New York (ROGERS & COWAN) - GRAMMY-nominated CCM rocker SARAH KELLY, a critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter whose earthy, soulfulness has often been compared to Janis Joplin, is scheduled to attend this year's CMJ
Music Marathon to participate in the 'Religion and Spirituality in Music' panel on Thursday, November 2 at Lincoln Center.
The panel will be moderated by John Butler, Vice President of Promotion, Curb Records and will also include Michael Dorf, Chairman/Executive Producer, Downtown Arts Development; Rob Fish, lead singer of 108 and Scott Helland, an independent musician. The panel will provide a candid discussion on how religion, morality and spiritual beliefs influence all aspects of music. Panelists representing different religions and philosophies will explore the rewards and risks of being categorized according to your spirituality.
Sarah Kelly's current CD entitled Where The Past Meets Today, was produced by Mike Clink (Guns `N Roses \endash Appetite For Destruction) and features performances by Slash, Chris Chaney (Panic Channel, Jane's Addiction) and Nick Lashley (Alanis Morissette). Her 2004 debut recording Take Me Away earned the multi-talented recording artist a 2005 GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Artist (Gospel). Clink will join Kelly at CMJ to participate in the Music Producer's Summit on November 1 in support of this project.
Slash, who plays on two cuts of Kelly's CD including 'Still Breathing' and 'Out of Reach' comments: 'I was blown away by how much emotion and balls her voice had and how expressive it was\'85She has a sincerely pure presence in her voice.'
Says Kelly: I discovered many deeply hidden truths and emotions about myself during the process of recording Where The Past Meets Today, that has brought honesty to the forefront. These new truths transcend in my music, connecting me on a deeper level to a broader audience.
Kelly, who is among the most dynamic and talented live performers today, is also featured in the World's Largest Outdoor Photo Exhibit sponsored by Guitar Center in her hometown of Rockford, IL.
CMJ Music Marathon has been a beacon for the world's most cutting-edge and innovative music for the past 25 years, introducing thousands of rising stars at showcases and concerts at New York City's most important venues. CMJ helped launch the careers of many of today's brightest stars with early Marathon performances by Green Day, The Killers, Eminem, Radiohead, Black Eyed Peas, Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and Arcade Fire. Additionally, legends such as Willie Nelson, James Brown, Patti Smith and the late Johnny Cash have also graced the CMJ stages, inspiring younger artists and seasoned professionals alike. Previous keynote speakers have included David Bowie, Brian Wilson, Moby, Queen Latifah, George Clinton and Ice-T among others. Today, more than 100,000 music professionals, artists and fans converge every autumn for CMJ Music Marathon and CMJ FilmFest, celebrating the very best in new music, film and pop culture.
