Coco Paco Americana Showcase - It's Almost AMA Week Y'all!

I am very excited to be part of Mary Leland Wehner's Coco Paco's showcase at the Rutledge here in Nashville Sept. 17th. (Just in time to kick off the Americana Music Conference!) The gathering of some of Americana's most gifted singer/songwriters in part echoes the genre-shaping 'Americana Tonight' performances produced by Mary Leland and her late husband, Mark Wehner. His passing was a tragic loss not only to his loved ones but to the genre and I know my fellow performers join me in striving to honor his amazing spirit during this special night.

  Mary Leland and Mark Wehner, photo by Peter Cooper, The Tennessean

 

The Artists...

Michael O'Neill

Southern Crossroads artist and former band mate of Bob Weir Michael O'Neill is not only a talented artist but also also an Americana producer and radio host. After cutting his musical teeth opening on U2's first tour, he signed with legendary manager Don Arden, (father of Joan Osbourne). Michael's weekly 'Who's Bad Now Radio Hour' broadcasts live from Seattle, Washington.

Brigitte DeMeyer

This Nashville singer-songwriter has collaborated with giants of the Americana world like drummer/producer Bradley Blade, (who she met when he was performing with Emmylou Harris' band, Spyboy). She co-produced her fifth album, 'Rose of Jerhico' which features Grammy-Award winning Newgrass pioneer Sam Bush. Her performances and albums have included Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Ivan Neville, the Indigo Girls' Emily Sailers and many other noted artists. More about Brigitte here.

Will Kimbrough

Another great Nashville singer-songwriter, Will Kimbrough, will be performing with Brigitte. With songs recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Jack Ingram, Todd Snider and others, Kimbrough has additionally collaborated in the studio and on-stage with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Mavis Staples and others.
 
Lonesome Liz:

photo by Lonesome Liz

I'm a multi-disciplinary artist who's productions and performances have included the work and music of Drive-by Truckers artist Wes Freed and others.  Also a writer and blog host for 'Outlaw Magazine' and 'GratefulWeb.net', I was the last person to interview Americana giant Mike Seeger before his death, (you can read it here.)  I also wrote a Levon Helm retrospective soon after his passing which received praise from Bob Dylan himself, (featured here). This special performance will spotlight songs written during talks with, (and sometimes with feedback from), both Mr. Seeeger and members of Mr. Helm's remarkable band in honor of their enormous impact on not only my own music but their tremendous, genre-defining contributions to Americana from the 60s to the present day. You'll find my music here.

Lonesome Liz's Band of Lost Souls ...


Kara Clark

photo by Anthony Scarlati

The grand-daughter of a guitarist for Hank Sr., Kara has been praised by not only Edwin McCain, (who called her style and talent, "...just what Country Music needs.") but also Shooter Jennings, Metallica/Alice in Chains producer Toby Wright and others. This Rusty Knuckles artist is most often seen playing guitar and singing her soulful originals with The Kara Clark Band, this showcase provides the unique opportunity to see her play both dobro and piano.

Cameron Bentley

photo by Lonesome Liz

Multi-disciplinary artist Cameron Bentley performs routinely with both Liz and fellow showcase artist Jon Taul. Both his music and visual art have been inspired by both his grand-mother, Marilyn Mellencamp and his cousin, John Cougar Mellencamp. Also a talented singer/songwriter, you'll find his  songs here: http://www.reverbnation.com/cameronbentley and his visual art here: http://www.benayr.com/cameron/arttrain.html.

Mike Cullison

  photo by Gregg Roth

Nashville singer/songwrite Mike Cullison has honed his songwriting skills with honed his songwriting skills with Johnny Neel, (the Allman Brothers) and Mike Stergis, (Crosby, Stills & Nash), and other leaders of the craft.  A story teller first and foremost, he describes his new cd, The Barstool Monologues as a 'Honky Tonk Canturbury Tales'.

Calico

Band members Snap Dragon Calico, Juniper Calico and Perry Rose Calico are bringing their brand of California Country to Nashville. Neil Portnow, President and CEO of the Grammy's, calls them "Just dropping." Join us to see why! More about their music at their website.

and Americana's rising star ...

Jon Taul

When Jon Taul isn't performing, you're likely to find him watching his corn grown, building a swing out of barn wood ... or you might not find him at all 'cause he's gone fishin'. Read more about the man and his music in The Hardin County News Enterprise.

I Am Bradley Manning. Are You?

More about I Am Bradley Manning (and a place to add your photo) here.

From Yesterday's Photo Shoot

By Sydney Tyler Lofton

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Prize #1 - John the Conqueror

Lonesome Liz by Logan Riley

It's time for the contest winners prizes! First up is Logan Riley, who observantly painted me with my pet demon, crow and Legba's crossroads on my shirt.  From my banjo/gun photo taken in Appalachia by Keith Garvin, Grandson of Bill Monroe's first, (and favorite) banjo player Bert.

Here's the song he inspired, "John the Conqueror". John the Conqueror is both  a Hoodoo root used to give you the kinda mojo that conquers all; just like he did. It's said just calling his name conjures his juju, and it's some strong stuff.

 Here's his story, based on traditional folktales. It's said that, like King Arthur, he never really died and will come back one day... 

John the Conqueror

Oh yes, he conquered death,

did John, John the Conqueror.

Oh yes, he conquered death,

did John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

He fell in love with the Devil's child.

Yes he did, John the Conqueror.

Devil asked him to stay a while.

He conquered Hell, John the Conqueror.

John the Conqueror John.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

John the Conqueror John.

Devil played all the tricks he knew

on John, John the Conqueror.

But his daughter kept him from his due.

Up jumped John, John the Conqueror

on the Devil's own horses John.

Devil didn't catch them when they ran.

Not his child, not John the Conqueror.

If the Devil can't catch you, no one can.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

I understand he rides them still

High John, John the Conqueror

with the Devil's child and always will.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

John the Conqueror John.

Oh yes, he conquered death.

High John, John the Conqueror.

Oh yes, he conquered death.

John the Conqueror John.