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Mom Finds Second Life Singing

For many moms, once their kids head off to college it’s time to pick up a hobby and start a new life. For San Anselmo mom Michelle Schmitt, that went a step further than book clubs or knitting circles.

Schmitt, who has been involved in music since she was 12, has found a second life as a singer, with a wealth of CDs of what she calls “chick music” and her own studios in both San Francisco and Alexander Valley in Sonoma.

“My whole musical life just came alive again,” said Schmitt.

Read the entire article at www.marinscope.com »

Music: Do you hear what I hear?

Remembrances of the childhood sounds and smells of the holiday season--Grandma baking cookies and Dad singing his favorite Christmas songs--inspired Bay Area singer and songwriter Michelle Schmitt to record Christmas on Pine Mountain, a heartfelt mix of originals and country-inflected classic carols.

But there's nothing sugary about these songs.

Read the entire article at www.fwix.com »

New CD!  Christmas on Pine Mountain

The idea for this Christmas record came to me as I was going through a box of old ornaments, remembering the happy Christmas memories of my childhood. I can still see my parents working hard to give their five children a magical Christmas. My Mom and Grandma started baking early in December and my Father began singing & playing Christmas songs on Thanksgiving Day and did not stop until New Years Day. My brothers, sister and I started to feel the excitement of Christmas by the smell of cookies baking in our house, the Christmas lights strung up all over and the music playing day and night. "Angels in Trees" is for my family. Christmas music makes me think of my Dad. I will always remember the songs we sang on those long Sunday drives in Michigan. "Christmas in Killarney" is for him especially. "Pine Mountain Lullaby" is for my husband and two sons who bring me constant lessons about the importance of family strength, love and commitment. For the listener, I hope the songs I've written and recorded bring you a bit of holiday cheer and some happiness in your heart. When I think of Christmas I always remember my Grandma who put enough love in my childhood to sustain a lifetime. Please remember that every CD purchased will help the people involved with Meals on Wheels in San Francisco. Spread the love...Merry Christmas.

Love, Michelle

Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on CD Baby

All proceeds from the sale of Christmas On Pine Mountain will go to Meals On Wheels San Francisco.
MIchelle Schmitt has been a long time supporter of Meals on Wheels in the Bay Area.

Special Benefit Concert for Meals on Wheels SF

Thursday, December 3rd @ 8pm

All proceeds from the event and sales of Schmitt’s new CD, Christmas On Pine Mountain, will go to Meals On Wheels San Francisco.

Location:
Throckmorton Theatre
142 Throckmorton Ave
Mill Valley, CA
View map »

Advance Tickets Available at:
The Throckmorton Box Office
Ph: 415.383.9600
Purchase tickets online

• General Admission: $20
• VIP Reception at 6:45pm :$100
  Includes special cocktail reception, reserved seating, and cd.
  
  

Harrison Street Records has expanded...

HSR has just completed the construction of HSR-Alexander Valley, a new state-of-the-art recording studio in Northern California, where Michelle & her band can go for extended periods of time to work on new music. Though San Francisco is the main headquarters for Harrison Street Records, the new Alexander Valley site will be a place to go for longer periods of creativity and production. More amazing music, more time, more magic.

Michelle and her band are working on a 2 new projects, the 1st a record of Michelle's "Americana" songs. The record will be recorded in San Francisco, the new studio in Alexander Valley, and possibly Nashville too. Michelle says, "I have a special place in my heart for the music that inspired me to play guitar and sing when I was a young girl. Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Arlo Guthrie, Buffy St. Marie, Carole King, Jesse Colin Young, and many others. It will be taking a trip back to my roots". The 2nd project is a pop album with an electronica influence.. Stay tuned.

To stay informed of Michelle's musical endeavors, please subscribe to our e-newsletter using the form at the top of this page.

Another Winter

There’s no hiding from the longing, the hope, the heartache and the truth expressed in Michelle’s November 2008 release, "Another Winter." Reflecting life's dramatic transitions, and inspired by her gift of using music to help discover the most important and hidden feelings many of us have in our hearts, Michelle's songs navigate through the emotions of life’s challenges in a poetic and honest way. This latest musical tapestry finds Michelle’s heart and spirit soaring to new heights. At the same time, soothing, velvety, potent and heartfelt, this is a musical journey that is well worth sharing. Michelle's songs tell stories that capture the hope and healing that we all experience in our quest for love and belonging.

Preview or buy "Another Winter " tracks on iTunes »