Showcase Stage Lineup
Duke City Swampcoolers
Saturday, August 28 from 9:30 - 10:15 am
The Duke City Swampcoolers are a bluegrass band from Albuquerque, New Mexico otherwise known as the Duke City. The band originally formed from an eclectic mix of professional people including among others, a doctor, a pharmacist, a contractor, and a fellow who does something nuclear. They have been playing together for five years and officially formed in 2004. Current members of the band include Anthony Smith(songwriter, lead vocal, harmony vocal, guitar), Bill DuFault( songwriter, lead vocal, harmony vocal, mandolin, guitar, spoons), Jon Bryan(songwriter, lead vocal, harmony vocal, banjo, ukulele, banjola, sound man), Aaron Combs(songwriter, lead vocal, harmony vocal, guitar, fiddle), and Art Jarvis(lead vocal, harmony vocal, bass). The band has two CD's out, It Ain't the Years and Drained and Unplugged both of which received accolades from New Mexico Magazine. It Ain't the Years contains eight original tunes and seven cover tunes from artists like Jerry Garcia, Duke Ellington, and Ralph Stanley among others. The latest CD, Drained and Unplugged which was released at the end of 2008, contained fourteen all original band songs and received an outstanding review from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine. Musical influences range from swing to blues to folk to hard driving old time bluegrass. Over the years, the band has played in many regional festivals and local venues. They have also played at large private events in Albuquerque.
The New Mexico Magazine reviewed their first CD release, It Ain't the Years, and said "...these songs never fail to entertain with the musicians' lively pickin' and heartfelt lyrics."
The New Mexico Magazine also reviewed their second CD, Drained and Unplugged, in January 2008 and said, "Tony Smith, however, still writes the cleverest songs.Bill Dufault's "East Canyon Winds" skillfully details his journey west from Massachusetts to New Mexico. Aaron Combs provides great fiddlin' throughout, and Jon Bryan's fine banjo pickin' punctuates his toe-tapping "Swampcooler Breakdown." His "Time Enough for Love" is a poignant end for this cozy, down-home recording."
Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine reviewed Drained and Unplugged in their March 2009 issue and here are some excerpts from that review. "Drained and Unplugged is an exciting offering of eclectic bluegrass created by a high energy band from Albuquerque, New Mexico.With Drained and Unplugged, the Duke City Swampcoolers have created a rambunctious and entertaining collection of high-octane bluegrass that leaves a yearning to attend one of their live shows."
Breaking Blue
Saturday, August 28 from 10:30 - 11:15 am
"Crowded Room" is Breaking Blue's debut album. It all began in a tiny apartment living room when the group (who had begun as a band playing traditional American folk music) discovered lyrics that vocalist Chrystal Anderson had been composing for 15 years worked beautifully with the melodies on Randy Martin's vintage claw hammer banjo. The song, "Crowded Room", was written in 30 minutes and went on to win the 2009 Santa Fe Bluegrass Festival's songwriting contest sponsored by the Southwest Picker's Association. Even the traditional songs on this album are refurbished and look as good as new by turning the old fiddle tunes over to the clear precision of the flute. Flutist, Stephanie Hanusa adds a hint of nostalgia with her beautiful improvised solo's allowing for a sweet reflection of the lyrics and melodies of the music. Bassist, Shawn Berkompas, adds depth to this album with his jazzy edge. A pinch of percussion from drummer, Jeremy Dorr finishes the sound nicely while the guitar and mandolin hint at a simplicity that makes the listener wonder just what that sweet sound is. From Crowded Room to Goodbye Serenade, this album will have you rummaging through photo albums, old yellowed pages of letters, and recipe boxes recalling memories of times gone by. The eclectic beauty of this album gives it just enough character to forgive the imperfections that come with a homemade album that actually was recorded at Grandpa's house.
The Family Coal
Saturday, August 28 from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Family Coal is from the greater Madrid-Cerrillos-Waldo metropolitan area of New Mexico. They started out on a deer hair farm in Plunkett's Run, PA, with Ma and Pa Coal, four quintuplets, Uncle Pete, and hired man, John. Before they moved west, Ma and Pa decided to adopt John because it was cheaper than paying him, especially when he started playing gigs with them. John's mandolin and Uncle Pete's bass became an important part of the band, along with the li'l Coals, Sarah (fiddle), Lori (melodica), and Erik (guitar). With Pa playing banjo and Ma filling in on mandolin and sometimes cello, they made enough money to make it as far as New Mexico and stayed put. Their music is as varied as the people, from traditional bluegrass, old time music, and gospel to a little gypsy music with some British rock thrown in. With all this in their past, they tell good stories, most of them join in on vocals, and have fun playing together. They are currently working on a CD.
Buddy and Tina Wright Group
Saturday, August 28 from 12:30 - 1:15 pm
An award-winning family string band combines early American styles of rural roots music to produce a sound like no other, wooing audiences across generational lines.
Weaving different musical styles throughout their live performance takes a listener on a journey back in time to a bygone era.
Love Buzzards
Saturday, August 28 from 1:30 - 2:15 pm
The Love Buzzards are a trio based in Santa Fe. They are all on the wrong side of 50. They try to play no music much younger than they are. Michael Combs plays accordion, bass, guitar, fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, and sings. Ted Seeley plays bass, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and sings. Cary Stickney plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and sings. Sometimes they fool with autoharps and ukuleles, and various rhythm instruments. They often tap their feet. They just love rhythm. Also harmony. Nobody really knows what their name means, but it would not be fair to say that they defile everything they touch. They do touch a lot. Maybe they will touch you.
Coyote Crossing
Saturday, August 28 from 2:30 - 3:15 pm
Coyote Crossing presents traditional bluegrass, gospel, and original acoustic music. Each of the band members are dedicated aficionados of bluegrass, and they have all played with numerous bands in the past. While their performances emphasize vocal harmonies, they back it up with powerful yet tasteful instrumental work; all guaranteed to get your foot tapping.
Coyote Crossing has been around for many years, as everything from a duo to a sextet. As it exists today, the band was "born" in April, 2004 - and four of those original five members are still performing with the band. Since that time, Coyote Crossing has performed at restaurants, weddings, fundraisers, parties and festivals. They captured First Place in the Bluegrass Band Contest at the "Santa Fe Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival" in 2004, and were part of the entertainment booked for that festival in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. They were also selected to perform at the "Enchanted Desert Bluegrass Festival", held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque in May of 2005.
Young Edward
Saturday, August 28 from 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Their moms tell them they sing just like li'l angels 'and it's true! Wielding shimmery three-part harmonies augmented with blistering instrumental breaks, Young Edward has spent nine years building a House of Country Music in New Mexico that's strong enough to withstand the huffing and puffing of the biggest, baddest lobo around.
Young Edward has been playing Americana music in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2001. The current lineup includes Steven Robert Allen on banjo, Robert Brettelle on guitar and Danny "The Harp" Garcia on bass. For booking, call (505) 489-6972 or e-mail youngedwardlive@gmail.com.
One of the few bluegrass quartets in Albuquerque that plays live regularly at clubs not necessarily known to host bluegrass or old-timey music. A solid mix of traditional numbers, Americana and a few choice covers make Young Edward one of a few bands in town that appeal to a wide audience that includes rock kids and crusty, cynical alt.country aficionados who pine for the days of Uncle Tupelo. --Weekly Alibi
Young Edward makes a point of renovating old music, retaining the roots but grafting new influences onto the trunk. ... They've also been known to throw in a heavy metal tune or two that's been 'downdated.' --Albuquerque The Magazine
Bluegrass stalwarts Young Edward sling a mean standup bass, spot-on clawhammer banjo and great three-part harmonies. --Rocksquawk.com
Groups like Young Edward have been able to pack the Albuquerque Press Club or entertain at a growers' market and bring in a whole new demographic that 10 years ago might have not thought twice about bluegrass. --Albuquerque Journal
Unstrung Heros
Saturday, August 28 from 4:30 - 5:15 pm
The mix of Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and some modern hits will entertain people of all ages. Vocal harmonies soar over classic string-band instrumentation. UNSTRUNG HEROS have been recording and performing throughout New Mexico and Colorado. The top Bluegrass Band at the 2005 Santa Fe Bluegrass Festival. project that will surely excite music fans. Jon Gold has been playing guitar, dobro and singing in various bands and solo since the college days. Jon is the primary song writer in the band. His exciting vocals, both lead and harmony and his quality work on the six and 12 string and dobro are sure to delight. Bob Pace is good humored and always there with a tale to tell the crowd. "The Pacemaker" keeps the rock solid foundation for the band on the upright bass. Bob has studied with many great bass players. Bob can talk to dogs. Justin Dean has classic roots in the violin and fiddle tradition. Multi instrumentalist, singer/songwriter. He adds great harmonies and vocal work to the Unstrung sound. Rob Watt has been singing since church choir days, his tenor voice fills in the bands vocal sound. On Banjo or Mandolin the powerful beat drives the band forward. Up and coming musician, Rob won first place in the bluegrass banjo competition at the 2004 Santa Fe banjo and fiddle contest. He keeps the stage show alive with his wit and performance planning. UNSTRUNG HEROS are excited to provide a CD, "Thunder in The Grass". The song "Boundary Line" was awarded "Best Bluegrass Song" by the New Mexico Music Awards. Thanks folks! Please give a listen to our distinctive sound. Whether you own a club or cafe, are having a party or planning a festive event, we want to entertain and be part of your next happening. The excitement and joy this band has performing with each other is a delight and quickly spreads to the audience. Smiles all around!