Kristen Graves, local Connecticut songwriter, will be recording and releasing her singer/songwriter version of “O Holy Night” before the end of the year. She performed the song at her two most recent performances (Fairfield Theater Company, and The Buttonwood Tree) to excited audiences. The performances will be followed up with a youtube post of the song, and a studio recording that fans can download for free directly from her website. The song may end up on her acoustic EP, with a tentative release date of June 2010, before her summer tour, which will help benefit local non-profit, Simply Smiles. For updates and more information listeners can visit www.KristenGraves.com, or e-mail Kristen directly at: Kristen@KristenGraves.com.
Kristen Graves is a folk/pop singer & songwriter with a voice that commands attention, lyrics that catch your heart, and melodies that stay with the listener long after the evening ends. Kristen's songs have a coziness to them like a well-worn winter blanket, but don't underestimate her; she can pack a serious emotional punch at a moment's notice. Picture an energetic Sarah McLachlan, or Tracy Chapman with a pop edge, and you've found Kristen Graves. Kristen has been writing and performing her own songs since 2000, and started touring nationally in 2002. She has written and recorded three albums, and has independently sold thousands of copies of her CDs.
Originally from the Midwest, Kristen began Classical piano lessons at age 6, studying and developing her talent until she began to write her own music at 18. Picking up the guitar during college, Kristen wrote, recorded and produced two albums, launching a solo career by the time she graduated in 2004. At the same time, Kristen began volunteering and traveling to an orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico where she met fellow volunteer, Bryan Nurnberger. Soon after, Bryan founded Simply Smiles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing bright futures for impoverished children. The couple has been working together combining arts and philanthropy ever since.
Kristen has booked, promoted and put on two national tours, she has worked with well-known NYC producer, Chris Cubeta, and has shared the stage with folk artists such as Brenda Weiler, Eli, and Dan Bern. Though Kristen’s personality comes through in her songwriting and recordings, you need to hear her live to truly get to know her. Fresh off her second national tour – you don’t want to miss the show! Through captivating storytelling, relevant poetry, and genuine compassion, Kristen’s passion is contagious - making every listener want to hear more...
“It’s easy to connect to the music of Kristen Graves. By listening to it, engaging with it, we feel part of something bigger.” - Vanessa Malone, Freelance Writer, NYC
“Kristen Graves has accepted her natural role as a songwriter. Refreshingly sweet and delightful is how I would describe her…I highly recommend her new release “Stay”, and I urge you to catch a performance and be reminded of how great it is to be alive!” -Tony Falco, Falcon Music & Art Productions, Marlboro, NY
“Kristen Graves’ music is original, heartfelt, and entertaining. It’s rare to find a quality combination of vocals, musicianship, and stage presence all from one artist. She sets a precedent for other singer/songwriters and especially raises the bar for female musicians.” - Joy Ike, singer/songwriter, Pittsburgh, PA
For more information on Simply Smiles, please visit simplysmiles.org.
