Indie Divas Take the Stage at Manhattans Red Lion



May 16, 2005 -- On Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Red Lion in Manhattan, GoGirlsMusic.com a national organization for women in rock and Manhattan's own City Canyons Records continue New York's most exciting ongoing indie music event and bring back the magic of yesteryear to storied Bleecker Street-- where musicians from Joan Baez to Jimi Hendrix used to hold forth--when they present the third in a string of showcases highlighting the divas of indie music. This edition features Lisa Bouchelle, Sara Wendt, Alexis Booth and Lyza Wilson and introduces emerging artist Athena Masci. Past artists have included, among others, Jen Elliott and Bluestruck, Carrie Ashton, the Allison Cipris Band, Kirsten Thien, Jesus H. Christ and Jessica Star.

Lisa Bouchelle has been voted one of the top female vocalists in the world by the readers of Japan's Burrn Magazine, and in the top twenty in several other international magazine polls. The twenty-three old singer has already created a buzz on the independent music scene, in part from a duet she sang with James LaBrie of Dream Theater, and in part from her own charismatic stage presence. She has garnered extensive critical acclaim in the underground press, which has led to live appearances at prestigious venues such as the TLA in Philadelphia; the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC; and the Middle East Club in Boston, as well as regular appearances at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. Besides her live performances, Lisa is a prolific songwriter, and her lyrical prowess gives many of her compositions an edginess often compared to artists such as Jewell, Jason Mraz, Michelle Branch, Ani Defranco, and Sheryl Crow.

Sara Wendt is a seasoned and respected presence on the indie music scene, a former member of the highly regarded band, Homer Erotica. She has been a fan favorite from New England to Florida and her debut album "Parachute" was a chart-topper on college and independent radio. Her songs are a study in contrasts, rocking yet delicate and nuanced, tough yet tender, and reflective yet electrifying, featuring haunting overtones that make her music both vivid and dreamy. Sara's music, alternative pop rock with a light sprinkle of Celtic seasoning is both exhilarating and aching and goes straight through the ear to the heart. "Parachute" was described by one reviewer as "music for your dreams". Her second album, "Here's Us" is due out under the City Canyons Records imprint in late 2005.

A Chicago-born transplant to the New York City music scene, Alexis Booth boasts a booming, soulful voice and a disarming Midwestern smile and charm that truly captivates. Classically trained from a young age on piano, trumpet, and French horn, Alexis' first serious foray into the creative aspect of making music took her deep into the heart of jazz. There she developed a knack for improvisation, along with a soulful sound that turned heads. Her talents were lauded early on by eminent jazz publication Downbeat Magazine, who presented her the award of "Best Jazz Vocalist" - the same honor received by Norah Jones early on in her career.

Alexis later moved to New York City to take advantage of its wealth of music. Immersing herself in the city's rich singer/songwriter scene, Alexis allowed herself the space to develop as a writer and a solo performer learning to speak with the voice of a diva and the words of a poet. Alexis' debut album BEGIN speaks volumes about her talent as a musician. Recorded in a single 12-hour studio session, this self-written, self-produced album captures the raw, honest power of Alexis' live performance.

Though she had been playing music for quite some time, Lyza Wilson really got her start in 2003 when she moved across the country from Seattle to New York City. Jumping head first into the local music scene, Lyza made a huge splash performing at a variety of venues and recording sessions with a powerful voice that brims with syle and conviction backed a crackerjack supporting band. Those sessions helped set the gears in motion for what would later become her self-titled debut album, a work that shows off not only her "philosophy", but also a variety of influences that range from Ricky Lee Jones to Aretha Franklin, but it's all unmistakably Lyza. Lyza is currently hard at work supporting her new album, distributed by 12:12 Records, and the single "I Like It,"is now in heavy rotation at college and independent radio stations around the country.

Emerging artist Athena Masci's story begins in Chapel Hill, NC where Athena grew up singing her heart out. From chamber music to gospel, she explored many genres, incorporating musical theater into the mix as well. The first band, Dick and Jane's Magnificent Fantasmagoria, debuted at prestigious local events. In 2004, Athena won honorable mention in the Billboard World Song Contest (Jazz.)

The Red Lion is located at 151 Bleecker Street in Manhattan. Admission for the event is only $5.00 at the door.





Indie Divas Take the Stage at Manhattans Red Lion