Monica Ramey: Latest Scoop

The Dream Team is kicking it, people!  2010 is providing an abundance of love, energy and opportunity.  Here's what is happening to a few of our Dream Teamers.  Oh, and if you're overwhelmed trying to keep up with all of this greatness, you are not alone!  I feel it everyday, lovingly!

Lori Mechem (superpower:  her original music) has been writing original tunes with some of Nashville's best songwriters for pop, R&B, jazz and many other genres for 20+ years.  Her tunes have been recorded by not only Lori (check out Welcome to Brazil & Dream of Life ) but by many other artists as well (two of them are featured on Make Someone Happy).  They have been performed by various artists around the country and she's just getting started!  Open Your Heart, a tune co-written by our Superwoman, is the 2010 Official song for TN chapter's Man & Woman of the Year campaign for LLS!  J'Nae, Lori, Roger Spencer and Marcus Finnie are featured on the track...as well as a few other musical surprises.  Stay tuned for more updates on our songwriting superhero soon. 

Roger Spencer (superpower: his bass hands) provided us, his loyal fans, the most amazing experience last night!  With Tamir Hendelman on piano and Marcus Finnie on drums and our favorite man in tights (ha!), we witnessed jazz at its finest and Roger pulling out some new tricks.  We didn't know Roger had superpowers in his bass bow, but with his gorgeous solo on "It Never Entered My Mind"  we were set in a trance and I'm not sure I've come out of it yet.  We are so proud of Roger, Marcus and Tamir for giving us yet another reminder of the beauty, intensity and joy within jazz.  Thank you!

Beegie Adair (superpower: her greatness) has been BUSY!  She recently released her latest album Into Somethin' and she just recorded her trio's first live album at NJW last month.  Radio is loving the trio's track, Dream Dancing, from our album and Beegie's killer solo!  Last night, the great Tamir Hendleman acknowledged Beegie's presence at his performance and a room of Beegie fans roared in appreciation.  Thank you Beegie, for your countless recordings and musical grace.  We love you!

Sandra Dudley (superpower: that voice!) reincarnated the greatest jazz singer of all time, Ella Fitzgerald, on Valentine's Day at the Frist Center for the Arts.  Jazz on the Move is a series hosted by the Nashville Jazz Workshop and last Sunday, my vocal producer took the stage to entertain, to educate and to honor the late Ella.  In an auditorium that that has a capacity of 250, we had 519 fans who waiting anxiously to see & hear Sandra, with Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer and Marcus Finnie, perform Ella's finest material.  She nailed it!  Standing ovation, screaming fans and my complete and total admiration for this amazingly talented, worldclass woman.  I didn't need that experience to know that Sandra is such a gift to all of us, but it brought so much joy in my heart to see her shine in such a brilliant way. 

Heather Brand (superpower: her vision) is about the premier her photography to Nashville, in the hippest way possible.  Her brilliant work will be featured at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, starting in April.  As you know, Heather is my photographer and responsible for all my album photos.  She's internationally known for her work in politics, fashion and now, music.  My fans know me through her vision and now, you will get to become a fan of hers as well!  Join us on April 9th at NJW from 5:30-7:30pm for her solo exhibition premier. It's free to attend and you will be able to purchase one of Miss Brand's framed pieces, matted prints or her photography book that evening.  She will also be signing as well.  Oh, and did I mention she has impeccable music taste!?!  Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer, Marcus Finnie, Roy Agee, yours truly and Beegie Adair are all coming together to play an hour of Heather's favorite jazz and to celebrate our dear friend's special exhibition.  Make your plans today and join us!  It will be an unforgettable evening!

Denis Solee (superpower: his swing) is rocking the airwaves right now.  We all know that Denis is one mean player and arranger and thanks to his swinging work on Make Someone Happy, the rest of the world is learning it as well!  Three of his tunes on the album, When the Sun Comes Out, You Hit the Spot and Hey John are the top spins on radio, from MSH.   Everyone loves a tune that swings and it's impossible to not tap a toe or shake the head and hips with his magical musical imagination! The success of MSH is a testiment to the people who produced the album and the music.  Denis deserves much accolade for his work and we are so very thankful for him! 

George Tidwell (superpower: his kindness) was recently honored in a very cool way!  When the great Marvin Stamm visited NJW in late-2009,  George got a big surprise.  NJW's library, which is the home for over 5,000 jazz CDs, became the "George Tidwell Jazz Library. "  The donor, Mark Edwards, and George go way back and Mark wanted very much to honor his best friend.  So, on this special occasion, Mark took the stage and honored George with the heaviest plaque known to man, which is now permanately placed on the wall outside of the library.  Such a cool honor for such an amazing man. 

Brian Parker (superpower: his creativity) has more talents than I have been giving him proper credit for!  Last week, I visited PK Productions new studio, which was designed by the man behind the fab art on my album!  I was in awe and could not have been more proud of Brian!  I've always known our favorite mad genius for his paintings, drawings and graphic design, but I had no idea of how stinkin' talented he was with set and interior design as well.  WOW!  Thank you, Brian, for your amazing gifts! 

Roy Agee (superpower: his strength) is our butterfly and he is taking on a whole new body, new colors and experiencing what it's like to learn to fly.  Roy is inspiring to me on so many levels.  Most importantly, he is genuinely kind.  He loves to make you laugh and to entertain, but you don't have to look far to see such a dear soul and he's not afraid to show it to anyone.  I've made a career out of surrounding myself with people that are better than me and Roy is the perfect example of why I do this.  Roy is taking charge of his life and fulfilling many dreams.  He's lost almost 100 lbs in the past year, he's a ridiculously talents horn player and he's trying out lots of new gifts as well! Now, to understand what all of this really means, you have to keep up with his facebook posts and blogs.  It's worth it.  Check them out!

As for me (superpower: giving the ooh-la-la!), my joy is what is happening in the lives of those I love, personally and professionally. I feel like I just learned to walk forward, instead of in circles, in the past two years and I'm enjoying this journey.  It's a beautiful path, paved with the brightest lights you've ever seen ahead of me.  Some days the hills feel a little steep, but there are always overwhelmingly loving people at my side to make the hills a little easier to climb.  They remind me why they are needed, so that I never take the smooth roads for granted and why I'm worth the success of reaching the top of them and the light in front of me.  I am beginning to understand that life is truly about the journey and at every stop, there is still more light ahead. 

Life is blessed and I encourage you to look closely at those around you and celebrate not only what they bring into your life, but the joy that others give to them.  Understanding what makes the people around you happy and inspired will resonate within you and allow you to be the best friend, peer, lover or family member ever.  Open Your Heart and you'll find so much joy that is surrounding you. 

Keep swingin',  Monica

Congratulations to Monica & the Dream Team!  Make Someone Happy was one of CD Baby's top selling jazz vocal albums in November & December!  To purchase your copy or to download the album, visit http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/MonicaRamey.

Friends,

I'm SO excited about some of the very cool radio gigs coming up.  All of them are posted on the calendar, so please take a look and tune in on your radio or computer.  Very exciting stuff.

Recently, I made my debut appearance on 90.3 FM, WPLN, which is Nashville's NPR station.  They have a segment called "Studio C" which is definitely a local favorite and something I've watched my mentors do for years.  Now, it was my turn.  The Lori Mechem Trio was on with me and when you work with musicians of their caliber, the experience is bound to go great!  I listened, I learned and I am proud of what we did.  I'm already planning for my sophmore appearance in the future and taking what I've learned to make that one even better! I hope you'll tune in to listen.

Also, today (11/12/09) will mark my radio premier with Make Someone Happy during the 10am CST hour on WMOT, 89.5 fm.  Greg Lee will be the first radio DJ to ever play any tunes of mine on air.  I'm SO incredibly excited and know it will be the most amazing feeling to hear my music on air. Please celebrate with me by listening on your radio or visiting www.wmot.org.

Next week,  I'm going an hour segment on WRVU 91.1 with Tom Preismeyer.  We'll listen to tunes from the album and some of my other favorties as well.  www.wrvu.org or 91.1. 

Thanks all!

Monica

The most amazing days in my life....

1.  The birth of each of my nephews and my neice.  I witnessed 2 out of the 3!  This still leaves me speechless.

2.  Seeing Barbra Streisand in concert AND again this year on Oprah (thanks to my amazing sister, Mandy, we were just a few feet from my idol!)  Two days I'll never forget as long as I live.

3.  Soon, meeting my third nephew (we lovingly call Chad, Jr. until he's born!).

4.  Last, but definitely NOT least...TODAY!  The moment I opened up one of the many boxes full of MY CDs!  I smiled uncontrollably, my hands were shaking with excitment and tears soon followed.  I've dreamed of this for years and the day has finally arrived.  The best is that I got to share the moment with the two people who are ultimately responsible for this happening, my producers, friends, mentors and family...Lori Mechem and Roger Spencer.

AHHH!  They are here!  I truly cannot wait for each and every one of you to own a copy of this album!  Please click on the "purchase" link to invest in your copy (and copies for your holiday gift list!) today!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your support.  I constently feel so much love around me from the most amazing people.  I rarely feel as though I deserve it, but I'm taking it and sending love back to everyone in return.

I'm so blessed to share this day with you!  Warm wishes and sweet dreams.  May they all come true!

Monica

 

 

 

 

I'm VERY proud to tell you that the digital download cards (ddc) for Make Someone Happy are now available!  They are super hip and if you're not familiar with a ddc, here's how it works! 

1. Purchase the ddc through this website.  Click on the "purchase" button & select the appropriate option.
2. When you get the card in the mail, gaze at the fabulous artwork on the front by Brian Parker then turn it over and follow the instructions. 
3. All 12 tunes will download onto your computer and voila!  You own Make Someone Happy.  
4. Listen, sing along, tap your feet, snap on 2 & 4 and then repeat step 1 for each of your family and friends this holiday season & all year long! 

If you still dig the liner notes as I do, then step #5 would be to pre-order the CD. Then, roll back around to step #4 and swing!  

Thanks all.  I'm SO excited for you to own this album!!

Monica

I'm pleased to announce that my debut album "Make Someone Happy" is complete and being sent to our manufacturer today for pressing.  The music, the photos, the artwork, everything about it is stellar.  I can't even begin to tell you how meaningful this project has been to me.  For 4 years I've been looking forward to this day and I have absolutely no regrets.  Life is blessed.  This project is certainly blessed and I can't thank all of your for your support.

I will be hosting a CD release party on November 22 at the Nashville Jazz Workshop from 3-5pm.  Come and hear the music, meet the musicians, and everyone who was behind the scenes making this album what it truly is....fantastic!

If you can't make it to the CD release, I will soon be taking pre-orders very soon.  Check back often for more details on the online and retail sale locations. 

Thanks, Monica

Friends,

I've had lots of fans ask for more updates on the album, so here you go! There are so many moving parts and pieces right now, it seems sort of crazy, but it's happening and its fabulous!

Yesterday, Brian Parker and I spent the morning looking through amazing photos taken by Heather Brand. We have a very cool concept visualized and finding the perfect photos was so much fun. Though I'm emotionally attached to every single photo (you'll understand why when you see who else is in some of them), finding the perfect ones for the album wasn't that difficult to do. Brian has an amazing "eye" for this!

Today, my producers, Roger Spencer & Lori Mechem, are in the studio with Tom Knox, who is mixing and mastering the project. They are making final mixing edits and then it's off to be mastered!

In 10 days, my baby will be pressed. Once the final product is off, I will reveal audio clips of the album on this website and the gorgeous visuals created Brian, Heather and Amanda Craig, my stylist.

If you're in Nashville today and not glued to the Titans/Jaquars game, stop by Whole Foods in Green Hills. Anthony Belfiglio and I will be playing from 11-1pm.

Thank you all for your constant support!

Monica

Friends,

The great Tom Knox has given us amazing mixes to listen to and get very excited over! My producers, Roger Spencer and Lori Mechem, are putting their ears to work giving the tracks a serious listen. In the meantime, I've hired artist Brian Parker to design the album as well. It's been an amazing journey and I'm SO excited for you to hear & see this amazing project. My deadline to hand our hard work to the manufacturer is just around the corner, so you should be able to invest in this great CD early November. It's going to make a great stocking stuffer, hostess gift for all of those holiday parties you will attend and birthday presents all year!

Friends,

The album is coming along! October 15th is just around the corner and we're making it happen! My FAVORITE photographer, Heather Brand (www.heatherbrand.com), captured photos of me with some of my very favorite people recently (you'll find out who when you invest in a copy of the CD!) and they are going to be beautiful, I know. We've conceptualized the look of the album, which is going to be so hip, and we are excited to start putting our ideas into action. What I know, for sure, is that this album is going to be very fun for the listener, with a heaping serving of class! I can't wait for you to hear & see it.

This week has brought me many, many blessings both professionally and personally. Some things I'll hold off and tell you about at another time, but something very special happened yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. I've met many people, I've become friends with people that I once thought were untouchable. I'm rarely starstruck by those that I highly respect. HOWEVER, there is one artist that is the exception and I've always said that if I meet her, I will have an out of body experience. It appears as though we're about to find out if that's true. My amazing sister entered to win tickets to the Oprah show and was selected. This isn't just any show, however. The legendary Barbra Streisand is going to be on the show! Anyone that knows me knows what this means to me. I won't sleep, I won't eat and will be a basketcase upon seeing her in person. These things I know will be true. Mandy will be very embarrassed sitting next to me!

Here's the deal. For most of my life, my dream was to meet Barbra. It felt completely impossible, but something that I have always wanted. I write daily in my Morning Pages (an Artist Way reference) and ask for many things. I also give much thanks to everything I know I have and to the people that I love. Since starting this routine earlier this summer, I have found that many blessings have come to life for me. My sister being selected to have these tickets is a perfect example. Ask my neighbors, family and friends and they will tell you that I am visibly VERY excited, but there is such a huge part of me that wants other people to experience the same joy I feel right now in their own lives. Not for me, but because they too realize that the most beautiful, unexpected joys can happen to them as well. I have never expected for anyone to understand how much this artist resonates within me, but I wish for everyone to be so inspired by someone that they strive for greatness in their own lives because of their impact.

I look around my fantastic home, see my most amazing friends and family and now listen to my first album (another life long dream) and I know that I am so incredibly blessed. Life is so good.

If you want something, ASK for it. Put it out there so that others can ask with you. I have found that there are more people in this world that sincerely want you to succeed and have wonderful gifts than those who feel otherwise. Surround yourself with those people and give thanks for what they do for you. Live with no regrets and MAKE IT HAPPEN.

I'm so thankful that you took the time to read this update and I want you to hear my new album soon. Oh, and watch the Oprah show with Barbra Streisand. I will be the one in the audience with the mushy face from crying the ENTIRE TIME!!!!

Love,
M

So, thank goodness for Lori Mechem. She is the expert at album planning (she has lots of amazing CD's out that you need to own, in case you don't already!) and she has kicked the album release into high-gear. We are all so excited about this project and we're feeling good that you're going to enjoy it as well. We are scheduled to send everything to the manufacturer to be pressed on October 15th. So (cross your fingers) we should have my very first album in hand in November. Life is good & I am definitely blessed! Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more info!!!!

Friends,

I'm not performing at this event, but strongly wish for all of you that enjoy my music to learn where I've learned most everything I know about jazz. This place is beyond special to me and they need your support. Please join us or make a contribution today. Thanks!

The Nashville Jazz Workshop (NJW) is pleased to announce its Annual Fall Fundraiser will be held Sunday, September 13, from 4:00 pm 8:00 pm at Limelight, 201 Woodland Street.

Now in its ninth year, the NJW Fall Fundraiser is the Jazz Party of the Year and features wine, food and live music by top Nashville jazz artists and guests. Our special guest artist this year is Donna McElroy, master jazz vocalist, educator, and recording artist on the faculty of Berklee College of Music. Donna is a former Nashville resident, music industry figure, and and former Fisk Jubilee Singer. She is popular with Nashville audiences, and plays to packed houses on her rare return visits. Also on the program will be 3rd Coast Vocals featuring Jeff Hall, Sandra Dudley, Christina Watson, Mark Stephens, and an NJW All Star Ensemble featuring Rod McGaha, Rahsaan Barber, Chester Thompson, Joe Davidian, and Jim Ferguson.

A special feature of the Fall Fundraiser is a live and silent auction, with unique and desirable items that include vacation getaways, tickets to top events, special dinner packages, in-home concerts, artwork by the city’s top artists, and much more. A unique feature of the auction is Small Works – a collection of 5” x 7” canvases with paintings by some of the area's top artists, produced especially for this event.

The ticket price includes food by Monell’s. There will be complimentary wine from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and a cash bar thereafter. Tickets are $50, and will be available beginning August 1. Tickets will be available by phone at 615-242-5299 and online at www.nashvillejazz.org.

Limelight is located at 201 Woodland Street, Nashville, across the street from the Titans stadium.

Major sponsors for this year’s event include Nashville Lifestyles, Limelight, Monell’s, and WMOT Radio. Corporate and patron sponsorship packages are still available, and include reserved seating and other benefits. Call 242-5299 for sponsorship information.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Celebrating its 11th year of operation, NJW is a non-profit music education organization serving jazz musicians, jazz fans and the jazz community with classes, performances and special events. For more information visit www.nashvillejazz.org.

So, a very talented friend of mine recently turned me on to the book "The Artist Way." Now, I've known about this book for many years and have been invited, on numerous occasions, to join groups of musicians who have created AW clusters. I've always graciously turned down the invitations, feeling that the emotional process of my musical journey is quite personal and private.

For some reason, however, the timing was right for me to start reading the book. I am reading the book in my own space with my friend along for the journey only if I should need support, to share a moment of accomplishment or a friendly nudge to keep at it!

It's an amazing book. I love it and regardless if you should want to join a cluster or work through the book privately, I recommend it. I'm not done with it and I plan to take my time and induldge every opportunity it presents. So far, so wonderful!

Regardless if you're a musician, photographer, painter, author, actor or simply a non-artistic individual who yearns to examine some sort of creativity, read The Artist Way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

Join Monica, Larry Seeman, Max McKellar and Carlos Ruiz for an hour of straight-ahead jazz on June 18th from 9-10pm. For more details, please visit http://www.ashlandcity.net

Friends,

It's been a long time since I've updated anyone on the album. The tracks are done! I have 3 producers for this album, Lori Mechem & Roger Spencer as well as Sandra Dudley producing the vocals. They are all taking time to listen and will be working with my engineer, Tom Knox, on mixing the project and then, the mastering process. In the meantime, I am doing all of the essential stuff like getting quotes on packaging, design, etc.

While there is no release date set, we are wrapping alot of love around sometime in the fall.

I'm pretty geeked about the entire project and I sincerely hope that, when it's completed, you will enjoy it as well!

Love,
M

Friends,
I support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign. It's a very hip campaign where you get to help decide who Nashville's next Man & Woman of the Year will be!

Please visit www.manwomanoftheyear.org/tn for more information and to cast your vote! Your donation not only supports very deserving individuals, it helps LLS get one step closer to it's mission, which is to cure blood cancers.

Be Relentless.
Monica

Friends,
I just learned that one of my very favorite vocalists and songwriters, Blossom Dearie, passed away on Saturday. Blossom has had a significant impact on me, vocally and stylisticly. Her small voice created its own magnitude of sound and I feel blessed to have known of her music and her sweet style.

On my first album, I'm honored to be paying tribute to Blossom on one tune and recording another that she had written. I believe, however, that I will be paying tribute to her for the rest of my life. Here's the AP obit for you to read.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz singer Blossom Dearie, whose baby-doll voice graced New York and London cabarets for decades, has died at 82.

Her manager, Donald Schaffer, says Dearie died of natural causes Saturday at her Manhattan home. No specific cause of death was given.

Marguerite Blossom Dearie dropped her first name to bolster a musical career that began with classical training in piano and later moved to jazz vocals. By the mid-1940s, she was a member of the Blue Flames, associated with Woody Herman's orchestra and with the Alvino Rey band.

Dearie began her solo career in postwar Paris.

She recorded albums for various labels and founded her own label, Daffodil Records, in 1974. She gained national attention by appearing on the early days of NBC's "Today" show.

Sleep well, Blossom. You are already dearly missed.
-Monica

As I am preparing to release my first album, it never occured to me that my most vital source for sharing my music, WMOT Jazz 89, would not exist. That far-fetched scenerio is now a reality and I need your help. This isn't about me, but about something that is so precious to not only Nashville, but to all jazz enthusiasts and musicians around the world. Please read & help if you can.

LOCAL JAZZ GROUPS RALLY TO SUPPORT JAZZ RADIO STATION

A coalition of nonprofit jazz organizations in Middle Tennessee is mounting a campaign to save public radio station WMOT, 89.5 FM. The station is on the list of programs that may be eliminated by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) as part of state budget cuts.

In April, 2009 WMOT Jazz89 will celebrate its 40th year in operation. It is the only station in Middle Tennessee with a 24/7 mainstream jazz format, and one of the few left in the USA. It offers jazz related programming that includes shows hosted by professional staff and student DJs, top syndicated shows from NPR and other sources, and many CDs by Nashville jazz artists. As a major outlet in this area for what has long been called “America’s only original art form,” the disappearance of WMOT would be a terrible loss to the cultural life of Middle Tennessee.


In addition to the benefits WMOT provides to the community, the station is a major source of education and broadcast training of MTSU students. Attached is a partial listing of some of WMOT's "alumni" who have gone on to play important broadcast and media roles at the local, state, and national levels.

Participating in the effort to save WMOT are the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Nashville Jazz Workshop , and Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society. The group is sponsoring an All-Star Jazz Rally for WMOT. The event will take place Sunday, February 15, 3:00 pm at Limelight, 201 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37213.

The event will feature music by many of Nashville’s top jazz artists, who are donating their time and talent to this event. The lineup so far includes:
* The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, with Connye Florance, Annie Sellick, Matt Belsante, and special guests Felix Cavaliere (of Rascals fame) and Diane Marino
* Victor Wooten
* Rod McGaha
* The Pat Coil Sextet
* Christina Watson
* El Movimiento, with Rahsaan Barber, Edwin Santiago, & Giovanni Rodriguez

Admission for the event is $15, with all proceeds going to support WMOT. The event organizers note that the low admission charge is intended to encourage as many people as possible to come, including fans of all types of music and the arts. At the event there will be information about additional ways that supporters can help the radio station.

For further information, contact:
Jim Williamson, 889-6335
jwilliamson6335@comcast.net

Additional information is also available at:
www.nashvillejazz.org (Nashville Jazz Workshop)
www.jazzblues.org (Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society)

So, I hoped for the opportunity of more gigs and 2009 and so far, so good! I've got several dates in Nashville for you to check out in February and hopefully a few more to come.

A special thanks for visiting my site and I'll hope to see you all soon!

- Miss M

2008 has been a great year! Personally, I started on my first album, shared the stage with the great Beegie Adair, James Hollihan, Lori Mechem, Jeff Steinberg and so many other amazing musicians! I also bought a loft in Germantown and made so many new friends at Werthan! I've also led a campaign that raised over a quarter of a million dollars for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! There's lots more, but these are the moments that stand out to me right now. Life has been very good to me.

I've watched so many of my dear friends, family and mentors accomplish some pretty amazing things as well. Sharing in their special moments means more to me than my own! They inspire me and give me so much to look forward to in my own personal and professional growth. For that, I'm sincerely thankful.

I have a beautiful family and I love and adore. I look forward to seeing everyone over the holidays!

It's been a tough year for the world. We've been challenged in almost every way possible, but I believe that 2009 is going to be a new beginning. I know that I have taken for granted the many blessings I have and this year has made me take stock of everything that I have and all that I can do to help others. I hope over the next few weeks, you can take a few minutes to remember all of the blessings you have as well.

I wish you the most wonderful holiday season and will raise my glass to you on December 31st for an even better 2009.

Love,
Monica

We've got a fun night planned at Edgehill Studios on Dec. 2 from 6:30 - 9pm. This is an NJW sponored event and is free, so come on out to hear some fun jazz. Edgehill has a great menu, coffee and wine, so bring a few dollars for dinner and if you can swing it, a few more for the band.

Joining me will be Mike Rinne, Jason Cheek and special guest, James Hollihan. These guys are really great. You don't want to miss it. See you then. - M

Thanks to everyone who made it out to the Germantown Street Festival yesterday. It was a great day and we had a blast at the NJW tent. On behalf of the NJW gang, we'll hope to see you soon in class or an upcoming performance. I will certainly hope to see you at one of my upcoming gigs as well. Cheers!

Now that I have your attention....

I will be playing from 10:30-11:30am at the Germantown Street Festival on Saturday, October 11th. This is an all day event filled with everything from a 5K run, food, family activites, great music and yes...beer! Head out early to grab a seat and stay late to enjoy the fun day.

See you then!

Friends -- I'm a volunteer of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, a nonprofit organization that supports jazz in the community.

Their annual fundraiser is coming up Sept. 28, and I hope you will buy tickets and come. Besides supporting a worthwhile cause, you'll have a fabulous time -- this is the jazz party of the year!

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, I hope you'll do so today. Just call 252-5299 or go online toTicketsNashville.com.

The event is this Sunday, Sept. 28, 4:30-9 pm at Vanderbilt Blair's Ingram Hall. The Silent and Live Auction items are in, and they're wonderful! The food, wine, and desserts are going to be fabulous. And of course the music will be great. Pete Christlieb is bringing some fantastic big-band charts to perform with NJW All-Star "little big band": Rod McGaha, Denis Solee, George Tidwell, Don Aliquo, Matt Davitch, Robbie Shankle, Chester Thompson, Andy Reiss, Roger Spencer, & Lori Mechem. And, of course, the Beegie Adair Trio as well as Christina Watson with the Pat Coil Trio will be performing. We hope that all of our old and new friends will come and help us celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Workshop. We're counting on your support to help us continue to promote great jazz in our community.

Friends,

Many of you have asked about my upcoming album (yes, even though no vinyl will be used for this, I still think its an album!) and I thought this may be a fun way to keep you posted from time to time on what's happening with the project.

Here are the vitals of the album...

1. It features the Lori Mechem Trio (Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer and Chris Brown), James Hollihan, Denis Solee, George Tidwell and Roy Agee. There is another very special guest as well, but I think I'll surprise you with that...

2. All of the horn arrangements were done by Denis Solee and they are killer!

3. Lori Mechem & Roger Spencer are producing the album, which will also be on their label, Cognito Music.

4. The great Sandra Dudley is producing the vocals for the album.

5. The tunes are......just kidding! I'm not telling you that! You'll have to wait and hear.

6. Album Release date...to be announced at a later time. I'm taking my time with this! It could be a while. :) I am very anxious for everyone to hear the final product, but I'm also trying to learn and enjoy this new experience so that album #2 and the many others after that will be even better.

So, that's the latest and greatest. If you have any questions, send me an email! Also, feel free to join my email list and I'll keep you posted on upcoming gigs, other special news, etc.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Love,
Monica

Friends,

A special thanks to everyone who came out to Cafe Coco last weekend to hear James Hollihan, Jason Cheek, Mike Rinne and myself play some swingin' jazz! You were a wonderful audience and we appreciate your support so much!

For those of you who couldn't attend, I appreciate the well-wishes and warm thoughts. We missed you and we'll hope to see you at another gig soon!

Love,
Monica