ThisIsLauraCortese.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
Expanding on the boundaries of what an indie-folk band can be, Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards take their extensive string music background, add their knowledge of folk and roots music, and incorporate an edgy pop sensibility to create their latest album, BITTER BETTER. A stunning lesson in all the ways string instruments can be played – bowed, plucked, percussively – the album showcases Cortese and multi-instrumentalist producer Sam Kassirer striving to capture the most adventurous approach to each moment. The result is an album that incorporates dance-worthy foundational grooves, synth, and loops to push the boundaries of the genre. BITTER BETTER will be released on April 17 on Compass Records and the band has been invited to support The Mountain Goats on their extended US tour.
While the album's 11 tracks provide relief and release, they also encourage self-examination and personal discovery—the work that is necessary to sustain the energy needed to keep striving, to connect, and to continue to make our complicated world a better place. With BITTER BETTER, Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards throw out the rulebook, creating a beautifully vivid, musically unexpected canvas from their refreshingly unconventional perspective.
danielchampagnemusic.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
The Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso will bring his tour back to America for the first time in over two years! One reviewer recently wrote "Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating gui-tar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne must be seen to be believed'
The story goes that the young artist first picked up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classical-ly throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamic live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned profession-al and hit the road without looking back.
The following decade saw him release 5 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe with upwards of 300 shows per year, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
In early 2020 as the COVID pandemic ground all touring to a halt, Daniel returned to Aus-tralia writing music and further honing his craft and will return to international audiences with a swag of new songs and a complete new live show. For fans of guitar, songs or just ar-tistic expression at it's finest this show is a must see!
WHAT THE PRESS SAY..
"The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man's skills, he co-axes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws." The Calgary Herald, CANADA
"Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in the thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper." The Firefly Column, USA
"Daniel Champagne is a crossroads. Fusing the strong traditions of Blues, Folk and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will be-come an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation." The Indie Blender, CANADA
"reinventing roots guitar" Rhythms Magazine, AUSTRALIA
"Watching Daniel Champagne perform is a once in a lifetime experience. He is a true prodigy that plays like no one else could possibly play unless they spent at least two lifetimes studying the art." BW Review, NEW ZEALAND
jesseterrymusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify JESSE TERRYJesse Terry's seventh album, When We Wander, is the first he wrote since becoming a parent. So it's no surprise the family theme courses through many of its 12 songs. His music career has been a family project ever since he became a full-time touring artist a decade ago. That was right around the time when Jesse met his wife Jess working on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. "As soon as we got back to the states, I proposed to her at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe in July 2010 and we packed up the car for the first tour right after that. We've been touring together full-time ever since." Now with two-year-old Lily added to the clan, family is more important than ever to him, including the parental urge to love and protect. "If I were the moon, I'd light all of your back roads," he sings in "If I Were The Moon": "You wouldn't need no headlights / I'd always be full." The life of a touring family inspired the album's title track. "When we wander, when we wander / Don't it feel like we're finally found." But in the face of the pandemic, he has found that "wandering is not just a literal thing. We've followed our hearts with so many decisions in 2020-2021, and have found that there are many ways to wander and be free and brave." One of those ways has been going virtual. He says that his livestream concerts have "become the highlight of my week and the thing that sustains us emotionally and financially. And an amazing community has sprung up from these concerts." The stage had been Jesse's home for a decade. He plays around 150 shows a year, from Bonnaroo to the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the 30A Songwriters Festival to AmericanaFest. When the pandemic canceled concerts and delayed the album's release, he pivoted to performing online and found a strong new connection to his fans, who had helped fund his albums all along. "My musical tribe has always been there for me," he says with gratitude. Though recorded in 2019, the songs off the new album click with fans online too. He and his band recorded When We Wander live in the studio, a first for his career. "I wanted to try that Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Neil Young approach to live recording, prioritizing emotion and raw performances over perfection. I loved that experience." Recorded live, the album resonates especially with the intimacy and community spirit of the online shows. He also wrote all the music and lyrics this time, instead of working with collaborators, and took a very personal approach, including a look back. "In Spite of You" recalls his stay in a residential facility for behavior modification that traumatized him as a young teenager: "The sermons that you sold me all were fakes." Yet he emerged to earn a degree from Berklee College of Music, net a five-year staff writer gig on Nashville's Music Row penning material for major TV networks, and win prestigious songwriting awards. And then to become the singer-songwriter his countless fan know today, who (in the words of Music News Nashville) "bring[s] to mind iconic artist/poets like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne... [with] a performance that touches the heart like only a whisper can." | meaghanfarrell.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify MEAGHAN FARRELLAs an emerging singer-songwriter in New York City and Nashville, Meaghan Farrell didn't know her own power. Or, maybe it would be more accurate to say that she simply didn't know how to harness it. She had always loved to sing, turning heads with her strong voice at a young age in her hometown of Harrisburg, PA. Meaghan knew early that she was meant to write songs, perform, and connect with people. For several years she did just that – writing and producing a number of independent recordings, gathering experience and confidence as she toured around the country in support of her music. Like so many new artists, Meaghan was proud of her early songs, but the material wasn't completely "her", she hadn't yet found her voice. Driving around the country as a touring singer-songwriter can be a lonely proposition, with lots of time to think behind the wheel, to get to know one's self. It was on this journey of self-discovery that Meaghan realized that her artist voice was actually the voice inside her own head. "Conversations with Myself came out of an extraordinary time in my life," Meaghan says. "I was no longer willing to accept feeling certain kinds of familiar pain anymore. It all started with checking in with myself every single day, over a cup of coffee in the morning. It was through this sort of meditation that I began the journey of healing a very broken heart. I am still on that journey. I am still talking to myself, trying to more deeply understand who I am... and I am learning how truly grateful I am for all that I have and all I can give." After two years of writing and touring, Meaghan recently teamed up with production duo Nate and Dan Monea at their Little C Studios in Canton, Ohio. The Moneas helped her express the full range of her emotions: from heartbreak to healing, from injustice to empowerment, from anxiety to confidence, Meaghan shares it all. Her philosophy is simple - the best version of yourself has always been there, it is often too noisy to hear that voice. The trick is to quiet the world, quiet yourself until you can truly hear it. The clarity. The calm. The love. With her powerful new music, Meaghan Farrell aspires to be heard for many years to come. One conversation at a time. One song at a time. Meaghan says, "Look into the deepest, darkest parts of yourself. Get uncomfortable. Accept it all with love, compassion and gratitude for where you've been. I believe from that place, your dreams start to become your reality." |
kaninelizabeth.net | Insta | YouTube | Spotify
When Kanin Elizabeth was just an infant, her parents noticed one strange thing. Although she was too young to talk, when she rode in the car, she would start to hum. Perhaps it was an inkling of what she was to become.
Now 16 years later, music infuses the heart of this Michigan-based songbird, who has begun writing and performing her own tunes as she puts wings on a professional career as a singer-performer.
"Songs, and songwriting keeps me inspired, moving forward. I tend to scribble down notes, lyrics or just random thoughts on pieces of paper, backs of cigarette packs, sometimes on my shirt cuff. Rock n' roll is closest thing I've got to a spiritual power. It's been the higher voice in my life and it's never let me down." - John Waite
Countless musicians of far lesser accomplishment have probably made similar statements regarding their own personal creative process, but when the confession comes from John Waite – whose been successfully writing, recording and performing some of the most listenable, enduring and appreciated popular music for more than 35 years – one cannot help but both recognize and marvel at the shimmering legacy of this British born rock star.
The ride began when Waite was tapped as bassist and lead vocalist for the Babys who rocketed to Top 20 chart positions with a pair of infections hits, "Isn't it Time" from the band's sophomore LP, Broken Heart in 1977 and the monster ballad, "Every Time I Think of You" off 1978's Head First. But it was the album's rhythmically aggressive and seductive title track where fans got their first glimpse of the authentic John Waite, a no-holds-barred rock n' roll performer devoted heart and soul to live performance and making sure every fan in the audience left the concert hall just as elated and exhausted as the band they'd paid to see.
After John Lennon's assassination, December 9, 1980, a bizarre thing happened during one of those furious Baby's performances when John was pulled from the stage by an overzealous fan during an encore. The freak event seriously injured his knee and the group disbanded shortly thereafter. From the ashes of the Baby's, however, rose an abundant and prodigious solo career, ignited by the well-received release, Ignition, that featured the single, "Change," which rode the AOR charts for weeks in 1982, the year a new cable channel that would alter the course of popular media culture called MTV launched. At the forefront of its early play list was the video for the Holly Knight-penned track that in 1985, was included on the platinum-selling Vision Quest soundtrack.
John's next solo effort, 1984's No Brakes, did exactly what the title inferred, barreling at runaway train speed to international acclaim and U.S. platinum success thanks to the smash hit, "Missing You," which did not stop until it reached Number 1 on the Billboard's Hot 100 Singles, Album Rock Tracks and Adult Contemporary charts. The following up single, "Tears" was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.
Continuing to evolve as both a songwriter and formidable stage presence, Mask of Smiles was released in 1985, possessing a pair of muscular hit melodies, "Every Step of the Way," and "If Anybody Had a Heart," which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1986 motion picture, About Last Night starring Demi Moore. John's fourth solo LP, Rover's Return, highlighted by the superlative, "These Times Are Hard for Lovers." The same season that Bon Jovi was urging two lovers to live on a prayer, John delivered an aortal anthem of timeless resonance. "Baby we can make it 'cause our love will pull us through/ these times are hard for lovers its down to me and you/Nothing's gonna break us if we hang on to what's true, these times are hard for lovers, I believe I you."
"I don't have a plan and most of the songwriting is a knee jerk reaction of being alive. I try to speak from an honest place where the listener can both hear and feel where I'm coming from; the job is mine, to help them understand me. There's a real need as an artist to express who you are and where you're coming from."
A long and prodigious career often combines composition and interpretation, like in 1990 when John recorded the Martin Page and Bernie Taupin-penned track, "Deal for Life" for the Days of Thunder soundtrack. But two years prior to that cinematic adventure, superbly performing another songwriter's work led to one of the biggest hits on John Waite's illustrious resume. In 1988, a reunion with former Baby's band mates, Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips –along with uber-guitarist Neal Schon from Journey and drummer Deen Castronovo –resulted in the John Waite fronted supergroup, Bad English. And in 1989, the group's ballad, "When I See You Smile," – penned by Grammy-winning songwriter, Diane Warren – went to Number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and was certified Gold. The album reached Top Five and sold more than two million units in the U.S. alone. Bad English released two albums before breaking up in 1992.
Since returning to the recording studio and concert trek as a solo artist in 1995, John has produced a string of solid, existentially eccentric, courageously eclectic and blisteringly electric rock n' roll records, including 1995's Temple Bar, 1997's When You Were Mine, 2001's Figure in a Landscape, 2004's The Hard Way, 2006's Downtown: Journey of a Heart and 2010's In Real Time –an extraordinary live recording that featured burning in-concert realizations of the Baby's "Change", "Back on My Feet Again" and "Head First", not to mention Bad English's "Best of What I've Got" as well as a mind-blowing cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." It was this lifelong passion for original Country that inspired John's sensational 2006 duet with bluegrass legend, Allison Krauss, where the two combined honeysweet vocal forces to remake his international hit, "Missing You." On February 5, 2007, they performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
John teamed up with Matchbox 20 lead guitarist and songwriter, Kyle Cook in 2011 and their creative chemistry birthed the exhilarating Rough & Tumble, a long form exercise in raucous riffs and bloody truths highlighted by "Further the Sky," "Shadows of Love" and the Classic Radio chart topping title track, a remarkable feat for any musician to reach number one airplay after three and a half decades in the music business trenches.
All-Access Live hit the streets in 2012 and delivered on all stages of John's career–solo, The Babys and Bad English. Bearing a dynamic, stripped down sound which shows off his talented three-piece band, Waite demonstrates why he's considered one of the great rock and roll singers, imbuing the timeless material with saber toothed vitality and kinetic power.
In 2014, Waite returned with Best. Navigating raucous rock, gut bucket blues and country, Waite's new greatest hits album is a thrilling snapshot representing the inspired artistic breadth of this legendary artist's entire career tallying more than 40 years on the rock and roll highway featuring re-recorded versions of signature classics, "Back on My Feet Again," "Isn't It Time" and "Missing You," hard-hitting live renditions of "Head First," "Saturday Night" and "Change" to the more introspective fare of "Suicide Life," "Downtown" and "Bluebird Café."
With more live shows and new music in the offing, John Waite continues to forge his own singularly personal path, celebrating the present and engaged by the promise of the future. The story is far from over for the Lancaster, England-born rock star/balladeer/storyteller who was inspired onto his musical path by blues, soul and country along with a deep connection to the Celtic folk music of his homeland.
Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970's, is now more alive and compelling than ever. This 5-time Grammy Nominated ensemble is exploring new musical territory and bringing an exceptional musical performance to stages everywhere.
In 1970, four young musicians from the South Bay of Los Angeles, came together to create a new moving and invigorating style of music. Joseph Puerta, Christopher North, David Pack, and Burleigh Drummond produced a sound that was immediately recognized. Today, Ambrosia is three of the original members with the addition of guitarist Doug Jackson, contributing keyboardist Mary Harris, and powerful lead vocals of Kipp Lennon (from the band Venice). Always exploring the possibilities of progressive, classical, and world influences – with tangled roots of soul, rhythm, and blues – Ambrosia is continuing to entertain their original fans while still engaging newer audiences.
Originally labeled as America's answer to the progressive invasion of English acts Yes and King Crimson, the group quickly proved itself with a unique blend of aural landscapes. Their musical styles attracted the collaboration with cultural icons Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Edgar Winter, Dave Mason, Gary Wright, Al Stewart, and others. Ambrosia had toured extensively with Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and the Doobie Brothers.
During Ambrosia's early recording history they garnered 5 Grammy Nominations, received frequent radio airplay, and gained the admiration and respect of the musical community – in addition to th ir sold out concerts around the world. Ambrosia achieved 5 Top 40 hit singles on Warner Bros. Records, released between 1975 and 1980, including "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part of Me". In 2015 the group released a new single, "Hopes and Dreams", which was featured on the series called The Sparrows that aired on the Fox television channel. As of 2017, the new Ambrosia material keeps coming.
Bringing a breathtaking performance of their classic hits as well as new moving music, Ambrosia puts on a perfect show.
danrodriguezmusic.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Hi, I'm Dan. I'm a whiskey & beer drinking, fishing & hunting loving, motorcycle riding, quality food eating, hippie sympathizing, people loving, husband & father who lives in Minneapolis and shares a life with my amazing wife and two adorable sons named Oak and Alder. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, MI, and moved to Minneapolis when I was 18 to study music, and I stayed because I'm one of those crazy people that enjoys the snow and cold weather.
Music is my trade & performing it for people is my passion. When I'm not in my studio writing songs and cutting records, or on the road playing shows, I'm usually tending to our backyard chickens, eating fresh veggies from my wife's huge garden, making syrup from our city maples, or doing one of my many outdoor hobbies.
Now here are a few things about my music career that I should probably share in a mu- sic bio:
samrobbinsmusic.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Sam Robbins describes himself as an "old soul singer songwriter." A Nashville based musician whose music evokes classic 70's singer songwriters like James Taylor and Neil Young, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona.
theseathesea.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
The Sea The Sea, Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa, is an Upstate New York based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR's All Songs Considered) calls "excellent harmonies" & Huffington Post calls, "Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year." The group's 2020 release, Stumbling Home, dubbed "otherworldly" by Rolling Stone marks the duo's third full-length album, and the duo's first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-producers—teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird). Previous releases from The Sea The Sea—Love We Are We Love (2014), In the Altogether (2016 / EP), and From The Light (2018)—have been praised by outlets including NPR, American Songwriter, and No Depression, and the animated video for their song "Waiting" sparked viral interest from Buzzfeed and Pitchfork, as well as inclusion at the international TED 2015 conference. The band has garnered features across all music platforms including Apple Music "Best of the Week" and "A-List Singer/Songwriter," gathering 20+ million streams on Spotify to-date. Live performance broadcast appearances of The Sea The Sea include Mountain Stage, with host Larry Groce calling them "ready to take their place among the best young male/ female duos now performing," Audiotree, and Paste Music/Daytrotter—recently describing the band as "defined by their infallible vocal harmonies and their unconventional song arrangements. The Sea The Sea is a pop band only in their melodic infectiousness—otherwise they are at their best when subverting conventions."
leedewyzeofficial.com | Facebook | Spotify
Lee DeWyze has an earnest ability to create a delicate balance of harmony, melody, deep emotion and subtlety in his songs. His depth as a songwriter calls to mind some of his earliest influences like Simon and Garfunkel, Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) and Johnny Cash.
There are no false notes in this new album, each song a unique light in the constellation of his imagination. He sings quietly, as if whispering secrets. His lyrics and melodies mesmerize, cycling like nursery rhymes, somehow soothing while also sharpening our alertness that something unusual is going on here.
Over the last 10 years, Lee has released five albums, including his critically lauded Frames (Vanguard Records, 2013), which included the top 40 Billboard Hot AC hit "Fight." In 2014, his song "Blackbird Song" (20M+ streams) was placed in the show "The Walking Dead." After signing with Shanachie Records in 2016, Lee released the album Oil and Water, which hit Number One on the iTunes folk and singer/songwriter chart, followed by Paranoia (2018), which hit Number One on the Alternative chart. As the winner of American Idol Season 9 in 2010, he made his major label debut with Live It Up (RCA). His latest release, Ghost Stories (Aug 2021), has over 3M+ streams. His video for Castles won 11 awards world-wide (Los Angeles, NY, and London) for best animated video with TIFF (The International Film Festival).
Lee's songs have appeared in over 75 movies, TV shows, and commercials.
sarahpeacockmusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
American history is blood-stained with the dehumanization of entire communities. Casting her own harrowing spell, singer-songwriter Sarah Peacock draws parallels between current events and the 1692 Salem Witch Trials with the title song to her new record, Burn the Witch (March 27, 2020). Finger-picking guitar work cleanses the throat as her voice swells to mimic the havoc strewn through time, as well as present-day strife along our southern border. Such raw intensity boils over onto the rest of the 11-track record, and while her style is not easily defined, her storytelling prowess is irrefutably potent and unnerving.
"Hopefully, this song inspires people to take a look at what's happening in our world today and how we abuse people," she says of the song, which is delivered as a "catalyst for hope."
Peacock has a bedeviling way about her, particularly in the way she harvests such influences as Brandi Carlile and Heart. She even filters heavy metal band Metallica through a rootsy, acoustic lens to emerge with a silky, sticky musical web of her very own. "Keep Quiet" slithers from her bones in a similar sinister fashion, twisting her lyrical mechanisms even tighter, while "Mojave" flourishes with a vibrantly polished hook. Her voice always rises to the occasion -- switching between various styles as effortlessly as a chameleon.
Firm in her belief to use her platform for social and cultural change, the shift occurred after her tour bus burned to the ground in 2016. Then on a four-month tour, weaving up the west coast, she and her crew stopped for a quick bite to eat. Their generator caught fire and the blaze consumed nearly everything aboard.
"After the fire, I signed with a Nashville label when I came home from the tour. I did two records for American Roots Records prior to parting ways with them in the fall of 2018. There was Beauty in the Ashes (2017) and then Hot Sheet Motel (2018). I think the connection piece and synergy between the bus fire and Burn the Witch was that the bus was a pivotal moment where I realized people really were listening. The fans showed up for me when I was ready to quit, and that made me internalize (probably for the first time) that the world was actually paying attention. I started writing differently. I wrote like the fate of the social climate depended on it. Burn the Witch is what happened after really letting the juices of that experience and those last two records soak in. It's about the music, the songs, and the power they have to plant a seed of change."
Burn the Witch is a brawny, life-affirming set that digs into themes of perseverance, overcoming personal struggles, finding redemption in the ashes and what freedom should feel like. "The Cool Kids" recalls being bullied in school and the idea that "hurting people tend to hurt people," she says in hindsight. "I feel sorry for all those kids who picked on me."
lightingmatchesmusic.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Lighting Matches is an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Made up of musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds, Lighting Matches stays true to their roots while also setting fire to the lines and limitations of genre labels.
Fronted by dynamic duo (and real-life couple) Matt Plessner and Rachel White, and backed by the talented Kevin Packard and Scott Garrison, their debut album "Against The Flame" displays lots of what they are best known for: thought-provoking lyrics and tight harmonies.
Matt & Rachel will be joining us for this #FreeFridayNight!
kneedeepbayarea.com | Facebook | YouTube
Knee Deep delivers a powerful sound, tight 3 & 4 part harmonies over a broad spectrum of material from 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's and beyond.
Knee Deep performs a wide variety of medleys designed to keep dancers on the dance floor.
onthesunmusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
On The Sun is a North American musical group known for its electric mix of soul, funk, r&b, and roots music. Since the band's founding in NYC in 2013, On The Sun has released two full-length albums and numerous singles. They have appeared at clubs and festivals across the United States including performances at SXSW, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Off The Record, Sail Across The Sun, The James Brown Dance Party in Los Angeles, and Live at the Gantries in NYC.
Their most recent single, 2022's "Overexposed" was written collaboratively by Adam, bassist Matt Gilmartin, and keyboardist Josef Deas. The song finds them exploring synth-funk territory to significant effect. While sonically more experimental than the band's last release, 2020's "Next Year", "Overexposed' is still grounded in the musical vocabulary that will be familiar to anyone who follows the group.
wearethecontenders.com | Facebook | Spotify
Americana duo The Contenders return to Spring Lake! There is something truly special about a Contenders live show. The way their voices melt together. Their easygoing chemistry and banter on stage that draws you in. Their last show here was a spiritual awakening and experience.
The legend Levon Helm said that if you give it good concentration, good energy, good heart, and good performance, the song will play you. If that's true, then Jay Nash and Josh Day are well and truly played by the set of songs in their debut EP, "Meet The Contenders." The collection breathes with musicality and grit in the tradition of heroes—The Band, Tom Petty, The Dead, Dylan.
Thrumming and heady, with a steady heartbeat and a hint of honky-tonk, this EP speaks of wanderers and highways, lovers and losers, good times and missed chances, swimming pools and movie stars, all with a ferocity born of hard work and honed skill. Nash and Day have been players and poets for the better part of two decades; they have been making music, telling tales, drinking whiskey, and having fun touring together as The Contenders since 2012.
A Passion For Music for Over 40 Years
Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been making music together since they met in 1975 and discovered their shared love not only for each other, but for music and songs made with acoustic instruments and featuring lyrics from the heart. Ruth and Max immersed themselves in folk, bluegrass, country, singer songwriters, and other acoustic music to create a sound and style all their own.
Award Winning Songwriter
From the beginning, Ruth was inspired to write songs from her own heart and experience. In 1997 Ruth and Max released Ruth's first CD, Jewel Of My Heart, a collection of original songs that were popular with their audiences. Two more "solo" CDs followed to rave reviews. Meanwhile, in 2003, Ruth was a winner of Merlefest's Chris Austin Song Writing Competition with her joyful Gospel song, By The River. Ruth's songs have also been recognized by the South Florida Folk Festival, the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautaqua, and Mike Pinder's Songwars. Ruth has lead songwritng workshops at the Wheatland Music Festival and the WMO Spring Traditional Arts Weekend, has showcased her songs at the IBMA World of Bluegrass, and has assisted Bluegrass Songwriter Committee head Louisa Branscomb in bluegrass songwriter song circles. Ruth's signature song, Michigan Girl, has garnered over 370,000 YouTube views. Their 2010 Release, Turn Back A Page, shot to number 5 on the Folk DJ Airplay Chart upon its release with several tracks remaining in the Top 100 that year.
Outstanding Vocalist
Ruth was named Outstanding Vocalist of the Month for December 2006 by Singer Universe Magazine. Her resonant alto has been compared to Anne Murray, Linda Ronstadt, and Kathy Mattea. After hearing Ruth and Max perform the Scott Wiseman standard, Remember Me, Garrison Keillor told Ruth, "You have a big voice... I'd like to sing that song with you." And the next night he did!
iainmatthews.nl | Facebook | Spotify
There's a purity about Iain Matthews' voice. And it's mirrored by the integrity of his career.?The singer-songwriter has never been seduced by fame. His focus has always been on creating music that captivates the ear, the mind and the heart.??Born Ian Matthews McDonald, June 16, 1946, in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, he soared to prominence in 1967, as a founding member of Fairport Convention. In that pioneering band, Matthews created exquisite harmonies with first Judy Dyble, then Sandy Denny. ?After two years, he left and formed Matthews Southern Comfort. They enjoyed a huge hit with their stirring version of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock." ?One of the outstanding solo albums Matthews recorded during his years in Los Angeles was 1973's "Valley Hi," produced by Michael Nesmith.?Matthews has fronted such bands as Plainsong, Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, More Than a Song and a Dutch jazz combo, The Searing Quartet. After working for a while in A&R, in 1987 Matthews returned to performing and recording as a solo artist. Since returning to live in Europe in 2000, Matthews focuses mostly again on his now all Dutch ensemble, Matthews Southern Comfort and his seemingly never ending stream of solo recordings. Matthews latest album, released in 2021 and titled " Distant Chatter" is a duo effort, with Dutch songwriter and multi instrumentalist B J Baartmans.
Livingston Taylor's career as a professional musician has spanned over 50 years, encompassing performance, songwriting, and teaching. Described as "equal parts Mark Twain, college professor, and musical icon, Livingston maintains a performance schedule of more than a hundred shows a year, delighting audiences with his charm and vast repertoire of his 22 albums and popular classics. Livingston has written top-40 hits recorded by his brother James Taylor and has appeared with Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimmy Buffet.
He is equally at home with a range of musical genres – folk, pop, gospel, jazz – and from upbeat storytelling and touching ballads to full orchestra performances. In addition to his performance schedule, Livingston has been a full professor at Berklee College of Music for 30 years, passing on the extensive knowledge gained from his long career on the road to the next generation of musicians. Liv is an airplane-flying, motorcycle-riding, singing storyteller, delighting audiences with his charm for over 50 years.
chelseaberry.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Chelsea Berry opens the show. Chelsea Berry is a singer-songwriter with the edge, power, and finesse of legends. Her presence has been described by listeners as "compelling… she draws the entire house into her world like moths to a flame."
As a vocalist and performer, she evokes the style of artists such as Eva Cassidy, KD Lang, and Melissa Etheridge. She is an avid and accomplished recording artist; she has released 10 original albums over her 25 year career as well as collaborated on projects with dozens of other writers and performers. Her music is played regularly on Sirius XM's The Loft and has been featured on local radio and TV stations from Modesto CA to Manhattan.
A favorite among venues up and down the East Coat, Berry's beautiful voice and commanding stage presence have taken her on the road as support for Livingston Taylor, Chris Smither, Mavis Staples, Chris Isaak, Shawn Colvin, and many others.
Berry's newest original album, "Peace Love & Happiness", is slated to release on August 19.
Born and raised in Alaska, she now makes her home in Maine.
"Great, talented, beautiful … her future is so bright you're gonna have to wear shades." – Chris Smither
tretfure.com | Facebook | Bandcamp | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
Tret Fure began her career at the age of 16, singing in coffeehouses and campuses in the Midwest. At 19, she moved to LA in hopes of obtaining a record deal. Within a year she was performing as guitarist and vocalist for Spencer Davis, touring with him and penning the single for his album "Mousetrap". She went on to record her own album "Tret Fure" in 1973, on MCA/UNI Records, with the late Lowell George of Little Feat as her producer. With the success of that release, she opened for such bands as Yes, Poco, and the J Geils Band.
A prolific artist in the contemporary singer-songwriter arena, Tret Fure has released 17 albums and CDs over the course of her 51 year career. In addition to being a gifted songwriter, Fure has engineered and produced countless recordings by a variety of artists, including her own work.
In the early 80s, Tret moved to the independent side of the industry discovering the blossoming genre known as Women's Music. She recorded with and produced some of the best of women's music including mixing the legendary "Meg & Cris at Carnegie Hall" (1983). She worked as a duo with Cris Williamson throughout the 90s, producing, engineering and releasing 3 CDs together. Now after 9 acoustic releases on her own label, "Tomboy girl Records", she has re-established herself in the folk world.
Some highlights from her career include:
1990 - Voted both Best Guitarist and Best Engineer in a Reader's Choice poll in "Hot Wire: The Journal of Women'sMusic & Culture".
2004 - Winner of the South Florida Folk Festival Singer/Songwriter Competition in 2 out of 3 categories, Best Overall and Best Up-Tempo Song.
2004 - Winner of the Women in the Arts "Jane Schliessman Award" for Outstanding Contributions to Women's Music.
2009 -Voted "Pride In The Arts" Favorite Female/Lesbian Musician.
2009 - Winner of the Women in the Arts "Janine C Rae Award" for the Advancement of Women's Culture.
2011 - Winner of the Women in the Arts "Phyllis Roark Memorial Award" for Philanthropy.
2015 - "Rembrandt Afternoons" (2015) was chosen by the acclaimed folk music show 'Midnight Special' as their album of the week.
2017 - 2nd place winner in the "Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay" songwriting contest for her song "The Fishermen of Bristol Bay" (2015).
2018 - #1 song "Lessons From Home Plate" from the CD "Roses in November" (2018) for the month of June in the FAI FOLK CHART.
2020 - 1st place winner in "A Still Small Voice 4U" songwriting competition with her song "Monuments".
2021 - 2nd place winner in "A Still Small Voice 4U" songwriting competition with the song "Louder Than the Guns".
2021 - #1 song "Monuments" from the CD "Stone by Stone" (2020) for the month of February in the FAI FOLK CHART.
2021 - #1 song "Roses in November" from the CD "Roses in November" (2018) for the month of November in the FAI FOLK CHART.
Wanda A. Fischer from WMAC Northeast Public Radio has this to say, "Roses in November is yet another masterpiece from Tret. Exceptionally crafted songs delivered with passion, conviction and, yes, soul. Tret weaves magic both in the lyrics and between the lines. This will certainly be on my "Best of 2018" list."
In addition to touring and recording, Tret teaches guitar and songwriting individually and in workshop settings. She paints pet portraits on commission and, an accomplished cook, Fure has also published a cookbook, "Tret's Kitchen", featuring her own recipes. Along with bridging the marketing, production, music and art worlds, Tret served for 6 years as President of Local 1000, The Traveling Musicians Association--a union geared toward helping traveling musicians find security and longevity. Tret is truly a Renaissance Woman!
griffinhousemusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
Griffin House is out with a new record called "Stories for a Rainy Day."
A nine song collection written during the pandemic and recorded in just 3 days, the album is being described as his most happy and upbeat yet. The opening track "The Mississippi Hippie" was originally written for a feature in Esquire magazine called "Somewhere in Mississippi" and was rediscovered and resurrected for "Stories for a Rainy Day." The album was recorded by Tim Pannella using a stripped down trio set up with Jersey based musicians Eric Novod on drums, Mark Masefield on keys, and House on guitars and vocals. With minimal production and the band playing together as opposed to overdubbing, the songs have a space to be more playful, free and alive.
A concept record, with each song telling a story, an idea inspired from one of House's favorite childhood albums "Ten Summoner's Tales," the final tale features the hilarious character "Guido" and is the only song on the album that was recorded live in concert.
"Stories for a Rainy Day" was released on Valentine's Day 2022 and features the artwork of Scottsdale based painter Priscilla Nelson. House will be playing the new songs live in 2022-2023 with over 100 tour dates already booked. You can find tour dates and more info at http://griffinhousemusic.com
arihest.com | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
Oh, Ari! What a voice. We could listen to his voice all night. Ari has been here many times and we always ALWAYS look forward to his return. It's been almost 2 years since his last performance and we can't wait!
"I've been making music and touring the planet for about 15 years. What started out as an occasional creative outlet is now my way of life. Growing up just outside New York City, I began playing guitar in the hallways of my high school, learning the songs of The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins, and Dave Matthews Band. I graduated, went to college for a communications degree, and finished feeling way more inclined to make music than anything else, so I hit the road. In these past 15 years, I've played in every state in the U.S. and toured extensively throughout Europe. I've had the honor of playing with a slew of incredible musicians wherever I've gone.
I just released my ninth LP, Natural, and I've also released three solo EPs as well as a song-a-week project of 2008 called "52". I also am in three bands that have recorded albums over the past few years -The Open Sea with Rosi Golan, Bluebirds of Paradise with Chrissi Poland, and most recently a duets album with Judy Collins called Silver Skies Blue, which was nominated for a Grammy award for "Best Folk Album" of 2017.
Sometimes my music is heard on TV or in movies – The Path, The Lincoln Lawyer, Private Practice, Army Wives, and One Tree Hill to name a few. I also scored music for a film called Dreamriders, a documentary which won several independent film awards. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to sing and play music for a living. I wanna keep it going for as long as possible. It's good for my soul, and I love knowing that what i create can have a real impact on people."
– Ari Hest
rachaelkilgour.com | Facebook| Spotify
gracepettis.com | Facebook | Spotify
Two incredible singer/songwriters. One incredible Sunday night.
antjeduvekot.com | Facebook | Spotify
Antje Duvekot has a voice and style that stops you dead in your tracks. I still remember the first time I heard one of her songs. I was walking across the room listening to music on a singer/songwriter channel and her song Dublin Boys came on. I quickly ran over to the TV and jotted down her name and within an hour had ordered every single one of her CD's. Fell in love! Fast forward a few years and we have a venue. This one is special, folks. She's been here before, and we LOVE her. LVOE LOVE LOVE her.
rebeccaloebe.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
jesseruben.com | Facebook | Spotify | The We Can Project Insta
Two incredible songwriters. One fantastic Saturday night.
www.tyronewells.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
First things first. Let's get this out-of-the-way. Tyrone Wells (I) wrote this bio. I figured, "who better to talk about myself than myself?". I'm a lot of things in no particular order… a preacher's son, a brother, a husband, a dad, a real estate lover, a major-label artist, an independent artist, an opener, a headliner, a very self-conscious dancer (think "Footloose", only without the cathartic cutting loose), a gardener, a wanna be surfer, a person who has needed therapy, a pickleball player, a barstool theologian, and this next one kind of goes without saying because you're here reading my bio.. I'm a singer-songwriter.
I've written a lot of songs. Probably approaching around 1,000 songs now… to me, when I wrote them, they were all good songs. The luxury of time has informed me, some of the songs were maybe just good to me. And some of the songs, inexplicably, have millions upon millions of listeners. Meanwhile, others have tens upon tens. I don't know why, I just write them and set them free.
Ultimately, I'm trying my best to be honest, and write a song that I, and you can both love. I'm gonna keep trying. I'm so grateful that you have listened. Be it once, or be it a hundred times. I've got big love for you. I'll be over here chopping away and reminding myself to be vulnerable. Peace and Love, XOXO Tyrone
stephenkellog.com | Facebook | Twitter | Insta | Spotify
I wish I'd known when I started out that the contents of an artist biography ends up being repeated many times in the years to come. It can be frustrating to be viewed through an outdated lens. But what's to be done? The past, including old one-sheets, remains unshakable.
I know you're a busy person and, chances are, if you're reading this, you're here for the updated Cliffs Notes. So I'll tell you what I'm proud of having done over the last 20 years and you decide for yourself if any of the soundbites interest you.
I was born, raised and am currently residing in New England. I have four kids and married my high school sweetheart. I've written about them extensively on all my records. I also put out a book in 2020 called "Objects In The Mirror: Thoughts on a Perfect Life from an Imperfect Person." It's a collection of essays about what I've found to be the most important aspects of a life well-lived. For better or worse, my live show has morphed into one with a fair amount of comedy baked into the storytelling. I write what I believe to be true and I try to have a sense of humor about the stuff that hurts. My newest record is called Keep It Up, Kid and it comes out December 2, 2022. Side B is a suite of 5 interconnected songs that explore the journey from youth to middle-age. Side A is a note of solidarity to anyone looking for hope in hopeless situations. We are all alone in the world, but it's nice to feel as though we are not.
There have been some flattering quotes over the years, but the largest publication to offer up a humdinger was Rolling Stone, who in 2019, said I was like, "John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers." My grandfather taught me not to believe my own propaganda, but I still work hard to fulfill the promise of such heady praise.
In 2013, I delivered a Tedx Talk on job satisfaction and that has led to speaking engagements for some amazing organizations. I've also had the honor of performing at a number of children's hospitals as well as for the U.S military, who gave me an "Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year" award. Those experiences have been enriching and I hope I've used my talents for good there. I've had some great adventures co-writing too and one of the singles I co-wrote, "Got Soul," was the title track for Robert Randolph's Grammy Nominated album of the same title. Although I have, on occasion, cracked the billboard charts, it has been a minute since all that went down, so I'll just say that there is little that means more to me than the people who show up year after year, record after record. Take care of the art and the art will take care of you.
In closing, I guess what I'm most proud of having done, the thing I'd want people to know about the first two decades of my career, is that I survived with my soul intact. I've played more than 2200 concerts, traveled Europe supporting Gregory Alan Isakov and Josh Ritter, sang duets with Adam Duritz and Rosanne Cash. I've sold out the 9:30 club, and performed at the Beacon Theater. I've made music in spite of the challenges and managed to build a life that resembles that of my listeners in all the ways that matter. I have not accomplished all that I intended for myself, but that's why I'm playing another hand at the table. That's the point of Keep It Up, Kid. Thanks for checking out my stuff.
- Stephen Kellogg, April 2022
Cart