Cris Conerty

Feb 23, 2011 Members

“Life set to music” describes the songs of Cris Conerty. Singing and songwriting has been a continual thread woven in Cris’ life, providing a passionate outlet for emotions. “Music has been my playmate, my lover, and my crying towel,” – a statement attributed to singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, with which Cris could not agree more. Since joining Nashville Songwriter’s Association International and traveling to Nashville, Tennessee for the first time in April 2009, Cris has devoted herself to professional songwriting, primarily in the country/folk genre. Cris composes primarily on the piano but has written numerous songs with guitar and often interchanges the two instruments.

Cristine Desiree’ Conerty (maiden name Sullens) was born in Bellevue, WA August 25, 1961, and is the daughter of long-time Spokane area residents and arts supporters Darrell and Karen Sullens. She grew up listening to the acoustic folk and country music of Bobbie Gentry, Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Simon and Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan. Straying from her country/folk roots for a time, and due to her love for the piano, she was later drawn to the piano-based sounds of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, ABBA, Billy Joel, and virtually any band or singer that featured the piano. Cris has always had a passion for intricate vocal harmonies and has always favored music across all genres that feature multiple voices and harmony. For eight years Cris was active in Sweet Adelines International, both as a chorus director and performer, singing and arranging complex vocal a cappella harmonies in the traditional grass roots barbershop style, and she remains a member of the international organization to this day. Ultimately Cris has come full circle to the folk and country music of her childhood, but appreciates and draws inspiration from virtually all genres of music.

Cris has a lifetime of original music spanning a wealth of subject matter and styles, including hymn and choir arrangements, and is currently tackling the huge job of transcribing them from her “head,” scribbles on music manuscript paper, and scores of lyric and lead sheets to a permanent collection of songs to record and leave as a legacy to her family and others. In addition, she works everyday creating new music, and honing her songwriting craft. She currently resides in eastern Washington State in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, youngest son, and golden retriever. www.crisconerty.com

February 2011 B&M show

Feb 4, 2011 Brick & Mortar shows, News

What a night to forget a camera! Seven songwriters at the open mic, many new faces, Banjo Bill keeping us on the edge of our seats wondering what song/story/insturment he was going to pull out next, and a crowd that packed the Chill Spot. Supporting local songwriters, sticking together, building support…that’s what Brick & Mortar is all about and it’s alive and well in Spokane!

Kathy
February 4th 2011