Cathy Serrano
BIO:
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I started with the guitar thing as a hobby, just something to keep my mind off work and law school. Little did I know I would be playing in public only a year or so later. Mostly self-taught, I have had the opportunity to take a few lessons and I even manage to pick up a lick or two from Matt Taylor, Brian Lemert, Chris Dodds or Mike Conley, some of my favorite local musicians. They make it look easy - but it ain't!
Basically I play pretty, pop/folksy/country tunes and I try to adapt them to my voice and my self-taught finger-picking style, which means you get to hear totally new arrangements of your favorite tunes, yet I think they are still recognizable. My play list is very easy listening and mellow and I am often booked in dinner settings or coffee house venues, where louder music just wouldn't work because people want to have quiet dinner conversations. There are times when I can rock - it - out, but generally my preference leans towards the prettier tunes.
Cathy's debut CD, Dark Hearts Simple Treasures was released July, 2008
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Cathy also plays the Native American Flute primarily for her own enjoyment, and occasionally for her friends.
A playlist of some of the cover songs or originals you might hear at Cathy's show is at the following web address: http://www.geocities.com/serranotd/playlist.html
NATIVE FLUTE PLAYING: I was on the internet some time ago and came across Spring Shine's site which depicts his cedar hand-carved flutes. It reminded me of the little cedar flute my grandfather once made me.
I immediately purchased one and have been playing it ever since. It has a beautiful tone and though simply done, is quite beautiful. Cedar produces such a warm sound. Spring's flutes are all made from fire-killed cedar, and are literally hand-made one-at-a-time. I keep his flute prominently displayed on a cedar stand in my music room when I am not playing it.
I have since purchased other flutes, on of my favorites being a Walnut flute. I play them often for my own enjoyment and occasionally for my friends when they ask.
I have given seminars on the construction and history of the Native American Flute to Girl Scout groups and others. I encourage everyone to try this wonderful, warm instrument if you are interested in doing so.
You do not need to be a professional musician as the Native flute is based on the pentatonic scale, is relatively easy to play, and instantly can produce a sound which is harmonious and wonderful. It's all about creating your own music and playing from the heart -- everyone and anyone can do that.
Cathy's debut CD, "Share the Wind" was released in 2005, and is currently sold out with the exception of those held by CDBABY.com.
In addition, Cathy's Native Flute playing has been featured on a cut from the CD to benefit autism, "A Hopeful Cat in a Dog's World" released February, 2005.