If you’re in the San Francisco area this weekend, go over to the Alice Tong Album Release Party. As a social worker, Alice Tong has provided therapy to survivors of domestic violence, rape, shootings, and stabbings. This intense direct service work has informed her development as a musician, and can be heard both in the depth of her lyrics and the sincerity of her performances. Receiving her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, and her Bachelors of Arts in Ethnomusicology (World Music) from UCLA, Alice has used her strengths in both disciplines to co-produce an all-original indie folk rock album with Los Angeles producer/engineer Glenn Suravech. Mr. Suravech has worked with artists such as Ben Harper, Bob Dylan, and Brett Dennen. On this new album, Alice performs as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist on each song, and is backed by a host of extremely talented LA and Bay Area musicians. “Please Be Brave Before the Lions They Come,” is set to be released Sat. May 29, 2010 at 9pm at San Francisco’s premiere singer-songwriter venue, Hotel Utah. Pre-sale tickets available for $10 here

Alice will be accompanied by her amazing LA band, including:
-Miles Senzaki on drums/percussion
-Patrick Taylor on bass
-Nate Lapointe on pedal steel, mandolin, and guitar
-Claire Courchene on cello and trombone
-Albert Chiang on vocals and guitar
-Mei-Ling Murray on vocals
She’ll also be touring with her band. Help fund the Alice Tong West Coast Tour.

Opening acts will include local talent Gyasi Ross, who combines hip-hop, folk, and jazz; along with L.A. favorites Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun, whose set includes soul-driven R&B and folk sounds; as well as DJ: +he Op+imist+ spinning on the decks.

Alice Tong Interview with channelAPA.com