on chord with the studio’s mission

“Supporting women, art and community,” she said, “That’s me in a nutshell.”

A mix of pop and rock songs on the agenda, Glenn Gian didn’t get too deep in regards to his anticipation. “I know the vibe of all the little businesses here,” he said. “So I thought this would be a nice relaxing evening.”

The opening number definitely reinforced the feeling. Easy Like Sunday Morning began the festivities in front of about 25 people, and the back end was even better, according to Reitzes. “I love these people behind me,” she said of Julie Rosenberg and Steve Giner.

On the acoustic guitars, the strum continued with Don’t Know Why by Nora Jones and In My Life by the Beatles, while At Last gave Reitzes the chance to show off her comedic timing. “If I ever get married again, I”ll sing that song,” she joked.

Even so, the Etta James hit really allowed the lead singer to show off the base of her talent. “Singing is her true love in life and gives her the most passion,” said Giner.

In the audience, Michele Miller was more specific. “She sings a song, and the feeling from her own life comes through,” said Miller. “We can hear the emotion.”

, Suzette Kraus agreed. “She sings with her soul, not just her heart,” said the good friend and loyal fan.

Every Breath You Take, The Girl From Ipanema, Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer and Al Green’s Let's Stay Together cascaded the audience into a brief interlude, and Julie Rosenberg gave voice to overall break at hand “Music gives us a chance to relax and unwind,” said the guitar player and Board president of the Katonah Museum Artists' Association.

Also in between, Allison Belolan reveled in Robin’s voice, and the perfect setting that facilitated the rise of the melody. “I just love this space, the mission and the community,” said Belolan, who just completed her residency and had several pieces of artwork displayed.

Reservoir Road then got back on track with, It’s too Late Baby Now and I Try by Macy Gray, and then Reitzes got down to it with our favorite material girl. “I like Madonna, she’s good’ for bad behavior,” said the John Jay mom.

So are partners in crime, and the musician issued a call to arms. “I need some backup dancers,” she gave specific direction.

A little hesitation ensued, but Miller, Kraus and Gretchen Fleisher rose from their seats and grooved to Borderline. “Robin is my jam,” beamed Kraus.

In step too, Fleisher explained what puts the kick in her moves. “Robin brings a concept to the songs and reinterprets them,” she explained. “So they’re not cookie cutter covers.”

A few others joining in, Reitzes was ready to put their cool sway on the payroll. “You’re hired,” she declared.

From there, the Road closed with Baby One More Time by Brittany Spears, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and Sweet Child ‘O Mine by Guns ’n Roses. Maybe a little out of the demographic, 91 year old Diana Giner didn’t suffer a generation gap. “A beautiful voice, I love everything about Robin,” assured the Giner family matriarch.

Motherhood going for her too, Reitzes did some reminiscing of her own and brought it full circle. “I used to come up from Chappaqua as a kid and loved the old Yellow Monkey village. So I love what Tina and the women here have done to revitalize the area and bring back the old vibe,” the singer concluded.