Alicia Keister: News

You may have noticed that I've been scaling back on shows. The reason is that I have just felt overwhelmed by my full-time job, and this part time gig. I've had no time to be creative. I've found that I need to make more time to write.

I would really love to record another album some day soon. I had planned to start the album, as many of you know, this past summer, but plans change (especially with musicians!!!). (For your information, if an artist says she will be releasing an album on a certain date, your best bet is to plan on a release at least a year after that date.) I'm taking this year to write and record demos.

I am hoping to record the album in the summer of '09. That's the plan right now. Recently, I have been inspired by some great new music, (Red Balloon by Sandra McCracken and The Ampersand EP by the "WebbCrackens" as they are affectionately called by their fans) and new experiences in my life. I am excited to share all of this with you!

As far as shows go, I'm hoping to have a full schedule booked for the late spring and summer. Send show ideas my way! I have booked a couple of shows in the near future with Butch and the Acoustic Roadshow. Stay in touch!

I have been selected as a finalist in the Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival Songwriting Competition. I will play a few songs on Friday night and the winner of the competition gets a full time slot on Saturday. Come on out and join us in Darlington, MD! The festival run from May 9-11. For more info check out: www.smaf.info

I've attended a house concert or two and they are a very enjoyable experience. It's a great place for singer/songwriters like me to get out there, and get playing! I have never done a house concert, but I would love to get into it. I have posted some information about house concerts below. If you are intersted, please send me an e-mail: aliciak@aliciakeister.com or check out these websites:
www.houseconcerts.com
www.houseconcerts.org

What is a house concert?
The definition's flexible, but generally, it's a show that's presented in someone's home, or a nearby private space (barn, backyard, shearing tent, you name it).

· Usually, but not always, the audience capacity is smaller than at a coffeehouse or club.

· The money collected usually (but not always) goes straight to the performers, with no "profit motive" on the presenter's part.

· Often, but not always, house concerts are conducted "by invitation" (for practical reasons we'll get into later), rather than as "public" concerts like a club or concert hall.

· Often - again with exceptions - there is little or no "sound system" - performers play and sing acoustically, unless someone needs a little amp for their keyboard.

· Refreshments, if any, are usually either a "pot luck" brought by the listeners, or provided by the hosts using a bit of the gate receipts.

· Sometimes - but definitely not always - the performers get a meal and/or lodging with the presenters as part of their compensation.

There are House Concerts being given in almost every part of the US and Canada. (If you have information about them happening in Europe or elsewhere in the music world, please let us know at the email address on the front cover.) Some house concerts are "one-shots," but most are presented as a series, usually every two to eight weeks over a "season" of anywhere from six to twelve months. Some concert rooms hold 200 people, some hold 20 or fewer. Some house concert series sell out every time, while others are lightly attended (without the presenters having to quit, as a for-profit club might!). Some are held inside, some outside. (There are reasons to prefer working inside if you can, as we'll see.) The whole house concert "scene" is a kaleidoscope of different experiences and personalities - and that's half the fun.
-taken from www.houseconcerts.org
Go there for more information!

We are finally in the finishing stages of Heartwood. We are busy making last minute changes to mixes and album artwork. I have listened to these ten songs so many times they are all starting to sound the same. I will gratefully turn them over to you in June! I am so happy to say that we are set for the June 2 release! It looks as if we are going to finish by the deadline. (I told Jason we could do it!) If you are able to make it to the Arts Fest show in Harrisburg, you may even be able to pick up one of the first copies!

I recieved some exciting news this week. On Monday, Jason and I will be playing two songs on Berks County Television from 9-10 (The Acoustic Roadshow). Tune-in all you Berks County folks!

I hope you are all doing well! Be sure to check out the Music Page. I have uploaded some songs from the upcoming release (Maybe and Open Your Heart). Enjoy!

Alicia

A few weeks ago I had a show in Palmyra. There were only a few people there, and I was convinced that I would be playing only to Jason in about 10 minutes when the one couple that was there finished up their meal. Much to my surprise Rick, Jody, and Rob from camp walked in. They were the last people I expected to see. It is so nice to have the support of my friends. I have much to be thankful for!

Things are really moving around here. In October I am going to begin working hard on the album. I am shooting for a May release. If you can catch a show, you'll hear a lot of songs that will be on the album.

I was trying to cut down on shows so I would have time to record, but there were some shows I just couldn't pass up.

Last year I bought an M-box. I have been experimenting with it. I hope to have some songs up soon. I am not an engineer, but recording is so much fun!

Hope to see you very soon!

I know I said that I would do this a long time ago. Here's what I'm listening to.

1. Anything by Beth Amsel I just bought her first cd "A Thousand Miles." I can't stop listening to it.

2. Jess Klein "Stawberry Lover"

3. Brandi Carlile

4. Kathleen Edwards "In State"

5. Toad the Wet Sprocket
"Dulcinea"

Everything is so relaxed. I can pack as much stuff into one day as I want to, and I don't have to worry that I won't be able to make it through the next day.

Last night I went to see Grantham Road play at Scott's Grille in Harrisburg. It was such a nice evening. We were sitting outside just talking and listening to great music.

I've had some wonderful opportunities this summer. I showcased for the Millenium Music Conference. A few weeks ago I played at the Kutztown Folk Festival. If you get the chance, you should go. It was very unique. Great food!

Please take advantage of all of the activities going on around you. Before we know it winter will be here!

I had a dream on Saturday night that I was playing my songs in a really big auditorium and everyone was singing my songs. I'm not really sure how they knew the words, but who cares? Then some guy told me that someone walked out of the show because he didn't think it was right that I used to sing classical music and now I sing folk. He thought I sold out. What does it all mean?

Did you ever have one of those days? Of course, we all have. One of my friends once told me that she was having one of those lives! I feel like that sometimes--like right now! It just seems like the whole world is against me. I have this picture in my mind of what I want my life to be like and it is nothing like that. I think that sometimes when I'm having a bad day (or a bad month) I tend to only think about the bad things. Then I think, I am so selfish and so ungrateful. I have so much. Most of the world would give anything to have my life.

My sister and I were talking about the things that we have done to get through difficult times in our lives. I told her a story about my college roomate. Her boyfriend had just broken up with her. When I came into the room she was sitting in the dark in front of the stereo crying and listening to a Point of Grace song over and over. I got out that cd yesterday. It was amazing how much better it made me feel. I was reminded of those encouraging words that are so easy to forget when I only look inward and focus on me. It is hard to be positive when it seems like I am surrounded by negative energy, but I have to remember that I am filled with most positive, loving energy--the love of Christ. Why is that so easy to forget? It is the most important news in the world. Starting now, my mission is to radiate that love.

Summer is almost here and I may have said before that since I am a teacher I tend to measure years by the school year and not by the calendar year. I am thinking about many things. First of all, every good summer needs a soundtrack. I have been thinking long and hard about this. I don't want to post mine just yet. I still have a few weeks, but I plan on doing that soon.

Another thing about being a teacher is that everyone always asks what your summer plans are. Here are my plans:

1. Teach Lessons
2. Counsel at camp
3. Take classes
4. Play lots of shows!

Take a look at the schedule. I hope you can fit some time in to come see a show. I am really looking forward to meeting some new people and getting back in touch with some friends I've met along the way. I've been working on some new material so I hope to see you soon. As always leave a note in the guestbook so I know you've dropped by!

Love,
Alicia

My life is finally getting back in order. The second weekend in March was the spring musical. It was crazy. I basically gave my life to my school for 3 months. I had no time to myself and definately no time to work on music. I am very happy to be adding lots of shows to my schedule for the summer and fall.

The weekend after the musical I went to record drums for my new album. Like I told you before, it will be a long time until it's finished, but Jason and I are going to work really hard to make it an outstanding freshman project. It's such a great feeling to hear the songs that I put so much of myself into the way I always thought they would sound. Unfortunately I can't duplicate that sound with just me and my little guitar.

I'll try to write more soon. Come see me at a show!

Love,
Alicia

Sorry it's been so long since I updated. How have you been liking the new songs I posted? I finally have my first dates for recording. We are going to track drums in mid March. As it gets closer, I am feeling very excited about this album. My first solo, full-length album. I have been writing like crazy, and I think it will have some very strong songs on it. I will be recording some demos over the Christmas break. I'll be sure to get some of the songs up so you can take a listen to them.

I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season!

I will be hosting an open mike at Coffee Lovers Coffee House in Etters! It will be held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7-9, starting on November 17. Come out and showcase your talent!

Listen to the new music on the music page. One is an original and one is a cover of a great Jess Klein song. The were recorded live by the handsome and wonderful Jason Shaffer.

Yesterday The Daily Item ran a story on me in the features section. You can check it out online or go to the "press" section. Thanks Wayne!
http://www.dailyitem.com/archive/2005/0923/fea/stories/01fea.htm

Check out this link to see pics of the American Heart Association Benefit.
http://www.teamdarby.com/2005/HeartFest/page3.html

Check out the latest CD review. I posted it under "press."

Unfortunately due to the change at Coyote Joe's, the lovely and talented Becky Reeder will no longer be joining me. I'll miss you Becky!

Check out the "show" page. Coyote Joe's has been changed to July 29! Hope to see you there!