Wynonna's Nashville Star Performance

Ok, I'm totally on a Wynonna kick. Once again I was looking through video footage of make-up work I've done for her and came across Wy's Nashville Star Performance. I love this performance and just had to show it off:)

CMT Crossroads Wynonna and Heart

I worked on a project last week with my girl Wynonna and I started reminiscing about all the fun we've had together over the years AND where it all began. The following video was my first time doing Ms. Judds makeup. It was an awesome experience. She was awesome. SO awesome that Wy recommended my good friend Susanne, who styled her hair in the video, and myself to Ann Wilson of Heart. Ann hired us for hair services that summer for the remainder of their tour. It was an amazing time all thanks to Wynonna. So, enjoy the video and stay tuned for more blogging about Wy's upcoming project.

Steven Darden and Erin Manning

OK...so this post may seem like I'm bragging a little but I am a tad biased when it comes to my cousin Steven and his friend Erin. Both are recent graduates of Belmont University and both are eagerly paving their destinies in this music business jungle of a industry. And in an era with so many portals for young artists to showcase their talent, the market can quickly get saturated. It's up to a shining few to find that edge and beam past all the other hopefuls. Steven and Erin are definitely on the fast track and have what I believe is that certain je ne sais quoi that will propel them straight to the top. So lets introduce them.

Steven Darden is an up and coming country artist whose known for his appearances on "Can You Duet" and "American Idol". He was most recently featured nationally on a PBS broadcast of "Christmas at Belmont" alongside Trisha Yearwood. About a year ago he finished a 5-song EP that was showcased at the Curb Event Center in February of last year. He writes the majority of his own music as well as music for others. Steven is currently writing new material that will redefine his musical identity as a country version of OneRepublic and hopes to have a 3-5 song collection ready to record within a year. Visit www.myspace.com/stevendardenmusic to listen to Steven's current recordings.

Erin Manning is a Louisville native who has roots in everything from musical theatre to Sheryl Crow. She is known for her refined take on rock vocals which is perfectly showcased in her debut release "The Lowest One (Next to Me)" available on iTunes. She is currently concreting herself as a fixture in the Nashville scene by keeping a heavy show schedule. Erin is also known for her crazy alter-ego Belty Betty that has become an internet phenomenon. Visit www.myspace.com/erinlmanning to listen to Erin's current debut or just go straight to iTunes and buy it.

Inspiration

Here are a few photos that I took from various locations. The second photo was taken in Santorini, Greece and is part of what the Island calls Oia. This section of Santorini is very relaxing and most people come away feeling a spiritual connection. If you have never been I highly recommend visiting. The first photo was taken at sunrise on a small boat in Cabo San Lucas in the location of what is widely known as Lands End. It is literally where land ends and the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. The water here is extremely rough. The boat was rocking pretty violently and as someone with a sound stomach, this venture almost got me. But hey, made for a great shot. The third photo was taken, believe it or not, at my house on my front porch with a Canon G9 on zoom. I started a Full Moon Series some time ago for a potential coffee table book one day. This picture so far is my favorite.
These are just a couple of photos that inspire me and as we move into a new year full of possibilities, I am praying for great things and many blessings for everyone in my life.

Re-cap Ellen Show

Ok, as you can see I'm on a YouTube kick. I found the interview that Kellie Pickler did on the Ellen show that I blogged about a little while ago. You have to check it out. It's hysterical.

ACM Promo 2009

Here's a fun tidbit from earlier this year. It's a behind the scenes video of the 2009 ACM Awards Promo Commercial. The actual commercial follows. I worked with Julianne Hough on hair and make-up and if you look closely you'll see my big screen debut. Haha.

Nashville Lifestyle Cover Shoot-Lady A

Here's a picture from one of my latest projects, Nashville Lifestyles cover shoot with Lady Antebellum. Joseph Anthony Baker was the photographer and did an amazing job. The magazine is now on newsstands so go check it out. It was such a hectic day but I think it turned out quite nicely. It started early with hair and make-up for Hillary at her home as the group had many work related ventures through out the day before we all finally convened at Mr. Baker's studio for the cover shoot. There is where I met Charles and Dave and quickly got them camera ready while waiting for Hillary to arrive for her final touch ups. Sadly, I was unable to stay for the whole shoot as I had to race to the airport and catch a flight to Los Angeles for the Coldwater Jane album cover shoot, which to reiterate, comes out in January, so mark your calendars. And also be on the look out for Lady Antebellum's new album in January as well. All in all I feel like I left them in good hands and the pictures turned out amazing.