I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I did! This is the last week in 2011. Although I'm looking forward to a lot of new, exciting things in 2012, this last week will be a busy one for me... but fun. I'm getting ready for another great show with Andrew Velez at the Coffee Tree Books & Brew ~ Friday, the 30th at 7:00. Come and join us for the last show of what was a wonderful year for me! It will be lots of fun with new covers and some old favorites.
So come early, order your favorite beverage and one of Miss Kitty's great salads, wraps and don't forget her awesome desserts. This is a family friendly full-restaurant so let's fill it up for this show!
That's at 7900 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hey, Blogger Buddies, don't forget to join me at Reverbnation. I need a big fan base there and at YouTube. Some exciting things are happening for me in 2012 and I really do appreciate your support.
Please listen to my cover songs and watch my award winning video of Coldplay's "Fix You". Every "hit" on my Reverbnation and Youtube helps so much.
I have been so blessed with a bunch of new and exciting things lately. I think I mentioned some time ago about becoming a member of the Tennessee Country & Gospel Music Association. What an awesome group with an awesome President, Alisa Asbury. She is a busy lady, a talented singer and entertainer herself, owner of Sweet Southern Entertainment and has taken on the job of being President of both Georgia and Tennessee Chapters. She put together a great Music Awards Show on December 3rd for both TCGMA and GCGMA chapters in Dalton, Georgia. What a show! What a competition! What an honor to be a part of this organization of talented singers!
Before the awards, we were entertained by many talented members with music covering all the categories ... Traditional Country, New Country, New Gospel, Traditional Gospel.. The Old Time Gospel groups were wonderful!
It was a festive night and Miss Lisa outdid herself with the decorations, displays and her selection of the "headliner" to entertain after the awards.
The week was finished off with a great showcase Friday evening with my fellow songwriter, Matt Morrow at the Coffee Tree, then of course back to "the Tree" on Saturday night for open mic to sing and hang out with my friends.
I appreciate everyone's support and hope you will visit me on Reverbnation/MaryJustice and LIKE MaryJustice Music on Facebook and subscribe to my YouTube Channel ... oh, yeah don't forget twitter! I've had a wonderful year and am looking forward to some new exciting projects coming up in 2012 including the NACMAI Music Awards in March. Thank you for you kindness, good wishes and encouragement in helping me "Follow My Dream" .... I give thanks and all the credit to you, my Lord Jesus!
We are young, singers and performing songwriters ready to entertain you with our original songs and covers, featuring POP, New Country, Folk, Americana and New Gospel.
It was a pleasure and lots of fun to sing for the "One Brick At A Time" benefit last Saturday (October 22nd) at Gurley's Soggy Bottom Music Barn in Somerville, Alabama. The songwriters from our area have had several benefits to help those who suffered loss and damage during the April 27th tornados that ripped through several areas of Alabama that day. "Songwriters4Survivors" consider this an on-going project!
I was honored to be interviewed by WAAY-TV Channel 31 at the concert. I am homeschooled and not a member of a band, but my music and guitar mean so much to me. I can only imagine how those students at Phil Campbell feel.
MaryJustice Lucas is a young singer/songwriter who can't imagine what it would be like to lose her guitar.
"It's like losing a friend when you are close to something like that,” said MaryJustice Lucas.
She says music is everything to her.
That is why Lucas is singing at the "One Brick at a time" concert and auction, to help raise money for the Phil Campbell High School Band Program...a program that lost everything in the April tornados.
“I can't imagine what it would be like to lose all that. Just to be a part of something to help them get it all back is awesome,” said Lucas.
Joel Gurley decided to hold the event at his barn, called: Gurley's Soggy Bottom Music Barn.
"The songwriters have been coming here and they were looking for a place to have (the event). All the other places wanted to change them so much they couldn't make anything, so we're having it free over here. We’re all working together to try and help the school,” said Gurley.
The concert featured singers and songwriters who are part of the Nashville Songwriters Association.
It lasted for 11:00am until 5:30 in the evening.
And dozens showed up for food, fun and especially the music.
~ ~ ~
So, would you join us in helping the students, the band and community of Phil Campbell, Alabama by clicking the Glee logo, watch the video and click vote!
I am pleased to announce the release of my new video of "Fix You" by ColdPlay. Please go to http://www.youtube.com/user/MaryJusticeLucas and subscribe to my new YouTube channel. I would love to read your comments. This project was so much fun and a wonderful learning experience for me. I hope you enjoy watching this video as much as I did making it.
(The full artistry of this production is better viewed via the YouTube link)
Thank you, thank you, thank you to:
I would love for you to go to ReverbNation and become a fan. Leave comments there and also on YouTube. I value your comments!
A special thanks goes out to the man of many talents, Charles Jones of Madd Talent Management and Production, who managed the entire project and made everything happen.
Thanks to everyone for your support. There are more good things to come. I thank God for this wonderful opportunity and the doors He has opened for me.
I can't believe it's been over a month since I updated this blog. I've been busy with a lot of stuff, things, happenings! All good for which I am very thankful. The Lord keeps blessing me in so many ways. As mentioned previously, we had a wonderful time in San Francisco. A trip I'll always remember. The showcase with Matt Morrow in Florence was great. First time I've done a show "unplugged" ... something happened and the sound system did not make it, but Matt and I did okay. The Rivertown Coffee Company has a small room that opens into the larger room and the acoustics were great.
The photo shoot in Nashville was so much fun. The crew from The Arts Institute of Tennessee-Nashville and the location were awesome! My thanks to Bryce Wallace, Director and Tyler Bicknell, Photographer.
Then, a couple of weeks later I had a session with Producer John Inglese to work arrangements for some of my songs. Great learning experience! And, another work session on a cover song for a video... can't wait to shoot the video! Then, a few days later. went to the studio to record three of my songs. Please click my ReverbNation link in the side bar to visit ... songs will be up soon. I'm very excited and anxious to share with you. I need the traffic and lots of fans, followers on Twitter and Facebook! I appreciate your help and support.
One wonders how such awesome things happen ... I ran into my friends, The Boyle Brothers, again by chance at the Commodore and had a good time catching up with what's happening with them.
They were gracious enough to go into the parking lot and give my friends, Karen, GraceE, and me a mini-concert before we played for open mic! Thanks guys! I love running into you unexpectedly in Nashville.
Over Labor Day week-end, we made a trip to Nashville to the Palace to meet my long-time MySpace friends, Sam and Luke.
They were performing at Mike Jenning's Nashville Spotlight Show on Sunday. It was so great meeting them after three years of messaging via MySpace and ReverbNation! We never seemed to be in Nashville at the same time! Sam and Luke are from Canada and recently moved to Nashville.
I wasn't booked for Mike's show this year, but Mike told me to warm up my guitar and get ready to sing three or four songs. I was honored to be included in the show. Thank you, Mike Jennings! We visited with other friends who were playing that day and then headed out to the Commodore Grill for open mic with Debi Champion. Ms. Champion booked me for a songwriter's round in October ... Looking forward to that and will update on that later.
Don't worry. Yes, I am doing my school work! Again, thank you for stopping by my blog and for your support and good wishes.
Coming up this Saturday, August 6th, I'm opening the show for a Matt Morrow concert to kick off his new "Burlap and Gold" album release. I'll sing several of my originals and some new cover songs. Later, I'll join Matt to sing a couple of his songs we recorded together for "Burlap and Gold". The show will start at 8:00 PM so come join us at the Rivertown Coffee Company, 117 Seminary Street, Florence, Alabama. Singing with Matt is always a lot of fun.
We just got back from a wonderful week in San Francisco. I'll tell you about that later and post some photos. Right now, I'm trying to catch my breath and get back into a normal routine ... hey, what's normal?!!
I would love for all by blogger buddies to visit me at ReverbNationand listen to the first of my recorded cover songs.
Recording this song was an awesome experience for me. Totally different from recording on my Zoom in my living room! A couple of other cover songs will go up and then we start recording my original music. I can't wait! Sooooo, click the link, listen, leave a comment, become a fan. This is new and I guess you can tell that I am EXCITED! Thank you, Lord! You bless me so abundantly!
And, I don't think I tell you enough "Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate your interest and support."
Hey, Blogger Buddies! I've had a busy few weeks and loving every minute of it. The July 2nd show at The Flying Monkey with Nathan Johnson was a lot of fun. I did several opening songs and later joined Nathan and his band for a duet of John Mayer's "Half of My Heart" one of my favorite songs!
The Flying Monkey
"On My Way"
The sky was gray all day on July 7th and the weather report kept saying 40% chance of thunderstorms, 50%, 70% as the day went by. We headed out to Madison and rain started hitting the windshield just as we got to the Madison City limits! But, it cleared up ... there was a pleasant breeze and all was wonderful. Thank you Lord! I had a great time in the Songwriters Round at the Madison Gazebo with Chapman James and John Tinger. What an honor to be selected to sing with these two at the Gazebo. Thank you, Madison Arts Council!
Madison Gazebo "Ten Seconds"
Coming up this week!
The Tin Box Sessions
Wednesday, July 20th, I'll join Lance for his new internet series, The Tin Box Sessions. Yet another new venue and experience for me. I am so blessed to have these new opportunities to share the songs I write and to meet new people who love the same. Visit Tin Box Sessions to see interviews and listen to songwriters in Huntsville, Alabama.
Sparky's Coffee House
Guntersville, Alabama
14445 US Highway 431
Guntersville, AL 35976-2529
(256) 486-3410
Friday, July 22, I'll join my friend Matt Morrow at Sparky's Coffee House in Guntersville, Alabama. It's been a while since I did a show there and I'm excited to go back. Matt and I have done several showcases together in the past year. He is so much fun to work with and so talented. The show starts at 7:00 and we look forward to seeing you there.
I had two awesome recording sessions in Nashville last week.
You are ALL cordially invited to join me and my two songwriter friends, Chapman James and John Tinger at the Madison Gazebo on Historic Main Street in Madison, Alabama. I promise you will enjoy this show.
Chapman James writes folk-type music with many messages ... some funny, some reflective. A multi-talented entertainer, he has years of experience in musical theater, classical ballet and acoustic concerts.
John Tinger is an Acoustic Guitarist Extraordinaire! He has many degrees attached to his name and is a much sought after guitar teacher.
AND, you know me! I'm the 16 year old student writing songs straight from the heart and still learning. I'm so honored to be sharing the stage with these two and to be counted as a friend!
The show starts at 6:30 PM. There is a small covered bleacher area but you are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, a picnic.
If you are in the area on July 2nd, come join us at the Flying Monkey! I'm opening the show for Nathan Johnson. I'm excited about this concert and honored that Nathan asked me to join him.The show starts at 7:30pm. Admission is $10.00.
Friday, June 24th, I will open a show for my friend, Andrew Velez at the Coffee Tree Books & Brew in Huntsville, Alabama. The show will run from 7 - 9. A couple of months ago, Andrew asked me to sing a duet with him for his sister's wedding. That was our first time to sing together. Our styles are totally different but when we sing together we ROCK! If I do say so myself :) A few weeks ago we sang together at the Commodore in Nashville and again this past Sunday for a tornado relief concert in Decatur, Alabama. Andrew, a native of Huntsville lives in Nashville where he performs regularly with his band. I know you'll like what you hear, so drop by if you are in the area Friday night. I would love to meet you!
Saturday, June 25th, I will join several other songwriters for a tornado benefit concert in Athens, Alabama. The concert starts at Noon and will run until 8:00 or later! This is an event to raise money to rebuild homes destroyed by the April 27th tornadoes. This is a pay-to-play concert with each songwriter paying $25.00 per song! This will be a fun-filled day with food vendors, T-shirts, give-aways, and many genres of music. So come on out to the Railroad Bazaar Parking Lot Stage for a great show. There is a $5.00 admission with children 12 and under FREE.
If you cannot make this show please visit our website at www.songwriters4survivors.org and make a secure donation through PayPal. There was vast destruction and the need is great. This concert is the first of several for the cause!
On April 27, 2011, tornadoes ripped through large areas of Alabama leaving large paths of destruction and people without homes in Northern Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Neighbors have joined hands to raise money to benefit those left homeless or with extensive damage to their homes. Many were uninsured. Would you come and join us to help raise money for this worthy cause?
The Family Jam 2011 promises to be a fun-filled week-end. It is being held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Elite Series which is wrapping up its 2011 season on Wheeler Lake with its Dixie Duel competition June 16th-19th. The Family Jam Music Fest offers two days of ongoing live entertainment, children’s activities and games, and topped off with a spectacular fireworks show.
There is no charge for this event, but donations will be accepted throughout the week-end. I will be joined by my friends, Matt Morrow and Andrew Velez on Sunday, June 19 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. This will be a lot of fun, you will be entertained and have the opportunity to support a worthy cause. See you there!
MaryJustice
P.S.I had a wonderful, exciting four days in Nashville last week. Very eventful! Photos and stories to follow. Right now I'am preparing for several benefit shows coming up in the next few weeks. Please, stay in touch. I love all my blogger buddies. If you have not had a chance please visit my website at www.maryjusticelucas.com. You are welcome to leave comments here and at my website.
Wednesday, June 8th, meet me at the "World Famous" Nashville Palace for another great showcase produced by Nashville Spotlight. Lots of talent! Fast-paced show with continuous music. I'm on stage during the 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm set. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, June 9th, join me at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for a showcase produced by Sweet Southern Entertainment. I'm on stage during the early afternoon and again later in the evening.
Between my SSE sets at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel I'll be back at the Nashville Palace for a Susan Gabrielle Event!
Friday, June 10th will be an exciting photo shoot with Nancy Brock in the beautiful gardens of the Opryland Hotel and then another showcase that evening!
Saturday, June 11th - back home to Huntsville in time to meet you at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew!
Just a quick "Hello!" to all my blogger buddies to tell you about some of my upcoming "gigs" and updates on the past couple of days! Since I home school and keep busy with music, I'm still busy with school work. So, the past few weeks and several weeks ahead have been and will be BUSY! But a good and exciting kind of busy. I hope you can drop in on some of my performances if you happen to be in Nashville,TN, Guntersville, AL, Hartselle, AL and of course here at home in Huntsville, AL.
Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, TN Saturday, May 28 - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This is a TCGMA event presented by Sweet Southern Entertainment. The show starts at Noon and I will be on stage around 4:00. This will be a talent-packed show at a famous venue with great food and gift shop. Hope to see you there!
Lakeside Concert
Civitan Park Amphitheater, Guntersville, AL
Tuesday, May 31 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
I'm doing a "songwriter round" with Matt Morrow and Liz Riehl by the lake. The spot is beautiful. There will be pop corn, hot dogs and soft drinks! The music will be awesome! This event is sponsored by the Mountain Valley Arts Council. Hope to see you there!
Emily D. Orr Benefit Concert
Hartselle Fine Arts Center, Hartselle, AL
Friday, June 3 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission is $20.00 for this annual benefit and silent auction. The proceeds provide scholarships to the Hartselle High School Senior Choral Students in memory of Emily D. Orr. I'll be joining Jeff Whitlow, Allen Watkins, Robin Stewart, Chapman James, Ted Whittington, Jeff Lemmond with State Representative Ed Henry. This will be a GREAT show! ***AND, great for me and my family!!! Our cousin, Dr. Bob Cockrell from Greensboro, NC, is coming to the show on his way to Birmingham for a get-together with his siblings! Haven't seen him in a few years. He gave me my first guitar that got me started playing for myself! Woo-Hoo!
More events coming up in June that I'll tell you about in a few days, but I wanted to tell you about last Sunday at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew. Kitty and Tom have been generous to many over the past several years. "The Tree" suffered loss during the April 27th tornadoes and five day black-out. We decided it was time to give a little back!! The Coffee Tree was packed with singers, songwriters, patrons, fans ... Ken Dupree, Wednesday Songwriters Host, and Wayne Hemmerly, Saturday Night Open Mic Host were joined by our now Official Auctioneer, Patsy Trigg! There was continuous music with auction breaks which were as entertaining as the music! And of course being the sweet generous people they are, the Coffee Tree staff gave up their one day off to serve food. Thanks to all who came out to support this event. Proceeds from the door and the auction almost hit $2,000.00. I hope we do this again .... Soon!
Last night was an awesome show at Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur, AL with Cristina Lynn and friends. I was honored to be invited to perform for this event along with the Steve Owen and his Double Shot band, Russ and his Dolbro! Cristina Lynn invited mandolin player John Boyer. John, an electrician from Indianapolis who was sent down to help with getting his company back on line after the tornadoes. Thanks, John! Jeff Whitlow made a surprise visit and joined us on stage! What a beautiful setting by the Tennessee River! What a nice crowd! The weather was perfect.
There are lots of exciting things coming up in June that I'll tell you about in a few days. Gotta run!
Just a quick note to say hello to all my blogger buddies and tell you about some of my upcoming "gigs".
The Coffee Tree Books & Brew - Bailey Cove Road
If you are in Huntsville this afternoon drop by for a tornado benefit concert and auction. May 22 - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Adm: $5.00
The Coffee Tree Books & Brew has been generous to many over the past several years. Now it's time for us to give back a little, as they suffered loss during the April 27th tornadoes and five day black-out.
Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur, AL -
Monday, May 23 6:00 PM - 8:00
With Cristina Lynn and Friends ... this will be a fun evening of music on the Tennessee River so bring lawn chairs and a picnic! Settle back and enjoy!
Lakeside Concert
Civitan Park Amphitheater, Guntersville, AL
Tuesday, May 31 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
I'm doing a "songwriter round" with Matt Morrow and Liz Riehl by the lake. The spot is beautiful. There will be pop corn, hot dogs and soft drinks! The music will be awesome! This event is sponsored by the Mountain Valley Arts Council. Hope to see you there!
Emily D. Orr Benefit Concert
Hartselle Fine Arts Center, Hartselle, AL
Friday, June 3 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission is $20.00 for this annual benefit and silent auction. The proceeds provide scholarships to the Hartselle High School Senior Choral Students in memory of Emily D. Orr. I'll be joining Jeff Whitlow, Allen Watkins, Robin Stewart, Chapman James, Ted Whittington, Jeff Lemmond with State Representative Ed Henry. This will be a GREAT show!
It was an honor to be invited by host Billy Ward to open the second Songwriter’s Showcase at Valley Hill Country Club last Friday (April 1, 2011). I thoroughly enjoyed performing there. The set-up was comfortable and warm ... a relaxing and intimate environment for performers and the audience.
Thank you, Ms. Paula Dickson, for the great introduction. You and the country club staff and members made me feel very special.
I like the way Billy sat on the stage while I sang... just added that down-home friendly touch. Great job, Billy (He told me to call him Billy!) ... terrific night with some great entertainment!
After finishing, my set I joined my family at our table and sat back to enjoy the rest of the show featuring of course, Billy Ward. His other guests were Chapman James, Cristina Lynn and Robin Stewart. Did I say it was a terrific night with some awesome entertainment?
Thanks to all the local songwriters for coming out to support the show. We are family!
The Valley Hill Country Club is a wonderful venue. The sound system was awesome. I look forward to other shows there.
