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Performer Bios
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Arizona Balalaika Orchestra
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The Arizona Balalaika Orchestra began in 1980 in Tucson as a small ensemble within the University of Arizona Russian Department. The group is a spirited, non-profit community folk orchestra, playing native Slavic instruments and wearing colorful costumes. It has toured throughout Arizona and Mexico. The Arizona Balalaika Orchestra is a member of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA), which has annual conventions in North America and Russia.
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Don & Victoria Armstrong
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Don & Victoria Armstrong have been called "folk treasures of the land of enchantment." Their original songs have been recorded by Steve Goodman, Judy Collins, John Denver, Jerry Jeff Walker, Woods Tea Company, and many more. Their performance of both original and collected songs of the Southwest inspired former member of the Weavers, Erik Darling, to comment, "What their singing does for the soul - that is what music is for."
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Larry Armstrong & CopperMoon
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Born with a Honky Tonk heart, CopperMoon embraces the wide-ranging Americana category with covers and originals. Members include Larry and Kathy Armstrong, Sam Sawyer and John Milner. CopperMoon plays alternate Sundays at Nimbus Brewery.
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The Arnold/Klingenfus Ensemble
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Dick Arnold, Jim Klingenfus, and Bob Benedon have been making music together for over three decades. Focusing on an eclectic repertoire, the joy of singing and hearty humor, they bring excitement and innovation to every performance. As always, friend and long-time collaborator, Jim Lipson, joins the ensemble for this performance.
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Russell Bartlett
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Called a "poet" and a "wordsmith of rare distinction," Austin singer songwriter Russell Bartlett has been churning out broadly respected songs for years. His material sparkles with literary precision and captivating story lines. "Russell Bartlett is a songwriter's songwriter," notes the Houston Chronicle. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Bartlett was a pioneer of the Seattle Grunge sound in the late 80s. He relocated to Texas in 1994 to pursue a solo career, following in the footsteps of musical icons like Texas legend Townes Van Zandt-who called Bartlett "A true poet."
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Jim Berault
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Jim has been performing and writing music for over 30 years. He has been fortunate enough to open shows for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Firefall, Amazing Rhythm Aces, Vassar Clements and John McEuen (of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame), as well as headlining a show at the Arvada (CO) Center for the Performing Arts. Jim has written for NBC/Universal and several Indie artists, with over 20 CD cuts to his credit.
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Bish
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Pat Bishop as Bish delivers original songs about questioning, losing, and gaining both love and fear in his smooth Gordon Lightfoot-type voice, with some easy-listening, country-rock covers thrown in. Bish has been a part of trios and duos in the '80s and '90s and recently performed at O'Malley's and the 4th Avenue Street Fair. His on-again, off-again love affair with music, while balancing family and day jobs, is on-again. Come hear the results.
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BK Special
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BK Special is Bobby Kimmel, Stefan George, and Lavinia White. Bobby was a member of The Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt, and later toured with folk music legend Doc Watson. Stefan and Lavinia are among Tucson's most popular acoustic artists. Expect strong original songs from Stefan and Bobby, unique 3-part harmonies, and Stefan's brilliant guitar playing. Their latest, self-titled CD includes a guest appearance by Linda Ronstadt.
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Blue Prairie Dogs
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The Blue Prairie Dogs have been delighting audiences with their family-friendly Western tunes for about 15 years. Singer/songwriter and guitarist "Cactus" Dan Oved will amuse and move you with his inspired songs. Pete Fine will wow you with his 12-string guitar licks while "Diamond" Jim Hewitt will sparkle on the fiddle. Doc Whitmore's righteous bass playing will keep it all steady. CDs are available at the store. Yi-ha!
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Phil Borzillo
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Phil Borzillo performs an eclectic mix of rock, blues, folk, fusion, and country; no single category can claim him. His music can be defined as "Americana," consisting of all American pop styles and more. His extraordinary guitar work, soulful vocals and creative songwriting abilities come together as a dynamic mix of music enjoyed by people of all ages. His performances are always fun, unpredictable, and personal.
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Namoli Brennet
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Namoli Brennet has honed her craft through hundreds of performances and thousands of miles on the road. Promoting her latest CD, Brennet recently returned from a 40-city tour spanning over 10,000 miles. The talented multi-instrumentalist, who plays nearly everything on record, still manages to outdo herself when it comes to live performance. Her guitar playing covers everything from whispery finger-picking to all-out flamenco-style strumming, and her transcendent voice delivers her achingly personal songs with unmatched intensity.
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Bright & Childers
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Bright & Childers is the long-standing duo of Nancy Lynn Bright and Hank Childers. Their music is a blend of styles and inclinations -- country, folk, and blues -- and they've become known for their arrangements, their spirit, and especially their harmonies. They will be joined by Ian Hodges on bass and Jim Ruff on mandolin.
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Chad Brimm and Chelsea Duncan
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Chad Brimm and Chelsea Duncan met in September 2007 at an open mic in Tucson. They immediately found their sound together and began performing around Arizona. Chad Brimm hails from the Midwest and brings with him songs of the wandering soul: love, loss, longing, hope and the possibility of tomorrow. Chelsea Duncan, a Tucson native, uses her contemporary acoustic sound and thoughtful lyrics to express her life, love and faith.
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The Can Openers
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The Can Openers will perform their one-of-a-kind style of music on guitars and drums made from one- and two-gallon metal gasoline cans. This group of great players offers serious music on unusual, silly instruments with a unique fusion of percussion, rhythm and melody. Hear Short and Sweet, Judy Blue Eyes, along with other odd covers. Everyone is invited to share in the fun and not to make fun of The Can Openers.
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Carnivaleros
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The Carnivaleros combine Tex-Mex polkas, swing, moody Eastern European motifs, western movie themes and strains of Zydeco -- a Southwest sonic fondue. With their latest CD, "Lost in the Graveyard," accordionist, writer, and bandleader Gary Mackender created an album true to his roots, delving into his Midwestern heritage while absorbing the atmosphere of the Sonoran desert where he's lived for the last 18 years.
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Chainsaw Bears
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The Chainsaw Bears all live and work on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, AZ. The band consists of Eric Swanson (The Great Swannee Orchestra, Tatterjack and Wild Pig), Cindy Yurth (A Rage of Maidens), Micki Killoran (Grass on the Rocks and Buzz Busby), and Tammy Metz. Chainsaw Bears plays an acoustic mix of original compositions, bluegrass, folk, and country music. When not playing music they rescue dogs and cats.
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Circadian Rhythms
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Circadian Rythms offers an eclectic mix of genres best characterized as alternative folk rock- 50% original. Covers include Gershwin, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, Harry Chapin and the Beatles – both instrumentals and vocals. Vocalist Tom Morgan plays guitar (12- and 6-string), and Bill Martinez specializes in percussion, including Congas, Pandeiro, shakers, triangles, and cymbals. After 20 years performing together, Tom and Bill have definitely developed a unique style to call their own.
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Combo Westside
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Combo Westside is a five-member ensemble that performs unique interpretations of traditional and contemporary music spanning and blending genres from Jazz, Bossa Nova and Bolero. Vocalist Sara Gascho sings original songs written by guitarist Aaron Graham, with support from bassist Phil Anderson, percussionist Carolina Reisenman, and drummer Jon Crowe. With members from as far away as Buenos Aires, Combo Westside draws a wildly diverse crowd performing its multi-lingual repertoire in swanky clubs or large venues.
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Mitzi Cowell & Mark Holdaway
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For 11 years, Tucson blues icon Mitzi Cowell and multi-instrumentalist kalimba master Mark Holdaway have been talking about getting together and making some music. From time to time they have sparked magical moments at impromptu public jams, but this is their first full performance together. Boldly tender, sweetly funky, soul-expanding and unexpectedly moving, their music will push any envelope available at the time, and take you along for the ride.
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Hank Cramer
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Hank Cramer is a national-touring folksinger from eastern Washington. His wide repertoire includes sea shanties, miner's songs, cowboy songs, and soldier ballads. Hank got his start here in Tucson, earning his tuition at University of Arizona by working summers in an underground copper mine, and winter weekends singing in bars and coffee-houses. Cramer has recorded fifteen CDs and produced the sound-tracks for two PBS television documentaries. When not on the road performing, Hank lives on a ranch in Washington's Methow Valley with his wife Kit, daughter Kelsey, and their many critters.
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Creosote
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The straight-forward, gritty American of Tucson's Creosote is all of boozy, bitter, and sweet. In the spirit of bands like The Drive-By Truckers, Slobberbone, and Uncle Tupelo, Creosote's underlying rock-driven honky-tonk and folk sound evokes broken tales of the Southwest, where the guitars are as sunbaked as singer Jason Steed's rough-hewn vocals.
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Determined Luddites
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With an average shoe size of 13 1/2, the Determined Luddites bill their hefty stage presence as "1000 lbs. of acoustic madness". Three time TAMMIE award winners, the Luddites are the band your mother warned you about; their punkaholic live shows are a Tucson staple. And remember, rehab is for quitters.
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Fur Dixon and Steve Werner
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Come ride with folk travelers Fur Dixon and Steve Werner on a rollicking musical joyride through the back roads and highways of the West. Perfect harmonies, awesome guitar picking, spectacular yodeling and old- and new-timey traveling songs are sure to please oldsters and youngsters alike. Fur is a hand-crafted songwriter and angel-voiced cowgirl. Steve Werner is a flat-pickin', Travis-pickin' son of a gun, whose original songs have the timeless quality of classics.
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Michael Dues
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Michael Dues has been writing songs and singing for more than half a century. In the 1960s he often played coffee houses near universities where he worked. In the 1980s he performed with a five piece country band in concert settings, at fairs, and in urban cowboy bars. More recently he performs with either a small folk group or with a five piece band, "Easy Does It." His recorded albums include I've Never Been to Nashville (1979), Distance is a State of Mind (1995), and Being Human (2004). Being Human was recorded here in Tucson, working with Bobby Ronstadt. Michael's songs are part folk, part country, part western, gentle, personal, moving, and sometimes funny.
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Eb's Camp Cookin'
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Real life songs, maybe one about a train, maybe one about a dog. These songs have something to do with freedom and traveling light and, once in a while, commitment. Something to do with passion and something to do with pain. Something to do with letting loose at the end of the job. Songs from the kitchen and the campfire. Uncork the jug, the day's work is done!
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Entre Peruanos
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Entre Peruanos performs traditional folk music from the Andes mountain regions of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador, along with Afro-Peruvian classics from the coastal region of Peru. With five musicians singing and performing 12 traditional instruments, Entre Peruanos brings you the ancient and everyday stories of the Andean people - their joys and struggles, courage and imagination, and unique energy.
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Christofer Erin
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Folk songwriter/performer Christofer Erin is comfortably traditional or utterly contemporary. From Tom Waits to Cole Porter - well maybe Cole Porter with a gun rack - along with many of his own songs, Christofer enjoys a song with an interesting lyric and a compelling story.
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Sabra Faulk
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Born and raised in Willcox Arizona, Sabra Faulk grew up in a musical family and started playing professionally at the age of 17. From country to blues to funk, she cut her teeth on Americana. With the 2007 release of her most intimate and personal album 28 Churches 5 Bars, Sabra established herself as a truly moving singer and songwriter. Her solo debut at the 2007 Tucson Folk Festival was a dream come true for her. Whether she is playing funky bass in her band Soulcake, or playing solo at a coffeehouse she is at home in the world of music.
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4 Wheel Buggy
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4 Wheel Buggy performs original songs of the Southwest, such as "Twilight in Tucson" and "Another Cerveza Would Be Nice", blues numbers like "The Night New Orleans Drowned", and close harmony covers such as Phil Ochs' "There But For Fortune" for folk fans in Tucson. The group consists of Jim Hogan (guitar/vocal/composer), Mike Jones (guitar/vocals), Larry Morris (fiddle) and Frank Hartline (guitar/vocals). Mike and Larry perform at churches around Tucson while Jim and Frank sing with the Sons of Orpheus.
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Chet Gardiner
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Chet Gardiner is a highly experienced bass player, guitar player and singer. He has decades of experience as a folk and rock vocalist, lead guitar player, and bassist. Chet has performed with the likes of Joe Louis Walker, Frankie Lee, Gary U.S. Bonds, John McCutcheon, and many others since the '60s. www.ChetGardiner.com
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Stefan George & the Fellow Travelers
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Stefan is known primarily as an award winning singer/songwriter and slide guitar wizard. He's hosted and performed at the Kerrville Blues Project for over ten years, performed at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, toured Europe and Hawaii multiple times and played countless clubs, festivals, and concerts throughout the Southwest. He's opened and/or performed with numerous acoustic blues legends such as: John Hammond Jr., Mose Allison, Junior Lockwood, Honey Boy Edwards, Rory Block, Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb, Guy Davis, Dave Van Ronk, John Jackson, Sultan & Ball, Steve James, Del Ray, and bluegrass great Norman Blake. The Fellow Travelers are: Tim Wiedenkeller on banjo, Earl Edmonson on fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, Neil Harry on pedal steel, Steve Grams on bass, Lavinia White & Bobby Kimmel on backing vocals, and Tom Larkins and John Convertino on drums.
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Elise Grecco
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Some call her "the Golden Voice" of the Folk Festival, but others just call her "Empress Elise." The Empress will be performing a solo folk set this year at Old Town Artisans stage Saturday at 5:00. In all seriousness Elise, along with many other hard working volunteers, put endless hours into making this festival happen. She only wants your undying gratitude and devotion.
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Chris Gregory
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Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Chris played his first folk festival in 1967. Since then, he's played around the country at selected venues. He's opened for Irish singer/songwriter Gerry O'Beirne and L.A.'s James Hurley. An alumni of the legendary Green Fire music scene, he's a regular at Tucson's acoustic showplace, Javalina's. He's received several honors from the Music City Song Festival in Nashville. His latest CD is titled Gonna Make My Stand.
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Harvest
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Featuring Richard Paiva on guitar and vocals, Zach "The Edge" Seasly on bass, and "Smilin" Phil Write on drums, Harvest performs original songs with upbeat acoustic guitar rhythms, thoughtful lyrics, and accessible melodies. They describe their musical style as contemporary Americana folk music. This is their second appearance at the Tucson Folk Festival.
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Sandy Hathaway
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Sandy Hathaway was a finalist in 2005 and received a 2006 honorable mention in the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. She has toured the United States from Arizona to New Jersey and has toured Maui, Belize, and Central America. Raised in a strong folk music tradition, her own music is drenched with raw emotion; elements of jazz, funk, Celtic, and rock infuse her songs. Her creative and experimental tunings are influenced by Ani Difranco, David Wilcox, and Dar Williams. Her modern style reflects influences of Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin, among others. www.sandyhathaway.com
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Sid Hausman
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Sid Hausman of Tesuque, NM, writes songs of folk and Western Americana, and is a strong instrumentalist playing banjo, ukulele, harmonica, and bones. He tours throughout the United States doing concerts and workshops. This troubadour has also performed five times at the Edinburgh Folk Festival in Scotland. Sid has written and illustrated two children's books with companion CDs titled One Bullfrog and Cactus Critter Bash. His songs and stories reflect his experience with Native Americans, the influence of Hispanic culture and the rural environment of the Southwest.
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High Desert
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High Desert is Don Hughes, John June, and Larry Lashbrook, who have all performed for years with other bands and toured in the United States. Their music is mostly folk or country oriented with a smattering of rock and roll thrown in occasionally.
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Kathi Huhtaluhta
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An original composer/lyricist and vocalist, local performing artist Kathi Huhtaluhta began a journey four years ago to Finland, where she met her family and brought back the spirit of Finnish culture and song. She combines her contemporary and traditional folk styles with American Indian flute, drums, percussion, and Spanish Flamenco guitar and traditional Spanish folk styles.
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Dana Hubbard
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Dana Hubbard is a solo acoustic singer/songwriter from California, where he cut his professional teeth making a living on the blues circuit with his band, The Delta Twisters. He brings a whole lot of guitar and harmonica skills to the solo acoustic stage and his singing voice has been likened to Mark Knofler and John Lee Hooker. But it's his songs that really set him apart. He has a social activist soul with a bluesman's grin!
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Andy Hurlbut
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Singer-songwriter Andy Hurlbut is a member of the Artichoke Sisters trio, and The Improbably Quarter. Andy plays western music, folk, swing, and originals.
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Ice-9
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Ice-9 is a perennial folk festival favorite - a notoriously unclassifiable acoustic trio featuring Michael Tanzillo, songster extraordinaire, on guitar; the versatile Richard M. on an incomparable collection of harmonicas; and one of Tucson's favorite performers, Slim Rost, adding the smooth and upbeat bass at the base of it all. Ice-9 is thrilled to have two talented local musicians join them on stage this year, Mark Holdaway on guitar, and Shanti Foster on violin.
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Anne James
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Anne James is a singer/songwriter who accompanies herself on guitar and harmonica. She writes tunes and lyrics based on her many adventures across Arizona. She plays some blues, swing, folk, and other stuff in styles she makes up. At this time she calls Yuma her home.
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Kimmel/St. Clair/Gibbons
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Ray St. Clair and Gail Gibbons first played music together over 35 years ago. Their music features Gail's smoky lead singing voice and Ray's fluid lead guitar style. They are joined by Bobby Kimmel from the local singing group BK Special. Bobby was a founding a member of The Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt and also toured with folk music legend Doc Watson. Expect choice songs, tight acoustic guitar duets and sweet vocal harmonies.
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Robyn Landis
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Robyn Landis is a gifted wordsmith and award-winning songwriter noted for her honesty, depth and intelligence. With a distinctive and articulate voice, Robyn delivers courageous and heartfelt insights through pure, intimate vocals and pleasing melodies. Since 2005 she has accrued over 30 songwriting awards and honors in competitions and at festivals, including first place at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. She is a three-time Tucson Folk Festival Finalist. INDIEMUSIC.COM says, "Landis has won a lot of songwriting awards, and it's easy to see why...[her writing is] like a good short story...smooth vocals, like an earthy Laurie Lewis."
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Last Call Girls
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The Last Call Girls are a high-energy, honky-tonkin' country dance band, playing a mix of rock-a-billy, traditional country, and bluegrass. They take their music back to the roots of country, performing old time favorites interspersed with originals by nationally acclaimed songwriter, Nancy McCallion. The Call Girls are fronted by Lisa and Nancy McCallion, singing together since they were teenagers, their voices blend naturally in harmony, yet both are distinctive solo singers, lending variety to the material the band performs. Rounding out the lineup are fiddler, Tom Rhodes; multi-instrumentalist, Kevin Schramm; and drummer, Michael Joyal.
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Last Minute Bluegrass
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Three generations of players generating feel-good music about lost farms, lost loves and lost lives. Upbeat rhythms, tight harmonies and loose banjo jokes. "The Bluegrass will continue until morale improves".
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Wally Lawder
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Wally Lawder currently lives in Silver City, New Mexico. A prolific songwriter with 3 CDs to his credit, he likes to think of himself as a contemporary troubadour. He describes his style as "folk-(fill-in-the-blank)." Wally's a natural storyteller who draws audiences into his stories, and likes to use humor yet touch serious, sometimes edgy topics, too. He sings in a distinct baritone voice, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and harmonica.
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Leila Lopez
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Leila Lopez has been developing her own sound since age 8. Growing up in a very musical family, she quickly learned how to play the guitar by listening and watching her father. In grade school, Leila began learning how to play the cello, and a bit of theory, broadening her knowledge of the musical world. After realizing her true dedication to music, Leila went on to learn other instruments such as drums, bass guitar, flutes, hand percussion, and violin. Leila records and produces all of her albums at home and has been distributing her albums independently for three years. Her music resembles folk with a light jazzy feel and has percussive Latin influence at times.
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Los Hombres
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Los Hombres are earning the hearts of live music enthusiasts all over the Southwest. Los Hombres are four Tucson musicians delivering a tasty blend of acoustic bluegrass, country, swing, and blues. When you are ready for some revved-up acoustic music, count on Los Hombres to deliver a complete musical package. Los Hombres features Milo Solujic on fiddle, Kenny Erickson on bass, Jim Ippolito on banjo and guitar, and Joe Reighley guitar and banjo.
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Bob Malone
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Los Angeles-based piano man Bob Malone tours all over the world. He has opened for the Neville Brothers, Al Green, Boz Scaggs, and Arlo Guthrie, among others. He was named "Artist of the Year" at the Just Plain Folks Music awards in 2006, and his latest CD, Born Too Late won "Best Male Singer/Songwriter Album." Keyboard Magazine recently wrote, "Bob Malone doesn't just accompany himself on piano. He supports his singing with pulsating, roaring keyboard work that grabs you and shakes you until you cry for mercy." www.bobmalone.com
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Mandophilia
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Mandophilia has evolved from many primordial precursors over the past twenty-plus years in Tucson as an acoustic duo consisting of Paul Mirocha and Chuck Kaplan, celebrating the harmonic and percussive properties of the mandolin. Interpretations of wide varieties of music ensued, including Celtic, jazz, folk, tango, and klezmer. This year we welcome Mark Holdaway who joins us on bass.
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The Marks Bros.
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The Marks Bros. return to the Tucson Folk Festival with additional harmonies and the expressive hands of Mark Rein-Bautista on mandolin and guitar and the vocal competency of Mark Gordon Allen. They interpret traditional southern Appalachian ballads, contemporary folk harmonies, and deep gospel music. These long-time, well-worn minstrels weave a colorful web of melodies that will leave you smiling.
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Hans Mayer
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Hans Mayer plays ear-tickling, child oriented music with an irresistible sense of humor. People of all ages are immediately attracted to his playful, fun-loving personality and his magical, memorable songs that stimulate imaginations while building self-esteem. Singing and playing guitar, mandolin, and Native American flute, Hans has enchanted audiences across the country. www.hansmayer.com Catch him this year during the Children's Show on the Courtyard Stage, Sunday at 1:15 p.m.
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John McGill
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"Part Folk, part rock, and all truth…he hits major emotions with such a skilled touch that his listeners are put at ease and become part of his world," writes Bernard Baur in Music Connection. John's songs, more like prayers than stories, are drawn from a wealth of influences. John is joined by his wife, Sally, Ralph Torres, and Phil O'Keefe for an acoustic set filled with haunting harmonies.
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Mitzi & Friends
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Blues guitarist, songwriter, bon vivant and ne'er-do-well Mitzi Cowell is pleased once again to grab her friends and jump on the Folk Fest stage to share another musical adventure. What to expect? Probably funky, reputedly swampy, undoubtedly eclectic (not electric), most assuredly infectious and always sincerely YOURS. Of course, she is joined by clever co-conspirator Bev Seckinger on bass. www.mitzicowell.com
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Mojo Gumbo
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Mojo Gumbo is an acoustic blues trio whose sound has been described as
"The Nat King Cole Trio meets Tom Waits." Mixing classic Delta blues with a unique mix of rarely covered covers, these veteran musicians produce a sound that hits the groove. Members of the group include bass player Ed Davenport, who has been playing in Tucson since the '70s, most of that time with the Titan Valley Warheads; Bobby Joe Smith, luthier and bassist/guitarist/vocalist who is either making them or playing them most days; and guitarist Mike Polletta who re-joined the Tucson music scene a couple years ago. http://www.myspace.com/mojogumbo
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Kathryn Mostow
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A 2005 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival finalist, Kathryn has been featured on NPR and folk & community radio across the country. Her warm, feminine, and optimistic songs speak of hope and faith, despite the cynicism of our times. Kathryn is a mother, activist, and musician, and strives to weave these 3 threads into her life on a daily basis.
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Mzekala
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Mzekala is a group of women (and one very cool guy) who began singing together in the summer of 1991. Drawn together by their love of world music and songs from the Balkans in particular, they found their name in 1992 while learning songs from Caucasian Georgia. Mzekala is a woman's name from Georgia meaning "Sun Woman" - perfect for desert dwellers in Tucson! In more than a decade of singing together they've had the good fortune to work with a number of native speakers and linguists who have helped them transcribe, translate, and sing traditional music from many different countries.
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Karen Nash
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Born in Texas, raised in Southern California, Karen Nash plays alt-country roots music with the skillfully crafted turn of phrase and topical content of a great folksinger. She has played to enthusiastic crowds at festivals such as Lilith Fair, Telluride Folk Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, and South Florida Folk Festival. Karen is currently working on a new CD with producer/guitarist Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen/Tom Petty). She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Bob Malone and two cats: one good, one, well…not so good. www.myspace.com/karennash
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Native Earthlings
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Quaker colleagues and multi-instrumentalists Lindianne Sarno and Mark Holdaway match energies in a range of duo combinations: guitar-violin, guitar-guitar, kalimba-guitar, and mandolin-guitar, spiced with original songs. The duo ventures from folk to classical and on into music that opens up to an optimistic vision of a sustainable future for all God's Native Earthlings.
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None Too Soon
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This is the merger of two old-line respected musical firms. Bright & Childers and Brad & Gail have joined forces to form…None Too Soon! Specializing in 3- and 4-part harmonies, with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and the occasional tasteful yodel, they manage a rich blend of voices and on-stage personalities. Stock in the newly formed company is now trading over-the-counter as NTS, and is seemingly unaffected by the sub-prime meltdown. Strong CD. Recommendation: Buy & Hold.
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Amber Norgaard
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"A singer/ songwriter to be reckoned with...the petite powerhouse is one part poet, one part social crusader," says Tucson Lifestyle of Amber Norgaard. A nurse-turned-musician, Amber Norgaard's healing art shines through in her music. Since her 2004 music career start, Amber has released two full-length albums and one EP. She has been a finalist in several songwriting competitions, was Tucson's 2007 Up & Coming Artist of the Year (TAMMIES), and was a 2007 Winery Music Awards Finalist (California).
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One Day
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One Day brings friends together. Roger Mikulas and Bobby Ronstadt have graced the folk festival stage along with Annie English since 2006. Combining 6- and 12-string guitars with the world folk sound of Bobby's accordion, give this trio a wonderful presentation of Annie's original music.
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Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen with special guest, Rio Finnegan
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Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and cabaret. They take their act all over the world, performing at festivals, clubs and theatres. "Whenever these two artists perform together, people comment on their easy rapport and emotional connection. Otey's piano and vocals are hot and steamy. Van Deurzen sings sweetly. Together they blend like a musical cappuccino with extra foam on top." -Tucson Citizen. Special guest Rio Finnegan is a 14-year-old bluesman and student of Lisa's at Kino School. All three have CDs available at the Kitchen Store.
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Pablo
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A high-energy musician and bilingual singer, Pablo grew up in the border town of Nogales, AZ listening to all types of music. He has a powerful voice with a wide range, singing a variety of songs, both originals and covers, in Spanish and English. He is involved with local humanitarian organizations, giving back to the community his gift of music.
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Kevin Pakulis & Larry Lee Lerma
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Kevin Pakulis is an award-winning songwriter/guitarist with two critically acclaimed albums to his name. He was first place winner in the 2004 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting competition, and a top 10 finalist at the 2004 Mountainstage Newsong Festival. Larry Lee Lerma is an accomplished bass player from Los Angeles, where he was in the Sacred Hearts, house band at the House of Blues. Larry Lee Lerma, from his home in Tucson, tours nationally and internationally with Jim Belushi and Dan Ackroyd in the current version of The Blues Brothers. With an album of new material due to be released this spring, Kevin Pakulis & Larry Lee Lerma will be playing dates throughout the Southwest in the summer and fall of 2008.
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Ron Pandy
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A folksinger's folksinger, Ron Pandy writes songs of humor, pathos, irreverence, and any other adjective he can find in the dictionary. Whether it's a song to save the world or an amusing tale of falling off his bicycle, check out the Songdog's act for a rollicking good time.
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Peters & Ayers
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Peters & Ayers is a four-person group based in Phoenix. The duo has been performing roots-flavored originals, many of them humorous, for over a decade. Their songs have been recorded and performed by the Austin Lounge Lizards and others.
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Phil & Coralee
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Best known for his books, articles, and lectures on nutrition and fitness, Dr. Phil Maffetone brings a unique, often modal blend of pop, folk and rock to his songwriting. In the past few years of songwriting and recording, Phil has worked with producer Rick Rubin, Johnny Cash, John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brad Wilk (Audioslave) and others. Phil performs with Coralee Thompson, also a holistic physician, who sings, plays piano and flute.
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Annmarie Pickering
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Annmarie Pickering has been singing gospel music from the time she was a teenager. Taught and mentored by the late Evelyn Davis Haettenschwiller, a self-proclaimed kitchen composer who was born and raised in Harlem, but lived all over the world. Annmarie is now presenting her music with a unique, energetic, and heart-felt style. The upbeat songs that Evelyn wrote will have your hands clapping and toes tapping while the lyrics reach down and touch your very soul.
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Privy Tippers
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Hailing from Tucson, the Privy Tippers are a rock-solid dance band steeped in the Southern string band tradition. Over the past 13 years they kept one foot in the South while they stepped into several other musical traditions, such as French Canadian, New England and music of the Southwestern Borderlands. Craig Tinney, guitar and banjo, and Jerry Ray Weinert, bass, lay the rhythmic foundation for the driving melodic fiddle playing of Jacquie Wohl and the "take no prisoners" mandolin style of Dave Firestine. Come see why the Privy Tippers are one of the Southwest's favorite contra/square dance bands!
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Greg Renfro & Charlie Alfero
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Greg Renfro and Charlie Alfero reside in Silver City, NM, and have played venues throughout New Mexico in the last two years. Renfro had written songs and performed for many years before moving his family to the Southwest in 1995. Alfero has lived in the Southwest since the '70s and has played mandolin with many musicians passing through Silver City.
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RetroFolk
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RetroFolk is a fun-loving, up-tempo folk group from Phoenix that plays the great songs from the '60s. The group has played venues around Arizona, bringing smiles to audiences statewide. Band members include Dan Stone on guitar and vocals; Maxine Eldridge on bass and vocals; Rick Rhodes on banjo and vocals; and Jerry Dunaway on guitar and vocals. RetroFolk has vocal harmonies and hot banjo licks that you won't want to miss.
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The Rhythm Skinks
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Winding through tunes like lizards in the sand, The Rhythm Skinks open their musical archives to pull long lost tunes up from the brink of obscurity. Their musical repertoire includes folk, rock-a-billy, swing, early rock and eclectic originals. The band includes Charlie "Dr. Guitar Chuck" on guitar and vocals; Jeff "Ever Ready" Eddy on guitar and vocals; and Tom "Just the Bass Player" Price on bass and vocals.
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Rita Rose
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Rita Rose has been playing and singing country, folk and bluegrass music in various combinations for many, many years. During the 1980s and early '90s she worked steadily with country bands in Tucson including Desert Rose Canyon and the Rita Rose Band and played with many of the great musicians in town. Since moving to Phoenix she has been playing in a duo called Strictly Business with Steve May, covering a dynamic mix of eclectic Americana. Steve May is a 30-year veteran of the music scene in New Orleans and Phoenix. Their great vocal harmonies wrap around favorite songs from today and yesterday for a totally enjoyable set.
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Courtney Robbins
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Singer/songwriter/guitarist Courtney Robbins has won over audiences in Tucson and across the country. After an extended national tour in 2007, she returned to the desert to continue playing her unique brand of energetic, guitar-driven folk rock. She has shared the stage with artists such as Dar Williams, Catie Curtis, Edie Carey and Lucy Kaplansky. Her blistering guitar style often leaves her fingers bleeding; her straightforward songwriting skills are a figurative match. The combination has earned comments like: "You sure do beat the hell out of that thing!" and "You are really, really good at music."
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Robby Roberson
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Organic, hippy, folk.
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Roon
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John E. Dean, Ronna Kalish and Jim Ruff crank out their good-time mix of originals and covers on every instrument they can play, everywhere they haven't been thrown out of. Boldly strumming where few have strummed before, they entertain themselves and various passersby.
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roth d'lux
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Partners in song and life, Ginette and Daniel have been creating and performing together for almost forever. Originally from Winnipeg, this duo has performed its own brand of acoustic prairie soul from the Canadian Shield, to the beaches of the Caribbean, to the desert of Tucson, which they now call home. With Ginette's silky voice and Daniel's grooving guitar, these two have had the privilege of being backed by some of Tucson's finest musicians. roth d'lux shows are energetic and poetic. You will feel their groove.
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Round the House
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Round the House celebrates their tenth year of performing Irish music in the Auld Pueblo with a blend of authentic lilt, driving rhythm and masterful arrangements of traditional tunes and songs. Featuring Dave Firestine on mandolin, bouzouki and irreverent remarks, Claire Jamieson Zucker on vocals, bodhran, nuance and stage presence, Sharon Goldwasser on fiddle and tune trivia and Mark Robertson-Tessi on guitar, bouzouki, and rhythmic and melodic finesse. Traditional with a twist of Tucson- irresistibly toe-tapping.
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Jose Saavedra & La Desgracia Music Ensemble
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Following the tradition of Latin America's Nueva Canción that combines elements of poetry, song, and storytelling, Puerto Rican singer songwriter José Saavedra brings to life songs that deal with elements of our everyday lives which invite reflection, action, and understanding of what makes us human. Accompanied only by his guitar or backed up by a violin, viola and percussion, his music combines musical elements and presents a World Music sound that echoes the many places, stories, and realities portrayed in the songs.
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Silver Thread Trio
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Silver Thread Trio is a Tucson-based a cappella trio performing soulful, eclectic 3-part harmonies. The trio's repertoire spans across a wide range of folk styles, including gospel, Celtic, Appalachian, bluegrass, and even the occasional sea chanty. The group has a flair for original arrangements of timeless classics such as "Moon River," as well as lesser known gems from the dusty archives of American folk.
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Don Simpson & Rebecca Bleich
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"There he is!" said Craig, "The man with the avocado voice." "What does that mean?" I asked, "Squishy and turns black when you leave it out over night?" "No, no, no." said Craig, "It means smooth and nutritious!"
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16th Place
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Blending folk, rock and jazz influences, 16th Place creates its own cosmopolitan folk style. With rich vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, they play original compositions and unique arrangements of favorite covers. This is the fifth appearance at the Tucson Folk Festival for 16th Place.
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Starseed Acoustic Ensemble
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The Starseed Acoustic Ensemble's all-original, high-energy, spirit-filled, inter-universal folk music artfully entertains the heart and edifies the minds of the listeners. Sensitively presenting many of this world's pressing social problems in a larger context of hope, the band takes to heart the Global Change Music non-profit record label's challenge "to write lyrics and melodies that ascend the soul, raise planetary consciousness, and unite humanity in one global family rhythm."
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Pete Steinberg
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Pete Steinberg and TKMA go back a long way, since winning the finger style competition in 1999. He learned his licks from Gary Davis, John Hurt, Son House, and Merle Travis.
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Lori Sumberg
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Accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist, and cantorial soloist (spiritual music leader), Lori Sumberg enchants with her warm energy and engaging style. Whether she is "channeling" Joni Mitchell or chanting morning prayers, Lori's music is captivating, uplifting and soulful. Her talents shine on her all-original folk-rock studio recording, Love is a Danger Zone. A native New Yorker, Lori and her family are newcomers to sunny Tucson.
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Tangled Strings
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If you like toe tapping bluegrass, check out Tangled Strings. A Phoenix favorite, these five guys punch out catchy bluegrass, country and gospel tunes. Tangled Strings was formed in 2005 with band members: John Harris, lead singer and rhythm guitar with a Cajon background; Steve Copeland from New Mexico plays a hot lead and rhythm guitar; Motor City Mandolin player, Tim McCoy, is an audience pleaser; Dennis Howe, an Iowan who can thump a mean bass; and Rick Rhodes, originally from D.C., can keep a cool drive on the 5 string banjo. With all their diverse background, one can only sit back and enjoy. You can hear sample bites of their latest CD at www.tangledstrings.com.
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Ten Cats Laughing
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Ten Cats Laughing is acoustic duo Guy and Lisa Dicharry. They play original tunes about the cosmic twists, turns, tricks, and jokes inflicted on the folks who live in their songs. Guy plays guitar, mandolin and harmonica, while Lisa plays banjo and guitar. Guy and Lisa live next to the Rio Grande in Los Lunas, New Mexico. "...Surprises at every turn and they've done it on their own terms," says SingOut Magazine, Spring 2007.
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Tiffany Jo
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Tiffany Jo Allen was the 2007 National Rick Felix Youth Entertainer of the Year, International Yodeling Champion, youngest to hit #1 on the Nashville Western Charts, and one of the most watched singers on YouTube (www.youtube.com/tiffanyjoallen). She has performed with Mel Tillis, and opened for the Drifters. She has her own charity called Children Helping Children and she has recorded three CDs, played on over 250 radio stations in the United States, Europe and Australia. www.TiffanyJo.com.
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Titan Valley Warheads
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The Titan Valley Warheads are an eclectic bluegrass and swing band that has been performing in and around Arizona for nearly 25 years. The Warheads won the Best Bluegrass Band award at the 1988 Telluride Bluegrass Festival and have been a feature at the Tucson Folk Festival since its inception. They all have reliable vehicles and are well-respected by their peers.
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Too Much Information
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TMI came together in 2005, rapidly developing a following in the LGBT community. TMI's unique performances and song choices have made them a musical favorite among people of all persuasions. Though Too Much Information has a strong rock and blues bent, they are most notably known for their tight three-part (and sometimes five-part) vocal harmonies. www.TMI-BAND.COM
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Ernie Votto and Larry Waters with Chet Gardiner
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Ernie Votto and Larry Waters play ever-evolving versions of Ernie's witty foot-tapping songs. Ernie and Larry have played at a variety of venues in Tucson and the southwest and are joined here by bassist Chet Gardiner. Ernie's songs have been described as powerful, insightful and populated with fascinating characters. Larry is a fine lead guitarist and has played with and helped shape the sound of a number of Tucson acts. Chet recently moved to Tucson from Oakland and has already become a local musical force as a bassist and performer in his own right.
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Water on the Rocks
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Water On The Rocks is a Tucson-based band that plays music with a strong emphasis on Latin rhythms and grooves guaranteed to have you snapping your fingers, dancing, and singing along. We are a group of friends from diverse backgrounds, drawn together by our love of music, and our desire to promote community through singing, dancing, and just plain having fun. The band consists of Sally Withers on lead vocals and percussion, Hoshin Gupta on guitar (composer and band leader), Lance Swain on bass, John Bormanis on piano, and Ari Posner on drums and percussion.
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The Wayback Machine
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The Wayback Machine began its career at the Tucson Folk Festival in 1999 as an acoustic duo featuring founding members Jim Lipson and Tom Woolley. Currently the group performs anywhere from a trio to a seven-piece band, specializing in vocal harmonies, original tunes, and unexpected covers. As usual, look for a special guest or two for added spice. www.WaybackMachineBand.com.
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Way Out West
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"Bordergrass" is how Way Out West describes their music. It's a blend of musical influences from the Mexican border of the Sonoran desert. Way Out West has performed their Bordergrass in Europe as well as the Western U.S. Way Out West is Emmy Creigh - guitar, Slim Rost - bunkhouse bass, Tom Poley - banjo and guitar, and Kevin Schramm - accordions and dobro.
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Wayward Maggie
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Wayward Maggie is a quirky, fun, hard-to-categorize duo, whose members are Jess Hawk Oakenstar and Kate DeLaPointe. Their musical presentation/persona comes to rest somewhere between mournfully dark and rockingly/rollickingly comedic, meaning their audiences always enjoy an entertainment roller coaster ride. However, most importantly, their voices harmonize exquisitely, and the closeness of this blend is what listeners comment on most of all.
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Whistle Stop
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Whistle Stop is a family band consisting of mom, dad, and two daughters. They are a traditional bluegrass/gospel band with a very unique sound. Brittany, now 18, shows her style on lead and rhythm guitar and vocals; Briana, now 15, plays lead and rhythm guitar as well as fiddle; Mom, Carol, plays Dobro and sings; and Dad, Greg, completes the band on standup bass. www.whistlestopbluegrass.com.
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Bob Wilders
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Singer-songwriter Bob Wilders has been performing his roots/Americana music across the country for the last several years. His two self-released CDs have sold steadily on CDbaby.com. He performs regularly in the Tucson area.
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Jo Wilkinson and Grains of Sand
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Jo Wilkinson, formerly of 4 Corners, formed a new band called Grains of Sand in November of 2005. The group plays original tunes, as well as traditional folk songs. The band consists of Jo Wilkinson, known for her powerful lead vocals and songwriting; Louie Levinson on pedal steel and guitar; Shanti Foster, on violin, mandolin, guitar and vocals; Ed Davenport on double bass and vocals; and Bob Miranda, a phenomenal guitar player and co-songwriter, from Los Angeles.
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WomanSong
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WomanSong, a reunion and a revival! Four of the original WomanSong members have reunited for this festival: Mark Holdaway, Linda Rothchild, Grace Hartman and Mary Hidalgo are excited to bring their tight harmonies to the Tucson Folk Festival. Their songs cover the gamut, from the Java Jive era to the doo-wop fifties, Western classics right up to the most recent Gillian Welch/Alison Krauss variety. WomanSong has played their acoustic vocal harmonies locally at Bookman's, Bentley's, Borders, the Tucson Folk Festival, the Peace Fair, the 4th Avenue Street Fair, the Pima County Fair, and for our neighbors to the north at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
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Joyce Woodson
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Winner of the 2007 Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition, Joyce Woodson has created a new genre - the new-old western music genre. Her upbringing in the Capistrano Valley on her parent's farm provided her with fresh images of a rural and verdant past. Her new album is #1 on the American Western Association (AWA) charts.
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The Wyatts
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They say the most important thing in life is family. For these Wyatt brothers, that statement rings true. The Wyatts are pulling from the past and making it new again. A little twang here, some pop harmony there, and a whole lotta heart is what you can expect to hear from Roscoe Wyatt, Boudreaux "Voodoo" Wyatt, and Jimbo "JYD" Wyatt. While the blending of styles is nothing new, The Wyatts do it differently. We invite you to sit back, put the top down, and let the road take you into town. Keep one hand on the wheel and the other on the radio. A new place in Country music is coming up...next exit, The Wyatts. More info at www.wyattstheband.com, myspace.com/thewyatts
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