Catch a Rising Star: A New Chapter Begins for Local Singer

Aug. 1 is a significant date for Roxie Jane. This date represents the culmination of months of hard work, steps into new musical territory, and a coming-of-age for the 18-year-old Citrus Valley graduate. Although she has been singing and writing songs since she was 12, with a 2012 acoustic album under her belt, Aug. 1 is the release date for her debut Pop CD, "Chick Flair." Roxie's recent music industry private listening party received rave reviews. She tells us, "People that I look up are telling me Chick Flair is something special, so that definitely feels great!" This release is a step many artists wait a lifetime for, but for Roxie, it seems to be just the beginning. Teaming up with famed producer Colby Wedgeworth, noted for his work with The Maine, Roxie's "Chick Flair" may be the next stand-out release in the pop music world. "All the pieces just came together; the songs, the producer, the sound. I'm excited at the attention it's getting before it's been released, and I can't wait for people to hear it. It's very different from anything I've done before," Roxy said. In conjunction with the release of her album, Roxie is doing a free concert on Aug. 1, 8 p.m. at Citrus Plaza (between Wet Seal and Barnes & Noble) in Redlands. The Plaza is closing part of the driving area to accommodate the crowd. The concert is free and there will be "Chick Flair" CD and shirt giveaways. Roxie will be performing on a special new stage created just for her called, "The Wedge." This portable stage, complete with sound, lighting, and powered by generator is a one-of-a-kind staging system. "It's a pretty cool to know that I can play anywhere, anytime, and I am not at the mercy of a venue's availability." As part of an exclusive agreement with Minor League Baseball, Roxie has been previewing her new songs with post-game concerts on "The Wedge" at the various Southern California stadiums. Performing to over 10,000 people in the past month, has been a good warm-up as her songs find their audience. Roxie Jane's songs are not your typical girl bubble gum, "I like boys," type of lyrics. Songs like, "It's About Time" and "Don't You Know" deal with overcoming devastation. Although serious content, these songs leave the listener humming a catchy hopeful hook, rather than feeling heavy and sullen. Perhaps part of what makes Roxie Jane's sound different is she delivers songs of substance in a pop wrapper! "Chick Flair," although an odd name for an album, is seemingly a fitting description of a local girl doing things with her style in a way that she hopes people will connect to. Roxie is not just chasing a dream, she is working her dream and "trusting God" for what opportunities come with these new steps. Aug. 1 Citrus Plaza concert area opens at 6:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m. You can get the "Chick Flair" CD and all things Roxie Jane at www.roxiejanemusic.com.