Hey I don't care which poster that you might like, as long as you come... Dave p.s. remember this is all non-profit all donations go straight to the performers.

Evie Ladin and Keith Terry June 23rd... promises some definite smiles

It was a wonderful evening... Beth is a sweetheart that packs a whopper of a voice. Photos were by Melissa McCarthy, and she posted TWO videos in FaceBook that are shared on page

Beth Wood May 5th

BethWoodMusic.com

Picture a home-body with an ever-present wanderlust, an introvert with a passion for performing, a creative free-spirit with enough discipline to rework her dream year after year, calloused little hands and a big pile of curly hair…and you’ve got Beth Wood, modern-day troubadour.

Picture a tumbleweed blowing across the plains of west Texas, and another musician-songwriter is born! Beth Wood began her musical journey in Lubbock, a high plains Texas town with a uniquely rich musical heritage that includes Buddy Holly, Natalie and Lloyd Maines, Mac Davis, and Joe Ely to name a few. When she wasn’t dodging tornados and dust storms, Beth was studying classical piano, violin, harp, and voice and contemplating the greatness of her Dad’s Willie Nelson records.

With grandiose dreams of becoming a musician, a baker, or a cowgirl, Beth left west Texas to study voice and piano at Brevard College in North Carolina. A detour from her classical studies led her to Austin, where she picked up a degree in literature and a guitar. Beth began writing her own songs and quickly discovered a feeling of musical freedom that she has been hooked on ever since. Fifteen years, thousands of shows, nine albums, three cars, and numerous awards later, Beth has never looked back. Beth’s exceptional musicianship, crafty songwriting, and engaging, energetic stage presence have been winning over audiences from coast to coast.

“The Weather Inside,” Beth’s eighth studio release, is a case study in contrast. A coming-of-age statement record from a veteran artist, Beth’s latest work embraces strength and tenderness, the polished and the well-worn, the broken and the hopeful heart. Produced by Billy Crockett at Blue Rock Studio in Wimberley, TX, “The Weather Inside” delves deep into Beth’s creative reserves and delivers a strong collection of songs and performances to remember.

Beth and her husband and their sweet dog Marble now live in beautiful Eugene, Oregon. Beth is settling in to the Northwest music scene, where she has been featured on OPB’s “Artbeat” tv show, Ninkasi’s Northwest Music sampler, and the Sisters Folk Festival and Song Academy.

What a wonderful... night

My friend Jim Bambenek and worked out a few pictures and video even with the low light and gracious back lit... ok but it was romantic and felt right not to that the lights up very high.. HA... enjoy a piece of the night... more on our FaceBook Page

Irish music in Holmen WI Friday December 2nd

Reservations are coming in nicely. Plan on a warm evening of music with friends you know today, or will now by next concert.

Pictures of the Trio

I just wanted to share a few pictures of the Two Tap Trio coming on December 2nd... I'm getting so excited, it's been too long since the last one, and it's so cool to have the second visit from Norah and Brian, and they are bringing Nathan... Irish music will be flowing and we'll have a few free beers in honor of Norah's birthday.

Facebook Picture album.

Two Tap Trio Dec 2nd

Norah Rendell and Brian Miller are revisiting us with their trio, Two Tap Trio on December 2nd at 7:30. Here's a great video of their CD release party. Does show off a little of their talent, but their warmth exudes in the video. Lori and I had a chance to see the Celtic Junctionin St. Paul when Norah's group the Outside Track played up there. We highly recommend it for concerts.



If you like great Celtic Music, I highly recommend to go see The Outside Track and in August they are playing at both the St. Paul and Milwaukee Irish Fests.

Doug Spears Saturday 7:30 April 23rd.

Check his music out at: dougspearsmusic.com

Blending elements of contemporary folk, Americana, bluegrass, country and folk rock, Doug Spears produces a sound that is fresh and new, yet immediately familiar. Painting lyrical images set to memorable melodies, delivered with a warm, unique guitar style and powered by rich vocals Doug is an east coast favorite at festivals, folk clubs, house concerts and listening rooms.

A seasoned performer and touring troubadour, Spears has invested more than 35 years developing his distinctive craft and with each song bite, the rich flavors penetrate the listening palate. Often drawing comparisons to some of the best known and well established artists of the genre Doug has carved a special niche for himself in folk and Americana music.

Doug was born in Leesburg, Florida and his best childhood memories tie back to the farm house his grandfather built in Lake County in the 1920's. He took up the guitar at age 12, learning on an old Gibson J-45 loaned to him by a family friend, and soon began writing his own songs heavily influenced by the wealth of songwriter poets of the time. Doug's song craft matured into a skillful weaving of lyric portraits capturing the essence of the often joyous though sometimes difficult aspects of our lives. Of his Florida homeland, he sings of the unsung and often undiscovered heart of Florida, before Disney World and Margaritaville, a simpler place covered by thousands of acres of palmetto scrub, citrus groves, family farms and cattle range. The Florida that so few know and appreciate.

In 2005 Spears released his debut CD, Truths & Lies, which received well-deserved praise for its song craft and musicianship. He followed with his 2007 sophomore album, Break Some Stones, a “live in the studio” solo recording. Chosen by Florida Times Union columnist Ron Johnson as his 2007 CD Release of the Year, Break Some Stones showcases Doug just as you’d hear him at a live show. Released internationally in January 2010 to folk, acoustic and Americana radio, Doug's latest recording, Welcome Home, showcases the very best of Doug’s regional Florida material produced for a national audience. Produced by long time friend Jason Thomas and promoted to folk, acoustic and Americana radio by Kari Estrin Management & Consulting in Nashville, Welcome Home, features a stellar, internationally known cast of supporting musicians including Claire Lynch, Missy Raines, Rob Ickes, Jim Hurst, Mark Schatz, Kenny Malone and Jason Thomas, as well as some of the very best of Florida’s wealth of musical talent.

Sample Recognition and Awards

Winner of the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Contest July / August 2007 - "Break Some Stones" and Honorable Mention Sept / Oct - "Sinner's Song"

Will McLean Award – 1997 Banks of the Old St. Johns, 2008 Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams

Florida Times Union CD of the Year 2007 – Break Some Stones

Billboard World Song Competition 2006 – Honorable Mention Top 500 Songs for each of This Old House, Annie’s Chairs and It Must Be You.

Quotes

". . . a rich earthiness to his playing that recalls that of Gordon Lightfoot and a gruffer James Taylor", Creative Loafing Tampa

"... an impressive combination of economical wordplay and simple, evocative melodies." Jim Abbott, The Orlando Sentinel.

". . . an amazing songwriter!" Marilyn Duncan, Soona Songs, Dallas, Tx.

"Doug Spears . . . [is] an accomplished songwriter , and . . . Truths & Lies, is burnished like an old hardwood floor. . . . With a voice reminiscent of John Denver and a full acoustic backup band, Spears has put out a folk/Americana disc that's as enjoyable for the local storytelling as it is for the musicianship." Bob Whitby - Orlando Weekly.

" . . . definitely a complete artist--voice, guitar, writing, and stage presence all blend seamlessly and comfortably" says Rocco Colello, Colello Promotions, Tampa, Fl.

“His impeccable musicianship, heartfelt songwriting and warm and entertaining stage presence are welcome at Lena's Place anytime!" Steve Wells, Lena's Place Coffeehouse, Atlanta, Ga.

"Lightfoot meets Taylor w/ the smooth vocal delivery of Gene Watson, bravo!" LeAnna Mosely, Music Moonk Music, Virginia.

“Doug’s words and music go straight to the heart and he doesn’t let up, from start to finish.” Ron Johnson, Florida Times Union

". . . it just doesn't get any better than Doug Spears. He is a poet!" Greg Abate, Who’s Next?: A Music Review e-zine, Los Angeles, CA.

Still plenty of room for a relaxing evening.

Two general things about a house concert at Bluff View... Yes it's in our house and it's open to the public. Why, I'd say the easiest that it's because I love to listen to great live acoustic music of all sorts, and I'm not shy to meet new people, artists and audience. You will have an opportunity to experience both on March 5th Dana & Susan will bring North Carolina magic to the Bluff View. Boy it would nice if a spring wind blows in and we can open the doors and let the joy flow out and have buds open! I met Dana & Susan through Concerts in Your Home site, and fell in love with the CD that Dana sent. We love reservations to know how many cookies to make... 608.526.9051, and hold easily 40+ in a great listening room.

Here is a bio from their website:

Many songwriters have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music."
- Dirty Linen

"...rural America explored with elegant simplicity. Their music and cleanly poetic songwriting bring to mind the great folksingers of our times."
- Asheville Citizen-Times

Press Snippet

"...blazing fiddle and banjo tunes, harmony singing, and poignant songs and stories of the American Landscape."

Also...

From Asheville, North Carolina, Dana and Susan Robinson bring to the stage an exciting blend of original songs of the American landscape and oldtime Appalachian mountain music. With Dana on guitar and fiddle, Susan's clawhammer banjo playing and harmony singing they bring a joyful energy to their concerts. Their music is the sound and feel of bedrock America.
Another Choice...

Dana and Susan Robinson are two guitar-playing, banjo-frailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience. Their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music bring to their performances a deep understanding of America’s musical heritage.

And yet another choice..!

In a Dana and Susan Robinson concert you'll hear two rich, intimate voices, intricate and powerful guitar and banjo playing with a handful of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Dana writes songs and tells stories about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America's musical heritage and convey its significance to our culture.
Full Biography

The genius of a Dana and Susan Robinson performance lies in their ability to capture the imagination of their audience, evoking a transformative experience that touches on the deepest humanity. They can make the audience howl with laughter or hush with poignant reflection as they take them on a journey across America and convey the mystery and wonder of the places they visit.

Underpinning the songs is the undeniable rhythm of their trademark guitar/banjo sound. Whether it is quiet or driving, there is a steady and unrelenting groove to the music that supports the lyric and delivers the story in an effortless and magical way.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dana relocated to New England where he discovered both a thriving songwriters scene and the deep well of traditional mountain music. In the early 1980’s, Dana settled in northern Vermont and built a house “off the grid” (no electricity and phone) on 30 acres near the Canadian border. There he founded a popular bakery, café and folk music venue. Dana launched into full-time touring after the release of his 1994 debut CD, Elemental Lullabye, and after receiving a request to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Putumayo’s Shelter benefit project.

Sue grew up in a musical family in New England. She studied piano, oboe, and Scottish fiddle before meeting Dana in 2002. Sue was working in the environmental field in California when she met Dana at a house concert. Upon moving to North Carolina a short time thereafter, Sue launched into studying with many of the great oldtime musicians in the Asheville area, and naturally adapted to the on-the-road lifestyle.

MAP

Not always in people's GPS so I needed to put a link in the blog to our map. Bluff View Concerts, N7916 Bluff View Ct. Holmen WI.. call me for reservations at : 608.526.9051 Thanks Dave

Dana & Susan Robinson March 5th 7:30

On March 5th Dana & Susan will bring North Carolina magic to the Bluff View. Boy it would nice if a spring wind blows in and we can open the doors and let the joy flow out and have buds open! I met Dana & Susan through Concerts in Your Home site, and fell in love with the CD that Dana sent. We love reservations to know how many cookies to make... 608.526.9051, and hold easily 40+ in a great listening room.

Here is a bio from their website:

Many songwriters have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music."
- Dirty Linen

"...rural America explored with elegant simplicity. Their music and cleanly poetic songwriting bring to mind the great folksingers of our times."
- Asheville Citizen-Times

Press Snippet

"...blazing fiddle and banjo tunes, harmony singing, and poignant songs and stories of the American Landscape."

Also...

From Asheville, North Carolina, Dana and Susan Robinson bring to the stage an exciting blend of original songs of the American landscape and oldtime Appalachian mountain music. With Dana on guitar and fiddle, Susan's clawhammer banjo playing and harmony singing they bring a joyful energy to their concerts. Their music is the sound and feel of bedrock America.
Another Choice...

Dana and Susan Robinson are two guitar-playing, banjo-frailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience. Their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music bring to their performances a deep understanding of America’s musical heritage.

And yet another choice..!

In a Dana and Susan Robinson concert you'll hear two rich, intimate voices, intricate and powerful guitar and banjo playing with a handful of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Dana writes songs and tells stories about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America's musical heritage and convey its significance to our culture.
Full Biography

The genius of a Dana and Susan Robinson performance lies in their ability to capture the imagination of their audience, evoking a transformative experience that touches on the deepest humanity. They can make the audience howl with laughter or hush with poignant reflection as they take them on a journey across America and convey the mystery and wonder of the places they visit.

Underpinning the songs is the undeniable rhythm of their trademark guitar/banjo sound. Whether it is quiet or driving, there is a steady and unrelenting groove to the music that supports the lyric and delivers the story in an effortless and magical way.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dana relocated to New England where he discovered both a thriving songwriters scene and the deep well of traditional mountain music. In the early 1980’s, Dana settled in northern Vermont and built a house “off the grid” (no electricity and phone) on 30 acres near the Canadian border. There he founded a popular bakery, café and folk music venue. Dana launched into full-time touring after the release of his 1994 debut CD, Elemental Lullabye, and after receiving a request to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Putumayo’s Shelter benefit project.

Sue grew up in a musical family in New England. She studied piano, oboe, and Scottish fiddle before meeting Dana in 2002. Sue was working in the environmental field in California when she met Dana at a house concert. Upon moving to North Carolina a short time thereafter, Sue launched into studying with many of the great oldtime musicians in the Asheville area, and naturally adapted to the on-the-road lifestyle.

And the winner is

Lonna... see the details at facebook.com/bluffview One the page too, I'm through the first 4 of 14 video posts from artists that have played the Bluff View.

First mix CD from Bluff View Concerts

Monthly, I will draw randomly from the fans of our FaceBook Fan page, one person to receive a mix CD of Past and Future artists. Now since I have have been waiting on official approvals from the artists AND booked & planned artists change each month, every month's mix will be unique and a gem of either recorded live tracks from the house concert or studio stuff. I have wealth of material to choose from, and the first drawing will be right before the kickoff of the Packer / Falcons game.

p.s. The contest rules might change monthly, but it will always be updated in this blog and at the fan page: www.facebook.com/bluffview The only other rule I have put on it this time is that if I pick an artist in from the cd, I will skip to the next one. I will announce a winner but have a backup in case I the winner doesn't claim the cd.