Melissa Axel: Home

Workshops and concerts and trips, oh my! As is probably obvious from the ever-increasing show dates posted here, it seems like I'm now in the event planning business.

The monthly Songwriters' Workshop I've been co-hosting up at Coupe Studios in Boulder has developed into a wonderful community for music, feedback, and support – what a great group of music pros up at Coupe, not to mention the amazing, diverse artists coming out to share their new songs!

I've also put together a few events at the wonderful Dazzle: an open jam/networking social May 19th sponsored by Berklee College of Music's Colorado Alumni Chapter (current students, those interested in attending Berklee, and friends are all welcome to join us!) and a June 5th Songwriters Night featuring some wonderful new talents.

Then, we'll finally unveil the new Colorado Artist Network on July 11th (7–11!) with an all-star lineup providing a full night of music, inspiration, and fun in Swallow Hill's Tuft Theater – tickets go on sale May 1st. I'll be on the air talking about it all, as well as performing, on KRFC's Live@Lunch so tune in at noon on June 2nd to get the full scoop. For more info in the meantime, visit the shows page.

We're off to LA for now and then Austin two weeks later, so check back next month for more news. Hope all is well with you and keep in touch!

Oscars get it right for ONCE!
Congratulations, independent music. This time, you win. ;-)

(For more, please see this article about Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová's recent Denver, Colorado performance)

I happily consider the new year officially kicked off with song! We had two great performances and it feels really wonderful to be focusing on music once again. Jenn Grinels was absolutely fantastic, and it was very special for me to have Kailin Yong join me on violin for my own songs. Sharing the stage with SoundRabbit was also a long-awaited blast! All of these folks are just top notch musicians.

Our lineup was well-received and treated wonderfully by both our audiences and the venues (Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver and Avogadro's Number in Fort Collins), and we've been asked back to both places. Keep an eye out for summer dates with this same group of artists when Jenn makes her way back from the east coast, and I'll be setting up some shows with the other folks in her absence in the meantime.

Still in the process of finalizing certain details for recording my album, so stayed tuned for an update on that in the days to come. Other news too, but for now it's still under wraps. Soon, though – please check back, especially if you're a fellow artist. You'll be glad you did. 'Til then, lots of love and wishing you much luck, laughter, and fulfillment in the new year! Don't be a stranger...