The air in St. Louis is finally getting warmer, and as spring approaches, it brings with it some exciting events. I am looking forward to a slew of shows in the Missouri area; a single release of my award-winning song 'And Just'; some new teaching adventures; and my wedding! There has been so much going on lately that I've been too busy experiencing it all, and haven't found as much time to write about it in newsletters and blogs, unfortunately. But I'm hoping this newsletter finds you well, and anticipating spring right along with me! I also hope to see you in the very near future at a show.

On a special note, I would like to send out thoughts and prayers to everyone in Japan suffering from the devastation of the earthquake and the consequences of its aftermath. I have visited Japan and lived there for an extended period of time twice in my life, once with a host family, and once as a musical performer (September 2010 - January 2011) and thankfully all my dear friends there are safe and sound. However, I know the clean-up and rebuilding will be ongoing, and that the loss of life and livelihood has been truly catastrophic. I am saddened by this, but incredibly inspired by the way that country, which is near and dear to my heart, has pulled together to deal with this tragedy. I am also thrilled that one of my dear new friends from Japan will be coming to the United States and attending an event I am performing at in June for a mutual friend of ours. It will be incredibly special to see her again!

On Saturday, April 9th, at the brand new venue The Bridge, at 1020 E. Walnut in Columbia, MO, at 8pm and for only $8, Hilary Scott and The New County Line headline a triple-bill show that is sure to please. Violet VonderHaar opens the show with her signature style, Blue Cut from Indiana plays next with some great bluegrass, and then Hilary and the boys take the stage for their premier show in Columbia, lots of new tunes and old favorites, and to release the CD single of 'And Just', which won the international section of the Festival Degli Autori songwriting contest in Sanremo, Italy.

Saturday, May 7th, begins the monthly appearance of Hilary Scott and AJ Gennaro at the beautiful Charleville Winery in St. Genevieve, Missouri. Hilary and AJ perform from 2-5 pm while you enjoy local wine from the vineyard and microbrews, or the fabulous Charlerita! Come on out and enjoy a lazy afternoon with us on any of the following dates: Saturday, May 7; Sunday, June 26th; Sunday, July 17th; Sunday, August 14th; Sunday, September 18th; or Sunday, October 16th!

Hilary Scott returns to The Wine Rack in Poplar Bluff, MO on Saturday, June 18th from 7:30-11pm. Surprise guest musicians to appear as well!

Hilary Scott Band returns to Cooper's Landing for a reunion show on July 23rd from 7-10pm. This is always an amazing time on the river with dancing, a bonfire, and the sun setting on the blazing river in Easley, MO. Please come out!!!!

Hilary Scott and The New County Line will also take the Cooper's Landing stage on Saturday, October 1st, in Easley, MO from 6-9pm. No better way to celebrate the return of fall than on the river while the trees turn and the bonfire keeps you warm.

For more info on gigs and booking: www.hilaryscott.com

Hilary Scott's new single 'And Just' received a rave review by Heath Andrews of ReviewYou.com. Here are some snippets from the review:

"'And Just' is an accessible yet deep song with strong cross-genre appeal"

"'One sure way, to get through the day/breathe in, breathe out, and breathe in', is a fantastic, true-to-life sentiment that fits perfectly in the context of the song."

"Hilary Scott's 'And Just' is a masterpiece of a song with music and a message that breaks genres."

To read the full review, click HERE

Hilary performed in France in January for two incredibly successful nights opening for the chart-topping band Cock Robin at La Deux Deuche in Auvergne, France. In a review of Cock Robin's performance French newspaper La Montagne had this to say about Hilary Scott's opening act: "...an astounding opening performance by Hilary Scott - (what a voice!!!!)" Scott also appeared for a return performance at La Bamboche in Vichy, France. Miss Lucy and Co. booking is working on a 2012 tour for Hilary in France.

The recording of the five-song EP with Euro Ferrari in Italy which Hilary Scott was awarded for her win in the 2010 Festival Degli Autori songwriting competition has unavoidably been postponed, but is expected to be completed later this year. In the meantime, Belltown Records is releasing a limited-edition CD single of the winning song, 'And Just'. 100 copies will be signed by Hilary Scott and available at the album release at The Bridge in Columbia, MO on April 9th. Dependent upon availability, physical copies may also be available for sale on www.hilaryscott.com after April 9th. The single will be officially released for download on CDBaby on April 8th, 2011, plus Amazon, iTunes and the other most popular download sites as well.

Hilary Scott will be balancing her touring schedule with teaching! Hilary is excited to announce that she is giving private music lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and violin at The Columbia Academy of Music and at the Midwest Music Conservatory. You can contact her at: hilary@hilaryscott.com with inquiries

If you purchase this CD single of And Just at a show and would also like a t-shirt, you can get the t-shirt for a deep discount - for only an additional five dollars. ($10 for the CD single, magnet, sticker, and t-shirt). Note: T-shirt offer is limited to stock on hand at shows, and is not available from our website.

Come on out and grab it!