On Saturday, April 9, we celebrated our third “The Relative Pitch Presents…” at Sola Coffee Cafe’ in North Raleigh. This show was created to highlight some of the outstanding talent I have seen perform at the Relative Pitch Open Mic in the past who I felt were ready for a larger platform. Our featured performers were singer/musician Kristen Brauns, and singer-songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Fantasy Dispute and Janelle True.  We had a packed house and the performers put on a great show!

First up was Kristen Brauns. While no stranger to the stage, this was Kristen’s first solo performance and she handled it like a pro. During her set she showcased her skills as not only a vocalist, but also on the piano and ukulele. Here is a snippet of her performance of “Can’t Sleep Love”:

Next, was Fantasy Dispute, a talented trio of players who met while taking guitar lessons together. They performed a mixture of covers, like this one of “Dreams”:

and original pieces, like this one written by member Frank:

Finally, we ended the night with Janelle True, a young singer songwriter who has self-produced two full length albums. Janelle dazzled the crowd with a set of mostly original music and reworked covers. Here is a snippet of Janelle’s original song:

As always, I am extremely grateful to Sola Coffee Cafe’ for giving us a home and for all the good food and hospitality. I am also appreciative to those who came out to support these young artists, as well as the performers who did an amazing job!!!  I hope you will join us next month on Saturday, May 21 for the next The Relative Pitch Youth Open Mic…

See you then!

Rissi

On Saturday, April 9 at 7:30pm is the second “The Relative Pitch Presents…” at Sola Coffee Cafe’ in North Raleigh. This time I am featuring vocalist Kristen Brauns, the awesome trio Fantasy Dispute, and singer-songwriter Janelle True. I can hardly wait for this show!!! Scroll down to read more about the talented performers being showcased:

Kristen Brauns

It could be said that 15-year-old Kristen Brauns was born to sing. From a home video showing a 2 year old Kristen singing the soundtrack to “Spirit” to performing with her sisters around the house, music has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Having performed in both the church and school choirs since 5^th grade, Kristen is excited about her “The Relative Pitch presents…” debut.

Playing the guitar, piano and ukulele, Kristen is a musical quadruple threat who draws inspiration from artists like Christina Grimmie, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift. She looks forward to pursuing music education as a career, in addition to continuing to perform.

Fantasy Dispute

Fantasy Dispute is a local Wake Forest group featuring Bella Church, Frank Deaner, Jr. and Gabi Piercy. These teens met while studying music at Give to Live Guitar Studios. They take to heart the mission of the studio: combining the art of live performance with community service. Fantasy Dispute has played at venues all over the Raleigh and Wake Forest area while raising money and awareness for causes such as ALS, Cancer, InterACT and The Michael Lynch Foundation for fallen firefighters of 9/11. They love to live out their passion while supporting their community.

Janelle True

Janelle True has released over twenty original songs in her albums Swept Away and Painted Pianos. Her style alludes to the mellow sound of the singer/songerwriter genre complete with soulful undertones that resemble artists such as Norah Jones, Sara Bareilles, and Ingrid Michaelson. She enjoys writing uplifting music to which all people can relate. Since her Christian faith is so dear to her heart, many of these themes appear in her music. From light and ethereal in some tracks to deep and soulful in others, Janelle’s voice covers a range of emotions that captivate her audience with their sheer honesty and authenticity. From an early age, Janelle dreamed of helping people through her music, but the only way she can do this is if more people hear it. Please help her achieve this dream by sharing her music with people around you in hopes that they too can be encouraged.

I hope you will come out to join us for the next “The Relative Pitch presents…” on Saturday, April 9 at 7pm at Sola in North Raleigh. This is a free event!!!

Hello all!!! The February 20 installment of the Relative Pitch Youth Open Mic did not disappoint.I am now entering into my 4th year of doing this show and it makes me smile every time I think of how much we’ve grown. Its wonderful to see so many new faces along with some of our talented regulars. Enough of the mushy stuff, let’s get into some of the performances!

Bryn and her dad/side man Rob returned to perform an acoustic cover:

Newcomer Trinity, a singer/songwriter, performed an original composition:

Sister act Sereena & Illiana performed an adorable rendition of “Bare Necessities”:

Guitarist and singer Abby gave us an awesome performance of a Jack White favorite:

Evan wowed us yet again with his cover of Elton John:

Finally, Arwen gave us a beautiful performance of Adele:

As you can tell, this was a great show!  If you have footage of your child performing at this open mic that is not shown here, please send it to me and I’ll post it: info@therelativepitch.com.  I’m in the process of scheduling the next open mic but the next event is The Relative Pitch Presents…on April 9 at 7pm at Sola. I will be announcing the three featured performers shortly so stay tuned…

Rissi

Walltown Children’s Theatre is currently recruiting young singers — and wannabe singers — for a new community chorus! Raising Voices Choral Celebration is a free training and performing program for 8-16 year old boys and girls.

RAISING VOICES GOALS & EXPECTATIONS
♫ helping young singers to work and aspire beyond their current abilities and expectations
♫ broadening musical skills and knowledge, and including those who have not previously participated in choral singing
♫ inspiring lifelong interest in choral singing
Where: WCT STUDIO THEATER, 1225 Berkeley Street, Durham 27705
When: Rehearsals begin Monday, February 22, 2016
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Cost: Free for all participants!
The Raising Voices Chorus performance dates are in early June

More information can be found HERE.

The Community Chorus Project Saturday Glee Club Spring Registration

Since September 2011, Community Chorus Project in collaboration with the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has run a two-semester chorus program called Saturday Glee Club. Our chorus totals 40 young singers, ages 11 – 16, who meet each Saturday.

The program includes master classes given by university voice faculty and special guests, as well as small group and whole class vocal instruction. Our teachers select fun, challenging and relevant music encompassing musical theatre, pop and world music, while always ensuring that our students are taught healthy vocal technique.

Caroline Miceli, an experienced chorus teacher and private voice instructor, leads the Glee Club chorus. Dr. Louise Toppin, Chair of the Department of Music, and a voice professor, advises on all aspects of the program, helping to ensure healthy and effective vocal technique. See more information and register HERE. Vocal Assessments are February 6.

Teen Fest 2k16 Auditions

TeenFest 2K16 is Sat., May 7 @ Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. Teen talent showcase age eligibility lowered to 12 to 18. Live Auditions held Sat., April 9; 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. @ John “Top” Green Community Ctr., 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh; or submit Video Auditions by April 1. Send link to Auditions@TeenFest.org. All acts must be original with an anti-drug or anti-violence theme. First, second, and third place receive a cash prize and the opportunity to perform at events throughout the Triangle. For more information or to enter, please click HERE.

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and that 2016 has treated you well so far. I am excited to announce that the first open mic of 2016 is Saturday, February 20 from 5-6pm at Sola Coffee Cafe’ in North Raleigh. Sign ups are open now, click HERE to reserve your spot!!!

See you soon,

Rissi

From Left to Right: Frances Mehlenbacher, McKenzie Morgan, The Relative Pitch founder Rissi Palmer, & Yael Madero

On Saturday, October 17, we celebrated our second “The Relative Pitch Presents…” at Sola Coffee Cafe’ in North Raleigh. This show was created to highlight some of the outstanding talent I have seen perform at the Relative Pitch Open Mic in the past who I felt were ready for a larger platform. Our featured performers were indie/alternative singer McKenzie Morgan, and singer-songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Yael Madero and Frances Mehlenbacher.  We had a packed house and the ladies didn’t disappoint!

Yael started the evening off with some of her favorite re-worked covers. Though it was her first ever “gig”, she dazzled the crowd. Here is a clip of her performing her version of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac:

Next was McKenzie Morgan. Already a seasoned open mic performer, she took the bold step to perform her own set and did an awesome job. Here is a clip of her performance of The Rolling Stones “Wild Horses”:

Finally, our last performer of the evening was Frances Mehlenbacher. At 16, she’s a polished professional. She switched between her guitar and ukelele and gave the audience a great show. Here is a clip of her performing Elle King’s “Exs & Ohs”:

Talent runs in Frances’ family because her older sister came up and accompanied her on a The Civil Wars cover:

A BIG thank you to Sola for their space and hospitality as well as to all those who came to support the young artists!  I am in the process of planning our next show and have a fabulous line up.  Stay tuned!!!