[singlepic id=250 w=320 h=240 float=right]I moved to Austin from Louisiana in April 2000 . . . I had just completed my first studio album on a small Louisiana label and was ready to take the plunge into the sea of amazing musicians known as the Live Music Capitol of the world. Austin’s scene was huge and intimidating and inspiring.  I had a really great job that allowed me to tour when I needed and paid well, found a great place to live in 78704 with an awesome roommate and started doing the Austin music thing. . . Back then, press kits were still large folders with CDs, a one-sheet, printed reviews and articles and a large head-shot. It cost about $6 to put one together and send it off to a potential gig. Austin’s so full of potential gigs, it’s intimidating and expensive to even try to get one thing to stick. . . But with the help and encouragement of friends, fans and my new band, somehow the ball got rolling. . .Coffee shops, opening slots, sixth street shows. . . all the way to the Saxon Pub, Momo’s & now. . .

Twelve years later, I’m playing some of Austin’s best rooms like the legendary Threadgills (May 11th is the next show there) and even the  USA’s “best new venue” year Austin City Limits new home, the  Moody Theater ( June 16th) and now I’ve received a proclamation from the City of Austin naming Apr 26th 2012 “Wendy Colonna Day.” How weird and awesome is that?

It’s pretty surreal to look back over the years of growth, struggle, doubt and dedication to both the craft and business of music. . . It is certainly a trade for those who are not weak in spirit and the extreme highs and lows have been known to really taken their toll on so many amazing talents . . . I had an 8 month period on the road when I had a raging lung infection and my immune system had crashed. . . but I was fortunate to survive with grace and made a little time for healing. . .

Music Making is a calling. You gotta do it if you’re called to it. Music is the medicine of the soul. So, here I am 12 years after moving to this glorious town. . . I’m now an active participant in helping amazing local organizations like the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians to keep our musicians alive and well. . . And I’ve had the honor of putting together two powerful breast-cancer benefits for dear friends and participating in countless others. It’s an amazing job. You guys remind me every day in all kinds of little ways. And . .  thanks to you, I’m still here doing it despite the odds.

I owe you all a big THANK YOU for my success.  Every email you send letting me know that a song has helped you through a hard time or been the soundtrack of your budding romance or gut-wrenching breakup. . . every one of your weddings I’ve had the honor to play, every face-to-face soul-connecting visit . . . These are the things that inspire me to continue even through my dark times with the business. . . Thank you for reminding me daily of my soul-calling here on earth. . .

And I’m off to pack the van for a show in the Texas Hill Country.

Have a lovely day.

Sing loud.