 Zola
Van, pianist and composer, brings a unique blend to her listeners:
the beauty of her original piano solos and that of scenic Southern
Illinois, where she resides. Her music has made music lovers
out of outdoorsmen and has inspired people to get out and see
the actual spots that have inspired her musical creations. Her
music is also gaining national attention for its beauty and
worthiness alone. Zola has been called an “Ambassador for
her area” bringing attention and recognition to the beauty
of Southern Illinois through her music.
Zola has many intensely loyal fans that have expressed devotion
and admiration of her music and creativity. It has been said
repeatedly of her music, “All they have to do is listen
once, and they are hooked!”
Her first CD, River to River Trail: The Hike, has elicited an
enthusiastic response from the public, tourism officials, trail
societies, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and
the National Forest Service. The March/April 2001 issue of American
Hiker contains a full-page article about Zola, the CD, and how
it originated. Outdoor Illinois, a publication of the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, State of Illinois, will feature
her in the August, 2001, issue. No other musician has ever enjoyed
these two distinctions. She also began her own Really Big Shoes
Publishing Co. to release her own albums.
WDBX Radio in Carbondale, IL aired a two hour program titled
“In Search of Trail Magic” on Jerry Nelms’ Music
from Beyond the Lakes based upon Zola’s CD. Radio stations
across the country are using Zola’s music in their programming
and receiving favorable comments from their listeners.
The Southern Illinoisan sponsored and promoted her CD release
concert at the Herrin Civic Center. Ken Seeber of the Southern
Illinoisan hailed her “A Walking Inspiration. Celebrate
the Shawnee with Pianist Zola Van.” Five Southern Illinois
newspapers have printed articles about Zola and her music.
Zola has a music degree from Southern Illinois University in
Carbondale and throughout high school she studied piano privately
with the Music Department Chairman. She has taught music privately
and in public schools. Having played since childhood, she has
always heard and written music. A strong family background in
the arts and love of nature has nurtured her appreciation of
both.
Zola’s music touches people, makes them feel something
of what she felt when inspired by the beauty and the history
of Southern Illinois. An admirer says, “What I cannot do
with the many inflections of voice, Zola can do with a piano
key.” Listen yourselves! It is Zola’s wish that through
her music, you may stand in the forest with her, no matter where
you may be. |
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