NetNews

A 1987 St. Lawrence graduate is beginning to make a name for herself as a singer/songwriter in Music City, U.S.A.: Nashville.

Toni Catlin, who earned a degree in sociology, has released one CD, Heartache On The Run, and is at work on a second. She has performed at most of the premier clubs and showcase venues in Nashville, including the Exit/In, and at 2002's country music extravaganza, Fan Fair.

Her publicity biography states, "A Vermont native, Catlin began performing covers of Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt and Shawn Colvin at her family's Adirondack resort. She then perfected her talent for singing and playing the guitar at St. Lawrence University and the Austro-American Institute in Vienna, Austria. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Catlin grew up ski racing, horseback riding and leading wilderness trips. A passion for travel and other cultures led her to Europe, Central America and eventually Boulder, Colorado where she worked for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Here Toni began to embrace her own musical style by performing regularly in the Rockies ski towns. After an intensive vocal studies program at the Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, Catlin took the advice of many noted songwriters appearing at Telluride and moved to Nashville.

"As a winner of the prestigious 2001 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Toni has established herself as a quality songwriter in Nashville, the city where the competition is fierce. She teamed with producer Preston Sullivan to create her debut release Heartache On The Run, a freshly melodic pairing of sensual rhythms and heart-wrenching vocals. A superbly complimentary production accompanied by Nashville's top session players, Toni's emotive vocals and strong songwriting represent a refreshing collection perfectly suited for today's music environment."

While a student at St. Lawrence, Catlin was a member of Kappa Delta Sigma sorority, participated in the program in Vienna, sang with the Sinners and participated in the skiing and riding teams.

To find out more about Catlin, and listen to clips from her CD, visit her Web site, www.tonicatlin.com.

Posted: April 25, 2003