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!