Spring is making its way in fits and starts - yesterday was warm and sunny, today it's blowing rain and cold enough to remind me that winter hasn't finished with us yet. I just drove my sturdy Honda most of the way across the US after performing shows in my old home town(s) of Pullman and Seattle, Washington. In just three days it carried me all the way from the northwest to my third and most recent home, in Missouri. The year has just begun but already seems to be flying by as I plan two tours in the US and prepare to head back to Asia, this time to Japan for a three and a half month artist residency in the southern prefecture of Fukuoka. In June I head to the Italian Riviera for the finals of the Sanremo Festival Degli Autori competition and several recording sessions on many different projects. Hello, 2010!

Euro Ferrari, Italian producer, recently said this about Hilary and her music:

"I met Hilary personally only a few months ago in San Remo (Italy) during the San Remo Songwriter's Workshop of which I am the Artist/Musical Director. Artistically and professionally, however, I met Hilary quite a while ago thanks to the Italian writer Maurizio Opinato who brought some of her compositions and performances to my attention. I have to say that the first impression I had of this artist, both as a singer and as a writer, was absolutely positive and at the highest level. Hilary Scott writes and sings in a way that creates a fascinating and intimate world, and it is enough for her to utilize only a whisper to raise deep emotions in the listener, her voice is absolutely extraordinary in its emotional greatness. To listen to Hilary Scott live is as though to "hear" America, that America that many of us dreamed of as children, that brings to mind Woodstock, Joan Baez, Marilyn Monroe, John Kennedy, etc...Hilary is ready for the next step, for the big crowds, the big stage or the little theater, for the young or the less young; it would be difficult for her pop/country style not to enter deep into the heart, in every way."

In June Hilary will return to Rome, Italy to record her original song "And Just" which Euro Ferrari is producing for presentation in the finals of the competition Festival Degli Autori to be held on the Italian Riviera in Sanremo, Italy on June 19, 20, 21. Hilary was one of the few international artists to move into the finals of this competition. In June, while in Italy, Hilary will also record a song she co-wrote with Italian songwriter Maurizio Opinato. Opinato wrote the music, Scott the lyrics, and they will perform the song as a duet, with Euro Ferrari producing. Also while in Italy Hilary hopes to record with Giuseppe D'Alessio of the D'Alessio trio as he records his bass/vocal solo album and invites Hilary to appear as a guest vocalist and lyricist.

Hilary recently recorded with Keith Colley again as they worked on finishing touches for America's Song, which Hilary wrote as part of Colley's Can Do project that is garnering serious attention in the US and abroad.

In March an agreement between Chi Lin distribution in Taiwan and Belltown Records was finalized as they picked up Hilary's most recent album, Indigo, for distribution.

Julie Fox (Sugar Bomb Bookings) was recently added to the team as booking agent for Hilary Scott. Agnes Dautraix and Miss Lucy and Co. Booking will represent Hilary in France and other areas of Europe. Agnes also represents James Taylor's sister, Kate Taylor, and will book Hilary with a focus on international festivals.

Through Premier Talent International, Hilary has been asked to be resident artist in Fukuoka, Japan, at upscale venue Bar Fizz from September 27, 2010 - January 9, 2011.

Hilary has several upcoming Missouri dates including in Columbia and St. Louis, and several shows at regional wineries in Poplar Bluff, Charleville, and Twin Oaks. Hemingway's in Columbia will host a special event called "An Evening with Hilary" on Thursday, April 22nd, that will include appetizers, drinks, dinner and music for $45.00. Contact Hemingway's to reserv e tickets or for more details.

In late May Hilary will embark on a tour that will include dates in Champaign, Chicago, Indianapolis, Bloomington, Columbus, Nashville and more. Please check out Hilary's My Space site or website for further details.

In June Hilary will return to Italy for several weeks of recording and performances, including the finals for the singer-songwriter competition Festival Degli Autori.

In September, Hilary returns to Asia for a three and a half month stay in Fukuoka, Japan performing as resident artist in Bar Fizz.

Wawawai Canyon Winery:
Playing in my old hometown was a wonderful experience for me as it meant seeing many dear friends, past teachers and neighbors, and having a good number of my family members come out for the show as well. I even had the chance to sing with my dear friend Sandy Castle del Conte, who used to perform with me in and around the area when I was first getting started on my music career. Sandy also paired me with two fabulous musicians who made the night even more worthwhile: (need the names of the musicians here) Paul ??? on mandolin, violin and harmonica, and Dave????on bass and harmonica. The Winery was a great space to perform in, and I hope to be back there in the future.

Waterwheel:
My show at the Water Wheel in Seattle was another reunion of sorts. I had the chance to perform with my good friend Will Lanni (of Seattle band Stay Tuned) whose other band Altin Jimbiz also performed that night. Josh of Altin Jimbiz sat in on percussion during my set, and Will played bass. Good friends from all over the area came out, and my cousin Betsy Koehler sang harmony with me on a tune. Will and Elvis of Altin Jimbiz are working on setting up another Seattle show for us all in May, when AJ Gennaro will also perform with us.

Fred's Six Foot Under:
Not only can Iron Barley boast famous food, it can boast one of the most interesting and eclectic music venues I've had the opportunity to perform in: Fred's Six Foot Under. Intimate and small but with a definite focus on the performers, the modest room belies the fact that national touring acts have come through, and that Fred Friction, the proprietor, keeps his venue booked with quality acts. I look forward to playing at Fred's regularly in the future.

We are donating 200 CDs, and just in case you might like to have the opportunity to show your support and express your thanks as well, we are offering Hilary Scott CDs at half price for those who would like to buy one or more Hilary Scott CDs to donate to SAAF for inclusion in the welcome home gift packs.

If you would like to give CDs to soldiers, you can purchase CDs to donate HERE
Just select the title of the Hilary Scott CD you'd like to donate, the number of copies, and the name you'd like us to display on the sticker that we'll put on the CD for you.

Please note: Your purchase would not be tax deductible.

Currently all Hilary Scott shirts are half price! Limited to stock on hand - most sizes and colors still available.