The Green Room: Vienna Native Natalie York Returns To Jammin' Java

Natalie York is back -- but not the same Natalie York you saw perform at Jammin' Java back in December.

The songstress is gradually making a name for herself in the industry and has upcoming shows this summer at the Columbia Festival of the Arts, Ella Lounge in New York City, the Black Potatoe Festival in New Jersey and the legendary Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.

The Vienna native and James Madison High School graduate returns to Jammin' Java this Saturday night, headlining her third performance there since graduating from the University of Miami in December and releasing her debut album “Threads,” which was named by the Washington Post as one of the best local albums of 2010.

She’s bringing a live band with her as well, including two of her high school classmates, Rich Wyyne on guitar and Jordan Teague on drums. Fellow University of Miami grad Alesandra Levy will play bass.

The performance will be the second of the day for York. Earlier that day she will perform with her band at the Columbia Festival of the Arts. But she’s not worried about fatigue: this is all part of her plan.

“I want to perform and play live as much as possible this year,” York said. “I try to book shows everyday. I I think that’s the key to moving ahead in the industry, more performances and exposure.”

York is currently working in her fourth summer at Wolftrap, where she appreciates having the opportunity to see professional artists doing what she loves every night.

“I think I learn a lot from every show and the way the artist carries themselves, and how there’s a lot of different ways to put a show together,” York said. “I get to see performers every night doing exactly what I want to do.”

Despite the experience and fame she’s gained locally and at the University of Miami, York admits she still gets very nervous when performing live.

“Every venue I go to I try to tell them to work the lights so that I can’t see people,” York said jokingly.  “At my senior recital in Miami I could see everyone’s facial expressions, it was so nerve racking.”

Spoken like a true youngster “soaking up the sweet air of Virginia” on the verge of turning 22 at the end of this month.

York is currently in the midst of creating her own website, recently started her twitter account and urges fans to check out her Facebook page for her latest music.

“I’m always writing,” York said. “That creative bug is hard to get rid of, its constant, I think about music all day.”

York will take the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 day of.