Texas native Jen Foster is scheduled to transform the stage of Rick’s Caf‹¨ tonight into an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by patrons of every demographic.
Foster is an award-winning singer/songwriter known for producing lyrics that trigger listeners to think more deeply about issues that are often sugar-coated in everyday situations.
“She writes on a personal level about personal issues and dealing with adversity,” WMSV station manager Steve Ellis said. “You can easily point out 10 people you grew up with that went through the same situations.”
Foster’s lyrics are derived from situations within her life and relationships.
“I think I am more convincing as a performer because I write and sing from my own life experiences,” Foster said. “I’m not good at faking these things.”
Foster is recognized world-wide with honors including the 2005 Grand Prize and Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards for one of her latest songs, “Taking Bob Dylan,” which was featured on her recently released album, The Underdogs.
She has taken her heart-felt performances on the road at events including South by Southwest, The Calliope Festival, BMI Showcase, AIDS benefits, PrideFest events and the Yellow Umbrella Tour, a series of benefit concerts to fight cervical cancer.
She has played gigs with performers including Sophie B. Hawkins, K’s Choice, Crash Test Dummies, Lisa Loeb, Allison Moorer and The Samples.
Foster is the second act among the three singer/songwriter acoustic combinations in the line-up this semester. Foster said she hopes those who attend will leave with a little more insight of what she is all about after the show.
“I tell stories about the songs and my life,” she said. “I want to get the songs across to people in an emotional way, and hopefully people will leave with a great memory.”
Bill Cooke will kick things off at 8:30 p.m. Cooke regularly performs at local restaurants and bars, covering music from bands including The Allman Brothers and Van Morrison, as well playing his original pieces.
The doors of Rick’s Caf‹¨ will open at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at the door for $5.
For more information about Jen Foster, visit www.jenfoster.com.