Ilene's Brand of Music

Furnished with disarming charming honesty, Ilene Kristen is at once childlike and worldly. The actress, who is a Soap Opera Superstar via the unique character of Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Coleridge she helped create on Ryan’s Hope and the equally entertaining Roxanne on One Life to Live will be bringing another aspect of her multi-talented personality to the Triad Theater on Thursday, her music. Believe it or not, Johnny Pacheco and Tito Puente are part of Ilene’s musical pedigree which started to reach fruition when at the age of 19 she began to write songs. Laura Nyro and Kenny Rankin are also part of the same musical family tree she has created.

Kenny Rankin has a special place in her heart for when she was a troubled teen his music touched her and inspired her so much that she eventually made it a point to seek him out. One can only imagine Rankin’s reaction when confronted by the sprightly Kristen. Ilene is inviting and without wax. She is a pleasure.

There is so much to this diminutive power house that it is impossible to focus on one aspect of her personality as definitive. Following Thursday’s performance, many of the spaces will be filled. Still it will only be one small part of her artistic life.

A musical conversation with her can touch every frontier of the territory. She speaks with great warmth of Phyllis Hyman, Priscilla and Rita Coolidge, Booker T. and the years she has spent in the New York Scene. She considers herself a true denizen of Manhattan although she began her journey in Queens. It was a compliment to her to say that she embodied New York in her mannerisms and personal culture.

It is difficult to pin her down on the precise nature of her music. On Thursday those in attendance will be treated to a musical set consisting of original music written in collaboration with David Spinozza, Jon Werking, Terry Silverlight and Andy Brian. These four very talented gentleman create a unique pedigree all their own. Werking has done some music for One Life to Live. Anyone who has heard Ilene sing can testify to the richness of her voice -- not unlike the quality of her unique speaking voice. Thursday’s show promises to be an eclectic approach to a smooth, funky kind of music to which only Ilene can give one life.

Ilene performs at the Triad on 158 W. 72nd St at 9PM near Broadway and Columbus on Thursday July 28 -- two days before her birthday. Come, Celebrate with Ilene and friends.

CALL 212-362-2511 for reservations