Will McLean Music Festival Performers
2024
2PM
“2PM Band” is Pete Price, Pete Hennings, and Mike Jurgensen, a trio of talented musicians who blend their varied musical talents into an eclectic mix of material, from original songs, to obscure covers, to well-known standards. With Price on guitar and bass, Hennings on guitar, bass, and mandolin, and Jurgensen on guitar and harmonica, these three performers combine tight instrumentation with pristine vocal harmonies to delight audiences of all musical tastes. "2PM" has released four CDs: “Keepin’ Time”, "Let's Just Play One More", “Writing on the Wall”, and their most recent “Going Back”, just released this year.
Contact: info@2pmband.com Facebook Website Reverbnation
Alana Debow
Alana DeBow was born and raised in Saint Augustine Florida and has called “the oldest city” her home for most of her life. A true folk musician, she finds inspiration in nature, and the stories of people from times past and present. Her hope is to evoke a heartfelt, musical intimacy between herself and her audience
Alivia Hunter
Alivia Hunter is a student at UF studying history. She writes and performs modern folk music inspired by old folk tunes, Greek mythology, and fantasy books. If you’d like to find her music on the Internet, she has an album called “Thoughts about Life” out on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
Amy Carol Webb
She's the girl next door and no ordinary woman, who got her first guitar at age 11 and didn't look back. Likewise, she came to the Florida for the first time more than thirty years ago and knew she was home. From Florida’s rivers to legendary forests of France, from historic festival stages, to the Kennedy Center -- teaching songwriting and voice from kindergarten to university -- inside prison razor wire and outside in the streets in the name of justice and human rights – she raises the roof and lifts our spirits with beauty, grit, and grace.
She started playing Florida Festivals in 1997, with nothing but a cassette tape recorded at home in her Miami Beach apartment. Now, after countless awards, a million miles on the road, fourteen CD’s – two of them tributes to Florida Folk Music recorded in festival campgrounds -- and a calling to Unitarian Universalist ministry, Amy says, “what matters most are the people I love,” in this place my music was reborn.
The press has named her “One for the New Millenium,’ and one of Florida’s “Ten Greatest Folk Singers of All Time.” She just calls herself, the “Songweaver.” Amy Carol Webb revamycarolwebb@gmail.com Website
Aripeka
The band Aripeka is named after the Seminole Indian Leader who successfully defied U.S. Government orders to leave Florida.
The band members have been playing together for over 15 years. They enjoy a variety of musical genres and adapt their music to each venue and audience. Its main goal is to engage the audience and have fun. They choose a variety of songs including some oldies that bring back cherished memories.
Band Members Greg Thomas Tom Lorich Sue Ann Reichelt Herb Reichelt
Art Crummer
Art Crummer is a songwriter who is also a 20-time ribbon winner in Florida Old-Time championship singing, flat-pick guitar, finger style guitar as well as a in the Dobro category. He holds ten BLUE ribbons.
Since 1995, Art has lead workshops in Dobro, slide guitar, Flat-pick and Finger-style guitar, as well as gospel singing.
Art was awarded the prestigious Edward Flemming, Jr. award in 2008.
A Florida resident since 1960, Art is the son of an Appalachian preacher. He has performed with Blues Country, The Don Grooms Band, Ron & Mary Johnson, Charley Groth, Bobbie Lee and the Travelers, Sue Grooms, Spare Parts (a barbershop quartet), and others.
Art is accompanied by Alan Hill on standup bass and Patsy Murray on standup fiddle.
Bear and Robert
Bear and Robert are Cindy Bear and Franc Robert, an award winning singer-songwriter duo
from Jacksonville, FL. Together their acoustic sound has been described as a deep well of Folk, Blues, and
Americana with a high energy Jenais Se Quois! Their catchy melodies, toe tapping rhythms, and soulful
lyrics will touch your heart in many different ways, and will always leave you wanting more.
Bear and Robert together have played Folk, Blues and Acoustic music festivals, house concerts, charity
fundraisers, and venues all over Florida, with Franc branching out to tour from the Southeastern US to
Franc's native Montreal, Canada. Their CD, “Hearts in Blues,” Franc’s solo and band CD’s, and Cindy’s solo CD
“Start Over Again” are available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify, or on their website at
www.bearandrobert.com. Facebook Website YouTube
Bill Metts
Bill started singing playing guitar during the Country Blues revival of the 1960s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. Shortly after moving to Southwest Florida, he was asked to serve on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association. He began writing songs as a result of being asked to host their weekly Songwriter Circle and for four years did so. He also volunteered for “Hope by Song Inc”, a not-for-profit organization, creating songs from the writings of people dealing with great emotional trauma in order to help them heal through the power inherent in music. He has performed at the prestigious Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival, the world famous "Ground Zero" in Clarksdale Mississippi, at the Will McLean Festival in Brooksville Florida and in the BMI sponsored Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. Website Facebook YouTube
Bob Patterson
Bob Patterson is a Florida Folk Music Icon with over five decades of fans, has recorded more than 10 albums, and has published two books. He is an environmentalist, serving as a spokesperson for protecting the wild heart of Florida. He received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Florida Storytelling Association, the ‘Fellow Man and Mother Earth Award’ from the Stetson Kennedy Foundation, and he was a winner in the Best Florida Song competition. In his new book, ‘I Carry My Heroes with Me’, he writes about the people who helped shape his Florida consciousness. These are stories about his heroes and, after you read them, they may become yours.
Carly Bak
Carly is an award winning songwriter, performing in and around the Florida Folk circuit since 2007.
Carly Is currently working on becoming a Certified Music Practitioner. Working with various patients in need of healing therapy, My passion is to reach out to women and children who have suffered abuse and patients who suffer from PTSD. Music has always been my therapy and I know that others will benefit as well.
She is inviting you to join her songwriter’s workshop this weekend. ReverbnationChad Spikes
Chad Spikes is a Florida native and the 2023 2nd place winner in the Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest. His experience in music is varied. He has played and performed in bands since the age of 12 spending the last 20 years in Bluegrass bands. He has opened for national recording acts, performed opera roles at FSU, composed and produced commercials for television and radio including the soundtrack composition for the Emmy-award winning film ‘Exploration Florida. For Chad, music has always been a family affair. His uncles and cousins founded and still perform with the old-time Rock-n-Roll group "The Chaotics". Family sing-a-longs were a regular feature in his life, exposing him to Bluegrass, Rock & Roll, Blues, folk and various other styles of music. His upbringing and passion for life are clearly reflected in his writings and performances, drawing deep from the well of his life experiences. Facebook Website YouTube
Charlie Robertson
Set to memorable arrangements framed with simple but bizarre chord voicings ... heartfelt and subtly inventive vocals, populated with characters whose stories are told by no other and like no other ... the songs of Charlie Robertson are one of a kind pieces that have been spread by word of mouth in whispers, shouts, and standing ovations in the darnest places across the eastern seaboard. Closer to home, Charlie Robertson is revered in the Florida folk community as a true and timeless gem. To many of those who make up his audience, it’s a pilgrimage to attend one of his shows. He is a songwriter’s songwriter and has opened or shared bills with Townes Van Zandt, Jimmy Buffett, Michael Smith, Steve Martin, Tom Paxton, Odetta, Taj Mahal, Steve Goodman, Guy Clark, Waylon Jennings, Doc and Merle Watson, The Newgrass Revival, Roy Bookbinder, and was part of Gamble Rogers hand-picked traveling Florida Folk Revue named "Cassadaga Stories" which included Will McLean.
We share the same language, but Charlie Robertson hands it back to us in a way that we've never heard in stories of people we know but nobody else sings the praises of .... he is brilliant. .. exasperating ... fascinating ... challenging ... the master of heartbreaking hilarity and uneasy listening music and well worth an afternoon of your life! Website
Chris Kahl
Chris is a musician and songwriter that highlights Florida History through his original music. He started performing during the late 1990’s, and after graduating from Rollins College, he continued his musical journey in London for the next few years where he sang in the subways of the London Underground and performed numerous times on the BBC.
After returning to Florida, Chris has been working as an Artist in Residence in Central Florida Schools, and has been involved with the Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar program, 21st Century Art Explorers, and Florida State Touring Roster to bring his Florida songs and stories to students and audiences statewide. Chris has released two Florida-themed albums titled Orange Blossom Memories (2006) and Sunshine Kid (2009). Many of the songs have been recognized in the annual best new Florida song contest, including “Out on Cedar Key” which was one of the winners of the 2009 contest. Chris enjoys singing of the state’s history, and looks forward to carrying on the Florida troubadour tradition for years to come. Website
Chuck Hardwicke and the Hartline
Chuck Hardwicke is a talented singer songwriter, his songs are images of Florida . Song titles such as "Oklawaha Mist", "Drifting with the Wind" and "St John's River Blues" lure you in while the band adds a special magic. The Hart Line consists of three talented individuals who are accomplished musicians in their own right. Karan Newman, mandolin, fiddle, and occasional kazoo; Bill Snyder, upright bass, harmonica; and Dean Parrish, lead guitar. Along with their musicianship, each member of Chuck Hardwicke and the Hart Line contributes vocally, adding to their whole sound. In addition to Florida songs, the band may venture into old-time, swing, blues, old country, and even a Dylan song or two. The group is well known at folk festivals all over Florida. YouTube
Colton McKenna
A Florida native, Colton McKenna has performed throughout the eastern U.S. since the late 90s. Born from an interest in rock, reggae, folk, blues, country, jazz, and classical, his style is a unique blend of percussion and melody. McKenna often performs with a loop pedal and manages to add harmony and depth to his compositions, while maintaining a truly organic sound. Always working on new music, McKenna performs regularly in St. Augustine, FL, where he lives with his wife and three sons.
"First things first, Colton McKenna has got a great voice. His chosen genre, American folk-rock, is wholly transcended by his rich, sweet vocal, and his songs take on extra emotional depth simply because of the opulent timbre with which they are sung. To be perfectly frank, if McKenna sang the phone book, I would still be sorely tempted to purchase the first half dozen volumes. The fact that his songs are almost as good as his voice is a considerable bonus..." -Leicester Bangs Magazine
Corey Hall
Organic, Florida Grown - Folk, Blues, and Roots Music!
Corey Hall shines on stages along the Emerald Coast as an emerging singer songwriter. With inspiration from blues legends Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt as well as iconic songwriters like Bob Dylan and Dave Von Ronk. Corey Hall is a fresh face in the Florida Folk scene & brings the essence of Roots Music alive through charismatic storytelling and earthy fingerpicking .Through his dynamic performances, Corey pays tribute to an earlier era through his music that evokes a bygone era in the present. Corey Hall hales from Panama City, FL. Marcus Haines is on percussion. Facebook Website YouTube Instagram
craig daniel hardin with Solesse
Solesse is a roots band from Tallahassee Fl. Three multi- generational Florida residents and a South Carolina transplant combine to make the sound and soul of the musical romp. Songs of sand and swamp are woven from the relationships and experiences of North Florida life. Facebook |
Dan Gribbin
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Daniel Childs
Singer / songwriter Daniel Childs calls the Florida Gulf Coast home, and has become one of Tampa Bay’s premier solo entertainers. Performing over 250 live shows per year, Childs is known nationally for his dynamic guitar playing, heart-felt singing, and indigenous songwriting.
Having toured the breadth of the United States in concert before moving to Florida, Childs has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as the Bluebird Cafe (Nashville, TN), Puckett's Grocery (Franklin, TN), Elvis Presley's Graceland (Memphis, TN), Bridge Street Town Centre (Huntsville, AL), The Grand Theatre (Rocky Ford, CO), Pioneer Square (Seattle, WA) and hundreds of others.
Daniel’s debut album “Escape” gives listeners a musical taste of life in coastal Florida. His single, “Siesta Key”, won first place in the 2023 Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest.
David Beede & Janet Rucker
David Beede, of Melrose FL, has participated in the Will McLean festival for a dozen years. A singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David performed with his good friend Will McLean and had the honor of doing the hammered dulcimer and bowed psaltery arrangement of "The Courtship Dance of the Florida Sandhill Crane" heard on "Will McLean and Friends Live at Thomas Center" album.A Website
Janet Rucker of Melrose FL is a multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter who performs in many bands including the much loved all girl bluegrass band Patchwork. A distinct and evocative songwriter, who has appeared on many group recordings,
Tim Stevens - of Melrose Florida has contributed his exemplary skills as vocalist, guitar and bass in the groups Dim Lights, Dancing Fish and others. He is also an exceptional song writer.
Dean Johanesen
Dean Johanesen - Circus Swing & American Roots Music deanjohanesen.com Originally from Long Island, NY, now residing in the Sarasota FL area, Dean is a songwriter and guitarist inspired by historical fiction, speakeasy era Americana and the sounds of Hot Club Jazz, Western Swing and American Roots Music in the vein of Django Reinhardt, Bob Wills, & Lyle Lovett. Johanesen’s 3rd record titled “Cautionary Tales” is now available on the website and on all streaming platforms.
Dennis Devine
Dennis Devine, San Antonio, Florida, is a singer, musician, and teacher. He has played music
since he was a "little bitty baby" and has spent his entire life playing Florida Folk Music and
traditional music. He plays several instruments and has been involved in over 25 recording
projects as a musician and co-producer.
He regularly plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, harmonica, penny whistle, and flute with
several groups, and continues to study the rich history and performance of traditional acoustic
music. He is currently a member of St Pete Sea Shanties , Southwind, Crystal Beach String Band,
The 97th Regimental String Band, a Civil War string band that performs at Civil War
reenactments and theme parks throughout the United States and the south. He has performed
and recorded with several notable Florida folk legends including Will McLean, Don Grooms,
Jeanie Fitchen, Mary Ann DiNella and Cousin Thelma Boltin (storyteller), and played with folk
groups New Sand Mountain Wildcats, and Southwind. Website
Doug Spears & the Cracker Collective
With sand in his blood and orange blossom honey in his soul Doug Spears is the finest blend of storyteller, songwriter and musician. A fifth generation Florida native, Doug’s stories and songs have been welcomed on listening room stages, in house concerts and at festival and music venues across the country for more than 30 years. Drawing comparisons to Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, James Taylor and others, his music is heard worldwide on independent radio across the US, Canada, Australia and Europe.
Ellen Bukstel and Friends
From Menopause to Marijuana! …Peace to Politics! …Poignant to Provocative! …Ellen Bukstel writes and sings about it all! This type of happy-sad, life embracing, fear-overcoming emotional schizophrenia truly captures the spirit of modern independent music making—whatever the artist feels in that moment, she shares…and whatever else Ellen is, she’s not shy about it making her audience “sit up and think…laugh til they cry…and sometimes all at the same time!”
Florida Cracker Cowboys
The Florida Cracker Cowboys are three childhood friends from the Tampa Bay Area that combine bluegrass, blues, and old rock in their own ruckus style.
Rory Muñoz, Randy Tucker, Kit Rich
Emmett Carlisle
Florida songwriter who just finished his 8th CD. A collection of original ukulele songs, “Uke the Planet.”
Other Cd’s have the sound of Americana, Blues/grass, and Folk Rock love songs mixed together. Some songs are about the history, environment and characters of the great State of Florida.
Emmett plays most of the big Festivals in Florida including the Will McLean Festival, Gamble Rogers Festival, Florida Folk Festival, Sarasota Folk Festival, Clay County Fair, and many venues around the State. Selected to play the Johnson City Folk Festival, Unicoi, Tennessee.
Frankie J and the Chicken Parade
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What the heck is Frankie Jay and the Chicken Parade?" one might ask. It's a curious group of like-minded musicians with a particular sense of humor and humanity. Frank Julian, AKA Frankie Jay, leads the parade, followed closely by Curtis Wayne Schaper on bass, Pasco Paul Belmore on dobro, Laird Duran on fiddle and Ron Townsend on percussion. At any performance, other musicians may march along with the parade, always in time and frequently providing harmony.
Frankie Jay and the Chicken Parade play music that is a little bit folk, a little bit bluegrass, and a smattering of rock and roll. Frankie is an award-winning songwriter with an excellent voice, who clearly enjoys leading this band of musicians and those that can be persuaded to add to their ranks at various events.
Frank Lindamood
Frank Lindamood has been playing Old Time American music for over 50 years. His love for the music was passed down from his father, a native of the mountains of West Virginia. His weapons of choice are the banjo, harmonica and the resonator guitar. He sings with great volume and little subtlety. His influences are as old as the music itself---Samantha Bumgarner, Roscoe Holcomb, John Hurt and Skip James, to name just a few.
Grace Ohana Smith
Grace Ohana Smith is a singer songwriter and student. She co - authors books with her Shana Smith YouTube
Grant Livingston
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Grant Livingston has been a Florida favorite since the mid-1980s. Upbeat, with an oeat sense of humor, Grant Livingston weaves history and the environment into his songs. He has written about South Florida pioneers Henry Flagler and Julia Tuttle, the invasion of the Everglades by Melaleuca trees and pythons, Halley's Comet, armadillos, barnacles, greyhounds and grey cats in graveyards.
Grant Peeples
A self-described “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR,” Grant Peeples is known for his axe-sharp socio-political tunes, raucous humor and heart-gigging ballads.
He has been a keen observer of the American condition for five decades, ever since a friend introduced him to the music of Bob Dylan. , Peeples turned to writing with a vengeance. He wrote poetry and songs that turned a critical eye on American culture and identity, the very definition of contemporary folk music.
Grant tours coast to coast and has performed multiple times at the Kerrville Folk Festival, The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, the 30A Songwriters Festival, and The Florida Folk Festival.
Hannah's Whirl
Paul Arnone and Tami Wingard joined together to form Hannah’s Whirl in 2003. They are both native Floridians from Tampa. The music is comprised of Paul’s original guitar-driven songs and a sprinkling of cover tunes. Tami accompanies Paul with vocal harmonies, percussion and harmonica. Together they have traveled within the state playing house concerts and the seasonal festival circuit.
Holt & Cabe
Holt & Cabe is a brother duo from Southwest Florida that composes and performs original Americana music. Their unique, tongue-in-cheek story songs take audiences on an acoustic listening journey. Holt (on guitar) and Cabe (on mandolin) have been working together since 2016 and have played on stages across the continental US. In 2017, Their original music has been nominated for New Mexico Music Awards.
They also learned to play other instruments including harmonica, ukulele, foot tambourine, fiddle, banjo, resonator guitar, accordion, saxophone, and more.
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In Good Company
In Good Company is paticularly gifted with harmonies and the use of different instruments. They perform a very polished collection of original songs, well-known folk artist's songs, and select cover songs, including some that you can sing along to! In Good Company members are: Curtis Wayne Schaper on bass and guitar, Lisa Bohn on ukulele and percussion, Ingrid Schaper on guitar and flute, and Mike Worrall on bass, guitar, and mandolin. They all trade off lead vocals and harmony, and swap out instruments for the various songs, which makes for a very interesting and entertaining performance. You can tell that they love to do what they do! You will walk away humming these songs for days to follow. Facebook
J.Robert & Son
J.Robert was born in 1949 4th generation Floridian.
J.Robert’s song “Florida Fiddler” won 1st place in the 1994 Will McLean Festival, thanks to Pete Seeger's fine judgement!
J.Robert’s music is featured in PBS award winning documentary "The Great Florida Cattle Drive,” and PBS film “Southwest Florida’s Mangrove Coast.”
J.Robert has appeared on Folk stages around Florida as a fiddle player with John McEuen, Chief Jim Billie, Raiford Starke, Peter B. Gallagher, Frank Thomas, Jon Corneal and Dale Crider.
Jackson Creek
Jackson Creek Band labels it!s style of music as "fiddle-folk-grass”. It is a dynamic blend of music including… Original folk, very mild bluegrass, a bit of cowboy, gospel, and just plain fun! Many of their songs were written by Joe Waller who leads the group. There is truly something for everyone in their music!!! Jackson Creek has two CDs. The newest "I Wish I Was…” includes many of Joe"s original songs. Website
James Hawkins
HOWDY, My name is James Hawkins and I am a singer/songwriter from Venice Florida. For about 10 years I have knocked around the Florida Folk scene performing in many different venues from coffee houses to a couple of concert halls.
So folks have described my music as a mix of Woody Guthrie and Harry Chapin but I leave that judgement up to you. Since I became a member of the Friends of Florida Folk I have had 8 songs recorded by 7 Folk Artists. Also, I have had the honor of having 3 of my song included on 3 different compilation CD’s. Website
Jane Fallon
Jane Fallon was known to write songs in her playpen, according to her mother. A love of language led her to a career in teaching English and that combined with musical genetics has kept her writing and singing her entire life. She has 8 musical CD’s and three books to her credit and has won many songwriting awards including the Woody Guthrie Songwriting Competition, The American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest, the Will McLean Festival, and the South Florida Folk Festival. Favorite topics include history and the environment. Her songwriting has led her to the Clancy Brothers Festival in Ireland, the Port Gamble Festival in Washington, and places in-between.
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Jeannie Fitchen
As a young teenager Jeanie found her niche in the simple beauty and artistic style of traditional music from around the world. Throughout the years, however, she began to write and record her own songs earning a 1999 Grammy nomination for her CD, Roads, in the category of Best New Folk Album. For her long-standing contributions to the folk cultural resources of the state, Jeanie received a Florida Folk Heritage Award in 2001. For the songs she has written and sung in praise and defense of Florida's natural and cultural heritage, Jeanie was honored with The Fellow Man and Mother Earth Award by The Stetson Kennedy Foundation in 2010. And In recognition of her legacy of performances as a Florida singer-songwriter and for her contributions to the Florida Folk Festival, Jeanie was inducted into the 2016 Florida Folk Festival’s Legends and Legacy Hall of Fame. Facebook
Jennings & Keller
Jennings & Keller is an award-winning nationally touring duo based out of Florida. They offer up 21st Century Americana with influences in folk, jazz, and roots music. They fuse many different musical elements into a unique eclectic style that is refreshingly diverse. Dana Keller, a veteran pedal steel, dobro, and guitar player, has spent years performing on stage or in the studio with such luminaries as Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Stevie Wonder, Larry Graham, Marvin Gaye, Dave Mason, Johnny Rodriguez and The Allen Brothers, to name a few. Laurie Jennings Oudin is a former Shakespearean actress who has spent many years on the stage. Her theater background combined with a lifetime of professional singing gives her an obvious command of the stage as well as the songs she sings.
Jerry Mincey with Tony Macaluso
Born in 1947, I was raised on Hank Williams. The fifties led me to Elvis and I knew from the first time I saw him that I wanted to be him! From gospel sings on my Grandmother's front porch to the rock bands of the sixties that I played in, It has been a great journey. I grew up in Winter Haven, Florida with Gram Parsons, Jim Stafford, Kent LaVoie, Carl and Jesse Chambers just to name a few.
In the early nineties I went back to college, got off the booze,and started writing songs. This opened the door for a whole 'nother part of my story. "Me and Mr. Cole" released in 2000 and "Narcoossee Lucie" in 2006 have helped me to become a successful performing songwriter. I play many festivals including the Florida Folk Festival, The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, The Will McLean Folk Festival, bars, colleges, and juke joints near and far.
Jim Bickerstaff and Friends
As house engineer for legendary producer, Johnny Sandlin, Jim has worked at the top of the music business as an audio engineer for groups such as Widespread Panic, Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit & The Dixie Dregs on releases by Capricorn Records and Warner Brothers Music.
As an independent producer and engineer, Jim worked has with Jupiter Coyote, Chief Jim Billie, Sarah McCulloch, Jeanie Fitchen, Mindy Simmons, Raiford Starke, Joey Errigo, Clyde Walker, Sam Pacetti, Vassar Clements. John McEuen, Bela Fleck, Upsala, and hundreds of other Indie artists.
As a writer and performer, Jim has released three albums of his music, including his most recent release, “Florida” which includes tributes to Chief Jim Billie and Margaret Longhill. Facebook Website
Jim Carrick
JIM CARRICK, St. Augustine Florida’s tried and true troubadour, is a master of the finger style guitar. Jim blends American finger style folk, blues, ragtime, bluegrass, old time standards, jazz guitar, and an overall understanding of finger style guitar into his
body of work. Jim acquired much of his finger style guitar technique directly from Gamble Rogers and is proud to carry on Gamble’s legacy through songs and stories. Jim’s body of work includes unmatched tales of enchantment, love, danger, joy,
heartache, loss, and stories of reckless abandon that occur most frequently during youth. Jim has become a St. Augustine icon, an exquisite storyteller, and of course, a hometown hero to the local music scene.
John Bois
John came to the US with a band called The Dingoes. They were about to go on tour with Lynyard Skynyard when that band’s plane crashed. The Dingoes broke up soon after this and were unheard of until John and the band were inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame. This was because they were credited with influencing such bands as AC/DC and INXS. John became a biology teacher and continued to work on his music. He has completed three albums (available on johnbois.com) and is working on his fourth.
John Dickie IV
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, John Dickie IV is a singer and songwriter currently living in St. Augustine, Florida. As the creative leader of the all original band Collapsible B in North Florida, he is a regular at several events such as the Riverside Arts Market, Barberville, the Gamble Rogers Festival, the Will McLean Festival, the Sing Out Loud Festival, and the Lions Seafood Festival. He also has regular weekly and monthly gigs anywhere from the Milltop in St. Augustine, FL to the Town Pump near Asheville, NC. Reverbnation
Johnny Debt
He survived the tough dirt backstreets of Indiantown. When he went to town, the Church folks shook his hands. When he went to the City, Okeechobee, folks would give him the towns 2 drink minimum. He is worse than Bob Dylan, according to that one lady at the KOA gig, and he's "something else" according the best musician around. He plays 400 gigs a year at every fish camp, biker-bar, honky-tonk, Tiki and dive from Jacksonville to Jupiter, and Ochopee to Okeechobee .... A 1 man band, who weighs as much as your average 3 piece, drinks as much as any college marching band in the land, and is as smart as your average Golden Retriever, but not his friends service dog Ginger. Facebook
Julian/Cherkinsky Orchestra
Julian/Cherkinsky is a new collaboration between Jordan Cherkinsky and Frank Julian
Sometimes known as “Yergie & Schmulie, A fan now, Mo Schneider, had heard Frank and Jordan, as “Yergie & Schmulie” on the Main Stage (The only stage!) at The Farm, in Brooksville, Florida...an infamous, yet lovely place on 47 wooded acres, where musicians flock to play and jam onstage and offstage. She informed, no...demanded in her thick Scottish brogue for them to write “12 Songs in 12 days”, a most ambitious undertaking. even in 6-12 months for most starving singer/songwriters. “You guys sound fantastic up there on stage...you need to write 12 songs in twelve days!!!”.
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Just Folks
Just Folks is the name cause that’s who we are and what we play….. mostly. We love the influences of Old Time music, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell, and Robert Earl Keen… to name a few. With James on fiddle, Dave on dulcimer, Diane and Danna on guitars, and Michael on mandolin, and everyone on vocals we have developed a full sound. With our original songs, there is something for everyone.
Keith Hope
Keith Hope is a 6th generation Floridian. He grew up in Wauchula in Hardee County.
In 1992, he attended the Florida Folk Festival where he met Frank Thomas who mentored him and encouraged him to start writing songs about Florida. Keith releases a cd of original songs about Florida, entitled “Key Biscayne Cowboy.” Later, he released a live DVD of a concert at the Luna Star Café in Miami. He also released his second, two disc, Cd entitled “Florida Hurricane.” “How Strong Your Love Can Be – won first place in a Songwriters Guild of America Song Contest in the pop category. He has performed for many years at the Florida Folk Festival, the Will McClean Festival, the South Florida Folk Festival, as well as other venues in Florida.
Ken Crawford
Ken Crawford has been a lover of folk music of all kinds his entire life. This led him to a career in the arts and music, spending much of his time producing special events throughout the state. Currently he is writing and recording new original songs that speak to the many faces of Florida In previous years, He founded the “Live Literature” visiting author series and “New Folk Concerts” music series, showcasing many of Florida’s most prominent folk artists and singer-songwriters.
Ken Holt
Celebrating 50 Years of music, Ken works daily on writing and recording his own blend of Americana music. Like a well placed reverb, Ken’s life experiences and musical influences shimmer through his lyrics and chords to create songs that are both comfortably familiar and uniquely original.
When performing, Ken’s goal is to engage listeners with an authentic representation of “this is Who I am.” Thoughtful, funny, socially aware, observant; all translate into an entertaining and engaging set of original music. YouTube
Lauren Heintz
Lauren Heintz has weathered more upheavals than she cares to tally. But from uncertainty comes determination, and in her case, it has ignited a passion for the music she loves. Today, Lauren’s fingers deftly weave fretboard melodies that transcend genres, entrancing audiences with each nuanced note and heartfelt vocal expression. Despite her humble collection of first-place songwriting awards (Will McLean, South Florida Folk, and Walnut Valley Festivals), she remains grounded, often navigating between the reassuring shadows of obscurity and the fulfilling spotlight of the stage. Ever grateful, her folk-inspired sound continues to pay homage to the landscapes she's traversed and the people who've left an indelible mark on her soul. Facebook Website YouTube Instagram
Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr
Lee Hunter is a singer, songwriter, rhythm guitarist, percussionist and pianist with a passion for folklore. What you here is exceptional guitar work accompanying clever original songs and traditional tunes pulled from the roots of American music.
Joey, a Florida native, brings impressive musicianship and an extensive knowledge of American music to the duo's sound. Joey has lived many of the things that he writes about.
In 2015, Lee teamed up with Joey Kerr, an excellent guitarist and mandolin player and a fine songwriter in his own right. They are working together on many performances. Website Twitter
Lisa Thomas & the Cracker Cowfolk
Lisa was introduced to the Florida Folk community in 2006 after marrying Frank Thomas. Lisa continues the rich tradition of storytelling in song after promising Frank she would keep his music alive. Lisa regularly performs, with Rochelle Morris and Dora Anne harmonizing with her, at several festivals in Florida including the Florida Folk Festival, the Will McLean Festival, and at Barberville.
Lon & Lis Williamson with Tim Higgins
Lon and Lis Williamson, musical and life partners for over 40 years, are well known around the Sunshine State for their artistry as a duo, blending eloquent harmonies with accomplished musicianship. Add to that their dynamic repertoire of original, oldtime, jazz, swing, and bluegrass tunes and you'll have a show that you're not likely to soon forget. This weekend they are joined by very special guests,Tim Higgins on fiddle and Gabe Valla, their longtime bandmate, will make a special appearance on Saturday. Lon and Lis will also be performing this weekend as members of Doug Spears & The Cracker Collective!
Lucky Mud
Seven years in the early days of Nashville taught Mike & Maggie McKinney what they did not want. The heart of music should not be lost in the business of music. The music that Lucky Mud writes/sings/plays comes from the dirt of their native Florida. Mix that with a little saltwater, sweat and tears and you have Mud, Lucky Mud. Lucky Mud plays SwampyTonk and Folkabilly. Facebook Website YouTube
Manchild
Manchild
Grayson Lagassee
Mark Smith
Whether it’s his song The Memory of Florida Bay on the Everglades Trail driving tour soundtrack or the song Honeymoon in Palatka on major radio stations in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Mark Smith’s music about Florida often gets wide exposure.
Smith, a 4th generation Florida native, gaines much inspiration from the state’s rivers, lakes, estuaries and seashores since childhood, he doesn’t consider himself an environmental writer or eco-troubadour. “I’ve written songs with environmental themes. This is a state of incredible beauty and subtlety and it needs to be appreciated and preserved. But most of my songs are “snapshots”: a glimpse of someone’s life, (including my own) or a moment in history, and Florida is just the setting or context for the story.
Mary Ann & the Girls
Mary Ann Dinella is accompanied by Jean DiNella McCormick, Sabrina DiNella and Miranda DiNella. Mary Ann along with being an accomplished singer, songwriter. also contrubtes her artist talents to the Will McLean Festival. YouTube Mary Ann's Art
Mary Beth Campbell and Friends
Mary Beth Campbell and Friends have been performing at Musical Festivals throughout Florida for approximately 15 years. Their music is an eclectic and spirited blend of original music, including songs about Florida. This year the group will include Mary Beth Campbell on guitar and vocals, Chris Campbell on stand-up bass and harmonica, Johnathan Hodge on fiddle, Billy Jickell on Mandolin, and Mike Gray on guitar and background vocals. They love performing and their passion and love of music shines through all that they do!
Matthew Sabatella
With vocals, guitar, banjo, and mountain dulcimer, Mathew Sabatella connects people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States. He has followed the threads of traditonal folk song, revealing a tapestry of music created by American colonists, pioneers, sailors, lumberjacks, immigrants, ’49ers, farmers, mountaineers, slaves, soldiers, cowboys, railroaders, factory workers, and acvists.
Mel and Vinnie
Mel and Vinnie are singer songwriters who tell stories about the world they see around them. They blend blues, traditional, Tin Pan Alley, pop and Americana finding ballads that touch your soul and make you want sing along. Mel’s clear ringing voice brings lyrics to life while Vinnie’s guitar weaves melodies to frame an experience that stays with you.
Their songbag includes originals, audience favorites, traditional, topical and old timey with songs for all ages. Mel and Vinnie bring songs to festivals, listening rooms, living rooms, taverns, clubs, civic events the street dedicating their lives to leaving this world a little better than they found it.
Mikemac
For the last seven years I have been performing and volunteering at Folk Festivals across the beautiful state
of Florida. A songwriting friend describes my songs and stage presence as “ positive, poignant, thoughtful,
and melodically emphatic”. I am currently writing short stories, new songs and back in school. Practicing
my guitar skills is never ending and always rewarding especially when joining other songwriters during the
nightly song circles.
MWB
Singer/Songwriter Mike Worrall is a very lucky man. Getting to share his songs at some of Florida’s most prestigious Folk Festivals over the last fifteen years has earned him a few fans and kudos for his writing. t He gets to share the stage with some of Florida Folk’s most talented musicians. Bob Bronar, Pete Price & Peter Hennings of as well as Ingrid Schaper & Lisa Bohn lend their immense talents to Worrall’s songs. Songs that will make you laugh, make you think, tap your feet, maybe even get you to shed a tear or two. With outstanding musicianship, great vocal harmonies, and memorable songs MWB will leave you wanting to hear more! Reverbnation
Nora Bear
Nora Bear has been singing since she could talk, and she hasn’t stopped since. After her first performance at a summer camp at the Music Compound at age 8, she was hooked. Since then, she has written a handful of songs (mostly about her baby brother, and the challenges and adventures she faces growing up), and has jumped in in-between “step dude’s” local sets to sing a song or two whenever she gets the chance. YouTube
Passerine
Passerine is Carmela Pedicini and David Brain, Sara Stovall and Doug Conroy. They have been touring nationally since 2012 when they released their first CD. They have been featured performers at music festivals all over Florida and their show schedule typically includes everything from pubs to listening rooms, coffee houses to street festivals, big auditorium shows to intimate house concerts. Combining their diverse musical backgrounds and interests in exploring American “roots” music, Passerine occupies a zone somewhere between modern folk, progressive bluegrass, and what is loosely called “Americana.” They have just completed their 4th full length CD, some of which you’ll hear today.
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra is the #1 Charting International Guitar duo of master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter, guitarist Julie Patchouli.
Patchouli is a folk festival headliner and Public Radio favorite with pure, sparkling lead vocals and beautiful harmonies. Their sound, depth and virtuosity is described as “Simon and Garfunkel meets the Gipsy Kings” and City Pages compares it like “taking a yoga class in a field of running mustangs”. With 22 CDs, 5,000 shows played in US, Europe & Asia Patchouli & Terra Guitarra embody the spirit of the 60's & 70's and the Romance of the Spanish guitar, with their world class music that uplifts & gives hope in a show that “inspires the Human Spirit” - Chicago Tribune.
Patchwork
Patchwork is a 5-piece bluegrass and folk band. Members are Janet Rucker (banjo, guitar and vocals); Cathy Dewitt (guitar and vocals); Annie MacPherson (Bass and vocals); Jolene Jones (mandolin and vocals) and David Cook (Guitar, dobro, mandolin). The band features gorgeous harmonies, as well as foot stomping instrumentals. Get ready for a good time!
Paul Smithson
Paul was immersed in music whenever he would visit family in South Carolina. His uncles were guitar players and singers in the style of Jimmie Rodgers and Woody Guthrie, and Paul learned early on the importance of a good story in a song. His guitar playing was likewise influenced by the fingerpicking style of his uncles.
After reading Gilbert King's The Devil In the Grove, Paul recorded a collection of tunes inspired by
and reflecting the various character viewpoints from the book. This collection of songs inspired a continued interest in Florida history. He later released a cd titled Last Train, a collection of Florida-based songs. He is currently working on new material focusing on the 1935 hurricane.
Peg and Em
This singer-songwriting duo from North Port, Florida have a way of telling stories through their music. As members of “The Peacock Players”, they have expanded their repertoire to include live theater.
Peggy is a prolific writer. She has written over two hundred songs, two books on genealogy and one book of her own lyrics and poetry. Emery has a unique style of harmonica playing that is both warm and sultry. He also plays drums, bass and ukulele to compliment Peggy's gentle guitar style and soothing voice.
Their songs can be humorous and quirky or serious and even creepy, but they are always thought provoking.
Peters Road Swamp Blues Band
The Peters Road Swamp Blues Band has performed at the Will McLean Festival for more than 25 years performing songs by the late Boomslang Swampsinger and others. Featuring songs about Florida and its history together with the Everglades and its inhabitants, Peter’s Road finds unique ways to present its songs and stories. It’s “Swamp Operas” The Sawgrass City Journal and The Everglades Campfire Radio Show have been featured on the Amphitheater Stage at the Florida Folk Festival and excerpts from their newest Swamp Opera Sit back and relax and take a journey through some of the more interesting parts of our fair state. Enjoy the Ride!
Ray Boone
Florida native Ray Boone first arrived in Nashville in the early 80’s. He himself did not come to play music, he came as a music fan and to provide support for his songwriter cousin. His cousin, Larry Boone, was making his mark in country music, as an award winning songwriter and an artist with Mercury Polygram.
Ray’s Florida roots are a mixture of Country, Americana and a new genre, Tropical Rock. His songs, “Mile Zero” and “Islamorada Rendezvous” have entered the top ten on RadioA1A’s Trop 40 with several other songs from his EP rising on the charts.Look
Rick Ferriss
Rick Ferriss has been writing and performing since the late 60s, mostly in the Tampa area. He’s been involved in various music projects, including a 90s duo with violinist Richard Leps, bass backup for Charlie Groth and
others, facilitating a long-standing north Tampa jam, and most recently, R.E.D., a trio with Ellie Schwartz and Dennis Devine. During the covid years, he released solo videos for an eclectic assortment of originals and
covers.
Ron and Bari
Ron and Bari have returned to the stage as a duo. Their musical journey includes the very first Will McLean Festival, the earliest Gamble Roger’s Festivals, as well as over thirty years of appearances at The Florida Folk Festival. It was their profound honor to serve as primary members of the Frank and Ann Thomas “House and Festival Band” for over two decades.
Each “Ron and Bari” festival set or concert experience involves laughter, stories, spontaneous introspective commentary, and toe tapping fun. Our goal and honor is to send you home feeling happier, smarter, and maybe even better looking than you were when you arrived.
Sarah McCulloch
Sarah McCulloch is a Country/Americana singer-songwriter whose sweet and sultry voice cuts through the lush musical productions that have earned her both local and international recognition. She is a crowd favorite at festivals and her last album, Sawmiller's Daughter, received glowing reviews and spawned the award-winning song "Sugartown," which is as authentically Floridian as she is. Sarah is collaborating once again with producer Jim Bickerstaff and outlaw guitar slinger Raiford Starke for an acoustic album release scheduled for March 2024. With her penchant for emotive, nostalgic lyrics and timeless storytelling, her new collection of songs is sure to captivate her ever-growing audience.
Saylor Dollar Duo
Lisa (vocals/fiddle) and Dale Dollar (guitar) are life-long musicians from Tallahassee, Florida. They are inspired by a broad spectrum of tunings and musical influences. They write and perform original music which has been described as “hauntingly beautiful” and “profoundly lovely”. With so much of today's music being created by computers, it's so refreshing to hear songs written and performed by people with true talent. Saylor Dollar are true artists in every sense of the word.” Indie Strong: Saylor Dollar has the musical ability and the great writing to back it up and make the music stand the test of time.”
Scott Jackson
Scott Jackson is a native Floridian born in Miami, Florida. My father taught me how to play the guitar and the banjo at a young age and introduced me to folk and bluegrass music. I started writing my own songs about 5 years ago and enjoy performing them.
Shadric Smith
Shadric Smith is a singer-songwriter originally from Minnesota, but spent most of his life in Iowa, playing in country dance bands and his own groups….the Billy Buffalo Band, the Hillbilly Soul Brothers, and the Frontier Fiddle Band. He recorded his first album in 1978 in Otho, Iowa which could be called “Americana” way before it was invented. It features 14 original country, folk, swing, blues & jazz compositions, and the amazing playing Vassar Clements on several tracks. It led to Leon Redbone’s cover of Shadric’s song Diamonds Don’t Mean A Thing in 1986. He established his own record label called Out Of The Blue Music, and a BMI publishing company called Supposed To Be Music. He has released twenty self produced albums which are available on many streaming services. He plays guitar, piano, bass, mandolin & fiddle.
Shana Smith
Shana Smith made a national name for herself as “Shana Banana,” the award-winning children’s original music “edu-tainer.” Over the years, she has also earned a reputation as a world-class singer/songwriter, with a voice that delves into blues, jazz, folk, and spiritual music as well. Shana has earned many prestigious awards along the way, including: two first-round Grammy nominations, Parents’ Choice, NAPPA, Kids’ First Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, and, in 2004, she won “Best Children’s Song In the Country” by the Just Plain Folks organization.
She especially loves to use music to celebrate our natural love of Life, Earth and the deep connections we have to each other.. Her decades-long mindfulness and yoga practices infuse her shows with love, humor, and kindness. Facebook Website YouTube Reverbnation
Sharon Osuna
Sharon Osuna grew up immersed in American folk music, learning guitar and traditional songs from her grandmother at an early age. Like many of her generation, the folk music "revival" and the 1960s was an inspiration and source of influence as Sharon began creating her own original songs. She began her Florida song writing adventure in the early 2000s and performed at several renowned venues such as the Will McLean Music Festival and the Florida Folk Festival. Sharon also ventured into the Nashville singer-songwriter arena, appearing in several songwriters' showcases at the famous Bluebird Cafe. Having not quit her day job, she is now content to be a shade-tree (or poolside) picker and occasional open mic participant.
Spruce and Tin Can
It started small
From the beginning there was a spark of music in just about everything we did. An impromptu lesson on the mandolin, playing the piano, learning the words to a new song, it all led to making more and more music together. We began a journey that has brought much joy and fulfillment along the way. We hope that you will join us as we continue to explore the world through music and bring inspiration and hope to our listeners.
St Pete Mountain Boys
The St Pete Mountain Boys are wanted for the murder of Bluegrass music, assault on sensitive musical ears, and perpetrating bad banjo jokes upon innocent bystanders. If armed with stringed instruments, consider them extremely dangerous.
These desperate musical outlaws have been picking around the Tampa Bay area for many a year, playing original songs, traditional bluegrass and Mountain Jazz.
St. Pete Shanties
St. Pete Shanties sing the songs that sailors, fishermen, and dockworkers sang,
primarily during the Age of Sail when billowing sails carried people and cargo around
the globe and whalers sailed the oceans in search of riches from the sea.
With a maritime repertoire of mostly traditional songs, the Shanties are not adverse to a
sprinkling of more contemporary pieces. The Shanties have a special interest in music
native to their home state of Florida, which has a rich maritime history.
Steve Compton
Steve Compton started performing at five years old at Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach. At the age of eight he learned how to play the drums at The Salvation Army. He then joined a small band and performed at the South Florida Fair’s very first Battle of the Bands at age ten. He continued into a professional career, playing the drums for the Josiah Lilly Band on a national tour in 1974 and recorded in Denver Record Plant. He came back from Colorado and joined Sonny Bailey and The Country Revolution. They opened up many Grand Ole Opry shows with such greats as Bobby Bare, Jack Greene and Jeannie Sealy, just to name a few.
The Ashley Gang
The Ashley Gang celebrates their 25th anniversary! Singing beloved Florida songs written by band members Al Scortino and Paul Garfinkel, the Gang’s harmonies, instrumental prowess, and on-stage shenanigans have made them a Florida favorite for decades. The Ashley Gang consists of: Al Scortino (guitar and dobro player, vocals, and award-winning songwriter extraordinaire from Sebastian Florida) Paul Garfinkel (guitar and saxophone player, vocals, and 5-time Will McLean song contest top ten finisher including the winning son “The Creek” in 1999) Bob Bronar (lead guitar player - one of Florida’s finest! - mandolin player and vocals) Kay Garfinkel (percussionist, flute player and harmony vocalist) Chris Campbell (Bass)
The Don Grooms Band
Born in 1930, Don Grooms grew up in Cherokee, North Carolina in a Cherokee-Appalachian family, playing a cornstalk fiddle, cigar-box banjo, and $3 guitar. Grooms performed at every WillFest until his death January 10, 1998, just two years after receiving the Florida Folk Heritage Award.
Original members of the Don Groom Band perform his songs the way he performed them.
Remaining band members performing are Wayne Martin, Dennis Devine, Stan Geberer, Dan Peterson, Emerson Gravely, and Art Crummer.
The Dunehoppers
The DuneHoppers have been a staple of North Florida Folk Festivals for the past 20 years. They play a tasteful blend of folkgrass, traditional as well as original music. Through the years there has been several different members. the band presently consists of Mike Elias - guitar, Bob Parsons - mandolin, Kathy Zemameck - Banjo, Allen Hood - Fiddle, and Janine Rainville - bass, Brian Lappin - on Banjo.
The Florida Boys
From Chokoloskee to Tallahassee, The Florida Boys have performed throughout the peninsula of Florida. The Florida Boys perform original Florida Folk songs (I Love Florida, Blue Moon Party and more), traditional Florida Folk songs such as Will McLean’s The Wild Hog and covers of American country classics such as The Cuckoo and Gone, Gone , Gone. The Florida Boys have been performing together for over 7 years. The Florida Boys have numerous videos showcasing their material on YouTube. Facebook
The Little Mercies
The Little Mercies is a folk trio of three singing and songwriting multi-instrumentalists.
Bronwyn Chelette (bass, banjo), Rosalee Walsh (fiddle, banjo, dance) and Shanice Richards
(fiddle, guitar, dance). The three friends found each other through the Tallahassee old time music
and dance scene. With a lifetime of singing and over a decade of experience playing, Bronwyn produces a sound that recalls the high, lonesome mountains of the Appalachians and the deep, still waters of the Florida swamps.
Tina Eno
Tina Eno grew up in a musical family singing harmonies with two older sisters. She taught herself to play guitar and wrote her first song when she was 11 years old and has been performing ever since. Tina’s songs go straight to the heart and her honest lyrics strike a chord with audiences. Tina’s been a regular performer for the past 15 years at Writers Night in Brevard County, Florida hosting two all-female songwriter evenings. She performs in venues around Brevard and in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Too Many Smiths
Linda and Glenn Smith and Mike Roberts make up the acoustic group TOO MANY SMITHS. With strong lead vocals from Linda and Mike, the dual lead guitars of Mike and Glenn-- this group covers a wide range of songs from artists like Gillian Welch, John Prine or Kasey Chambers; to covers of Florida songwriters like Marie Nofsinger, Liz Williamson, and James Hawkins. Add to that the great original songs Mike Roberts has written, and you cover a gamut of styles in mellow modern folk music.
VGO
VGO is an award winning Florida Old Time Music Championship multi-instrumentalist and singer. He can play about 130 instruments and has perfect pitch. His interest in the stories and the history of music led him down the path of learning the classic blues and the music of the Civil War era.