Monica Parker affectionately known on the international festival and concert scene is affectionately known as Sista Monica. Her newest 2008 CD release “Sweet Inspirations†is a compilation of heartfelt originals, and some of her favorite popular soul, gospel and inspirational songs of hope, faith and spirit for our times. Sista Monica is an award winning singer that started singing as a young girl in the church choir in the Midwest between Chicago, Illinois, Gary, Indiana (her home town) and Detroit, Michigan. In 1992, she re-discovered her voice and became a professional singer, songwriter and recording artist. She was discovered by the Monterey Bay Blues Festival in 1993. Mac McDonald writer for the Monterey Herald wrote “She has the vocal power of Etta James, the Sass of Koko Taylor, the gospel roots of Mavis, and the fun-loving spirit of Katie Webster and Ruth Brown.†To date, Sista Monica has produced 8 full length CD recordings. They include Sweet Inspirations - 2008, Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down – 2005, Love, Soul & Spirit – 2004, Live In Europe – 2001, Gimmie That Old Time Religion – 2001, People Love the Blues – 2000, SISTA MONICA – 1997 and Get Out My Way – 1995. They can be heard and purchased on www.cdbaby.com and www.itunes.com . Sista and her 8 piece band have toured and performed around the world to Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Mexico, Turkey, Canada, France and all parts of the United States. She is the general manager of an Indie Record Label - Mo Muscle Records in Santa Cruz, CA. She has shared stages and billings with legends such as Gladys Knight, Al Green, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, The Temptations, Koko Taylor, Betty Wright, Buddy Guy, BB King, Etta James and Mavis Staples to name a few. She sang at the 2000 Democratic National Convention for Al Gore and Bill Clinton. This year she went to the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention to hear and experience the acceptance speech of Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama. She endorses and support Barack Obama for President of the United States. Sista Monica is the recipient of the “Artist of the Year Award†of the prestigious Monterey Bay Blues Festival, “The Silicon Valley Most Creative Women Artist Awardâ€, The Gale Rich Award†Nominations for the Best Blues Female Performer in the UK and the W.C. Handy “Best Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year†nomination for the years 2008, 2007, and 1998. For more information, go to www.sistamonica.com. For bookings call 831-425-3192.
