David Vargo

September Musician of the Month

A native of East Brunswick, NJ, David started playing the guitar at the age of eight and by the age of 14 was performing throughout the tri-state area with various jazz, funk, and rock bands. He graduated from Berkeley College of Music with honors and went on to become a touring sideman and session player. He has had the privilege of working with a number of notable talents including Whitney Houston, Phoebe Snow, Vonda Shepard, and Rupert Holmes.

David currently performs both solo and as part of an acoustic duo (Kim and Dave). He is also an active session player and songwriter.

David's Website

David's Facebook page

The Interview

Cat London

August Musician of the Month

Musician of the Month's First Anniversary 

         Singer/Songwriter Cat London’s music cannot be classified by a single sound.  

        Backed on stage and in the studio by Rich Aveo on piano, Eric Cooper on cello,

        Paul O'Keeffe on bass, and Anthony Freda on drums, London captivates listeners

        with a dynamic range of songs, from soulful ballads that echo Damien Rice’s tender

        portrayal of love and conflict, to playful pop tunes invoking the energy and

        versatility of Sara Bareilles. She has many videos on YouTube.

        Cat's video "The Right Way" was selected Best Homegrown Music Video by the 

        Garden State Film Festival. She was also selected as 1 of 15 finalists for the new

        songwriting reality show "The Song"which will premier in the Fall of 2016. 

         Check out Cat's website and Facebook page:

And now, sit back, relax and hear Cat tell her story in 

The Interview

July Vacation

We will be taking a vacation in July.

Barbara Paskin

June Musician of the Month

Barbara Paskin is passionate about her music and giving back to the community. A resident of West Long Branch, Barbara lovingly crafts her arrangements of classic songs, and performs them at venues all over the state including the Musicians on a Mission events, Espresso Joe's and The Saint to name a few. She has a YouTube channel with over a million views and was also recently appointed to the Musicians on a Mission board of directors.

Barbara's YouTube channel

I'll let Barbara tell you the rest of her story in her own, inimitable way. Enjoy!

The Interview

Mary Ellen O'Brien

May Musician of the Month

I first met Mary Ellen at a Wednesday Open Mic at Espresso Joe's. She's a regular there, with her beaming smile and positive attitude. Her enthusiasm was contagious. And then when she takes the stage you realize that this is one talented lady. 

Her songs are different from the run of the mill. I always enjoy seeing her perform. She recently released an album entitled "All Roads Lead Us Home" and it's available online or at one of her appearances.

As for how she got to be who she is and do what she does, it's all in the interview. Enjoy!

The Interview

April Musician(s) of the Month
at the 
2nd Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival 

We're trying something new this month. Instead of interviewing a featured artist, which will continue to be our main format, we decided to do a remote recording live at the Creative Arts and Music Festival, entertainment provided courtesy of Musicians on a Mission. We were able to get a couple of impromptu interviews, with Cat London and Rich Aveo, and Gil Velazquez

Check out excellent videos of their performances by Eddy Hayduk on the Musicians on a Mission Facebook page.

Listen to the live interviews here

Carolann Solebello

March Musician of the Month

                                                                                

 photo by Brian W. Johnson

A New York City native, Carolann first fell in love with mountain music and the

bluegrass and country that grew out of that tradition -  while working as an actor 

in East Tennessee and Kansas. Tunes and techniques she learned from musicians in 

both places fundamentally changed her approach to songwriting and guitar

playing, and subsequently colored her work with her group, Red Molly.

- 2015 Winner, Musicians on a Mission Songwriting Contest

- 2014 Winner, Third Place, SolarFest Songwriter Showcase

- 2014 Finalist, South Florida Folk Festival Songwriting Competition

- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Northwest Regional Folk Alliance

- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Folk Alliance International

- 2011 Winner, Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival Songwriting Competition

Please visit her website for more information on Carolann.

And now, sit back and listen to our interview.

The Interview