Just one month ago, Ella Herrera was anxiously walking the Palm Beach State College grounds. The bright-eyed 18-year-old fought hard to earn a spot in the school's medical assisting program, and on this particular day, was participating in orientation. It was then that the gifted musician had an epiphany. "When I was soaking it all in, going to school just didn't make sense, because I knew what I wanted to do since I was eight-years-old, and that's becoming a singer-songwriter," she said. 

Although she had made "a big fuss," about enrolling in the program, and had already gone so far as to purchase scrubs, it took a deep gut check, just three days before classes began, for her to open her eyes and come to the realization that music was all she wanted to do in her life. "Shoot for the moon, and if you miss you'll land amongst the stars." Herrera quotes the saying. The pressure from her family concerning a "backup plan" likely clouded her judgment on the matter, but now, she has clarity. More >>

It's one thing to have hits. It's another to keep them consistent over the course of several decades. And when one considers how fickle the music biz is, it's all the more impressive indeed.

Give Kenny Loggins credit for his ability to bridge the gap and adapt accordingly. Some may call him calculated - and indeed, his ability to write for film certainly helped him sustain success - but there's no denying the fact that Loggins has been able to tap into the public's taste and pop culture. Granted, Loggins has never been the edgiest artist, but he's certainly accomplished. And the fact that he's managed produce hits for most of his career makes him a musical force to be reckoned with.

More >>

More >>

Ivan Santiago

More >>

Monica McGivern

The musical career of Lake Worth's irrepressible troubadour John Ralston has had as many twists and turns as the tail of the dragon. Much like the Tail of the Dragon, a notoriously windy 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 129 on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. It's just a stone's throw from Johnson City, Tennessee, the mountainside town where Ralston will relocate a couple of days after he leads local Americana ensemble Invisible Music on its debut album release show at the Bamboo Room.

The soft-spoken, engaging Ralston has certainly experienced his share of highs and lows. He first tasted success with emotive rock group Legends of Rodeo, soon experiencing disappointment when their record contract fell through. Then, he remarkably landed on national label, Vagrant Records, with his solo work, only to find himself working construction a few years later. The move to the Volunteer State is just another bend in Ralston's musical path. When New Times caught up with Lake Worth's native son via cell phone -- while he was taking a break from his current job in the electronic medical records industry -- we found the reflective rocker completely at peace with it all. More >>

More >>

More >>

More >>

More >>

More >>