Sweet Diezel

By MATT DAY, THE CHRONICLE
Posted 3 months ago
Tagline: Music and Breakfast

Headline: Cafeteria concert benefits breakfast program

Cutline1: Award-winning Nashville recording artist Angela Siracusa and Port Colborne's Sarah Boulton, better known as the duo Sweet Diezel, stand on stage before performing at Dunnville Secondary School on Thursday night. All of the proceeds raised from the Classic Country night at DSS went towards the school's breakfast program.

Cutline2: Violinist Dave MacLean, singer Kevin Dockrill and guitarist Karl Slick perform the song Ghostrider on Thursday during Dunnville Secondary School's Classic Country Night benefitting the school's breakfast program.

Matt Day

Chronicle Photo

Matt Day

The Chronicle

Although she admits to avoiding food before she hits the stage, award-winning Nashville recording artist Angela Siracusa said she believes that's how no teenager should start their day.

"You gotta eat!" she proclaimed Thursday night at Dunnville Secondary School, before getting ready to hit the stage for a Classic Country Night benefitting the school's recently founded breakfast program.

"You can't learn on an empty, growling belly. As a singer, I try not to eat before a show, but if I'm hungry I can't really concentrate and I tend to screw up. I can only imagine being in class, trying to study, and you're starving. That just doesn't work."

When the St. Catharines native and her band mate Sarah Boulton were asked to perform at DSS by teacher/organizer Kevin Dockrill and friend Karl Slick for a benefit concert, Siracusa said it was an easy decision to make.

"Karl's a very good friend of mine and when he mentioned this benefit show, I said absolutely."

Siracusa has won the Niagara Music Award for best Country Group in 2008 and received rave reviews for her sophomore album, Drawn to the Flame. She teamed up with Port Colborne native Boulton in 2009 to form Sweet Diezel, influenced by both traditional and modern country/rock artists.

Making the connection to a benefit concert for a food program was easy for Siracusa as she also stars in her own music cooking show, Angela Feeds the Band, in which she traverses North America treating hungry musicians and band members to her home-style cooking.

"It's the Italian in me," she boasts.

Since bursting onto the musical scene, she's made sure to not forget her roots.

"Small communities are my favourite places to perform because the people are real; they aren't so high and mighty," said the first-time Dunnville visitor. "It's just the warmth and coziness I feel in small towns that I love the most about them."

When Dockrill found out everything had been approved, he said he was excited to be able to use the stage which has been set up inside the school's cafeteria.

"We first started fundraising a few years ago to get the sound system in here. Once we got that installed, we began bringing in local musicians to help in other fundraising initiatives such as the dinner program, and now here we are today helping out the breakfast program. I'm hoping we can continue to build off this and encourage more musicians to support what our school is doing."

Dockrill admitted he's relatively new to the music scene having only picked up a guitar after watching his son, Connor, learn how to play.

"Tonight, I get the chance to perform alongside him, so that's special."

The breakfast program receives no funding from the school board, so all of the supplies are either donated or paid for out of the school community's pockets.

"There's a need here and we're just hoping to raise some extra cash to help wherever we can."

Dunnville Secondary's breakfast program is aided by the school's culinary class which helps prepare different types of food for each morning.

Boulton said she sees first hand the benefits of a breakfast program at her school in her hometown.

"It's a great idea and a lot of students use it," she said. "I'm just happy I can help out by singing."

For more information on the band, visit www.sweetdiezel.com
- Dunnville Chronicle

By CATHY PELLETIER, THE CHRONICLE
Posted 3 months ago
In the spirit of helping raise funds for the high school's developing breakfast program, award-winning Nashville recording artist Angela Siracusa is bringing her sweet, sultry sound to Dunnville Secondary this Thursday.

To showcase her original songs and stories, a Classic Country Concert/ Fundraiser is planned in the cafeteria starting at 7 p.m.

Siracusa's colourful country music journey began in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and she ended up in Nashville, changing her name to Sweet Diezel somewhere along the way. With a voice that's been called "warm and sweet and yet raw and powerful," she had already captured the Niagara Music Award for Best Country Group in 2008, and received critical acclaim for her debut album, Mov'n On in 2006, as well as Drawn to the Flame in 2008.

Described as "distilling the finest qualities of Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton but injected with a modern flavour," Siracusa is an entertainment correspondent for Dreamwest Magazine and the star of her own music cooking show, Angela Feeds the Band, in which she travels across North America, treating hungry fellow musicians to her renowned homestyle cooking.

Joining Siracusa on the DSS stage will be local singer/songwriter Sarah Boulton, who has made a splash in Niagara by claiming first place in local singing competitions for three consecutive years.

The Niagara Music Awards nominee has also formed her own act, Mourn the Divine, which was voted fifth in Canada in an online music competition. Her former vocal coach and now partner, Priestan Ti, is part of the Mourn the Divine duo which has performed at Jordan's Ice Wine Festival, Port Colborne's Canal Days, and the Illuminaqua stage in Welland, among others.

Karl Slick will also appear at the concert, delivering his smooth guitar licks, along with the music of Dave MacLean, Wayne Swartz, and skilled pianist, Connor Dockrill.

Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the high school or by contacting Karl Slick on Facebook. - Dunnville Chronicle

By JOHN LAW, NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW
Posted 2 months ago
THOROLD – It might be the only party in Niagara where punkers do shots with country singers.

It's what made the Niagara Music Awards such a unique bash its first three years, and it's why cofounder Morgan Whelan was told skipping a year would be a bad idea.

"I said, 'We're getting really busy, maybe we don't do it this year.' And somebody went, 'What do you mean you won't do it? You have to do it.'

"There always has to be a Niagara Music Awards. At this point, we're kind of locked in."

And so the party resumes June 14 at Thorold's Frank Doherty Arena, recognizing the region's best writers, singers and producers. Several turned out for a launch party Thursday at The Moose & Goose, where Whelan announced this year's judges and special events, including a musicians golf tournament May 22 at the Greens at Brock.

Last year's event saw more than 300 submissions for nearly 30 categories.

Submissions for this year's awards can be made at www.niagaramusicawards.com or in person at 80 Fraser St., Port Colborne. The entry fee is $15.

More and more, Whelan is hearing the financial benefits of the awards for Niagara artists, which is why she and partner Jack Mitchell started it to begin with.

"All the winners I've talked to get tonnes of gigs," she says. "They get people putting them on tour, they start working with other musicians. Best Bar Band gets booked right away."

Just ask country singer Angela Siracusa, whose career has been on an upswing since winning Country Band of the Year at the first-ever Niagara Music Awards in 2008.

"It's a pretty big deal, because you're home and you're winning something in your own backyard," says Siracusa, who splits her time recording and performing in Nashville.

"Any kind of acknowledgment or recognition is appreciated, I love it. When I go to Nashville, Niagara Falls is one of the eight wonders of the world, so (winning) was a big deal. It really helped and it follows me, which is nice."

Judges for this year's event include Bongo Beat Records founder Ralph Alfonso, Bullseye Records former vice-president Lisa Miller and Grove Productions owner Michael McKyes.

Unlike previous years, artists will be able to see specific comments and score cards from each judge.

"(Before) they didn't know how they scored, so they couldn't take any criticism from that," says Whelan. "That's something we should have done since year one. Now, those forms will be available to the musicians."

Mark Matthews, host of last year's event and Thursday's launch party, sees the event get more slick and professional every year. He feels it's now comparable to the Hamilton Music Awards, from a production standpoint.

"What I saw last year was Morgan and Jack trying to create a star system," he says. "As far as production levels go and presentation, it was at a professional level. It wasn't amateur night in Dixie going on, this was an awards ceremony."

This year's event is hosted by Chrishon from 91.7 Giant GM. For tickets, phone 905-835-2345 or visit www.niagaramusicawards.com

jlaw@nfreview.com - Niagara Falls Review

By Melinda Cheevers
Staff

Some of Niagara’s best musical talent will be put on display in a special musical revue at the Greg Frewin Theatre.
The show, happening tonight, Thursday May 19, will feature the winners from the inaugural Niagara Talent Search - organized by the theatre last month. In total, there were six musical acts that were named winners in the two-night competition. The six finalists – while all musicians – are as varied as can be. There’s a female duo, a crooner, a blues singer, a country-turned-opera singer, the reluctant entry, and a high school rock band.
Angela Siracusa and Sarah Boulton had only been performing as the duo Sweet Diezel for less than a month before deciding to enter into the talent search. While the female singers had known each other for a while, they didn’t team up until March of this year — the talent search was April. Both have had relative success on their own. Boulton, from Port Colborne, has performed both as a solo artist and as part of Mourn the Divine. Siracusa, on the other hand, has just returned from Nashville where she performs and records on a regular basis. Despite being relatively new as a duo, the two managed to take the talent search by storm and were named one of the six finalists.
“It’s really exciting,” said Siracusa. “It’s nice to be chosen from so many great performers.”
Ron Croft started performing songs by greats like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Michael Buble because he had fun doing it. And while he’s been performing for “what seems like forever” he admits he hasn’t had his big break yet. Croft said he’s hoping the exposure he gets from the talent search will help him book more gigs here in Niagara.
Jesse Roper is hoping for some exposure, too. Originally from Victoria, B.C. the blues singer moved to Niagara Falls just a few months ago. He heard about the talent search through a friend and decided to give it a try.
“It seems to have worked out so far,” he said with a laugh. “I’m excited to have a show in theatre. My parents are coming in from B.C., and I’m happy they’ll get to see me play in a place other than bar.”
During the talent search he performed an original song, Movin’ to Toronto, and will be performing more originals in the revue.
The other Niagara Falls act, Tainted, is a band made up of Saint Michael Catholic High School students. They’re a bit younger than the rest of the group and when on stage, they’re a bit rowdier. The band, comprised of Cody Caron on guitar, Dani Ripper on vocals, Riley Sheehan on bass and Lucas Spinosa on skins, have been playing as a group in the current formation for about three months. They’re a hard rock group that won their ticket to the finale by performing Skid Row’s Sweet Little Sister. The talent search marks the largest venue and crowd to date for them. “It was great being up there for the big show,” said Caron.
It’s safe to say that when Fort Erie native Brittney Hebbourn took the stage, the judges had no idea what was coming. Despite the fact that she primarily sings country music, the singer decided to mix things up a bit and instead performed Time to Say Goodbye, in Italian. For Hebbourn, who has been singing since she could talk, learning opera was a challenge she gave herself and set about accomplishing.
“Now when I’m performing, I like to throw it in every once in a while because people just don’t expect it,” she said.
Like the others, she’s hoping to get more exposure from the competition. As a student at McMaster University, singing is something Hebbourn likes to pursue in her spare time but she said she’s slowly becoming more serious about it.
Keith Hodgins was another singer who took a risky chance with his song choice. The St. Catharines performer chose to sing Mad Cow and Crazy Horse, despite the fact that he wasn’t sure how it’d go over.
“I didn’t know what kind of crowd there’d be here, I figured I’d be too old and there’d be all young kids here,” he said.
Once he got on stage, though, he said it was all good. Hodgins almost never made it on stage to begin with though. If it hadn’t been for his wife, he probably wouldn’t have ended up in the competition, let alone be named one of the finalists.
Most of the musicians can be found on online networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, Youtube or Reverb Nation. Magician Greg Frewin will also be performing at the show tonight. General admission tickets are $17.70 and would need to be purchased at the door. The Greg Frewin Theatre is located at 5781 Ellen Ave. in Niagara Falls. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7. - Niagara This Week

Angela Siracusa,
Award Winning, Nashville Recording Artist 2008 CMA Tour
PRESS RELEASE from Nashville, Tennessee

Angela Siracusa’s, 2008 CMA Music Festival tour, Nashville, TN!
The beautiful Canadian, Angela Siracusa flew home earlier this week, but not before setting Music City on it's "proverbial ear". After playing an award winners show in Niagara Falls on May 25th, Angela hurriedly arrived in nashville on the following day to play a featured spot on the prestigious Billy Block show May 27th. Beginning what can also be described as “Angela's 2008 Whirlwind Nashville Tour.” The two week tour kicked off with the aforementioned Billy Block show at Cadillac Ranch. It was followed by shows at The Nashville Palace, Ernest Tubb's Troubadour Theatre,
Cadillac Ranch once again, the Tin Roof, Tootsies, and a tour ending performance back at The Nashville Palace!  Along the way Angela was interviewed by a myriad of radio stations and press. Being invited to appear on radio shows.
She then turned the tables, and as wore her press correspondent hat for e-zines, The Tub Magazine.com and in print, Dreamwest Magazine in France. It was then that her and her associate Terry Church landed interviews with Nashville's Illustrious Mayor, Karl Dean, and Country supergroup Sugarland. Then getting in to watch all the LP Field concerts during CMA’s and taking close up shots of the many artists.

 The two weeks were filled with many highlights, one of which certainly was meeting and signing autographs for her many fans at the Tootsies booth in Fan Fair Hall. Another was being joined onstage throughout her tour by the "Legendary" Walter Egan, of MAGNET & STEEL fame. Walter performed a duet on the album with Angela, and has shared the stage with such musical icons as Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty to name just a few!  

Perhaps the biggest highlight of this whirlwind tour was taking part in the COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON charity fundraiser for Melodical Hearts. Always one to give back something of herself, Angela helped both financially and performance wise in bringing this wonderful event, helping children in crisis, to fruition. The stellar line-up, besides Angela, included country greats Jack Green, Cody McCarver, and Judy Rodman, along with rising stars Emma Mae Jacob, Zach Hacker, Brenda Mullen, The Roys, and many others who selflessly donated their time and talents to help others in need. Hosted by aclaimed RFD Television star David Church, and 2006 CMA Radio Personality of the Year Kevin Richards, the event was an unabashed success!

Angela now returns home, to enjoy a well deserved rest from her hectic schedule, NOT !  In fact by the time you read this, she will already have prepared for, and completed a two day Video shoot for her upcoming single, "Better Men Have Tried" ! Then she is off to record an album with 3 time Grammy winner Walter Ostenek, who fell in love with Angela's voice upon hearing her at THE NIAGARA MUSIC AWARDS. Then it's back July 2008, to her second home, Nashville, TN for more recording and her video release party, more co-writing sessions, business meetings and networking and performances. When one couples this kind of work ethic and drive, with incredible talent, presentation, personality and poise it very simply translates into one word, "STAR!”
Angela Siracusa, is a “Star on the rise”!

K.M.Holland

For Booking Information contact Ken Kahler Manager 615-731-4426

Visit Angela at:

Www.AngelaSiracusa.Com

Www.MySpace.com/asiracusa

Www.digitalrodeo.com/angelasiracusa

- K.M. HOLLAND

Press Release

For Immediate dissemination April 9, 2008 12:01 a. m.

Rising Country Music Star Angela Siracusa will be making an appearance in concert with the Toasted Western Swing Band and 3 time Grammy Award Winner Walter Ostanek at the Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel in Niagara Falls Ontario on Sunday April 13 at 7 p. m. In addition to performing live with the band, Miss Siracusa will be preparing dinner for Walter with the help of award winning Chef Ron Davis at the Cairn Croft. Portions of the event will be filmed for a future multimedia broadcast and release on Thetubmagazine. com



Submitted by:

Steve Kostyk
Moonstone Music Productions
6529 Orchard Ave.
Niagara Falls Ontario
L2G 4H4
905-356-2747



Best Western Cairn Croft
Chef Ron Davis 905-356-1161
- Steve Kostyk - Moonstone Music Productions

Canadian singer/songwriter Angela Siracusa opens for country star Sammy Kershaw, receives international acclaim

Ontario, Canada - Currently perched in My Space’s Top 20 for unsigned country artists in Canada, singer/songwriter Angela Siracusa (http://www.angelasiracusa.com) is on the verge of a mainstream breakthrough. Although commercial success has eluded her thus far, Siracusa is quickly rising to the upper stratosphere of indie recognition.
Debuting in the Canadian country music scene in 2006 with the album Mov’n On, Siracusa has, without the financial backing and power of a major record label, managed to build her own substantial fan base through her magnetic live performances and toe-tappingly infectious songs. Recently opening up for modern country icon Sammy Kershaw, Siracusa is gradually getting noticed by a highly competitive country music world that is basically fueled by Nashville. The Niagara Music Awards in Canada were impressed, presenting her with Country Band of the Year at their most recent ceremony.
Siracusa’s latest CD, Drawn to the Flame, which includes a duet with Walter Egan on his own “Magnet and Steel,” was released in early 2008. Siracusa has tapped Robert Michael Sutton of the Seattle-based firm Sutton Music Group (http://www.suttonmusicgroup.com) to promote the record to Canadian radio stations and reviewers worldwide. A veteran of the music industry for 21 years, Sutton has worked for Bertie Higgins, responsible for the early ‘80s country smash “Key Largo,” and Ray Manzarek, legendary keyboardist of the Doors. Words of praise for Siracusa are already beginning to trickle in. Kyrby Raine, owner of the trendy Americana site Twang Town and staff writer for INK 19, which has 80,000 readers a month, said that Siracusa “will help further establish Canada as a wellspring for superior country product.” Carson James of Hellhound on My Trail exclaimed that “Siracusa sounds more Nashville than Nashville itself.”
In addition to music, Siracusa writes a column called “Angela Feeds the Band” for Tub magazine wherein she interviews and cooks for famous musicians. Siracusa’s new video, “Better Men Have Tried,” is currently topping the My Space video charts with more than 6,000 plays.

- Robert Michael Sutton, CEO - Sutton Music Group

CRITICS’ QUOTES

“Siracusa elevates ‘Magnet and Steel’ from the cobwebs of nostalgia…invigorating personality and charming, sometimes sultry singing…what stars are made of, full of spunk and sparkle”
- Carson James, Twang Town

“Distilling the finest qualities of Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton but injected with a moden flavor…Siracusa is no cookie-cutter job, she is a strong independent voice that is all her own…Drawn to the Flame is filled with songs that move you and make you move”

- Kit Burns, Overground Underground

“Prapare to fall in love with Angela Siracusa…that the cover of ‘Magnet and Steel’ isn’t even the best song is further proof of how good she is…after she conquers her native Canada, America will be next”
- Alison Murphy, Hellhound On My Trail

“Siracusa is sexy but classy, with a real woman’s body but a real woman’s voice, too…I can see her as a potential role model, especially to girls wanting to be country stars, which Siracusa is destined to become with talent like that”
- Lucinda Coyne, The Calm Cafe

“Siracusa has us remembering what we once loved about country music…her crystalline voice echoes both the old and the new”
- Kyrby Raine, INK 19

“A country talent to watch, easy on the eyes and delicious to the ears”
- Adam Harrington, Whisperin & Hollerin (U.K.)





- Robert Michael Sutton

June 25th 2009

Singing and creating is her passion. If it's not creating new recipes for her upcoming cooking show it's writing new songs and creating new opportunities!
Angela Siracusa has joined forces with three time Grammy award winner, Walter Ostanek and the praised texas swing band, The Toasted Western Swing Band; together they will be releasing a compilation album called, "Roots 66". A mix of roots music and swing and a hint of polka.

Angela has 3 original cuts plus the cover of Route 66. Not waiting for the release date, Angela has performed these songs on the famed Billy Block Show in Nashville and has received the praises from her fans and colleagues. "They Crumble," was nominated for best original song for 2009 Niagara Music awards; plus two other nominations and received honorable mention for the 2009 Billboard World Songwriting Contest. A positive start in the right direction and a good sign of things to come.

The official release date is scheduled for September 2009. The official press conference will be held in the next coming months.

Nashville is one of Siracusa's favored showcase towns and is now focusing some of her attention closer to home.

"Joining forces with other local artists is exciting. Working with Walter and TTWS Band has been a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to joining them at Havelock Jamboree this year. With the release of a new record, you never know for certain what will happen but with this one I'm certain it's going to be great."

For sneak review of Angela's new releases visit Angela's My Space page.
http://www.myspace.com/asiracusa

They Crumble
Half a Sun
Write Me a Letter
Route 66

K.M. HOLLAND
Nashville, TN
615-636-4496




- K.M. HOLLAND

March 5th, 2009

A year ago, Angela Siracusa's first Nashville debut was a notable one. Over 2000 people submit their music for The Billy Block Show; a special showcase where only 200 artists a year are chosen to perform on the weekly showcase.
Siracusa has been a regular guest ever since. Throughout 2008 Siracusa performed songs from her sophomore album, "Drawn to the Flame," along with 2x platinum selling songwriter Walter Egan." Angela has also opened up for The Road Hammers, Hal Ketchum and Sammy Kershaw.

One year later, March 3rd 2009, Angela continues to open up for the greats. 12th & Porter was packed with Raul Malo's (Mavericks) fans, an intimidating position for some but not for Angela.
Siracusa performed new, unreleased songs from her upcoming compilation album and the praises from that night continue for her ability to entertain and wow audiences everywhere. "Roots 66," is a collaborative effort along with 3x grammy award winner, Walter Ostanek and The Toasted Western Swing Band. A release date for, "Roots 66," is scheduled for September 2009.

Angela keeps her songwriting at the forefront of her career. Penning songs in her other favorite genre, Americana. Her 4 song EP called "The Other Side of Me", produced by Nick Lesyk, is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2009.

"My passion has always been in the form of creating. I have always been able to have several irons in the pot. I'm doing what I want to do which is to be a singer/songwriter an entertainment correspondent for Dreamwest Magazine and the host of my own upcoming music/cooking show called, "Angela Feeds the Band." I have the ability and opportunity to do it all so I will keep on going forward."

For review of her upcoming releases visit.
http://www.sonicbids.com/angelasiracusa

For a review of her cooking show visit; www.YouTube.com/AngelaFeedstheBand

K.M. HOLLAND
Nashville, TN
615-636-4496
rocnjoc2@aol.com



- K.M. HOLLAND

Canadian Singer
makes debut on

The Billy Block Show

Angela Siracusa is "Hardly Heartbroke"

NASHVILLE, TN. (March 7, 2008) – Angela Siracusa, who recently released the eclectic CD, Drawn to the Flame, made her debut on Nashville's long running radio broadcast of The Billy Block Show, live from Cadillac Ranch. During her appearance, Siracusa performed several songs from the new project, including the upbeat single, "Heardly Heartbroke" which was written by George Ducas and Kaci Bolls.

The album also features a duet on “Magnet and Steel” with that songs' venerable writer, Walter Egan. It is truly a highlight on the new project.

"Angela is a very talented woman who I was lucky to work with. Her command of a song is rivaled only by her command of the kitchen. It was a pleasure to be able to be a part of her new CD." ~ Walter Egan


Angela has been in Nashville for CRS39 and making numerous appearances and performances to promote the new project. A meet & greet and autograph session was held at Nashville's FYE store allowing the rising star to visit with fans. Angela pleased those fans with an intimate acoustic performance at the store.

Drawn to the Flame is a lesson well-learned, brimming with songs hand-picked by the artist and delivered with elegance and verve. It is available now.

For additional information, www.myspace.com/asiracusa
For REVIEW COPIES & INTERVIEWS,
contact laughingpenguin@comcast.net or 615.476.3200

CONTACT:
Claire Ratliff-Sears
Laughing Penguin Publicity
P.O. Box 140396
Nashville, TN 37214
615.476.3200
FAX 615.216.2175
laughingpenguin@comcast.net
www.penguinpublicity.com



- Laughing Penguin Publicity

Country singer Angela Siracusa will be coming home from Nashville to attend the Niagara Music Awards on March 25. She is nominated for "Best Country Band of the Year." Siracusa, who splits her time living in Pelham and Nashville, has been singing her entire life.

Country singer nominated for music award
Siracusa is keeping her fingers crossed
Danni Gresko

Published on Mar 21, 2008
Pelham singer Angela Siracusa is making her mark on the Nashville music scene.

Now the country artist is hoping to take a Niagara Music Award back to her home away from home.

Siracusa, who divides her time between living in Nashville and Pelham, has earned a nomination in the category of Best Country Band of the year.

"I'm so excited," said Siracusa after a long drive home from Tennessee.

The country singer, who describes her style as "eclectic," said that winning the award could help her singing career by gaining greater exposure, which would help her to land a big-time gig.

According to Siracusa, making it big in Nashville is the "best thing" for any country singer.

"They know how to do it right and I love that my album is from Nashville," she said.

Nashville is home to some of the best songwriters and singers in the business and Siracusa has been fortunate enough to work with a number of Nashville platinum songwriters.

Although she co-wrote two songs on her sophomore album, Siracusa explained that emerging artists in Nashville are encouraged to jump into the pool of songs that are offered there.

"It's sort of like you pay your respect to the songwriters," she said.

"They are great songs."

Her third album "Drawn to the Flame" has been gaining popularity in the south, with songs playing on one of Nashville's hottest country stations, 103 WKDF.

Siracusa comes from a very musical family and has been surrounded by music her entire life.

Her mother was an Italian opera singer for nine years and her brothers were always playing their own music.

Starting off in a family band, she performed at corporate gigs and weddings, and toured with the band across Ontario and New York State.

She credits her family as a guide to her success.

"Most of my music came from listening to my brothers perform," she said,

"My brother has been my mentor my whole life growing up.

"Since I was four, I was always at family venues and we were all given instruments, I was the singer," she said.

Siracusa also credited some of her success to her experience working as a marketing director.

She was able to apply the same skills from her marketing career to the music business and it has proven to be quite successful.

"Myspace has also been a huge one for me, Myspace has made me meet everyone," she said.

"It's the best thing for new artists and I encourage anyone to take advantage of the website's marketing skills."

Aside from singing, Angela also loves to cook. She writes a column called "Angela Feeds the Band" for an e-zine, The Tub Magazine.

Inviting famous musicians to the kitchen, she prepares a custom dish, cooks and interviews the artist.

Angela's future plans include her "Drawn to the Flame" tour, taking place in Nashville and parts of Ontario.


http://niagarathisweek.com/news/article/162687
- Danni Gresko

Angela Siracusa wins at
Niagara Music Awards

BEST COUNTRY GROUP goes to Angela Siracusa

Angela Siracusa holds her award for BEST COUNTRY GROUP,
presented by the Barter Group at the first Niagara Music Awards.

NASHVILLE, TN. (March 26, 2008) – Indie artist, Angela Siracusa, who recently released her sophomore CD, walked away with the award for BEST COUNTRY BAND of the YEAR in the first ever Niagara Music Awards.

With an impressive list of sponsors, Capital M Productions, 91.7 GIANT FM, and LGSTORE.CA presented the program at the Niagara Centre for the Performing Arts.

Siracusa recently released her second album, DRAWN TO THE FLAME. The eclectic CD includes the honky-tonkin’ single, “Hardly Heartbroke”, which was written by George Ducas and Kaci Bolls.

The Canadian beauty was ecstatic over her win. " It was March 4th and I had just returned to my hotel room in Nashville after a performance on The Billy Block Show when I found out I was nominated . It was a thrill to simply be nominated for Best Country Group of the Year, but to win, is just divine." The rising star is quick to share credit for a worthy project. From her home in the Niagara area, Siracusa bubbles over, saying, "I want to give special thanks to my manager Ken Kahler and Billy Block and my amazing friends Brad Stella and my music muse, MaryLynne Stella for all their support during and after the recording of my album."

Siracusa returns to Nashville for performances in May and June. Meanwhile, her calendar is filling up quickly, thanks to the award accolades. For more on Angela, visit www.angelasiracusa.com or www.myspace.com/asiracusa

About 700 people attended the Niagara Music Awards. This event afforded Niagara area artists the opportunity to be recognized by fans and peers, complete with some major media exposure. Organizers plan to add more categories as needed.

Additional information:
For REVIEW COPIES & INTERVIEWS,
laughingpenguin@comcast.net or 615.476.3200

CONTACT:
Claire Ratliff-Sears
Laughing Penguin Publicity
P.O. Box 140396
Nashville, TN 37214
615.476.3200
FAX 615.216.2175
laughingpenguin@comcast.net
www.penguinpublicity.com





- Laughing Penguin

Angela Siracusa does it again!
Nominated for Best Country Group and Best Original Song "They Crumble" for this years Niagara Music Awards. Held at the Niagara Centre for Performing Arts, April 14th 2009. Tickets available through www.Tickemaster.com.
Angela will be performing an acoustic version of her new original song, The Other Side of Me; still yet to be released.

Angela has a few irons in the pot kindling with the same fire she seems to ignite with all her endeavors.

Stay tuned for more updates on her upcoming t.v. show, Angela Feeds the Band. Angela will be seen cooking and celebrating her love of country music with other country stars.






- K.M. HOLLAND