Melanie Joy Hall

Lots of chances to see me perform in Denali this summer! I'll be playing Fannie Quigley at the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater through June 13 or so, on Friday-Monday most weeks. 5pm and 7:30pm every night, located at the Denali Park Village. My first gig at the Lynx Creek Pub (at the Denali Princess Lodge) for the season will be Tuesday, May 24 at 8pm. I'll take a hiatus from that until June 21, when weekly Tuesday night gigs start and run through the summer. Looking forward to seeing all of the familiar…

I'll be playing solo this Saturday, December 26th at the Coal Creek Grill, located at 2nd and Elk in beautiful downtown Crested Butte, Colorado, from 5:30-8:30pm. Come enjoy some delicious food, drink, and tunes for your post-Christmas festivities! I played here every Saturday last winter, and am planning to do the same this year. Usually solo, but with the occasional fun guest, like my fiance Kevin, my dad Gary, or my mom Linda! Happy Holidays to all!

Hello! Miss me?? Back in Portland for two months, before heading up for my EIGHTH (yowza!) summer in Alaska on May 20. While I'm here, I'm music directing and acting/playing for Oregon Children's Theatre's world premiere of "The Storm in the Barn" http://www.octc.org/onstage/storminthebarn.  The show, based on a graphic novel by Matt Phelan and set in 1930s dust-bowl Kansas, features gorgeous original music by local band Black Prairie http://www.blackprairie.com. We've got a fantastic group of musicians…

Mel's back! After a stint in Portland Oct-Nov, adventures in Australia in Nov-Dec, and a month on the road with OnStage Alaska in January, Mel and Sweet Ginger Heat have three shows in Estes Park, CO, this week, including a solo gig (with Gary Hall on guitar) at Mary's Lake Lodge TONIGHT! From here, I'll head back to Portland, to begin rehearsals as accordion player for "Go, Dog, Go!" at Northwest Children's Theater. Then - back to AK, starting with the Juneau Folk Festival in mid-April. 

Only a few weeks left in Alaska - the leaves are changing and it's getting chilly. Summer goes so fast! Sweet Ginger Heat was a big hit, with at least one gig every week, including several fantastic festivals! This weekend they head into the "studio" for some recording, hopefully to have a CD for sale next summer. One more gig at Prospector's Pizza this weekend, one in Cantwell next weekend, and then back to Portland! 

Melanie's new band, Sweet Ginger Heat, is rocking the Alaska summer music festivals! They made their debut at Mendeltna Creek two weeks ago, and will be heading to Chickenstock (in the lovely town of Chicken, AK) this weekend, June 12. Their first Denali area gig at the Salmon Bake was a big hit last night, and things are looking great. Be their "fan" on Facebook - audio clips will be posted soon! Check the calendar for more dates.

Mel & J.D. have started playing folk/country/Americana tunes at Caldera Public House every Wednesday, 7-10pm. Caldera is at SE 60th and Stark in Portland. Now through April 14, and then back to Alaska! 

"The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" has opened at Oregon Children's Theatre, to great reviews and sold-out houses! This is Melanie's first show as musical director, and it's a fantastic cast. Running Saturdays and Sundays through March 21st. Check out www.octc.org for info. 

Meanwhile, the Sometime String Band has welcomed Mel into its Monday bluegrass jams at Caldera Public House, SE 60th and Stark in Portland. Every Monday, 7-10pm, with great food and beer.

Currently working on two shows at the Oregon Children's Theater: "Giggle Giggle Quack" (piano) and "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" (piano/music director). Check out www.octc.org. Looking to book some solo gigs while in town! The Colorado "tour" over the holidays - 3 shows in Estes Park and Crested Butte - had great response! It was a rare treat to play with Gary Hall.

Melanie is currently traveling with the Nebraska Theatre Caravan's production of "A Christmas Carol", and will be resuming her solo shows at Christmas - starting in Colorado! Then on to Portland, OR.