themoxiestrings.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Hailed by The Grand Rapids Press as "top-notch, instrumental wizardry," The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world's bestknown instruments through an electric, innovative lens. Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Alison performs on a newly-invented, electric cello, and Diana on a contemporary 5-string violin. Both use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms. The band's polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings' role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience. The two often join forces with dynamic percussionists to create an even livelier sound for larger venues.
Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings were inspired not only to perform, but also to teach. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and music creativity, the band has now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition. Moxie clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the music classroom. They have taught clinics in over 200 schools throughout the US, and also present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music education professional development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic. The Moxie Strings deliver their message in a fun, accessible way, and stand before students as the illustration of the many opportunities that music holds.Current Magazine insists that "the future of music could not be in better hands."
With a heart set on a career in music, Crystal moved to Chicago on the cusp of 18, where she spent her days busking in the streets of the city and on subway platforms. Chicago's rich and diverse culture helped Bowersox to broaden her musical horizons and she shared her talents with a variety of venues and audiences. Ultimately, Bowersox auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol. Crystal's time on the show proved to be well spent, as she immediately left the the soundstage for the recording studio in 2010, releasing her debut album, "Farmer's Daughter" on Jive Records.
Since her introduction to the world, Crystal has released 3 LP's, two EPs, several singles, and is currently developing an autobiographical, theatrical rock concert titled, "Trauma Queen". Additionally, she has used her voice and talents to benefit several causes close to her heart, and has become an inspiration and advocate for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Most recently, Crystal released the first single from her long awaited, upcoming album, HitchHiker, to be released in fall of 2020. The single, Courage to Be Kind, was written in 2017 with accomplished songwriter and personal hero to Crystal, Steve Seskin. In the folk - rock, gospel anthem, Crystal's voice soars as she tackles several controversial topics. "It takes Courage to be kind / To be brave enough to walk your love across a party line.". While the song is a new release for Crystal, it already has within it a history hundreds of years in the making. Little did the writers know that the nation would become as divided as it seems to be today. Seskin and Bowersox were simply making an attempt to process the heartache felt by so many, when bridges are burned, families are destroyed, and international wars are endlessly waged. The pair wondered what it would truly take to heal the kind of generational, deeply rooted wounds mentioned in the verses of the powerful song.
Courage, they concluded. It takes courage to begin the process of healing.
Produced by Nashville songwriter and musician Billy Harvey, HitchHiker is likely to become Crystal's most accomplished studio album to date. "I'm absolutely in awe of the genuine friendships that have transpired from the songs and by how much I have learned throughout the entire creative process while working so closely with Billy and the crew," says Bowersox. "I've never before worked with someone so personally invested - not only in the music, but in the people contributing to the project. Billy is the heart and soul of the HitchHiker community he built."
That community is one filled with the incredible talents and dedication of players such as: JJ Johnson, John Ginty, Doug Lancio, Audley Freed, Chris Donahue, Randall Currie, Dave Eggar, and a choir of Nashville's finest, forty women deep.
HitchHiker will be well loved by Bowersox fans everywhere, especially after a 3 year hiatus for Bowersox from the recording studio. "I absolutely cannot wait for fans to hear this record. I could die tomorrow a happy woman, just knowing this record is finished and that it is, I truly believe, the best collection of songs I've ever put out into the world. I have Billy and the crew to thank for that," Crystal jokes, slightly grim and with smile.
Similar to her beginnings, Crystal's intentions are to make music that has healing power.
"A few of us lost loved ones during the process of making this album," Crystal explains. "As we each travel down our unique roads, long after the recording sessions end, we have to remember that there isn't a soul among us that will get to their destination on their own. We need each other to make it through life. In this way, I suppose we are all the Hitchhiker.
With a heart set on a career in music, Crystal moved to Chicago on the cusp of 18, where she spent her days busking in the streets of the city and on subway platforms. Chicago's rich and diverse culture helped Bowersox to broaden her musical horizons and she shared her talents with a variety of venues and audiences. Ultimately, Bowersox auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol. Crystal's time on the show proved to be well spent, as she immediately left the the soundstage for the recording studio in 2010, releasing her debut album, "Farmer's Daughter" on Jive Records.
Since her introduction to the world, Crystal has released 3 LP's, two EPs, several singles, and is currently developing an autobiographical, theatrical rock concert titled, "Trauma Queen". Additionally, she has used her voice and talents to benefit several causes close to her heart, and has become an inspiration and advocate for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Most recently, Crystal released the first single from her long awaited, upcoming album, HitchHiker, to be released in fall of 2020. The single, Courage to Be Kind, was written in 2017 with accomplished songwriter and personal hero to Crystal, Steve Seskin. In the folk - rock, gospel anthem, Crystal's voice soars as she tackles several controversial topics. "It takes Courage to be kind / To be brave enough to walk your love across a party line.". While the song is a new release for Crystal, it already has within it a history hundreds of years in the making. Little did the writers know that the nation would become as divided as it seems to be today. Seskin and Bowersox were simply making an attempt to process the heartache felt by so many, when bridges are burned, families are destroyed, and international wars are endlessly waged. The pair wondered what it would truly take to heal the kind of generational, deeply rooted wounds mentioned in the verses of the powerful song.
Courage, they concluded. It takes courage to begin the process of healing.
Produced by Nashville songwriter and musician Billy Harvey, HitchHiker is likely to become Crystal's most accomplished studio album to date. "I'm absolutely in awe of the genuine friendships that have transpired from the songs and by how much I have learned throughout the entire creative process while working so closely with Billy and the crew," says Bowersox. "I've never before worked with someone so personally invested - not only in the music, but in the people contributing to the project. Billy is the heart and soul of the HitchHiker community he built."
That community is one filled with the incredible talents and dedication of players such as: JJ Johnson, John Ginty, Doug Lancio, Audley Freed, Chris Donahue, Randall Currie, Dave Eggar, and a choir of Nashville's finest, forty women deep.
HitchHiker will be well loved by Bowersox fans everywhere, especially after a 3 year hiatus for Bowersox from the recording studio. "I absolutely cannot wait for fans to hear this record. I could die tomorrow a happy woman, just knowing this record is finished and that it is, I truly believe, the best collection of songs I've ever put out into the world. I have Billy and the crew to thank for that," Crystal jokes, slightly grim and with smile.
Similar to her beginnings, Crystal's intentions are to make music that has healing power.
"A few of us lost loved ones during the process of making this album," Crystal explains. "As we each travel down our unique roads, long after the recording sessions end, we have to remember that there isn't a soul among us that will get to their destination on their own. We need each other to make it through life. In this way, I suppose we are all the Hitchhiker.
Giddy. Just giddy. Rachael sage returns to Spring Lake and Ralston Bowles joins her in an epic Wednesday night concert. E.P.I.C.
RACHAEL SAGE:
Poetica is an adventurous fusion of poetry with jazz, classical and Americana musical elements in the vein of Leonard Cohen and Laurie Anderson. The self-titled debut album was conceived, produced and engineered by 6-time Independent Music Award winner Rachael Sage, with musicians contributing from around the globe. Poetica aims to create connection and shared experience via the unifying power of language.
Rachael Sage is a soulful vocalist, innovative multi-instrumentalist and award-winning singer/songwriter and producer from NYC who has earned a loyal international following for her dynamic piano playing, delicate guitar work, and improvisational audience interaction. She has toured with an eclectic list of artists including Howard Jones, Beth Hart, Ani DiFranco, and Grammy® winners Shawn Colvin and Judy Collins. For more information, visit poeticaproject.com.
"The Carole King of her generation..." - Blurt Magazine
"Theatrical, expressive and blessed with perfect comedic timing, Sage is the kind of performer you can't take your eyes off." - Stereo Embers
"Sage impressively wrote a song that can make you sad as well as make you grateful — while feeling empowered to do anything." - American SongwriterR
RALSTON BOWLES:
Ralston Bowles is an American poet, songwriter, producer, musician and singer from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Bowles' song "Fragile", has been recorded by Peter Mulvey, Rachael Davis and Caroline Aiken. His song "Grace", based on a book by author Philip Yancey, What's So Amazing About Grace?. Which he worte after reading a pre-publication galley of the book. After the book was published, singer Bono of U2 wrote and released a similar song of the same title, based on the same book; the song appeared on their album All That You Can't Leave Behind.
Bowles has served the western Michigan music scene since 1970, helping the Grand Rapids music scene to flourish while encouraging national artists to make Grand Rapids a tour stop on their schedules. He is the originator and host of the Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club and a supporter of numerous charities through benefit concerts, he has performed alongside many songwriters of note including Arlo Guthrie, the Hothouse Flowers, T-Bone Burnett, Shawn Colvin and the Del McCoury Band.
PETER ASHER: A MUSICAL MEMOIR OF THE 60S AND BEYOND
"…as Mr. Asher regaled a delighted audience with stories… he conjured history in the making, before it was set in stone." – Stephen Holden, New York Times
We first came to know him through the global smash "World Without Love" as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon. He returns--now a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire-- in "Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond" which brings a multimedia experience to the stage, hosted by the two-time Grammy winner for Producer of the Year. Peter Asher moved effortlessly from his role with Peter & Gordon to Music Executive with the Beatles' Apple Records, then famously- (as in cover of Rolling Stone magazine level famous)- to Producer and Manager, handling the careers of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and a host of others. Books abound, documentaries with half-truths (and worse) are all too common, but, now, finally, Mr. Asher tells first hand his tales from the eye of the cultural hurricane in this intimate evening.
"Memoir" includes film footage and photos from Peter's considerable personal archive, brought to life with a storyteller's gift, transporting audiences back to the heart of 60s popular culture. Icons such as Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithful, Yoko Ono, Carole King, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt are among the cast of characters in this narrative – along (of course) with the greatly missed Gordon Waller. The evening is filled with the music of Peter & Gordon, including "I Go to Pieces," "True Love Ways," and "Lady Godiva." The songs given to Peter & Gordon by Paul McCartney are also front and center: "Woman," "I Don't Want to See You Again," Nobody I Know," and "World Without Love," all of which were US Top 40 hits. Peter presents these timeless classics along with other old favourites from that golden era.
The show brings the audience through the earliest days of Peter's journey all the way to the present day, and projects including his SiriusXM radio show on the Beatles Channel, "From Me to You" . Peter's book based on the show, "The Beatles A to Zed" is being released by MacMillan on October 29, 2019.
Peter remains a sought after producer, and Memoir delves into that part of life as well. The Peter Asher-produced CD by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, "The Long Awaited Album", was released September 22, 2017; it's one of several production efforts Steve Martin has asked Mr. Asher to oversee. including a 2018 PBS TV special with Martin Short and the Steep Canyon Rangers. .Covered as well is Peter's production of the "Love has Come for You" CD by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell — the title track a Grammy Winner in 2014- and the stage show based on it, "Bright Star," which garnered 5 Tony nominations in its run on Broadway in 2016. A new project celebrating Elton John's songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin saw the light of day in 2018, "Revamped" ; among the highlights was Ed Sheeran's take on Candle in The Wind", produced by Mr. Asher. The celebratory collection was a follow up to the Peter Asher-produced special edition of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" -released in March 2014 – which featured Ed Sheeran, Imelda May, Fall Out Boy, and others covering songs from that classic album.
Peter takes you behind the curtain of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where he inducted two old friends, the Rolling Stones' first manager Andrew Loog Oldham and the Beatles' Manager Brian Epstein. The PBS special "Buddy Holly: Listen to Me -The Ultimate Buddy Party" is still being aired regularly, and its sister CD, "Listen to Me: Buddy Holly" remains a favorite. His work on soundtracks ("Amazing Spider-Man 2," "Man Of Steel," "Rush.", etc), alongside the legendary Hans Zimmer, is touched on also, as well as the 2017 "Hans Zimmer Live!" tour of the USA and Europe that Mr. Asher Directed.
Now, in its tenth year, "Memoir" continues to thrill, as the reviews attest. On a more personal note, friends such as Liza Minelli, Eric Idle, Paul Shaffer, Ray Davies, Bill Wyman, Ken Follett, Edie Brickell, Billy Connolly, Jeff Lynne, Paul Simon, Bob Balaban, Joan Collins, Steve Martin, Ed Sheeran, Tony Shalhoub, Linda Ronstadt, and Michael Feinstein have been among the audiences in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London that have given standing ovations to "Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond."
kawehi.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Spotify
Singer. Songwriter. Southpaw. Shit talker. Slice slayer. Walks like a trucker.
The first time we brought Kawehi to Spring Lake, we were simply intrigued by her music. But the moment she took the stage, we were awestruck.
Kawehi is a new breed of musician, a one-woman-band from Lawrence, Kansas who uses technology to carry the weight of a full band on her own. She was seen and heard in the Super Bowl 50 commercial for Intel, has landed in publications such as People Magazine, Spin, Esquire, and on the front page of Reddit. Elle magazine has dubbed Kawehi "The Genius One-Woman Band" and HuffPo has praised Kawehi as "Killing the DIY scene." With over 11 million views on her YouTube channel, Kawehi has been performing to sold out shows across the nation and has already been on three headlining tours. With eight Kickstarter projects under her belt, Kawehi shows no signs of slowing down.
And check out the opener, Waiting for Smith!
www.ordinaryelephant.net | Facebook | Spotify
Shawn. Freakin. Mullins. Shawn has been one of our favorite artists since we first heard him. Long before the venue. But, once we opened our doors, we just knew that he would be magical here. We didn't actually think we would ever get him here, tho and now this is Shawn's 4th time to perform here. Oh, my, that baratone!
After a series of indie record releases, Shawn Mullins' critical breakthrough came when 1998 Soul's Core album shot him to fame on the strength of its Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, "Lullaby" followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 "Beautiful Wreck" from 2006's 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor. His song, "Shimmer" was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson's Creek soundtrack. He co-wrote "All in My Head" which was featured in episode one of the hit TV sitcom "Scrubs." Mullins also co-wrote the Zac Brown Band's No. 1 country tune "Toes." In early 2002, he formed super group The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge. For the 20th anniversary, Shawn revisited the music on Soul's Core and recorded two new versions of the album. He calls this Soul's Core Revival. This is not a remix or a remaster of the original, but rather brand new recordings with new arrangements of the songs – one album is new stripped down solo performances, some on guitar, some on piano and maybe one a cappella and the second is a new studio recording with his full band, Soul Carnival.
Shawn. Freakin. Mullins. Shawn has been one of our favorite artists since we first heard him. Long before the venue. But, once we opened our doors, we just knew that he would be magical here. We didn't actually think we would ever get him here, tho and now this is Shawn's 4th time to perform here. Oh, my, that baratone!
After a series of indie record releases, Shawn Mullins' critical breakthrough came when 1998 Soul's Core album shot him to fame on the strength of its Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, "Lullaby" followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 "Beautiful Wreck" from 2006's 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor. His song, "Shimmer" was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson's Creek soundtrack. He co-wrote "All in My Head" which was featured in episode one of the hit TV sitcom "Scrubs." Mullins also co-wrote the Zac Brown Band's No. 1 country tune "Toes." In early 2002, he formed super group The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge. For the 20th anniversary, Shawn revisited the music on Soul's Core and recorded two new versions of the album. He calls this Soul's Core Revival. This is not a remix or a remaster of the original, but rather brand new recordings with new arrangements of the songs – one album is new stripped down solo performances, some on guitar, some on piano and maybe one a cappella and the second is a new studio recording with his full band, Soul Carnival.
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Willy Porter has been touring solo and with ensembles of different sizes and shapes for over 30 years following his own path to explore the sacred language that music truly is. He continues to reach further into his guitar & pen while stretching the form of what his own music can be. His current trio combines Porter's acoustic and electric fret work with the dynamic drumming of longtime collaborator Dave Schoepke, and recent band addition Eric Madunic on Bass & vocals. Their live sound is a blend of grit, soul & space that moves seamlessly from folk & bluesy Americana to alt and progressive rock in service of Porter's original tunes.
Willy Porter has performed here many times and his musicianship as a guitar player and talent as a singer/songwriter is unparalleled. Come see and hear why we bring him back time and time again. Join us!
petermulvey.com
Peter Mulvey has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur and almost-poet since before he can remember. Raised working-class Catholic on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, he took a semester in Ireland, and immediately began cutting classes to busk on Grafton Street in Dublin and hitchhike through the country, finding whatever gigs he could. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging in the Midwest before lighting out for Boston, where he returned to busking (this time in the subway) and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national and international touring. The wheels have not stopped since.
Nineteen records, an illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own boutique festival (the Lamplighter Sessions, in Boston and Wisconsin)… Mulvey never stops. He has built his life's work on collaboration and an instinct for the eclectic and the vital. He folds everything he encounters into his work: poetry, social justice, scientific literacy, & a deeply abiding humanism are all on plain display in his art.
Peter has a knack for putting life into perspective with a sly grin and clever lyrics. Peter has been here a number of times and we look forward to his return!
KENNY WHITE comes to the world of the touring singer-songwriter following a long and successful musical journey. A long-time accomplished pianist, who also performs on guitar, Kenny has now become more known for his clever lyrics. LONG LIST OF PRIORS, his aptly named current album, is the latest collection of original songs: snapshots of the human condition, from heartwarming to humorous. Audiences often comment that a Kenny White concert moves them to laughter and tears — sometimes within the same song! "If Mark Twain could sing and play piano like a virtuoso, his name would be Kenny White." –Stu Kuby, The Strand, Hudson Falls, NY. Kenny recently completed an 18-month tour performing his original songs while traveling as the opener for Stephen Stills & Judy Collins, and has toured for many years with Cheryl Wheeler. He is looking forward to returning to the road to perform his own full-length shows.
Kenny was our 7th concert. Like ever. The entire audience sat enraptured by his storytelling and his songs. December 3, 2011, started a love affair between venue and artist that continues to this day. We are honored that he continues to come to Spring Lake to share his music.
alicepeacock.com | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
Much has changed for singer-songwriter Alice Peacock since her last solo studio album, 2009's Love Remains. She's had three kids, moved to Cincinnati and…gotten 10 years older. "Feel the weight of the world on my shoulders / Am I wiser or am I just older?" she sings on "Dry Spell," from her new collection, Minnesota. The record suggests that despite her "wondering what all is yet to be," she has indeed attained a measure of wisdom.
She uses the word "midlife" but does not follow it by "crisis." She views her current outlook more as an awareness of life's fragility and an appreciation of its sweetness. "Being a parent, I don't know that I could love any more than I do right now," she says, "so I've also never been more vulnerable. I have everything to lose."
Further evidence of this contemplative spirit can be heard on album closer "God Be Near Me," about which Peacock says, "I wrote a hymn out of nowhere! I was sitting at the piano one day going, 'Am I completely screwing this all up?' And I found myself thinking, 'Help me to stay focused on love.'" The lyrics ask, "Help me to surrender / And love the world the way you do / Now and ever after / And live in love the way you do."
Alice was our first ever concert on March 4, 2011. You never forget your first!
"A truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs." The New Yorker
"Kaplansky weaves fragile lives toegether making even tenuous connections as palpable as flesh and blood." USA Today
"New York songwriter Lucy Kaplansky is becoming the troubador laureate of modern folks. The Boston Globe
Lucy is another artist who has been in our playlist long before there was a venue. Join us for an amazing concert!
heathermaloney.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
Some albums are monoliths, compressed under
the weight of a singular circumstance bearing down on an artist. Heather
Maloney's "Soil in the Sky" is a collective memory. Stitched together from
personal and universal ecstasy, loss both intimate and ancient, Maloney's
fourth full-length release is a collage of tremulous folk, existential ballads,
and assertive rock. Taken as a whole, it's a constellation that looks a lot
like life.
The artist holds the center. The Massachusetts-based "writer song-singer" found music in the midst of three years at a meditation center, honing a sound moored in days of silent reflection and reverence for storytellers like Joni, Rilke and Ken Burns. On "Soil in the Sky," she takes us to the midwest's existential crisis, a barstool scooching against fate, a make-my-day reckoning with society's old guard. They're roads less traveled and she keeps good company. Dawes' Taylor Goldsmith lends a distinctive duet to "We Were Together," a rare love song from Maloney that nods to a Walt Whitman poem; Maloney and Rachel Price form a harmonic Voltron on "Enigma," a triumphant uppercut to oppressive power structures. The album is sonically rounded out by an all-star cast of players including longtime collaborator Ryan Hommel, Griffin Goldsmith, Jared Olevsky, Reed Sutherland, Dave Eggar and Jay Ungar.
In sound and sentiment, these 12 songs cover an immense amount of territory. But they're all powered by the same source. There's a spiritual thread throughout the record. That inspiration doesn't necessarily come from above -- Maloney has a patchwork metaphysical support system -- but from all around: the glow of humanity gathered in the people and places that lap out in our wake.
Heather has toured nationally as a headliner as well as in support of acts like Lake Street Dive, Shakey Graves, Gary Clark Jr., Colin Hay, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and many more. The New York Times called her music "utterly gorgeous, visceral" and SPIN Magazine described her as "stunning, breathy, and starkly memorable". "Soil In The Sky" is out on 6/14 via Signature Sounds.
This much we can say: we love love love Heather Maloney. Her voice and lyrics make her one of the best touring singer/songwriters we know!
www.swaywild.com | Sway Wild on Facebook | Mandy Fer & Dave McGraw on Spotify
Internationally acclaimed indie folk-rock duo Mandy Fer and Dave McGraw are back at it with a new sound, and a new name: Sway Wild! Their exceptional vocal harmonies, coupled with Fer's pioneering electric guitar work, have become a vehicle to carry them around the world, sharing stages with the likes of Iron & Wine, Lake Street Dive, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Mandolin Orange. Sway Wild's infectious sound explores the corners of rock, pop, funk, prog, worldbeat, and folk, but at its nucleus it is undeniably a music full of joy. It can squeeze the heart in your chest, it can draw tears from your eyes, and it can force you to get up and move your body; over and over, it somehow manages to do all three at once. Mandy Fer also tours as the lead guitarist for Allison Russell and recently performed with Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell.
www.suzannew.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter
Fearless, bold, unapologetic, and freaking hilarious best describes Comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer. She's made a career out of telling the truth. And, the truth is, life is funny and no one is off limits.
Suzanne was the first openly lesbian comedian to appear on Comedy Central, A&E, HBO and "Late Night with David Letterman."
Suzanne does the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday (in ink).
With her girlfriend, Suzanne participated in the Guinness Book of World Records' biggest lesbian kiss in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Suzanne loves stars. She has a dozen star tattoos on her body.
A FiestaWare nut, Suzanne owns over 600 of the collectible pieces.
This is Suzanne's 4th time at Seven Steps Up. She was brought to us by a friend, and we have never looked back! Gay or straight, you will love Suzanne. She will have you rolling with laughter! And laughter is something we could all use a little more of right now!
tonylucca.com | facebook | spotify | 2020 By Request Retrospective
Tony Lucca is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter whose catalog of music runs the gamut from soul-infused pop to tear-jerker folk balladry. His music has been featured in shows like "Parenthood," "Friday Night Lights," "Felicity," and "Brothers and Sisters." He was a frequent member of the house band on "Last Call with Carson Daly," where he performed alongside then fellow up-and-comers like Kamasi Washington, Zane Carney, Brian Wright, and stalwarts like Marc Ford and Cordovas front man, Joe Firstman. In 2012, Lucca took third place on NBC's "The Voice," earning himself a record deal with coach Adam Levine's 222 Records. He has toured alongside such artists as Sara Bareilles, Jonny Lang, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Rachael Yamagata, Emerson Hart, and Gabe Dixon.
tonylucca.com | facebook | spotify | Insta
small plates + concert + dessert + champagne
You are cordially invited to attend:
Doors open at 7:30 (assortment of small plate food throughout the evening including GF and vegetarian options)
Concert first set: 9:30ish
Dessert/Intermission: 10:30ish (assortment of mini desserts including GF and vegetarian options)
Concert second set: 11:00ish
A bottle of Champagne delivered to your table: 11:30ish
Tony Lucca toast to ring in the new year:
midnight—no ish!
The concert ends when the concert ends. That's all we're sayin!
Dress up. Stay casual. Join us as we say goodbye to 2021 and ring in 2022!
tonylucca.com | facebook | spotify | 2020 By Request Retrospective
Tony Lucca is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter whose catalog of music runs the gamut from soul-infused pop to tear-jerker folk balladry. His music has been featured in shows like "Parenthood," "Friday Night Lights," "Felicity," and "Brothers and Sisters." He was a frequent member of the house band on "Last Call with Carson Daly," where he performed alongside then fellow up-and-comers like Kamasi Washington, Zane Carney, Brian Wright, and stalwarts like Marc Ford and Cordovas front man, Joe Firstman. In 2012, Lucca took third place on NBC's "The Voice," earning himself a record deal with coach Adam Levine's 222 Records. He has toured alongside such artists as Sara Bareilles, Jonny Lang, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Rachael Yamagata, Emerson Hart, and Gabe Dixon.
On this night, Tony will be rockin it out with a band. And that means DANCE PARTAY!!
jormakaukonen.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify
A Brief History of Jorma Kaukonen
"A pioneer of San Francisco psychedelia, Jorma Kaukonen is a bona fide graybeard folk swami. He mostly lays back, a master in situ, unfurling melodies and savoring every note. – Rolling Stone Magazine
In a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and rock. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient, Jorma was at the forefront of popular rock and roll, one of the founders of the San Francisco sound and a progenitor of Psychedelic Rock. He is a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. Jorma Kaukonen is a music legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters in his field. He continues to tour the world bringing his unique styling to old blues tunes while presenting new songs of weight and dimension. His secret is in playing spontaneous and unfiltered music, with an individual expression of personality. In 2016, Jorma, Jack Casady and the other members of Jefferson Airplane were awarded The GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to American music.
"A mesmerizing storyteller, Kaukonen delivers a memoir as intricate and dazzling as his music." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
In 2019 St. Martin's Press published Jorma's autobiography, Been So Long: My Life and Music, written to express his life both in and out of the music world. As Kaukonen describes, "My story is my story. Having told bits and pieces of it over my lifetime to a treasured few, it was time to tell all to a bigger audience...From rehearsals and jams in small apartments and tiny back rooms to Monterey, Woodstock, Altamont, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the world of the Grammys and beyond… this is part of the road I live on. This is my embryonic journey and much, much more!"
"At a time when many rock stars are releasing memoirs, Jorma Kaukonen's Been So Long: My Life and Music stands apart.... an incredibly insightful look inside the life of a musician who was not only influenced by some of America's greatest music but who also left an indelible mark on that very same musical landscape." —AXS
The son of a State Department official, Jorma Kaukonen, Jr. was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, with occasional extended trips outside the United States. He was a devotee of rock and roll in the Buddy Holly era but soon developed a love for the blues and bluegrass that were profuse in the clubs and concerts in the nation's capital. It inspired him to take up guitar and play that kind of music himself. Soon he met Jack Casady, the younger brother of a friend and a wonderful guitar player in his own right. Though they could not have known it, they were beginning a musical partnership that has continued for more than 50 years.
Jorma graduated from high school and headed off for Antioch College in Ohio, where he met Ian Buchanan, who introduced him to the elaborate fingerstyle fretwork of the Rev. Gary Davis. A work-study program in New York introduced Jorma, the increasingly skilled guitarist, to that city's burgeoning folk-blues-bluegrass scene and many of its players. After a break from college and travel overseas, Jorma moved to California, where he returned to classes at Santa Clara University and earned money by teaching guitar. It was at this time, in 1965, that he met Paul Kantner and was invited to join a new not-yet-named rock band Kantner was forming with Marty Balin. As a self-described blues purist, Kaukonen was initially reluctant, but found his imagination excited by the arsenal of effects available to electric guitar, later remarking that he was "sucked in by technology." With the group still looking for a name, Kaukonen suggested Jefferson Airplane, inspired by an eccentric friend who had given his dog the name "Blind Lemon Jefferson Airplane." Jorma invited his old musical partner Jack Casady to come out to San Francisco and play electric bass for the new band, and together they created much of Jefferson Airplane's signature sound.
A pioneer of counterculture-era psychedelic rock, the group was the first band from the San Francisco scene to achieve international mainstream success. Their 1967 record Surrealistic Pillow is regarded as one of the key recordings of the "Summer of Love."
"Jorma Kaukonen is a force in American music, equally adept at fingerpicked acoustic folk and blues as he is at wailing on an electric." – Acoustic Guitar
Jorma and Jack would jam whenever they could and would sometimes perform sets within sets at Airplane concerts. The two would often play clubs following Airplane performances. Making a name for themselves as a duo, they struck a record deal, and Hot Tuna was born. Jorma left Jefferson Airplane after the band's most productive five years, pursuing his full-time job with Hot Tuna. Over the past five decades Hot Tuna has performed thousands of concerts and released more than two-dozen records. The musicians who have performed with them are many and widely varied, as are their styles — from acoustic to long and loud electric jams, but never straying far from their musical roots. What is remarkable is that they have never coasted. Hot Tuna today sounds better than ever.
"It is Kaukonen's original material that best tells the story." – Forbes
Jorma's originals from his poignant instrumentals, "Embryonic Journey" (Jefferson Airplane - Surrealistic Pillow) and "The Water Song" (Hot Tuna - Burgers), to his insightful lyrics, "Genesis" (Jorma Kaukonen - Quah), have stood the test of time. Having an undeniable feeling of significance, they have been included in films and covered by many artists who have been inspired by his depth and continuity of spirit.
"[His] dexterity runs circles around most players … His material stands the test of time in a way that most others will not." – Billboard
In addition to his work with Hot Tuna, Jorma has recorded more than a dozen solo albums on major labels beginning with 1974's Quah and continuing with his recent acoustic releases on Red House Records — Stars in My Crown (2007) produced by Byron House, River of Time (2009) produced by Larry Campbell and featuring Levon Helm and Jorma's latest solo album, Ain't in No Hurry (2015) also produced by Larry Campbell and featuring Jack Casady.
"Clearly not content on resting on any of his legendary laurels, Jorma Kaukonen continues to find ways to wed his muse to the right material and create a colorful tableau." – Relix
But performance and recording are only part of the story.
As the leading practitioner and teacher of fingerstyle guitar, Jorma and his wife Vanessa Lillian operate one of the world's most unique centers for the study of guitar and other instruments. Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp is located on 125 acres of fields, woods, hills, and streams in the Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Ohio. Since it opened in 1998, thousands of musicians whose skills range from basic to highly accomplished gather for weekends of master instruction offered by Jorma and other instructors who are leaders in their musical fields. A multitude of renowned performers make the trek to Ohio to teach at Fur Peace Ranch and play at the performance hall, Fur Peace Station. It has become an important stop on the touring circuit for artists who do not normally play intimate 200-seat venues, bringing such artists as David Bromberg, Roger McGuinn, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Alvin, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Warren Haynes, Lee Roy Parnell, Chris Hillman and more. Students, instructors, and visiting artists alike welcome the peace and tranquility -- as well as the great music and great instruction -- that Fur Peace Ranch offers.
At Fur Peace Ranch the Kaukonens have created the Psylodelic Gallery, a museum in a silo, celebrating the music, art, culture, and literature of the 1960's, tracing important events and movements of the psychedelic era. They produce concerts at the Fur Peace Station which are streamed internationally on YouTube as well as broadcast on WOUB 91.3 FM. The Kaukonens there support their local community through art festivals and a restaurant on site.
Jorma Kaukonen is constantly looking to take his musical horizons further
still, always moving forward and he is quick to say that teaching is among
the most rewarding aspects of his career. "You just can't go backward. The
arrow of time only goes in one direction."
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Marielle Kraft
When you hear Marielle Kraft's music or experience her candid live shows, you feel as though you already know her. The indie pop singer/songwriter, now based in Nashville, displays craftsmanship beyond her years, following suit to artists like Shawn Mendes, Maisie Peters, and Taylor Swift.
Self-taught, the Rhode Island native began playing guitar at 16 and soon writing songs that strike chords with listeners everywhere. Her gift for storytelling is evident through her use of salient detail, raw emotion, and poignant word choice to describe moments "exactly as they feel."
Over the past few years, Marielle Kraft has self-released one original EP, seven singles, and four official music videos.
Kraft's 2017 debut single, "How Far You Feel," has collected nearly half a million streams across platforms. The indie pop breakout track seeks to understand the dichotomy of physical vs. emotional distance in relationships, brilliantly expressing "what many feel but cannot find the right words to say."
Marielle's 2018 single, "Test Drive," was the first on her debut EP, followed by a second release in February 2019: "Toothbrush." This fan-favorite soft pop tune was coupled with a brilliantly creative lyric video comprised of 50 fans singing along to her lyrics using custom Marielle Kraft toothbrushes.
Kraft's third EP single, "Better Without You," arrived on May 17th, 2019 across platforms. This "standout track" reaches new heights in pop production and lyrical construction. Premiering on GroundSounds, the bicoastal music blog raves of the sparkling single, "The song shows Kraft's big-time pop sensibilities. It's addicting, charming, and shows why she's a name to watch this year."
Each of these three singles culminated as Marielle Kraft's debut studio EP, "The Deep End." Officially released on July 12th, 2019 Kraft's first effort is notably strong both lyrically and sonically, described by The Music Mermaid as "song after song of mini pop addictions."
Kraft's EP release was directly followed by her first headlining east coast tour. Her "winning personality," "genuine connection"," and "gift for story telling" on stage have fueled the ever-growing crowds at each of her shows, with no signs of slowing down.
In February 2020, Marielle Kraft co-released an "anthemic" and "heart-filled" single with Joshua Howard entitled "In It Together", which has quickly gained support across platforms.
Marielle Kraft regularly plays at venues across the United States, sharing stages with names as big as Jon McLaughlin, Ava Max, and Betty Who. She presents her live shows as a seamless narrative: evocative yet encouraging, deeply reflective yet refreshing. The raw authenticity with which Marielle invites listeners into her story cultivates a relationship with them beyond the song, as she is known to "bring together a room full of strangers."
In spring 2018, she was crowned Grand Champion of the Mid-Atlantic Singer-Songwriter Competition, and the following June she delivered a Tedx Talk at Firefly 2018, discussing the importance of honesty rooted in her songwriting process.
Marielle Kraft's October 23rd single, "Portland," breathtakingly captures the moment we find ourselves in, and speaks volumes of the young artist's songwriting abilities.
Without missing a beat, Marielle Kraft released back to back singles to kick off 2021, both of which found major traction on Tiktok before becoming fully studio produced releases. "Everyone But Me" (February 19th) and "We Were Never Friends" (March 24th) feature a more developed sound than seen from Marielle before, and have cultivated her biggest streaming debuts to date. With more new releases on the way, Kraft is on track for an even bigger 2022.
Skout
While Skout's earliest work grapples with surviving in a state of uncertainty, her new EP Patterns is a testament to thriving in spite of it.
Skout is the musical moniker of Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist Laura Valk. Known for percussive, melodic guitar work and introspective songwriting, Skout's lyrics wrestle with the messy truths and "what nows?" that linger once the dust of adolescence starts to settle. Often writing and performing alongside her best friend and longtime collaborator Connor Gladney, Skout has created a sound that floats somewhere between indie, folk, and pop.
While an evolving soundscape defines her sound, it's the repetitive, cyclical thoughts common with anxiety and depression that ultimately led Patterns to its namesake. In writing the EP, Valk confronted one of her darkest patterns: the swirling self-doubt that seemed to dominate a post-coming-of-age reality.
"The first time I shared the lead single 'Move' with loved ones, they were able to hear something I couldn't," Valk recalls. "I remember them saying 'Laura, this song isn't just about feeling stuck. This is what depressive thinking sounds like.' It was a revelation that changed my life."
Patterns was produced by Quinn Redmond and Julian Dente and recorded over several months in both Nashville and NYC. The EP is the result of two years of writing, touring, and intensifying highs and lows, culminating in two particularly difficult struggles for Skout: while Valk grappled with her mental health, Gladney was diagnosed with a debilitating chronic health condition.
Skout's second single, "Dumb Little Life," was written at the height of these setbacks. "It was a really dark, uncertain time both personally and professionally, so I challenged myself to write something upbeat, anthemic almost. Whether intentional or not, 'Dumb Little Life' has become this reminder that I can always try to change my perspective even if circumstances remain beyond my control."
In navigating this musical and personal uncertainty, Skout found confidence, healing, and a remarkable new stride. In 2019, Adam Duritz of Counting Crows tapped Skout to play at his Underwater Sunshine Festival in NYC after seeing Valk and Gladney play live, remarking, "they just blew my mind…they are both incredible guitar players." Later that year, Skout joined platinum-selling soul-pop powerhouse Eric Hutchinson on his sold out City Winery tour. Proudly independent, Skout's first major release, Just Words, landed on both Spotify's USA and Canada Viral 50 charts, and her music has since been featured by MTV, NBC, Popmatters, and Music Connection.
joepurdy.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
Joe Purdy is an internationally acclaimed folk artist who has released 14 albums and a soundtrack to a movie in the last 15 years. Along the way, his songs have turned up on numerous TV shows, film soundtracks and he has co-starred in an acclaimed film.
"American Folk" marked Joe's first foray into acting. He also contributed to much of the soundtrack. It earned several awards including Best New Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
Joe's last album, "Who Will Be Next?", is deeply rooted in the tradition of artists such as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan. It is a searing commentary of our turbulent times. Joe's determination to honor the giants of American folk music while applying his formidable skills as a writer and vocalist reveal him as a compassionate observer and participant in our times.
Joe has just finished a new album which will be released soon and supported by a Worldwide Tour in 2022.
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Harkin was part of the popular Irish music group, Celtic Thunder, for nearly a decade. After being discovered by Grammy-winning producer David Foster, he signed to Verve Records and released his self-titled, debut solo album in 2012 where it became the #1 best seller on iTunes in addition to reaching #1 on the World Music Chart in both the U.S. and Canada. Harkin's sophomore recording, On Mercy Street, was released in 2015, followed by his 2016 holiday release, Nollaig, both of which also reached #1 on Billboard's World Music chart. His latest release, the live acoustic "In the Round" album, reached #3 on the iTunes singer / songwriter charts.
For over a decade now, Keith has touched the hearts of fans with performances in venues large and small throughout Europe, North America and Australia.
He currently spends time between Ireland and Los Angeles where he is writing his third studio album.
patmcgee.net | Facebook | Insta | Spotify
The Pat McGee Band is what is commonly referred to as a band of journeyman musicians. In the 25 years since their initial formation, they've acquired a fanatical popular following, one that was so determined that it produced sales of over 100,000 copies of their first three albums and eventually caused Warner Bros. Records to take notice and sign the group to an exclusive contract at the end of the '90s. The band's dedication to working the road was so steadfast that at one point in their ten year touring stint, they played a remarkable 98 concerts in a period of 103 days. They shared stages with the Who, the Allman Brothers, James Taylor, and many more, and also achieved the ultimate honors -- performing for president Bill Clinton, touring with the USO and sharing their songs onboard the USS Eisenhower with 5,000 servicemen and servicewomen serving a tour of duty in the Arabian Sea.
wearethecontenders.com | Facebook | Spotify
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.
davidryanharris.com | Facebook | Insta | Twitter | Spotify
You've either got soul or you don't. David Ryan Harris most definitely does. The singer,
songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has built an impressive catalog of soulful stories
that instantly captivate. "Soulfulness comes from telling stories in in the most honest
and direct way that you can," he says. "People relate to what you're saying when you
sing from the heart." That's exactly what Harris has done throughout his three-decade
career.
Whether it be in early bands such as Follow For Now, Brand New Immortals or over the course of six full-length solo albums, he tells stories that resonate. He's carried this same spirit while producing, writing and/or performing with the likes of John Mayer, Dave Matthews, India.Arie, Cassandra Wilson and Guy Sebastian—with whom he co-wrote the RIAA platinum-certified "Battle Scars". Most recently, it drove Harris' album Lightyears, which boasted guest spots from John Mayer, India.Arie, and Nikka Costa.
Along the way, he received acclaim from All Music Guide, Glide Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Performer Magazine, AXS, Relix Magazine, and many others in addition to performing on Fox, CBS, and The CW in between packed tours.
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