Performing artist Wensday, often appearing as her other-ego Miss Wensday (because alter-ego would imply more of a difference), is not just one thing. While writing music that combines elements of rock, jazz, trip-hop, tango and blues, Miss Wensday is inextricably drawn to the torch songs of the past and to the past in general. 
     
She is currently booking shows with an ever growing retro jazz band The Cotillions who just won Best Jazz Act 2011 in the Motif Music Awards. 

Also in the works is the culmination of a  13 year collaboration between Wensday and  hip-step pioneer DJ I Cue called When Is Day? Classically trained in Drama with a BFA from Tisch School of the Arts, she also creates outlandish characters, performing comedy and song at events around the country. She frequently performs alongside the lovely Kristen Minsky in their Neo-Vaudeville troupe Miss & Minsky and with The Michael Miller Swingtet. 

Wensday’s critically acclaimed album "Torch Rock" (2007) was produced and co-written by legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Dick Wagner of Desert Dreams Records. "Torch Rock" was on the 2007 Grammy Ballot in nine categories including "Best Blues Vocal" and "Record of the Year." While with Desert Dreams Wensday shared the stage with Alice Cooper, Stephen Stills, Michelle Branch, Tesla and Todd Rundgren to name drop a few and has been accompanied by such masters as Fred Mandel and Sid Jacobs. Alice Cooper has often been quoted for calling her “the other girl next door.” 

Besides singing, writing and performing, Wensday is a Theatre Educator, Director and Vocal Coach for all ages. Before being signed to Desert Dreams and moving to Phoenix she was the Associate Director for All Children’s Theatre, a not for profit children’s theatre in Providence, RI. In 2010 she directed The Birdcage for Dynamic Theatre in Providence in conjunction with RI Pride and as an actress, she was most recently seen as Esther in Arlene Violet’s world premiere musical The Family at Trinity Repertory in Providence. 

Wensday uses her notoriety to spread awareness about violence against women and children and works directly with victims of domestic abuse, teaching theatre, voice and movement as a means of healing and empowerment. 

And yes, that was her on jackass.

“I am here to use my voice as a gateway from my soul to yours-- to make you cry, and then laugh, all in one song.” proclaims Caroline Hecht, a modern day siren of the soul.  

On guitar or banjo, the allure of this Dark Folk/Americana songstress creeps up on audiences like a strong drink, effortlessly enchanting and pulling them gladly into the current with her.  As witnessed on her latest release, “Swallowed by Swells” Caroline Hecht’s voice convinces you she’s an angel, and even though you can’t decipher if this angel is good or evil, you still go wild with wanting.  Nominated for “Best Vocalist”, “Best Songwriter”, and “Best Bluegrass Band” by Motif Magazine in 2013, one critic described Hecht as “recognized within the ranks of the music scene as a force not to be underestimated–(with) alluring, haunting and ethereal vocals, she possesses an intensity that can almost be described as hypnotic as it slowly draws you in.  Caroline captures the hearts of her peers and fans.”  The California native’s unique originals are vastly dynamic, seamlessly bridging a low growly whisper to a big, beautiful, belting cry within a single song, drawing frequent comparisons to PJ Harvey, Cat Power, and Mazzy Star.  

For the better part of the last decade Hecht developed an enthusiastic fan-base and filled up concert halls and clubs throughout New England, playing and sharing the stage with such greats as Sean Hayes, Deer Tick, The Low Anthem, and Vanessa Carlton.  Hecht’s latest West Coast tour was such a success that she relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she now works on new upbeat material with percussionist Rebekah Zdunich.  The first half of 2014 finds her heading up a digital songwriting collaboration with 20 renowned musicians from around the USA, and planning an east coast tour for the late summer/early fall.  

Jay Berndt began his career as the singer for 90's metal band Kilgore (Smudge). Over the last 10 years, he has been writing and performing country/rock/blues/garage/roots music in The Revival Preachers, The Brimstone Assembly and as a solo artist. 

In November 2010 Jay released his debut solo album  "Sad Bastard Songs" on Rusty Knuckles Records. The album is written, performed and produced by Jay Berndt. A modern interpretation of classic country: "Sad Bastard Songs" is a labor of love, over two years in the making, with most of the instruments handled by Berndt. Each song takes you on a journey of heartache, death, judgment and the search for redemption.

Now backed by The Orphans... Jay's music is equal parts soul meets rock, Van Morrison meets the Clash, Bob Seger meets Motown and Waylon Jennings meets The E-Street Band. They are currently working on a full length release for September 2013.

"Romantically heavy and elusive as moonlight, Sara Azriel’s music defies boundaries, brightens the heart, and casts light on a young woman painfully in love with the world around her.”  (Eric Smith, Providence Monthly) Sara was born and raised into a large musical family near the shores of Lake Michigan. In 2013 she released her debut self-titled EP. "Sara Azriel" was mixed by Grammy award-winning mix engineer James Wisner (Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake), and includes musical, writing and production contributions from Davy Nathan (Christina Aguilara, Babyface), Andrew ‘Moon’ Bain (Snoop Dogg, Major Lazer), and Mike Feingold (Erykah Badu, John Legend). Sara has performed her music at revered venues such as Hotel Cafe (Los Angeles, CA), Knitting Factory (Los Angeles, CA), Narrows Center For The Arts (Fall River), House of Blues (Boston, MA), and The Veteran Memorial Auditorium (Providence, RI).  


Greetings everyone and welcome to the sound of WoodenViper music where every song is an original. Each song is an attempt to tell a story.
All our new music can be heard on https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jHjeel9kgR2jI3iLMnN2u.

Beginning in 2010, WV known as WoodenViper, now consists of 3 people. (Alphabetically)

Michael DiniCola- Percussions and Backing vocals

Michael Gearin- Lead vocals, Slide Guitar, 2nd Guitar, Bass, and keys

James McNamara- Lead Guitar, 2nd Guitar, Bass, Synth and 2nd Lead Vocals
Please visit Jimmy's page here on SoundCloud.

Many thanks to former member Jimmy Miksis who played percussions on the Oaxaca album, the Bobby X project and the Transition album.
Please visit Jimmy's site on SoundCloud.

And many thanks to Carlo Presti of SpiderDrum who played percussions on A Pale Blue Sky and Fake News. Please visit SpiderDrum here on SoundCloud.

Like many of you out there, we hope for a better world. We've been told that our music which is Rock and Roll based, has healing and soothing properties. Hope that's true.

Peace,
MG

Jess Powers is following