DiGiTaL OvErDoSe Musical Productions: News

In October 2009, "8 Steps Forward" will be re-released with a new look, new song order and new plan; to reach more fans than any other previous Shadow album. I need your help. I want you to go to my guestbook and leave your comments; good bad or indifferent. I want to hear it. If you don't like the changes, tell me. If you do, tell everyone else.

Got so much to say and so little time. Got hopes and dreams and songs on my mind. I am so amped to be in the game. No two days are ever the same. I am smelling the roses and dancing in the sun because my life has just begun. I am fabulous, freaky and fine. To excuses and drama, I plan to stay blind. Hope you take time to eat some cake. Share a little love and have a great day!

I just got back from Florida and I am now ready to buckle down and get crackin'. I saw dome amazing things and have so much to talk about, I don't know where to begin.
I played a private party at the Nickelodeon Resorts, FABULOUS!
I met a nice, fine divorced guy on vacation with his two adorable kids (Hi Nick), but he wasn't a man of his word. (You know what I am talking about.) People who say one thing and do another make me wanta holla! If you don't have your word, what do you have. Your loss!
Gluttony run riot. I know I am gonna piss a lot of people off, but I pissed myself off and with any luck, I am mad enough to make the changes necessary to live a better life. I was so speechless, I had to write a poem about it. I am still writing it, so in the next day or so more will be revealed.

These are some of my favorite reasons.
1) When people say one thing and do something else, then get mad at you if you ask them about it.
2) Always make excuses for why they can't handle their business; "I didn't have enough time." "I can" this and I can't that.
I personally don't believe in 'I can't".
3) Professional people who act unprofessionally. Music writers/critics who refuse to write about you because they would rather write about their friends.
4) Booking agents or I should say wanta be booking agents who have no idea about how to work with artists but want to act like they are doing us a favor by letting us play their venues for "exposure".
5) Egotistical, maniac drivers with big egos, inferiorate complexes, bit trucks or SUV and little _______ who want to roll up you in the middle lane and tailgate you to try to intimidate you into moving so they can get ahead of you instead of moving into the speeding lane.
6) People who complain about how they "can't do this and can't do that" because of somebody else. Never accepting repsonsibility for their own actions. They ask for suggestions and help and when you offer it, they don't take it or find every reason in the world why it won't work.
More reasons to holla to come.

I sit here feeling quite accomplished after the day that I have had. I started back to school today. I almost didn't make it. Between kids stuff and gig stuff, I was a little frazzed this morning. I wasn't quite sure what equipment I was taking and I wanted to have a certain sound. I wasn't sure what type of PA they were using, so I didn't want to over pack, but I knew that I wanted to have my effects on my Street Cube and yes it is fabulous! But I also wanted to have my Jam Man so I could have my drum tracks. By 1am, I was just ready to do the thang! By around 11:30, I was trying to figure out whether or not my classes were starting today or next week. Then I was debating whether I should go, if I did hve class because I would be away next week and would miss classes anyway. But then I thought I really need to do this. I must do well and graduate on time! So it was decided. Go to school and then to the show. this morning I called to find out if my class started today or Monday because it was a Monday/Wednesday class. It was today. Aaaaaaah! Do you see how I might have stressed myself out? Need less to say, things don't always go as planned. I went to class and it went suprisingly well. I was running late, but I figured better late than never and as long as I let everyone know what is going on, I am straight. The later it got and the closer I got to Bridgeport, the more expectations I tossed out of the window. By the time I pulled up, I was still in my campus jeans and casual sleeveless. I rolled my stuff in and fortunately for me, it was break time. Thanks Jon for your help. Thanks Hal for the use of the power bar. It was a rushed set up, but it worked. I played three pieces, "Red Roses" with my Jam Man, a poem titled "I am" and the guitar only version of "Right Here", which I introed with the story behind it. I figured I would need to mike my Street Cube and I was right. I had to prop the mike on my pocketbook. When we have lemons we should make lemonade! I had no time to change my clothes, no time to warm up my voice and no time to let my butterflies flutter. I just plugged in and played. It was surreal. I imagined everything being bigger and darker and less intimate. It was smaller, and brighter and intimate. My co-workers and residents sat in the audience and I was occasionally conscious of the periodic outbursts of chatter from the front row, but I wasn't bothered by it. The vibe was good and I felt good. I hung out after my performance to show support to the others. I had a couple slices of pizza and it felt good to be able to relax after all that. I left before everything ended to get home in time to take care of kids and cook dinner. Ah the price of rock stardom!

I am playing this really cool event at The Bridgeport Mental Health Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut at 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610.
This is a really cool event because it is an Expressive Arts Open Mike with featured artists, food and fellowship. People of all backgrounds share poetry, music, storytelling, etc. It is from 1pm to 4pm. I will be joined by my brother band, Masulli, White, Klein. They are opening first. I am not sure yet exactly what time I am going on, but come up and enjoy the festivities.

I want you to get it while its hot. Help me make "8 Steps Forward" my best release yet.
All you need to do is add your email address and then leave comment on the guestbook letting me know that you did and I will forward "8 Steps Forward" to you with a special bonus track only available with this offer.
So, hit me up and lets make it happen. Peace. Shadow

I can't help but feel like I missed summer. Its August already and I am just now starting to feel like it is summer. Yet in a few more weeks, it will be time to go back to school. Summer clothes are going on sale and fall items are already in the stores. The first month and a half it rained every other day. This is the longest stretch we have had without rain and its only been four days. I have been doing a lot of comtemplating about my life. I am feel ing that I am scrambling to get things done before I return to school. Its all good, but sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. I have been having a lot of feelings of unrest and longing; needing more. Needing more free time. Needing more New York. (I hardly ever get a chance to go becasue of stuff in CT, but I know I should be there every weekend.) Needing romance. ( I am pending divorce and am a Christian who believe in the sanctity of marriage, but I am also a vibrant, loving being who has emotional and physical needs.) I constantly struggle to keep my many sides in check. I do plan to remarry some day, but in the meantime, its rough! I won't date or even consider starting a relationship until after I am divorces and that won't be until the end of the year. I find ways to occupy myself, but I miss being romanced and courted, so I write. I am considering writing a book about these very issues. Christianity does not absolve us from sexuality.

Its 12:55 am. I have been home since 11:15. It all started about 6:45. I got out of work at 6:00, went to the store to buy balloons, a cake, party plates and coffee creamer. I had the baker write "8 Steps". Her writing was terrible, but it was the sentiment that counted. I was so excited. I raced home to pack my car, shower and pick an outfit, and do my hair. I made fresh coffee, grabbed a big cup and did my makeup on the way to the show. I prepped all week and was amped all day. I called my friend Jon,my other opening act. he was debuting at The Mansion. This was a long time coming and I was very excited for him. 5 minutes from The Mansion Moonshine called me and told me everyone was looking for me. I told her "I'm 5 minutes away and am fashionably late." It was a full house and I was thoroughly amped!!! I introduced the night and had to read the riot act to a couple of my friends who were being really loud, but I love you anyway. You know who you are. Moonshine opened with two songs and then we played our four songs together. I tore up the background vocals and tamborine. Moonshine looked and played well. The house was full, the vibe was fabulous. Moonshine, Rob and I were blowing up balloons. Attendees were playing with them with us. I was ready to rock. About mid way through Jon's second song "This is America", a cop enters the room and seems to look directly at me and says "Shut it down!." Then just in case we didn't fully understand he repeats himself. I jumped up and turned off the CD player and as the cops went one way, I went the other way and encouraged everyone within earshot to leave. Now! It was a scene out of the movies. Fortunately it was not pandamonium, although I almost had an anxiety attack when the "lead" officer told me I could not take anything,I just had to leave and come back and get my stuff later. All I could think about was leaving both my guitars. Being someone who generally sleeps with at least one of my guitars in my room, I was stunned. The thought of being without not one, but both of my favorite guitars blew my mind. I felt myself becoming flustered and heading for a full blown anxiety attack. I could not imagine leaving both my guitars behind. I pleaded with one of the other officers and explained my dilemma. He was sympathetic and let me take one. Moonshine and I ran to get our guitars and headed for the door. Jon was very supportive. In fact everyone who came out; shouts out to rob, Paula and Frank P, Ronnie N, Moonshine's mom, Jane and George, all the fans and especially Ed and Mary for their support. As I was scrambling to get out. I was very regretful that I didn't get a chance to play, but more importantly, I felt like we let out fans down. I wished I had suggested moving the show to my house or to the British Art Museum for an outdoor performance, but all I could think about was not getting arrested. When I was younger, it was cool to get arrested and rebel. Now that I am older with a reputation to protect, its not so cool anymore. I spent the next two hours on the phone connecting with friends and fans. I ate my 3 piece Popeye's chicken wing combo while watching my favorite guilty pleasure "Sex and The City and then decided I had to blog. Its 1:50 and I watching my other guilty pleasure "What Not to Wear". I am getting tired and I have to work my day job tomorrow. I believe that everything happens for a reason and out of everything comes goo. I would like to think that those who came to my CD release party will remember this night and the next time you see my name, you will remember what you missed and show up at the next Shadow sighting. Peace.

Digital OverDose Musical Productions is a developing endeavor that is working to provide a variety of artistic services:
- Sound recording
- Sound tracking
- Promotional pictures and video production
- Small to medium concert production
- Custom made jewelry, - Printing services: everything from business cards to posters to brochures
- Hand crocheted scarfs, hats, handbags, scarfs a chocker/scarf)
For information call (203) 606-2456

I was working on Saturday just doing my thing.
When to my suprise the phone did ring.
It was a co-worker who said she would come to the office soon.
She told me " I got a little something for you."
When she arrived she gave to me a giant, Oatmeal Raisin cookie. These were my favorite, I asked how she knew. She told me "I was in the audience when you sung your truth about how these cookies meant so much to you." Its funny how things make the way into songs and help to mold us all along. She came to the show and stayed briefly. Just long enough to share her good vibe and have her heart touched. I was so humbled and grateful she chose to go out of her way. To make such a huge statement with a cookie she did say. Thank you Yolanda Brown for making my day.

Shadow and Moonshine Kellie have been invited to perform at The Elemental Energy Productions Fundraiser, Saturday July 11th around 7- 7:30 at The Mansion, 87 Sherland Avenue, New Haven.
Other Indie artists will be performing to help raise money and awareness of Elemental Energy Productions, a solar powered, production company that presents artisitic shows using a solar powered PA and educates around green technologies. Check the webiste on Myspace under Elemental Energy and come out to support a great cause!

Light A Candle

This week the world lost three of the most famous people alive; Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed MacMahon. Each gave of themselves through art to the world. Being a musician and a lover of music, Michael Jackson had the most profound effect on me. I feel that we are incarnations of everything we see, hear, smell, taste and touch, so Micheal's music, Farrah's strength, Ed's jokes all live in me and in all who have ever been exposed to them. In the midst of all the mahem around their deaths, it is easy for less famous deaths to pass under the radar unnoticed. I would like to take this opportunity to light an emotional candle, to shed my tears and take a moment of silence for not just for Michael, Farrah and Ed, but for all those who passed and for all of us who are left behind. Peace.

Saturday 6/20, Shadow and Moonshine Kellie played to a packed house at the Mansion. The Eli Whitney Dental Tech Program celebrated its graduation and a great time was had by all. As usual, the hosts Mary and Ed rolled out the Red Carpet and invited all who came in. Special thanks to their cousin, but I can't remember his name for all his help with the gear. The crowd was warm and welcoming. Thanks for the love!(CHECK OUT THE PICTURES IN THE PHOTO GALLERY)
"I was very impressed with the quality of Shadow's music. I especially enjoyed the way she introduced her feelings concerning how she came to write the words she sang. The introduction made the words more beautiful and you listened more intently. I love her style and I hope she gets whatever break in her music career thats out there for everyone. She also has a beautiful personality and is very personable. Great job Shadow."
Lovella Mayo 6/20

"Keep on doing poetry."
Love Vera 6/20

On Sunday 6/21, Shadow and Moonshine blew the roof off at The Low Key Cafe! (CHECK MOONSHINES PIC WITH HER MOM AND DAD) The food was "slap your best friend good! Friend chicken, wrap sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks Coffee, homemade macaroni salad and cake. It was phenomenal! Everyone upped their game from the host who was dead on to the performers who all gave stellar performances, to the volunteers who would give any 4 star restaurant staff a run for their money and the architect behind the magic, John C. added new elements to give it an extra dazzle. It was obvious and noticeable.

"Love your lyrics. Sweet!"
Tameeka

"What can I say, Wow! You know you hit right on the head. You said gospel truth period."
Steve

"Good job. Good luck to your future."
Felicia

"Great job, good luck with the new CD."
Dave Matiolo

"A Great Diva. You're a great person. Again, thank you for all you have done to help Moonshine Kellie. Love to you."
Kellie's Mom

"Very good job Shadow. You were excellent. Hope you come out with more music. See you soon."
T. Vasseur

The Secret Open Mike at The Mansion on Saturday, June 20th at 9pm has been changed. Shadow and Moonshine Kellie will perform as featured artists at The Mansion at 5pm on the small stage. Shadow will be showcasing her new CD "8 Steps Forward" as well as her jewelry.
Later in the evening, Ronnie Neuhauser and his band will be performing on the big stage with Convergence.
As always, admission and a fabulous buffet are free! So bring tip and merch money and have a great evening out.

If I got up and walked away and didn't have a word to say. Would anyone care? Would anyone care?
If I wore my heart up on my sleeve and didn't have the faith to see. Would anyone care? Would anyone care?
I don't always feel happy.
All my days are not always bright.
Sometimes my blue skies are cloudy and I can't see the sunlight.
If I give up and walk quit my life and I no longer want to fight.
Would anyone care?
Would anyone care?
Would anyone care?
Does anyone care?

We arrived around the same time Jon and I. Moonshine, my co-host was there and called me as I was driving into the parking lot. Jona dn I set up and by 7:30 we were ready to go. My old mentor and friend Ronnie Neuhauser surprised us and came to the show. I was glad to see him. We talked about some important things and after not talking for several months, all was set right again. He was the first person to buy a copy of 8 Steps Forward. Rocking Rhonda was the brave soul who graced the stage with her rendition of "At Last" by Etta James. She was really good! She dedicated the song to her friends who were celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary. And tonight was Rhonda's birthday. We sung happy birthday to her. Moonshine and I rotated sets, Jon got up and did a few poems. Wel l they were actually songs which he recited. I sung an acappella called "My 34th Birthday". I hadn't sung it in a long time, but I have had it on my mind. there were several people who were listening throughout the evening and really seemed to enjoy the music. Thanks!

Hello and God Bless! I am loving life and hope you are too! 8 Steps Forward is officially released and we are celebrating with a few cd release parties and several performances. I would love for you to join me.
In addition, the video production division Full Blown, Home Grown is blooming and we are editing the first video and hope to put it up by the end of June. Showdates!

Shadow
with metaphysical pop rock band, Convergence and
folk songbird, Moonshine Kellie and a couple of special guest performances.
SATURDAY, MAY 23RD 8pm at The Mansion
87 Sherland Avenue in New Haven.
Directions are simple, go all the way up Grand Avenue past the Grand Ave bridge. Go a few feet past Sherland and turn left at the brick pillars into a long drive way.
This event is not to be missed! The Mansion is a fabulous place and the owners are incredible people who support Indie art. A night at the Mansion is a celebration of living and art jammed packed with great fun, a free meal and coffee and getting to know friends you haven't met yet. Merchandise will be for sale and admission is free!

The Secret Open Mike Series will being revealed at The Mansion
SATURDAY, MAY 30TH AT 7PM
Location 87 Sherland Avenue in New Haven
The Secret Open Mike is going to be happening on the 3rd SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. Hosted by Shadow. PA system, guitar and keyboard will be available. Bring an instrument if you like and a positive attitude to perform or to simple enjoy like music and spoken word. Starting in June, there will be a featured artist. If you would like to be a feature, call DO Music at (203) 606-2456 or see Shadow at the event.
DO Music is launching The Secret in two locations, the Mansion and DO Music.
JUNE DATES FOR The Secret Open Mike
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH AT 7PM AT THE MANSION
SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH AT Digital Overdose Musical Productions at 11 Elmer Avenue in Hamden.
These are tip driven events to support Indie art and pay for electricity.

8 Steps Forward has been over a year in the making and the first in a series of cd release parties will be SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST AT THE LOW KEY CAFE at The Berean Christian Center, 989 New Haven Avenue in Milford, CT. Host and fellow artist, John Ciambriello is helping us to make this a very special night. Every moth for the last two and half years, John has run this Expressive Arts open mike featuring all levels of artist presenting music and words from the heart. The Low Key Cafe offers a warm, supportive environment for those who love performing arts, featuring free, yes free Starbucks coffee served in real Low key mugs, fresh italian pastries and danish and the best staff of volunteers in all of Connecticut. Moonshine Kellie will also be performing, as well as the regular open mike section. There will be a special menu including cake, chicken and more.
This is also a tip driven event. Admission is free and open to the public. Copies of 8 Steps Forward will be available for sale.

In July, we move the celebration to the Bridgeport Low Key Cafe THURSDAY, JULY 30TH. Location to be announced.

The summer is going to be FABULOUS! We are going to be taking the music to the streets literally with several street performances in CT and NYC. Convergence led singer, Jon White is partnering with Shadow to debut as a singer/songwriter artist. Look for emails on dates and locations. In the meantime, if no one told they love you today, I do. Peace. Shadow.

My girl Moonshine came over to pick up a few demo cd's and business cards. She played the raw edits of her upcoming cd and I wa blown out of my shoes. Her friend Matt recorded and mixed and I can honestly say he put his foot all in it. I listened to the songs on Windows Media Player and I was in a zone. In spite of a migraine that had been brewing since yesterday, I wa able to sit and listen and actually flet better a11 songs later. Moonshine and I don't get together as oftern as I would like so to of rip raoring

We are ready to launch our new season of activities and I am so excited. The Secret is ready to be revealed. Join me for a monthly coffee house experience featuring Starbucks coffee, exotic tea, sweets, a featured artist and an open mike. There is no cover only a suggested donation of $3. Our spring schedule is every 4th Saturday from 8 to 11pm. If you would like to attend or perform as a feature, call me at (203) 606-2456. Hope to see you Saturday, June 27th.

Shadow & Company will be playing with Convergence on 5/23 at The Mansion. Showtime is 8pm and we will be featuring my latest line of jewelry and my latest cd release " 8 Steps Forward". This is a tip driven show, but you must call for the secret location. Its worth a trip from anywhere.

Official Release Party
Celebrate the release of "8 Steps Forward" with me on Fathers Day, Sunday, June 21 at the Low Key Cafe, at The Berean Christian Center at 989 New Haven Avenue in Milford CT from 7 to 10pm. This is also a tip driven event with free refreshments.
Happy Spring. See you soon! (203) 606-2456

If I didn't know any better I would think this was the day from hell. Over the last 24 hours, I tried to load my files to Oasis for the printingof the cd, but failed because the files were 24 bit and they needed to be 16 bit. I tried to register for school after waiting for what seemed like forever to be able to register on line. When I finally went to register, I was told I did not meet the requirements. After looking for 15 minutes, I found them on our website and found that although yesterday was the first day to register becuase I was a freshman, I had to wait until Friday. Then I ask a co-worker for a ride home because a family member is using my car and she forgets to give me a ride and leaves me on the job. I call her on her cell phone, but she doesn't answer. Then my estranged husband is supposed to be watching our 8 year old son so I can work and he dips out early without telling me and leaves my older son to watch him without letting him know that he planned to leave early. Well, I know that when one door closes another door opens and everything happens for a reason.

Join me for night to remember at the house that was built for President Abe Lincoln as a retirement home, right in New Haven, CT. Saturday, April 18th, showtime is 8pm. Metaphysical pop rock trio Convergence, contemporary pop guitarist, Gus DuBovic and I will be playing in warm, cozy, intimate acoustic environment. For details, call (203) 606-2456. See you at the Mansion.

"8 Steps Forward" is finally done!!! Set and and ready to go to OASIS. We expect to be having the first in a series of cd release parties starting at the end of April. Check out the first two singles under music and let me know what you think. It has been a long road, but well worth the journey. It was a grat learning process. It was aggravating at times and sometimes it felt like the mixing and editing process would never end. When I listened to all it the first time a few days ago, I felt like a new mom. I have given birth to a new album and I couldn't be more proud. Congratulations to my former bass player, Joe Cavanaugh!!!

I have been so busy in school and recording the album that I forgot to add new content. Sorry. I have noticed my visitorship decreasing rapidly and I want everone to know that I will be more consistent and I have some exciting things going on. The new album " 8 Steps Forward" is being released on line and out of the trunk of my car during shows in April 2009. I am again rebuilding the site to include new pics, music and videos. Check out the new single "Rose Colored Glasses" under the music section and hit me back under the guestbook. No gags, ads or crude comments. Peace.