NEWS

September, 2006
LOVE & FEAR NOW FOR SALE ONLINE!

I can't believe it's almost been a year since I wrote anything in this space so I'll drag out the old saws, 'How time flies!' and 'Better later than never!' I do want to share some exciting news now, though. In the past month or so, I've finally taken the plunge into deepest cyberspace and I'd like to report my results.

First I began by creating a page for myself at the wildly popular myspace.com. The nicest feature of this networking site is that it includes a section for "Friends" which I've accumulated by searching out musicians with a similar poetic leaning or who have been influential in some way, or who are just plain fantastic, and adding them to my list. If you'd like to view my page, just go to:

   www.myspace.com/juliarohanmusic

However, if you really want to delve into the mysteries of myspace, you'll be asked to create your own profile, which costs nothing and can be done in just a few minutes. If you want to create a fabulous space, you can always go back later and work on it. WARNING! This activity can be extremely addictive!

Secondly, I discovered through one of my Myspace friends that there's a virtual store through which I could sell my CDs. I'd been hoping to find a more efficient method for distributing my music, since up to now it's only been locally, at shows, through the Townshippers Association and of course, through my good friends in Knowlton and Sutton who play it in their shops and restaurants and keep a few extra to sell.

Now, if you go to the bottom of the Recordings section of this site, my 'home' site, you'll be able to see a little logo of a baby's face inside a CD. Just one click on that logo and you'll be instantly transported to the CDBABY website, where Love & Fear has its very own page. It's a wonderful arrangement for me, because they do all the work and keep a commission on each sale, while I get instant feedback and weekly payment. So, if you've ever thought of buying my CD, now's the time to do it!

That's it for now. Thanks for visiting! And please, don't hesitate to send me your comments at:

   jkrohan@gmail.com.

November, 2005
MADLY OFF IN ALL DIRECTIONS

At last, I'm getting around to updating my site!

First of all, I want to thank all the people who have repeatedly asked me when I'm going to put out another CD. I still have lots of copies of the first one left and Christmas is just around the corner, so why not order one for your Aunt Mabel? But really, there are no plans in the works at the moment. I'm a writer primarily, so the songs evolve from the words, and right now I'm all worded out since I started working on my young adult fantasy-adventure trilogy "Weaverworld", (soon to be in a bookstore near you if all goes well.) From time to time I think about breaking out of the box with my songwriting by starting with some really interesting rhythm tracks. I've been talking to my son Ryan lately and we've toyed with the idea of joining forces, which I would obviously love. He has amazing musical instincts and a really open mind, which are two traits required of any good collaborator on such projects.

Secondly, I'm really excited to announce that I've now got a full year of cello playing under my belt. I went a little crazy last year and started lessons, bought myself an instrument, and then got involved in an all-ages orchestra in Sutton. It's really difficult for someone without a youngster's agile fingers to start learning a stringed instrument as demanding as the cello, but as they say, no pain, no gain. I try to practice an hour a day, and though my teacher assures me I'm improving all the time, it continues to be a challenge. However, the rewards are huge. Sitting in an orchestra playing classical music (even badly) is a heady experience.

Now, that's not to say I don't play guitar anymore. In fact, I've been playing bluegrass lately. One Saturday a month, I put on my cowboy boots and amble on over to the Waterloo Legion Hall and jam with the old boys and gals at the Townshipper's Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Association. I love bluegrass: guitar, fiddle, stand-up bass, mandolin, dobro, all chugging along together with people singing great harmonies. I feel like kind of a tourist, mind you, but nobody seems to care as long as I hold up my end of the rhythm.

Well, that's it for now. Please note that my email address has changed. If you want to contact me, please use jkrohan@gmail.com. Once again, thanks for your interest and support. Farewell for now!

September, 2003
LOVE & FEAR LAUNCHED AT LAST

After a year-long gestation period, my CD "Love & Fear" was finally pressed and packaged in July. To save money, I did all the artwork and desktop publishing (putting a few of the skills learned in my former occupations to work!).

The response to the CD has been wonderful so far. It's available at Agnes & Grace in Knowlton, at the Double Hook Bookshop in Montreal, and via the Townshippers Association offices in Cowansville and Lennoxville. Of course if none of those places are convenient, you can just order through this website. (See the page under "Recordings"). And finally, I always keep a few copies in my car, so honk if you want one!

CBC RADIO INTERVIEW ON 91.7 FM, FRIDAY SEPT. 12, 2003

Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday the 12th of September, the CBC Radio show "Breakaway" will be broadcast from the Emmanuel United Church in Cowansville. Host Madonna Hammel will be interviewing a few local singers/musicians, myself among them. I'm supposed to be on between 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and will sing one or two songs live, so listen in if you get a chance...

Julia is interviewed on CBC's "Breakaway" by Madonna Hamel

The sound was beautiful inside Cowansville's Emmanuel United Church

TOWNSHIPPERS DAY, SATURDAY SEPT. 13, 2003

This year Townshippers Day is Saturday Sept. 13 in Cowansville. It's going to be a busy day for me: I'll have a table at one of the crafts displays, showing my hand-painted artworks on wooden objects, plus a few small paintings (to see samples of my work, go to www.juliarohan.ca). Then at noon, at Emmanuel United Church, I'll be performing a few songs with the cast of the Storyland3 production "Broadway Valentine". Then later still, at 3:30 p.m., I'll be singing a few songs from the CD at the Townships Expressions event under the tent in front of St. Léon school. Drop by and meet some of the other local musicians, artists and writers whose works are sold through the Townshippers Association.

SECOND SUNDAYS COFFEEHOUSE

Right after Townshippers, I'll be zipping over to Theatre Tournesol on Hwy. 139 for the Second Sundays at Seven (though this time it's on Saturday) coffeehouse. This catered event will feature lots of local talent, and I'll be singing a few songs on my own and a few with friends Darleen Bell and Di Plant. If you want to eat, get there between 5 and 7 p.m. If you just want to see the show, be there at 7 p.m. Donations go to Storyland3 Productions to help them finance their theatre projects, such as the upcoming dinner-theatre production of "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talkin" which begins Thursday, September 25th.

Be sure to check out upcoming Gigs & Bookings.