I am a singer/songwriter playing the styles of music that raised me. Emmylou, Ronstadt, Lightfoot, CSN, PPM, Don Williams, Denver, Raitt, the Doors, Bread, Bach, Rhapsody in Blue and the poetry of The Raven were inescapable influences as I was immersed in a house full of older brothers and sisters, and of course my folks, all with their own musical and artistic tastes.
The warm sounds from my Martin fairly demand that I sing from my heart, the poetry and beautifully crafted stories-in-lyrics I’ve collected over the years. I live in Mooresville, NC (gew up in the hills of Virginia on Claytor Lake), have three children and am like many of our friends, recently unemployed as a result of "downsizing"... again!! For well over a year, work schedules made it impossible to play out much, but as that has opened up, I'm officially available and don't intend to ever abandon music so completely ever again!
Performing music is not new to me. I played as part of a duo in this area for several years. Now, I generally play solo for coffee houses, private parties and wine rooms, though I'm always on the lookout for others to work with or to join in. I have been blessed to have much encouragement and support of friends in music. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best and look forward to more of it - that collaborative energy is so very addictive and rewarding. My drug of choice!
The songs I choose have to speak to me in some way. This way, an artist will put her heart into the story and mean it. This is not typically bar scene, or top 40 stuff. It is often a B-side of an artist you already know or maybe some older tunes. But I've also fallen in love with some really great writers who've come onto the scene in just the last few years. I enjoy performing my own material, but I am also mindful that an audience needs covers to feel comfortable. This usually culminates into a relatively intelligent and entertaining experience for people who enjoy listening to music.
Anytime as a musician, you have an opportunity to connect with even one listener in an audience, you are rewarded. In that moment you can be assured that person is distracted from their day-to-day worries. It feels great to see someone’s response to a song, as they are often transported to a specific time and place in their own history. Music has such a strong pull and I am honored to participate in it. Besides, I’ve learned that I can’t not do it.
