2018 LCFF Performers
Al Poindexter is a singer songwriter who also plays several different instruments. Accompanying himself with finger style guitar or bluesy bottleneck resonator guitar or open back banjo, Al usually sings Florida songs of his own or by friends. Sometimes there’s some old timey blues tunes. Al has won awards for Florida Songs and Blues competitions and sometimes teaches a class on North Florida Folk Music based on the book by Ron Johnson. Al plays festivals, schools, and many libraries as his stories between the songs tell of history and forgotten people and places around Florida.
Bear and Robert are Cindy Bear and Franc Robert (Row-bear), an award winning singer-songwriter duo from Jacksonville, FL. Their sound is a deep well of original Blues, Folk and Americana with a high energy “je ne sais quoi!” Their catchy melodies, driving rhythms, soulful, thought provoking lyrics, and strong musical interplay will touch your heart in many different ways, and always leave you wanting more. Together they have played numerous festivals, house concerts, fundraisers and venues from Florida to Memphis.
Started in the early 1980's as The McLaughlin Family String Band in Eustis, Fl. Renamed as Blackwater Creek when the kids grew up and began lives of their own. Pat and Suzy Mclaughlin still own and run the band. Members now include Dale Rathbun gtr, Dave Logan mando, and Dave Potter fiddle.
Chuck Hardwicke is a talented singer songwriter, his songs are images of Florida . Song tittles such as "Oklawaha Mist", "Drifting with the Wind" and "St John's River Blues" lure you in while the band adds a special magic. The Hart Line consists of three talented individuals who are accomplished musicians in their own right. Karan Newman, mandolin, fiddle, and occasional kazoo; Bill Snyder, upright bass, harmonica; and Dean Parrish, lead guitar. Along with their musicianship, each member of Chuck Hardwicke and the Hart Line contributes vocally, adding to their whole sound. In addition to Florida songs, the band may venture into old-time, swing, blues, old country, and even a Dylan song or two. The group is well known at folk festivals all over Florida
Dan Gribbin is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from Daytona Beach Shores. His music, which often features Florida birds and wildlife, has been celebrated for its humor, as well as its spiritual range and satiric bite. His new CD "Florida in My Soul" has just been released. Dan is the 2017 winner of the Lake County Folk Festival Funniest song Contest.
A seasoned touring professional playing shows annually throughout the country, Doug Spears is a rare fifth generation Florida native, a troubadour storyteller and performing songwriter. Doug achieved a measure of notoriety surrounding his 2010 CD "Welcome Home" which finished the year as a top 40 folk album internationally on the International Folk DJ Chart (the "Billboard" chart of independent folk music). The album featured a stellar cast of award winning musicians and garnered several awards including Runner-Up folk song of the year for "Yellow Butter Moon" by the International Acoustic Music Awards. A favorite on the House Concert, Listening Room and Festival circuits Doug sings of his native Florida, his own personal experiences and those of the people he meets and learns of in his travels. Doug's shows are an intimate, personal experience where you can expect to laugh, cry, tap your toes, learn a little and thoroughly enjoy yourself.
Once upon a time, a handsome young knave from the mountains of the north was visiting a tropical southern peninsula. Wandering through the streets of a small hamlet, he chanced upon a faire. Citizens from far and wide had gathered for food and song and dance. An army of minstrels was entertaining the crowd with their songs and tales. Our knave paused to purchase a strange sausage from a vendor, for it was, after all, the dawn of a hot, dog-like kind of day. Suddenly, he heard behind him the haunting sound of an ancient instrument known as a Hammered Dulcimer played by a beautiful young maiden. The knave knew at once, this woman would be his partner in music and in life. And so it came to pass. And Chris and Phil were dubbed Dulcinea after Don Quixote’s love by Mistress Debbie of Jamieson for the sweet sound of their instruments and married by Michael of Clan Campbell. And the knave and maiden have come to be known as Dulcinea's Music. And, so, they ply their skills as instructors and traveling musicians and printers throughout the realm.
Florida boy working on his 8th CD of original songs. Americana, Blues/grass, and Folk Rock love songs mixed together might describe the sound. Some songs are about the history, environment, and characters of the great State of Florida. Emmett plays most of the big Festivals in Florida including the Will Mclean Festival, Gamble Rogers Festival, Florida Folk Festival, Sarasota Folk Festival, Clay County Fair, and many venues around the State. Selected to play the Johnson City Folk Festival, Unicoi, Tennessee. His newest CD is "Down the Road to Barberville". My 7th CD, “Higher Hopes, Bigger Dreams”, was named CD of the Year (Song Writer) by the Florida Times - Union. Thanks to everyone who likes and shares with the coolest folks of all --The Fans. Peace.
A bucolic assortment of feathered friends from the Brooksville Henway (and you say, "What's a Henway?") Bassist extraordinaire Curtis Wayne Schaper, Master dobroist Pasco Paul Belmore, the most solid percussionist Ron Townsend and other distinguished musical ne'er-do-wells perform singer-songwriter Frank Julian's wacky, poignant and educational creations.
Gail writes original music from the heart. Her fingerpicking style on a nylon acoustic guitar provides the background. Her topics range from encouragement, observation, and celebration of the human experience. She tackles her subjects with compassion, introspection, and also with humor. She has 17 CD's of recorded original music that can be found at www.gailcarson.com
The Goe2Guyz are seasoned instrumentalists who got together via the love of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and Gospel music. Stu Kinniburgh (mandolin, guitar), Dan Minkler (string bass), and Dr. Neal Phillips (fiddle) met via Valencia College president Sandy Shugart's stage band, and they've played Winter Garden and central Florida ever since. The band also adds Larry Crosby (banjo) on occasion, and their first album, "Fixin's" can be found online at the usual outlets. Their goal is to put a smile on your face so that you stick around for more!
Hard To Port is a unique group of friends and musicians who have played together and separately in a variety of other groups for many years now - the group now pools their talents under the moniker of "Hard To Port", a Celtic Fusion Band. The term Celtic Fusion means the band plays everything from traditional Irish jigs, reels, and songs, to folk-tinged singer-songwriter arrangements sprinkled with a little rock'n'roll. And often, all of that blended together in one song! Sometimes we take a familiar folk or rock'n'roll song and infuse it with "celt", sometimes we take a traditional Celtic song and blend in some rock'n'roll mayhem! Add to that our extensive catalog of original material, and we never play the same set twice!
In Good Company is a group of seasoned performers (Curtis Wayne & Ingrid Schaper, Lisa Bohn, Sean Curran, and Bob Walsh). They play acoustic, original Florida folk songs and select (often obscure) covers with three and four part harmonies that often encourage the audience to sing along. Between them, they play guitar, ukulele, mandolin, fiddle, flute, bass, and rhythm instruments. They have fun making music together, and that ensures that the audience has a good time as well!
Jackson Creek Band labels it’s style of music as “fiddle-folk-grass”. It is a dynamic blend of music including… folk, mild bluegrass, a variety of fiddle tunes with a bit of cowboy, gospel, and just plain fun. Many of their songs were written by Joe Waller who leads the group. There is truly something for everyone in their music. They play for festivals, re-enactments, barn dances, weddings, and a variety of parties throughout Central Florida and have even traveled a bit. And…they have a two CDs. The newest “I Wish I Was…” includes many of Joe’s songs. Joe and Katie are glad to have Tim Martin (saw) playing with them this year! Be sure to check their web page www.folkfiddle.com so you can check out their performance schedule!
HOWDY, My name is James Hawkins and I am a singer/songwriter from Venice Florida. For about 10 years I have knocked around the Florida Folk scene performing in many different venues from coffee houses to a couple of concert halls.
So folks have described my music as a mix of Woody Guthrie and Harry Chapin but I leave that judgement up to you. Since I became a member of the Friends of Florida Folk I have had 8 songs recorded by 7 Folk Artists. Also, I have had the honor of having 3 of my song included on 3 different compilation CD’s. As of September 5th I will be hosting a new radio show on WSLR fm 96.5 www.wslr.org If you’re interested in keeping up on what I’m up to feel free to go to; www.turnbacktime-florida.com
Lift those mugs and raise your voices! Jig to a Milestone is here bring you the best in classic Irish drinking songs, hearty sea shanties, and heartfelt ballads! With a plethora of instruments, beautiful harmonies, and bad jokes Jig to a Milestone is sure to entertain!
In the winter of 2013, right after his twin boys were born, John John Brown started writing songs that would turn into his debut album The Road. No Depression calls it, "A supple and suggestive blend of astute Americana accompanied by a quiet, reflective glow", while Elmore Magazine dubbed him, "One of the most promising young names in folk music today." John John's live acoustic performances have been receiving critical acclaim as well. In 2015 and 2017, he was chosen as a Kerrville Folk Finalist for the legendary "New Folk" competition, in 2016 he went home a winner of the South Florida Folk Fest Songwriting Contest, and he was recently selected as a 2017 Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Seeped in good storytelling and fingerpicking melodies, John John Brown seems to have discovered part of the mystery that surrounds the great singer/songwriter tradition.
John R. Butler first played music for money during the Johnson administration. The LYNDON Johnson administration. Butler went on to play in a number of bands and as a solo performer throughout high school, college and later.
John R. Butler’s songwriting achievements include being one of six co-winners of the 2018 Kerrville New Folk competition, selected from among more than 600 entrants from North America and Europe. He also won second place in the 2016 and 2018 Will McLean song writing contests, and was one of three co-equal winners in the 2015 South Florida Folk Festival song writer competition. Butler also won a first place in the 2014 “Hope by Song” song writing competition in southwest Florida, as well as a first place in the 2011 North Florida Folk Festival Americana song writing contest, One of Butler’s songs was included in the soundtrack of the 2013 feature film , “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3-D.”
Unique stories, wrapped in musical delivery...... You never know where the moment may take you, but the memories will be worth the trip!
Lakehouse Records Artist, Justin Marshall Orlow, leads this fun, yet humble group with his original music in a melodic acoustic format!
Justin Marshall Orlow is an engaging and colorful singer-songwriter and entertainer performing acoustic originals with an eclectic, old-soul sound. Originally from Toledo, Ohio Justin relocated to sunny Florida where he has been performing for the last ten plus years. The relocation has helped to shape the sound of his compositions while still retaining hints of his “rust belt” roots. Justin signed with Lakehouse Records and Publishing in 2016 and immediately released his debut full length album East 408 with outstanding reviews.
Lake Eustis Area Dulcimer Players
Lake Eustis Area Dulcimer Players is a group that meets every month to share, promote, educate, & inspire others with both the Mountain and Hammered dulcimer instruments. Group members encourage all who are interested in traditional music, its history & folk instruments to join with us in the playing of acoustic instruments, sharing fellowship, and continuing the musical traditions of long ago.
"Last 2 Standing is a duo consisting of Bill Jickell on Mandolin and Chris Campbell on Up-Right Bass. They play an eclectic mix of Gypsy Jazz, Swing, Old Time and New Grass influenced by the likes of Django Reinhardt, the Beatles, Grateful Dead, David Grisman, Sam Bush and others.
Bill and Chris are both long-time residents of the Orlando area and have been playing music in various bands together for over 30 years. They currently play at local eateries and pubs as well as festivals around the state.
Orlando native, Lauren Lester, writes and performs her own original music and also plays a diverse range of cover tunes. Some performances include the Okeechobee Music Festival, Orlando's Fringe Festival, and the Winter Park Art Festival. Lauren recently won a songwriting competition hosted by 103.1 the Wolf radio station and co-wrote a song with Johnny Bulford at Warner Chapel Music in Nashville. Lauren’s debut album ‘My Love’, released in 2014, is a blend of Jazz and Americana styles. Her new album ‘Beginnings and Endings’ is full of catchy melodies with a country/folk flair. Both albums are available now on her website.
Many of her original songs fall in the indie folk or Americana vein. Catchy melodies and beautifully blended harmonies are staples in her music. Lauren is a third generation musician and has had the opportunity to make music with and learn from her dad, Ronnie Lester.
Lily Jane is a duet of two women with breathtaking harmonies who play Collective string instruments including guitar banjo and Fiddle their repertoire is eclectic blend of originals, traditional songs, and unusual covers.
Seven years in the early days of Nashville taught Mike & Maggie McKinney what they did not want. The heart of music should not be lost in the business of music. The music that Lucky Mud writes/sings/plays comes from the dirt of their native Florida. Mix that with a little saltwater, sweat and tears and you have Mud, Lucky Mud. Lucky Mud plays SwampyTonk and Folkabilly. Listen for Mike's new song "Follow the laughter"
As a group, they perform a spirited mix of original songs, which blend Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Country styles. Mary Beth also writes songs specifically about Florida. The group has performed multiple times at the Florida Folk Festival, the Barberville Spring and Fall Festivals, The Will McLean Festival, The St. Johns River Festival of the Arts and many other venues in Central Florida.
Mary Beth Campbell & Friends perform a spirited and eclectic mix of originals. Mary Beth Campbell, Chris Campbell and Mike Gray are the ""core"" members of the group and Freddy Burke, on fiddle, will be joining them again this year at the 2018 Lake County Folk Festival.
McIntyre
McIntyre is a high-energy Celtic Band in the Central Florida Area. Great tunes and fun times are always guaranteed! So Keep Calm and get McIntyred!
For the last decade Mel and Vinnie have called Lake Worth home after singing and playing blues, roots and environmental music up and down the Hudson River Valley. They mix topical, original and everyday life songs and ask you to sing along. Vinnie was born and raised in Brooklyn but fell under the influence of music from the Mississippi delta at an early age. Mel is the daughter of a blacklisted Republic Aviation union organizer. She began her career as an educator but was soon drawn to life on the Hudson River where she is a project organizer, sailor and singer. Mel and Vinnie worked with Pete Seeger for thirty years.
Mike Mac
Mac’s music is rich in complexity. His original songs are written and sung with passion and emotion.
He displays lush harmonies and poignant lyrics. He is versatile and dedicated to always improving.
Mac's melodic arrangements can be rollicking or refined, poetic or playful. His music is introspective, nuanced and relatable. The songs are richly textured and the expression of his music is compelling and heartfelt. Mac is able to speak through his lyrics and his instrument. His music is an introspective delight
"Mike Worrall writes songs. It’s something he has little control over... kind of like breathing. The songs spill out and he writes ‘em down...an amalgam of folk and country and blues influences in songs that range from poignant to ironic to darkly humorous.
From coffee houses to concert stages, from swanky hotels to honkytonks, for Mike Worrall it’s been a million miles, thousands of gigs, and hundreds of towns... picking, singing, laughing & living.
His latest CD, “Journey’s End”, is available on iTunes and CDBaby"
natalia soleil
natalia soleil has been in love with music for as long as she can remember. she’s been playing a variety of instruments for about three years now. it’s something that she loves to do and has become a passion. she plays ukulele, guitar, and drums. although natalia is new to the performing world, it’s something that she loves to do and hopes to share her passion with an audience.
Passerine’s music occupies a zone somewhere between modern folk, progressive bluegrass, and what is loosely called “Americana.” With original songs as well as their own arrangements of traditional songs, Passerine carries on the living tradition of acoustic folk music rooted in popular experience, memory, and shared wisdom. By combining diverse musical interests with instrumentation usually associated with a traditional string band, and with Vocal harmonies that sometimes move outside the usual structures, Passerine has created a sound with a personality that is both familiar and unique, whether the song is a sweet ballad, a Foot-stomping bluegrass tune or one of their more rocking originals.
Members:David Brain (resonator guitar, lap steel) Carmela Pedicini (vocals, acoustic guitar) Sara Stovall (vocals, violin, mandolin) Doug Conroy (upright bass, vocals)
The Peters Road Swamp Blues Band features the music of Boomslang Swampsinger with Mark "Crocodile" Goldberg on Bass and Guitar, Dawn "DeOtter" DeWitt on Guitar and Bass, Jake "Armadillo" Vanderplate on Mandolin, Percussion and Keyboards, Stan "The Panther" Geberer on Blues Harp and James "Jams" Barton on Keyboard . Peters Road plays their own brand of Florida "Roadhouse" music with all original songs focusing on Florida, its history and the Everglades. The band has released 3 CDs “The Last Train Out Of Key West”, and recordings of their two Swamp Operas, "The Sawgrass City Journal" and "The Everglades Campfire Radio Show".
A relative newcomer to the Americana/Folk music scene, Rachel has performed at top festivals in Florida such as Florida Folk Festival, Gamble Rogers Music Festival and Will McLean Music Festival. Rachel was a top 10 finalist in the Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest in 2016 and 2017.
New to the Florida Folk Scene this 7th generation Floridian, writes and performs songs from the heart. She grew up singing backseat harmony to The Mamas and the Papas and songs from the Baptist Hymnal. Fascinated by lyric and melody from an early age, it wasn’t until Rachel had a career and family that she found the courage to give songwriting an earnest try. Rachel is one of those artists that you hear and have to come back for more.
Rachel released her debut album, “Twists + Tangles,” in August, 2016. She is currently writing songs for her next project, “Florida Home,” a collection of songs about life in rural Florida.
Red Wolf Strings features James Huston on fiddle. This young performer plays primarily Old Time music with his own edge, but also throws in some new songs - as well as folk songs and well-known country classics. James also plays the Native American Flute and piano. He is backed up by Dave Berry on dulcimer and Diane Berry on guitar, mandolin and banjo
Remedy Tree is a progressive acoustic band from St Augustine FL. Their lyric driven energy filled songs fill their melodious harmonies with a renewed sense of drive as they intertwine roots Americana music, bluegrass, and old-time music. Gabriel Acevedo, a singer/songwiter, Florida State Fiddle champion and guitar player from Umatilla FL started writing songs at a young age and formed several bluegrass bands with his brother Obed Acevedo spanning from 2008-2014. Gabriel formed Remedy in the Summer of 2015 with his wife Abigail Acevedo. Their sound has grown as they've honed in on original content, drawing influences from contemporary and traditional artists alike.
They currently tour locally and across state lines alike playing small venues, and festivals, promoting their latest EP release Juncture #1.
"Six Strings & a Fiddle” is David Allen Potter and Mark Smith, a couple of talented musicians who have weaved their musical styles together into an acoustic blend sure to bring smiles to every listener. Their mix of original and unique and often obscure covers of Country, Folk, Americana and Gospel have delighted audiences in festivals, acoustic venues and in Opry’s all around central Florida. They have recorded over a dozen CD’s between them, and recently released two new CD’s as ‘Six Strings & a Fiddle’.
David has played with many artists in venues from Florida to Branson, including Roni Stoneman (of television's Hee Haw), Nashville Country Star Margo Smith, The Sweet Hearts of Branson, and singing Cowgirl, Eli Barsi also of Branson. Currently, he performs regularly with his personal band, ‘Smooth Country, A Celtic style group, called ‘Jackson Creek String Band’; a Bluegrass group called ‘Black Water Creek Bluegrass Band’, and of course, Six Strings & a Fiddle’.
Mark has been playing professionally and semi-professionally for over forty years. An award winning Christian Songwriter, he currently enjoys playing music with David in ‘Six Strings & a Fiddle’, occasionally as a solo artist and as worship leader for his church.
Paul Smithson and John French teamed up as a songwriting duo after performing together in a variety of bands. They strive for craft in their songwriting. Their sound has been described as the Florida Everly Brothers with "dissonant harmonies."
Spayed Koolie is an Americana/country/Texas Red Dirt band from the central Florida area that owes its namesake to the Oklahoman swing fiddler of the 1940’s, Spade Cooley. The band plays all over central Florida and makes the occasional trip to Nashville. The band has opened for Montgomery-Gentry, Kellie Pickler, .38 Special, Pat Benatar, Charlie Daniels Band, and other national acts. Founded by lead singer and songwriter David Dorr, the band has been performing for seven years in arrangements including duo (most often), trio, 4-piece, and 5-6 piece when opening for name acts or playing at well-attended festivals. The band’s instrumentation includes acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion, fiddle, and the occasional keyboard, banjo, or mandolin. Currently, the band’s debut album, Ashtray Change, ranks in the Top 325 of the Americana Music Association chart, while the first single release has made it into the Top 200 on the Music Row chart.
An ebullient blend of boisterous Americana, Orlando's 502s strike a celebratory chord with their debut album Because We Had To. The 5-piece folk band was formed by cousins Ed and Jonathan in 2015 and since then have gained international recognition thanks to a viral Facebook video of their song “What To Do” performed in their grandpa’s laundry room. The 502s recently returned from a triumphant album release tour of the US and Europe.
The Ashley Gang is celebrating its 20 Anniversary by reuniting its founding members and songwriters Al Scortino and Paul Garfinkel. One of Florida’s most beloved folk/Americana bands, they continue to be a major force in Florida music, featuring delicate harmonies, and precise instrumentals on top of meaningful lyrics.
The Back Porch Revival Band has been performing the Florida folk music scene for 28 years. They play an energetic and eclectic brand of folk music that includes traditional, contemporary and original folk songs. The band features Jim and Melanie Robertson on lead vocals and harmonies,, accompanied by John McClure on mandolin and vocals, Matt Coltharp on fiddle and mandolin and the all or nothing bass playing if Jim "Big Dog" Rigel. They guarantee to get your feet clapping and put a smile on your face.
The Cd Live at Highlands Hammock has these comments "A compilation of originals and classic Florida Folk songs and other folk songs that are exceptionally done. It will take you to a by gone day where lemonade and country tunes made everything better. I especially like track 7 and 13. If you like Folk music or want to listen to music"
The Roadside Revue is a band of award winning songwriters, musicians and friends who have been playing together for well over 20 years. Ron Litschauer - Guitar, mandolin Bari Litschauer - Banjo, mandolin, Dawn DeWitt - Upright bass, guitar Stan Geberer - Harmonica, guitar Wayne Martin - Fiddle From Miami to White Springs, they annually play almost every major Folk festival in Florida, as well as numerous concerts and venues across the state. They hold many awards, including the coveted and prestigious “Ken Buchanan Most Peculiar Campsite” award for 18 straight years. Their music was recently heard across the United States when one of their early low budget CDs somehow got stuck in someone’s CD player while on the way to Seattle from Florida.Serious to silly, historic to hysterical, their music is presented with influences of Florida folk music, bluegrass, blues, rock, country, and gospel. Having lost their innocence and shyness at an early age, the members of The ROADSIDE REVUE are not afraid to have a good time on stage. If you haven't laughed, cried, or been thoroughly entertained by the end of one of their sets, then it was probably the sound man's fault… unless the sound man was Tom Ellis or Jeff Friberg… in which case there is no known explanation.FESTIVAL APPEARANCES:Florida Folk Festival Will McLean Festival South Florida Folk Festival Gamble Rogers Festival, Lake County Folk Festival
Tom Shed, songwriter and performer brings “history, humor and the human condition” to audiences around the world in an exciting and entertaining concert. With songs on the 2014 and 2016 Grammy Ballot, Tom Shed has established himself as a respected songwriter and performer.
Performing on guitar and banjo throughout the U.S., UK, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, New Zealand and Australia for many years, Tom shares his unique perspective of life, love and the world around us.
Too Many Smiths
TOO MANY SMITHS is Glenn and Linda Smith, an acoustic duo from Ocala that met at the Will McClean festival 14 years ago and have been performing at festivals all over Florida for the since then. For TOO MANY SMITHS--it's about the songs; Linda's arresting voice (you think you were in a dark piano bar) and Glenn's unique guitar style blend to create a sound full of vocal harmony and texture when they perform. Their repertoire is wide ranging in styles; Americana, folk, blues to jazz
Dell has played the Lake County Folk Festival for 20 years. Helen joined him on vocals and bass several years ago, playing Gospel, Celtic, Folk and Bluegrass. They host an acoustic open mic at Jeannie's Place in Eustis on the 1st Friday every month. Come listen to some fun music.
Well Worn Soles is an acoustic country/folk duo based out of Homosassa, Fla. The duo is comprised of singer/songwriter and instrumentalist, Emerson Wells-Barrett, and vocalist/fiddler, Chelsea Wells-Barrett. Accompanying themselves on a variety of instruments (guitars, fiddle, mandolin), their gifts of natural musicality are instantly apparent. The music references vintage roots, the lyrics speak to age-old themes, but the language Wells-Barrett uses in his writing is determinedly unusual, yet quickly endears itself to the listener. Young folks; old souls. Meet Well Worn Soles.
Xander Lynn
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A classically trained cellist who's been exploring the modern repertoire of the cello.
Xander will be hosting a Jam at 1 on Sunday beginners welcome!