. Thursday
Kyle Brady has a style and delivery that are closely related to his influences, Dylan, Springsteen, Ryan Adams etc. He recently released his second cd with the help of a loose collection of local musicians known collectively as The Wooden Earth. Kyle’s musical styles range from gospel to alt-country to rock and pop.
Phil Proctor shares his time as a musician and school teacher. He can switch styles between bluegrass, hillbilly folk and hard rock with relative ease. He is a founding member of local bluegrass faves, The Dog River Boys and plays a regular gig as one half of the duo, Phil and Waylon. He also serves time as the leader of a garage band.
Donnie Mills, a lower-Alabama singer-songwriter has been called “One of Mobile’s most accomplished songwriters” by the Mobile Press Register and was chosen by Lagniappe Magazine’s readers as one of Mobile’s Best Songwriters. He placed second in the Gulf Coast Idol Competition and has been a two time winner and three time judge at the Hank Williams Songwriter’s Contest. He’s won awards at the Austin Songwriter’s Contest and served as President and Coordinator of the Mobile Songwriter’s Association.
Stephen Foster and Howler combine the best of psychedelic blues, southern rock and boogie-woogie. His solo gigs range from acoustic singer-songwriter fare to keyboard driven jazzy tunes. He’s had several americana hits and toured extensively behind his last hit; “I’m Mad as Hell...”
Johnny Barbato has been a gulf-coast fixture for many years both as a highly-entertaining solo act and with his band, The Lucky Doggs. His music is specifically southern in its intent and has been described as “southern rock, blues-based, funk.” Johnny’s band has opened for the North Mississippi Allstars, Gov’t Mule, Kansas and Widespread Panic. His newest cd, No Pain No Gain was produced by Paul Hornsby.
Lisa Christian hails from Philadelphia, PA and gained her unique guitar style and work ethic playing clubs in downtown Philly and the Jersey Shore. After a move to Atlanta, Lisa formed the Christian/Durand duo and played the Lilith Fair Tour and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She signed a short lived record contract and recorded one album with EMI Nashville. These days she plays a full schedule of club dates and tours the US regularly. She is now the morning host for a local radio station.
Heath Underwood’s band, El Cantador has taken the regional music scene by storm. Since it’s inception in 2006, the band has generated a rabid fanbase and was recently declared “Best Local Band” by Lagniappe readers.
Cary Laine is most thankful that she is able to have a career in music. She takes her musical inspiration from the southern way of life. Her original songs have won various awards, she has performed at several songwriter’s festival and she recently shared the stage with country hitmakers, Joe Diffie, Rhett Atkins and Lorrie Morgan.
Cary Hudson is most recognizable as the frontman for alt-country faves, Blue Mountain but his influence on the genre began with The Hilltops, a band that he formed with current Wilco member, John Stirrat. He has most recently performed as a solo act but has lost none of his signature sound, a sound that combines outlaw country with punk abandon.
Sean Donahue is a Nashville singer/songwriter with over 1000 live shows under his belt. He recently released his second cd, Homemade Sin. The recording was made in Memphis and Donahue played various instruments on the album, including a sax that he had not picked up since high school. Although his music is lumped in with the americana genre, he offers up a variety of styles and fun.
Jimmy Lee Hannaford has roots that stretch back to the Mississippi Delta where he absorbed the sounds of blues, r&b, rock-n-roll, folk, country, funk, rockabilly and soul. Jimmy Lee’s original song “Waiting on a Jubilee” was inspired by his decision to move to South Alabama. Jimmy Lee is a soulful storyteller and a strong singer. He’s recently been seen performing with Australian wildcat, Keith Glass.
Lisa Mills captures the essence of southern blues and soul. After touring with Big Brother and the Holding Company and making waves in Europe, Lisa returned to South Alabama to write and perform her amazing blend of music. With an eye to the past masters and a foot firmly grounded in her Mississippi roots, Lisa’s shows are awe-inspiring and sexy. Lisa has released 3 cd’s - 2 studio albums and a live album recorded at Fairhope’s American Legion. She’s a hit in Europe and collaborates with Beverly Jo Scott on occasion.
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. Friday
Blind Dog Mike is Mike Hutchinson of the popular local trio, Blind Dog Mike and the Howlers. His original music reflects the spirit of livin’ and lovin’ a life influenced by the winds of Mobile Bay. He has been writing and performing in our area for 14 years and has one locally recorded and produced, self-titled cd.
Nick Gill started playing piano at the age of six and took up guitar and drums at eleven. His first cd was released at the tender age of fourteen and he has followed up with his newest offering, Through the Straight and Narrow. Nick’s songs show emotional depth that are beyond his age.
Vic DuBose is a Mobile native but practices law in Mississippi. Although he writes original material his most two famous songs are performed by the Bailout Blues Band. “Back in the USSA” and “Eight Billion a Week” both parody current headlines.
Andrew Duhon takes inspiration from literary greats like Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman and Frost. A home near the New Orleans French Quarter and Hurricane Katrina gave him a wealth of experience to draw upon for his original songs of honesty and truth. His first release, Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You was recorded in Nashville and produced by Grammy award winning producer, Trina Shoemaker.
Rhonda Hart was born into a family of singers and musicians and has been singing and performing since early childhood. Known as a “singer’s singer” she formed Angels on the Range with Deanna Carter and Mila Mason. Her smash hit, “Waiting for the Phone to Ring” hit #1 in Europe. Her subsequent work delivered the quadruple platinum hit, “Did I Shave My Legs for This.” The song was nominated for a Grammy in 1998.
Jason Feinstein
John Joiner is a native of Baldwin County, Alabama. For the past three decades, he has traveled and performed at Festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe. John has co-written songs with Mickey Newbury, Rock Killough, Jim Hurt, Sonny Throckmorton, Steve Earle and Larry T. Wilson. He has performed and shared the stage with Kris Kristopherson, Mickey Newbury, Bruce Channel, Percy Sledge, Rodney Crowell, Bertie Higgins, Steppenwolf, .38 Special, The Coasters & Steele Breeze. He is currently recording, writing, and playing with local musician, Rick Whaley.
Top Hat and Jackie are popular performers in Lower Alabama and have been playing together for about 12 years. Their music store, String-A-Long sells musical instruments, offers professional recording services and teaches guitar lessons. It’s located on Canal Road in Orange Beach.
Cathe Steele, a Fairhope native, picked up piano and guitar at the age of thirteen. She was introduced to blues and jazz by the Jack Normand family, the same Jack Normand that led the Grand Hotel band for many years. Cathe served ten years as the Outdoor Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School and another twenty as a professional farrier. Involvement with the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Fest led to a renewed interest in writing music. She currently serves as Entertainment Manager/Bartender/Riff Raff/Surrogate Mother at Pirates Cove in Josephine, AL. Cathe says that “Life is good.”
Burke Ingraffia can jump between folk, funk and jazz styles with relative ease. He combines the sounds of New Orleans with the folk simplicity of the deep south and spices the lyrics with poetic spiritual messages. He can currently be seen around town as a solo act or as part of the highly popular, Stimulus Package.
Bo Roberts met Buddy Holly at the age of 11, he then bought his first guitar. After a stint with John Fogerty, Bo became the lead guitarist and bandleader for Hank Williams Jr. His next job found him playing with and writing for Gene Watson. The time yielded a number one hit for Watson and a cut for Willie Nelson. This song, “Ten With A Two” was recently covered by Kenny Chesney. After some time in Las Vegas, Bo now resides in Pensacola, FL spending his days writing country and children’s songs.
Rick Whaley has been a Lower Alabama fixture for some time. He’s seems to never be far from the Flor-A-Bama but has played with and recorded with many, many famous musicians including, Al DeMeola, George Benson, Rock Killough, Teddy Pendergrass, Sam & Dave, Mickey Newbury, The filthy Rich, The Coasters, The Drifters, Jack Williams, Larry Baeder, Billy Dean, Faron Young, Jerry Vivino, Wayne Carson, Beverly Jo Scott, Mac Vickery and Wolf Man Jack. He feels blessed to have a life in music.
Sugarcane Jane are Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee. The music that they make has been called “organic music at its finest...” Anthony, a Birmingham native has played with Neil Young since the early 80’s. He’s also collaborated and written songs for artists as diverse as Steve Winwood, Nicolette Larson, Blackhawk, Lee Greenwood and more. Savana, an Eastern Shore native, met Anthony in a Nashville studio. They have collectively released 3 cd’s and a dvd.
Randy Branch has been performing since the 1960’s. His band, Oakley Hill was popular on college campuses from 1977-1984 and opened for Hank Williams, Jr. and Alabama. Randy spent time in Nashville as a writer in the mid-80’s; he collaborated on songs with well-known writer, Carmol Taylor. His cd, Long Black Car was produced by Rick Carter of Rollin’ in the Hay.
Damien Lamb began his musical career in the 60’s playing Greenwich Village and the Jersey Shore. After a personal tragedy, Damien quit music for 25 years before returning in 1998. His renewed musical career has seen him perform solo or as part of the Pale Moon Rising Band. His songs reflect life’s ever-changing challenges.
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. Saturday
Jon Miller from Satsuma, AL, has grown his fan base with witty songs and an imaginative writing style. He has opened for Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, The Charlie Daniels Band and Gary Allan. Jon was nominated for the Country Song of the Year Award and the Music Video of the Year by the international Just Plain Folks group. In February of 2007, John was selected as a finalist in CMT.com’s “Music City Madness.” Last year he released his second Nashville-produced cd, Next Big Twang and has recently released Songs of Inspiration.
Lee Yankee and his band Lee and the Hellz Yeah! offer up a mix of soul, funk, hip-hop, rock and jazz at their infectious live shows. Lee formed the band as a vehicle for his original songs and to play the music of his faves, Stevie Wonder, Little Feat, Muddy Waters and others. He has been working on an album of original songs for some time and hopes to release it soon.
Micah Husband has performed throughout Lower Alabama both as a solo artist and as a member of The LA Social Club. His love of traditional country music is evident in his songs, his personal favorite is Merle Haggard. He’s played at the Hank Williams Museum and at the Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival and is a two-time winner at the Jett Williams Songwriter’s Festival in Mobile.
Gregg Fells chose a career in music after a successful stint in the US Air Force as an Aerospace Medical Technician; ie: delivering babies. The self-described “Alabama-born, acoustic, folk singer” got his chance follow his musical dream when he joined the Air Force’s premier entertainment troupe, Tops in Blue. He has played in over 30 countries and all 50 states. He has released two cd’s of original material.
J. Hawkins has performed at many area honky-tonks and clubs but is best known for his playing at the Flora-Bama. He has opened shows for Tom T. Hall, John Hartford, John Prine, David Alan Coe and the Marshall Tucker Band. He has 4 cd’s to his credit and has been working on a tribute album dedicated to the songs of Rusty McHugh.
Hank Becker was born in Muhlenberg County, KY and taught himself to play guitar. At the age of 13, Hank studied under Chet Atkins and Merle Travis; he later attended the Berklee School of Music. Hank’s notable bands include The Rebels, The Yonder, The Little Tomatoes and the Boogie Chillin’. His popular release, Chillin at Play was recorded by Johnny Sandlin and has been heard widely on local radio. Hank’s prolific career has seen him open for Gregg Allman, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Rascal Flatts and a ton of others. Although Hank has had more than his share of bad health, he continues to play regularly and maintains his instantly likeable sense of humor.
Charles Davis is a co-founder of the popular Leavin’ Brothers band, owner of DutchBend Music Publishing Company and is a member of BMI Nashville. He’s currently signed to a writer’s contract with Bella Music in Nashville. He’s a co-founder of the LA Songwriter’s Festival and co-host of the fest.
Evans Davis is a co-founder of the popular Leavin’ Brothers band, owner of Makin’ Marlow Music Publishing Company and a member of BMI Nashville. He is also signed to a writer’s contract with Bella Music in Nashville. He’s a co-founder of the LA Songwriter’s Festival and is a co-host of this year’s, 5th annual event.
Ashe Underwood has been a fixture in the Nashville songwriting community for more than twelve years. Originally from Texas via California and Hawaii, he’s written over 75 songs for artists ranging from Martina McBride to Steve Holy and George Strait. He wrote five songs and the first single for Trent Tomlinson’s debut and is a Dove Award recipient for Christian music. He has contributed songs to movies like Terminal Velocity and written theme songs for television shows. At the request of ESPN he, along with Trent Tomlinson, rewrote the lyrics to their song “Hey Batter Batter” for use on the networks Home Run Derby coverage. He’s attending his fourth LA Songwriter’s Fest and will, as usual, bring a guitar that’s not befitting of his songwriting talents.
Kevin Clements picked up the guitar at 16 but got his songwriting start after witnessing the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Fest. Kevin joined Shayne Daniels to write his first tunes.
Chad Maness began performing at local events and festivals at the ripe age of 4. His vocal talents were first noticed by his pre-school teacher in Monroeville, AL. At 6, Chad performed at the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery. A local dj caught the performance and recorded Chad’s version of “God Bless the USA.” The songwriter duo of Clements / Maness has resulted in the song, “Night and Day” which will be featured on Heather Wilkins’ debut cd.
Steven Lee Veal cemented his future at 5 years old while playing tambourine at an old-time gospel gathering in Eastern Oklahoma. After a move to Mobile, he absorbed the local music scene and blended blues, gospel, country and bluegrass into a gulf-coast mixture. His recording career began in the 1970’s with the Gulf Coast Quartet, a gospel group. Stephen Lee has co-written with several successful Nashville songwriters and performed at the Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner Café and the Broken Spoke. He’s a regular participant at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Fest and at the House of Blues’ Songwriters Night.
Chris Graham prides himself on his soulful delivery of his simple but powerful lyrics . Although he’s from southwest Alabama, Chris spends most of his free time in Nashville, honing his craft. In 2006, Chris was selected to participate in the ASCAP Country Songwriting Workshop. He’s also attended many NSAI seminars and workshops as a member and participant. Chris has participated in the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and has played many venues across the Southeast.
