News and Events
June 2019 - I have some very exciting news to share: I have just launched my very first crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo to raise funds to record and produce my next full-length album, Beautiful Illusions, and pre-sell the record. I've put a lot of work and many years of my life into the songs that will appear on this record. The crowdfunding campaign includes all kinds of fun perks that will come with your contribution, including a copy of the record (digital or CD) when it is finished, tickets to our CD-Release party, a day in the recording studio observing the process, a house concert, and more!
Check out the crowdfunding page at Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/melindajoy
Listen to demo tracks of Beautiful Illusions, Orion's Bow, and Scorpion Kiss on the Music page of this site. All three songs will be featured on the new album, due out later this year.
And me for a presentation, performance, and discussion at the Jung Society of Austin on June 21st, where I'll be sharing songs from my forthcoming album and talking about the inspirations and archetypal themes that show up in the tunes.
Past:
- April 2019 - After a bit of a hiatus from gigging (finishing the dissertation, you know...) I am pleased to share that I am back in the studio and planning some shows around Austin for this summer. Also in June, I'll be kicking off a crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds to record the album and pre-sell the record, so stay tuned for that!
- May 2017 - Catch MJ at Herb Day 2017 at the American Botanical Council!
- October 2016 - Our next gig is Saturday, October 29th, at Cherrywood Coffeehouse. Excited to be part of the lineup for this Capital Zen Collective show! I'll be playing a short set, along with Michael Walker on guitar and Brandon Raehl on drums/percussion.
- April 2016: My new band, Melinda Joy & The Beautiful Illusion - a soulful, jazzy rock trio, has been hard at work in the rehearsal studio and we're set to play a month-long residency at Sahara Lounge in Austin, Wednesday evenings (7:00 p.m.), as well as a couple of shows for the West Austin Studio Tour in May. The band features MJ on bass and vocals, along with Rob Carter on guitar and Michelle Schreiber on drums. Check our Calendar page for performance dates and details.
- June 2015: Hey, hey! Thanks for checking in. I'm in between projects at the moment but have some cool things in the works. Had the pleasure of sitting in with those scoundrels of Continental Graffiti last Wednesday at Aviary. If you haven't heard them yet, you should. They are amazing. Gypsy Jazz every Wednesday night at Aviary in Austin! Stay tuned for new sounds and performance dates starting this fall...
- June 2014: New Green-Eyed Cat recordings from our session at East Side Tone.
Green-Eyed Cat also features songstress Kim Llewellyn, silver-tongued devil J.T. Martin (of Chasca), drummer Johnny Gasyna, and guitarist Abdo Serda. It's a night at the cabaret, a traveling vaudeville act, and a jazzy romp, featuring piano, bass, drums/percussion, and tight, three-part harmonies.
- Green-Eyed Cat rocked the house during our Saturday SXSW Showcase at Uncorked in March of 2014. Our best show yet!
- Green-Eyed Cat had a blast playing at the Butterfly Bar in East Austin during our August 2013 residency and recent November 9th show, and we've added a new member to the band - guitarist Abdo Serda!
- Green-Eyed Cat played for the grand opening of Embody Wellness Center in May 2012 and a fun show at the Scottish Rite Theater in Austin in June 2012.
- The Rocky Horror Revue Central Texas Tour - MJ joined the cast of Chasca's 2nd Annual Halloween Rocky Horror Revue, playing the role of Columbia, for a five-show run throughout Central Texas in October and November 2010. Check out the Time Warp video on YouTube!
- Friday, 3/19/10 - Austin Jams @ Austin Java - Austin Jams Showcase - 6:00-11:00 p.m. Melinda Joy and Friends (JT & Sean from Chasca), with the Hannah Williams Band and Chasca.
- Thursday, 11/12/09 - Art Actualized Showcase at Rutamaya! A celebration of art in action honoring six months of creative process by a variety of local visual and performing artists. I'm honored to have J.T. Martin and Sean Hannon of Chasca playing with me for this event! 8:00-11:00 p.m. Ruta Maya - 6301 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX. $5 Cover.
- Saturday, 11/21/09 - East Austin Studio Tour performance at Dr. Pea's Active Health Center, with J.T. Martin and Sean Hannon of Chasca. 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1601 East Fifth St., Austin, TX.
- 2/10/09 - Irie Bean show February 21st! With the Hannah Williams Band - An evening of acoustic soul on the back patio. MJ will be playing a short break set at around 8:45 or 9:00 PM. Good drinks, tasty treats, good friends and good times! All ages are welcome. 8-10 PM. Irie Bean Coffee Bar, 2310 South Lamar, Austin.
- 4/5/07 - Hyperactive Music Festival / New Mexico & Colorado Tour - We've been invited to play at the 2007 Hyperactive Music Festival and Conference in Albuquerque, May 17-19! In addition to the festival, we'll be touring throughout New Mexico and Colorado during the second half of May - check our calendar for dates, times, and locations.
- 6/12/06 - GoGirlsMusic.com calls our Unbound CD "a must have for every blues/rock fan," saying "M.J. Baby & The Last Word pour their heart and soul into every song!" Read the full review.