Java Joe's 6/17 Special Show + Alive SD video

This Saturday's Java Joe's show will be a quiet, intimate acoustic night, showcasing vocals, songwriting and the artists/songs that have influenced my music over the last 20 years.  Featuring guitarist, Deane Cote, we will perform a set of my original songs from the first that I wrote to more recent explorations, followed by a set of songs that have provided me endless inspiration. 

I'm really looking forward to sharing them with you!

And, if you didn't know, the NEW Java Joe's has a summery outdoor stage

in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. All Ages.

I was honored to be the first artist featured on Listen Local Radio's 

Alive in San Diego program's new location at San Dieguito Heritage Park in Encinitas, CA.

Watch the interview by Cathryn Beeks below with a live cut of "Kiss You Goodnight."

Java Joe's July 25 w/ Frank Lee Drennen

Looking for an intimate show where you can really hear the music and interact with the musicians?  Join us Friday JULY 25 at Java Joe's.  Starting at 8pm with a set by Frank Lee Drennen, the night will continue with a set by me and special guests. I might even make happy cakes...

"Java Joe loves music and he loves people and he has an enviable track record of successfully, memorably bringing the two together." ~ SD Troubadour (read the article here)

Hope to see you there!

so...this is happening. visit my page and fan out to help move me up in the ranks of popularity.
hehee

Song for Avery Lynn

I recently wrote a song for the daughter of a friend of mine. Her story and theirs has touched me deeply and in hopes of raising a little cash and hopefully lots of spirits, I offer you "Avery Smile." It's a demo...please excuse the recording quality!  :)  If you purchase the download, I will send you a full studio version of the song for free once it's recorded. 

Avery's family has been very supportive of me over the years...wonderful, caring, music-loving, life-loving people!  My heart goes out to them and I am reminded to be ever grateful for the health of my family.

I have embedded the song here (but i'm not sure if it will show up) you can also go to my website store to purchase it. It's only a dollar, but you can donate however much you wish. All proceeds go to Avery. Scroll down to read more about here story.

Go HERE to listen or purchase the song.

From Avery's Go Fund Me site :  
"On March 28th 2012 Avery was taken to children's hospital for what everyone thought was a flu. Our lives were turned upside down in the blink of an eye. What followed was a litany of tests, procedures, extended hospital stays, and treatments to sustain our beautiful 2 year old Avery while doctors searched for a diagnosis. 120 blood and platelet transfusions, 6 bone marrow biopsies and 7 months of chemotherapy later we have a diagnosis- MDS (myelodystlastic syndrome). Our next step is a stem cell transplant (cord blood). To make this miracle work this month we will be admitted to the children's hospital, in the pediatric oncology ward for a minimum of 2 to 5 months of hospitalized ISOLATION. Starting with an intense regime of chemotherapy, to kill her immune system so she can receive the stem cell transplant. We are blessed that we have 3 possible matches.

It's hard to talk about money when there are many more important things on our hearts but it too is a reality. Because of Avery's extended hospitalizations and compounding medical bills we need help. We will be living in the Ronald McDonald house while we stay by our angels side during her brave fight. We are asking for donations to help offset all the costs. While all the money is going out nothing is coming in. We humbly ask for any help you can give, knowing these times are difficult for everyone. If you cannot give financially we ask that you hold our family up in prayer, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. These donations will allow us to be by our baby girls side while she fights the fight of her life."

Visit the site to learn more or make an additional donation. You can follow Avery's progress here on Facebook, Our Angel Avery Lynn

2013 New Years Resolution

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"2013 #resolution : write 3 songs inspired by each of these books. #dylan #hope #neruda #service #bukowski #williams #sandburg #bradbury"

My song "Kiss You Goodnight" is a finalist on Yobi.tv -- Check it out, comment, repost, and/or vote!

 TAKE A LISTEN TO "KISS YOU GOODNIGHT"  

a new single by Nena Anderson, brought to you by Kalinda Record Co. & The Lost Ark Studio.

This is the 2nd single to be produced by Lost Ark and Mike Butler, which will be compiled and released later this year along with some of San Diego's most talented bands.

Kiss You Goodnight

A new song is born at Lost Ark Studio in San Diego... "Kiss You Goodnight" will appear on a compilation album being produced by the studio. I can't wait to share it with you!

Here's T-bone & Turtle laying down the rhythm tracks

Written For The Sender

For as long as I can remember I've written notes and letters to express my feelings...anger, worry, sadness, hope, and love. And for nearly as long, I have stashed them away in books, boxes, drawers and journals. Rarely did one of those letters ever get sent to whom it was written for. They were written for me. Written to let go. Written to accept. Written to process the emotions of the moment. Writing that would eventually evolve into my craft as a songwriter...without even knowing it.
Letters written (sent or not) became the spark for a roaring fire that has become For The Sender, a project created by singer-songwriter, Alex Woodard. It consists of a book, a twelve song album and a concert event, all benefiting several charities. Tuesday, this two-year project was released to the public (website form only) to promote the concert to be held January 19, 2012. Plans for the book/album release are for Spring 2012.
Almost exactly two years ago I met Alex Woodard: singer-songwriter and neighbor. I had reached out to him to pick his brain about music business and more importantly songwriting. I had never considered myself a songwriter and in working on my debut album, I was hungry for skills, advice and inspiration. Over that first cup of coffee he challenged me to write a song.
Alex had been receiving letters from fans telling him about their life stories, tragedies and hopes. Their stories inspired him...not only to write...but to help them. He had a plan to take several of these letters and collaborate with local musician friends to write songs about them. He hoped that we could then play and record the songs for each letter author as a gift. Within the week, Alex had forwarded me one of those letters.
Over the two years that followed, Alex wrote a book about his story, his own letter, and how the For The Sender project became a part of it. The songs (and especially playing them for the authors) are as touching as the letters, capturing the incredible emotions and stories...moments never to be forgotten.
Alex Woodard and I co-wrote "Hush" for Katelyn, widow of a police officer, fallen in the line of duty, who had written Alex her story in a letter. At the time she had a newborn baby...Wyatt...now three years old. The letter is about loss, hope and love. So is the song. read it here
I can't express how honored I am to be a part of this project...everyone involved is incredibly talented, generous, genuine and open...from the musicians to the authors of each letter. I have truly experienced how music can heal and touch people and how powerful our gifts are as musicians. Watch the videos, read the letters, listen to the music clips and become a part of it. We're all wearing our hearts on our sleeves.
For concert tickets and to watch the videos, go to: ForTheSender.com
Join For The Sender on Facebook and follow on Twitter
For The Sender features the voices of Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Sara & Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Jack Tempchin, Molly Jenson, Jordon Pundik (New Found Glory), Nena Anderson and Alex Woodard.

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

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

Hope and Storytelling

I had an enlightening meeting yesterday with a songwriter. I'm trying to expand my network, come out from under the rock I've been hiding, learn a little from the experience of those that have traveled (or are traveling) my same road. I am so grateful to those who share their time with me, their knowledge, their opinions and their insight.

I get complacent. Afraid. Frustrated. Bored. Hmmm. So every couple of years I change it up, jump headfirst into something I know little about, but am determined to master. A few years back it was jazz. Then it was guitar. Now it's storytelling.

Master any of them I have yet to do. But I am excited for the bumps in the road and the journey, regardless of destination.

A Shot of Inspiration

i write love songs. created by heartache. observation. affectation.
inspired by my life, my loves, my loses and my lessons.
sweetened by my son's unconditional adoration.
and sharpened by a nip of bourbon.

Hello Spring!

I am a fan of warm weather and sunshine. Cold hurts me. With less chill in my bones I've been happily plucking away at my guitar and working on new songs. I have a show coming up in San Diego April 29. It will be a half-hour solo set, part of a Listenlocalsd.com showcase.

Jazz Compiliation Release

My rendition of "Gee Baby Aint I Good To You" was released again this month in Europe, this time on a 2cd compilation titled, "Glamour Jazz."

While I'm not listed on the cover, my track is the first on the cd. It's nice to see my name alongside such artists as Chet Baker, Cassandra Wilson and Jamie Cullum!

Last year I had several songs released on two other compilations, "2nd Smooth Jazz Avenue" and "In Love with Jazz." (I am not a "smooth jazz" artist!!!!) but both recordings had successful sales in Europe. I look forward to doing more recordings for them!