Judith Avers
Born and raised in Southwest Kansas, far removed from any sort of modern music scene, Avers was spoon-fed country classics like Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Her earliest memory of music is Patsy Cline melting in her ears, "Blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shinin'..." Judith spent some time in various small towns in Kansas and Nebraska before moving to Colorado in 1996. She found herself in a new state with no friends, no job and plenty of time to practice on her brother-in-law's acoustic guitar. She started writing songs; great big, 7-10 minute long songs with the 3 chords she knew. This approach really wasn't working very well, so she decided to start a band. She created (with the help of harmonica man Dan Barerras and guitar wizard, Billy Varn) the band I Know Jack. After a fairly successful 6 year run with IKJ, 3 studio albums, lots of crazy wild shows, a few wedding proposals (don't ask), several human teeth and some solid friendships still in place, she took off on her own musical pursuit. Since then, she has recorded and performed with friends from all necks and knees of the country, establishing an insanely loyal following. In late 2003, she released 2 self-produced albums and has sold thousands at shows along the way. More recently, in July 2005, she co-produced her latest CD "Strong Hands" with Jack Redell (Founder of Satire Records, The National Underground and winner of Denver's Choice Best Male Singer/Songwriter). Together they burned a lot of candles, drank a lot of tea and spent every weekend trying to capture the essence of Judith's live performance. The CD has been met with great response.
In late July 2006, Judith relocated to West Virginia. Prior to her move, she became the proud award winner of Denver's Best Female Singer/Songwriter 2005 by Westword Magazine, Colorado's leading Music Mag. She was also a winner in the National Woody Guthrie Songwriting Contest with her original tune, "What Do I Gotta Be Poor For," and 2004 BEAMS Rising Star Song Contest Winner. Judith has been fortunate enough to share the stage with such great talents as The Fray, Holly Near, Glen Phillips, John Sebastian, Devotchka, John Magnie from the Subdudes, Liz Barnez, Nina Storey, and songwriting legends Gary Harrison, Tia Sillers, Mark Selby, Randy Sharp, Mark D. Sanders, and Gary Chamberlain among others. She has played large venues, small venues, coffee houses, theatres, festivals, pride events, opening gigs, closing gigs, in-the-middle gigs, Unitarian services, Unity services, house concerts, garage concerts and anywhere open-minded music-loving folks gather. She is a songwriter, a performer, and a fantastic singer who relates to her audience, their experiences and the world around her.
If you looked in Judith's CD player on any given day, you'd most likely find a few of her favorites: Gillian Welch, Ray Lamontagne, Jay Farrar, Chris Smither, Ani Difranco, Patti Griffin or Cat Stevens - all of whom she loves, but does not imitate. She truly loves writing and performing; it is painfully obvious at her shows.
"Possessing a voice of an angel with personal lyrics that grind into your guts like a blade, Judith is quickly establishing herself as one of the most entertaining and heart wrenching solo acts out there." B. Rhoda