CalistA GARCIA
DC based singer-songwriter
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DC based singer-songwriter, Calista Garcia brings mix of complexity and sophistication to her folk and rock musings that carry a hint of both pop and jazz. Her study of human emotion deliver lyrics that surpass her age to reveal stories that are yet to be lived.
What's Next?
Considered a "creative machine" by her mentors, Calista is excited to explore what's next for her musical journey. Her talent, passion, and fire is an evolving story with new moments of ignition.
We can't wait to see what's next. There's no telling what direction she'll go.
LATEST BUZZ
"She writes like she's 15 going on 50..."
Don Henry, Grammy Award winning Nashville songwriter
Arlington Connection Coverage
Feature story- June 2017
Local newspaper interviews Calista regarding her Grammycamp selection and upcoming career plans.
Grammy Camp
Songwriting Intensive in Nashville- May 2017
Calista was one of twelve young artists selected for the Grammy Foundation's songwriting program in Nashville. She was chosen from more than 700 applicants nationwide to attend one of two GRAMMY Camp programs this summer. GRAMMY Camp is a 5-day nonresidential summer music industry program for high school students. Hosted by Belmont University in Nashville and USC Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, students from across the country apply for one of the eight offered career tracks. GRAMMY Camp faculty of music professionals as well as guest industry professionals provide valuable insight to give the campers the best chance at achieving success in their chosen career.
2017 Young Songwriter of the Year
Winner of Bernard Ebb Songwriter Contest- March 2017
Calista was selected by a three judge panel as the 2017 Bernard Ebb Young Songwriter of the Year after a special evening of live performances by the 8 finalists at the Bethesda Blue and Jazz Supper Club. As part of the prize, Calista received $2,500 and will have multiple performance opportunities over the coming year. She is so excited and humbled by this honor!
Live TV Debut
Let's Talk Live, Newschannel 8- Feb 2017
Calista was invited to represent the Bernard Ebb Songwriter Award Finalists in a live TV interview and performance on WJLU's morning news show. The Bernard Ebb Songwriting Awards is produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and recognizes talented songwriters from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia and features a live concert performed by the competition finalists. Calista is a finalist in the youth category and will be performing in the finals on March 3, 2017.
15 Minutes Max
Performance at Amazon, Seattle WA- November 2016
Calista got the amazing opportunity to play at an event for Amazon in Seattle called "15 Minutes Max". From hundreds of entries, she was one of seven acts selected, and played a set of her own originals.
Sounds of Community
Warren Wilson College’s The Swannanoa Gathering Celebrates 25 years with All-Star Lineup- July 2016
Calista's vocals highlight the local news coverage of this unique music experience. Singer and song writers unite for summer session workshops. In this Carolina Moment, photojournalist Matt Raisch gives us a look into Warren Wilson College's "The Swannanoa Gathering."
Arlington's Hottest Musicians
Arlington Magazine Feature- July 2015
Local magazine highlights the biggest names in local music, from rising stars and Grammy nominees to legends of blues, bluegrass and reggae. At the time 14 years old, Calista is a rising star feature in the write up.
Early Beginnings
Musical Score Highlighted in the Washington Post- Nov 2014
In 2014 Calista was featured in the Washington Post for writing the score for a musical at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program. A very exciting feature for the then 13 year old who wrote her first musical score.
Ruminations on Dreams
DeerDaniel.com Impressions- April 2014
Daniel Vestal shares on his blog some heartfelt observations after hearing Calista during a 2014 Austin Java Open Mic night. "I remember feeling relevant once, but after witnessing the talents of such young performers like Calista, I am publicly retiring all ambition that I might’ve once had and replacing it with desperate attempts for pity."
WHERE TO NEXT?
Calista frequents local music hot spots, open mic nights, DC, VA, & MD fairs and festivals. Keep an eye out for where to find her in the DC community or on the road.
Writing Accolades
2017 Bernard/Ebb Young Songwriter of the Year
Calista has been selected as the 2017 Bernard/Ebbs Young Songwriter of the Year at a recent live performance event in Bethesda, MD. The title comes with several performance opportunities throughout the year. We'll keep you posted!
In the Studio
Studio Sessions
Calista has recently begun collaborating with Half King Music on some co-writing projects and is currently in the studio working on some new singles. These will be added to her EP in progress. Stay tuned for more to come. . .
Upcoming Performances
Saturday June 24th, Noon
Songwriters Assoc'n of Washington Community Day
The Surge Community Church
1988 Kirby Road, Mclean VA
Wednesday May 17th, 7:00
Parallel Wine Bistro
Broadlands Village Center, 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza # 121, Broadlands, VA
Saturday April 22nd, 10:00 am
Live Well Loudoun Festival
Uptown One Loudoun
20626 Easthampton Plaza
Ashburn, VAFriday March 31, 8:30
Villain and Saint
7141 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
Friday March 3rd
Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards, 7:30
Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supperclub
7719 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda MD
Thursday March 2nd
Rockville Singer-Songwriter Showcase, 8:00
Outta the Way Cafe
17503 Redland Rd, Derwood, MD
Come see her live. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop on the latest calendar updates.
