Lisa Torres: Journal

Lisa recently competed in the Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at Merlefest 2010, where she placed second with her song "Alive", cowritten by Arlis Albritton. Performing at Merlefest was a terrific experience.

Lisa also placed second in the Dallas Songwriters Association Songwriting Competition in the Pop category with her song "Shine" cowritten by Steffon Hamulak.

Congratulations, Lisa!!!

Hey everybody! For those of you who made it out to the show, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. What an honor to play with some of the top songwriters in Nashville! Because of the weather, the crowd was a little small, but they were enthusiastic. I played a few new songs and an old one: Closest I've Ever Been, Timeless, Firefly Summer, Happy Endings. I'm not the greatest guitar player but I got the song across and the audience seemed to really love the new songs. Come see the next one!

I was so happy with the turn out for this show! It was also exciting to see a few "industry" people in attendance. I have to say it was pretty warm in the 12th & Porter lounge, but once we got the window open things cooled down a little (until I got on stage!). Thanks everyone!

Ok, this was a tough one! I knew when I booked it that it would be tough to draw a crowd when all the big name artists were playing about a block away, but we gave it a try. My show was a little early, so there weren't a lot of people downtown yet, and those that were, headed straight to the Riverfront stages. We managed to get a few people to come into the show, and I made sure they got a great show!

The Copper Kettle is a new venue in Nashville. It used to be a very popular songwriters venue. This was an easy night. We got to order dinner first - awesome pot roast!!! They had the performer's area set up out on the deck and there was a great breeze that night. We actually were afraid it was going to rain any minute, but it held off until I was on my way home.

I was invited by Georgia Thomas to play this show with 3 other girls (Cat Fight, get it?) and we played in the lounge side of 12th & Porter. We all used the same band, which worked out better than I expected. The other girls were all awesome and we had a great crowd. Good show.

I have been working with this group for close to a year now. The money raised goes to the Alzheimers Association and its really fulfulling to know that by doing what I love to do, I'm actually helping fund research to help others. Alzheimers is such a devastating disease and I'd love to think that I could have a part in finding a cure. The show was fun - just songwriters and a few players (including my brother, Eric, who usually plays guitar for me). It was a special night.

For those of you who haven't heard of the Bluebird, its probably the most famous performance venue for country artists besides the Opry or Ryman. Its nothing like you'd expect. Its a small "cafe" in the middle of a strip mall and they pack as many tables and chairs in as they possibly can. You call on Monday morning to make reservations for that week and hope you get lucky, and then you never know who may be sitting at your table if you don't fill all the seats with your group. They have good food with a $7 minimum per person. There are two shows per night and they are usually performed "in the round" in the center of the room: 4 players in a circle with the audience all around them. Its always exciting to play there because EVERY well-known country artist you can name probably played there and their pictures are all over the walls. Once in a while, if they have any additional players, they will put the artists/songwriters along one wall on a low stage which allows a little more room. I've played the room both ways. Its definitely a "listening" room. There is no talking allowed and if you insist on talking, you will be asked to be quiet or leave. Its great not to have a bar full of people at the back of the room chattering away while you sing a serious ballad. I love the Bluebird when the artists play hits you love and tell interesting, funny stories about the songs. I go crazy when people just play dark or downer, sad, slow songs. Ahhhhh! Wish you all could have been there - the show was fun and we got a great response!

We played this show at Limelight, a huge venue near the stadium in Nashville. The room looked so beautiful with lots of candles and a great dessert table, and the stage was huge. I got to play with some well-known artists, including Jerrod Niemann, The Warren Brothers and George Ducas. I got some great feedback and really had a great time.

So, what can I say?? Its Key West! This is a great trip that my brother, Eric, and I take every year with BMI. So many of our friends are there and hundreds and hundreds of fans who love to hear the original songwriter perform the songs they hear on the radio. I got to play at the pool party again which as great (and hot) since almost everyone goes to the pool part. The only bad part is we're never ready to come home! Save your money and come join us one year!

Billy Block hosts a show every Tuesday night at 12th & Porter, as well as a Locals Only show on Sundays at Tootsies and I think it is the longest running show. It is broadcast on the radio each week. Billy had me go into Tootsies on the Sunday before the 12th show. He did a quick interview and I sang one song, just as a preview for the Tuesday show. The sound in the room is known to be terrific and I think we put on great show. The audience seemed to have a great time.

The Rutledge is my favorite place to play. They have a great sound guy, Frank, a nice big stage (so I can dance), nice seating for the audience, and a great owner who works with me for dates. Some people thought this was the best show I've ever done. I really wish sometime I could sit in the audience and watch the show. That's what my brother, Eric, always says too since he's always on stage with me. I didn't want this show to end, and I even thought we had a couple more songs when we had actually done the last one. Time went by so fast, I just wanted to do the whole show over!

I know, I know - I haven't stayed on top of this but here I am for an update. First, I just played such a fun show at The Rutledge! In fact they should be posting the video so you can watch it. Keep checking www.therutledgelmv.com. We had a full house which is always great; my guys were dead on and having fun. When they're having a good time, I have a good time. We didn't want to leave the stage when our set was over! Wish you all could have been there.

Thanks for keeping in touch!
~ Lisa ~

I LOVE this time of year. The air gets crisp along with the leaves on the trees. Families curl up by fires drinking hot apple cider, watching movies together. And the MUSIC, well I have to admit the music gets a little old by the 25th of December but I love it all the same!
It's a time to be thankful, to feel blessed for the wonderful things and people in your life. The holiday spirit is alive and well in me and I just wanted to share a little with you.
So...I'm thankful for you who take the time to read this.
For my amazing family that loves and supports each other through thick and thin.
I'm thankful for my dreams and having the faith and opportunity to try to reach them! They're like stars shining, leading me home.
I've been blessed to have terrific role models to learn from, in music and in life...that has been the greatest gift!
Take a minute to think of what matters most in your life. If it's a person, maybe say a little something or write a note. If it's a passion you have, appreciate and nurture it. Hopefully we can all pass a little Holiday Spirit along to another.
I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
~ Lisa ~

I just wanted to say thank you to all of the wonderful people who have been posting comments in the Guestbook! It makes my day, sometimes my week, when I get a new comment from freinds, family and hopefully FANS!
Thank you again and I hope to have more exciting news to post soon.
I'll keep you all updated so keep coming back...PLEASE!
~ Lisa ~

What a great experience and a great program! A friend of mine asked me if I'd be interested in going to the hospital and playing for the patients. Well...I went and played last night for the first time and it was terrific. Some people didn't want to hear any music-which is understandable- but the ones who did were so thankful and sweet! It was great to meet these people and hear their stories. One family we met I will never forget. The woman used to be a big band singer and songwriter, and her daughter used to be a back up singer here in Nashville. We even got to hear a little bit of one of the songs this woman had written, her daughter sang it for us.
To all of those who were a part of last nights "Musicians On Call" thank you! And a special thank you to my Brother!
~ Lisa ~