Jessica Rae– my grandpa’s fiddle

I constantly get reminded of how I started my music career~looking up in my living room and seeing my grandpa’s old fiddle. He used to play the fiddle for us…when I was a kid, I always asked him to play “pop goes the weasel”. ha! Remember folks, I was probably 6 years old. Anyway, my fascination with music started early and my parents had me start taking classical violin lessons when I was 4 years old. I have been lucky enough to have music take me all over the world, meet fascinating people, write stories, touch lives, share joy and laughter and make a little money while doing it all…life is good!!

 

Artwork– Beth Skillicorn

If you’re a fan of music, I’m guessing there’s a part of you that likes artwork! I am pretty biased when it comes to Beth Skillicorn’s artwork as I have been spoiled my entire life being surrounded by it. Beth Skillicorn is an artist in the truest form. Her story shows that an artist remains an artist no matter if they’ve been in hiding or out in the public eye. She has been in hiding and its time for her to break free.

Beth Skillicorn just received some great press from a NY blogger~ NYCARTSCENE. Check out the article HERE and learn about the deep philosophical thought that goes behind each art piece…

Jessica Rae

Confirmed!! Jessica Rae sings national anthem at Chicago bulls game- April 10, 2012!

Jessica Rae sings National Anthem

Its official and confirmed!!!

I will be singing the National Anthem on April 10th — the United Center in Chicago. CHICAGO BULLS  vs. NY Knicks!! Should be an amazing game~ should you be in the area, please get your tickets HERE and help cheer me on!

Jessica Rae – Vietti Vinyl

Wanted to share the good news that I was asked to be a Vietti Vinyl Artist~

check out their website!

Jessica Rae – I Could Get Used to This

I had a wonderful article written about my music and career and I wanted to share it with you all.  Thanks to Dream Row Magazine for thinking so highly of my songs and voice. I’m so flattered!!

Check out the article HERE

If you don’t have my acoustic album featuring the songs “I Could Get Used to This” and “24 Hour  Church (in Memphis)” please visit my website and purchase it. Makes for a great stocking stuffer for friends too =)

Jessica Rae — “He Had A Dream”

“He had a dream…but the dream had never realized for the reason that so many dreams have to die: lack of funds.” — Drop City, T.C Boyle.

I’m reading the book, Drop City, and this quote popped out at me. It struck an obvious note, actually a discord, with an artist’s ability to somehow find all the time it takes to create songs and time to pay all the bills. Which brings me to the point of asking for help– asking for you to help or maybe having you ask your friends to help.

If you are feeling generous and are willing to invest in my career, I would be sooo appreciative! I have no savings account. My money is constantly being invested– producing and distributing CD’s, hiring associative musicians, producing music videos, the hiring of engineers, directors, stylists, my travel expenses for performances, the time payments on my violin, my guitar, buying and leasing the necessary sound equipment, extra supplies of strings, ramen noodles, etc. The list goes on and on, and I don’t want to bore you with the details. If you enjoy my voice, and my songs, …if you like what you hear and read about me, …if you believe that an artist needs help, …if you are willing to invest in me, an artist who’s not ready to give up, …if you want to see me and what I stand for, family, virtue and laughter, become more visible, …please contribute — even $1, to help defray all my costs, allow me to keep buying time to allow me to concentrate on writing and getting more stories told and sung.

Thank you…so so so much!

I believe in JESSICA RAE. Please visit HERE to donate.

Jessica Rae – Christmas cookies recipe!

 

Jessica Rae’s WOWIE CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIES

 

1 c. butter

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 T. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

 

Cream the butter thoroughly. Add the sugar gradually and when light and fluffy, add the egg, vanilla and milk. Beat well. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together and add (gradually) to the creamed mixture. Chill, then roll on a lightly floured board to an eighth-inch thickness. Cut as desired (cookie cutters) Place on baking sheets and bake in a 350-degree oven from 9 to 12 minutes, according to the size and thickness. (Keep an close eye on them, you want them to stay golden brown.)

 

VANILLA CREAM FROSTING

 

2 T. butter

1-3/4 c. confectioners sugar

3-4 T. light cream

½ tsp. vanilla

coloring

 

Beat the butter until very soft, add sugar, vanilla and cream to make a spreading consistency. (Separate the frosting into small bowls and color the frosting red for Santa’s sleigh shaped cookies,  green for the Christmas tree shaped cookies, add candy balls and edible glitter for ornaments, you get the idea.) So good!

 

 

Jessica Rae- Holiday Gift Ideas!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

If you’re like me, you’re in the middle of holiday shopping, trying to avoid the malls  because there is mayhem in every store!!  I have done most of my shopping online and I’m glad to say I’ve had little to no stress =)  While you’re shopping this season, I hope that you will keep me, and my career, in your thoughts while thinking of stocking stuffers and gifts for your family and friends. I have many items in my STORE that you can check out but here are a couple ideas. Maybe a Jessica Rae TSHIRT or Vanilla Air Freshener OR maybe a CD or 2 for your friends and family!!   There are posters and hats as well– I hope you visit the store on my website and maybe purchase something. So many ideas for this holiday season AND you can support me and my career this holiday!  A good deed all around!!! =)   Thanks in advance your your continued support!!!

   

 

don’t forget to stay in touch with me on these other websites below and subscribe to my blog =)

http://twitter.com/imjessicarae

http://www.youtube.com/jessicaraemusic

“Keep On”– new Jessica Rae song

Last post I introduced you to my new song “Keep On”…

I wrote this song with Todd Pachey after hearing a message in church one Sunday. The message hit me as it was describing the hard times and struggles we all face in life and how we need to keep on getting up, keep on moving on, keep on trying…and we’ll succeed.  On that Sunday, I was feeling pretty down and the message broke me. I wrote the title “Keep On” and the next writing appt I had with Todd, I brought it up. He liked the idea and I love how the song turned out!!  Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I turn to my new anthem “Keep On”.  If I think too hard about the lyrics while I’m singing it, its hard to get through…hopefully this song speaks to you as much as it does for me.

you can see a video HERE

KEEP ON

Todd Pachey, Jessica Rae 2011

When the world wants you to give up
every door seems to close
All your prayers go unanswered
You feel lost and on your own
Keep On

Every time your faith is tested
on that long and desperate road
you feel like you want to turn around
pack it up and just go home
Keep On, Keep On

CHORUS
Keep on fighting don’t stop trying
Life is never easy
Stand for something don’t let nothing
Take livin’ out of dreamin
you’re never given more than you can handle
Breathe in, be strong
When You’re Barely hangin’ on
Keep On

You’re Hopeless when it comes to love
Tired of tears and the pain
Your jaded heart has given up
think you’ll never love again
Keep On

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Keep on lovin’ when there’s no love left
Lose your fear with no regrets
Live each day like its your last

CHORUS