It has been a whirlwind of activity in recent weeks! The Dempsey Challenge (annual fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing - www.dempseychallenge.com and www.dempseycenter.org) on October 8 and 9 was an absolutely amazing weekend that I will never forget. I met so many wonderful people and happily reconnected with several survivors that I met last year and formed a number of new friendships. I was blessed to be able to be a source of inspiration to the participants and volunteers at the Dempsey Challenge as well, singing two strong and heartfelt National Anthems for nearly 4,000 people in a fantastic array of team shirts. On Saturday I walked the 5K with my family, and on Sunday my husband cycled. A great time was had by all!
Then came Saturday night. I was excited, nervous...to me it felt like preparing myself to go to The Grammys or to the Sundance Film Festival! I wrote a song and produced a video called "Chairs" that I had shared with Mary Dempsey, and she was so moved by it that she asked me to share it at the Dempsey Challenge Champions of Hope Banquet. That evening there were many wonderful, emotional stories from Patrick Dempsey, caregivers, survivors, and participants. I had the honor of giving the top fundraiser award and had the opportunity to tell this gentleman what his fundraising for The Dempsey Center means to me and my family. Then, at the end of the evening, just before Patrick Dempsey's closing remarks, Mark Turcotte of The Dempsey Center offered the following introduction: "We have something we would like to share with you from singer/songwriter Kristen Short. You may remember the Short Family featured in a Dempsey Center video last year. Kristen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and has undergone treatment the past year. Despite her diagnosis and treatment, she has continued to write and perform music. Kristen's cancer journey and experiences with The Dempsey Center, the caregivers of CMMC, and fellow patients and their families have inspired her to write a song and produce a video. This is 'Chairs' by Kristen Short." From the very first piano note (performed by Heather Pierson, percussion by Rusty Wiltjer, and guitar by Alan Bean), the standing-room-only group of people fell silent and watched the five minute music video with a display of emotion that brought tears to my own eyes. (As many people described that were there that evening, "there wasn't a dry eye in the house" after the presentation) I received rounds of hugs, the first from my husband, and as I made it across the room, I received big hugs from Patrick, Mary and Mrs. Dempsey. It was incredible to share this song this way!
The limited edition "Chairs" CD single/DVD set is available at the www.kshort.com web site. CD/DVD sets are $10.00 each (plus $2.00 shipping and handling), and 50% of proceeds benefit the Dempsey Center. If you'd like to take a peek online, here's a YouTube link to the video: www.youtube.com/user/seasirenmusic If you like the song, please help support the Dempsey Center in my independent fundraising efforts and order a CD/DVD set!
Thank you so much for your support!
Best wishes,
Kristen Short
Singer/Songwriter
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fundraising and New Song Dedication for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing
Greetings!
I'm doing a fundraiser concert in conjunction with Gritty's in Auburn with Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer of Wiltjer Pottery for the Dempsey Challenge/The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing tomorrow night 9/17 at Gritty's Auburn at 8 PM. Want to help but can't come? Please visit my Dempsey site at http://dempseychallenge2011.kintera.org/kshort. Donations are tax deductible.
On October 8th and 9th, thousands of people will join me in The Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen, a bicycle tour and run/walk event designed to raise both cancer awareness and funds for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. In 2010 I sang the National Anthem for the Dempsey Challenge and have been given the honor to perform it again in 2011, and I'm also walking as a survivor! (Let me know if you'd like to join our team - Saturday is the walk/run, Sunday is the bike ride - you can do one or both events.)
The mission of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is "to provide the highest quality of education, support and wellness services to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and communities touched by cancer. We strive to embrace the whole person including body, mind and spirit in a respectful, inclusive and healing environment." The Center and its staff have been an amazing resource for me and my family after my cancer diagnosis in July 2010, and I am inspired to help keep the Center funded so it can continue its wonderful work in our community!
My fundraising goal is $3,000 (as of this writing I'm a third of the way there!), which qualifies me to attend the Champions of Hope Banquet on October 8. I wrote and produced a special new song and video presentation dedicated to The Dempsey Center that I'll be presenting at the banquet. If you donate $25 or more, I'll send you a limited edition CD single of the new song! (If you've donated to my page already, you're eligible for the CD, too!)
Thanks for your help, and best wishes!
Kristen
I'm doing a fundraiser concert in conjunction with Gritty's in Auburn with Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer of Wiltjer Pottery for the Dempsey Challenge/The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing tomorrow night 9/17 at Gritty's Auburn at 8 PM. Want to help but can't come? Please visit my Dempsey site at http://dempseychallenge2011.kintera.org/kshort. Donations are tax deductible.
On October 8th and 9th, thousands of people will join me in The Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen, a bicycle tour and run/walk event designed to raise both cancer awareness and funds for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. In 2010 I sang the National Anthem for the Dempsey Challenge and have been given the honor to perform it again in 2011, and I'm also walking as a survivor! (Let me know if you'd like to join our team - Saturday is the walk/run, Sunday is the bike ride - you can do one or both events.)
The mission of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is "to provide the highest quality of education, support and wellness services to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and communities touched by cancer. We strive to embrace the whole person including body, mind and spirit in a respectful, inclusive and healing environment." The Center and its staff have been an amazing resource for me and my family after my cancer diagnosis in July 2010, and I am inspired to help keep the Center funded so it can continue its wonderful work in our community!
My fundraising goal is $3,000 (as of this writing I'm a third of the way there!), which qualifies me to attend the Champions of Hope Banquet on October 8. I wrote and produced a special new song and video presentation dedicated to The Dempsey Center that I'll be presenting at the banquet. If you donate $25 or more, I'll send you a limited edition CD single of the new song! (If you've donated to my page already, you're eligible for the CD, too!)
Thanks for your help, and best wishes!
Kristen
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 2011 Music Update
I'm happy to say that I am a one year breast cancer survivor today (diagnosed 7/15/2010). It's been a difficult year, but I am on the road to recovery, growing hair, gaining strength and mobility, simplifying life, working on new music, and being very grateful for still being here!
Here are some things happening this summer:
My music will be featured on the HeartGlow Living radio program with author host Deb Snyder, Ph.D., and psychic Sue Yarmey, on July 21, from 7 to 8 PM. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/heartglow/2011/07/21/heartglow-living
I'll be performing a free outdoor concert with Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer at Moore Park in South Paris as part of the Moore Park Concert Series on Wednesday, August 10, from 6 to 8 PM (rain or shine - rain location is at the Paris fire station). I will be donating my portion of the event's proceeds and CD sales to The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Hope you can join us!
Speaking of the Dempsey Center, I've been asked to sing the National Anthem again this year for The Dempsey Challenge, fundraising event for The Dempsey Center. I'll be singing at the kick-off both days, October 8 and 9. My family also has a team and will be walking and biking in the event. If you'd like to be a part of our team or make a donation, please see my Dempsey Challenge page: http://dempseychallenge2011.kintera.org/kshort
The creative muse is afoot and I have a lot of new songwriting in the works...
Thanks for your interest and best wishes,
Kristen
Here are some things happening this summer:
My music will be featured on the HeartGlow Living radio program with author host Deb Snyder, Ph.D., and psychic Sue Yarmey, on July 21, from 7 to 8 PM. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/heartglow/2011/07/21/heartglow-living
I'll be performing a free outdoor concert with Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer at Moore Park in South Paris as part of the Moore Park Concert Series on Wednesday, August 10, from 6 to 8 PM (rain or shine - rain location is at the Paris fire station). I will be donating my portion of the event's proceeds and CD sales to The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Hope you can join us!
Speaking of the Dempsey Center, I've been asked to sing the National Anthem again this year for The Dempsey Challenge, fundraising event for The Dempsey Center. I'll be singing at the kick-off both days, October 8 and 9. My family also has a team and will be walking and biking in the event. If you'd like to be a part of our team or make a donation, please see my Dempsey Challenge page: http://dempseychallenge2011.kintera.org/kshort
The creative muse is afoot and I have a lot of new songwriting in the works...
Thanks for your interest and best wishes,
Kristen
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Second Chances...
"Stop talkin' what you could have, should have done
Take a look at just how far we've come
Build the future on the best of the past
Take a second chance...now we have a second chance"
KAS ("Second Chance")
* * *
Performing at my first original music concert in Saco, Maine, last Saturday, May 21st, with friends Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer was indeed a second chance for me. It’s the second time performing at this sweet, little venue (the first was in 2006), and the first time back to performing original music since my breast cancer diagnosis last summer and subsequent treatment and ongoing recovery. The audience was warm and receptive (husband and kids were there, too), my fellow musicians were wonderful, and my voice was strong. We filmed the evening and will be posting clips soon on the Sea Siren YouTube Channel if you’d like to take a look and listen (http://www.youtube.com/seasirenmusic)
Last evening I hopped over to the Norway Open Mic hosted by Heather Pierson. I’ve been absent from the venue in recent months and was happy to catch up with old friends and to make some new ones. I enjoyed all the performers. I gave my husband the heads-up that the evening was being internet live-streamed, and by the time it was my turn to perform accompanied by Heather on guitar, there were a number of family members and friends online watching. How cool is that?! My daughter also joined us on stage for singing (and cuddling). We had a great time.
I’ve been given another honor I wanted to mention…my niece and her husband have organized a team for the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure®, which is an amazing event in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 2011. The team is named “Team Short – Road to Recovery.” I thank them for supporting this cause and am honored by their choice of team name. If you’d like to know more about the event and/or make a tax-deductible donation, here’s the link: http://globalrace.info-komen.org/site/TR?team_id=169411&pg=team&fr_id=2024&et=HKLqSIXjR-FmIwSlBi3ZuQ..&s_tafId=59746
It’s good to be feeling a little better every day…the sunshine and warmer temperatures certainly do help! I'm looking forward to working on some new tunes in the weeks ahead - there's so much to write about! :)
Love and blessings,
Kristen
Take a look at just how far we've come
Build the future on the best of the past
Take a second chance...now we have a second chance"
KAS ("Second Chance")
* * *
Performing at my first original music concert in Saco, Maine, last Saturday, May 21st, with friends Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer was indeed a second chance for me. It’s the second time performing at this sweet, little venue (the first was in 2006), and the first time back to performing original music since my breast cancer diagnosis last summer and subsequent treatment and ongoing recovery. The audience was warm and receptive (husband and kids were there, too), my fellow musicians were wonderful, and my voice was strong. We filmed the evening and will be posting clips soon on the Sea Siren YouTube Channel if you’d like to take a look and listen (http://www.youtube.com/seasirenmusic)
Last evening I hopped over to the Norway Open Mic hosted by Heather Pierson. I’ve been absent from the venue in recent months and was happy to catch up with old friends and to make some new ones. I enjoyed all the performers. I gave my husband the heads-up that the evening was being internet live-streamed, and by the time it was my turn to perform accompanied by Heather on guitar, there were a number of family members and friends online watching. How cool is that?! My daughter also joined us on stage for singing (and cuddling). We had a great time.
I’ve been given another honor I wanted to mention…my niece and her husband have organized a team for the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure®, which is an amazing event in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 2011. The team is named “Team Short – Road to Recovery.” I thank them for supporting this cause and am honored by their choice of team name. If you’d like to know more about the event and/or make a tax-deductible donation, here’s the link: http://globalrace.info-komen.org/site/TR?team_id=169411&pg=team&fr_id=2024&et=HKLqSIXjR-FmIwSlBi3ZuQ..&s_tafId=59746
It’s good to be feeling a little better every day…the sunshine and warmer temperatures certainly do help! I'm looking forward to working on some new tunes in the weeks ahead - there's so much to write about! :)
Love and blessings,
Kristen
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A very special evening...
Tonight is going to be a very special evening...
For the past ten months, I have had a "goal" day of May 21, 2011. It's a day that I've thought about and looked forward to that has carried me through the difficult months of breast cancer treatment and post-treatment complications. It's the day that I'll be stepping back onto the stage and performing my original music again, my first concert since my diagnosis on 07/15/2010. When Donna from the Saco Coffeehouse booked me and friends Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer for tonight's concert, I had not yet been diagnosed. After the diagnosis and first surgery, I assured Donna that I was determined to be well enough to do that concert and that it would indeed be a very special evening. That day is here...and I'm so glad to be feeling well and to still be on this planet!
The performance is at the Saco Coffeehouse at 60 School Street in Saco, Maine. Admission is $10 at the door (children under 12 are free). Open mic starts at 7pm, followed by opening perfomer Hattie Simon. We'll be on from 8:00 to 9:30pm. If you're in Maine, we'd love to see you there! (And if you're from away and can only be there in spirit, I'll be posting some video footage for you soon!)
Best wishes,
Kristen
For the past ten months, I have had a "goal" day of May 21, 2011. It's a day that I've thought about and looked forward to that has carried me through the difficult months of breast cancer treatment and post-treatment complications. It's the day that I'll be stepping back onto the stage and performing my original music again, my first concert since my diagnosis on 07/15/2010. When Donna from the Saco Coffeehouse booked me and friends Heather Pierson and Rusty Wiltjer for tonight's concert, I had not yet been diagnosed. After the diagnosis and first surgery, I assured Donna that I was determined to be well enough to do that concert and that it would indeed be a very special evening. That day is here...and I'm so glad to be feeling well and to still be on this planet!
The performance is at the Saco Coffeehouse at 60 School Street in Saco, Maine. Admission is $10 at the door (children under 12 are free). Open mic starts at 7pm, followed by opening perfomer Hattie Simon. We'll be on from 8:00 to 9:30pm. If you're in Maine, we'd love to see you there! (And if you're from away and can only be there in spirit, I'll be posting some video footage for you soon!)
Best wishes,
Kristen
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Singer/Songwriter Kristen Short - 05/07/2011 Music Update
Greetings! Taking a glance through my records, I note that it has been a regrettably long time since I’ve sent a note to my music mailing list. Hopefully this note finds you well.
As you may be aware, this past year has been a very challenging one for me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2010 and was in aggressive cancer treatment until April 2011. I am very thankfully now in remission, growing hair back, gaining strength, and on my journey to wellness. I am celebrating my return to performing music in the weeks ahead that I wanted to let you know about…
Saturday, 05/07/2011
An Evening of Jazz/Silent Auction fundraiser for The Boxberry School, 7:00 PM, at the school (301 Webber Brook Road, Oxford, Maine). I’ll be performing jazz music with Dawson Hill (vocals/piano) and Rusty Wiltjer (percussion). Dawson and I are also the music teachers for the school. Gourmet foods by Chef Erik Person, great items on auction, and sweet music – it will be an enjoyable evening! Tickets are $20.
Sunday, 05/08/2011
Happy Mothers’ Day! I’m celebrating by singing the National Anthem for the Portland Sea Dogs Mothers’ Day/Breast Cancer Awareness Game. I’ve had the honor of singing for the Sea Dogs since 1999; this year I’ll also be singing as a breast cancer survivor. I’m looking forward to seeing the players wearing pink jerseys for the event! For ticket information, see http://www.portlandseadogs.com
Saturday, 05/21/2011
I’m performing an original music concert, my first since my 2010 cancer diagnosis, at a great little venue that I performed at in 2006. It’s at the Saco Coffeehouse in Saco, Maine (Unitarian Universalist Church, 60 School Street). I’ll be joined by my good friends Vessel Recordings artist Heather Pierson (keyboard/guitar/vocals) and percussionist/potter Rusty Wiltjer. Tickets are $10 at the door. Open mic starts at 7:00 PM, followed by a 20 minute performance by a duo. We go on at 8:00 PM and will play until about 9:30 PM. I hope that you can come celebrate with us!
Save the Date! – Wednesday, 08/10/2011
It’s been years since I’ve performed for the Moore Park Concert Series in South Paris, Maine, and I’m excited to be returning for a concert this summer. Joining me will be Heather Pierson, Rusty Wiltjer and cousin guitarist Eric Brewer. Concert is free to the public and starts at 6:00 PM.
There is much more music to be written and life to be lived. Thank you so much for your interest in my music!
Blessings and best wishes to you,
Kristen Short
Singer/Songwriter
Web Page: www.kshort.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Short-SingerSongwriter/42932994619
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/kristenshortmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kristenshort
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kristenshortmusic
SonicBids: http://www.sonicbids.com/kristenshort
“Every day is a gift…what will do you with your gift today?” KAS
As you may be aware, this past year has been a very challenging one for me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2010 and was in aggressive cancer treatment until April 2011. I am very thankfully now in remission, growing hair back, gaining strength, and on my journey to wellness. I am celebrating my return to performing music in the weeks ahead that I wanted to let you know about…
Saturday, 05/07/2011
An Evening of Jazz/Silent Auction fundraiser for The Boxberry School, 7:00 PM, at the school (301 Webber Brook Road, Oxford, Maine). I’ll be performing jazz music with Dawson Hill (vocals/piano) and Rusty Wiltjer (percussion). Dawson and I are also the music teachers for the school. Gourmet foods by Chef Erik Person, great items on auction, and sweet music – it will be an enjoyable evening! Tickets are $20.
Sunday, 05/08/2011
Happy Mothers’ Day! I’m celebrating by singing the National Anthem for the Portland Sea Dogs Mothers’ Day/Breast Cancer Awareness Game. I’ve had the honor of singing for the Sea Dogs since 1999; this year I’ll also be singing as a breast cancer survivor. I’m looking forward to seeing the players wearing pink jerseys for the event! For ticket information, see http://www.portlandseadogs.com
Saturday, 05/21/2011
I’m performing an original music concert, my first since my 2010 cancer diagnosis, at a great little venue that I performed at in 2006. It’s at the Saco Coffeehouse in Saco, Maine (Unitarian Universalist Church, 60 School Street). I’ll be joined by my good friends Vessel Recordings artist Heather Pierson (keyboard/guitar/vocals) and percussionist/potter Rusty Wiltjer. Tickets are $10 at the door. Open mic starts at 7:00 PM, followed by a 20 minute performance by a duo. We go on at 8:00 PM and will play until about 9:30 PM. I hope that you can come celebrate with us!
Save the Date! – Wednesday, 08/10/2011
It’s been years since I’ve performed for the Moore Park Concert Series in South Paris, Maine, and I’m excited to be returning for a concert this summer. Joining me will be Heather Pierson, Rusty Wiltjer and cousin guitarist Eric Brewer. Concert is free to the public and starts at 6:00 PM.
There is much more music to be written and life to be lived. Thank you so much for your interest in my music!
Blessings and best wishes to you,
Kristen Short
Singer/Songwriter
Web Page: www.kshort.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Short-SingerSongwriter/42932994619
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/kristenshortmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kristenshort
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kristenshortmusic
SonicBids: http://www.sonicbids.com/kristenshort
“Every day is a gift…what will do you with your gift today?” KAS
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