Citybeat San Diego - Dec 25, 2010

Read the full article, Mixing It Up

Special Engagement LESTATS Friday 12/17

Join me and my solo band (The Mules) at Lestats this Friday night for a special show!

Why is it so special?

• It's ALL AGES.
• You'll get a bit of a preview of some of the new songs that will be featured on the new album.
• An amazing sounding, seated room.
• Old Tiger opening. John Hull closing.
• I'm making cookies.
• The Ould Sod is down the block.
• Only $7

We're on at 10pm.

Recording the Album - Session 1

2 days at White Horse Recorders, San Diego CA. we managed to nail down rhythm tracks for 14 songs, scratch vocals and guitars, drink 2 bottles of bourbon, and give the album a cohesive flavor. in the studio with us on day 2, photographer Andrew Reilly patiently waited while demolished an indian food feast, then snapped these photos...thanks Andrew!

want to get your own limited edition copy of the CD before the general release? hit my Kickstarter project and pledge to help me reach my $ goal. all the money will fund the making of this album! I only have 6 days left to reach $3000. if i don't reach or pass that amount...i get nothing! crazy i know...but what a fun and exciting way to participate in my project? check it out HERE. http://kck.st/cPGQOb

'One More' Live at Belly Up Tavern

Pre-Order my upcoming Debut CD!

Pre-order my upcoming release and be a part of the process with exclusive thank you gifts, including limited edition tracks, homemade cookies, or a private house concert!

Go to KICKSTARTER

Next Show - Nov 11 w/ Jimmie Vaughan

I'll be warming up the crowd for Mr. Vaughan with a half hour set 8-8:30pm.
This will be a trio show of my original material, featuring guitarist Mike Butler (the Boxmasters) and bassist Patrick McClory (Alex Woodard band.) Tickets are available at the Belly Up box office or online.
$18 adv / $20 door

Session Sister

In addition to fronting my own bands, I often collaborate with other artists. I've been so lucky to be involved in several great projects this year and have many new ones on the horizon that I can't wait to tell you about! Most recently, I've been doing a bit of session work, singing backups, harmonies, and sometimes duets. Here are links to some of those amazing artists I've had the pleasure of working with and learning from. Check out their music.

Freddy and Francine
Adrian Demain
Alex Woodard
Jack Tempchin
Jesse Nova
Nathan James

In-store at M-Theory Music

Join myself and guitarist, Mike Butler for a few tunes next Wednesday night Oct 20 at Mission Nights. This is a cool walkabout where you can learn about and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Mission Hills, San Diego. We'll be playing a one hour set at M-Theory. Come check out a cool, independent record store, listen to a few tunes and still be home early.

House Concert Sept 3

'Hell or High Water" House Concerts presents the 1st Annual Whiskey Mug Ball.

Music starts at 7:30pm
Room for dancing for you two-steppers, break dancers, or freestylers
Bring your own Mug and beverage to share
...$10 donation suggested
ENCINITAS, CA

Please RSVP for more info: hohwconcerts@gmail.com

Music by Nena Anderson and Special Guests from Austin, Texas, Colin Gilmore and his band!

Colin Gilmore:
"A West Texas Nick Lowe"- Sylvie Simmons, Mojo Magazine
More: http://www.colingilmore.com/

3 Nominations! 2010 San Diego Music Awards

I'm thrilled to announce that i've received 3 San Diego Music Awards nominations for my projects this year. Considering it's been a crazy year for me, it is great to know that you are listening!

Voting opens Aug 1. When it does, hit their site (link above) and vote! Nena Anderson (jazz), Brawley (americana/country),and The Neverout (new artist).

and as this is my 3rd year being nominated...perhap's third time's a charm? Regardless...a heartfelt thanks to friends, fans and family for your support and love!

hey honey

hey now, honey
i don't mind
if you're needing
my sweet time

hey now, honey
won't you smile
I have loved you
all the while

hey now, honey
I may break
if you make
the same mistake

---------------------------
6/22/2010
intuition is powerful if you listen

beautiful light

some days there is beautiful light

in their eyes
in the sky
in the salt

some days i see it
some days i don't
but i still feel it
or dream it
or will it to exist

Every Tuesday at Riviera Supperclub

Every Tuesday night, cruise out to La Mesa (10 min. east of San Diego out the 8 fwy) to The Riviera Supperclub and Turquoise Room. Join me for an hour and a half set of tunes with players from The Neverout, Brawley and other special guests. 9pm - 10:30pm. Always FREE...so bring a few bills for the tip jar, order yourself up a delicious meal or beverage and enjoy a night out without the weekend warriors! It's early enough that you'll still be able to function the next day at work...

Whatdaya Call It? Genre Labels

I struggle with the idea of labeling. I understand that people need a way to describe things, shelf them in an orderly manner, and have a way to compare to others. My struggle is...where do I fit? Or more specifically, my music?

With distinct elements of blues, jazz, country, rock (and sometimes punk) in my songs, it seems to me that the only clear description would be rock. That too, however, has become a convoluted descriptor. Originally, wasn't rock the obvious evolution of American roots music?

Labeling aside, I will continue to pepper my set with a mixture of instrumentation and genres. I love the spontaneity of a mix of players interpreting my songs. And choosing my covers based on my mood or the feel of the show. Perhaps sometimes it will be a blues show. Or a country show. Or a rock show. Does it matter?

5/28 Friday night at Iva Lee's

Cruise out to this hip, San Clemente restaurant, Iva Lee's! Amazing authentic New Orleans style southern food, a cozy bar and a lively atmosphere. Adrian Demain and I will be doing our duo thing.

Check out a video of us doing my song "Hush" ukulele style at the Adams Ave. Roots Festival.

So Many Projects!

This month is a chaotic one...plenty of shows, the debut of The Neverout (with a new lineup and sound), the launch of my website MerchMover, and many other odds & ends coming together. So I've decided it's time for a spring clean. Time to get it all organized and (hopefully *sigh*) simplified! I'm looking forward to everything having it's place. This website will serve as the hub for all things Nena Anderson, with links to all of my other projects: Solo performances, Creative work, Photography, MerchMover, The Neverout, Brawley, Jazz, and my cooking blog Nena's Cocina. Whew! Time to get crackin'...

I Love Spring

a fun photo from the archives...
me: blond, playing accordion with the golden hill ramblers!

i love spring. gardening, sunshine, festivals, street fairs, bike rides and bbq's...all before the summer tourist season hits. these are the times i appreciate san diego.

fun springy stuff:
• encinitas garden walk april 17 my 'hood
• adam's ave roots fest april 24 & 25. I will be playing both days, including a song swap session with nathan james on saturday at 2pm at lestats.
• gator by the bay may 7 & 8 dancing and cajun music, yay!

I Have Love

I have love.
Love that will fight
With fist and conscience.
Love that will wait
To watch you grow.
Love that knows no time, no past.
Love that is present.

It's not glamorous
It takes you as you are
The hopes and dreams
With the faults and heartaches.
Love that may scold you
Never judges you
But will hold you.
I have love
And it is yours.

[]

Beyond The Lights, Home at Belly Up Tavern

Photos by Philip DeFalco

Last Sunday night I played my first solo show at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA. I opened for the talented singer/songwriter of Maverick's fame, Raul Malo. It was an strange experience for me...lonely and liberating all at once!

Belly Up is my home stage. I played my first show there in 1996 and since that time have shared the stage there with Dr. John, Candye Kane, and Tommy Castro, among others, as well as won a "battle of the bands" competition there in the late 90's. As a bandleader, I have always been accustomed to the company of my bandmates at a show. Their drama. Their problems. Their support and encouragement. Their laughter. Like a family. And on stage there is safety in numbers. Confidence and security and comfort in that cloud of sound surrounding me with the band...not to mention the interaction and creative challenges we spark within each other. I found myself backstage before my set feeling oddly lonely. It was quiet, too quiet, despite my friends and goings on before my set. Where was my family? My comfort zone, my home?

Once I hit the stage, however, the show was on, and I was in my element...band or not. Peering beyond the lights into the audience was a sight I'd never seen at the Belly Up. The usual rowdy, dancing, nightclub patrons were replaced tonight by a listening crowd. I don't know what was scarier...the fact that I was to play solo or the fact that everyone in the audience was seated and their attention was focused on me! The entire dance floor was lined with rows of chairs and as far as I could see, the bleachers, the upper balcony, and the floor were full. A few nervous strums, a deep breath, a swig off my bourbon, and I was ready.

I stumbled a bit through the first song. Tentative. Unsure what to expect from this crowd. From myself. I launched myself fully into song number 2 "Beyond The Lights" -- I told myself to get over it and bring on the SHOW. And so I did. I had the audience laughing in between my sad love songs. I sold out of my EP's. I didn't even drink the cocktail (thanks Gabs!) that I thought I really needed. I was home.

Exclusive Download. Click here to start download  Beyond The Lights

Nena Anderson at Belly Up this Sunday

This SUNDAY February 28 at BELLY UP TAVERN 8pm sharp

This will be a great night of songs by two fantastic singers in an intimate, seated setting at the Belly Up.

Nena Anderson opens at 8pm with a 45 minute set. Experience a rare solo show of her jazz, blues, and country inflected original songs. Nena's captivating and warm contralto will draw you in so you never want to leave.

Nena will also debut a new limited EP, entitled "Daggers" at this show! only $10

Raul Malo's (Grammy winning frontman of The Mavericks) velvet baritone has been described by The New York Times as “exceptional” and The Wall Street Journal as “exquisite.” His songs recall the great tunes of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, made famous by Malo’s musical heroes like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.

Get your tickets online at http://bellyupsolanabeach.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=39048&eid=45612 or at the Belly Up box office.

Belly Up Tavern
143 S. Cedros Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075

swim

Need a push
A leap
Off the high board
Into the deep end

Will you be there?
Dont dare to catch me
Watch me drown?
Swim with me

Valentine

After a busy weekend in Los Angeles, I arrived home yesterday afternoon and fell into a much needed catnap. When I woke, sitting next to my face on the pillow was a note.

My son (7) had made me a Valentine heart scrawled with the words : I love you Mom

The best things in life are from the heart.