Artists Descriptions & Links - MediAmericana Roots Ramble- 2005

- “Authentic.” “Timeless.” “Harmonious.” “Exhilarating.” Any or all of these adjectives could describe the folk-rock sound created by Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion (eye-ree-un). The musical richness and psychological depth of their initial collaboration, the fittingly titled Exploration, is irrefutable proof that the disarming granddaughter of Woody/daughter of Arlo and the prodigious South Carolinian quite naturally bring out the best in each other.

- "Put stringed instruments in their hands and they bare their souls as if it's their last night on earth", extolled
No Depression Magazine of frogholler in 2001 after the release of the band's third record, "Idiots". "Idiots" debuted on the Americana Charts at #34 and the band was subsequently featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Post, and on NPR's news magazine, "Here & Now". A tour of The Netherlands followed, while back in the States the band was gaining a reputation as a "live act to be reckoned with." It's been a long, slow climb from tiny Shoemakersville, Pa, where the band started as a bluegrass trio in 1996, but 2003 saw the band ready to tackle it's "these guys should be huge" label with the release of their fourth and most accomplished record, Railings.

- The Double Clutchin Weasels - Debi Schuler (vocals, rhythm guitar), Reed Hadley (vocals, bass), Lew Hershey (pedal steel guitar), Bill Haynes (guitar) & Andy Brundage (drums) - formed in 1998 to share their appreciation of the classic country, rockabilly and early rock 'n roll that was created between 1950 and 1965. For 14 years prior to co-fronting the Double Clutchin' Weasels, Reed Hadley toured the United States with Bill Haley's Comets, (Rock Around The Clock). A majority of the band members also share a common musical experience of performing on stage in the 1970s and '80s at the now-defunct Hurley's Tavern - "home of country music" - which was located at the edge of the oil refineries of Marcus Hook, PA. Debi Schuler, the Weasel's other lead vocalist, began her singing career at the tender age of 11 at the legendary Sunset Park (also, sadly, no longer in existence) in West Grove, PA, where she forgot the words to Roger Miller's King of the Road and fled the stage. She's been singing (and remembering the words to) country and rock 'n roll classics ever since. From country (Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Sr., Webb Pierce) to Rockabilly (Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley) to rock 'n roll (Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry), the Weasels play "American Roots Music" with passion and pride.

- A Classic Rock Child, Gaffney recalls rooting through her parents' "small but quality" collection of vinyl records, discovering some of the artists that would influence her most: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Janis Joplin, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. "The music of the 60s and 70s was honest and bold and it got down to the nitty gritty; there was no holding back. To me that is quality music - when artists can give it their all and manage to strike a resonating chord in the depths of the listener's soul - and that is what the music and songwriting of those decades does for me."

- Red Hot Rockabilly, featuring: Michael David Davis, Bobby Bloomingdale, Eddie Everett and C. Bradley Jacobs

- Making their home in Philadelphia, members hail from all over the US. They play a rootsy style of rock'n'roll conveniently called "Alt-Country" by the more creative members of the music press. Transistor Rodeo is a five piece outfit consisting of the standard vocal, two guitar, bass, drums format with the tasty addition of the violin. Their style has been compared to everyone from Tom Petty to Son Volt and almost never to Heavy D.

- In the vast VooDUDES library of original songs, nothing is sacred. Whether it's imploding the hits of Hank Williams into the ultimate drivin' and cryin' song ("That Hank Williams Feeling"), or eulogizing the Southern jazz funeral ("Party When You're Gone"), The VooDUDES do it all--and with a beat that will make you move your feet. Featured on MTV's "Street Party," WPLJ's "Morning Show with Scott & Todd," and on the nationally syndicated "Dr. Demento Show." They've been seen in numerous festivals, including Philadelphia's "Jambalaya Jam", New York's "Benson & Hedges Blues Festival" and Ft. Lauderdale's "Crazy Crawfish Fest." They've shared the bill with a galaxy of stars--among them, Levon Helm, Branford Marsalis, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Buckwheat Zydeco, C.J. Chenier, Chubby Carrier, Mavis Staples, Terrance Simien, Cowboy Mouth, The Holmes Brothers, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Kenny Thompson Band @ Quotations (8:30 pm)
- Pure Americana from 4W5 club scene

- Carolyn Hannan has been entertaining audiences from Boston to Colorado with her warmth, charm, guitar playing and beautiful voice. She has the rare ability to draw you into the music...and make you smile, tug at your heartstrings, and just have fun. Carolyn Hannan’s voice, guitar and stage presence combine to make an evening of song a most enjoyable one. She has been entertaining audiences throughout the country for the past 20 years with her vast and eclectic repertoire of music.

- Paul Edelman, veteran of notable Philadelphia bands The Butcher Holler Boys, Naked Omaha, and The Boxcars steps out to the front with his new band, Paul Edelman and the Jangling Sparrows. Backed by pedal steel player Nathan Fleming, drummer Craig DiMaio, and bass player Brendan Skwire (formerly of Jim and Jennie and the Pinetops), this is roots rock in its finest form. Paul's songs are warm and familiar, wide open and old fashioned, with great vocals, big hooks, and melodies you just can't shake. The debut self-released album, North American and Susquehanna was produced by Edan Cohen (Songs:Ohia, Frog Holler) and features many of the bright lights of Philadelphia's country scene, including Beth Case (She-Haw), Mike "Slo-Mo" Brenner, and Amber d'Laurentis. There is a "just rightfullness" about the record. They make it look easy.

- It began when a listener walked up to Mark De Rose and said of his music “It is nice to see musicians playing live music so earnestly!” So, after some discussion, and Mark’s realization that “Indeed, to make a life of performing live music earnestly, would be a good life!” The Ernest Good Life Band came into being. The band consists of five members: Mark De Rose, (Lead vocals, guitar and principle songwriter), Caton “Mikey” Lawrence, (Drums), BJ Block, (Guitar, backing vocals), Peter Wahlers, (Bass) and Shannon Chwilkowski, (the devoted bass player) - by Megan Wetzel in Faces & Places

David Peterson & 1946 (Bluegrass) performing @ 1st United Media Methodist Church
April 23 from 7pm - 9pm. Ticket Info: www.mediavbs.com or 610-566-3172 (Separate tickets from the Ramble).

2005 Sponsored by: Media Business Authority in collaboration with Media Restaurants and Residents of Media.

Grand Cotillion Banjo

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