Singer/Songwriter ~ Community Song Leader ~ Workshop Facilitator
Believing that “what we sing is who we are,” Denise’s music reveals much about her Midwestern roots, her love of regional culture and history, and her passion for beauty, justice, and seeking ways to make a positive difference in her community and the world.
Denise is recognized as one of the Midwest's finest singers of traditional and historical music, particularly the Celtic, French-Canadian and traditional American songs which were popular in 18th and early-19th century America. However, in recent years she has focused increasingly on writing her own songs and finding new avenues for sharing them. The power and depth of her songwriting combined with the humor and spontaneity of her live performances generates enthusiastic new fans wherever she performs.
In recent years Denise has shifted the main focus of her musical life from her own performances to creating opportunities to lead others in song. She directs a 75-member community choir (Blue Moon Rising) and leads people in song at one-time community sings, women's organizations, state parks, protest marches, and other venues. She is part of a growing global movement to gather people together to sing as a way to experience joy, connect with ourselves and others, and use communal singing as a way of serving our communities and working for social justice.
BACKGROUND: Denise's educational background (a B.A. in French and a Ph.D. in American History) has provided both inspiration and a solid foundation for the historical and traditional music she plays. She has shared her music in schools, concert halls, festivals, and cultural events, but she also sings regularly with those who live with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. On three separate occasions she has received Individual Artist Fellowships from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts to fund the creation of programs which use music as a vehicle to explore women's history, the French history of the Midwest, and the role of music in promoting justice. These programs, tailored to the age and composition of the audience, have been well-received at conferences, colleges (convocations and small workshops), public schools, and libraries.
Denise also performs with the folk band Traveler's Dream which plays Celtic, traditional American and original music. Traveler's Dream has toured widely throughout the U.S. and has gained many fans who enjoy their close vocal harmonies, creative arrangements, and skillful playing on a wide variety of acoustic instruments.
(For more on Traveler's Dream, visit www.travelersdream.net.)
Denise is recognized as one of the Midwest's finest singers of traditional and historical music, particularly the Celtic, French-Canadian and traditional American songs which were popular in 18th and early-19th century America. However, in recent years she has focused increasingly on writing her own songs and finding new avenues for sharing them. The power and depth of her songwriting combined with the humor and spontaneity of her live performances generates enthusiastic new fans wherever she performs.
In recent years Denise has shifted the main focus of her musical life from her own performances to creating opportunities to lead others in song. She directs a 75-member community choir (Blue Moon Rising) and leads people in song at one-time community sings, women's organizations, state parks, protest marches, and other venues. She is part of a growing global movement to gather people together to sing as a way to experience joy, connect with ourselves and others, and use communal singing as a way of serving our communities and working for social justice.
BACKGROUND: Denise's educational background (a B.A. in French and a Ph.D. in American History) has provided both inspiration and a solid foundation for the historical and traditional music she plays. She has shared her music in schools, concert halls, festivals, and cultural events, but she also sings regularly with those who live with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. On three separate occasions she has received Individual Artist Fellowships from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts to fund the creation of programs which use music as a vehicle to explore women's history, the French history of the Midwest, and the role of music in promoting justice. These programs, tailored to the age and composition of the audience, have been well-received at conferences, colleges (convocations and small workshops), public schools, and libraries.
Denise also performs with the folk band Traveler's Dream which plays Celtic, traditional American and original music. Traveler's Dream has toured widely throughout the U.S. and has gained many fans who enjoy their close vocal harmonies, creative arrangements, and skillful playing on a wide variety of acoustic instruments.
(For more on Traveler's Dream, visit www.travelersdream.net.)
In addition to general concerts of original, traditional, and contemporary folk music, Denise offers the following special programs:
WOMEN'S VOICES, WOMEN'S SONGS
Perfect for women's organizations, professional associations, women's retreats, and colleges.
A CELTIC MIDWINTER CELEBRATION (with Michael Lewis)
Traditional and original songs to celebrate the winter season, Christmas, and the New Year.
SONGS FOR THE EARTH
The earth is a living being in distress, and her suffering will increasingly become our own. Our planet needs us to help heal its body and bring it back to wholeness. The songs in this program, written by a variety of voices in different times and places, celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet.
GROUP SINGING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Bring Denise to your organization or event to experience the power of group singing! Denise has worked with groups of all sizes and ages and can tailor a fun experience that will build community and give singers and non-singers alike the opportunity to create beautiful and soulful music!
For more information, contact Denise at [email protected]
WOMEN'S VOICES, WOMEN'S SONGS
Perfect for women's organizations, professional associations, women's retreats, and colleges.
A CELTIC MIDWINTER CELEBRATION (with Michael Lewis)
Traditional and original songs to celebrate the winter season, Christmas, and the New Year.
SONGS FOR THE EARTH
The earth is a living being in distress, and her suffering will increasingly become our own. Our planet needs us to help heal its body and bring it back to wholeness. The songs in this program, written by a variety of voices in different times and places, celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet.
GROUP SINGING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Bring Denise to your organization or event to experience the power of group singing! Denise has worked with groups of all sizes and ages and can tailor a fun experience that will build community and give singers and non-singers alike the opportunity to create beautiful and soulful music!
For more information, contact Denise at [email protected]