For as long as I can remember, music has been a huge part of my life. My family told me that I was singing before I could talk. My father was a huge inspiration to me growing up when it came to music. We had a basement that was like a studio, filled with instruments and all different kinds of music equipment. He was one of the most talented people I've ever met. When I was 11, unfortunately, I lost him. It was my first real heartbreak. However, the one thing that kept me going and kept finding its way to me was music.

I started to write lyrics and melodies at the age of 7, perform at open mics at 11, record at the age of 17, put bands together to professionally gig at 18-19, learned how to produce and engineer/mix myself at 25, and landed my first paid NYC gig at 26. I went to school at SCCC and started to study audio technology and vocal performance. I learned healthy singing techniques and saved my voice with lessons from Mia Scirocco. I studied jazz and blues, and learned how to sing with a full 20-piece jazz band. I helped put on events to help other artists connect in my area and got to play with some of the smartest and most talented musicians yet. I am always so blown away by the talent in my area and the people I've met through music school.

It's not easy being an independent artist, but I've worked extremely hard at it. Never giving up or losing faith, but continuing to trust the process. I am now 27 years old and have landed my first showcase/gig out of state in Los Angeles California this summer. If you asked me at six years old, singing in my dad's garage for my neighborhood, if I thought my band and I would get the opportunity to sing in Los Angeles, California, that little girl probably would have said yes. However, the older me can hardly believe it.

If you've made it this far, thank you! I appreciate your time!

Over the years, the support from local community members, friends, and family has meant the absolute world to me. You have kept me going and have encouraged me in ways that I am forever grateful for. I love singing for people and being part of a moment in your lives. Whether it's a father dancing with their daughter as I'm singing, or listening to a story of someone after I sing something that resonated with them. Hugging strangers that become reoccurring friendly faces, and sharing moments of laughter and smiling with you. All I've ever wanted was connection. You and music have allowed me to find that in times I've needed it the most.

With that said, getting to play in Los Angeles is a dream come true. The gig we were offered is with a popular artist showcase called "We Found New Music"(https://wefoundnewmusic.com/). Grant Owens, the founder and curator of these shows dedicates his time to showcasing the talents of independent/emerging artists. They offer more than just a show but the important essentials of being an independent artist. This opportunity leads to even more possibilities by building your artist resume. This helps get booked in the future for other shows, such as small tours, opening up for bigger artists, other showcases such as COLORS, and festivals. This also helps land more gigs such as interviews, radio shows, press events. I've known many artists who have performed for this showcase and it was the next step for them in their career.q

We are aiming to do our showcase sometime in the summer, so between June and September.

However, traveling there from New York takes time and money, as I am still a full-time student who also works full-time, just making it all work out. My band and I need help raising money to cover travel funds such as plane tickets, stay accommodations, whether it is a hotel or airbnb, food, and band members that need to take time off of work and don't have any more paid time off to use. Anything you can give or do is greatly appreciated - whether it's five dollars or even sharing this with other people on your social media.

In my life, my purpose has been to give people an experience they won't forget and with your help, we can all be a part of something great.

If you've read to the end here, thank you x1000. The band and I are forever grateful for your time and consideration.