Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story

In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul visits the charming Cornell Wine Company and chats with local musician and event coordinator, Sierra Drummond. Sierra shares how she got her start organizing music nights at the venue, including open mic nights and featured artist events that spotlight both undiscovered local talent and internationally known musicians like Elliot Lurie, the songwriter of Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl). With a rich musical heritage—her parents are both in the band Ambrosia—Sierra began performing at just four years old and has developed into a passionate performer and songwriter. She opens up about her own songs, “Look Out For Me” and “Slow Morning,” and the creative process behind her music. Sierra also reflects on her love of the stage, the evolution of her sound, and how music connects people, whether through live shows or her involvement in community outreach efforts like clothing drives following recent fires.

The conversation dives deeper into Sierra’s musical family, including her mom’s background vocals for Jimmy Buffett and studio work with Pink Floyd, and her own experiences in the family’s band, The Tin Drum Family Band. Sierra discusses her favorite genres, instruments, and how digital media compares to the energy of live music. She also touches on the resurgence of Yacht Rock and its influence on her father’s career, upcoming events at Cornell Wine Company, and her role as a music teacher during the week. From her humble beginnings at Cornell to her multifaceted role as performer, teacher, and event planner, Sierra’s story is one of passion, community, and the power of music.

Watch the full episode HERE

What you’ll learn in the episode:
0:00 Welcome to On the Road with Paul Ward and introduction to our guest, musician, Sierra Drummond
0:34 We learn the location of today’s episode, Cornell Wine Company.
1:04 Sierra Drummond tells us more about her role(s) at Cornell Wine Company
1:32 With a mix of events like open mic night, featured artists, etc. Sierra tells us how she got started at Cornell Wine Company and what goes into making a good, solid show.
2:39 The incredible undiscovered talent that performs at Sierra’s events, as well as internationally recognized talent, including the songwriter for Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl), Elliot Lurie
3:58 Sierra’s parents are both in the band, Ambrosia, so she started performing at the age of four
5:15 Some insight into what makes a good songwriter and how songs come about for Sierra
6:37 Learn about Sierra’s songs, “Look Out For Me,” and “Slow Morning” 
9:35 Sierra enjoys performing any way she can because she loves being on stage and the evolution of Sierra’s music
11:18 Community outreach and a clothing drive with Matt Morris and The Cornell Wine Company after the recent fires
3:11 What Sierra is working on now and where she sees her music going
14:34 Sierra answers Paul question regarding whether she ever saw herself doing all that she does at Cornell Wine Company when she 1st started as event coordinator
“15:22 More about Sierra’s musical family, Ambrosia, and her mom’s backups for Jimmy Buffett and studio work with Pink Flloyd
17:32 Sierra’s genres and her favorite instrument to play
19:35 “The Tin Drum Family Band,” Sierra’s family’s band and Sierra tells us more about Ambrosia
22:00 Music in this digital world versus live music
25:52 Yacht Rock, coined by Jimmy Fallon, is what reboosted Sierra’s Dad’s career
26:28 The upcoming events at Cornell Wine Company
28:35 Sierra is a music teacher throughout the week

Related Episodes:
Vines, Wines and Good Times at Cornell Wine Company
Music, History & Magic: The Story of Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch
Desert Dreams: The Palms, Wonder Valley’s Artistic Oasis

Sierra Drummond
Instagram: @sierradrummond
MORE HERE

Cornell Wine Co.
29975 Mulholland Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
818-575-7010
www.cornellwineco.com

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Have ideas for future episodes? We’d love to answer your questions – leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

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