Ryan Hensley expresses his appreciation for the singer/songwriter genre of music by performing a collection of songs written by artists such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and many others. Ryan also performs his own interpretation of soul/R&B covers with the guitar and harmonica. He also has a knack for transforming classic pop songs into beautiful lullabies with his ukulele. The ukulele is an instrument that is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone�s face. You may recognize Ryan Hensley from a number of other bands; Mystic Rhythms, the Civil Surfers, Blues 215.

The Sound:                                       

Percussive, finger-style acoustic guitar, tribal percussion and lush male-female harmonies are the signature sound of ilyAIMY. The songs, a modern take on folk and roots music that includes elements of alternative rock, metal, country and R&B, have been recognized by some of the nation’s most prestigious festivals and contests. ilyAIMY has been called “a welcome jolt in folk,” and “a combustible attack on the usual singer-songwriter fare.”   Often compared to a combination of Rusted Root, Buckingham/Nicks, acoustic Tool, Ani Difranco, Keller Williams, "Nickel Creek on crack," Alice in Chains and the Indigo Girls. Their serious songwriting is contrasted by their wacky and well-versed sense of humor which merely amplifies their intensely intimate relationship with every audience.

ilyAIMY Website: http://ilyaimy.com/

Longtime local music scene vet Dave Phillips brings his students to Amici and they get a taste of performance.

You couldn't care less that Jim Volk was born in 1962, you don't give a hoot where (okay, Chicago), and you could die happy not knowing that he's been playing the guitar probably longer than you've been alive (if you�re under 40). So he founded Steel River Productions, organizing and promoting concerts for other "modern acoustic" musicians and composers. Ya-da-ya-da-ya-da. He's been accompanying poets, dancers, actors, and performance artists since time immemorial. Yawn. So what if he's produced 2 solo releases,"Melodies and Monologues" and "Woods and Metals"? Anybody can put out a CD. Stretching stylistic boundaries (as well as pushing them over the edge) is par for the course for many soloists of this guitar era. Isn't it? "I'm fortunate to be able to benefit from the Fahey-Kottke era as well as the Hedges-deGrassi era. As a lad, I heavily dug The Beatles and Earl Scruggs with equal passion; it was simply just great music to me," he intones, with predictable modesty. Like many of his present-day peers, JV cut his teeth on Rock, Jazz, Bluegrass, and R&B (if you're speaking strictly American music). BFD.

More boring bio: The boy relocates from Cleveland to Austin, thinking this is an improvement, where he masochistically spends 7 years playing approximately 1,059 gigs, including the South By Southwest Convention, countless honky-tonks, restaurants and dance halls. But even after being crowned Austin�s 1994 KLBJ Guitar Wars Champion, slaying dozens of electrified metal-heads and Stevie-wanna-bees with an acoustic guitar, Volk is still without a major release, despite many years of demoing, performing with, and recording on other artists� albums. So Jim does what any red-blooded unsung genius would do; he moves back to Ohio. To his amazement and delight, he finds there a rich, fertile, and ever-evolving acoustic music scene, for which he quickly becomes a major catalyst. Hot players and music-lovers alike look forward to each fresh session of his Modern Acoustic Guitar Fest series in Columbus and Dayton. What this is all leading up to is that he's finally given in and recorded "Blue Wheels...and Other Guitar Favorites," a multi-paletted documentation of his guit travels from the last 15 years, representative of his ongoing stylistic distillation. Oh, yeah, I forgot: you don't care about all that. At least not until you�ve heard him play. And after that, everything else is irrelevant. After that, you understand why he has shared the stage with the likes of John Renbourn and Fairport Convention, why he's been making TV and radio appearances nationwide since he was a 12-year-old brat in San Francisco. Then you just want to drag everyone you know out to see him, because you can�t tell them, they just have to hear it for themselves. What can anyone say about a guy possessed by a daemon, who gives voice to its ecstasies and its sorrows by turning over his body and soul, letting it use him as it will, a man with a guitar sprouting from his heart that pulls blood and breath from the his veins for its own life. How can you put something like that into words that your friends will understand?

You can't. But don't worry, you won't have to. Not after they've heard him play.

Jim Volk Website: http://www.jimvolk.com/

Local Columbus singer/songwriter Rj Cowdery has been singing and writing songs since she was a teenager. This labor of love — from playing open mics to opening for Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival many years later — paid off when Rj won the coveted Mountain Stage NewSong Contest in September, 2007.   

The Mountain Stage NewSong Contest showcased 12 musicians who were finalists in an intensive summer-long competition made up of live regional rounds held across North America. Hundreds of aspiring singer-songwriters submitted and performed their original songs. Columbus Ohio’s Rj Cowdery was one of five co-winners selected at the River to River Festival in New York City. To see the rest of the winners and hear their talent, visit www.newsongfestival.com. 

Rj Cowdery has been influenced by some of the great musical story tellers of our time; from Nancy Griffith, Carol King, The Carpenters and John Denver to Jackson Browne, Jim Croce and Neil Young…to name a few. In 1995, Cowdery wrote and recorded "Bernie's Daughter" and developed a strong regional fan base.  She also contributed a cut to the “ripe!” compilation made up of singer/songwriters from the Columbus, Ohio area. Cowdery's latest effort, "One More Door" was released in February, 2008."One More Door" was recorded live in Parkersburg, West Virginia with Michael Lipton and Ammed Solomon from National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage Band and Don Dixon, legendary producer of REM and Marshall Crenshaw.  West Virginia singer-songwriter icon Todd Burge produced the album. 



Columbus Singer/Songwriter Wins Kerrville Folk Festival Competition

May 28, 2008- Columbus, Ohio - Columbus based singer-songwriter Rj Cowdery was selected as one of six winners of the prestigious 2008 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition.  The other winners include Devon Sproule (Charlottesville,  VA), CJ Watson (Nashville, TN), Hans York (Seattle, WA), Robby Hecht (Nashville, TN) and BettySoo (Austin,TX).

The winners competed against more than 800 applicants nationwide and internationally for prizes and national recognition.  Cowdery submitted two of her original songs from the recent independent CD release entitled “One More Door” and was one of just 32 applicants that made in into the final round.  As a winner, she will perform both songs in Kerrville, Texas in front of 30,000 festival attendees on Sunday, June 1.  To hear the songs she submitted, “One More Door” and “Now and Then,” go to

www.rjcowdery.com.

 

I am originally from Liberty Center, which is just about 40 minutes Northwest from Findlay. I'm a 23 year old, considering myself a professional, writer and singer. I am still starting out as a touring act, I've tried setting up my own gig for 5 years, bars, but have also opened for several National acts (Patty Griffin, John Mayer, Hootie and The Blowfish) Nino's is one that I play at with a band, but I do not get to showcase my songs often or get in front of a crowd who is there to hear about original music. 

Inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, James Morrison, and Marc Broussard, his shows are powerful, yet intimate—you’ll tap your feet to his grooves and relax into the crafted melodies of his slow tunes.

Canton, OH: The Repository Newspaper- "For someone who sings opera and has considerable musical-theater experience, Mullan shifts well into the singer-songwriter performing mode. His piano-driven original songs are rhythmic, solidly tuneful and often rocking, and his vocals are emotional, energetic and earthy." (Dan Kane)

Oxford, OH: Anna Turner of The Miami Student (Miami University)- "Ohio-based musician Steven Mullan has been making his way around the U.S., his Jason-Mraz-meets-Michael-Buble-esque sound winning over audiences from Chicago to New York." (Anna Turner)

Erie, PA: Erie Times-News Newspaper

- "Mullan's well-written, piano-driven originals may remind you of "Tumbleweed Connection"-era Elton John or early Ben Folds Five. They're sturdy, rhythmic, soulful, and a little torchy." (Dave Richards)

At 24, Fred Shafer is an old soul.  Born in Las Vegas, raised throughout the southwest and Texas, and ultimately transplanted into New York.  Shafer’s fatherless, nomadic childhood provides a template for his lyrically driven melodies and emotionally accessible songs.  And with a voice that harkens to the days of Joe Cocker, Al Green and Sam Cooke, Fred delivers these heartfelt songs with unbridled passion.

Beginning in 2001, Fred became lead singer and songwriter for the New York based band Klear.  Klear experienced success selling nearly 10,000 records, had music featured in movies and television (The Station Agent, The Shield, UFC), being featured in Vanity Fair’s 2003 Music Edition and Hit Parader(Feb. 2005), being added to the play list of over 30 commercial and college radio stations(on two stations Klear reached #1 on the Play List), sharing the stage with such acts as Chuck Berry, Kid Rock, Goo Goo Dolls, Sugar Ray, Staind, Gov’t Mule, The Tea Party and many more, all independently.  After signing with Good Charamel Records in 2003, Klear released “Makin’ Noise” in 2004. 

After touring throughout 2004, Fred began recording his first solo EP, “Truth or Dare” with producer Brent Bodrug (Alanis Morrisette (Maverick/Warner), Jacksoul (BMG), Canadian Idol).  The results of this collaboration prompted Fred to leave Klear and devote all his energy to the project.  With renewed resolve, Fred emerges with a barrage of songs that leap from the speakers.  Brilliant songwriting anchors these driving rock songs while Fred’s soul spirited vocals take you on a musical journey back to the days where songs ruled the landscape.

Fred’s live performances have come to garner even more praise.  Ripping through song after song, he wields his voice like a beacon…pulling, pushing and soaring in and out of every song.  With a commanding stage presence and years of road experience, Fred delivers something truly special every time.

I've been singing and playing for over 20 years. Started in High School. Playing in small bands and then moving into playing in a working rock band, Myriah. We played throughout Northwest Ohio. Moved onto playing in a Christian Rock band. Then as a recording artist for 5th Dimension records, with my one man outfit Dementia 13. It was a clash of styles, incorporating performance art and musical genres like metal, industrial, minimalist electronica, space rock and noise. I dubbed the style Art Noise Terrorism, or Anti-rock, or Neo-Tokyo Jazz, depending on the situation. After a brief stint in numerous other projects, I finally decided that solo performance was the way to go. I have been playing solo acoustic rock for about 10 years now. I also still record music. Have been listed in the linux journal as a performance artist and in numerous music rags for my recorded music and live performances. In 2003 I composed the original electronic music for the Fort Findlay Playhouse production of Ken Kesey's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Hailed, for it's bizzare and cutting take on insanity, by the former President of the Gem Theatre in Detroit.

Local Professor Eric Duling has been playing guitar in Northwest Ohio for the past thirty years, sometimes with bands (most recently, the Black Tie Guys) and sometimes solo.  Among the most influential musicians to form his picking style are James Taylor, Jim Croce, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, John Prine, and George Harrison.  The musical selections are designed to trigger some good memories, put a smile on your face and get your toe tapping. 

Check out theWomackFamilyband.com

Philip Allen will not be opening for the Womack's. He has come down with the flu:(

Kelly Zullo Website: http://www.kellyzullomusic.com

I've been singing and playing for over 20 years. Started in High School. Playing in small bands and then moving into playing in a working rock band, Myriah. We played throughout Northwest Ohio. Moved onto playing in a Christian Rock band. Then as a recording artist for 5th Dimension records, with my one man outfit Dementia 13. It was a clash of styles, incorporating performance art and musical genres like metal, industrial, minimalist electronica, space rock and noise. I dubbed the style Art Noise Terrorism, or Anti-rock, or Neo-Tokyo Jazz, depending on the situation. After a brief stint in numerous other projects, I finally decided that solo performance was the way to go. I have been playing solo acoustic rock for about 10 years now. I also still record music. Have been listed in the linux journal as a performance artist and in numerous music rags for my recorded music and live performances. In 2003 I composed the original electronic music for the Fort Findlay Playhouse production of Ken Kesey's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Hailed, for it's bizzare and cutting take on insanity, by the former President of the Gem Theatre in Detroit.

A senior from Upper Sandusky High School, Chelsea is relatively new to the music scene. Although she primarily covers songs indie folk in genre, Chelsea plays a variety of songs, both old and new. She has been described to have vocal flavorings of Zooey Deschanel, Ingrid Michaelson, and Eva Cassidy.  Her guitar-fueled songs, witty wordplay, and slight vocal vibrato are a great combination for pure entertainment.

Her choices in songs often have a comical line or two which makes for a good time.  Many of her covers include songs from Jason Mraz, Slow Club, Michaelson, and Laura Marling, to name a few.

Chelsea has only been singing and playing guitar for a few years now, but has built quite a repertoire of songs. In addition to singing at Coffee Amici during open mic, she has performed covers at social functions, school events, parties, and most importantly for family and friends!!

YOUTUBE LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/user/unaffectdbythacceptd

Jason Dennie grew up around acoustic music. The sound of acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo were pretty common and familiar to his ears by the time he actually had an interest in playing anything himself. Guitar was what he chose and while early influences could be named; Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Stephen Stills and Neil Young, the music that would come from him would always be a unique combination of everything he’d heard.

Jason Dennie Website: www.jasondennie.com

If we haven’t met yet, hello!  I am Kerry Patrick Clark.  Singer, songwriter, storyteller. Hang out, check out my music and lyrics, upcoming performances or sign up for my e-mail friends list.

Kerry Patrick Clark Website: http://www.kerrypatrickclark.com/web/Welcome.html

The Sound:                                       

Percussive, finger-style acoustic guitar, tribal percussion and lush male-female harmonies are the signature sound of ilyAIMY. The songs, a modern take on folk and roots music that includes elements of alternative rock, metal, country and R&B, have been recognized by some of the nation’s most prestigious festivals and contests. ilyAIMY has been called “a welcome jolt in folk,” and “a combustible attack on the usual singer-songwriter fare.”   Often compared to a combination of Rusted Root, Buckingham/Nicks, acoustic Tool, Ani Difranco, Keller Williams, "Nickel Creek on crack," Alice in Chains and the Indigo Girls. Their serious songwriting is contrasted by their wacky and well-versed sense of humor which merely amplifies their intensely intimate relationship with every audience.

ilyAIMY Website: http://ilyaimy.com/