Applying to Perform at the Festival

Each fall, we begin with an artist list that far exceeds the number we can realistically program. Throughout the process many new artists are discovered. We hire artists based on the strength of their performances and material, plus their fit with our event. We usually avoid repeating artists over several years to give others an opportunity, and to present a fresh program to the audience. Our dates for 2013 will be set soon, and our performers application will be posted here for you to download. Performer applications are closed now for the 2012 festival.

2012 Headliners

Gove Scrivenor

Scrivenor's music has been described as "high-energy folk/blues," with inventive slide work and powerful vocals, tempered with singular work on the autoharp and beautiful ballads of his own writing. He is well know for his magical rapport with audiences of all ages. Gove toured with fellow agency artists Delbert McClinton and Jimmy Buffett and the Original Coral Reefer Band. His recordings are filled with a litany of star talent including Dolly Parton, Iris Dement, Glen Campbell, Nancy Griffith, Emmy Lou Harris and Doc Watson among many others.

Roy Schneider

Roy Schneider is an award-winning songwriter who has performed all over the United States, United Kingdom and other parts of Europe in the few years since ending his nationally syndicated comic strip "The Humble Stumble". He has twice been a finalist in the Kerrville Folk Festival's Grassy Hill New Folk competition and is preparing to release his fourth studio album in the Spring of 2012.

"While the world is littered with singer/songwriters, Schneider is a cut above the hordes... Sometimes he sounds like he's auditioning for Little Feat (he'd get in, too), sometimes he's light and jazzy and sometimes he's a proper acoustic rocker. All the time he's interesting, with the changes of pace keeping the listener on their toes, not least in wondering how he manages to be good at it all." ~Maverick Magazine, UK

"Roy Schneider's rootsy songs contain a mix of blues, country, folk and Americana all rolled into a beguiling and tasty stew. ~Blues Matters! Magazine

Mindy Simmons

Mindy combines a classy mix of original songs and cover tunes. Her musical style includes blues, jazz, swing, folk and ballads. A seasoned professional for over 30 years, Mindy is a truly genuine performer who guides her audiences down the bumpy road of life smiling all the way. She combines quick wit and charm with a gutsy voice to create a memorable performance that feels like an evening with your best friend. Mindy will be joined by her harmony sisters, "The Hot Pockets": Annie Murphy and Lisa Bohn and keyboardist, Eddie Kinder to bring some foot stompin' energy to the stage!

"This lady combines wit and fun with a bluesy mood that can erupt into a musical barnstorm at any moment. She is cool...and in charge of her audience!" ~Mitch Lind, Riverhawk Music Festival.

Sam Pacetti

One of Florida's favorite finger-pickin' guitarists, Sam Pacetti was taught by the legendary Gamble Rogers and has carried his legacy of style and wit into the 21st century. Scouted as a young boy, this child prodigy has grown into a fine seasoned singer/songwriter/performer who has graced stages all over the United States as well as Europe.

"This young guitarist is an enormous talent. Whether playing a reel, covering Martin Simpson or dishing out a ravishing original, Pacetti is a simply astonishing guitarist ..."~ Eric Fidler, Associated Press.

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Our 2012 Showcase Festival Performers:

*Arvel Bird*

*Austin Truax & Silvertip*

*The Ashley Gang*

*Bill and Eli Perras*

*Carolyn Davis and Phil The Hat*

When I came to Sarasota in ’83 I was introduced to bunch of people that sat in each others living rooms and took turns leading in songs on acoustic instruments.  Got to know a lot of great people.
I love acoustic blues and have been playing it with Carolyn for a whole bunch of years now.  We’re really looking forward to playing for our friends again.

*Dennis Devine*

*Ellen Bukstel*

Hailed by Michael Bolton as an ‘amazing artist and spirit’. Ellen Bukstel is a rare, bold, break-the-mold original and without fear puts her emotions and passions on the line, bringing hope, laughter, tears, biting wit, and inspiration to her songs and her performance. With more than 40 songwriting and music video awards and acknowledgements since 2002 and with a powerful voice and insightful lyrics, Ellen’s approach is respectful, irreverent and humorous all in one set. From deeply emotional to hilariously funny to compositions of love, remembrance, and social awareness, her songs always hit home when she brings it all to the stage. 

*Evergreen*

*Gypsy Wind*

*Hannah's Whirl*

*Hi Tide*

Acoustic island pop is how these musicians from the Cayman Islands describe their music. Shane, Sean and Jon have been recording Hi Tide albums since 1993 and to date have 10 releases. The band has built quite a following with their acoustic show, and many visitors come back to the islands every year with Hi Tide being a part of their vacation schedule. Their songs are scattered all over the local airwaves in Cayman and they have also had some radio success on A/C stations in the States.

*Ishmael Katz*

Ishmael Katz is an engaging performer who connects with the audience by combining social and political satire with songs about food and mysticism. Not mystical food, however. He has been on National Radio and TV in Canada and on NPR’s  All Things Considered’ in the US.  He is a regular performer at The Florida Folk Festival.

*Jim Glover*

*Jim Gromko*

*Joe Virga*

*French Connection*

Born in Kentucky, raised in Texas and Tennessee, John French has lived in small towns all across the south and often writes about those influences in his music. He started writing lyrics early, at the age of 13, and taught himself to play the guitar 3 years later. It was a natural progression to combine those lyrics with his own guitar playing style. Over the years, John has built a large repertoire of original music which consists of a unique combination of Americana, bluegrass, and folk.

*John Strauss*

*Juniper*

JUNIPER is the Traditional Celtic/Alternative Folk duo of Frances Pisacane on fiddle and Jasmine Hart, guitar and vocals.  Touring nationally and based in Tampa,Fl. since 1999,  Juniper epitomizes the Celtic influence in American folk music that resonates down through  the centuries. Underscoring its effects in musical traditions that endure to this day, the duo blends genres, seamlessly, creating an eclectic and unique listening experience. Their third CD, "Live From The Appalachians", was voted #3 Celtic Album Of The Year by WNCW in Asheville, NC. Their second CD, "Stepping Stones" was also nominated Album Of The Year.

*Mary Beth Campbell and Friends*

*Mike Handley*

*The Mungos*

*Passerine*

*Patchouli*

Nationally touring, award winning songwriter Julie Patchouli and master guitarist Bruce Hecksel bring their powerful musical chemistry to the Sarasota Folk Festival Stage. Patchouli’s down-to-earth, hopeful songwriting is “New American Folk” blending elements of folk, pop, flamenco guitar with world beat rhythms creating music that is described as “the harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel meet the guitar brilliance of the Gipsy Kings.” 13 years of non-stop touring has honed this classically trained duo into legendary performers, dubbed “the hardest working folk duo in America”. Having just released their 15th CD Terra Guitarra, Dragonfly, Patchouli is as busy in the studio as they are on the road, with 11 CD’s featuring their very own brand of original modern folk music and 4 CD’s under the name Terra Guitarra for their all instrumental Spanish style guitar project.

*The Rhythm Inlet*

TRIBE, The Rhythm Inlet Beats Ensemble -- African, Brasilian, and Cuban beats to boogie by! The advanced students of The RHYTHM INLET in Nokomis come out to play traditional and original rhythm music ensemble pieces with West African Djembes, Bougarabous, and DunDuns; Brasilian Samba Batucada drums; Congas; and all kinds of hand percussion instruments. To join in the celebration of life  -  dance now  -  and call 941-966-5800 ASAP to get involved with The RHYTHM INLET.

*Carl Wade and Something Special* ....and....

*59th Street Bridge* !!!!

59th Street Bridge is the definitive Simon and Garfunkel tribute show.
Keegan Monahan as Paul Simon and Tom Godfrey as Art Garfunkel present an evening in tribute to the great Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Close your eyes and be taken on a journey as you enjoy the immortal music of this iconic 1960s pop/folk duo.
The thought-provoking and sometimes magical lyrics and tunes of Paul Simon and lilting Garfunkel harmonies will take you back in time and leave you singing the songs you grew up with - or were introduce to by your older brother or parent.
From the authentic song introductions from live concerts, the Paul Simon phrasing and pronunciations, to the Garfunkel harmonies. This tribute to Simon and Garfunkel will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

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Jams and Workshops:

These areas give the budding musician a chance to see and interact with the performers up close and personal.