One of the good things that has come out of the Covid-19 crisis is learning how many new ways there are to do things. We are even learning how to use technology to bring us closer. As I write this my wife is in the kitchen doing a family zoom meeting with cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews that she has not seen in years.
Lately we have been using the same technology to keep up with some of our favorite local singers. Last week we were able to allow Frankie Justin, and Ashley Monroe to take over our Facebook page. Between the two of them we were able to reach over 6000 fans as they took requests and answered questions from their local fans. That is almost as many people as can fill up the Mohegan Sun Arena! It is a win win situation for all involved. Both the radio station and the artists are exposed to new fans.
This week we get to bring you another local favorite who moved to Nashville, got a record deal, had top 50 hit songs and now is releasing new music as part of a husband and wife duo. Veronica Ballestrini was born in New London and grew up with her locally famous mother and father, Carol and Rusty Ballestrini (owners of Ballestrini Day Care).
She started making a name for herself when she first posted songs on Myspace at just 13 years old. It wasn’t long before she was growing a loyal following and started performing all over the state of Connecticut. In 2006 she won a major talent contest in Las Vegas. Soon Nashville was calling.
Ballestrini moved to Nashville right out of high school. She started her own independent label when she was just 18. She has released two albums and scored a big hit with her single “Cookies and Cream”.
Veronica Ballestrini is now one half of the duo “The Rebel Roads”. Her husband is John Vesely, formally of the group “Secondhand Serenade”. The two met at the same recording studio as they worked on separate projects. Soon they were collaborating, writing and touring the world.
Veronica and her family have been a true friend to WCTY. She performed in our MADD about Dancing fundraiser, played for our listener parties and helped judge talent shows for us. We always look forward to seeing her when we visit Nashville.
We are excited to have both Veronica and John taking over the Jimmy and Shelly Facebook page Friday night at 7pm. Please tune in for another intimate performance from their home. I know that Rusty and Carol will be joining us.
