Early Quest for Success

The 15th Annual California Strawberry Festival will feature the usual assortment of old music, new music, local music and even kiddie music. It’s no secret that Steppenwolf is going to play “Born to Be Wild” and Tower of Power has the serious horn section.

But the best-kept secret may be Nina Storey. The Colorado singer-songwriter will open for Steppenwolf on Saturday on the Dr. Kato stage.

Here’s the story on Storey: At 24, she has recorded three albums, the latest of which is titled “Shades.” A veteran of two European tours, Storey will join the Lilith Fair tour of top women singer-songwriters for its Denver date this summer.

Storey also has a head of crazy curls, the kind that puts hairdressers in a higher income bracket. Then there’s that voice. Storey is soft-spoken but she sings loud enough to put your speakers on the endangered species list.

Storey is scheduled to take the stage at 2 p.m. For those who want less traffic and fewer strawberries, she will open for Spencer the Gardener on Friday night at Nicholby’s in Ventura. During a recent phone interview, Storey discussed the latest.

*

So how’s “Shades” doing? Can you buy and sell Mariah Carey?

Oh yeah, 10 times over. The album came out last August, but I’m not going to do another album until every person on the planet has this one.

*

How is this album different than the first two?

This one is different in that it’s probably the most mature work I’ve ever done. My voice has developed and now I’m more of a solo artist, while before I was more band-oriented.

*

You had quite a career even before getting out of high school.

Yes. I was lucky growing up in a musical environment. I grew up listening to a lot of different stuff, but I especially liked music that had soul--Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. By the time I was 9 or 10, I knew I wanted to sing, and when I was 15, I was a professional doing studio work. My first live performance, however, was when I was 4 at a talent show. I remember I was petrified, standing there crying, holding a broom and singing some crazy song. But I did end up winning the contest. Somewhere along the line, I decided that I need to enjoy this.

*

So how’s the Colorado scene?

There’s a really good music scene here that’s been developing for quite a while. Earlier, I spent some time in L.A. and saw the business side of the industry, all the cynicism and the savvy, but I got a great opportunity to perform live and build a following here.

*

Are there any difficulties peculiar to being a female rock star?

I don’t know about the rock star part, but I think that as a general rule, as a performer you’re in a position of showing a deeper side of your personality, which can be either good or bad. In general, there are good people and bad people, and I just stay away from the bad ones.

*

What’s the difference in opening or headlining?

If you’re opening for a national touring act in a stadium, that’s good. If you’re headlining in a bar for one drunk in the corner, that’s not so good. I enjoy performing whether I’m headlining or opening. If you’re opening, you must be prepared for a quick attack--cut to the chase because you don’t have that much time. I just hope they enjoy it.

*

How do you handle the annoying drunks?

Mostly, I just try to ignore them. I’ve seen artists like Shawn Colvin and Tori Amos that have these amazing comebacks. But I’m too slow to do that. I’ll have a witty answer 10 minutes later.

*

Tell me a story about Europe.

I went twice, once on a Department of Defense tour and another time for the USO. Amazing crowds. Amazing food. Amazing scenery. I played with my sister in sort of an acoustic rock band, and we had Marines guarding us. Once we played on an aircraft carrier for 5,000 guys--that was pretty amazing. Another time, we were mis-advertised as a country band, and we opened for country karaoke night. Angry country fans are not a happy thing.

*

What do you think Nina Storey music sounds like?

I think my music incorporates a lot of musical genres. There may rock, blues or funk in it, but there’s also truth. If I had to use one word to describe it, I’d say it has soul.

*

How did you get that Lilith Fair gig?

That was pretty crazy, yeah. There were over 250 submissions and 20 acts performed live at the Bluebird Theatre in Denver. It was so cool and the audience was so into it--that was enough right there. I got up and sang “Shades” acoustic and I won.

*

All right. So what’s the plan?

I’m going to continue to work this album and do a lot of touring and try to get as much radio play as possible. Just spreading the gospel, I guess.

BE THERE

California Strawberry Festival, 3250 Rose Ave., Oxnard. $7, adults; $4, children 2-12 and seniors. (888) 288-9242. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free parking.

SATURDAY: Yahman, Caught Red Handed, Jazz 911, 10 a.m.; Tropical Squeeze and Teresa Russell, noon; Nina Storey, Jumpin’ Jimes and Rincon Ramblers, 2 p.m.; Steppenwolf, 3:30 p.m.; Lao Tizer, 4 p.m.

SUNDAY: Rincon Ramblers and Sound Effect, 10 a.m.; Ashford Gordon Band, 11 a.m.; Guy Martin Group, noon; Hyperions, 12:30 p.m.; Papa-Nata, Red Elvises and Jazz 911, 2 p.m; Tower of Power, 3:30 p.m.; Nuestro, 4 p.m.