Meg Solembrino

I have been performing since the ripe, young age of six! Living in a household of entertainers and constantly putting together the next show, there's no doubt the road that I must travel. My Father was a entertainer his entire life and I am the apple of his eye! From church choir, to school plays, to local choral groups, to community theatre, to getting into my first cover band, I have never turned down a moment on the stage. As a little girl I would use my baton as a microphone, stand on my bed and perform. My Mother bought a tape recorder for me at age four; with that I had my own radio show. I sang songs, gave the weather report and described what was currently going on in our house. My first solo was in the Christmas Cantata at the United Methodist Church in Chester, Maryland at age six. My Mother handed me the microphone thinking "she's never going to do this"- but I took the microphone and sang! I sang because I knew it's what my life is. Nothing about taking that microphone scared me or felt wrong. From then on I've auditioned, been turned down, I've gotten parts, I've performed lead roles and as little as walk-on parts. One of my biggest high- lights was winning the Baltimore Idol contest in 2005. Upon winning that contest, I received 10 hours of studio time. A very close friend, who is a singer/songwriter, advised me to write my own song and record it. That was the turning point in my music career. Up until then I was a cover band singer. I began learning how to strum some chords on the guitar and write songs. I have loved every moment of the adventure since I started last year in 2006. What sets me apart from other artists, I believe, is my strong performing background. I acted, I danced, I told jokes, I bent over backwards (literally) to get attention! When I am on stage it is my job to connect with the audience -make them happy, make them have fun, make them get in touch with all of their emotions. If they paid a cover or not, I want their time spent in that venue to be worth while. I am their for them! It's the selfless act of an entertainer that flows through my veins. I need to be on stage and perform as much as the patrons need or want to be there listening. My first influence was my Father. My Mother loved and introduced me to Amy Grant when I was five and she became my major, childhood influence. I was also raised with Blood Sweet and Tears, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, The Carpenters, Jackson 5, James Taylor...just to name a few. As a teen I listened to the radio and found Alanis Morrisette, Sheryl Crow, The Cranberries, and the Dixie Chicks. My current influences are Susan Tedeschi and K.T. Tunstall. I think it is wise to listen to many artists and take something from each one. But equally as important to be yourself and embrace our own voice. There's an old saying, "Singers are a dime a dozen." Very true statement. Knowing this has been a door opener for me because I would never say I'm the best singer in a contest, but I'll win that contest because I live the song!