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Irene Kelley: A bluegrass legend and prolific songwriter, Kelley’s songs have been recorded by giants like Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, and Trisha Yearwood. Her crystalline vocals and deep Appalachian roots bring a pure, heartfelt authenticity to the stage.
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Antsy McClain: The mastermind behind The Trailer Park Troubadours, McClain is a master of “humor with a heart.” His performances blend observational comedy, masterful guitar work, and songs that find the extraordinary in everyday life.
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Lance Cowan: A veteran storyteller and songwriter, Cowan’s work is steeped in the rich traditions of the American South. Known for his evocative lyrics and warm, narrative style, he rounds out this trio with grounded, melodic grace.
Barry Goudreau, formerly of Boston, recently announced the release of his new CD, “The Road” from his band Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. Barry’s blues/rock ensemble includes his former RTZ bandmates Brian Maes on lead vocals and keyboards, as well as Tim Archibald on bass. Both Maes and Archibald were members of Peter Wolf’s House Party Five, playing on two of his records and touring the world extensively. The band is rounded out with “Old” Tony DePietro on drums and Mary Beth Maes, Terri O’Soro and Joanie Cicatelli on background vocals. Expect some favorites like “Smokin” and “Long Time” in their live set, alongside songs from the new CD as well as tracks from “Full Steam Ahead”, the 2017 release from Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room.
The name ‘Johnny A.’ might not be so mainstream, but there’s no doubt that it’s synonymous with guitar.
His passion began at the age of thirteen, when he first saw the Beatles in Boston, followed two years later by an in-person witnessing of Jimi Hendrix. From there, he was hooked, getting a cheap beginner guitar to try and play along with his early heroes — which also included Yardbirds icons Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
Soon enough, Johnny A. got it.
By the 1970’s, he was forming bands in the New England area, drawing attention from several established musicians, like Derek and the Dominos’ keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Johnny A. became Music Director of J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf’s outfit, coordinating the onstage arrangements, playing on several tours and co-producing Wolf’s 1996 album, *Long Line.* What’s more, he was even asked to join The Yardbirds as their lead guitarist in 2015.
Karla Bonoff, born and raised in Southern California, was a songwriter by the age of fifteen. She and her sister Lisa were writing songs and playing as a duo titled “The Daughters of Chester P” named after their father, Dr. Chester Paul Bonoff. She had already fallen in love with the guitar and studied with Frank Hamilton of the famous folk group, The Weavers. By 16, Karla and her sister Lisa auditioned for Elektra Records. An 11-song demo [recorded by Doors’ engineer Bruce Botnick] was recorded but no deal came of this first effort.
Karla’s legacy as a writer and perseverance as a performer are spoken best in a Billboard Magazine review of Karla’s “All My Life” recording. “Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today.”
“The evening’s real star… Nina Gerber usually says little and lets her guitar do the talking. She is a not-so-underground legend. Her wide-ranging folk-country-jazz-blues stylings have backed dozens of performers on stage and record.”
.:. Oakland Tribune .:.
