Raised in the sleepy farmland outside of the nation's self-proclaimed weirdest city, Tara Velarde is a captivating combination of class and sass. There is a timelessness and wisdom to her poetic lyrics, often prompting listeners to observe that she is an "old soul"; a simultaneous wryness and flare for the unique add drama and humor that light up the stage with fantastic energy. Deena Drewis (Sacramento News and Review) states that the "cherubic vocals of frontwoman Tara Velarde will strike a chord with fans of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson", and Lisa Lepine (Promoter/Booker) says that the group has "a unique elixir of hopped up harmonies, gleeful pop, sly lyrics and valley spunk". All can agree that Tara's strong voice takes her listeners on a memorable journey, whether she is belting to the limits of her power or bearing her heart with soft, crystalline melodies.

It is a year of thunderous momentum for Tara Velarde, with a full-length CD release, new band members, and a rapidly increasing tour schedule of the Western United States. It was nearly a decade ago that Tara first picked up a pencil to craft the first lines of an original song, and this singing and songwriting has been the truest constant and comfort in her life for the last ten years. She continued writing through the turbulences of High School, the grind of her undergraduate studies, and the scramble of her first professional jobs as a music teacher. Performances grew from open mics to solo shows, and the addition of a backing band added new sonic possibilities that propelled the band into the Portland music scene and encouraged the creation of a freshman EP and recent full-length album entitled "Get Out and Walk". For a few sweet years Tara billed as The Tara Novellas with her band of friends, musicians, and family members. During this time they laid a solid foundation of musical authenticity, joy, and vocal excellence that remain pillars of the group. To further develop this mission, they have made a name-change to simply be called Tara Velarde - the songs, members, and spirit remains as strong as ever as the moniker denotes a clearer view of the style and format of the group. "Get Out and Walk" is out now! The 10 song album is available for purchase and download under the "Music" tab as well as on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more streaming services. This album is the newest catalyst for Tara Velarde to reach further than ever before, so be sure to stay up to date with new shows, videos, blog posts, and more right here and by joining our mailing list. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Website:

http://taravelardemusic.com/home

Songwriter Kory Quinn puts the true in troubadour. He has a refreshingly homespun take on Americana, a very welcome sigh of relief from the miasma of pop-country and commercialized folk. After spending over 270 Self-Booked Dates on the road in 2013, which spanned 7 countries, Quinn still found time to write and record new material. The Second full-length album, At The End of The Bar, boils down red-dirt basics in a freewheeling roadhouse stew. Quinn's songwriting is adroit and surefooted, offering sturdily constructed country, bluegrass, folk, and Cajun-tinged songs for his ensemble to really sink their fangs into on this instant jukebox classic. The songs are short and sweet but packed with clever lines, sentimental harmonies and twangy fills. All that makes them the kind of songs that hang around your brain like honky-tonk regulars. Among his self penned road-worn material are stories and songs that hearken back to old-time drinking songs and heart wrenching country standards. As if he was never new and yet never gets old. In the meantime he is touring and working on his follow up record, "Chicago/Western" which will be released at some point in 2015.

Bandcamp:

http://koryquinn.bandcamp.com

ReverbNation:

http://www.reverbnation.com/koryquinn

Karyn Ann is an emotive singer and songwriter whose originals intuitively blend soul, blues and folk. With performances brimming with raw unabashed passion, she has a natural ability to remain reminiscent while refreshing, drawing from talents like Fiona Apple to Susan Tedeschi. Karyn Ann's debut EP, Accept Uncertainty, explores the personal balancing of hope and the inevitable uncertainties we experience as we live through life.

Website:

http://www.karynann.com