Born and raised in Southwest Kansas, far removed from any sort of modern music scene, Avers was spoon-fed country classics like Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Her earliest memories of music being Patsy Cline melting in her ears "...blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shinin'...". Judith spent some time in various small towns in Kansas and Nebraska before moving to Colorado in 1996.
She found herself in a new state, with no friends, no job and plenty of time to practice on her brother-in-law's acoustic guitar. She started writing songs. Great big, 7-10 minute long songs with the 3 chords she knew. This approach really wasn't working very well, so she decided to start a band.
She created (with the help of harmonica man Dan Barerras) the band I Know Jack. After a fairly successful 6 year run with IKJ, lots of crazy wild shows, a few wedding proposals (don't ask), several human teeth and some solid friendships still in place (love to you Billy Varn), she took off on her own musical pursuit. Since then, she has recorded and performed with friends from all necks and knees of the country, establishing an insanely loyal following.
In late 2003 she released 2 self-produced albums and has sold upwards of 3000 units at shows along the way. More recently, in July 2005 she co-produced her latest CD "Strong Hands" with Jack Redell. (Founder of Satire Records, The National Underground and winner of Denver's Choice Best Male Singer/Songwriter). Together they burned a lot of candles, drank a lot of tea and spent every weekend trying to capture the essence of Judith's live performance. The CD has been met with great response.
In late July 2005, Judith relocated to West Virginia. Prior to her move, she said she had a sort of "awakening" and decided to tour exclusively. Until recently, she had booked, promoted and managed all her own music affairs. She is still involved in service work in her new community, and spends most days calling, writing, emailing, praying, playing, and buying stock in the postal service.
Judith has been blessed to share the stage with some amazing musicians such as Holly Near, Glen Phillips and more. She has played large venues, small venues, coffee houses, theatres, festivals, pride events, opening gigs, closing gigs, in-the-middle gigs, Unitarian services, Unity services, house concerts, garage concerts and anywhere open-minded music-loving folks gather. She is a song/writer, a performer, and an honest singer who relates to her audience, their experiences and the world around her.
If you looked in Judith's CD player on any given day, you'd most likely find a few of her favorites, Gillian Welch, Jay Farrar, Chris Smither, Ani Difranco, Catie Curtis, Patti Griffin, Indigo Girls or Karen Savoca - all of whom she loves, but does not emmulate. She truly loves writing and performing.It is painfully obvious at her shows.
"Possessing a voice of an angel and personal lyrics that grind into your guts like a blade, Judith is quickly establishing herself as one of the most entertaining and heart wrenching solo acts out there." ~B. Rhoda
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