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Alan Rowoth Presents

Big Orange Tarp/Folkmusic.org showcases at NAFA

I'm very blessed. In my travels and teaching around the country, I get to meet a lot of amazing musicians from all over North America. Once again, I'll be showcasing some of them at the Folk Alliance International Conference. I'm frankly amazed at how great my lineup is. LJ Booth, Ronny Cox, Steve Seskin, Jim Photoglo, The Dreamsicles, Wendy Waldman and Kenny Edwards and SO many more. All in my little showcase room! It's going to be some amazing moments. Don't pay too much attention to the nightly themes, I had to juggle things quite a bit to get as many people as I could involved. There were still a lot of folks that I wasn't able to plug into the schedule, jump to a list of Alan's Picks at the end of this page to see who else I wanted to put onto the bill.

Thursday Evening - New Faces

Friday Afternoon

Friday Evening - Big Orange Tarp favorites

Saturday evening - Folktrainers and friends

Expanded listings

Thursday Night - New Faces

11:00-11:30 Ronny Cox, Karen Mal, Arthur Lee

I met LA based Actor/Songwriter Ronny Cox at SWERFA a couple of years ago. He sells a song with the same sincerity and authority that has made him a staple in Hollywood, with 85 entries in his IMDB filmography. He also can sing you almost any song that Mickey Newberry ever wrote. He's the real deal. Also don't miss his workshop on getting music placed in films and TV. http://www.ronnycox.net

Karen Mal is from Texas. A Showcaser at SWERFA, Kerrville Newfolk, and the upcoming South Florida folk festival, she is a wonderful writer, singer, player and performer. A former actress, her musical career shifted into high gear with the release of her first solo album last year. http://www.karenmal.com

Arthur Lee is a one man band from Chicago. His AfroGrass style is a synthesis of many influences. His innovative use of a Gibson looping device allows him to be the whole band. Arthur is a prodigious player and was drafted (armed with no looper and just his acoustic guitar) to accompany Steve Seskin, Paul Reisler, Brian Joseph, and many of the festivals other performers. This guy is hot. He won't have his full performance rig at the conference, but he has a great promo video so you can check out his full show.http://www.arthurleemusic.com

11:30-12:00 Jenn Adams, Kristin Sweetland, Terry Farmer

Jenn Adams is from Montana and has 4 CDs out which have all met with widespread critical aclaim. I met her at Rocky Mountain two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. http://www.jennadams.com/

Canadian singer/songwriter Kristin Sweetland has a style all her own. James Keelaghan described her most recent album "Root, Heart, and Crown" as "Engaging, mysterious and beautifully written." An unusually strong guitarist her depth and imagination continue to surprise and challenge me. http://www.kristinsweetland.com/

Terry Farmer is a Kerrville New Folk Finalist from Michigan. We met at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance and I became a fan. His music is an amalgam of folk, classical guitar, and rock. http://www.terryfarmermusic.com/

12:00-12:30 Jim Photoglo, Wendy Waldman, Kenny Edwards

Jim Photoglo* is a world class songwriter based in Nashville TN. In addition to his work with Run C&W and the Vinyl Kings, Jim has two solo albums and a bunch of cuts by Faith Hill, Alabama, James Ingram, Kathy Mattea and two dozen other artists. This guy is really, really special. http://www.jimphotoglo.com

It would be hard to overstate the influence of Wendy Waldman in popular music. She's released 9 major label solo albums as well as two CDs with Bryndle. She's had over 130 cuts by 70 artists like Maria Muldaur, Jesse Colin Young, Helen Reddy, Crystal Gayle, Reba McIntyre, Bill Miller, Randy Travis, the Gatlin Brothers, Ronny Cox, and Vanessa Williams. More recently, Wendy is a founding member of the band Bryndle with Kenny Edwards, Karla Bonoff, and Andrew Gold. Waldman became the first woman to produce country music extensively and was responsible for Susy Bogguss' award-winning debut album, as well as albums for the Forester Sisters, Jonathan Edwards, Matraca Berg and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. She has the kind of career that every musician aspires to, and tonight she's here with us. Whoohoo!!! http://www.WendyWaldman.com/

Wendy's Bryndle bandmate Kenny Edwards was a founding member of the Stone Ponies with Linda Ronstadt and a longtime member of her touring band. He's a prolific songwriter and producer, as well as a successful writer of teleplays and scores for movies and television. One of the most sought after session players in Los Angeles and Nashville, he's been a part of dozens of recordings. In 2002, he released his very first solo album "Kenny Edwards" Kenny is one of the most consistently productive members of our community. http://www.kennyedwards.com/

12:30-1:00 David Roth, Kort & Beth McCumber, Robin Hopper

David Roth is the consummate folk musician. An outstanding writer, singer, player, performer, workshop presenter; David is one of those guys who does it all right. He's won too many awards to list. He has released 6 solo albums and debuted his one man show "the Gripes of Roth" in 1994. He writes some of the most inspirational songs that I've ever heard. http://www.folkera.com/windriver/davidroth/bio.html

Nashville based singer/songwriter Kort McCumber and his sister, violinist/singer Beth are bright lights on the horizon of folk. I met them at Paul Reisler's Song Camp two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. Their youth, energy, optimism, and excitement are just what our music needs to make it accessible to a new generation of listeners. Along with people like Ani DiFranco, Eric Schwartz, and GrooveLily, I think that they very much represent t he future of folkworld. http://www.kortmusic.com/

Jenn Adams is from Montana and has 4 CDs out which have all met with widespread critical aclaim. I met her at Rocky Mountain two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. http://www.jennadams.com/

1:00-1:30 Melissa Javors, Tena Moyer, Paul Reisler

Melissa Javors is a wonderful singer/songwriter from Austin, TX. A longtime favorite at Kerrville, she is back from her recent hiatus with a new album full of songs, many written with poet laureate Charles John Quarto.

Tena Moyer (a.k.a. "the Chord Queen") is a Tucson based singer/songwriter who also teaches at Swannanoa and several other guitar schools around the country. Though her songs are musically sophisticated, they are direct and heartwarming. Tena is also a great singer. http://www.tenamoyer.com

Paul Reisler may be best known for his work as the leader of the group Trapezoid and with Ki Theatre. He is also an incredible teacher and the heart of several songwriting workshops around the country including the Rocky Mountain Song School and his own SongCamps in Little Washington, VA. On top of this, he's also an amazing guitarist and songwriter. If you haven't seen him, you really need to. http://www.paulreisler.com/

1:30-2:00 LJ Booth, Ben Murray & Siobhan Quinn, Diane Zeigler

Don't Miss the return of LJ Booth. He is another reemerging songwriter. Always a strong favorite in the midwest, he eschewed extending touring while his daughter was growing up. Now she's college and he's back on the scene with a great new album "The Ox that Pulls the Cart". For details visit his web page at http://www.ljbooth.com.

Ben Murray and Siobhan Quinn are a duo from the Hudson Valley region. Ben is a prodigious guitarist and singer. Siobahn also has an amazing voice. Together, they can tear the house down. Siobhan also does kids programming. Ask her about it. More info on their web page, http://www.bmsq.com

Diane Zeigler burst on the scene in 1991, winning a slew of songwriting awards. Her debut CD on Rounder/Philo "Sting of the Honeybee" also won high accolades. But motherhood and a repetitive stress injury have kept her off the road in recent years. Now Diane is back with a great new CD, Paintbrush. Learn all about Diane at http://www.dianezeigler.com/

2:00-2:30 Jim Bizer, Emily Kurn, David A. Alberding

Jim Bizer is a Detroit songwriter who caught my ear at Kerrville last year with a wonderful song "We are all connected". I'm very pleased to present him this year in Nashville. http://www.jimbizer.com/

Emily Kurn was brought to my attention by Steve Seskin. A 23 year old singer/songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. She's already won a stack of awards for her writing and performance. http://www.emilykurn.com/

David A Alberding is from the DC area and was recommended to me by Scott Moore. He's got a big voice and is also sitting on some big awards. This is his first NEFA. http://www.davidaalberding.com/

2:30-3:00 E.L.K.

E.L.K. is another gift from Scott Moore. A bicoastal folk-rock trio that has toured with Keb Mo. Scott couldn't say enough about these guys. Check them out on the web at http://www.elainelambertandkarl.com/

Friday Afternoon

2:30-3:30pm - Robin Greenstein, Amy Carol Webb, Lucie Blue Tremblay, Judith-Kate Friedman

Robin Greenstein does it all. A singer/songwriter from NYC, she tours internationally, as well as on the US college circuit. In addition to her original music, she does a variety of shows including "Images of Women" (in folk music), kids shows, and "Music of the Spanish Jews". A prodigious guitarist and banjo player, she is also a clinician for the Martin Guitar company. http://www.robingreenstein.com/

Amy Carol Webb is based in South Florida. She's won numerous awards at the Kerrville Folk Festival, South Florida Folk Festival, etc. Billboard magazine calls her "An Act to Watch." I agree. http://www.amycarolwebb.com/

French Canadian singer/songwriter Lucie Blue Tremblay has been an independent musician for 17 years. She has 10 CDs to her credit and her 1986 self titled release was on the Boston Globes top 10 list. Plus, she's a dog lover. http://www.luciebluetremblay.com/

Judith-Kate Friedman is a longtime friend. She is involved in a bunch of great projects. In addition to her solo career. She's also been making great music with SF Bay a capella fusion group Vocolot. Her latest CD project "Island on a Hill" is a debut of songs conceived, written, and performed with elder residents of SF's Jewish Home. http://www.judithkate.com/

3:30-4:30pm - Jim Photoglo, Freebo, Justin Roth, LJ Booth

Jim Photoglo* is a world class songwriter based in Nashville TN. In addition to his work with Run C&W and the Vinyl Kings, Jim has two solo albums and a bunch of cuts by Faith Hill, Alabama, James Ingram, Kathy Mattea and two dozen other artists. This guy is really, really special. http://www.jimphotoglo.com

Freebo, former long time bassist for Bonnie Raitt, struck out on his own in 1999. His music spans a variety of styles. His new CD "Dog People" consists entirely of songs written about dogs. (There is no truth to the rumor that the dog people/cat people feud has replaced the east coast/west coast rap rivalry as the most contentious rivalry in music history.) http://www.freebo.com/

Justin Roth is from Minnesota, though he spends about half the year touring. He's a great guitarist and singer with 3 recordings of his own. He was also featured recently on "lifescapes", a compass recording of guitar instrumentals. He sometimes accompanies LJ Booth, David Wilcox, Ellis Paul, and Martin Sexton on guitar or percussion. http://www.justinroth.com/

Don't Miss the return of LJ Booth. He is another reemerging songwriter. Always a strong favorite in the midwest, he eschewed extending touring while his daughter was growing up. Now she's college and he's back on the scene with a great new album "The Ox that Pulls the Cart". For details visit his web page at http://www.ljbooth.com.

4:30-5:30pm - "Happy Hour on the River" Annie Wenz, Tom Kimmel, Michael Lille, Chuck Pyle

Annie Wenz (a.k.a. the Bronze Goddess) brings joy and light wherever she goes. She plays guitar, keyboard, indian flutes, and a boatload of other instruments. Her music fuses a variety of styles and influences from around the world. Her most recent recording "Poet's Dance" was produced by Tom Prasada-Rao. She even has her own line of "relaxation products. http://www.anniewenz.com/

Tom Kimmel is a songwriting giant and an amazing poet. He's have over 60 cuts by artists like Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, the Stray Cats, the Spinners, and Kathy Mattea. He's kayaked (sometimes with Michael Lille) all over the world. He is as good as they get. His latest album, Shallow Water, is about to be joined by a new release from the Sherpas (Tom Kimmel, Tom Prasada-Rao, and Michael Lille) http://www.tomkimmel.com/

Michael Lille is a Telluride Troubador winner, with several solo albums, as well as his work as lead guitarist for the legendary DC band "SGGL" and with the Sherpas. Michael is the epitome of taste and quiet strength. http://www.michaellille.com/

Colorado based Chuck Pyle (a.k.a. "The Zen Cowboy") has seven albums out and a new one man theatre piece with music called "Zen Gallon Hat." He's also had a bunch of cuts by major artists. http://www.chuckpyle.com/

Friday Night - Big Orange Tarp Favorites

11:15 to midnight - Ronny Cox, Steve Seskin, Wendy Waldman, Kenny Edwards

I met LA based Actor/Songwriter Ronny Cox at SWERFA a couple of years ago. He sells a song with the same sincerity and authority that has made him a staple in Hollywood, with 85 entries in his IMDB filmography. He also can sing you almost any song that Mickey Newberry ever wrote. He's the real deal. Also don't miss his workshop on getting music placed in films and TV. http://www.ronnycox.net

It would be hard to overstate the influence of Wendy Waldman in popular music. She's released 9 major label solo albums as well as two CDs with Bryndle. She's had over 130 cuts by 70 artists like Maria Muldaur, Jesse Colin Young, Helen Reddy, Crystal Gayle, Reba McIntyre, Bill Miller, Randy Travis, the Gatlin Brothers, Ronny Cox, and Vanessa Williams. More recently, Wendy is a founding member of the band Bryndle with Kenny Edwards, Karla Bonoff, and Andrew Gold. Waldman became the first woman to produce country music extensively and was responsible for Susy Bogguss' award-winning debut album, as well as albums for the Forester Sisters, Jonathan Edwards, Matraca Berg and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. She has the kind of career that every musician aspires to, and tonight she's here with us. Whoohoo!!! http://www.WendyWaldman.com/

Wendy's Bryndle bandmate Kenny Edwards was a founding member of the Stone Ponies with Linda Ronstadt and a longtime member of her touring band. He's a prolific songwriter and producer, as well as a successful writer of teleplays and scores for movies and television. One of the most sought after session players in Los Angeles and Nashville, he's been a part of dozens of recordings. In 2002, he released his very first solo album "Kenny Edwards" Kenny is one of the most consistently productive members of our community. http://www.kennyedwards.com/

12:00 - Brian Joseph, Karen Mal, Tena Moyer

Brian Joseph is an LA based writer/performer who has taken folkworld by storm in the last two years. A staple under the Big Orange Tarps, He's a unique presence with wonderful songs and tremendous charisma. Already touring nationally and a winner at many songwriting contests, if you haven't seen Brian, you will soon. http://www.brianjosephmusic.com

Karen Mal is from Texas. A Showcaser at SWERFA, Kerrville Newfolk, and the upcoming South Florida folk festival, she is a wonderful writer, singer, player and performer. A former actress, her musical career shifted into high gear with the release of her first solo album last year. http://www.karenmal.com

Tena Moyer (a.k.a. "the Chord Queen") is a Tucson based singer/songwriter who also teaches at Swannanoa and several other guitar schools around the country. Though her songs are musically sophisticated, they are direct and heartwarming. Tena is also a great singer. http://www.tenamoyer.com

12:30 - LJ Booth, Justin Roth, Kort & Beth McCumber

Don't Miss the return of LJ Booth. He is another reemerging songwriter. Always a strong favorite in the midwest, he eschewed extending touring while his daughter was growing up. Now she's college and he's back on the scene with a great new album "The Ox that Pulls the Cart". For details visit his web page at http://www.ljbooth.com.

Justin Roth is from Minnesota, though he spends about half the year touring. He's a great guitarist and singer with 3 recordings of his own. He was also featured recently on "lifescapes", a compass recording of guitar instrumentals. He sometimes accompanies LJ Booth, David Wilcox, Ellis Paul, and Martin Sexton on guitar or percussion. http://www.justinroth.com/

Nashville based singer/songwriter Kort McCumber and his sister, violinist/singer Beth are bright lights on the horizon of folk. I met them at Paul Reisler's Song Camp two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. Their youth, energy, optimism, and excitement are just what our music needs to make it accessible to a new generation of listeners. Along with people like Ani DiFranco, Eric Schwartz, and GrooveLily, I think that they very much represent t he future of folkworld. http://www.kortmusic.com/

1:00 - Dreamsicles (Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper), The Cages (Clayton Cages/Aven)

There is nobody I'd rather hear play music than Tom Prasada-Rao. It's just that simple. (but most of you already love him, so you know what I mean.) http://www.tomprasada-rao.com/ Tom has very exciting news at this conference, regarding the release of 3 albums; the long awaited Sherpas project, Tom's new solo album and The Dreamsicles, his brand new duo with Cary Cooper.Cary Cooper* (also known to some of you as Cary Odom) is a wonderful songwriter from Texas who we met at the Song School. Her warmth, sincerity, and signature voice are sure to win your heart. NERFA marked the debut of their duo. http://www.carycooper.com

The Cages are from Los Angeles and Tom and Cary's pick for who they wanted to share their set with. The Cages released their first album in 1992 on Capitol Records and they've been making great music ever since. Amazingly, they don't seem to have a web page, but here is their discography.

1:30 - Eric Schwartz, Bill Nash, David Roth

Eric Schwartz is one of the most prolific, energetic, undefinable musical forces in all of folkworld. Best known for his uproariously funny songs, I'm an even bigger devotee of his power ballads. A multiple threat as a singer, guitarist, keyboardist, and bass player, it's impossible to predict where Eric will take you tonight, but it's always someplace worth going. http://www.ericschwartz.com

Bill Nash has performed more times under the Big Orange Tarp than anyone else. Come and see why. An award winning songwriter from Dallas Texas, he's bringing his 3rd album to FA "Carpe Piscum (Sieze the Fish)". Bills warmth, energy, and love of music epitomize what the BOT is all about. http://www.putsiecat.com/

David Roth is the consummate folk musician. An outstanding writer, singer, player, performer, workshop presenter; David is one of those guys who does it all right. He's won too many awards to list. He has released 6 solo albums and debuted his one man show "the Gripes of Roth" in 1994. He writes some of the most inspirational songs that I've ever heard. http://www.folkera.com/windriver/davidroth/bio.html

2:00 - Under the Song Tree (Anni Clark, Dan Merrill, & Lynn Deeves)

Under the Song Tree knocked me out when I heard them at Falcon Ridge. I was familiar with all three members of the group as solo artists and all are very strong. Together, the harmonies and arrangements took it all a step further. If you haven't heard these guys, you need to. http://underthesongtree.com/, http://anniclark.com/, http://www.indiegrrl.com/~ldeeves/, http://members.aol.com/zmgartist/DM/index.html

2:30 - Robin Hopper, Jenn Adams, Judith Kate Friedman

Alaskan songwriterRobin Hopper has beem making music since 1984. She has 3 CDs out and is a nationally certified music educator. (one of only 144 in the US). She also wrote the theme for the 1996 Arctic Winter Games. http://www.robinhopper.com/

Jenn Adams is from Montana and has 4 CDs out which have all met with widespread critical aclaim. I met her at Rocky Mountain two years ago and have been a big fan ever since. http://www.jennadams.com/

Judith-Kate Friedman is a longtime friend. She is involved in a bunch of great projects. In addition to her solo career. She's also been making great music with SF Bay a capella fusion group Vocolot. Her latest CD project "Island on a Hill" is a debut of songs conceived, written, and performed with elder residents of SF's Jewish Home. http://www.judithkate.com/

Saturday Night - Folktrainers and Friends

I don't have bios handy for everyone, but I've linked artist websites to their names if I could find them. We didn't do a folktrain this year, because the train doesn't come to Nashville anymore. We are planning a folktrain next year to San Diego. Visit folktrain.com for details. It's the most fun you can have on dozens of wheels.
11:00 - Ronny Cox, Tena Moyer, Rik Palieri video preview
11:30 - John Flynn, Rick Nestler, The Malvinas
12:00 - Eric Schwartz, Will Danforth, Lee Quick
12:30 - Sue Jeffers, Kathy Johnson, JoeG
1:00 - Mare Lennon, Claudia Russell & Bruce Kaplan
1:30 - Arlon Bennett, David Broida, Anna Wolfe
2:00 - Justin Roth, Arthur Lee, David Goldman
2:30 - general mayhem

Alan's Picks

There just aren't enough hours in the day. I'm TOTALLY psyched about my showcase lineup for Nashville, but I would have loved to book some other performers as well. On all of them, I missed the boat for one reason or another. I throw these names out to you as folks worth seeing. All of them are excellent and I would have been thrilled to add any of them to the list of artists that I am showcasing this year. This list is FAR from complete, but all of these are acts that I think deserve special attention.

Attending this conference

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Alan Rowoth
P.O. Box 307
Liverpool NY 13088-0307
alan@bigorangetarp.com
Fax (425) 699-1366