Another Carey from Cleveland goes Hollywood Los Angeles, CA, May, 2000 -- Eileen isn't sure if she's related to Drew Carey, but she, too, is a Cleveland native with a bent for show business. And like Drew, she also sings, recently releasing her first CD single, "That Town". Attending junior high in Willowick and North High in Eastlake, Eileen Carey grew up as a follower of local bands, particularly looking forward to the shows at the Agora with rock 'n' rollers like the Michael Stanley Band and Joe Walsh. As a child, she used to grab anything handy, pretending it was a microphone. "I think a lot of kids go through the wanting to be a rock star stage," Eileen admits," but the closest I actually got to performing in Cleveland was in the high school choir."My dad, Michael, and older sister, Kathleen, who still live here are actually in shock that I'm actually pursuing a singer/songwriter career. While living in Cleveland, Eileen remembers hanging out at Squire's Castle and Willoughby Hills, playing pool & bartending at The Colony. Her last job before heading to California in the 80's was as a bartender at the Holiday Inn in Highland Heights where two of her friends entertained. "Little did I know then that their love of singing would one day become my passion," Eileen said. "Once I decided to strike out for L.A., all kinds of entertainment avenues intrigued me. But, after spending some time studying modeling and acting, I ended up back at the beginning - me with a mike in my hand. " Her sound is a little Chrissie Hynde, a little Stevie Nicks, with her intense delivery commanding attention. Two of the three songs on her CD, "Wings" and "That Town", have received songwriting awards of merit in the Unisong International Song Contest, placing in the top 10 percent of over 4,200 entries from over 45 countries. Though it's been 10 years since she's been back to her home town, she plans a Thanksgiving or Christmas return to visit family - and maybe pick up a gig while she's there. In the meantime, it's rehearsals and writing more material. Right now, Eileen's too busy to find out if she's related to Drew, but is convinced their paths will cross one day ñ either in Cleveland or Hollywood. Eileen Carey's CD single "That Town" is available via the internet on www.theorchard.com, and she may be contacted via her website, www.eileencarey.com. |