Valerie Borman Blog – My Thanksgiving
November 12, 2010
It’s hard to believe that it is November, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, as I am sitting here outside writing this. The temperature is 71 degrees, the sun is shining and I want to go out and play! But first, I’ve got a few things to finish.
So far this month, I’ve been taking more time for songwriting. I am very pleased to have finished the lyrics of a song I’ve been writing for our Veterans – now, I need to finish the music!! It’s so very exciting for me to be engaging in the creative process. As a singer, I’ve always envied songwriters – not that I would ever trade my vocal talent. But to CREATE the music and lyrics is truly AWESOME. Every time I hear a song like “Moments” or “In Color” I get goosebumps. I want to write THOSE songs!!! For now, I’ll write my songs.
I’m still riding the high that I felt after performing in PA last month and reconnecting with friends, family and NHS alumni. (Yes, I’ve been searching you all out on Facebook!!) So I’ve been wishing I could have it happen again. What’s the best way to get everyone back together?? I’m going to perform in PA again!! Keep reading!
Those of you who know me know that I see my life as a means to give back, pay it forward… however you term it, I believe that I live – and sing! – to serve. Whatever performance I schedule for myself I would prefer to be of benefit to someone or some organization. Not having had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life this past year, I realized I had my cause. So, this month I will be preparing for a Christmas Party Dance to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Schnecksville. The performance will take place on Friday, December 10th from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. – mark your calendars!! As soon as the details are available – they will be posted.
Thanksgiving is, as I said, just around the corner. I am, as always, thankful. However, I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in November; I celebrate it every day. My life is blessed beyond belief. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and talent/career opportunities that very few can claim. My day, every day, begins and ends with my giving thanks for each and every blessing in my life. And today, I want you to know that YOU are counted among my blessings. Thank you always for your support, friendship and love. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
Valerie Borman Blog – Nothing like coming home
October 12, 2010
When I began planning my sets for the Heidelberg-Lynn Township historical Society’s Pioneer Day 2010, I had no problem choosing the first number. For years, I’d waited for the opportunity to sing Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s “Simple Life” in my hometown of New Tripoli, PA because for me, it is autobiographical – so much so, I was asked if I wrote the song… I WISH!!!
“I have wandered this world far and wide. I’ve been all around and to the other side, but there’s nothing like coming home….nothing like coming home.”
Singing Carolyn’s lyrics under the most beautiful sunny sky on October 2nd was one of the most memorable moments of my career. I grew up a “stone’s throw” from the Ontelaunee Park on Borman Rd. (Yep – I’m not kidding. The state named the road after my family.) I remember as a kid hearing the music coming from the Park every Sunday afternoon. I also remember driving past the entrance and seeing the names of the artists who were playing there: Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens – ahhh, Hee Haw. The Ontelaunee Park had a history of hosting the biggest names in Country Music like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams – and I wanted to be part of that history. My childhood dream had finally come true.
But the magic of my perfect day didn’t end there. It’d been a long time since I lived in New Tripoli and worked at my parents’ butcher shop/retail store, Rose Valley Farm. It had been years since I graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School. (Just remember – I’m only 29!!) October 2nd became a homecoming AND reunion all in one. Everyone with whom I spoke was a part of my personal history: people who knew me as a kid behind the counter in the butcher shop; alumni from dozens of graduating classes of NHS; my former teachers and classmates; friends with whom I’d participated in the Relay For Life of Northwestern Lehigh. There were lines of people just waiting to chat with me. I have never felt so loved and appreciated. And the best part of all of this – my family was there with me. My Mum and Dad were feeling well enough to come to the show. It was THE perfect performance.
I am so thrilled that I got to share my personal history and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage with my wonderful friend, and guitarist, Tom Williamson. He flew from Nashville to PA to join me on my “personal high for a day.” (Sorry about the tour of Philadelphia, Tom!) I took him on my personal tour of Borman Rd and Mosserville and even got him to ask my Dad over the mic, “Kuscht du mikka funga?” I still laugh every time I think about it.
When the gig ended, we took the party to the Leather Corner Post Hotel, the “Home Of The Boombas,” to see the Dr. Jim Band. (I will have to find the video of me playing Boomba and post it here on the website!) The members of this awesome rock ensemble were also classmates – and neighbors – of mine “back in the day.” The musical magic led to an all-night kitchen jam in Jim and Laura’s kitchen. And at 5 a.m., I still wasn’t ready for the best day ever to end. There is “nothing like coming home!”
Valerie Borman dates added Oct 07, 2010
October 7, 2010
The following new dates have been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.
For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.
You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.
| Date | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday
Oct 16, 2010 |
10AM-1PM
Open to Public |
|
|
Friday
Dec 17, 2010 |
Christmas Party
Allentown, PA |
Private
|
Valerie Borman Gallery – Pioneer Day Festival
October 7, 2010
Photos of Valerie Borman performing at Pioneer Day Festival in New Tripoli, PA on Oct 02, 2010.
Valerie Borman Gallery – Friends and Fans
October 7, 2010
Photos of Valerie Borman with some of her friends and fans.
Valerie Borman Dates Added Sep 15, 2010
September 15, 2010
The following new dates have been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.
For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.
You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.
| Date | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday
Sep 18, 2010 |
10AM-1PM
Open to Public |
|
|
Saturday
Sep 25, 2010 |
10AM-1PM
Open to Public |
Valerie Borman Review from PAMusicScene.com
September 7, 2010
Valerie Borman’s CD, Better Days, reviewed by Mike McKenna for PAMusicScene.com, August 20, 2010.
Read the original article HERE.
WOW! This CD is a powerhouse of music, talent and feeling all wrapped up in one neat little package. Valerie Borman has what it takes to keep up with the likes of a Lee Ann Womack, Faith Hill or Mary Chapin-Carpenter. Her style of music is refreshing, energetic and heartfelt and she has the pipes to prove it. It’s been a long time since I listened to a collection of tunes that are very well produced and performed like these are.
“Not Gonna Give You Up” is a rockin’ country tune with a bit of Reba McIntyre’s flavor to it. This should be the first single and would track well in multi-formats. The title track “Better Days” has very inspiring vocals and some nice guitar work. “Inside Out” is another candidate for single release as a mass appeal song. This moving ballad would make Bryan Adams proud. “Just Say I Love You” sounds like it should be performed on the stage in the Grand Ole Opry or on the Texas Connection TV Show.
“I’m With You” is another rockin’ tune that has that Wynonna Judd/ Lorrie Morgan feel to it. A nice hook makes this a good catchy party tune and my 3rd pick for single release. “Same Girl” is a mid-tempo jamming number that gets you toe-tapping. Strong vocals, great rhythms and kick- ass guitar work make this a must listen! “Leave The Lights On” is a ballad with a Lee Ann Womack style to it.
“Stay Out” is another single candidate that catches your imagination from intro to the end. Valerie’s vocals on this tune are reminiscent of early Ann Wilson. “Why Did You Have To Love Me Like That” is a real tear-jerker in the mold of a Faith Hill that could be another powerhouse hit. “Wish” is another ballad that takes you back to the simpler times when music was heartfelt. ”Everyone Need An Angel” is one of those rare songs that I could see a charity like Dreams Come True using as their theme in a promotion. It stands out and sends a clear message to the listener. In conclusion, “Better Days” gets, not one, BUT 2 THUMBS UP!
She is from New Tripoli Pa and is living in Nashville, TN…She will be in the Lehigh Valley in 2 weeks and will be performing at the Silver Creek Athletic Assoc benefit on Sept 5 and at the Pioneer Fest on October 2. (New dates in Atlantic City are in the works.) Her schedule is available on website: www.ValerieBorman.com.
Valerie Borman Calendar Update Aug 05 2010
August 5, 2010
New dates have been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.
For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.
You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.
| Date | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunday
Sep 05, 2010 |
Silver Creek Athletic Association Picnic
Springtown, PA |
1PM-6PM
|
|
Saturday
Oct 02, 2010 |
5th Annual Pioneer Festival
Ontelaunee Park New Tripoli, PA Event sponsored by: Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society |
1PM-4PM
|
Valerie Borman Calendar Update
June 21, 2010
New dates have been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.
For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.
You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Friday
7.23.10 |
Trumbauersville Volunteer Fire Company Carnival
|
Trumbauersville, PA
|
7PM-10PM
|
|
Thursday
7.29.10 |
Trumbauersville Volunteer Fire Company Carnival
|
Trumbauersville, PA
|
7PM-10PM
|
Valerie Borman Calendar Update
May 7, 2010
A new date has been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.
For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.
You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday
5.30.10 |
Silver Creek Athletic Association Benefit
|
Springtown, PA
|
1PM-6PM
|
