About
Bio
Jenn Wertz is a singer-songwriter best known as an original member of Pittsburgh-based multi- platinum roots rock band Rusted Root, and for fronting many iterations of her solo projects over decades. She is also a successful mixed media artist, Quantum Healing Practitioner, and founder of the musicians advocacy group, PUMA (Pittsburgh United Musicians Alliance.)
Wertz is a published author, sharing her experience and expertise in spiritual awakening and the phenomenon of rising Kundalini energy in the anthology, Awakening Stories (Palm & Lotus press 2024). She experienced a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening in 1996 and has given several talks and presentations on the subject of Human Quantum energy body mechanics, energy body maintenance and navigating Awakening Experiences.
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​“I stay healthy by staying creative,” says Wertz. ”It’s my meditation. If I’m not working on something, I lose my emotional and spiritual grounding.”
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Wertz began her career with Rusted Root in1990, amid the budding arts movement in post-industrial Pittsburgh, PA. ​After years of touring and recording, Jenn left the band in 2008.
"Music is like the friend you never totally lose touch with", Wertz laughs, "but also all of these layers develop. My creative expressions are informing one another all along. So, even if I’m dormant as a songwriter, it’s all interwoven— When I expand in the painting or in my inner world, it all translates over to the songwriting and vice versa. I’m very grateful for that tapestry."
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*To learn more about Jenn's Art, Quantum Healing, or the 2nd Floor Portal Art & Healing space explore the site tabs header or click here for Quantum Healing, here for Portal and here for Art
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Quantum Healing
Quantum Healing is a form of Shamanic Soul Retrieval and integration. It acknowledges multi-dimensional aspects of self, encompassing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of being, in all timeframes, dimensions, lifetimes and locations. Quantum healing integration involves mild to largely expanded states of consciousness, and ideally relies heavily on the Higher Consciousness of the individual themselves to guide the healing work and integration. Quantum Healing does not require the use of plant medicine or consciousness expanding material, however, Quantum Healing can be very helpful for those engaging in such medicine journeys.
2002
2024
PUMA:
Pittsburgh United Musicians Alliance
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PUMA is an advocacy group founded in 2025 by Jenn Wertz, and includes Pittsburgh musicians Andre Costello, Shane Mclaughlin, Jeff Taylor and Gibson Musisko. The group seeks to advocate for Pittsburgh musicians and all musicians by seeking legislative support for an increase in streaming pay for musicians on DSP. The group has secured Co-Sponsorship in PA for the federal legislation, the Living Wage for Musicians Act, and is working with Pittsburgh City Council to bring awareness and initiatives to support musicians in the region.
Rusted Root
Rusted Root was a Roots Rock band started in 1990 in Pittsburgh, PA. The band's 1994 release "When I Woke" (Island Def Jam) is a multiplatinum full length album featuring the hit "Send Me on my Way," which has been featured in many feature films, TV shows and commercials.
The band, known for their high energy, sweaty live shows toured for many years to sold out crowds across North America, sharing billing with classic acts like The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, Santana, Page and Plant of Led Zeppelin, and the Dave Matthews Band, among others.
Projects and Discography
Jenn Wertz Band 2018-2021
Rusted Root from 1990-1995, and from 2000-2008.
Lovechild 1996-1999
Isabella from 2000-2003
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1990- Cruel Sun, Rusted Root/ Independent
1994- When I Woke, Rusted Root / Mercury Records
1997- Lovechild, Lovechild/ Independent
2003- Welcome to My Party, Rusted Root/ Island DefJam
2004- Jenn Wertz Acoustic, /Independent
2006- Live, Rusted Root
2019- Take 'em as They Come, Independent
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