Noelle Garcia to Perform at Free Concerts - April 10, 2008

Noelle Garcia, who began her music career in Memphis, will be returning to the local area to perform two free concerts.

Garcia will perform on Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at St. Brigid Church, located at 7801 Lowrance Rd.

On Saturday, April 19, she will perform at St. William Church, located at 4932 Easley Ave. in Millington at 7 p.m. Before the concert, St. William is sponsoring a Pasta Bar dinner which includes traditional spaghetti or alfredo, salad, bread, and dessert; drinks are included. Proceeds from the Pasta Bar will benefit St. William Church senior high youth group's summer retreat to see the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Garcia grew up in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and now resides in Michigan. She is the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Patrick Church in Portland, Michigan.

Garcia began writing songs while living in Memphis and shared them with local artist John Angotti. Angotti mentored Garcia and gave her the opportunity to share her original compositions, play, sing, and direct at their parish.

Garcia attended Christian Brothers University and majored in Human Development. At the same time, she performed and shared her faith at various ministry events and established the youth band called "Savio" - after Saint Dominic Savio.

After completing her student teaching, Garcia realized that teaching in a classroom setting was not the only way to reach young people and she began to pursue liturgical and musical ministry as a fulltime career. She loves sharing her passion for the Church and her music, bringing peace and setting people on fire with the love of God as people pray with her in song.

For more information about the concerts, call St. Brigid parish at 901-758-0128 or St. William parish at 901-872-4099.

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4 Star Review in Christian Music Today
Noelle Garcia - Meet Me Where I Am
Released October 2007
Reviewed by Christa Banister

Sounds like … the multi-faceted pop, rock, and funk blend of Maroon 5 with vocals similar to Sarah Kelly and, at times, Norah Jones.

At a glance … though the message is pretty straightforward, Noelle Garcia's impressive voice and genre-spanning sound elevate Meet Me Where I Am above ordinary.

Christian pop songs on average aren't exactly built on heavy theology. But then again, when someone is going through a particularly hard time, a treatise on the merits of predestination isn't going to get you through the day as well a simple, poignant affirmation of God's presence in our lives.

That's precisely what's refreshing about Noelle Garcia. Though she's not reinventing the wheel here with her songs of faith, the message is delivered with the conviction of someone who's been there before. With a gutsy rock 'n' roll delivery akin to Sarah Kelly, tracks like "Quicksand Ground," "Let Go," and "Away From Myself" are simple yet effective cautionary tales about what happens when we don't rely on God.

Drawing from her experiences as a worship leader for youth conferences, Garcia also has the knack for writing a well-constructed worship. "We Receive You" is a call-and-response affirmation of what God has done for all of us whether we deserved it or not, while "I Thank You Lord" reflects a poetic thank-you prayer that Garcia wrote "on a beautiful summer day."

Much like Natalie Grant's work with the Revolve teen girls events, Garcia also has a heart for the youth of today. When she's not performing, Garcia works as a Youth Ministry coordinator at her home church in Michigan, inspired by the issues teens are facing. Standout track "My Child" was written for those who struggle with self-mutilation, suicide, and depression. Rather than pretend to have all the answers for such serious matters, Garcia thought it was more important to communicate a simple but relatable message of love.

This sense of authenticity, along with a diverse sound that combines Maroon 5's funky pop/rock with Norah Jones' soft-spoken approach, makes Meet Me Where I Am worth checking out. As a fitting ending to an album meant to encourage people to live a life of significance, Garcia offers up a cover of Chris Rice's "Go Light Your World," a reminder of what our true purpose is as believers. No, it's not a complicated message, but then again, neither is the heart of the Gospel message.

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PRESS RELEASE: 11/2/07
Noelle Garcia–Living Her Faith, Sharing Her Music With Debut CD.

Noelle Garcia–Living Her Faith, Sharing Her Music With Debut CD.
11/2/2007 - 09:55 PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire

FRANKLIN PARK, IL (November 2, 2007) — Pairing youth/young adult ministry with music, newly signed WLP artist Noelle Garcia has just released her first recording “Meet Me Where I Am.” This debut CD is a blend of Norah Jones-like piano-driven rock, jazz, pop, and folk undertones that communicates a personal testimony of hope for all: to not let imperfections hold you back, but rather learn, let go, and fully follow Christ as a participating member of His church.

“I really feel that the title, Meet Me Where I Am, has been a theme in my spiritual life,” says Noelle. “No matter where I am in my relationship with God – no matter how far away or how close I am, He meets me right where I am. He’s not some distant God waiting around for me to get my act together and come to Him.”

According to her mother (and now booking agent) Laurie Garcia, Noelle’s lifelong spiritual journey has included active participation in her parish. Noelle has given chastity talks, worked as the liturgical director for the Sunday masses while in college at Christian Brothers University, and continued to lead the band "Savio" which played retreats, parish festivals, the National Diabetes Walk in Memphis, and anywhere else they were asked to play. Noelle currently works full-time at St. Patrick Church in Portland, MI, where she serves as Youth Ministry Coordinator.

Must hear tracks include: “Quicksand Ground,” “Meet Me Where I Am,” “We Receive You,” and “Let Go,” along with track 2–“My Child” which especially ministers to youth struggling with depression, self-mutilation, and suicidal thoughts. It sensitively delivers a message of heartfelt compassion through God’s words, “I love you.” In addition, the album features guest artist John Angotti on the track “Crucified,” a rock musical-styled reflection on the passion of Christ, through the eyes of Jesus as he walked the path to Calvary, and through Mary’s eyes as she watched her Son die. All but one cover song, “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice, are originally written and composed by Garcia.

Noelle has co-written two songs: “We Will Be the Light” and “Light of the World,” with John Angotti that have been recorded on his albums. They are published by World Library Publications. Angotti mentored Noelle as a youth in her parish, St. Anne, in Memphis, TN, while he was serving as music director. “From the first time I met her, I saw her as a unique gift from God. Her lyrics and music are soulfully inspirational,” says Angotti. He not only sees her musical talent, but her deep spirituality, especially reflected in this debut recording.

“Meet Me Where I Am,” WLP product #008194, ISBN #978-1584593409 ($17.00) is now available online at www.wlpmusic.com where you can listen to sound clips, or by calling 1-800-566-6150. The CD is also available to the trade through Ingram/Spring Arbor Distributors.

To learn more about the ministry and music of Noelle Garcia go to www.noellegarciamusic.com and www.wlpmusic.com.

For media inquiries and/or set up an interview contact: Lisa Bagladi, public relations manager at World Library Publications. bagladil@jspaluch.com or call 847-233-2749.
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Contact: World Library Publications
http://www.wlpmusic.com IL, US
Lisa Bagladi - Public Relations Manager, 847-233-2749
Keywords: Noelle Garcia, Meet Me Where I Am, Inspirational Artist
Category: Catholic Publications

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