Trenton, NJ-area singer/songwriter KELLY CARVIN was my most recent guest on ROCK ON RADIO. This relative newcomer to the Jersey music scene, with her rangy vocal style, has accomplished much in an incredibly short time period.

Only twenty-two years old, CARVIN began playing guitar in earnest at the age of eighteen. Her musical journey began when she was across the country from her family and her mother sent her a guitar to help her pass the time. It was then that she began to teach herself to play by "looking up chords online" and writing songs. Upon returning home, she began private lessons and her solo career exploded on the local Trenton scene.

CARVIN began playing area clubs and showcases in an effort to "get herself out there." At one point, she waited over twelve hours and auditioned for "American Idol" when the popular show came through Philadelphia. Fortunately for her, she made it through one round and onto the next.

However, here was where the dream died. In the second round, the judges allowed her to sing for approximately thirty seconds and, in a cold manner, told her "you're not ready."

Admitting to us that her self esteem took a minor hit, she was undaunted by the rejection. "The best basketball players only make fifty percent of their shots. It's not how many times you fall, but what you do when you pick yourself up." This was her thought process when it was all said and done. CARVIN went on from there to win a local talent contest in Mercer County, and placed in the top three in another.

As her confidence grew, so did her desire to bring her original music to the masses. Seeming to never stop scheduling gigs, she plays anywhere and everywhere. A regular on Wednesday nights at local Trenton bar/restaurant KATMANDU and their "Acoustic Songwriters Showcase," along with Kim Yarson's "Songwriters In The Round" concert series, she can be found from the Jersey Shore to New York City and as far west as Harrisburg, PA, where she'll be performing at the "Millennium Music Conference" in February.

Recently, Kelly and her band performed for a television audience on a local NBC affiliate the "10 Show" in Philadelphia, PA. CARVIN brought two of her band mates along with her for the interview, drummer JOHN D'ANGELO and bassist ANDREW KOSEK. The three of them spoke fondly of their TV experience, as well as what it's like to play together on the road. This trio, along with guitarist JESSE BUSHNELL, are currently in the studio laying down tracks for her first CD, which has a tentative release date of late spring/early summer 2010.

In four short years, CARVIN has climbed the musical ladder seemingly two rungs at a time. Her "if I fail, I'll try again" approach has so far served her well. CARVIN plays places, and has made contacts and connections, that have taken other artists years to achieve.

To find out more about KELLY CARVIN, go to her websites: www.myspace.com/kellycarvin or www.kellycarvin.com.

This Sunday evening, I'm joined in-studio by Long Branch, NJ, solo/acoustic artist ASTRONAUT JONES. Preview him at www.myspace.com/astronautjonesmusic or www.astronautjonesnj.com.

I am also happy to announce that ROCK ON RADIO has been picked up by another affiliate: www.jackalope105fm.com out of Kansas City, MO. The program can now be heard here every Monday night @ 11pm EST/10pm Central.

Also, please check out www.sweetrelief.org. This organization helps musicians who are either ill, disabled, or dealing with age-related issues. Check the website to donate or to see a schedule of some rather large upcoming concert events that are planned through out the country.

Turn on... tune in... and, as always... ROCK ON!