Eartha Kitt's 80th Birthday Celebration

While I don't have the words to explain how jealous I am of my co-worker Vevlyn Wright, left, and her friend Daralyn for getting to see Earth Kitt on Monday night at Carnegie Hall -- and meeting her afterward backstage! -- this e-mail recap of the evening made me feel like I was almost there ...

Couldn't resist sharing sharing these shots from Ms. Eartha Kitt's 80th Birthday Celebration concert at Carnegie Hall last night. Special guests included Tony Award winners Ben Vereen, LaChanze and Tonya Pinkins. Celebrity audience members included Ms. Diahann Carroll (one must say Ms. before Diahann Carroll) and Janet Jackson (who was not very nice to my new friend Cheryl, so we won't talk about her any more).

La Kitt is an amazing performer: she was funny, sexy and thoroughly entertaining, bringing a strong voice, incredible physicality and her unique interpretations to every song. Moreover, I have never seen someone so gracious to her fans. Not only does she regularly involve them in her stage patter, Ms. Kitt greeted every single person who came backstage to meet her and offer well wishes (and there were many). She was on her feet in full dress and makeup shaking hands, signing autographs and taking pictures long after the band, special guests and audience members were in the street clothes (or even their pajamas) enjoying a late-night snack.

As for the secret to her incredible vitality, I will share the advice she offered backstage: it's never too late to start stretching as long as you keep doing it.Gotta go. I have some stretching to do.

Kisses,
Daralyn