Member Spotlight Lisa Urdanoff

Alexis Hahalis: Can you tell us a little about yourself? (ie: where you’re from, what you do for work)
Lis Urdanoff: I grew up in Goffstown NH and attended public school. I come from a large extended family of 100% French Canadian descent. I am the fifth of six children. I have two grown sons of my own and an amazing calm caring husband name Roy. I worked for 20 years in high technology, covering software, hardware, video and VOIP, both in startups and medium sized companies. I hold a degree from Southern NH University in Management Information Systems. After raising my two sons to college age, I needed to search for a new challenge. Believing there was a big need in the NH Seacoast area for a high-quality dog facility and as with most things, necessity is the mother of invention. With the assistance of my furry best friend, a Hungarian Puli named Ciggy, I researched dog facilities and equipment across the country and Coastal Canine Resort emerged right here in North Hampton.

AH: What drew you to become a Music Hall Member?
LU: I grew up in a family where music was a critical part of life. My mother sincerely believed that having her children read music and play at least one instrument would not only teach focus but most important, it draws you into the community by sharing the arts and therefore the larger purpose of humanity (caring and belonging).  I started with the organ when I was five (because we didn’t have a piano), then moved onto the clarinet, flute and the oboe. I genuinely love live musical instruments of all varieties, including the human voice. I also love a great theatre production that takes your imagination, heart and soul on a journey.

AH:  What has been your favorite show so far at the theater, and is there anyone coming up that you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
LU: .Favorite show is a hard question, I have been to many excellent ones. But forced to select it would be Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo; her voice in the acoustic Intimately Yours setting was astounding. The range of vocals that were buried sometimes in the rock and roll band background of the 80’s really came through during the acoustic setting. Just amazing to see the non-verbal communication between she and Neil and to hear her voice. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox was my tie for recent favorite. It was an absolute stunning burst of voices, tap dancing talent, trombone, guitars, clarinet, and so much more. A definite must see every chance you get. As for looking forward; Diana Krall is a must see.

AH: You’ve not only attended our Director’s Club events, you’ve also hosted one at your business. Can you share what you like about these events?
LU: I enjoy the opportunity to connect with other Music Hall members who have similar interests; I enjoy having the opportunity to sample food from some amazing restaurants that I may not frequent or may not have ever tried – it seems we all get into our routines so it is great to break that up. To see old friends and make new friends. In the case of hosting it as Coastal Canine Resort; I would say I was immensely humbled that so many people were curious what we were all about. I was originally concerned that I did not have wonderful food to offer (such that restaurants do when the events are hosted there). We offered tours and answered questions; it was an excellent experience to host the event.

AH: What are some of the “unexpected benefits” you’ve enjoyed from being a Music Hall member and what would tell others who are considering joining?
LU: I would like to answer that question first with why I wanted to join and therefore express what I tell other why joining has value personally and to the community as a whole. The Music Hall is a true gem; it provides a core place for the theatre and music, and allows the community to feel the heartbeat of the arts. Attracting shows such as Pat Benatar requires financial commitment up front without knowing whether tickets will sell. Being able to play a small part in ensuring that shows of all different types can continue to be offered here in Portsmouth is important to our community. Music and theatre spreads the arts through sound and physical vibrations; provokes thought and helps remind us all that humanity is here to be together and valued. The benefits also come with the concierge to assist with ticket acquisitions, seating choices and being able to buy tickets in advance.