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. Graphic artist Tom Deja integrated the photo into the album artwork for…
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Apr 22 2023
North of 40 ep. 14 | New album Tease
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!

Jul 10 2022
North of 40 ep. 13 | Meet bass player Steve Manns
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.'

Jul 10 2022
North of 40 ep. 12 | A New Gig Car!
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. ;-)

Apr 3 2022
North of 40 ep. 11 | Stuff Becomes Real
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?
The school made that decision…
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Mar 27 2022
North of 40, ep. 10 | Progress Report
Denise gives a progress report on her 'North of 40' journey. She's checked off a couple boxes:
1) Producing new live music video to show to clubs and venues
2) Secured gigs, including returning gigs to showcase the new sound
…
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Mar 24 2022
North of 40, ep. 9 | The "Wide Eyes" video debut
Here’s the 2nd video from our Nap House Studios shoot at Cometogetherspace Gallery.
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…
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Mar 24 2022
First Video from Nap House Studios
"Amen To Happiness"
Written by Denise La Grassa and John Kregor

Feb 27 2022
North of 40, ep. 8 | First video sample
Denise shares a short snip from the first of two videos produced by Nap House Studio and shot at Bloomington, IL's 'ComeTogetherSpace'.
'Amen to Happiness' was written by Denise and guitarist John Kregor. It will appear on the EP 'The…
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Feb 20 2022
North of 40, ep. 7 | Previewing "Summertime Skies"
Denise previews a song from her upcoming EP “The Flame.”
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…
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Feb 13 2022
North of 40, ep. 6 | The Newest Member of the Band
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.
Follow…
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Jan 31 2022
North of 40, ep. 5 | First Show With New Band
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…
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