Singer/Songwriter - Rachel Sedacca: What's News?

Well things have been going beautifully and could only be better if I had a clone of me. Two more arms, two more legs, heck, I could sing my own backing vocals. Hmmm....maybe it's not such a bad idea? lol!

I am closing in on my tour and hoping that I make good on this gamble, surely I've never been the "sure thing" type. I've got just about all my contracts back from all the venues on the itinerary and have mailed my promotional materials out as well. Build it and they will come huh? I have also hired a publicist and am really feeling that it was a good move as I can only do it all myself for so long. It's refreshing to have someone on board with me. Phew!

But I still need support from all of my friends and family as I'll be in states where you may have friends & family that might enjoy my performances? If I could get each person to tell 3 more people I'd spread like wildfire right?

There's a free download of my title track "Patience Pays" on my music page til I leave on Sept. 2nd. Let's spread the word and ask your people to sign my email list and widen the circle. See you on the road!

Rachel

Here is an excerpt from Animal Speak by Ted Andrews that I found through my Luna Guitars Website Check it out here: http://www.lunaguitars.com/index.html

What Animal Speak by Ted Andrews says about Dragonfly

Dragonflies and damselflies are very ancient with estimates of having been around for over 180 million years. They have a beautiful jewel-like coloring. The bright colors take time to develop, reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth. This is part of dragonfly medicine.

If a dragonfly has shown up in your life, you may need some fresh air in regard to something emotional. You may need to gain a new perspective or make a change. It may even indicate that you are neglecting your emotions. Are you being too rational about everything? Are you not keeping the color of emotions alive?

Dragonflies have two pairs of wings, but if need be, they can fly with one. Their eyes are kept clean with special combs on their legs and by washing the eyes with water drops collected in the mouth.

Although some have color pigments in their skin, for most the colors are caused almost the same way rainbows form. Structures in their shell scatter and refract the light, making them look iridescent green and blue. As they age, they may pass through several color changes. This ability to reflect and refract light and color has caused it to be associated with many forms of magic and mysticism - including color magic, illusion (causing others only to see what you wish), and more. Dragonfly's magic is the power of light and all that has ever been associated with it.

Dragonflies remind us that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force within your life. This is part of what dragonflies and damselflies teach us.

Life is never quite the way it appears, but it is always filled with light and color. Dragonfly can help you to see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth. Dragonfly brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision.

I was interviewed today by a local newspaper, along with some of my fellow musicians about the rising price of gas and how it's affecting me as a touring artist. As you may or may not know, I have a 35 foot 1971 schoolbus named "Patience" that I will again hit the road in this coming Sept. Yes, of course my gas bill will go up. I could not bear the thought of trying to locate my favorite jeans or my Ventura, CA tank top among the bags of stuff crammed amongst my music gear etc. as an everyday lifestyle. I call myself a vagabond but I think I've gotta add the term "homebody" to my long list of titles. So, no matter how crazy it may sound, I think "Patience" is my best option.

What is altogether more disturbing to me is the state of my local music scene. Years ago, we as a community of professional musicians had strict standards when it comes to getting paid for our hard work. Our minimums were non-negotiable.For over 9 years now, I have booked the dates, driven to the spot, set up the sound, performed for up to four hours and then broke everything down, repacked and driven back to wherever I came from. It usually turns into at least 5 or 6 hours worth of time. I think that many of the patrons figure that the venue is paying the artists to play their venue if they are not charged at the door. Sometimes this is true. Often, the guarantee is less than minimum wage and the performing is counting on his/her ability to entertain you. Furthermore, hoping that you will show your appreciation by taking a CD home with you or dropping a few dollars into your tip jar (which also encourages others to do so).

Things that I have learned:
1. You don't have to be talented to "make" it in music as long as you can afford it.
2. Just because you have talent, doesn't mean you will "make" it.
3. It all comes down to the audience, making it out to your shows and bringing a friend or two.

That's it, just a little ramble after a day when it seems like everywhere I turn, it's an uphill battle. Phew!

i think I'll work on some new songs.

Here is an email about the fabulous Folk Alliance Regional Western
Conference written by Russ Paris of the very successful House Concert
series in Oak Park "Russ & Julie's House Concert". My "Patience Pays"
tour will put me right there for my finale after a two month tour in
the bus!

I have been attending these conferences and have had such success
with networking with other musicians, press, venues and production
folks.

I highly recommend this event if you are involved in music in ANY
capacity. Thank you for supporting independent and traditional music!
Even if you can't make this conference, it is a wonderful family to
be a part of.

Rachel

Dear Friends,

Online registration is now available for the 2008 Folk Alliance
Region West (FAR-West) Conference. Additionally, Official Showcase
applications are now being accepted through Sonicbids and the FAR-
West website.

This year's conference will be held October 24-26, 2008 at the
Phoenix Marriott Mesa Hotel & Convention
Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Join the best of the west at the 5th Annual Folk Alliance Western
Regional Conference. Meet the people who are making things happen in
acoustic music from all over the west. The FAR-West Annual
conference is ideal for Performing Artists, Venues/Presenters, Record
Industry, Agents & Managers, Media, Arts Administrators, Folk
Societies/Clubs, Folklorists, and DJs. Help build a stronger music
community on the west coast while advancing your career and gaining
valuable contacts at the same time!

Registration fee includes all Workshops, Panels, Seminars, Exhibit
Hall Entrance, Showcases, and Jamming Sessions, Master Classes, and
the Best of the West Awards Luncheon. Learn how to build your
community, career and contacts while making and listening to music
with your peers. It's about networking and building relationships
that will advance your music career. Showcase opportunities abound
and it's fairly affordable.

Please note that "EARLY BIRD" REGISTRATION for the conference runs
through JUNE 30th. The "early bird" prices is just $145 for the
whole weekend (for Folk Alliance members). After June 30th, the
price jumps $40, so register now.

Online Registration can be found on the FAR-West website at:
http://www.far-west.org/conference.html

To apply for the Main Showcase, go to:
http://www.far-west.org/showcases.html

Past conferences have been a truly wonderful experience. A large
percentage of our House Concert schedule the past few years has been
booked from people we've seen showcasing at FAR-West conferences.
Great people and great fun.

All the details, including hotel registration, are available on the
FAR-West website at:http://www.far-west.org

We hope to see you there.

Well, part of having "Patience" pay this past coupla weeks has meant replacing an old, worn out head gasket. Just one of those things with an old bus. I knew the job was dangerous when I took it. I am so grateful for my good friend Pat who answered the phone and came to my rescue. As a professional mechanic for over 25 years, he was unafraid and explained to me that everything was gonna be okay. So, we rolled up our sleeves and with the help of my big brother Dave, got the engine ripped apart and put back together in one week! Now, with the knowledge that my cylinders look pristine and that the get down that went down would have happened to any nut that's crazy enough to dream of the open road in a ragamuffin school bus, I am looking ahead with confidence and hope. Thank god for good friends!

The "Patience Pays" NW fall tour will take me through Oregon, up to Washington, across northern Idaho, down into Montana. Then, I may catch a part of Yellowstone I've not yet seen, stopping in Jackson Hole before scooting across and dropping down into Colorado. I'll be back to the red in New Mexico before I land in Arizona to attend the Folk Alliance Regional Western Conference in Mesa, Arizona. Wow! Is this really my life?

I am so pleased to report that I am well and my health is better than it has been in the past two years. After a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis before I left on the "Young & Beautiful" tour in '06, I started treatments when I got home which made me quite ill with a pretty severe palsy in reaction to the injections. Thanks to modern medicine and medical cannabis, I am completely recovered from the side effects and have had no disabling attacks. I am stronger than ever and am moving full steam ahead towards this crazy dream. Thank you for coming along with me, this story is getting better and better! Stay tuned in, I hope to see you out there somewhere on this wild ride!

Rachel

Heading south to the Los Angeles next week!

Tuesday, April 22nd - Un-Urban Coffee House in Santa Monica
I play one full set 9:30-10:30pm might split into two, looks like it'll be a great turnout. This is the series that Keith Wolf is hosting over there. After years of my aunt who lives near there telling me I must go and play there, I connected with Keith through the Folk Alliance and am excited about coming down.

Saturday, April 26th - "Don't Call Us Tori" at Karma Coffee in Hollywood
Started in January of 2004 by Shannon Hurley and Steven Leavitt, Don't Call Us Tori is a showcase of independent female singer/songwriters. Don't Call Us Tori was started with the goal of helping independent female performers share their audiences for a great evening of music.

The CD looks and sounds great, the Ventura Release was a huge success! It will be available via my website for purchase & download this week. Check the merch page for links!

Yours,
Rachel

I am so proud to say that I made it on the bill for the Live Oak Music Festival this year! It's almost in my backyard, set at the magical Live Oak Camp off of Hwy 154 in Santa Barbara County.

A very cool, family event MC'd by the fun and zany Joe Craven, this is one of the best events I've attended to date. Those of you know that's sayin' something 'cause I've been around ;) The whole production and hospitality crews are amazing and it truly is an event that has something for everyone.

I'll be playing the Hot Licks stage on Saturday morning with my band including Steve Temmel, Dan Wilson & Jack Joshua as well as special guest Sid Lewis with some of the hottest banjo pickin' you've heard. As everyone stretches and pours a cup of camping coffee, mosey over there to the stage or tune in via Acorn radio, our own little camp broadcast that can keep you in touch even when you're chillin' at your camp as I often do. You don't wanna miss anything! Check out the lineup!

2008 PERFORMERS:
Nanci Griffith
Dan Hicks and the Hotlicks
Mike Marshall
Poncho Sanchez
Nappy Brown
The Derailers
Queen Omega
with Soul Majestic
Nigerian Brothers
Gibson Brothers
Eilen Jewell
Inga Swearingen
Campbell Brothers
The Stairwell Sisters
Banshee in the Kitchen
Cache Valley Drifters
Whiskey Chimp
Resination
Don Lampson
Rachel Sedacca
Louie Ortega
Bungee Jumping Cows
Gove County String Quartet

I hope to see you there this year! http://www.liveoakfest.org/pp/index.shtml I'll be the girl in the big school bus with the big smile and the hand fan! ;)

So the "Patience Pays" CD release party is just around the corner on Sat. April 12th here in Ventura at Billy O's! I am so excited! It's gonna be a blast to play with the whole band and finally have the new album in hand to share with you all! The afterparty will be an All Star Invitational Showcase / Band Scramble which will see us through til the end of the night. All the fun starts at 7pm and dinner will be served while the vittles last!

I also have added a Central Coast CD Release party on Sat., May 10th. This will be for my much loved San Luis Obispo supporters and will be at the Musica Del Rio House Concert venue in Atascadero. Fred and Sharon Munroe have such a great, intimate venue and the weather should be beautiful!

Last but certainly not least, I have made the bill for the Live Oak Music Festival in Santa Ynez! A benefit for KCBX public radio, this an event that I have wanted to play for years! Last year, I had such a great time working with my friend Sid Lewis, I made it my goal to make the bill this year. Guess what? I made it! I am so excited to be kickin' off the day on the Hot Licks Stage Sunday morning and am so grateful to all the friends at KCBX who believe in me.

I've also started booking my fall NW tour and am scheduled to play at some really interesting places! Check out my tour dates!

Stay tuned,
Rachel

Tzedakah (Hebrew: צדקה) is a Hebrew word most commonly translated as charity, though it is based on a root meaning justice (צדק, tzedek). In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to perform charity, and philanthropic acts, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life; Jewish tradition argues that the second highest form of tzedakah is to anonymously give donations to unknown recipients. Unlike philanthropy, which is completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by the poor; tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that grant forgiveness of sin, and the annulment of bad decrees.

“PATIENCE PAYS” FOR LOCAL WORDSLINGER RACHEL SEDACCA
Local singer/songwriter releases her second studio album “Patience Pays”

Ventura, Ca – March 20, 2008 – Ventura County singer/songwriter Rachel Sedacca is releasing her second studio album “Patience Pays”. Rachel is planning a CD release party on April 12th, 2008 at Billy O’s in Ventura, California. Joined by producer Steve Temmel on lead guitar/dobro, Mark Parson on the fiddle, Danny Wilson on the mandolin and “Hippie” Mark Searcy on harmonica and kazoo it promises to be a night of great music.

With her first album release “Lucky Like Me” in 2001; Rachel had much success and warm reception all over the western states. As an independent musician, Rachel earned valuable experience working as her own booking agent, tour manager and publicist, taking her as far as Nagoya, Japan for a two week tour in 2003. The “Young & Beautiful” spring tour of 2006 consisted of an 11 state, 5,600 mile, solo journey in her 35 ft. 1971 GMC school bus “Patience”.

It is from Rachel’s travels that she gathers the most material for songwriting and as the title track says, it’s all about making having “Patience” pay. Rachel copes with rising gas prices by staying home away from home in her school bus, which is converted to a state registered motor home with a bathroom, a full kitchen, a front living room and a cozy bedroom. Rachel says “It’s my solution to lodging on the road. I couldn’t bear packing and unpacking bags every day. This way, I stay in the same room with an ever-changing view, and the food’s great too!”

The CD release party will start at 7pm on Saturday, April 12th and guests will enjoy dinner and a signed copy of “Patience Pays”. Immediately following the CD release party, Rachel is planning an invitational showcase/band scramble ‘til last call. Her goal is to showcase musical friends to her following here in Ventura as well as introduce them to some of the incredible talent we have here on the gold coast. “I always like to mix it up a bit, widen the circle,” she says. To highlight the special occasion Rachel and friends will dress in cocktail attire. It’s sure to be unforgettable.

I am so excited and honored to be asked to open up for Stevie Coyle out at Casita Enguita House Concert! It is run by an incredible singer/songwriter and moving force behind "Women on the Move" Joan Enguita, a fellow friend and FAR Wester. Here's the info as she passed it along to me:

Casita Enguita House Concert Series
Lancaster, California
Saturday, 4/5/08 2:00 p.m.
Suggested donation $10
Please email or call for address/directions
info@joanenguita.com or 661-618-0964

Featuring Stevie Coyle (from the Waybacks, who has now gone solo)
Opening, we will have the charming Rachel Sedacca from Ventura

So I'm gearing up for the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis! I went last year and it was AMAZING! The top three floors of the Marriot in Memphis are just packed from 10pm to 3am with muscians showcasing in every room. It is such a perfect fit for me and I have made so many friends and connections through these events. The folk umbrella can be really big and there is such a variety of music and styles, I can't wait to share my new album and absorb so much great music from all the fellow folkies! If you'll be in Memphis, here's my showcase schedule:

Thursday2:30-3:30 Fan Club Cruises round
11pm - Nancy Cassidy House Concerts
12am - GoGirls Rm#2

Friday
10:30 Concerts in Your Home
Saturday
2:10 - Stars under the West FAR West

Let ya know how it all turns out!;)
Rachel

Well, tomorrow is New Years Eve and I am so happy to say that the final vocals are recorded on the new album and looks like we'll be sending them off for duplication in the next couple of weeks! I already have "Your Best Friend" included on the programming for Luftansa Airlines and am looking forward to a relationship with them to "jump the puddle" as they say and visit Europe someday.

I have secured the room for the CD release party on March 8th here in Ventura at Mai's Cafe and Da Aloha Lounge. It's a great room and I'm looking forward to a very special night, hoping that many of you will make it out to celebrate with me.

I am thankful for my continued good health and wish all of my beloved family, friends and fans some piece of mind as we bring this year to a close. It was a big year for me but nothing like I expect my 2008 to be.

I'm always planning on goin everywhere and my friends can tell you, I'm the planning type. It's worked for me so far although the list is forever growing! It's not easy when you wanna go everywhere! The bus is running strong and I'm thinking that I may head north to the lush and green Pacific NW for a late summer/ fall schoolbus tour.

Have a wonderful New Year and I hope to see some of you as I'm out and about next year! Thank you for your support, it's my everything.

Love,
Rachel

What a year! I have been having such a great time working with Steve Temmel on the upcoming album "Patience Pays". Just about here folks! Hope you can make the CD release party on March 8th here in Ventura!

It's been a very productive year and I have made so many connections with the folks who really care about music and songwriting. It's been so inspiring! I can't wait to release this new body of work that I am so proud of. Had it not taken so long, it wouldn't include several of my most recent and favorite new originals.

All good things in all good time huh?

Hope all is well in your camp. See you out there on the road in 08!

Rachel

So much has happened this first half of 2007 and I'm looking back as I move forward. I said goodbye to one of my oldest and dearest friends Kelly Getz, an amazing and incredible artist with so many mediums and on so many levels. We will miss her always.

So far this year I have been back to one of my favorite places Butte Montana for the Art & Heritage Revival Festival where I sat on the jury for a songwriting contest at "Venus Rising", led a song workshop during the open house at Butte's Museum of Fine Arts where later that night gave a well received performance for the fine folks of Butte, MT.

Made it out to Memphis for Folk Alliance where I got to meet and learn from and witrh some of the people I have admired and followed throughout my career. I knew that was somewhere I needed to be and was I right!! I'm looking forward to attending the western regional in November up in Vancouver, WA.

Another place I knew I needed to be but hadn't made it yet was Live Oak Music Festival under the oaks in the Santa Ynez Valley. I worked with Sid Lewis an old musical friend of mine from Chico, with his Jamming 101 workshop that was such a blast! Got to eat breakfast with that zany Joe Craven donning whichever colorful wig or hat along with some fuzzy slippers jumped from his traveling costume stash that morning. I have to say a hearty thanks to eveyone that makes Live Oak happen every year. I have attended, performed as well as worked production at many festivals and events and I gotta say, Live Oak tops my list. Backstage hospitality, a variety of top shelf talent, wonderful treasures provided by all the great vendors and all in all just a well rounded, family event that I think has it all!! Don't miss it in 2008, I surely won't!!

We also kicked off a new acoustic series called "OASIS" here in my hometown on Oxnard Shores. July 7th saw the first in a series for unplugged, stripped down, good, clean music! A sort of meet the artist, living room type of evening that went better than I could have hoped. A great turn out and a beautiful, twinkle light paradise made it a wonderful success! August 25th will be the second in the series with a songwriter showcase in the round. This show will feature myself, Jess Leedy, Steve Temmel and "Hippie" Mark Searcy giving us a real variety and a combination that can't be found anywhere else in the world!

August will find me in Denver, looking forward to playing at the Cafe at Swallowhill. September I'm headed to Jackson Hole, WY to accompany Kelly's artwork as part of the Jackson art festival. I'll be performing at the Hard Drive Cafe on Maple.

So much to say, such a short attention span! Please visit links on my website via my family tree or my tour dates for more info.

All good things in all good time!!

achel

I have been learning so much and have recently had a much needed shot of inspiration resulting in a handful of what I consider to be great new songs!! I'm excited about my future in music and have lots of adventures planned for '07. I will be at the Live Oak Music Festival, a fundraiser for San Luis Obispo's KCBX radio, and working with the amazing Sid Lewis at his "Jamming 101" workshop. Please come and say "Hi"!!

My plan for a national fall tour in my bus "Patience" has been rescheduled to happen next spring, giving me more time to focus on getting this record done and raising mopre gas money prior to. I hope to do some regional touring in the schoolbus in the meanwhile as soon as the summer sets and the weather cools a bit.

I've been pretty well when it comes to my health and fared well through my first MS exacerbation with almost no lasting symptoms and no permanent nerve damage. As my friend Lisbet's mother always said "Knockers Up!"

Thank you for your ongoing love & support!
Rachel

I spent a week in Memphis at the 19th Annual Folk Alliance Conference and am so inspired!! I hooked up with so many people from all over the country who do what I do, or help to get it done. I learned a thing or two and am looking forward to getting this 2nd record done and released by the end of the summer.

I am looking ahead now to the fall and the promo tour for the new ablum which I am calling "Patience Pays". I'll be headed through the south and southeast this time. Got any folks out there that I may get to meet? Love your input!

Keeping well and keeping the faith,
Rachel

I am so excited to be heading off to Memphis next week for the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis! I'll be showcasing in Kari Estrin Management & Consulting room on Saturday night and will be promoting the new album "Patience Pays"!

We have started the recording process and I'll be in Memphis with demo CD's of the title track "Patience Pays" and "Dear Love". I'm working with Steve Temmel at The Ranch studios here in Ventura. You may remember him as the incredible long haired guitar player that's accompanied me for years. He's also a talented engineer and so far we are both really happy with our results. So stay tuned, I'll post samples on my music page as soon as they are fit for consumption.

I'll say "Hi" to the King for ya!

I am so happy to have accomplished so much this year, it has been trying but on the whole productive. I started the year with an MS diagnosis, hit the road for 7 weeks by myself in the Spring. Said goodbye to my old dog Kona and am now officially dogless, I am now working with management in the direction of Nashville. Although I have made several attempts at live recording, a new, full studio album is crucial and a long time coming. I am now working on the skeletal foundations and expect to have it in hand for an incredible fall tour in '07.

A big hug and a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have stood by me and given me the fuel that keeps me moving in this musical direction, despite the million other activities that are always pulling me in different directions.

I am looking forward to 2007 and all the incredible things that I know lay in store for me and my music.

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday.
Rachel

Well, I'm off and running again, headed for AZ and a handful of great shows!!

I'm so excited to play at Pier 54, on the lake in Tempe on Friday the 6th of Oct. Then I'm returning to Fiddler's Dream, a top shelf listening room in Phoenix. I am honored to then be on the bill for the 28th Folk Festival up in Prescott, with a solo spot on the sharlot hall museum and also a chair in the songwriter's circle in the afternoon. I'll then be tearin back down the mountain and across the valley to Mesa for an encore house concert at Lainey's Casa, and oasis and wonderful audience awaits. Phew!!

So, things are movin' along...check out my calendar, update your info and spread the love by signing my guestbook huh?
Rachel