Tish Hinojosa’s music crosses borders – between cultures, languages and musical genres. Moving with equal grace through folk, country, pop and latino styles, her music reflects contemporary America’s multicultural richness. Combining a vision that embraces all of these musical styles, with her characteristic warmth and a pure, soulful voice, this enchanting Texan singer-songwriter has gained a loving and loyal audience throughout America, Europe and beyond.

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Described as bold, unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the “GLENGARRY BHOYS” hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining. Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages. From a small Scots-French-Canadian enclave in Eastern Ontario, these Celtic-Stompers, always pushing the musical envelope but never straying too far from the traditional whence they came, have earned a reputation as entertainers that challenge you to sit still during their engaging performances.

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Dave Eggar’s body of work is consistently greeted with superlatives and rave reviews. It’s a luxury not often enjoyed by an artist who records in diverse genres and performs live in multiple musical categories, seamlessly moving between each, be it Pop, Rock, Jazz, R&B, New Age, World or Classical music. His ability to effortlessly blur the lines between any musical style is truly unique. That’s the magic of Dave Eggar.

Dave’s soon-to-be released CD project and companion DVD video, Kingston Morning, was recently recorded in Brooklyn, NY, Kingston, Jamaica, and Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Released by Domo Music Group (www.domo.com), favorite Eggar tracks on the release include Earth’s Paradise (vocals by Jamaican roots reggae legend Luciano); Follow Me to the Sun (vocals by Chuck Palmer); High Atmosphere (vocals by NPR’s Robin & Linda Williams — Prairie Home Companion); Itsbynne Reel and Jacob’s Vision (vocals by Bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley — O Brother Where Art Thou).

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Two of our favorite openers get their chance to headline the show …

Danielle Miraglia and Amy Black who have opened for the likes of Joan Osborne and Rodney Crowell at OLS have a night for themselves. These two wonderful performers will bring full bands to back up their musical talents for a great evening of music.

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Jake Hill is a singer/songwriter from Plymouth, Massachusetts, from across the country, and from down the street. He has miles on his voice, blisters on his fingers, and stories to tell. Though born and raised in America’s Hometown, it was the American Southwest where he found himself. Then he came home. Jake has released four full-length LP’s and a handful of EP’s, and has performed from Boston to Austin in front of audiences as intimate as a couple of bottle-throwing drunks and as rowdy as thousands of fancy people doing fancy things.

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Make sure you join the party when the Evie Ladin Band opens the box on the toe-tapping material from their new CD! Tenacious, innovative string musicians/dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul, the Evie Ladin Band throw down music with an unusually creative and surprising live show. A superb banjo player and a clever songwriter with an enthralling voice, Evie is joined by Keith Terry (founder of the International Body Music Festival) on bass, body music, vocals, and percussion, Dina Maccabee (Real Vocal String Quartet) on violin, and Erik Pearson (Crooked Jades) on guitar and banjo.

Roots music enthusiasts from the Bay Area and beyond know Evie from her 10+ years with the great all-gal old-time band, The Stairwell Sisters, from appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and stages from Celtic Connections to Lincoln Center, or from any of the her numerous intriguing side projects as well as the banjo and singing classes she teaches at the Freight. Dubbed “a natural entertainer with a gift for infusing folk practices with contemporary verve” by The San Francisco Chronicle, Evie barrels full-steam out of trad old-time into the urban environs of Oakland. All we can say is, hop on board!

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Ray LaMontagne is the primary touchstone for a lot of young guys with an acoustic guitar in their hands and R&B-style roundness to their singing. But not for Sam Lewis. He may have started writing songs shortly after LaMontagne began making folk-soul waves, but he found his inspiration in country-singing soul men of earlier generations — like Ray Charles, with his Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Vols. 1 & 2, Leon Russell with Hank Wilson’s Back!, and Van Morrison, who delved into classic covers like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” in the last decade. It shows on Lewis’ new self-titled album that he learned from the sources, rather than a copy of a copy; he’s deeply committed to both soul and country streams, and the combination fits him like a second skin. His studio band — featuring ace guitar slinger Kenny Vaughan in laidback, lyrical mode — supplies rawboned grooves beneath his reedy, nimble drawl. Lewis has been working up to this album for the four-or-so years he’s been in Middle Tennessee, and the sturdiness of his songs proves patience is a virtue.
— Jewly Hight

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Roomful of Blues, according to DownBeat magazine, “are in a class by themselves.” With the band’s masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it’s no wonder why the great Count Basie called Roomful “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard.” Since 1967, the group’s deeply-rooted blend of swing, rock `n’ roll, jump, blues, and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including seven Blues Music Awards (one for Blues Band of The Year in 2005), two selections as Best Blues Band in the DownBeat International Critics Poll, and a Boston Music Award for Best Blues Act of 2011.

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With diverse influences that include Folk, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Bluegrass, Country and even Classical, Natalia Zukerman has been described by public radio as “an example of the finest Americana.” She combines her unique slide guitar playing style with seductive vocals, a painter’s observing eye, unapologetic writing, and sharp wit. Zukerman’s music is as riddled with urban restlessness as it is grounded in rootsy warmth – a welcome contradiction.

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Music audiences around the world have seen and heard Janet Robin’s incredible guitar work as a former featured touring member of the Lindsey Buckingham Band (Fleetwood Mac), Meredith Brooks Band and Air Supply. Her abilities as a guitarist have garnered the admiration of many in the music industry including Michelle Shocked who called Robin “one of the best guitarists in the country: male or female.” She has shared the stage most recently with the likes of Monte Montgomery, Midge Ure (Ultravox) and Colin Hay (Men At Work). With the help of her dedicated fan base, Robin was able to raise the funds for her latest studio effort, Everything Has Changed with producer John Carter Cash (Johnny Cash and June Carter’s son) at Cash Cabin Studios outside of Nashville. Robin signed a European licensing and distribution deal with Hypertension Music (in Germany) who released Everything Has Changed in January 2010. The album is set to be released in the U.S. in 2012.

Ever the road warrior, Robin plays upwards of 150 dates per year, focusing on the East Coast, West Coast and Europe. In addition to being an artist, Robin is also a respected clinician for Line 6 and is endorsed by Taylor Guitars, Fender Guitars, Daisy Rock Guitars, Turner-Renaissance, Seymour Duncan and Alfred Publishing among others.

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Devils are not the only thing to come from Tasmania. Singer-songwriter Audrey Auld’s heart is in Country, Folk and Americana music with a presence as big as The Outback. Her songs are the wry and poignant observations of a Tassie girl living in California and Nashville since 2003. Audrey calls it “Music with the dirt left on.”

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They’ve been part of the Southern Rock scene for more than 30 years. Their biggest hits include So Into You, Champagne Jam, Imaginary Lover, and Spooky. But there’s so much more. The Atlanta Rhythm Section represents all the good things the phrase “classic rock” implies.

In the annals of rock and roll, where do they fit? They put out 15 albums of excellent original material, and consistently put on entertaining live shows-both of which helped establish a broad if not huge fan base. They had some big hits and have been a major player in the Southern Rock scene. But is that the whole story? In some circles, maybe. But for those who’ve really gotten to know their music over the years, there’s a lot more to the story.

ARS was paired with contemporaries Lynyrd Skynyrd as the successors to the Allman Brothers – carrying the mantle of “Southern Rock” in the late 70s. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it may have made sense at the time. But performing songs that were more musically diverse and having hits that had a softer, pop sound, the “Southern Rock” label was a mixed blessing and many of their unique musical accomplishments became lost in a genre that has lived on to this day-but never really fit ARS.

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Jo Henley is not a person. Rather, Jo Henley is a Boston-based roots-rock band formed by longtime musical collaborators Andy Campolieto and Ben Lee, known for its exciting blend of rock, folk, country, and bluegrass that their fans affectionately refer to as “new roots.” Inspired by everything from Hank Williams to The Rolling Stones to Phish, Campolieto and Lee, along with bassist Jeremy Foti and drummer Mike Dingley, combine traditional roots music with modern rock to create a sound all their own. Live, Jo Henley shows are spirited, high-energy events that showcase their carefully crafted songs and sparkling instrumental prowess.

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Amy Petty’s sound and songwriting is a compelling, complex and original soundscape that weaves a lush tapestry of folk, pop, rock and blues ballad.

Art, mystery, and spirituality influence and infuse her poignant, evocative and sensual songs. These sonic canvases showcase the heartfelt emotion behind her lyrics and provide a foundation over which her voice and choral harmonies soar. Often compared to Sarah McLachlan, Eva Cassidy, Alanis Morrisette and Jonatha Brooke, Amy Petty has a signature voice and style both familiar and stunningly rare.

Danielle Miraglia (murr-Ä L e a) comes armed with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson, an infectious stomp-box rhythm and harmonica. Her tunes range from heart-felt to socially conscious and will move both your heart and hips. Danielle’s latest release “Box of Troubles” a bare-bones expression of all these attributes, explores the highs and lows that life has to offer and has already received rave reviews. Alternate Root says “Danielle Miraglia’s guitar work keeps Delta traditions alive. Her steady thumb and playing style trace a direct line to the blues of the field and chicken shacks. Vocally, Danielle’s voice digs in, twisting within the delivery, seeming to break but more likely soaring before the fall. ‘Box of Troubles’ balances good times with the bad, her characters roles’ defined and believable.”

A smoke ring from a Cuban cigar wafts through a city kitchen as a soul singer croons on crackly vinyl; freshly diced onions sizzle as they hit the olive oil in Sunday’s morning’s pan…With a pungent mix of soul, Latin, Funk, reggae, and good ol’rock ‘n roll, Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion will take you into the kitchen to find that sweetness in the soul food you crave.

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Vocalist Francine Reed can’t remember a time when she didn’t sing. In her youth, the Chicago-born, Phoenix-raised song stylist sang in church and in grammar school. She began singing professionally with her family when she was five and continued into her teens. She got married young and had four children, whom she ended up raising alone. She worked a variety of day jobs and kept her singing career an avocation until 1985, when some friends introduced her to Lyle Lovett. Lovett was interested in finding a female vocalist for his new band and found his singer in Reed. She toured with Lovett for ten years as a member of Lovett’s Large Band, and did several TV performances with the Texas singer/songwriter. While her association with Lovett continues, she has embarked on the kind of solo career she always wanted when working the day jobs to support her family.

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A folk troubadour whose talents have been lauded on the national and international scene for almost a decade, Jess Klein writes songs that tell the story of the soul – from wrenching heartbreak to finding the strength to pick up and move on.

Now, on her seventh studio album, Bound To Love, Jess Klein has created an Americana gem that speaks to the troubadour in all of us. Inspired by a move to Austin in summer of 2008, she evokes the dusty roots of Texas songwriters and melds them into her own blend of spot-on, speak-to-the-heart lyrics, percussive guitar and a voice as sweet as it is strong.

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Blueswomen Suzy Thompson and Del Rey rock out on blues, swing, novelty numbers, and more. A vital member of the Bay Area acoustic music scene, Suzy’s exuberant fiddling and vocals have graced bands like the California Cajun Orchestra and the Bluegrass Intentions. A first-rate musician and vocalist, Seattle-based Del delivers complex guitar grooves on her resonator parlor guitar, plus sly humor and some really fabulous outfits. The two have been guesting on each other’s recordings for nearly two decades: catch them tonight as they stir things up with their masterful playing, show-stopping vocals, and humorous repartee.

For over four decades, Johnny Nicholas’ consummate musicianship and vocal skills have graced the roots and blues music scene across the country and abroad. He has toured, performed and recorded with blues, americana, and roots legends including Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Lockwood Jr., Johnny Shines, Big Walter Horton, and Roosevelt Sykes, and he was a lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist with Asleep at the Wheel when they won their first of many Grammy awards. In the words of blues legend Marcia Ball, “Johnny writes instant classics and sings them to break your heart and rock your soul.”

Johnny’s band, Hellbent, features Bruce Hughes, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, and John Chipman, with leading Austin-based Dobro and steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar, a master of bluegrass, gutbucket blues, swampy R&B, and honky tonk.

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It was a warm summer afternoon in 1998. Matthew Smith, stroked his as yet un-bearded chin absorbed in thought; confounded by what to book over the notoriously slow Labor Day weekend.

….A few hours later hunched over the soundboard Matt heard a familiar voice cut through the fiddling frenzy and turned to see Gabriel Unger. Gabe noted Matt’s uncharacteristically distracted manner and upon inquiry discovered it was not the feedback or waning effects of a margarita, but a deeper issue baffling his friend. And so ensued a spontaneous brainstorming session intent on solving this yearly booking dilemma. Soon the two came up with what seemed a viable option, they would extend Matt’s recently founded Songwriters in the Square series over the course of three days. And with that the Cutting Edge of the Campfire Festival was born.

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In an apparent attempt to hide any signs of his former career, Jeff Strahan wears his hair so big it makes Lyle Lovett’s former hairdo look like a crew cut. Not that Jeff is ashamed of being a lawyer, but that was his old life. Now he makes music full time, playing all over Texas, with frequent tours to other parts of the United States, combining his stage training from law school with his natural ability to connect with the audience. Throw in a thirst for writing songs that he can play in front of people, a spirituality that has guided him his whole life, and the intelligence to make it all come together, and you’ve got an Americana act that translates around the globe.

“Whether working out on Fender Stratocaster, organ or piano, Jeff Strahan knows how to boogie, how to kick out blues/rock and how to soulfully move from uptempo booty shakers to thoughtful ballads. It all comes together on Strahan’s Walt Wilkins-produced CD “Wayward Son.” San Antonio Express News ”

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It was a warm summer afternoon in 1998. Matthew Smith, stroked his as yet un-bearded chin absorbed in thought; confounded by what to book over the notoriously slow Labor Day weekend.

….A few hours later hunched over the soundboard Matt heard a familiar voice cut through the fiddling frenzy and turned to see Gabriel Unger. Gabe noted Matt’s uncharacteristically distracted manner and upon inquiry discovered it was not the feedback or waning effects of a margarita, but a deeper issue baffling his friend. And so ensued a spontaneous brainstorming session intent on solving this yearly booking dilemma. Soon the two came up with what seemed a viable option, they would extend Matt’s recently founded Songwriters in the Square series over the course of three days. And with that the Cutting Edge of the Campfire Festival was born.

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Since the mid-1970s Pierre Bensusan’s name has been synonymous with contemporary acoustic guitar genius. Working in open tuning with his steel strings tuned to the modal, mystical-sounding DADGAD, Pierre is a composer, singer, and acoustic guitar visionary of passionate intensity with an extraordinarily tender, joyful touch. His unique musical sensibility combines ethnic folk themes and classical melodies as well as free and fusion styles with Latin and North African rhythms and vocals in the world jazz scat tradition that evoke comparisons to Brazilian maestro, Milton Nascimento.

Born in Algeria and raised in Paris, Pierre won the Grand Prix at the 1976 Montreux Festival when he was 18 years old with his first recording, Pres de Paris. Since then, he has toured throughout the world and released numerous albums, establishing himself as a distinctive and influential fingerstyle guitarist.

Tonight Pierre highlights compositions from his recent CD, Vividly, showcasing his rich and multi-cultural world, where guitar instrumentals share the spectrum with songs in French and English.

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Ron Noyes has been called “One of the best American Songwriters…” (Radio Italy). With world-wide radio play, the Ron Noyes Band is described as emotive, unique, and timely. Their blend of roots rock, funk, singer-songwriter, and soul creates a sound that is touted in 12 countries. RNB fuses intricate melodies, meaningful lyrics, tight grooves, and intense instrumentation. Since 2002, The Ron Noyes Band has rapidly grown into one of the New England’s most highly acclaimed and talked about acts.

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A Patch of Blue Sky, Kevin Welch’s newest CD, was released on June 15 on Music Road Records and is climbing the Americana charts. The album is an ultimately hopeful journey from darkness to dawn.

Kevin is known as a songwriter’s songwriter. He was honored as the “Artists Tribute to a Legend” at the 2009 Steamboat Springs Colorado MusicFest where his peers performed his songs to him in the packed theater.

Kevin has long been recognized as an awesome writer, musician, and vocalist, but he is much more than that; he is a man who has truly lived life, and has created music that is REAL in the purest sense. You don’t sit and listen to Welch’s music because you are told to; you do so because you are mesmerized. Welch’s lyrics and music capture you and bring you into his world, and through that journey you are able to find a piece of yourself.

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It was a warm summer afternoon in 1998. Matthew Smith, stroked his as yet un-bearded chin absorbed in thought; confounded by what to book over the notoriously slow Labor Day weekend.

….A few hours later hunched over the soundboard Matt heard a familiar voice cut through the fiddling frenzy and turned to see Gabriel Unger. Gabe noted Matt’s uncharacteristically distracted manner and upon inquiry discovered it was not the feedback or waning effects of a margarita, but a deeper issue baffling his friend. And so ensued a spontaneous brainstorming session intent on solving this yearly booking dilemma. Soon the two came up with what seemed a viable option, they would extend Matt’s recently founded Songwriters in the Square series over the course of three days. And with that the Cutting Edge of the Campfire Festival was born.

Buy album:

It was a warm summer afternoon in 1998. Matthew Smith, stroked his as yet un-bearded chin absorbed in thought; confounded by what to book over the notoriously slow Labor Day weekend.

….A few hours later hunched over the soundboard Matt heard a familiar voice cut through the fiddling frenzy and turned to see Gabriel Unger. Gabe noted Matt’s uncharacteristically distracted manner and upon inquiry discovered it was not the feedback or waning effects of a margarita, but a deeper issue baffling his friend. And so ensued a spontaneous brainstorming session intent on solving this yearly booking dilemma. Soon the two came up with what seemed a viable option, they would extend Matt’s recently founded Songwriters in the Square series over the course of three days. And with that the Cutting Edge of the Campfire Festival was born.

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All performers are welcome to participate in this event that has produced some of our brightest performers, including: Shawn Colvin, Dana Carvey, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Patrick Landeza.

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The Boston-area folk music scene is a vibrant one, boasting a variety of diverse artists. But if pressed to name the region’s defining musician, it would have to be singer-songwriter Catie Curtis, who has called it home for nearly all of her twenty-year music career. Since the release of her last album in 2009, Curtis has toured extensively, playing a number of diverse venues ranging from Chicago’s legendary Old Town School of Folk Music to the White House. She’s also spent that time writing and testing out new material, developing a collection of masterfully written lyrics that serve as the heart of her newest record, Stretch Limousine on Fire (out August 30).

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Amy Correia delivers songs with a raw power that’s both vulnerable and fierce. That musical honesty has drawn comparisons to Tom Waits and Michelle Shocked and The New York Times calls her “a singular talent.” After two major releases on EMI, Amy Correia recently scored a creative and entrepreneurial victory by raising more than $35K to produce and release her third record, You Go Your Way. An early convert to the “fan-funded album,” Correia’s new album “veers seamlessly from arena rock to gospel music, that includes both power chords and a string quartet.” (NPR). American Songwriter writes she’s “back in top form with another rootsy gem of an album…Correia shows off her Rod Stewart-meets-Lucinda Williams pipes on Powder Blue Trans Am.” A dynamic performer who accompanies herself on guitar, piano and baritone ukelele, Correia recently returned home from a 28-city tour of the U.S., opening for legendary frontwoman of The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde. Hynde and her musical partner, JP Jones, hand-picked Correia to open for their new project after seeing Correia perform live. (Her live show is not to be missed!) Correia has also toured extensively with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Marc Cohn (“Walking in Memphis”), opening shows and performing as a member of his stellar band, appearing on Good Morning America, Ellen Degeneres, The View and The Today Show.

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Returning to the Freight stage after a rousing set at last year’s Pomegranates & Figs show, Eliyahu & The Qadim Ensemble perform a dizzying range of beautiful, passionate music. With repertoire from the Arabic, Jewish, Turkish Sufi, Hebrew-Yemenite, Armenian, Ladino, and Moroccan traditions, the group celebrates the common musical and spiritual heritage of the region’s cultures while honoring the great diversity found within them.

Led by Eliyahu on the ney (flute), the San Francisco-based ensemble brings together accomplished musicians Rachel Valfer Sills on oud (lute) and earthy lead vocals, Faisal Zedan on Arabic percussion including the darbukkah (hand drum), riqq (tambourine) & daf (frame drum), and Gari Hegedus on Turkish saz (long-necked lute) and oud. Their most recent CD, Eastern Wind, reached number seven on Billboard’s World Music charts.

The group also recently guested on NPR’s All Things Considered, with the following glowing introduction: “Beautifully presented, the players bring superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm to each performance. Eliyahu’s ney along with Rachel’s succulent vocals are stars creating a sense of human communication with the divine.”

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The trick to the irresistibly organic, pure pop sound is that the music, and even the lead singer, take a back seat to the real star: the songs. As the principal songwriter and singer for nationally acclaimed alt-rock trio The Push Stars, Chris Trapper is equally sure-footed in his solo career. When on hiatus from The Push Stars, Chris writes, records and tours in support of his solo CD’s.

“Trapper sounds like the 21st-century young popster he is.” The Washington Post

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Now and then, a group of like-minded musicians find themselves in the same place geographically and professionally, with complimentary instrumental capabilities, natural friendship, and mutually inspired to create. For Belfry Fellows, this moment of rare chemistry brought together world-class instrumentalists, committed to the idea of creating song-based acoustic music. Mandolin player and founding member, Sterling Abernathy presents a musical maturity that defies his 18 years, contributing hair-raising leads, tasteful fills, and solid, innovative rhythm playing.

Bass player, vocalist, and songwriter Adam Chaffins’ diverse background in folk, jazz, rock, and classical genres allows for endless harmonic and technical possibility within the band’s arrangements. Rachel Baiman, a two-time Illinois State Fiddle Champion, is a similarly versatile musician, who embraces old-time, bluegrass, and more progressive acoustic styles with ease, and adds compelling vocal harmonies to the line-up. Rounding out the group is guitar player Josh Philpott, a former Tennessee State Guitar Champion and a graduate of MTSU with a degree in Jazz Studies.

The quartet came together in Nashville, TN, through a restructuring of the progressive bluegrass band Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, originally based in Oklahoma. It became clear that the unstoppable outpouring of fresh musical ideas and new material among the four was deserving of a distinct identity. “Belfry Fellows” is an appeal to originality and creativity, and pays homage to an audacious fiddle-playing “fellow”, the antagonist of an 1839 Edgar Allan Poe short story.

Boasting timeless songs crafted in the tradition of American old-time and bluegrass, performed with the acoustic instrumental precision of chamber music, and the contemporary vocal sounds of folk and indie rock, Belfry Fellows demands a new look at the possibilities of their instrumentation. Their passion expressed with impressive musical prowess and boundary-pushing style, coupled with the unique vibe of their original work appeals to wide circles of fans, from lovers of Bill Monroe to the Fleet Foxes.

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The trick to the irresistibly organic, pure pop sound is that the music, and even the lead singer, take a back seat to the real star: the songs. As the principal songwriter and singer for nationally acclaimed alt-rock trio The Push Stars, Chris Trapper is equally sure-footed in his solo career. When on hiatus from The Push Stars, Chris writes, records and tours in support of his solo CD’s.

“Trapper sounds like the 21st-century young popster he is.” The Washington Post

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Tupelo’s famous open mic night.
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As the founder of Jon Butcher Axis, Grammy Nominated Jon BUTCHER is one of a select handful of influential recording artists comprising the now legendary Boston music scene. Charlie Farren has long been an anchor on the Boston rock scene. He cut his rock & roll teeth with The Joe Perry Project – longtime side project of Aerosmith’s guitarist.

Both are master musicians, riveting performers, soulful and expressive singers. Both are hit songwriters, together having sold millions of copies of their songs around the world. Both have written for television, motion pictures, and have toured and performed in many of the most prestigious venues in the world.Both have grown and developed through years of creating the soundtrack for so many lives.

They have diverse backgrounds, but as veterans of the now legendary Boston music scene, they intersect with a shared history and common love and appreciation for the roots of what makes music move us. A collective respect and enthusiasm for the personal journey music offers both performer and listener.

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Shows coming soon from our newest venue!

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Tupelo’s legendary open mic night.
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How does an established and preeminent acoustic artist like Vance Gilbert follow up his feted cover album Angels, Castles, Covers (2006) and his songwriting watermark Unfamiliar Moon (2005)?

With Up On Rockfield, that’s how! Up On Rockfield finds Gilbert exploring and unabashedly celebrating the influence various famous songwriters and performers have had upon his writing. Each song is penned by Gilbert as if he was co-writing with some of his musical heroes. Who else but him could pull off a concept project such as this and have both press and radio giddy with anticipation?

“Up on Rockfield”, the opening title track is a soulful call-to-arms of a small community, reminiscent of mid-70′s Van Morrison. Then comes the rollicking country rock of “Welcome to Lovetown”, joyously sounding like John Hiatt enlisting a hand from Prince. And there is the innocent and wise “Goodbye Pluto”, written, says Gilbert, “as if Shawn Colvin and Raffi were to write together.”

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Tupelo’s legendary open mic night.

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David Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving stories, sense of the hilarious, and powerful singing and subject matter. As singer, songwriter, recording artist, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, David has earned top honors at premier songwriter competitions – Kerrville (TX) and Falcon Ridge (NY) – and taken his music, experience, and expertise to a wide variety of venues in this and other countries full-time for more than two decades.

David’s songs (“Rising in Love”, “Earth”, “Manuel Garcia”, “May the Light of Love”, “Nine Gold Medals”, “Spacesuits”, “Rocket Science”, and many more) have found their way to Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, the Kennedy Center, Peter, Paul, & Mary concerts, NASA’s Goddard Space Center (“Rocket Science” went up on the Space Shuttle Atlantis’s May 2009 mission to repair the Hubble Telescope), the classic folk song book “Rise Up Singing”, and 10 CDs on the Wind River and Stockfisch (Germany) labels. Featured on many of Christine Lavin’s Rounder compilations, the former artist-in-residence at New York’s Omega Institute has also been a songwriting judge at Kerrville, Napa Valley (CA), Tumbleweed (WA), Eventide Arts (MA), the Avalon Festival (WV), and the South Florida Folk Festival.

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