Two Years Down, 38 Days To Go...

It's the middle of January, the year 2012...already.

  It's hard to imagine the childhood days when we couldn't wait to get older; to be mature, make our own rules, be the boss, have no curfew, make our own money...
Now, many years and countless experiences later, no matter how much I savor every fleeting moment, the years just won't slow down.

BUT...there is good news.

  Although days are fast, and the occasions we look forward to for days, weeks, months and years finally come...and then are gone in a heartbeat, each day, each moment, each second that we do choose to savor, however fleeting, leaves us with a memory.  And interestingly, sometimes the memory holds an even better sensation then the moment itself. And the beauty part is, the memories last forever. They don't have the expiration date that moments do.

My album release date is rapidly approaching and it's definitely one of those occasions. I've been planning and looking forward to this for the last 2 years and already, it's a mere 38 days away (and counting!)
I'm so very excited, and although it will be here in a blink of an eye, I know it's going to be a night that will be in the memory bank for as long as I've got the capacity to remember.

SO...are you going to be a part of it?
Are you going to help me make some serious memories??

I hope so.
And here's the info you'll need:

THE DATE:  March 2nd, 2012
THE TIME:  9:00pm (Doors at 8)
THE LOCATION:  Humphrey's Backstage, Shelter Island
                                2241 Shelter Island Drive
                                San Diego, CA 92106


THE PRICE: $12.00 presale through Ticketmaster.com (tix on sale February 2nd)
                      $15.00 Door
(every ticket includes an Album!)

THE STATS:
21+
Discounted rates on rooms at Humphrey's available!! (more details to come)
Merchandise (digital downloads, CD's, hoodies, keychains, koozie's) will be available for purchase

Check out my handy dandy new QR Code! All information will also be posted on my Reverbnation Artist Page :)

Another end...followed by another amazing beginning!!

  It's happened. December is almost over. 2011 is rapidly becoming the past and the future of 2012 and beyond is knocking at my wreath laden front door. As I sit in my living room with twinkly lights on the walls, mistletoe in the doorways, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, garlands over the windows and a pine tree in the corner, I can't help but feel a little warm and fuzzy remembering what a tremendous year this has been, how much I am thankful for, all the amazing people I'm blessed enough to call friend and family and everything this wonderful life has in store for me.

Tis the season to be thankful, right?

So here are a few end-of-the-year thank you's to some folks that have really inspired my life in 2011...

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To my Kickstarter family,

  Wow. I didn't believe that it was possible to have such outstanding support. I always wanted to believe, but until I took the jump into Kickstarter, my wanting was only that. Thank you, each and every one of you, for making 2011 the first year of the rest of my music life. You have refreshed my passion for what I create, and you've reminded me that I really do make a difference. THANK YOU!

To my friend and producer Alex Dausch,

  It has been such a pleasure to come through this album process with you, beginning to end. You are one of the most passionate, creative and driven people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. You have such a thirst for music knowledge, and it's clear in seeing you work how much you really do love what you do (which is the epitome of inspiration in itself). Thank you for Keep It Simple, for working with me, for the laughter, your incredible talent and for nurturing my love for songwriting, recording and performing.

To Jazzercise,

  In 2011, not only did I become an instructor and start getting paid to exercise (amazing), but I feel healthy, energetic, fit and most of all emotionally stable and happy! Thanks for keeping me sane. 

To Joe,

  It been in this last year that I have come to a much stronger understanding of what it really means to have a partner for life. You are my steady rock and best friend. You manage to see my strength even when I'm in a miserable sobbing heap of high heels, necklaces and makeup on the sidewalk after a gig that practically brakes me...and when I do break, you repair me. Thank you for your limitless love, humor and strength. Thank you for making me shine. I love you and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0 

BIG BIG Things are going to happen in 2012...can you feel it??

Check it out!

January 1st: 8:00pm-9:00pm

What to do: LISTEN to 102.1, KPRI Homegrown Radio

I am the lucky artist to be the very first LIVE INTERVIEW on the new Homegrown Hour in 2012!

So if you tune in, you'll hear me rappin' with Cathryn Beeks (the show's host), you'll also hear me play a song from the upcoming album, and you'll hear a song off the album recording. Pretty awesome...spread the word!

January 13th is gonna be a great day too...WHY??

I'm honored to be singing the National Anthem for SEAL Team ONE in Coronado for their 50th Anniversary Celebration. What an amazing experience!

Other dates that you might need to know? Sure...here they are :)

January15th - The Wine Lover, 7:00-9:00pm

                       3968 5th Ave, Hillcrest

It's a showcase and it's a GREAT space and a GREAT show. So bundle up in your scarves and jackets and come drink some wine and listen to some music :)

January 18th - Jolt'n Joes (JJ's) in the Gaslamp, 7:00-9:00pm

0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0...o...0 

Ladies and Gentlemen.

We are coming frighteningly close to booking the DATE and LOCATION for the Album Release Party for Keep It Simple...so keep posted...

Are you as excited as I am??

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very, very happy and healthy New Year!

2012, here we come!

Allegrasings

The Gigs in November!!

Hey y'all!

I know it's been awhile, and for that I apologize, but I also want to emphasize how much I've missed blogging with you while I've been to busy with other business....

Last time we spoke, I told you about all the excitement happening in my life currently:
   My recent engagement
   My completion of my Kickstarter Campaign
   My Jazzercise Instructor Certification
  
...and NOW I've got even more great news for you! I'm playing around San Diego a bunch this month (and teaching 6 jazzercise classes a week if you're interested :)) and I want to see your face out at at least one, be it a show with original material, or even one of my cover gigs...AND because I've got some of both this month, I'll let you know below which is which :) You likey? I thought you might!

November Shows and Gigs:

 footnote: Original Show = OS
                Cover Show = CS

ALL FRIDAYS in November:
CS - Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
        7:00-9:00pm
        All Ages
        HH Specials til 7:00 (get there early!)

Saturday, November 5th
CS - Gordon Biersche, Mission Valley
        9:00-12:00am

Sunday, November 6th
CS - Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock
        11:30-2:30pm
        All Ages
        DELICIOUS Brunch!

WEDNESDAYS, November 9th & 23rd
CS - Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
        6:00-8:00pm
        All Ages
        HH Specials til 7:00

Friday, November 11th
OS - Hard Rock Cafe, Gaslamp
        8:00-12:00am (I'm in the 10:00pm Set)

        The Cathryn Beeks Appreciation show!!

***  This is going to be a fantastic night, celebrating the workings of one fantastic woman! Check out the event link and poster below!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141452662620474

Saturday, November 12
CS - Offshore Tavern, Bay Park
        7:30-11:00pm
        All Ages
        Food's delish, and music's delish-er

Saturday, November 19th
CS - Baily's, Temecula
        6:30-9:30pm
        All Ages
        Make a day of it! When was the last time you got to wine country?

Sunday, November 20th
OS - The Wine Lover, Hillcrest
         7:00pm

         Lovely little place, and a great mix of music!


That is it for November, my lovelies!
As for more news to shoot your way, ATTN: ALL KICKSTARTER BACKERS!
Thanks to you, things are really getting a move on as far as this album goes...
I JUST had a fantastic photo shoot with Sharisse Coulter and SCP (http://www.sharissecoulter.com/) and now have the images needed to really get the graphic ball rolling. ALSO, just last week, my producer and I finished recording ALL THE SONGS for the album!!
So now what needs to be done is mixing, mastering and reproduction.  YAY!
(the release is scheduled [tentatively] for January 28th, 2012)

Good news, great friends, awesome music...it's a wonderful life.
See you at the show!

Allegrasings

Engaged...in big, big things!!

For those of you who have not already heard the news, along with

KICKSTARTER  reaching it's goal of $10,000 (www.kickstarter.com/projects/allegrasings/keep-it-simple-a-brand-new-album-a-brand-new-pop-s )[WHOOHOO!!],

                        My brand new Jazzercise certification completion and teaching going fantastic,

                                                     And all around GIGs aplenty (check 'em out below...)

                                                                              I'm ECSTATIC to announce that I'm ENGAGED!! 

Basically, what I'm saying is that LIFE is GOOD.
And I'm in the mood to CELEBRATE!

Check out my upcoming gigs below, and be ready for a CD release party that's gonna knock your socks off!

TONIGHT - Offshore Tavern @ 8:00pm
Tomorrow (Wednesday, 9/28) - Beaumont's, Bird Rock @ 8:00pm
Friday 9/30 - Playa Grill & Margarita Bar @ 7:00pm

Come out to a gig and help me celebrate what is truly the best week of my life! Thank you all for believing in my talent, keeping constant in your support and friendship and overall just BEING LOVE!

Allegrasings

The Schedge, the Gigs and Songwriting

  For the past few months, I've been putting lots of my time and energy into becoming a Jazzercise Instructor, and it's been great. It's really kept me active and in shape. And this coming weekend will either mark the end of my quest or the beginning of my instructor-hood. I'm auditioning on Friday Evening in Carlsbad, and once that happens I'll either be accepted to the Instructors Workshop or told to try again next time.

I'm not too nervous about it. I feel prepared and excited, but at the same time I'm just ready to move into phase 2.  For as much as I love Jazzercise, and as big a part of my life it's been for the last three years, I feel that with all of this movement forward in the fitness field I've been sitting stagnant in the music field.

This past month I realized something...there are a slew of people out there that have no idea that I write songs.  I've been approached recently by three separate individuals, two offering to write for me, and one asking me if I write.
And as much as I dig collaboration, I LOVE writing songs myself and evidently I've slipped into some chasm where my original songs have stopped being heard. What is this black hole?...
The answer: Cover Gigs.

  Don't get me wrong - I am incredibly grateful that I GET to perform for a living, and Cover Gigs are what have made that possible.
But during a gig where plates are clacking, drinks are flowing, and happy, loud conversation is in full effect, far be it for me to attempt to get the audience to listen - and I mean really listen - to original songs they've never heard before.
  Cover shows are such a success because they allow people to sing along, request well known tunes, recognize (while splitting focus with conversation/food/friends) the song selection and feel like they have even moderate control of what they're listening to - and all the while being entertained by a real live person.

I am a song writer. I love lyrics. I love rhyme. I love rhythm. I love word play. And I know that if people get the opportunity to listen to my originals, they will like or even love them.

To paraphrase my good friend Lindsay White, "You Have to Listen to My Music to Like it."

And soon you'll be able to! As long as this kickstarter campaign is a success, I'll be putting out my album later on this year...a big ol' party, a big release. I'm doing it right this time around. And I'm gonna make sure EVERYONE gets a chance to hear my original music, and really know how much I love what I do :)

On the Kickstarter note, a HUGE thanks to all who have pledged to my campaign! Without you, there would be no album. And that's no joke! We've got $2812 left to go to make my new album "Keep It Simple" a reality and I hope you can all be a part of it :)
Here's the link, for those of you that haven't pledged yet, but are giving it some heavy thought!

www.kickstarter.com/projects/allegrasings/keep-it-simple-a-brand-new-album-a-brand-new-pop-s

And as for Cover Gigs, here's the schedge for the rest of the month of September!


Wednesday, September 14th: 6-8pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
Friday, September 23rd: 7-9pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar
Sunday, September 25th: 11:30-2:30pm @ Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock
Wednesday, September 28th: 8-11pm @ Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock
Friday, September 30th: 7-9pm @ Playa Grill & Margarita Bar

If you know of any gig opportunities, email me! I'm always looking for new places to play :) allegrabarley@yahoo.com

Thanks, friends. Be Love, and I'll see you at a show :)

Allegrasings

Kickstart my heart!

My Kickstarter Campaign is up and running, folks. We've got 59 more days to fund and release my new album, KEEP IT SIMPLE! here's the link. GO THERE!!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allegrasings/keep-it-simple-a-brand-new-album-a-brand-new-pop-s
See you at a gig (or on kickstarter :))


Can't wait to get your pledges and get this project rolling!!
Allegrasings

August Shows, Album News, THE VOICE and more!!

Welcome again, my friends, to  ALLEGRASINGS! This months first blog/mailing is going to include the following items, so get ready to get educated!

-Album news
-Kickstarter news
-The Skedge (August Shows)
-THE VOICE - upcoming audition

Album News:

I and my phenomenal producer and friend Alex are nearing the end of the recording/production of my upcoming album,  Keep It Simple and I'm starting to get pretty excited! We're just wrapping up song #8 of an 11 song album that (as of now) looks to be due out in October (let's keep our fingers crossed).
I will keep you posted!

Kickstarter Campaign:
For those of you unaware of what Kickstarter is, I urge you to check out the website and have a look around (www.kickstarter.com). It is essentially HUB dedicated to funding and following creative projects. My upcoming campaign is going to be 60 days long in where I will be raising 9,000 for my upcoming album.
Kickstarter is basically a pledge and reward program. You pledge a dollar amount to my project, you get something really nifty from me. The bigger your pledge, the bigger your reward!
SO check out the site and all the cool projects already campaigning, and get ready to be a part of my upcoming album, Keep It Simple! My campaign is raring to kick off in less than 10 days!


The Skedge:
Tuesday, August 2nd - Mystic Water Kava Bar, 3811 Ray St, just south of University Ave. in North
                                       Park @8:45-10:30pm - This should be an awesome couple hours (very 
                                       different and mostly original tunes in a REALLY neato atmosphere!)
Wednesday, August 3rd -  Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, Mission Valley @ 6:00-8:00pm
Friday, August 5th - Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, Mission Valley @ 7:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, August 6th - Offshore Tavern 2253 Morena Boulevard, Bay Park @ 7:30-11:00pm

Sunday, August 7th (DOUBLE HEADER!!) - Beaumont's Eatery, Bird Rock @ 11:30am
                                   Sunday Brunch @ one of the best brunch spots in town! Come for the Bacon
                                   Bloody Mary's and Coast Toast (!!) and stay for the tunes :)
                                  
                                   -AND-
                                 
                                   The Wine Lover, 3968 5th Ave, Hillcrest @ 6:00-9:00pm (I'm on at 8:10)
                                   This is gonna be a FUN show! Again, ALL ORIGINALS in an intimate,
                                    lovely new setting :) Check out the site :) http://thewineloversd.com/
Wednesday, August 10th - Eden, 1202 University Ave @ 7:00-9:00pm (if you haven't been here, 
                                    I highly recommend it, if not for the music, for the amazing atmosphere, super
                                    delicious food and drinks and really cool staff :)
Thursday, August 11th -  Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, Mission Valley @ 6:00-8:00pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 (Richardson/Dailey Wedding, PB...CONGRATULATIONS!!)

Wednesday, August 17th - Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, Mission Valley @ 6:00-8:00pm

Friday, August 19th - Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, Mission Valley @ 7:00-9:00pm

(and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Angela!)

Wednesday, August 24th - Eden, 1202 University Ave @ 7:00-9:00pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26th-MONDAY, AUGUST 29th - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOUND!

(and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the love of my life, Joe!)

THE VOICE - upcoming audition

On the LAST DAY of this month (Wednesday, August 31st) I am headed to LA to Audition for NBC's THE VOICE (with hosts/coaches Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Ce Lo Green and Adam Levine)

So keep the good JUJU flowing in my direction as I attempt to wow the nation with my song :) 

 

 So thumbs up for Rock and Roll everybody, and I'll see you at the show :)

Allegrasings