Making Music is a Walk in the Park

By Sasha Savinov for Festively Local

To say that the line-up of musicians for next weekend is top notch would be an understatement; all three days and nights are packed full of incredibly talented artists. On Saturday, October 17th, concert-goers who find themselves at the Peter Pan Stage at 5 p.m. will be treated to a jam-packed hour of music titled, quite simply, “Girls with Guitars.” During this hour-plus set, four very gifted ladies will all perform their own intimate set. One of these girls with a guitar just so happens to be Treva Blomquist, a Riverbluff Performing Songwriter Grand Prize Winner. I recently sat down with Treva to discuss her musical background, her band, and her outdoor hobbies:

Treva Blomquist

You were raised a long ways away from Nashville in Washington state. Aside from the fact that it is Music City, what drew you to Nashville, and how has your experience living here been thus far?

Upon graduating high school I visited Nashville and loved it, so when I decided I wanted to pursue music further and I found that the top three music cities are Los Angeles, New York or Nashville… it was an easy choice for me.  I’ve loved living in Nashville, the people are friendly and kind, there are a dozen GREAT show options almost every single night of the week, and even though it is a large city, it has a small town feel to it.

When did you start playing guitar, and who were some of your earliest influences?

I started playing guitar after I graduated from high school.  I was leading worship for my church’s youth group and I thought that if I could play guitar, I could be more effective and more helpful.  My earliest influences were artists like Amy Grant and Jennifer Knapp – ladies who played guitar, sang, wrote songs, and loved Jesus.  I went through a phase where I listened to country music, loving the powerhouse vocalists like Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride.  Then, I discovered Patty Griffin – whom I still love.

Give us a little background on your band, The Suits. How did you hook up with them, and how much have they helped add to your live shows?

My guitarist and I met at MTSU in Murfreesboro.  We’ve been friends a looooong time now and he adds so much to my live shows, and to my recordings for that matter.  He’s classically trained and a really brilliant guitarist. I met my drummer, Brad Odum, at church and I met my bass player, Drew Wilson through a good friend of mine.  I love these guys like brothers and really enjoy playing music and traveling with them.  I’ve had a few people sliding in and out as ‘Suits’ now and then — Dan Hochhalter (violin), Ronda Armstrong (cello), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello) and Erick Quarim (keys).  I enjoy playing solo acoustic shows, but to me – music is a very communal thing – so playing music with other people, especially good friends, is so comforting and so fun.  I feel very blessed that I know and get to create music with the musicians in my band.

What are your thoughts on the mission behind Festively Local, and how do you feel you, as an artist, can help to promote the ideas behind this event?

I think it is so important to have a community of people to interact with.  I think in today’s busy, rushed world it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and we pass on the opportunity to know our neighbors and to know and support the people and needs within our own community.  It’s all in the title – Festively Local – and I think it’s beautiful to celebrate and support what is ‘homegrown’.  I also think most people want to be extraordinary, and want to make a difference – to somehow make our world a better place.  Well, if we’d all start by getting involved in bettering our own communities… who knows what might happen…

This event is all about keeping it local. When you aren’t in the studio or on the road, what’s your favorite thing to do in Nashville?

I’m a dog owner, so I love taking my pups walking at Radnor Lake, which is on the outskirts of Nashville.   It’s incredible, it’s a ‘Class II Natural Area’ – so suddenly you’re in the forest with a lake, deer, wildlife and trails.  It’s one of my favorite places to go in Nashville.  I also love visiting Cheekwood Botanical Garden – it is so beautiful any time of year.  However, 6 months ago I moved to Conway, Arkansas because my husband got a job offer.  I’m back in Nashville monthly and I’m thrilled to be invited to participate at Festively Local.  But, here in Conway, my new home off the road, I’ve been teaching beginner guitar lessons at a local Arts Academy and I really enjoy sewing and arts & crafts.  My favorite hiking spot here in Arkansas (so far) is Petit Jean.

For all things Treva, head to her website, her MySpace, or her Facebook.

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