Folk / Blues Artists

• Vega #2

Michael J. Miles is a rare and engaging artist. He grew up in Chicago in an Irish family where music was served like dinner—everybody had some. His blue collar father played the player piano and filled the house with singing. Everybody sang. Everyone read. Everyone debated politics.

www.milesmusic.org

• John Hartford

One of the most prolific and respected children's artists, John McCutcheon has consistently produced quality children's albums (and folk albums) since the early '70s. McCutcheon is first and foremost an instrumentalist. Like thousands of others in the '60s, McCutcheon, a Wisconsin native, taught himself how to play a mail-order guitar and joined the local folk scene. His interest became more serious, however, when he sought to find the roots of this music. McCutcheon headed for Appalachia and learned from some of the legendary greats of traditional folk music. Along the way, he became adept at a multitude of instruments, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, autoharp, jaw harp, and especially the hammered dulcimer. McCutcheon is considered one of the undisputed masters on the hammered dulcimer and adapts much of his music around the instrument.

www.folkmusic.com

• John Hartford
• Goodtime

Rhiannon is a show-stopper -- not only for her glorious voice but also for her incredible versatility. She ranges across many styles and genres, and is equally at ease singing opera, blues, gospel and Gaelic or whatever the moment takes. A rare talent!

www.rhisong.com

• Sierra Plectrum

Dom Flemons is a multi-instrumentalist and a songster. Playing in a broad range of old-time blues, country, string band, rock and jazz, he has impressed audiences with his outrageous performance style. "I always try keep the audience guessing," Dom says, "it makes the performance more interesting." Dom currently in upper Manhattan in New York City. As a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dom has toured all over the world going as far as Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Holland and Belgium. He is up for most any type of gig having played from coffee houses to street corners to house parties to the big-time venues.

reverbnation.com/domflemons

• Banjosaurus

George Grove, 21 year veteran banjo player extraordinaire from The Kingston Trio, has given us an inspired performance with his solo recording, In The Middle Of A Life. The album is a fusion of pop, folk, and country with a musical range from simple, acoustic guitar to full arrangements with some of Los Angeles' finest studio musicians. With a gorgeous selection of songs and a themed approach that takes the listener on a journey through one's evolution of mid-life, this album is perfectly designed to capture the ears and hearts of audiences, just like The Kingston Trio performances for which George and the rest of the Trio are known.

www.folkera.com/ggrove/index.html

• Vega Long Neck

Tao Rodriguez Seeger is an American contemporary folk musician. He plays banjo, guitar, harmonica, and sings in Spanish and in English. He is known as a founder of The Mammals and is the grandson of folk musician Pete Seeger.

www.taorodriguezseeger.com

• Black Diamond Openback

Robin and Linda Williams are like your next-door neighbors - assuming your neighbors are the salt-of-the-earth and top-flight performers to boot. One minute you picture borrowing a cup of sugar from these two; the next, you're completely stunned by their jaw-dropping talent. Bottom line: You feel right at home at a Robin and Linda concert, and their music stays with you like an old friend.

www.robinandlinda.com

• Tree Of Life
• Deering John Hartford
• Eagle II
• Woodsongs Campfire Longneck
• Vega Senator 17-Fret Tenor Banjo

Rik is a folk festival veteran whose unique guitar and banjo styles have caught the attention of audience members and music critics alike. As a teenager he was named best instrumentalist by the Newfoundland Folk Artist Association, and his kid friendly tunes earned him three East Coast Music Awards.

www.rikbarron.com