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What's better than having Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, or Lucy Kaplansky scheduled to perform during Six String Concerts' 24th season? Having all three of them appear, in the form of a veritable folk supergroup, Red Horse.
Their self-titled collaboration album, released in 2010, takes the listener on a tour of both covers and new material, including a previously unreleased song penned by Gorka. The artists each present new versions of their bandmates' songs and cover standards by other artists like Neil Young. Blending superb writing skills, top-notch vocals and talented acoustic guitar, Gilkyson, Gorka and Kaplansky will surely delight the acoustic folk fan.
We're pleased to present what the Christian Science Monitor described as "three of the warmest voices in folk music" for an intimate show in which Gilkyson predicts the artists will, "challenge and inspire each other to throw down our best stuff."
Official Website: redhouserecords.com
Red Horse NPR Interview from 2010: www.npr.org
Eliza Gilkyson: elizagilkyson.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
John Gorka: johngorka.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
Lucy Kaplansky: lucykaplansky.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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If you are a fan of great music and great musicians, prepare to be thrilled. Darrell Scott is that good.
Scott has carved a successful niche as a session musician, songwriter and performer. His songs have been recorded by more than 70 artists; especially his 'You'll Never Get Out of Harlan Alive', covered by Brad Paisley, Kathy Mattea, Patti Loveless, and Red Molly. As a writer and performer, he has collaborated with the likes of Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and Jimmy Dale Gilmore.
He has recorded 8 albums, including his latest, Crooked Road, for which he wrote all 20 songs and played all instruments. The Independent Music Awards named it Country Album of the Year and he won Album of the Year for 2004's Theatre of the Unheard. NSAI named him 2001 Songwriter of the Year and ASCAP followed in 2002. Most recently, he toured with Robert Plant's Band of Joy and performs vocals, mandolin, guitar, accordion, pedal, lap steel and banjo.
Gritz Magazine described him with "one word - genius." Need we say more?
Official Website: www.darrellscott.com
Song Samples: www.myspace.com/darrellscottmusic
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Beth Wood is a tumbleweed of a Texas troubadour. A study in contrasts, she is a home-body, a traveler, an introvert, a commanding performer, free-spirited, and disciplined.
Her roots are in Lubbock, rich in the musical heritage of Buddy Holly, Natalie and Lloyd Maines, Mac Davis, and Joe Ely. With these local influences, and her father�s Willie Nelson records, Beth developed a keen sense of honest songwriting. A classically-trained multi-instrumentalist, she found musical freedom when she moved to Austin, picked up a guitar and a degree in literature, and began to craft her own songs.
Wood is regarded for her compelling voice, complex yet clear writing, and emotionally resonant performances. Over 15 years, she has recorded eight studio albums including her latest, The Weather Inside (2011). She has multiple awards for her songwriting, and is a favorite on the festival circuit.
"A musical triple-threat -- a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice." -- Washington Post
Song Samples: http://www.youtube.com
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| David Wilcoxwith Drew Nelson |
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| Friday, November 4th |
| Martin Janis Center |
| $20 advance | $23 door | $15 Students | $5 Youth |
| 8:00pm | Doors open at 7:30pm |
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Blending what the Los Angeles Times describes as "acoustic guitar technique that eschews simplistic strumming in favor of expressive finger-picking", and a "voice that sounds like a more insistent, fuller bodied James Taylor," David Wilcox brings a strong presence to the stage.
An Ohio native, Wilcox was born in Mentor and first learned guitar during his days as a student at Antioch in Yellow Springs. Since 1987, Wilcox has focused on bringing the audience along on his journey - he describes his process using a travel metaphor featured in his songs. He says he follows "the navigation I get from music. I love to follow where music leads, not geographically, but emotionally".
His most recent album, Reverie, is both a departure and a welcome home, recorded in front of a live studio audience at The Monastery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wilcox claims the presence of an audience in the studio adds another layer to the recording. If Reverie is any indication, we can expect a dynamic and involving performance on November 4th.
Official Website: www.davidwilcox.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Steppin' In It makes the most traditional sounds contemporary playing what Performing Songwriter Magazine calls "some of the liveliest and most rocking acoustic roots music around."
Upright Bassist Dominic Suchyta and multi-instrumentalist brothers Andy & Joe Wilson compliment the strong songwriting talents of singer/songwriter Josh Davis, who's haunting vocals paint a picture of rural and urban Michigan breaking its blue-collar back under troubled times.
Vintage instruments adorn the stage, and a sound that brings listeners back to the days of old-time radio fills the room. Steppin' In It is carrying the torch for the next generation.
Official Website: www.steppininit.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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A recent Berklee College of Music graduate, Liz Longley is already showing signs of becoming the next acoustic breakout artist.
After an overwhelming response to her first public performance, when she sang an original song at a high school concert, her parents bought her studio time at a local recording studio as a present for her sixteenth birthday.
Longley left her home in Philadelphia to attend the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she has received several awards for songwriting. She garnered first place in the Rocky Mountain Folk Fest Songwriter Showcase, and was co-winner of the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, received first prize in the BMI John Lennon Scholarship competition and won the Chris Austin Songwriting Award.
Still at the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career, Longley is highly regarded for her personal, emotionally engaging songwriting.
Official Websitewww.lizlongley.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Leela and Ellie Grace are singers, multi- instrumentalists, songwriters, and percussive dancers who grew up traveling across North America performing with their parents as The Grace Family.
For the past 13 years, they have been making a name for themselves around the country as a duo, in addition to offering solo appearances, and touring with nationally-known bands. Leela (banjo, guitar) and Ellie (mandolin, guitar, fiddle) have been acclaimed by audiences and fellow musicians alike for their powerful voices, close sisterly harmonies, warm stage presence, and driving old-time instrumentals.
Leela and Ellie's music has a strong grounding in traditional American and Old-time string band styles, but crosses over into the contemporary folk realm, including their own compelling original songs. They recorded three albums with the Grace Family (in addition to doing studio work with other musicians) and have released two recordings as a duo. The sisters have performed at prestigious venues across the United States and Canada, ranging from the Winnipeg Folk Festival to the Lincoln Center in New York City to the Summer Solstice Festival in Los Angeles.
Official Website: www.gracefamilymusic.com/leela-ellie
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Mitch Barrett grew up in the Kentucky holler that his great-grandfather settled in. His family's been there for several generations, and he has raised his own children there.
Most of his songs and stories are linked to his family or his interpretation of the world from the eyes of a contemporary Appalachian, celebrating the Appalachian heritage and the values it instills: agrarian work ethic, simple living, the importance of family and celebrating the joys and the struggles of everyday life through story and song.
From 2000 to 2008, Mitch was one-half of the singer/songwriting duo, Zoe Speaks, along with fellow Kerrville folk festival winner and previous Six String performer, Carla Gover.
Barrett was recognized in 2009 by the State of Kentucky for his outstanding contribution to Arts & Education through music.
"When Mitch tells a story, young people and old alike become happy travelers in whatever wonderful world he is describing." - John Benjamin, Former Director Kentucky Arts in Education Programs
Official Websitewww.mitchbarrettmusic.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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With Cheryl Wheeler the question is always "what will she say next"? One minute she's singing about her cat speaking in French, she then shifts syllabic inflections on the pronunciation of the word 'Potato', and then leaves you on the verge of tears with a relationship song.
This Maryland native's songs have been recorded by Dan Seals, Peter Paul and Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Boggus, Melanie, Bette Midler, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and a host of others. She will talk about some serious current event, and then sing a song that will have you howling with laughter.
Wheeler's songs are often emotional portraits of people, leaving you with the impression that you know the characters. You find yourself being pulled into the song rather than standing outside and observing. It's a cavalcade of entertainment all wrapped up in the person of one Cheryl Wheeler.
Official Website: www.cherylwheeler.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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For 22-year-old Massachusetts native Seth Glier, "The Next Right Thing" isn't just an album title - it's a way of life. For his sophomore release, the Berklee-educated singer/pianist set out to document the ways in which he - and the people he encounters on the road - attempts to do "the next right thing, as opposed to the next thing right."
Despite his relatively young age, Glier is a seasoned troubadour, traveling all over the United States and performing over 200 dates a year. He has shared the stage with his idol James Taylor, opened for Edwin McCain and The Verve Pipe, and performed on main stages of the prestigious Falcon Ridge and Kerrville Folk Festivals.
Seth hopes to continue to make as many personal connections as possible with his music. He declares, "I am inspired, and I will inspire the person sitting next to me. Promise!"
Official Website: www.SethGlier.com
Song Samples: www.myspace.com/sethglier
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Though she started as drummer, Curtis first began playing guitar after, at the age of 15, her neighbor gave her one, under the condition that she promise to learn to play it. This act of kindness inspired Curtis to later begin her own endowment - Aspire to Inspire - which provides guitars to budding musicians who cannot afford their own.
Curtis's songs range from happy love songs across the landscape of the mundane and the big picture. She and co-writer Mark Erelli won the International Songwriting Competition in 2005 with a tribute to Hurricane Katrina victims and the political implications of the storm, titled "People Look Around."
Now a veteran artist and performer with 9 CD releases under her belt, the New Yorker called a Curtis a "folk-rock goddess". Audiences know they can expect Curtis to deliver a socially conscious show full of energy and emotional lyrics.
Official Website: www.catiecurtis.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised on his parent’s record collection of 1970’s singer/songwriters, Robbie Hecht early on discovered his musical vocation. “Playing music just never seemed like work, so I knew that was what I was meant to do. I discovered I had an affinity for finger-picking and went from there.”
After attending college in Wisconsin and playing music in Paris and San Francisco, Hecht returned to Tennessee and settled in Nashville to focus on his career. His intensive touring and songwriting, including appearances with Richie Havens, Greg Brown, and Patty Griffin, have garnered him prizes and praise. Hecht’s 2008 record Late Last Night was described as “Gorgeous” and Last of the Long Days, his current release, has multiple gems including Real Someday and a great cover of Townes Van Zandt’s If I Needed You. Robbie Hecht may not be well known in Columbus, but that seems about to change.
Official Website: www.RobbyHecht.com
Song Samples: www.myspace.com/robbyhecht
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Listening to The Steel Wheels is like sitting on a front porch with a pitcher of sweet tea picking old time string-band mountain music with your four best friends.
From the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, The Steel Wheels bring a blend of bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin' fiddle tunes. The group formed in 2004 after lead singer Trent Wagler opened for guitarist/mandolin player Jay Lapp's band, the Goldmine Pickers. Brian Dickel on upright bass and Eric Brubaker on fiddle complete the quartet. Wagler's voice has been compared to Darrell Scott and John Fogerty and is often accentuated with delicate four-part gospel-esque harmonies. This string band's pickin' is tight and their energy is contagious.
Their latest album Red Wing was nominated for 5 Independent Music Awards and the song Nothing You Can't Lose won for Best Country Song.
"Imagine a blend of the passion of the Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers" - John Walker, Americana Roots
Official Website: www.thesteelwheels.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Red Tail Ring is the musical brainchild of two old-time-minded Michiganders - Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo. The collaboration blends the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the playful creativity of starting from scratch.
Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their many original compositions, the duo infuses each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry.
"We love pushing the boundaries of what a traditional song can be," says Beauchamp. "It informs how we write our original songs. There's a real energy exchange between the old and the new."
Official Website: www.redtailring.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most successful, respected and popular musicians. Singer-songwriter, composer and "magical" performer, he is also a fine guitarist and fiddle player. From his home base in Butterstone near Dunkeld in the beautiful Tay Valley in Perthshire Scotland, MacLean tours the world with his unique blend of lyrical, "roots based" songwriting and instrumental composition. His moving song Caledonia and melody The Gael (used in The Last of the Mohicans) have been recorded by hundreds of artists and enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Official Website: www.dougiemaclean.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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The final show of our 24th season features three noted individual artists of the next generation. Together, the three trade harmonies and support one another with such ease and familiarity that it's hard to believe they are not full-time band mates.
Anthony da Costa - a 21 year-old Junior at Columbia University, da Costa is already a leader in the performing songwriter community. At 17, da Costa was featured in a New York Times article, and in 2010 he wowed the Six String Concerts audience when he opened for Lucy Kaplansky.
Official Website: www.anthonydacosta.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
Raina Rose - raised in Portland, Oregon, now based in Austin, Texas, Rose has toured nationally since 2005 and has been featured in several high-profile folk music festivals including Kerrville, Telluride and the High Sierra Music Festival.
Official Website: www.rainarose.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
John Elliott - a native of Minnesota, now residing in Los Angeles, writes gripping stream-of-consciousness songs which often take unexpected twists and turns en route to a powerful message.
Official Website: www.thehereafterishere.com
Song Samples: www.youtube.com
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