Deirdre Flint sings funny folk songs about the most mundane parts of a young woman's existence. Bridesmaids' dresses, high school cheerleaders, and belly dancing instructors are the raw material from which she spins her blissfully clever musings on life. Bizarre images like, "Jesse Helmes in Frisco" and witty lines like, "your hair is your friend, when you're a cheerleader" punctuate her songs.
Brian Henke has been performing music for over 30 years. After years as a rock guitarist (during which he earned numerous awards), he began composing for solo acoustic guitar in 1994. Cleveland Magazine named him Best Local Performer for 1998; and the Cleveland Free Times chose him as the '99 winner of their Open Mike competition. Henke maintains a busy solo performance schedule of about 300 shows per year at various venues throughout the U.S. .
Michael Johnson Michael Johnson played at Leo around 1969-70. His voice immediately identifies him as the man who sings "Bluer Than Blue," "Give Me Wings," "That's That," and other landmark songs. His music shows a diversity, depth and heart that only come from years of dedication to a labor of love. I had the good fortune to meet Michael Johnson in an advanced songwriter's class during the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1998. Michael Johnson has recorded over 14 albums, starred in concerts since the 1970's, and has been reviewed favorably by virtually every major music publication.
Andy Kuncl a 24 year old songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, in the space of five years, has managed to develop an impressively unique guitar style and stage presence. He's performed up and down the east coast--playing with other musicians such as The Kennedys,Peter Mulvey, The Nields, and Melissa Ferrick, taken first place in the 1999 North Carolina Songwriting Contest, and released 2 self-produced full length albums on his own label Missing String Music, all the while building a strong following of dedicated fans.
Andrew McKnight is a traveler through place and history, seeking the extraordinary in ordinary things and finding universal truth through the eyes of his characters. An environmental engineer turned singer, songwriter, guitarist and poet, Andrew is nationally renowned for his rich warm voice, standout guitar playing, three critically acclaimed independent recordings, and a passel of fine songs and stories from rural America including his home near Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
Lea has performed for the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage ('99) as well as dozens of local, national and international venues and festivals. Recently, she joined the Kennedys, SONiA (of Disappear Fear), Tom Prasada-Rao and others at the budding Susquehana Music & Arts Fest. She has opened for the fine Canadian performers Lynn Miles and James Keelaghan and shared the stage with such Folk favourites as David Massengill and Debi Smith (of Four Bitchin' Babes). Venues such as Kaffee Schuppen in Halle, Germany, Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, GA & the Sidewalk Cafe in NYC have seen Lea grace their stage.
Jon Mosey specializes in Urban and Country Blues and Ragtime, and regularly plays with two bands: "Unstrung Heroes" and "Reels & Romance." He has been selected as one of the Kent Guitar Masters. In addition to guitar, Jon is accomplished on piano, mandolin, tenor banjo and bass. Jon has two selections on Folknet's Acoustic Harvest compilation CD.
As a singer songwriter, Charlie Mosbrook has performed as an opening act for CSN, The Jefferson Starship, Jewel, Chris Whitley, and Dan Bern. He has performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has lead annual workshops at The Kent State Folk Festival and has been twice asked to perform his music at The May 4th Commemoration at Kent State University. Currently Charlie is performing regularly. He continues to host the ARABICA open mic along with other northern Ohio open mics, and is responsible for The Cleveland Open Mic awards.
"The harmonies of the The Troubadours of Divine Bliss are soft as Kentucky Bourbon and Spanish Moss. Mix it up with the wild soul of Joplin in two truly sweet women. This duo defies labels. Let's just say they are a celebration of music and life. Pack your bags, because the Troubadours of Divine Bliss are gonna take you to places you've never been before...and you're gonna want to stay awhile." --Carla Riggs, Medi Max.
John Walker's songs embody the sprit of a new breed of Texas acoustic music which is a true American melting pot without being quite Americana, rocks in places while still being subtle, is alternative in a spot or two without wearing flannel and winds up sounding pretty country without being a trip to the Opry. John has shared the stage and/or opened for some of the biggest names in Folk music, including Townes Van Zandt, Maura O'Connell, Ellis Paul, Robert Earle Keene, Peter Rowan and Sara Hickman.
Wishing Chair was formed in 1996 by songwriters Kiya Heartwood and Miriam Davidson. They utilize a variety of instruments and musical styles to present a uniquely American sound. They successfully integrate contemporary folk, roots rock, country, Celtic and world music with poetic lyrics that take their listeners to the heart of the matter. Honesty, musicianship, and commitment to their craft makes Wishing Chair an exceptional band. Their performances range from duo acoustic shows with harmonies, guitar and accordion to performances with a five piece band. The name, Wishing Chair, comes from a rock formation in Ulster County, Northern Ireland where, it is said, if you sit and make a wish your dreams come true. Heartwood and Davidson plan to do just that.