This is an ever-evolving list of artists, music resources and interesting web-sites I've found along the way.
John Abbey/New Soup Music: John and I have been working together on the new CD. Besides being an incredible bass player (electric, upright - you name it!), he's also an extraordinary engineer and producer. Jennifer Armstrong: I've
known Jennifer for over twelve years, and I will never tire of seeing
her perform. She is a multi-instrumentalist - guitar, banjo, fiddle,
bagpipes, celtic harp - and writes songs that make you laugh or shed a
tear. She has a spirit that revives, inspires and leaves you in a more
joyful place. Steve Dawson and Kernal Music: Steve got me started on this whole CD thing. He is an incredible songwriter and musician, as a soloist and as part of the Chicago band, Dolly Vardon. Great engineer/producer and a wonderful guy to work with! Mark Dvorak: Mark
is one of those musicians who seems to know everything about music, and
is all about sharing it with others. You could write an encylopedia of
American music from Mark's wealth of knowledge. He's been a teacher
and a mentor to me. He also puts on a wonderful show.
Singer/songwriter/musician/teacher - he does it all brilliantly. Go
see him! Sean Keane: I had the opportunity to take a class in Sean Nos singing with Sean Keane up at the Goderich Celtic College. The class was great and, honestly, this man could sing the phone book and I'd love it. Wonderful singer and interpreter of songs, old and new, from Ireland. Dougie MacLean: I've
only had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Dougie once, but I've
known his music for years. His is the type of music that inspires. He
sings of his rich Scottish heritage and home, but it has a universal
appeal that makes you believe he's singing about your home and life as
well. His music was in part the catalyst for me returning to my own. Jim Malcolm: I
had the great opportunity to produce a concert for Jim in 2006. He's a
phenomenal musician, brilliant guitarist, fantastic singer/songwriter
(I'm running out of superlatives), and also quite a nice guy. Whether
he's playing a traditional Scottish tune, or one of his own wonderfully
crafted songs, he has the audience with him from the very first note. Sons of the Never Wrong: I've been following their music for many years and have recently had the pleasure of getting to know Sue Demel (an incredible woman). Fantastic writers/musicians/performers. NOT to be missed!
Music websites and resources:
Art Against War: @the Heartland Cafe. Hear the voices of the Chicago arts community, featuring artists from neighborhoods across Chicagoland, as they speak out against the war and present visions of peace. Performances the third Friday of every month at the Heartland Cafe in Chicago. Chicago Acoustic Underground: A wonderful site for discovering some of the best of Chicago's Acoustic music. Singer/Songwriters, Acoustic bands - Michael Teach seems to find them all and bring them in for interviews. Well worth your time to sit and listen to the interviews he has up on his site! ezFolk.com: Musicians
from all over the world have found ezFolk. Richard Hefner runs a
fantastic site for musicians wanting a free place to put up their
music. There's a wonderful community of artists that has grown over
there. Personal and friendly, the people who are at ezFolk are really
interested in listening to each other's music, supporting each other
and building a community of musicians and fans. The Lake County Folk Club: Wonderful group of folks who've been running this organization for, I believe, fifteen years or more. They have something going every Sunday night - Concerts, open mics, song circles and more. Come out and enjoy a show, perform at the open mic, or share some songs in the circle. It's well worth it! Lilfest: Nancy Emrich and Lilfest bring great music to Evanston, IL and the surrounding areas. House concerts, festivals, and concerts at Bill's Blues - she's a driving force on the Chicago folk music scene. Always something good going on with Lilfest! Off Square Music:
Great organization in Woodstock, IL. They offer concerts every month
as well as sponsoring an open mic which I've played many times. Roger,
Keith and Judy do an excellent job of bringing the best in folk music
out to those of us who don't live close to Chicago. Old Town School of Folk Music: One of the best venues for concerts in Chicago - Folk/Old Time/World Music/Bluegrass and more - you'll find it all here. It's also a fantastic place to take lessons if you live in the Chicago area. Uncommon Ground: Great place to play in Chicago!
