Shepherd University student Cassidy Ponton, better known as CassiRaye, will be releasing her first full-length album at the end of March 2015 titled “Open.”
After moving locally with her parents three years ago from Cobb Island, Md., CassiRaye got a part-time job as a barista at Lost Dog Coffee on East German Street in Shepherdstown. Between being a barista and student, CassiRaye is working full time on making her debut album a success.
In 2009, CassiRaye went to her first open mic at Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Waldorf, Md., where she was living at the time and has been publicly performing ever since.
“Today when I perform,” CassiRaye said, “I do so with the intention of healing myself and the world around me. I sing to empower, uplift, and encourage all people to love more deeply.”
CassiRaye has received support from friends, family and community members through an Indiegogo campaign she created to help make her album. Indiegogo is an international funding website that allows people to solicit funds globally to support an idea, mission or business.
Through her campaign, CassiRaye met her financial goal by 120 percent. The contributions of this campaign are helping CassiRaye create the album through her own vision.
“Music for me has always been about healing,” CassiRaye said in a YouTube video for her campaign. “In a world so chaotic and fast moving, it’s what has always brought me back to my center again and again. I feel like the greatest thing we can do for the world and humanity, as a whole, is share our gifts whatever form they may come in. Music is my gift, and I am really eager to share it with everybody. Maybe it can be that center for them and bring them back.”
CassiRaye’s album “Open” is expected to be released March 28th and will be available for purchase on CD Baby, iTunes and will be available to stream on Spotify. On the date of the album release, CassiRaye will have a show at the Blue Moon Cafe on East High Street in Shepherdstown. The show will start at 9:30 p.m. featuring CassiRaye and special music guests from Birmingham Ala., Zach and Cheyloe.
To find more information on CassiRaye and her album, like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CassiRayePonton.