{"id":223,"date":"2014-09-25T12:00:37","date_gmt":"2014-09-25T12:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/216.71.127.204\/wordpress\/?p=223"},"modified":"2015-10-05T19:46:29","modified_gmt":"2015-10-05T19:46:29","slug":"southwest-regional-folk-alliance-austin-tx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/houstonmusicreview.com\/wordpress\/2014\/09\/25\/southwest-regional-folk-alliance-austin-tx\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Regional Folk Alliance – Austin, TX"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Written by Eddie Ferranti <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Being the planners we are, \u00a0Rose and I sit down in late December and start to chart out the coming year for sure bets to do.\u00a0 One of those has happened three years running now in the form of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.\u00a0 It is held in Austin in late September and again this year it was a slam dunk\u00a0good time.\u00a0 \u00a0Held at the gracious Holiday Inn near I-290 and I-35\u00a0it starts on a Thursday and concludes Sunday.\u00a0 This year was special also because the HMR team added two loyal members, Ellen and James Klassen, to our crackerjack coverage.\u00a0 They are vets of Kerrville from years past, but found SWRFA overwhelmingly good compared to that.\u00a0 They described it as a mind numbing “blur” in a good way!\u00a0 \u00a0The format remained the same and for good reason.\u00a0 The great folks at Berkalin Records put out a delicious and ample spread of cold cuts and fixins, ala a big picnic type deal, complete with plenty of cold beverages including beer and wine.\u00a0 Pam and Brian Kalinec are beyond sweet hosts and it is a great way to enjoy the “One Song and Go” format at the pool outside in beautiful weather.\u00a0 Butch Morgan does a bad ass job of moving the performers along and joins in lending his killer skills when the mood hits him which is\u00a0never\u00a0enough to this reviewer.\u00a0 It is a great way to “catch” an artist and then try and meet up with them again over the weekend if they caught your fancy.\u00a0\u00a0 This runs from 5-10pm or so and then in the Elm Room at 10:30pm they host the “Almost Made It to Showcase” groups which has culled some major winners for us over the years.\u00a0 This year was no different for these two: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image\"AMY McCARLEY \u00a0 This lady got my attention even before I hit Austin.\u00a0 She reached out to me on both e-mail and\u00a0the phone asking me kindly to come check her out.\u00a0 Well, I showed up at sound check in the Elm Room and was treated to an extra couple songs by myself. \u00a0Thee Alabama native graduated from Rice University studying classical guitar and in this performance was joined by Charlie Richards from Austin.\u00a0 The girl has a thick\u00a0sweet molasses drawl that grows on ya and a sweet smile that peels off and makes you feel like you’ve known her for years instead of minutes.\u00a0 The duo did a trippy rockin’ country set and her talents on mouth harp showed versatality all weekend.\u00a0 This\u00a0lass knows her way around a guitar and is\u00a0way more than a strummer.\u00a0 “Jet Engines” is her latest release following her self-titled debut in 2011 and it has it goin’ on.\u00a0 Killer\u00a0songs that stayed with me were\u00a0the title cut to\u00a0latest CD, new one “High Wire” which showed off her axe prowess, mighty fine harp action on “Stay” and her successful\u00a0radio friendly hit on the Americana airwaves “Everybody Wants To”, where she showed how she can\u00a0pick ’em up\u00a0and put ’em down big time for a solo artist. \u00a0Love to see her front a full band. \u00a0I had the pleasure of having a “private and intimate” 3 people concert very\u00a0late one night and the sincere bond for this lady was special indeed.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Here’s hoping this genuine sweetheart of a skilled musician hits it big and HMR is looking forward to catching up to her emotional self\u00a0in Kansas City at FAI in February 2015 for my birthday! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

REBECCA FOLSOM \u00a0 This Boulder, Colorado native is a unique package\u00a0of poet, artist and a\u00a0gifted vibrant\u00a0singer\/songwriter.\u00a0 Her heartfelt lyrics and\u00a0four octave powerful vocal range\u00a0stood out delivering an unique blend of gospel,\u00a0jazz, soul and\u00a0rockin’ pop\u00a0vibes that really translated well in the up close and personal settings of SWRFA. \u00a0\"Image\"The woman has published two poetry books, displayed oil paintings in galleries and was sporting her 10th album to date, “Reunion”, which is chocked full of Americana and pop goodies.\u00a0 She was accompanied by some fine gents over the weekend.\u00a0\u00a0 Grammy nominated and\u00a0animated guitar pro Mark Oblinger and ultra talented Tom Prasado-Rao.\u00a0\u00a0Oblinger has a children’s CD out that has drawns raves with the critics.\u00a0 Did a song about elepahnts that was a hoot!\u00a0 Other sweet highlights included “Honkey Tonk Heaven”,\u00a0 “Oh Holy Bond” about her mama\u00a0got our attention, \u00a0“Little Bird”, the title cut of latest release\u00a0all about healing the soul, good solid vocal range on “Extraordinary Days” and “Wild Women” that picked up the tempo nicely.\u00a0 Probably the best take away of this talented person was her unreal passion on “Hope” with the lyrics of “being so soaked in hope you’re pickled!”\u00a0 Catchy indeed.\u00a0 All of\u00a0\u00a0her multiple\u00a0projects all have a common theme of human heartbreak, redemption, freedom and of course hope.\u00a0 More than anything this lady is a mile of smiles at all times and man she has a keeper that radiates as she performs! \u00a0 Friday offered Showcases for 1st timers from 1:30-3pm on 9th Floor followed by Sponsored Showcases from 3:30-5:30pm on Floors 7-8-9 !\u00a0 A welcoming party went on to mingle and get a free drink in Elm Room at 5pm followed by delicious dinner at 6:15pm.\u00a0 The Official Showcases kicked off at 7:30-10pm followed by Sponsored Showcases hosted by attendees on Floors 7-8-9 from 10:30-the wee hours!!!\u00a0\u00a0 Can you believe all of that action and it was only 2 days in?!\u00a0 Saturday added another Butch Morgan “One and Done” format by the pool from 3:30-5:30pm and then the\u00a0schedule ran just like Friday all over again!\u00a0 \u00a0WHEW!\u00a0 Here’s my take on the\u00a0performers we caught “somewhere” amongst all of that thrown at ya that stuck with us……………. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KATIE GOSNELL \u00a0 This Austin based sweet pea of a girl won songwriting awards at her alma mater, Berklee College of Music, and hit the stage at a Showcase with talented Tom Prasada-Rao in tow on guitar.\u00a0 He also produced her fine debut CD, “Dear Katie”, which I’ve listened to\u00a0a bunch since receiving it and it is a winner.\u00a0 The lady has the ability to switch gears from a smokey sexy\u00a0lounge\u00a0singer on “Lucky”\u00a0to soaring touching balladeer like the title cut and tug at your heart “”Goodbye”.\u00a0\u00a0Her ample good range\u00a0with crystal clear vocals adds to the package and her jazzed out sultry\u00a0version of Led Zepplin’s anthem “Stairway to Heaven” is a treat!\u00a0\u00a0 She has a way of putting real life time worn sayings like “Don’t worry it will be okay” and “Be a Good Girl”\u00a0out there in a way that makes you feel like you know her.\u00a0 Plus tunes like “A Dangerous Thing” shows her tongue-in-cheek lyrical prowess while all the while being backed by smooth musicianship throughout this rookie CD.\u00a0 This is one of those rare discs that “fits” why sipping\u00a0coffee on a Sunday morning or cruising down the freeway.\u00a0\u00a0 Grab one and also grab a seat next time you can catch this girl.\u00a0 HMR will. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MT THELONIOUS \u00a0 This quirky trio out of St. Louis hit a home run with HMR.\u00a0 Had the pleasure of catching them multiple times and they continued to impress me the more\u00a0we witnessed their talents.\u00a0 Vocals and guitar work by super intense Ian Luber, solid bottom stand up bassist Mark Wallace and off the charts violin magic with ease of Alyssa Avery was breath taking.\u00a0 They actually did one number that was 12 minutes long that they introduced as “more for the band taking us on a magical musical journey” and it was.\u00a0 They all met in college and Wallace shared with me that this is the first band that seems to be “sticking” with him among multiple projects.\u00a0 Had a meal time chat with AA and she’s a talented peach who showed up all over the SWRFA performing with new found musicians! \u00a0Thee intoxicating\u00a0energy and vibe they exude\u00a0draws you in and will not let go until they say so. \u00a0Their name pays homage to mutual influence, American jazz legend Thelonius Monk.\u00a0 I guess you’d call them Indie music, but smokin’ spirit to perform is what I’d label it if I had to.\u00a0 Rumor is Handshake Management’s Charlie Stewart\u00a0reached out to them during SWRFA and if so they roped a goodie.\u00a0 No telling how much more they will flourish as they continue to\u00a0perform live together. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image\"THE HOLLANDS \u00a0 This was a very\u00a0unique story all in itself.\u00a0 A full-time internationally touring\u00a0family based in the USA via Australia\u00a0that tours in an RV for the last three years and seems like they’re having a blast doing it.\u00a0\u00a0 Jana, originally from Michigan, has travelled between three continents, starred on mandolin, banjo and guitar plus her angelic type voice was smooth as silk. \u00a0Paired with her awesome daughter, Graciana, the results were both\u00a0stunning and special\u00a0.\u00a0 Australian native hubbie Craig actually started his career as a Celtic punk rocker and did a 7 year stint in a Chicago band called Ballydowse.\u00a0 His guitar work blazed a hypnotic trail blending sweetly\u00a0with the soaring vocals of the ladies. Rounding out the quartet is youngster Banjo, who kicked it major on percussion box that kept the back beat neato ! Very inventive for his age.\u00a0 Again this was yet another performance that is unreal when packed in thee intimate setting of a bedroom.\u00a0 SWRFA provides this and bands like this one thrive in the environment.\u00a0 Had the pleasure of chatting with them in the\u00a0hospitality room and it made it more special to remember this outfit.\u00a0 You should, too. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PAPER MOON SHINERS \u00a0 This Austin based off-the-wall duo who specialize in old timey vintage\u00a0songs from the twentieth century have been HMR darlings since we first caught them at SRFA 2102.\u00a0 Another gem from the “Almost Showcase” Thursday installment, who went on to a major Showcase in 2013,\u00a0proved this year that\u00a0the momentum carry over was evident with packed rooms whenever they played. \u00a0Never have I enjoyed a band’s in-your-face antics\u00a0that could make me either belly laugh guffaw\u00a0or sing-a-long in the same song!\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Frank Meyer is an underrated bad ass on “anything” he plays including ukelele to multiple guitars.\u00a0 His way down low\u00a0baritone voice soars from one end to thee other out of nowhere in a blind siding fashion.\u00a0 Couple that\u00a0with the spot on vibratos of sweet Elena Antinelli, \u00a0who can knock you out with cartoon comic deliveries or down-and-dirty from deep in \u00a0the gut blues that will make you\u00a0slap yo mama!\u00a0\u00a0 Super tunes that showcase all I’ve stated include Meyers’ dare you not to giggle “Devil Up There” and “Stickerbush”,\u00a0 marvelous interaction on “Same Thang”,\u00a0 soulful and then some Elena’s\u00a0“Come in My Kitchen”, and gotta hear it over and over “Git” to catch all the funny lyrics!\u00a0\u00a0 Nostalgic killer music is being brought back like new by these two talented individuals who love what they are doing and are two of\u00a0the coolest hippies one could ever want to cross paths with.\u00a0 \u00a0HMR is stuck like glue to these two I mean to tell ya. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SONiA of Dissapear Fear ( real name Sinia Rustein) \u00a0 This pepper pot of a lady sizzled at her Showcase performance and had me chasing her down whenever I could which was 3 times.\u00a0 Her powerful lyrics and prowess with her SONiA Santa Cruz guitar and mouth harp has had her described as a ‘Female Dylan’.\u00a0 All I know is that this Baltimore ball of fire excites and ignites like a\u00a0 rebel hippie from the 60’s to me!\u00a0\u00a0 Lotta ‘spunk’.\u00a0 Girl even stashes her guiitar pick ion her tongue while she sings.\u00a0 One song during her Showcase set had the room shaking shakers that were passed out and the electric guitar scorched the room with a good rockin’ vibe.\u00a0 Goose bumps sheet.\u00a0 “Broken Film”, her Nashville made\u00a017th album, exudes the seeds of activism, love, and world awareness thru out the record.\u00a0 Love to catch\u00a0this globe trottin’ upstart artist with her full 8 piece Dissapear Band in tow some day!\u00a0 The reggae infused Americana folk-rock package is all there with one for sure. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HONORABLE MENTION\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image\"BRIAN KALINEC \u00a0 In the NBA they have the 6th Man of the Year Award. \u00a0Well SWRFA should have their own and it is BK.\u00a0 3 years running every where I go-there he is!\u00a0 \u00a0Amazing how he can blend in and enhance any performer he latches on to with his fine guitar work.\u00a0 Showcases, One & Go’s, private rooms and Thursday Showcases are all platforms for this guy.\u00a0 Him and his sweet wife Pam are staples at this event and we’re all better for it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ORDINARY ELEPHANT \u00a0 This down to earth duo has been on HMR’s watch list since meeting them at SWRFA 2013.\u00a0 They have recently made the decision to live in a motor home with their two dogs and travel the country playing their tunes.\u00a0 Pete’s ‘banjitar’ work and Christy’s delicate and effortless\u00a0soaring vocals are a pleasurable mix to embrace. Their debut album, “dusty words and cardboard boxes” was done under the talented eye of Jack Saunders at White Cat Studios.\u00a0 Hoping for the best for this cool beans couple whom seem to get better every time we see them! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BUFFALO ROGERS \u00a0 This big ole sodbuster of a dude hails from Oklahoma and is a hoot.\u00a0 We caught him mashin’ a mandolin with Matt Harlan back in Houston in 2014 and his booming and bombastic style is cool.\u00a0\u00a0 To say he can fill a room puts it mildly.\u00a0 He’s a wonderful blend of rocking country, Americana and folk that smacks of his hometown roots showcasing his talents\u00a0as a clever lyric writer\/ multi-instumentalist.\u00a0 Highlight moment was tune with fiddle guru from Mt. Thelonius, Alyssa Avery, that smoked! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LIBBY KOCH \u00a0 Two words that my Rose put down to describe this woman : consistently good.\u00a0 Amen girl.\u00a0 Have known this fun lovin’ performer for 2 years or so now and she’s a keeper. \u00a0Strong deep in your face vocals coupled with major guitar prowess brings out the foot stompin’ in ya every time!\u00a0 \u00a0Can rock you and soothe you from song to song and has become a SWRFA regular.\u00a0 \u00a02013’s major Showcase was a show stealer and recently at Houston’s Redneck Country Club she opened for Rodney Crowell AND closed the place until 3am!\u00a0\u00a0 Never seen this\u00a0bright as a sunny day\u00a0woman down and it refreshing to know her. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DC BLOOM \u00a0 Austin artist caught our ear with his tune, “Some Kind of Nasty Coming Down”.\u00a0 Good voice and strong guitar licks makes him a must see again when we visit Austin music scene. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

EMILIE CLEPPER \u00a0 Half Texan and half Canadian strong voiced hill country troubadour of a woman. Good combo of smokey vocals, touching lyrics, above average guitar work\u00a0and soothing folk influences\u00a0make for\u00a0a nice presentation. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW VAGABONDS \u00a0 Cute as hell couple, Ashlee Rose & Jimmy Dasher, kicked it at the Thursday night Showcase big time.\u00a0 We caught her at same setting in 2013 and their cover of Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” is a\u00a0major must see.\u00a0 Good voices and chemistry.\u00a0 I still have my coozee she gave me in 2013\u00a0and they left us wanting more.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KJ SMILE \u00a0 Very personable woman that sparkled with Brian Kalinec in tow.\u00a0 “Where Do Old Lovers Go” was a stand out song and she showed good vocal range. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

JACOB JOHNSON \u00a0 Young South Carolina hot shot guitar whiz that blazed a Showcase with ample upper neck axe work that drew raves from the packed house. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THE LOVEBIRDS \u00a0 Quirky duo from San Diego that blended their ukelele and guitar work with off the wall drums and passionate vocals. Their live performance was billed at the Showcase as a tornado of sights and sounds and it was.\u00a0\u00a0Added a nice rock bump to thee evening. \u00a0They won the 2014 Kerrville Fest New Folk songwriting contest, too. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CACTUS TRACTOR \u00a0 Wild ass group from New Mexico who stirred it up major with their Indie style madness.\u00a0 Lots of instruments in play including banjo, fiddle, guitar, stand up bass and vocal harmaonies galore.\u00a0 Lots of energy and seem more fit for festival jamming where they’d let your hair down big time. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ANNY CELSI \u00a0 Portland native who now resides in southern California is described as a ‘beatnik’ which is fine by me\u00a0and has drawn comparisons to Aimee Mann, Lucinda Williams and Jackie DeShannon.\u00a0 Catchy lyrics and a strong voice and would love to see her front a band. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ANDREW DELANEY \u00a0 This Dallas artist caught our eye immediately and was Ellen Klassen’s favorite of the event.\u00a0 His great voice along with his thoughtful and humurous\u00a0lyrics were refreshing. Stand out songs were ” Light On at My House” , “Brought the Whole Circus Down” and “Rats and Sinking Ships”. \u00a0 WHEW.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Have to do shout outs to these well worth it performers and plain\u00a0good folks\u00a0also.\u00a0 Chuck Hawthorne, Moors & McCumber, Michael McGarrah, Strangebyrds, Charlie “Funny Dude” Stewart, Betty Soo, Ann Goloby, Butch Morgan, \u00a0Dulcie Taylor, all of the ever friendly and helpful\u00a0volunteers\u00a0, hotel staff\u00a0and\u00a0Rob Lytle.\u00a0 Plus a major pat on the back to thee excellent sound work done at all the Showcases! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image\"In closing, the constant that thrives thru the three SWRFA’s that we’ve attended is the ‘Queen of the Ball’, Dalis Allen.\u00a0 This hard working music lover imposes her will deep into the fabric of what SWRFA really is.\u00a0 I’ll quote the lady here: “Every year IS the best because we keep bringing to SWRFA support and love for one another and music in a world that sometimes doesn’t give it.\u00a0 Our latest creation that leaves us feeling good, whether it is a song, a casserole or a conference is the best here right now. I love that about us!”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lost count of all the hugs I got and gave over 3+ days, but I know there is nothing like this “Family Reunion”\u00a0no hassle lovefest she has going on.\u00a0 Next year’s dates\u00a0for SWRFA #16\u00a0are\u00a09\/23-27\/15 and 60 tickets have already been sold.\u00a0 www.swrfa.com<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u00a0is where you need to go to keep up with all the action.\u00a0 All I know\u00a0is if sweet DA is so kind to invite us back, \u00a0the “Four Music Lovin’ Hipsters” from Houston Music Review will be\u00a0there\u00a0for sure in 2015.\u00a0 We felt honored to be credited\u00a0as the only print media members of SWRFA in the official\u00a0program\u00a0and hope this gives you a bit of insight to what SWRFA is like.\u00a0 You can revist thee other two years of coverage also at : www.houstonmusicreview.com<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u00a0under columns and features on the left side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0Believe it or not, this account I gave just scratches the surface of the goodness that permeates in Austin over one glorious weekend.\u00a0 Conferences, work shops, massages, acupuncture, career advise, etc. is on tap for thee artists, promoters and house concert enthusiasts to name a few!\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that’s a date that Rose & I GOT down already………..Peace and love. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Edge, Rose, Ellen and James\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by Eddie Ferranti Being the planners we are, \u00a0Rose and I sit down in late December and start to chart out the coming year for sure bets to do.\u00a0 One of those has happened three years running now in the form of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.\u00a0 It is held in Austin in late… <\/p>\n

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