Jen Waters | News

Performance at Hotel Cafe

Jen Waters performed at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on March 2, 2010. She is pictured here with guitarist Peter Fox.

You can watch the performance on YouTube (all songs written by Jen Waters except where noted):

Afternoon in Paris
When Someone You Love Calls Your Name
Saturday's Baby
Vanishing Point
The In-Between
I Said It First
Free Butterfly (written by Jen Waters & Bob Farrell)
Souvenirs
Me & You
Yellow Roses (written by Jen Waters & Bob Farrell)
All of My Life

ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop

Jen recently attended the ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in February 2010 at the Disney Feature Animation Studio Lot in Burbank, California. Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz is the leader of the event. She observed with the intentions of adapting her musical feature-film screenplays/book series, "The Magic Music Box Trilogy," into stage musicals.

"Where There Are Dreams" Awarded Honorable Mention in the 2009 USA Songwriting Competition

In December 2009, "Where There Are Dreams" received an honorable mention in the 2009 USA Songwriting Competition. The USA Songwriting Competition is one of the world's leading international songwriting events. The contest honors songwriters, composers, bands, and recording artists.

The 2009 Durango Songwriters Expo in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jim Attebery, founder and president of the Durango Songwriters Expo, invited Jen to sing at the October event. Jen performed three songs, including "Yellow Roses" (watch on YouTube).

"The Magic Music Box Trilogy" Completed

Jen recently finished writing her first middle-grade fantasy book series, titled "The Magic Music Box Trilogy." The first novel in the series is called "The Magic Music Box," followed by "The Horse Gate," and "The Way of The Whirlwind." The target audience of the books is 8- to 10-year-old girls. Adults can also appreciate the trilogy's inspiring themes. Each of the novels has music interwoven into its plot. She is currently looking for a publisher. She has adapted the novels into musical feature-film screenplays with original songs. She hopes they will be stage musicals one day.

"Where There Are Dreams" Awarded Honorable Mention in Billboard World Song Contest

In July 2009, "Where There Are Dreams" received honorable mention in the 16th annual Billboard World Song Contest. This is an impressive feat! According to the contest director, with thousands of entries coming in each year exemplifying top-notch-quality songs, there seems to be a trend promoting an ever-increasing level of songwriting.

Commentary Video From the John Lennon Songwriting Contest

A video has been posted with commentary from winners of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Watch Jen talk about her song (follow the link and click on the image that says "The John Lennon Songwriting Contest").

"Yellow Roses" Awarded Honorable Mention in "Unisong" Contest

In October 2007, "Yellow Roses" was awarded an honorable mention in the 11th annual (2006-2007) "Unisong" International Song Contest. Songs were submitted from more than 90 countries around the world.

"Yellow Roses" Recorded by Karly Mitchiner

In September 2007, Karly Mitchiner of Alvin, Texas, recorded "Yellow Roses" at Omnisound Recording Studios in Nashville, Tenn. She is recording her first CD.

Karly's recording can be heard on her Web site at www.myspace.com/karlyskindofcountry.

Two Honorable Mentions in 2007 Billboard World Contest

In May 2007, the songs "Yellow Roses" and "Bridge of Sighs" received honorable mentions in the 14th annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest. An honorable mention is given in recognition of having an original composition among the top 1,500 entries. The honor demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a "hit song." Only the highest quality songs make it to the top!

"Yellow Roses" at 2007 ASCAP EXPO

In April 2007, "Yellow Roses" was chosen for the country song listening panel at the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO in Los Angeles, Calif. Ralph Murphy, vice president for ASCAP Nashville, moderated the session.

Virginia Showcases in January 2007

In January 2007, Jen participated in a Songwriter's Association of Washington showcase at Bangkok Blues in Falls Church, Va., and a Folk Club of Reston/Herndon showcase at the Tortilla Factory in Herndon, Va.

The 2006 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition

In January 2007, "Yellow Roses" won an honorable mention in the country category of the 2006 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition.

http://www.songdoor.com/finalists.htm

Jen at the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In October 2006, Jen performed at the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington D.C. (pictured to the right). She took part in "Through the Eyes of Hope," an exhibit of Linda Smith's photography. Rwandan singer Jean Paul Samputu also performed.

Jen at the 219 Restaurant

In August 2006, Jen peformed a showcase of her music at The 219 Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Va. Guitarist Michael Yugo accompanied her.

ASCAP Writer's Showcase

On May 1, 2006, Jen performed "Yellow Roses" at the ASCAP Writer's Showcase at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Her song was one of 12 winning songs submitted by songwriters from the Mid-Atlantic region. The showcase followed a one-hour interview, where Michael Kerker, vice president for musical theatre at ASCAP, spoke with Stephen Schwartz, the host for the event. Mr. Schwartz is best known for composing the Broadway shows Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. He also won Academy Awards for his musical contributions to the movies Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt.

"Yellow Roses" at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest

"My vote is 'Yellow Roses.' I think it's the all-around best country song. Hooky, simple, well-constructed and clever."

--Kevin Bacon, actor
and musician,
John Lennon Songwriting Contest Judge

"Yellow Roses," a song Jen co-wrote with Nashville songwriter Bob Farrell, recently became the Grand Prize Winner in the country category of the 2005 Session-I John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The prizes included $5,500 worth of musical equipment.

Watch Jen on the commentary video (follow the link and click the picture)

Jen at the Iota

In 2006, Jen regularly performed at the Wednesday-night open mike at the Iota Club and Café in Arlington, Va.