Contributing Artists

http://www.corday.net/fr_home.cfm

CORDAY WILL WIN YOU OVER WITH HER CHARM, HER WIT, and her irresistible charisma! She has released seven critically acclaimed albums and won numerous awards including Best Live Band, Best Alternative Band, and Best Live Female Performer. She is an accomplished guitarist, bassist, and cellist, as well as a captivating vocalist and skilled songwriter. She is working on her next studio record, to be released in the summer of 2010. Her past albums are available on iTunes and include her songs “Starfish,” “On The Moon,” “If I Only Knew,” Held Hostage,” and “Worth The Wait” as heard on We Have To Stop Now. Corday enjoyed making an appearance as an extra in the WHTSN series, playing a wacky speed-dater! She performs live on the local circuit and travels throughout the U.S., rockin’ the house with her band. Corday has a large and loyal following in Los Angeles and Orange County and is also nationally known by all fans of women who rock, having toured and performed at numerous notable venues and huge festivals and events including Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, Womenfest in Key West, L.A. Womenfest at the John Ford Amphitheatre (currently airing on LOGO), Women’s Week in Provincetown, Chicks Rock Music Festival in Cincinnati, and the Sweet Lesbian Cruise to the Caribbean. Corday writes for Curve Magazine and hosts and produces Girl Rock for SheWired.com, promoting women in music. She has shared the stage with Cher, Joan Jett, Sugar Ray, The Dave Matthews Band, Pat Benatar, Joan Osborne, The B-52's, Macy Gray, The Indigo Girls, Meredith Brooks, Cyndi Lauper, Berlin, Jonatha Brooke, Sophie B. Hawkins, Chaka Khan, Sheena Easton, Taylor Dayne, Melissa Ferrick, Catie Curtis, and many more. Her music can be heard in several lesbian films including And Then Came Lola, We Have To Stop Now, Elena Undone, and Laughing Matters More, airing now on LOGO

http://www.alihandal.com/

She contains multitudes. Multitudes of music, that is. “Chrissie Hynde meets Ani DiFranco meets Prince” is how Live magazine attempted to describe the multi-faceted musical phenomenon that is Ali Handal. She’s not an easy musician to nail down, as she covers many bases: best known as one of the few women in rock who can solo on electric guitar with the electric fury and fluid grace of a Hendrix or Jimmy Page, she’s also a multi-award winning songwriter and a uniquely expressive singer. Her music has been heard in countless movies and TV shows, and her performances have taken her around the world, from L.A. to Japan; she’s performed at Neverland Ranch, danced with Janet Jackson, sung on a Neil Young album, had her hands filmed playing guitar in a Playboy video, and even demonstrated guitars several times on “The Price Is Right.”

Born in Armonk, New York, she moved with her family to the Bay Area when she was 12. Her first instrument was piano, which she started when she was four. But it was when she discovered Led Zeppelin that her world was changed forever and her ambition defined. From that moment on “it was all about the guitar,” she said. “I wanted to be Jimmy Page.” She started on a little acoustic, and went electric as soon as she could, ultimately swapping her acoustic for an airbrushed-dragon Fernandez Explorer purchased at a Berkeley music shop.

The fact that, with very few exceptions, there existed no role-models for what she wanted to do – be a lead-guitarist - led her to conclude it simply couldn’t be done. “I liked Joan Jett,” she said, “but she wasn’t a lead guitarist. There wasn’t anyone doing what I wanted to do. I didn’t really think it was possible. It didn’t really register as something I could do in the real world. Until I was older.”

In high school she did more singing than playing – with the school choir, and in musicals (she was Amaryllis in Oklahoma). A straight-A student in both high school and college, her true nature was revealed mostly by her choice of boyfriends, virtually every one of whom was a long-haired rock guitarist. Come college time, she went first to Occidental and then to UCLA, wanting to be in Los Angeles “because that’s where I thought all the rock music was.” She graduated summa cum laude with a Psych degree, and was driven to pursue a career in that field, but the potential of a life in music haunted her. “I was miserable,” she said. “Every time I saw music on TV I was unhappy. I knew I could be successful outside of music. But I realized that doing anything other than music didn’t make sense. When I’m doing music is the only time I feel spiritually in synch.”

Soon she was living in a house full of musicians in North Hollywood, supporting herself with odd jobs while seriously studying and wood-shedding on the guitar. “I had to be willing to suck at first,” she said. “Something I’d never done. But that’s what it takes.” About the first band she joined, she just laughed and said, “We took really awesome photos.”

But soon she was stepping into the role of lead guitarist and back-up singer in many bands, including a two-year stint with one band, to which she dedicated herself exclusively and pinned all her career hopes. When the band leader suddenly threatened to walk away from the band and leave Ali with nothing for her investment of time and effort, she realized the time had come to devote herself to her own music. She started playing solo – singing her own songs – and took every opportunity to get onstage she could find, from open mike nights to gigs at Starbuck’s and assorted cafes like Coffee Junction in Tarzana, where she had her first gig as a solo artist. She swiftly surmised that crowds liked drama and flash, and distinguished herself from other women on the scene by bringing rock histrionics to her acoustic shows.

“I learned three things right away,” she said, “people love it when I bleed, when I scream and hurt my voice, and when I play really fast, even on acoustic guitar. They liked when I’d do something more masculine, energy-wise, something loud and fast.”

It’s then she formed the first of many back-up bands, starting, ala Hendrix, as a guitar-bass-drums trio before expanding into a quartet with the addition of a back-up singer/rhythm guitarist. Much gigging ensued, at festivals, parties, as an opening act, and at all the clubs throughout Los Angeles, such as the Mint, the Viper Room, the House of Blues and the Lighthouse. On her debut album, Dirty Little Secret, for which she wrote and arranged all the songs and played all the guitars, she explored themes of love, lust, and life in aggressively funky rockers and tender ballads, all unified by her impassioned and dynamic vocals. “Dirty Little Secret flat-out rocks,” wrote Performing Songwriter. “Coming off as some child of Ani DiFranco and Jimmy Page, Handal has the guitar chops and fierce voice to knock you on your butt.”

Songs from this record began being placed in movies, such as Dancing at the Blue Iguana. “They liked my funky stuff the best,” she says. “They tend to use my music when there are strippers and hookers in a scene. In Blue Iguana, Darryl Hannah strips to my song.”

Writers and musicians alike soon caught on to the vast scope of her musicianship, likening her funky rhythm guitar style to John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Jimmy Nolen (James Brown), while recognizing that her lead playing reveals the influence of blues-rock gods such as Jimmy Page, Joe Perry and Joe Walsh. On her sophomore CD Breathing Underwater, she wrote and delivered songs in an even more intimate style, leading Guitar World to write that it’s “drenched with her lush acoustic guitar work and hushed vocals.” Many TV shows such as “Sex In The City” and “Dawson’s Creek” continued to featured her songs, as did many movies, including Emmet’s Mark, Pursuit of Happiness and The Assistants.

Ali’s even familiar to viewers of “The Price Is Right” – when an electric guitar is the prize, rather than have one of their regular show models pretend to play it, they invite Ali to show how it’s really done. “I wish that guitar came with Ali Handal,” said host Drew Carey on the show, quickly adding, “Ali Handal’s talent on guitar!”

Presently she’s completed her third album, produced by Seth Horan, and is performing through America and beyond with an amazing band consisting of Orlando Sims on bass, Daniel Brecher on rhythm guitar and background vocals, and Adam Gust on drums. She’s an artist unlike any other; a compelling performer, virtuoso guitarist, sensitive and powerful vocalist, and richly gifted songwriter. Her work runs the gamut from spiritual to sexy, and in a music world where so much is artificial, Ali Handal is very much the real deal.

http://www.janetrobin.com/blog/

“Janet Robin is one of the best guitarists in the country: male or female.” – Michelle Shocked

“Her songs have power and passion as they surge and rise to phenomenal levels. Only a matter of time before she breaks through the industry walls.” – Music Connection Magazine

“Rockin’ with excellent songs and guitar work.” – LA Weekly

Janet Robin can be defined in a single word: musician.

Many people attempt to make music, but few earn that illustrious title. Those in this business reserve that label for the rare individuals who consistently demonstrate a high level of talent, perseverance, taste and sensitivity over a period of time. To these people making music is not simply a pastime; it is a matter of blood and guts. That a serious addiction to making music runs through Robin’s veins is made clear from a quick review of her career.

A Southern California native, Robin’s musical education began the moment she met her guitar teacher, Randy Rhoads (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne). Under Rhoads’ tutelage, Robin became an ace six-string player and, while still in high school, parlayed this education into a position as the lead guitarist for the all-female rock band Precious Metal. Discovered by Rodney Bingenheimer of the legendary L.A. rock radio station KROQ, Precious Metal was soon signed to Polygram Records. Later moving to Chameleon/Capitol Records, Precious Metal released several albums, wrote with Heart, Poison and Cheap Trick, toured extensively and gained accolades from both fans and critics alike.

Following the demise of Precious Metal, Robin joined Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham’s band in support of his 1992 solo album, Out of the Cradle (Reprise Records). A consummate pro, working with Buckingham profoundly influenced Robin’s guitar playing, singing and songwriting, as well as her general approach to the music business. This new direction led to Robin’s 1998 debut solo album, Open the Door. Released on her own label, Little Sister Records, Buzz Weekly described the CD as “smart, savvy, fuzzy, hooky pop.” She has seen songs from this album featured in film and television; most notably on the then popular T.V. show Felicity. Ever the road warrior, she supported the disc by opening for such acts as Heart, Loudon Wainwright III and the Smithereens, steadily building a wide fan base. Robin has since continued to tour heavily and averages as many as 150 dates per year.

Encouraged by the warm reception of her debut, Robin released three more albums on Little Sister including the acoustic After the Flood which was recorded in Laurel Canyon and features “Beautiful Freak” which has since become a fan favorite and one of Robin’s defining songs. Also among these records is 2007’s Days of Summer. Recorded with producers David Bianco (Tom Petty, Teenage Fanclub, Mick Jagger) and Steve Baughman (Eminem, 50 Cent), this acoustic based EP is the work of an artist willing and able to explore the poignant emotional states of adulthood while avoiding the stereotypes brought on by most acoustic singer-songwriters. Working on the album was an experience that greatly affected her style and led Robin to many new and exciting opportunities including multiple tours of the Czech Republic.

2009 sees Robin release her newest album Everything Has Changed that bridges the gap between passionate acoustic music and gutsy rock n’ roll. With the help of her dedicated fan base, Robin was able to raise the funds for this latest studio effort. This loyal support enabled her to team up with producer John Carter Cash (Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) at Cash Cabin Studios outside of Nashville. The son of Johnny and June, Carter Cash was a producer on the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line and produced several records with his father as well as a Grammy Award winning record for June. Built by Johnny in 1979, this studio is where the country legend recorded much of his later work including his final recording, American V: A Hundred Highways, which was released posthumously and co-produced by Rick Rubin and John Carter. "We have talked at great length about this project and he understands my desire and vision to record an album that is representative of the energy brought out in my live performances," Robin says of Carter Cash. "It’s just great to work with a producer that lets me be myself, yet brings out the best in my work. There weren’t many restraints working with John and the vibe and history at Cash Cabin is overwhelmingly inspiring. John seems to ‘get me.’”

New opportunities have arisen for Robin with the advent of Everything Has Changed, coupled with the strength of her growing European following. Introduced to German based company Hypertension Music by friend and frequent touring partner Colin Hay (Men At Work), Robin recently signed a licensing and distribution deal with Hypertension for a Winter 2010 European release of Everything Has Changed. The company will also be booking Robin throughout Europe and has already secured a January 2010 tour with Midge Ure (Ultravox – co-organizer of Live Aid, Band Aid and Live 8) and in May a tour opening for The Bacon Bros, (Kevin Bacon’s blues band).

In addition to pursuing her solo career both in the U.S. and abroad, few musicians are able to work with the great variety of artists that Robin has been fortunate enough to be around. Besides the aforementioned Lindsey Buckingham, Robin has toured, recorded, or written songs with Meredith Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, Maia Sharp, Marcy Levy (co-writer with Eric Clapton on “Lay Down Sally”), Ann and Nancy Wilson and Anne McCue. Most recently, Robin was a touring member of Air Supply.

However, one need not base their judgment on Robin solely on those with whom she has been associated. Only a listen to her albums or a ticket to one of her shows will prove the opening claim to be true. For what underlies the Janet Robin labels of guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and road warrior is a single word: musician.

http://www.jennifercelio.com/

I seek to capture glimpses of urban beauty in my drawings. There are scenes of juxtapositions, like the church carnival ferris wheel next to the corner liquor store. There is a sad beauty in the evolution of the suburbs from orange tree groves to post-war housing tracts to streets of “McMansions.” There are brief sightings of elaborately spray painted graffiti on freeway adjacent structures. There are the newer additions to the urban setting, like the growing numbers of artificial tree cell phone signal towers that still manage to escape detection by many citizens. There is even beauty in both the gaudy and the downright boxy, plain palaces to consumerism that pop up, ready for business, every single day. Oftentimes, beauty does not appear in expected ways. But I use my pencil drawings to depict the unexpected marvels that result from the city’s efforts to create and destroy. Employing graphite, charcoal, watercolor and other materials on paper and wood panels, I make obsessively detailed renderings with thousands upon thousands of tiny pencil lines, focusing the viewer’s attention on some aspect of the city that is often overlooked.

Jennifer Celio is a native of Southern California who actually loves Los Angeles. Working in primarily graphite pencil on paper and wood panels, she creates drawings depicting the urban environment’s offerings of beauty, which often takes unexpected forms. Jennifer received a B.F.A. in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Fullerton in 1996. She was raised in the suburbs of L.A. and now lives and works in Long Beach, CA. Her drawings have been exhibited in solo exhibitions at Cristinerose Gallery in New York, the Creative Artists’ Agency in Los Angeles, romo gallery in Atlanta and Bandini Art in Culver City, CA. Her work has been included in exhibits throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, CA, Atlanta and Houston. Her work was published in Studio Visit (2009) magazine and was Shortlisted in the 2008 London International Creative Competition, which also published a book. Her drawings have received critical review in such publications as The Los Angeles Times, Art Papers, New American Paintings and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

www.myspace.com/LakotahMusic

Growing up in a musical family, Lakotah performed with her father and sisters singing integrated harmonies with them almost every night. By age 8, she had taught herself piano and wrote her first song on the guitar by the age of 10. Shortly thereafter, she learned and became proficient on the trumpet, going on to play in Jazz bands throughout High School.

Having moved from New York to London to Seattle, Lakotah landed in Los Angeles where she began composing, recording, and producing demo submissions for other musical talent. Lakotah is a prolific songwriter and writes all her own lyrics. Her skills include programming and sequencing drums and keyboards. She now also plays electric bass, guitar, drums, and piano.

Lakotah gained notable recognition in the music industry in the late 1990’s with the release of her first solo CD Shape Shifter. It was at this time that she caught the eye of Deluxe Records. From there, she went on to form and front the Alternative Rock group The Deep Happy. This hugely popular band headlined throughout Los Angeles and the western United States as well as having opened for such Artists as Chris Isaac, Wishbone, and Medusa. The Deep Happy released two studio albums: Activate 11:11 and their self-titled album The Deep Happy.

Lakotah also has an extensive song catalog, over 150 compositions that span the genres of pop, rock, dance, new age, classical, country, hip-hop, and adult contemporary. In addition, she has composed and written sound tracts for use in the movie industry.

Considering all of her accomplishments thus far, it is her voice that has been center-stage. Though out her career, it has been described as rich, intriguing, sensual, powerful, and intensely passionate, reminiscent of icons such as Grace Slick, Shirley Bassey, and Chrissie Hynds. Through her voice, Lakotah draws you in to her world, ignites your senses, and provides a kind of emotional and personal experience that leaves you wanting more.

Over the coming months, we will continue to book live performances of Lakotah to aid in building her fan base. Our publicity team will set up articles and features in printed media (newspapers, magazines and online). Lakotah is prepared to appear everywhere we set up to promote the album.

http://www.karendeemusic.com/

Born and raised in Clinton, North Carolina, Karen Denise Daughtry started singing as soon as she started talking. The only child of a large musical family Karen couldn’t help but become an amazing talent.

Though her first instrument was a guitar from her mother, at the age of nine, Karen started playing drums to fill in the missing sound when her family got together to play. With a lot of support and love from mom and dad, and aunts and uncles, Karen started playing in her first “paying” band at the early age of 14. With influences from Patsy Cline to Aretha Franklin none were more important than Karen’s own Aunt Gayle Strickland who showed her the magic of harmony.

In 1989, with the same determination she plays and sings with, Karen loaded up her car and moved to Nashville. With her mighty sticks and untouchable back-up vocals, Karen had no problem finding work playing in a contest tour for upcoming stars such as Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence and Tammy Cochran.

While playing at the Nashville Nightlife Karen became a sought after “A” list musician. She became a favorite in the heart of Nashville entertainers such as Jack Green, Jeanie Sealy, Johnny Russsell, Del Reeves, Tommy Cash, Daryl McCall and even got the attention of television from the Hee-Haw banjo player Roni Stoneman.

With her sultry, soulful voice it is no surprise to her fans and musical peers that Karen Dee has made her way from a light at the back of the stage to the Star in the center.

http://www.debradavis.com/

Debra Davis writes uplifting songs that hit deep. Debra and her “band of gold” are powerfully fun live, and have a big national following of fans who call themselves “debheads.”

Debra is a storyteller---her songs make you think and feel…and sing along. Her latest CD, “Complete” (GCG Records), is packed with some of her most powerful material yet. “In the course of a couple years I was dealing with loss of loved ones, and then the birth of my daughter, Ella. So this album speaks of survival, and of the whole the circle of life.” The first single, “Born to Love You,” features a duet with 5-time Grammy winner Christopher Cross.

Songs from Debra’s 3 CDs -”Complete,” “Angels in the Attic” and “Uninvited Guests” have been featured on numerous TV shows including “Beautiful People” (ABC), “Dawson’s Creek“ (WB), “Joan of Arcadia” (CBS), “Any Day Now” (Lifetime), MTV’s “Undressed”, “The Bold & The Beautiful” (CBS), and films like “Dangerous Proposition,” “Implicated,” “Sunflower” (festivals) and “All You Need.” Her song “Supernatural High” is the end title track for a new indie film at Tribeca Film Festival.

Debra’s music can also be heard on radio stations nationwide, Internet radio, retail in-store and airline in-flight music stations. She is featured on the “Real Artists Working” documentary on PBS affiliates, on the “Innervieworld” music interview webcast, & as a story on “Angel Encounters” on TNN (The Nashville Network).

Debra was featured as the cover story in a recent issue of “Singer/Musician” national magazine. Her song, “Supernatural High,” is the SonyWonder CD single for the best-selling kids’ book series “Avalon: Web of Magic,” and her new song, “Golden” is featured in the promotion for its new Manga series.

Debra has toured nationwide playing Summerfest, Eat’m, AIDS Walk LA, Revlon Run/Walk, LA Marathon, the Bluebird in Nashville, Billboard Live, House of Blues, Troubadour and the Coach House in SoCal and numerous radio on-airs. She’s opened for such artists as Christopher Cross, Edwin McCain, Venice and Collective Soul.

Her songs are on several compilation CDs for good causes, including “Artists Against Cancer,“ “It’s About Eve” for breast cancer research, “Venus Envy” and “Home” for Children International.

“…Melody that floats like a bird on wing…very, very nice…give DisCovery Award winner Debra Davis your ears…” Robert K. Oermann, Music Row Magazine

“With a songwriting style that is both gentle and confident, Debra Davis paints vivid images of daily life that come across like pleasant, Sunday afternoon conversations with your best friend.” Rhapsody Music.com

“Southern California and every other hip hot spot should sit down and listen to “I Don’t Wanna Be That Cool…” a solid declaration of independence…” Performing Songwriter

“Intelligent music with a definite voice…flower power gone modern…” the Muse’s Muse

“An uplifting affair, solid songwriting, a flair for melody & radio-perfect pop hooks…” Star News

“Angels sizzles with flowing strength and positive energy in memorable melodies, gorgeous vocals, intelligent lyrics and wonderful musicianship…” Indie-Music.com

“Best characterized as potent, heartfelt music that hits deep. It’s like Joni Mitchell meets Sheryl Crow rooted in Carole King…” Album Review Digest

“Powerful, personal vocals…haunting melodies… The emergence of a new talent in the world of singer/songwriters…” CMJ

“A gift for distilling universal experiences and presenting them with real emotion…” Pas. Weekly

“Stories of characters who come alive with a genuine sense of real life…” Songtalk

“An artist who has what it takes to make the leap from obscurity to stardom… the voice, the looks, and, most importantly, the writing chops to pull it off…” Gig Magazine

“I was so impressed by the songwriting, catchy, moving, great stories…” Melissa Etheridge

“The charismatic Davis has a knack for crafting emotionally direct pop songs that dig hooks into your brain while tugging heartstrings…” Pas. Weekly

http://trustinglucy.com/

Trusting Lucy is a collaboration between Monterey, California songwriters Linda Arceo and Lisa Long who joined musical forces in 2002 to focus their energy to write music that has been described as a “sonic cocktail of soulful introspective ballads, straight-on hook driven melodic pop and forceful rock tunes sung with powerful distinctive voices and incredible harmonies reminiscent of the Wilson sisters from Heart, the Indigo Girls, and a dream duo of Grace Slick and Melissa Etheridge”. Trusting Lucy's music whether performed as a band or acoustic duo provides an energetic stage performance that will definitely leave memorable musical impressions on any listener. In 2003, hiring a producer, their efforts formulated their first highly acclaimed double CD "It'll Be Fine". In 2007, they started their own recording studio/production company “Two Lime Productions” to self produce, record, and release in 2009 two separate double CD’s “Save Me From Myself” and “Move Around You” where band members, Cheryl Tibbetts (Bass) Jason Ruggles (Electric Guitar), and Jen Schaaf (drums), recorded with the following guest artists: Kenny Stahl (Flute), Bryan Diamond (Acoustic Guitar), Robert Pulido and Andy Sierra (Percussion), Laurel Thomsen (Viola and Violin), Nancy Jones and Chris Snyder (Backup Vocals), Rick Chelew (Upright Bass), Brian Stock (Horns), and James Findlay (Drums).

Biographies

Linda Arceo
(songwriter, vocals, acoustic guitar)

Linda Arceo is an accomplished, self-taught singer, songwriter, and acoustic rhythm guitarist who has had radio airplay throughout California. Her musical career has also included being the lead singer for various Top 40 Dance, Rock, Country, and R & B cover bands and solo performances. Her music influences include traditional Spanish Ballads, Rock & Roll, New Country, and Alternative music. Some of her influential artists include; Carol King, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Grace Slick, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner, Shania Twain, and the Indigo Girls. Her powerful distinctive voice and energetic stage presence create a combination that has been described as captivating and has won her multiple first place awards in local and national talent and songwriting competitions. She has won 2nd place in the Latin Division for her song "Cliche" and Honorable Mentions awards for songs entered in the in the International John Lennon Songwriting Competitions for “She’s Waiting” (2000) “Khascading Eyes” (2000), “Yes I Do Bleed” (2001), & “Maybe” (2002).

Lisa Long
(songwriter, vocals, acoustic guitar, piano/keyboards)

Lisa Long is an emotionally intense songwriter and performer whose angelic voice and classically influenced melodies are meticulously woven within heart felt lyrics. She was selected from thousands of performers throughout California to attend the prestigious California State Summer School for the Arts, where she studied voice under the renowned opera singer Evelyn De La Rosa. Her award winning composition "Jillian's Psalm" received radio airplay in Central California, as well as an Honorable Mention Certificate in the 2001 John Lennon Songwriting Contest with her other composition entitled "Rough Edges." After earning her AA in Music, Lisa was accepted into Cogswell Technical College for software and hardware engineering for recording. Although Lisa enjoys the rush from live performances, she harvests a real passion and pride in recording. Lisa owns and operates her own recording studio under the label J.Liren Productions where she produced and released her 2002 self-titled sampler CD. Lisa has always considered her voice her primary instrument but is also talented on piano, rhythm guitar and dabbles on bass and drums. Some of her influences include Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Indigo Girls, and Melissa Etheridge.

http://www.lorimichaelsmusic.com/

"Her live shows are the stuff of lesbian legend..." CURVE MAGAZINE’s July/August 2008 issue

Being named one of CURVE Magazine’s 2008 seven ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR was just the icing on the cake for Lori Michaels, whose career really took off in 2006, following her official “Coming Out” party at the House of Blues’ Club Worship in Atlantic City. It was a House of Blues first, and a turning point for Michaels in her evolution to in-demand solo artist and nationwide headliner with her head-turning Me & The Girls shows.

In a time when coming out has evolved from something equated with fear to something much more about freedom, Michaels has freed her artistic soul to deliver “Living My Life Out Loud.” – her debut album with Reform Records (available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, Verizon vcast and in select stores nationwide). It is a testament to, above all else, her love of the song – whether that means writing, arranging and performing the vocals (lead and backgrounds), showcasing her talents on the piano/keys, or overseeing production with the best in the business to leave listeners breathless.

As fans will note in her “Meet Me at the Partay” track, Ms. Michaels has been officially dubbed, “THE Dyke Diva” – in part because of her complete command over any audience and because simply, she IS the whole package. To quote GO! Magazine (where Lori appeared as a covergirl for their August 2008 Music Issue, and as one of "100 Women We Love" 2009), "Every once in a while an enigmatic, stereotype-breaking artist like Lori Michaels comes along to level the playing field and change the rules of the game." She is a powerful singer/songwriter, a musician of the first order, and the star and a choreographer of her Me & The Girls song and dance act. The fans of the NFL, NHL, NBA, and WNBA franchises know Michaels for her chilling rendition of the National Anthem, as well as producing, directing, and wowing crowds in her pre-game and half-time performances. Countless couples know Michaels for “Unconditionally,” her love song sung at many a gay (and straight) wedding (and is a song-complimented personally- by ANDREA BOCELLI).

Since her Coming Out in March of 2006, Michaels has taken Me & The Girls from coast to coast to the biggest pride festivals, club shows, music festivals, appearances, benefits, etc. all over the country. She has been non-stop with her LIVE OUT LOUD PRIDE TOUR (which kicked off at Dinah Shore Weekend in April 2008). While on tour, Lori Michaels has graced the cover and/or been featured in National AND International GLBT magazines- including: GO! (cover & 2 features), SHE (2 features), Curve (mentions, features & Entertainer of the Year) IN LA (cover & feature), San Francisco Bay Times (feature), GirL (cover & several features), PrideMag (Denmark) and more. She has also been interviewed and had her songs played on Clear Channel radio stations, satellite and internet radio such as: Sirius/XM OUTQ, Z-100: NY’s #1 Hit Music Station, WEOW 92.7, 99.5 The Sun, Energy 92.7, G.I.R.L. Radio, AOL Radio, Voice of America, and more. Vlog interviews have included Afterellen.com’s All Access Pass, The Adventures of Nat & Meg, and GirlRock. SheWired.com’s “What’s Your Problem?” features a 3 part series on Lori (& the girls) with a theme song written and performed by Lori Michaels. Her dance single, "Wild Ride" is featured in the new film, "And Then Came Lola" and hit mainstream-being featured on the Season 2 Premiere Episode of MTV's Hot Hit Reality series "THE CITY". It even caught the attention of DJs all around the world & was included on HIT DANCE CD COMPILATIONS. Her song, "Meet Me At The Partay" has an exclusive dance remix feature in the new film, "Ptown Diaries". This song grabbed the attention of the film's director, and the official music video made its debut on MTV's LOGO Network-then becoming one of the networks "ULTIMATE SEXIEST VIDEOS" (also airing on here! Networks). With various television networks (LOGO, TLC, Style, CW11, here! Networks and more) showing footage of Lori, we can see why everybody wants more than music from Lori Michaels!

Michaels grew up in the small town of Fairview, New Jersey. Her "professional training" began in her youth at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She later graduated from New York University with a pre-law degree. She is the founder and president of the non-profit organization, Reach Out, Inc. and is an honorary board member of the Joey Dipaolo AIDS Foundation.

It has been known that Michaels' efforts with her charitable organization remain the heart (and soul) of all that she does. She is an entertainer AND an activist-for causes that she truly cares about. With numerous awards and accolades, hundreds of events (most of which she organized/helped produce herself), a celebratory PSA (airing on television's PIX 11) promoting 20 years of "reaching out" and various events on Lori's upcoming calendar- she shows no sign of slowing down- anytime soon. She keeps solid commitments to programs/projects such as: H.E.R.O (Help Everyone Reach Out- raising awareness & funds for breast cancer), A.N.G.E.L. (Awakening New Generations Enhancing Lives- an initiative promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention), Dance for Health (encouraging communities to get involved in positive activities & to be healthy), and O.U.T. Proud! (Out United Together-promoting equal rights for all, helping in the opposition of human rights' violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity).

http://www.jenfoster.com/

Jen Foster is an award-winning singer/songwriter who has built her own label, Fosterchild Records, into a successful business since 2004. With 3 official studio releases exceeding sales of 40,000 units, Jen has gained a passionate international fan base through touring and connecting with fans. With the understanding that the fans are key to the success of her music, Foster maintains a personal and interactive relationship with her supporters via Social Networking, Email, and blog updates.

Jen's song "Venice Beach" was recently announced to be the theme song for the hot new series, "VENICE", which is a spin-off from the CBS soap opera "The Guiding Light". Another original song by Jen, "I'm In Love With You", is also featured in the series. Thousands of new fans have embraced Jen's music as a result of this placement, and online sales have soared in recent weeks.

In June of 2009, Jen kicked off her songwriter series - "The Writer's Share" - at the Bluebird Cafe. The series was created in honor of Jen's mother, Mary Alice Foster, who passed away from endometrial cancer in 2008. All proceeds from the events go to raise money for the TJ Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS, and Leukemia Research. The first event featured Jen, along with #1 hit songwriter Chuck Cannon and Grammy-Award winning songwriters Richard Marx, Mike Reid, and Lari White.

In October, 2009, Jen was elected to the board of Nashville Songwriters Association International - a body of creative minds, including songwriters from all genres of music, professional and amateur, who are committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, and to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter and to act as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large.

Jen has had numerous film/tv placements, including of MTV's wildly popular show, "The Hills", feature film, "American Pie: Beta House", the popular soap opera "All My Children", and, most recently, multiple placements – including the theme song – for the newly released web series “Venice”.

AWARDS WON IN 2009
1) BEST FEMALE VIDEO OF 2009 - "CLOSER TO NOWHERE" - LOGO/MTV

AWARDS WON IN 2008
1) "CLOSER TO NOWHERE" - WINNER, TRIPLE A CATEGORY, INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
2) "VENICE BEACH" - FINALIST, FOLK CATEGORY, JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST
3) "CLOSER TO NOWHERE" - WINNER, ROCK CATEGORY, INDEPENDENT SINGER/SONGWRITER AWARDS.
4) "CLOSER TO NOWHERE"- BEST FEMALE VIDEO OF 2008 – LOGO/MTV

AWARDS WON IN 2006
1) "THE UNDERDOGS" - SONG OF THE YEAR, OUT MUSIC AWARDS
2) "TAKING BOB DYLAN" - WINNER, NASHVILLE SONG & LYRIC CONTEST
3) BEST FEMALE ENTERTAINER - THE STAND-OUT AWARDS

AWARDS WON IN 2005
1) "TAKING BOB DYLAN" - GRAND PRIZE, INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS
2) "TAKING BOB DYLAN" - BEST FEMALE ARTIST, INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS
3) "AMEN" - WINNER, GOSPEL CATEGORY, USA SONGWRITING CONTEST
4) "THE UNDERDOGS" - FINALIST, POP CATEGORY, JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST
5) "SUN IN SEATTLE" - FINALIST, FOLK/AMERICANA CATEGORY, INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS
6) "THE UNDERDOGS" - FINALIST, AA A/ALTERNATIVE CATEGORY, INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS
7) "TAKING BOB DYLAN" - FINALIST, ROCK/ALTERNATIVE CATEGORY, USA SONGWRITING CONTEST
8) "WITHOUT MICHAELANGELO" - DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION WINNER, POSITIVE POP CONTEST
9) "AMEN" - DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION WINNER, POSITIVE POP CONTEST

AWARDS WON PRIOR TO 2005
1) "SHE" - WINNER, POP CATEGORY, 2001, JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST
2) "SHE" - WINNER, POP CATEGORY, 2001, GREAT AMERICAN SONGWRITING CONTEST
3) "EVERYBODY'S GIRL" (FULL RECORD) - WINNER, BEST DEBUT RECORDING - FEMALE, 2004, OUT MUSIC AWARDS
4) "IN BETWEEN POSES" - WINNER, 1st ANNUAL AWARDS, BEST FEMALE ARTIST, INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS

http://www.saucymonky.com/index.html

“irrepressible melodic-ism and smart lyrics” -The Los Angeles Times

Cynthia, the daughter of a New Jersey stockbroker, and Annmarie, the daughter of an Irish racecar driver, first became acquainted with each other in Los Angeles, where they had both moved to pursue music and adventure! Cynthia isn’t the best about saving money, and Annmarie drives like a granny, so they ruled out the notion of following in their fathers’ footsteps and decided to be musicians instead. The girls got together to form SAUCY MONKY after sharing multiple shows in a tiny LA venue called O’Brien’s. It was there that the joyful, carefree spirit of SAUCY MONKY began. “We both had solo careers we were intently pursuing, but we discovered that we enjoyed playing together far more!” says Annmarie.

In typical “Fleetwood Mac style” band drama, Annmarie and Cynthia were girlfriends at one point. “We broke up, suffered, found NEW relationships, changed out our traumatized band members, and continued on with SAUCY, business as usual,” says Cynthia. The girls have now declared a permanent moratorium on intra-band affairs (Cynthia also had a relationship with former band-mate Karen Teperberg, leading to her nomination as the “Stevie” of the group). Fortunately, new drummer Megan Jane is involved in a long term relationship and Steve, their bass player, is married.

SAUCY MONKY’s music has been described, somewhat paradoxically, as “desperately hopeful". The songs are chock full of hooks, soaring melodies and crafty songwriting. The girls share lead vocal duties, and they cleverly weave their voices together in a bed of lush harmony. The music (rock/pop genre) is unique, yet comfortably familiar. Carving out an identity in a music world where nothing is really that “new” anymore, Cynthia likes to think that the band’s sound is “authentic and emotional”. “Our songwriting comes from a real place,” she says.

SAUCY has toured extensively in Europe and the US, sharing the stage with artists such as PJ Harvey, the B-52’s, The BlackEyed Peas, The Cure, Pink, and Wilco. The band had its Central European debut in 2008 during the world famous COLOURS FESTIVAL in Ostrava, Czech Republic, alongside Marianne Faithful & The Gipsy Kings.

SAUCY recently placed four of their songs in the indie/gay film “And Then Came Lola.” The movie and the soundtrack are playing in festivals all over the world and stirring up quite a buzz! The SAUCY catalogue has also shown up on several high profile television shows in the States, including iCarly, Zoey 101, MTV, Veronica Mars, and Drake & Josh (TV & Film).

SAUCY MONKY’s current lineup (which includes the aforementioned Steve Giles on bass and Megan Jane on drums) have been recording their fourth album in LA, produced by Cynthia Catania, who also produced the band’s previous albums Turbulence & Between the Bars, and songs off their first release, Celebrity Trash. All records are currently available on iTunes, and released on their own indie label olivoiL records. Among other online outlets, the band also has a radio station on Pandora.com & videos on Youtube (at youtube.com/SAUCYMONKYMUSIC). “Annmarie is our Martin Scorsese, directing, filming, and editing all our videos,” Cynthia says. “We are a one-stop shop!”

All kidding aside, the girls are very close, as is the entire current line-up of the band. They also feel that they have more than enough material for a stellar “Behind The Music” if VH1 ever come knocking!