The 2010 Performers:

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Brian Smalley: One flatpicked-fingerstyle-guitar, One soulful-earth voice, and Lots & Lots of energy! That's Bri...he mixes it up with original and standard music, plus stuff that just comes out of nowhere. Funny to bittersweet, and all points in between!

Bruce Brunette and Friends: Bruce Brunette and Friends play songs you and they love!  From The Night they drove old Dixie down to San Francisco Bay Blues, you’ll have fun singing along.  Bruce has performed at the Festival for several years and is joined this year by veteran performers David Buescher, amazing fiddler, Mykal Garneau, lead guitar, and Jim Neary, banjo, mandolin and guitar.  Their great harmonies add to the wonderful music you won’t want to miss!

Chris Kastle: Chris Kastle has been a professional touring storyteller and songwriter for half a lifetime throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. Her performances are a rich blend of original works and those drawn from folk tradition. In 2008 she became Director of Education at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, but has remained a practicing performer.www.chriskastle.com.

Dennis Brock: is known for his soulful interpretations of classic romantic songs from Gershwin to Sting. Dennis shows his “Menace” when he takes on the establishment with his new "Nothing But The Truth Collection". With tunes like "I am The Christian Hypocrite", "Long Boat Key" and "Degenerate Rag", Brock's songs have been described as cerebral and well crafted where every word counts. His cutting edge social commentary attacks many facets of society. "Heroin Chaser" will make you cry and "Ten Months of Appointments" will make you laugh. His distinctive sound is characterized by his self taught free form finger style. Come watch his fingers fly.

Donna Marie Marcantonio: sings songs of spiritual and social awareness with her liltingly sweet, pure, soprano voice. Donna Marie performs all original songs and will be joined by Drew Hudson on guitar and harmony. These two spirits together are truly fitting of the description sweet and simple original folk music.

Elaine Silver: Elaine Silver (A.K.A. "Faerie" Elaine) from Sarasota, Florida, is a seasoned performer, songwriter, touring musician and recording artist with a voice you will never forget. It has been described as stunningly clear, supple, rich and like fine crystal. Originally from New Jersey, she is well-know as the Folk Music Queen, and for many years she has combined her beautiful voice and lively Spirit to present concerts, workshops and children's performances.  Her 17th CD, "Touch the Earth," a collection of 18 songs that celebrate the Earth, the Moon and the Stars, was released last month. www.elainesilver.com.

Hannah’s Whirl: Paul Arnone & Tami Wingard - both Florida natives from Tampa.  Paul and Tami both sing and make beautiful music together.  Paul is a guitarist and songwriter.  Tami plays  harmonica, mandolin and clarinet. Paul's songwriting captures slices of life--the decisive moment, the fleeting emotion, the passing thought.  Per singer-songwriter Mike Jurgensen commenting on their new CD "Headwaters:"   "I listened to your CD on the way home. It is fantastic- great job!..." www.myspace.com/hannahswhirl

Jak Kelly: A Nashville survivor, Jak brings his sweet finger-picking along with his sound and gentle vocal style to our festival this year. It’s easy to relax and let Jak’s music carry you to a very calm peaceful place as he presents his original songs that sound like you’ve heard them somewhere before.

Jim Glover: has been a Yankee folk singer for many years. He says,“ I feel so Lucky to be a folk singer here in sunny Florida, hiding out from the Law and telling State Secrets in music and song!” Like anyone who has lived through trying times, Jim has found that expression through music is a beautiful way to communicate and feel good about  feelin’ bad.  His long neck (5 string) is his weapon of choice, and his 12 string sounds beautiful too.  Jim will be performing original protest songs as well as songs of the Road.

Jim Gromko: Jim Gromko is a very local folksinger. He lives just down the road from the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey. His interest in folk music began when Pete Seeger gave a classroom performance at the grade school he attended in Beacon, N.Y. He performs regularly at folk-friendly venues in Sarasota and Venice. As, our former President of the Sarasota Folk Club, Jim Gromko was instrumental in starting and producing the Sarasota folk Festival for the past 5 years.

Joe Virga: A big man with a big heart and a very big voice. His songs are strong and meaningful. Joe has just released his first full-length CD of original music and will be featuring these songs at the festival.

John R Butler: Funny, funny, funny!! Oh yeah he’s a wise guy!Butler’s songs have been played on terrestrial radio stations in Memphis, Austin Atlanta Minneapolis and San Francisco. His work has also been performed on the Howard Stern Show on Sirius Satellite Radio. His song “hand of the almighty” is on the sound track of the independent film “Who’s Your Monkey” starring Scott Grimes and David Deluise.

John Strauss: We found him at our open mic program. John sings a rich interpretation of popular folk tunes combined with lively original instrumentals. His soothing voice and sweet guitar picking style will remind you of Harry Chapin. Very tasty indeed!

Jubal's Kin: With an eclectic blend of acoustic music and a true love for entertaining, Jubal's Kin is a Florida-based duo that combines pure vocal harmonies and exceptional skill on their respective instruments. The multi-award winning duo, Roger and Gailanne Amundsen at ages 21 and 15 (recently adding their 11 year old brother, Jeffrey, on upright bass) have been performing for about four years together at different venues all across the Southeast. Jubal’s Kin continues to add festivals, coffee houses, other new venues and various competitions to their schedule. They can be found on the web at www.jubals-kin.com

Larry Mangum: Larry is an award winning song writer and performer! "The Last Troubadour" won 1st place at Gamble Rogers Folk Fest 2005, 3rd at Will Mclean Festival 2006. "The Ballad of Dale & Gamble",1st place at Gamble Rogers Folk Fest in 2008. He was a Top 10 finalist at South Florida Folk Festival 2008. He has played FFF, SFFF, Barberville, Gamblefest and Willfest. He is also Co-founder of "Songwriters' Circle, a monthly songwriters' showcase, in Jacksonville, FL.

Mindy Simmons with Hot Pockets: The Hot Pockets are Carolyn Dunn, Annie Murphy and Mindy Simmons. Blending their voices in unique harmonies that brighten the spirit and lighten the heart, these three ladies (well, at least two of them are ladies!) bring fun and inspiration to the stage. You’re bound to know the songs and want to sing along to the music. www.myspace.com/hotpocketsfl

Passerine:  Passerine's sound combines vocal harmonies, crisp acoustic guitar, and the haunting voice of the dobro, offering a fresh take on traditional folk and bluegrass, as well as a repertoire of original songs that range from sweet ballads to the edgier side of contemporary Americana. Passerine is Carmela Pedicini, David Brain, Tanya Radtke and Miles Tweed.  Carmela and Tanya are both established singer/songwriters who have each been leading their own successful bands, each developing a substantial following.  Passerine was formed in order to play more acoustic music, and because Carmela and Tanya love to sing together. 

The Pleasant Family: “We’re not a real family and were not always pleasant!”  But we’re maintaining the tradition of the family band, playing the “old time” music that preceded the bluegrass music of today. The band consists of five members: Lauren Mayeau plays fiddle, Craig Seastead the clawhammer banjo, Chris Frontiero on mandolin, Kevin Donachy the guitar, and Patsy Dollins on bass. (Two time winners of the Florida Old Time Music Championships band competition.)


Rebecca Zapen: Rebecca Zapen won Best Album and Best Song (cabaret genre) in the 2009 JPF Awards, and was Jacksonville's Musician of the Year 2008. Her tunes run the gamut, from whimsical to sentimental, from bouncy ukulele to Appalachian violin to lilting bossa nova guitar. The third generation in a musical family, the classically-trained violinist performs various genres including jazz and folk. A Jacksonville native, Rebecca now lives in Saint Petersburg. www.zapen.com

Richard Culbreath: is a native of Cortez, Florida. He Serves on the Board of Directors, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage in Cortez. Richard plays guitar and has led “The Cortez Grand Old Opry band”, featuring  fiddler “Goose” Culbreath at the Florida Folk Festival throughout 1980’s and 90’s. He has been featured every year in “The Richard Culbreath Group” at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival for the past 25 years, as well as the Cortez Folk Festival. And we are delighted to featured him this year at our festival.

Roy Schneider: A native of Massachusetts, Roy ran away from home at 15 with a few clothes and a guitar. He moved to Florida from Chicago in 2001 and currently resides in Ft. Myers. Roy Schneider is an award winning songwriter and syndicated comic strip cartoonist. He placed 2nd in the 2008 Telluride Acoustic Blues competition. www.RoySchneider.com

Steve Greenberg: Hails from Miami, Florida. Steve has performed throughout Florida, in Virginia and Maryland. His rich interpretations of folk songs and ballads and his off-beat sense of humor have gained him popularity wherever he performs. Steve is known as a lyric vocalist with a powerful and versatile baritone voice.

String Theory: blends Contemporary songs with Traditional, American Folk, Celtic swing, Spirituals, Blues, and Bluegrass. Their performance features a varied selection delivered with an engaging and entertaining acoustic flavor. Members: Ken Parker: bass; D Scott Taylor: mandolin, fiddle, viola, and Vocals; and Bill Stuart: guitar and vocals.

Surf Road Project: SRPis Wayne Alvar on guitar; his sons, Garrett on banjo and Erik on mandolin; and fiddle player Mark Jafrate. This is an innovative acoustic group that will be performing American Traditional Music Folk Bluegrass and more. The Surf Road Project is known for their creative style of playing and providing an upbeat, enjoyable musical experience. SRP on MySpace

Triad: Triad is a new Folk Trio that has formed. The group mixes a wonderful sense of song styling and interpretation, with close three-part harmony. Members of Triad are Doug Purcell, Lead Vocals/Guitar; Carl Wade, Vocals/Lead Guitar; and Barbara Shaffer, vocals/guitar. Joining Triad is Rick Kennedy on Bass, Jenny James on Flute, and Rebecca Zapin on Fiddle.

Tymes Past: Tymes Past is another great husband & wife musical duo. Carl & Betty Ross offer the music and songs from a period of  early America, sung and played simply from the heart. Both traditional and gospel music were an early part of the settling of America particularly in the Appalachias.  Carl plays a long-neck banjo in the traditional claw hammer style. Betty plays a homemade rhythm bass with three strings and a 'plucked Psaltery’ or lap harp. http://tymespast.com

Saturday Evening Concert Headliners

Ishmael Katz and Friends: Using folk, blues and ragtime style finger-picking, Ishmael Katz writes and performs songs about spirit, food and drink, love, and electronics. Ishmael's songs are inspired by selfless acts of kindness and people treating each other in a way that respects their individuality. He is also known to throw in some political and social satire. Performing Saturday evening with Ishmael are: David Buescher on fiddle, Susan Gaar on washboard & kazoo, and Carolyn Dunn on bass. www.ishmaelkatz.com

M.T. Pawketts: The M.T. Pawketts Revue is a group of musicians from the Eustis area featuring an eclectic mix of Americana musical styles with strong vocal harmonies & dynamic musical arrangements. They're nefarious leader, singer/songwriter Jeff Friberg is joined by Wayne Carter, Steve Waters, Billy Jickell, 5-time Florida State Fiddle Champion, Jonathan Hodge & the 'Percussion Gals' of Sherri Hodge & K.C. Montgomery.  The blending of their diverse musical influences makes them a favorite. www.mtpawketts.com

Still On the Hill: No stranger to the Florida folk scene, this will be the first Sarasota Festival appearance for this 'folkgrass' duo from Arkansas.  With a sound that falls somewhere between Bluegrass and folk, Kelly and Donna keep themselves grounded with songs that celebrate their Ozark region. With two new CDs in hand since their last visit to Florida ('Ozark'* and 'Mouthpeace'), this is a great chance to catch up with these traveling troubadours. 
* 'Ozark'-  http://www.stillonthehill.com/ozarkCD/index.html  (Became #1 CD in America on FolkDJ/ Nov. 09)

Zoe Lewis: is described as a cross between Django Rheinhardt and Julie Andrews! Originally from the UK she now resides in Cape Cod and plays jazz, jump jive, Latin grooves, swing, international folk and funk originals on anything from the piano to the spoons. She is wonderfully interactive with her storytelling and will have you smiling all through her performance. www.zoelewis.com

Workshops

A workshop is a chance to see the performers up close and personal.