Internationally known sensation, Veronika Jackson is an astonishing performer.
Her recording "Hat Check" shows, Veronika piedmont style guitar picking is clean and rythmic. She sings Bessie Smith's "Ain't Nobody's Business" like she owns it, "Hobo Johnny" talks of the life of a man on the street" and as she sings "Sail Away" by Randy Newman, she sings it like she was on that slave ship.
Veronika's Newly Released CD
"some folk, some blues, some times" December 2006
Recorded in Tampa, Florida, Completed in December 2006, with Elvon Griffin as Percussionist and Patrick Bettison as Bass and Harmonica player has an outstanding feeling that touches your inner soul.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, at an early age, she was bathed in music. Born in a family of musical talents, Miss Jackson is the youngest of seven children. Being influenced by gospel, rhythm and blues and folk music, she has combined these styles and brings a flavor that is rarely heard or seen.
By age twenty Veronika had begun to take voice lessons and with the help of a new found friend she was learning to play the acoustic guitar. She was told that if she would study guitar, it would be a wonderful backup for her beautiful voice and she did. Now, as a singer who loves folk music and plays with the flavor of blues , her clean simple rythmic piedmont style guitar picking accompanies her smooth, warm, empowering voice. Veronika
received her first engagement after being heard by Tom Reese, owner of the oldest Coffeehouse in Pinellas Park, Florida. He always said she had a sound that that was different from the others and touched your heart.
Being, maybe, the only African American folk musician in her community in the 70's, Veronika went on to perform at the oldest coffeehouse in the area. Receiving awards and recognition for her songwriting. Such names as Jim Morrison and Richie Haven performed there. Tom Reese encouraged her in her music. He informed The St. Petersburg Times of Miss Jackson, they interviewed her and this was the beginning of
her notoriety in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Inspired by Odetta, Maya Angelou, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Bonnie Raitt, Alisha Keys, Gladys Knight, James Taylor, Huddie Leadbelly, Bessie Smith and Elizabeth Cotton, and Personal Coach John Di Lemme, Veronika says "They in their own way, through their lives and or music gave me the inspiration to Believe in Myself and My Music."
For more than twenty years Veronika has performed for many venues and festivals, opening for various community radio stations, putting on concerts for community libraries, doing workshops, educating and performing on traditional and folk blues in her community and schools through her performances.
Veronika has also performed on numerous occasions for The Awareness of Breast Cancer. Giving of her time to help build homes for others and also dedicating homes for Habitat Humanity. She enjoys sharing
her music and storytelling with her audiences. Veronika keeps it real exposing many people to a new experience.
Veronika has traveled as far as France entertaining music lovers. Educating many on the history of folk
blues, sharing on songs and stories to the audiences, through her life experiences. It is important to Miss Jackson to keep the history of her culture, folk music alive. She enjoys every moment as she entertains and educates her audiences through her music and storytelling..
Veronika Jackson's music will create a towering inferno within your soul.
Veronika Delivers:
As an Encourager and Motivational Speaker, Miss Jackson delivers for churches, women organizations,
high schools, universities, workshops, fundraisers, conferences and celebrations. Miss Jackson is fun
and inspirational to hear. Even when she performs she is encouraging and uplifting through her music, whether performing a traditional folk song or an acoustic blues, she is inspiring.
CD REVIEWS:
Veronika Jackson's music will create a towering inferno within your soul. Do not take this lightly. Her music will inspire you for years to come!
John Di Lemme
International Motivational Speaker
Veronika-
Your CD is Awesome, I have enjoyed it sooo... much
you are very talented ! Let me know where you are playing
locally, I'd like to come and see you perform.
Susan H.
Dear Ms. Jackson
Thank you very much for sending us a copy of
your CD. We are thoroughly enjoying it. God bless
and we will be sure to pay if forward
Sincerely
Chris & Lisa B.
My husband and I are really enjoying your new
CD, "some folk, some blues, some times"
the song "Stealing" is my favorite.
Kimberlan J.
Veronika's purpose is to entertain and Impact peoples lives In a positive way through her music and storytelling. As she sings her songs, you can tell she is singing from deep within.
CONCERT REVIEWS:
"I enjoyed watching and listening to Veronika's performance. She exhibits a comfortable, yet confident stage presence. She managed to effortlessly get the audience involved in her original songs, as well as delighted them with surprising renditions of old songs they already knew. She also managed to get them smiling and laughing and having a good time. Her musical artistry was apparent as well, she played her guitar beautifully and her voice transcended all the usual comparisons to folk-blues greats like Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading.
~Derek Patterson, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA~
Veronika Jackson never fails to delight our audiences. Her style draws on blues and traditional folk, but add to that her own experiences on the street with the less fortunate and you have social commentary that is rare among local contemporary folk musicians. The fact that she is black adds depth to her style and makes her one of very few black “folkies” available”.
~Clarence Rosa, Coordinator, Hungry Ear Coffeehouse, Atlanta, Georgia~
“Veronika, you command attention when you walk on stage, just being who you are, you appear both powerful and genuine. You are comfortable and that comforts me and I suspect anyone who sees you. The way you connect with your audiences is exceptional and I am left with the impression I have heard and intelligent and approachable human-being”.
~Ernie Williams, Banjo Player/Vocalist~
Partial Performances List:
Florida Folk Festival - White Springs, FL *** Blues Passion A Cognac - Cognac, France *** Blues sur Seine - Mante la Jolie, France *** Appalachian State University - NC *** Georgia Music Hall of Fame - Macon, GA *** Callanwolde Fine Arts Center - Atlanta, GA *** Habitat For Humanities - Madison, GA*** River Festival, Columbus, GA *** Freedom Blues Festival - Tallahassee, FL *** Metro State Women Prison, Atlanta, GA *** Margaret Mitchell House - Atlanta, GA *** WMNF Community Radio Station - Tampa, FL *** Charles & Myrtle Coffeehouse - Chattanooga, TN *** Freedom Aloft Festival- Anderson, SC *** Clearwater Festival - Clearwater, FL *** WRFG Blues Festival - Atlanta, GA ***
Contact Information : Acoustic With Heart Productions / 404-414-1859
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