“The Relative Pitch presents…” on Saturday, October 17…Who’s in the show?

On Saturday, October 17 at 7:30pm is the second “The Relative Pitch Presents…” at Sola Coffee Cafe’ in North Raleigh. This time I am featuring alt/indie/pop singer McKenzie Morgan, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists Yael Madero and Frances Mehlenbacher. I am extremely excited about this line up and can’t wait to show you what these young ladies can do!!! Scroll down to read more about the talented performers being showcased:

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McKenzie Morgan

From her funky style of dress to the mass of wild, beautiful dark curls that frame her face, 15 year old McKenzie Morgan is an artist in the making. Singing since the 3rd grade, McKenzie is now a student at Longleaf School of the Arts. In addition, she plays the ukuele and is learning the guitar. This summer, McKenzie performed at Cat’s Cradle as a part of the audition only University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Choral Recording Camp for the second year in a row.

Like everything she does, McKenzie’s sound is unique and authentically hers. Describing her singing style as “Indie/Soul/Rock”, McKenzie has been influenced by an eclectic mix of artists like Waxhatchee, Melanie Martinez, The Cure, and Nina Simone. Her plans for the future include pursuing a career in musical therapy.

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France Mehlenbacher

Frances Mehlenbacher is a 15-year-old sophomore from Cary, NC, who attends Raleigh Charter High School.  Frances has been harmonizing with her older sister since kindergarten and has participated in several community, school, and statewide honors choral ensembles as soprano, alto, and tenor. In addition to playing (and composing music with) piano and acoustic guitar, she’s passionate about learning new stringed instruments and dabbles in uke, mandolin, banjo, and bass. Frances has performed at several Triangle open mics both as a solo vocal guitarist and with her older sister, Eleanor, a music major at Duke, with whom she also performed at the 2015 Cary Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Frances currently studies guitar and composition with Triangle-based recording artist Django Haskins.

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Yael Madero

It could be said that 16 year old Yael Madero was born to perform. Coming from a family that sings and plays, she says she has sung for as long as she can remember. She has sung in talent shows and online and is now ready for her “The Relative Pitch presents…” debut.

A self-described “alternative” singer-songwriter who plays both the guitar and the piano, Yael is musical quadruple threat who draws inspiration from artists like Amy Lee, Seahaven, and Wolf Alice. She looks forward to pursuing musical therapy as a career, in addition to continuing to perform.

The Relative Pitch Youth Open Mic: August 29 (recap)

The turn out for the this open mic was AMAZING!!!  There were 13 unbelievably talented performers who absolutely took our breath. We had singers, musicians, groups, and songwriters…EVERYTHING!!!  I am always blown away by the bravery of these young people, especially the little ones. Check out the clips below of some of the budding artists who blessed the stage…

Janelle True is a singer-songwriter from here in the Triangle and mark my words…you’ll be hearing this name again!  Here she is performing an original song:

Next is a indie/folk/rock trio called Fantasy Dispute singing an original song. This group performs regularly around town and I was ecstatic to have them on our stage:

This performance left the whole audience a little teary eyed. Evan’s cover of “True Colors” gave me all the feels I could stand…absolutely adorable and wonderful:

Finally, one of our youngest performers, Sereena, gave us a beautiful rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the Lion King.

A HUGE thank you to all the performers, their parents, and Sola Coffee Cafe’ for hosting us. I hope you will join us for “The Relative Pitch presents…” featuring young artists Frances Melenbacher, Yael Madero, McKenzie Morgan on Saturday, October 17 at 7:30pm and The Relative Pitch Open Mic on Saturday November, 7 at 5pm, both at Sola Coffee Cafe’.

See You Soon!!!

Rissi

“The Relative Pitch Presents” on Friday, June 20

Relative Pitch Show Poster 6.20.15 (1) I am excited to announce the Relative Pitch’s first showcase!!! Over the years we have come across some truly special young people who are ready to take the stage for their own show. This is that opportunity. On Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm at Sola Coffee Cafe​ we will be featuring Pop/Folk vocalist Sydney Stoker, Singer-songwriter Brooke Hatala​, and Bluegrass prodigies The Lang Sisters​. The show is free, we hope you’ll join us and support talented young people in The Triangle!!!

February 28 Relative Pitch Recap (video)

Best. Show. EVER!  The first show of 2015 was definitely one for the books and one that made me extremely proud. We had participants from the ages of 3 to 17, many first timers, several instrumentalists, and the ladies ruled the evening.

First up was 13 year old Abby singing a soulful cover of “Somebody to Love” by Queen, accompanying herself on guitar:

Next was McKenzie, a Relative Pitch regular, performing a jazzy take on Erykah Badu’s “On & On”:

The Lang Sisters (visit their site HERE), whose past gigs include Raleigh’s First Night celebration, blessed us with their harmonies and superb guitar picking skills on two selections:

Next, another first timer, Brynn, and her father Rob performed a sweet cover of “Riptide”:

Finally, adorable 7 year old Violet gave us an impressive acapella performance to close out the show:

It warms my heart to see so many kids (especially girls) playing instruments and working on their musicianship. I hope that you will join us for our next Relative Pitch Open Mic, scheduled for May 9.  Thank you again to Sola Coffee Cafe for being so accommodating, I think we’ve found a perfect fit there!!!  Until next time…

Rissi 🙂

A Message from Kim

Our co-founder and co-host Kim Arrington will be leaving The Relative Pitch. It has been a pleasure working with her. The contributions she made have been invaluable and she will be missed. We wish her much love and luck in all of her endeavors!!!

Here’s a word from Kim:
“Three years ago, Rissi approached me with the amazing idea to give a space to young people that wanted to perform. I have had such a wonderful time working with The Relative Pitch.

Due to deepening personal and professional commitments, I have made the tough decision to step away from the Relative Pitch. I want to thank all of the amazing performers, families, friends, venues, and Rissi for such a meaningful experience. I know the Relative Pitch will continue to fulfill its mission to be a place “Where youth and music come together and come alive!” “- Kim