a few words to start...

GONE ELVIS

Sun, 29 May 2011 21:45:00 GMT

My latest project GONE ELVIS was inspired by a segment on OPRAH (my personal guru) about homeless female veterans.(click on Oprah to read about her segment) I am excited and terrified to begin work on it. For more info check out the director's site DavidNewhoff.com and our page on Kickstarter.com if you'd like to donate to this indie short.

RUINED

Sun, 29 May 2011 20:00:00 GMT

For those of you who've asked when's the next show and what I've been up to. Here's a little update. I've spent the last few months on the road with an amazing cast doing a tour of Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize winning play "Ruined", under the direction of the brilliantly talented Liesl Tommy.

Here are a couple press clippings:
Carla Duren: Broadway’s BlackFolkRockStar turns serious about the Congo in Ruined. -Lisa Lipsey, Rage Monthly

...what lends this production its convincing note of hope is Duren’s incandescent Sophie. As she sings, her plaintive but joy-tinged voice joins with the ebullient soukous music to suggest a people of resilience. -Susan Saccoccia, Bay State Banner

All in all it was an amazing, rewarding, challenging, life-changing and a completely transformative experience. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to play such a complex character that is based in reality. Ruined is actually about the war currently raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where women are recklessly used as weapons of war. Boys are torn from their homes and are forced to be soldiers. These boys are initiated into their new existence by being forced to kill and rape, sometimes even members of their own families. it's unconscionable and it's happening NOW! There are many charities and organizations dedicated to the cause if you feel a call to action. One is called WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL. It is my favorite charity and I have attached the link if you feel moved to make a difference and change lives: https://give.womenforwomen.org/sponsorship/index.htm

LILITH FAIR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

Thu, 27 May 2010 08:15:00 GMT

Q: what takes all month is incredibly confusing and seems like an endless task?
A: no...not cleaning up the oil spill...that's much harder people!!!
it's voting Carla into Lilith Fair!! i know, i know ...it's a close second!

1. go to ourstage.com/go/lilithnewyork
2. click the "judge as a fan" button
(if you don't have facebook you must select the option to sign up for a FREE account and follow the judging directions)
3. select the New York contest
4. click the artist's tab and make carla duren your favorite band :)
5. then click on the judge tab and start judging (it takes a little time but i should come up within the first 20 bands if you've made me a favorite)

L.E.S. HAITI BENEFIT

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:40:00 GMT

My girl Annekei has put together a group of really inspiring musicians to do a benefit for Haiti February 24th. I met Annekei while performing with a group of local singer-songwriters representing all genres of music, so we called ourselves the Soulfolk Experience. Other Soul Folks such as Maritri Garrett, Vernon Jeffrey Smith will also be on the bill. It promises to be a soulful night dedicated to spreading love. You will be inspired! See you there!

m'braze accessories

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:03:41 GMT

i have been blessed with many amazing and talented friends. one of which is my girl yxia. creator of M'Braze Accessories. you must check out her custom made accessories!! you can even have her design a one of a kind piece for you. i've rocked many of her leather pieces including the belt on the back cover of my album. i have so much love for her and now you will too! :D check her out at http://mbraze.etsy.com !!

RANDOM ACT OF LOVE DAY

Mon, 11 May 2009 21:20:00 GMT

inspired by "bestie" jeni fujita's facebook status today i am declaring today "Random Act of Love Day" at carladuren.com. and in honor of "Random Act of Love Day" we are offering FREE downloads of "BeLove" on the music page!!
we throw around the word so much sometimes we forget what it means to actually "BeLove" :)
today my purpose is to BELOVE...what's yours?
carla

lilyfest video

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:55:00 GMT

just posted the video of hendrik helmer & i performing "blackfolkrockstar" at LILYFEST 2008 on the "photos & video" page.

LILY FEST

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:30:00 GMT

hey guys. just wanted to let you know about a very special event i'm performing at this weekend. it's a benefit for a young girl named Lily who's battling a brain tumor. please visit the "shows" page for more details. hope to see you at St. Mark's Church in the East Village this Saturday to benefit Lily. Lots of great bands!! Music and food all day long! hope to see you there! carla

the artist formerly known as nin9

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:45:00 GMT

so i'm a gemini and have an alter ego who used to perform at the Bitter End and various other spots under the guise of "nin9" and now i'm excited to say i'll be back at the Bitter End doing a more acoustic version of my "BlackFolkRockStar" album.

it'll be myself and my guitarist Teddy Kumpel. Teddy was the engineer and guitarist for the album and we produced it at his spot in Brooklyn. He's brilliant and I couldn't have done it without him.

Come hear us play together :
Mon, October 13th - 9:30 pm
the Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson & LaGuardia)

Only $7 cover charge!!
mention this blog and get the cd for $5 !!

Peace & Love,
carla

photo: jose ivey urbanvoyeur.com

okayplayer review

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:50:00 GMT

my album was reviewed by okayplayer!! check out this online community of their featured recording artists. one of the artists is talib kweli, a brilliant wordsmith that i used to tour with.

welcome

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:40:00 GMT

thanks for stopping my newly created music website. please send an email from the contact page and introduce yourself. i'm looking forward to getting more fun things on here for you to listen to and look at.

nice meeting you

have a beautiful day

peace & love,
carla