I am just a simple southern girl: born and raised south of Alabama ;)
Oh yeah, and a little further west, that is -- in Hawaii ! That makes
me a "keiki o ka aina" which means "child of the land". I have always
liked that descriptive for someone who does not posess Hawaiian blood,
but still may claim connection to the soil on which one was born. My grandparents arrived there in the early 1920's although that beautiful
place nurtured me while growing up, I had a restless spirit and at
the age of 18, I had to go. For many years I was a bit of a drifter
living in Colorado, and points East. I have spent a lot of years
trying to figure out where I belong. Recently, I've realized I
belong to no person, place, or persuit . but to myself.
Nashville became a place where I could feed my soul, and
grow and be creative. The deep roots-music tradition here drew
me in and I quickly adopted the blues, rockabilly, country, folk and
rock'n'roll strains into my music (combining with the 40' and 50's style
music I was so influenced by in Hawaii, along with the traditional
island sounds). I recorded a bunch of songs; some of them my own .
some that meant something to me at the time. that have appeared on
4 albums: "All Tricked Out", "Starr Struck", "Dare To Be Different", and
my newest CD, "Circles" (released March, 2006).
Influences along my artistic path: Dinah Washington, Andy Starr, The Stones, Elvis, Louis Jordan, Jimmy Witherspoon, Buddy Holly, Dave Edmunds, Billie Holliday, Emmy Lou Harris, Bob Dylan, (you know, I
hugged Bob Dylan once. on an airplane -rather awkward- hope he
doesn't remember it), Gram Parsons Nashville itself.
I've performed at some fun (and well. to me, anyway) memorable shows
in this town: at The Belcourt Theatre, Tootsy's Orchid Lounge, The French Quarter, Ri'chards, Cafe Coco, The 5 Spot, The Mercy Lounge, The Pond, Brown's Diner.
I've travelled and performed all over Europe and I am so grateful and fortunate to have had the chance to do that, meeting and sharing
adventures with great musicians and music lovers. I have performed in
the Czech Republic and in the East of Germany very soon after they
became democracies. One of my favorite Festivals was Jacob's Ladder
in the year 2000 right next to the Sea of Gallilee. I think, I hope, I always
be "a work in progress". And, I continue to hope -- on this crazy path I am on -- for greater enlightenment, a little more tolerance and patience, and a great deal more courage and self-realization. To view some videos, hit the "Video Clips" blog
