Upcoming shows and events!

Today, February 7th,

I am very excited to have curated my first show in Brooklyn, NY , which consists of 5 local artists who I think are amazing. The show will be held at The Sultan Room, 234 Starr Street, with doors opening at 6:30pm, ending at 9pm. The featured artists are:

-Fallen Atom & I

-Ateller

-Passport Rav w/ DJ Coast

Special guest performers

-DeAndre Brackensick

-Dre Skuffs

*You can purchase tickets at www.thesultanroom.com or at the door for $15*

February 9

St. Paul AME Church, Gospel Choir, 10am

15-21 Sanford St., East Orange, NJ

February 14

C.O.R.E. Club, solo piano/voice, 6-9, members only

66 East 55th st, New York, NY

February 15

Private Valentine’s Day Party, solo piano/voice

Providence, RI

February 28

Pawleys Island Tavern, rock & soul, 8pm

10635 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC

February 29

Forte Jazz Lounge, jazz trio, 6:30pm

477 King Street, Charleston, SC

March 8

St. Paul AME Church, gospel choir, 10am

15-21 Sanford St, East Orange, NJ

March 12

CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel, soul duo, 6pm

218 W 50th St, New York, NY

March 21

Private Event

Westport, CT

OTHER NEWS:

Fallen Atom and I have been working on our EP and are very excited to share osme of the new music with you tonight at The Sultan Room! We recently released two short live videos of new music that you can check out here:

“Wake Up”

“Rude”

VINYL

My latest album, ‘This is Love’, can now be purchased on Vinyl!! This has always been a dream of mine! Vinyl is VERY expensive to make, so I only have a limited number being sold at $20 each. If you would like one you can order on my website elisetestone.com on the merch page, or email Ren Jennings at elisetestoneproductions@gmail.com .

Thank you always for your continued love and support!!

Love & Music,

Elise

All Star Amy Winehouse Birthday Tribute Tour!

Next week is one of my favorite times of the year. We get to celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse, with an amazing all star line up!! Also joining me will be American Idol fam/ best friend DeAndre Brackensick!! you may also see some other idol Alumni popping up on stage…

The first stop on the five day run will be in CT and the last stop in Philly. Here are the ticket links to make things easy!

9/11 The Acoustic, Bridgeport, CT

9/12 The Hamilton Live, DC

9/13 The 8x10, Baltimore, MD

9/14 The Cutting Room, NYC

9/15 The Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA

Here is the line up:

James Casey - Trey Anastasio Band

Sly5thAve- Ghost Note/Prince

Mike “Maz” Maher - Snarky Puppy

Bob Lanzetti - Snarky Puppy

Sydney Driver - Rhythm & Stealth

Jesse Fischer - Sly5thAve

Deandre Brackensick- American Idol

Jed Lingat

Elise Testone - TAZ Band/ American Idol

Plus special guests!

I really can’t stress how soul moving it is to perform this music. I truly hope that if you are close enough to one of these venues that you make the trip out that night. It will be a moment that you will never forget!

Much love,

Elise

ALBUM RELEASE APRIL 17th!

Join me in Charleston SC for the release of my second Album!

Wednesday, April 17th, 9:30pm (right after Dead on the Deck!)

The band for this show is:

Adam Fallen - Guitar (Skyler Grey)

LaVona Green - Bass (ASAP Rocky)

JT Rollerson - Drums

Stephen Washington - Keys

Kanika Moore - BGVs (DOOM Flamingo/Motown Throwdown)

Wallace Mullinax- Guitar (Dead 27’s)

Mike Quinn - Sax (DOOM Flamingo/Motown Throwdown)

Ward Buckheister - Trombone (Sol Driven Train)

David Carter - Trumpet

Stuart White - Drums

Gerald Gregory - Keys

More shows and a tour will follow, stay tuned! The Album will be available on all online platforms, as CD’s and Vinyl!

Thank you so much for your support!

~ Elise

New Year, New Adventures

I am so excited about this year! I took a break last year form my original project to record new music and tour with Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, and now I am ready to get back on the road! Please check the tour dates as I will constantly be adding more and more.

This month, I will travel to Los Angeles to record another round of live studio recordings for the VJ Jams sessions. If you haven’t seen last years videos please check them out! I am a part of six of them but am featured with Stanley Randolph, Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera’s (to name a few) drummer, and the video went viral!! Here is the link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raja1uKoZHc

Also while I’m in LA, I will be performing at the annual NAMM conference or at the surrounding events incorporated with it. On January 25th you can catch me performing at the NAMM After Party - ‘NAMM FUNKTION’- at the ROOFTOP BAR AT THE 5TH HOTEL, hosted by Chris Lord-Alge, under the name ‘Elise Testone & the Funken All Stars’. The band includes Daru Jones (Jack White, Pete Rock), Antoine Katz (Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles), Marcus Machado (Pete Rock), Nicholas Semrad (Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles), Nicole Zuraitis (Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter), and special guests. We perform at 8pm, but the party is 6pm-12am. On Saturday January 25th, you can find me at the MEE Audio booth at the convention center at 2pm with the young prodigy French pianist DOMi Degalle, and Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Nicole Zuraitis.

February 14th and 15th I am excited to perform with a new collective Called TrewCulture! They will hold it down as we perform my original music, first in Bridgeport, CT at The Acoustic and the following night in NYC at The Cutting Room.

The new Album is scheduled to be released in April!! Stay tuned for updates, new shows, and more!

Much Love always, and thank you for support,

Elise

Thank You 2018, Hello 2019!

Its been a great year full of growth all around!! Yes, I’m very fat now…. haha kidding! I have grown in so many ways- as an artist, a singer, a teacher, a friend, a family member and as a person in general. I have never been more excited for the future as I am today. FINALLY after two years my Sophomore Album will be released in April, 2019. There will be a small tour based around its release so stay in touch and check the website! In addition to the NorthEast, I will definitely be making stops in the South to perform and celebrate this milestone.

I am also looking forward to this years Heritage Jazz festival in New Orleans as I join Leo Nocentelli of The Meters on one of the Main stages at the festival, along with Ghost Note at One Eyed Jacks, and many other appearances late night surrounding the festival dates. Shows will constantly be added to my schedule so pay close attention if you are interested in enjoying and supporting! I love you all and want to see as many faces as possible at these events!

Thank you so much for a wonderful year and for your continued love and support. Happy New Year my EliTes!!

Much Love and Music,

Elise

New EP coming soon!!

Hi! It's me.

I have neglected you Blog and I apologize! I want to start talking to you about my upcoming release.  I have been working hard behind the scenes to finish what I thought would be a full length album.  After evaluating the songs I have already recorded and the three others that I had planned to record, I feel it flows best to release a six song EP first and work on more after its debut.  The cohesiveness and flow of these songs feel perfect to me and summarize my experiences over the past few years.  The fist thing I will share with you is a song put to video, that has taken me years to write, for my dear friend Holly. We lost Holly June 11th, 2015, so I feel it is fitting to share this tribute to her on June 11th of this year.  What is so special about it is that my first true fan from American Idol, Colby, is putting the video together.  Over the years both Holly and I have become close friends with Colby and have loved watching her blossom into a beautiful young woman.  She is currently studying Videography at SCAD. The video will be shared on YouTube and all my social media pages so please feel free to share it with anyone you feel could relate to such a tragic loss. 

I will keep you informed on the movement of the EP in the meantime! Please check the tour page for upcoming shows:) I have been cherishing my time in the Brandon "Taz" Niederauer Band on the side and we have lots of shows coming up! I am most looking forward to sharing all the new original music with a ten piece band on September 14th at The Cutting Room, NYC, at my Amy Winehouse Birthday Celebration show! Please get tickets asap as this is usually a sell out!!

I give you my heart, always. 

Elise

Closing Out 2016!!

I just want to thank everyone who has supported me or pushed me to go further in the past. I think we can all agree that 2016 was not the best year due to many losses and traumatic events, but here we are, still standing! Through all the hard times we endure just remember that with out darkness there could not possibly be light. My fellow artists remind me of this constantly with there words and through their heartfelt forms of expression.  Life can get so REAL sometimes its almost unbelievable.  Don't be too hard on yourself, it's not worth the time! Reflect and move forward, reflect and move forward, reflect and move forward...but you must always be allowing yourself to learn if you want to grow.  The lessons I learn through trial and error are priceless.

I am happy to share that I decided to end 2016 with a musical 'bang' by paying tribute to three of my all time favorite artists, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and James Brown!!! You can check the home page on the website for details and ticket links!

Moving forward, 2017 is going to be my most exciting year yet! I plan to write and record all new music with some amazing musicians that I personally have been following for years. I couldn't be more thrilled to start this process!! I hope you will stick with me through it all because your love means more than you will ever know!!   

Last but not least, remember to always FOLLOW YOUR HEART. No one knows what you desire or need more than you do so trust your gut, your inner compass, to guide you!! 

Much Love and Music,

Elise

Life

Life. We are always learning. It never stops. Take what you can from every situation without dwelling on the past. Fears can cause selfishness and hold you back. Recognizing this will help you live your days in a more loving and open way and will also help you avoid having regrets. I'm still learning and striving to be a better person everyday. My biggest challenge has been not acting on my fears with anger- fear that I'm not loved, fear that I'm not appreciated or respected, fear that I might fail. We all have fears but finding love, earning respect and becoming successful can never be forced. I only want what's real or I will never be satisfied. I'm still learning.

Reinvention

The new Chapter of my life has started.  I am living on the NorthEast coast and have been traveling near and far.  Last month I was recording in Connecticut at Carriage House Studios and I am excited to release a studio recording of the original song written by Adam Fallen and myself called "Help Me" in a couple of weeks! I will release a Single each month to keep the music fresh and to keep the creativity flowing.  I am very excited to focus on this sound I have been capturing with local New York musicians and I can't wait to share it with you!  We will be debuting new music at the upcoming show in Charleston On February 14th at the Charleston Music Hall.  You don't want to miss it! 

On a side note, the last few weeks have been incredible as far as luck and opportunity are concerned.  I recently was in California where I had the pleasure of playing music with or spending time with admirable artists of whom I deeply respect.  To start, I was asked to perform "Sweet Home Alabama" with remaining members of Lynyrd Skynyrd while Michael Anthony of Van Halen played bass and Robert Randolph played lap steel. I had the pleasure of performing Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing" with Lauryn HIll's guitarist and bass player, and I had the opportunity to watch and listen closely as John Sebastian and Victor Wooten melted hearts and taught us that focusing on the song is the strongest way to convey the story and that less can be so much more.  My guitarist Adam Fallen, keyboardist Trey Cooper and Accordion player Cory Pesaturo and I performed in a small room while George Benson and his son along with Bernie Williams enjoyed the moment and gave us gracious compliments. I watched a 16 year old named Ray sing and play guitar better than 85% of the people I know.  I sat in with a band in LA to end the trip that included Rawshan Ross (Dave Matthews Band, etc) on trumpet and Eric Ingram (Lil Wayne) on bass among other fabulous players. I really enjoyed every moment of these connections and am so excited for the future!

Thank you for taking an interest in my life and love,

Elise  

Christmas time!

I am really excited for the Holidays!  I just booked a Christmas Party show at Prohibition downtown on King Street on December 18th and would love to see my friends there, especially since I am moving and will miss everyone terribly!!! Adam Fallen will be joining on guitar along with Calvin Baxtor, Rodrick Cliche and some other wonderful guests! We will cover the funk and some classic Christmas tunes! 

On another note, Ive been packing and cleansing of some material things to get ready for the next chapter in my life.  I also recently signed with a wonderful PR company and have a strong plan in store for future releases and more! Thank you to all the supporters of the arts and all my loyal fans! 

Happy Holidays! 

Elise

Snow & Family

So many things to be thankful for!

I have enjoyed spending time with my friends and family this past month more than I can put into words.  Such an added bonus to see the beautiful first snow in my home town clinging to the branches of the hovering trees.  I am truly blessed in so many ways and so are you! 

This past month has been packed with opportunities and experiences that have changed me for the better.  A best friend of mine Adam Fallen always reminds people that the definition of luck is when preparation meets opportunity.  New York is a city where luck is thick in the air and it's up to you to grab it and run with it.  Although I will always call Charleston home, I am looking forward to all the great unknowns that the city has to offer.  This week I have had the pleasure of sitting in with Robert Randolph and the Family Band which included members of one of our favorite bands Lettuce on stage.  I had two shows of my own in Hoboken at Maxwell's Tavern and also at Arlene's Grocery in the East Village of Manhattan.  Both shows felt wonderful with two different super sick nasty bass players haha. Seriously tho- they killed it.  I had such a wonderful time. 

Plans for the new year include new music with a cohesive sound starting with a Single hopefully ready for release by February 14 at my annual Valentines Day Show at the Charleston Music Hall.

Do something new this weekend and don't forget to take chances and cease the moment! YOLO! 

Love and Music,

Elise 

NYC

Hello world! I have been spending a lot of time in NYC over the last few months and have been doing some soul searching!  I have been so fortunate to be amongst respected musicians, Producers and other artists.  Among these artists I've been blessed to be in the company of the great trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, piano player Jon Batiste, pedal steel player and singer Robert Randolph, producer Elite, guitarist Hanan Rubinstein, and many more! I am being pulled towards NY very strongly right now and though I love Charleston (click!!) very very much I think I need to go for a while and spread my wings.  I feel scared and inspired ...and a little broke... but I know it will all be worth it.  I have so much to give and NY is a huge city of opportunity.  Please keep in touch as I plan to Blog much more! 

Much Love and Music always,

Elise

Helllllooooo Blog

It's been a long time, I know.

So the summer has been great and has brought some changes of direction for me.  My goal was to stay local to write, record and build the band.  Some of that was accomplished- but larger cities are calling to me at the moment- and for the love of personal growth- I am going to respond.  So far I had a lovely week in Nashville and New York, and am now back in the big apple for a show tomorrow night at The Red Door as a special guest in the extremely talented Lex Sadler's project Rhythm & Stealth.  I will be back in NY most of October and November and will see where time & exposure leads me!  Please keep an eye on the Tour schedule, Blog and more! Much love to all of you EliTes!! 

Yours Truly 

Elise

New Press on Parade.com Site

A big thank you to Nancy Berk at Parade.com for the Showbiz Analysis article recently posted from an interview we had!  I love all the positive revues coming in! 

I am also thrilled to announce that my Album has been making a come back on the ITunes music charts!  Within the last few days I was back on around #232, but today the Album reached #176!!  Thank you SO much to all my supportive fans!!  

Kentucky Derby

I have to say that the last four days have really been amazing.  The band and I were invited to entertain some high class folks in two different VIP rooms on Friday and Saturday at Kentucky Derby.  We had met people from all over the world- famous and infamous-  and had received high praise from them as well!  To top it all off, Diane and I bet on California Chrome for the Win and the dang horse WON!  So exciting!!! My favorite part of it all honestly was being with Wallace, Diane, Lonnie, Stu and Matty.  I love sharing these moments with them as we make music and see the world! Now we are back in beautiful sunny Charleston so its time to take a nap on the beach!  Gotta rest up for another busy week : )