FOR THE RECORD: "melaniejane" is all one-word and all lower-case letters. :)HONORS:1999 WAMI nominee -- String Performer 2000 WAMI nominee -- Female Vocalist of the Year 2000 WAMI nominee -- Folk Artist 2000 WAMI nominee -- Strings 2003 - Best of Milwaukee -- Female Performer..................
WHO WHEN WHAT:melaniejane has performed throughout the US and has appeared with/opened for such noted artists as: pat mAcdonald (of Timbuk3), Sam Llanas (The BoDeans--Slash/Warner Bros.), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes--ALMO), Victoria Vox, Ruby James, The Buggs, The Silos (Bloodshot Records), Sigmund Snopek and Dick Parry (saxophonist from Pink Floyd), John Doe (of X), Alejandro Escovedo (Bloodshot), Chris Smither (Signature Sounds), Brian VanderArk (The Verve Pipe--RCA), Sally Timms (Mekons), Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing--Slash/Warner Bros.), Mary Fahl (October Project), Jen Chapin, Dan Bern, Mary Lee's Corvette...
AIRPLAY:melaniejane's music has been featured on National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' as well as college radio stations both in the US and in Europe. She has also been a featured guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground" and the popular syndicated radio show "Hotel Milwaukee" as well as a frequent, live on-air guest in the WMSE studios. Recently mj appeared with pat mAcdonald on the NPR nationally syndicated program 'Whad'Ya Know?' hosted by Michael Feldman. ..................
AS OF NOW:Currently while not performing in her solo singer-songwriter medium or with the Racine Symphony Orchestra, melaniejane has declared herself to be "The Happiest Side-Guy." Playing cello, tamborine, accordion and and adding backing vocals with pat mAcdonald, Victoria Vox, The Buggs, Ruby James and Mary Karlzen, she feels that it just can't get any better! :) Working with these amazing artists of such diversity is ultimately the most enriching and rewarding musical experience of her life. melaniejane also lends a hand in a variety of studio recording sessions. In addition, she is working on a Masters Degree in Cello Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee under the direction of Prof. Stefan Kartman and has received a 2-year assistanship from UWMs Music History Department. melaniejane also continues to teach cello privately in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
STEEL BRIDGE SONGFEST:The summer of '07 brought about a life-changing experience for melaniejane. That experience was none other than the honor of an invitation to participate as a songwriter at the Steel Bridge SongFest in Sturgeon Bay, WI. An intensive week of collaborative songwriting, recording and performance with such noted artists as pat mAcdonald, Jane Wiedlin (of the GoGo's), Eric McFadden (George Clinton and P-funk, Eric Burden and the animals...), Kim Manning (P-funk), Victoria Vox, Don DiLego, Susan Howe, Ruby James, Jonathan Spottiswoode, Freedy Johnston... and the list goes on and on... It was a week of magic, rejuvination and inspiration... nothing will, can, ever, or should be the same.SBSF 2007 was such an intense, life-changing experience that melaniejane increased her involvement in 2008 by working under pat mAcdonald and his sister Christie Weber (the founders and long-time event directors of SBSF) to help coordinate the event. A few of the 2008 participants include Louise Goffin, Kata Rhe Gillispe, Lynda Kay, Victor DeLorenzo, John Pippus, Dustin Welch, Kacy Crowley, Tony Brown... performances by Jackson Browne, Jane Wiedlin, Tallan "T-Man" Latz, Blueheels, GeriX and so much more!!!please visit www.steelbridgesongfest.org or www.myspace.com/steelbridgesongfest for more info and plan on joining us in June of 2009!!!!
GOOD CAUSES:melaniejane has proudly donated performances as part of fundraising events for Citizens for Our Bridge / Steel Bridge SongFest (Sturgeon Bay, WI), The Hunger Task Force (Nod to Bob @ Linneman's Riverwest Inn), Gilda's Club, Jamin' for the Arts (to benefit the arts programs in the Racine/Kenosha school districts), Hurricane Jam Relief Fund, The American Diabetes Association, The Women's Shelter Coalition, Empty Bowls (proceeds feed the homeless), WAVE and Brady Campaign (for more strict and sensible handgun laws), The Bridge School for Physically Challenged Children (founded by Neil Young), GoGirlsMusicFest "Get Hip to Hep C"..... whenever possible, please support these fine organizations!!!!