Vital Stats

Age: 25

Instruments: I sing and play harmonica on a few tunes.

Band: Finding Ivy (with Jeff and Joe Cassella, Jim Sinex, Mark Wood and Jason Stafford)

Day job: I work full time as a waitress at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

Hometown: I have two: I was raised in Clifton, N.J., but also consider New Hyde Park, N.Y., a hometown. I lived there for four years.

Current residence: Daytona Beach

Type of music you perform: We do '80s, '90s and '00s cover tunes. We do a few oldies too. As a band we try to pick songs that are upbeat. We like "feel good" type songs that make you want to dance.

Repertoire sampler: "99 Balloons" by Nena, "Words" by Missing Persons, "Middle of the Road" by the Pretenders, "Smoke Two Joints" by Sublime, "Lights" by Journey, "Pokerface" by Lady Gaga, "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen and "Time Bomb" by Rancid. There's almost nothing off limits.

Upcoming area gigs: 10:45 p.m. April 2, Frank's Front Row, 308 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach; 386-255-9221

10:30 p.m. April 3, Mai Tai Bar (in the Ocean Walk Shoppes), 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach; 386-947-2493

9:30 p.m. April 24, Caffeine Bistro and Wine Bar, 49 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach; 386-672-7277

Web site: findingivyband.com

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music?

I attended my great aunt's performing arts school from pre-school through the third grade, which is where I was first exposed to music, art, dance and theater. I sang then and later on in high school when I auditioned for plays and musicals.

My father attended Juilliard for classical piano and was also in cover bands that played locally in New Jersey. I believe that is where the music gene came from. A few vocal inspirations include Alanis Morissette, Grace Slick, Gwen Stefani, Stevie Nicks and Annie Lennox.

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?

Most unusual was a '70s theme party we did. We were all dressed up to look the part and learned tons of '70s disco and funk just to cater to the theme. To this day we still play some of the songs we learned for that day.

Most memorable was this past Bike Week at the Boot Hill. We played on a big stage and it was the best we've ever sounded. Despite the cold and grueling hours, we all had so much fun, and that's what it's all about for me: the fun on stage.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?

That's really tough. I think it would be really cool to have dinner with Mother Teresa. She was such an incredibly strong, loving and forgiving woman. I think just to be in her presence would be a life-altering experience for me.

What was the last book you read?

I'm currently reading "Magic in the Night: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen" by Rob Kirkpatrick. It's an insightful look back at Bruce Springsteen's life and career. You're not a true Jersey Girl if you didn't grow up listening to the songs of the Boss.

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?

Lady Gaga's "The Fame Monster." She fascinates me.

What is your favorite movie?

A recent one became my new favorite: "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington.

What was the best concert you ever attended?

The Who at Madison Square Garden. It was not too long after their original bassist had died so they had a memorial during the concert for him. It was so touching. To see guys that age still rockin' the house after all these years is a true testament to their passion and love for what they do.

The real reason it's my favorite is because it was a show that brought together all ages. I saw fathers with their sons, young kids and old ladies. Their music is timeless and continues to live on with the next generation. I wanna write music that has that potential.

"If I didn't play music, I would . . . ":

Have to be involved with music in some way. I'd even settle for being the gal that does the lighting. I spent a few years out of the music world when I was in college and I felt like a part of me was missing. If I hadn't followed my passion I would probably be in the advertising industry, which is what I originally studied.

"I'd sell my soul for . . .":

A chance to perform in front of a stadium of fans. I think the experience of a crowd of people singing songs I wrote would be incredible. I could die happy after that.