Jennifer Friedmans You Are Creation might make you swear that somebody has secretly replaced her disc with a Joan Baez CD. This is especially true during Play The Game, where Friedmans singing retains a distinctively Baez-ish vocal purity. Like Baez, Friedman infuses her mostly folk music with plenty of progressive social lyrical thinking. Whether shes taking a shot at big business, as she does during Play The Game, or bringing attention to spousal abuse, like with Necessary Evil, Friedman consistently sings with purpose. Without a doubt, Friedmans songs are filled to the brim with meaningful content.
- Dan MacIntosh, www.indie-music.com
Jennifer is no stranger to the spotlight or big audiences, having developed in the rich artistic culture just outside of Chicago. As a teenager, she relished performances in front of thousands singing the American & Canadian National Anthems for the Peoria Chiefs baseball team and Peoria Rivermen hockey team. She starred in stage productions with many noteworthy artists including Andrew Driscoll who went on to play the leading role in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. After spending a year singing in a Grateful Dead cover band in her hometown of Peoria, IL, Jennifer moved West and dedicated herself to conservation work. While living in Oregon, Jen worked with five Indian Tribes on salmon recovery issues during the week and learned how to climb trees, practice civil disobedience, and play guitar in old growth forests on the weekends. She put her theatrical skills to good use by combining this with her passion for peace and justice issues with the Portland Theatre for Social Change. Now living in Colorado, Jennifer stands out as the up & coming acoustic musician of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. A combination of outstanding vocal work, reflective lyrics, and beautiful melodies highlighted by intricate guitar playing, have earned Jen a place on the must hear lists of folk fans and socially conscious people alike. Jennifer released her debut album, You are Creation in October 2005 and selections from the album are being played on the Colorado Wave, a syndicated radio program aired throughout the Mountain West and her song, "Creation" will be featured in an independent film called "the Garden." Jennifer has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2006 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest for her songs No More Parades, Blood and Bone, and Words. Jennifer has studied songwriting and performance technique with well known folk artists including Holly Near, Lisa Loeb, Catie Curtis, Vance Gilbert, Beth Nielsen-Chapman, and Peter Mayer, as well as regional musicians Rebecca Folsom and Maggie Simpson. She is currently working on her second studio album and can be heard singing back-up on award winning Minnesota folk artist, Lisa Kanes, fourth album Armstrong Avenue. Jennifer has performed at coffeehouses, clubs, and festivals up and down the Colorado Front Range for many years, moving audiences with her beautifully clear, melodic voice and passionate performance. It is not uncommon to find audience members struck silent in a room filled with Jennifers voice or moved to tears during a show. Jennifer enjoys this connection with her audience and is known for her unguarded sincerity. She oftentimes lends her musical talents as well as organizing skills to non-profit groups including Rocky Mountain Peace & Justice Center, CO NARAL, Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Association, and she co-organized 2004's Rhyme 4 Change, Rhythm 4 Reason a two day event featuring over 30 musicians, poets, and artists gathered for peace.
All through the night they sought the light that would guide them for they were lost in the deep dark forest surrounded by snow. They only knew that it was imperative that they keep moving as it was getting colder now and soon it wouldn't matter because they had lost hope of ever finding shelter. So cold and tired they knew they were soon to die without the guidance of something greater than you and I.
Having no choice exhausted and scared they continued forward shivering as they walked side-by-side. All at once in the distance they saw something glowing in the cold brisk air. At first they thought it was a light but then to their despair it was Sister Aurora.
Little did they know, Aurora was showing them the way to the cabin not so far away. Their spirits uplifted they quickened the pace. Now their faces turned upward in praise seeing at once the face of an angel with rainbows, stars, and planets in her hair. She was gliding beside beloved Aurora both guiding them there to safety, a fire, and some company with plenty of everything they needed and would share.
Fear not please do not despair there is always hope when you thought no one was there. Just open your eyes and hearts and you will hear the sound of love forever it is always there it’s in the air and everywhere.
4000 people at the Capitol today to protest prop. 8, the haters in California, have no idea what they just awoke from a long slumber, an angry and determined GLBT community that I am proud to be a part of. Thanks for the encouragement. In Peace Liz
Friends are companions that accept each other for who they are. Cherished when our spirit needs a lift and turning to each other. Partners in wonder, beauty, grace, and delight we bring to one another. Our friendship is a gift of love, making the world we live in a better happier place. I am thankful to have you as my friend.
Might your desires be granted and your dreams come true Allow your rainy days be sunny may you never be blue May your daydreams become reality and your nightmares fade away Let your love be filled with laughter and smiles make your day
The power laugher be with you in the midst of fits of giggles Let the feelings of happiness ripple with waves of joy Smile till somebody beams in return…it will make your day
i am too - i totally meant to call you and then i got incredibly sick (tooth issues) and spaced everything - i am so bummed i missed you cuz i really DO want to see you :( i'm sorry i've made you feel blown off cuz that is DEFINITELY not my intention - i'll always love you jen!
Jen, I can't believe I missed seeing you again. Are you still in Peoria? I am so sorry I didn't see this message til today. How are things otherwise? Im sure you have been busy. I have been ok. Not much new here. Well take care! Hope you are doing well. Hopefully I will catch you next time you come to Peoria. Shadia
