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FOR THE RECORD:
"melaniejane" is all one-word and all lower-case letters. :)

HONORS: 1999 WAMI nominee -- String Performer 2000 WAMI nominee -- Female Vocalist of the Year 2000 WAMI nominee -- Folk Artist 2000 WAMI nominee -- Strings 2003 - Best of Milwaukee -- Female Performer..................

WHO WHEN WHAT:
Although melaniejane still continues to perform solo as a singer/songwriter she has also been developing a new sound over these past few years with her electric cello and backing tracks. It all began while trying to come up with something "different" to perform at the No More Handguns benefit (Tribute to John Lennon) at Linneman's Riverwest Inn in Milwaukee, WI. "Come Together" was the first performance in this medium and the performance of this song continues to be a hit with audiences wherever it is performed. click here to view

melaniejane performs regularly with pat mAcdonald as--what she affectionately calls herself--his "sideguy." Playing electric cello, percussion, keyboard, background vocals and accordion against his raw guitar, cigarbox guitar, harmonica and full-out, rock-on stomp board, these two carry the weight of a full band. While performing with pat, melaniejane truly finds herself "at home" as they rock their way across the US and--in the late fall--Europe.

While not on tour with pat mAcdonald, you will most likely find her out with Victoria Vox. The combination of ukulele and cello coupled with Victoria's crystal clear voice andincredible talent for songwriting in both English and French leaves audiences wanting more.

In addition to working with these artists, has performed throughout the US and has appeared with/opened for such noted artists as: Sam Llanas (The BoDeans--Slash/Warner Bros.), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes--ALMO), Ruby James, The Buggs, The Silos (Bloodshot Records), Sigmund Snopek and Dick Parry (saxophonist from Pink Floyd), John Doe (of X), Alejandro Escovedo (Bloodshot), Chris Smither (Signature Sounds), Brian VanderArk (The Verve Pipe--RCA), Sally Timms (Mekons), Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing--Slash/Warner Bros.), Mary Fahl (October Project), Jen Chapin, Dan Bern, Mary Lee's Corvette...

AIRPLAY:
melaniejane's music has been featured on National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' as well as college radio stations both in the US and in Europe. She has also been a featured guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground" and the popular syndicated radio show "Hotel Milwaukee" as well as a frequent, live on-air guest in the WMSE studios. Recently mj appeared with pat mAcdonald on the NPR nationally syndicated program 'Whad'Ya Know?' hosted by Michael Feldman. ..................

STEEL BRIDGE SONGFEST:
The summer of '07 brought about a life-changing experience for melaniejane. That experience was none other than the honor of an invitation to participate as a songwriter at the Steel Bridge SongFest in Sturgeon Bay, WI. An intensive week of collaborative songwriting, recording and performance with such noted artists as pat mAcdonald, Jane Wiedlin (of the GoGo's), Eric McFadden (George Clinton and P-funk, Eric Burden and the animals...), Kim Manning (P-funk), Freedy Johnston, Victoria Vox, Don DiLego, Susan Howe, Ruby James, Jonathan Spottiswoode, Freedy Johnston... and the list goes on and on... It was a week of magic, rejuvination and inspiration... nothing will, can, ever, or should be the same.

SBSF 2007 was such an intense, life-changing experience that melaniejane increased her involvement in 2008 by working under pat mAcdonald and his sister Christie Weber (the founders and long-time event directors of SBSF) to help coordinate the event. A few of the 2008 participants include Louise Goffin, Kata Rhe Gillispe, Lynda Kay, Victor DeLorenzo, John Pippus, Dustin Welch, Kacy Crowley, Tony Brown... performances by Jackson Browne, Jane Wiedlin, Tallan "T-Man" Latz, Blueheels, GeriX and so much more!!!

please visit www.steelbridgesongfest.org or www.myspace.com/steelbridgesongfest for more info and plan on joining us in June of 2009!!!!

GOOD CAUSES:
melaniejane has proudly donated performances as part of fundraising events for Citizens for Our Bridge / Steel Bridge SongFest (Sturgeon Bay, WI), The Hunger Task Force (Nod to Bob @ Linneman's Riverwest Inn), Gilda's Club, Jamin' for the Arts (to benefit the arts programs in the Racine/Kenosha school districts), Hurricane Jam Relief Fund, The American Diabetes Association, The Women's Shelter Coalition, Empty Bowls (proceeds feed the homeless), WAVE and Brady Campaign (for more strict and sensible handgun laws), The Bridge School for Physically Challenged Children (founded by Neil Young), GoGirlsMusicFest "Get Hip to Hep C"..... whenever possible, please support these fine organizations!!!!