More Featured Artists of the Hootenanny Cafe

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Upcoming Hootenanny Cafe Mini Concerts

	Jeff Talmadge (6-26-11) Jeff Talmadge is an award winning Texas singer-songwriter, now living in the Atlanta area. "Kind of Everything," his seventh studio recording, was released in 2011 and reached No. 1 on the Roots Country Chart, No. 4 on the EuroAmericana Chart, No. 5 on the Roots 66 International Airplay Chart and the top 40 of the Americana chart. "Kind of Everything" is on Berkalin Records, and his three previous CDs are on the Corazong label, based in The Netherlands and Nashville. He is a graduate of Duke University, where he won the Academy of American Poets Award, the University of Texas School of Law, and the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers. ""Kind of Everything" affirms that Talmadge has moved into that small circle of songwriters whose work matters, the ones whose albums are significant events...." -- Al Maginnes, Option Magazine "[O]ne of the best, a true poet." -- InsurgentCountry.com Website
	Anna Dagmar  (6-12-11) Born in England, raised in MA and based in NYC, Anna Dagmar creates piano-woven art-pop songs that will surprise and move you. She has released three CD’s and the Anna Dagmar Songbook. Let the Waves Come in Threes (2009), was produced by Ben Wittman (Patty Larkin, Jonatha Brooke) and charted #6 on the Roots Music Report. WVIA DJ George Graham named it, “one of the best singer-songwriter albums of the year, in a crowded field.” Dagmar has been selected for the A-list on HPPR, the UN Day of Peace, FODfest, and WFUV’s “On Your Radar” series, five awards in the Mid-Atlantic Contest and composer-in-residence at The Nightingale School. She continues to tour and is recording her 4th album.  Website
	Andina and Rich  (6-5-11)   Recipe: mix Sandy Andina (Chicago's resident singing/guitar-and-dulcimer-slinging smart aleck) with Stephen Lee Rich (Madison, WI's friendly neighborhood yodeling cowboy), add harmony and humor, then shake and stir. Result: Andina and Rich!   Website
	Elaine Romanell  (5-22-11) Elaine Romanelli's catchy folk/pop centers on that's-my-life stories about love, doubt, and keeping going. Praised as "masterful" and "vivid...inspired...poised and playful" (Lucid Culture) this relative newcomer is already turning up everywhere. 2011 has found Elaine selling out shows in California, Texas, through the midwest, and around the northeast, as well as singing with veterans like Marc Black and folk legend Si Kahn.   Her newest album Real Deal has been moving up the Roots chart thanks to spins on stations like WMUD in Burlington, VT, John Platt's 'Sunday Breakfast' on WFUV in NYC, and WPR's 'Simply Folk', airing on 16 stations. Website
	Tom Pacheco  (5-15-11) Tom Pacheco is a passionate and imaginative songwriter cast in a classic troubadour tradition that stretches back through centuries of song, launching poetic comment upon the tides of the time, flavors of life, and the wonder of it’s circumstance. Once you have heard Tom’s music, you will have made a friend for life. "Perhaps Pacheco’s trump card is that he understands the frailties of the human condition better than most…Tom has put himself in the frame as one of today’s finest writers and performers." Oliver P. Sweeny HOTPRESS Ireland  Website
	Gathering Time  (5-8-11) Voted best band runner-up (and top folk band) in the 2010 Long Island Press readers' poll, Gathering Time is one part Peter, Paul & Mary, a bigger part Crosby, Stills & Nash, and various pieces of The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, the Eagles and America; a head-turning folk-rock harmony trio described recently as "getting a whole beehive-full of buzz" on the northeast regional folk scene. Glen, Hillary & Stuart are known for their seamless vocal blend, memorable melodies, meaningful lyrics and easy-going, fun, stage chemistry. Bob McKillop of MaineFolkMusic.com writes, "Gathering Time ... has perfected two separate but related art forms: three part harmony and having a ball on stage! When they harmonize, some sort of fundamental, cosmic concordance occurs that makes you very happy that you have ears.” Website
	Lisa Bigwood  (5-1-11)   Lisa Bigwood traveled an amazing road from backwoods country housewife and mom, splitting firewood, fixing up and living in an old abandoned house, working at a "job" full time, and washing dishes and laundry and more dishes and more laundry... to critically acclaimed songwriter and recording artist. Songs on her first two CDs made her a Kerrville Newfolk, Telluride Troubadour, and Chris Austin Memorial Songwriting finalist, and she has a newly released CD, "Intrepid". OK, she's still hauling firewood. A lot less dishes and laundry, though. Lisa sees much in the world as if it is new and marvelous and surprising, as, for her, it is.     Website
	Arlon Bennett  (4-17-11)     Arlon Bennett is an Americana songsmith writing songs that recall Harry Chapin and vintage James Taylor, but with an eloquence, honesty, and sense of humor all his own. In short, Arlon's music tells of the human experience by bringing the past back to life and giving life to the inanimate.       Website
	Mila Levine  (4-10-11)   Mila Levine is a Kiev-born singer-songwriter and poet from New York, whose Russian and English songs are filled with passion, longing, dreams, hope, and inspiration, and whose repertoire includes Russian, Gypsy, and Yiddish hits. Mila’s songwriting style blends influences from the legendary Russian Bard, Vladimir Visotsky, the world renowned Charles Aznavour, as well as from the Russian gypsy and American pop and dance music. Her singing style has often been compared to Edith Piaf’s and Marlene Dietrich's. Her music is a combination of European and American influences. She has received numerous awards from the Unisong, Billboard, and International Songwriting Competitions, and her songs are played on numerous radio stations including Women of Substance, UnderWorldMixradio, & Banana Peel.     Website
	Elly Wininger  (4-3-11)     Lurking somewhere between “the next big thing” and “legend,” Elly Wininger is an award-winning songwriter and scintillating guitarist. With a heavy background in blues and finger picking, she has been called ‘a one-woman folk revival,’ and a ‘a musical explosion.’ Her recent frenzy of activity in clubs, festivals, house concerts and radio appearances comes after the release of “Back Eddy Blues” (2007) and “Part Time Paradise” (2010). Her song “Housewife from Hell” was in the top 10 on a radio station in Germany where Elly says “they must have a lot of pissed off women.” She was a 2010 Official Showcase Selection at Folk Alliance (Midwest), and a Folk DJs’ Choice at 2008 Folk Alliance (Northeast)   Website
	Chuck Williams  (3-20-11) ...singer-songwriter Chuck Williams owes a debt to folkies like James Taylor, but he does enough on 'Lightning In A Bottle' to indicate he’s his own man. If you’re in the market for a new singer-songwriter with something to say, be sure to check him out. This songwriter's music is of love gained, love lost, growing up and moving on. He can take you on a journey that makes you think, smile and at times want to cry.   Website
	Burning Bridget Cleary  (3-13-11) Infamous for their captivating sound and merry stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary was founded by Genevieve Gillespie and Rose Baldino, who lead the band with tightly woven harmonies in both fiddle and vocals. The driving rhythm and bass end is supplied by veteran guitarist, Lou Baldino, and Canadian native, Peter Trezzi, on djembe drum. Since 2006, BBC has played hundreds of performances along the East Coast, and produced three CDs. Their second release, “Everything is Alright”, was awarded Album of the Year by Boston-based CelticRadio.net. “Totes for Goats” (March 2011 release) celebrates their fifth anniversary as a working band, with a lively mix of original and traditional tunes illuminated both by youthful energy and musical maturity. Called “the Allman Brothers of Celtic fiddle bands, only prettier,” Burning Bridget Cleary is an act that will set your feet to dancing and your hearts to reeling!  Website
	James Popik  (3-6-11)   "With an identifiable sound and tasteful versatility, guitarist, singer, composer James Popik has made a successful career covering a diverse range of roots music. After touring the Northeast w/Los Lonely Boys, backing up Rock & Roll hall of famer Bernie Worrell at the Sourland Festival, and an appearance opening for the Jerry Garcia Band as well as a featured spot at the Cape May Singer Songwriter festival, 2010 turned out to be a breakout year for Popik. 2011 promises more. 'Love & Stone' has been selected for the Alternate Root's Sampler CD, a new disc of fresh material will be released in March, a return to Cape May and a featured spot at MMC15, a billing w/legend Dave Mason (April 8, Tarrytown Music Hall,) and a friday evening spot at Musikfest in Bethlehem are a few highlights. Of Popik's music, Gary Allen, drummer for Charlie Daniel's, JJ Cale says, "sounds like when bands could play.....and did."     Website
	Robyn Landis  (2-27-11) A childhood poet/spelling bee champ and published author , Robyn was a writer and author (publishing two bestselling books in her twenties) before turning her full attention to music. Her writing skills applied to song earned quick recognition. Her literate songcraft earned more than 50 songwriting honors since 2005, including first place at Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, Grand Prize in the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and 2009 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist. Her second recording Many Moons was one of the most-played records on folk radio in 2009, with no special promotion or representation. An unpretentious and authentic performer, her intimate vocals and folk-pop-Americana melodies are infused with warmth, her lyrics with intelligence and vulnerability. Her articulate, sometimes fierce writing is often compared to Richard Shindell's. Website
	Debra Cowan  (2-20-11) Singer Debra Cowan is one of America's foremost interpreters of contemporary and traditional folksongs. Debra has two acclaimed solo recordings to her credit, “The Long Grey Line” and “Dad's Dinner Pail”. Her third recording, “Fond Desire Farewell” was produced by former Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks. Her captivating warm alto carries each folk song she chooses with such emotion that you’ll forget that they were written by others. She performs in the great tradition of folk singers like Joan Baez and Judy Collins, with a clear vocal that calls forth the ghosts of long past but can also offer a more modern urban landscape.Debra has delighted audiences in folk music venues and festivals all over North America and the United Kingdom and makes her home near Worcester, MA.  Website
	Chuck Schaeffer  (2-13-11 & 12-11-11) Chuck Schaeffer doesn't believe in cookie-cutter almost-country music, so he's determined to create his own style.... Creating songs with just heart, a good time, and a little wisdom for good measure, Chuck is a man of determination and endurance. He invites us on his road of personal discovery, and it appears to be a trip where the songwriter is actively pulling all of these influences and ideas out of the atmosphere surrounding him, and with grit and guts, molds them into a legacy of cool delivery, a breath of fresh air, and a couple of nods to nostalgia. Don't be mistaken.... this ain't like no country you've ever heard of before. Website
	Beth DeSombre  (2-6-11) Beth DeSombre (pronunciation: de-SOM-bree) sings literate songs, inspired by tradition, complex but fundamentally optimistic. Sing Out! Magazine describes her songs as “smart and uplifting . . . focusing on the quiet meaning to be found in ordinary life," and the folk-pop duo The Kennedys laud her “catchy melodies and insightful lyrics.” Her two CDs were produced by Dave Chalfant, and Tracy Grammer, Jim Henry, and Pete and Maura Kennedy join her on the recordings. Beth's songs have been honored in national and international songwriting competitions. Website
	Ron Renninger  (1-30-11) In a nutshell, Ron Renninger is: Superb picking; Distinctive vocals; Both woven seamlessly around well-crafted and powerful songs. With an easy going rapport and an obvious joy from performing, Ron leaps across a wide range of musical genres lightly touching down in some rather surprising places.... And in a slightly larger nutshell . . . Audiences find much to relate to in Ron's heartfelt song writing; words and music that draw on a wealth of experience from a fascinating and well-traveled life. Website
	Sally Spring  (1-23-11) Her CD, "Made Of Stars", recently charting number #1 in Europe and #2 worldwide on Americana radio and #2 on the international Folk DJ radio, Sally Spring is a singer/songwriter from North Carolina who moves audiences with her soulful alto vocals and heartfelt compositions fusing pop, folk and country into a style uniquely her own. Her friends Susan Cowsill, Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams), and Peter Holsapple join her on this CD and Gene Parsons (The Byrds), Marshall Crenshaw and Caitlin Cary perform on Sally's prior recording "Mockingbird" which also received critical acclaim. Website
	Clint Alphin  (1-15-11 & 9-11-11)   Clint Alphin’s talent and ability to write and perform music from a range of influences and styles, and his willingness to showcase that variety on his albums will endear him to audiences and listeners far and wide. Since moving to Nashville, TN from North Carolina in 2003, Clint has independently released two full-length albums that showcase his excellent songwriting as well as the musical contributions of some of Nashville’s best musicians including Mark Fain and Andy Leftwich, members of Ricky Skaggs’s Kentucky Thunder band, and guitar ace Johnny Hiland. Alphin’s first album Effigy was produced by multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Maness; was called “a fine debut of a talented singer-songwriter” by the Belgian website Rootstime; and lead the UK’s Rock ‘n’ Reel magazine to describe Alphin as “a country boy with a folk heart.” The latest release from Clint, entitled Down The Road That I’ve Been Given, offers 12 more of his original songs, and was produced by Grammy winning producer Bil VornDick.   Website
	C Daniel Boling  (12-5-10 & 11-13-11))   Daniel Boling is a folksinger/songwriter with a storyteller's eye for detail. His songs are inhabited by interesting characters drawn from Daniel's life, family and friends: the vagabond running off with a tiny circus to tour the West; an aging Viet Nam veteran looking back with surprise at his departed youth; a young rancher inheriting his grandfather's nearly worn out rangeland and hoping he can hold on and live up to the legacy; a passenger on Flight 93 calling his wife to say goodbye – and his finger-picked guitar and banjitar support a good, clear tenor voice that evokes his characters' emotions perfectly.       Website
	Louise Mosrie (6-24-12) 2011 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival “Voted Most Wanted to Return” Emerging Artist 2011 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour – 2nd place 2010 Wildflower! Festival Performing Songwriter Winner 2009 Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Winner   Louise Mosrie creates a world of lush detail and wide-open emotion drawing on the sensual imagery of the Deep South. Compared to Nanci Griffith and Patty Loveless, she’s shared the bill with Joe Ely, Jonatha Brooke, Allison Moorer, Greg Trooper, Malcomb Holcombe & Mindy Smith. "...this Nashville-based singer/songwriter blew us away with her in-store performance. Like listening to Patty Griffin and Susan Tedeschi at the same time. Highlight of the 30A Songwriter Festival." - Central Square Records, Seaside Florida "...basically, she's William Faulkner with a guitar." - Rich Warren, WFMT-FM Chicago Website
	Susan Kane (6-3-12)    Hudson Valley singer songwriter Susan Kane uses her distinctive voice and point of view to craft memorable lyrics and melodies. She has released two CDs, and plans to issue a third later this year (2012).  Her songs draw on American roots music, from folk to blues to country.  The recordings range from spare acoustic arrangements to expansive full instrumentation productions, all in the Americana idiom, as production values seek to fully realize the aesthetic of each song. Billy Masters, who has worked with Suzanne Vega, Richard Shindell and many other artists, produced both disks.    Her debut CD of all original material, So Long, was released in fall 2004 and was played on over 100 radio stations nationwide.  Highway Bouquet, released in 2008, had similar radio success, particularly in Europe where it earned numerous favorable reviews, as well as in the US:  “Susan Kane is the real thing. Highway Bouquet [is] chock-full of great songs and great singing...,”   Michael Ruby, Chronogram magazine.  It was featured as Album of the Week in April of 2009 on Iain Anderson’s BBC Scotland radio show.    Susan has played at a wide variety of well-known venues and festivals in the metropolitan area, including the Towne Crier Café, the Peekskill Coffeehouse, the Bitter End, the Pleasantville Music Festival, the Huntington Folk Festival, FMSH Hard Luck Café, Common Ground Coffeehouse, and the Tarrytown Music Hall.  She is a past Folk DJ’s Choice of WFUV’s John Platt at NERFA. She has shared bills with such diverse artists as Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, Sloan Wainwright, the late Terence Martin and Catie Curtis. She is also active in the local music scene as a board member of Tribes Hill, a Hudson Valley collective of independent musicians.  She served as executive producer of their second compilation CD, the two disk We’re All Here. Website

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