“Jewel With An Edge” AJ Jansen is a compelling blend of soulful country and classic rock. She’s been performing since age 6 and writing since age 10, surrounded by music from a Polish family who encouraged her to pursue her artistic dreams. A determined and driven artist, she hopes to someday perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Jansen first hit Nashville stages in 2006 after winning the Connecticut Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award. Since then, she’s performed at countless venues - from New York’s The Bitter End, to Nashville’s iconic Tootsies, to headlining Hartford's Infinity Music Hall - traveling back and forth between Connecticut and Tennessee. Along the way, she’s had the opportunity to open for artists like Phil Vassar, James Montgomery and James Otto. At the North American Country Music Association (NACMAI) awards in 2006, she won the Horizon award for “Female Vocalist of the Year” and was the runner-up in Jim Halsey’s Starmaker Competition. She’s continued to win awards in recent years, including iHeart Radio station’s WWYZ 92.5 “Band of the Year” in 2016 for her album A Country Girl Can Survive. The music video for the album’s title song is featured on the CMA’s website. Bourbon and Roses, her 5th and latest release, marries the emotional impact of country and the engaging spirit of rock. The album led to her second nomination for “Best Country Act of the Year” from The New England Music Awards. Music and performance are a core part of who Jansen is, and she loves sharing her passion with others. She has played venues all over New England, including performances at Stafford Motor Speedway and as part of the Red Rock Concert Series. A musical tribute show entitled "Outlaw Women of Country," which she wrote and performed at Seven Angels Theatre, received rave reviews. She has been featured at a variety of casinos, from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to Bally’s in Atlantic City. Aside from traditional performances, she also loves performing for residents of local retirement homes, bringing her music to those who would otherwise not be able to attend her concerts.