First School Today!

Today was Day 1 of my Hey U.G.L.Y. Find Your Inner Child School Tour! It was AWESOME. Seeing the notes that the kids took, that said, "I am enough" and "I love myself" made me so happy.

This week has been insane and amazing.  I played a show in Elverson, PA with my good friend and American Idol co-group member in Hollywood, Caleb Hawley. Then, Devyn and the Rush played a show at LIC Bar in New York, with one of the best crowds I have ever played to. Today was an incredibly fulfilling one, and all I can say is that I'm very excited about Thanksgiving- So much to be thankful for :)

Next week, I fly back to San Francisco to sing at One Mama's Big Event!

Always feel free to email me: devynrush@gmail.com.

Thanks for the continued support, my loves!

XO,

Devyn

I Love My Life, and I Created It

Did you ever have a morning, where you woke up and thought, "I love my life, and I created it."? It's a pretty intense and amazing feeling, isn't it? To realize that you've jumped over hurdles and smashed down brick walls and overcome challenges... and then, there you are, sitting in the life you created for yourself...

I'm in San Francisco for an event I'm doing on Thursday called Women Rock It- to inspire women to get out of their own way in a male-driven business society. I've been able to look at this beautiful life of mine and track it back to just 10 months ago, when I was sitting in my room, so upset about being cut from American Idol. It felt like my dream had been shattered. A lot of heartbreak happened around that time, and I was frustrated and afraid that things would keep getting worse from there. My reaction to those negative thoughts and feelings, was to start working as hard as I could, and then...

In March, I began meeting some of the most incredible people I have ever known- primarily Evan Bailyn, Search Engine Optimization Expert, Social Media Guru, and Author of Outsmarting Google and Outsmarting Social Media (available for pre-order). Evan and I found a lot of common ground, being that we both work for the same cause- to build emotional self-awareness in children. So now, I'm sitting in San Francisco, planning, rehearsing, writing, and getting ready for this event that Evan and I have put together with some more incredible people. 

So many doors have opened since American Idol, and I am unbelievably grateful every day. Many of life's setbacks tend to have a way of shaping you and then presenting doors of opportunity. I am thrilled to have the people, music, and inspiration in my life that I have. 

I love my life, and I'm creating it. 


On Twitter:
@hylamolander
@ineffable111
@devynrush

Find Your Inner Child

This month has been an incredible, emotional time of self-realizations and self-love. One of the reasons for this is Hey U.G.L.Y., one of my newest endeavors. Some very exciting stuff! I'm doing a campaign within the organization, called "Find Your Inner Child." 

When I was in middle school, I was bullied a lot. The bullying from others caused me to bully myself, and it's been quite a journey, but I THINK I found an algorithm, some sort of solution to finding happiness and self-love... and it all begins with Finding Your Inner Child and LOVING him/her. I will never brush Little Devyn aside again. Instead, I've learned when she pops up (during times of insecurity, when I feel awkward or intimidated), and I acknowledge and love her.

I'm visiting my hometown of New Hope, PA to be in a fashion show for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I was just sitting in my room, going through old papers, lyrics, and pictures. My walls are purple and lime green, the colors I chose when I was 12 and we moved into this house. Wow. The lyrics are intense, and the papers are letters, book reports, quizzes, and report cards. And... I found pictures of "Little Devyn." I'm sure we've all had moments where we stop and think about when we were kids, looking at pictures and poems, being reminded of where we were and what we felt when they were taken and written. 

Anyway, I thought I would share this with you. Find Your Inner Child and nurture him/her. It just might be the best thing you can do for the beautiful, older version of yourself. And you are beautiful. And you are capable of being loved. 

If you are being bullied (by someone else or by yourself), or if you just want an outlet, someone to tell something to, email me at devynrush@gmail.com. I read everything and will always write back. 

Be kind to yourself, and stay beautiful- the way you already are.

Love,

Devyn Rush

This Month ROCKS.

So much going on this month! 

I will be in and out of NYC for all different shows: www.devynrush.com/shows

I am working with some amazing new organizations and finding out so many interested things about bullying, so that I can contribute to the ending of it. Check out my latest Youtube Video!

If you are being bullied or feel the need to bully others, I am always just an email away and so open to talking about it. 

devynrush@gmail.com

Recommended Reading:

- The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

- Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer (Adult Content)

I can't believe it.

Playing Highline Ballroom Sunday night with some of the music talented singers, songwriters, and musicians I have ever worked with was an absolute dream come true. Last night, my band and I played at Rockwood Stage 2, and what an incredible experience that was! Two big dreams fulfilled this week... and it's only beginning.

Alisha Zalkin, Brooke Ishibashi, Nick Moran, and I are PLAYING FOR CHANGE NYC. Playing For Change is an incredible organization that raises funds to build music schools all over the world.www.playingforchange.org

Upcoming Appearances:

Wednesday, July 27 @9pm: LIC Bar- 45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY. 7 Train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave

Wednesday, August 3 @6pm: Rockwood Music Hall/Stage 1- 196 Allen Street, NY, NY. F Train to 2nd Ave, 6 to Bleecker, NR to Prince

Wednesday, August 24 @9:15pm: The Bitter End- 147 Bleecker St, between Thompson and LaGuardia. ABCDEFV Trains to W. 4th-Washington Sq, 6 to Bleecker St

Saturday, August 27: SHOW WITH CALEB HAWLEY AND JEROME BELL. Info TBA. The show will be at a venue outside of Phila, PA.

Monday, September 12 @7pm: The Bitter End/NY Songwriters Circle

Saturday, September 17: Playing For Change Day! Info TBA.

See you guys soon!

XO,

Devyn

Things Are Looking Up :)

Hello All You Incredible People,

I'm pretty excited about life recently, and I thought I should fill you in!

My day started off with spin class, and I'm now enjoying an iced grande soy chai latte (the barista wrote "Debbie" on my cup, but hey.). I've been meeting some of the most incredible people I've ever known, and I've been having some very cool life realizations.

So I'm sitting in Starbucks right now, listening to some awesome jazz and thinking about all the great opportunities that have been opening up. I recently became an ambassador for Yoga G (www.yogag.org)- an organization that specializes in teaching women and children of domestic violence- I'm doing a Kripalu teacher training in October. Bringing song-writing and yoga to schools nationwide is shaping up! I am so passionate about taking a good look at the issue of bullying and helping a situation which I theorize is strictly societal, and though it is seemingly inevitable, it does not need to happen. 

On July 17 at 8pm, I'm singing at an AMAZING benefit concert for Playing For Change (www.playingforchange.com), an organization that raises funds to build music schools around the world... Every child deserves to fall in love with music, my friends. The show will be at Highline Ballroom in NYC, and I would love to see you there. The show features Alisha Zalkin, Brooke Ishibashi, Nick Moran, and me! These three incredible people and I have been working around the clock to make this event huge and bring music to the world. 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW:  

Highline Ballroom Tickets

Thank you all so much for your support, and please know that I am always just an email away: devynrush@gmail.com

XO,

Devyn

Current Books:

Success Is Not An Accident: The Mental Bank Concept by Dr. John Kappas

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Two Goals Accomplished Last Night!

Wow. Last night was SO much fun. I have wanted to play at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 for as long as I can remember, and I've wanted to play alongside Caleb Hawley (www.calebhawley.com) since I met him  at a Songwriters Circle a while back. Last night, Caleb put together a show called "Idol Rejects", which also featured Jerome Bell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6j3MRGfzVk) and Brian Collazo of Season 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUXQK60Ly60&playnext=1&list=PL046C36AE9EEFF960). It was one of the most fun shows I have ever played, and I was so honored to be up there with such incredible people. It just goes to show you that even rejections can be blessings in disguise. What a ridiculously good night. Thanks to everyone who came out! And for those who couldn't make it, here's a little recap:

Novocaine at Rockwood Musical Hall

Time at Rockwood Music Hall

The Finale- Let's Get It On!

XO,

Devyn

My Week Back Home

Wow You Guys! What a productive week! 

I went home to PA this week and had a busy and amazing time. Andrez Zee Fredericks and I did a show together at Bob Egan's New Hope (we will be doing another one in a couple months- I'll keep you posted!)

On Saturday night, I had the honor of headlining a show for the Jonathan Krist Foundation. I was so impressed by the high school students/songwriters I met. Keep it up you guys! 

Yesterday I played at the Welcome Day Festival in Newtown, PA to represent Big Brothers Big Sisters. My Little Sister, Kelsey, came out to support :)

Last night, I was a Celebrity Singing Waitress for the CB-Cares Gala For Child Advocacy. The fundraiser was very successful, and the dinner was amazing!!

Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this such a successful week. 


This week, I have a bunch of recording sessions for my EP and a show at Rockwood Stage 2 on Thursday night from 9-11pm with Caleb Hawley and Jerome Bell from American Idol!

XO,

Devyn

Current Books Recommendations: 

Outsmarting Google by Evan Bailyn 

Siddharta by Hermann Hesse

Current Songs:

Blue in Green by Miles Davis

Say You're Sorry by Sara Bareilles

3:31 and Radio Ready!

Things have been unbelievably busy, and I'm so thankful.

I recorded the first song on my EP last night with my incredible guitarist and very close friend, Jason Bookman. We had a blast in the studio, and I'm so excited to finally be recording!

Another awesome friend, Landen Jones, and I made a fun little youtube video for you to watch. Check it out, comment, subscribe, and tell your friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ack5e5Sm5Zs

Upcoming NY Appearances:
May 26- Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 with Caleb Hawley from 9-11
May 31- The Bitter End at 10:30pm/The Fender Music Foundation Benefit Show (AWESOME surprises happening!)

For a list of upcoming appearances, visit www.devynrush.com/shows

As always, thank you all so, so much for your support. This has been the most exciting time of my life, and I wouldn't be able to do it without you.

XO,
Devyn

Website LAUNCHED!

YEAHHHH! FINALLY! My website is launched! For updates, pictures, videos, shows,.... please visit www.devynrush.com. You guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the continued support! Keep subscribing to my youtube channel and coming out to the shows!

Also, be sure to check out the "Organizations" tab on my website :)

Love Love Love,

Devyn

So Many Incredible Things...!

It's 12:31am, and I am wide awake. I guess I should start to think about going to sleep, since I had an unbelievable, awesomely busy day today, and I get to have another one tomorrow! It's been difficult to close the laptop at night recently. My life has taken an incredible turn for the best in the past 3 months... Since American Idol aired, new opportunities have been presenting themselves, and new ideas keep popping up!


Tomorrow I'm teaching a scat class to a middle school jazz ensemble in Trenton, NJ through the
Jonathan D. Krist Foundation. The foundation has two very different, but societally germane missions: One is to enhance music education in underserved schools, and the second is to bring fresh, clean water to Africa by installing water pumps. I encourage you to read more by clicking on the link I've provided. 


Since graduating my Teacher Training at YogaWorks, I have been brainstorming to think of more and more ways to combine song-writing and yoga to bring tools of self-awareness, proprioception, and awareness of others to adolescents. Since becoming a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation, the ideas have been flowing! This is all becoming a reality. 


Through the progression of the my life and career, I have been learning a lot of valuable lessons and meeting brilliant and inspiring people. All I can say is that I am thrilled and so thankful.


Current Book: Outsmarting Google by Evan Bailyn
Newest Youtube Video: Rebecca Black/Justin Bieber Mashup


Upcoming Appearances:


Sat, 4/3- Source of Visions Fundraising Event 
*Time TBA*
*Exact Address TBA* 38th Str and 8th Ave. NY, NY


Wed, 5/18- Duet Cabaret with Andrez 
*7:30pm
*At Bob Egan's New Hope at The Ramada on 202. New Hope, PA


Sat, 5/21- Jonathan D. Krist Foundation Fundraising Event
*7pm
*New Hope Arts Center. New Hope, PA


Sun, 5/22- Welcome Day Festival for Big Brothers Big Sisters
*11am-4pm (I will be a judge for the Rising Stars Contest at 11am, and my set is at 3:15pm)
*Exact Address TBA* Newtown, PA


I hope to see you some of these events! Most of them are to support incredible causes. I encourage you to click on all of the links in this post. I am excited to be involved with such fascinating, creative, and giving organizations.


Once again, thank you all so much for your support! 


XO,
Devyn

Follow Me!

Twitter

Facebook

Youtube

Updates/New Videos!

Hello My Loves!

A lot of really incredible things have been happening... I graduated my yoga teacher training this past Sunday. Becoming a yoga teacher has been a huge goal of mine for a while, and I'm so excited to combine music and yoga to influence and bring emotional self-awareness to adolescents. 

I have a show coming up at The National Underground next Wednesday, the 13th at 9:30pm! This one's gonna be SO much fun! New songs AND new band members! 

You can check out TWO new videos from my fundraiser show at www.youtube.com/devynrushmusic. Also, thank you so much to those of you who are STILL sending donations! 

If you would like to be a part of the making of my album, donations can be sent to:

Devyn Rush

C/O Bob Egan

P.O. Box 67

New Hope, PA 18938

Thank you again :)

XO,

Devyn

New Video! Say What?!

Wassup Guys!

I have a new video up on Youtube!

Watch it, Subscribe, and tell your friends, lovers, acquaintances, and people you meet on the street. Oh! And... I have 2 shows in NYC coming up:

April 2- Pianos at 7pm (158 Ludlow Street)

April 13- The National Underground at 9:30pm (159 East Houston Street)

XO,

Devyn

I can't believe this

Wow. What a fun show Wednesday night. Since American Idol, I am happy to say that my life is a whirlwind. Pre-production for my first album, a sold-out show, and such generous donations. Life is busy, and busy is always good :) I just wanted to write and thank everyone for the continued support. Being cut from American Idol was definitely difficult to go through, and I never expected all of these incredible things to start happening! And so there it is... the the life lesson to learn here is that things always turn around and get better.

Donations can still be sent to:
Bob Egan
C/O Devyn Rush
P.O. Box 67
New Hope, PA 18938

A portion of the proceeds will go to Japan. Thank you so much. XO

Album Update!

I have officially begun pre-production for this album! More details to come... but I wanted to let you know that I have decided to cancel my Kickstarter project and accept donations at:

Bob Egan

C/O Devyn Rush

P.O. Box 67 

New Hope, PA 18938

If you have already donated, please note that nothing has been extracted from you account. Also, all of the prizes listed on my Kickstarter page will still apply :)

Thank you all so much for your continued support!

XO,

Devyn

Show at The Bitter End!

Woo hoo! I get to rehearse with kickass band tonight! Our next show is at The Bitter End at 9:30pm this coming Wednesday, March 2. We have new songs, new band members,... it's gonna be fun. See you there!

ALSO, Keep donating and spreading the word about Kickstarter you guys! $1,550 has been raised so far, so thank you!! Only $8,450 more to go! http://www.kickstarter.com/e/6a2o3/projects/DevynRush/help-devyn-record-her-first-album

XO,
Devyn

TWO Posts In ONE Day? How come??

How come??! Because I'm makin an album! That's how come!


You and Kickstarter.com can help me to make this album! Just click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM0WCSQSJtQ and donate whatever you can. THANK YOU SO MUCH.


Love,
Devyn

UC Lounge AND Webster Hall this weekend??

First I had a show at UC Lounge on Saturday night... and I just want to say that I have the most kickass band. They are such unbelievable dudes, and I am so thankful. Check out the 2 new songs we did on my youtube page: www.youtube.com/devynrushmusic!


Last night, I got to open for Chris Webby with Ground Up at Webster Hall! What a rush!! If you aren't familiar with Ground Up yet, go check them out: www.groundupmusic.wordpress.com


Thank you all for the continued support! I hope to see you at my next show! More dates to come


Love,
Devyn

American Idol

Wow. What an unbelievable experience American Idol was. For what it's worth, it was fun, the producers were so welcoming, and the crew was so organized. It was very cool to be there... Carson (the "non-blonde" in my group) and I were sitting in the theatre in Hollywood on Group Day, saying it felt like seeing the greatest IMAX ever! Just being surrounded by everything that I have seen on TV for the past 9 years was so surreal. I have no regrets, I have no complaints, I am just ready to move forward.


Thank you all for your support. American Idol was an adventure, and I'm ready to keep on adventuring. I hope you'll join me on this incredible journey :)


I have a show in NYC this Saturday night at UC Lounge (87 Ludlow Street, between Delancy and Broome). It's at 8pm, and I will be playing with my INCREDIBLE band: Jason Bookman on guitar, Jeff Hatcher on Djembe, Chris Venditti on Trumpet, Gregorio Hernandez on Trombone,... and I'll play a couple instruments too :) My good friend, Max Seidman, will be playing a set of his own as well. So come out! It's gonna be fun. And I have free CDs to give out!

New Videos on Youtube!

Hello My Loves!

Thank you to everyone who came to my show at The National Underground the other night. It was a fun show, and your energy made it :)

If you missed it.... I just posted some videos from the show at www.youtube.com/devynrushmusic.com. Go check it out and subscribe! Thank you for all of your support.

XO,
Devyn

American Idol!

Wow....

So I woke up pretty happy today :-D

Thank you to everyone for you support! Please find and follow me on Twitter, my Facebook Fan Page, AND subscribe to www.youtube.com/devynrushmusic while you're at it! I hope to see you on at 8pm on January 31 at The National Underground!

Life is goooood

XO,
Devyn

My show is tonight!

Hey Guys!

I'm so excited about my show at The Bitter End tonight at 9:30! Jason Bookman will be accompanying me on guitar, and I have a new song :)

Fun stuff... see you there!

The Bitter End is at 147 Bleecker Street, between Thompson and LaGuardia.

XO,
Devyn

My Very First Blog Entry!

Hey Guys!


Wow... so, there's a lot I can do with this... where to begin.....? I guess I should tell you what I do and why I'm writing this blog.


So I'm a singer/songwriter and have a lot to share with you. My music has a lot of jazz influences, and my band (comprised of Jason Bookman on Guitar, Jeff Hatcher on drums/djembe, and Chris Venditti on trumpet) and I have so much fun. You can check out some of my music at www.myspace.com/devynrush, become a fan on Facebook, oh! and... watch this video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81wpcUs_J9o


So that's right! I have 2 shows this month that you can come to! That's The Bitter End on Jan. 17 @ 9:30pm and The National Underground on Jan. 31 @ 8pm. As always, the more the merrier!


When you come to my show, come up and introduce yourself! Join my mailing list! Drink with me! Sing with me!


If you want to receive updates (I promise, they won't make your inbox overflow), email me a request at devynrush@gmail.com.

More to come!

XO,
Devyn