"You only have so much time in life to show people who you really are"
"You only have so much time in life... show people who you really are"
Bonne Finken - special to The Des Moines Register
Expectation...Fall CD
Bonne's new EP Spring 2011
$11.99
Expectation...Fall
Receive MP3's of the 6 new tracks from the 'Expectation Fall' EP
$5.99
Soul On Display CD
Bonne's Debut CD Released in 2009
$16.99
Soul on Display
Receive MP3's of 10 Album Tracks
$9.99
BF Wine Glass and Charm
Bonne Finken initialed wine glass & homemade wine charm
$19.99
1 Ticket - Dec 2nd Recording
$35
1 Ticket - Dec 10th Recording
1 Ticket - Dec 17th Recording
T-Shirts
Email bonnefinken.music_gmail.com for t-shirt orders
$30
Checkout
January
Jan 7 - 2012 SOLD OUT
The GrapeVine (Clive, IA)
RSVP required to Bonita Crowe 7pm - $10/ticket
Jan 15
Arlene's Grocery (New York, NY)
8pm - small band - $8
Jan 16
The Bitter End (New York, NY)
7:30pm - small band - $7
February
Feb 3 - SOLD OUT
Feb 23
Children's Cancer Connection Drive (Des Moines, IA)
West End Architectural Salvage
Trio - $10
Feb 24
New Morning Coffee & Wine Tavern (Grimes, IA)
8pm - Duo
Feb 25
Carlisle Community Center (Carlisle, IA)
Community Cancer Benefit
Duo - $10
March
March 3
The GrapeVine (Clive, IA) SOLD OUT
March 7
The Gas Lamp (Des Moines, IA formerly Blues on Grand )
9 pm - Full Band - $5
March 15
The Froth House (Madison, WI)
7 pm - Duo
March 16
Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub (Rochester, MN - north location)
9 pm - Trio
March 31
Bobococo
9 pm - Small Band
April
April 14
New Morning Coffee House & Wine Tavern (Grimes, Ia)
9 pm
April 20 & 21
Cunningham's Journal (Kearney, NE)
10pm - Full band
April 27 & 28
Captain's Getaway (Arnolds Park, Lake Okoboji)
May
May 4
The Mill (Iowa City, IA)
9pm - Bonne Finken and the Collective - $8
w/Rae Fehring
May 5
Peace Tree Brewery (Knoxville, IA)
8pm - Acoustic Band - $5
May 11
Elbo Room - Lounge (Chicago, IL)
9pm - Duo - $8
May 12
River Music Experience Cafe (Davenport, IA)
8 pm - Duo
May 18 - 'LIVE FROM THE LOFT' Album Release Party
People's on Court (Des Moines, IA)
$10 tickets available March1st HERE ($15/door)
Bonne Finken and the Collective f eat. Kees Hip-Hop Dance Crew
w/special guests The Farmer Tan Funk Band
Chad Elliott opens at 8PM
May 26
CODA Bar (Kansas City, MO w/The Brisbanes)
9pm - Full Band - $5
June
June 2
June 3
Roosevelt Summer Sundays (Ames, IA)
Bonne Finken and the Collective
June 6
ZooBrew (Blank Park Zoo - Des Moines, IA)
w/Ryne Doughty
June 15
Fireside Winery (Marengo, IA)
7 pm - Full 'Acoustic' Band
June 21
The Keokuk Concert Series (Band Pavillion - Keokuk, IA)
7PM - Bonne Finken and the Collective
w/Joshua Sinclair
July
July 13 & !4
Cunningham's (Kearney, NE)
10pm - Full band - $5
July 20
The Gas Lamp (Des Moines, IA)
10pm - Bonne Finken and the Collective - $10
w/The Brisbanes
August
August 4
August 10
November
November 2 & 3
To hear her sing, youd never know Bonne Finken was once a shy, small-town-Iowa girl. Her confident, passionate vocals demand the attention she used to studiously avoid.
Finkens remarkably versatile voice allows her to transcend genres effortlessly. One moment, shes melting your heart with a classic soul-inspired ballad. The next, she's making your heart race with a take-no-prisoners approach to a slice of driving, R&B-tinged pop. Finken even has the capability to carry a down-and-dirty, loud rocker. The fact that her vocal delivery has been compared to both the soulful croon of Annie Lennox and to the legendary wail of Janis Joplin is a testament to her impressive adaptability.
Her love of singing was instilled by her father when she was a child in Knoxville, Iowa. A victorious battle with cancer at the age of 24 added fuel to her burning musical passion. Re-evaluating her priorities, Finken realized, "The only thing I've ever wanted my whole life was to sing."
Finken cut her teeth as a performer in local karaoke competitions and as a vocalist-for-hire in various cover bands. But her days of singing other peoples material were numbered. Finken emerged from her cancer scare with the confidence to begin composing her own songs, which soon poured forth in abundance.
Finken independently released her first collection of original material with 2008s Soul on Display. The album led to gigs with industry veterans The BoDeans and The Verve Pipe, as well as a slot at the 2009 South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas - a major coup for the girl from Iowa.
In Summer 2011 Finken will release the Expectation Fall EP. The EP marks the second time Finken teamed with her trusted producer and collaborator, Jon Locker. Expectation Fall brandishes an increased confidence in her songwriting abilities and a pronounced level of comfort with Locker. Finken was determined to let each song on the EP reach its full potential without fear of alienating her audience.
Assessed Finken, "Expectation Fall is Soul on Display with the training wheels taken off."
Despite her risks, Finkens fearlessness wins her new followers each time she performs and every time her recordings are heard. Finkens propensity for musical growth and her incomparable work ethic promise refreshing and exhilarating musical experiences for years to come. Stay tuned for her next move the only predictable aspect of which is a
phenomenal lead vocal performance.
It takes some gut for a white girl from Knoxville, Iowa, to use Soul in her debut CDs title. But Finken can, as they say in the parlance, bring it. She has a voice and delivery with the buttery depth of Annie Lennox, the effortless blues edge of Bonnie Raitt, and the complete lack of fear that marks Aretha Franklins singing..the real hook to Bonne Finkens work is that she never looks before she leaps.
Kent Williams for Little Village News & Culture Magazine
(Soul on Display) explodes with her thoughts and feelings, and a palpable energy runs through the album, from urban funk to anthem rock. Infusing emotion into the music styles, Finkens voice thunders, whispers, pleads and screams.
J. Sharpe Smith for The Des Moines Register
Maybe more artists should be so bold. Cultivating years of influences from rock, R&B, and funk, Finkens music unveils emotional purpose unafraid to face the experiences of life, supported by a backbone of experimental rhythms and enhanced with fresh melodies. Strong vocals and insightful lyrics stem from a vibrant spirit evident in Finkens live shows and on her new release.
Tracey Kelley for Intrepid Media
WILL LOCKER
Brother of Bonne's producer (Jon Locker) Will Locker makes many appearances on Bonne's studio recordings.
He plays drums on title track 'Expectation Fall' and his layers of cajon, snare, and bass drums added the extra thunder to electronica/pop song 'Mysterious'.
When he isn't teaching at The Central Iowa Music Lab in Des Moines, IA or recording/touring with his band Bright*Giant you can catch him at the occasional Bonne Finken show.
Most often he joins in on the acoustic or trio performances - - - and as a surprise guest.
JON LOCKER
Locker serves as producer & bass player on Bonn'e music and often joins her on stage for her live performances.
As an Elixir Strings endorsee, Jon is a bass player that has toured the country playing to crowds from 30 to 15,000...opening for acts like Bon Jovi, Styx, Huey Lewis & The News, O.A.R., Big Head Todd & The Monsters, The Gin Blossoms, etc...
Jon has played in Vegas with Dana Carvey, and even helped co-produce a song for him. Jon's bass playing can also be heard on videos for companies like HP, Adobe, Netflix, and Iowa Public Television.
JAMES BIEHN
In 2005, James was the winner of the Lazer 103.3 Guitar Battle and for two years running he was the regional winner in Guitar Centers King of the Blues guitar competition.
"I knew that putting together an album that mixes hip hop, blues, pop and alternative rock was going to take some time. I had planned on needing to find numerous and various musicians in order to get all the styles portrayed, but I never worried about finding more than one guitar player after hearing James"
James performs with numerous acts around the midwest and currently instructs a studio of about 75 students. In 2009, opened the Central Iowa Music Lab, a high-tech music instruction facility that employs current computer and Internet technology to help students learn faster and more aptly express their creativity.
James joins Bonne at many of her intimate acoustic shows - keep an eye on her schedule to see which shows you can hear him live at.
Neil Stoffregen
Despite being one of the busiest musicians around, Neil has become a staple to Bonne Finken's music and live performances.
Performing with local blues acts (Bob Pace Band, Soul Searchers) and sharing the stage with veterans such as Johnny Lang and Jimmy Vaughan - Neil has performed full time since the age of 18.
Now at the age of only 21, he shows a level of musicianship beyond what his age may imply - - such as in his love of vintage-sounding equipment.
Neil tours with instrumenst such as a B3 organ, Rhodes, and Leslie speaker.
Neil will join Bonne in her tour during the summer/fall of 2011.
With over 27 years of live performances under his belt
Scott Dawson
is not only a drummer -
but lends his vocals to the live performances and can be found trading in his drum set for a piano to perform at some of Bonne's mellower shows.
Seth Hedquist
Working as a freelance musician in Des Moines, IA Bonne met Seth in 2010 and he quickly became her go-to for her full band performances.
In 2005 he received an Associate of Applied Arts degree in Professional Music from Southwestern Community Colleges School for Music Vocations, where he studied primarily jazz and classical music.
Seth completed a bachelors degree in history at Iowa State University in 2009.
As a guitarist Seth performs frequently with Des Moines-area artists throughout the year, playing jazz, blues, folk, and many other styles. He teaches guitar lessons to students of all ages at The Central Iowa Music Lab in Des Moines and is also an adjunct guitar instructor at Simpson College.
Time - my friend, my foe - is not endless
What's your take on this whole life
What's it like to be so mysterious?
Glitter faces change some
When touched just once with dirty gloves
How quickly one forgets love
When love becomes an obstacle
And now your furrowed brow
Can't save you now
Time...
Eyes shine bright like paintings
Tears make fools of waterfalls
While thieves were making babies
Your discipline was magical
And now your wondering how
Your falling down
Your crying out
Is screaming now
See your way downtown
Grab a pair of chairs and just settle down
You know that girl up on the stage
Yes...I'm still wet & spitting grey
I've been called alot of things
The Little Things, ha, they don't bring me down
The Little Thigns, ha, they're just ways to sound
like you are in on things
Your way of being...well, it wears you out
but one of these things is not sellin' out
Keep talkin' sh#t and taking blame
While you search online for my name
Just one question's one my mind...
Who follows bands that they don't like?
I've been called alot of things...
Do I judge your children...judge your wife?
Do I care where you are next Friday night?
You choose sleeping - I choose singing to clear my mind
My thoughts - My head
What if I said "He may sleep well..but take away the bed"
I know you are what you seem
The weight of the world is lifting
So these woven words with hidden meaning
Will leave this song
To tell you everything
Like...when you told me
You think that you may want to be my boyfriend
And I had a hard time believing
That I could make you happy as your girlfriend
So from day one you're free to leave
No - I'm not insecure or dire
But I feel the burn from an unlit fire
And it burns so deep my bones perspire
But you touch me deeper...you put fire on trial
So...let me tell you
And I'll struggle to believe
But now I feel in my life
What I see in your eyes
We're the only two people in the world
And with my fears losing shape
And each day bringing faith
What once was written - has become a whole new world
And now I'm laying looking at my boyfriend
And I finally believe
That you are laying looking at your girlfriend
And I'd give my eyes so you could see
And I will never leave
I'm driving home early Sunday
About to drive myself to sleep
Sunglasses are in the backseat
Water bottle rolled out of reach
And I don't know...why do I think this matters?
When I try to read - I see it sideways
When I try to breathe - I blow the air
Does no good to change the road the behind me
In the light, do we really think this is fair?
Don't I know...I know it all too well...
Now, I don't need no 'street name' for what's botherin' me
I could use some sleep - - not you here all up on me
I don't know your name - - nor will I ever
I don't want you to explain...just who do you think you are?
So I try to ring the necks I can reach
Even though the ones that need the pull
Are the ones who never stand before me
Can't I get used to how this all goes?
How it goes....it's dancing right before me
But don't I know...it's not my hand it's holding
So no - I don't need no 'street name' for what's botherin' me....
Skirt up - give the world a lap dance
Hat down - don't look 'em in the eye
Good men don't have a place in show biz
Change your plans...and grease those hands...
'cuz money talks a little louder than all your music can
Who do you think you are?
So no - I don't need no 'street name' for what's botherin' me...
She doesn't like your music
She never did - she just didn't mind
...but then again she's kinda shy
So feed her a shot...or twenty
To prove to her that you're one of a kind
...cuz afterall, she's kinda shy
But if you make her cry
Then you'll get one goodbye
Your roses are red & lively
But what's the use?
Tell me...what's the use to you
When all she sees is blue?
Her hometown is hurt
But maybe...maybe she'll come home to you?
...maybe nobody's that cute
Cuz when you make her cry
Don't feel the miss - just feel the score
She isn't ripe for business
She's in a hole...and she ain't lookin' up
So beat her down or beat her up
Her body may stay
But trust me...
The mind is gone - and the rest will do the same
She's just waiting for the day
Down the road I was born & raised
colors melt - and candle wax can fade
I raised my glass to toast a wind of change
I can't help that wind don't blur my name
I don't know it...but I'll go towards it
I march ahead, seal my lips, but in the end I feel everything
Heroes break...and villians save the day
But you can't seem to open up your mind
Take my hand...take my eyes
You can't seem to open up your mind
Free fall....don't ask why
Why the frown?
Why the smokey breath?
What's your sisters gonna think of this?
Break some hearts and shun your foreign friends
to meet a child and heal my bandaged wrists
Understand that my life is not left to habit
I want a cure for my mind, for my heart & for my memories
But you can't seem to open up your mind...
I've seen these dirty little things
and I still think they are beautiful
Long blonde hair...but now some things have changed...
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DES MOINES MUSIC COALITION - Live Performance Review
If you’re into the Des Moines music scene at all, chances are you’ve had the good fortune to run into Bonne Finken and one of her energy-packed, passion-fueled live shows where the music and the atmosphere are on fire. Much like Finken herself.
Able to move easily between genre’s from soul and R&B to high-intensity rockers and maybe a ballad or two, Finken’s voice is her greatest strength, having drawn comparisons to both Janis and Aretha. A close second is her massive stage presence. A beautiful spitfire, she projects a girl-power vibe that seems unintentional, a feat for which many strive for and fail. Couple that with the top-notch musicians Finken always brings with her and the formula is complete.
Come out an experience a show....Be ready to rock.
FULL ARTICLE AT www.desmoinesmc.com
CITYVIEW MAGAZINE - Bonne Voted 2010 Des Moines Sexiest People
With her sexy, sultry voice and take-no-prisoner attitude, Bonne Finken and her band, The Collective, have taken over the local music scene. Finken carries herself with a calm and cool demeanor, but once she hits the stage, the performer comes out.
"Ive seen her in about every musical emotion, and she is never faking anything," said Jon Locker, musician, bandmate, friend and producer of Finkens two albums. Although her music draws people in, Finken is also one of the sexiest local performers both in her looks and in the emotion in her songs.
FULL ARTICLE AT www.dmcityview.com
LITTLE VILLAGE - 'Soul on Display' Album Review
"It takes some gut for a white girl from Knoxville, Iowa, to use “Soul” in her debut CD’s title. But Finken can, as they say in the parlance, bring it. She has a voice and delivery with the buttery depth of Annie Lennox, the effortless blues edge of Bonnie Raitt, and the complete lack of fear that marks Aretha Franklin’s singing."
"If you visit Ms. Finken’s website, you can read her inspiring back story, but I won’t repeat it here, because while it might inform her music, the music itself doesn’t need any propping up by the singer’s biography. The songs, and the voice behind them, can stand by themselves."
FULL ARTICLE at www.littlevillagemag.com
DES MOINES REGISTER - 'Soul on Display' Album Review
"The CD explodes with her thoughts and feelings, and a palpable energy runs through the album, from urban funk to anthem rock. Infusing emotion into the music styles, Finken's voice thunders, whispers, pleads and screams."
FULL ARTICLE at www.desmoinesregister.com
INTREPID MEDIA - 'Soul on Display' Album Review
"More artists should be so bold. Cultivating years of influences from rock, R&B, and funk, Finken’s music unveils emotional purpose unafraid to face the experiences of life, supported by a backbone of experimental rhythms and enhanced with fresh melodies. Strong vocals and insightful lyrics stem from a vibrant spirit evident in Finken’s live shows and on her new release." FULL ARTICLE AT www.intrepidmedia.com
DES MOINES VIBE MAGAZINE - 'Expectation Fall' EP Review
"I was absolutely unable to listen to anything other than Bonne Finken's new Expectation Fall EP this weekend. I have been driving around singing (new song, 'Mysterious') into my steering wheel for the past four days. The wicked beats and solid vocals rival any pop song in the top ten charts. However, this girl can really sing and she writes her own music. And the versatility of Bonne’s voice is incredible."
FULL ARTICLE at www.dmvibe.com
DES MOINES REGISTER - 'Expectation Fall' Article
"Six foot ten with the strength of two men."
The new tattoo on Bonne Finken's forearm doesn't describe the singer physically, but the words seem tied to the theme of her new EP, "Expectation ... Fall." (The line comes from paraphrasing Michael Jordan, who was asked why he thought rebound specialist Dennis Rodman took and missed a game-winning shot when Jordan was open. Jordan told the reporter he couldn't understand Rodman's thought process because they were coming from different perspectives. He wasn't "6 foot 10 with the strength of two men.")
Little things nagged at the 31-year-old singer-songwriter from Des Moines. (She was being told) she needed to tone down her live performances. She needed to stick to one style. What does a white girl from Knoxville know about soul? Rather than attempt to correct those issues, she decided to embrace her eclectic nature even more. “I didn’t want to be told where I should be coming from,” said, Finken, who releases her new EP at a show Thursday at People’s Court. Expectation: Success.
Full article at www.dmjuice.com
PHOTO GALLERIES
