Bluff View Concerts

What a wonderful... night

2011-12-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-03-04T06:05:00.001-08:00

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

2011-03-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Free CD Contest

2011-01-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

Ok... I am so pleased that most artists from the past concerts have said yes I can share one cd a month with a song from them each month... to win just "like" this page in facebook. Every month I will likely vary the cd... I love to make mixes... who knows what songs live or studio that might show up.

Facebook users...

2011-01-03T19:50:00.001-08:00

Real simple now to share it with your friends if it comes up in conversation...

www.facebook.com/bluffview

Even if you never attend a concert, your sharing this might wake up someone to the best and the only house concert series in the La Crosse / Winona area. So it it's so simple ... click on the link, click iLike, but don't forget there are some great discussion areas like who you would like to see, comments from any previous concert at the Bluff View that you have attended, or other internet marketing ideas you might have.

Love audience because while the artists give me pleasure, audience makes it worthwhile.

Dave

Happy New Year... 2011 with fresh faces & old friends

2011-01-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

So I am amazed that what started as an idea to help out a friend of my wife's Lori, has turned into a series that has hosted 14 different shows with 12 different headliners. Headliners... yes all have been incredibly gifted individuals. I do marvel at the fact that they have shown the faith to give us a shot, or is it the fact that they are hungry too to make connections and find new venues. 2011 already has two bookings and plenty of artists knocking on the door for a date. Fresh smiling faces of Dana & Susan Robinson (NC) on March 5th and Doug Spears (FL) on April 23rd are coming for their first visit to the LaCrosse area, though Dana & Susan have played in Winona MN just a stones throw from here.

Dana & Sue was booked without either of us ever meeting, and while that can bring apprehension it really adds to the surprise of new friendship and music kinship. And if this would drive you crazy think of what Mary Mack told me when she was asked about playing our house concert without knowing us, "well I figured they couldn't be mass murders because it wouldn't be a concert series, and they would continually lose audience." Catch up with the Robinson's at their website : robinsongs.com

Doug Spears and I have corresponded for seemingly years thru myspace and emails, though this will be our first time meeting. He's got a great voice and a great story telling style to his song writing. He will transport you to the back roads of down south. He's also been listed on the Grammy nomination sheet, so by the time he plays here there might something else to congratulate him about. Read more about it at his website, and listen to some of his songs. dougspearsmusic.com

Old friends... well maybe in the fact that his and his brother's music has become part of my bones... Garnet Rogers and I have been talking about a date. Now this will be a treat. For anyone who has seen Garnet headline bigger venues this will be a chance to be up and close to a folk legend and one that has a lot of spunk and love in his craft. I guess I'm lucky that he has some friends in LaCrosse that he loves to stop and see. More to come on I'm sure. If by chance you are saying WHO?, here's a nice article on Garnet.

Lastly I leave you with a great song that is perfect prayer on New Year's Day for all those who need to have a good year.

Mary Mack Friday Dec 10th ... Yeah baby.

2010-11-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

Ok we can officially pinch ourselves for getting the opportunity to host a comedian who is billed by some as "The second funniest person in the Twin Cities"... I say move over Garrison... Mary is funnier. Who is Mary? Well I've seen and heard her on the Big River Radio Wave show from Alma WI, but her website lists some of the following:

Folk humorist Mary Mack spends half her time convincing her Minnesotan mother it’s okay for her daughter to be a comedian and the other half touring the country in her sweet, 400 dollar Dodge Neon--affectionately referred to as “Street Heat.” Here’s a few accomplishments: Sing-alongs of the Bob & Tom Show, XM’s National Lampoon's Comedy Network, and Minnesota's Polka Spotlight. 2005 California's Funniest Female Contest, HBO's Andy Kaufman Awards (2007), Big River Wave regular (Alma WI) and NBC's Last Comic Standing. Mack’s endearing stage presence and off-kilter, musical surprises, stemming from her background as former music teacher and polka bandleader make her popular with a wide array of people, including the deep fry cook at the Minnesota State Fair Mini Donut Booth who purchased a total of twelve Mary Mack CD's.

NOT enough to convince you? Go check out http://www.youtube.com/marymackcomedy or www.MaryMackComedy.com

Friday Oct22nd Stoddard / Glaser Poster

2010-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Print it out and share it at work.

I am one lucky dog...

2010-10-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

When you are a house concert host you can count some of the most talented and beautiful women or handsome men as friends. Tonight two past performers came to me with new videos:

First up the vocalist for The Outside Track, Norah Rendell she played her with her now husband Brian Miller in March 2009:

And an angel I know... Allison Sattinger, and she played here May 2009 with Matt Coleman... all the women wanted to bring Matt home with them.

David Stoddard & David Glaser Oct 22nd

2010-08-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

David Stoddard... I songwriter that gets its.. he could preach, he could poke fun, he could be sad, he could be poignant, and when you're done you'll be wiping you eyes from laughter, and sighing with pleasure.

Now I never met David Glaser... and watch out for those bra straps on the accordion...

David Glaser has toured with Dan Navarro since Eric Lowen has been fallen with his disabling disease. and I'm a decent fan of Lowen and Navarro.

Introducing Barb Ryman & Mary Mack

2010-08-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Last night Lori & I went to a wonderful event put on by Ashley for the Arts, the Big River Wave radio show was taped with another outstanding performance by all. I of course think Mary Mack is all that she is billed as "the second funniest person in the Twin Cities"... I guess Garrison moved back. After the show, I did give Mary our house concert card and she is thinking about it. Until then, stop over to her website www.marymackcomedy.com or just watch this video. Of course giving her a card was inspired by an idea from Joan Benson, and approved by my wife.

Mary highly recommended Barb Ryman too, so I thought I would pass it along. www.barbryman.com

Seth was great!

2010-07-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

A full house... and it was a little warm with 40 people in the room.

Press comments about Seth

2010-06-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

I got this cool widget from Seth's web site ...

Seth Horan... Friday July 16th poster

2010-06-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

Print it off and pass it around.. in a mere 4 days we have 10 yes's and 5 pretty sure attending... this one might be the first overflowing to upstairs and downstairs.

Seth Horan... Friday July 16th

2010-06-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

What a treat... promise to be the youngest attendance since a friend of my son, Sam Duga told me that Seth has a big college following... the house will be rocking.

We're on FACEBOOK

2010-05-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

www.facebook.com/bluffviewconcerts come and be our friend... and tell everyone to come to EVERY Concert... make artist recommendations... and just network. I'm not going to be a bother... I promise to use this site only for Music announcements. I might do a listening note once a week as a promotion to other artists.

I have a different account to post when I wake up in the morning and what I'm cooking that night... HA.

Tori Sparks concert Cancelled

2010-05-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hey... I guess when you start having a bunch of concerts something like this comes up. I kind of talked to Tori today.. my goodness her voice is shot. It is a week a way, but I could not force her to risk ruining her carreer over a little house concert. She can't even fill up a hand for the concerts she's cancelled... usually it's been weather or flood related. I know she's a great kid from conversations I had with Allison and Heather, so she'll be back thru someday...

until then, look her music up and enjoy.. maybe tell a friend or too the type of music I book in my eclectic tastes... www.torisparks.com

Seth Horan... well just maybe

2010-05-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well last night I was introduced to this great voice and talented bass player.... Seth Horan, by a friend of my son... yes a 20 year old can talk to me anytime about good music, and this is good music... so much so that I've reached out to a solo bass player to play at our house concert... crazy... you'll agree not after you watch these videos. (God is YouTube only five years old... I don't think I could ever do this house concert stuff without seeing artists like this live befor I book them.)

Second Supper Article

2010-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Briana did an outstanding job capturing the feel of the concert series.... Read on...

Holmen concert series brings music out of bars, into garage
By: briana.rupel@secondsupper.com
People who call the Coulee Region home are no strangers to live music. In fact, throw a dart at a map of local bars on any given day of the week, and it's a near-guarantee that you'll find something aurally pleasing: a groovy blues show at Nighthawk's, a foot-stompin' jam session at The Popcorn, or a smooth jazz set at Bodega. Since January 2009, a new venue has been added to this proverbial map; a charming house snuggled up against the bluffs in northern Holmen, where Dave Schipper and his wife, Lori, invite nationally touring musicians to play a handful of house concerts a year, right in their living room.

Pull into the driveway, and you're likely to find Dave kicked back on his porch, strumming on an acoustic guitar and occasionally taking a sip out of a glass of wine. A longtime music-lover (the guy has over 3,000 albums on vinyl) and musician himself, Dave stumbled into the house concert scene almost unintentionally through social networking sites.

"I got on MySpace mainly to connect with other musicians because my hope and desire was to someday be covered as a songwriter," he explains. Meanwhile, a folk-singing friend of the Schippers was trying to raise money for a church trip to South America. When asked if they would be up for hosting a concert at their house as a fundraiser, the couple was enthusiastic to help. .... Finish the article here... and leave a tasty thank you to Bri.

Ray LaMontagne

2010-05-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

No I don't think we're booking him soon, but I'm not shy if I had the opportunity to ask him, I would. Tonight I had a wonderful time talking to a beautiful soul about the concert series. While I was playing her a potential friend, Hope Waits, who might play here in the future, she alertly said, "That's a Ray LaMontagne song"... God that's what I love about music. It trascends age, sex, or cultural stereotypes. Haven't you sometimes wondered why a child loves folk music or rebels against the Eagles... it's deep seated inside our emotions and brains. So when we can connect as a culture to lyrics and chords thru a cover or just thru the pure emotion, isn't that what life is about. Put your little life in the hands of a house concert, and you may never be the same.

Cone and see...

I went to find Ray based on that little comment and WOW... I'm sure our Rose River cover band will pick up one of his songs.

Pictures from Clay's concert

2010-05-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Melissa Kay McCarthy is a wonderful photographer in the local LaCrosse area. Not a bad singer too. I am blessed to have her becoming more of a real friend and not one of those Facebook things... HA. plus her attendance at the house concerts really ratchet up the quality of pictures. She was here for Clay's Saturday night show.

Interview with Tori Sparks

2010-04-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

As we're closing in on a month away to Tori's visit to the Bluff View, I tried a new approach to introduce you to this energetic lady... An interview... and she was polite enough to answer even my silliest question...

1) You are seemingly the new phase of independent musicians & independent
labels, what has been the highs and lows to doing that?

The most positive aspect is control - not in a control-freaky way, but in
a common-sense way. I'm able to decide the way in which I'd like to be
presented to the public, what songs to record and when, what musicians to
play with, and there's no one to say "sorry, we decided not to release
your record for another year or so... we'll call you." Also, being forced
to do everything myself has taught me a lot about the ways in which the
industry operates. The downside is that you have to hired independent
promoters and try to forge your own way, rather than being able to be
plugged into a network that exists within a label or management company.
Really, there are days when the indie thing feels like an infinitely
better choice, and other days when having a big team would be nice. I'm
open to the idea of working with a label and/or manager if the right
person or company comes along, but in the meantime, I'll keep doing what
I'm doing.

2) So you do how many concerts a year? Has CIYH (Concerts in Your Home)
been a help?

I play around 200 shows every year, though last year, I only did 150
because I was in the studio working on the new album, The Scorpion in the
Story. CIYH has been helpful, because in many ways the house concert is
filling the void of the small music venue or listening room - which is
nearing extinction due to the nature of this crazy industry as well as the
economy in general - and the CIYH website is essentially a consolidated
database containing the bulk of the house concert presenters in the
country. It spares me a lot of extra research, and I love house concerts -
they're a unique format that allows a much more one-on-one connection with
your audience.

3) How did you get such a European presence?

I've toured in England, Ireland, and France, and was lucky to have had a
song from my second album ("Cold War," from Under This Yellow Sun)
released on a compilation distributed by Universal Music France, which
sold about 40,000 copies in Europe. That has been helpful, and then this
Spring we did our first European radio campaign. The album is at #19 on
the Euro Americana Charts, and I'm planning to go back overseas in the
fall. European audiences and the music business in Europe are in some ways
different than the States, in a way that's been good to me. I appreciate
it very mcuh.

3.5) When and where will you tour over there?

I hope I'll be there in September and October, and am planning on playing
the countries I've hit up before as well as the Netherlands, Belgium,
Germany, and possibly Spain and Italy. I'm still working on those dates. I
wish I could bring the band, we'll have to see whether the budget works
out or if I'll be touring solo.

4) LaCrosse WI doesn't have an Americana radio station, do you have a
favorite internet radio station that plays your music?

A lot of Americana music can also be played on college and AAA (Adult
Album Alternative) stations, so please feel free to call in and request!
That being said, Radio Crystal Blue and Women of Substance Radio and two
internet stations that have been very supportive.

5) Wonderful videos, were they as much fun to make as to watch? Even naked
in one, was that a trip?

Thanks - videos are great because they give your audience a new take on
the songs they've already heard live, or on the albums. And no, I wasn't
naked! For the record, my mother loved that video, whereas my
boyfriend-at-the-time's mother hated it. So, that's your barometer
regarding it's scandalousness or lack thereof. That particular video is
for the song "Cold War," and we've done videos for "Rivers + Roads" and
recently "Merry Go-Round" from the new album, as well as some behind the
scenes and live concert videos. They were all a huge amount of work, but
yes, so much fun. The last several videos as well as the concert DVD I've
edited myself, thanks to the tutelage of my director, who let me use his
Final Cut software. I loved it, and we'd spend 14 hours at a stretch
working on them and living off of Diet Dr. Pepper and Ritz crackers. The
Nashville Rollergirls and the City of Shelby NC (who lent us their
carousel) were incredibly kind to work with us on "Merry Go-Round."

6) I believe if I remember a different news article, you graduated with
honors from Florida State in no time, so is this just an extension of a
Marketing class?

Yes, actually! I always joke that I essentially went to grad school for
music business in Nashville, because living the experience of being an
independent artist - especially in this town - has been and continues to
be a serious education on all levels. I've learned a lot musically, but
really, the music industry is more about connections, marketing, and
timing than anything else.

7) Born in IL, grew up in FL, live in TN... Happy with any of the above?
Where would you like to live?

I like Nashville very much, it's a great place to live for a hundred
reasons. I have to confess that I've been considering moving for a while
now, and looking at a few options including Austin, New York, and Paris.
If I could live anywhere, it would be New York - or in the desert, outside
of Santa Fe, but that will be years down the line when I eventually
devolve into a crazy cat lady.

8) Is this your first Wisconsin trip?

My second. I played at all three Gateway Technical College campuses last
year. This is my first non-college-affiliated show in Wisconsin, though.
Can't wait!

9) What do you have coming up in the future?

I'll be touring throughout the US and in Europe for the rest of 2010 and
2011, for now promoting the newest album, The Scorpion in the Story. We've
been lucky in that the College and Americana stations in the U.S. and
overseas have really picked up on it. Also, I've been in the studio
working on the next record, which will be released probably early to
mid-2011. Shawn Mullins, a great singer/songwriter as well as a great guy,
contributed guest vocals on one of the songs. That song, called "Letter to
a Wretch #2," is on the Sin City Sampler Vol. 13 which came out in March.
Just lots to do in the coming year or two! Tour dates and all the
aforementioned videos are on ToriSparks.com, as well as a bunch of crazy
photos from the road.

Book it Dano.... Clay Riness

2010-02-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

More to follow... hot off the presses Clay Riness is a great musician and entertainer, and we're going to host a cool concept concert of Clay sharing covers that he was most influenced by btw......Congrats to the Saints!

I said there would be more details... here is the blog that Clay posted explaining how this concert booking happened:

So, I just booked this gig. The whole thing happened so fast … proving to me that it was meant to be. No time to over think.

A few weekends ago, as I have mentioned, I spent some time with a few old friends playing and singing some of the most wonderful old songs. Songs which brought memories gushing through the floodgates; songs that were there for me when I was coming up as a young musician; songs that shaped me as a songwriter … that’s what they were and that’s what was so lovely. Talk about a musical version of comfort food.

I returned from the weekend energized and couldn’t seem to put a guitar down. I located and dusted off my old loose leaf gigging notebook and some folders of handwritten fake sheets, some of them over thirty years old, and poured over them, uncovering treasures not thought of since I quit playing out all those years ago. And, I had a reunion with a whole bunch of old friends. So many of those songs were simply brilliant.

I mentioned on the blog how the whole thing made me feel. Then, I got a little email from my friend Dave who organizes and hosts Bluff View Concerts, a little concert series up the road an hour or so.

“I guess we’ll have to talk about a house concert sometime,” he wrote.

A house concert? I haven’t done a house concert in … uh … decades. Probably 1987. What a wonderful thought! I emailed Dave back and told him that I had an idea for a show. I explained that in November of 2010 I had a concert booked at the Regional Arts Center (in conjunction with a one man art show of my father’s oil paintings). That concert would certainly be my normal show of original music, and I made it clear I had some contractual and moral obligations not to jeopardize the potential attendance of that event by being redundant.

You can see what’s coming here, no doubt. Yup. I proposed a show called “The Covered Up Concert” at which I would feature only covers of some of my all time favorite songs. He thought it was a fantastic idea. Further, I think the show will help to promote my November concert nicely, too.

Upon discovering that Dave’s house could seat about thirty-five people, I suggested that if he and his wife Lori were game, I would certainly offer a second show. After some discussion of marketing the event, we agreed to forge ahead with it and scheduled shows for Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th. I guess this note begins the marketing strategy. Surely we can convince seventy people to come and enjoy some of the best songs ever written, hmm? Well, OK, that’s my opinion there, regarding the songs.

I’m completely jazzed about how much fun this will be. Here’s a link to the flier / poster announcing the event (PDF format). If you’re local enough, please do print it and hang it up somewhere. Make reservations. Join us. It’s going to be a wonderful good time.

The Pines on Wis Public TV

2010-02-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Last week during the house concert the guys told me about taping this... wow... great job. I've got to get this out to people who attended, and those who missed it. Clicking on the picture won't help, here's the link http://wpt2.org/media.cfm?id=1114&category=30MMH

Tori Sparks... Saturday May 29th

2010-02-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

Now I met Tori through Concerts In Your Home and quickly warmed to the woman I heard in a few mp3's and the outstanding broad range of YouTubes. It feels like I know her so well. Of course when Allison Sattinger told me that I'll love Tori... the deal was set. Now I'm finding out that she's also graduated from Florida State in 3 years Magna Cum Laude.

But don't just take my word for it...

Hometown TV Station report on her:

Cold War from her 2007 CD Release

Merry Go Round from her 2009 CD Release

now if she doesn't come off as like Barbara Striestand with a guitar in this one...

then a little taste of what we might have in store with her acoustic set, a little bluesy piece called Trouble..

Yes it was a great night

2010-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

Lots of laughs, house seemed full with 24 in attendance.... and David and Benson were incredible. Yes you can tell by the quality of the pictures that Melissa couldn't make it; and you had my poor effort.

YES...The Pines Saturday Jan 30th

2010-01-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

Right now... the plan is 7:30 and clear skies for a beautiful date night in January, so why not head over to a house concert known for intimate concerts where the artist gets to know the audience. Yes the hosts, Dave and Lori will have some fresh cookies, decaf coffee, and maybe some hot apple cider. Feel free to bring your own beverage, no corking charges here, HA!

Now the artist... The Pines... let's start with their website bio:

In a world swimming in singer/songwriters, it's difficult to rise above the masses and create a truly unique sound that captures ears and stimulates the mind. The Pines are a band that has taken on this feat, honing their musical craft to near perfection with a sound that wavers on the edge of traditional acoustic/roots music, but embraces the nuances of today's indie-rock and blues music.

Meeting in a Mexican barrio in Arizona, fellow Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey began playing music together, forming The Pines. Committing to a musical career, they returned to their Midwestern roots and settled in Minneapolis, a music haven that has launched the careers of such folk and rock legends as Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks and The Replacements.

In 2004 The Pines released their debut self-titled album on the Iowa-based Trailer Records, establishing themselves as an emerging force in the roots music world with their haunting blend of indie-rock, folk, and blues with intelligent lyrics. In 2007 The Pines released Sparrows in the Bell on the world renowned acoustic/roots label Red House Records. The album had critics buzzing and was named one of the top roots releases of 2007 by Q Magazine. With the release of Tremolo, , their second release on Red House, The Pines continue to show their growth as artists as well as an unparalleled wisdom in their songwriting and musicianship.

The son of Greg Brown's producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was surrounded by folk and blues music and continues to let those influences shine, even on louder electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft music that evokes the ancient while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves. Both strong writers and musicians, David and Benson have distinct voices that complement each other, causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music. Steadily touring around the country, The Pines have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Bon Iver, The Holmes Brothers, Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, and Spider John Koerner.

Now to that I would add that after Lori and I saw them at the Simply Folk 30th Anniversary show up at the BigTop, we both said WOW...now wouldn't you want to see them at the house concert... YEE HAW... they're coming.

More to come, and here's hoping you come; and here's a link to the map: http://bluffviewconcerts.blogspot.com/2010/01/map.html

CIYH Newsletter...

2010-01-09T08:13:00.001-08:00

What a heck of nice guy... and We have a scheduled May Concert so we can say we're right in sync. Tory Sparks May 30th.

Here's their website : http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/

Here's a link to the Folk Alliance that he talked about : http://www.folkalliance.org/

A little warm breeze from last May...

2009-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Now here is a another feel of why Allison Sattinger's house concert was incredible back in May ... until next time... thanks to Jeremy for taping this Redlands concert.

Why a house concert?

2009-11-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well the intimacy of the event will make you at first uncomfortable. You don't know why these people have opened their house, and will I look like a lush to bring a bottle of wine? Then the artist, I kind of know their music or I know nothing of their music.. both are so common in the decision anxiety. What if they suck, I'll be so noticeable if I'm bored.

Yep, I can not cure your anxieties; I have my own. What if I screw up the time again? Why don't the people I expect to show, show? Boy it would be nice if the artist had friend locally that would fill up the room. My God, what if I fart by accident... it happened 35 years ago and Lori won't let me forget it. HA.

Then think of the artist... wow, people so close they could see my pores. What if the host is a raving jerk, a controlling loud mouth? I'm sure the room will suck and the bed will be hard.

Gracious, why do these things even happen. Grace happens. We love the emotion the artist brings if the story moves fast or slow. We meet friends who both drink too much and too little, so we fit. We find out that Dave is the most gentlest soul who is in contol of his flatuence.

Now that brings me to an intimate video of a house concert with Amy Speace. I have no idea the attendance, if she wowed them with her "Love in Double Wide Trailer"... I just know I would have had a better sound system, and that I think I might want to try the wine they had.

Wow... what a memory...

2009-10-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hey when you progam organizer is a dolt for not confirming all the details, especially the small things like the starting time... isn't it great he and the audience can stretch and entertain.

Heather was again incredible, and here she is in a tape for the house concert the night before in Chicago:

A Quick Update

2009-10-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hey it's been a while since I let you into my life. We have our boy in college, and while I've seen hiim on weekends; it's strange not to know what's going on in his life each day.

Heather Waters is paying a return visit to Bluff View Concerts tomorrow, and I've got to get vacumming. HA... instead I'm writing this blog. Hey.. these house concerts are a great thing. They always make you nervous if anyone will show, but they seem to all work out. Heather is number eight, and I've got a few surprises for the audience and me next year. Sounds like I've got a commitment from The Pines in Jan/Feb, Tori Sparks at the end of May, and now Drew Nelson in October.... One more and I'll have the four I like to book a year. I would always try to add a close friend if they are traveling through... heck worse case scenario on a Tuesday night I might get 6 people and we'll shoot the breeze together. HA.

All kidding asside, Heather is incredible and I have a few people traveling or trying to get here from 1/2 hour to 2 hours away. Wish them luck.

Tori comes to me from a mailing and when I started watching and listening to her I said "WOW".. after I booked her Allison Sattinger also told me she's shared the stage with her and we'll love her.

The Pines... these guys just signed with Red House records. I really don't deserve booking such an up and coming act, but they're interested. We saw them at the Big Top in August during the Simply Folk Anniversary Show. One kid sings like a young Bob Dylan, and the other one has that great back woods sound that makes you want to listen to the stories. Oh yeah and their also rich in connections with Greg Brown from Iowa.

Drew Nelson... again a person who mailed me a CD and I completely fell in love with it. Great voice and great story writing in his songs, so I watched a few of his videos and I was sold.

Now the biggest change is that there are two male headliners... Ouch there goes my persona.

Now maybe someday Samantha will drive thru... it's funny, I love her music as a change, but my wife doesn't like that style. I'll have to work on that one if the opportunity arrises. HA.

Heather Waters Sunday Oct 4th 3:00

2009-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Heather Waters comes back to Holmen and the Bluff View Concerts October 4th at 3:00. Yes it is a Sunday but the Packers and the Vikings play on Monday night. Now back to Heather... what to say... she blew us away in the second ever Bluff View House concert. (Sue's Mark who has seen all but one, said Heather was the best one.) She came with Rich McCulley a servicable guitarist, but her voice on that old Elvis style mic took over the room. I love to compare it to what it must have been like to listen to Patsy Cline live. Heather's music is what I would classify as Americana. That's more like alternative country pop.... it just doesn't fit but I think it's better than both. She has spent time in Nashville and Boston and now resides in Los Angeles. What a spark plug too, she is a live wire and a hoot. She won't check anything at the door and you wouldn't want her to.

Heather this time is coming with Chuck Lee Bramlett who played on her wonderful CD Propeller; the CD I consider the Best CD I bought last year.... and I promise I get a lot of music.

Here's a map...

Heather Waters in Chicago

2009-09-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

The night before our concert, Heather also does a return visit to a friend in Chicago.

http://bloomboxhouseconcerts.blogspot.com/2009/09/booked-heather-waters.html

Diamond in her mind

2009-08-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

She blew away the Bluff View Concert audience away last time, and it was right after she had released Propeller. I hadn't had a chance to get it before the concert... but wow... it went on to become the Zemmy CD of the Year. This song, Diamond in your Mind was one of the finest, and it does show Heather's intelligence at finding the right song. I love to songwrite, but I know 100% of my songs aren't the best and if I had a voice like Heather's I'd be looking for material to cover. It was only today that I found it was written by the master, Tom Waits with Kathleen Brennan. I have to ask Heather where she finds her material. I know this little unkown songwriter who can't sing worth the sh.... HA.

Oh yeah, the guy in the video is the guitarist who will be touring with Heather this fall, Chuck Lee Bramlett. Next up, here is the YouTube that posted who wrote the song... boy it's fun to contrast the two versions.

Updated our calendar at:

2009-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Concerts in Your Home. com..... Fran does a great job promoting it.

And when I host Tori Sparks in May 2010 it will be the first time I booked someone who found me from the site.

Remember next UP... a return visit of Heather Waters.... Sunday Oct. 4th, the day before Brett Favre loses to the Packers on MNF... Here she is with her bare butt.... (now that likely will get this blog alot of hits... HA)

Dave

What a night..

2009-07-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

What a night and tonight besides being graced by friends,

wonderful new audience (beforehand thought as strangers), incredibily gifted musicians... we had a gifted photographer in Melissa Kay McCarthy. She is also a local musician who will show up tonght at the Bluff View Bash block party. It ought to be fun. She is quite the photographer.... I might have to tell her that any time she shows, I'll pay her admission. Here is a link to the rest of the pictures. http://mkmccarthy.smugmug.com

Video Calendar

2009-07-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight Friday July 17th at 7:30 Becky Shlegel

Sunday October 4th 3:00 Heather Waters... (don't worry the Packers are beating the Vikings on the 5th on Monday Night Football)

Here is a recent post of Heather with the guitarist that will be traveling with her, Chuck Lee Bramlett. Here is the first song I fell in love with from Heather.

Tori Sparks Sunday May 29th 7:30, yes 2010... here is a little what you can expect when she's up all day and playing in a hotel lobby at 1:00... can it get any better?

Map.. and 6 days

2009-07-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a map...

Now Becky has generated some calls and reservations from who I hope will make return visits in the future... still plenty of room.

Here she shows off that old traditional country voice.

news.... Tory Sporks is now booked May 29th 2010

poster July 17th

2009-06-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Please print it out and share it! Thanks

Congrats Allison!

2009-06-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

Steady Heart was nominated for Best Contemporary Album by Just Plain Folks Boy a recognized just a small percentage of names in these lists... I better get listening.

Becky Schlegel Friday July 17th

2009-06-25T04:53:00.001-07:00

Brian is the guy to her left.

Dave

Becky Schlegel Friday July 17th

2009-06-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yes... It's confirmed and with my shortest time to promote... less than a month to tell you this lady, Becky Schlegel who sings as clear as Allison Krause, writes with passion, covers great country ballads, tours with a wonderful instrumentalist, and could I dare say, drop dead has a look of an angel. She and Brian are coming to the Bluff View Friday July 17th, the last summer she still lives in Minneapolis since she's moving to Nashville. I first saw her at the Great River Folk Fest in 2008. She is good... and instantly Lori and I knew we would love to host her in a concert. I have a great iTunes song of her singing a cover of Greg Brown's Early with Garrison Keilor during one of her visits to the Prairie Home Companion.

Suggested donation will be $12... and who knows if we'll have food before or after, but plan a night out at the Bluff View... weather permitting... a bonfire after outside, but don't worry the concert is INSIDE in AIR conditioning.

Dave

Spoon River

2009-06-01T19:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you get caught up in history by the love of a song, especially when it's well done. That's how the subconsicious has been since Allison Sattinger and Matt Coleman covered Michael Smith's Spoon River at my recent house concert.

I forgot that 20 years ago we saw a Viterbo College play based on the Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology, and I forgot how rich the writing was in the novel. Now I am no reader but I intend to spend some time at http://spoonriveranthology.net. Lately my writing time has dwindled to dust time, so I think I need to read and write again. I think I'm going to give up listening to music... HA... well maybe less..

Go to that site... it's cool.. this the most talked about poem written in 1915...

VERY well, you liberals,
And navigators into realms intellectual,
You sailors through heights imaginative,
Blown about by erratic currents, tumbling into air pockets,
You Margaret Fuller Slacks, Petits,
And Tennessee Claflin Shopes--
You tound with all your boasted wisdom
How hard at the last it is
To keep the soul from splitting into cellular atoms.
While we, seekers of earth's treasures
Getters and hoarders of gold,
Are self-contained, compact, harmonized,
Even to the end.

Then there is a video:

2008 RELEASE! A new look at a classic of the American heartland, which unraveled the myths about people who lived and died in the supposedly idyllic days of rural America. Director Thomas G. Smith has digitally remastered his original 1976 production, which captured Edgar Lee Masters’ lyrical realism with dramatic readings, authentic settings, and period photography. Smith's brand-new DVD adds nearly half an hour of new material exploring Masters' life and works, and includes interviews with John Hallwas, a Masters expert at the University of Western Illinois, and Hilary Masters, Edgar Lee Masters' son and a professor of English and creative writing at Carnegie-Mellon University.

In "Spoon River Anthology," Masters probed beneath life's surfaces to reveal the very human strengths and weaknesses of the people who inhabited his semi-fictional town. Smith's production, subtitled "Heartland Poetry for a New Age," shows why "Spoon River" was a major milestone in American literature - a book of poetry that was a national best-seller, and that still resonates nearly a century after its publication. DVD includes text versions of 11 poems. Click on the text version to go directly to the dramatic reading.

And if you want to hear the song covered by Allison & Matt.. email me and I'll send you the song free if you promise to go buy an Allison, Matt, or Michael Smith song on iTunes... or just go straight and buy the Michael Smith song on iTunes by Claudia Schmidt and you will have the version Allison listened to.

All of the riverboat gamblers are losing their shirts
All of the brave union soldier boys sleep in the dirt
But you know and I know there never was reason to hurt
When all of our lives were entwined to begin with
Here in Spoon River

All of the calico dresses, the gingham and lace
Are up in the attic with grandfather's derringer case
There's words whispered down in the parlor, a shadowy face
The morning is heavy with one more beginning
Here in Spoon River

Come to the dance Mary Perkins I like you right well
The union's preserved, if you listen you'll hear all the bells
There must be a heaven, God knows I've seen mostly hell
My rig is outside, come and ride through the morning
Here in Spoon River

Last night was wonderful

2009-05-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

Let's see the normal pressures were there... the band was running late... a few people called late and said they couldn't make it... twice during the day I ran into people who thought it was an outside concert and it was raining all day... I thought all these things spelled doom... even Allison admitted later she was having a day leaving her sister after two short days... but all the hassles evaporated and a great night was had by all!

I loved the fact that Allison, Matt and Phil fell in love with Claudia Schmidt's version of Spoon River and covered it as a surprise to me... the recording worked out fantastic... what a piece of gold from the night.

I even had my nephew and his neighbor drive 2 1/2 hours to catch the second set; that plus a few new guests I hope we made a lasting impression with and join us for many more concerts. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Map.. and 5 mere hours

2009-05-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a map...

And here's an old gospel song... yep they have interests ranging from old school to 80's music to cool originals touched with a little beebop.

Join Allison on her trip out to see us

2009-05-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

She is blogging each day about it....at http://sunnyrisingleather.blogspot.com/

The count down is on...

Out of the woodwork

2009-05-21T17:21:00.001-07:00

I was just telling Clay last night that artist are coming out of the woodwork just like ants in spring. Venessa Peters had emailed me about an October date, and after she sent me her cd... I really want to, but I'm concerned about of all things... an audience.

People of LaCrosse, Onalaska, and Holmen... I am willing to open my house if you show up more.

Right now we're talking about spring 2010.

Yes House Concerts are not that uncommon.

2009-05-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

So Much Grace

2009-05-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am so pumped to know it's only a mere days until Allison will grace Bluff View Concerts with her presence... oh yeah and Matt & Phil too. I got her permission to put a photo montage together of her wonderful song ... I do feel full of Grace everyday.

This is a Gospel tinged song, but Allison's music is more of a pop acoustic jazz feel, still is a wonderful song that many Christian groups should consider covering.

Get Ready

2009-05-12T19:15:00.001-07:00

Now while I've been making a big deal about getting a mid week stop between the Twin Cities and Chicago, I just want to scream from the cliff tops, "People you just don't know what you're missing not to stop by..."

So ... stop over to www.myspace.com/bluffview or email me at dave@theroseriverband.com ... just do it already.

Her tour stops are at www.myspace.com/allisonsattinger

A fellow blogger had this to say...

2009-04-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2008 http://www.themusicmeow.com/2008/11/allison-sattinger.html

Allison Sattinger
For the past several months, I have been listening to singer songwriter Allison Sattinger. I first found her among Terra Naomi's top MySpace friends. I figured if she was liked by one of my favorite YouTube-turned-major-label artists, I would probably like her as well. After listening to all the songs on her MySpace playlist and watching nearly every video on her YouTube account, I realized that "like" was the wrong word—I absolutely adore this woman's music.

Allison's lyrics are heartfelt and her music is piano pop with a Gospel edge. She writes about life, love, and love lost. No matter what she's singing, whether an original or cover, you always believe everything that passes her lips. Recently she did a cover of Billy Joel's "For the Longest Time" that had me in tears. Reading the comments posted beneath the YouTube video, I found I was not the only one touched by her rendition of the song.

more to come...

2009-04-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Suffice to say... these pictures give you the range of emotions and songs you will get on Heather's return... classic country, raucous rock, and shy (yes even from Heather) ballads.

Allison Sattinger May 27th 7:00

2009-04-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

In some respects, I still can't believe this woman I befriended thru myspace will be the 6th concert in our fledgling house concert series. What's that old adage, set a lofty goal, and you might achieve it? I could have that wrong, gracious ask Lori I mess up the English language more than George Bush does. So Allison coming made me want to escape the limits of MySpace to advertise the event. I'm splashing it all over, and I'm sure to hear, "A Wednesday Night?"... ah yes the fate of being a small town is not getting the big weekends but the talent... wow...., so tell me after the event that it's the best Wednesday night concert you have ever been too, and so when's the next.

Now back to Allison; here's what's on the poster:

Allison brings a soft acoustic feel that will remind you of a young Joni Mitchell on keyboards. Matt is a whiz on the guitar, and sounds a lot like Kenny Rankin. Here is one review of Allison's first cd: "Where to begin...Well, I believe I will start at the strongest point, the voice! Allison Sattinger has an incredibly strong voice, vocals laden with eloquent phrasing and power, that also approach with an amazing subtlety. She has a voice that could calm the most erratic soul, and at times be able to invoke passion and desire into her listeners." My favorites range from her gospel tinged "So Much Grace" to playful delight "Sugar Daddy" She is on a cross country 2nd CD tour. LA to PA, and Holmen has a middle date. www.myspace.com/allisonsattinger www.myspace.com/mattcolemanmusic

Now what isn't... Allison has been like family over the last two plus years of friendship thru MySpace. Just like real friends we've lived through happy and sad times, and have supported each other during both. Weird, maybe to some but Allison exudes love in her life and her blogs. She is a wonderful jewelry and leather craftsman and a big seller on Etsy.com. Her and her husband Anthony just moved to Northern California, and her musical brother Matt and her have posted numerous wonderful videos over at www.youtube.com/user/allisonsattinger so you should go watch them all. If Matt is her musical brother, I have laid claim to adopted Uncle.

I have many other lofty goals, including getting someone to cover Allison's "So Much Grace." It is a marvelous song that I think she's going to share with Tim, Paula, and Shelly singing harmony.

Finally here's a video from one of their last tours... This song is my request list: