[ATTENDED: March 9, 2016] Alyssa Garcia
When I heard that the Crash Test Dummies were playing at Sellersville Theater, I was pretty excited to go. I’d really liked them years ago (God Shuffled His Feet is an amazing album still). But I also knew that Brad Roberts was a kind of vulgarian. So I was really surprised to see a family with two small kids sitting in the row in front of ours.
I didn’t know the opening act (her name was actually misspelled on the bill, sadly).
Well, it turns out there was good reasons I didn’t know her. She is 16 and recently won the 2015 Philadelphia Songwriters Project Final Showcase. Turns out the young kids in front of us were her family.
Alyssa had amazing stage presence (I want to say “for someone so young” after just about every sentence, but I’ll refrain, because she was simply good regardless of her age). She chatted with the audience, told us about her life, sold merch at the back table and, most importantly, she played five or six beautiful songs.
The melodies were fairly simple–I actually expected a little more showoffy flair for a person who has been playing piano since she was 5, but that clearly wasn’t her goal. She was writing pretty songs to get her words across. And it was her voice that was so captivating.
I was especially delighted to hear that she wasn’t following a traditional pop route. Her voice wasn’t all vibrato and histrionic. She wasn’t trying to win American Idol. Rather, she was singing very personal (she says the songs are like her diary), quite lovely (and well written) lyrics.
Her voice reminded me a lot of Regina Spektor, whom I love, so I was really happy to sit back and listen to her sing. Interestingly, when I went to her website later, I saw that Regina Spektor was listed as one of her favorite musicians! (along with Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, and Ingrid Michaelson).
She was a delightful singer and performer and I wish her much success going forward.
Check out her website and learn more about her (and maybe order a CD or two).
I Just Read About That... 
Hi Paul – This is Alyssa’s dad. My co-worker just sent me a link to your blog entry. Thank you for your kind words. Alyssa is playing Bethlehem Musikfest on August 08 at the Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz stage between 6pm – 6:40pm. If things work out, she’ll play a lot of the same songs and a few others with a full band. Come see her if you get the chance. -Anthony
Hi Anthony,
My family tries to make it to Musikfest whenever we can. That’s a perfect venue for her. Hope to see her!
[…] played on WXPN and WSTW. Alyssa has performed at Musikfest and opened for 3 time Grammy Nominee Crash Test Dummies. In the summer of 2016, She is currently working on recording her first full length studio produced […]
[…] played on WXPN and WSTW. Alyssa has performed at Musikfest and opened for 3 time Grammy Nominee Crash Test Dummies. In the summer of 2016, She is currently working on recording her first full length studio produced […]
Paul – Alyssa is returning to Sellersville on Monday, July 25. She was offered an opening spot in Frederick Sawyer’s sold out show. Frederick is a 2015 winner of ‘The Voice’.
Paul – Alyssa is returning to Sellersville on Monday, July 25. She was offered an opening spot in Sawyer Frederick’s sold out show. Frederick is a 2015 winner of ‘The Voice’.
Sawyer Fredericks
Paul – Alyssa’s songs Better Life and Loved Actually are now in a movie :). She’s back at Musikfest on August 6, 2017. Here’s a link to the trailer –
That’s awesome! I saw her listed at Musikfest, what a great venue! I hope to get to the Fest this year. We had a great time last year. Sing on Alyssa!
Hi again Paul – Alyssa released her new album on October 13, 2017. It’s on Spotify if you look for Alyssa Garcia “Three Little Words”. Would love any feedback if you get the chance.