Judy Norman was born and raised in Poughkeepsie NY and has lived by the musical credo of putting ROCK back into acoustic rock. More than most females of her genre, she believes in infusing passion and energy over the concept of decorative pop. She can give you all out, ballsy, asskicking rockers but also serve up the most tender, poignant, sweet ballads. Sometimes she combines the two..as in her regional hit song, "Quasimodo", also an Honorable Mention in Lyrics at Poetry.com.
In 1998, Ms. Norman, an accomplished vocalist, rhythm guitarist keyboardist, and percussionist, added a new dimension to her already busy performing schedule when she organized the Hudson Valley Mamapalooza Benefit series, celebrating mostly women in music. As the years progressed, she incorporated male performers as well, having men and women perform side by side for a worthy cause. The series has just completed its 8th year, helping raise thousand of dollars for such organizations as the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Grace Smith House and the Dutchess County Coalition for the Homeless, and the Make a Wish Foundation, among many others. In 2003, Ms. Norman was honored as a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters based on a benefit song she wrote about a child's perspective on the events of September 11, 2001. Among other volunteers, she was hosted at Gracie Mansion in New York City at a reception breakfast and met, had a photo op, and shook hands with Mayor Bloomberg himself.
Ms. Norman has also presented numerous showcases and other festivals at the Chance Entertainment Complex in Poughkeepsie, NY, featuring numerous regional rock acts. She was the first female acoustic solo act from the area to have her first CD release party at the Chance back in May, 2000.And she has not rested on her laurels. She has been called everything from the female Bob Geldoff to the Guardian Angel of Hudson Valley Rock, but the ever humble Ms. Norman remains close to her roots. This busy mother of two considers her true calling of motherhood, with rock and roll a close second. And her small promotions company, Cameo Lake Music Productions, keeps producing showcases and benefits continually. But it all started with Judy's music..which is featured in her current CD, “My Cameoâ€. Within two weeks of submission, the CD is in the top ten most viewed at Hudson Valley Music.com. She is planning more Mamapalooza Festivals this year, and in 2007…the tenth anniversary of the long running benefit series.Right now Judy's project consists of accomplished valley musicians such as bassist Artie Bauer, drummer/vocalist Tim Kelly, and occasional guest musicians such as Nick Butterworth on congas/vocals and Mason Bell on keyborards and vocals.
Contact Ms. Norman at
[email protected] for further details. Thanks, God bless and keep rocking!!
