Come to the cabret at Train Creative

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Train Creative at Sparta Train Station will be hosting a cabaret fundraiser on Sunday, April 23 featuring Sparta native Jody Mullen performing her show “Love Letters from Jersey.”
The adult–only event, in honor of Train Creative’s six- month anniversary, will also have a wine tasting donated by White Deer Liquor Store in Lake Mohawk. Festivities are from 3 to 5 pm and tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased in advance at www.traincreative.org.
Mullen graduated Sparta High School in 2000 and went on to Barnard College in New York City. Her high soprano voice led her to study and perform opera for over five years. She considers herself a professional singer across the board and presently sings at Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights.
“I have been interested in music since I am really young, and I never really grew out of it. I am pretty much in it for life,” Mullen said.
More recently, she has transitioned her talent into the American songbook category, singing standards in a cabaret setting. Her voice teacher introduced her to renowned director Lennie Watts who encouraged her to put together a show based on her home state. ‘Love letters from Jersey’ features music of New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra to name a few.
Mullen debuted the original show at New York City hotspot Don’t Tell Mama in April of 2015. The show has since toured in New Jersey and the singer said audiences enjoy the humor, spirit and tone that Mullen creates.
“In cabaret, you talk a lot in between. When I am not singing, I am a freelance writer and editor. So I enjoy incorporating that into the act and talking about the various artists in Love Letters from Jersey.”
It was a match made in heaven for Train Creative, the non-profit organization that promotes ‘creative training experiences’ for the community. Director Katelyn Leondi comments:
“When Jody reached out to me, we realized we both have some of the same interests and even friends in common. Our idea at Train Creative was to build a bigger event that incorporated the wine tasting and celebrated our six months in the community.”
Mullen has never performed in Sparta and is looking forward to the homecoming. Local pianist Bruce Van Hooten, a graduate of High Point Regional, will accompany her.
“What an amazing opportunity to be singing where my family and friends are and in this place which is dedicated to the arts,” said Mullen. “I always look forward to be able to sing, and it’s extra special to be able to sing in Sparta.”
A portion of the proceeds from this concert and wine tasting experience will benefit the Sparta Train Station.
If You Go:
Love Letters from Jersey featuring Jody Mullen
Train Creative at Sparta Train Station
30 Station Road
Sunday, April 23, 3-5:00 pm
Cost: $20 per person