Sertab: CD Release "Painted On Water"

Turkey's premier singer Sertab has released her first English-language album, "Painted On Water." She celebrated the accomplishment with a live performance last Tuesday, June 16, at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker Street in Manhattan. This is the second sold-out performance we've seen with Sertab, following her momentous gig at Joe's Pub in March.Ah, yes, from our table at the concert: My favorite word in the world.Following the gig, Ayhan and I were invited to join Sertab and partner Demir for festivities at a nearby restaurant. Our relationship with the pair has become ever-gratifying: It's the fifth time I've met up with them, following our initial meeting at a dinner hosted by PR extraordinaire Patti Conte, Joe's Pub, then they came to the apartment in March, plus a press conference earlier this month. In addition, Ayhan and Tinatin had a writing session at their home in Manhattan. Damn, choppa! They are such warm-hearted, down-to-earth folks—who should be about sick of us by now.

We shall see them yet again this Saturday for Istabulive, a festival at the Central Park SummerStage. It's all in the family: Emre is among the acts on the bill—and Tinatin is singing back-up for him.Here, with one of my very favorite press pros, Amanda Charney.