I just arrived in Nashville yesterday for the 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference. It’s only been a day and a half that I’ve been here, but it’s already been jam packed, and the conference hasn’t even started! I’ve spent my time rehearsing, setting up my merchandise/promo table, meeting some of the participants, and checking out the very interesting Hotel Preston, where the conference is happening. The decor here is fabulous! It, of course, has some music themes running through it via pictures of famous country musicians. Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn, to name a few. Also, some very unique art around the hotel to look at. My pictures tell all. The hotel also has a pool, which allowed me to swim for the first time in months. Last, but definitely not least, after having lunch and wondering around the hotel yesterday, I decided to take a trip down to The Bluebird Cafe for an early “In-The-Round” show last night. If you aren’t familiar with the “In-The-Round” show format, it’s where a few different songwriters sit on a stage in a circle facing one another and go around the circle trading off songs. Usually the circle of songwriters is placed in the middle of the audience in some fashion. At the Bluebird Cafe, it’s right in the middle of the cafe, so you can have a drink or dinner while you listen. It’s a great format because often the songwriters will tell the stories behind the songs and will often join one another on each other’s songs. Hearing the stories behind the stories is my favorite part! Well, the Bluebird didn’t disappoint. I didn’t previously know any of the performers before stumbling into the 6pm show, but I ended up hearing some great performers. Trent Jeffcoat, Mark Steven Jones, and Steve Dean really stood out to me. The material was written about different subjects than I’d write about, for sure, but, wow, what great songwriting! I gotta play there one day soon! Tonight, I’ll be attending a banquet dinner and listening to performances from some of the Indiegrrl Songwriting Competition Winners! Really looking forward to the evening. Tomorrow begins the showcases and workshops which I will be performing at and attending!

This morning I’m on my way to Nashville for the 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference. I’m incredibly proud and excited to be taking part. The conference takes place from August 20th-23rd. It will includes tons of workshops, showcase performances, song pitching opportunities and live webcasts from the conference floor. I’ll be playing at the Indiegrrl Main Stage, the Tryxo Entertainment Stage, the Texas Women’s Guerrilla Showcase Room, and the Women’s Radio Guerrilla Showcase Room. I’m also also lucky to be receiving an artist development mentoring session with Eric de Fontenay of MusicDish. Stay tuned for details from each day!

I’ve just started the process of making a new CD. The producer, engineer, musicians, and songs are picked. All that I need is the funds to help make it happen! About $5000 to be exact! Notice my new page “Donate/Pre-Order the CD” where I’ve provided new options for pre-ordering the CD and making donations to the cause. Some great goodie packages are available for donations of $50 or higher, including t-shirts, personal songs written by request, and house concerts! My ideal goal is to have the full CD, or at least a sampler version, in hand by mid-August. Essentially, I’m making the CD in chunks, on a weekly basis, as I am able to raise money. So, my ability to make a great recording is directly tied to my ability to raise funds, which is directly tied to your support, which is always greatly appreciated. Every dollar counts, literally, so if you can help, please do.

Thanks,

Rachel

Subscribe to this feed or become my friend on twitter or myspace to keep up with the making of the CD and other adventures I’m up to.

I’m scheduled to play a showcase music slot at the Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference on the weekend of August 20th in Nashville! I’m very honored to have been chosen for a slot as Indiegrrl is a great member organization that “works to create networking, educational, and showcasing opportunities for women”. Check them out at Indiegrrl.com.