Live Music

A video in the making: Kimberlee to tape in Reno

Reno Gazette-Journal

A bookstore and a burger bar seem unlikely places to give concerts, but they are the two venues singer Kimberlee has chosen to perform at in Reno. The rock, soul, folk singer is giving a free, all-ages concert from 8-10 p.m. July 14 at Borders bookstore in Reno to promote her new release "Learning How To Love."

"Borders is great because they also have the cafe where the performance will be held which is like a coffeehouse, unplugged, singer-songwriter venue," Kimberlee said by phone. "They can also provide a retail outlet as well as a lot of media coverage. It's kind of a three-pronged opportunity: performance, media and sales."

It's also an opportunity for the audience to get in on the action. Anyone interested in being an extra at the shooting of her music video can sign up at the Borders concert. The video will be filmed at a performance at Big Ed's on Aug. 11. Those who participate will receive a free album and poster. Kimberlee said the company shooting the video, ESG Entertainment, chose the location. She has never been to Big Ed's before but plans to scout the place out while she's here for the bookstore gig.

"I guess it has a retro feel to it," Kimberlee said. "My video production company thought it would be a good setting to film the video because it would create a connection. My music is urban folk, like R&B meets rock."

At both performances, Kimberlee plans to sing material from "Learning How To Love" plus material from her upcoming album to be released in September. Joining her on stage will be guitarist John De Hoyos.

"Besides the video, I'm going to record a live album at Big Ed's, an unplugged version of my material," Kimberlee said. " I want to capture the essence of the songs. I want to capture a more intimate vibe with the music. I already have my fully produced album coming out in September. It's nice to be able to offer the two. I jumped at it when the opportunity came up."

Between now and the Aug. 11 taping, Kimberlee and company are working on getting the word out.

"The 'X' is getting behind it and KTVU is going to mention it and there are more details on my Web site, "Kimberlee said.

Borders details: 448-9999.
Big Ed's details: 348-6494.
Kimberlee's Web site is
www.KimberleeMusic.com.