Astra Kelly was born in Marvel, AR. and delivered by Dr. Wise. Her early interest in music was fueled by family jams, school choirs and formal music studies. Her universal solo style has developed into a sound she calls acoustic soul. It is a rich fusion of her Chicago roots in acid jazz, funk and blues, merged with rock and folk elements. Her lyrics read like poetry, speaking of emotional transformation and personal freedom. Many times armed with only an acoustic guitar, her delivery is an intensely powerful expression of equal parts joy and pain, balance and struggle. With the electric trio, it's gritty guitars, bass and drums, driven by impeccable vocal wailing. She has toured extensively over the years, both as a solo performer and as a member of various other projects. She’s also versed in the art of improve. She was a major player in the acid jazz explosion in Chicago with the band SUMO who never rehearsed once in 31/2 years and yet packed houses every single week. She continued this tradition with the group FLY during her time in Santa Fe, NM. Her work in the music industry has included managing recording studios, graphic design, promotions/booking and industry consultation for songwriters/bands, and now TV and on air radio personality.

Astra has released four records on her Rockaway record label, including the 2004 EP in conjunction with producer/composer, Bob DeMarco (Primary writer for Paramount TV). In addition, she can be heard on a number of regional and national artist’s recordings and regional compilations, most recently, WC Handy award winner Eddie Turners “Rise.” “Rise” was produced by famed composer/artist, Kenny Passarelli (Joe Walsh, Elton John) who lends his extraordinary bass stylings to some of Astra’s recent tracks.

Since moving to San Diego in July of 2006, Astra has appeared in the pages of City Beat, The San Diego Reader, The NC times, and The SD Troubadour. She’s been heard on Java Jams (CTN/Channel 4), FOX ROX (Fox Channel 6), KUSI Good Morning San Diego, on the air at 94/9 with Tim Pyles, and on 102.1 KPRI where she DJ’s their Saturday night local music show, The KPRI Homegrown Hour....plus she was nominated for Best Acoustic Artist in the San Diego Music Awards. Her newest venture is as guest host every Friday morning on NBC 7/39's Street Side San Diego in conjunction with KPRI's Concerts on the Square. Tune in from 10am-noon. She performs live freequently, solo/acoustic, and with her band. She hosts a Monday night showcase at Dublin Square in the Gaslamp District featuring some of San Diego’s best local bands and songwriters, and she books and promotes live shows under the auspices of her local radio show, "The KPRI Homegrown Hour."

Astra reached a major turning point a few years back when she skidded on some black ice on the way to a gig in Colorado. Her tour van rolled and she landed upside down on a set of train tracks. In the light of the full moon with her posters and CDs scattered along the highway, she grabbed her guitar and got to safety just in time to watch a train charge down the tracks and crash into her tour van. This symbolic moment on her musical path launched her into a new wave of creativity and she has emerged with strong new material for these curious times. (see full story in MySpace blog..."The Crash")

Throughout the years, Astra has had the privilege to open for such acts as: Stanley Jordan, Meshell Ndegeocello, David Wilcox, Widespread Panic, Johnette Napolitano, The Freddie Jones Band, Leon Russell, The Marshall Tucker Band, Jeff Healey, The Samples, and members of Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

1995 – 1997	•  Played incessantly and developed a local following as a solo performer. • Recorded her first CD in her Chicago apartment. • Played to a devoted audience every Sunday for three and a half years with a ten piece, talent packed acid jazz and funk improv group called SUMO. • Participated in a worldbeat/ jazz group, as well as a number of other diverse projects. Painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the evolutionary path of humanity at a club called Pop’s. • Painted a 6’ high by 80’ wide mural depicting the evolutionary path of humanity at a club called Pop’s. Took residency there every Thursday and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and spontaneous happenings. • Took residency there every Thursday and presented a menagerie of music, poetry, art and spontaneous happenings.

1997 – 1999	• Joined with bass player, drummer, and electric guitar player to form her band, Astra Kelly and Far Rockaway. •  Presented her second CD to a sold out release party at Chicago’s Martyrs in December of ’98. •  Hit the road in June of ’99 booking, promoting, and traveling solo. Played clubs and coffeehouses all throughout the western United States including, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, as well as southern states, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.

1999 – 2001	• Continued with what would become a fourteen month, 85,000 mile tour, funded primarily by busking (performing on the streets for cash) and selling CDs out of her guitar case. •  Released her third record while on the road, a solo/ acoustic live album, capturing three shows surrounding the turn of the century. The marathon tour ended once the tour van was totaled.

2001 – 2003	• Settled in Santa Fe, NM. to rest and re-group. Bought forty acres of land in the mysterious Valley and began plans for an eco-conscious music and art festival entitled; “The Far Rockaway Fair: Earthwork Vol. 1, THE WHEEL.” •  Was re-united with her long lost sister who introduced her to the new production team. •  Began work on the new album on Easter weekend, 2002.