Wendylicious Musings . . .

The Dizzying & Suspenseful Album Saga Continues

2010-04-29T10:45:00.002-05:00

What happens when you receive damaged product 6 weeks before your first album release celebration, Wendy?

We received 1000 copies of our new album, "We Are One" three weeks ago and much to our dismay, we discovered the majority of the CDs we opened were scratched/scuffed. We contacted the manufacturer and overnighted sample unopened copies for them to examine. They passed it to upper management while we waited for their verdict. Two weeks passed before we got their final decision and indeed, they agreed there was a manufacturing error and we made arrangements for UPS to pick up the cds so that the manufacturer could re-print the discs and re-package them and ship them back to us. . . I opened about 250 copies to find enough unscratched copies to send to regional media in anticipation of our two release celebration dates in May (May 20th at the Mucky Duck in Houston & May 27th at Luna in San Antonio). We got about 50 usable copies for media and radio and UPS picked up the boxes yesterday to bring BACK to the manufacturers.

It's no mystery that this is already a quite irregular, risky and hectic business. I'd like to believe that I have a rather high tolerance for the pitfalls that accompany it but this particular set of curve-ball circumstances has leaned heavily on my patience and ability to stay calm in troubled waters. I've invested most of my financial resources and all of my time and love into its creation and in a sense, the direction of my career is riding on its success. It's been scary. I've been addressing my deepest hopes and fears and questioning my purpose and intentions in the midst of all this disheartening madness.

I've been working like a one woman army from dawn till midnight most days, running the business, strategically planning and budgeting tours and release events, negotiating with venues, rehearsing our awesome band, playing shows and preparing for media. I've kept my mind open, seeking out appropriate synergy in management, booking and publicity. I've kept my heart open and inner gaze fixed on both the tiny gifts of the present and the mystery that lies just over the horizon. I'm learning how to ask for help. It's kinda freaky, but a great lesson. Although the birthing process has been riddled with complications, "We Are One" is the finest project I have ever had the pleasure to create. The desire to spread the music's magic propels me to move forward in good faith and grace.

More than ever, I've been so grateful for my fans, community, friends and family and your endless, unconditional love and emotional support. I apologize that I couldn't get copies in your hands sooner, but I can guarantee that it will be worth it once you get the album. Pre-Order Patrons, I hope you're enjoying the album digitally. If you don't have it and want to purchase it online, it is available on CD Baby at http://www.cdbaby.com/wendycolonna1 . If you are already enjoying the album please write a review on CD baby.

Radio, Events et More:
We've been getting radio play in Belgium, the UK, Austin, Louisiana. . . and we haven't even sent out formal CDs to these stations! It's really exciting and has kept my heart lifted to hear the joy of DJ's sharing the songs with their listeners. I hope it's as infectious an experience for you. . . As of now, Album release parties will begin on May 20th at the Mucky Duck in Houston. The Following week, on May 28th we will be celebrating and performing the album at Luna in San Antonio. Both of these are AMAZING rooms and we hope you'll share news of the parties with your friends! We are still working on the details of Austin's release event and have booked celebrations in Lake Charles & Lafayette, LA in June. We're heading west to Lubbock, Amarillo and New Mexico in July/Aug and are working on other Texas and Oklahoma dates. Things are moving in a powerful and positive direction despite the obstacles.

Website Under Construction- Here's where you find out about tour-dates:

We're also working on a new website. If you're looking for tour-dates you can visit http://www.reverbnation.com/wendycolonna or http://www.facebook.com/wendycolonnamusic for details.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for listening. Thanks for believing.

Wendy Lorraine Colonna

What Rumi SXSW & Spring Do to Me. . .

2010-03-23T10:50:00.004-05:00

"Inside this new love, die. Your way begins on the other side. Become the sky. Take an axe to the prison wall. Escape. Walk out like someone suddenly born into color. Do it Now, You're covered with thick cloud. " Rumi

I don’t sleep that well when I know I have to wake up before dawn. I wake every hour or so to peek at the clock to see if the time has come for me to rise as I know I will be ascending the same darkness into which I made my descent many hours earlier. My dreams are wild and I don’t quite enter a full restful sleep on nights like this. Lately, because I’ve recently committed to a pre-dawn start time for yoga several days a week, this pattern continues. As I lie in bed these mornings, I’m a strange combination of eagerness, resistance and exhaustion.

It seems like this is how I feel about spring too. The oaks are dropping leaves, the pecans are sprouting leaves and the flowering trees evocatively display their luscious hues of red, pink, white and purple blossoms against naked limbs. . . I’m amazed to witness the death and rebirth, the bare, wiry branches of my lantana bushes seem lifeless while sunshiny buttercups and strange chartreuse weeds populate the lawn. I’m ready to kick winter and all its fatty, lazy henchmen to the curb, but certainly not ready for the oppressive heat of a central Texas summer.

This is also, strangely how I feel about SXSW excitement, dread and fatigue. There is something so overwhelming and bittersweet about this monumental pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is not exempt of the ancient ritual and reverence that accompany such a phenomenon, but akin to other pilgrimages of its size, one may often feel as though the essence of its grandeur is lost inside the madness of the swarming of the pilgrims, sloshing booze and false sincerity (ok, maybe the latter are exclusive to the sxsw phenomenon). I am intrigued by the film and interactive parts of the conference as I believe those industries are still growing in many ways, but then comes the music part. . .

With the music industry in so called “shambles,” one wonders how artists, managers, agents, labels, magazines can afford to make this yearly pilgrimage to the center of Texas, if it’s worth it to them, if it pays off, if anyone ever gets discovered in a city where every parking lot, shopping center, front yard and shot bar becomes a live music venue.

Major popular acts showcase and headline exclusive and impressive parties while mid level and independent bands fight feedback and play ten or twelve shows for free in 3 days hoping to be discovered by a new scout. I am perplexed by the entire parade. Sure, the city of Austin and local businesses and service industry professionals make a killing, but what happens to the bands and solo artists? Do they get discovered? What does that even mean anymore?

All the articles and experts say that major labels are losing their footing. There is such a small amount of available retail and piracy is at an all time high. These articles also give kudos to innovative independents who can swiftly modify their plan of exposure to fit the trending social media and collect money through digital sales and live shows. . . A large percent of radio is pre-programmed corporate mess geared toward teens while adults gravitate to xm and public radio to find new artists. Most consumers feel entitled to free music. It really is a big mess, despite the fancy martinis and plane tickets and exclusive stuff.

There is a lot of doom and gloom talk amidst the pilgrims. There is also a lot of hope and faith that propels them to take the risk to come to Austin despite what the articles and experts prophesize.

There are panels that navigate professionals into new paradigms, but as in all triumphant journeys one must be willing to release the construct and discard the artifice of the old and embrace a little naked tree limb on a cold windy day. . .

I met some really nice people doing really empowering work this SXSW. I saw a big party on every corner and witnessed great music being made. I heard a few songs that moved me to tears. My ears did not bleed from as much feedback as years prior. I guess it was a good SXSW for me.

I’m bringing a new baby/album into the world this spring/summer. . . It’s been 9 months in the making and has required most of my focus and resources. I’m fully invested. Like lots of mothers to be, I worry about the state of the world into which my precious new creation is being born. I don’t know what that will look like as every day new obstacles present themselves and new solutions appear.

I’m exploring what it means to let go of the past, release old experiences and the very real fear of future disappointments. I don’t have the answers, but I’m committed making choices out of love and not fear, decisions out of trust and not desperation and to building a team based on integrity and the love of the music.

It’s mid morning. I’ve finished yoga. The cloud is not so thick. I’m breaking down the walls. I’m a sensual little purple flower on a naked tree limb being born into color. . .

Thanks Rumi

Good Morning, Grandpa.

2010-02-16T12:11:00.007-06:00

Good Morning Grandpa. I'm sitting at your kitchen table eating a peanut butter covered english muffin as the snow gently blankets your naked Japanese Magnolia tree, the three droopy red barns in the back, the pond and your frozen compost pile. I wonder how many mornings of your long life you did this exact ritual at this very table. . . It's so quiet here with the snowfall. So beautiful. I can hear myself think and these days that's a rare and magical occasion.

Last night, Monica prepared a beautiful shrimp scampi primavera with homemade pasta. She is a great cook. You'd be so proud of her whisking around the kitchen. I helped a little with the pasta, but mostly admired her culinary dancing. The boys tried on some of your clothing while we sipped on wine. They looked so dapper! You were so stylish! I guess you had to be to keep up with Grandma. . . We shared stories about you while sitting around the kitchen table. Your octagonal table with the rolling chairs. Your chair still has the cushion on it with the cover that grandma knitted.

Monica and I traded stories about which of your sandwiches were our favorite. Hers was the tomato and cheese, mine was the cold cut, tomato and peanut butter on pumpernickel. Chad gloated about the pizza tour of North Kingstown that you gave him a couple of summers ago and John told us all about the card games you guys played.

I've been sleeping in your room. It's cozy and the radiator squeaks and whistles and hums through the night. The view out the window of the backyard is lovely. I bet you were so proud to gaze upon that expansive yard in the mornings. It's a beautiful sight. I remember the last time we visited, we were out back and I walked around some of the yard with you. You were having so much trouble walking and you were upset that Diane wouldn't let you cultivate a garden that spring. You were a legendary gardener. We talked about your garden and the size of the squash and the flavor of the tomatoes that you grew.

You sat me down and made a case for matrimony and I told you you would be the first invited if I ever got married. I held your hand and listened as you described why you loved being married to Grandma all those years. You guys were a pair. Donning affection and arguing with equal passion and volume. You told me how sad you were that my parents divorced and how you were worried about my dad. At the time, you guys were still not getting along. I know he loved you and Grandma, but you guys were always so critical and righteous and crazy when it came to him. You guys constantly butted heads. I held his hand at your funeral. You, he and I haven't spent time together since I was a little girl. He had no idea that you and I were close. I think it made him so happy to know that you and I were close all those years he felt he had to keep his distance from you guys. At the funeral, dad kept saying to me with awe in his eyes "You really loved the old guy didn't you?" Of course I did. And I had no idea how much I would miss you and Grandma and your stories and lectures. No Idea.

I had a dream the other morning, just before waking that I want to share with you. I was in a small boat at night on the Hudson River that traveled from island to island and around Manhattan. In the boat was a beautiful woman. When she spoke to me, she engaged me with such genuine passion and she had a special way of holding my hands and gently rubbing them as we spoke. I was utterly moved by her presence and how intently she delivered her message and how well she listened with her ears, heart and hands. I wanted to become her.

When I told Chad about the dream, he reminded me that Grandma did the same thing when she engaged a person. She held their hands and spoke to them with open honest eyes and spoke the truth as she saw it. I guess that you guys are still here watching over the house and maybe even over us.

I hope you liked the house concert we performed in your living room. There was so much life in the house that night. Monica has done such a great job bringing sanctuary and order into the rooms. She's doing really well. You'd be so proud of her. We miss you and Grandma. I'm sorry I wasn't around more. I love you.

I've got to go now. Time to prepare for a trip to Boston to perform. . . I'll see you and Grandma in my dreams.

A Song For you, Valentine. . .

2010-02-14T08:09:00.002-06:00

The Title Track to the new album. . . "We Are One". . . for you. . .

CLICK HERE to HEAR . . .

Folks who pre-order the new album, check your inboxes. . . there's an mp3 on its way to you!. . .

Enjoy, Beloveds!

Wendy Lorraine

East Coast Tour, TX Dates & Album Update

2010-01-20T10:16:00.001-06:00

Greetings,

Our 2010 gig-year started off with a packed house at the Mucky Duck in Houston, TX. It was our first show there and I was so grateful to have such warm reception! Since then we've been on the go nonstop. It's been a blessing and a whirlwind. . .

NACA, WFUV's On Your Radar & NE Tourdates

I have been selected out of thousands of performers to showcase at the prestigious National NACA Conference in Boston in February for at their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Because of this great opportunity, we booked a tour around the Northeast in February.

John Platt at WFUV in NYC invited us to perform at his emerging artists series "On Your Radar." So, we will be kicking off the tour in style at the Living Room in NYC on Feb 9th at 8pm.

We have tour-dates in Mass, Rhode Island, Connecticut and NYC on our calendar below and we hope that you will bundle up and come see us while we're on the East Coast.

Upcoming Texas Tourdates
Friday, Jan 22nd, The Auslander, Fredericksburg, TX 8pm
Saturday, Jan 23rd - Momo's, Austin TX- Chad Pope's Birthday Extravaganza! 10:30PM
Thursday, Jan 28th, Opening Bell Coffee in Dallas TX. 8pm

"We Are One" Album Update!

We received the masters on Friday. After listening over the weekend, we're even more excited. This album is absolutely incredible. I am so honored to have worked with such an amazing producer, Papa Mali, in such a badass studio, The Nest (analog at its finest) with such amazing musicians. I hope that you will love it as much as we do.

You can Pre-Order your album here: WE ARE ONE PRE-ORDER
However, Friday, Jan 22nd we're taking all Pre-Order Packages above the $50 level off the menu.
WHY PRE-ORDER?
Everyone who pre-orders will receive their copies weeks in advance of the album's Official Release date (still TBD). Plus, the money goes to fund the album's creation and packaging. . . And you get it autographed and get sneak previews!

So. . . There it is. . .
Love & Light,
Wendy Lorraine Colonna

--
Pre-Order The new Album Today and Take Part in the art http://www.wendycolonna.com/wendysnewalbum.htm

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha

on the stuffing of stockings, gifts from the homeless and more

2009-12-07T16:14:00.001-06:00

Happy Holidays Everyone,

I hope this letter finds you warm and dry. Here's a little update. I have put all my wares on sale for the holidays if you wish to sharing some of the music you love with the people you love. . . There's also a little story about a homeless man who shed a little light on my understanding of giving. . .

Holiday CD Sale
Since everyone is shopping this year on a tighter budget, I thought I'd bring the prices down on my CD's and Yoga DVD, and offer you a little holiday special.

Red -- $10.99
Right Where I Belong -- $10.99
Old New Borrowed & Blue (Double Live & DVD) - $15.99

The Gift of YOGA:
I'm also offering Holiday Gift Certificates for Private and small group Yoga instruction. $65.00 for a 75 minute consultation and yoga class. $100 for 2 sessions. If you're not an Austin resident but I tour to your town regularly, we can schedule this easily.

Yoga To Go, Yoga for Musicians & Other Traveling Professionals (DVD, Workbook & Audio) -$14.99

Visit my websiteto purchase the CD's & Yoga DVD's. If you are interested in the yoga instruction, contact me directly: wendy@wendycolonna.com.

With all the frenetic energy of the Holidays, I've been setting intentions left and right these days and thought I'd start blogging more about on this little journey of mine.

A little story. . . A Homeless Fella, Generosity and Gratitude . . .

This past Saturday, I was with friends in Houston, going to grab lunch. We parked and were greeted by these two homeless men who asked us for money/contributions. On our way into the restaurant we passed on giving to them, but on our way out, we handed them a box with a couple of tacos. One of the men thanked me and insisted that I wait just a moment. He pulled a soggy plastic bag of random women's jewelry (all thrift store quality, obviously found items) and insisted I sort through it to find a piece that suited me.

He wanted to reciprocate my gesture of bringing him food with a gesture to me, even though he had only the clothes on his back and this little plastic bag of random cheap jewelry. I selected a little silver bracelet and thanked him and went on my way.

I've been thinking a lot about gratitude and generosity. . . It seems like the more we are thankful for what we have, the less we feel we need and the more we give from a place of love - not obligation or guilt - the more we receive and recognize abundance. . . .

Live in Love. . .

Wendy Colonna

Want to journey with us into the studio, hear about how we are making the album? Here's a glimpse.

2009-09-21T17:27:00.007-05:00

Monday, Sept 7th, Labor Day. 4pm-midnight We showed up to the studio to get it all set up for Tuesday's tracking. The Nest (The studio) is this great space way down south off 1826 in Austin. The ceilings in the big room are vaulted and about 18-22 ft high, so the acoustics in the room are great. The control room has this gorgeous mixing board and next to the control room is where the Analog Tape Machines live. 2" tape rolling is magnificent to behold. Robb Kidd, JT Holt, Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne, Chad Pope, Matt Hubbard and Myself all show up and the guys get busy on the mic set up. The gear is top notch and the mics set up on the drums alone takes about 4 hours. There are these great cylindrical baffles to muffle the sound. This isolates each instrument so that the sound from it doesn't bleed too much into the next guy's mic while recording the tunes live. We went over some arrangements, some feels for the songs. . . Getting excited. . .

Sept 8-10. Tues -Fri 12 hr days, Friday half day. . Tracking with Mark Andes on bass, Robb on drums, Chad and sometimes Malcolm on guitars, Matt on keys and me on scratch vocals and some acoustic guitars. The goal for Week 1 was to get all the basic tracks on tape. Bass, Drums, Rhythm guitars, textural keys etc. Scratch vocals and acoustic. Malcolm guides the band on stops while we're recording. . . like a conductor cuing an rock n roll orchestra. Eyes closed, arms in the air, listening for every note . . Everyone's parts start to jive as bass and drums link in to one another's grooves. . . The grooves are laid song by song. . . we see the framework, the shapes of the tunes emerging. . .The studio is decorated in everyone's fine sacred items, Chad and I have an ancestor altar working on one of the amp cases, Prayer beads, pieces from sacred gatherings, feathers, items from our beloveds, tapestries and candles. . . we gigged all weekend. . .

Sept 15-17, Tues-Thurs 12-15 hr days. . . This week's goals were lofty. We set our sights on tracking all the lead vocals, strings on 4 songs, horns on 4 songs, percussion tracks and some background vocals. . . Tuesday, I sang all day. The guys set up this amazing little vocal temple for me in between sound dividers and baffles and we had 3 amazing vintage mics set up for all vocals. The one we used was the same model microphone used to track people like Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. . . I had my little Ganesha statue, all my jewelry that makes noise and about 4 drinks. .Coffee, Tea, Water and Some Reserve Highland Park Scotch for the pipes. We nailed 6 songs Tues and 3 Wednesday Morning. . . At 1pm Wed, Dave Madden came in to lay down some keys on the grand piano . . .nailed it. . . and then Malcolm, Chad, Dave & I laid down some background vocals on a couple of tunes. At 5pm, Greg Williams showed up to play flute on one tune and sax on 3 others. . . ThenSteve Zirkel showed for trumpets and Matt Hubbard grabbed his trombone. Matt, Steve, and Greg laid down some sexy horn parts for 4 of the tunes. Steve Bernal and Leah Zeger showed up at 11pm to bow up some string parts on the songs. We were in the studio till 2am finishing the strings. It was divine to hear the songs becoming songs. . . and to hear this exquisite soul and musicianship. . Thursday AM, Steve was back for more cello parts (you won't believe what this guy can do on a cello!). After Steve, I laid down the last of the lead vocal tracks and at 1pm Cyril Neville came in to lay down some tambourine and conga and bongo parts on a few tunes. T'was amazing to watch him make his rhythmmagic. We then laid down some more background singing/chanting. . . Then Candice Sanders came by and we did some girly flavored backing vox on a couple tunes before Chad and I had to leave for our show in San Antone. That was intense. We rushed to SA to play while the guys stayed at the studio to mix some roughs until 4am. . .

We have one more day of tracking. . . Right Now the songs are taking shape in amazing ways. Looks like we may have final mixes by the first week of Oct. . . YIPPEEE!

I can't say enough positive stuff about working with these folks. Over gumbo and boudin on Tues morning last week, we talked about keeping the goddess in all the songs. . . I just love it. You guys are gonna FLIP when you hear the mixes. Malcolm is a great visionary and producer and Matt and JT could not be cooler in terms of technical studio support and engineering. . .

The whole team is brimming with excitement. . . We are tired, but satisfied thusfar. . .
Many thanks from all of us to Amy Fletcher for shooting some pics and bringing us a few meals during this lockdown. . . whew!
Check out Chad's Studio tour for a visual on Youtube

Thanks to those of you who have already Pre-Ordered your album package. Once we get some final mixes, I will be sending you all a sneak preview track. . . For those of you who haven't pre-ordered, ORDER TODAY! Your pre-orders fund the album's production and mastering, the artwork and everything else and we have not made our budget yet. . . So we need you!

The album is going to be released in Feb 10, but Pre-Order Patrons will be receiving theirs months before. . . and all patrons will have some delicious sneak previews on the way. . .

PRE ORDER TODAY HERE

If you're not a fan, join My Facebook Music Fan Page Today http://www.facebook.com/wendycolonnamusic"

Austin: Special Momo's Anniversary Show & Confluence Bodywork Back to School Workshop, Upcoming Album & Events

2009-08-28T09:47:00.008-05:00

Hello Lovlies!

Have you danced in the showers over the last few days? OH! to feel rain and see rainbows has been such a delicious pleasure!

A few exciting tidbits for you. . . Saturday is going to be a pretty magical day. I am doing 2 wonderful events and want to invite you to share in the magic.

Momo's 9th Anniversary: A weekend you won't want to miss!
Our show is Saturday, Aug 29th at 9pm.

On Sat our band is sharing the stage Saturday with Kacey Crowley, Brian Keane, Suzanna Choffel and Drew Smith. . . ALL amazing Austin based Artists in an awesome Club. An Unforgettable night guaranteed to lift your spirits, make you laugh, cry and groove. . . yup. Don't miss it! Advance tickets available at Front Gate Tickets.

Confluence Bodywork's Breath Body Balance Back to School Workshop Presented by Myself, Rochelle Poulson, LMT & Hosted by Austin Kula Yoga
THIS WEEKEND! SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!
Saturday August 29th 2pm-5pm
Call Austin Kula Yoga to register (512) 542-3334

Confluence Bodywork & Austin Kula Yoga present a "Back to School"workshop for teachers, students, parents & caregivers preparing for the shift of seasons.

In this workshop Wendy Colonna, RYT and Rochelle Poulson, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist will work with you to discover how you can transition into the fall season of work and play with minimal stress and maximum celebration.

This workshop will cover the essential tools of transition: yoga, massage, pranayama, Ayurvedic insight and fun exercises that will help you stay balanced through the fall months.

Yummy autumn snacks will be served. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat!
Contact Austin Kula Yoga to sign up. Early Registrants pay only $20. At the door it's $25. Still a great deal!

We're going into the studio to begin recording this coming Tues, Sept 1st with Papa Mali. We're so excited to be en route to this sultry swampy new album. . .

Pre-order your copy TODAY.. Your orders are essential to the album's production and time is of the essence! We have lots of yummy gift packages ranging from $20 up and all Preorders contribute to the album's production and are rewarded with lots of fun gifties. Free sneak peak demos and rare radio recordings are available at the time of purchase. . . Thanks to everyone who has taken part in our album thus far. . Your orders have helped so much!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Award Winning Documentary Film Screening: Pray the Devil Back to Hell
Sunday, September 13th, 530PM, Hosted by Journey IFC,
3009 Industrial Terrace, Austin TX.

I recently heard about and was completely inspired and moved when I learned the true story of a group of ordinary and courageous Liberian women who stood up against the war in their country and restored peace and dignity to their fellow country-men and women.

Their story has inspired legions of fans during the film’s nationwide theatrical run, multiple festival awards, and international screenings.

September screenings of the Film will Celebrate the UN’s International Day of Peace With Screenings Around the world.

Please Join us at Journey to watch and discuss the film.

Wendy Colonna & Dave Madden at Zach Scott Theater

Love and long for that Intimate listening setting? Join us for a Special Evening in one of Austin's most beautiful performance spaces. We will be sharing the bill with Dave Madden and should have some sweet special guests in and out through the evening. Mark your calendar for Friday, Sept 25th (just before my birthday!) for this special show!

In Love & Light & Little black rainclouds. . .hovering over the honey tree. . .
Wendy Colonna

"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet. "~Rumi

Stay Connected! Spread the word! Share the Love!

www.wendycolonna.com
Wendy's official Myspace

Big News! Upcoming Album! Pre-Order Today & Take Part in the Art

2009-07-27T13:46:00.005-05:00

CLICK HERE

Hello Beloved Fans, Friends, Family Near and Far,

As many of you know, It has been four years since my last studio album was created. Since that release, I've toured the US, Europe, been a finalist for a reality TV show (don't ask), had a song in a TV commercial, won a huge online competition, made an awesome live album & yoga DVD, experienced savory successes, heartbreaking losses and intense challenges. It takes a strong love, faith and lots of surrender to stay on the bucking bronco of the music biz and thanks to all of you, I have. . .

NEW ALBUM: Please Pre-Order Today & Take Part in the Artr
I am thrilled to announce that this fall, I will be creating a NEW STUDIO ALBUM. It is my honor and privilege to work with internationally acclaimed, Louisiana-native artist and producer, Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne on this project. It will be my most savory and swampy album yet, and it's gonna be so sweet to share it with you!

You can help me in a very real way by pre-ordering your copy right now. Although no showering of gifts could truly express my gratitude for your role in my career, I have put together a series of gift packages for you to choose from. Your early orders will help pay for studio time, musicians, photographers, designers, promoters, and manufacturing necessary to create and deliver this album to audiences across the world. I call these gift packages "Prana Packages." "Prana" is the sanskrit term for "vital energy force sustaining life and creation, permeating the whole of creation, life force, breath." By purchasing one of the "Prana Packages" you are literally breathing life energy into this new creation.

Every "Prana Package" Includes

* An autographed Album mailed to you hot off the presses.
* Digital copy of "Cabin Demos & Radio Rarities" - A collection of fresh new demos, interviews and radio performances. An instant token of my gratitude, available to you at time of purchase.

CLICK HERE to View "Prana Packages" and Pre-Order

I cannot begin to thank you enough for your support through this journey. I hope that the music continues to bring you joy, solace and inspiration. . . I hope you will pre-order the "Prana Package" that's right for you and be a part of this new album!

Much Love & Light,
Wendy Lorraine Colonna

Stay Connected:
Official Website
Facebook Fan Page *** NEW FAN PAGE, JOIN TODAY!***
Facebook Friend Page
You Tube
Mailing List, Calendar Wigits, Juke Box Wigits
MySpace
EPK

--
Relinquish your attachment to the known, step into the unknown, and you will step into the field of all possibilities. -Deepak Chopra

Bliss Out Anyway

2009-06-30T15:10:00.003-05:00

When I was completing my yoga teacher training several years ago, I desired to seek out a guru.

What I learned was not quite what I expected. I hoped that I would find one person who would be able to see in me where I am lacking in discipline or blocked from divine insight. Someone who could hold up the mirror of accountability with love and divine light and change my life. . . Some kind of spiritual parent. . . Taking me under their wing and showing me the long routes and short cuts to enlightenment.

When an outside teacher did not appear to reflect this to me in a flood of light and love, I was frustrated. I felt out of sorts and like my prayers and intentions may have been for naught.
Somewhere, some time after the frustration and irritation had passed and I had given up on it, I finally discovered that I had an inner guru who could share all this info if I was quiet enough to observe.

There is a saying that goes something like this;"when the student is ready, the teacher appears." This seems to be the way of the universe. We must clear the space in our lives and seek within, practice with the disciplines we have been taught in meditation, yoga and dancing and read the reflections of the mystics and continue to show up and observe with detachment.

We have to make room for reflection in order to have clarity and we must have clarity to grow toward our divine purpose. Only then do we discover gurus in all experiences and people we encounter.

There are people who roam the earth and channel divine light more visibly than others, but in truth, we all have this capacity and we are all teachers and students alike. . .

We want answers from an expert in ANYTHING. Financial, Religious. Emotional. Career-related. Pray this way, pay that way. . . We feel we need outside affirmation, outside security.

We get diseases, hit by cars, our banks close - even when we've been closely following the advice of "experts" we die anyway. We lose loved ones. We trust. We get screwed. We trust again.

Yesterday after a long hot day of mind blowing meetings and a session, I went to the springs. Listened to music, water, people, a guy named David with a stringy beard and big beautiful open eyes walked up sat down and learned to play the mandolin and he chanted beautifully in sanskrit. A beautiful deaf 22 year old named Jamal taught me and my girlfriend some hula hooping tricks. I relished with the other hot swimmers in the magic of the cold springs. I saw some pretty fish. I swam with my whole body.

In the midst of a completely upside-down time of my life, I blissed out anyway.
It was awesome.

Tools I have learned from my all my gurus. Thank you ALL.

Practice Gratitude when you feel good and when you feel unfulfilled
Clear the Path, let go of relationships, things and habits that aren't serving growth
Observe without attachment or taking things personally
Let go of the "story" and the expected 'outcome' of everything (being selective here doesn't work)
Tell the truth
Notice the dance between your faith and your action
Recognize the information within and around you
Align with Integrity
Channel Creativity
Love Completely from whatever distance is appropriate

Bliss out ANYWAY!

Please Consider Signing this Petition to Austin City Council to Support the Legacy of Our Live Music

2009-06-14T11:44:00.001-05:00

If you are interested in preserving the legacy of live music in Austin, please consider signing this petition and sharing it with other live music lovers.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/austinmusic/

WHY?

After a weekend on the road, I came home to learn that one of Austin's cherished venues, Shady Grove's live musical entertainment was shut down last night due to a violation of the sound ordinance.

Last night Sahara Smith was on stage and Jimmy LaFave was preparing to perform. We're not talking thrash metal (quality thrash rarely works at 75db). We're talking sweet melodies and tender voices.

This ordinance was created many years ago and is recently being enforced across Austin. We are hoping to work with the City of Austin to create a reasonable solution that keeps music alive and residents happy.

The DB level that is currently being enforced is 75 db. To get an idea of what 75 db sounds like, go out and stand next to a moderately busy street. That's about it. Five people in an excited conversation can exceed this DB easily. ONE motorcycle/chopper revving can be louder than 100 db.

Music venues on S. Congress & S. 1st have discontinued their live music due to this DB enforcement. The Red River area is under scrutiny and now Barton Springs Road. What I'm suspecting is a big factor in this enforcement is that these areas that were once primarily commercial are now being swarmed with condos and other residential development. People who are moving into these long-standing "live music" areas like downtown and SoCo are complaining. It then becomes a battle between taxpaying residents and musicians and venues. No Fun.

Currently, there is also a moratorium on issuing live music permits. We are not sure when this is to be lifted, but potential venues in non-residential areas are unable to have live music outdoors at their establishments as of yet.

The music community in the "Live Music Capitol of the World" who have invested their lives in this amazing legacy, are concerned, uneasy and unsure of what to do. Some musicians who were at Shady Grove last night have assembled a petition to present to City Council.

Thank you for supporting music, the medicine of the soul.

The poets did well to conjoin music and medicine, because the office of medicine is but to tune the curious harp of man's body. - Francis Bacon

You are the music while the music lasts. ~T.S. Eliot

All deep things are song. It seems somehow the very central essence of us, song; as if all the rest were but wrappages and hulls! ~Thomas Carlyle

Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Outre-Mer

Music's the medicine of the mind. ~John A. Logan

If the King loves music, it is well with the land. ~Mencius

Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

He who sings scares away his woes. ~Cervantes

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness. ~Maya Angelou, Gather Together in My Name

Were it not for music, we might in these days say, the Beautiful is dead. ~Benjamin Disraeli

Co-creating your life and your country- Messiahs, Obamas and Redefining our Value as US Citizens

2009-01-18T18:30:00.004-06:00

Yes, my very first open, online discussion of accountability, history and our power as a people to participate in this "CHANGE" we've been hearing so much about. . .

Several people have openly criticized Obama supporters, saying they have unfairly "deified" him. I find it very typical and perplexing at the same time. In my entire adult life (I'm 31) I've felt as though I have been powerless in my participation as a citizen to bring forth a change for good in my own country. I watched my parents, activists and educators be criticized and crippled by the rich and powerful in my hometown. As a result I've worked to become an activist with music and yoga, enriching the lives of people as I travel with love, community/connection and occasionally wisdom. To me, at times, these are the only ways I have felt empowered to participate in this country's wellness and as a counter force to its destruction. The last eight years, I've felt as if ANY of our input would be thrown in the White House paper shredders still in the envelope.

I am simply enthralled to bear witness to the mantra that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have been repeating- calling ALL US citizens into a place of personal and political empowerment. Before, during and after the election, it has been unwavering, they have been urging the PEOPLE to participate in improving their own lives. Which is why I find the savior thing awfully strange.

The part i find typical is that we've all observed through our narrow understanding of history that when people become desperate, they seek out a "Messiah" they can lean on to get through the rough times. Sadly, as we have learned through history's pages, when leaders who represent wisdom, truth and courage don't deliver the "quick fix" people react with some form of crucifixion. This is, if these inspirational leaders aren't assassinated fist by people whose nearsighted dynasty thrive on violence and destruction. I am hopeful that Obama will continue to remind people of their individual and collective ability to participate in the healing of their lives, our lives.

More than that, though, I pray for the citizens of the US, that we may look beyond this cycle of hope and violence and see that we truly do have the tools of empowerment and grace at our fingertips before we become impatient. We have a legacy, children, limited resources and a lot to become accountable for in order to become the individuals and the nation of which we dream.

We must open our eyes and enlighten ourselves. We have turned our gaze away from US instigated wars which have had no specified terms of victory or end in sight. We have ignored our excessive spending habits and have replaced community with entertainment. We have staggering and sad statistics that rank us top in the world with child obesity and type 2 diabetes because we have not set the standards of preventative health for our very young and impressionable. Everywhere, education is laughed at as a worthless "long track" to success and sense of earning has been replaced by a sense of entitlement. We have ignored our energy crisis and how many children "No Child Left Behind" is leaving behind. We can all see it, but something has happened in us as individuals that is tying our tongues and binding our hands. Simple and essential principles of nurturing have been popularly disregarded as "dumb, tree huggin' foolery."

Good news is that we are empowered- and that our new leaders are actually encouraging us to restore our sense of true value- not with gas guzzling over sized vehicles and and the latest in video game interfaces in surround sound- but with our minds, hands and hearts.

The even better news is that I don't believe that this means we have to agree, but I do believe that we have a duty to participate.

So- Dust off your ideals and dreams. Shake off the excess. Get up in the attic of your mind and dig out your hope and remember how good you were as a kid at devising strategies and schemes over the wildest of endeavors. You could build something out of nothing then and you have more resources before than you can fathom. . . Start the revolution from within. Honor the divine creative presence in your life and get busy co-creating your life and your country.

Young. . New . . Year. . Into the Mystic

2009-01-07T21:28:00.003-06:00

Holidaze
I don't know about you guys, but this season's transition liked to knock me out of my rocker with all its madness. . . My holidays ranged from profound moments of breathing in gratitude and sipping on moments of divinity to trembling in chaos and uncertainty. Whoa nellie. I'm very grateful for the challenging experiences and also even more grateful for the opportunity in the young year to cultivate better boundaries, disciplines and rituals in my life. . .
Intentions and Inventory:
I am setting intentions on perceiving each choice in my life through three lenses. . . 1. "Is this supporting wellness?" 2. "Is this brave?" 3. "Is this in integrity with my highest vision, can I be accountable with this choice?" I am feeling so many things in this inventory process- disappointed, sad, joyful, grievous, relieved, realistic and excited. I hope that each of you are giving yourself the gift of a fresh inventory sheet and a new opportunity to find joy and love in your everyday lives. . . It's so easy to let that fall low on the priority list. . . Thank you all for being mirrors to me, showing me, in your many ways so many perspectives and visions and revisions. . .
2009:
I look forward to 2009. For the first few months, I will be staying close to home. I am going to complete the songs for our new album and will be working the details of recording, producing and releasing the new album. I also hope to cultivate my yoga practice and attend some trainings to enhance my teaching tools. Excited!
Touring:
Our European tour was amazing. We look forward to returning in the summer (we hope!). Learning all the way. We have a lovely blog space with our tales and photos from our travels in Italy & Belgium. Check em out! Our friend, Conrad made some sweet videos of a few tunes on Youtube. And. . Ginger Leigh put together some hysterical videos of some of our trip in Italy.

This month!
I hope to see you all in our tours. Will keep you posted on when we're coming your way. . . This month we have some really sweet shows in TX This week we have Austin & San Antonio and we will be doing shows at new-to-us venues, HOUSE OF BLUES in Houston and THE FAIRMOUNT in Forth Worth this month. Check the calendar for details and more dates.

In Love, Hope and Grace,
Wendy Lorraine Colonna

Belgium 2008 AKA Chocolate Sandwiches and Biere for Babies

2008-12-12T15:27:00.007-06:00

Belgium 2008

This is our Slide Show of Our trip to Belgium!
Grootjes!
We had such a wonderful time in Belgium. . . I will pick up where we left off. . .
During the flight, we slept. We left before dawn and at one moment during the flight I opened my eyes, looked out the window and saw the most beautiful sunrise - We were over the snow covered alps and the sun was rising through the mountains. The colors and reflections of cloud and sky were breathtaking. I thought of taking a photo, but instead went right back to sleep satisfied by the fact that I once again experienced a fleeting moment of pure divinity.
Conrad
Our darling friend Conrad met us at the train station. Conrad recently spent about 8 or 10 days with us in Austin and we took him and his daughter, Nel and her boyfriend Alfonso, who were en route to Central America, to Lafayette, LA. I met Conrad 5 years ago on a tour with Guy Forsyth, and he graciously offered to help us with the tour and hosted Chad and I during this trip. He has the BEST Music collection and turned us onto dozens of great albums while we were there.
The Journey and Recovery
We had a coffee and hit the train to Tielt then took Conrad's van to Ardooie, where he lives on the central Markt - the town square. These are usually located by the central church and there's a wide area where Saturday Markets go down. I loved the "Grote(big) Markt" when I lived in Holland. . . We were met by Conrad's middle daughter, Sanne at the house. I was totally exhausted and decided to take a nap. When I awoke, Conrad and Chad were out and about and Sanne and I talked for HOURS. Sweet times. We rested all the next day and watched "In Bruges" anticipating our trip to the fair city the next day. It was great to be in one place.
Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet
Saturday morning was Sinterklaus! In Holland and Northern Belgium, Flanders, St Nick comes early in Dec by boat from Spain on his white horse. He is accompanied by a character with whom we Americans are quite unfamiliar -- Zwarte Piet. Literally Black Pete. He's the zany, acrobatic counterpart to St Nick. He's black faced and wears pantaloons and throws cookies during the Parade that welcomes Sinterklaas to town. There are many different legends about him, but it was really really odd to be in a country where white people and colored people alike painted their faces black and danced around with St Nick. Surreal.
Saturday morning we awoke to a true Flemish Sinterklaas morning. We had chocolate Saints and Zwarte Piets, special bread and mandarin oranges and these funny little cookies with icing on them. Fun!
We left for Bruges around noon and spent hours touring the beautiful, amazingly preserved Medieval city. I've been twice over the years, but the city's beautiful and strange architecture never loses it's enchantment or charm. Once a thriving port city, Bruges is home to some very unique and strange architecture- many different styles, colors and shapes live on the same streets here. . . beautiful rainy day.

Saturday evening gig was in Tielt. The venue was lovely and the proprietor, also named Piet cooked us a totally gourmet meal! My dear friend, Martine, from Holland came to visit, so we caught up in between soundchecks and meals etc. Our crowd was mostly under 30 and the place was totally packed and they were completely attentive and engaging. What a great blessing! Conrad has some videos on his Youtube of the show. Check them out!

Sunday's Shows & Visit from Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet
Sunday we had 2 shows. A noon show at Conrad's pub around the corner from the church. The bar was packed with bier drinkers. We had coffee and played for about an hour.

We had lunch down the street and were greeted during our soup by a big surprise! Sinterklas and 2 Zwarte Piets showed up at the restaurant and paid us a visit. They danced and drummed and took photos with us! Chad was thrilled! (photos in the gallery above)

Sunday Night's show was awesome. We played in this hip bar in Ruselare. It was more of an adult crowd and Conrad's daughter Emma brought her friends. We had a blast and a delicious meal afterward.

Monday we prepared for the last gig and recovered from Sunday. Monday night we played at a great listening room called Fagot. It was awesome. The meal was incredible, the proprietor, Jean Piere and his wife were awesome and we made a new friend in Marie Christine, the merch pusher from heaven. Videos of this show are below. GOod Times, My friends. We were joined on stage by Belgium's Bluesman, Marino Noppe. Beautiful show, beautiful crowd!

Tuesday we packed our goodies and did laundry and then went on a tour of the WWI trenches near Conrad's. Fascinating. Conrad is quite a historian and shared with us the history of the war in this area of Belgium. Chad took some stunning photos. We even went into a once-church that they used on the front lines. . I got some pics from inside the walls there. Eerie. The sky was amazing as Conrad says that being so near to the sea, the reflection of the water on the clouds is stunning.

We then had biere's in Conrad's cousin's Brewery and were gifted with some amazing cheeses from a tasting that happened earlier. YUM! Unfortunately, our trip to the brewery was brief because we had to catch the train to the airport to go back to Milan. We left with some great photos of women breastfeeding and drinking beer and a tshirt and a glass from the brewery!

We caught the train and sadly left our dear friend Conrad. . . And then flew to Milan. We got there 2 hrs late so we had to get a cab to our hotel.

FLIGHT BLIGHT PART 2
So- many of you are wondering why we got home a day late and why half my messages were cursing Air France. . . Mostly because in the course of 4 days they changed our flight 6 times which ultimately caused us to spend 200 Euro more than we budgeted for the trip. We ended up spending an extra night in Paris and seeing nothing of the city but it's attitude. That being said, I won't go into gory details because the most important thing is that we made it home safely with everything intact. well- except the suitcase. It is retiring after i finish unpacking it. It lost both handles, the wheels got messed up on stairs and the zippers won't zip. It's time to retire. It's been a great travel companion.

Many thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy the photos and have a happy happy holiday season!
Love,
Wendy and Chad

Videos from Belgium of:
"Hurricane"

"Hallelujah"

"Low Down" by Chad & Marino

Italia

2008-11-29T12:45:00.022-06:00

Italia Winter 08

Buono Sera!

I began this blog in Cuneo - Writing as we wrap our Italian trip. . . and begin Belgium. . . Enjoy!

As I type this evening, the snow is falling rapidly and gently all around us. We are in rural Italy in a village tucked in the mountains an hour west of the Mediterranean Sea. This is only our second gig, but our fourth day of travel. . . so I will begin with the journey from the beginning. . .
The Beginning
Chad and I drove to Houston, hitched a ride to the airport and hit the skies on Wed afternoon CST. . . We discovered in Houston that our lovely friend (and badass musician), John Pointer was on the same flight and we hopped the pond . .
Flight Blight
Well, Air France did not take into account that our arrival time and departure times from Paris were 35 min apart. . . and required passport checking and re-entering a security area (different terminals? BRILLIANT) so we missed our plane to Milan. AAAAANNNND. . . subsequently did not get there in time to get to our first gig in Parma. SO SORRY PARMA!
The Road to Albenga
We made arrangements from Paris, thanks to the help of the amazing Ginger Leigh - who is not only a great performer and singer, but a fluent Italian speaker as well. She made calls to Parma with apologies. We made it to Milan and rented a car. Our very first international rental EEK!!!!!! It is a big car for Italy, but for 3 musicians traveling lightly it is still quite a cramp. We traveled to Albenga, where we were going to play the following night. We got to the city, found the festival (thanks to John's Italian) and napped backstage until we could get to a hotel. Man! Were we tired. I guess we were up about 38 hours before we got to a bed. WHEW!
Amazing Italian lunch followed by International Songwriters in the Round
The following morning we awoke and met our host, Davide, and the cast of performers from the festival the previous evening for lunch. We had a beautiful Mediterranean lunch complete with all kinds of treasures from the Sea, red wine, sparkling water and afterward a songswap around the table over espresso! We got to share songs from Jack Harris from Wales,Gustav Haggren from Sweden, and Andrea Parodi from Italy.

Our Festival show in Albenga was a BLAST! John & Ginger Joined us on stage for a few songs! Eventually we will have some video. The venue was a large theater in the OLD city center - 300 seats and big heavy curtains the works. classy and fun!
Cuneo, Carlos & Condorito, AKA Enchilladas in Italy???
The next day, we were off to the Alps to play a show in rural Cuneo, sorta near France. Chad and I had our first adventure driving in Italy without a translator! Luckily we only had to ask directions once and we were less than 100 meters away from the venue. Condorito was AWESOME! Carlos, the proprietor was awesome! We arrived at the beginning of a snowstorm which lasted through our whole gig. The building was awesome. The bottom, underground floor was the home of Carlos' parents. The 2nd story was his mother's spa (we used the sauna and steam shower the next morning ya!!) and the 3rd story was the venue- A beautiful space for dining and entertainment. They cook thematic meals for the audience that correspond geographically with the artists' origins. We got "Enchillada Night" Ha! Carlos said, for a NZ songwriter who wrote a vegetarian cookbook, they made vegetarian, for us Tex-Mex and for Sweedish performers, they make Italian. . . I guess Sweedish cooking is not that great- maybe that's the answer to the mystery of the Sweedish Chef on The Muppetts??? I DIGRESS. . . The gig was fun. The venue was charming and the snow was just awesome. The sauna was a welcome reprise.
Viaregio, 10 million dollar yachts, parties & RAIN! on the sea .
We then left for a trip back to the sea. . This time on the OTHER side of the Mediterranean in a village called Viareggio. . . Apparently this week Italy is seeing record breaking weather in the North (where we are). Beautiful Venice is flooding, The mountains are getting more snow in one dump than in 10 years. . . The rain is sideways and filling up every available crevice. . . so, we arrived in Viareggio for our impromptu gig. We met Ginger and Jane on the fancy pants yacht on which they were staying and dodged the rain to get to the venue. Viareggio had dozens of really amazing fancy yachts and apparently there's a whole yacht crew culture of the captains and engineers and household managers of the big boats. So, there was a birthday party that began at 2pm who were waiting for us at the pub when we showed up for our gig. Lots of seamen from all over the world partying at the highest frequency. We played an impromptu show at the pub and then again later at the yacht, Elena. . . till about 4am. Yawn. .
Bolzano!
The next morning we were a bit slow to get going, but we had to drive 5 hours north to Bolzano. A GORGEOUS city nestled in the Alps near Austria and Switzerland. The culture there is half Italian, half German meaning that you can get a great gnocci or penne pasta dish or a kickass schnitzel or goulash. The drive was a bit perilous as the Italians drive at all speeds no matter what the weather. We made it in time to hurry to sound check at Carombolage, a beautiful black box theater in the center of this exquisite city. The show was totally AWESOME! Ginger was amazing and our show was pretty sweet! The ciy looked like a christmas village- the ones you assemble in your living room complete with mountains oversized lamps, vegetable, meat and cheese stands under the snow, a gorgeous tile roofed cathedral surrounded by cute people ambling about. . . truly picturesque. We had the best meals at this great restaurant, Nadaba. YA!!!!
After lunch we retired to the beautiful Sheraton (thanks to Phil) for a day of rest and work.
Last Stop, Milano
The next morning, we departed for Milan. Driving through the Alps southward was like driving through the sky. The clouds hugged and draped the mountainsides and all of the earth was covered in vineyards covered again with a blanket of snow as far as the eye could see. Around every corner when we thought we were in the tallest mountains, we would gaze one way or another and see another bigger, more majestic one peeking between and behind the ones in the foreground. breathtaking!
We landed in Milano and took a nap in Phil, Ginger & Jane's room and were then off to the Nidaba Theater. A cute little pub tucked in a bustling neighborhood. Ginger and I had played here on our last show last tour. We were greeted warmly by the proprietor Max and finished our last bottle of Barbara wine from Asti. It was a gift from the folks in Bolzano. YUMMY! Then the show was on! We had a great time, but man was my body and voice tired. . . and Chad and I were sitting on the front end of an all nighter that would find us in Belgium the next morning. . . We began driving to the airport to drop our rental, get gas (we had to find a station and put bills in the pumps till it was filled up. . . strange!) find out how to get to the other terminal. . . and get our guitar properly checked and accounted for (every bag over 1/person costs $23 to check on these flights) and get checked in at 4:30am. EEK!
Needless to say, we arrived in Belgium totally exhausted.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T17:06:00.003-06:00

Hello Hello!

I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. . . It is the perfect opportunity to rekindle the gratitude in our lives- for all things that bless us. I want to let you all know how much I appreciate you in my life. Each one of you has been such a blessing in my life in large and small ways and to me, community, family and health are the most important reminders of our immense wealth of spirit in our lives. I feel so incredibly blessed by the love in mine and I hope that you do as well.
Europe
Chad and I will be traveling across the Atlantic this Thanksgiving to play a series of shows in Italy and Belgium over the next few weeks. We are so grateful for the opportunities our music brings us and for the quality time we get to spend with you all on the road.
We will return on Dec 10th from our travels. Yippeeee!

Grandmothers
I also want to ask for your prayers for my family. A few months ago, we lost my mother's mother. Just last week, my father's mother passed. Emelia Lorraine Colonna was a bold woman, a singer from Trinidad who had oodles of personality and an amazing sense of confidence. I learned a lot from her and she will be missed.

Holiday Bookings
We'll be available for holiday parties, solo, duo, trio or with a band. . .We are also offering Holiday shows with Austin's Acclaimed Strings Attached. Email Brandon to book your office or private party today!

Private Holiday Yoga- The perfect gift!
As I wind down in Austin for the winter months, I will be preparing for my next album. I have also begun teaching more yoga. . . YIPPEEEE! . . and will be offering private 90 minute sessions for only $65. We are also offering a 25% discount on Yoga To Go DVD's and workbooks with this private yoga package. Email me to arrange your gift. Yoga is an amazing practice for the mind, body and spirit and a perfect gift for your loved ones.

Don't forget to count all your blessings in this season of transition. . .

Be Light. Be Love. Be Peace. Shine.
Namaste,
Wendy Lorraine Colonna
www.wendycolonna.com
www.myspace.com/wendycolonna
www.myspace.com/yogaformusicians

--
"When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight."
~Michael Bridge

Mother Forgive Us - Photo Montage with new demo

2008-10-27T18:19:00.002-05:00

A dear friend in India, Das, put together a photo montage to one of the demos we made in New Jersey this spring.
I was moved by his photo montage. . . And wanted to share with you.

I am very excited about making a new album. . . We are in the pre planning stages, working on mapping it out, choosing songs & financing etc. . . :D

Austin City Limits Music Festival through my eyes . .

2008-10-17T14:35:00.003-05:00

I wrote this for Elmore Magazine, A roots music magazine published in NYC. . . I had to keep it to 400 words, but this is a hybrid of the final trimmed edit and a more elaborate draft. . . Enjoy!
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2008

What sets the Austin City Limits Festival apart from other music festivals is all in the name. Austin. The ACL Festival has blossomed naturally from the spirit and vibe of hundreds of live bands that perform nightly in the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

The ACL Fest is held annually in the heart of Austin, Zilker Park, an urban oasis of spring fed swimming pools and wildlife refuges a mere five minutes from downtown. That oasis was little relief as souring temperatures and a halo of dust in the air made water bottles ubiquitous and a damp scarf a necessity. “Bandito” was the fashion of the weekend.

By day, artists who are acclaimed for nuance and intimacy were handicapped by glaring sunlight and thousands of hustling festival goers, but were aided by the devotion of their fans. Patty Griffin gave up on an a capella gospel number mid-set, but ended on top with Ray Charles’ “Lonely Avenue.” Gillian Welsh & Dave Rawlings aptly performed “I want to Sing that Rock n Roll.” Jakob Dylan’s set peaked during “Empire in my Mind” while Abigail Washburn’s enchanting voice danced effortlessly between Chinese folk songs and Bluegrass. Jose Gonzales performed acoustic and seated with two accompanists on a huge stage, but the tender beauty of their performance was lost amid the chaos.

After the sun went down, the dynamic and intimate Swell Season struggled with a half dozen embarrassing sound issues, but the spell of nighttime and a devoted audience created an almost sanctuary-esque silence in honor of the performers.

Others conquered through sheer force of will. Tight tunes, chorography, tricks and antics keept audiences hooked. Sharon Jones danced with audience members while the Dap Kings horn section tapped their toes in time. Jamie Lidell beat boxed, looped himself singing a brilliant minor triad over the beat and then scratched it all setting up a soul song reminiscent of the 1960’s. Erykah Badu’s band was tight and she commanded respect with her pregnant belly and six inch stiletto boots. The Raconteurs were clever and epic, performing songs that lingered long into a post-climax afterglow.

The Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses were sonically mesmerizing. Both bands dressed hooky songs in perfect pitch harmonies. Mike Farris’ divinely inspired vocals and spirited performance welcomed the heavens to split right open.

ACL ‘08 was entertaining, exhausting and over stimulating, like a wine tasting that goes on just a little too long, leaving you disoriented, slightly buzzed and with no ability to savor or assimilate what you’re experiencing…but satisfied nonetheless.
What sets the Austin City Limits Festival apart from other music festivals is all in the name. Austin. The ACL Festival has blossomed naturally from the spirit and vibe of hundreds of live bands that perform nightly in the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

The ACL Fest is held annually in the heart of Austin, Zilker Park, an urban oasis of spring fed swimming pools and wildlife refuges a mere five minutes from downtown. That oasis was little relief as souring temperatures and a halo of dust in the air made water bottles ubiquitous and a damp scarf a necessity. “Bandito” was the fashion of the weekend.

By day, artists who are acclaimed for nuance and intimacy were handicapped by glaring sunlight and thousands of hustling festival goers, but were aided by the devotion of their fans. Patty Griffin gave up on an a capella gospel number mid-set, but ended on top with Ray Charles’ “Lonely Avenue.” Gillian Welsh & Dave Rawlings aptly performed “I want to Sing that Rock n Roll.” Jakob Dylan’s set peaked during “Empire in my Mind” while Abigail Washburn’s enchanting voice danced effortlessly between Chinese folk songs and Bluegrass. Jose Gonzales performed acoustic and seated with two accompanists on a huge stage, but the tender beauty of their performance was lost amid the chaos.

After the sun went down, the dynamic and intimate Swell Season struggled with a half dozen embarrassing sound issues, but the spell of nighttime and a devoted audience created an almost sanctuary-esque silence in honor of the performers.

Others conquered through sheer force of will. Tight tunes, chorography, tricks and antics keept audiences hooked. Sharon Jones danced with audience members while the Dap Kings horn section tapped their toes in time. Jamie Lidell beat boxed, looped himself singing a brilliant minor triad over the beat and then scratched it all setting up a soul song reminiscent of the 1960’s. Erykah Badu’s band was tight and she commanded respect with her pregnant belly and six inch stiletto boots. The Raconteurs were clever and epic, performing songs that lingered long into a post-climax afterglow.

The Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses were sonically mesmerizing. Both bands dressed hooky songs in perfect pitch harmonies. Mike Farris’ divinely inspired vocals and spirited performance welcomed the heavens to split right open.

ACL ‘08 was entertaining, exhausting and over stimulating, like a wine tasting that goes on just a little too long, leaving you disoriented, slightly buzzed and with no ability to savor or assimilate what you’re experiencing…but satisfied nonetheless.

Thanks Mark Fradl, my editor and co-writing partner in crime!

Fan videos. . . wow!

2008-05-05T15:50:00.008-05:00

Apparently, I have been completely clueless that fans have been recording and posting videos of our shows online! Chad stumbled upon a nest of fan videos on Youtube that are GREAT!
Some are live, some are "behind the scenes" at radio stations -- some are creative video interpretations of the songs. . .

Just thought I might share a few with you that you may not have seen on your own!

Here's an In- Studio Radio version of The Beatles "I'm So Tired" performed at KLBJ in Austin with Strings Attached.

This one is a video of "Easy" acoustic -- from Lane at the Bugle Boy in LaGrange, TX, We'll be back there in June!

This version of "May Day" was recorded by Cat at Luna Fine Music Club in San Antonio. It features Chad on guitar and Dave Madden on keys. Yum Yum!

Here's a beautiful and tragic video created by fans and set to our live version of "Noah" by Neal Kassanoff.

And here's a fun one made my friend Sandy Wells in Houston -- Her portfolio set to "Coffee Today"

Thanks to all of you!!!

Cabin Sessions 2008, Banjos, Ponds, Fires. . .

2008-04-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Mojo Cabin - Writing and Demo Sessions
After 3 weeks of touring, I have finally landed. . . at our dear friend Su's restored log cabin in beautiful rural New Jersey -- at the tip of a peninsula in a lovely serene pond. .

After all these years of desperately needing time to write songs, it has finally come to pass. I will be here in the company of Chad Pope, 2 cats, the bears foxes and fish that live out here in the woods. . .

It is a truly enchanting place. We have some basic recording gear set up in the living space in front of the old stone fireplace, atop a beautiful bearskin rug. . . and we have begun the magic.

Two days after we arrived, we purchased this vintage Wurlitzer organ for only $70 (cheaper than a keyboard rental and with tons more mojo!). We've even posted our first rough demo -- it's called "Yesterday Blues"
Listen Here -- it's on the player on the right hand side.

Our social life consists of going to Friday Night Bingo with Su's mom, Ruth, and hitting the all-night diner with Ruth and Joe, Su's dad for a snack after Bingo. . .

Today it is raining on the pond. . . a light sprinkling spring rain. . . We're playing banjo, organ, watching the rain, practicing yoga and preparing for more recording. . . . We're feeling incredibly grateful. . . More songs to come. . .