Bluesy - Rootsy - Soulful - Rock”

When Lincoln College shuttered its doors in June 2022, Denise La Grassa turned job loss into opportunity. The former head of the Music Program at the 157-year-old Central IL private school embraced what she calls her 'North of 40' journey, shifting focus exclusively to songwriting and performance. Relocating to her birthplace of Chicago, she dived into the vibrant music scene, gracing stages at venues including Epiphany Center for the Arts, House of Blues, Phyllis’ Musical Inn, Montrose Saloon, Northman Riverwalk, Hard Rock Café, and Nia’s.

Despite the audaciousness of the move, she deems it one of her smartest decisions. "The joy of crafting and performing new music has been liberating and transformative, exceeding my expectations," says La Grassa.  Unburdened by a full-time day job, her creativity led to the 2023 album 'The Flame,' a 10-song venture into rootsy blues territory.  That album garnered attention from nearly 70 radio stations nationwide—a major feat for a new, independent artist—and secured a Top-25 spot on the Roots Music Report Contemporary Blues chart. The single 'Better Day’s Coming' soared to a Top-5 position on the singles chart, surpassing La Grassa's modest expectations.

Encouraged by the positive response, she's inspired to keep the momentum. She’s back in the recording studio fleshing out the follow-up (as of yet unnamed) album of new originals, slated to bloom in late Spring. La Grassa reflects on this musical journey as a return to her roots. "I have embraced this bluesy, gutsy, soulful sound that aligns with my early days of performing," she says. That would be the 1990s, where she performed as a soulful singer/songwriter at storied Chicago venues.