2008
NOVEMBER 7
RON FETNER
Either through live performances or his nationally released CD's, people everywhere are becoming fans of performing songwriter Ron Fetner. Incorporating elements of Folk, southern Appalachian, Roots and Jazz, Ron has found a voice in our Americana music. Winner of the prestigious Kerrville NewFolk competition, Ron is a unique blend of New England folk and the soul of the South . Visit www.ronfetner.com
DECEMBER 5
CANDICE MOWBRY & LORALYN COLES
These ladies offer refreshingly unique, yet very different styles. Candice is an extraordinary guitarist who teaches at Shepherd University. Her influences are primarily classical and jazz. Loralyn is a singer-songwriter from Northern Virginia, but sounds more like she's from the mountains of the southwestern part of that state. Her pure and clear voice is accompanied on guitar and mandolin.
2009
JANUARY 2
BOB SIMA
Bob Sima is a multi-award winning, nationally touring, singer-songwriter from Maryland . His tagline is “Good Music for Good People”, which perfectly encapsulates his songs tinged with hope and clever observation… all bundled up within a funky, soulful yet, clearly Americana/folk sound. He doesn't just sing and play, he entertains, tells stories, engaged the audience, sending concert goers off into the night walking on air. Visit www.bobsima.com
FEBRUARY 6
ROD SYNDER & TOM DEWS
Rod Snyder is a 28- year-old singer/songwriter and pianoist from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He made it to the Hollywood Round during the fourth season of American Idol. He competed in Los Angeles against Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice and other nationally recognized singers. In 2006, he released his debut album titled Leaving Hollywood Behind including 10 original songs of piano based pop music. In April of 2008, he was among the top 100 national semifinalists on NBC's singing competition Nashville Star.
Tom Dews is an extraordinary blues guitarist and songwriter from Alexandria, Virginia. Know as Mr. Cool in music circles, he will be making his debut in the Eastern Panhandle. He has a CD titled Driving Dreams .
MARCH 6
ME & MARTHA
Martha Hills and Don DePoy, love to make music. They draw on historical music forms including blues, jazz, old-time country and bluegrass. Each performance is a fusion of America's acoustic roots music traditions. By blending these traditional sounds with an ear towards the contemporary, Martha and Don create music with a fresh twist that holds the flavor of these rich traditions. Their sound is without question original, yet somehow familiar. The energy and excitement they bring to every song are captivating. There is just an enchanting chemistry between them. As the listeners take a musical journey, there is just something in the natural ebb and flow of their music that grabs and pulls you in. As 2005 inductees into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, they continue the tradition of keeping music making accessible and alive. Visit www.dondepoy.com
APRIL 3
ROLLING COYOTES
The Rolling Coyotes have a unique and audience-pleasing style
featuring finely-tuned harmonies, textured instrumentation, good humor and originality. They have cooked up several new tunes and new arrangements of old tunes since their last visit to First Friiday. The Coyotes touch on many genres. You might hear an a thirties' pop standard and fifties' rock n' roll tune in the same set. They perform well-crafted originals by award-winning songwriter, Steve Warner, and songs by such greats as Jimmie Rogers, the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Johnny Mercer and Hoagey Carmichael. Their CDs have gotten airplay around the world. The group is comprised of Warner on guitar, ukulele, harmonica; Nancy Lynn, autoharp and percussion; Andy Mosholder, cello and bass; and Elliot Simon, piano and accordion. They promise to warm your heart, challenge your mind, and make you tap your toes and laugh out loud. Visit www.rollingcoyotes.com .
MAY 1
GREG TRAFIDLO with SPECIAL GUESTS
Greg Trafidlo is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter with extensive credits as a record producer and publisher. He appears on over 50 albums and has produced over two dozen releases. His songs have been performed by folk icons such as Pete Seeger, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, and recorded by numerous performers. He has performed with Bill Monroe, Peter Yarrow, and Kathy Mattea on radio station, WSM, and opened for Emmylou Harris, John Prine, John Hartford, John McCutcheon and others. His songs appear on NPR's "Car Talk" and "Dr. Demento" compilations. Greg is Grand prize-winner of the prestigious Louisville Songwriting competition. He recently performed at the historic, Ryman Auditorium during Fan Fair in Nashville. Greg has two Wammy nominations, for best Folk Male Vocalist and Best Folk Album. Roanoke, Virginias', City Magazine, named him Music Person of the Decade. Visit www.gregtrafidlo.com
JUNE 5
DOUG & SHELLY HARPER
This songwriting and performing team hail from the Beckeley area, where they draw deeply from the Appalachian roots. They have appeared on Mountain Stage and have performed all over West Virginia. Their relaxed style, smooth harmonies and down home charm have been soothing audiences everywhere they play. They have several CDs featuring Doug's stellar songwriting. Visit www.hybridfolk.com
