Broda

Artist Information

Biography

Performing singer-songwriter, Broda, taught herself to play guitar (adding to her roster as a multi-instrumentalist), and almost simultaneously launched a solo performing career in the Fall of 2006. A mere two years later, she released her debut solo CD, "Spiral Staircase". Since that time, she has garnered many performances including 3 consecutive showcase selections at the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conferences in Spencer, VA, Nashville, TN, and Knoxville, TN; a showcase at the 2009 Indiegrrl Music Festival in Jonica Gap, GA, and 3 showcases at the 2009, 2010, and 2012 Dewey Beach Music Conference in Dewey Beach, DE. She has also been featured several times on Women of Substance Radio, Radio Crystal Blue, WestSideWill's Unsigned Artist Feature, WomensRadio, and WDVX - Writer's Block. In January 2009, her original, "Don't Sell Yourself Short" was a selected song winner for O.G. Magazine's Song Contest which won her features in the 2009 Winter and Spring Editions of O.G. Magazine based in Hollywood, CA. The song was also included in the O.G. Magazine, Vol. I Compilation CD distributed at fashion shows throughout L.A. and Hollywood, CA. Two months later, her original, "Disappear Without A Trace" was selected for inclusion in the 2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD. By December 2010, Broda had been selected for a licensing agreement with Eos Music, and was a signed Eos Artist by January 2010. In August of 2010, Broda received an Honorable Mention in BILLBOARD's 17th Annual World Song Contest for her otherwise yet to be released jazzy original, "For You". She spent 2010 writing new songs and performing both as a soloist and in the duo, "Broda and 'da Bobb". She continues to hone her songwriting and performing talents in an effort to bring her audiences ever closer to the style that continues to evolve into the true "Broda". Her upcoming sophomore CD, "Band of Brodas" will feature Broda as not only the singer, songwriter, and guitarist, but also the bassist, percussionist, and other instruments. This will undoubtedly see her skipping up the steps as she continues to "keep on climbin'".

Broda's milestone accomplishments since her humble beginnings as a solo performer in September 2006:
~September 2012 - Broda and Trospy host 6th BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival at new location (Bear Bottom)
~September 2012 - release of sophomore CD, "Band of Brodas" featuring Broda as singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
~September 2012 - showcase performer for 2012 Dewey Beach Music Conference (Saturday @ Gary's) in Dewey Beach, DE
~August 2012 - release of new acoustic single, "For You" (BILLBOARD's World Song Contest Honorable Mention)
~November 2010 - of over 1,300 entries, both of Broda's submitted songs ("For You" and "I'm Sayin' Goodbye") are among the 182 songs selected to advance to the semi-finals in AcousticRoundtable.com's Song Contest
~October 2010 - 38th Annual Railroad Festival performer
~October 2010 - showcase performer for 2010 Dewey Beach Music Conference (Saturday @ Gary's) in Dewey Beach, DE
~September 2010 - Broda and Trospy host 5th Annual BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival
~July 2010 - "For You" receives Honorable Mention in the 17th Annual Billboard World Song Contest
~June 2010 - Meissner Musicfest performer
~June 2010 - "Daddy, Oh Daddy" added to Women of Substance Radio's themed playlist, "Honoring Fathers" for the month of June
~March-April 2010 - Broda serves as Music Director, pianist, guitarist, and featured "Seasons of Love" soloist in "RENT"
~March 2010 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" featured on WestSideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase (March 24, 2010)
~March-May 2010 - "For You" featured on Women of Substance Radio's "Women of Substance Sing the Blues" Show (Fridays, 2-3 PM (PT) 5-6 PM (EST)
~March 2010 - "What's The Point" featured on Women of Substance Radio's Acoustic Show #2 (Wednesdays, 4-5 PM (PT) 7-8 PM (EST)
~January 2010 - "Hop in My Hooptie" featured on WomensRadio 2x/day through March 1st
~January 2010 - Broda signs first Music Licensing Agreement with Eos Business Music
~January 2010 - "What's the Point", and unreleased "For You" selected for radio play on Women of Substance Radio
~December 2009 - music of Broda selected for licensing with Eos Business Music
~November 2009 - "Rantings on My Way" debuts on WomensRadio playlist and plays up to twice a day through January 2010
~November 2009 - Broda featured on Radio Crystal Blue
~November 2009 - Music director and Pianist for Hampden Sydney College Theatre production of "Working"
~October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes Fall Playlist for Women of Substance Radio's "Spotlight on Great Songs Show"
~October-November 2009 - 5th Annual Squeaky Wheel Tour Artist
~October 2009 - 37th Annual Railroad Festival performer
~October 2009 - "Daddy, Oh Daddy" debuts on WRMusicReview Podcast - Episode 14
~October 2009 - "Spiral Staircase" makes playlist for Women of Substance Radio's Folk Show on Tuesday nights and Acoustic Show on Wednesday nights
~October 2009 - showcase performer for 2009 Dewey Beach Music Conference (Friday @ McShea's & Saturday @ Mama Maria's) in Dewey Beach, DE
~September/October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes playlist for WomensRadio
~September 2009 - Broda and Trospy host 4th Annual BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival
~August 26, 2009 - Broda debuts on Writer's Block/WDVX 89.9 FM Clinton, TN/92.7 Sevierville-Pigeon Forge, TN/102.9 FM Knoxville, TN/105.9 Knoxville, TN/simulcast www.wdvx.com
~August 2009 - showcase performer for 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference in Nashville, TN (Indiegrrl Showcase Main Stage AND TryXo Showcase Stage)
~July 2009 - Broda selected for radio play on WomensRadio
~July 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for WestSideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase
~June 2009 - Meissner Musicfest performer
~June 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for radio play on Women of Substance Radio
~June 2009 - Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap performer
~June 2009 - "Hop in My Hooptie" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue
~June 2009 - Evergreen Festival performer
~May 2009 - "My Mutt & Me" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue
~May 2009 - Indiegrrl Fest Spencer Penn performer
~May 2009 - Strasburg Mayfest performer
~May 2009 - Rhythm on the River Concert Series performer
~May 2009 - Heart of Virginia Festival performer
~April 2009 - "I Won't Talk About It" requested for inclusion on "Indie Underground" compilation CD
~April 2009 - cast as lead female (Scottish soprano), "Fiona", in Waterworks Players production of "Brigadoon"
~April 2009 - EARTHFEST 2009 performer
~March 2009 - "Disappear Without a Trace" selected for inclusion on 2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD
~February 2009 - selected for promotional consideration for Just Cool Sounds Inc.'s Women in Music - Chicago Radio CD Compilation
~February 2009 - selected by Radio Crystal Blue for airplay
~January 2009 - selected Winner of O.G. Magazine Song Contest with "Don't Sell Yourself Short"; inclusion in Winter 2009 and feature in Spring 2009 print edition of O.G. Magazine and 2009 O.G. Magazine Vol. I Compilation CD
~2008-2009 - Women of Substance Radio - "Spiral Staircase" selected for Acoustic Series Feature
~November 2008 - selected for WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "Hop in my Hooptie"
~November 2008 - "Hop in my Hooptie" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October & November 2008 - "Spiral Staircase" makes top 25 albums on AmieStreet
~October 2008 - Broda and Trospy host 3rd Annual BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival
~October 2008 - "Rosemary's Picnic" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October 2008 - WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "I Won't Talk About It" makes top 5 in fan votes
~October 2008 - 36th Annual Railroad Festival performer
~October 2008 - Broda becomes new host for open mic night at The Mad Hatter
~August 2008 - selected showcase performer for 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference
~August 2008 - independently released full-length, debut CD, "Spiral Staircase"
~October 2007 - 35th Annual Railroad Festival Performer
~January 2007 - Broda and Trospy host 2nd Annual BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival
~October 2006 - Broda and Trospy host 1st Annual BRODAPALOOZA Music Festival
~October 2006 - Broda's first solo booking
~September 2006 - Broda wins 2nd Place - Battle of the Bands - Five County Fair
~August 2006 - Broda pursues teaching herself to play guitar

Broda's Musical Milestones prior to her launch as a solo artist in September 2006:
~2004 to 2006 - lead singer & contributing songwriter for "Hep Kat" with most notable performances at Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival (LIVE CD Recording), Chef's Food Festival , and Crewe Chicken Festival (LIVE CD Recording).
~2004 - Music Director & Pianist - Longwood University - "Sing Down the Moon"
~2000 to Present - Music Director & Pianist - Waterworks Players, Inc.
~1999 - keyboardist & backup vocalist for "Grey Sky Sally" (CD Recording)
~1999 - Music Director & Pianist - Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, Maine
~1998 - Pianist & Assistant Music Director - Longwood University - "Big River"
~1997 to Present - Private Instructor - Barringer Piano & Vocal Studios
Broda's Collegiate Musical Milestones:
- Visionary Leadership Award Recipient
- Dean's List for College of Arts & Sciences
- Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (double-certification in Instrumental and Choral Tracks)
- Concentration: Piano
- Secondary: Voice and Trumpet
- Notable performances at Carnegie Hall, The White House (select choir), The Virginia Governor's Mansion (select choir), St. John the Divine, Jacksonville Square; numerous other performances as a member of the Camerata Singers (choral member, section leader, and student conductor), Chamber Singers (choral member & accompanist), Jazz Ensemble (trumpet), Concert Choir, and Concert Band (trumpet and student conductor).
-Several annual performances with Roy Clark (and inclusion on Roy Clark's "Christmas in Virginia" CD)
-Piano Concerto Concert Performer
-Brahm's Centennial Celebration Concert Performer

Broda's musical milestones before college:
~1993 - 1st Place Winner - Lion's Club Bland Music Scholarship Competition
~1993 - Premier Performance of Original, "Silver Anniversary"
~1992 - Acceptance into and Completion of Shenandoah Conservatory Advanced Admissions Music Program
~1992 - Premier performance of Original, "Love Quest"
~1993 - selected to Virginia Honors Choir
~1991 & 1992 - Selected performer for Virginia Music Educator's Conference Showcase of Student Composers
~1990, 1991, 1992 & 1993 - Superior Ratings at the National Federation of Music Club Festival (Piano)
~1989 - Premier Performance of Original, "Seasons" (Broda registers first copyright).
~1988-1993 - selected to District Choir
~1988-1993 - student accompanist
~1987 - selected to District Band (trumpet)
~1983 - First Place (Music) for Original, "My Name is Alecia"
~1982 - First Place (Music) for Original, "I Wonder"
~1981 - Broda begins piano lessons.

*1975 - Broda was born.

Email Broda at brodaim@yahoo.com

Instrumentation

Broda: singer; songwriter; private instructor; music director; guitarist; pianist; mandolin

Website: http://www.brendabarringer.com

GoGirls Elite Member
Indiegrrl Women in the Arts (Board Member)

Discography

~"Grey Sky Sally - No Additives" - 1999 -(keys/backup vocals)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Chicken Festival" - 2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/three-chord wonder guitarist)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Wine & Garlic Festival"-2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/guitar)
~"Friends of Broda - Vol. I - 2007" (Compilation CD put together by Broda to promote musicians of South/Central Virginia)
~"Spiral Staircase" - August 2008 (Full-Length Solo Debut)
~O.G. Magazine - 2009 Compilation CD (feature artist)
~2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD (feature artist)
~"For You" - single released August 2012
~"Band of Brodas" - September 2012 (Full-Length sophomore CD featuring Broda as singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist

Official Website

http://www.brendabarringer.com

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• For You
  Listen  
• I'm Sayin' Goodbye
  Listen  
• Don't Sell Yourself Short
  Listen  
• Spiral Staircase
  Listen  
• Daddy, Oh Daddy
  Listen  

Lyrics

• I Won't Talk About It
• I'm Sayin' Goodbye
• What's the Point
• For You
• Daddy, Oh Daddy

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• BRODAPALOOZA 2010 Biggest and Best yet [+ Show ]
  

  The 4th annual BRODAPALOOZA was a great success this year. The kick-off event Broda uses for her mo...The 4th annual BRODAPALOOZA was a great success this year. The kick-off event Broda uses for her month long effort to raise funds for breast cancer research not only garnered a great start on donations, but provided 8 hours of live musical entertainment to the attendees. Here's what folks have had to say about BRODAPALOOZA 2010:
  
  ~Dallas Wesley - "Great night, Brodapalooza 2010. Great time, Broda!" Sunday at 12:40am
  
  ~Thomas Gunn - "One for the books. We had a blast, Broda. Thanks again for all your hard work!" Sunday at 2:32am
  
  ~Elizabeth Morgan Brooks - "had a fabulous weekend with family and friends at BRODAPALOOZA 2010...thanks to Broda and Trospy for being fantastic hosts and to all the great musicians for sharing their talents. One of my favorite moments ~ falling asleep to rain softly hitting the tent, with the sweet sounds of Amazing Grace being song in the background, doesn't get much better than that."
  
  ~Carleena Jones - "BRODAPALOOZA 2010 this weekend: high on the fun-o-meter."
  
  ~Rick Neller - "had a BLAST at Brodapalooza yesterday!"
  
  ~Eric McLaughlin - "Had a blast at Brodapalooza! Thanks Broda and Trospy!"
  
  ~Sharyn Hanna Bobb - "would like to take this time....now that she has some............to say thanks so much to Broda and Trospy for another fantastic Brodapolooza. Brodapolooza 2010 was the biggest and best. It was a day filled with love,laughter,wonderful music,great friends (some old & some new), fabulous food, and awe-inspiring giving.../helping. Y'all rock. Can't wait for next year."
  
  ~Danielle Minnick - "Hey! I just wanted to say thanks for the AWESOME Brodapalooza on Saturday! I had a blast! Great music, great friends, amazing food....who could want more? You and Trospy are great hosts, and wonderful friends :) Can't wait for Brodapalooza 2011!!"
  
  ~Joel Meissner - "Whoa, what a party! Every song, every riff, every chord, every note...just amazing music all day!"
  
  ~Jayne Fanshaw - "Had a great time at your place Saturday evening. Linda thoroughly enjoyed herself, too. The music was fantastic. .......And even the bathroom... it was absolutely precious!!! Really cute and so creative….I enjoyed it a number of times, just because it was so cute! Am so glad I wandered down that little path. Love you and thank you so much for inviting me to join your party!"
  
  ~ Bill Staton - "Yup, good fun."
  
  ~Elsie May - "It's been on my mind all day, every time I turn around, I keep thinking about it, and I find myself dancing a little! I seriously had a wonderfully, divine time. It was a pleasure. I was so happy to hear your silky, satiny voice. It was so divine!"
  
  ~Broda's Neighbor: "How was your party?" Broda: "It was great." Neighbor: "Yes, it was. The wife and I sat out on our deck and enjoyed a drink together while we listened to all of the wonderful music. We certainly did enjoy it."
  
  ~Sharyn Hanna Bobb - "My wonderful and beautiful friend, Brenda AKA Broda, every year does Brodapolooza not just as a music fest, but as a fundraiser for Lee National Denim Day. Brodapolooza 2010 not only was a huge amount of fun for all of us that were blessed to be there, but a huge success too. However, it mustn't stop. Everyone please help Broda ...and her friends (me, included)... help Lee National Denim Day and their fight for breast cancer awareness and a fight for a cure....."

• Broda: Storytelling 101 [+ Show ]
  

  Mark Twain. Charles Dickens. Dr. Seuss. All great storytellers who put their thoughts to paper. Lenn...Mark Twain. Charles Dickens. Dr. Seuss. All great storytellers who put their thoughts to paper. Lennon and McCartney. James Taylor. Johnny Cash. Also, great storytellers who put their pen to song. It is an art form that is sorely missed in today's music industry. The art of telling a good story. Today's damaged music environment seems to contain three minute adventures into voyeurism, booty calls and how tough it is to be rich and famous. I recently came across a refreshing exception to this rule one cold Friday evening in Martinsville, VA at the Binding Time coffee shop.
  
  
  
  I saw a poster advertising a singer by the name of Broda who was to appear there on Friday, January16. The temp never got out of the teens that day and I braved the elements to take a chance on a singer and her acoustic guitar. There was a small crowd gathered in the shop and Broada began her set at 5:30. What proceeded to happen over the next two hours was a soul riching experience in what she calls "Acoustic Americana." Broda sang songs that took you places. Suddenly, it wasn't seventeen degrees outside because you were with her at the county fair at the Battle of the Bands or walking into Hendrick's Store with her. She sang about everything from her dog to her hooptie, which by the way is for sale.
  
  
  
  Broda is no ordinary fly by night performer. She is educated in the field of music with a degree in Music Education with a double certification in instrumental and choral tracks. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Governor's Mansion and the White House. She was in several bands of different styles after graduation including a southern rock and a funk band before venturing out on her own as a solo artist. I spoke to Broda after her performance that night to learn more about her musical path that she was venturing out on.
  
  
  
  "I was trained in classical piano and it was pretty well structured, so it didn't give me the room to experiment. Being in these different bands allowed me to do that. When my last band broke up because of alot of "band drama", I decided then in the Fall of 2006 that I wanted to do this solo," she said. Broda ventured out to coffee shops and eating places and just about anywhere that would let her play her music.
  
  
  
  "My influences range from Brahms to Bonnie Raitt to Wynonna Judd to the buttery goodness of Ella Fitzgerald. All four of those artists display so much emotion and heart in their music, that's why they have inspired me. You're right, the art of storytelling is missing today in music," said Broda.
  
  
  
  Being with the state that the industry is in today, I asked her how it felt to be a new artists striving to get noticed. "Well, the internet is a blessing and a curse. Ten years ago you couldn't record and put out an independent release like mine but today you can. The problem is that everyone can also do it too. I mean, I even recorded a couple of tracks at home with my handheld digital recorder. I spend my time off now updating all of my online pages, MySpace, Facebook, so that I can keep my fans updated."
  
  
  
  Broda is also involved with Indiegrrl, which is an outlet that supports women in the arts whether it's music, art, poetry, whatever form that is out there. It has allowed Broda to meet other artists and find out that there are other women artists who may be struggling with similar issues. The Indiegrrl festival is coming to Spencer, VA on May 30th to the Spencer Penn Center and is a free event that will contains lots of performers of all types of styles.
  
  
  
  Broda has just released her first Cd entitled "Spiral Staircase" and it is well worth listening to. The lyrics definitely take you to a place where you feel like you are a part of the story that she is telling. Songs such as the touching and melodic "Hendrick's Store" to the quirky, toe tapper "Five County Fair" have you wanting to go back and listen to them over again because you don't want the escape to end. I dare anyone who listens to the title track to tell me that you cannot relate to the lyrics. My last question was my what if you were stranded on a desert island with only one cd, what would it be question. "It would have to be "No Additives" by my old funk band Grey Sky Sally. Even if I was stranded, I would still be surrounded by my dear friends."
  
  
  
  I am glad that I braved the elements that night and got a chance to see Broda perform. She will be bringing her talent back to our area on May 30 at the Indiegrrl festival in the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer,VA from 10:00 am until 7:00pm with many other artists. I encourage everyone to come out no matter what types of music that you like and support the arts. Thanks again to Binding Time for showcasing such a great talent and to Broda for allowing me the time to talk to her. With as many budget cuts that seem to be hitting all aspects of life, it is very important to support the arts. I think we take for granted the joy that we get from books or TV or from music or movies and we need to do all we can to support these artists. I hope to see everyone in Spencer on May 30th, you will not be disappointed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Posted by jpdeuce73 at 5:24 AM
  

• Straight from the Audience [+ Show ]
  

  ""I'm Sayin' Goodbye" has diverse appeal. Great delivery!" - 18th Annual Billboard Song Contest jud...""I'm Sayin' Goodbye" has diverse appeal. Great delivery!" - 18th Annual Billboard Song Contest judge
  
  ""For You" has an appealing melodic theme...Infectious and uplifting!" - 17th Annual Billboard Song Contest judge ("For You" receives Honorable Mention)
  
  "...a gorgeous voice, well-written lyrics, and a beautiful presence"
  -Toni Koch, TK Promotions & Pitch-A-Song @ 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, Nashville, TN
  
  "I'd like a CD because you, young lady, need to be on the air"
  -Dennis Double, Co-Host of Writer's Block LIVE (affiliate WDVX 89.9 in Clinton, TN, 102.9 in Knoxville, TN, and simulcast on www.wdvx.com) @ 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, Nashville, TN
  
  "...a voice like butter . . . hot, steamy butter."
  -Carol Statella, Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Board Member @ 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, Nashville, TN
  
  "...inspiring live set in nashville, Broda..."
  -Toni Koch, TK Promotions and Pitch-A-Song, comment on WRMusicReview (August 25, 2009)
  
  "Broda has a voice that will melt you. I came across her by accident...and OMG what a voice. Her album “Spiral Staircase” is a must have. The song “Daddy oh Daddy” really pulls on my heartstrings... She is a true GREAT songwriter with a voice. "
  -Joey Vegas, Rhythm on the River Summer Music Series promotional blog (Apr 14, 0009)
  
  "Her recordings don't do her justice compared to her LIVE performance".
  -Jason Maddox, Uptown Coffee Cafe, Victoria, VA
  
  "Spiral Staircase is a song I can turn up to 10 barreling home singing my ass off...Broda Rocks!"
  -Chef Mike, Knoxville, TN
  
  "Good raw acoustic sound with a passionate smoky voice to boot. Great lyrics - I can see why the vocals are so passionate. "
  -KieranTobin , GarageBand
  
  "Women of Substance Radio features 'Female Performers who deliver high quality music that speaks to the listener through vocal excellence, depth of character and emotion, and lyrics that leave a lasting impression'..."Congratulations! We love your music! "
  -Women of Substance Radio Team, Sonicbids Promoter Submission Status Response
  
  "...I enjoyed [her] show at the Indiegrrl Conference...[Her] voice just blew me away. I sat nailed to my seat listening intently to [her] lyrics. One hell of a songwriter, I thought. That "talk about it" tune is the ticket." - Patty Benson (Blues/Soul/R&B Artist) - myspace.com
  
  "...[her] amazing ability musically is only seconded to [her] innate gift to use, manipulate and weave ordinary words into life and mind changing pieces of art..."
  - Ora Morin - writer, myspace.com (May 20, 0008)
  
  "Broda lays down some tasty jams"!
  - Wes, Audience member - The Flagship (May 02, 0007)
  
  "She opened with an interesting juxtaposition of George Gershwin’s Summertime and Van Morrison’s Moondance then segued into several original tunes. Broda’s lyrics are intensely personal and draw heavily on her life experiences ..."
  - Pamela Matlack Klein, www.AppomattoxNews.com (Jun 11, 2008)
  
  "Everybody liked her so much last time she came, we just had to get her back!"
  - Cricket Rakita, Goochland Market Newsletter (Jul 11, 0008)
  
  "Singer and songwriter Brenda (Broda) was at Baine’s Books and Coffee Saturday night and performed to an appreciative audience. Her unique style - she calls it “Acoustic Americana” - and throaty voice are both easy on the ears."
  - Pamela Matlack Klein, www.AppomattoxNews.com (Jun 11, 2008)
  
  "Loving [her] music and [her] vocals!"
  - Richie Fields - country performing artist, myspace.com (May 15, 0008)
  
  "Broda has a smooth voice which really touches my heart. I'm sure anyone who listens . . . will hear the quality of her singing."
  -Darth Paco, Everywhere, US, myspace.com (Aug. 9, 2008)
  
  "I've just spent a very enjoyable 20 minutes or so listening to [Broda's] beautiful music [online]. [She] has some really great music"
  - Richard Brooke - composer - Leeds, United Kingdom, myspace.com (Jun 12, 0008)
  
  

• Climbing the Spiral Staircase: The Songs and Sounds of Broda [+ Show ]
  

  Climbing the Spiral Staircase: The Songs and Sounds of Broda By Ronnie D. Lankford on January 28th,...Climbing the Spiral Staircase: The Songs and Sounds of Broda
  By Ronnie D. Lankford on January 28th, 2009
  
  Kids seem to hate, at least when looking back years later, piano lessons, and they hold those lessons against parents for the rest of their lives. While other kids were doing all kinds of fun things in the afternoon - riding bikes, playing Nintendo, and committing minor felonies - you were trying to learn a passage from Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” But even at a young age Brenda Barringer, better known to fans of her music as Broda, was different.
  
  “I begged my parents for piano lessons,” Broda told me. “And I really wanted to play piano. I was one of those odd kids that was just totally enthralled with Mozart and Beethoven…”
  
  I sat down to talk with Broda about her music at Baine’s Books & Coffee a few days ago, right before her Friday night show. Baine’s, in fact, was the sight of Broda’s first appearance as a solo artist. But while Broda had always known that music would play an important role in her life, it would be a long journey from piano lessons to Longwood University to her first show at Baine’s.
  
  Watching Broda on stage—just a girl and guitar absorbed in her song - it’s doubtful that anyone in the audience would picture her playing keyboards in a funk or Southern rock band. But she did. Furthermore, she played in Hep Kat, a band that played, “a little jazz, a little blues, and a little something extra.” Hep Kat also gave Broda her first glimpse at her potential as a songwriter.
  
  “That was the first opportunity that I really had to take all those songs I’d been writing in my bedroom by myself and say, ‘Hey, what do you think about trying a little bit of my music?’…That was when I really got the bug to get out and take my songs…to the public and see what they thought of them.”
  
  Still, Broda never planned to become a solo artist, accompanying herself on guitar and performing in coffee shops like Baine’s. She knew more about the piano and trumpet, in fact, and she had more experience playing in bands. But as often happens in bands, the members of Hep Kat were pulling one another in different directions.
  
  “It’s at that point that I finally decided, I’ve been in all these bands, and I’m kind of tired of relying on other people to help me make it happen for myself; so I started picking up the guitar seriously, I went to the guitar shop in town and I bought a new guitar, and I started teaching myself to play, and I’ve been rolling ever since.”
  
  Even with a guitar and a handful of songs, however, Broda—still known as Brenda at the time—decided she needed one other small item before she got a proper start: a stage name.
  
  She admits that the story behind her stage name is a little cheesy, but it’s a good story. While on a trip with her college jazz ensemble, Brenda’s friends discovered that she had—seemingly—magical powers. When a wind storm made it impossible to fly a kite on the beach, she simply waved her hand and said, “kite you will fly.” The funny thing was, it did. Even funnier, she waved her hand a second time and said, “kite you will fall,” and it did.
  
  Her friends, all Star Wars geeks, decided that Brenda was their very own Yoda. Borrowing the “Br” from Brenda, she became Broda. With a guitar, a stage name, and a gentle shove from proprietor Brian Baine, Broda was in business.
  
  In 2008 Broda took another big step, recording Spiral Staircase and filling it with 17 of her own jewels.
  
  “Probably 90 percent of my writing comes from my emotion, and I think music has always been that for me. I know my mom used to tell me, ‘I always know what kind of day you had based on what piano piece you play when you get home from school.’”
  
  Writing from her emotions is also a very personal way of sharing with her audience.
  
  “I had a few very difficult years around the time that I was just starting this solo career, and music has always been my outlet, and that’s pretty much where all of those serious songs came from. From actual experiences, something that just sparked that emotion for me, and I just had to let it out.”
  
  Listening to Spiral Staircase, then, is a rich emotional experience. And while the songs are certainly personal, it’s easy enough to listen and say to yourself: “Yes, I’ve been there; I know exactly what she’s getting at.”
  
  So what’s next for Broda? She has considered recording another CD, tentatively called The Story of Me, but recording takes time. For now, she plans to keep on keeping on, plugging her songs one at a time to dedicated fans at Baine’s, Longwood University, and the Heart of Virginia Festival.
  
  

• TryXo Announces Indiegrrl Conference Showcase Lineup [+ Show ]
  

  Online music retailer Tryxo announced the line-up for its sponsored stage at Nashville's upcoming In...Online music retailer Tryxo announced the line-up for its sponsored stage at Nashville's upcoming IndieGrrl Conference at the Hotel Preston. Spanning two days/nights (August 21-22), the Tryxo Entertainment Stage will feature some of today's top independent female performers as well as open mic sessions for yet undiscovered talent.
  
  Tryxo founder and president Natalie Vandersluis will also be heading a workshop called "European Indie Music Scene" with valuable strategies for American female-based artists wishing to enter the E.U. market.
  
  EUROPEAN INDIE MUSIC SCENE
  Hosted by Tryxo's Natalie Vanderslulis
  Friday, August 21st - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
  Room 3 – Promo Productions Sponsored Room
  Hotel Preston, Nashville
  
  TRYXO INDIEGRRL SHOWCASES
  Main Tryxo Entertainment Stage next to Exhibit Hall, Hotel Preston
  
  Friday, August 21, 2009
  1:00 - 1:45 - Open Mic
  2:00 - 2:45 - Katie Pearlman
  3:00 - 3:45 - Inky Glass
  4:00 - 4: 45 - Sharon Abreu
  5:00 - 5:45 - Erika Carey
  6:00 - 6:45 - Lachi
  7:00 - 7:45 - Jessica
  8:00 - 8:45 - Amanda Abizaid
  9:00 - 9:45 - Jen Woodhouse
  10:00 - 10:45 - Rachel Lee Walsh
  11:00 - 11:45 - Casey McKenzie
  
  Saturday, August 22, 2009
  1:00 - 1:45 - Open Mic
  2:00 - 2:45 - Open Mic
  3:00 - 3:45 - Open Mic
  4:00 - 4: 45 - Open Mic
  5:00 - 5:45 - Open Mic
  6:00 - 6:45 - Brooke Trout
  7:00 - 7:45 - Amy Clarke
  8:00 - 8:45 - Broda
  9:00 - 9:45 - STARK
  10:00 - 10:45 - Alyson Greenfield
  11:00 - 11:45 - Hannah Miller
  
  Tryxo is an online music store offering DRM-free digital downloads of the best independent music to music lovers worldwide. Focused on providing artists with the best retail solution in the industry, the company offers free account registration and 75% royalty on all digital music sales. Recognizing the importance of providing a compelling music shopping experience in a competitive market, Tryxo offers uniform download price of $.59, high-quality music pre-approved by its staff as well as unlimited downloads/copies of purchased music for multiple computers and music players. Tryxo will be launching online radio streams to better promote its artists to customers.
  http://www.tryxo.com
  

• 2008 Indiegrrl Women In The Arts Conference Announces Artist Showcase Lineup [+ Show ]
  

  PlugInMusic.com Music News News Feed News Archive 2008 Indiegrrl Women In The Arts Conference...PlugInMusic.com Music News News Feed
  News Archive
  
  2008 Indiegrrl Women In The Arts Conference Announces Artist Showcase Lineup
  
  The history-making First Annual Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference taking place in Spencer, VA from August 21 - 24, 2008, has announced their artist showcase lineup.
  
  In addition, the 2008 Indiegrrl Conference has scheduled numerous educational workshops and networking opportunities, and will feature two keynote speakers at their banquet - musician/actress Bonnie Bramlett and The Donnas' manager Molly Neuman at the Indiegrrl Banquet on August 21st. Banquet tickets are available to the public for $30 online until August 8th (advance tickets only). Conference day passes for access to the stages and exhibit hall are also available for $10 at the door (no advance sales).
  
  Main sponsors for the Indiegrrl Conference are Oasis CD Manufacturing, Serge Entertainment, MPress Records, Onlinegigs, Songsalive, Rockin' Moms, Females On Fire, Spotted Kiva Productions, Music Talks Sessions, Daisy Rocks Guitars, Indie Artist Assistant, Linq Songs Publishing, Koncept Consulting, Sage Design, Bassett Printing, and more. Planned workshops and panel discussions on Friday and Saturday at The Spencer Penn Center will feature alternate guitar tunings, song writing, web design, graphic design, podcasting, booking your tour, press kits, press releases, touring on a tight budget, long term survival as an indie, balancing personal life and career, Non Profit 101, and more. The conference will also feature an Exhibit Hall featuring different industry vendors and an artist row where you can talk directly with some of the showcasing artists, along with two stages showcasing live performances in music, comedy, and spoken word. Showcasing artists are being selected now and the showcase schedule will be posted on the Indiegrrl website soon. Showcasing artists will be a combination of members from the Indiegrrl Women in the Arts organization as well as Songsalive, Females on Fire, and Rockin' Moms.
  
  A full conference pass is $100 and will allow you to attend all workshops, panels, exhibit hall and both live performance stages on Friday and Saturday. Although the showcases will feature women, men are welcome to attend the conference and take part in the workshops and panels. Thursday night banquet tickets are $30. A general public one day ticket will be sold on Friday and Saturday for $10 that will allow access into the exhibit hall and the two stage areas. A food vendor will be on site at The Spencer Penn Center selling a selection of sandwiches, salads, desserts, snacks and beverages. The Dutch Inn Hotel located at 2360 Virginia Ave., Collinsville, VA 24078 is offering room discounts of $64.95 for two people and comes with a free full breakfast buffet for those attending the conference. Phone (276) 647-3721 to make your room reservations. Purchase your complete conference pass online at http://www.indiegrrl.com. The one day passes for the exhibit hall and stages will be sold at the doors on Friday and Saturday at The Spencer Penn Center.
  
  Indiegrrl is an entity of the Indie Music For Life 501(c)3 non profit and each year donates monies specifically for the Indie Music For Life cancer research and educational cancer awareness programs.
  
  The following artists from around the country will showcase throughout the three day conference:
  
  Friday Theater Stage - Indiegrrl Members
  2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Comedian Shelly Ryan - Marietta, GA
  2:30 PM - 3:10 PM - Katie Garibaldi - San Francisco, CA
  3:20 PM - 4:00 PM - Amanda Abizaid - North Hollywood, CA
  4:10 PM - 4:50 PM - Linq - Royalston, MA
  5:00 PM - 5:40 PM - Genevieve - Los Angeles, CA
  5:50 PM - 6:30 PM - Lisa Jane Lipkin - Millwood, NY
  6:40 PM - 7:20 PM - Carey Colvin - Chester, VA
  7:30 PM - 8:10 PM - Vicki Blankenship - Martinsville, VA
  8:20 PM - 9:00 PM - Sonya Heller - New York, NY
  9:10 PM - 10:00 PM - Ros Wilting Band - Monrovia, MD
  
  Saturday Theater Stage - Indiegrrl Members
  11:00 AM - 11:10 PM - Comedian Shelly Ryan - Atlanta, GA
  11:10 AM - 11:50 AM - Melissa Bel - Ontario, Canada
  12:00 PM - 12:40 PM - Terry Winchell - Water Mill, NY
  12:50 PM - 1:30 PM - Sue Jeffers - Kent, OH
  1:40 PM - 2:20 PM - Erin Brown - Raleigh, NC
  2:30 PM - 3:10 PM - Arjuna Greist - Northhampton, MA
  3:20 PM - 4:00 PM - Mary Jennings - New York, NY
  4:10 PM - 4:30 PM - Roia Rafieyan - Flemington, NJ
  5:00 PM - 5:40 PM - Broda - Farmville, VA
  5:50 PM - 6:30 PM - Tracy Rice - Nashville, TN
  6:40 PM - 7:20 PM - Vicki Genfan - Flemington, NJ
  7:35 PM - 8:15 PM - Sweet Interference Band - Washington, DC
  8:30 PM - 9:10 PM - Mermaids in the Basement Band - Norfolk, VA
  9:25 PM - 10:05 PM - Patty Benson and Band- Greensboro, NC
  
  Saturday Exhibit Hall Stage -Various Organizations' Artists
  11:00 AM - 11:40 AM - Amanda Abizaid (Songsalive) - North Hollywood, CA
  11:20 AM - 12:00 PM - Katie Garibaldi (Songsalive) - San Francisco, CA
  12:10 PM - 12:50 PM - Amy Mathews ( Songsalive) - Dillon, CO
  1:00 PM - 2:40 PM - Genevieve (Songsalive) - Los Angeles, CA
  2:50 PM - 3:30 PM -Kim-Char Meridith (Rockin' Moms) - Naperville, IL
  3:40 PM - 4:20 PM - Linq (Rockin' Moms) - Roylston, MA
  4:30 PM - 5:10 PM - Debra Alt (Rockin' Moms) West Haven, CT
  5:20 PM - 6:10 PM - America's Sweetheart Band (GoGirls) - New York, NY
  6:20 PM - 7:00 PM - Conshafter Band (GoGirls) Richmond, VA
  
  
  
  Related Headlines:
  • 2008 Indiegrrl Conference Announces Influential Keynote Speakers (June 06, 2008)
  
  posted July 22, 2008
  

• Broda Sings to Appomattox [+ Show ]
  

  Singer and songwriter Brenda (Broda) was at Baine’s Books and Coffee Saturday night and performed to...Singer and songwriter Brenda (Broda) was at Baine’s Books and Coffee Saturday night and performed to an appreciative audience. Her unique style - she calls it “Acoustic Americana” - and throaty voice are both easy on the ears.
  
  Known in musical circles as just Broda, Brenda has been playing piano since she was six years old and continued in classical piano until she entered college at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. There, she was influenced by jazz, which combined with some country licks to finally evolve into her distinct sound. Around two years ago she lost the piano and picked up the acoustic guitar and Broda was born.
  
  After graduation from Longwood, Broda taught music professionally and eventually opened a private music academy for students. She now plays at venues statewide and has a CD ready for release this summer.
  
  Brenda bought her first guitar in 2006. She began to hang out at local spots featuring live music and soon began playing on Open Mike Night at Baine’s in Appomattox. It wasn’t long before she was splitting gigs with owner, Bryan Baines, until she accumulated a body of work large enough to support a solo performance. Broda says, “I’ve come a long way in a short time and just want to go further!” when asked about her plans for the future.
  
  Her act is a combination of original material along with an assortment of well-known pieces. She opened with an interesting juxtaposition of George Gershwin’s Summertime and Van Morrison’s Moondance then segued into several original tunes. Broda’s lyrics are intensely personal and draw heavily on her life experiences but the tone is generally mellow.
  
  *NOTE FROM BRODA: My dear friends, please note that I have not "lost" the piano. In fact, I still plays keys at most performances as well as guitar and even mandolin on occasion. Thanks.

• Broda Selected as Showcase Performer for 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference [+ Show ]
  

  Here is the awesome line up of talent that will showcase at The Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conferen...Here is the awesome line up of talent that will showcase at The Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference in Spencer, VA on August 21 to 24.
  
  Linq - Royalston, MA
  Arjuna Greist - Northhampton, MA
  Roia Rafieyan - Flemington, NJ
  Lisa Jane Lipkin - Millwood, NY
  Carey Colvin - Chester, VA
  Vicki Blankenship - Martinsville, VA
  Sonya Heller - New York, NY
  Vicki Genfan - Flemington, NJ
  Shelly Ryan - Marietta, GA
  Tracy Rice - Nashville, TN
  Melissa Bel - Ontario, Canada
  Terry Winchell - Water Mill, NY
  Sue Jeffers - Kent, OH
  Erin Brown - Raleigh, NC
  Katie Garibaldi - San Francisco, CA
  Mary Jennings - New York, NY
  Genevieve - Los Angeles, CA
  Broda - Farmville, VA
  Amanda Abizaid - North Hollywood, CA
  Moira & Sweet Interference - Washington, DC
  Mermaids in the Basement - Norfolk, VA
  Patty Benson & Band - Greensboro, NC
  Ros Wilting (Trio) - Monrovia, MD
  
  
  
  Promoter Response History:
  
  Date:
  5/20/2008 5:39:38 PM
  
  Status:
  Selected
  
  Response:
  Thank you for submitting to showcase in the 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference on August 21 to 24. Congratulations ! ! You have been chosen to showcase at this milestone event with our organization as this is the FIRST conference we are producing.
  
  

• Reviews of Broda's vocals with former band [+ Show ]
  

  Track of the Day on 5Jun2005 in Jazz Best Female Vocals in Jazz, week of 30May2005 Best Lyrics i...Track of the Day on 5Jun2005 in Jazz
  Best Female Vocals in Jazz, week of 30May2005
  Best Lyrics in Jazz, week of 30May2005
  Feel Good Track in Jazz, week of 30May2005
  
  Dark, smokey, bar, lots of oak and leather, no one talks while the lady sings…. She's got a voice like Laphroaig Scotch and the words tell a tale of someone older and wiser, giving advice to someone who really should pay attention… smilngjack from Madrid, Spain on 15Jun2005
  
  …Beautifully full, natural, strong vocal melody…She sings a clever little "here and now" story full of witty rhyme and cool jive! Diana Krall, watch out!
  Detective from Syracuse, New York
  
  …Gorgeous voice, emotions are dripping like chocolate from a strawberry…
  Erikothestrange from Detroit, Michigan on 10Jun2005
  
  …Very nice. Norah and Jane Monheit have some real competition…
  cg1 from Evanston, Illinois on 13Jun2005
  
  …Great singing too, original voice sound, good pitch and full expression. The lyrics are great, very Cole Porter, impressive work on that…
  Alcibiades from New Haven, Connecticut on 26May2005
  
  …vocal that is allowed to shine without all the digital enhancements so overused today...
  jnthnmoore from Grenada, Mississippi on 12Jun2005
  
  …This gal's voice is rich and breathy, sweet, sensual, a real soothing songstress…
  Detective from Syracuse, New York on 18Jun2005
  
  …Vocal is warm and close to the listener. She sings in a mood that makes you relax…
  JohnsonKaye from Copenhagen, Denmark on 13Jun2005
  
  …a good voice with an urban history…
  LeChive from Maracaibo, Zulia, Spain on 11Jun2005
  
  …love the vocalist…
  mittymaven from Austin, Texas on 6Jun2005
  
  …Great voice…
  malvadoband from Baltimore, Maryland on 3Jun2005
  
  …The singer is professional and relaxed…
  hee00awa from Stockholm, Sweden on 1Jun2005
  
  …Great singer, she belts it out loud n clear...
  murracain from Sonoma, California on 26May2005
  
  …a very lovely voice. Very smooth, expressive and warm…
  Christopherson from Provo, Utah on 22Jun2005
  
  …Admirable singer…
  ybrsongs from Los Angeles, California on 20Jun2005
  

Setlist

Originals: Angels of Love; Disappear Without A Trace; Nobody's Home; It's So Easy; Brick; A Country Song (Fer Ry'n); The Breaks(original musical concept by Marcus Pendergrass); Next to Me; Running, Lying, Spinning, Flying; Housewarming Party; Tough Day; Kat Kall; Little Demons; Time With You; Spiral Staircase; I Wanna; My Mutt & Me; By the River; Rantings On My Way; I Won't Talk About It; The Mulligan Game; Don't Sell Yourself Short; Can We?; Rosemary's Picnic; Five County Fair; Dream of Mine; Camouflaged; Bwookwyn Blues; What's the Point?; I Feel Joy; Hop In My Hooptie; It; Sensual Woman; Hey, Mister; A Testament; The Story of Me; Daddy, Oh Daddy; Musician's Mourning Song; I Wish I Could; Hendrick's Store; I Can't Have a Drink Blues; I'd Love To; Secrets of Kings (lyrics by Lori Belle); Waitin'; Love Quest; Tell Your Mama; Bump (written by Broda and Marcus Pendergrass); For You; Runaway; I'm Sayin' Goodbye; Day of Resurrection; Back Where I Belong (written by Broda and Chris Bobb); Funk Me Like You Used To (written by Broda and Chris Bobb); Welcome to the Doghouse (written by Broda, Chris Bobb, and Matt Barton); Long Since Easily; Never Say; From the Mouth of Your Child; Maybe I...[A Musician's Mind]; My Name; It Isn't Fair

Original Medleys of/Twists on Familiar Covers: Sublime Summerdance; Strayroad; I Will Fly; Half-Assed Bobby McGee

Covers: Cold Pizza (Uppity Blues Women); Home (Marc Broussard); That Was Yesterday (Wynonna);
Rompin' Stompin' Blues (The Judds); Angel from Montgomery (John Prine); Broken Sky (Robin Wynn);
It's Been A Long Time (Lea); Livin' 'til the Livin' Gets Numb (Curnutte & Maher); Endless Sleep (The Judds); Hate How I Love You (Robin Wynn); Girls With Guitars (Wynonna); Sentimental Journey; Grandpa (The Judds); Hard As Nails (Robin Wynn);
The Man I Love (George Gershwin); Love Me Like A Man (Diana Krall); Narrow Daylight (Diana Krall); The Ballad of Curtis Lowe (Lynyrd Skynyrd); Mama Said No (Chris Bobb); Blue Speckled Bead (Curnutte & Maher); Hand In My Pocket (Alanis Morrissette); Don't Think Twice (Bob Dylan); Distance (Melissa Bel); Norwegian Wood (in the style of Vicki Genfan); 7 Days to Change Your Life (Jamie Cullum)

3-4 hours w/one or two ten minute breaks.

Basic Requirements

Calendar