tag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=12Latest News2022-10-16T15:34:14-04:00Sarah Ragsdalefalsetag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/70825222022-10-16T15:34:14-04:002023-10-16T10:48:58-04:00Opus Luna I-IV<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/c90e96991ead3b679f991288fdeeadf2c204b087/original/final-opus-luna-i-iv-album-cover-3000.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Fall is the perfect time to celebrate the re-release of my EP Opus Luna I-IV! It was unavailable for a while on streaming or download services (except for my website) and I am glad to say that it is back! This collection of songs is a special one for me, at a time when I was going through many emotions and much turmoil. I think the sounds and words reflect this, along with my attempt to demonstrate my vulnerability and my strength, even if only through song, which has often been the case. Fall is always the time I fall back into Opus Luna vibes...the colors, the air, the mystique, and the magic! Songs like "Luna Lullaby" and "Vampyress" are so appropriate for seasonal festivities, "Dirty Thoughts Dark" is just wicked (in an awesome way), and "Naked" of course is just me. Gothic and classical under- and overtones fill this collection, parts of me that come and go with the ebb and flow of life. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4_ITCN04Wqc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4_ITCN04Wqc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4_ITCN04Wqc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Listen to Opus Luna I-IV at: <a contents="https://sarahragsdale.com/album/2317375/opus-luna-i-iv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sarahragsdale.com/album/2317375/opus-luna-i-iv" target="_blank">https://sarahragsdale.com/album/2317375/opus-luna-i-iv</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/70483852022-08-29T09:57:09-04:002022-08-29T10:03:19-04:00"It is Well with My Soul" Music Video<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="oCEv6bw2MIY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/oCEv6bw2MIY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oCEv6bw2MIY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The music video for my recording of "It is Well with My Soul" is now released! These visuals represent the reflection and centering that I've been going through myself, and finding peace - just like the beautiful lyrics of this song describe. Thanks so much for watching.</p>
<p><a contents="https://youtu.be/oCEv6bw2MIY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/oCEv6bw2MIY" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/oCEv6bw2MIY</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/69493912022-04-15T17:37:54-04:002022-04-15T17:37:54-04:00"It is Well with My Soul" EP Release<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/b1cd484e411231ee32381825204e9d940152fc7d/original/album-cover-it-is-well-4000-x-4000-px.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This EP contains four versions of my recording of the beautiful hymn "It is Well with My Soul":</p>
<p>1. Orchestra and Voice</p>
<p>2. Piano and Voice</p>
<p>3. Piano Solo</p>
<p>4. Orchestra Instrumental</p>
<p>It can be streamed and downloaded on my website or wherever digital music is sold!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/68087702021-11-18T10:25:15-05:002022-08-29T10:03:19-04:00Rutgers Ready!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="r0ubeH6YHlc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/r0ubeH6YHlc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r0ubeH6YHlc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I'm very happy to present this song and video project Rutgers Ready! This project was supported by the Rutgers Department of Political Science and the Rutgers Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community. I am proud to say that Rutgers is my alma mater! Pursuing my curiosity in cultural studies and international affairs, I graduated with a Master of Arts in Political Science (United Nations and Global Policy Studies). It was an absolute thrill being given the opportunity to celebrate the very important topics of sustainability, diversity, innovation, and community collaboration through music - songwriting and recording! Full disclosure, it was no easy task doing this project during the pandemic. My pre-pandemic vision for the video had to change completely; however, the melody and lyrics never changed. I am grateful for the unexpected contributions that allowed me to adapt and complete this project in such unusual times! I think that over the last couple of years, the importance of the song's themes has been emphasized. I hope it can inspire creativity and innovation now and well into the future!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/66746372021-06-30T03:35:10-04:002021-10-20T05:43:30-04:00A Presentation on Peace<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZzeK2xMj5I" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/07f2da1ab66ccefe1fa6fd61f19974a0ad87d3fd/original/intro.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I am thrilled to share with you my presentation/home concert on peace. It can be viewed on YouTube at the following link: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZzeK2xMj5I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZzeK2xMj5I" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZzeK2xMj5I</a> Over the past few months, I have studied with the Institute for Economics and Peace as I work toward becoming a Peace Ambassador. I have learned so much about peace through this program, and I hope that I can successfully convey some of this knowledge to you in this presentation. Also, thank you to those of you who contributed your thoughts on songs that mean or bring peace. (I play a couple of them in this video!) This really added to my total exploration of peace from angles of sound, culture, and personal interpretation. For more information on peace, please visit <a contents="www.economicsandpeace.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.economicsandpeace.org" target="_blank">www.economicsandpeace.org</a> and <a contents="www.visionofhumanity.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.visionofhumanity.org" target="_blank">www.visionofhumanity.org</a>.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/66544782021-06-09T14:51:17-04:002021-10-25T02:20:09-04:00"Re-Imagine" (Tiny Desk Style)<p>The NPR Tiny Desk Contest pushed me to make this acoustic-style recording of my song "Re-Imagine". Wanted to share! I quite like this recording setup, think I might do some more of it!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXZdLVWiLQc" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXZdLVWiLQc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXZdLVWiLQc</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXZdLVWiLQc" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/33f35b25fd1d6737ad7ef361c1efaa9ed6121294/original/copy-of-re-imagine-by-sarah-ragsdale.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>And, of course, here is my "produced" version of the song and the music video I released last year:</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46wZv4pZbQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46wZv4pZbQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46wZv4pZbQ</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46wZv4pZbQ" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/daf31934b676e372895497e3c2f21bba442fdff5/original/re-imagine-yt-thumbnail.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>This song was really just my thoughts on a stormy day last year.. it felt like the world was out of control around me and ..well, you know, we've all witnessed it all together. It's been a wild time. However, I was also studying and reading and watching inspiring people, projects, and ideas..I realized that there was so much opportunity in the rebuilding that would have to be done. Courageous individuals and creative thinking meant that as hopeless as things might seem, the reality is limitless potential! We must constantly RE-IMAGINE what the world can be!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/66052502021-04-15T18:53:45-04:002021-10-20T05:35:54-04:00Piano Bar Nostalgia<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.youtube.com/sarahragsdale" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/198849b5806347a9d3bbc827ad9e7e3a6978e33e/original/piano-bar-happy.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I've been going through photos and video from the "good old days" (aka 2019 when we had live music in person!) and I guess I've been pretty nostalgic! I thought this screenshot captured so much of the happiness and camaraderie that we share in the piano bar and I really miss it! In the meantime, I'll be continuing to post some memories (check out some of the vids on <a contents="www.youtube.com/sarahragsdale" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.youtube.com/sarahragsdale" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/sarahragsdale</a>), perhaps post a few new covers, and also working on some new originals. The music doesn't stop! :)</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/65650602021-03-04T16:34:27-05:002021-11-12T06:15:17-05:00Piano Bar on the Sea - "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under"<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/tVVEBPghhZg" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/5ca1f8a8d45b70fb841e6f5107999683a42b6c87/original/piano-bar-on-the-sea-whose-bed.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Going through photos/video and came across these piano bar cruise throwbacks from the good ole days!! (2019) What another world! I thought it was the perfect time to share for a little virtual getaway! So, here we go across the Caribbean with a song from one of my favorite artists..Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under". <a contents="https://youtu.be/tVVEBPghhZg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/tVVEBPghhZg" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/tVVEBPghhZg</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/65461932021-02-10T14:00:00-05:002021-11-07T02:46:18-05:00Re-Imagine (Lyrics Video) ... #reimaginechallenge<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qz0ODaZrv9U" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qz0ODaZrv9U/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qz0ODaZrv9U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The world has been through some tough times recently, and this has put a spotlight on ways in which our systems may be unjust for humanity and unsustainable for the planet. I continue to hear this recurring theme of "re-imagining" our world. While I don't have all the answers for what that means, I know there are great minds that are encouraging each other with heart and passion to re-imagine a world that is equally kind to all creatures great and small and respectful of our home called earth. Where does your re-imagination lead you? </p>
<p>Humans have done some amazing things, perhaps the best of these is the ability to reflect on ourselves and attempt to be better, over and over again. We never reach perfection, but continue to evolve. It is both scary and exciting at the same time. Perhaps just the realization of this can set the stage for openness and creativity, and then empower us to be bold, take a risk, and try something new! It may be the most human thing we can do! #reimaginechallenge</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64680362020-11-01T15:56:49-05:002021-11-12T05:49:47-05:00"Dear Eliza"... The conspiracy theories that divide<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="owb-JAz_EkQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/owb-JAz_EkQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owb-JAz_EkQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>This is a song in the works. I don’t remember a time I shared a song like this while it is still being completed, but I feel like being vulnerable and putting it out there today! This song is unique for me on several levels. For one, it’s the first time I named a song after a person – Eliza. Second, I typically sit on songs for a while before I ever put them out; however, in this case, this is a fresh song, still in the works, and this is me just sitting down at the piano and playing through it. You are experiencing this new song, as am I. In some ways this makes me feel uneasy, but I feel like I can’t hold it back because it is from this time in our history, and it makes sense through this lens of us – right now -- experiencing this history together. Another difference, I don’t usually provide the context of a song (unless you’re watching me live – then some stories come out!), rather just put it out there and let anybody who listens try to figure out the puzzle. In this case, though, I will give some context. I do not want to offend anybody with this, but I can only tell this story from my perspective, and I can only call it as I see it. </p>
<p>I was talking over the phone to a lady in North Carolina. Her name is not Eliza, but I changed it to respect her confidentiality. I’ve been making calls to help get out the vote. It’s no secret to any of you how I feel about the upcoming election, and we were discussing this. She was so perplexed about her own feelings, and very open with me. It sounded like she really needed someone to talk to. Just days before, the family had buried her aunt who had just died from coronavirus, and she was hurt and confused why her neighbors would not wear masks to go anywhere, saying they didn’t have the virus so they didn’t need to. She comes from a family of military service, and she did not understand the blatant disrespect for those in service. She said she is pro-life, however she understood that supporting women’s access to healthcare and birth control is necessary to prevent unwanted pregnancies that lead to abortion. She did not understand the disrespect to women, in general. She also did not understand how people who are pro-life can be ok with the hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths to coronavirus. With all of this being said, she said she was just so confused why her friends kept telling her that she has to vote Trump if she was Christian. THEN SHE TOLD ME. Despite all of these things that were not aligned with her own beliefs, she said that they are all worried about the Democrats’ plan. She said that the Democrats are using coronavirus to kill all the world’s population except for 5 million ‘elites’, and so she said that she just needed to do some more research on this. I was floored and caught myself literally on the phone frozen with my mouth hanging open. </p>
<p>This is what we are all dealing with right now. Reality is being twisted and truth turned upside down. Everyone is being targeted. The wild conspiracy theories that you may see in your Facebook feed or across the web are specifically tailored to you. I have seen this in stark, almost unbelievable terms as I’ve been talking to people around the country. Believe me, whatever demographic you are – you are being specifically targeted to your vulnerabilities, and we ALL have vulnerabilities. The things that “Eliza” and her friends see in their Facebook feeds – I have never even heard of! This experience really opened my eyes to the problems that we are currently experiencing regarding truth and fact. No wonder people are having a hard time finding common ground! </p>
<p>So, I keep “Eliza” in my heart as an example of a good person, trying to live her faith, dealing with the loss of a loved one, and struggling with her understanding of right and wrong in the face of these attacks on reality. It is sometimes even hard to follow what your heart tells you is ‘right’ when you are surrounded by people or stories telling you that you are wrong. If “Eliza” hears me now, I want her to know that I hear her, I see her heart, and I understand her struggle – I empathize with her. </p>
<p>In the days ahead, these attacks on reality could get even more intense than they already are. My advice: check sources, check each other, listen to others with different views, and talk with one another. Let’s remember that we are all human. May we lift each other up to seek truth and common understanding in these strange times.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64528342020-10-09T21:25:52-04:002021-11-08T09:03:21-05:00"Re-Imagine" Music Video <p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="H46wZv4pZbQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/H46wZv4pZbQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H46wZv4pZbQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I am happy to share with you my music video for "Re-Imagine". Reflective of the challenges facing the world today, "Re-Imagine" is a call for unity and imagination in order to rise above. The pandemic put a pause on many activities and has offered an opportunity for a more robust global effort to combat issues facing humanity – these include disease, the existential threat of climate change, economic disparity, and social injustice. Only by bringing out the very best in one another may the call be answered to ensure a harmonious existence for current and future generations. Ultimately, this project seeks to encourage global unity by viewing human existence from a much higher perspective.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64477612020-10-02T12:04:28-04:002021-01-10T08:04:41-05:00New Song Release: "Re-Imagine"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a7faa5efe96e34454bab6309fb1e603a9c67e69f/original/blue-re-imagine-album-cover-3k.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Well, the news we have this morning is certainly not comforting. Our President has tested positive for COVID-19, as have over 7 million other Americans and over 34 million inhabitants of planet earth. We have lost over 1 million loved ones, and many more are living with permanent conditions and hardships as a result of the virus. I didn’t necessarily want to release my new song along with this morning’s unfortunate news, however, this is where we are, and it must be acknowledged. This song is born out of these times; written out of the loneliness and uncertainty felt by people around the world over the past year. However, it also calls for reflection about our common humanity. We are all just hurling through space on this giant sphere together. Clearly, we have common challenges and the way we face these challenges determines our fate. We have our best bet of having the best results when we act with unity and common purpose. These tough times actually present us with an amazing opportunity to “re-imagine” who we want to be, and with it, the trajectory of our world and future generations. </p>
<p>I present to you my new song “Re-Imagine”! It can be found on all digital platforms where music is sold. I will be giving away free mp3 downloads of the song on my website through the weekend. Please share the news, share the song, share the message! I hope that it can be a source of inspiration for all of us to be the best that we can be.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64415032020-09-23T22:22:33-04:002021-09-27T05:50:23-04:00Now is the time to speak up. Save our democracy. <p><a contents="https://www.axios.com/trump-peaceful-transfer-power-election-e615d8fb-acef-4e63-9446-be1dd935464a.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.axios.com/trump-peaceful-transfer-power-election-e615d8fb-acef-4e63-9446-be1dd935464a.html" target="_blank">https://www.axios.com/trump-peaceful-transfer-power-election-e615d8fb-acef-4e63-9446-be1dd935464a.html</a></p>
<p>This man (Trump) has just told us that he wants to throw away our votes and remain in power – no joke, no gaffe, no excuses – watch the video. If you are planning to vote for Trump this election, and I know that I have those friends out there, I am talking directly to YOU. THIS IS EVERYTHING. This is our DEMOCRACY. This is what our ancestors FOUGHT and DIED for – the ability to vote, to have a government by the people. We have fought fascist dictators before, we have fought for our independence from tyranny. The nature of democracy means that it is long and tough and it requires constant struggle, and our impatience makes it fragile – fragile to one who says that he alone can fix it. However, if you fall for the line, entrusting one person to fix the things you want fixed, you have given up on our democracy, and you have voted in a dictator, as paradoxical as it sounds. If you are voting for someone who you know will do everything he can to stay in power – even if that includes not counting our votes – then I suggest you reconsider. Also, remember that even YOU may not always be in the dictator’s good graces. You may think that he works well for you today, but when he doesn’t, tomorrow, you have lost your right to a government by the people. </p>
<p>Me, personally, my ancestors have fought for this country all the way back to the Revolutionary War. I would be ashamed to let this democracy slide into a dictatorship on my watch without at least voting against it and speaking out. I am outraged, you should be outraged, WE THE PEOPLE should be outraged that this man wants to destroy our democracy. Now is the time for everyone to speak up.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64194452020-08-28T13:04:37-04:002020-08-28T13:04:37-04:00"It is our nature"...A thought for the times<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/e1cb0b19dc77398583c4ccca18e85c27316b573e/original/plausible-reasons-pink.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have wondered how I can sing when our nation is on the brink of self-destruction? I can feel guilty enjoying anything knowing that American democracy is on the line. On the other hand, how can we not? “It is our nature”. We find enjoyment in what we can, as have humans throughout history in more difficult circumstances. This quote from C.S. Lewis on the brink of WWII puts it into perspective beautifully and so I put it on a pretty background to share. We continue and hope. So I will continue to create, but with that being said, I want to state my recognition of the severity of current circumstances - people hurting badly (some truly fighting for their lives) and our nation on a path of self-destruction. Another four years of this will endanger the freedoms that we hold dear and that are so easily taken for granted. The right to fight for our country’s direction, this rather young experiment, will not be the same - not my original thoughts but those of history. Through every song I write or note I sing, know that I have not forgotten the gravity of the challenges we now face- quite the opposite. I hope that our common celebration in humanity will allow the best parts of ourselves to prevail in a better and more just nation and world.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/64145702020-08-21T16:32:37-04:002020-08-21T16:32:37-04:00I Love the Post Office...<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_2_T9S1Hmbo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_2_T9S1Hmbo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_2_T9S1Hmbo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>My PSA to say what's happening to the US Postal Service is not ok - and especially at a time when mail-in votes are critical to ensuring a free and fair election in a democracy that encourages voter participation. Stand up, speak up, shout out, sing out!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/63969672020-07-29T22:12:52-04:002020-08-19T05:14:35-04:00An Unexpected Announcement...MAN OF THE SEA Music Video Premiere<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/04063dcbcfd3f0e45d07738ac63b5431c7e3a65f/original/screen-shot-2020-07-28-at-3-31-18-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MAN OF THE SEA Music Video Premiere on Saturday, Aug 1 at 8pm EST!!! Set your reminder to join me in watching the live premiere: <a contents="https://youtu.be/35VXkbJXZfo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/35VXkbJXZfo" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/35VXkbJXZfo</a></p>
<p>OK so I have a confession and a little announcement. I have been so incredibly ANTI-SOCIAL the last few months!! Let’s not kid ourselves, this has been really tough, especially here in NJ we were hit HARD with this virus at the very beginning of its trek through the US. If this were normal programming, I would have just been arriving home after a 2-month contract playing and singing at sea. I would have been ‘stationed’ in Galveston and cruising to all the beautiful Caribbean ports, playing music, meeting lots of awesome people, and making money!! Well, cruising was necessarily shut down and I joined the group of corona-unemployed – and I can confirm – there’s just not many job replacements out there right now especially for a live performer! I have taken this time to focus on some ‘home’ things – painting, going through clothes, trying to organize, etc. It’s been a time of reflection. </p>
<p>So last year I shot a music video with Douglas Ferguson (DAF21 Productions) for my song “Man of the Sea”. We had gone through a few edits, and because I was being probably a bit hard to please, we had talked about doing another shoot for it, but had just not gotten around to it yet. Well, I got to thinking this week, I’m just gonna put it out! I’ve been thinking about the sea and how I would have JUST been arriving back home from a cruise gig, and now I FEEL SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE THIS VIDEO TO SHARE AT THIS TIME! Doug just sent it over and now I’m like – YES! I have some summer lovin’ to share with you! So give me a few days to get it all together and I will be sharing with you a bunch of photos, clips, and the full music video. I’m trying to get it ready to release by this weekend!! It’s turning out to be my favorite video yet – and at just the right time when a little sand and waves are desperately needed! Pic here is from the video!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/63922822020-07-24T16:00:24-04:002021-11-10T08:19:50-05:00Music with a Message - 'epiphany'<p>I just heard this song 'Epiphany' on Taylor Swift's new album 'folklore' that was released overnight. I am so touched by this song and wanted to share it. I think it is really about heroes - the heroes that we should do everything we can to protect.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="y0OdB89PwJY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/y0OdB89PwJY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y0OdB89PwJY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"epiphany" by Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner </p>
<p>Keep your helmet </p>
<p>Keep your life, son </p>
<p>Just a flesh wound </p>
<p>Here's your rifle </p>
<p>Crawling up the beaches now </p>
<p>Sir, I think he's bleedin' out </p>
<p>And some things you just can't speak about </p>
<p>With you, I serve </p>
<p>With you, I fall down Down </p>
<p>Watch you breathin' </p>
<p>Watch you breathin' out Out </p>
<p>Something med school </p>
<p>Did not cover </p>
<p>Someone's daughter </p>
<p>Someone's mother </p>
<p>Holds your hand through plastic now </p>
<p>Doc, I think she's crashin' out </p>
<p>And some things you just can't speak about </p>
<p>Only twenty minutes to sleep </p>
<p>But you dream of some epiphany </p>
<p>Just one single glimpse of relief </p>
<p>To make some sense of what you've seen</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/62247182020-02-23T09:37:34-05:002020-03-22T05:01:10-04:00Rutgers Ready! A Musical Approach to Sustainability<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/5fd68041cba54ef9e4e7281414b9000d1f81996c/original/rutgers-ready-banner.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am so honored to have received the Diversity Innovation Grant Award from Rutgers University. This grant will allow me to create an original song and music video that promotes collaboration, creativity, diversity and innovation in projects that promote environmental sustainability. More to come!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/59513452019-11-06T10:48:13-05:002019-11-13T12:07:52-05:00"Figuring Sh*! Out" (my interview with the guys) on Critical Thinking Podcast<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/23RivWSqoxO6YAKZXTQGpJ?si=hTebLctiTGq-bxQzPjMqoA&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=feed&fbclid=IwAR1nXEabKxhKDWxdsUn0EQxH7_q4zfvOBdninut7d9E30iL59hmzt8_IDII" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/5dff35f1d66033b43a4f82fa15f3031d3bee2d07/original/screen-shot-2019-11-06-at-10-39-29-am.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Just did this fun interview with Rick, Miguel and Shawn from Critic'al Thinking Podcast ! Thanks a bunch for hosting me on the show and thanks to Joseph Nardi of Singers Worldwide for connecting us! You can listen on Spotify <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/23RivWSqoxO6YAKZXTQGpJ?si=hTebLctiTGq-bxQzPjMqoA&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=feed&fbclid=IwAR1nXEabKxhKDWxdsUn0EQxH7_q4zfvOBdninut7d9E30iL59hmzt8_IDII" target="_blank">here</a>... and my interview starts at around 19 mins in...</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/59453222019-10-31T13:54:19-04:002021-10-12T07:26:26-04:00Have you heard my EP "Opus Luna I-IV"?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/d8fed8346c986973585e610ea78382ff4076cf84/original/opus.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You may have heard my playful album "Whimsical Romance", but have you heard my haunting EP "Opus Luna I-IV"? This is a collection of 4 songs that is inspired more from the classical side with a good dose of what I think of as 'nighttime music'. This EP was released a few years ago under my artistic name at the time Zahra Universe. Here's a link to the digital download: <a contents="https://sarahragsdale.com/album/312925/opus-luna-i-iv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sarahragsdale.com/album/312925/opus-luna-i-iv" target="_blank">https://sarahragsdale.com/album/312925/opus-luna-i-iv</a></p>
<p>Tracks include: 1. Naked 2. Luna Lullaby 3. Vampires 4. Dirty Thoughts Dark</p>
<p>I had a few music videos from this EP. Here they are:</p>
<p>"Naked"</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="utUMkrCXqf4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/utUMkrCXqf4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/utUMkrCXqf4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"Dirty Thoughts Dark"</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1MVagFbz0No" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1MVagFbz0No/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1MVagFbz0No?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"Vampyress" (Lyrics Video)</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ngqaOrP5O3I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ngqaOrP5O3I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngqaOrP5O3I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/58912542019-09-13T16:36:44-04:002021-10-02T05:27:34-04:00A Donation for a Song! Bahamas Recovery Efforts<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NBodReQCTwY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/NBodReQCTwY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NBodReQCTwY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Make a donation and request a song! </p>
<p>?? Please visit <a contents="www.facebook.com/mzrags " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/mzrags" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/mzrags </a>to get involved! ??</p>
<p>I have made many trips back and forth to the Bahamas while making music on cruise ships over this past year. I am so saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, and I understand that it will be a long road to recovery. <a contents="All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.allhandsandhearts.org">All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response</a> is one of the many wonderful organizations helping with this recovery and I would love to do what I can to support their efforts in the Bahamas. They have excellent ratings on charity watch organizations and apparently $.96 of every dollar goes to their programs. </p>
<p>I'm adding a musical twist to this ... just like we do in the piano bar... make a donation and request a song! In the comments you can write a few songs you think may be good to play and I can choose at least one. I will do my best to make a video of your request and do it live or post! </p>
<p>I hope we can have some fun with this and do at least a little bit to help recovery efforts in the Bahamas.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/58137822019-07-04T12:41:11-04:002020-10-28T03:57:05-04:00Happy 4th of July and Updates!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/75c88a68d4c1b2a0af71db590d3178d4f32223f0/original/point-du-hoc.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Happy Independence Day! This 4th of July I am embarking on a new voyage on Carnival Elation! I will be playing at the piano bar on this ship until September 2. I can't wait to see what this next adventure brings!</p>
<p>My between-cruises break was filled with awesome learning opportunities traveling through Europe, visiting a fewplaces crucial to the battle on the European front of the military effort in WWII. Places like Normandy on D-Day and Bastogne. Those images and stories are still on my mind, especially today when we celebrate America's independence.</p>
<p>Enjoy the day with friends, family, (or crew members)! What a wonderful time to be alive and able to create and share! </p>
<p>Photo: Pointe du Hoc in between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach in Normandy, France.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/57041022019-04-02T13:22:02-04:002019-04-02T13:27:11-04:00Music and the Bahamas on Carnival Liberty!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/3698a845221a77d481ca5f8fda37660c529cf59e/original/img-1470optsc.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I will be joining Carnival Liberty April 4 - May 24 at the piano bar! I am excited to meet great people, have fun making music, and learning more about Bahamian culture and people! Perhaps I'll see you there! ;)</p>
<p>Photo by: Ray Jenkins</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/56163612019-01-28T13:51:29-05:002021-04-28T04:03:47-04:00Current Status: At Sea! on Carnival Valor<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/bb63526c5edc757d6dea853d2f2172a4412ce2a9/original/sarah-ragsdale-shadow.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_none border_" /></p>
<p>Having so much fun playing out at sea that I decided to continue the voyage - this time on the Carnival Valor through the first week of March! See you on board!</p>
<p>Pic: on the beaches of Progreso, Mexico</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/55361242018-12-02T14:52:30-05:002021-10-29T03:24:31-04:00A Sailor's Life for Me!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/eba0f332c4f7bdf033da524bcd1bd290b061cde1/original/img-0230.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_none border_" /></p>
<p>I'm currently out at sea playing and singing in the piano bar on Carnival Vista! It has been an absolutely wonderful experience full of music, fun, great people, and worldly adventure! The places that I've visited on board the Carnival ships include Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk,Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and the Bahamas. It's been historically and culturally educational. One of my favorite experiences was visiting Bob Marley's home and playing the family piano! Watch my instagram: @mzrags for more pics and updates!</p>
<p>Pictured is me sitting on Bob Marley's inspiration rock in Nine Mile, Jamaica.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/53641832018-07-27T11:56:06-04:002021-06-30T18:50:22-04:00"Experience life!" Songwriting inspiration tip included in Fupping<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/5ae51b42839be93a6c925c2369b188de721621db/original/screen-shot-2018-07-27-at-11-46-17-am.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/c607b94217193bb939a9c7d00f1a776e284b81ef/original/screen-shot-2018-07-27-at-11-47-32-am.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Big thanks to James Metcalfe at Fupping for including my thoughts on songwriting in their article "13 Brilliant Ways for Musicians to Reclaim Their Inspiration". I believe everything I said and am trying my best to follow this creed! Check out the article <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://fupping.com/genericjames/2018/07/26/13-brilliant-ways-for-musicians-to-reclaim-their-inspiration/" target="_blank">HERE</a> with more great tips on songwriting inspiration!</p>
<p> </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/51132032018-03-05T23:46:22-05:002021-11-13T04:54:47-05:00Interview with ElectroWow<p>Thanks so much to Erick from <a contents="ElectroWow" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.electrowow.net/2018/03/interview-questions-and-answers-with-sarah-ragsdale.html" target="_blank">ElectroWow</a> for this interview feature!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.electrowow.net/2018/03/interview-questions-and-answers-with-sarah-ragsdale.html" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/265ac03429fdb7c902bb4fdc441d861d84042f6d/original/screen-shot-2018-03-05-at-11-39-10-pm.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/50904712018-02-20T23:19:43-05:002018-02-20T23:19:44-05:00Millenium Music Conference Showcase<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/f9d8df90f98a1db9826be734e4b4ea848a4266e4/original/sarah-ragsdale.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/50699362018-02-08T20:23:17-05:002021-11-09T07:42:19-05:00"Paranoia" Exclusive Music Video Premiere on Essentially Pop<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/f00728f7076156c05a0a1ac2152410740ae999c6/original/screen-shot-2018-02-08-at-8-17-38-pm.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Thankful to Essentially Pop for doing this Exclusive Premiere for my brand new music video "Paranoia"! Check it out <a contents="here! " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://essentiallypop.com/epop/2018/02/video-premiere-paranoia-by-sarah-ragsdale/" target="_blank">here! </a><a contents="https://essentiallypop.com/epop/2018/02/video-premiere-paranoia-by-sarah-ragsdale/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://essentiallypop.com/epop/2018/02/video-premiere-paranoia-by-sarah-ragsdale/" target="_blank">https://essentiallypop.com/epop/2018/02/video-premiere-paranoia-by-sarah-ragsdale/</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/50630032018-02-05T18:56:21-05:002018-02-05T22:27:59-05:00New Music Video "Paranoia" Coming Soon<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/414d7eab2bcb6b7d95d0b85698739a85eb055e90/original/paranoia-on-set-pic.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am excited to announce the release of my upcoming video "Paranoia" COMING SOON on February 8! The video was shot on a cold snowy day in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY and it's different from any that I've ever done. Thanks to Douglas Ferguson who shot the video (and also took this picture!). More updates to come!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/50010352017-12-31T16:02:22-05:002017-12-31T16:02:22-05:00Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year 2018!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VVFYj3D2m4o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VVFYj3D2m4o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VVFYj3D2m4o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>2017 has been an amazing year and I am thankful for the people in my life who have made it that way! Wishing all of you Happy Holidays and an amazing New Year 2018!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49881772017-12-21T14:04:47-05:002021-04-21T13:08:41-04:00Holiday Highlights and Cancer Kids & Christmas<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wsls.com/daytime-blue-ridge/cancer-kids-and-christmas-fundraiser" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/374cfe2d24e241056ae0fde3fe773a11c44484a6/original/wsls-jpg.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>One of the highlights for me this holiday season has been being part of the Cancer Kids & Christmas event back in my hometown. This big fundraising event was all organized by Travis Sparks who, himself, was threatened by cancer, and was then inspired to help others affected by this horrible disease, especially during the holiday season. Being in this hometown atmosphere and seeing people come together to help each other was so uplifting, and a reminder of how we all should strive to help others year-round! It was a humbling experience, and I am thankful.</p>
<div class="grammarly-disable-indicator"> </div>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49580602017-12-01T12:08:32-05:002017-12-01T12:08:32-05:00"This Kiss" Airing on IndiMusicTV!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a5c0216645b59032c1b2d03154cec3025fe24d86/medium/screen-shot-2017-12-01-at-11-58-00-am-jpg.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/0291649646ca714c96cbc2d42ceb7e1ca0a2a350/medium/this-kiss-blue-transparent.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>My new music video "This Kiss" will be airing on IndiMusicTV on Amazon Fire TV, ROKU, Flipps TV, Film On, and their website www.indimusic.tv ! Catch it at the following times (EST):<br>12/1/20172AM - 4AM & 6PM - 8PM <br>12/2/20177AM - 9AM & 5PM - 7PM <br>12/3/201712AM - 2AM & 11AM - 1PM <br>12/4/20179AM - 11AM & 8PM - 10PM <br>12/5/20173AM - 5AM & 4PM - 6PM <br>12/6/20173AM - 5AM & 7PM - 9PM <br>12/7/20172AM - 4AM & 6PM - 8PM <br>12/8/20171AM - 3AM & 1PM - 3PM <br>12/9/20179AM - 11AM & 8PM - 10PM <br>12/10/20173AM - 5AM & 7PM - 9PM</p>
<div class="grammarly-disable-indicator"> </div>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49361842017-11-16T23:38:57-05:002017-11-16T23:38:57-05:00Playing at Cancer Kids & Christmas Main Event Fundraiser<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/384ea3d44015f76840978be5a31a94eecced3f6e/original/cancer-kids-and-christmas.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<div class="grammarly-disable-indicator"> </div>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49304362017-11-13T11:31:19-05:002017-11-13T11:34:14-05:00"This Kiss" Live...<p>I just posted this video of "This Kiss" played live! Hope you enjoy this version of this happy song!</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Fc3ZGMozEWU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Fc3ZGMozEWU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fc3ZGMozEWU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49259122017-11-09T12:58:52-05:002017-11-09T13:01:20-05:00Live at Dedham Square Coffeehouse in Dedham, MA on Saturday, Nov 11 @8pm<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/ff4983e24707473303306a9e5183a9d890e802b3/original/sarah-ragsdale-dedham-square-coffeehouse.png?1510250252" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49179212017-11-03T11:04:24-04:002017-11-03T11:04:24-04:00Live at Steel City Coffeehouse Nov 4<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/5297beaeca6583addaa592dd6b9b0b932007b169/original/sarah-ragsdale-steel-city-coffee-house.png?1509721039" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49094482017-10-27T19:39:25-04:002021-04-30T02:09:39-04:00Live on Fox45 - Good Morning Baltimore!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/d8bc720382868af322dccc6c3eb5c377d68bf4c7/original/baltimore.png?1509147444" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/49072462017-10-26T10:30:47-04:002018-04-13T07:06:07-04:00"Next Time" Live Session<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-47ZEXjE17I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-47ZEXjE17I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-47ZEXjE17I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48838712017-10-09T15:53:38-04:002021-08-12T11:36:27-04:00Album Release Party and Thank you!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/64c720aced41b6507f04a3e7ecb44a6ca7eeb6be/original/sr-and-trumpet.jpg?1507578538" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/be1d1a587c3fb17c6fe20e7289206b27ccf1b792/medium/srparty.jpg?1507578537" class="size_m justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/bbdb3bcd876b669eed640185fd67278e871f6a25/medium/wrcrowd.jpg?1507578538" class="size_m justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/38bd4fb06ce8a949f333fc7ad204787bc7e4b545/medium/srpointing.jpg?1507578537" class="size_m justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/573f6b82c61b0b8b2a5bd03cfc03192eeb3d9aeb/medium/srcrowdangle.jpg?1507578538" class="size_m justify_none border_" /></p>
<p>I want to thank all of you who came out to the "Whimsical Romance" Album Release Party over the weekend in Baltimore. Germano's Piattini was just the perfect place to have this celebration with wonderful and supportive people! I cannot wait to be back in the area for another get-together with all of you! Thanks to Lynne from <a contents="Bluebook Photography" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://365bluephotos.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Bluebook Photography</a> for capturing these special moments with her lens! </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48736702017-10-02T13:55:04-04:002021-07-27T13:10:21-04:00Album Release Party Oct 7<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=A2ED0459-A64A-B736-8C110ADFA5FC0E04" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/09dc578cab3445e101b67fa0bebff6b0173774d4/large/album-release-party.jpg?1506966653" class="size_xl justify_none border_" /></a></p>
<p>This coming Saturday Oct 7 is the "Whimsical Romance" Album Release Party in Baltimore and I really want and need your support! It will be a dinner and show at Germano's Piattini and Cabaret. Dinner seating starts at 6pm with the performance to follow right there on the baby grand. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here: <a contents="https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&amp;eventID=A2ED0459-A64A-B736-8C110ADFA5FC0E04" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=A2ED0459-A64A-B736-8C110ADFA5FC0E04" target="_blank">https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=A2ED0459-A64A-B736-8C110ADFA5FC0E04</a></p>
<p>This is THE release event for the album with so many people that helped make it possible and my last show currently scheduled in the Baltimore/DC area for the year! If you have gotten your tickets already, thank you so much, and if you haven't, there's the link, please let me know if you have any questions about any of it! I am honored by your presence! </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48660902017-09-26T15:42:19-04:002021-04-21T13:08:41-04:00Live Music and Puppies! Very 'Whimsical'!<p>Two events coming up for this weekend! Saturday I'll be in Mount Holly, NJ for an evening show at Robin's Nest Crow Bar and Sunday I'll be in North Brunswick, NJ for a Dog Walk-a-Thon and Adoption Event hosted by the North Brunswick Humane Association. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/86134c8d0ca90210cc9f0312b4f43f406a570a93/medium/crow-bar-sarah-ragsdale.jpg?1506454699" class="size_m justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/6f4ba95489e190f15c38fcf77832a5ed9178ff47/medium/nbha-dog-walk-adoption.png?1506454772" class="size_m justify_none border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48611742017-09-22T12:00:25-04:002020-02-14T03:15:23-05:00"Next Time" Music Video Exclusive Premiere on PopDose!<p>"Next Time" has it's Exclusive Music Video Premiere today on <a contents="PopDose.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/" target="_blank">PopDose.com</a>! See it <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </p>
<p><a contents="http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/" target="_blank">http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/</a></p>
<p>Thanks to Allison Johnelle Boron for her second writeup about songs from upcoming album "Whimsical Romance". (She also did a piece on "This Kiss".) I totally LOVE her take on the video! :)</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://popdose.com/popdose-video-premiere-sarah-ragsdale-next-time/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/12cc8136810ea7652a7463512f24c77da4c0bac0/original/ntpremiere-jpg.png?1506095738" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48495882017-09-13T23:03:30-04:002018-05-04T02:48:34-04:00"Whimsical Romance" Album Preview Sep 15 at Terra Firma NYC<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/9a2b1ebd2612e611cb572471cac1fa4782675538/original/sep15terrafirmanyc.png?1505358122" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48435652017-09-09T12:41:36-04:002021-06-27T16:11:40-04:00"Whimsical Romance" Album Preview Sep 9 at Robert Harper Books<p>Physical copies of the album "Whimsical Romance" will be exclusively available for the first time at this Album Preview event. Excitement!!! Come by and claim your copy in this listening room environment with a beautiful baby grand!</p>
<p>Robert Harper Books</p>
<p>6216 Rhode Island Ave</p>
<p>Riverdale Park, MD 20737</p>
<p>Saturday, Sep 9, 8pm</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/ec27b056491dadd4fc594edb374b5f23ce2610ca/original/robert-harper-books-sarah-ragsdale.jpg?1504975037" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48343232017-09-01T09:58:08-04:002021-08-14T03:40:53-04:00"Ferris Wheel" Music Video Exclusive Premiere on Nooga.com<p>Thanks to Nooga.com for the Exclusive Premiere of the "Ferris Wheel" music video AND the review of the upcoming album - Whimsical Romance! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/baf7da4fcec6adc351c92498024aea25b79e1fa2/medium/fullsizerender-2.jpg?1504274110" class="size_m justify_center border_" /> </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48340322017-09-01T00:30:00-04:002017-09-01T00:34:02-04:00"This Kiss" Download to Donate to the Animal Legal Defense Fund<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/97cd231c825685f57e23aa8ff00f195374463ac2/medium/srtk1-3000-final.jpg?1502337990" class="size_m justify_none border_" /></p>
<p>Thanks for all the support - download to donate - for "This Kiss" and the Animal Legal Defense Fund <a contents="www.aldf.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.aldf.org" target="_blank">www.aldf.org</a>. All download proceeds from Aug 11-31 for "This Kiss" will be contributed to this wonderful organization that works for the defense of animals through public outreach and by law. Thanks for all the great work they do!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/48117572017-08-11T21:49:21-04:002017-08-11T21:49:21-04:00The Huffington Post "This Kiss" Exclusive Premiere<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exclusive-music-video-premiere-this-kiss-hot-new_us_598b60fee4b030f0e267c980" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a39fafa43619a70a001aaad56d8f87fc35d2fadd/original/huffpostthiskiss.jpg?1502502292" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Just a big HUGE thanks to The Huffington Post for the very positive exclusive premiere and review of the "This Kiss" music video! Thank you for appreciating these unique elements of the song and music video.</p>
<p><a contents="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exclusive-music-video-premiere-this-kiss-hot-new_us_598b60fee4b030f0e267c980" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exclusive-music-video-premiere-this-kiss-hot-new_us_598b60fee4b030f0e267c980" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exclusive-music-video-premiere-this-kiss-hot-new_us_598b60fee4b030f0e267c980</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47996662017-08-01T22:48:32-04:002021-09-10T07:35:44-04:00Single and Music Video "This Kiss" Release Set for Aug 11<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/9d16a8bf6639294db85a400bcc98045ae9ade2c5/original/bike-ride-front.png?1501641667" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I am THRILLED to announce the HIGHLY ANTICIPATED (at least by me!) FIRST SINGLE of the upcoming album is now set for release! The single AND music video "This Kiss" is now set for release for August 11. It will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, my website, and all major digital distributors. Pictured is a "sneak peek" at the music video! XOXO</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47979472017-07-31T16:39:19-04:002017-07-31T16:39:19-04:00Pics and Video from DC Swim Week!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/15b1d83ce3a1cfb52fdf3f6503afbd394a6f82c7/original/dc-swim-photo.jpg?1501532958" class="size_l justify_center border_" />DC Swim Week was so much fun! I played the piano one night and played and sang for the big FINALE evening show. So many gorgeous people and swimwear designs! Lots of lights, cameras, and action!!!</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_yEAhGHClhA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_yEAhGHClhA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_yEAhGHClhA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47876462017-07-21T11:57:22-04:002018-07-18T03:29:32-04:00Playing at DC Swim Week (Fashion Show at the French Embassy!!!)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/59a745fc846ce93c840cf41465377f1916c3a92f/original/sarah-ragsdale-dc-swim-week.png?1500652592" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am thrilled to announce that I will be playing and singing for DC Swim Week at the French Embassy this July 28 and 29! This will be a glamorous event of beauty, culture, and summer fashion! </p>
<p>Learn more and get your tickets here: <a contents="DC Swim Week Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dcswimweek.com/dcswday3" target="_blank">http://www.dcswimweek.com/dcswday3</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47815802017-07-17T15:44:01-04:002020-10-22T00:33:18-04:00Thank you Fox45 WBFF and thank you Baltimore!<p>Thank you to Baltimore's Fox45 WBFF and Tony Pagnotti for having me on your Morning News show!</p>
<p><a contents="Click to watch!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://foxbaltimore.com/morning/new-album-release-with-musician-sarah-ragsdale" target="_blank">Click to watch!</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://foxbaltimore.com/morning/new-album-release-with-musician-sarah-ragsdale" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/8eb34ddc02c7b34161ef6f85083136f24264ac33/original/19985797-1408976369172080-8686465399316807680-n.jpg?1500320371" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><a contents="WATCH SEGMENT!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://foxbaltimore.com/morning/new-album-release-with-musician-sarah-ragsdale" target="_blank">http://foxbaltimore.com/morning/new-album-release-with-musician-sarah-ragsdale</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47800282017-07-14T19:23:14-04:002017-07-14T19:23:14-04:00Appearing on Baltimore's Fox45 Morning News...<p>If you tune into <strong>Fox45 Baltimore WBFF this Sunday (July 16) at 7:50am</strong>, you'll see me there! I'll be talking about the making of the album "Whimsical Romance", recording on the go in my studio, working with Mobtown Studios, and the music video for the first single "This Kiss"!!! A little live playing and maybe even a sneak preview at the music video..just a tiny taste of what's to come! :)</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47736882017-07-10T15:51:27-04:002017-07-10T16:02:44-04:00Lakefest...Oh and...We're Just Getting Started...<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7N4cdy0w9RM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7N4cdy0w9RM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7N4cdy0w9RM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/820ee11390b945658de0fd28bf989a39f3a355ac/medium/19535062-1719741854721644-1921253671681654784-n.jpg?1499714767" class="size_m justify_none border_" /></p>
<p>Just reminiscing and putting some images together from The Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest in Columbia, MD! It was so awesome to be part of such an incredible lineup! The day was hot but fun! Thanks to John Maloney GEMPhoto.zenfolio.com for providing some pics and AHT Productions for putting together this video as well! It was fun to see old friends and make new ones! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a615b9a06f6a32c4140c4d474b944cae050dad59/small/bw5.jpg?1499714923" class="size_s justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/fcbada147a82f74445e66286d005d836a579de4b/small/dsc-5639-copy.jpg?1499715836" class="size_s justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/c5188a2cfbca7a0b9e22205e0e665407f8fe9d23/small/dsc-5779-copy.jpg?1499716028" class="size_s justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/f28c296756ad6ef0b409cc5961402fb0fc96b2e9/small/dsc-5629-copy.jpg?1499716131" class="size_s justify_none border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47645962017-07-02T21:02:39-04:002017-07-02T21:02:39-04:00Reflections<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a091a2f7883ab720c3290a37efce62ce17752d03/original/grandmother.jpg?1499043679" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Hello my friends, I'm back after taking a needed week of reflection, instead of having things to share or statements to make, I just wanted to go inward a bit and be rather silent. My grandmother passed away last week, and I wanted to have some time with that, reflecting on her, what I know about her and what I don't, remembering that our parents and grandparents all had lives before we even came along! I was trying to make sure I remember and honor characteristics and ways about her that were passed on to my mom, to me and my sister, and probably came from many generations before. While we are all unique, my grandmother Margaret (yes my sister is named after her) was absolutely no exception in her quirky attitude, and sometimes dark humor! My grandparents were farmers, I mean, she was dedicated and did not leave their farm - she didn't even see the ocean until recent years when my mom took her to the beach in a wheelchair! (It's a funny story, ask my mom about it when you see her!) I do think that traces of love for the earth, plant life, and animals seeped its ways down through my mom and into my being. The hardworking farming mentality clearly runs through the veins of my mother who grew up working on the farm - she cannot be tamed and spends her free time outside gardening and enjoying the fruits of that manual labor. My grandparents were of a generation and time that I cannot imagine -World War II. (I have only heard rumors about my grandfather's experiences in Germany, I wish I knew more, but we never got a chance to talk about it.) I have tried to imagine all the experiences my grandmother must have had and things she must have seen up until last week with a full life of work, farming, family, cooking (she loved cooking and was great at it!) and her art. She was an artist! I must say this because, though her work may not have been sold or in galleries, her artwork is sprinkled everywhere in the households of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to paint, put household items together in the most artistic way, and she had the most beautiful handwriting! I have a lamp made out of an emu egg, a pretty red birdhouse, and a dynamic tree creation built out of alphabet blocks and other creatures-all reflections of her wild imagination! It was just in April when I last visited her, and got a chance to speak with her about what was going on in my life. She'd never said this before to me, but she said it then, that it was important to go to church, especially with your loved ones. Well, today in church we sang about freedom, and were reminded of what true freedom means. Now, I just imagine and hope that my grandmother Margaret is free-truly free to soar above this beautiful creation on which we live and join the universal master artist and creator! And that she may be honored and remembered in peace and love.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47480972017-06-17T12:27:20-04:002020-06-08T03:48:42-04:00Join me at Lakefest in Columbia, MD!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/c6f9a0c8640714df66686d95ad24cfe10ee078df/original/flyer.gif?1497234959" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This Sunday (June 18) at 1pm join me at the Columbia Lakefront for LakeFest! I'll be playing an acoustic preview of my upcoming album Whimsical Romance with the beautiful Lake Kittamaqundi in the background! </p>
<p>It means so much to me to be back in Columbia, MD, a wonderful community that has been so incredibly supportive of my musical endeavors. I have met so many wonderful friends there and lasting relationships. This is truly a beautiful, diverse, and encouraging community that I have been blessed to get to know.</p>
<p>See you there at LakeFest!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47432322017-06-13T13:05:39-04:002017-06-13T13:05:39-04:00Live Showtime Performance from NYC!<p>Here's some video from my performance over the weekend at NORD in NYC! I'm gearing up for the album release and planning a tour! Release date announcements are coming VERY VERY SOON! In the meantime, here's some live showtime!</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DvtJ2vCD0Eo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DvtJ2vCD0Eo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DvtJ2vCD0Eo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1QhXLilnnPo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1QhXLilnnPo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1QhXLilnnPo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QnUUPaYNEYU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QnUUPaYNEYU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QnUUPaYNEYU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47419322017-06-12T12:29:14-04:002017-06-12T12:29:14-04:00"Tolerance"... A Year Later<p>It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the horrific events in Orlando, killing 49 innocent people. That event, and the discourse that I heard following that event, inspired me to put down a few of my own thoughts to music. The idea was to be tolerant of all people, and resist a notion to let tragedies further a divide between good people of all nationalities, faiths, races, gender, or lifestyle. Rather, these tragedies should serve to bring us all together closer in a common love and bond for humankind. Today, remember how precious it is and what an honor it is to be alive on this planet at the same small blip in time as all other people standing up for good and peace on this earth.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZxUGbMrg-PM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZxUGbMrg-PM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZxUGbMrg-PM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/47338832017-06-05T12:51:44-04:002017-06-05T12:51:44-04:00Ray Charles Cover - "Hit the Road Jack"<p>And here's another one of my favorite covers to perform - this a fun, upbeat piece by Ray Charles "Hit the Road Jack"...<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GP2txSAz_jQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GP2txSAz_jQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GP2txSAz_jQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/46470932017-03-27T12:55:27-04:002020-07-23T06:42:44-04:00Can't Help Falling in Love...<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GjfbuFHTSyo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GjfbuFHTSyo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjfbuFHTSyo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>I just posted this video of my cover version of another one of my favorite song classics "Can't Help Falling in Love". I love performing this song, it's one that just will never go out of style - and I'm certainly still in love with the original version performed by Elvis! Thanks for checking it out!Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/46242062017-03-09T21:23:18-05:002017-03-09T21:23:18-05:00"This Kiss"-Exciting Reviews and Plans for First Single!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/3fca5a16ab76b060cb5af9138d91128a9bc9a36a/original/fullsizerender-9.jpg?1489112505" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I have some super exciting news for the upcoming album! I did a crowd review for song "This Kiss" (the crowd review uses independent and random listeners to rate the song). "This Kiss" got a high review of 8.1 and will be featured for a week on ReverbNation! I'm not sure yet which week this will be, but this is great in helping to confirm that "This Kiss" should be the first single to be released for the album and hopefully the feature week can be lined up with the single release date! More info to come soon!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45809562017-02-07T20:52:43-05:002017-02-07T20:53:28-05:00This "Natural Woman" is Kicking off February with Love and Romance! (What a surprise!)<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4HbJwOgvUfw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4HbJwOgvUfw/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4HbJwOgvUfw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>The month of St. Valentine is upon us! And so, to celebrate this wonderful month of love and romance, I am kicking it off with this ultra romantic love song cover performance of "Natural Woman". Originally by Carole King and made famous by so many (like Aretha Franklin), I love this song and I love performing it! Thanks to Jason's Music Center in Maryland for letting me record it on this beautiful Baldwin Grand Piano in their showroom!Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45517432017-01-16T11:41:11-05:002017-02-06T23:05:41-05:00Love, Tolerance, and Respect on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day<p>Today honoring all activists standing up for justice and civil rights, but especially Martin Luther King, Jr.! Wow, what an impact this one person has made, inspiring each of us to continue the fight for what's right! <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZxUGbMrg-PM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZxUGbMrg-PM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZxUGbMrg-PM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>I wanted to repost this message-song-video that I did a while back named "Tolerance" as I've needed some reflection time to even better understand what I was trying to say! When I first posted it, someone questioned me on the title because 'to tolerate' means to put up with something or someone that you may not really like. Thank you, because this made me research the definition and think. Because really, we would love for all things to start with LOVE rather than just having to 'tolerate'. But as we all know, this is just not reality in many cases, when people are not showing love, sometimes we must move forward with justice and civility, attaining this through peaceful demonstration, and hope that mutual love will eventually show itself. But it may not, and it is certainly not the role of our government to control who we must love; however, it is the role of our government to enforce equal rights for all of us. <br> <br>I remember being in Mrs. Clark’s class in 4th Grade when we were studying about slavery. I stood up to put my arm next to the boy’s arm in front of me. Although he would be classified as ‘white’, his skin was darker/redder than my own and I thought, well even here in this classroom we all look so different. As a child, after learning in school about these injustices, I remember wondering where was the line that people were drawing to be prejudice? Exactly what shade did you have to be in order to receive the effects of racism and why? And what if, one day, somebody decided that I was the wrong shade of skin? Something totally beyond my control! My hair was dark, what if that was a problem to somebody along the way?! It sounds silly perhaps, but this has all happened time and time again, people discriminated against by the way they look, where they were born, their ancestors, etc. And who knows at what point that it may be my own ‘look’ that is on the wrong side of history. <br> <br>When people are different from us-whether in physical appearance, race, religion, culture, language- and we may find that love does not come naturally, perhaps it is the TOLERANCE and RESPECT that must at least come first. Open minds and hearts are so difficult when we are comfortable in our own ways, maybe fearful of change, and I honestly find it very challenging to understand people sometimes- even from small town to big city in America can create a great cultural divide- and I have lived these experiences first-hand! Maybe it's a self-defense mechanism, or maybe it is pure hate for some people, but I do think we sometimes have to force ourselves to be tolerant and respectful, hopefully planting the seeds of love in each other’s hearts. So, all I'm trying to say is, go for love first, if it's not coming easy, try tolerance and respect, I bet love will soon follow.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45377832017-01-04T23:02:11-05:002017-01-04T23:06:08-05:00Gofundme Goal ATTAINED for Album "Whimsical Romance"!! THANK YOU!!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="IOPdANcQGlw" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IOPdANcQGlw/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOPdANcQGlw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>WOW!!! I don't think that 'thank you' can even come close to just how appreciative and honored I am to have received so much support over this past year for this Gofundme campaign for my album "Whimsical Romance". Your belief in me is so humbling. And a big special thanks just today to Jay, Ed, "Terrific" Ted, and "Dedicated" Dave for pushing this right to the top of the $10k goal!! TT and DD, you have been there from the very beginning and saw it through to the end, thanks for having my back! EVERYBODY, THANKS FOR KEEPING ME INSPIRED AND WORKING FOR THE GOAL!!! This has been a group effort!!! Now, time to get some music released!!!!!! Much love, Sarah</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45365752017-01-04T09:32:30-05:002017-01-04T09:32:30-05:00Production Notes... #whimsicalromance<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/a0c1eb96849a06a2119a82e827f7f4a89c8d0d9b/large/fullsizerender.jpg?1483540051" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><br>Well, I was really hoping to have reached that $10k goal by the end of 2016, but here we are 4 days into 2017 and just less than $400 short! The struggle!!!! Nonetheless, I am moving forward in planning and hoping to reach the goal very soon! Album artwork is in the works and I am SO HAPPY to report that I got the FINAL MASTER YESTERDAY!!! That means that the music is all ready to go now!!!! So...onto final stages and I have faith that the gofundme goal will be reached very soon!! Here are some authentic notes from album track listing planning and such... see what a beautiful mess I make?<br><br>To support and be part of the album making and fun: <a contents="www.gofundme.com/romance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gofundme.com/romance" target="_blank">www.gofundme.com/romance</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45345262017-01-02T21:19:54-05:002021-06-12T16:13:21-04:00New Lifestyle Blog Called 'iHeartVeggie'!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/fc6446a20e2dce8173fa3dfc44a6d8b3300ddff6/medium/15823005-10154878227707920-799495271887964240-n.jpg?1483409963" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br>I am so very very excited! If you know me, you know that I LOVE great food and drinks, and I think about them allot! If you know me, you also know that I have been a lifelong (well since age 4) vegetarian. And so, I've decided to bring some of my passions together to add this section to my website called 'iHeartVeggie'. I'll be exploring veggie food, recipes, products, etc...hopefully discovering some great new tastes and yummy ways to enjoy life! I started it off with an AMAZING recipe concoction of 'Gingerbread White Hot Chocolate' hot and sweet on these cold wintry days....hope you enjoy!!!! I did!!!<br><br><a contents="www.sarahragsdale.com/iHeartVeggie" data-link-label="iHeartVeggie" data-link-type="page" href="/iheartveggie" target="_blank">www.sarahragsdale.com/iHeartVeggie</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45306942016-12-25T07:55:00-05:002016-12-30T07:57:19-05:00Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year 2017!<p>I just wanted to send out a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/New Year message to you! I sang 'O Holy Night' last night at a Christmas Eve Service and realized that this one message should sum it up for all of us: </p>
<p>"Truly, he taught us to love one another. His law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother, and in his name all oppression shall cease." </p>
<p>Regardless of our faiths or any difference as all, peace and love to you today and every day. All of us, brothers and sisters of humanity, have more in common than not, just by being on this Earth together at the same time and experiencing the same human joys and struggles. </p>
<p>Back to some music... </p>
<p>Here are links to a couple songs/videos I recorded from my 'Christmas Studio' this year! <br><br>"Away in a Manger"</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kuoGM99W4yI" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/kuoGM99W4yI/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kuoGM99W4yI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"Little Drummer Boy" <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="k6mpiFaymWY" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/k6mpiFaymWY/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k6mpiFaymWY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Enjoy the rest of 2016 and get ready for a time of new starts, new goals, new beginnings, or just continued awesomeness in 2017! </p>
<p>Sincerely, <br>Sarah</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/45013552016-12-07T20:09:42-05:002021-10-23T10:51:25-04:00Watch out for me in ID Channel's Evil Kin premiering this week!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/f7d2d1d310de49a541983ea90bb1e4c1373d2ad3/medium/img-0791.jpg?1481157841" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/4f532480c7e2cd5d5b850fed107bab1dcb006a6e/large/img-0802.jpg?1481157859" class="size_xl justify_right border_" />Just found out...Evil Kin, episode name "Don't Turn On Me", will be premiering Thursday, Dec 8 on the ID (Investigation Discovery) Channel at 9pm. It is a WILD story, and I am one of the siblings in this very unique family...look for me in the orange suit :) among other wardrobe changes. I am definitely a naughty girl! </p>
<p>Here are all the times it will be airing this weekend: <br>Thursday, December 8 @ 9pm <br>Friday, December 9 @ 12am <br>Saturday, December 10 @ 12pm </p>
<p>Thanks so much for reading and being there for me! Hope you get a chance to watch! <br> <br>All the best, <br>Sarah </p>
<p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> </p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/44908112016-11-30T19:47:12-05:002016-11-30T19:47:12-05:00Final Push for Album GoFundMe!!!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LuR5e9Oy-3k" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/LuR5e9Oy-3k/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuR5e9Oy-3k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>Hello my friends, supporter, encouragers, lovely people! This is my final call to try to reach the goal of $10k for the album "Whimsical Romance"! The music is now ready, but we are now $880 short of the goal! I need to finish off the album artwork and print these cd's to get them to you asap! Please, let's get as many people as involved in the gofundme in this final month as possible! Please, share this video, this message, this link www.gofundme.com/romance with as many people as possible and help me to cross the finish line with this project! Thanks as always for your love and support! I look forward to getting this album out in the very beginning of 2017!!!!!!!!!!! Love, whimsy, and romance! :) xoxo</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/44604112016-11-10T08:54:39-05:002016-11-10T08:59:30-05:00Democracy<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/e66144d4c3f44f373a7eced3fe72a4004f43e3c9/medium/15036286-10154689068262920-6447812995801173918-n.jpg?1478786052" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Proud that I got involved in this election's ground game and the democratic process! Over the course of the election, I made 1200 calls for @hillaryclinton because I truly believe #strongertogether and I thank #hrc for her lifelong and continued service for the good of our already great nation. It was great to be able to talk to people all over the country about their concerns and issues important to them. I think most all of us have more similar beliefs and values than not, but fear has harnessed some troubling emotions. Since our nation's founding, Americans have had a fighting spirit, loving to stand behind a cause. Believe me, I understand and I have a fighting spirit as well! I want us all to be fighting on the side of freedom and goodness, and now more than ever, be vigilant and alert to protect our democracy and the rights we hold so dear. We must ensure a free media and also ensure that political opponents, or any one of us, or our neighbors, are not afraid to express our opinions, concerns, and truths. We must respect our democratic process and never take democracy for granted. Without our democracy there are no other issues to discuss. #bevigilant #democracy #usa #fight #freedom #freespeech#freepress #respect #president #debatedonthate</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/44242942016-10-18T11:41:31-04:002017-01-13T13:14:58-05:00Celebrating and Remembering Music and Life Teacher Mr. Marion<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/15da6ea97d2e8872adc1fdf483fd1e292c37f4d5/original/img-2129.jpg?1476805201" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Celebrating the life of our beloved teacher of music and life, Mr. Marion , and looking toward the heavens through this tree of his favorite color. Mr. Marion was in my young adult life as youth pastor and high school chorale - which meant I was around him basically all the time! Such a wonderful and kind man who served the community in so many ways for so many years inspiring people young and old. I remember fun and meaningful times - trick-or-treating for UNICEF, taking Thanksgiving meals to shut-ins, Christmas caroling, prayer breakfasts, Chorale and youth group trips (Gatlinburg "Resurrection", Confirmation, etc), among so many other events - I really cannot emphasize how much this man was a huge part of my life! I will so miss coming home and seeing him in the church, or meeting for a sound check, or just walking by his house and seeing his red truck with him out in the yard with his family. We will all miss you more than words can say Mr. Marion. May we follow in his example and continue to set the world on fire in beautiful shades of joy, love, and music!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/43699432016-09-13T12:01:36-04:002017-01-13T13:14:58-05:00Gofundme has reached $8k for Whimsical Romance album!<p>WOW! I am so happy to report that some very generous donations over the weekend have now put the gofundme over $8k! Thank you soo much for your continuous support! Album cover artwork is being worked on as we speak as well as final tweaks to mastering. Many many thanks for the love and support. I really hope that you will love this music!<br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gofundme.com/romance" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/00aede9e449cd298deff3a05ab78745c01da6319/original/screen-shot-2016-09-13-at-11-56-11-am.png?1473782416" class="size_orig justify_left border_" /></a><a contents="www.gofundme.com/romance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gofundme.com/romance" target="_blank">www.gofundme.com/romance</a></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/42920622016-07-23T16:38:30-04:002017-01-13T13:14:58-05:00Being Presidential!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/0dbb67d948e6cf15c6002994d802ef60afd17355/original/sarahragsdaletimkainemarkwarner.jpg?1469305969" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I am so very excited that Virginia's own Tim Kaine has been selected as Hillary Clinton's VP running mate! Not too long ago I had the pleasure of meeting with both Senator Warner and Senator Kaine to receive recognition for "Sela Sela (Dance Together)" which was the Official Song of the Africa Cup 2013. Both of these gentlemen have a long history of service in politics to our state and country, but little did I know that one of them would now be a VP candidate - not that I am surprised! Here are a couple pictures, one with all smiles for the camera and one with the Senators checking out my cd! I thought it would be a fun time to share!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/bdebfa4093aba668824d23251df1a69702fe7822/original/sarahragsdaletimkainemarkwarnercd.jpg?1469306012" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/42587232016-07-01T00:03:46-04:002017-01-13T13:14:58-05:00"Whimsical Romance" Album Mixing Complete!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/b35a96e37231e41508517f67d97a1bd330dc331a/original/img-1587.jpg?1467345742" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I cannot believe it, though it's definitely time! I think we completed the final mix today of the "Whimsical Romance" album! WOW! Thanks so much to the crew at Mobtown Studios for being so awesome to work with and working with me to make this vision come to life! Thanks so much Mat, Emily, and Sean for everything you've done for this album, you are wonderful!</p>
<p>Still much more work to do! Mastering, artwork, printing, etc, but certainly a major milestone was met today! Thank you for being there for me and the continuous support along this musical journey. Please, keep sharing the gofundme as the project is still not complete by any means, but we are getting there! </p>
<p>Sincere thanks, <br>Sarah</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/42396402016-06-20T17:38:05-04:002016-06-20T17:38:05-04:00"Tolerance" New Song and Message Inspired by Recent Events<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZxUGbMrg-PM" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ZxUGbMrg-PM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZxUGbMrg-PM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>I want to be involved in the discussion on how to increase love in the world... understanding, compassion, tolerance, and respect. We cannot permit attacks of hate on any of our brothers and sisters in the human race including, but certainly not limited to, faith, race, or sexual orientation. Divisions and misunderstandings will only encourage further hatred, while respect and understanding will allow us to conquer true hate, together with love.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/42064672016-06-01T12:03:04-04:002016-06-01T12:03:04-04:00Check out "Man of the Sea", New Song for Upcoming Album!Here is the acoustic version of "Man of the Sea" which will be on my upcoming album "Whimsical Romance"! This one is in production right now!!<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="t7gLqgjD9gQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/t7gLqgjD9gQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t7gLqgjD9gQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/41963952016-05-25T13:07:34-04:002016-05-25T13:08:27-04:00New Album-in-the-Works Update!<p>Hello my friends! I have some long overdue updates! The songs are currently in production and mixing stages, which means that I am going back and forth allot with Mat at Mobtown Studios about sounds, instruments, and inspirations for the songs. I was thrilled to hear from him that my 'visual' notes I gave him for the songs are very helpful. For example, I'll say," it looks/sounds like a beach and red lipstick" something like that, and it helps! I thought maybe I was crazy for creating the picture, but glad that he gets it! :) </p>
<p>There have been a few changes to the list of songs. I came up with two more songs that I thought really fit the theme of love and romance, so I have those now and have taken off "Dirty Little Thoughts" because I have done several recordings of that already. Even though DLT is one of my favorites and I still love to throw it in my sets and ask "does anybody have any dirty thoughts out there today?", I think it's best to share these fresh and new songs on the album! </p>
<p>As I've said, these songs are born out of playing in a bar, fun and boisterous, sometimes chaotic... so I thought this was a fun clip to see of one of the songs in it's natural setting ;) , "Locomotion". You can get an idea of the sound of this 'breakup' song as well as what it really means to be the Piano Gal at the bar - not just playing and singing, but bringing people together! <br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmzrags%2Fvideos%2F10154174878677920%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe><br><br>Stay tuned for more updates to come soon! Please and thank you for spreading the word about this project and www.gofundme.com/romance!!</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/41796682016-05-13T12:38:56-04:002017-01-17T13:07:20-05:00Singing at the Senator William and Ellen Proxmire Memory Clinic Commemoration<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/1e0bd6eb7c1101664682bf3c3bbbe613cfbe1b42/medium/fullsizerender-2.jpg?1463157517" class="size_m justify_left border_" />I was truly honored to sing for the commemoration of the Senator William and Ellen Proxmire Memory Clinic yesterday. Senator Proxmire served the US Senate for 32 years for the state of Wisconsin. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he was eventually cared for by this facility which encourages research as well as the philosophy of focusing on the positive and the capabilities that our loved ones still have, even while living with this disease. His wife, Ellen, was an active lobbyist and advocate for fighting Alzheimer's and dementia. The Proxmire family, as well as area dignitaries, clinic residents and staff, and members of the community were there yesterday at the Copper Ridge Facility for this celebration. I have seen several suffer from Alzheimer's, including my own grandmother, so this cause is very dear to me. "Amazing Grace" was the favorite song of Mrs. Ellen Proxmire and so appropriate for this commemoration.<br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ok1rNefw3dg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Ok1rNefw3dg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ok1rNefw3dg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="500" width="500" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/41286902016-04-09T16:03:28-04:002017-01-13T13:14:58-05:00Singing the National Anthem at D.C. United Home Game!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/f44ea5a893045921ee069e8528f174b4facb09a3/original/image.jpeg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I am happy to announce that I will be working with soccer again by singing the National Anthem at the home D.C. United game against N.E. Revolution on April 23! The game will be televised by ABC7 and tickets can be bought at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/D-C-United-tickets/artist/806390</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/41162162016-04-01T11:40:23-04:002017-01-13T13:14:57-05:00We've Reached 60% of Goal toward the New Album!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/c127a70f71cf86e49cdfd9e46757d752a25946cc/original/img-0465.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I am so thankful to the supporters who have helped me to meet 60% of the gofundme goal for the upcoming album "Whimsical Romance". Especially with the new "me" and fresh start, your acceptance and support means so much! Think of the gofundme as a pre-order of the album, instead of paying later, you're helping me to fund up-front, and letting me know that there is room for my stories in this vast music industry. I still have 40% to go and this last 40% will help to cover remaining instrument tracking, mixing, production, and mastering of the album, and then printing of the actual CDs and a few promotional materials associated with the gofundme (tshirts, posters, shipping, etc). Find out more at www.gofundme.com/romance</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/41118512016-03-29T23:57:06-04:002021-09-10T06:23:52-04:00Just Me<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/51f3ac4f24d2e502c7fa7c37bba52f30c8ae02f4/original/img-0427.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It's been a very hectic last few weeks! I finally finished recording the piano and vocals for the upcoming album on a Friday evening, then, the following weekend and week was dedicated to moving (still within Columbia, MD), and then I promptly got a really bad case of the flu which I am still recovering from! So, finally, I will take a few minutes to reflect on the recording process with you and some things I discovered during this time. It was deeply personal. Although these songs are meant to be mostly fun, light, and catchy, they are based on my experiences with the ups and downs in love and romance, and so, whether they are wild, funny, or sad, they are still personal. Then, I started thinking about who I am sharing these stories with, and I realized that it's all friends-some I have had for a long time, and some I have made along the way, even recently. This is story telling among friends really, and you have supported me and helped me to get this far. And so, I feel that I need to break down any barriers between us, and my artistic name has come to feel somewhat of a barrier to me. I would like you to know me personally, as Sarah Ragsdale – quirks and all. ‘Zahra’ is a magnificent creature I created to channel music through for a few years. In my mind, she gave me an excuse to be a sexy, edgy, awesome version of myself, but Sarah Ragsdale is me. And so, because this album is so personal, and I am so touched by the personal friendships, contributions, and support, this album “Whimsical Romance” will be the first album finally released by, well, just…me.</p>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/40383572016-02-12T11:55:00-05:002017-01-13T13:14:57-05:0050% of GoFundMe Goal for Album "Whimsical Romance" Reached on Valentine's Weekend!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/68c0b325358bcdfb45a85f96d01211397b112306/original/img-0341.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I am so thankful to announce that we have reached 50% of the total goal for the album "Whimsical Romance" fundraiser on Valentine's Weekend! Thank you to all the donations so far that have gotten us to this point and a special thanks to "Dedicated Dave" and "Terrific Ted" for topping it off last night getting us over the hump! I will be working hard to finish up recording in the next few weeks before moving along to final production and mixing and I truly believe we will reach that goal. Thanks to all of you for your belief in this project and your constant encouragement. I can't wait to share all of these song stories with you! <a contents="www.gofundme.com/romance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gofundme.com/romance" target="_blank">www.gofundme.com/romance</a>Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/40305272016-02-08T12:49:29-05:002017-01-13T13:14:57-05:00Thanks to Montgomery College Music Department!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/182205/028327f8cb36395210af114e908b4cb08af9169e/original/img-0275.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I just want to say another big thanks to the Montgomery College Music Department in Rockville, MD for inviting me to speak and perform last week! It was a pleasure to be able to share my songs and experiences with the students. Thanks again to Dean Phillips for inviting me and Dr. McKee for hosting me in her studio class.Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/40169012016-01-30T22:08:26-05:002016-03-30T00:15:52-04:00Interviews on eRadio WMCRToday was the first airing of an interview I did with Victoria of eRadio WMCR, Montgomery College! You can catch the interview, as well as 'sneak peak' spins of my upcoming single "This Kiss" now on their station at <a contents="www.montgomerycollege.edu/eradio/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/eradio/" target="_blank">www.montgomerycollege.edu/eradio/</a>. The 15 minute interview will be airing at 1pm and 7pm on the following days:<br>Saturday, January 30<br>Sunday, January 31<br>Monday, February 1<br>Tuesday, February 2<br>Friday, February 5<br><br>Thanks to the WMCR team and all the listeners out there for your support! Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/40073232016-01-25T22:03:01-05:002016-03-30T00:16:08-04:00Performing at Bridal FantasyI am happy to announce an upcoming performance worthy of whimsy and romance! I will be setting the romantic mood at the Bridal Fantasy event organized by Once Upon A Time Events. This event will be on Sunday, February 21 at the Hampton Inn 5311 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD. Tickets can be purchased at www.onceuponatime.events.Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/39693822016-01-02T21:39:44-05:002016-01-02T21:39:44-05:00New Year, New Music!Happy New Year 2016!!! I am so grateful to start the year off with a bang and be at this point in the making of my new album that the first three songs are now being released exclusively to album making supporters at www.gofundme.com/romance!! Thanks so much for all of your continued support and please spread the word about the new album "Whimsical Romance" and the first three songs now available to supporters at www.gofundme.com/romance.Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/39425062015-12-01T08:00:00-05:002015-12-01T08:03:08-05:00Happy Holidays - being thankful!I am so thankful for the generous support so far for the album-in-the-works "Whimsical Romance". For all those who make pledges at www.gofundme.com/romance through the month of December, I will send you an immediate download of my instrumental holiday album "Christmas Traditions Piano Classics" as an extra thank you! Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/39250892015-11-15T19:26:01-05:002015-11-15T19:29:22-05:00www.Gofundme.com/romance just launched for the new album!Just launched the www.gofundme.com/romance page! Get the music first by getting involved! Thanks so much for your support!Sarah Ragsdaletag:www.sarahragsdale.com,2005:Post/39051772015-10-27T16:14:26-04:002020-12-18T08:22:31-05:00New music on the way!Single and Gofundme launch for the album coming soon!!!!!Sarah Ragsdale