Thena Accepts Teaching Position at L.A. Music Academy - June 19, 2008
It may seem out of the ordinary, but the truth is, Thena has had it in her heart to teach for some time now. Upon being approached to teach by friend and former USC vocal instructor Tierney Sutton, thena gladly accepted. Sutton, a 2-time Grammy nominee, comes from a successful and considerable run as head of the USC Vocal Jazz department, and now is taking the reins of L.A.M.A.'s vocal department. Thena will be teaching an Rock/R&B/Folk Vocal Performance class, as well as several others, TBA, and hopes to bring spunk, inspiration and a joy of learning to her students!
Thena Plays USC Music Industry Showcase - April 16, 2008
After auditions and call-backs, Thena finally found out that she made it into the first ever USC Music Industry Showcase. It was a great honor to be selected by the USC faculty to represent her school, and a great opportunity for Thena to be heard by some top names in the music industry. Thanks to USC, and the Music Industry School for a fantastic and successful evening of talent!
Thena on Open Mic TV - March 12, 2008
Check it out! The video for Thena's appearance on Open Mic TV is now available for viewing... Share with your friends too!
Thena supports Ray Of Hope Amazon - February 2, 2008
Check our this video our church community and dear friends put together, and see what's going on with the people of the Amazon, Brazil. Many have been forgotten by their government, and are in need of schools and care. Ray of Hope and Gloria Santos have been a huge blessing to these people, and to me. Visit our Links page to see how you can give, or buy a CD - 10% of all CD sales go to support Gloria's work and Ray of Hope. To watch the video, click here:
So we have settled on a name for our band. We are THE FLORENTINES. After being in Florence recently, and falling in love with this city of such grandeur and simplicity, it was a done deal. Our sites are in the baby-stages, but check us out nonetheless :)
So, things are still in the works, but I have decided to make a major shift in musical direction... well, sort of :)
After years of being with Ted Beam, who is am amazing singer-songwriter in his own right, we have finally succombed to the inevitable - we are joining forces. Maybe it was just a matter of time, but for reasons of personal pride, I have been fighting this one all the way. It feels so good to just let go, and go with the musical flow and blessing of being married to one of my favorite musicians. You'd think I'd get it, but I can be pretty thick-skulled at times. So it's good. I'm excited :)
Thank God for new beginnings.
life in general - October 3, 2007
In this last season, I have been through so much craziness, I don’t even know where to start. Suffice it to say that you should be very careful about who you meet online, and possibly subsequently work with. You may think you know these people, but be honest with yourself – you really don’t know them from atom. They could be criminals, and sometimes they are. Also, beware (musicians in search of producers) of those who have “had” great success in the business in the past, and are now middle-aged, and hitting their mid-life crisis. -They will love what you do, but then try to change it completely, in order to make a “comeback,” or to make a name for themselves. If they mention hit-men, take a mental note, and quietly back out the door. You may want to find another producer. Or you may want to just forget about this whole music-industry mess altogether. Maybe start a family and just write songs for your sweetie, and dance like a fool for your kids. That could be a good option.
I may have been through the ringer, friends, but I am still here, and still making music. Who knows where I will go from here, but the possibilities truly seem opened up to me. Now that I am “over it” – the dream to be famous, recognized – whatever, well- the sky’s the limit! Just do what brings you and those around you joy. Oh yeah- and don’t work with crazy people!
New CD Released! Under the Radar - January 7, 2006
After much anticipation Thena's third album entitled UNDER THE RADAR is finally here! The album is a landmark for Thena, showcasing her undeniable growth as an artist, and proving that she has truly come into her own as a songwriter. The album features 12 new originals songs, which you can listen to by visiting our MUSIC section. To purchase UNDER THE RADAR, go to BUY. Thanks for supporting Thena!
Thena's Songs Featured in Independent Film - December 15, 2005
2 of Thena's songs recently appeared in the successful independent film, First Morning, which won best feature at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. First Morning was released in major theatres across the country for a limited run, and is now available for purchase at Amazon.com, or by visiting www.firstmorningthemovie.com.
Thena Scores Big at Benefit - October 31, 2005
Thena recently performed at the benefit for Heart Education, the non-profit spear-headed by Leila Steinberg, Tupak Shakur's former manager. Over $100,000 was raised to help support the arts in schools, and the night was also brought to life by well-known comedian Mike Epps' brilliant stand-up routine. Also notable was the Tupac original poem that auctioned for $20,000. www.hearteducation.org
