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"Sis, I'm Alive": My September 11 Story, 25 Years Later

September 11, 2026
Twenty-five years later, I reflect on my experience in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001—the decisions that may have saved my life, the moments I will never forget, and the lessons about life, love, and connection that remain with me today.

Twenty-five years later, there are details of that day that remain as vivid to me as if they happened yesterday—the sound, the shaking beneath my feet, the smell, the paper floating through that impossibly blue sky, the silence, the tears, and the feeling of my little sister in my arms.

I still think about that seemingly insignificant decision I made that morning—to leave home a little earlier than usual, and then to listen to that feeling telling me not to linger downtown.

And I will never forget hearing my mother’s voice:

“Get out of here NOW!”

Twenty-five years later, I remember.

I remember those who went to work that morning and never came home.

I remember those who ran toward danger to save people they had never met.

I remember the families whose lives changed forever.

And I remain profoundly grateful that on that terrible day, I was able to walk through my front door, hold my little sister in my arms, and tell my sisters:

“I’m alive.”

Perhaps more than anything, that day taught me just how fleeting and fragile life can be.

So don’t hold back. Always try your best. Don’t be afraid to give love—or to receive it. Give everything you’ve got, as though there may be no tomorrow.

Take the bold step. Say the thing you’ve been meaning to say. Reach out to someone in your life who doesn’t expect to hear from you and share a moment of connection today.

Love a little more freely. Live a little more fully.

Pass on the light.

Never forget. 🇺🇸

DARIN TO BE DIFFERENT...THE NOT SO SPLISH-SPLASHY SIDE OF BOBBY DARIN

May 30, 2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH@ 7 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11TH @4 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH @7 PM

RSVP NOW! DARIN TO BE DIFFERENT... THE NOT SO SPLISH-SPLASHY SIDE OF BOBBY DARIN

July 25, 2026

Everyone knows the hits. Few know the whole story.

Through inventive new arrangements and engaging storytelling, Natasha Castillo explores the lesser-known life and music of Bobby Darin in Darin to be Different.

Come discover the restless artist, passionate thinker, and fearless innovator behind the fame. Discover the surprises, struggles, and triumphs that shaped one of America's most versatile performers in an evening that goes far beyond "Splish Splash."

Sunday, September 27th @7PM https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different/

Sunday, October 11th @4PM https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different-2/

Saturday, October 24th @7PM https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different-3/

Directed by Lennie Watts

Musical Direction By Ted Stafford

Back-up vocals: Ted Stafford, Evelyn SullivanBass: George RushPercussion: Don Kelly

“Her voice is always remarkably unblemished, with great clarity. "

Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark

"Always adorable and completely lovable.”

Stephen Mosher, Broadway World

Monday, March 2nd "Unfiltered" Cablab Performance at Don't Tell Mama

February 19, 2026

JOIN ME MARCH 2nd, (day after my birthday) as I present my 3 song set, along with my fellow wonderful performers, 7 PM at Don't Tell Mama in this show directed by multi-award-winning Director, Lennie Watts, and multi-award-winning Musical Director, Tracy Stark! There will be surprises!

Please RSVP HERE: : https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/9763-singnasium-cablab-3-2-26

Saturday, 9/13 Spotlight on You Open Mic with Ian Herman

August 9, 2025
THE LIVE IN-PERSON SPOTLIGHT ON YOU OPEN MIC!THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH!SIGN UP AT 12:15 PM, SHOW STARTS ON THE DOT,FROM 12:45-2:30 PM Invite your friends and bring your favorite song. THIS MONTH, the FEATURED MUSIC DIRECTOR is the fabulous Ian Herman!!!

THE LIVE IN-PERSON SPOTLIGHT ON YOU OPEN MIC!THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH!SIGN UP AT 12:15 PM, SHOW STARTS ON THE DOT,FROM 12:45-2:30 PM

Invite your friends and bring your favorite song. THIS MONTH, the FEATURED MUSIC DIRECTOR is the fabulous Ian Herman!!!!

Where: 53 Above Broadway(Look for the Broadway Comedy Club Sign)318 West 53rd Street,1st floor(between 8th and 9th Avenue)

We offer:

– Opportunity to work with different musicians.

– Chance to meet and network with other performers!– Chance to advertise your upcoming performances (we will promote YOU and your upcoming events)!

– Low cost high-quality video clips of your performance ($20)!

– LOTS OF FUN!$10 Cover and $15 Food/Drink Minimum!

JOIN US at the Spotlight!!

Sunday, 9/14 Mark You Calendars! Final Encore Performance of That's My Music... Growing Up with the Carpenters!

August 24, 2025
FINAL ENCORE performance! PLEASE RSVP HERE: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/9091-natasha-castillo -- What is the soundtrack of your life? Have you ever heard a song play and suddenly find yourself taken back to another place and time, living it all over again? This show is about Natasha’s life journey told through a running soundtrack of Carpenters music. Come join me and experience a warm, acoustic evening of Carpenters' music, fully acoustic, unplugged! I would love to see you!

Many of you missed my show and asked to see this, so I am bringing it back on Sunday, September 14th for a FINAL ENCORE performance! This is a show that is near and dear to my heart. I am beyond grateful that I was nominated as Best Female Vocalist for MAC awards 2025 because of this show.  It would mean the WORLD to me to see your faces in the audience!

Please kickstart your weekend and RSVP now!  It's less than a month away on Sunday, September 14th 7PM @ Don't Tell Mama!    

PLEASE RSVP HERE: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/9091-natasha-castillo

-- What is the soundtrack of your life? Have you ever heard a song play and suddenly find yourself taken back to another place and time, living it all over again?  This show is about Natasha’s life journey told through a running soundtrack of Carpenters music. Come join me and experience a warm, acoustic evening of  Carpenters' music, fully acoustic, unplugged!  I would love to see you!

Directed by Lennie WattsMusical Direction By Ted StaffordDon Kelly on PercussionPostcard Design By Hector CorisSeptember 14th, 7 PM

$20 Cover ($15 with MAC discount)$20 food/drink min.  (Must include two drinks)

Here are some quotes from critics:

Scott Barbarino @ Nifelifeexchange: "Natasha Castillo: The kinda feel-good show we all definitely need right now!"

Lavender after Dark: "Natasha’s rendition of one of The Carpenters’ greatest hits should be the first thing the world collectively listens to every morning. It could easily replace everyone’s daily dose of antidepressant.  Put another way, it was sheer musical perfection.  "

MAC President Julie Miller:   " This was an entirely acoustic show, with perfect musical direction by Ted Stafford who joined in singing beautiful harmonies with Natasha, and with Don Kelly expertly providing light percussion...This was a terrific choice for this show, so beautifully put together by Natasha and director Lennie Watts. It really worked - and very well. I loved this show. I loved these songs. I loved how Natasha sang these songs. I hope she adds more performances soon so more people can see it!"

Broadway World: "Whether singing a song full of heartache like “Hurting Each Other” or “Goodbye to Love,” or a more upbeat number like Joe Raposo’s “Sing!” Castillo delivered gorgeous renditions..."

Older Posts: 
September 15, 2015
February 9, 2016