My dear music family,

Happy New Year! We’re only the first week in and 2020 already feels different than any other I’ve ever experienced. It all started out at a NYE party where I had the most fantastic time, almost as if it was a dream. The most perfect dream, where time stood still and everything looked and felt amazing; the ambiance, the music (John Arthur Bigham, who I will be playing with later this month, was rocking the house) the people dancing, all bathed in the afterglow the holiday brings.

Anyone who saw the pictures of the night said I looked so pretty, and I guess it was how I was feeling inside!

Someone once told me we have infinite versions of ourselves in a parallel universe living out different lives. It almost feels like when we are aligning with our soul, it leaps to another level of consciousness. For me, that’s how I’ve been feeling lately!

I feel like I am finally stepping into a new version of myself, a new level I haven’t been able to reach before. Maybe because of some old stories and limiting beliefs I’ve had about myself.

This past year I’ve let all of the old stories go. It’s as if my soul has known all along what I came here to do and now, it’s syncing up with my physical self.

Welcome to Christine v2.0!

The show at The Hotel Cafe on Sunday,1/26 at 7pm is going to be precisely that, a new version, more intimate than ever. You are going to see me and hear some familiar songs, but it’s going to be different, more stripped-down with only four of us on stage and I’ll be playing piano more than ever before!

I’ll be singing to your soul, your heart, as you’ve never heard before. If that sounds crazy good, imagine what it will feel like in person!  I think you’ll have to come to The Hotel Cafe and find out for yourself! ☺

Here’s a little bit about the dream team for the evening…

• Evan Zee, guitarist, songwriter and “one gold guy”. Evan has the purest, most authentic voice and his writing is so beyond his years. Coming together with him and adding his voice to the harmonies is the most unexpected delight!
• John Arthur Bigham…I am so completely floored by his voice, his heart and his consistency. I’m honored to write with him and I’m so excited for you to hear the songs we’ve written together and the songs from John’s new album “7 Letters to my Lover”.
• Carli Wright is a beautiful singer-songwriter and actress who hails from Nashville. We met singing at church and clicked instantly! She has this music in her bones!  Our voices blend like crazy and I can’t wait for you to hear us; goose-bump city!

I’m thrilled about these collaborations and the people I get to work with. I can’t wait to see you!  I’m laughing when I say this, but you may not recognize me when I come up and give you a big hug. I really feel I’ve changed so much!

All the little choices we make, our perspective and reactions relate to one another to create the kind of life we want. In the letting go of my old beliefs and stories, my future self and my present self are now besties, in the best possible way.

I share this with you as we begin this new decade together. What old stories and limiting beliefs can you let go of? What does your future self want for you? Share your intentions for 2020 in the comments below.

Meanwhile, here are the details for the show at The Hotel Cafe!

Buy Tix for Hotel Cafe

“Faith isn’t hoping that God will help you; faith is knowing that help is on the way.” – Gabrielle Bernstein

It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch. So many things have been happening, I don’t know where to start! You’ve heard me share about faith and surrender.  And 2019 continues to be a huge year of growth for me!

After the release of my album last year and all the promo surrounding it, I was starting to feel burnt out.

A part of me wondered how I could keep going on.

It was Spring, but inside it felt like Winter was already coming.

I fell into this default and started thinking, “maybe I am not good enough” and “I have to be the one who makes everything happen”.  As I replayed these thoughts over and over, they became my reality. Not a good feeling!

But once I hit this bottom, I received a gift…a new awareness of faith and surrender.

God has plans for me and here’s what I discovered:

I had to let go….

Letting go is complete trust. It’s not about taking action, making it happen or calculating the next move. I realize surrender is not giving up on my desires but instead giving up the worry and anxiety that surrounds them.

Having a positive expectation feels good!

When we align our thoughts and energy with positive expectation, we not only feel good, we can expect miracles!

I came across this quote from “A Course in Miracles”.

“Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait and wait without anxiety.” 

So, this is what I’ve been up to for the past 6 months.

I can’t say it’s been a smooth ride, but realizing I am the creator of my reality has shifted my life 180 degrees!  

Summer made way for a surge of creativity I hadn’t felt in a long time. I started setting time aside to write songs. Songs poured out of me with emotion and clarity, without a destination. It wasn’t for the next album or the next gig. Rather, it came from my heart as an offering.

Then the divine whispers started coming!

When I started to look at life through a new lens, things shifted. Without me having to push for things to be different or change anyone else.  I was enjoying more and allowing.

Then it happened…

Something that has never happened in all the years I’ve lived in LA.  Out of the blue, I got a text from Josh Arbour of Sound Collective, who books artists into music venues.

We met at The Hotel Cafe way back when and hadn’t stayed in touch, but he remembered me and the impact my music had on him!  And he invited me to do an entire night at The Hotel Café on January 26th!

I’m so excited to sing for you again, to share my songs with you and carry this healing gift of music!

So, I leave you with this today…

When it feels like nothing is happening on the outside, when it feels as if you’ve been forgotten and there is no way your dreams will ever come true, just hold on!!  God and the Universe are working!  There are divine whispers happening all around us, just for you!  

CHRISTINE ROSANDER AND FRIENDS
EVAN ZEE, JOHN ARTHUR BIGHAM
Sunday January 26^th The Hotel Café 7pm

Buy Tix for Hotel Cafe

“Inspiration is always trying to work with you. Trust in it and it will trust you.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert from “Big Magic”

Sitting at the piano playing, I felt every note, every word. Parts of me went to another place and time, where I was soaring. As the music poured out of me, my fear of falling off the edge vanished.  “Trust in the energy of the music, Christine. Just trust.”

As I recorded the video for the Tiny Desk Contest a few weeks ago, my heart overflowed. Can you see the love pouring out of me?

If you told me this time last year, where I would be today, I wouldn’t have believed you! It’s been a while since I last wrote, but remember my post about the amazing show I had at The Hotel Café?

“I want to stay curious and open to new experiences, collaborations and love.  I want to go places I never even thought possible and continue to grow and evolve as a musician and songwriter.”

After the show, my publicist Jill Kettles introduced me to singer-songwriter John A. Bigham. I think the universe conspired to bring this collaboration together so we both can stretch. In being seen for our different bodies of work and how something so different (Americana and Soul) can come together.  Our first collaboration is “Fall” and we debut the song in our video for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.

For me, writing and playing music is an act of love. And while it can feel scary (like falling off the edge) it is also exhilarating and exciting to stretch. Stretching in my faith and my belief in myself.  Turning my fear over to God so I can focus on serving more deeply, writing and sharing my love through my music and trusting this process with someone new, learning how to work together creatively.

Watch our video here. I’d love to hear what you think! Be sure to give us a thumb’s up!  We submitted it to the Tiny Desk Contest and surprisingly, I am not on pins and needles like I was last year waiting for results. See? I’m trusting in inspiration and believing Source and God have my back.  🙂

Sending you lots of love,
Christine

Will you shower me with some love and subscribe to my YouTube channel?

I did it! Celebrate! Pre-celebrate!  

At the beginning of 2018, my goal was to release an album and it’s been all about getting it out there…what a whirlwind it’s been and I DID IT!!!!!!

Now as the year is beginning to wind down, I am not only looking forward to collaborations to come in 2019, I’m celebrating all that I’ve accomplished!

I did SO much in 2018, released an album, got a publicist, radio promoter, signed with a music licensing agent, played multiple shows up and down California. All of this felt AMAZING and now instead of another year filled with goals, I’ve decided to make away with my list.

Credit: Phillip Angert

Singer songwriter Christine Rosander and singers performing at Hotel Cafe. Credit: Phillip Angert

Often, the New Year brings about things we want to create, filled with what we’d like to do or change; release weight, get a new job, travel or for me, be on stage performing live with my favorite singer-songwriter of all time.

Instead of the “what” and “how-to”–I’ve decided my word for 2019 is going to be curious.

“If you can let go of passion and follow your curiosity, your curiosity just might lead you to your passion.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert

I want to stay curious and open to new experiences, collaborations and love.  I want to go places I never even thought possible and continue to grow and evolve as a musician and songwriter.  Writing for me is an act of love.  It can feel scary, sharing my heart and experience so wholeheartedly, but love comes through the words.

And for me, to transmit love, well, there is no greater gift. 

Curiosity for me means leading with an open heart. When I am feeling open, I can make decisions from a place of empowerment vs. fear.

When I am feeling empowered, there’s a certain stance of confidence as I am taking action from a place of knowing.

Miles Davis said it best:

“It’s not about standing still and becoming safe.  If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change.”
― Miles Davis

On that note, if you haven’t signed up for my free stocking stuffer gift, there’s still time to enter to receive a personal gift from me. Comment on my FB post or here in the blog today and a winner will be chosen and gift sent out in time for Christmas!

Happy Holidays and I look forward to whooping up with y’all in the New Year!

Love,

Christine

Dear Music Family,

December greetings! I can’t believe it’s the season already (Happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating this week). Oh how I love this time of year, the music, lights, looking forward, a reminder of all the favorite things holiday brings (for me, it’s fresh baked cookies my mom used to make, fragrant pine needles on the tree, getting ready with holiday music at church).

I also know, first hand, how difficult the holiday season can be. I recall missing my mom so much that first Christmas without her. And in my last post, all of our friends displaced by the fires in California, my heart is with them as they rebuild. I am grateful we had a small part in contributing to The Northern California Fire Relief Fund from our last show in Sacramento.  This is just one of the ways we wanted to do our part.

Sometimes when I’ve been going and going (especially after 2 back to back shows!) it can feel overwhelming, as there isn’t a clear formula to gauge success. It was wonderful to see family and friends. The place was packed, and it was non-stop once we landed. I loved receiving feedback post-show, and this particular email put a big smile on my face. I read it to the crew as we were packing up to head back to LA.

“You were remarkable tonight, Christine! Congratulations!

I’m so happy I made the decision to let Charlie stay up late to join me. It was so special to see him enjoying your music and to know we’ll have a shared memory of the night together. We both cried during the song you dedicated the victims and their loved ones. After the bluegrass song, the guys played, Charlie said it sounded like “two cowboys running together shooting pistols.” That’s a compliment. 😉

We had to leave at 9:00 after “Over and Over” for bedtime but just wanted to share what a joy it was to see the fruits of your labor. I’m really happy for you! I thought more than once how much I wished your mom could see you. She would have been so so so proud and happy with you. 

Best wishes as you continue on!

Carrie (and Charlie!)”

In my book, this is a success!   And I’m carrying my mama in my heart this week, along with everyone who may need some “mothering”.

If you know someone needing a holiday pick me up– we’d love to shower him or her with a special goody-bag from our tour.  Between now and 12/15, go to our pinned post on FB and & IG and nominate someone you love.  I’ll send them a special package personally signed and wrapped with love.

Meanwhile, if you weren’t able to make it, here are pics and video from the show at Goldfield in Sacramento.

Love, Christine

P.S.  We are giving our CD’s a holiday makeover too!  Buy “Been a Long Time” and I will include “Smooth Ride” for free and personally sign and wrap them for you!  

Order yours here ☺

This post is dedicated to all the first responders, firefighters, those on the front lines in California and to those who were impacted by the shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks.  

For those of you who haven’t read in the news, there were two major wildfires in California, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, the worst being in Northern California in the town of Paradise near Sacramento. I just flew into the area this afternoon and we could smell the smoke upon landing.  We read about things in the news often, but when it hits so close to home (two of the victims of the shootings were personal friends of fellow church choir members) so many emotions can surface.

I’ve been sitting with this all week, feeling fine one minute, then helpless the next as I try to provide support to those who have lost loved ones, and even their homes. I am reminded during this time to allow myself to feel ALL of my feelings.

I am also grateful to have my music to turn to during challenging times– I’ve been able to find inspiration and imagination in songs and lyrics.

It’s important to set aside time to grieve the loss and also to allow in bits of happiness at the same time.

This Saturday, November 17th, I will be playing at Goldfield Trading Post in Sacramento.  In acknowledging all that has occurred, my intention will be to bring in more light, more love and shower all those in my hometown with the healing power of music.

If you happen to be in town, please come down and join me. I will be donating a percentage of my proceeds from the evening to The Northern California Fire Relief Fund.

Christine Rosander & Mick Taras at Goldfield Trading Post! This Saturday 11/17 at 7:30pm.

Even if you can’t make it, by purchasing a ticket, you will contribute to supporting the multitude of expenses that go along with producing a show–and you will be entered automatically to win a goody bag from me ☺

“He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect to. And that’s what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you.” 
~Hannah Harrington, Saving June

What a turnout! I am still reveling in the highs from last week’s show at The Hotel Café. Over 80 of you showed up; it was a full house packed from the stage all the way to the back of the bar.

I feel so blessed to share the magic of Mick and the band with you all. But what I am even holding closer to my heart is how we need these moments to keep us motivated and moving forward. I am reminded of God’s wisdom in how we can’t do it alone. And how much more we are capable of, that we don’t yet know (that we can do–especially today, don’t forget to go out and VOTE!)

Life can really change in a moment’s notice. This past Wednesday, we lost a dear and beloved member of our congregation, someone who was a pillar in our community.  I just saw his daughter at the show over the weekend. His passing was sudden and the grief has been palpable in so many ways.  I saw a recent interview with Bradley Cooper and he put into words all I’ve been feeling.

“The older I get, the more I realize time is the biggest currency and I want to keep learning and surrounding myself with people that are better than me so I can grow…that’s all you pray for as an actor.” – Bradley Cooper

This is why I am getting ready for yet another trip– surrounding myself with the band, preparing for a show in Sacramento. As “time is the biggest currency” we never know how long our loved ones are going to be with us.

We have to seize the moment and do all the things tugging at our heartstrings.

After hundreds of performances, I never thought of doing a show in my hometown until now.  There is something so precious about sharing history, music with those who’ve known me since I first sang solos during Sunday service or at Elk Grove Senior High. The thought of being loved and held by those who have known and unconditionally supported me, all the different parts of Christine (from age 4 till now) This is what matters to me most.

I am beyond humbled and grateful to come full circle in celebrating my music with my community Saturday, November 17th.  This is going to be one precious show! Not only am I motivated to show you one heck of a homecoming, Mick is going to shower all of you with his love of bluegrass (so get ready!)

Buy tix for Goldfield Trading Post

Here are some shots from last week’s show to get you excited about what’s coming!

(Even if you can’t make it, by purchasing a ticket, you will contribute to supporting the multitude of expenses that go along with producing a show–and you will be entered automatically to win a goody bag from me ☺

Of course it will be 100 times more exciting to see your reassuring smile in the audience.  I can’t wait to give you a big hug in real time next Saturday.  Hopefully it will be standing room only!

Lots of love and see you soon!

Christine

“I don’t wanna go through life without trying…that would be the worst thing, I’d rather fail than not try.”  – Bradley Cooper

It’s a big risk to follow your calling… Like Bradley Cooper said about “A Star Is Born”, he’d rather fail than not try.  I was so inspired by the movie and his personal passion project that I dove into watching behind the scenes interviews with crew and cast.

In one video, Bradley said he wanted to tell a story about family and childhood, (those elements weren’t in the other versions, this is the fifth remake) and he said, “You can’t choose what moves you.”

This is what music is for me.  Music is my passion and my love.  Music has carried me through life’s ups and downs.  Even on days where it feels like I am carrying A LOT on my plate (we’ve been so busy behind the scenes getting ready for our shows but I wouldn’t change this up for anything.

In 9 days, I will share the stage with Mick Taras at Hotel Cafe, Sunday 10/28, 7pm. This marks the 3rd time we’ve played to a packed house in the past year, and it is going to be super special.

(Drumroll please)
This will be the first time Mick is sharing his original songs since he’s lived in Los Angeles!  As we gathered around the mic during rehearsal this past week, Mick nicknamed the band “The Pack” and it felt that way.

Maybe it was the bluegrass–that feeling as if we’ve all been playing for decades versus coming together to rehearse for a show.

Not only are the songs deeply personal, but it also carries and fills me the way family does. Loving, unconditional and sweet.

Come be a part of our Sunday Family 10/28/18. Purchase advance tickets here (and be automatically entered to win a VIP package of goodies from me) I hope you will join us…make sure you love bluegrass before you come down!  ☺

It’s always a magical time at AMERICANAFEST, but this year was especially meaningful, weaving work and play together.  Susan Dilger was my roomie for the week and we definitely painted the town red in Nashville!  Susan is a DJ for KNCE 93.5 FM True Taos Radio so hanging with her is like having your own personal music insider guide.  As soon we got off the plane, we were off and running.  My publicist Jill Kettles, whisked us off to the NPR Music Kick-Off Party where we got to mingle with members of The Black Lillies and eat southern fried pickles!

The fun continued at the hatWRKs party, where we got to listen to the amazing music of Jill’s clients David Olney and Angie Aparo, while shopping for gorgeous custom-made hats!

There were so many highlights this year, but what was really meaningful for me was k.d. lang’s keynote interview by Ann Powers from NPR.   At the end of the interview, Susan was able to ask k.d. the perfect question, about her performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony.  She lit up and I got Goosebumps!

As a practicing Buddhist, she talked about the quiet space within, how she meditated and grounded before her performance.

When she performed, she wasn’t really performing outwardly, but from a place inside where music flowed like a wash of calm. 

This is the wash of calm I am bringing with me as I get ready for 2 back to back shows in the upcoming months.  When I am in prayer and meditation, I am reminded of my faith and trust.

Tim Bluhm, singer-songwriter and Mother Hips front man was also an inspiration.  We met at the AMA UK party and felt like kindred spirits.   Tim’s music video “Raining Gravel” reminds me so much of my video, “Been a Long Time” with my dad and grandpa.   It turns out Tim had to overcome a devastating accident and it was a spiritual awakening of sorts for him. His music is a reflection of that and it is for me too.

When I sing from my heart, I am present, not thinking of anything else.  This is what I am going to try my best to anchor in this week. 

With so many things on my to-do list, I will keep prayer and meditation a priority.

Below are some shots from the AMERICANAFEST and show details!  Click on the links and get your tickets today…both shows are going to rock the house!

I’ll keep you posted with more news as it happens. ☺

October 28^th Hotel Café at 7pm.  One night only!

You don’t want to miss this; we will be playing songs from both our albums!

Advance tickets $15 (highly recommended!)

Buy Tix for Hotel Cafe

November 17^th Goldfield Trading Post at 7:30 pm.

Get your tickets here!  I can’t wait to sing for you, my hometown music family!

Buy Tix for Goldfield Trading Post

The countdown has begun! I’m on my way to one of the biggest weeks of music, AMERICANAFEST, in Nashville.  I am so excited to meet with some of my favorite mentors and musicians.  Mary Gauthier, my longtime mentor and friend is nominated for album of the year for “Rifles & Rosary Beads”.  Looking at all of the nominees, it’s going to be a phenomenal lineup, (John Prine, Brandi Carlile, k.d.lang, Rosanne Cash to name a few). My publicist Jill and I are getting ready to put our best boots forward as we wear out our feet, our brains and paint the town red in Music City, USA.  She has four artists she represents showcasing at the festival this year.  Perhaps this year will set the stage for me to be #5 for 2019!  #goals #dreams #passion #imnext  ☺

Not to jump too much ahead as I still have a lot planned for 2018!  After our hoedown in Nashville, I will be getting ready for Hotel Cafe on October 28th.  Next stop will be my hometown to serenade longtime friends and family. There’s nothing quite like playing to someone who’s known me since I sang at church and in the school choir at Elk Grove High School. From solos and duets like “Teach Your Children Well” with Ruby Sketchley in 6^th grade, to headlining at Goldfield Trading Post in Sacramento, we’ve sure come a long way!   If you happen to be in the area November 17th, Mick and I would love to see you there!

Keep an eye out for another update from me in the coming weeks, I will be sure to take lots of photos while I am in Nashville!

With love till next time,

Christine

Buy Tix for Hotel Cafe

Buy Tix for Goldfield Trading Post