I graduated from James Madison University in May 2007, where I studied within the Media Arts and Design & Music Industry programs. I was also an active member of the University Program Board's Musical Events/Center Stage committees, 80 One Records, and the Music Industry Association. In addition, I completed several music related internships. I have moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to continue pursuing a career in the music industry. Charlottesville has its high and low points (Highs: Starr Hill, Charlottesville Pavilion, Satellite Ballroom, the Downtown Mall, The Hook, John Paul Jones Arena. Lows: When Starr Hill and Atomic Burrito closed, when The Corner gets overrun with raucous party-goers, WHEN CVS CAME AND KICKED OUT PLAN 9, AND SATELLITE BALLROOM, ALONG WITH HIGHER GROUND COFFEE AND JUST CURRY, working at the Target on 29 North). I'm still trying to fit in and get to know people here. I miss the strong network of friends I had in Harrisonburg, and sometimes I don't feel as if I belong here, just yet. My first few months in the 'ville were marred by the closing of my all-time favorite music venue, Starr Hill. I miss it dearly, though pay tribute and respect to it always. I am honored that there's a staff member at John Paul Jones arena who knows me only as "The Starr Hill Girl" For better or for worse, I'm here to give C'ville a fair chance to show me that it's a rockin' town.
Music is my passion and an extremely important aspect of my life. I listen to music during every spare moment and it guides me through every mood. I am a very artistic person, and prefer to spend my (very limited) free time supporting or being involved in the arts. Writing songs and spending time with my guitars and mandolin makes me very happy, but I also love to go out and enjoy a good, healthy dose of live music. I'm a live music warrior, and its energy fuels me. I've gotten my hair burned by cigarettes, been soaked by spilled beer, been knocked over, and nearly trampled, all in my quest to support live music and be as close to the front row as possible ;)
I work as an independent promoter, booking agent and manager, based in Charlottesville, Virginia. I'm also a registered unarmed security officer at the Charlottesville Pavillion. That's a fancy way of saying that I get to work at concerts and get paid for it! On top of all that, my full time job is at a technology company on the Downtown Mall called Scitent. There, I handle technical support calls from clients, write up process documents, and help with other office needs. It's a busy, but rewarding lifestyle. I'll be the first to say that I'm a workaholic, and often don't sleep as much as I should ;) But, although I do work extremely hard, I try my best to make sure to set aside time for relaxation, family and friends.
Without a doubt, on the day that I decided to not only enjoy the music of others, but to become a musician myself, my life was drastically changed for the better. One of the greatest decisions I've ever made.
I have been playing guitar since October 20, 2001. What started as an attempt to rescue my uncle's old Ibanez electric guitar from an uncertain future has blossomed into a deep and ever growing fascination.
I've been a mandolinist since May 23, 2002. Six days before that, I went to a Carbon Leaf concert and marveled at mandolinist Carter Gravatt's ability to take the tiny eight-stringed instrument to new heights, using it to accentuate several musical styles. After that inspiring concert, I went to Mars Music, purchased a $189 dollar Fender Acousic/Electric mandolin, and haven't looked back since!
I am a real stickler for technique and am constantly studying the technique of musicians I admire to try and gain technique proficiency by etching their examples into my memory. I'm gradually conquering my dislike (or is it fear?) of performing with/for others, thanks to the support of my amazing and inspiring friends. I think I should have been born in the 60's, because The Beatles are a constant inspiration, and Bob Dylan is my favorite songwriter.
I love Broadway musicals, especially "Rent"...Johnathan Larson was a true genius. Art in all its various forums drives and inspires me.
I am a Christian and do everything I can to involve the Lord in my daily life. Jesus died for your sins and for mine, so that we can have the gift of eternal life! Salvation by faith alone! If you'd like to know more about this, just contact me!
I love Irish music, Irish history, Irish culture, and am even teaching myself to speak Irish Gaelic, which has proven to be a difficult but extremely rewarding task! Ireland is truly a second home, and I miss it dearly. I constantly plan return trip and there's not a day that goes by where Ireland is absent from my thoughts. Someday, I hope to take the step up from frequent trips, and actually become a longterm resident there. Ideally, I'd like to start my own business there. Something that's related to my passion for supporting the livelihood of independent artists. I've always felt attracted to the prospect of being an entrepreneur, and usually feel up to the challenge that it would surely bring. I love to travel, and if I could afford it, I'd be jetting all over the globe, 24/7! Until I can afford it, I like participating in things that force me to think outside of the "boundaries" of America and remind me of the world in a broader context. Global radio stations that stream their content online are quite awesome, because they allow me to keep updated with world news events, AND the latest and greatest bands from abroad!
I'd like to think I'm interesting and fun to hang out with. I'm not a pushover, and I'll stand up for myself especially when the situation warrants it. I support causes that I believe in, while protesting things that disappoint/anger me (always in a peaceful way!). I am a strong and longtime supporter of Barack Obama. You can often find me volunteering at his campaign office on the Downtown Mall. Due to my tight budget, I can't afford to financially support his goal of presidency as much as possible, so I put my efforts towards his cause by giving my time as much as I can. I try to be a environmentally and socially conscious person. I'd like to leave my mark on the world in a beneficial way, so I avoid wasting our resources whenever possible. I hate drama and gossiping and try not to get sucked into it, instead, choosing to use my energy for causes that help, not hurt. I am deeply devoted to the artists that I work for and support. I love being social but like my alone time, too. Always loyal to my friends and family, because without them, I'd be lost. Some people say I have a one track mind, meaning that all I think about is music. Get to know me and I'll prove that assumption wrong!AIM Screen Name: PoniesRGr8 Yahoo!: mandolinbliss I Want To Believe!
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