"Prior to the HPMAs, we had taken to only interviewing HPMA nominees for this spot. And what a great, grand, gloriously exclusive party it was. Now, the qualifications have been ratcheted up a notch: For the next few weeks, we're currently only accepting applications from 2010 HPMA winners who are not already AOW alumni.

"Yes, it is super-exclusive now. Did you know that more people have been to the moon than won HPMAs this year? It's true, or it actually might not be. We didn't bother to look it up. But it'd be neat if were. Somebody please email NASA and find out. Thanks.

"And we're kicking off the Winners Only back-patting with Best Keyboards honoree Jennifer Grassman, winner of Best Keyboards. Hit the jump to read about The Cucuy, why she totally expected to win and how you can audition to be in her next video ..."

Click HERE to read the full article.

August 10, 2010 – Housed in a refurbished 150 year old hand hewn Kentucky barn, The Woodlands restaurant and music hall known as Dosey Doe’s has quickly become one of the most respected live music venues in the US. The quirky hotspot has hosted concerts by artists such as Clint Black, Leon Russell, Marcia Ball, Vienna Teng and Larry Gatlin. Now Dosey Doe’s will play host to Nashville recording artist Jon Vezner as he tours through Texas on Wednesday, August, 25. His opening act, Houston’s own Jennifer Grassman, was recently nominated in The Houston Press Music Awards as Houston’s Best Female Vocalist, Best Keyboardist, and Best Songwriter.

Event Details:
Wednesday, August 25, 7:30 PM, Tickets: $8
Jon Vezner with opening act Jennifer Grassman
Dosey Doe’s Coffee House, 25911 I-45 North, The Woodlands, TX 77380
More Info: 281.367.3774 or www.DoseyDoesCoffeeShop.com

About Jon Vezner:
Jon Vezner is a Grammy award winning songwriter with honors including Song Of The Year from The Country Music Association (CMA), The Academy of Country Music (ACM), The Nashville Songwriters Association and the NSAI. Vezner has penned songs for renowned artists such as Martina McBride, John Mellencamp, Nancy Griffith, Faith Hill, Clay Walker and Diamond Rio. More info: www.JonVezner.com

About Jennifer Grassman:
Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Her 2010 release, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, received accolades from The Houston Chronicle, KUHF Houston NPR and Christianity Today. Brain Ray, Bassist and Guitarist for Paul McCartney, said upon hearing her music, “Jennifer Grassman has a voice all her own in a world of conformity.” More info: www.JenniferGrassman.com

About Dosey Doe:
With entrées prepared entirely from scratch, Dosey Doe’s Chef, Dan McEachern, cooks up Southern Comfort with a twist, whether it be Roasted Antelope Loin, Chicken Fried Steak, Savory Salmon or the best Hamburger you ever ate. Dosey Doe’s has a full bar and welcomes all ages. More info: www.doseydoescoffeeshop.com

CONTACT:
Jennifer Grassman
Agent phone: 936.520.8614
[EMAIL HERE]

Jennifer Grassman has been nominated in The Houston Press 2010 Music Awards as Houston’s ...


14. Best Female Vocalist

15. Best Songwriter

37. Best Guitarist (Jason Greenberg)

40. Best Keyboards

51. Best Local Twitter Personality


Please take a moment to vote for them on the Houston Press website: http://polls.houstonpress.com/polls/hou/mas2010/


Thank you for your support!!!

July 14, 2010 – Spring, Texas – Beginning on Saturday, August 14, the beautiful, acoustic sanctuary of Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church will play host to a concert series spearheaded by resident recording artist Jennifer Grassman. Dubbed Concerts at Spring Cypress, its goal is to provide the northwest Houston community with family friendly performances of artistic integrity, without the cover charge or trek downtown.

“I’m very excited to kick off Concerts at Spring Cypress,” said Grassman. “For me it’s not just about giving our community a wonderful thing to do on a Saturday night, it’s also about recognizing local and touring musicians, and giving them not only a comfortable and acoustic venue, but an appreciative audience to play to.”

The debut Concerts at Spring Cypress event will feature a performance by Grassman herself, as well as a new jazz group called The Young / English Singers, which is lead by renowned pianist Paul English and recording artist Horace Alexander Young.

English is well-known to Texas audiences as an exceptional jazz pianist who has performed and recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, David Liebman, Fathead Newman, Will Kennedy and John Patitucci. A prolific and versatile composer, English has written music for symphony and chamber orchestras, as well as jazz and theater groups, film and television.

Young is a versatile recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer. He has appeared on over sixty-four recordings and performed numerous times with the likes of Sam “Lightnin” Hopkins, B.B. King, Bill Withers, McCoy Tyner, The Manhattans and Regina Belle. Having performed in nineteen countries across five continents, Young conducted the National Symphony of South Africa (NSO) during a nationally televised concert in 1993 honoring South African composer-pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Young was the first Black American to conduct an orchestra.

Young and English’s latest collaboration is the vocal power-group, The Young / English Singers. Made up of sixteen respected vocalists and recording artists, including Catherine Woodruff, Kayce Glasse and Danielle Reich, they perform classic songs like Somewhere There’s Music and How High The Moon, in addition to more unusual selections such as Bach’s Fugue in D Minor arranged for vocals.

Upcoming Event:
Saturday, August 14, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30)
Jennifer Grassman & The Young / English Singers
Free Concert (Cash Donations will be accepted)
Spring Cypress Church, 6000 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77379

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist, whose third album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, received national attention when it received accolades from Christianity Today. More info: www.JenniferGrassman.com

About Spring Cypress Church
Spring Cypress Church is a community of faith committed to God, caring for one another and communicating the gospel of Christ to the world. It is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). More info: www.SpringCypressChurch.com

CONTACT :
Jennifer Grassman
Nightingale at JenniferGrassman dot com
Church Office: 281.320.3650

###

"One of the more intriguing albums I've heard in a while, Grassman's 58-minute opus is a unique mix of bombastic prog rock, piano pop, and opera."

~ Mark Moring, Christianity Today

Read the full article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/reviews/2010/serpenttales-mini.html

Congratulations Jennifer!!!  Her April 26th & May 3rd Audition Results are in, and we are very pleased to announce that Jennifer Grassman has been selected to be a member of The Young/English Singers, a new jazz/baroque vocal octet under the direction of Paul English and Horace Alexander Young III. She has also been selected to perform in an elegant and elite concert series called Divas World Passionate Pop Series, which will take place in Fall 2010 and early 2011.

Judges at the auditions included:

Sonja Bruzauskas
Sonja made her professional Opera debuts singing Hänsel in 'Hänsel und Gretel' with the Nordharzer Staedtebundtheater as well as Nancy in 'Martha' with the Staatsoperette Dresden, Germany, where she was under a full-time soloist contract for several years prior to her move to the United States. In the US, Sonja made her debut covering Beatrice in 'Beatrice et Benedict' and singing the Maidservant in 'Simon Boccanegra' during her stay as Apprentice Artist with the Santa Fe Opera.

Sonja holds a diploma in Voice, Dance and Acting from the 'Folkwang Hochschule', Essen, Germany, and a Master of Music degree in Opera from 'Manhattan School of Music' where she studied with Marlena Malas.

Besides being a performing Artist, Sonja serves as Artistic Director for the non-profit organization 'Divas World Productions', an organization that produces Sonja's artistic creation known as the Song Salon Series.


Anita Kruse
Pianist, singer and songwriter Anita Kruse is described as “a rare blend of visionary artist and a powerful inspired performer.” A classically trained pianist, Anita began writing her own music while completing a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance at the University of Michigan with Theodore Lettvin. Anita worked as a soloist and accompanist for several years performing throughout the United States. In addition to performing nationwide, Anita continues her work in Houston where she has worked as an artist in residence at Poe Elementary School directing original children’s musical productions, and currently as an instructor of piano and songwriting for children and adults.

Anita has arranged and produced seven CDs, one of which If We Can Fly to the Moon, a song and website dedicated to the victims of the September 11th tragedy, was taken on board the Endeavor’s November 2002 Space Shuttle Mission by astronaut, John Herrington, flying over five million miles around the earth.

After many years of friendship, Anita and flutist Jennifer Keeney, formed the duo, Tall Girls, performing a wide range of musical styles from classical flute and piano repertoire to original songs. In 2005, mezzo soprano, Sonja Bruzauskas joined the duo to form Trio Angelico, performing concerts to enthusiastic acclaim.

In 2006, Anita founded the Purple Songs Can Fly Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a creative, musical outlet for children at Texas Children’s Cancer Center through use of an in-house recording studio and the talents of local composers and musicians. In recognition of the healing power of creativity, hospitals across the United States have implemented their own art and music programs. To date over 115 songs have been written and recorded through Purple Songs Can Fly. The children's songs have flown with individuals to countries across the globe on Continental Airlines’ international Kid's In-Flight Channels and aboard two Space Shuttle missions with Astronauts Scott Parazynski in 2007, and Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper in 2008.

ABOVE LEFT: Divas World Concert at The Villa Maria Studio

Visit Anita’s Website: www.AnitaKruse.com
Visit Divas World Website: www.DivasWorld.org
Visit Purple Songs Can Fly Wesbite: www.PurpleSongsCanFly.org

Paul English
Paul English is an internationally recognized composer, pianist, producer and educator. He has performed and recorded with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, Kirk Whalum and David Liebman and has produced a number of jazz and classical recordings, including a recent collaboration with country legends Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Johnny Bush. Young at Heart is due for release in 2010.

His commissioned compositions include a symphonic concerto, a full oratorio, various chamber works and several scores for film and mixed genre. He has performed extensively as a jazz pianist and with his crossover group, PICO (Paul's Improvising Chamber Orchestra), mixing styles and improvisational techniques.

Mr. English has served on the faculties of Texas Tech University, Sam Houston State University, San Jacinto College and Houston Community College. He is an alumnus of The University of Miami and The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (B.M, M.M.), where he studied composition with Dr. Paul Cooper.

Paul English is a registered Steinway concert artist and records for Deer Mountain Records.

Visit Paul’s Website: www.paulenglishmusic.com

Horace Alexander Young III
Pacific Coast Jazz recording artist Horace Alexander Young is a multi-instrumentalist, vocal musician and composer, he has appeared on sixty-six (66) recordings and several international tours and performances. He is currently serving as a Visiting Professor at Texas Southern University, in the areas of Jazz Studies and Music Business. Additionally, he is active as a an author and music journalist, having contributed to such publications as GIG Magazine, Canadian Musician, Flute Talk and his own book, “Improvising Jazz Flute” (Music Sales/G.Schirmer).

Visit Horace’s Website: www.HoraceAlexanderYoung.com

Steve Duson
Steve Duson is an accomplished vocalist and pianist. He is a baritone in The Trinity Jazz Ensemble, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Full bio pending.

Visit Trinity Episcople Church's Website: www.TrinityChurchHouston.net

CLICK HERE TO VIEW HOUSON HEARTS HAITI MAY 22 CD PARTY INVITATION!

Excerpt from www.HoustonHeartsHaiti.com:

"Houston(hearts)Haiti is the brainchild of Joey Guerra, Music Critic & Writer for The Houston Chronicle. Assisting him is Houston based singer, songwriter and pianist, Jennifer Grassman. Together, they aspire to enable Houstonians to reach out an arm of compassion to victims of the recent Haiti catastrophe.

It goes without saying that the situation in Haiti is both tragic and devastating, and it is very difficult for people over 1,600 miles away to know how to help! However, our dream for Houston(hearts)Haiti is to empower Houstonians with a philanthropic project; a Compilation CD and a Benefit Concert with 100% of the Net Proceeds being donated to assist in Haiti relief efforts. In this small way, we hope to ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Haiti, and let them know that we love them."

RIGHT: April 21, Joey Guerra recieves the first copies of the Houston Hearts Haiti Compilation CD which were duplicated and printed by 1Stop Graphics & Duplication.

The Houston Hearts Haiti Compilation CD features Jennifer Grassman's song Red, from Serpent Tales & Nightingales, in addition to a wide variety of other artists including Katie Armiger, Kady Malloy, Paul English, Tianna Hall and Mary Sarah among others.

You can purchase the compilation CD at www.HoustonHeartsHaiti.com.  100% net proceeds benefit 2010 Haiti quake victims!

February 3, 2010 – Singer, songwriter Jennifer Grassman is set to release her third CD, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, on Sunday, February 14, 2010. The independently produced project continues to breach traditional music industry boxes as Grassman fuses contemporary and alternative rock genres with 1930’s era swing jazz and Celtic airs.

Brian Ray, bassist and guitarist for Beatles legend Paul McCartney, stated on hearing pre-release versions of Grassman’s upcoming album tracks, “It all sounds great! Jennifer Grassman has a voice all her own in a world of conformity.” This from a musician who has worked with the world’s most groundbreaking and influential rock star, certainly puts Grassman and her Serpent Tales & Nightingales CD in a class with good company.

The generous 16 tracks of Serpent Tales & Nightingales have been described by Houston Chronicle music critic, Joey Guerra, as, “Lush, dark and lovely.” Guest musicians on the CD include saxophonist Todd Oxford, who’s talent as a soloist and chamber musician has taken him around the world several times. Guest vocalist, Mathias Blad, is best known for his work with Swedish metal band, Falconer, and his starring roles in musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar at the Gothenburg Opera.

“I have been tremendously blessed during the creation of my latest album,” said Grassman. “My friends, fans, and family have been incredibly supportive. It’s really very overwhelming to have so many people believe so strongly in your dreams! Having Mathias Blad, JJ Worthen, Todd Oxford, Cynthia Butler … all these incredible artists lend their talents to my songs, and then to have Brian Ray review them; it’s unreal! I am tremendously grateful to them and to God for making this all possible.”

Author and playwright Sean K. Thompson appreciates the lyrical eloquence of Serpent Tales & Nightingales. In a recent post on Grassman’s website, Thompson said, “Each song of Jennifer Grassman's tells a story replete with plot, voice and character … She has proven once again that she is ready to take her place among the giant female vocal and songwriting talents of Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, Kate Bush, and Enya.”

Serpent Tales & Nightingales was produced by MD Thompson for The Ivory Tower in Houston, Texas. It can be heard streaming at www.JenniferGrassman.com.

The Spring Observer reports on one of Jennifer's community projects:

"Spring-based recording artist Jennifer Grassman is offering high school students the unique chance to learn about the music industry first hand via internships..."

Click HERE to read the article.

Midst a global economic recession, Jennifer Grassman decided to give her newest album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, special historical and cultural relevance by selecting songs and designing artwork reminiscent of The Great Depression.

“Our world is in a state of financial turmoil,” Grassman said, “and I know first hand the desperate straits so many of our friends and family are in. I researched Great Depression era music and found that most hit songs of that period were either extremely depressing (like ‘Stormy Weather’) or defiantly silly (like ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?’). I modeled Serpent Tales & Nightingales to feature songs from both extremes.”

Grassman researched legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra while composing and considering arrangements for her new songs. Guest musicians on her album include saxophonist Todd Oxford, whose virtuosity as a soloist and chamber musician has taken him across the globe.

But Grassman’s allusions to The Great Depression era do not stop at her songs ...

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE