Katie Mariah’s CD "Hit the Ground Running" was not the only thing released on Friday, February 6. Katie and her management team, Wayrock, chose Sabine Creek Ranch in Royse City to perform for the first time all the tracks from her new CD. The very cool venue hosted about 200 people and Royse City and the surrounding areas released about 100 plus new fans that had not previously seen Katie perform. The room was filled with press coverage, a local radio DJ, a television producer looking at Katie for a possible TV show, the very experienced record producer, Cary Pierce, and many others interested in seeing the show. "It was an incredible experience, and I am so grateful to the people for coming out to celebrate this release with me" says Mariah.

While driving towards the ranch, you noticed the spotlights about a mile out shining brightly into the evening sky letting everyone know there was a bright star on the grounds. Once parked, there was a line to get into the event, with everyone receiving a free copy of the new CD, a bag of flavorful popcorn (provided by Popcorn Papa in Garland) and the opportunity to buy one of her t-shirts or 8 x 10 photos. As you entered into the main venue, great house music invited you to get a cup of coffee and a homemade cookie supplied by The Well Coffee Lounge in Royse City. As people awaited the big event, they were able to watch video of Katie and her journey over the past year, which really gave insight into her charming personality. Before you knew it, the lights flashed a couple of times and then the house lights went down. Everyone sat in silence for a short period of time then a rooster crowed, circus music started and a kid-friendly voice welcomed you to the event and invited you to prepare yourself to be entertained. Once again, silence falls on the crowd and then a beautiful A cappella voice singing a brief intro into "Thinkin’ Bout You," which is Katie’s first single from her new CD. However, that was just a preview, as she was about 20 seconds into it, the lights came up, the band was on the stage and Katie arrived from the upper balcony and the band bursts out into another smashing song called "Beyond My Wildest Dreams."

After three songs, Randy Peterson from side stage prompted Katie with a few questions over the next four songs, which gave everyone a great recap of the journey she is currently on. It was an engaging story telling session. The band then played the only cover of the night and they rocked the house with "Me and Bobby McGee." It did not slow down there, the band wrapped up with their three most upbeat songs and when they finished, the entire house was on their feet for a standing ovation. Katie then hustled back to the merchandise table and for the next 45 minutes, folks stood in line to get a word with Katie and their CD personally autographed before wrapping up their evening.

Katie will now be catching her breath to prepare for the shooting of her second music video. The shooting is scheduled to be a three-day shoot beginning on February 27. Word has it that there may be a portion of the video shot locally…….. so be on the lookout!

PS: Purchase your own copy of "Hit the Ground Running" at www.myspace.com/katiemariahmusic