Last Friday afternoon my office offered a few sets of tickets to Sting’s company-sponsored concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and I was lucky enough to get to go. I’ve never seen Sting in concert and he’s one of my favorite artists. His consistency and relentless focus on just the music has stood the test of time. His rendition of Fields of Gold is one of my favorite songs of all time.
At 59, he sounds better in person than he does on any of his stellar recordings. He defines the archetype of the classy performer. He was in black, every day clothes, as was his small band consisting of a drummer, guitar player, keyboard player, and backup singer who have been with him forever. The lighting enhanced the show, but wasn’t the show. Black stage and backdrop. The evening was about the music and nothing more.
In an age of Gaga gimmicks, Perry costumes, and tabloid controversy, it was so refreshing to experience an artist up there on stage, offering exactly what he’s been offering for decades. Nothing more and nothing less. He didn’t need any grand entrances, elaborate special effects, or attention-getting stunts. A guy and his band, endlessly talented and greatly appreciated by people who have loved him and his music for years. It was a perfect evening. Just goes to show that the best plan for success, particularly in art, is quality – pure and simple.
I snapped the photo above during the concert.
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Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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Last Friday afternoon my office offered a few sets of tickets to Sting’s company-sponsored concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and I was lucky enough to get to go. I’ve never seen Sting in concert and he’s one of my favorite artists. His consistency and relentless focus on just the music has stood the test of time. His rendition of Fields of Gold is one of my favorite songs of all time. 
Christa Avampato 
I saw Sting perform with The Police back in the 80s and was completely smitten. I have stayed a fan all these years. And he has stayed true to his art all these years as well. I am envious of your evening but am so glad to know he hasn’t changed a bit.
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Hi Lisa! Yes, he is still serving up the same incredible magic that has defined his career for decades. It was a wonderful thing to see and hear!
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