Dear Folks,

I wanted to give you a little more information about tonight's concert since it has a huge cast of very talented singers/songwriters. The Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance (PASA) is an organization of songwriters in the Philadelphia, PA, area that provides an environment for the nurturing of songwriting craft and performance.  PASA's activities include songwriting workshops, house concerts, semi-annual songwriters' festivals, and other opportunities to sing one's own songs and hear original music by many local artists.  For more information, please visit www.PASAmusic.org
Sharon Abbott will emcee. 

 ANDY KIMBEL:  Andy Kimbel is among the finest performers of American roots, folk, Celtic and blues music on guitar.  His expressive style ranges from frolicking and exhuberant to driving and soulful, with dazzling bluesy improvisations.  The Philadelphia Inquirer says he's "one of the finest singer songwriters doing the blues on the scene." He performs at festivals and concert events, and has been featured on Fox TV and other networks -- a touring musician who stays in touch with his local roots.  Website: www.andykimbel.com

 

ROB CHEATHAM:  Rob Cheatham hails from Richmond, Virginia and moved to Philadelphia to play some music, do some growing up, and perfect the art of not freezing to death.  Then he went to Charlottesville, VA to play in The Nice Jenkins band for a while, before forming the band Gunchux in 2008.  Rob writes some songs in a traditional country/folk/rock structure, and is presently working on some rock songs that "will likely melt your face sideways."  Website: www.robcheatham.com  

 

DREW CALVIN:  Drew brings to his listeners the experience of a life lived around the world in practically every life condition except rich and famous. Calvin’s original songs are rooted in the music that most closely mirrors the American soul: country, bluegrass and the blues – with a strong dash of Woody Guthrie populism and Bob Dylanesque poetry. His vocal style ranges from softly expressive to high-energy howlin' and growlin', accompanied by powerhouse guitar playing that pulls the listener into his music.

 

JOE FANNING:  Joe Fanning is a folk singer in the classic 1960s style, drawing from personal experiences on the road to make incisive musical commentaries on contemporary political and social issues, with humor and poignancy.  His guitar-playing style is sparing and uncluttered by ornamentation, which makes his message all the more powerful.

 

DAVID KLEINER:  David Kleiner is one of the most precise and literate singer/songwriters on the Philly area music scene today. Inspired by classic folk artists like Phil Ochs, by current events and by the condition of the human heart and mind, he crafts incisive and achingly beautiful lyrics, melodies, and arrangements on guitar.  A freelance writer and a teacher of English and songwriting, he appears at local venues including the World Cafe.  Not to be confused with songwriter Dave Kleiner of New Jersey.  Website = www.davidkleiner.net

 

ROB BRUCKNER:  Rob Bruckner was going to be a rock star, but he fell in with a bad crowd and became a biochemist. During those lost years he developed his own style of blues-based lead guitar and a passion for songwriting. Using the "I just write what the voices in my head tell me" method, he has produced songs that cover a wide range of topics and styles. With Rob's music, you never know what will be coming next because he doesn’t either. 

 

JOE "ZOOKEY" PETRAITUS:  Joe "Zookey" Petraitus is a New Jersey folksinger/guitarist and a writer of soberly serious and playfully funny songs. He has been performing for the last few years regularly at open stages including the legendary Minstral Coffeehouse Open Stage. Joe's melodies are heavily influenced by a wide range of folk music, but also mix in Latin rhythms. 

 

NAILA:  Claudia "Naila" Schulte writes gentle, sensitive songs and performs in a style that is at once calming and riveting.  A Philadelphia native and longtime PASA member, she has graced local folk events for many years.

The wind looks like it's going to be blowing some tonight. The good news about that is no mosquitoes. The bad news is it might be a little chilly. Dress warm. Bring red wine and you won't notice as much.

Hope to see you

Greg and Cynthia