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Breedlove Artists
After an impressive and progressive 2009, Fall Back Plan is ready to hit the road to support the upcoming LP, Dance In The Reign. Formed in 2007 by veterans of the Baltimore/DC Rock scene, Fall Back Plan is on its way to the top of the regional rock food chain. Fronted by Donice Cully and rounded out by band members Brian Shealey, Geoffrey Gill and Ken Crawn, this powerhouse alternative rock act is gaining recognition quickly for energetic live shows, tight song-craft, killer vocals and undeniable hooks. Their debut EP, The Starting Over (Feb.08), has gained great reviews and continues to gain in sales on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other digital outlets.In addition to their debut EP, 2008 was filled with appearances, licensing placements and exclusive performances. Fall Back Plan appeared on Comcast’s Backstage with Barry Nolan, the ESPN Zone, the Road To Dew tour, the Baltimore Ravens Kickoff and MTV2’s Spankin’ New Music week. They were also invited to showcase at the Los Angeles Music Network Jam and Universal Motown’s Rock NYC. Three of the five songs off of The Starting Over EP were used for licensing placement on E! channel’s Living Lohan, Keeping Up with The Kardashians and MTV’s Road Rules. Look Out for debut LP, Dance In The Reign-August 2010
After an impressive and progressive 2009, Fall Back Plan is ready to hit the road to support the upcoming LP, Dance In The Reign. Formed in 2007 by veterans of the Baltimore/DC Rock scene, Fall Back Plan is on its way to the top of the regional rock food chain. Fronted by Donice Cully and rounded out by band members Brian Shealey, Geoffrey Gill and Ken Crawn, this powerhouse alternative rock act is gaining recognition quickly for energetic live shows, tight song-craft, killer vocals and undeniable hooks. Their debut EP, The Starting Over (Feb.08), has gained great reviews and continues to gain in sales on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other digital outlets.In addition to their debut EP, 2008 was filled with appearances, licensing placements and exclusive performances. Fall Back Plan appeared on Comcast’s Backstage with Barry Nolan, the ESPN Zone, the Road To Dew tour, the Baltimore Ravens Kickoff and MTV2’s Spankin’ New Music week. They were also invited to showcase at the Los Angeles Music Network Jam and Universal Motown’s Rock NYC. Three of the five songs off of The Starting Over EP were used for licensing placement on E! channel’s Living Lohan, Keeping Up with The Kardashians and MTV’s Road Rules. Look Out for debut LP, Dance In The Reign-August 2010
With a bright voice and sharp music sensibility, singer-songwriter Robbie Hazen knows it takes just two to start a riot. Hazen’s duo performs compositions that blend acoustic college rock, alt pop, and indie folk with an invigorating sense of fun, cleverness, and confidence. A recent Notre Dame graduate, the 24-year-old Floridian is a veteran songwriter and performer who got his start as a young teenager, playing carnivals, festivals, and church events and building on those experiences, recording, putting out demos, learning the business side of music-making and production and attracting the attention of recording-industry movers and shakers.
Primed to be an indie/college radio darling, Hazen appeals to mainstream tastes as well as to hipster music hounds, thanks to his lyrical sincerity, catchy melodies, and solid tune-making. This talented vocalist is also an accomplished guitarist, and he is backed and grounded by the Riot, currently consisting of passionate percussion from classically trained Brandon McClaskey.
“I want not only the music and melody to move people, but the lyrics and story as well,” says Hazen. His buoyant songs deal with the connections between people, our relationships, the ties that survive and the ones that don’t. More recently he’s exploring the themes of politics, social issues, and what unites us in the wider world.
Breedlove Instrument: 12-string guitar
More info online: www.sonicbids.com/robbiehazen
Alexis Ebert is a nineteen year old singer/songwriter from Oregon. She started her career out singing at fairs and festivals through out the Northwest. When she was 8 years old she had the great honor of singing for the President of the United States. After that Alexis landed a coveted L.A publishing deal at the tender age of eleven. She later signed a record deal with Warner Brothers Nashville at thirteen and then at fourteen had one of her first songs “The Real Me” featured in the film and soundtrack “Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen”, that album went on to sell over 650,000 copies, giving Alexis her first Gold record. She has written and recorded with some of the greatest song writer/producers in the world such as Glen Ballard, Holly Knight, and Charlie Midnight. In 2008 Alexis signed a co-venture deal with Skyline and Sony Tree ATV in Nashville Tennessee. She is currently working with legendary Grammy winning producer Paul Worley.
More info online: www.myspace.com/alexis or www.alexisebert.com
Key of Dreams… dynamic, acoustic fusion jazz... Founded by Eric Schultheis and Abe Wirth on November 6th, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. Key of Dreams’ thought provoking melodies seem to dance over a lush, harmonic groove resulting from the seamless integration of Eric and Abe’s guitars. Set to infectious, worldly, percussive rhythms laid down by Doug Narry, their music captivates the senses of even the most discriminating listener.
Eric and Abe met while sitting-in at the local blues club. Instantly recognizing the musical chemistry, they began playing, writing, recording and performing together, developing a distinctive sound and style highlighting their passionate guitar virtuosity. "We started with a rock/fingerstyle fusion kind of thing, you know - heavy on the distortion and acoustic open tunings. Now we've incorporated the Spanish guitar into our style, never disregarding our rock roots."
The sound and style are unique - drawing from many musical influences including traditional and new jazz, rock, classical, Flamenco, world, and funk. "We’ve been told we sound like Pat Metheny, Joe Satriani, Earl Klugh, and Ottmar Liebert, to name a few. That's a broad spectrum of artists to be compared to, which for us is good. We’re not trying to sound like anyone else, or any particular style of music for that matter. We just play and let it happen, which is very cool because there are really no boundaries. We can change the tempo, signature, and overall feel whenever we want, and we do!”
More info online: www.keyofdreams.com
"soulo acoustic groove..."
` . . . recalling a favorite boyhood memory, Mark Alan says that he would lie between the rows of a freshly plowed field, the dark, sun-warmed earth to his back, just as the cool of dusk began to settle over the heartland. Mark Alan's music is rooted in that soil and from time to time, it seems to beckon the solace of some vast horizon. Growing up between the fertile farmland of southeastern Kansas and the majestic plains of Colorado, he was only a child when he first heard the sounds that would shape him - sounds that resonate, even today.
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Always, somewhere a radio - playing Country, Rhythm & Blues or Gospel music. He tells a story of early mornings, singing with his mother as she moved from room to room, making-up the beds; of crooning Hank Williams with his Grandfather, while riding the John Deere back and forth across broad fields of wheat or milo late into the dusk.
Artist, writer, singer, producer - Scott Tyler has mastered every step of the musical process, and that understanding results in a rich fabric of sound with layers of meaning. Following eight years of success as frontman for I-4, Off My Guard - Scott Tyler's new solo project - invites you to experience the foundation of his influences.
Raised in a small central Florida town, Tyler began his musical career in high school, performing in coffeehouses and local clubs. He honed his raw talent into polished skill at Stetson University while singing with two of the top vocal ensembles in the nation. Upon graduation, Tyler formed I-4 Band and embarked on an unbelievable journey across the US, sharing the stage with the likes of Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Switchfoot, Jessica Simpson, Willa Ford, LFO, O-Town and other top recording artists.
Now a solo artist, Tyler emblazons the acoustic rock scene with his signature idealism and inspiration. As Scott Tyler and his unbelievably talented band tour around the globe, Tyler's smooth voice and lyrical introspection continues to win the hearts of intimate audiences around the nation.
Tyler's newest single "Revel" is now available on iTunes and was recorded featuring his new custom Breedlove Focus SE. Also be sure to check out the video now on YouTube.
More info online: www.scotttylermusic.com
Stu Clark is a fingerstyle guitarist and Youtube sensation from the United Kingdom.He has arranged 100's a pieces of modern music from 1950's to now for the solo guitarist.His music ranges many styles and genre expertly switching whilst performing.He has an incredidble mastery of the fretboard and a complex use of rhythmn and arpeggio whilst playing bass and melody simultaneously.
More info online: www.stuclark.eu
Bill Keale was born on Oahu and raised near the shores of Kailua Bay. It is here that he began to discover music and writing. In part because it was family tradition. Bill's Uncle, Moe Keale, one of Hawaii's most beloved entertainers, is an Icon in his own right. Bill's cousin was Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, who's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow and A Wonderful World" still inspires us all. It was from this Heritage that Bill discovered his own healing gift.
From his early introduction into Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Pop, Folk, Healing and Easy Listening profile, Bill Keale's acoustic and somewhat organic musical style becomes evident in it's diversity with influences that include; Cat Stevens, Neil Young, James Taylor, The Beatles, Gordon Lightfoot, Jack Johnson and Hawaiian Slack Key Masters Gabby Pahinui, Keola Beamer, Ledward Kaapana, Raymond Kane and George Kuo. Bill, has achieved both the "Best of Central Oregon" Singer/Songwriter and "Best Local Musician" Awards. He has appeared on the "Oregon Art Beat" program as a featured artist. Bill has recently signed with JVC Victor Entertainment in Japan for promotion and distribution of his CD "With Aloha" featuring "A Surfer's Song", inspired by Hawaii's Pipeline Master and Surfing Legend, Gerry Lopez. The song was chosen to be in Gerry's new movie.
Born to a classically trained opera singer, Virginia native Brinn Black has been immersed in music since birth. Raised in the small town of Chester Virginia, Brinn grew up singing in the church, and in her high school choir. All she ever wanted to do was make music so at the age of 18 she hit the road straight to Music City Tennessee.
The past four years she has accomplished more than she could have ever dreamed of. She has released an album and had her single “Sweet Virginia Sunset” played on over 150 stations around the world, toured across the nation, and been able to share the stage with some of country music’s biggest stars! When Brinn says "my life is truly blessed" she's right.
When asked what compels her to write her songs she says, “I make music for myself because it's such an emotional outlet for me," Black says. From an early age, music has been an incredible escape for the young songbird.
Besides being known for having a moving voice, Brinn Black wants to be remembered for making a difference. "I want to be that person for young girls and guys feel like they have someone to look up to," she says.
She is heavily involved in charities, more specifically ones focusing on cancer research and gives back as often as she can by playing at benefits, volunteering at events, and visiting hospitals across the country.
Brinn Black's powerful voice sounds almost impossible coming from her sweet face and small body, but she has harnessed her gift well and can sure rattle some windows whenever she sings. Her voice and caring personality have attracted quite a following as she steams ahead at full-speed to make a difference and have a whole bunch of fun doing it.
More info online: www.brinnblack.com
MISTY RIVER performs a wide variety of Americana music from familiar folk melodies and country and bluegrass favorites to Celtic tunes, mysterious haunting ballads and award-winning original songs. Northwest audiences have been captivated by this all-female quartet (two of whom are mother and daughter) who support their beautiful blend of harmonic voices with combinations of guitars, fiddle, accordion, banjo, and bass.
LAURA QUIGLEY - vocals and bass
Laura has been singing all her life, informally harmonizing with her mom, Carol, and, for years, training and singing in jazz and classical choirs in high school and college in Eugene, OR. She also studied theater and music at Portland State University. Laura began teaching herself the upright acoustic bass in 1998, and in 2001 became the Washington State Champion Bass Player and has been called upon by artists such as Laurie Lewis and Jim Page. She provides not only the bass, but also the highest of harmonies, her clear soprano voice adding the "sparkle" to Misty River's sound. Laura doubles as the technical engineer, providing sound reinforcement and keeping their motorhome, Annabelle, in working order (no small task!).
Emma Hill is a 22 year old singer songwriter living in Portland, Oregon. Emma began crafting her personal flavor of folk in the small Alaskan village she grew up in. After she moved to Palmer to go to High School, Emma quickly became a staple of the budding Alaskan music scene, bringing her rurally influenced stylings to Anchorage. Emma sang with the group Blackbird Productions and as half of the folk duo Pennies and Patches – garnering a large local recognition. In 2006 Pennies and Patches went on hiatus, and Emma found herself in Portland and began writing more personal solo material. In 2007 Emma recorded and released her first full length album “Just Me” on Kuskokwim records. “Just Me” showcased her wide vocal range as well as her eclectic musical taste while staying in the realm of folk/Americana. Emma toured extensively to support the album throughout the west coast as well as national tour. The album also received regular radio play on college and independent radio stations. “Just Me” reached #8 on the KRUA Anchorage album charts. In 2008 Emma recorded her second album “Clumsy Seduction”, which is scheduled for release in March 2009 on Kuskokwim.
Emma maintains her strong Folk/Americana roots while crafting beautiful stories and unbelievably catchy melodies. Emma has been commended for singing with a maturity beyond her years, on “Clumsy Seduction” she goes above and beyond; both in her voice and her songwriting. With full instrumenta- tion and her signature songwriting style, “Clumsy Seduction” is the culmination of an artist on the Brink. Emma has successfully come into her own, solidifying her status within the Folk community as an “Artist to Know” in 2009.
More info online: www.emmahillmusic.com
K
nown for their timeless and infectious harmonies and breezy, “front-porch rifts” which inspire fans to sing and dance, the Makepeace Brothers thrill crowds worldwide.
Since completing their international tour, “Music Magic Makepeace” with Atlantic Records recording artist Jason Mraz, the Makepeace Brothers continue to play to enthusiastic audiences around the US, Canada, and the UK.
Currently two of the brothers, Finian and Ciaran Makepeace, tour with long-time friend and bassist Conor Gaffney. They are occasionally accompanied by brothers Aidan and Liam Makepeace.
Their extensive catalog of upbeat songs including “Things Gonna Wait” and “I Can Always Do It” get fans up and dancing while songs “Hero” and “Lovely” serve as anthems to their message of love, one world, peace, and consciousness.
Home grown in the vibrant music community of Ithaca, NY, the Makepeace Brothers were surrounded by a constant soundtrack of Dylan, Marley, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, as well as diverse acts from around the world that they watched perform at music festivals each year. Combining elements of bluegrass, country, Jazz, Brazilian, African, and Celtic, their music is as worldly and positive as their message.
Born in Pittsburg, Kansas and raised in Salem, Oregon,Tim hit the road as a professional musician at just 19-years-old and never looked back. For the last 20 years he's made a solid living playing all genres of music from California to Georgia and Montana to Texas and everywhere in between. He's learned from his many mentors that “ the Best Guitarists were not Rock, Country, Blues or Jazz players... They were simply guitarists."
Tim is Currently based in Bend, Oregon, and is now out-front as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Tim is performing his own original material and whether it is a Flamenco Jazz style instrumental or back to his Cajun Rock roots his Breedlove Revival OM-R Deluxe allows him to play with the precision and passion born from many years of performing. Look for his new CD due out this summer.
More info online: myspace.com/timothyejcoffey
Frank Viele attributes much of his musical influences to his family. He began his musical journey at the age of 3 when he spent much time with his grandmother, where his attraction to music took form as he first discovered her old grand piano. During his early teens, Viele was introduced to jam greats such as the Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix by his older brother. "I was the only one in my grade school with the Dead in my Walkman while everyone else was listening to The Backstreet Boys," Frank recalls. "And when I first heard Hendrix's 'Who Knows', it blew my mind!" It wasn't until age 16 that Frank started to write his own music after the untimely passing of his stepfather. "I had to grow up fast, and I needed a release," says Frank. It was then that Viele truly discovered The Dave Matthews Band and started crossing multiple state lines to see their shows. He quickly taught himself how to play the guitar and learned the intricacies of Dave Matthews's songs tailgating in the parking lots at his shows.
It wasn't until the summer after Frank's freshman year in college that he sought formal training at the Berklee Summer Program in Boston, where he cut his teeth in jazz and blues and began his study of what he considers "The Greats": Wes Montgomery, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and the like. After transferring to Marist College as a sophomore, Viele reformed his first band with an old friend, with Frank writing most of the songs and playing most of the instruments himself during every show. After some time as a backing player, Frank decided he would try singing his songs himself. "My songs are very soulful, and I didn't think anyone else could really portray what I was feeling when I wrote them," says Frank. Finally, after a small record producer discovered him playing a James Brown song in a guitar shop in Connecticut, he recorded "Bein' Lonely Together", which became the first of 6 tracks on his first EP entitled Blue Roses for Two. He sold about 1,000 physical copies of the EP, which also gained him radio airplay in the US and Europe.
In Whangarei New Zealand, and at the age of five, 1986 saw Erin Cole-Baker born into the world of music via classical piano and a family full of talent. Five years later and carrying a hundred bucks from Great Aunt Honey, Erin and her older brother purchased their first guitar. Quick to feel out the chords on her own, Erin learned the basics of guitar playing quite rapidly and wrote her first song later that year. In 2005 The United States called to her as the place to begin her dream of building a career in music and she came ashore eager to sing that dream into existence.
When you mention the name Kenny McGee, one conjures up the image of the consummate professional- an artist whose tenacity and drive have resulted in one of Florida's most prolific musical careers. Rising from the local club scene level; he has become a force to be reckoned with- amassing such titles as singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and national recording artist. McGee gained most of his initial recognition when he fronted the melodic-rock band Julliet that eventually attained cult-like status in the Florida club circuit. Possessing a rare charisma and raw natural ability- he quickly found success. When Julliet hit their utmost peak of popularity; Kenny decided that it would not be prudent for them to sit on their laurels and settle for limited Florida success. He and then guitaristJimmi Delisi took off for Los Angeles with their sights set on rocking the whole world instead.
Tollefson grew up in Juneau, Alaska, and began playing guitar at age 8. At 12, he performed at the Juneau Folk Festival. He began writing songs at 18. After college he found home in Bend, OR where he began work on a new album with the help of Clay Smith of Soundsmith Studios. The album's title, "The Sum of Parts," is apropos, being both a collection of his life experiences, and a final product of two years of focused passion. Plans for a tour in March are underway as the band and Empty Space Orchestra head down the west coast. 'Parts' has been recieving radio play in Bend, OR on Clear 101.7 FM, and in Juneau, AK. Since its April release, and subsequent momentum, Tollefson was given the opportunity to showcase his talent with performances at the Breedlove Guitar Festival, The Les Schwab Amphitheater, the Clear 101.7 4th of July Concert in the Park, and Sisters Folk Festival. This has spurned a growth of his already burgeoning fanbase in Central Oregon, where most recently he opened for G. Love and Special Sauce and Jackie Greene. "I think it's every artists goal to take a person from the point before they listened to a song, to someplace different... to move them in a way'" said Tollefson, 25, in a recent interview, " guess that's my ultimate goal at the end of the day-to write something that moves me at the same time."
Breedlove instruments: Focus SE and a Custom D20 with Cocobolo back and sides
More info online: www.myspace.com/erictollefson1
Jason and the Punknecks came together in 2003 by Jason Punkneck. After setting a record on 'Ripley's Believe It or Not' (eps. 316), for flesh suspensions in Las Vegas, Jason got an job offer at a tattoo shop in Los Angeles, CA. After moving, Jason began playing his alternative punk-country music outside of his shop on Hollywood Blvd. This is where he met many musicians including Polly Punkneck. She was a Kansas girl, moved to the big city, and brought her alternative folk-bluegrass music with her. They came together and played many established Hollywood venues as well as private parties. After one year of playing shows in L.A., Jason saw so many more opportunities outside of the city. In May 2005, Jason decided to hit the open road, and Polly joined him. Hitting new territory as a duo was new for them. In L.A. they didn't even hold instuments, while a band backed them. Now Jason had to pick up that guitar as he did when writing his songs. After a short time on the road, The Punknecks came out with their first Album, "Outlaw Cuntry". This album definitely proved to be an outlaw album with it's controversial cover, and raw music. "Oulaw Cuntry", is available online. Jason and the Punknecks traveled in a vehicle across America for three and a half years solid. Evolving their sound, and instrumentation, Jason picked up the mandolin, and Polly took the Guitar. In 2008, after many bootlegged albums, The Punknecks came out with their second album, "Love us or Hate us: Hillbilly Rock N Roll". Polly Punkneck also came out with her first EP. Jason and the Punknecks continue to tour. This duo is unforgettable, and their music takes country music where no one dares to. You can keep your eye out for a new Punkneck album, "Drinkin', Druggin', and Jesus", as well as a new EP, "One Shot One Kill". Also look for Polly Punknecks first album, "Hot, Cute, & Country".
Breedlove instruments: Atlas Guitars and basses
More info online: www.myspace.com/jasonandthepunknecks
Kevin Hiatt grew up in Kansas City, attended the Conservatory of Music and later earned a doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Miami.
He has written over 80 works of music including chamber music, electronic music and orchestral pieces. His compositions have been performed in the United States and in Europe.
In 1996, Hiatt returned to playing steel string guitar. He performs on six, seven, and twelve string guitars employing a variety of altered tunings and unconventional playing techniques. He has composed a large and eclectic body of music for the six, seven, and twelve string guitars. His latest CD release showcases his inventive playing style and original compositions.
Breedlove instrument: Breedlove C22
More info online: www.kevinhiattmusic.com
Candlewyck started as an acoustic duo founded by Chris Emerson and Ty Bennett in Charlotte, NC. After years of playing and writing together, Chris and Ty decided it was time to put some of their ideas on tape which eventually became the first Candlewyck CD.
Originally a guitar and mandolin group, Candlewyck soon became the title of a recording project that would feature Ty's original compositions and Chris’ exciting mandolin style. While working on these songs Chris and Ty recruited the help of some talented friends such as banjoist Steve Dilling (IIIrd Tyme Out) and producer Art Bordeaux. As word spread about the Candlewyck CD, more and more people wanted to take part. Ultimately the CD became an all-star recording that features some of the finest talents in acoustic music. John Cowan (New Grass Revival), Joe Craven (David Grisman Quintet), Jim Hurst, Larry Rice and Michael Fath are just a few of the musicians that perform on the CD. Combining elements of rock, jazz and classical music, the Candlewyck project was recorded primarily at The Sound Farm studios in Charlotte with additional recording done in various other studios throughout North Carolina and Virginia. While this eclectic recording often hints at folk, country and popular music, it’s loaded with fresh ideas. The Candlewyck CD includes the hook-laden “Whatcha Gonna Say”, the touching “Little Jasper” and the gospel barn-burner “Firemen”.
Keller Williams has built a career on his uncanny ability to captivate a packed house—all by himself. He’s been called a "one-man band." A "solo cult-hero." "Music’s mad-scientist." All of which are clever labels for what seems to be an essential truth: On stage, Keller Williams works alone.
In his one-man show, he pads barefoot from guitar to bass to percussion stations, using looping effects—and enough instruments to stock a strip-mall music store—to layer sound atop sound until the stage swirls with a full-blown composition.
Breelove instrument: Breedlove SC25 12 string
More info online: www.kellerwilliams.net
Artist, writer, singer, producer - Scott Tyler has mastered every step of the musical process, and that understanding results in a rich fabric of sound with layers of meaning. Following eight years of success as frontman for I-4, Off My Guard - Scott Tyler's new solo project - invites you to experience the foundation of his influences.Raised in a small central Florida town, Tyler began his musical career in high school, performing in coffeehouses and local clubs. He honed his raw talent into polished skill at Stetson University while singing with two of the top vocal ensembles in the nation. Upon graduation, Tyler formed I-4 and embarked on an unbelievable journey across the US, sharing the stage with the likes of Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Switchfoot, Jessica Simpson, Willa Ford, LFO, O-Town and other top recording artists.
I decided I'd be a musician at five and began studying guitar at age 8 and mandolin soon followed. Now a days I play anything I can get tuned in fifths including a tenor guitar and 5 string electric mandolin made by Breedlove (Jason Bowerman) and a cello C tuned archtop guitar plus F5 mandolin made by John Sullivan.(I love a good instrument! wooo wee!) I compose music and write songs. I've long time performed as an instrumentalist but lately started performing my songwriting and vocals too. I've been so blessed as to have played and shared the stage with many amazing and renowned musicians along my way and have toured extensively with both ThaMuseMeant and TAARKA. Along with my wonderous life wife and musical partner Enion Pelta-Tiller I roam the strange music universe. - I now live in Lyons, Colorado
Breedlove instrument: Tenor guitar, 5 string electric mandolin and Breedlove Revival Tenor
More info online: www.myspace.com/davdtiller
When Amanda was four years old she had her first opportunity to perform at “The Burleson Jamboree.” By the age of five, Amanda had already begun taking guitar lessons. With the lessons, Amanda’s excitement for music and songwriting grew. She auditioned and performed for “Johnny High's Country Music Revue” at age seven with an original song “When I Was A Kid”. At the age of eleven, Amanda performed for the “Southlake Town Center Art in the Square” festival. After these performances, Amanda realized music had to be her career. So being on stage was one of her first musical ventures. She was a part of choir in church and at school. Amanda auditioned and performed at her schools talent shows and musicals every year. She also auditioned and performed in “Annie” at the “Bass Hall” with Casa Manana.
In Ashland, OR on October 13, 1980 I took my first breath, the first of many more to come. Since that day I have been going full tilt in an attempt to live life to the fullest and in doing so, having the privilege of experiencing more in 25 years than many people do throughout an entire lifetime.
My band mates may describe me as an adrenaline junkie and while there is a part of me to which that rings true, I also find great enjoyment in quietness and many of the simple things that surround us on a daily basis. I have always enjoyed the sounds of nature (particularly in the Pacific Northwest) but our life on the road has caused me to increasingly value the sounds of nature such as a cascading waterfall, or the sound the wind rustling the trees, and even the sound of silence itself. It is ironic that many of these experiences mesh together with my adrenaline fueled hobbies to create what I find to be rest and relaxation.
Amos first fell in love with the guitar at the age of eight, and the world has been celebrating since. This young man from the boondocks of Quebec, Canada has never turned back. The wild embrace of Amos and Guitar almost twenty years on inspired a love affair that made his fingers dance madly and his voice flirt dangerously with the gritty and the sexy.
Amos Christopher Joannides took to the stage at age 15, wooing audiences at local pubs and parties with his playful smile and hand-crafted tunes. By 18 he had achieved a level of success and popularity that started an inward process of deep questioning; " I wasn't sure if people liked me because of me, or because I was entertaining". He decided to drop the stage and pursue a philosophical exploration of self and friendship through music, rhyme and rhythm.
Amos discovered his true passion for music when he left the pub and stepped onto the plane, guitar in hand. In travels from Europe to Thailand, and endless Greyhounds throughout the United States, he came to understand that music is a master means of communication, one that blasts through doctrine and convention and unites performer and audience in mutual embrace. He saw Thai children groove to his strumming and North Carolinians plough fields to his spontaneous ditties. In time, Amos stumbled upon the healing qualities of music and vibration. The root for the word 'health' in Arabic and Hebrew, S-l-m/Sh-l-m, is also the word for peace, wholeness and integrity. Music has come to symbolize all of these things for Amos. This might be what draws his fans so close.
More info online: www.amosjoannides.com
Listening to the music of Sarah Hart is a transforming experience. Put any of her recordings on your player and you’re immediately hooked by her sweet, compelling voice. Follow the lyrics, and you become immersed in the spirituality and honesty of a seeker who helps us discover the God who walks with us in our daily lives. Sarah’s lively, contemporary blending of folk, pop and rock welcomes and delights listeners from every age and background.
Sarah is currently a staff songwriter for EMI-CMG Music in Nashville, TN and Spirit And Song in Portland, OR. Her songs have been recorded by numerous artists such as: Robbie Seay, Matt Maher, 33 Miles, This Beautiful Republic, Sarah Reeves and Jaime Jamgochian. Her music has appeared in the television shows “Joan of Arcadia” and “Strong Medicine”, and most recently in the new film “Coyote County Loser”. Her songs can be found in print in almost every Catholic church in the U.S. Sarah has also penned music for two musicals, and works as a songwriter and voiceover artist with the Tom Tichenor Children’s Theater in Nashville, TN. She is the recipient of six Unity awards for her work.
One of six siblings, Todd’s musical influences started at a young age. Raised in Northern California, Todd’s mother Pat encouraged all of her children to explore their musical abilities by teaching them the basics of music and music theory.
By age 15, Todd received his first guitar as a birthday gift, not knowing that it would prove to be a life changing event . Realizing his new found passion for this instrument, he dedicated the coming months to constant practice, only showing his face for the occasional PB&J sandwich. Within six months, Todd formed his first band becoming lead guitarist, fulfilling a personal goal. The next three years opened many doors to incredible opportunities which included live concerts, clubs, and radio performances. At age 18 Todd was asked to perform live with Grammy Award-Winning artist Phil Driscoll.
Joe Craven is a musical madman with anything that has strings attached or not; violins, mandolins, tin cans, bedpans, gas cans, cookie tins, chamberlins, tenor guitars, panitars, mouthbows, charangos, banjos, canjoes, cuatros, bongos, buckets, berimbau, bundt pans, balalaikas, brake drums, bells, bottles, brush ‘n box, boot ‘n lace, oud, face, Cuban tres, jewel case, metal-glass-clay vase, paper, PVC, pots ‘n pans, panderetas, knitting needles, hoe blades, hambone, jawbone, jello molds, water jugs, oven grates, glasses, squeeze toys, triangles, tongs, cups, cajons, cake pans, waste cans, umbrella stands, stones, cymbals, sea shells, silverware trays, spoons, ukuleles, martini shakers, matchboxes, mbiras, reco recos, guiros, gourds, rhythm sticks, thermos, zippers and....
His stage setup more often resembles a yard sale. But there's more to Craven than meets the ear. Educator, visual artist, former museum curator, motivational speaker, actor/storyteller and festival emcee, Joe’s work is born out of respect and reverence and seeks to honor the creative energy in everyone. An advocate of the folk arts, Joe’s educational mission is to empower individuals to take possession of their own music and tell their stories by “demystifying” art through self-expression as a daily ritual.
I was born in Austin, MN (you know, where SPAM is made) and moved to the small town of Buena Vista, CO. I first started playing guitar when I was about 11 or 12 years old when my brother Greg and I both chipped in $5 to buy a $10 acoustic guitar from a guy named Herbie. We didn’t know where to start so we picked up a guitar magazine and learned how to play a song by Metallica. Although I was not a fan of heavy metal, that was what I originally learned to play, on acoustic guitar of course. Shortly after, I learned how to play some chords and songs like Johnny B. Goode and various Def Leppard hits.
What would you like us to be for you? We are five performing songwriters who can do it as well together as we can alone and have been offering up live and recorded independent acoustic music for a fraction of two millennia. We are a true music co-op and we like each other too! The San Jose Mercury called Blah Blah Woof Woof a "Folk Supergroup" and we play to sell out crowds when ever we play together.
Powerhouse Singer-Songwriter, Lynn Frances Anderson, has the intensity of Janis Joplin, a down home groove, a fiery passion. Her powerful voice is reminiscent of blues legends. Anderson is a nationally touring Portland-based Singer-Songwriter. She is known for her electrifying, ground shaking voice and a slamming guitar style. Anderson has performed with legendary musicians. She is currently touring with BB King's singing drummer, Tony Coleman and is doing double bills with legendary guitarist, Jennifer Batten.
Anderson released her 4th CD, "One Fine Day," February 2010. One Fine Day features Jennifer Batten, Tony Coleman, Scarlet Rivera.