Featured Artists of the Hootenanny Cafe Radio Show

Award-winning songwriter Tracy Colletto crafts emotionally resonant songs that have drawn comparisons to Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, and Joni Mitchell. With a background in classical voice and musical theater, she also draws inspiration from Broadway tunes, American standards, and artists such as Jim Croce, Kate Bush, and Rickie Lee Jones.

Tracy’s songwriting centers on themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and transformation—delivered with a stage presence that is warm, engaging, and uplifting. She has performed at numerous venues in and around Philadelphia, as well as throughout the Southeast and New England, including the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Her music has been featured on playlists at many radio stations, including WXPN’s Sleepy Hollow and BBC Radio Wales.

Her songwriting accolades include: Finalist (Singer-Songwriter) in the Great American Song Contest (2023); selection as one of Nashville Songwriters Association International’s “Ones to Watch”; a nomination for Best Alt. Country Song at the Independent Music Awards (15th Annual); an Honorable Mention in the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition; “Best Indie Female Artist” from Radio Wigwam (UK); and finalist placements in several performing songwriter competitions.

Tracy collaborated with Grammy®-winning producer Glenn Barratt on her sophomore album Chocolate Happy Cake and her latest release, Far Between (2026). When she’s not creating music, Tracy is passionate about wildlife, the environment, visual arts, and travel. WXPN’s Sleepy Hollow’s Chuck Elliott describes her music, “... lyrics sometimes profound but always engaging, delivered in a clear, compelling voice which makes for great listening ...”

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Amy Vanator is a singer and songwriter originally from the Midwest, now located in Muncie, Indiana. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 27 years and is happily a “ boy mom” to 3 busy boys! She grew up singing alongside her father and sisters in various programs and churches, and participated in her high school show choir. Driven by a deep desire to connect with people, she shares her thoughts through her songs, utilizing her own artistry, sync placements, and outside cuts. She seeks to write encouraging, honest, and thought-provoking lyrics with hope-filled, relatable messages. Her musical career incorporates both solo endeavors and collaborations. She is a member of the Nashville, Tennessee-based songwriting group Discover Sooner. Additionally, Amy is part of a 4-piece folk band called Sweet Country & The Dog Biscuits, which she loves dearly. In the band, she sings and plays ukulele alongside her father, Rick Ringger, on guitar and vocals, Doug Kellenberger on bass, and Derek Bishop on keys, banjo, and mandolin. They gig around around all parts of Indiana and recorded an EP of songs as a band as well. Her signature sound, which listeners have described as a blend of Dolly Parton meets Jewel, features heartfelt, folk-inspired melodies that stick in your head. In Spring 2023, Amy was recognized as a Top-10 songwriting finalist at The Gathering In the Gap Festival in Virginia for her song "Your More". Amy also released her first music video in August 2025. The song and video titled, “You Matter” is a reminder that God created us all for a purpose. With that theme in mind, Amy decided to partner with a foundation called Ashley’s Heart For Recovery, helping families of young people getting treated for eating disorders. Amy ran a “You Matter” t-shirt campaign raising enough funds to support a family going through treatment, and selling 50 t-shirts spreading the news that, “you matter”. Amy’s latest musical release, a single titled "Year Of Lasts," is scheduled to be available for streaming everywhere on August 4, 2026. The song was written for her oldest son as he begins his senior year of high school, aiming to encourage others navigating similar transitional periods in life. Amy also plans to release her first full length album by early 2027.

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Neale Eckstein has been chasing music his entire life. He started playing guitar in the early 60s, never dreaming he'd one day be friends with the likes of Noel Paul Stookey and Tom Rush. By the time Neale was in high school, he had formed a cover band that played weekends around Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the band kept playing together through college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Neale gave up rock 'n' roll to become a pediatricv dentist, but he never lost his love for the singer-songwriter music of the 70s. That passion never faded, and over the decades it led him deep into the folk music community as a performer, host, and champion of the craft. He and his wife Laurie hosted house concerts for over 20 years, opening their home to touring singer-songwriters and building a devoted local audience for the kind of music Neale had loved since he was a teenager. Behind the scenes, Neale produced dozens of albums in his Fox Run Studio, lending his ear and his gear to artists including Greg Greenway, Eric Schwartz, and Buskin & Batteau. For years, he was better known as the guy behind the board and behind the front door than as a performer in his own right, quietly helping other people's songs find their finished form while his own stayed in a notebook. That changed in 2024, when at age 75, Neale released his first full-length solo album of original songs, "Never Too Late," a fitting title for a lifelong musician finally stepping into the spotlight. As a member of Fox Run Five, alongside bandmates Tom Prasada-Rao, Matt Nakoa, Eric Schwartz, and Jagoda, he released a 24-song double album, "Holding Out Hope," in 2025. In May 2026, he followed up with another solo album, "Build Our Dreams," proof that for Neale, the music was always worth the wait, and that a life spent listening, producing, and hosting for others was really just the long runway to his own second act as a songwriter.

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Cello-guitar songwriting duo Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt never lose their capacity to surprise. This progressive folk act combines uninhibited musical creativity and mastery with accessible story songs and an oddball sense of humor. Audiences will see and hear things done with a cello they never thought possible, meandering stories as captivating as the music, and hook-filled story songs that you’ll remember long after the lights come up.

Guitarist/vocalist Nathans, from the Philadelphia area, is an award- winning leader in the Philly songwriting community. Cellist/vocalist Ronstadt, nephew of Linda Ronstadt, is a Cincinnati-based cello bandleader, teacher, touring artist, and much in-demand studio sideman.

As an acoustic duo, the two create a compelling musical palate. Ronstadt’s cello lines are reminiscent of the live-layered magic of Zoe Keating, and his songwriting reflects the creative diversity of Paul Simon. He weaves intricate patterns around Nathans’ baritone voice, studied folk meters and dash of irony in the tradition of David Wilcox and Dar Williams.

Nathans & Ronstadt are releasing their fifth album, “Esperanza,” in July of 2026. The title, Spanish for “hope,” reflects a look toward the future during difficult times.”

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By turns heartbreaking, uplifting, and sultry, Loralyn Coles has performed in the Washington, DC area since 1994, singing songs from Celtic, Folk, Jazz, Blues and classic Country traditions, along with her own songs. Her CD, Blue Moonlight, tied with Tom Paxton for a 2008 Wammie award, which was voted on by members of the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA). One of the songs on her CD, Golden Songs, The Water Is Wide, was published in Faith Petric’s Sing Out! Magazine column, The Folk Process, in the 2002 Fall issue. In March of 2026, Loralyn resurrected the song as a lyric YouTube video. https://youtu.be/NEKAXa8re9E

“Hauntingly beautiful”- Jon Stein, radio host of Hootenanny Café.

"her drawn-out notes in, for instance, Golden Songs, The Water Is Wide, give the listener goosebumps…a Judy Collins-esque voice”- Mark S. Tucker, FAME

Loralyn’s holiday song, One Last Letter to Santa, appeared on the 2005 Hungry for Music compilation CD, Holiday Feast 8. In 1999, the Celtic group, IONA, recorded one of Loralyn’s songs, Lark in the Morning, Wild Geese at Night, on their CD, The Sound of IONA. IONA’s 2006 retrospective CD, A Celebration of 20, also contained their version of Loralyn’s song. In 1994, Loralyn was part of the band Calordan, who combined well-loved Scottish and Irish songs with some original ballads. Calordan performed at the Oatlands Celtic Festival, the Washington Folk Festival, and other DC area venues before disbanding several years later. On September 20, 2026, Loralyn will release a young adult fantasy novel, Dangerous Voice, in which a teenage girl must learn to sing or die. Drawing from the lessons she learned on her own musical journey, the vocal lessons in the book are real, but the teachers aren’t human! Since there are magical song battles between the characters, Loralyn is working on writing the songs mentioned in the book.

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Dora Award-winning artist Kunlé (Adekunle Olorundare) is a Toronto-based singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose work draws from the deep well of West African storytelling. Born into a musical family in Nigeria, his music features a powerful interplay between rich vocals, traditional talking drums, piano and contemporary fingerstyle guitar. Kunlé has captivated audiences since the release of his 2015 five-track debut EP ‘Amí N Relé.’ Moving seamlessly between Yoruba, Pidgin and English languages, he balances cultural depth with a soulful, contemporary sensibility, bridging acoustic traditions and Yoruba proverbs to connect with a global audience. His highly-anticipated new album ‘Kunlé – The Journey,’ set for a June 26, 2026 release, kicked off earlier this year with the lead double-single release for Ilé L’àbọ̀ (featuring a new video) and Cabana on March 6, 2026. The songs on ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ were recorded in Kunlé’s studio in Toronto and at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON. It was produced at Catherine North with Kunlé as co-producer and Will Crann (Blue Rodeo, Whitehorse, Feist, The Glorious Sons and more) as co-producer and recording engineer. In recent years, Kunlé’s creative path expanded, shaping the new phase – one that blends music, memory and performance in ways that feel both intimate and cinematic, and culminates into his 2026 seven-track sophomore album, ‘Kunlé – The Journey.’ Kunlé’s 2024 debut at Toronto’s Koerner Hall, performing alongside South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai marked an important artistic moment, placing his sound on one of Canada’s most prestigious stages. Theatre credits include a 2024 Dora Mavor Moore Award win for outstanding production and a nomination for outstanding sound design and composition for Soulpepper Theatre’s ‘Three Sisters,’ a nomination for the 2022 Premier's Awards for his role as music director, composer and performer in Stratford Festival’s ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ and guitarist for the Canadian Opera Company’s 2024 opera ‘Aportia Chryptych.’ Plus, his composition “My Little Fingers” won the Folk Music Ontario Award for best instrumental in 2015, leading to endorsements from Furch Guitars and Stonebridge Guitars. Reviewers often note Kunlé’s warmth and endearing presence onstage. Mike Hill, former Artistic Director of Mariposa Folk Festival, wrote, “Join Kunle as he leaves you basking with gentleness and optimism.” And after watching him perform at the 2015 Mariposa Folk Festival, the legendary Gordon Lightfoot exclaimed to Kunlé, “You are meant to do this. Don’t stop!” The 2019 Just Music Concert Series, Accra Unplugged, Accra, Ghana offered concisely, “Afro-Folk Prince.” “Kunlé, originally from Nigeria, was totally engaging.” – veteran promoter Richard Flohil, Artists You Should Look Out For, Stories from the Edge of Music, March 7, 2025.

“...he settled in Canada in 2014. ...Almost immediately, he was booked to play the Mariposa Folk Festival, prompting him to record a five-song EP in 2015.” – Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, June 4, 2023.

A celebrated live performer, Kunlé's collaborations include working with Juno Award-winning artists such as Töme, sharing stages with acclaimed artists like Julian Taylor and AHI and international touring as guitarist for legendary Canadian blues vocalist Shakura S’Aida. His dynamic sets have captivated audiences globally at events like Germany’s Africa Day Festival, Summerfolk, Mariposa and the Peterborough Folk Festival. Building on this rich history, his eagerly awaited 2026 touring season starts with his album release concert on June 25 at Toronto’s Small World Centre, and features landmark appearances at the prestigious Mariposa Folk Festival, Theatre Collingwood's Porchside Festival and the 28th annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival—solidifying his place as one of Canada's most vibrant and yet deeply rooted artists.

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Avalanche at Dawn has two core band members, Paul Gross and Diane Guernsey. They're joined by additional members, depending upon the venue or the recording session. Here's the band's story, as told by Paul:

"After graduating from college, I kicked around the country for a few years with my guitar, hoping to achieve success (i.e., earn enough money to pay the rent) as a singer-songwriter, just like Carole King, if she were playing a guitar and harmonica. When that didn't pan out despite my best efforts, I returned to to school, took some science courses and ended up going to medical school. I figured my musical career was over.

"Meanwhile, I met Diane, a classically trained pianist who like me had also found that the music was, as she puts it, 'a good stick, but a bad crutch.' When we met, she was about to begin a publishing job with Town & Country Magazine, where she eventually worked her way up to senior editor.

"Years later, after we'd married and had two daughters, Diane actually did start making a living at music--as a piano instructor and vocal coach--at Manhattanville University."

When did your musical collaboration begin?

"Diane and I always enjoyed singing together, and one day, years into our marriage, we were performing at a block party. A bass player who was listening said, 'Hey, you guys are good. We should play together.'

"And so we did. A third vocalist joined us and voila! we had a band, performing songs I pulled out of the trunk, songs I'd written years before. We started playing local venues.

"And then, to my surprise, I started writing songs again. Even more surprising to me: The songs were better than the ones I'd written in the past, when I'd been desperately trying to become the next Carole King.

"Avalanche at Dawn was born nearly twenty years ago. Since then, we've released three albums--most recently Where the River Flows, in April of this year. Our songs have been played on WFUV--90.7 FM, a New York City radio station that features contemporary singer-songriters, classic rock and everything in between. We've performed in local pubs and clubs, on summer stages and at music festivals."

What's your music like?

"In my songs I aim for something Beatlesque--melodies that are tuneful, with interesting chord changes, and lyrics that are immediate, with imagery and meaning. It can take months to finally get a song right. Some people also say we sound like Fleetwood Mac.

"Diane and I both love great vocal harmonies, and vocal harmonies, which Diane arranges, are a big part of our sound. Diane's keyboard licks and fills also provide our songs with a unique flavor. When recording, we've had the good fortune to collaborate with terrific musicians who've worked with the likes of Little Richard, Dizzy Gillespie, Sting, B.B. King, Cyndi Lauper and the Temptations.

"If you follow this link to our album Where the River Flows, you can listen to a clip of every song and find the album on your favorite streaming platform. Here's a YouTube video of the album's title song."

What if people would like to learn more about you?

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“A gifted and talented artist…Madden is the consummate performer, moving easily between emotions. While “Sycamore” evokes a hauntingly beautiful image, “Rollercoaster” is just silly fun taking everyone for a ride!” Madden’s words are exquisitely crafted and a perfect fit for the tunes she’s written. Everyone will have to pick out their favorite, and this album has many to choose from!” Brian Burd-Host of Brian and Fran’s house concerts

Singer-songwriter Mary J Madden is a folk-inspired artist based in Santa Barbara whose music blends heartfelt storytelling, rich vocals, and soulful harmonies. Drawing inspiration from nature, human connection, and the beauty of the human experience, her songs are crafted to uplift, heal, and bring a sense of peace to listeners.

Born and raised in Southern California, Mary was a middle child with 8 siblings. Her oldest brother bought an old piano when she was nine years old. He never did end up playing it but Mary fell in love with it right away and began her journey as a lifelong creative musician. Classically trained as a pianist from the age of nine, Mary brings musical depth and emotional authenticity to every performance. Although she studied classical music, her style reflects influences from iconic artists including Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, and Joan Baez while maintaining a sound uniquely her own. Her 2023 album Wild Serenity showcases an eclectic blend of folk, Americana, and acoustic storytelling, featuring songs inspired by the natural world, love, resilience, and spiritual reflection. Whether performing intimate acoustic sets, songwriter showcases, or radio appearances, Mary creates an atmosphere that is warm, genuine and deeply connected.

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Prior to a career in music, Joe Peters was an academic in natural resources management, teaching & conducting research in South America, Africa & Asia. Upon retirement, he began writing & playing his songs at open mics, restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, fundraisers & other venues in his native Indiana. Joe grew up in the American Midwest during the turbulent times of the 1960s & 70s, & his songs hearken back to a time when the youth of the planet sought the experience of peace, love & adventure & expressed this search in their music. Through his music, he has tried to rekindle in others that spark of the seeker of truth on a spiritual journey that was awakened in him long ago by the songs of introspective songwriters & recording artists.

After hundreds of shows, Peters moved to California in 2016 where he continues to perform in the Bay Area, now with his band Slow Train. Peters has released 20 albums of original songs, mostly folk, rock & Americana genres.

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Karen Kamenetsky is a singer-songwriter, author, and host of the Fig Tree Coffeehouse in Morris Plains. Karen has been writing for as long as she can remember. At first, she wrote poems illustrated with ink and watercolor drawings, then she wrote stories and sold them to Highlights for Children, Young Miss (YM), Children's Digest, and Story Friends magazines. She sold articles for children to Cobblestone and Health Explorer magazines. Later, she wrote lullabies for her own children.

When she was fifty-two, she wrote a song in memory of her sister Christine. She played that song at the Riverside Rhythm and Rhyme open mic in Beattystown NJ, where she connected with Renee & Clark Paddock. With her dear friend Phil Landis on lead guitar, Clark on bass and Renee on fiddle, they began performing Karen's original songs, as Karen Kamenetsky & Friends, at coffee houses, music festivals, farm markets, and one "Great American Roadhouse", The Stanhope House, in Stanhope, NJ.

Karen's first CD, Every Day Matters was recorded in 2011, her second, Sing With Me, a collection of children's songs, was recorded in 2012. Songs from her third album, With This Flame, have been playing on Sirius XM Radio's Hanukkah Channel, Jet Blue, United Airlines, and in some unidentified elevators, every year since its release in 2013. Her songs have also been featured on the Woman of Substance Radio Podcast.

Karen has appeared on WRNJ, and has been interviewed by Mel Thiel on WNTI, Ron Olesko on WDFU, and Joltin' Joe Pszonek on WMSC radio. She appeared with The Friends on the "Horses Sing None of It" Cable Television show (#537, 3/14/2012) and appeared solo on The Songwriter's Gig podcast (Episode #23).

In 2020, Karen retired after forty years as a pharmacist and began one of her "bucket list" projects - writing a "cozy" mystery novel. The first book in her Sam Cook Musical Myster series, Stage Frightened to Death, was published in November 2026 and is available at Amazon and at www.karenkamenetsky.com. It features five original songs, which are performed in the story. QR codes in the paperback and links in the eBook connect the reader to recordings of the songs by local and regional artists, including Chasing June, Alex Radus, and Chelsea Carlson.

Karen appears regularly at listening rooms around New Jersey, including the Sacred Bean Coffeehouse in Flanders, Cafe Artiste in Ocean Grove, and Cafe Improv in Princeton. She has also appeared multiple times at both the Rhode Island Songwriters Association Song Writers in the Round showcase, and the Sunday Singer Showcase Series at the Edenville General Store in Warwick, NY. In April. she was one of three artists featured at the Skylands Songwriters Guild Songwriter Spotlight Series. Her appearance on the Folk Project's Horses Sing None of It show (number 537) can be found at www.Folk Project.org. She has performed her Story Songs program of original songs based on Jewish Folktales, Talmud stories and holidays, for synagogue groups in Morris and Essex County NJ.

Music, videos, and information about upcoming shows, her second book, and other fun things can be found at “Karen Kamenetsky Music” on Facebook, @kjkam75 on Instagram, and www.karenkamenetsky.com

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Alex Radus is known as a “versatile crooner” and a “skillful fretman”, but his songwriting takes center stage. Known affectionately for his unique brand of genre whiplash, Alex pairs whimsical, poignant storytelling and soulful vocals with an eclectic mix of Americana, swing, blues, folk and more. Alex’s most recent release - Where Liberty Lives - “is the kind of song that reminds you what folk music was always meant to do. Timely, tender, and absolutely necessary.” Rock the Pigeon Music Blog. Alex has performed and co-written with John Gorka and has shared the stage with national artists such as Darrell Scott, Livingston Taylor and Jeffrey Gains. He was selected as a “Most Wanted” emerging artist for the 2025 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Alex hails from Pennsylvania’s artistically rich Lehigh and Delaware River valley region where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Photo By Tina Pastor

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The story of songwriter-singer Samantha Elin tells of how a legal editor by day, steeped in punctuation and case names, let her imagination run wild, picked up a sunburst guitar, and let her musings, passions, sorrows, things read, things wondered, and experiences all meld together to become songs. A real-life Valley girl from L.A., she spent her teenhood riding her bike to the Sherman Oaks Galleria, burying her nose in novels and plays, and dancing to CDs, FM radio, and her parents’ records—hundreds of folk albums and musicals. Shimmying, twirling, and sitting for hours with giant headphones blasting Gordon Lightfoot, “West Side Story,” “Annie,” new wave, Bowie, and Sinatra were her passions. The music that made the greatest impression, that made her fall in love with folk, was an album of Joan Baez covering songs like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Dangling Conversation.” The beauty of it all was pretty earth-shattering. The latter song led her to Simon and Garfunkel, heaven to her ears, and later, Paul Simon’s solo works. Could anything be better, she wondered. The years ticked by, and still she danced and read and dreamed of a life in environmental investigative journalism. Never imagining creating her own lyrics or music, she went off to get a journalism degree and wrote copy for nonprofits, before becoming a technical editor. Friends introduced her to Americana, from Rodney Crowell to Lucinda Williams, and the music tapped into that folk she had loved long ago. And suddenly, out of nowhere, she started writing lyrics. Hokey at first. But they started to improve. Then she saw Merle Haggard play in Bakersfield. And the next day, she couldn’t explain it, but she had to buy a guitar. Then came the melodies. The songs piled up—country, eclectic indie-folk, bluesy-folk, folk-rock, folk-pop. Story songs with linear narratives, abstract impressions, love songs, protest songs, completely made-up characters, tales based on newspaper blurbs. She fell in love with studio recording. Two CDs were released simultaneously—“Blue Plate Special” and “Late Bloomer.” She sang lead on some tunes and left some for others to sing-- musicians she’d met, like John Cowsill of The Cowsills family band and Hirth Martinez, a prolific jazz/folk singer who’d written songs with Donald Fagen. She collaborated with Danny Faragher, who’d been in multiple ‘60s and ‘70s bands, and noted bluegrass guitarist Howard Yearwood. One of L.A.’s leading musicians, Bob Gothar, has worked with her on much of her music, as an arranger, multi-instrumentalist and co-engineer. Tom Feher from The Left Banke heard her at a weekly hootenanny and invited her to be part of a one-time jug band concert at the Urban Homestead, a renowned organic farm in Pasadena. Homemade Jam morphed into a Tin Pan Alley and blues band with retro originals thrown in and a local following. Elin tap danced, played percussion and sang. She later spun off a similar band called The Knobby Knees, inspired by a photo she saw of herself on stage. In 2023, she turned to caregiving for family. She kept writing and recently has returned to recording. She’s been a multi-category finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest, and in 2022, one of her songs won Best Lyrics, and in 2025, Best Retro song. American Songwriter magazine has honored her with a first-place Best Lyrics award and featured her in a full-page Q&A. She looks forward to releasing more music over the next year.

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"Jackie Morris has such a warm, engaging voice. She could probably record almost any song and it would be entertaining." - Paul Riley, Country Music People.

Since releasing her first of five albums in 2005, singer-songwriter Jackie Morris has earned a reputation for memorable “story songs” that combine traditional Folk and Americana styles with contemporary themes. She is best known for her insinuating melodies and her way with words – lyrics laced with humor and irony, sometimes poignant, occasionally political, and frequently thought-provoking – as well as an uncommon vibrato whistle.

Her voice is consistently described, as J.W. McClure (reviewer for Victory Music) put it, as “soft and warm, and she seems to be smiling through the delivery ... the perfect medium to deliver some clever, punchy lyrics.”

Jackie grew up in New York City, where her earliest musical influences were folk icons like Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan – as well as her father, who played a cool ragtime piano, as well as tangos and Viennese waltzes ... and yes, was a consummate whistler! Later, of course, she came to admire contemporary legends like John Prine, Judy Collins, Simon and Garfunkle, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and countless others. But the result is that each of her albums reflects a vibrant mix of blues, ballads, bluegrass and folk-rock, Americana, Country Western, and some old-time, good-time rhythms. And despite the varied styles, all demonstrate the humor, wit and refreshing vitality that put her music among Top Albums of the Year on both Folk and Americana Radio Airplay charts.

Adding to this success was the accompaniment of some truly inspired instrumentalists. In her late twenties, Jackie moved to California, where she ultimately settled in the small seaside town near Santa Barbara. There, she was privileged to record with such virtuosos as the late, great Kenny Edwards (co-founder of the Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt) on guitar, bass and mandolin ... fiddler Gabe Witcher (of the Punch Brothers) ... bluesman Alastair Greene (guitarist with Alan Parsons) on resonator guitar ... and David Piltch (bassist to k.d. lang). Her last album, "Periscope Heart," also features renowned guitarist Ed Tree (Spencer Davis, Rita Coolidge). And all five albums display the multi-instrumental wizardry of David West (formerly with Kate Wolf and the Cache Valley Drifters) on guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro and bass.

Jackie performed locally on the Central Coast of California for many years, appearing on “The Roadtunes Sessions” on KCSB (Santa Barbara), where her first album was a pledge drive selection. She had the honor of having her third album named among “favorite albums of 2011” by long-time DJs Bill Hahn (WFDU) and Lilli Kuzma (WDCB). And in October 2014, she was the featured artist on Jon Stein’s Hootenanny Café, WTBQ.

In 2013, Jackie moved to the south of France, where she lived every summer until 2021. There, she did a series of benefit concerts to raise money for medical supplies for Syrian refugee children. She also released a music video in 2015, shot in the south of France, featuring her popular single, “Bon Appetit” (available on her YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@jackiemorris3669).

Her most recent release, The Vote Song – an inspiring rally song with an energizing raggae beat – has already been played at a couple No Kings rallies in California.

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Join The Hootenanny Cafe Radio Show once again for our special PETE SEEGER BIRTHDAY SHOW. This year, his daugher, Tinya, joins us to share some of her favorite songs and stories. These days, in particular, it's important to reflect on the life and times of this genuine hero and to wonder. "...what would Pete do". Pete was certainly beloved by so many around the world and left behind an amazing legacy. Several people submitted songs for the cause!!!!

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Andrew Lorand's songs have been described as "intelligent, witty songs, some serious, some hilarious, and some a touch of both" (-Oregon Public Radio). His band, 'Puppets of Castro' has released four albums, with contributing vocals from such singer/songwriter stalwarts as Darryl Purpose, Matthew Mars, and Steve Sills. Lorand grew up in suburban Los Angeles reading Lenny Bruce and listening to Tom Lehrer, resulting in a somewhat skewed musical perspective. An eclectic satirist and keen observer of the humor and pathos found around the darker edges of the human condition, Lorand takes his listeners on a frequently humorous, and often contemplative ride. Dan Bern (Walk Hard-The Dewey Cox Story) describes Lorand's music as "catchy philosophical pop that ranges from radio friendly rockers to tunes that could be a Murakami short story set to music.” The band has maintained a loyal following and a presence in college radio for years. Puppets of Castro albums are available on Spotify and Apple Music.

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Often compared to Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Norah Jones, Marks continues to prove why those comparisons endure. Her songwriting feels lived-in and generous, shaped by decades of experience not only as an artist, but as a community builder and heart-centered psychotherapist. That emotional fluency runs throughout her 16th studio album Queen of the Angels—it knows when to speak and when to simply sit beside you. Beyond the studio, Marks is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy, a multi-award winning singer songwriter, co-founder of artist alliance group Women In Music Gathering, leader of the International Singer-Songwriter Association Boston/Northeast Chapter, and served as Vice President of the Boston Association for Cabaret Artists or 15 years. Her life’s work—on stage and off—has been devoted to amplifying voices and fostering meaningful artistic spaces.

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Jeff Karoub lives a life of words and music in Michigan, mostly in and around Detroit.

The place informs and inspires him—he wrote a song about it and his family’s century-plus within it. “Made by Motown” serves as both a tribute and declarative statement for the music he makes and calls “rhythm-and-roots folk.” It garnered praise from Acoustic Cafe creator, producer and host Rob Reinhart, who said, “I really like the story—I really like the song!” A fan said it gives him “a reason to want to be a Detroiter.” Both matter a great deal to Jeff and the music and community he seeks to create.

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is a melding of Motown, northern Michigan and the Middle East—the “roots” he brings to bear in a catalog of five albums and multiple singles that have earned him interviews and airplay on radio stations and stages across the globe. His releases have snagged the coveted “Folk Fave” designation by Lilli Kuzma, a Chicago-area radio show host. She also selected him to perform a “folk showcase” at 2015's Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) conference.

The son of a French horn player who graced the Detroit Symphony Orchestra stage and Motown Records studio, Jeff mines song ideas from both his family’s history and the people and places he has chronicled as a longtime journalist and author. He was chosen as a featured performer during The Big Read Dearborn 2018, a National Endowment for the Arts-funded program exploring immigrant experiences through culture and literature. In 2022, he performed two sets at the Kaustinen Folk Festival in Finland, the largest gathering of its kind in the Nordic Region.

Jeff got his musical start on violin, with his earliest instruction as a preschooler at the Detroit Community Music School, and his first big gig came while in elementary school: A production of Benjamin Britten’s Noah’s Flood. A couple years later, he joined a youth orchestra composed of U.S. and Canadian members and worked his way up to associate concertmaster. He traveled with the ensemble to Banff, Alberta, for a festival of Canadian orchestras. He also took up the alto saxophone, and that led him all the way to Michigan State University’s Spartan Marching Band. One of the highlights from that experience was performing at the Rose Bowl. He now plays sax with his daughter in Michigan State’s Alumni Band. A full circle moment, for sure.

After college, he pursued a career in journalism but kept going and growing with music. He wanted to write and perform songs, so he bought an acoustic guitar and built on the 3-4 chords he picked up playing around on other people’s axes. Later, he added mandolin to the mix and a touch of keyboard. Now, the fiddle is mainly used in the service of his roots-folk music, but he’ll still answer the call on occasion to play a “classical” church or community gig.

His songs also have served as theme music for podcasts and social media pieces produced by the University of Michigan and The Associated Press. He has worked at both institutions as a writer, and it was a thrill for him to merge his music and journalistic worlds.

His band, Jeff Karoub and Garrison Corner, frequently performs around Detroit, including sold-out shows at the Trinity House Theatre and Fair Lane, Home of Clara & Henry Ford, as part of its Fair Lane Music Guild concert series. They perform original music by Jeff and the band’s lead guitarist, George Luckey. George is a native of Tulsa, so they like to say they specialize in “Americana with Michigan and Oklahoma accents.”

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“I had forgotten who I was, and writing these songs was my way back to reclaiming my voice” This is singer-songwriter Aimee Van Dyne's account of her journey back to music, chronicled on her 2022 album, 'Broken Love Songs,' a collection of songs whose "loosely connecting thread is that of going into the wilderness and emerging intact" (NY Music Daily). Submerged in that wilderness, Van Dyne examines the dark entanglements of failed relationships, acknowledges the pain of lost love and misguided trust, and ultimately concludes that "on the other side of dark comes the light."

Conceived after a ten-year hiatus from music, 'Broken Love Songs' was written during a tumultuous break-up coinciding with a life-altering move from New York City to the Berkshire Mountains. Recorded remotely during the pandemic, the album was co-produced by multi-instrumentalist Jim Henry (Tracy Grammar) and features a first-class team of musicians, including Jon Carroll (Mary Chapin Carpenter), Paul Kochanski (Lori McKenna), and Jon Graboff, (Ryan Adams). The tunes, acclaimed as "songs of durable beauty and intricate craftsmanship” (Alan Young, Lucid Culture) are characterized by strong melodies, catchy hooks and three-part harmonies, reflecting influences such as Neil Young, The Beatles, and Lucinda Williams.

Born into a musical family, with both folk and classical influences (her Mezzo-Soprano grandmother performed at Carnegie Hall), Van Dyne began writing songs while still an art student at Brown University. A few years later, while studying architecture at Cooper Union in New York City, Van Dyne began applying the layering techniques she was experimenting with at school onto her music, creating multi-textured sounds from simple vocal and instrumental tracks. However, it wasn't until she was in her thirties that Van Dyne “officially” began her music career, releasing a 5-song EP, "Owning Up" (2001) and performing with her six-piece band at venues such as The Bitter End, The Living Room, and Arlene's Grocery. Around this time, she also became a member of the acclaimed female singer-songwriter collective, "The Chicks With Dip."

Since then, she has gone on to be an award-winning songwriter, with four different songs off of BROKEN LOVE SONGS receiving accolades from The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, the International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA), and the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Van Dyne and her band currently perform throughout the East Coast.

Photo by Amaru Photography

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Singer-songwriter Doug Mishkin has just released his third album, “Tip of the Spear.” Doug is best known for “Woody’s Children,” his song celebrating the legacy of Woody Guthrie. Doug says he was “born the night my mother took me to my first Pete Seeger concert” and then “came of age at the campfire where I first heard the songs of Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, Peter Paul & Mary and the rest of that crew. Those songs spoke to me—and they still do.” Doug’s music flows from that tradition. The title cut of “Tip of the Spear” is an appeal from God to the human race. That new album includes “If They’d Been Black,” a song about January 6th; “Reading Names (George Floyd); and “Save Your Prayers,” a song about gratitude, empathy and people who lack both. Doug’s musical interests range wide. He pleads guilty to being under the influence of the great lyricist Yip Harburg (“The Wizard of Oz,” “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Brother Can You Spare A Dime” and many others). You’ll hear that influence on his latest album in songs like “Smitten” and “Our Cardiac Condition.” Doug’s songs are also personal—whether about love remembered (“Suite: Sweet Sycamore Street”), friends lost (“Pour Me Another Year”), the joy of grandparenthood discovered (“Who Knew” and “The Delicious Part”) or of being home at last (“Egremont”). Doug has previously recorded two albums, “Woody’s Children” (1986) and “Climbing That Ladder” (2008). On the latter, Doug recorded Peter Yarrow’s “Sweet Survivor” accompanied by Peter, with whom Doug has performed. Yarrow wrote: “[T]his version of ‘Sweet Survivor’ …is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard. I’m most proud to have recorded it with him.” Doug’s music has brought him accolades from some of our most distinguished folksinger-songwriters: Tom Paxton: “Doug Mishkin gets what folk music is all about and he passes it along with energy and humor. He is a splendid and engaging performer. You will love him.” Tom Chapin: “Don’t miss Doug Mishkin. He is a great singer, performer, song-leader, story-teller, musician and a longtime friend with whom I have shared many a stage.” Christine Lavin: “Doug Mishkin is one of the top singer songwriters working today. It has been an honor to share the stage with him at Lincoln Center’s Merkin Hall more than once. All of his songs have the unmistakable ring of truth that all songwriters strive for, but Doug achieves every time. And he was born with a beautiful singing voice, which makes his performances all the more stirring and pleasurable.” Peter Yarrow: "Outside of Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, I have seldom sung with someone who is so heartfelt, empathetic, and who carries on the tradition of folk music with such sensitivity and taste.  Besides that, he has a beautiful voice. Doug is a rarity. He successfully pursues a career as an attorney, a teacher of law and stalwart advocate for justice in this arena and, in my opinion, it is this conjunction of activist lawyer and folk singer that makes him so compelling a performer. He walks the walk as few others do and therein lies his enormous appeal to our hearts as well as our ears.” Noel Paul Stookey: “…though I owe a great deal (a livelihood as well as an ethic) to woody, pete, josh and the members of the ‘family,’ I don’t think I ever quite felt the legacy as much as I did singing [Doug’s] song [Woody’s Children] on stage.”   Neal Shulman (of Aztec Two-Step): Doug is a talented and engaging performer who brings wit, substance and heartfelt conviction to his music.

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Crowes Pasture is a New England–based folk/Americana duo featuring Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin. Two-time nominees for Roots Act of the Year and winners of the International Acoustic Music Awards’ Best Country/Bluegrass Song in 2024, the duo inspires audiences with intimate, harmony-driven performances that that reflect a mutual passion, sense of discovery and celebration of life. Their banjo-guitar interplay and soulful songwriting have earned them a loyal following and acclaim from Americana Highways as “a wholly vintage vocal parfait” with “a genuine instinctive unifying feel.”

Monique and Andy have been together in life for 20+ years. Their musical projects have ranged from founding the 75-member intergenerational folk chorus (www.NewtonFamilySingers.org) to working in a five-piece Americana band to launching Crowes Pasture in 2015. With their two kids somewhat “launched” (i.e., in college, only home periodically for laundry and food), Crowes Pasture has been able to tour a bit internationally (England, Scotland, Canada) and broadly throughout the US over the past couple of years.

Audiences enjoy songwriting that addresses topics ranging from social justice to family life to lifelong personal growth. As one reviewer put it: “’Don’t Blink’ is certain to be an important anchor as I contemplate the rest of my journey. This is deep stuff.”



In addition, Crowes Pasture has covered such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Mary Gauthier, the Cure, the Talking Heads, Simon & Garfunkel and Bob Dylan – not by imitating, but rather by re-interpreting each song in a distinctly Crowes Pasture style, to create something new and uniquely expressive.



Crowes Pasture was nominated for ROOTS ACT OF THE YEAR in the New England Music Awards (2022 and 2019) and AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR in the Boston Music Awards (2019). The duo's single "Slow it Down" hit #1 (June 2019) on the Folk Alliance International FolkDJ Charts, and they’ve followed up with another 12 songs that charted in the FAI Top 10, including the poignant “Raise Your Hand”, which reached #3 in January 2026.

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Four Celtic Voices takes listeners on a spellbinding journey through the magic and wonder of the Celtic Lands. Mesmerizing audiences with exceptional vocal harmonies and authentic Celtic instruments such as the bowed psaltery, flute and Celtic harp, Four Celtic Voices bring a riveting and enchanting music experience for all their audiences. The group was founded by Celeste Ray (bowed psaltery, piano, harmonium, vocals), and features Carol Crittenden on lead vocals and Maria Banks on harp, as well as an array of wonderful musicians, like Erin Hill (harp, vocals) and Allison Crossley (flute). Four Celtic Voices’ album, Four Leaf Clover, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart and in the Top Ten on multiple Heatseekers Charts (May 2009). Their newer CD, Four Celtic Seasons, features songs for each changing season and has received rave reviews. They present a wide range of repertoire, from popular titles like Molly Malone and Loch Lomond to original psaltery dances, jigs and reels.

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John Ludgate has been playing in clubs and pubs, coffee houses and music festivals for the past 40 years.  He has won awards and received grants for his songwriting and has received radio airplay across Canada and the USA.

Over the last twenty years he has been joined by his wife Sheila on bass and harmony vocals as well as collaborating on many of their original songs.  Together they have been performing as a duo across Southern Ontario and into Montreal and the U.S. Audiences enjoy the strong rhythms, harmony vocals and original song writing that the duo creates.

Of seven studio albums released, five have been multi-generational collaborations with sons, Luke, Anthony & Shane (members of award-winning alternative band, Beautiful Nothing). As one reviewer wrote, "What do you get when you combine two parts roots with three parts alternative? A transcendent sound that fills the heart with an indescribable warmth, a dialogue between the two music styles, bonding together a wide variety of influences." But, as Roots Music Canada noted, “…when they're all together, John & Sheila's folk leanings dominate the sound."

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Robert Bock is a Singer/Songwriter from Queens, NY. He co-founded the Americana band, The Locksmiths, with his wife Krissy Bock in 2010. Their eponymous debut album was backed by Cole Quest & The City Pickers and received critical praise from Adobe & Teardrops and Ear to the Ground Music. They have toured nationally, playing cities from Austin to Nashville, as well as premier NYC venues including Rockwood Music Hall and The American Folk Art Museum. The Locksmiths’ most recent release, My Way in Manila, was featured in Countrypolitan Magazine and broadcast on WFUV and NPR. Robert has also written for the stage. His musical The Levy Debate qualified as a finalist for The Alec Baldwin Fellowship at The Singer's Forum in NYC. Besides performing and writing, Robert has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and his work has been showcased in juried exhibitions. He also runs the social media and graphics for the Big City Folk Collective, a community of songwriters founded by Niall Connolly. Robert is currently working on a solo album as well as his next musical.

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E’lissa Jones is an award-winning singer-songwriter, acclaimed violinist, and dynamic multi-instrumentalist whose artistry transcends genre and resonates deeply with audiences. A Grammy ballot nominee and recognized as Best Multitalented Musician in the Hudson Valley, E’lissa has built a career defined by expressive storytelling, virtuosic musicianship, and heartfelt connection.

From an early age, E’lissa’s musical gifts were unmistakable. She began singing and playing piano as a child, wrote her first original song at seven, and began classical violin studies at ten. That classical foundation would become a defining pillar of her artistic identity. While formally trained on violin, she is largely self-taught on piano, guitar, and additional instruments — a testament to her intuitive musicality and creative drive. A Distinctive Voice — On Stage and On Strings

As a vocalist, E’lissa’s voice is rich, soulful, and emotionally nuanced. As a violinist, she brings both technical brilliance and emotional depth to every performance. Her violin playing moves seamlessly between classical precision and contemporary expression, blending into folk, rock, jazz, and roots influences while maintaining its own lyrical voice.

A defining moment in her classical career was performing as a soloist with the Colorado Symphony — an achievement that highlights both her technical mastery and her commanding stage presence. In that setting, E’lissa demonstrated not only virtuosic skill, but also the rare ability to communicate profound emotion through her instrument, captivating audiences in one of the country’s premier symphonic venues.

Whether fronting her band, performing acoustically, or stepping into orchestral settings, her violin becomes an extension of her storytelling — soaring, expressive, and unmistakably her own. Songwriting & Recording Career

Over the course of her career, E’lissa has written more than 250 original songs and released multiple albums spanning decades of artistic evolution. Her music is marked by memorable melodies, introspective lyrics, and a deep sense of authenticity. Drawing from folk, rock, soul, jazz, and classical traditions, she crafts songs that feel both timeless and immediate.

Her recordings and live performances showcase not only her songwriting strength but also her multi-instrumental versatility, often weaving violin into contemporary arrangements in unexpected and powerful ways. Accolades & Recognition

E’lissa’s impact on the music scene has earned her significant recognition, including:

Grammy ballot nominee

Best Multi-Talented Musician in the Hudson Valley

Singer/Songwriter of the Year

Best Solo Artist (Orange County, NY)

These honors reflect both her artistic excellence and the deep connection she has cultivated with audiences throughout the region and beyond. Beyond the Stage

In addition to her solo career, E’lissa is the founder of Hudson Valley Ebony Strings, an ensemble dedicated to mentoring and showcasing talented young African-American string musicians. Through this initiative, she combines her classical training, performance experience, and passion for community engagement to inspire the next generation of artists.

E’lissa Jones continues to evolve as an artist while remaining rooted in authenticity, passion, and musical excellence. Whether performing on a festival stage, in an intimate venue, or alongside a symphony orchestra, she brings a rare blend of virtuosity and vulnerability — leaving audiences moved, inspired, and eager for more.

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Hartford, CT-based trio Mad Agnes (Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones and Mark Saunders) has been called “genre-bending,” refusing to stay within one style but choosing instead to draw upon their varied backgrounds to create a sound of their own. Common to all their work, however, are their signature harmonies (tight as jeans from the dryer!) and carefully crafted arrangements that utilize guitars, mandolin, ukulele, percussion and an adorable pint-sized keyboard. Mad Agnes uses primarily one microphone around which they form and re-form, early-radio style. Their ease with one another onstage invites the audience into their world of human connection and spontaneous fun.

Their story begins in 1985. Margo, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, responded to an ad someone placed in the Village Voice newspaper looking for musicians to play with. It was Adrienne, actress, juggler, and self-taught finger-style guitarist. The two of them formed their first trio with guitarist/mandolinist Paul Kovit, and Idle Rumours toured for several years in the NY/NJ area with their unique fusion of original and Celtic material.

In the 80s Margo was also active in the Fast Folk scene in NYC, backing artists like Shawn Colvin, Rod MacDonald and Richard Shindell on piano, keyboards and vocals. This work primed her for three original releases on Prime CD over the next decade, and solo tours across the country, while Adrienne studied acting and playwriting at the University of Connecticut. Their paths crossed again in 1992 with the emergence of a second trio, Madwoman in the Attic, with Diane Chodkowski. The three lured listeners throughout the northeast with their swirling harmonies and well-honed songwriting, and had many adventures on the road (ask them about the Tucker’s gig).

A graduate of Hartford Conservatory in classical guitar, Mark spent many years playing in rock & roll and Motown bar bands throughout the east coast before teaming up with (and marrying) Margo after the Madwoman years. Together they recorded and toured for several years, during which Adrienne did theater in New Hampshire and toured as a soloist. 

While this was all good, it got better. Mad Agnes, with Margo, Adrienne and Mark, was born in 2001, adding their whole back catalogue to newly crafted songs, experience in improv/circle singing, and a love of making music that has ripened like a 2010 Bordeaux. Having been accepted to play at the 2007 Cropredy Festival in England for Fairport’s 40th reunion led to their securing a UK agent and playing four extended tours throughout England.  In 2022, they were commissioned by the Frick Pittsburgh to write a song based on the exhibit, American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection, and in 2024 by Dewees Island to write a song for their residents describing island life.

The trio has been performing for 25 years, drawing on their collective 14 CD catalog, and bringing their “time stopping harmonies” to a world hungry for joy and hope.

Mad Agnes continues to play listening rooms, arts centers, and festivals. Previous venues include: The Greenwich Village Folk Festival (on-line), The South Florida Folk Festival, The Kerrville Folk Festival (TX), Mountain Stage New Songs Festival (WV), The Birchmere (VA), The Frick Pittsburgh (PA), The Forksville Folk Festival, The Sellersville Theatre, Bethlehem Musikfest and Godfrey Daniels (PA), The Bitter End and the Towne Crier (NY), Old Settlers Inn (KS), WFMT’s Live Stage (IL), Cedarburg Cultural Center (WI), Sunrise Civic Center Theater (FL), University of Hartford and Cheney Hall (CT), The Ark (MI), First nights Morristown (NJ), Northampton (MA), and Worcester (MA), and the Cropredy, Swanage, and Fylde Folk Festivals (all in England), as well as private events and a gaggle of house concerts.  We were honored to be formal main stage artists at the SW-2007 and NERFA-2004.

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Trinelise Væring is an award-winning Danish singer songwriter bandleader and guitarist with 15 critically acclaimed albums (here of eight as a solo artist) under the belt. Over a long and versatile career, she has gone from Jazz-diva to americana inspired singer/songwriter releasing albums in English as well as her native Danish. 2025 was a big year for Væring with two releases. In her own name A songwriter’s Odyssey which is an alt-country album recorded in Canada with Canadian band and producer. The album received glowing reviews in several territories incl. UK, Canada, Australia and Scandinavia as well as generous airplay in a.o. USA, UK, and Australia, and Netherlands. The album reached #19 on the Euro Americana Chart in March. Summer 25 She played the biggest Scandinavian roots festival Tønder Festival. Glide Magazine (USA) wrote: Vaering is a veteran musician, and her prowess is on full display on “The Call.” The A Songwriter’s Odyssey stand-out is an emotional journey through the artist’s touching approach to tradition. 

Roots Music Canada: “Sonically, A Songwriter’s Odyssey is a hybrid between the gritty, tough, relentlessly insistent music of Car Wheels on a Gravel Road-period Lucinda Williams and the lush and warmly drenched melancholic sweetness of KD Lang’s masterpiece Ingenue. The pedal steel playing is especially breathtaking and imbues the songs with a depth and feeling that wrenches each drop of emotion from the poignant lyrics. Trinelise’s voice is rich, colourful and expressive”

Also in 2025 she released Running from the Devil with her 10-piece global roots band Tone of Voice Orchestra. Again an album highly praised by critics and with airplay via folk- and global roots shows all over the globe.

In her native Denmark Væring has been nominated for numerous Danish Music Awards in both roots and jazz categories (even in the same year) and in various capacities such as songwriter, composer and vocalist. Most recently (2022) she won with Tone of Voice Orchestra debut album for “Best vocal jazz album”.

Væring’s whole career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to transcend musical boundaries. Her curiosity and appetite for new challenges keep driving her into new musical territories as she continues to follow her heart, bringing her unique voice and songwriting to new and diverse audiences both at home and abroad.

Photo by Tuala Hjarnoe

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Veteran musician and songwriter Paul Kaplan (www.paulkaplanmusic.com) has been an enthusiastic participant in the folk music world since the late 1960s when his early topical songs were published in the legendary protest song magazine Broadside. His involvement with the singer-songwriter movement was sparked by his early love of the songs of Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton. He pursued that love as a regular attendee at the Songwriters’ Exchange at the Cornelia Street Café in New York, and as a prolific contributor to The Fast Folk Musical Magazine, in which ten of his songs appeared. In the late 1970s, Paul had the opportunity to produce three posthumous albums by Phil Ochs, still available on Smithsonian Folkways. Paul’s interest in traditional music is reflected in his four years as a member of the group The Derby Ram, resident band of the Eagle Tavern in New York City. With band founder Dan Milner, Paul co-authored the popular A Bonnie Bunch of Roses—Songs of England, Ireland and Scotland, published by Music Sales. In the early 2000s Paul was honored by the inclusion of his songs in two monumental collections produced by Smithsonian Folkways. One of his first songs, “Vietnam,” appears in the Grammy-nominated Best of Broadside. A second song, “King of Hearts,” is featured in Fast Folk—a Community of Singers & Songwriters Smithsonian Folkways). And in 2004 “Henry the Accountant" was included in Being Human--Readings from the President's Council on Bioethics, along with works by Homer, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Dickinson, Whitman, George Bernard Shaw, etc. In his solo career, Paul’s warm style and gentle humor have charmed audiences at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Gotta Get Gon and Denmark’s prestigious Tønder Festival, as well as such venues as Passim, The Eighth Step, Mother’s Wine Emporium and Golden Link. Paul took a long time off from performing to teach music in public schools and raise a family. But he kept writing. In fact, he put out three CDs during that time – After the Fire (2003), The Folk Process (2008), We Shall Stay Here (2021). Now retired from teaching, he is releasing King of Hearts, a reissue on CD and download of his 1985 album recorded live at the legendary Speakeasy club in Greenwich Village, until now available only as an LP. From Paul: “King of Hearts was recorded by Claude Demers at the famed Greenwich Village Speakeasy, I enlisted some brilliant musician friends (Mark Dann, Robin Greenstein, Kenny Kosek, Ed Baker, Larry Cole, and Lisa Roth), and we diligently practiced for the big live event during sessions at Kenny Kosek’s loft on Tompkins Square Park. On February 8, Claude set up in the tiny, frigid closet in the Speakeasy basement, I handed out lyric sheets to the SRO audience, we practiced their parts, and we sang thirteen songs--twice. (Miraculously there was only one crashing of bottles from the bar!) Then Claude and I went to work in the mixing room, choosing the better version of each take and even sometimes editing Photo By Lisa Kleinholz

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Midwesterner Matt Dougherty performs under the stage name Matt Skerk, a nod to his mother’s maiden name, after discovering there were already several Matt Doughertys on the singer-songwriter road.

Matt picked up his first guitar in high school and soon started writing his own songs, inspired by indie folk favorites like Iron & Wine and Nick Drake, along with the early songwriting of James Taylor and the quieter corners of Bruce Springsteen’s catalog. In college, he played solo shows and became the co-lead songwriter, vocalist, and rhythm guitarist for a band called All Matter in Athens, Ohio, performing in coffee houses and local bars. Instagram: @mattdoughertywriter

After college, Matt joined Teach For America, teaching elementary school in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. He shared his love of music with his students by starting a guitar club and played a handful of solo gigs along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Having returned home to the Midwest after ten years away, Matt now lives with his wife, young son, dog, and a daughter on the way. He continues to work in education while writing and performing music on the side. You might see him playing at intimate venues around Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Cleveland, Ohio.

A published writer as well, Matt earned his MFA from West Virginia University. His short stories have won first-place awards from Salamander, Sonora Review, and Crab Orchard Review, with selections curated by authors Molly Antopol (National Book Award longlist) and Guggenheim Fellow Lucy Corin. He’s at work on a novel. Follow Matt on Instagram @mattdoughertywriter

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Valerie Smith is a prominent bluegrass musician hailing from Holt, Missouri, where her passion for music was cultivated in a community rich with folk songs and storytelling. Growing up in a small town, family gatherings often revolved around music, nurturing her love for the genre. Valerie's early connection to music laid a strong foundation for her subsequent remarkable career on the bluegrass scene. From a young age, Valerie was captivated by the storytelling aspects of bluegrass music, which allowed her to convey deep emotions and shared experiences. Supported by a musically-inclined family, she began performing locally, quickly capturing the hearts of audiences with her natural stage presence and emotive voice. Her dedication to her craft deepened as she delved into the intricate melodies and harmonies that define bluegrass. Valerie pursued her music education at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where she studied music performance, composition, and choral conducting. During this time, she expanded her musical exploration into blues and contemporary classical music while also teaching music in public schools. She developed a curriculum focused on music history and culture, further solidifying her passion for education and sharing music with students. A pivotal moment in Valerie's career came when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, a hub for bluegrass and country music. This relocation opened new avenues for artistic growth, as she drew inspiration from the city's rich musical heritage. Influenced by legends like Charlie Louvin and Johnny Cash, Valerie embraced new collaborations, working notably with Alan O'Bryant of the Nashville Bluegrass Band. As she toured extensively, Valerie emerged as a professional musician, captivating audiences at bluegrass festivals and venues nationwide. Her distinctive sound blends traditional and contemporary bluegrass, marked by a commitment to authenticity and storytelling. Her ability to weave personal narratives into her songs creates deeper connections with listeners, as she explores themes of heartache, joy, and the beauty of everyday life. A memorable moment in her career was her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, introduced by Charlie Louvin himself. Capitalizing on her growing popularity, Valerie formed her touring band, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. This dynamic group not only enhanced her sound but also created an engaging stage presence that resonated with audiences. Known for their energetic performances and captivating arrangements, Liberty Pike became a staple in the national and international bluegrass community, blending traditional sounds with modern influences. Valerie's discography, including albums like "Patchwork Heart," "Blame It on the Bluesgrass," "No Summer Storm," "Small Town Heroes," and the musical "Maggie's Journal," showcases her evolution as an artist. Each album marks a new milestone in her journey, highlighting her growth as both a vocalist and songwriter. Her works present thoughtful compositions and poignant storytelling, further solidifying her reputation in the bluegrass genre.

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Colleen is a bilingual performer whose voice “haunts with its range and clarity”. Her music expresses a loving, spirited presence, with a voice that soothes and haunts with its range and clarity. Music and activism infuse her music- and she has performed at many social justice events, from celebrating the working folk of this country to singing down the SOA to “singing clear” for renewable energy. She recently won a songwriting award for her anthem I Will Rise at the Great Labor Arts Exchange, Silver Spring MD. Many of Colleen’s songs have charted in the top 50 FAI folk DJ charts, most recently her interpretation of Woody Guthrie’s classic, Deportee: https://youtu.be/WuT5ohUXGZ0which charted #16.

Colleen has recorded seven albums and three successful benefit CDs for environmental & peace actions. This May you can her at Walkabout Clearwater Coffeehouse celebrating the music of Phil Ochs. Colleen believes in the transformative power of song to make a more just and peaceful world.

“Colleen is a vibrant singer and interpreter of song she sings with passion and is remarkable both as a solo and in collaboration. Colleen is a wonderful compliment any program or event with her brilliant attitude and smile but is also an artist with vision and principle highly recommended” Reggie Harri

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From bluegrass and jazz to rock & roll and old-time fiddle, Vi brings energy, passion, humor, and musical mastery to every performance. Vi is a 4X Colorado State Fiddling Champion, a Grand Masters’ Fiddler Championship finalist, and 3X National Fiddle Contest Runner Up.

In 2018, his albums Armadillo on a Hot Tin Roof and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas both landed in the Top 5 on Folk DJ Radio, with Armadillo charting for 7 months. His 2020 collaboration Swingin’ at the Savoy (with Paul Anastasio) reached #7 on the Folk Alliance International Chart. His latest project, The Thanksgiving Album is currently ranked the #1 album on the same chart.

Raised in a musical family, Vi toured as part of The Wickam Family Band, performing regularly on the iconic TV show Blinky’s Fun Club (1992–1995). In 2012, his ambitious Fiddle Tune a Day project brought him national attention in the fiddle and roots music communities, posting a new fiddle tune every single day for a year.

Vi is a sought-after teacher and workshop leader, and his online fiddle school, MyTalentForge.com, hosts hundreds of instructional videos for aspiring fiddlers.

Photo by Christina Gressianu www.photocg.co

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Please tune for our end of the year 3-ySet Hootenanny Cafe Radio Show Singer Songwriter Showcase special. There were so many wonderful songs for last week's (12/21) SONGS ABOUT WINTER Theme, that I decided to combine Songs About Winter with New Songs For the New Year Singer Songwriter Showcase. Help celebrate the new year with new songs and Songs About Winter

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Swedish Sofia Talvik is a North Sea siren blending sparkle and melancholy. A veteran performer with 10 full length albums as well as numerous international tours behind her. She has performed at festivals ranging from Lollapalooza to SXSW. She has also released 2 albums in Swedish as part of the New Acoustic duo Hansan with German cellist David Floer. Amid the glitter and nostalgia of holiday music, Sofia Talvik offers something radically different — and deeply needed — this season. Her new single, “Let Peace Be the Song,” is a bold and haunting Christmas track that throws off the sugarcoating to confront our modern crises: systemic injustice, and the emotional dissonance of trying to find hope in a fractured world. The album Wrapped in Paper, was set to be released on December 1st 2025.

Photo by Jonas Westin

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NJ/NY Metro-area based singer songwriter, Carol Crittenden, has been known to "light up the stage" with her sweet soaring vocals and thoughtful, melodic tunes. She weaves her personal perspective into her work, whether in her emotionally intimate or acclaimed social-justice-minded songs.



As the daughter of esteemed opera director and teacher, Richard Crittenden, Carol’s love of music began at an early age. She could be heard belting out Annie songs and putting on variety shows for family & neighbors in her backyard in suburban Northern New Jersey; these are some of her earliest childhood memories.



Over the years, she has honed her songwriting skills at Dar Williams’ songwriting retreats and was selected to perform at the esteemed NERFA Folk DJ Showcase in 2019, where she received accolades for her song, "RISE." She has been honored to perform her original tunes at some wonderful venues, including: WFUV DJ John Platt's "On Your Radar" at Rockwood Music Hall (NYC), Ethical Brew (Teaneck, NJ), Troubadour Concert Series at The Folk Project (Morristown, NJ), Caffé Lena (Saratoga Springs, NY), The Cutting Room (NYC), among others.



In addition to her original music projects, Carol has sung with various groups; she has recorded and toured as the lead singer of Four Celtic Voices, with a #1 CD on the Billboard World Music Chart. She sings a wide variety of styles, from classical to folk to musical theatre and she can also be heard on national/regional commercials. An actress as well, she has toured in productions of Dracula and Hamlet with the New Vic Theatre of London and has been seen on stage with various NYC and LA theatre companies.



A long-awaited follow-up of her 2011 debut album, “En Route,” her new 2025 album, "Glimmer," charted at #6 on the FAI Folk Chart in its first month. “Glimmer” is a tribute to the idea that there are glimmers of light all around us, even in the darkest times. It’s about holding both the light and the dark, side by side, as sacred companions, leading us to better know and experience deeper aspects of ourselves, and enabling us to connect with each other in our Oneness. Her songs are filled with palpable heartache *and* unmistakable hope.

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On The Way I Tell the Story, David Wilcox walks the line between hope and heartbreak, and it does so with the kind of precision that only happens when someone’s actually been through it. And Wilcox has been through it. In recent years, his wife’s Parkinson’s diagnosis has reframed everything—his perspective, his process, his writing. “Times get tough, and music gets good,” he says, which might as well be the thesis of The Way I Tell the Story. This is music about surviving with your heart intact, told with the ease of someone who’s spent his life learning how.

“I’m all in for using music as a way to gain clarity and emotional maturity,” Wilcox says. “I believe that doing the work of exploring your heart—really going into the dark parts where the light hasn’t reached—creates emotional fitness that gives us access to strength of character.” It’s music, he says, that gives us the subtle discernment we need for navigating toward a better life.

Note: Sadly, David's wife, recently passed after a gallant fight. Our hearts go out to David and family. I now dedicate this show to David as a tribute and a way of showing support.

The theme that he chose for the Singer Songwriter Showcase: CREATIVITY

Photo by Lynne Harty

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