The CD pre-release concert and fundraiser began at 8:00pm when acoustic guitarist, Lanky, began his rousing set of "optimistic love songs," as he called them. Although the audience enjoyed his performance, you could sense they were excitedly anticipating the "one of a kind rock concert" that would include Angela Taylor, her band, and a chamber string orchestra.

Not only does Taylor have two Bachelor degrees and a Masters degree from Peabody Conservatory, where she is also a faculty member, she teaches flute and voice a few days a week at the Chesapeake Arts Center. Since she holds the center that is "near and dear to her heart" in such high esteem, it was fitting that she use this special occasion to support the center.

Her performance featured songs like "Today's the Day," and "We'd Always Be Happy," from her soon to be released album. Taylor took the opportunity to highlight the talented orchestral musicians that accompanied her and to add her flute to the harmonious mixture of alternative/pop melodies along with the violins, violas, and cellos of the orchestra.

Taylor epitomizes the saying "good things come in small packages." It is remarkable that such a strong and expressive voice could come from such a petite frame. Ironically, the record label she started in Baltimore is called Skinny Girl Records. Drawing from her degrees in music performance, recording engineering, and computer music, she works on all levels of her albums - writing, recording, producing, and performing. Her current album, "Songs for Strong Girls" was named "Best Regional Album" in 2001 by Music Monthly. Adding to her lengthy list of distinctions, Taylor was named "Best of Baltimore" 2001 by the City Paper and "Best Female Vocalist" by Music Monthly.

However, all the awards don't quite paint the picture of how extraordinary an artist she truly is. Watching the crowd enthusiastically bob their heads and sway to the beat, a requisite for any rock concert, says it all.

Not only were proceeds donated to the Center, a non-profit organization offering Anne Arundel County "culturally diverse and rewarding experiences in the literary, visual, and performing arts," Taylor hung around for a "meet and greet" with her fans after the concert. Taylor used the wine and dessert reception to sign autographs and to raffle a free CD and songbook.

Before one of her songs she spoke to the audience saying, "despite life's little idiosyncrasies and all the things that can go wrong, overall it's a wonderful life" - a sentiment encapsulating the entire evening. By sharing her extraordinary gifts and the variety of beautiful arrangements, beats, and melodies of the band and orchestra, the audience experienced the exhilaration music can bring to the world.

To learn more about Angela Taylor and her upcoming album, visit her website at www.angelataylor.com. For information about the Chesapeake Arts Center, visit www.chesapeakearts.org.