Artists Descriptions & Links - MediAmericana Roots Ramble- 2008

Schedule

Volunteering

Venues & Maps

Tickets

Featuring in Media's downtown nitespots:

Sleepy LaBeef (Sun Records/"The Human Juke Box") @ Iron Hill Brewery (10 & 12) w/John Cadillac Band (9:30, 11 & 1)

- For half a century, Sleepy LaBeef has lived his life on stages, in honky-tonks, and on the road. He has released records in six different decades and has had chart success as far back as the sixties and as recently as the year 2000. Sleepy LaBeef has shared bills with practically every great in music history: Elvis Presley, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Wanda Jackson, Carl Perkins, has numbered in his band over five hundred people (including the likes of Doug Kershaw, Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, D.J. Fontana, and Grady Martin), and has been an admitted influence to such a variety of people as Brian Setzer, Bruce Springsteen, and the Beatles.

Sleepy LaBeef, who has been dubbed the Bull, the Road Warrior, and the Human Jukebox, has been laying down a seemingly endless variety of roots music since 1953, when he moved to Texas from his home state of Arkansas. Here, Sleepy began to gain notoriety as a singer while performing at the Magnolia Gardens, the Houston Jamboree, the Louisiana Hayride, and scores of bars, family shows, and spots on both radio and television.

Managed by Hal Harris (now, remembered most for his song, "Jitterbop Baby"), Sleepy released a dozen rockabilly singles in the fifties, recording at Pappy Daily's famous Gold Star Studios. In 1964, LaBeef was signed with Columbia, where he had his first chart success, with "Every Day", in 1968. At the end of the decade, he signed with Shelby Singleton's Plantation label and earned a top twenty hit with "Blackland Farmer." He recorded from the early seventies till 1979 on Sun, when he switched to Rounder, releasing several critically successful albums until signing with MC records and charting, once again, with "Detour" in 2000.

As significant as his recording career has been, it is the live Sleepy LaBeef that is important. Today, at 67, Sleepy still performs two hundred shows a year and plays with such energy that people a third of his age are annihilated when they attempt to keep up with him.

Sleepy LaBeef's live sets are truly indescribable. One must see them to understand that he is doing nothing less than giving up his body to the spirit of the music and testifying. In this day of studio effects and ever-changing technology, many record buyers wonder why a live show even matters. Sleepy LaBeef is the answer.

Mr. LaBeef is as modest and spiritually grounded as he is ablaze, arguably the world's greatest living roots legend, and he seems unaware that he is the inspiration to three generations of roots music lovers. "Ah, I'm just out there having fun." he says in his deep, humble Arkansas drawl.

So speaks the giant in the black Stetson hat. The Bull. The Road Warrior. The Human Jukebox. Sleepy LaBeef. - by John Kite (from the Sleepy LaBeef Website)

John Cadillac Band (Reunion Show) - Philly's original "Roots Rock Band", performs a reunion show at the Roots Ramble. During its 5-year run (1977–1982) they played a weekly schedule of clubs, colleges, festivals and biker bars. The group was often recorded live on WMMR and WIOQ. The band shared billings with John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Stiv Bators, Jr. Walker & The All Stars and John Mellencamp. Their non-traditional style of urban and rural blues, rockabilly and hard country has remained unchanged.

Greg Boyer (aka John Cadillac) - Lead Vocals, Ben Sykes - Bass, Jim Stout - Guitar, Mark Brown - Sax, and Ed "O'Kay" Kamarauskas - Drums

" … Energetic fever." - Philadelphia Inquirer - Search for John Cadillac Band video on YouTube.

Charlie Gracie - Rock & Roll Legend @ Brodeur's on State Street (9:30 & 11:15) w/Kid Davis & the Bullets (9, 10:30 & 12:15)

- Charlie Gracie is one of a diminishing number of rock-n-roll innovators, who continues to actively perform. A native of South Philadelphia, he became the first successful recording star of the "Rock Era" to emerge from that neighborhood. In 1957, Charlie's 'Butterfly' topped the American and British music charts, selling over 3 million copies. His other late fifties big sellers include: 'Fabulous', 'Ninety-Nine Ways', 'Wanderin Eyes' and 'I Love You So Much It Hurts'. These hits bankrolled Philly's famous Cameo-Parkway record label, making it a dominant force in the music industry for nearly a decade! At the height of his fame, Charlie frequently appeared on 'Dick Clark's American Bandstand', 'The Ed Sullivan Show', and 'Alan Freed's TV Specials'. He headlined shows at the Brooklyn Paramount, the Casino Royale in Washington, The 500 Club in Atlantic City, and Old Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. Charlie's star burned even brighter in Great Britain where he became the second American artist to bring rock-n-roll to the English concert stage. Preceded only by Bill Haley, Charlie headlined the London Palladium and Hippodrome receiving outstanding receptions from the press and public. To this day, Charlie Gracie, is a much loved and respected performer the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.

While Charlie has earned a place in rock music history, this is only one dimension to a career that spans forty years. His versatility makes him the consummate music man! Today, Charlie enjoys a strong following at clubs and resorts along the northeast corridor of the U.S. Twice, annually, he performs to large audiences in countries such as: England, Italy, Germany, Austria, Finland, Spain and Holland. His superb guitar playing elicits the highest of praise from music legends like George Harrison. The ex-Beatle referred to Charlie's guitar work as 'brilliant' in a March 1996 interview with Billboard Magazine. Paul McCartney paid tribute to Charlie by Recording an updated version of 'Fabulous' in his new 1999 CD series entitled: "Run Devil Run". McCartney honored Charlie again that fall by inviting him to the album's premiere party in London.

The year 2000 found Charlie on the road with Irish blues rocker, Van Morrison. Van, another Charlie Gracie admirer, commissioned him to open his shows at the Wiltern in Los Angeles and The House of Blues in Las Vegas. A short time later, Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame, declared that Charlie inspired him to a musical career. Nash then proceeded to contribute vocally on Charlie's latest CD release-his first of the new Millennium.

It is obvious why Charlie Gracie has lasted the course longer than most. He is an accomplished musician and an exceptional talent - a devoted family man who conducts himself as a gentleman both on stage and off. He is a credit to his industry. *Charlie was voted into Great Britain's Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame (1998) founded by "Now Dig This" magazine. At last year's Roots Ramble, Media Borough and Delaware County Officials presented tribute proclamations for Mr. Gracie.

Kid Davis & the Bullets - In 1981 I wandered into the Yesteryear Tavern in Prospect Park, PA (my hometown) to check out The Black Hawk Spring Band. Playing bass was Bobby Bloomingdale. That night turned out to be the beginning of a long partnership and the genesis of The Bullets. I was soon playing Dobro with the band and eventually ended up on guitar. With the demise of the BHSB, Bobby B. and I formed the Swingston Trio, with Greg Troiano on Harmonica. Bobby and I started going to open-mic nights in Newark, DE and soon realized that there was a vital music scene. We hooked up with drummer Mark Walls and became the Bullets . . . - from Kid Davis & the Bullets at MySpace.

Influences - Los Lobos, Gene Vincent, ELVIS, The Blasters, Stray Cats, Chris Isaak, Johnny Burnette, The Ventures, Bob Wills, Billy Lee Riley, Dave Edmunds, The Cramps, J. R. Cash…every fine picker, teller of stories, and authentic maker of American Music we've encountered…with a capital A and a capital M!

Michael David "Kid" Davis - vocals, guitar, songwriting; Walter Epting - drums & vocals; C. Bradley Jacobs - guitar, vocals, songwriting, bass

Zydeco-A-Go-Go @ Joclyn's (9)

- Founded in 1992, the all-star group boasts colorful personnel with decades of experience:

Bandleader Pete Eshelman, on accordion, piano, and vocals, plays guitar with local legends Philly Gumbo, drums for New Orleans Mardi Gras street parade group The Wild Bunch Brass Band (a perennial favorite at Penn's Landing's Jambalaya Jam festival) and has played piano with such artists as Bo Diddley, Sleepy LaBeef, and New Orleans' own Charles "honeyboy" Otis.

Guitarist Steve Chrismar recorded and toured with George Thorogood for eight years before settling in Los Angeles, where he gigged and worked as a studio musician backing many notable R&B/Soul artists including Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Taj Mahal and Chaka Khan.

Saxophonist Carl "CC" Crabtree cut his teeth in the 80's touring the South with novelty R&B prankster Darryl Rhodes but is well-known in Philly, having worked with Grover Washinton Jr., the Ben Vaughn Quintet and many of the area's top Blues R&B and Party Rock bands, including rhythm & blues big band The Dukes Of Destiny.

Drummer Bob Holden, a founding member of The Dukes, has backed national recording artists such as soul-singer Terry Evans and roots-blues legend Otis Rush.

On bass guitar is Randy Lippincott, another seasoned veteran who has worked with dozens of blues greats over the years, including with Pinetop Perkins, Lowell Fulson, and Johnny Littlejohn, just to name a few. Randy fronts his own R&B combo singing and playing guitar, and as bassist and bandleader for eight years with the late Johnny Clyde Copeland, he recorded four cd's and appeared in seventeen countries on four continents spreading world-wide the gospel of soulful rocking rhythm & blues.

Rounding out the group nicely on percussion is newest member Pamela Eshelman, having lots of fun keeping time "chankety-chank" on the rubboard (or "frattoir", a predominant instrument in Louisiana zydeco music)... she brings to the band a swinging sense of rhythm and contagious on-stage enthusiasm.

Pawnshop Roses @ Stephen's on State (9:15) Philly's Roots Rockers

- Though family now, Pawnshop Roses were four strangers who came together for to make good music and have a good time doing it. Years ago, singer and primary songwriter Paul Keen discovered MTV and Oasis and began teaching himself how to play on his mother's old acoustic guitar. With his new found passion and armed with a head full of songs he dove into the scene looking for right people to play his songs.

Fast-forward a few years later and Keen forms Pawnshop Roses with Kevin Bentley and Justin Monteleone whom he met through a "musicians wanted" ad. Both Kevin and Justin are versatile instrumentalists who function as guitar players, bass players and vocalists in the band. Percussionist/vocalist Rich Fogg is the most recent member to join and has added much to their sound with his harmonies and driving drums.

Despite a few line-up changes in the early years, the band is solidified and has become a well oiled live act, performing hundreds of shows a year. And with a sound that could have come from a jam session between Hank Williams, the Rolling stones and the Replacements, the band has built a fan base that craves it's electric all-out rock shows as much as they appreciate the band's stripped down unplugged sets that showcase the organic songwriting at the heart of their music.

In 2004 the band released its first EP "Dead Man's Radio" taken from a line in Keen's song "Here We Go," and sold out its first few pressings rather quickly due to a solid following and grass roots marketing. 2005 they were selected out of hundreds of bands by legendary Philly radio station WMMR to open for Velvet Revolver and Hoobastank. WMMR (heard in PA, NJ and DE) has graciously helped the band by frequently playing their song "Fading Out" having them perform on-air and promoting their shows. 2006 started out like any other year for PSR, and saw the band writing songs, being broke and playing lots of shows. However, the band got an early Christmas present when they were informed they won the YouTube Underground Video contest for Best Live Video for their video of "Gets so Hard" from their forthcoming Live DVD (coming winter 2007).

As a result of the win, the band appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to millions of viewers and has since gone to do interviews with Relix magazine, Philadelphia Inquirer and Time Magazine to name a few. Recently the guys also played live on the local NBC and CBS morning shows continuing to get to their music out to new audiences.

After months of negotiations the band signed with Earvolution Records, a small indie label that shares the same ideas and visions as the band.

The first full length record on Earvolution, "Let it Roll" was produced by Pete Donnelly of the Figgs (Amos Lee/G-Love/Graham Parker) at Milkboy Recording (Gomez/Townhall) with a couple song co-arrangements by noted alt-country artist Tom Gillam. Pete Donnelly adds some vocal, guitar and bass backing on a few tracks while Jonn Savannah (Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, Squeeze) sits in for piano on "Here We Go" and "Planning Out Your Heart."

Alfie Moss / Dexter Koonce Project Band @ Azie (9) R&B / Soul

- Considered one of Wilmington, Delaware's premiere jazz vocalists, Moss's smooth, versatile style of singing will touch your soul. Blending jazz standards, reggae, calypso, blues and R&B, Moss achieves quality performances that have garnered her and Dexter awards such as the Best Jazz Band (Delaware Today 1993) and Readers' Choice for Best Jazz Vocalist by the tri-state area publication Big Shout Magazine 1992.

At the age of six, Dexter Koonce was considered a musical genius and child prodigy. He studied under his uncle, jazz great Robert "Boise" Lowry, sax player and teacher of the great jazz trumpet player Clifford Brown. Koonce continued his musical education at the Wilmington School of Music, the University of Delaware and the Berkley School of Music in Boston. His prowess on the keyboard is magic to behold. He has shared the stage with many music greats. Among Koonce's other credits are producer, writer, guitarist and lecturer.

Together, Moss and Koonce have opened for Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Donald Byrd, Lonnie Liston Smith, The Jimmy Hendrix Experience Band, The Barkays and the Persuasions. They have performed alongside artists such as Chaka Kahn, Donna Summer, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Moor, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, Charles St. Paul and Isaac Hayes at the Birmingham, Alabama Citywide Festival, Art Blakey, Grover Washington, Jr., Grooves Holmes, Shirley Scott, Miles Davis, Tina Turner and James Brown. The dynamic combination of Dexter Koonce and Al? e Moss have been making music together since 1979 and they would like to share their music with you.

Barleyjuice @ Sligo (9:15) Pan-Celtic Rockers

- Barleyjuice is contagious. iTunes recently included "Whiskey To The Sea" on their Celtic Essentials Collection. Celtic Mp3s named Six Yanks Best Celtic Rock CD of 2006. Highlander Radio's online listeners voted "What's Up Yours?" Song of the Year in 2005. Fox's King of the Hill used "Jig Set" in their St. Patty's Day episode, and "Donnie Scot" found its way into the Sly Stallone film, Driven.

These six yanks are currently one of the most beloved Pan-Celtic bands in the USA. Frontmen Kyf Brewer and Keith "Swanny" Swanson lithely cover lead vocals, guitars, accordion, harmonica, mandolin, bouzouki, and bagpipes. Both piped in the Loch Rannoch Pipe Band, and performed in Edinburgh's Millennium March for Prince Charles. While Swanson was once a member of New York's legendary Flailin' Shilaleghs, Kyf's been a pro performer since his first band, The Ravyns, produced the hit "Raised on the Radio" for the 1982 film Fast Times At Ridgemont High.

Backing Brewer & Swanson are a mad quartet of characters: captivating fiddler Billy Dominick, whose roots stray back to bluegrass in the middle of the most authentic jigs & hornpipes; drummer Gregor Schroeder, a powerhouse of driving decadence; whistler/banjo player Jimmy Carbomb (after the drink), a kilt making bard who fascinates fans with his ability to whistle and smoke simultaneously; and hopping bassist Eric Worthington, musical snake-charmer of the deep and dulcet.

The ayes have it - Barleyjuice is a grand group of talented tunesmiths and prodigious performers, and the absolute best time you can have at a festival without removing your kilt.

Double Clutchin' Weasels @ "Quotations" (9) Hard Country

- 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.

The Lowlands @ Picasso (9:30) Bluegrass/Folk/Roots

- The Lowlands is an ensemble of five musicians who capture the heart of American roots music with a fresh and youthful energy. Featuring the timeless original songs and rich vocal harmonies of Chris Kasper (guitar), Adrien Reju (guitar), and Todd Barneson (mandolin) the group is complimented by dobro/pedal-steel guitarist Adam Davis and bassist/producer Jeff Hiatt who help drive The Lowlands characteristically upbeat performances.

For The Lowlands, playing roots music is about honest songwriting, musical camaraderie and honoring the traditions of the past. Drawing from a wide range of musical influences (bluegrass, country blues, folk, classical, jazz, classic rock, heavy metal), the members of the group together create a sound that is at once distinctive and familiar. Their songs pay homage to traditional roots music styles, but their vocal and instrumental arrangements and lively performances are what make them contemporary and exciting to watch. Fans often tell them they "rock". While the group is often compared to the likes of Alison Krauss and Union Station and Nickel Creek, their ethos is more in line with artists like Old Crow Medicine Show and Gillian Welch. "They keep the roots real," says Tara Murtha of Play magazine. "The Lowlands pave out the harmonies and then infuse them with that outlaw-ish, devil-went-down-to-Georgia energy."

Since its formation during living room jam sessions in early 2005, the music of The Lowlands has garnered much attention. The group frequented the bars and small venues in and around Philadelphia and New York City, quickly becoming one of region's favorite bands. The following year, Philadelphia music industry leaders identified the band as "Best of Local Music 2006" in the Ticket Entertainment section of the Montgomery News. The Lowlands' debut, a self-titled/self-produced EP released in 2006, was placed into regular rotation on WXPN 88.5 (Philadelphia) and subsequently the band was asked to perform at the 2006 WXPN All About the Music Festival and at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this summer where they were frequently deemed "the highlight of the festival". One thing is for sure, whether on a large festival stage or in the corner of a small bar, the group continually receives genuine praise and enthusiasm.

In addition to the group's success throughout the Delaware Valley region, The Lowlands' music has begun to harvest national interest as well. The group has toured to the mid-west states as far as Wisconsin, to New England as far north as Vermont, and to south of the Mason-Dixon line as far as West Virginia. While on tour the band has shared the stage with such notable artists as Peter Rowan, David Bromberg, BeauSoleil, Tony Trischka, and The Lovell Sisters - to name a few - and they are set to open for Rhonda Vincent in October 2007. The plan for their increasingly bright future is to reach farther and wider.

The Lowlands new full-length album Bark and Twine was released at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this summer and was one of the festival's top selling CDs. Chris Kasper was the winner of the 2002 "Best Song" award at Mountain Stage's New Song Festival. Prior to dedicating themselves to The Lowlands the members have accompanied artists such as David Bromberg, Amos Lee, Linda Ronstadt and Ben Arnold. Bark & Twine is NOW available online at CDBaby.com. The Lowlands EP released in 2006 is available at iTunes and at CDBaby.com.

Craig Bickhardt @ Seven Stones Café* (7:30)

- His songwriting credits read like a Who's Who of the music industry. Ray Charles, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, The Judds, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Allison Krauss, Anne Murray, Art Garfunkel, Poco, and Vince Gill are just a few of the many luminaries who have dipped into Craig Bickhardt's well of songs. A discography like that would be the envy of most songwriters, but the covers are only part of the story.

"I never set out to write hits for other artists," Bickhardt says. "But I always got a kick out of hearing what happened to the songs in 'translation'."

His first break as an artist came when he was asked to write and sing the closing theme for Robert Duvall's Academy Award winning movie "Tender Mercies". The success of that film led to a move to Nashville, where Craig hooked up with fellow songwriters Thom Schuyler, Fred Knobloch and Don Schlitz to establish "The Writers In The Round". Their laid back "living room" style of performing at The Bluebird Café became the hottest ticket in town. These days it's hard to find a city where songwriters haven't adopted the genial in-the-round presentation pioneered by the foursome in the late 1980s.

Eventually Craig, Thom, and Fred took their smooth blend of harmonies into the studio to record their commercially successful CD, "No Easy Horses". The disk spawned three top twenty singles including Craig and Thom's song "This Old House", which has since become a standard in the traditional bluegrass genre. The trio, dubbed SKB, disbanded after making an unreleased second album, but not before they helped transform the country music scene, opening the door for a wave of singer-songwriter acts that exploded onto the country charts in the 1990s.

Craig cemented his reputation on Music Row when he racked up a succession of chart topping hits, including the number one songs "Turn It Loose", "I Know Where I'm Going", "In Between Dances", and "It Must Be Love". His self-penned CD, "Easy Fires", is a collection of some of the strongest material garnered from this period.

Bickhardt's performing style has often been called "soulful folk". Craig credits his Philadelphia roots for the influence. "I was lucky to grow up in a town that was a melting pot for musicians. I got to hear lots of R&B as well as the great folk performers of the late 60s, early 70s. It taught me that nothing moves people like a great song sung with some passion," he says.

Craig's years in the studio as an A-team picker helped to polish his signature finger picking guitar style, which can be heard on the CDs of The Judds, Kathy Mattea, Jonathan Edwards, Suzy Bogguss, and others who invited him to sit in. Bickhardt is well suited to the intimate solo performances he now gives regularly around the country. Among the thousands of troubadours on the scene today, few can outshine him in a concert setting.

James "Thunderbird" Ford @ John's Grille (8) Classic Blues Trio

- Philly blues veteran James "Thunderbird" Ford is back with a new band! The line up features James on vocals with guitars, bass, keyboard, harmonica and sax. The band has played at the New Jersey Barbecue Cook-Off and Blues Festival in Anglesea, NJ, The Rusty Nail , The World Cafe and other Philadelphia blues scene venues. Band members were often seen at Warm Daddy's jam sessions. Traditional Chicago-style electric blues is on tap with a sense of humor and freewheeling improvisation. The band is currently accepting bookings for 2008.

We were alternating with Randy Lippincott's Band as the house band at Gloria's Gourmet Seafood Cafe, 2120 Fairmount Avenue, in Philadelphia. for the Tuesday night jam session, but that venue has ended. We are looking toward starting a new jam in October.

James Ford also hosts a Monday night blues jam at the New Barber Hall at 1402 W. Oxford St. near Temple University. Call 215-763-0369 for info. We start at 8pm.

Kenn Kweder @ Plumstead Inn (8:15)

- From a working-class neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia, Kweder first made his mark in the mid-1970's with a series of posters (featuring the likes of Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald) that announced performances by his first band, the storied Secret Kidds. Combining his sometimes brittle, sometimes frightening visions with the awesome rock 'n' roll of the Secret Kidds, Kweder single-handedly created Philadelphia's original rock music scene. By convincing club owners that people would pay to see local, unsigned talent, Kweder paved the way for the emergence of any number of Philly-based acts who have achieved a national profile.

Throughout the late 70's, Kweder was courted by major record labels. But fame and fortune weren't worth the sacrifices in style and temperament that the people from the record companies demanded he make. Thus, while other Philly acts were signed by major labels, Kenn continued plying his singular musical trade in relative obscurity. Nonetheless, he kept writing and performing with a succession of back-up bands, thrilling his loyal following with an array of songs that ran the gamut from the icy paranoia of "Imagination" to the whimsy of the independently produced 45, "The Ballad of Manute Bol," an ode to the 7 foot, 7 inch basketball player.

By the 1980's, other acts had surpassed Kenn as local attractions, and he decided to return to Europe where, years earlier, he had sung in the streets. It was a trip had a profound effect on his life. "Europe helped recharge me," he says. "It just helped me feel more balanced about everything." It also gave him the "discipline" he needed to return to Philadelphia to resume his career in earnest.

Upon his return, Kweder hooked up with the person to whom he feels he owes his biggest debt, singer-songwriter Ben Vaughn. With Vaughn serving as a combination producer-cheerleader-coach, Kweder released "Pandemonium Years", a compilation of material recorded live and in the studio between 1976 and 1986, and then in 1989 "Man Overboard", which consisted of old and new songs, all recorded under the watchful ear and eye of Vaughn.

1991's Flesh, Blood & Blue introduced a new Kenn Kweder, Kweder the producer. Believing that no one better understands his music, the resulting album was an even more concise and personal statement than his previous recordings.

Today, Kenn Kweder is still known for his live performances that have been described variously as "a circus," "a riot," and even "a religious experience." And, once again, he has transformed that energy, intelligence, and passion onto a record that reaffirms his unique position in contemporary music.

Bob Bohne @ Coffee Beanery* (7:30 – 12)

- Bob Bohne has been performing on guitar for over 5 years in clubs, coffeehouses and festivals throughout the Philadelphia area. Bohne's original songs with local flavor and his unique arrangements of standards and obscure works make for a humorous, boisterous, rockin' and deep performance. Bohne has been the opening act for Robert Hazard, Tommy Conwell, Rolling Hayseeds, and Hamell on Trial. Performing with Bob will be Joe Mabee.

Russ Lambert Duo @ Towne House Stag Bar (8)

- Stonemason by day, Blues singer/musician by night, Russ Lambert blends the traditional Chicago and Mississippi Blues with California Jump. Russ plays both diatonic and chromatic harmonica styles. He is a first class showman who likes to move in and involve his audience. Who often feel moved to get up and dance.

While in High School, Russ got addicted to the blues and bought his first harmonica. Following High School he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. While stationed in Beirut, the Navy's Six Fleet Band was entertaining the troops and Russ had his first opportunity to perform when they let him sit in. His energizing performance and his audience's reaction sparked his desire to form his own band and dedicate his life to his music. During the years that followed, Russ worked at applying himself to crafting his vocal and harmonica skills.

His first band was called, "FDA" short for Frank, Dan and Al, followed by a band Russ formed in the early 90's called "The Juke Rockers". The Rockers later transformed into the "Shake Dancer Band", and finally evolved into the Russ Lambert Band. Russ' lineup of musicians varies but often includes the following; Guitarists - Rob Perna, Wayne Johnston, Bassists - Jeff Michael, Jimmy Prichard, Lou Brotman; Drummers - Larry Hinkel and Michael St. John O'Rourke. Russ sings vocals and plays chromatic and diatonic harmonica.

Like all musicians, Russ has his inspirations. They include, Big (and Little) Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson (I & II), William Clark, Rod Piazza, George Smith, Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, and many other excellent musicians. Having the opportunity to meet and play with Philadelphia's harmonica virtuoso Steve Guyger continues to be an ongoing inspirational influence.

The Delaware Big Shout Newspaper wrote, "They (the band) don't settle on just one style, but span the whole range of what the blues are all about. Lowdown shuffles, fast tempo tunes that hit you with a case of audio whiplash, dynamite struts and to juice it up a little more, some swinging jump. And it's all played with Russ Lambert's own style. He has the history of the blues down cold." If you are truly a blues lover or just want to be sure to have a great time, then do yourself a favor and don't miss Russ Lambert's next performance. Russ will be joined tonight by Jamie Bell on guitar.

Jim Hobson, Keith Grewell & Friends @ Selene Co-op* (7)

- Keith and Jim have played together in large group setting at the folk festival for years. Recently they have teamed up to form an acoustic mandolin/guitar duo. They play singer/songwriter folk, rock, and ol' timey fiddle music. They've played at several 2nd Saturdays in Media and always draw a friendly crowd. Both live in Media.

Claire DiLullo Duo @ Margaret Kuo's Media* (7:30 – 11) (Dinner seating only)

- At first glance Claire DiLullo might appear to be just another cute college gal with a guitar, but looks have never been more deceiving. When this young woman clears her throat to sing or strikes up the band to rock through one of their groove-driven, natural tunes, their audience is melted and molded to absorb every nuance of their sound. With unparalleled musical talent and songwriting prowess, this twenty year-old and her band are making a name for themselves as one of the premier emerging acts in the revitalized Philadelphia music scene. Progressing from a humble beginning in small Main Line venues, she has garnered attention from media, other local artists, and music lovers alike. And who can blame them for the mounting interest?

Her independent solo release entitled "Waiting for the Rain" (August 2007), has sparked even more interest in this prodigy and her entourage. Go ahead and take a listen, and you might find yourself going crazy for this young, ambitious artist.

Performing with Claire will be Johnny Vesper on bass.

Mason Porter @ Media Gourmet Café* (7:30)

- In this new century the landscape of roots music has been left relatively unchanged since the last. Mason Porter sits on the ground where creative songwriting and raw energy meld in to an alternative bluegrass sound that pushes the limits of traditional music. Combining lush harmonies with hand clapping sing-alongs and the unfiltered emotion of a hungry young rock band, Mason Porter is a force that evokes the spirits of each and every person whose life they touch. With a profound affection for the intrinsic and extrinsic powers of music, four guys held together by friendship and musicianship; these are the ingredients that in the end make Mason Porter a family connecting the musical past with the musical future.

Mason Porters' story begins the way folk music has been shared for centuries, with friends sharing songs and singing together. With each member being part of different musical projects though the years; the band came to together through late night jam sessions in West Chester, PA where passing the guitar around until the sun comes up is the normal order of business. Through this process the band was born in late 2006 with Tim Celfo on upright bass, Joe D'Amico on mandolin, Paul Wilkinson on guitar and Jesse Weber on dobro.

Since it's early beginnings the band has grown quickly becoming a local favorite in some of the best known venues in the area including Steel City Coffee, Chaplin's Music Café, Vincent's Café and MilkBoy Coffee. They have shared the stage with many of their favorite bands in the region including Hoots and Hellmouth, David Janes, Steph Hewett, Wissahickon Chicken Shack, Chapel Street Junction, The New Time, and the Kazoo and Tambourine Repair Co.

Being strong advocates of independent roots music and smart entrepreneurs, the band also hosts a bi-monthly concert featuring like minded bands from out side of the area.

With a debut album to be released in the spring of 2008, Mason Porter is rapidly building momentum. Combined with a busy tour schedule they are on their way to becoming a real player in the theater of Americana music.

Pat Panther @ Kreutz Creek Winery (6 – 9)

- Pat Panther plays finger-pick style acoustic guitar blues, folk and old-time country music. Her life has been influenced by all kinds of music since she was a young child and the love of music has defined her life ever since. Some of her major influences are early rock & roll, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Mississippi John Hurt, Willie McTell, the Carter Family and Bob Dylan. In addition to performing solo, Pat currently performs with the Deep Run String Band and with a Shane MacGowan tribute band.

DBL–G @ Harvest Books* (7 – 10)

- DBL–G (pronounced 'double-g'), is an acoustic duo comprised of local musical veterans, singer/songwriter/guitarist, John Galla and multi-faceted percussionist, Doug Gramo. Rooted in the rich history of music, but with an emphasis on attaining an original perspective, the sound of DBL-G is an aural mosaic of such diverse influences as the Blues, Soul, Folk, Funk, Motown, Rock, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Country, Funk, Jazz, Grunge, New-Wave, and Bluegrass, framed by dynamic rhythm, lyrical wordplay and poignant expression.

Ben Chandler @ Baker Street Tattoo (7)

- Emerging artist, Ben Chandler, displays a mastery of guitar showcased in his eclectic singer-songwriter style. Focusing on original tunes ranging from unique ballads to modified bluegrass, his live shows contain introspective and engaging songs accompanied by an occasional cover.

As the son of two professional musicians, Ben has been involved with the music scene for many years. He continues to hone his craft while in a variety of bands, working as a recording engineer, and releasing multiple recordings, both solo and with other musicians. Ben has also collaborated on a short film with a movie director, and is currently writing songs and the score for a feature release.

Ben's music encompasses a yearning for life and hope for a better tomorrow. He hopes that his music will be appreciated and enjoyed for generations to come. He makes his home in Media, PA with his wife and son.

+ Joe Kinsolving - Roots Rambler