Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: November 3, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
This native of Minnesota is returning to her old stomping grounds to dazzle with an intoxicating blend of blues, jazz, and classical sounds. After a successful run touring the tri-state area and releasing two Cds with her band, the three members decided to go their separate ways. Litz took the opportunity to put out a solo album, The Fugitive, which was released in October ’09. A few weeks later, Litz quit her job, sold everything she owned, and boarded a New Zealand bound flight.
In preparation for New Zealand, Litz booked a number of gigs through connections she made on myspace.com. Her first was scheduled for two days after her plane landed. She settled in a hostel, rented a keyboard for $80/month, and was set for her first week.
Litz found she was able to survive solely on income from playing gigs. She enjoyed opening for local artists with a loyal following. Litz also discovered couchsurfing.com. The site offers information about residents interested in hosting travelers passing through, offering a free couch or room to sleep in for a few nights. Along with helping Litz economize during her travels, it proved an exceptional avenue for creating friendships.
When she didn’t have gigs booked, Litz would search out open mic venues. During her final week in New Zealand, she drove south in the car she had purchased and carried her keyboard from restaurant to restaurant asking if she could perform. She was frequently paid in good food and drink and enough gas money to get to the next town.
During the past year, Litz briefly lived in Canada near Vancouver Island. There she was inspired by the natural landscape and her previous travels to write twelve new songs for her second album which she is currently recording in Seattle.
Learn more about Katrina Litz @ www.myspace.com/katrinalitz
Katrina Litz will also be playing at the Big V in the Midway, St. Paul on Thursday, November 4th.
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