Anjanel's story
Anjanel Folkens is a singer/songwriter from the central Illinois area. Originally from Simi Valley, California, her family picked up and moved to Bloomington when she was just 5 years old. Growing up in a musical family, it was hard not to pick up a love for music at a young age. According to Anjanel’s parents, as a toddler it was a common occurrence for her to grab the microphone from someone and start singing during a family sing-along.
Many years later Anjanel still finds herself in front of the microphone. She is a proud member of the Illinois Country Music Association. She performs a range of music such as classic Country, contemporary Country, 50s and 60s, Gospel, as well as some selections off her debut CD, “Road Trip.” She prides herself in offering a very high-energy show, getting the crowd up on their feet!
Anjanel's main inspiration comes from her mother, who is a classically trained vocalist and pianist. "She taught me everything I know," exclaims Anjanel. Anjanel attributes her natural vibrato to her mother as well.
During high school, Anjanel was a huge fan of Bryan White, which helped propell her love of country music even more. Other inspirations include, the great Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Trisha Yearwood, Anne Murray, Karen Carpenter and Martina McBride, just to name a few.
Anjanel is also a proud sponsor of Bloomington/Normal’s top country station, B104. They have been instrumental in helping to get her name out in the community, by helping to promote her upcoming events. Anjanel was also very honored to have been an international award recipient three years in a row by the North American Country Music Association International organization. In 2008, Anjanel was awarded “Songwriter of the Year” in Gospel by the Illinois Country Music Association, Inc. for the song she and her parents had written together, “Be As One.”
Anjanel performs around the state at various events, such as country opries, fairs/festivals, sporting events, benefits, etc. She had the wonderful opportunity to open up for John Anderson at the McLean County Fair, as well as John Conlee with the Primetime Country band.
She has also performed at the Taste of Chicago, the Apple Pork Festival and the Spoon River Drive Festival, just to name a few. Most recently, Anjanel was featured in the winter 09-10 edition of the American Concierge Magazine for the greater Bloomington-Normal Illinois area.
