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Why They're Worth Watching: Ellis Paul's charismatic, personally authentic performance style has influenced a generation of artists away from the artifice of pop, and closer towards the realness of folk. Though he remains among the most pop-friendly of today's singer-songwriters - his songs regularly appear in hit movie and TV soundtracks - he has bridged the gulf between the modern folk sound and the populist traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger more successfully than perhaps any of his songwriting peers. This May he is joined on the road by acclaimed acoustic artist Vance Gilbert. Gilbert unflinchingly renders blame and absolution, trapped hearts and free-riders, class and station, uncertainty and resolution, the spiritual and the visceral, the forever and the now, all side by side in song. His is a presentation steeped in deep humanism and bravery, stunning artistry and soul, and unbridled joy. No great surprise to the learned acoustic listener
For Fans Of: Folk Music, Jonatha Brooke, John Gorka, Patty Griffin
Why They're Worth Watching: With over 12 million album sales, two Golden Globes, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actor's Guild Awards as well as the Billboard prize for selling the most television soundtrack records in history for the hit TV series Ally McBeal, Vonda is a world-renowned artist who continues to delight audiences with her magnanimous live performances. She dedicates songs, tells stories, and at the same time, projects dynamic charisma and intimacy with her audience. Says RED at Redhotvelvet.co.uk: "She's incredible... Shepard gracefully pounds the grand piano and manages to ooze a presence which seeps into the spellbound audience... it's thoroughly refreshing to see such inherent talent performed naturally with such sunny disposition... Delectable."
The Washington Post does not cover too many independent artists, but felt compelled to write about Jann Klose, saying, “Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.”
For Fans Of: Singer/songwriter Music, Paula Cole, Joan Osborne, Shawn Colvin
Why They're Worth Watching: "Jon Cleary is the ninth wonder in the world." - Bonnie Raitt
In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans “piano professors,” Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a triple threat, combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances a career performing on solo piano, with noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and his band Jon Cleary's Philthy Phew, alongside a career as a notorious hired gun with the likes of Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield.
For Fans Of: New Orleans' Blues Music, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt
Why They're Worth Watching: On a rainy Nashville Thursday last October, Justin Townes Earle leapt onstage to accept the 2011 Americana Music Award for Song of the Year. The triumphant evening capped a turbulent twelve months for Earl marked by significant hardship as well as notable achievement including debut performances at New York's Carnegie Hall and on The Late Show with David Letterman. Those who've followed Earle's growth since releasing his debut EP Yuma in 2007 won’t be surprised he’s shooting off in another direction with his upcoming release, "Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now." For an artist whose list of influences runs the gamut from Randy Newman to Woody Guthrie, Chet Baker to the Replacements, and Phil Ochs to Bruce Springsteen, categories are useless.
With her warm, guileless vocals and earnest, evocative songwriting, Tristen has emerged as a truly individual talent, bridging genres and emotions to create a distinctive sound all her own. Weaving classic country, traditional rock ‘n’ roll, and reflective singer/songwriter balladry, songs such as the elegiac “Baby Drugs” and the spectral folk-tinged “Battle of the Gods” display an exceptional new artist opening herself to the world through heartfelt melodies and glorious hooks.
For Fans Of: Americana Music, The Avett Brothers, Ray LaMontagne, Johnny Cash
Why He's Worth Watching: Once called by the New York Times "By far one of the best bands in the United States for almost an entire decade", Chuck Prophet hits the road this summer in support of his latest release, Temple Beautiful. Part love letter and part unsentimental tour, Temple Beautiful attempts to capture San Francisco in all it's forms: romantic port-of-call, bohemian utopia, but even more so, an often unforgiving pioneer outpost filled with the freaks and characters not welcome in America's heartland.
For Fans Of: Alternative/Indie Music, The Dream Syndicate, Green On Red, Roger Clyne
Why He's Worth Watching: With influences blurring the lines of neo-soul, pop, funk, rock, and even gospel, Scott has arrived at a sound that is uniquely his own. Washington, DC artist Eric Scott returns to Annapolis to celebrate the release of his brand new album, "Where The Water Runs Deepest." As with his 2007 release "Red," Scott continues to write his own brand of brutally honest soul/pop colored with funky grooves, gritty vocals and smart lyrics about life, love, and hope for a better world. Scott's band features some of the DC/Baltimore area's finest musicians, including Grammy winner Jon Carroll, and his live performances range from hushed emotion to a hip-swerving dance party. Says Scott, "I want people to leave my show smiling, thinking about things, and sweaty because they couldn't stop moving." Eric Scott is a 2011 Wammie winner (Washington Area Music Association) for Best Adult Contemporary Vocalist and Best Adult Contemporary Instrumentalist. His original songs have aired on ABC, Showtime, Starz Network, Cinemax, and the WB.
For Fans of: Singer/Songwirter, Jason Mraz, Blues Traveler, John Mayer
Why He's Worth Watching: Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel is one of Australia's most respected musicians. The legendary guitarist has a professional career that spans five decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style -- he calls it simply "finger style" -- is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers. Rather than using a whole band for melody, rhythm, bass, and drum parts, Tommy plays all that -- and more -- on one guitar. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to try this "fingerpicker" style as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans.
For Fans Of: Finger Style Guitar, Chet Atkins, Joe Robinson, Wayman Tisdale
Why He's Worth Watching: Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel is one of Australia's most respected musicians. The legendary guitarist has a professional career that spans five decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style -- he calls it simply "finger style" -- is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers. Rather than using a whole band for melody, rhythm, bass, and drum parts, Tommy plays all that -- and more -- on one guitar. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to try this "fingerpicker" style as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans.
For Fans Of: Finger Style Guitar, Chet Atkins, Joe Robinson, Wayman Tisdale
Why They're Worth Watching: Technicolor Motor Home named 2011 Best Tribute Band by Baltimore Magazine: “For years Steely Dan did not tour because their songs were too darn difficult to replicate on stage. And when they did tour, they had something of an orchestra in tow. So it was surprising to learn that a local group was tackling such elegant and beloved pop music. Led by 'Crack the Sky's' keyboardist Glenn Workman, the band not only plays selections from every Steely Dan album, it does so with the necessary precision and passion, horns and back up singers included. TMH proves you can buy a thrill - just check out one of their shows.”
Wings Production Website: A stunning tribute to the life and artistry of the great Count Basie by The Dave Tucker 15-piece Big Band. The Kid from Redbank, William "Count" Basie, first made his mark as a bandleader in Kansas City and went on to lead what many people feel was the best big band ever. In this concert you have the opportunity to enjoy his music and his story to the fullest. You'll swing to One O'Clock Jump, Shiny Stockings and Corner Pocket among others. An exciting narration about the Count, his music, and his life by broadcaster and producer, John Tegler, sets off each tune as if it was a gem.
For Fans Of Big Band/Swing Music, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey
Why He's Worth Watching: "Few songwriters today write with Isbell's combination of lyrical economy, deep-seated empathy, and masterstroke axe melodies." -Austin Chronicle
After spending six years with Southern rock outfit Drive-By Truckers, singer/guitarist Jason Isbell left the group in 2007 to pursue a solo career that is praised wherever he plays. Named on the SXSW 10 best of the fest in 2011, Isbell mixes a soulful vocal style with songs that are passionate and unrepentant in their sense of place and direct in their stubborn Southerness.
For Fans Of: Alt-Indie Music, Drive By Truckers, Ryan Adams, Rhett Miller
Why They're Worth Watching: While often viewed by the outside world in the shadow of that other great New Jersey band leader, Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny Lyon is near royalty to Jersey-ites and has created a legacy of great soul-influenced rock spanning three decades. Johnny teamed with friend "Miami" Steve Van Zandt to form the Asbury Jukes in the mid-70s, creating a talented group that included both killer rhythm and horn sections, and which has had countless members and musical partners during its long tenure.
For Fans Of: Roots Rock Music, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Money
Why They're Worth Watching: The region's favorite Celtic rockers are back for a rollicking evening of traditional and original tunes, seasonal classics, and general merriment. Martin and the boys are coming to Rams Head ready to forget about their day jobs with a show that'll be Irish down to the last drop!
For Fans Of: Celtic Rock, Mary Black, The Saw Doctors, Shane MacGowan
Why They're Worth Watching: Soulful. Engaging. Authentic. Austin Ellis captivates listeners with an enchanting voice and intimate acoustic style. Influenced by the smooth delivery of John Legend and laid back strumming of Jack Johnson, Ellis invites audiences to relax and enjoy the warmth of his sound. The rising singer/songwriter has shared the stage with established artists including SOJA, Sonya Kitchell, Jim Boggia, and Naked Blue, and was a finalist in the Mountain Stage Newsong Contest and Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Ellis performs over 200 shows per year and his self-titled debut EP was released in December 2010.
Stemming from late night jams with a room full of friends, Pressing Strings began as the collaboration between Josh Kachura and Jordan Soke. Building a fervent local following through gigs at the local watering holes playing a calculated assortment of eclectic covers and a handful of originals, it's obvious the band has learned a few things, especially how to create an authentic blend of americana, reggae, jazz, and rock music. In recent years the band has doubled in size with the addition of drummer Bob Novak and bassist Nick Welker.
Nelly’s Echo, formed by Nelson Emokpae (Lead singer) in early 2007, originates from the premise that music is a two way street. “Nelly” refers to the musician/music and “Echo” refers to the audience’s appreciation of the music. Nelly’s Echo is neither a band or a solo musician, but a concept of the musical experience associated with it's creator Nelson.
Why They're Worth Watching: It’s been said that the musicians of New Orleans are all members of one gigantic band that breaks up into smaller groups on a nightly basis. If this were really the case, The New Orleans Suspects would be in a class all their own. Comprised of members of The Neville Bros., The Radiators and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The New Orleans Suspects boast experience and versatility that rival any other band that the city has ever produced. Together these five musicians create music that is firmly rooted in the modern New Orleans sound with compelling originals and tasteful covers. The rhythm section of Scanlan and Green are as comfortable together as red beans and rice. Gruver tickles the ivories or soars into the stratosphere on the organ. Harris provides stellar saxophone fills and solos with great aplomb. Eckert’s rhythm guitar work neatly complements his razor sharp solos. Though the band can clearly jam, with Eckert and Gruver trading off on lead vocals they are no simple jam band.
For Fans Of: New Orleans Jam Bands, The Radiators, The Subdudes
Why She's Worth Watching: Singer/pianist Marcia Ball knows how to raise roofs and tear down walls with her infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional brand of southern boogie, rollicking, roadhouse blues and heartfelt ballads. Over the course of her threedecade career, Ball has earned a huge and intensely loyal following all over the world. Her exquisite piano playing and passionate, playful vocals fuse New Orleans and Gulf Coast R&B with Austin's deep songwriting tradition into a sound No Depression described as "a little rock, a lot of roll, a pinch of rhythm and a handful of blues."
For Fans Of: Blues Music, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Deanna Bogart
Click HERE for more information on the Go Red For Women Movement.
Why She's Worth Watching: Kelly is a vivacious twenty year old pop singer/songwriter with a drive for entertaining and a passion for music. Kelly’s passion for music is deeply rooted in her heart, a heart that was physically impaired with multiple birth defects. Kelly wasn’t expected to survive and her story still amazes people today. Doctors still don’t understand how her heart repaired itself, and Kelly’s family attributes it to a miracle. Kelly has united with the American Heart Association to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle and to educate all ages about the risks of cardiovascular disease. Her work with the Go Red for Women team includes touring schools and speaking to the youth, as well as several Baltimore benefit concerts.
She has worked with artistic icons such as Bobby McFerrin and by high school, her repertoire included performances with jazz artist, Carl Grubbs, Wicked composer, Stephen Schwartz, Jazz musician, Vince di Mura, playwright and musical director, Michael Dansicker, and Grammy Award winning violinist, Ann Marie Calhoun. After releasing her debut single, Ride the Wave (Produced by Chris Belin from J. Knight Entertainment in 2010) Kelly worked with former Wakefield singer and producer, Ryan Escolopio (CEO of iBot studios and iBot Records) to launch her sound in a new direction. Her single, Bright Lights can be found on Itunes and online stores and its coinciding music video has blown up Youtube and the online community.
For Fans Of: Indie Pop/Rock Music, Colbie Caillat, Natasha Bedingfield, Taylor Swift
Why She's Worth Watching: Jo Dee Messina is an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist that has given her heart and soul to find success. She's had 9 #1 singles and with the release of Unmistakable (2011), Jo Dee Messina steps firmly into the front ranks of country singers. An album that displays both her songwriting prowess and her abilities as a co-producer, Unmistakable is above all a showcase for one of the genre's most remarkable and distinctive--but often overlooked--voices. The album displays all the range, versatility and exuberance that have long made Jo Dee a fan favorite and have brought her so much success both on record and on stage.
For Fans Of: Country Music, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Lee Ann Womack, Wynonna Judd,
