sheli's bio
Sheli Aarden is more than just a singer/songwriter. She is also an
autobiographer; because most often, her words are narratives of her
own life’s journey. “Digging For Daylight”, a phrase taken from one
of these narratives, is the title of Sheli Aarden’s first CD release.
Here, with a voice suggesting Melanie and Shawn Colvin, she takes
us through her journey; one that is, like all journeys, comprised of
many rocky roads and smooth surfaces. It’s a journey of loss (“She
Could Dance Again”), disappointment and misplaced priorities
(“Pencil Me In”, “Worn Out Shoes”), even restlessness (“Sleepless
Lullaby”); but it’s also one of hope (“September”), contentment
(“White Picket Fence”, “Dance With Me”), and searching for it
(“California”, “Coffee Cup”). Sheli's favorite part of being a
singer/songwriter is sharing this experience with her 16-year-old
daughter, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Melissa Anthony, who
adds angelic harmonies to all her songs. Sheli Aarden’s surfacing on
the NJ-NY-PA music scene, particularly the ever-rising Asbury Park,
NJ locale, has grown steadily. In addition to picking up an Asbury
Music Award nomination for Best Female Act in 2007 and opening
up for the Commander Cody Band at Just Plain Jane’s in Jackson,
NJ in August 2007, she has performed regularly at prominent venues
like The Saint and Twisted Tree Café in Asbury Park, Espresso Joe’s
in Keyport, NJ, The Underground in NYC, and Dawson St. Pub in
Philadelphia. Sheli recently performed at Asbury Park’s 3rd Annual
Wave Gathering in June 2008.-Caleb H. Mitter