melaniejane

Singer, songwriter, electric cello, guitar, piano, accordion, tambourine, shakers... side-guy/co-pilot for pat mAcdonald in Purgatory Hill. from time to time, side-guy for Victoria Vox and Ruby James.

melaniejane also continues to perform solo as a singer/songwriter and has also been developing a new sound over these past few years with her electric cello and backing tracks. It all began while trying to come up with something "different" to perform at the No More Handguns benefit (Tribute to John Lennon) at Linneman's Riverwest Inn in Milwaukee, WI. "Come Together" was the first performance in this medium and the performance of this song continues to be a hit with audiences wherever it is performed.

melaniejane performs regularly with pat mAcdonald as--what she affectionately calls herself--his "sideguy" in Purgatory Hill. Playing electric cello, percussion, keyboard, background vocals and accordion against his raw guitar, cigarbox guitar, harmonica and full-out, rock-on stomp board, these two carry the weight of a full band. While performing with pat, melaniejane truly finds herself "at home" as they rock their way across the US.

In addition to working with these artists, melaniejane has performed throughout the US and has appeared with/opened for such noted artists as: Sam Llanas (The BoDeans--Slash/Warner Bros.), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes--ALMO), Ruby James, The Buggs, The Silos (Bloodshot Records), Sigmund Snopek and Dick Parry (saxophonist from Pink Floyd), John Doe (of X), Alejandro Escovedo (Bloodshot), Chris Smither (Signature Sounds), Brian VanderArk (The Verve Pipe--RCA), Sally Timms (Mekons), Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing--Slash/Warner Bros.), Mary Fahl (October Project), Jen Chapin, Dan Bern, Mary Lee's Corvette...

AIRPLAY

melaniejane's music has been featured on National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' as well as college radio stations both in the US and in Europe. She has also been a featured guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground" and the popular syndicated radio show "Hotel Milwaukee" as well as a frequent, live on-air guest in the WMSE studios. Recently mj appeared with pat mAcdonald on the NPR nationally syndicated program 'Whad'Ya Know?' hosted by Michael Feldman

GOOD CAUSES

melaniejane has proudly donated performances as part of fundraising events for Citizens for Our Bridge / Steel Bridge SongFest (Sturgeon Bay, WI), The Hunger Task Force (Nod to Bob @ Linneman's Riverwest Inn), Gilda's Club, Jamin' for the Arts (to benefit the arts programs in the Racine/Kenosha school districts), Hurricane Jam Relief Fund, The American Diabetes Association, The Women's Shelter Coalition, Empty Bowls (proceeds feed the homeless), WAVE and Brady Campaign (for more strict and sensible handgun laws), The Bridge School for Physically Challenged Children (founded by Neil Young), GoGirlsMusicFest "Get Hip to Hep C"..... whenever possible, please support these fine organizations.

HONORS

1999 WAMI nominee -- String Performer

2000 WAMI nominee -- Female Vocalist of the Year

2000 WAMI nominee -- Folk Artist

2000 WAMI nominee -- Strings

2003 - Best of Milwaukee -- Female Performer