First Night Alexandria

New Year's Eve Songwriter in the Round

For the first time together Billy Coulter, Scott McKnight and I invite you to join us at First Night Alexandria for a songwriter in the round where we perform our original songs - a favorite cover or two - and give you the scoop behind the song.  All your burning questions answered!  This is a family friendly event with lots of music, events and activities with fireworks to boot!  We will perform four sets on the hour beginning at 7 p.m.  The mighty Jim Faris joins us on bass.  We hope you'll join us and ring in (almost) the New Year together....  2024, here we come!

November 7, 2023

Hey Y’all,

I don't know about you but I'm happy as a clam with this cooler weather!  And while the temperature gauge is on its own roller coaster ride, tomorrow will be on a high of about 78 degrees!  I have a last-minute performance at the Riverdale Park Farmers Market so stop by and say howdy, grab some great local food and drink and wear that t-shirt while you can!

Saturday, November 11th - The full band appears at Hank Dietle's in Rockville!  One of the most fun and supportive rooms in the DMV!  We will have a special guest on drums - Mr. John Shepherd - and also celebrate guitarist John Rossman's birthday.  It is also Veteran's Day, so we'll rock your Saturday night in honor of all Veterans, past, present and future.  We sure do appreciate you and thank you so very much for your service!

A few videos from the October 8th Pedro Sera-leyva Tribute have been posted on YouTube and they can be viewed here!  And, if you feel so inclined, please give them a view, share, like, comment, subscribe to the channel and all that good stuff.  We'd sure love it if you did!
 

I know there is a lot to choose from entertainment wise on pretty much every night of the week so as always, a super big thank you for supporting us and all live music.  We all rely on and appreciate YOU ever so much! 

With Big Love,

Janine

March 29, 2023

Hey Y’all,
 
Winter is playing April Fool's with Spring, but I have a feeling this weekend Spring will win!  One thing that is no joke is that the guys and I will be appearing at one of our favorite venues, Hank Dietle's in Rockville this Saturday, April 1st!

I love having musician friends sit in with us, and I am very excited that my pal and guitar instructor, Greg Loman, will be joining us for some tunes on Saturday.  Greg now lives in L.A. and currently tours with the Red Not Chili Peppers!  He will melt your face off!

And to make the evening even more special, we will be celebrating the birthday of one of my best pals, Margaret Pearce!  Hope you'll join us for a crazy fun evening.  

I am coming off Cloud 9 from a super fun birthday gig back in February... it was fuh-reezing!  You really know your friends when they’ll come out in practically single digit with the wind chill factor weather…  I was verklempt with joy!  The cockles of my heart were thoroughly warmed! 

Steve Dawson of Virginia Coalition (VACO), Todd Baker of The Cravin’ Dogs and Ruthie Logsdon of Ruthie and the Wranglers joined us on stage for a handful of songs adding their talents to make the evening even more wonderful… I went to sleep with a big ol’ grin on my face, indeed!

We got lots of video and are still wading through it all but stay tuned for a taste of what you missed soon.

Meadworks was a rockin’ and the firepits a blazin’ with folks gathered round on that cold-ass night, though the tasty mead kept everyone warm.  A swell birthday indeed, one for the books really!

As always, a super big thank you for supporting us and live music!  Please continue supporting the small, independent businesses, venues, and musicians.  We all rely on and appreciate YOU so much! Wishing much peace, love and understanding,

Big Love,

Janine

February 3, 2023

Hey Y’all,
 
I'm going to make this short and sweet as I'm a bit behind from being under the weather this week (not Covid, thank goodness!).

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th is my birthday, and I am resurrecting my annual 25th birthday party with the entire band at Maryland Meadworks!  It is open to everyone, especially February birthdays and Aquarians - even if your birthday is February 29th!! 

Also, since it is Alice Cooper's birthday, too, we are gonna perform one of his tunes!  Can you guess what it is?!  No, it ain't Only Women Bleed... post your guess here and if you guess correctly before the show, I'll send you a surprise swag bag or come to the show and get it in person!

We will also be paying tribute to the late Lisa Marie Presley!  I never explored her music until recently when looking for one of her songs to cover.  Her last album, Storm and Grace, is deeply personal, moody and perfect for a rainy Sunday or late night when you have a lot to think about and your whiskey nearby.  The song I chose, Thanx, isn't from this album but rather from her 2005 release, Now What.  The song was written by Lisa Marie and Linda Perry.  I connected to the lyrics quickly as it's a bit of a love song to those friends that are there for you no matter what, when you're at your best and especially at your worst.  I am so grateful to have a posse of those kind of friends.  You know who you are and 'Thanx' for keeping all my shitty, stupid and fun secrets for me! xoxo

Super special guests include Ruthie Logsdon of Ruthie and the Wranglers, Steve Dawson of Virginia Coalition (VACO) and Todd Baker of the Cravin' Dogs!  This is present enough for me, y'all!  Oh, and there will be cake... just sayin'!
 

As always, a super big thank you for supporting us and live music!  Please continue supporting the small, independent businesses, venues, and musicians.  We all rely on and appreciate YOU so much! 

Wishing much peace, love and understanding,

Big Love,

Janine

 

December 7, 2023

Janine joins Annette wasilik's local cream showcase!

Hey Y’all,
 
Here we are in December and the year is coming to an end in lickety split fashion!  Thanksgiving is but a fond memory of champagne and a weird but delicious turkey turnout... Holiday shopping, parties and gigs are in high gear and to get my month going, I'll be performing this Wednesday, December 7th as part of the wonderful Annette Wasilik's Local Cream along with Ken Avis and Georgie Jessup!  Annette hosts this gathering of local talent the first Wednesday of the month at the legendary Hank Dietle's Tavern in Rockville, Maryland!

I'm very excited to join this group of songwriter's for this month's offering - who knows what will happen when we get together - fun collaborations are certain so hope you'll join us!  8 p.m. sharp!

Big love!

Janine