Catie Curtis returns to the Birchmere with her latest CD, “Sweet Life.” She shares the evening with Lori McKenna, a fellow Massachusetts-based singer/songwriter/mother.
“This is my ninth CD dedicated to the neighbor who gave me my first guitar with the promise I’d learn to play,” Curtis says. “I haven’t been able to find her, but her gift inspired me to start ‘Aspire to Inspire’ last month, a nonprofit youth fund to encourage young people to play instruments.
“We gave away 15 guitars to children who participated in New York City’s Fresh Air Fund Camps. They were chosen by their teachers who knew they wanted to play guitar but couldn’t afford the instruments. We’ve encouraged them to use YouTube to learn to play. Later in the year we’ll check back to see how they’re progressing.”
Curtis recorded “Sweet Life” for Compass Records in Nashville backed by some of the city’s veteran musicians, among them guitarist George Marinelli, who works with Bonnie Raitt, and bassist Alison Prestwood, who has accompanied Shawn Colvin, Peter Frampton and other notables. Her compositions ranging from rootsy folk to pop reflect the music that marked her youth. The only cover song in the mix, “Soul Meets Body,” speaks to her reflection on kids and relationships and fear about today’s world.
The release was coordinated with a video to “Happy,” a song celebrating her youngest daughter’s birthday. It will appear shortly on E! Entertainment Television. At the same time, she held a contest for a video illustrating various views of a “Sweet Life.” Of the 25 submitted by fans, the top two winners can be viewed at the Compass Records Web site.
Prior to her Birchmere show, Curtis will perform at the Tents of Hope on the National Mall, an interfaith weekend to focus on compassion, peace and aiding the refugees of Darfur.
“I’m honored to have been asked to participate,” she says. “I hope it points people to reflect and help the unfortunate. Music inspires everyone. My own family loves music and has a tradition of singing together around the piano in the living room. My CD was a labor of love to convey a message of resilience and strength and I want it to inspire people.”
If you go
Singer-songwriters Catie Curtis and Lori McKenna
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $25; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
