This is an ever-evolving list of artists, music resources and interesting web-sites I've found along the way.
John Abbey/Kingsize Recording: John and I have been working together for a few years now. Currently working on my second CD. Besides being an incredible musician, bass player (electric, upright), guitar, and quite a few other instruments, he's also an extraordinary engineer and producer. Jennifer Armstrong: I've
known Jennifer for a long time 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 fabulous 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 and he's been coming back to us every year since. 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 now know them personally. Sue Demel worked with me on my first CD. Fantastic writers/musicians/performers. NOT to be missed!
Music websites and resources: 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! Chicago Folk Music Examiner: Gary Tuber, an avid Folk Music junkie, reviews all the up-coming Folk Music events in Chicago. Read his reviews of what has happened in the last week, and what's going to happen in the next week. 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 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. Recently ezFolk had some serious server problems and the music was lost, but the forums, tutorials and the community are still there. Fox Valley Folklore Society: These folks put on the Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival every year over Labor Day weekend in Geneva, IL. It has to be one of the best festivals around. They also sponsor a variety of events throughout the year. Check them out, you'll be glad you did! 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. 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!
For a list of Radio stations and Folk Music Programs, please click HERE.
