ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop
Jen was recently invited to attend the ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in April and May 2008 at the Disney Feature Animation Studio Lot in Burbank, California. Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz is the leader of the event. She applied with the intentions of adapting her middle-grade novel, "The Magic Music Box," into a musical.
"The Magic Music Box" Completed
Jen recently finished editing her first middle-grade fantasy novel,
titled "The Magic Music Box." The target audience of the book is 8- to 10-year-old girls. It also has an inspiring song called "Dream a Dream
With Me." She is currently looking for a publisher.
"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.
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"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!
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"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. |
 "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.
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Jen at the Iota
In 2006, Jen regularly performed at the Wednesday-night open mike at
the Iota Club and Café in Arlington, Va.
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