Archives |
June 2013
She's different! I think you'll like her as much as I do. Modern urban songwriting in nostalgic, bluegrassy arrangements.
Here's the official video offering for Reina's sweet song "Expiration Date":
July 2012
Here's a pretty song from one of Kat's earlier albums.
Kat Goldman's |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a bunch of songs from her beautiful new album Gypsy Girl now in the rotation! 
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
January 2012
Putnam is a third-generation banjo player with a husky honey voice and some of the most charming songs being written today. His new album We Could Be Beekeepers is full of acoustic playfulness and sweetly rhyming heartache.
Here's a video of Putnam on banjo performing "Hummingbird Song" for a live radio performance.
Putnam Smith |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a bunch of songs from Putnam's wonderful new album We Could Be Beekeepers now in the rotation!
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
March 2011
Because you'll rarely hear a sweeter, fresher more natural voice. Because wherever there's a campfire or song circle, you'll find Chris and her (much in demand) fiddle. Because October Valentine is a mesmerizing mix of melody and poetry.
Here's a video of Chris doing a simple solo performance of her song "Risk My Heart" at last year's Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference.
Chris Kokesh |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a bunch of songs from Chris' oh-so-sweet new album October Valentine now in the rotation!
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
December 2010
Because she is the darling of Acoustic Pie listeners who repeatedly vote her into the Top 20 Song lists. Because she breaks the rules but still sounds timeless. Because her new album Chocolate Paper Suites is a mesmerizing mix of melody and poetry.
Here's a video of Krista playing one of my favorite songs "More than I Dare Say". If you're drawn to this simple version, you'll love the gorgeous arrangement on her album The Silver Woods : Wintersongs.
Krista Detor |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a bunch of songs from Krista's beautiful new album Chocolate Paper Suites now in the rotation!
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
August 2010
Photo by Eva Moss
Because this smoky-voiced waif-like beauty plays guitar with the big boys. Because her sad delicate songs will take you to a shadowed spot beside a rippling stream. Because her new album How I Learned to See in the Dark is yet another jewel in her treasure box of albums.
This is a video of Chris playing "California" in Brooklyn.
Chris Pureka |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch three songs from Chris' new album How I Learned to See in the Dark now in the rotation!
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
March 2010
Photo by Chris Macke
Because you've never heard a voice like this before. Because acoustic has never been more raw yet powerful. Because the naked poetry of his words will take your breath away.
Here's the official video for Christopher's song "Ghosts"
Christopher Dallman |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all four songs from Christopher's new EP now in the rotation!
November 2009
Photo by Amanda Bienieck
Because, among other magic tricks, she makes smart cute. Because she reveals new ways to write and rhyme about love and love lost. Because she does it all with a magically acoustic simplicity.
Here's a video of ambeR singing her song "In the Creases"
ambeR Rubarth |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch bunches of new songs from ambeR's last two albums now in the rotation!
June 2009
Because he breathes a cool panache into the folky storyteller genre. Because his singing feels like your best friend sitting on the couch beside you. Because his new album Open Hand is as wonderfully engaging as anything he's done!
This is a video of David singing "Eye of the Hurricane" at a small show in his hometown of Asheville, N.C.
David Wilcox |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch three new songs from David's new album in the rotation !
April 2009
Because he is a California boy with a voice like Carolina honey. Because his new album Live Your Song is a showcase of San Diego star talent and workmanship. Because Live Your Song is a beautiful collection of eight originals and two local covers in pure acoustic arrangements and now available at CD Baby.
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch three songs from Nathan's new album in the rotation !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
April 2009
March 2009
January 2009
Because he has it all ~ the voice, the songwriting, the style. Because he could have had anything he wanted on his new album Seeing Things. Because it's a paragon of pared-down acoustic beauty. Because it's really only all about the songs.
And here's a video of Jakob singing "Evil is Alive and Well" live on Woodsongs.
Jakob Dylan |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch four songs from Jakob's new album in the rotation !
August 2008
Because he makes country smart and sexy. Because his singing is as honest and as fearless as his lyrics. Because I had trouble choosing only four songs from his new album The Law and the Lonesome for the Acoustic Pie Radio rotation. Because he's taking the stage again at my favorite music festival Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, Oregon, Sept 5-7, 2008.
And here's a video of Jonathan performing "Wild Ponies" at Radio Live in Pensacola, Florida.
Jonathan Byrd |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Jonathan Byrd songs in the rotation !
June 2008
Featured Artist : Krista Detor
Because her voice is as smooth, dark and indolent as European chocolate. Because her chameleon piano arrangements effortlessly take on any role from the second voice line to an orchestral accompaniment to an insurgent percussion section. Because her new album Cover Their Eyes is a glamorous effort channeled from an inky corner of an Old World bistro in a black-and-white movie.
And here's a lovely video of Krista and her partner David Weber performing a song from her last album Mudshow:
Krista Detor |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Krista Detor songs in the rotation !
May 2008
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March 2008
Featured Artist : Cheryl Wheeler
Because she is a lyrical puppet master able to evoke any emotion from heartbreak to righteous indignation to joy. Because her voice carries her gorgeous melodies with arresting power and subtlety. Because she dares to be herself, and a highly sarcastic self at that, in a business that prefers fluff and pretense. Because she is coming to San Diego in March and is the Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month.
This video is classic Cheryl. Dressed for a television appearance in a baggy t-shirt and faded jeans, she leans back her head, closes her eyes and bedevils you with her sultry, heavenly voice and the magic of this stunning song of homesickness.
Cheryl Wheeler |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Cheryl Wheeler songs in the rotation !
March 2008
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month!
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February 2008
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month!
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January 2008
Featured Artist : Girlyman
Because three smart songwriters and three strong lead vocalists adds up to pure acoustic magic. Because the harmonies, their signature 3-part sound in intertwining canons or as a vocalistic string section, can make your heart stop. Because their new album Joyful Sign ties the Acoustic Pie record for most songs in the rotation at one time with five tracks added!
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Girlyman songs in the rotation !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
December 2007
Acoustic Pie Picks of the Month! |
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October 2007
Live Music in a Second Life!
Not yet leading a Second Life? Check out my blog for all the scoop!
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TallGuy Kidd was my very first concert in the virtual computer world of Second Life (SL). It was an unusually lucky teleport landing for someone who loves contemporary acoustic songwriting. He has a gorgeous, natural, butter-melting voice and oh-so-engaging stage personality. TallGuy (Real Life musician Dale Marsh) is also the first SL musician to have his work included in the daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio! |
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I know I always joke that I got tired of rock music in the '80s. But Dann Numbers is a serious Second Life rocker with an acoustic sound whose music I find irresistable! Because of the diverse audience in SL, Dann has set himself the task of learning to say "Thank You" in as many languages as possible. You can rock out with him in Real Life as Dann Russo. |
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Clayton bills themselves as UK's hottest country band and I was certainly impressed when I stumbled onto their show in the virtual Dublin of Second Life. Talented and stylish, professional and entertaining, they gave a stellar performance for the virtually sold-out virtual crowd. At this show, Clayton's front lady and real life Dubliner Lindsay Armaou chatted with their regular SL fans from all over the globe. Like most SL musicians, they take a lot of pride in their personal connection with their fan base and their fans keep coming back for more! |
August 2007
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month! |
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July 2007
"The Lady Sure Can Play" There's not a strummer in the bunch. This feature showcases those lady singer/songwriters who play unusual instruments or play their instruments unusually well. These triple-threat artists do it all ~ sing, write, and play. All of the song samples featured below can be heard in their entirety on Acoustic Pie Radio, devoted to acoustic singer/songwriters 24/7!
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie, 2007 |
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June 2007
Featured Artist : Don McLean
Because "American Pie" rocked my 12-year-old world. Because beauties like "Empty Chairs" and "Castles in the Air" still do. Because he's still touring and delighting audiences all the way from Des Moines to Dublin. Because the "Pie" in Acoustic Pie is a tribute to his place in the development of the singer/songwriter genre.
This video appears to be an early '70s concert and I was enchanted by the fresh, clear voice seemingly recorded in the raw without audio enhancement. So, so charming!
Don McLean |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Don McLean songs in the rotation !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
June 2007
Featured Artist : Dougie MacLean
Photo by Dennis Gentles
Because the synthesis of his smoky vocals and melting finger-stylings kindle a campfire in your heart. Because his performances are stirring, funny, uplifting and real. Because he's bringing his whole band to San Diego on June 26 and is also the Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month San Diego show!
This video is courtesy of YouTube.com.
Dougie MacLean |
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch an assortment of Dougie's songs, new and old, in the rotation !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
June 2007
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month!
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May 2007
Featured Artist : Storyhill
Because I love songwriting duo's ~ the harmonies, the variety, the chemistry ~ and Storyhill is one of the best. Because their new CD Storyhill spent so much time in my CD player that I memorized all of the lyrics to "Give up the Ghost" (and it's been awhile since that's happened). Because Billboard Magazine says "Their sound recalls the harmonious interplay of Simon and Garfunkel and the acoustic juice of the Indigo Girls"... and I agree!
Even this homemade video, despite the poor lighting and the talking of the crowd, manages to capture the excitement of these two exceptional performers singing one of my favorite songs. (Video sharing courtesy of YouTube.com.)
Storyhill |
Listen to and buy the gorgeous and exciting new album Storyhill at the Storyhill web site. Then tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch three songs in the rotation from the new album as well as several gems from their last release !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
May 2007
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month!
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April 2007
Acoustic Pie San Diego
Pick of the Month |
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A lot of people seem to be at ArtWalk for, oh, I don't know... the art, maybe? So that leaves six stages of top-notch San Diego musicians performing for the musically in-the-know. And it's free, too! Some years, chairs aren't provided at all of the stages so I always carry a little folding festival stool with me (I ought to get a commission on those). I also always park my car at the Old Town Trolley stop and take the trolley in to Little Italy. Be sure and check out the ArtWalk online schedule as there are many more great acts playing than I'm able to list below. And things change! But here is a brief schedule with just a few of the highlights and links to the musicians' websites: |
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See ArtWalk's online schedule for more acts and any schedule changes! |
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Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie |
March 2007
Featured Artist : Anais Mitchell
Photo by Louisa Conrad
Because she sprinkles literary references ~ from T. S. Eliot to the New Testament, from Woody Guthrie to Greek mythology ~ like a Renaissance poet. Because she has a voice like sugared lemon slices. Because her wondrous new album The Brightness was released this month by Ani DiFranco's highly exclusive Righteous Babe Records. Because, and I quote Acoustic Guitar magazine, she is "...a songwriter of startling clarity and depth, equally skilled at turning a melody or lyrical phrase into what you didn't know you needed until you heard it."
I love this video of Anais singing "1984" from her 2004 album Hymns for the Exiled.
The video is courtesy of YouTube.com.
ANAIS MITCHELL |
Listen to Anais Mitchell song samples at Righteous Babe Records or MySpace. Then tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch two songs in the rotation from the new album The Brightness as well as several beauties from her last release !
February 2007
Broken-Hearted Love Songs
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie (2006) |
February 2007
Featured Artist : Gregory Page
Photo by Joseph Llanes
Because he is San Diego's very own troubadour-in-residence. Because he is the prince of thrift store chic. Because this guy really knows how to make a beautiful record. Because his newest album Daydreaming at Night is no exception ~ a dreamy collection of violin-drenched, melody-driven melancholia.
Click the PLAY ALL SONGS feature at CD Baby to hear samples of the songs and buy a copy of the new album. Then tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a slew of Gregory's songs, old and new, currently in the rotation !
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
Featured Artist : Chris Pureka
Because she is a waif-like beauty who can play guitar with the big boys. Because her smoky vocals remind you of Stevie Nicks and her close-knit melodies of Patty Griffin. Because her songwriting manages to blend rootsy acoustic with contemporary sensuality. Because her new album Dryland is gorgeous and should be in every contemporary folk collection.
Chris Pureka |
Three tracks from Dryland are now playing in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
Featured Artist : Teitur
Because he comes from a little island I never even heard of (the Faroe Islands). Because US names like Glen Phillips open for him in Europe while US audiences don't yet know how to pronounce his name ("tighter" is pretty close). Because his new album Stay Under the Stars is beautiful, original, moody and intelligent. Because I never really liked "Great Balls of Fire" until I heard Teitur's arrangement.
Five of my favorite Teitur tracks are now playing in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
Acoustic Pie San Diego
Pick of the Month |
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Click on a song title below to hear sample clips of three of my favorite songs from Janis' new album Folk is the New Black.
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Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie |
July 2006
Featured Artist : Janis Ian
Because she's just released Folk is the New Black, a powerhouse collection of all-original songs. Because the album is a working template for a great acoustic singer/songwriter collection and beautifully illuminates the contemporary folk genre. Because she has the imagination to keep the instrumentation simple. Because she still has the idealistic social conscience of the 15-year-old with the persuasive conviction of a grown-up. Because Folk is the New Black is just about the coolest album title I've heard all year.
Three of my favorite tracks are now playing in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
Coming to San Diego on Sat., Nov. 11!
(See the Calendar for more details)
May 2006
Featured Artist : Kris Delmhorst 
It was quite a treat to have an artist of Kris' talent and charisma cap off her tour with a performance here in San Diego. Her new album Strange Conversation (use the "Play All Songs" button at CD Baby to hear clips 
) is a wonderful tribute to classic poetry with two songs just added to the daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio .
April 2006
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month!
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You'll find lots of song samples and lyrics on Tracy's web site. |
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Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie |
February 2006
Acoustic Pie "Pick of the Month"
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Photo by: Irene Young |
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Listen to clips of Dougie's songs from the downloads section of his web site! |
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Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie |
December 2005
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When Carlos Olmeda re-released his 1995 acoustic gem Learning to Walk this year, I rediscovered the powerful track "Trinkets and Blood" which had been inspired by indignation at the poaching of elephants for ivory "trinkets". It reminded me how music can take an important ideological statement and transform it into an emotional and heart-wrenching appeal. I decided to feature some environmental songs on Acoustic Pie and was subsequently surprised at how little seems to be written on the subject today. Below you'll find song samples and lyrics to some of my favorite songs in the struggle to "save the planet". -Kelley |
Carlos Olmeda This is such a moving and powerful piece about the poaching of elephants for ivory "trinkets". You can hear the whole song and read the lyrics on Carlos's website via the links below: |
Still on the Hill This high-energy, banjo-driven work chronicles the story of Julia Butterfly Hill who spent two years living in a redwood tree in her efforts to save an ancient grove. The entire song and lyrics are available on the duo's website: |
Cheryl Wheeler Cheryl's voice can always touch a heartstring but never more so than when singing about a subject which has so obviously inspired her. In this ballad, she sings that "laden with garbage from decades ago, the rivers can poison us." Listen to a song clip and read the full lyrics here: |
John Denver Although a fervent advocate for wildlife and the environment, John Denver wrote surprisingly few activist-themed songs. But most of his works extol the beauty of and his own love of nature as when he writes of the joy and freedom represented by the ocean-faring "Calypso". Here are links to a sample clip and lyrics: |
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Patty Larkin A hard-hitting song decrying industrial pollution. A sample clip and lyrics can be found by clicking on the links below:
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Don McLean "Tapestry" is Don McLean's eloquent and beautiful ode to the interdependency between caring for the environment and quality of life. Click on the links below for a sample clip and to read the lyrics: |
November 2005
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month
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Click on a song title below to hear sample clips of my three favorite songs from Richard's last album Vuelta.
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More song clips can be found on Richard's web site |
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Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie |
July 2005
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month
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June 2005
| Special Show Alert! Two previous Acoustic Pie "Pick of the Month" artists will be joining forces at Dizzy's on Friday, June 17th at 8pm! Don't miss this fabulous evening of music with Carlos Olmeda and The Weepies. See the Past Announcements section for reviews and music clips of some of my favorite songs by these talented songwriters. |
May 2005
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April 2005
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March 2005
San Diego's Best Broadcast Radio
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KPRI 102.1 - San Diego's best (and independent) broadcast radio station. They feature acoustic rock, contemporary folk genres, original singer/songwriters, and some of the best of San Diego's local artists. |
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| Kenny Weissberg's Music Without Boundaries "Singer/Songwriter Showcase" | Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Pacific [**CANCELLED**} |
Sunday Morning Unplugged by Meg Banta |
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific time. |
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I wish I could remember what enlightened grown-up thought to give me Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by the quintessential duo Simon & Garfunkel in the summer of the first grade. What I do remember is listening to that vinyl album over and over again, learning all of the words, and singing along with my best friend until we lost our voices. My love of vocal harmonies, acoustic arrangements, and classic songwriting must certainly date back to that early gift. The songwriting duo is still one of my favorite musical configurations. Here are a few duos currently featured on Acoustic Pie Radio. Click on the song titles to hear some lo-fi clips. As always, thanks for checking in on The Pie! Kelley |
The Weepies This duo's music is as sweet and refreshing as a Coke float on a summer afternoon! You won't soon forget Deb's edgy, passionate voice on tracks like Unraveling or their dramatic songwriting style in songs such as Rocks and Water co-written by Deb and Steve. |
Still on the Hill You won't find a more original or exciting musical partnership than this contemporary folkgrass duo hailing from the Ozarks. Although known for their kinetic up-tempo work, they write some of the planet's most beautiful love songs such as Kelly's Desert Dream or Donna's Spinning. |
Berkley Hart A little bit country and a little bit rock 'n roll. When these songwriters joined forces, they quickly became one of San Diego's favorite acoustic partnerships. Vocal harmonies that will make you melt in a delightful variety of styles: I Ain't Nothin' (written by Jeff) and Big Bad Barbie Doll (by Calman). |
An impromptu duo known to tour and record as such on occasion. This is a musical match made in heaven. Two powerhouse singer/songwriters collaborating for a sum greater than the parts with songs like Citizen of the World or generously covering other independent songwriters as in May I Suggest. |
The Kennedys A couple as well as a musical collaboration, the Kennedys feature Maura's voice and Pete's inventive and eclectic virtuoso stylings on the electric guitar. The moving anti-war title track from their last CD is a favorite of mine: Stand |
A duo as a touring entity, Terri is an Austin-based singer/songwriter and Lloyd is a fast-picking acoustic instrumentalist and producer. Together they perform Terri's country-flavored folk originals like The Ring and Long Time Coming. |
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month
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February 2005
Pete's Back! He writes songs. He watches movies. He writes songs about watching movies. The multi-talented Pete Thurston is back on the air on 91x every Friday morning performing live his musical movie reviews. A sample of some previous reviews can be found on his web page here. Tune in! |
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December 2004
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month
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November 2004
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October 2004
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September 2004
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Still on the Hill Thanks to everyone who came out to hear Still on the Hill at Acoustic Pie House Concerts on Sept. 30! Their performance was indisputably one of the best shows of the year on the San Diego acoustic music scene. And it was so fun to see so many of you out again at the Fallbrook show on Saturday - a packed house, a standing ovation, and even a couple of "hallelujah's" for the band. Another really wonderful evening and performance! To hear a sample of Still on the Hill's songs, just click on a song title: Optimist's Anthem, Spinning, Another Person's Master, The Cuckoo |
April 2004
Lizzie Wann's incomparable Meeting Grace House Concert Series is back in full swing in a new location in Normal Heights and gearing up for the third month in a row for another fabulous show. Next up, singer/songwriter Dana Cooper, at 8pm. on Friday, April 23rd. Email lizzie@meetinggrace.com for reservations and I hope to see you there!
Now I've never heard Mr. Ronny Cox perform, but I was completely captivated by the beautiful songwriting tracks from his latest CD which he so generously shares on his web site (click here). Take a listen and I have a feeling I'll be seeing you on Saturday, April 24 at the AcousticMusicSanDiego show in Normal Heights!
November 2003
Thanks to everybody who came out to see Still on the Hill, the high-energy, all acoustic folk-grass duo out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the house concert at my place in Del Mar on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003. It was an exciting evening of music and one of the audience members was kind enough share some photos on the web. Also, you can read the press release here for more information about this truly wonderful band.
