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Big Orange Tarp/Folkmusic.org showcases at NERFA
In my travels and teaching around the country, I get to meet a lot of amazing musicians who aren't yet very well known in the Northeast. In the past, I've been able to place a few of them in showcases with my friends. I've never done showcases at NERFA before, but this year there were just too many fantastic musicians that I wanted to get heard at the conference for me to plug them into other folks events, so I decided to do a couple of showcases of my own.
* denotes folks appearing at NERFA for the first time. Please note that over two thirds of these performers have NEVER appeared at NERFA before and they are all (IMHO) fantastic. Don't miss this unique chance to hear a lot of great new music all in one sitting.
Saturday night (Conference Room C)
11:15-11:30 Arthur Lee Intro*
Arthur Lee* is a one man band from Chicago. His AfroGrass style is a synthesis of many influences. His innovative use of a Gibson looping device allows him to be the whole band. Arthur is a prodigious player and was drafted (armed with no looper and just his acoustic guitar) to accompany Steve Seskin, Paul Reisler, Brian Joseph, and many of the festivals other performers. This guy is hot. I'm sure that you'll also see him sitting in with a lot of folks thru the weekend, but don't miss him doing what he does best. http://www.arthurleemusic.com
11:30-12:30 Ronny Cox*, Jim Photoglo*, Tena Moyer*, Eric Schwartz (in the round)
I met LA based Actor/Songwriter Ronny Cox* at SWERFA a couple of years ago. He sells a song with the same sincerity and authority that has made him a staple in Hollywood, with 85 entries in his IMDB filmography. He also can sing you almost any song that Mickey Newberry ever wrote. He's the real deal. Also don't miss his workshop on getting music placed in films and TV. http://www.ronnycox.net
Jim Photoglo* is a world class songwriter based in Nashville TN. In addition to his work with Run C&W and the Vinyl Kings, Jim has two solo albums and a bunch of cuts by Faith Hill, Alabama, James Ingram, Kathy Mattea and two dozen other artists. This guy is really, really special. http://www.jimphotoglo.com
Tena Moyer* (a.k.a. "the Chord Queen") is a Tucson based singer/songwriter who also teaches at Swannanoa and several other guitar schools around the country. Though her songs are musically sophisticated, they are direct and heartwarming. Tena is also a great singer. http://www.tenamoyer.com
Eric Schwartz is one of the most prolific, energetic, undefinable musical forces in all of folkworld. Best known for his uproariously funny songs, I'm an even bigger devotee of his power ballads. A multiple threat as a singer, guitarist, keyboardist, and bass player, it's impossible to predict where Eric will take you tonight, but it's always someplace worth going. http://www.ericschwartz.com
12:30-1:00 Arthur Lee*, Paul Reisler* (back and forth)
Another chance to hear a little bit of Arthur. I asked him to Emcee this event and spread his performances thru it because his performance setup requires sound and his drums and I knew this would be his only chance to really show "the band" at the conference.
Paul Reisler* may be best known for his work as the leader of the group Trapezoid and with Ki Theatre. He is also an incredible teacher and the heart of several songwriting workshops around the country including the Rocky Mountain Song School and his own SongCamps in Little Washington, VA. On top of this, he's also an amazing guitarist and songwriter. If you haven't seen him, you really need to. http://www.paulreisler.com/
1:00-2:00 Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper*, Brian Joseph*, Karen Mal*, George Wurzbach (ITR)
There is nobody I'd rather hear play music than Tom Prasada-Rao. It's just that simple. (but most of you already love him, so you know what I mean. http://www.tomprasada-rao.com/ Cary Cooper* (also known to some of you as Cary Odom) is a wonderful songwriter from Texas who we met at the Song School. Her warmth, sincerity, and signature voice are sure to win your heart. NERFA marks the debut of their duo. http://www.carycooper.com
Brian Joseph* is an LA based writer/performer who has taken folkworld by storm in the last two years. A staple under the Big Orange Tarps, He's a unique presence with wonderful songs and tremendous charisma. Already touring nationally and a winner at many songwriting contests, if you haven't seen Brian, you will soon. http://www.brianjosephmusic.com
Karen Mal* is from Texas. A Showcaser at SWERFA, Kerrville Newfolk, and the upcoming South Florida folk festival, she is a wonderful writer, singer, player and performer. A former actress, her musical career shifted into high gear with the release of her first solo album last year. http://www.karenmal.com
George Wurzbach is far more than just 1/3 of the comedy trio Modern Man. With one solo album to his credit, Keyboard player George is one of the most interesting and intelligent writers on the scene. His emotional range and dry humor make for phenomenal live shows. Though Modern Man has dominated his schedule in the last two years, he's promised me he'll do more live shows in 2003. He's one of my favorites. http://www.rowdymusic.com/
2:00-2:20 Kort & Beth McCumber*
Nashville based singer/songwriter Kort McCumber and his sister, violinist/singer Beth are bright lights on the horizon of folk. I met them at Paul Reisler's Song Camp two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. Their youth, energy, optimism, and excitement are just what our music needs to make it accessible to a new generation of listeners. Along with people like Ani DiFranco, Eric Schwartz, and GrooveLily, I think that they very much represent the future of folkworld. http://www.kortmusic.com/
2:20-2:40 Dan Pelletier and Jean Bratman: Duets
The list of songwriting contests that pianist Dan Pelletier hasn't won is probably shorter than the list of the ones that he has. A writers writer, Dan is the master of the Lagniappe (a cajun word that means "a little something extra). I consider myself a real student of the song and Dan continually amazes me with his ability to find a fresh perspective and a little additional insight in his songs. His characters are rich and colorful. He's one of a kind. http://www.danpelletier.com Jean Bratman has also won showcases and contests all over the country. Visit her website at http://www.jeanbratman.com/
2:40-3:00 Arthur lee Outro
Last call for Afrograss. Don't miss it!
I'm also doing some guerilla showcases to broaden the exposure of this group. (along with Special Guests Jack Williams http://www.wfma.net/williams.htm, Kevin Briody http://www.kevinbriody.com/, and Jim Gilmour http://www.jimgilmour.com) Here are the times.
Friday Night
(Guerrilla showcase Rm 813 in the towers)
11:10-11:30pm - Arthur Lee
11:30pm -12am - Ronny Cox, Dan Pelletier
12:00-12:30am - Jim Photoglo, George Wurzbach
12:30-1:00am - Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper, Karen Mal, Paul Reisler
1:00-1:20am - Jack Williams
1:20-1:40am - Brian Joseph
1:40-2:10am - Kort & Beth Macumber, Jim Gilmour
Saturday Afternoon
(Guerrilla showcase Rm 813 in the towers)
1:30-2:00pm - Kort & Beth Macumber, Jim Gilmour
2:00-2:30pm - Jack Williams
2:30-3:00pm - Jim Photoglo
3:00-3:30PM - Arthur Lee
3:30-4:00pm - George Wurzbach and Kevin Briody
4:00-4:30pm - Tom Prasada-Rao and Cary Cooper
4:30-5:00pm - Tena Moyer
Hang out with the BOT next summer at these locations
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Planet Bluegrass Song School
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
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Visit the old BOT homepage at AlanRowoth.com
Alan
Rowoth
P.O. Box 307
Liverpool NY 13088-0307
alan@bigorangetarp.com
Fax (425) 699-1366