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JULY 26, 2001
THE PENINSULA BEACON NEWSPAPER
(POINT LOMA, OCEAN BEACH, SAN DIEGO)

Niles flows through San Diego Bay

By Joanne D. Ball
The Beacon

Hunphrey's By the Bay on Shelter Island promises two very full nights of live music on July 30 and 31. The Indigo Girls return to the outdoor venue, this time with a stripped down, back-to-basics folk rock show and opening acts Michelle Malone and Peeps Show. On the adjacent Humphrey's Backstage Lounge before and after the mainstage shows, emerging local artist Tracy Niles will generate her own powerful and energized sound, adding some electric and acoustic blues rock to both nights.

An Indigo Girls fam who also digs Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Santana and the Allman Brothers, Niles is thrilled about entertaining the Humphrey's crowd. "I want them to get excited ... before and after the Indigo Girls' show," she said.

For Niles, performing live is the ultimate experience, and she makes sure every show is special. In a very bold career move, last year the talented newcomer released one of her live concerts as her first CD. "Live at the Rhythm Cafe" was an instant hit with her fans. It even caught the attention of radio station SETS 102.1, which gave the song "Moving On" some airplay.

The success of that record prompted Niles to release a second live concert CD of original songs. This is a considerable move ahead for a singer/songwriter who began performing at open-mic nights two years ago at coffeehouses, including Java Joe's in Ocean Beach.

Niles, who plays acoustic and electric guitar, always looks forward to connecting with the crowd at her shows.

"I really like playing off the crowd," she said. "I like having that intimate vibe with people ... being able to explain what the song is about and having that moment when it's kind of silent and people are listening to the music and getting something from it. It's great when people are dancing and having just a great time dancing to some great blues stuff."

Niles has performed with her band at venues throughout San Diego county, but has a soft spot for Humphrey's Lounge, which is well suited for her jazz and pop enhanced blues rock.

"I really love Humphrey's, it's first class," she said. "it's a really nice room [and] the lighting is great. I love being next to the boats, and it's just a nice atmosphere."

Tracy Niles will perform with her band on July 30 and 31, and the Humphrey's Backstage Lounge shows are free. Tickets for the Indigo Girls are available at the Humphrey's box office or by phone, (619) 220-TIXS.