tag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:/blogs/american-womanVLOG: North of 402024-01-14T08:43:07-06:00Denise La Grassafalsetag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/73337352024-01-14T08:43:07-06:002024-01-14T08:46:17-06:00North of 40 ep. 18 | La La Boutique<div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FUYELgMJ-l4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FUYELgMJ-l4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I left academia in 2022 to pursue songwriting and performance full-time. For those that don’t know, I’ve been calling this my ‘North of 40’ journey. Leaving the security of a full-time job to follow my dream has been scary, but exhilarating.<o:p></o:p></p><p>There are other women ‘North of 40’ who are also charting new paths <span> </span>in their professional lives. One is Erika Zilm of La La Boutique in downtown Bloomington IL. I stopped by her lovely store to hear her story. <o:p></o:p></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/72758832023-09-19T18:41:24-05:002023-10-16T09:54:13-05:00North of 40 ep. 17 | Chicago Tribune<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/44446/a176a0b7400ed995a3b8f416eab7fea915a9e0f9/original/denise-chant.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p><p>Thanks to Chicago Tribune critic Rick Kogan for supporting this leap of faith I'm taking with my music. There are days when I question my sanity. Thankfully performances like the recent ones at The Alamo in Springfield and Mamie's in Milwaukee are fueling the momentum on this journey. Next up Wicker Park's Phyllis' Musical Inn Friday night. Then Okoberfest at The Glenwood in East Rogers Park on Saturday and Sunday. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Here's the article: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://shorturl.at/cuCL0">https://shorturl.at/cuCL0</a></p><p>If you can't get past the paywall: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://shorturl.at/djwJU">https://shorturl.at/djwJU</a></p><p> </p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/72424292023-07-15T11:54:20-05:002023-08-14T16:33:40-05:00North of 40 ep. 16 | Dawn of the New Day<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qnlC8nzADSY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qnlC8nzADSY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto"> </div>
<p>I shared last week that being on this North of 40 journey is ‘exhilarating, difficult, frustrating, and rewarding.’ One of the ‘difficult’ things is social media. Not my comfort zone at-all, but friends explain it's the must-do for all artists. So here we are 🙂<br><br>One thing I am proud to promote is everyone who worked on the upcoming album ‘The Flame,’ due out July 28, and the lead single ‘Dawn of the New Day,’ which debuts today. So grateful to work with such talented musicians who brought this song to life: bassist Steven C Manns Jr., drummer Mike Gee, as well as guitarists and co-writers Alexander Kleiner and John Kregor. And thrilled that Mississippi Heat leader Pierre Lacocque thought enough of 'Dawn' to add his incredible harmonica feels. He takes the song to another level.<br><br>The video for the song was a joy to make, thanks to Peyton Bernard and his friend Divine Carlisle, who play their improvised parts so well. Hope you'll check out the video and come see us perform soon!<br> </p>
</div>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/72018982023-05-02T21:05:10-05:002023-08-14T16:33:40-05:00North of 40, ep. 15 | My Inspirational Mother's Day Mom<p><span style="color:black;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/44446/1889194bd8d5faca55c39742c7c31495940315a9/original/back-cover-picture.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />As we prepare for Mother’s Day, I’m looking at a photo of my mother, Patricia La Grassa, at age four in Scotland with her little doll in hand. <span> </span>Graphic artist Tom Deja integrated the photo into the album artwork for The Flame. Many songs on the album were inspired by the story of my mother who immigrated from Scotland to America. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">My mother worked and saved tirelessly for years to come to America to pursue her dream. Her experiences taught me to move with courage and pursue bold endeavors in life at any age. And now after a career shift following the sudden closure of the school where I was teaching, I’m finding my music artistry career path at this later age & stage is indeed a bold endeavor requiring strength and focus. <span> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">It can be lonely at times but I’m not alone. So many women like me with stories of career path changes, unexpected turns on uncharted ground with fears front and center as you move toward a more fulfilling and rewarding career path. Confidence then vulnerability shifts come and go through the transition process. Unexpected benefits at this age & stage shifting career paths: Wisdom is at work in all you do. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">Life thus far has taught you don’t waste time with pettiness, move on, get with some happy vibe people, harness some courage and confidence, and imagine a new life with a new mindset that comes from a life’s experiences. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">Women’s stories. That’s what we’re telling. Come help us tell them. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mecoclub.com/northof40" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;">https://www.mecoclub.com/northof40</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/71951372023-04-22T11:31:12-05:002023-04-22T11:34:57-05:00North of 40 ep. 14 | New album Tease<p>Just a month away from the release of ‘The Flame.’ Here's a sample of some of the songs you'll hear on this bluesy 11-track release. Can't wait for you to hear the entire album!</p><div class="video-container size_m justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zGjTeWKbdu4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGjTeWKbdu4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/70116552022-07-10T11:39:40-05:002023-03-24T07:13:13-05:00North of 40 ep. 13 | Meet bass player Steve Manns<p>Introducing the multi-talented bassist Steve Manns, who has been playing with Denise since Spring. Steve is also an emerging Voice-over actor, as you can hear in this episode of 'North of 40.'</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mat9byHbz0s" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/mat9byHbz0s/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mat9byHbz0s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/70116532022-07-10T11:31:41-05:002022-07-10T11:37:24-05:00North of 40 ep. 12 | A New Gig Car!<p> Denise has been praying for a new vehicle to get her around Chicago and downstate on her ‘North of 40’ journey, as her gig calendar is filling up for the summer. A prayer is answered. ;-)</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="gPBOXFobtgY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/gPBOXFobtgY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gPBOXFobtgY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69391642022-04-03T09:41:56-05:002022-04-03T17:41:20-05:00North of 40 ep. 11 | Stuff Becomes Real<p>Denise was about to come to a crossroads. How could she balance the responsibilities of heading the Lincoln College Music program with the time needed to have a full-time music career and produce a film?</p>
<p>The school made that decision a whole lot easier, as Denise explains in this episode of 'North of 40.'</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="b-CVu-vuaPc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/b-CVu-vuaPc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b-CVu-vuaPc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69335552022-03-27T21:51:29-05:002022-03-28T21:12:02-05:00North of 40, ep. 10 | Progress Report<p>Denise gives a progress report on her 'North of 40' journey. She's checked off a couple boxes:</p>
<p>1) Producing new live music video to show to clubs and venues</p>
<p>2) Secured gigs, including returning gigs to showcase the new sound</p>
<p>What's next?</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kFAdpLF6h0E" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kFAdpLF6h0E/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFAdpLF6h0E?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69313092022-03-24T17:49:59-05:002023-03-24T05:34:07-05:00North of 40, ep. 9 | The "Wide Eyes" video debut<p>Here’s the 2nd video from our Nap House Studios shoot at Cometogetherspace Gallery.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GJFbjI0i00o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GJFbjI0i00o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GJFbjI0i00o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Follow along in 2022 as Denise work to answer her own question positively: "Can a woman ... say 'North of 40 ... make her dreams come true by returning to Europe to tour with with a new band and new #blues and #soul sound?"</p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69307392022-03-24T08:12:18-05:002022-03-27T15:20:40-05:00First Video from Nap House Studios<p>"Amen To Happiness"</p>
<p>Written by Denise La Grassa and John Kregor</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cqckcxmsSxE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cqckcxmsSxE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqckcxmsSxE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69089372022-02-27T19:22:17-06:002023-12-10T12:09:55-06:00North of 40, ep. 8 | First video sample<p>Denise shares a short snip from the first of two videos produced by Nap House Studio and shot at Bloomington, IL's 'ComeTogetherSpace'.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="eXqMTyy7Y6o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/eXqMTyy7Y6o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eXqMTyy7Y6o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>'Amen to Happiness' was written by Denise and guitarist John Kregor. It will appear on the EP 'The Flame', scheduled for release in Summer 2022.</p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/69027112022-02-20T17:17:49-06:002022-05-09T22:06:59-05:00North of 40, ep. 7 | Previewing "Summertime Skies"<p>Denise previews a song from her upcoming EP “The Flame.”</p>
<p>It’s a song inspired by, and dedicated to, her mother. Patricia La Grassa (McGuigan) immigrated to the United States from Glasgow, Scotland when she was 20-years old. She brought nothing but $50 and the suitcase in this video. She later brought over her mother, father, brothers, and sisters.</p>
<p>Follow along in 2022 as Denise work to answer her own question positively: "Can a woman ... say 'North of 40 ... make her dreams come true by returning to Europe to tour with with a new band and new #blues and #soul sound?"</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0OJpOT3-51A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0OJpOT3-51A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0OJpOT3-51A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68968722022-02-13T19:48:34-06:002023-03-23T13:22:42-05:00North of 40, ep. 6 | The Newest Member of the Band<p>I want to introduce you to the newest member of the Denise La Grassa Band. "Hammy" (his name for now, that could change) will be a key piece to bringing a more soulful sound to compliment this bluesy gal.</p>
<p>Follow along in 2022 as we work to answer our own question positively: "Can a woman, say, north of 40, make her dreams come true by returning to Europe to tour with with a new band and new blues and soul sound?"</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0gNFwEYF8VI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0gNFwEYF8VI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0gNFwEYF8VI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68843482022-01-31T07:34:04-06:002022-03-24T18:15:22-05:00North of 40, ep. 5 | First Show With New Band<p>The "North of 40" journey continued last Friday at Phyllis’ Musical Inn in Chicago with an affirmation. As passionate as I am to document the dream of this “North of 40” woman hoping to return to Europe with the new band and sound, it’s scary. First because It’s going to be a long road, especially for someone my age. Second, because I’m sharing this journey and have committed to putting it on film for the world to see. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MtDhbGIVyGo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/MtDhbGIVyGo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MtDhbGIVyGo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> </p>
<p>So, I asked God before the show for a thumbs up or thumbs down if I should continue down this path. And if nothing happened, it was God’s sign: Girl, move on. </p>
<p>Well. It snowed like crazy in Chicago last Friday, so travel and parking near Phyllis’ was difficult. It was the first real gig with the new band and sound. And I haven’t played Phyllis’ in decades, a place where I’m working on re-building a fan base. My hopes were not high. </p>
<p>After the show with a very supportive crowd, Megan, who had been listening closely all night said “I just wanted to say what you’re doing tonight is great. You guys sound like Tedeschi-Trucks.” Affirmation. Two other guys in this 30-something crowd dug the original songs and the band. And before a former bandmate left - an old friend who had popped in to hear the new songs - said “this is more authentically you. Keep doing what you’re doing.” Alex, my sound guy said, “the stars appear to be aligning.” The thumbs up I was looking for. </p>
<p>So, the dream continues. Soon you’ll see the live video we shot with Nap House Studios. Sliding in stage right, I’ll roll out the newest dynamic in the band, which promises to add a whole lotta soul to the vibe. </p>
<p>Would love to have you follow along on my Facebook page for up-to-the-minute show announcements and updates on the "North of 40" journey. <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/DeniseLaGrassaMusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/DeniseLaGrassaMusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DeniseLaGrassaMusic</a></p>
<p>Thanks for stopping by. More to come soon. </p>
<p> Denise</p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68829092022-01-29T07:39:36-06:002022-03-27T15:25:09-05:00North of 40, ep. 4 | Unwinding w/Loki<p>Denise is waiting for video coming soon from Nap House Studios and getting ready for her upcoming gig at Phyllis's Musical Inn in Chicago. </p>
<p>Today, Denise unwinds from songwriting in her favorite way: visiting her favorite friends in the neighborhood. Loki and the other dogs know that when Denise approaches, treats and hugs are coming soon. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="q3j3rXWEv2c" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/q3j3rXWEv2c/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q3j3rXWEv2c?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68720842022-01-17T18:53:33-06:002022-03-27T15:25:49-05:00North of 40, ep. 3 | Video Shoot Day<p>Next step in the dream (being documented in film) to return to performing in Europe is new video to showcase the evolving La Grassa band sound. Did the Nap House Studios shoot yesterday.</p>
<p>NHS and Matt at Cometogetherspace Gallery are pro's through and through.</p>
<p>Videos coming soon.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mX8X6fg7KMM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/mX8X6fg7KMM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mX8X6fg7KMM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Follow Denise: https://linktr.ee/DeniseLaGrassa</p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68687892022-01-14T06:00:03-06:002022-03-27T15:26:35-05:00North of 40, ep. 2 | New Demo Video<p>The next task for getting back on the music map is new demo video for venues and festival bookers. My most recent videos don't accurately reflect what I'm evolving into, though Pieces of Peace is getting there. This weekend, the guys and I are recording 3 song/videos with the guys at Nap House Studios at Bloomington's ComeTogetherSpace.</p>
<p>Matt Erickson's funky venue is a great backdrop to record these bluesy, soulful new tunes we've been working on for the past few months. Looking forward to a great shoot this weekend, hope to be able to show you something soon.</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zbE3CgFkirk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zbE3CgFkirk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zbE3CgFkirk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassatag:deniselagrassa.com,2005:Post/68602192022-01-05T16:47:56-06:002022-03-27T15:27:13-05:00North of 40, ep. 1 | Opening Statement<p>Looking up and forward to making 2022 the year of dreams. Can a woman – say, north of 40 – find her way back to Europe to showcase her new sound with her new band? Here’s the message, hope you'll come along for the ride as I <a contents="document this journey in Film and Music" data-link-label="North of 40" data-link-type="page" href="/north-of-40" target="_blank">document this journey in Film and Music</a>. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="TKhE1nBXXo4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/TKhE1nBXXo4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TKhE1nBXXo4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Denise La Grassa