Bio
Hi, welcome to my web site. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Growing up in Richfield Minnesota, I have so many wonderful memories that are a part of who I am today. I remember building forts, the local swinging pool, dipping rhubarb in sugar, family camping trips, friends, popcorn, and my first guitar. It was wrapped with a bow and found under the Christmas tree. From Santa to me! It was red and black and had a toy brand name on it, and was music to my ears. I have always had an interest in music. In grade school I used to sing with a baby ukulele. Then I played the saxophone for eight years in the school bands. Church music also had its influences. Because my family only listened to Christian music, I would visit my friend’s house to listen to the Beatles. During my teen years, I remember doing a paper route and earning enough money to buy my first real guitar. I began learning the basics by teaching myself.
I come from a very musical family. Mom and dad played the keyboards, and all five of us kids took up a variety of instruments as well as singing. We still gather around the piano during the holidays with instruments and sing for hours.
I went to college at Mankato State University. Gymnastics and dancing were my passions, with music being just something played on the radio. I graduated in Elementary Education, found a teaching position and began to make music with young children. My beginning songwriting efforts were a means of self-expression and a coping tool to help me deal with all of life’s ins and outs. It wasn’t until I moved to Duluth MN in 2000 that I began music-making seriously.
My song writing is influenced by nature, life experiences and relationships with others. I find it exciting and challenging to weave lyrics and melody together in such a way that the song truly communicates what I feel and I want to present to my listener. So far I have over 100 original songs. Composing and sharing my music is truly were my heart is.
I play a wide variety of musical styles: folk, swing, pop, rock, bossa nova, jazz, reggae and blues. My song selection includes originals, covers of many genres, old standards, and children’s music. Covers range from the Beatles, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Marley, to Carole King, Joan Baez, Patsy Cline and Credence…a very eclectic mix depending upon the audience.
I have gigged regionally at numerous coffee houses, bars, children’s events and nursing homes. Other events have included Bayfront Blues Fest’s Blues Train, Homegrown Music Festival, Music In The Park @ Chester Bowl, The Art of Peace, folk festivals and art showings.
Calling old time dances has also been a growing interest of mine. I became active with the Tamarack Dance Association after moving to Duluth. I have experience calling dances for our local community, weddings, graduations, company parties, summer camps and many children’s events.
I have been blessed with a beautiful family and wonderful relationships. I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing.
My recordings include:
Simple Pleasures (2002)
Night Breeze (2005)
Little Treasures Sing and Dance, Vol.1 (2008, a children’s recording)
All I Want For Christmas Is You (2008, a Christmas single)
The North Woods (2009)
Forever Together (2009)
Little Treasures Sing and Dance, Vol. 2, which was funded by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, will be released this summer. (2009)