FOR THE RECORD:
"melaniejane" is one-word and all lower-case letters. really. :)
melaniejane: Bio
HONORS
1999 WAMI nominee -- String Performer
2000 WAMI nominee -- Female Vocalist of the Year
2000 WAMI nominee -- Folk Artist
2000 WAMI nominee -- Strings
2003 - Best of Milwaukee -- Female Performer
WHO WHEN WHAT...
PERFORMANCES:
melaniejane has performed throughout the US and has appeared with/opened for such noted artists as: pat mAcdonald (of Timbuk3), Sam Llanas (The BoDeans--Slash/Warner Bros.), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes--ALMO), Victoria Vox, Ruby James, The Buggs, The Silos (Bloodshot Records), Sigmund Snopek and Dick Parry (saxophonist from Pink Floyd), John Doe (of X), Alejandro Escovedo (Bloodshot), Chris Smither (Signature Sounds), Brian VanderArk (The Verve Pipe--RCA), Sally Timms (Mekons), Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing--Slash/Warner Bros.), Mary Fahl (October Project), Jen Chapin, Dan Bern, Mary Lee's Corvette...
RECORDINGS:
Currently, melaniejane has 2 solo recordings - Flower. and Billets Doux - which showcase her talents as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and arranger. As a session cellist, mj appears on dozens of recordings with many notable artists such as: Victor DeLorenzo (of the Violent Femmes - international release on ALMO Sounds), Michelle Anthony (Barry Goldberg, Producer--Smasing Pumpkins and Fleetwood Mac), Sigmund Snopek III, Heidi Spencer, Mike Fredrickson, Todd Bowie, Wooldridge Brothers (Walter Salas-Humara, Producer), The Carolinas, Dave Maxon, Jill Kossoris (Nashville songwriter), Martin Jack Rosenblum (aka, The Holy Ranger), Mike Magestro's "Only You Can Find Me" featuring Goran (of Atlantic Records, The Gufs)... amongst many many others.
AIRPLAY
melaniejane's music has been featured on National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' as well as college radio stations both in the US and in Europe. She has also been a featured guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground" and the popular syndicated radio show "Hotel Milwaukee" as well as a frequent, live on-air guest in the WMSE studios.
AS OF NOW...
Currently while not performing in her solo singer-songwriter medium or with the Racine Symphony Orchestra, melaniejane has declared herself to be "The Happiest Side-Guy." Sitting in on cello, tamborine and vocals with pat mAcdonald, Victoria Vox, The Buggs, Ruby James and Mary Karlzen, she feels that it just can't get any better! :) Working with these amazing artists of such diversity is ultimately the most enriching and rewarding musical experience of her life. melaniejane also lends a hand in a variety of studio recording sessions. In addition, she is working on a Masters Degree in Cello Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee under the direction of Prof. Stefan Kartman and has received a 2-year assistanship from UWMs Music History Department. melaniejane also continues to teach cello privately in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
The summer of '07 brought about a life-changing experience for melaniejane. That experience was none other than the honor of an invitation to participate in the Steel Bridge SongFest in Sturgeon Bay, WI. An intensive week of collaborative songwriting, recording and performance with such noted artists as pat mAcdonald, Jane Wiedlin (of the GoGo's), Eric McFadden (George Clinton and P-funk, Eric Burden and the animals...), Kim Manning (P-funk), Jonathan Spottiswoode, Freedy Johnston... and the list goes on and on... (please visit Steelbridgesongfest.org or myspace.com/steelbridgesongfest for more info) It was a week of magic, rejuvination and inspiration not to mention and soon to be released disk of some of the amazing songs recorded in that week (stay tuned).... nothing will, can, ever, or should be the same for her. (Yes, it was that good.)
Steel Bridge SongFest will prove to be another amazing experience June 12, 13 and 14 of 2008!!! Come experience it for yourself!
http://www.steelbridgesongfest.org
GOOD CAUSES
melaniejane has proudly donated performances as part of fundraising events for Citizens for Our Bridge (Sturgeon Bay, WI), The Hunger Task Force (Nod to Bob @ Linneman's Riverwest Inn), Gilda's Club, Jamin' for the Arts (to benefit the arts programs in the Racine/Kenosha school districts), Hurricane Jam Relief Fund, The American Diabetes Association, The Women's Shelter Coalition, Empty Bowls (proceeds feed the homeless), WAVE and Brady Campaign (for more strict and sensible handgun laws), The Bridge School for Physically Challenged Children (founded by Neil Young), GoGirlsMusicFest "Get Hip to Hep C"..... whenever possible, please support these fine organizations!!!! (links to these organizations can be found on my "links" page)