#Texas State Songwriter’s Championship

[rodgerdelany]

When I was told that I would have the opportunity to perform at the Texas State Songwriters Championship, I reached out to a handful of friends for song recommendations. Every recommendation was unique. That is, no two songs were the same.

Like every other performer, I wanted to win. I kicked around a number of strategies including hiring a singer and/or leveraging the band to provide a powerful performance. But, I wanted to make a good impression representing who I am as a writer and as a performer. In the end, I decided to keep it simple – an old acoustic guitar performing “Ray of Hope” as powerful possible in order to setup the intimacy of “Alright to Love (Christmas Again).” Despite not feeling 100%, the judges awarded me a prize for “Most Original Style.”

I am glad that I chose these two songs. “Ray of Hope” has been a highlight of the band’s performance for years. And, it is likely to be the title track for my new CD. I look forward to sharing the story and a studio recording of “Ray of Hope” in 2024.

“Alright to Love” is possibly the best song that I’ve written. A competition during the Christmas season presented the perfect opportunity to perform the song and share the story. “Alright to Love (Christmas Again)” is based on a true story. The song captures two beautiful moments early in my relationship with Kim. The chorus was inspired by our first visit to the former Pierre du Pont residence at Longwood Gardens. As we walked out onto the beautifully grounds, I held Kim’s hand and said, “It’s alright to love Christmas.” The line, “she dressed as Santa and danced by the fire,” is from our first Christmas together.

I am including a link in the comments to the version of “Alright to Love (Christmas Again)” that was recorded in at Philly Sound Studios by Rich King and included Mark Rogers’ WSTW holiday compilation (see photo).

Thanks again for all of the encouragement and support both with music and through many challenging times in my life. As I’ve shared previously, it is increasingly difficult to remember when I was miserable. I am blessed to share life’s adventures with the love of my life.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a great new year!!

[houstoninfo]

Famous Texans And Asticionados

There sure are quite a few famous people in Texas. Have you ever heard of any of them? If not, did you know that there were so many famous people in Houston, too? That is right, some of them have made their mark on history in many different ways.

One celebrity who can be considered a true Texan is actress Pamela Anderson. Although she is originally from California, Pamela is most well known for her role as the character Trampoline in the movie, A History of Women in Houston. She also was married to Richard Burton, the famous painter. The two had a son, Michael, whom they adopted.

Another celebrity from Houston that has made a name for herself in Hollywood is singer Janet Jackson. The two became lovers while both were attending the UT State University in Austin when Janet was a student there. A Texas court finally put a halt on her divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. She went on to have several hit singles and has gone on to have several concert tours throughout the years.

Another celebrity from Houston who can be considered a local is singer, Michael Jackson. Michael was born in Houston, where his mother was from. His family eventually moved to California when he was about three years old. While he was growing up, he frequently moved from his home in Houston to California, where his mother still lived.

One more person to consider is the famous guitarist, George Strait, who was born and raised in Houston. George played several instruments, including the blues guitar, harmonica, jingle stick, harmonious piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, and other instruments. He later became a successful singer/songwriter/actor.

A famous Houston native also comes to mind when someone mentions Texas music. Eric Clapton is perhaps best known as a country singer/songwriter, but he was actually born in Houston. He has made more than 45 albums and has been nominated for Grammys, making him one of the most popular recording artists from Texas. Many recording artists that have made their own recordings, like Johnny Cash, George Strait, along with others, have roots in Houston.

Perhaps the most popular and well-known Houston native ever was comedian, Patrick Swayze. He is best known for his hilarious characters in movies such as Seabiscuit (with Judge Reinhold), and Magic Hurricane (with Bill Murray). A Houston Texan by birth, Swayze went on to star in the movie adaptation of his first novel, A Day in the Life of somebody's Daughter. Patrick Swayze also had some success after making some appearances on Broadway, including a memorable role as Hoke Colburn in A Christmas Carol. In addition to acting, he has also been a judge, and is now a motivational speaker.

Barbara Mandrell is another famous Houston native, and like Swayze, was born in Houston. Born in Corpus Christi, she moved to New York City when she was a young girl and became known as an Italian-American singer. She had a number of hits and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Song. After that, she went on to star in several movies, including The Perfect Team, and Swing Vote.

Another well-known Houston native and a former professional football player are Vince Ferragamo. As a player for the Longhorns, he was an All-American defensive end. In fact, he is the only Houston player to earn this honor. In addition to football, he also appeared in the NBA and in movies, including Crazy Heart. He is now a motivational speaker and an agent, as well as working with youth sports.

Houston is home to quite a few celebrities, including two former astronauts. Houston has also become a popular filming location for movies, including the film Fantastic Four. Rob Lowe, who is from the small town of Texas, has even made a movie about living in Houston. Robert Downey Jr., who is from New York, has a small role in the movie as well. As a football player, Downey played defensive tackle for the Longhorns and helped his team win the national championship in 1996.

Perhaps the most famous Houston native is an actor who was born in the city. George Clooney was born in Houston and has been nominated for four Academy Awards, most of which have come from the city of Los Angeles. According to Time Magazine, Clooney is the second most nominated person in the past eight years. Another celebrity whose birthplace is in Houston is Jessica Simpson, who was raised in Conroe. As an actress, Simpson has had both small roles and major roles in some of the most memorable movies of the 21st century.

[styleandsin]

BEST FICS OF 2017 there have been so many amazing fics posted this year, i couldn’t possibly include them all (or read them all), but these are 25 of my personal favorites that i have read! i’m really looking forward to reading the ones i have yet to get to from this year and all the wonderful fics that will be posted in 2018! :) happy reading everyone!

Go Nowhere Tonight by objectlesson (12k)

As always, the easy nonchalance with which he treats the rumors hurts, stabs Harry in the gut, twists the knife. Because it is hard for Harry; it’s hard to know people think they should be or are together because he wants that. Wants it so fucking badly, and it would be one thing if he could just silently quarantine that part of himself and pine secretly, but instead he’s faced with fictionalized accounts of his and Louis’s nonexistent love life and photoshopped pictures of them being coupley every time he’s on the internet. It is hard, and the fact that it supposedly isn’t for Louis functions as proof that it’s unrequited. “It’s gonna be a rude awakening for them,” he starts, gazing into his empty glass, “when we eventually come out but are dating other people. No one likes being half-right.”

—

Or, the aftermath of a very tense dinner party.

That’s How I Know by allwaswell16 (17k)

Louis Tomlinson has just landed his dream job, coaching soccer at Augustus University. When he moves into a new house near campus, he meets his very fit new neighbor, English professor Harry Styles. Although their first meeting leads to an instant mutual dislike, the more Harry gets to know Louis, the more he likes what he sees.

Or the one where Harry’s African grey parrot spills his dirty secrets to his very hot neighbor.

we’ve got to get away from here by suspendrs (23k)

“It is my understanding that you are the most comprehensive member of this agency in the field of extraterrestrial life, is that right?” the agent asks. He’s trying to sound calm, but Louis can tell he’s shaken as well.

“Um, I guess so,” Louis says, glancing over at the man in the blanket again.

Suddenly, Louis’s blood runs cold. There’s something off about the man, something in his gaze, something Louis can’t put his finger on. It’s terribly unsettling, but excitement bubbles in his gut.

Or, Louis is an FBI agent who likes to think himself a paranormal expert, and Harry is the alien that somehow ended up in his office.

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here by sincewewereeighteen (26k)

“Another car has stopped at the beginning of the carpet. People are going to collapse any time soon, and Louis knows why.

Harry Styles has just arrived. And Louis. Well. Louis is a grown man. He curses himself a hundred times for even letting his heart race in his chest. He knew they were bound to meet tonight. What the hell is wrong with him?”

Or: the one in which Harry’s having his big movie debut and Louis sings on its soundtrack.

rivers ‘til i reach you by embodied (29k)

Louis can’t begin to understand how he’s always this close and still can’t manage to make Harry his. He stands up and gets another beer. AU. Louis studies astronomy; Harry studies Louis. They spend their summers on the water and it shouldn’t be complicated (spoiler: it is).

Swallow My Words by YesIsAWorld (32k)

Senior year is stressful. On top of balancing school work, family, and friends, Harry’s lacrosse team is vying to win the state championship, he’s not sure where he’s going to college yet, and he has a secret boyfriend that no one can know about.

Love is the Right Place by chelseafrew (33k)

They met when they were seven and five. Louis was a new kid in a new town and Harry was a blind kid in need of a friend. They hit it off immediately, each of them exactly what the other needed. Over the years, friendship turns to more. Just as their romance blossoms, however, Louis gets an offer which promises fame and fortune far from home. Will they be pulled apart or will their love survive?

Life Was a Song, You Came Along by rainbowninja167 (37k)

It’s embarrassing how long it takes Louis to recognize his own song. Niall had sung it as a bright, hopeful love song, and that’s honestly how Louis had always assumed it should sound. But this new voice, slow and rough, stripped of any backing instrument, has infused the lyrics with just the tumultuous mix of fear and defiance that Louis can remember so clearly from the night he wrote them. It’s not a comfortable thing, to feel like someone is singing all your secrets back to you.

Louis is a songwriter trapped in a lie that could ruin his best friend’s career. Harry owns a record store, distrusts everyone in the music industry on principle, but loves Niall Horan’s newest album. A modern retelling of Singin’ in the Rain.

Looking Through You by allwaswell16 (41k)

Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends. As Harry tries to make sense of his feelings for Louis, he begins writing his next album to express them as it may be the only way to break through the walls that Louis has built between them.

Be with me so happily by BriaMaria (42k)

Harry Styles may have had his doubts at first, but by the time the gates to the elephant sanctuary came into view he was one hundred percent positive. Louis Tomlinson hated his guts. Like hated, hated. Like loathed-him-on-sight hated.

From what Harry could tell, he hadn’t even done anything close to insulting enough to warrant the disdain that was Louis Tomlinson’s default expression whenever he looked at Harry. It really wasn’t fair. Especially since he’d been lusting after the man from the second he’d laid eyes on that pretty, pretty face with those pretty, pretty eyes.

Or … the one where Harry Styles has a bad reputation and a heart of gold, and Louis Tomlinson wishes he wasn’t so enchanted by boys who looked like Disney characters and wore shirts with bumble bees on them.

[aka Louis is the director of the Styles Elephant Sanctuary and really doesn’t want to babysit his funder’s spoiled lay-about son for two months]

tangled up in you by missandrogyny (45k)

Harry blinks once. And blinks again. And says, his voice dangerous: “Niall, did you get me a mail-order bride?”

Because what the actual fuck. It kind of looks like Niall’s just purchased a person. For Harry.

Niall blinks back at him for a few moments, before throwing his head back and howling with laughter. Harry throws a pillow at him. Hard. “No, what the fuck, Harry.”

“A prostitute then?” Harry also doesn’t want a prostitute.

“Of course not!”

“A stripper?”

“No!”

Damn, he’s running out of ideas. He settles for launching another pillow at Niall’s head. Niall bats it away easily, still laughing. “Stop!”

“What did you get me, then?!” Niall must hear the tinge of hysteria in his voice, because he’s pulling himself together, trying to stop himself from laughing.

There’s still a big grin on his face, though, when he says, “I got you a professional cuddler.”

A professional…what. “What?”

The Little Things That Keep Us Going by panda_bear21 (46k)

Harry wakes up in the hospital, unable to remember his children’s first steps, their hugs, their stories. Or the soft way their babysitter always used to smile and laugh with him.He knows he’s not recalling something important, a lot of things that are important. But he wants to know what they are so incredibly badly… wants to know why his heart is set ablaze, warm and fluttering, every time Louis looks at him.

Love’s Truest Language by summerwine (48k)

The first part was meant as a joke. He didn’t really expect Harry to buy anything. It was just Louis’ way of softening the ‘get the fuck out’ blow.

“Where’s your order forms, then?”

“I don’t want your flowers.” Louis chided before directing all of his attention to the arrangement in front of him.

Harry laughed under his breath as he stood to his full height, “Who said anything about them being for you, love?”

We’ll Be Seamless by dinosaursmate (52k)

Green reblogged an old photo of himself. It was from back in October, a Halloween special. A pulse shot all the way through Louis because this photo was his absolute favourite, and it had taken the rest of the year for him to wean himself off of it.

Green was on his knees, arms stretched out in front of him with his fingertips digging into the surface of his bed. He was wearing a pair of cat ears on his head, his curls falling forward. His back was arched, and in the foreground of the picture, Green’s bum was high in the air, a long, black cat tail sitting neatly between his cheeks. — Louis spends all his spare time scrolling arty nude blogs on Tumblr but amongst them all, Green is his favourite.

Here, There, and Everywhere by harioandlouigi (54k)

Louis was in a rut. He was still living in the same small Texas town he’d hated all his life, he was about to graduate with a degree he’d never been interested in, and he was hooking up with a guy he didn’t even like just because it was probably his only chance to be with another man.

And then someone else’s overindulgences triggered a series of events that lead to where Louis is now, touring the world as a roadie for Harry Styles.

I Walk the Line by Awriterwrites (55k)

Professor Louis Tomlinson is the leading researcher in his field. Harry Styles is Louis’ recently hired grad assistant. Sparks fly between them but something doesn’t add up when it comes to Harry, and Louis is determined to find out what.

What happens when everything Louis thought he knew comes crashing down around him? Is he doomed to repeat his past mistakes? Or will he learn to follow his heart and find a way to forge his own path, alongside someone he’s not sure he can trust, but who might just be the best thing to ever happen to him.

Never Let Me Go by loveisalaserquest17 (55k)

“Harry! I’ll tell you what,” Louis exclaims, clapping his hands together. There’s a big grin on his face. “If both of us are still single by your thirtieth birthday, we’ll marry each other.”

Harry’s head snaps up, eyes widening. “What?” Harry and Louis have been friends forever, but they couldn’t be more different. One night, with a little too much alcohol, they make a pact to marry in ten years if they’re both still single. Now, one month before the deadline, Louis is willing to do whatever it takes to avoid ending up with his best friend. But is he, really? | Loosely inspired by The 10 Year Plan

Falling For Me Won’t Be A Mistake by Rearviewdreamer (58k)

Harry is married to his job and so overworked that he doesn’t know how to stop. All it takes is a forced Hawaiian get-a-away, the warm tropical breeze of the island, and the most beautiful, elusive man he’s ever seen to make him remember what living is like outside of work. Well, that, and the little souvenir he accidentally takes home with him.

Don’t Want Shelter by FullOnLarrie (76k)

Louis and Harry have known each other all their lives. Friends as children, they danced around each other as teenagers, and have spent the last twenty-five years either screaming at each other or not speaking at all. Except for that one time ten years ago…When Hurricane Nicole threatens the coast, they end up stuck together in their families’ old vacation home that they begrudgingly co-own.During the storm, and in the months after, they’re both forced to reevaluate their history and what they mean to each other.

Perfect Storm by cherrystreet (80k)

What do you do when your best friend asks you and your (now) ex to be the best men at his destination wedding? You can either tell him the truth, tell him you’re not together anymore, and deal with the consequences, or you can pretend you’re still together and roll with it, just pray you don’t spiral. Fake it ‘til you make it. You know, for the sake of the wedding.

Harry and Louis choose the latter.

through struggles, to the stars by thedeathchamber (80k)

Louis is a Starfleet captain trying to find his place in the universe. Harry is a prince just trying to do what’s right.

A Star Trek-inspired AU.

Pour Your Heart Out by hrrytomlinson (92k)

Louis is his soulmate. Or at least Harry thinks he is. Louis feels the same as Louis. But there are a lot of people named Louis in the world and this Louis might not be the Louis. It’s besides the point though, because Harry knows he can’t allow himself to get close to any boys. He just can’t and he’s told himself this multiple times. He has to simply stay away from Louis Tomlinson. But he can’t. Harry Styles can never stay away from Louis Tomlinson. It’s physically impossible for him to.

Resist Everything Except Temptation by domesticharry (100k)

The lethargic sound of heels clicking against wood resonated across the sea. Footsteps descended the staircase, every assured step creating a menacing aura as it grew closer. Perspiration gathered along Louis’ palms as the rhythmic sound halted in front of him.

“Captain,” Malik greeted.

Louis watched out of his peripheral as Malik’s boots shuffled back a few steps. Sweat matted the hair along the nape of Louis’ neck as he waited for something to happen. He felt as if a sharp blade was twisting his gut as the silence became tangible. There was a metallic slide of a sword being pulled out of its sheath, the sound startling Louis out of his cocoon of sterile shock. His shoulders jumped as the tip of a blade flattened underneath his jaw. Louis’ distorted reflection stared back at him in the polished metal. Engraved rose petals twisted his appearance as they crawled up the length of the sword. The sword lifted and took Louis’ chin with it.

Standing in front of Louis was Captain Styles.

Or the one where Louis is the commodore’s son who is forced to become a part of Harry’s crew when he is captured.

got the sunshine on my shoulders by hattalove (124k)

five years ago, harry styles left his tiny home town to make it big as a recording artist. he didn’t have much regard for what he left behind - a life, a family, and a husband, who woke up one morning to find him gone.

now, harry has everything he could possibly want: he’s rich, famous, and adored by everyone he meets, including his boyfriend. but when said boyfriend proposes to him, he’s forced to face the uncomfortable facts of his past - and louis, who’s spent the last five years returning every set of divorce papers harry sent him.

(or, an au based on the movie sweet home alabama.)

Your Mess Is Mine by amory (176k)

Louis is the father to the most brilliant little boy in the world who is all Louis really needs, or at least that’s what he tells himself. Harry is a gorgeous boybander fresh off a two year break and a massive scandal that’s left him a little broken and more than ready to move on.

They fall in love.

[nsula]

Hall of Master Folk Artists adds seven members

NATCHITOCHES – Seven musicians and folk artists were inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists held at Northwestern State University on Saturday July 21 as part of the 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival.  Inductees included Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and former Elvis Presley guitarist, James Burton, who also served as Honorary Festival Chair, Burton’s fellow band mate in Elvis Presley’s band, Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley’s original drummer, D.J. Fontana, Natchitoches musician/promoter/philanthropist Rodney Harrington, folk artist Clementine Hunter, musician and craftsman Hilton Lytle, and rockabilly musician Jim Oertling.  

Dr. Tommy Ike Hailey, associate professor of anthropology and director of the Cultural Resource Office at NSU, accepted on behalf of Oertling who was unable to attend.  Phyllis Liberto accepted on behalf of her uncle, D.J. Fontana, who was inducted posthumously, and Stephanie Sewell, accepted on behalf of her great grandmother, Clementine Hunter, also inducted posthumously.  Hunter’s granddaughter, Deloris Sewell, and Hunter’s great granddaughter, Diane Brown, were also in attendance.

Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at NSU, took part in the induction ceremony.  Dignitaries included Natchitoches City Council members Sylvia Morrow and Dale Nielsen, Kelvin Porter from the office of State Rep. Kenny Cox, and Jerrie Ledoux from the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson.   Honorary Festival Chair James Burton was born in Dubberly, but he grew up in Shreveport.  At 14, James went professional and at 15 cut the famous record “Suzie Q.” This soon led to a regular gig on the Louisiana Hayride radio show, which, in turn, led to Burton's joining the band of Bob Luman, a rockabilly and country singer. From there, Burton went on to play with Ricky Nelson, which solidified Burton's place in the Hollywood rock 'n' roll universe, and he started getting calls for recording sessions. Burton also found time to record with artists like Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and The Everly Brothers, and become a key figure in the group of session musicians referred to as ‘The Wrecking Crew.’

In 1969, Burton got a call from Elvis Presley to form him a band.  Burton acted as band leader and would remain with Elvis until The King’s untimely death in 1977.  After Elvis’ passing, Burton went on to tour with numerous artists, including Emmylou Harris, John Denver, Jerry Lee Lewis, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Costello and Johnny Cash.

Burton has been inducted into many honorable institutions such as The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, The Musicians Hall of Fame, The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Rockabilly Hall of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (inducted by Keith Richards) and is also a Grammy winner.

Burton heads the James Burton Foundation which is dedicated to providing musical instruments to children in schools, hospitals, civic programs, and to veterans.  Burton received his first guitar at a young age and he believes in giving to help a new generation of players.  He still tours the world every year playing his guitar and is honored to be an ambassador for the great state of Louisiana.

Fifty years ago Brown and some friends formed the Sweet Inspirations, an all-girl vocal group, and the girls quickly became the “go to” backing group for the top Atlantic Records artists including Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Dusty Springfield, Dion Warwick, and Jimi Hendrix.  Brown and the Sweets’ distinctive harmonies can be heard on some of the most iconic songs in music history, including “Chain of Fools,” “Natural Woman,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Do You Know the Way to San José,” to name but a few.  The group also toured and performed their own music, including the hit song, “Sweet Inspiration.”

In 1969, Elvis Presley invited the Sweet Inspirations to be a part of his band and they toured with him until his death in 1977, performing more than 1,000 shows with the King.  Brown moved to Louisiana several years ago and has immersed herself in the area’s music and culture performing with her old Elvis Presley band mate, James Burton and Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs.  She helps raise money for music related charities, and appears on television and in schools sharing the history of rock & roll and rhythm & blues which she was such an integral part of and telling about of her life and times performing with the King of Rock & Roll and the Queen of Soul.

Harrington has been intimately involved in Louisiana music for over 30 years.  As a performer, he has been the front man for Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs since the band’s inception nearly 25 years ago.  The band has recorded extensively touring throughout the South, spreading the word about Natchitoches and Louisiana music wherever they play.  The Moondogs have been referred to by music critics as “Quite simply, Louisiana’s best show band.”

As a songwriter, Harrington has written and recorded several original songs about the area, its music and culture, including “Cane River Blues,” “Reflections on the Cane” and “This Is Our Town,” an ode to his hometown of Natchitoches.

As a philanthropist, Harrington has served and continues to serve on the board of several music related charities and has worked tirelessly to raise funds to further music-related causes, such as buying musical instruments for school children.

As a promoter/producer, Harrington has promoted and produced many major concerts and musical events, including the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, for which he has served on the board for 22 years and as chairman for the past several years.

As a radio host, Harrington has hosted the syndicated radio program “Jammin’ with Johnny - The Johnny Earthquake Show” for nearly 20 years.  The program is the only one in north Louisiana which features live local and area musicians on a regular basis.

Christened in March 1887 on a plantation in Marco, Hunter’s family moved to Melrose Plantation around the turn of the last century to work as sharecroppers.  Until her death on January 1, 1988, her life had been the environs of Melrose Plantation on Cane River below Natchitoches.

Hunter’s first paintings were documented in December 1939.  Self-taught with the encouragement and inspiration of Francois Mignon, her styles evolved from paintings on paper to eventually works the size of The African House Murals, which in dramatic style tells the story of life at Melrose Plantation in the 1950s.

Although she never learned to read or write, Hunter’s art has left a legacy of life on a Louisiana plantation from the perspective of an insider.  Despite her lack of formal training, Hunter was able to depict with her paint brushes work in the cotton fields and pecan orchards, Monday wash days with a big open kettle boiling the clothes, the experience of Saturday Night at the honky tonk and the spiritual power of religion.  Her paintings will forever document life on a southern plantation for future generations to know the hard work, happiness, and community of life.

A respected instrument builder, Lytle grew up in Jena, where he learned the names of all the area’s trees.  This knowledge of wood led to his crafting toys and eventually musical instruments.  After serving overseas in World War II, he attended Texas A&M, where he majored in industrial education, completed a master’s degree and pursued his doctorate.  He returned to Louisiana and worked as a vocational counselor.  His last position was with the vocational technical school for over 20 years in Monroe, where he retired.  With the help of his late wife, Nancy, he began to build musical instruments.

As a child, Lytle built his first cigar box fiddle with strings from a screen door, and in 1970 he built his first violin by consulting Foxfire books.  He learned more instrument-building techniques from Doc Savage of Monroe.  His specialty is producing violins with exceptionally beautiful tones using a special “tap-toning” technique that he developed.  He has completed more than 900 instruments, including guitars, Dobros, mandolins, banjos, violas, cellos and violins.  His skills led to participation as a featured artist at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas, where he demonstrated instrument building as a master craftsman, taught apprentices, and helped establish the Music Roots Program to which he has donated more than 400 instruments.  He frequently participated in stage shows there, performing his own “Geriatric Blues” with his harmonica and wash tub bass.

Lytle continues his craft, having built 764 violins, most of which he has given to young musicians who could not afford to purchase them.  He knows where every single one of his violins has ended up.  He’s intent on passing down what he’s learned to a new generation of luthiers and has helped many build their own fiddles.  Fiddles made Lytle were given away to two contestants of this year’s Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, also part of the Festival.  Owen Meche of Alexandria was the beneficiary of a ¾ fiddle donated by Lytle.  Cameron Fontenot of Eunice was also the recipient of a handmade Lytle fiddle, donated by Carl and Joyce Parker of Downsville. Rasmussen remarked that Lytle has helped revitalize fiddle playing throughout Louisiana. “We are indebted to his tireless efforts and kindness to so many. His fiddles are works of art.” 2018 Grand Fiddle Champion Clancey Stewart, who has known Hilton Lytle for several years, remarked that “Hil is one of the sweetest older men you will ever meet, and he has a huge heart for younger people.  He brings new experiences into people’s lives.”

Louisiana-born Jim Oertling never landed that fish he battled in his epic 1963 swamp rocker “Old Moss Back,” but that rollicking single and a clutch of other classics landed him in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1997.  The Louisiana native spent his formative years in San Antonio, but immersed himself in swamp culture during long summer vacations at his grandfather’s house in Bayou Lacombe, where he conceived the idea for “Old Moss Back.”  Oertling was a student at Louisiana State University in 1963 when he entered Cosimo Matassa’s famed New Orleans recording studio to cut his twangy fish tale and biggest song.  It was during this time that he wrote and recorded the rockabilly classics “Old Mossback,” “Louisiana Gambler,” and “Back Forty Blues,” among others.  After decades spent as “a bull rider, cattle ranch foreman, combat infantry officer, commercial banker, and always an outdoorsman,” Oertling was back on the music scene in 2013 with the release of “Mossback Revisited,” a mix of rockabilly, ballads, Tex-Mex, and more.  Oertling’s performance at the 2015 Ponderosa Stomp marked his first major appearance since meandering into nonmusical pursuits.  Oertling’s fans came from all over the world to hear him at the Rock ‘N’ Bowl.  He still takes every opportunity he can to perform his songs in front of appreciative audiences.  

Fontana was born on March 15, 1931 in Shreveport, and began his incredible career as a staff drummer on the Louisiana Hayride in 1953.  It was while working on the Hayride in 1954 that Elvis Presley invited Fontana to sit in with his guitar and bass player, Scotty Moore and Bill Black.  Elvis loved Fontana's playing, invited him to go on the road with him, and the first Rock & Roll rhythm section in history, sometimes called The Blue Moon Boys, was formed.

Fontana, Elvis, and the Boys traveled all over the South playing for anyone who would pay them for a couple of years.  They would all cram into a big Buick belonging to Scotty's wife, tie Bill Black's stand-up bass to the roof, and head to the next gig.  After the group began recording hit records and Elvis exploded on to the national scene in the late 50's, the group's mode of transportation and the venues they played improved dramatically.

Fontana played behind Elvis on the Dorsey Brothers' Stage Show, the Milton Berle Show, the Steve Allen Show, the Frank Sinatra Show, Elvis' 1968 Comeback TV Special and, most famously, the Ed Sullivan Show.  Fontana was also a guest on the Conan O'Brien Show and the Elvis Tribute TV Show in 1994.  Fontana played on approximately four hundred and sixteen RCA tracks with Elvis, which resulted in millions of record sales and countless #1, gold and platinum discs.  Along the way, Fontana performed for and with such great artists as Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Porter Waggoner, Cheap Trick, Waylon Jennings and many others.

Fontana received many awards, including a Grammy nomination, the Nashville Music Award for Best Independent Album of the Year in 1998, placement on the Beale Street Walk of Fame in Memphis in 1999, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

There are now 110 members in the Hall of Master Folk Artists, which was started in 1981.  This year’s festival theme was “Celebrating Louisiana’s Folk Roots” which celebrated the many tradition bearers in Louisiana.  The Festival is held annually in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus.  Next year’s Festival will be held on July 26-27, 2019.  The 2019 theme “Vive la Louisiane!” will celebrate the many young people keeping tradition alive in Louisiana, and will include performers such as the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Tab Benoit, the Cajun Tradition Band, the Rayo Brothers, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys, Hardrick Rivers and the Rivers Revue Band, Ed Huey, a Cajun accordion workshop and the annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship.  For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or online at louisianafolklife.nsula.edu.

Support for the Fiddle Championship and the Festival was provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

Additional support also came from generous sponsorships from Acme Refrigeration of Baton Rouge, Dr. James Arceneaux, Bank of Montgomery, Louie Bernard, City Bank, the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, John Conine; Corkern, Crews, Johnson & Guillet; CP-Tel, Delta Car Wash, Dan and Desirée Dyess, Georgia’s Gift Shop, La Capitol FCU, the Harrington Law Firm, Billy Joe Harrington, Jeanne’s Country Garden, Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Natchitoches Wood Preserving, Inc., NSU Men’s Basketball, Page Builders, LLC, Sabine State Bank, R.V. Byles Enterprises, UniFirst, Dr. Michael Vienne, David and Shirley Walker, Waste Connections and Young Estate LLC.

Photo Caption 2018 Hall of Master Folk Artist inductees, from left, James Burton; Rodney Harrington; Estelle Brown; Tommy Ike Hailey, accepting on behalf of Jim Oertling; Hilton Lytle; Phyllis Liberto, accepting on behalf of her uncle, D.J. Fontana; Stephanie Sewell, accepting on behalf of her great grandmother, Clementine Hunter.

[the-record-briefs]

March 7, 2018: In other news

Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival Announces Its 2018 Program and Opens Ticket Sales

The fourth annual Carolina in the Fall™ Music and Food Festival, winner of the 2017 IBMA Momentum Event of the Year Award, continues its’ tradition of celebrating the heritage of western North Carolina on September 21st and 22nd, 2018. Over 100 musicians, chefs, vintners and craft beer brewers from the region will gather on Main Street in Wilkesboro, NC to engage audiences with the best of their craft.

“Big changes are coming to Carolina in the Fall™ this year”, says Festival Director Michelle Isom. “We listened to our festival guests and reserved seating is clearly an amenity that they want. This year we will have a very limited number of reserved seats that are part of the VIP Package. This will have little impact on those who still wish to bring their own seating.” More information about the seating and how to select and reserve those available seats is on the festival website, www.carolinainthefall.org.

Wilkes County’s own The Kruger Brothers will once again be the Festival hosts and welcome some of North Carolina’s best Folk/ Roots music bands. They will be joined by bands from other regions that tip their hats to the rich musical history of Wilkes, the Heart of American Folk Music™. This year’s line-up includes The Kruger Brothers, The Steel Wheels, The Roosevelts, Fireside Collective, The Contenders, The Snyder Family Band, The Arcadian Wild, Nikki Talley and many others.

The Kruger Brothers

Originally from Switzerland, brothers Uwe and Jens Kruger began playing North American folk music at an early age and were particularly inspired by recordings of Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and other progenitors of country, bluegrass and folk music. Their first public performances were as a duo, busking on the streets of cities throughout eastern and Western Europe.

After gaining a recording contract as well as a radio show on SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcaster, they teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, inaugurating a trio that has been playing professionally together since 1995. Landsberg is an American citizen from New York, NY. The Kruger Brothers moved to the United States in 2002, and are based in Wilkesboro, NC.

Through their numerous CD releases, radio and television performances, lectures, and collaborative efforts, The Kruger Brothers’ powerful artistic statement continues to inspire and enlighten audiences and musicians around the world.

The Steel Wheels

Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to sound. In fact, they’ve been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, “Wild As We Came Here”.

Of course, exquisite harmonies remain a strength of the band, shining through on “Sing Me Like a Folk Song.” By making a social statement in uncertain times, listeners will want to lend their voices too. More than a decade into The Steel Wheels’ career, the simple act of singing together – something that carries them back to their Mennonite heritage – is still incredibly special. The stunning closing track, “Till No One Is Free,” provides an elegant ending to the band’s most satisfying album yet.

Home, family, community, a sense of belonging, seeking and finding, the pendulum of gains and losses—these are the Big Issues embedded into the fabric of The Steel Wheels’ music. Their music promises to be as enduringly relevant for the listener as it will always remain for the dedicated artists who poured their hearts and souls into its creation.

The Roosevelts

Born in Austin, Texas, transplanted to Nashville, Tn, the alt-rock band The Roosevelts have vaulted onto the Roots/ Americana music scene touring with bands like Johnnyswim, Grace Potter, Robert Earl Keen and many others. 2017 was spent touring the United States in support of the most recent album, "The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn". After appearances last year at headliner festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Festival, The Roosevelts are taking their place alongside the best of the best. They have spent the last few months writing and recording new material for 2018 and will bring their latest collaborations to Carolina in the Fall.

In addition to great music, Carolina in the Fall™ offers the N.C. Banjo Championship, The Bobby Martin Young Songwriters Competition and The Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run. Each evening during the festival, the Kruger Brothers will host the Carolina Jam™ at the Yadkin Valley Event Center at the Wilkesboro Holiday Inn Express. Last year’s jams were the talk of the festival and beyond. These sessions are available to those who purchase a VIP ticket.

Folks who attend the festival will enjoy some of North Carolina’s best cuisine as food trucks from across the state will bring their amazing recipes to feed the masses and vie for the coveted Carolina in the Fall™ Food Truck Championship Award. If you have a grown-up thirst, local vineyards and regional craft breweries will be onsite to provide a taste of the region’s best adult beverages.  For more information about any of these events held during the festival, visit www.carolinainthefall.org.

In its’ fourth year, Carolina in the Fall™ has become an annual pilgrimage for music and food lovers from around the nation. Make plans now to be in historic downtown Wilkesboro, The Heart of American Folk Music, on September 21st and 22nd to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at Carolina in the Fall™. Festival tickets are available at www.carolinainthefall.org. Round One pricing is as follows: Two Day pass $50.00. The VIP package that includes both days and the evening jam sessions is $120.00. (includes reserved seat at the Carolina Stage) Round Two pricing will begin June 1st with additional band announcements.

Festival sponsorships are available for individuals and companies. If you have interest in partnering with the festival, please contact Chad Treadway at chad@cubecreativedesign.com.

Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival™ is made possible through the partnership of Heart of Folk, LLC, the Kruger Brothers and Town of Wilkesboro.

[keithdcourtney]

Top 25 Best Bluegrass Flatpicking Guitarists

Bluegrass flatpicking is a long tradition with a lot of fine players.  And many of those players are not just excellent flatpickers on acoustic guitar – they also excel on banjo, mandolin, and more!  It’s an intimidating amount of talent to sift through.

So how do I propose to rank the best 25 Bluegrass Flatpickers in the world?  Well, I’m going to dodge the issue a bit.

I’m going to put down 25 players that have dominated the field. But I will refrain from ranking them #1, #2, #3, etc.  I think that’s as close as I can get.  I’m sure you’ll discover some great inspiration for both listening and learning from.

Add other worthy players to the comments below so that the list is truly complete. Thanks!

Here We Go…

  Russ Barenberg

Acoustic guitarist Russ Barenberg is known as one of the most melodic instrumentalists in contemporary acoustic music, and his compositions are among the finest the genre has to offer. He got his start in 1970 with the groundbreaking bluegrass band Country Cooking and since then has been a member of a variety of highly influential groups. Barenberg’s 1979 debut solo album Cowboy Calypso showcased his sophisticated playing and immediately established him as one of the premier composers and arrangers in the emerging new acoustic scene.

There’s a lot of material to choose from when listening to Russ, but a popular song to start with is “Big Bug Shuffle“.

More info on Russ Barenberg

  Norman Blake

Although he is proficient with a variety of stringed instruments, Norman Blake is famous for his acoustic guitar skills — he was one of the major bluegrass guitarists of the ’70s. Blake came into view in the late ’60s, when he began performing as a sideman with artists as diverse as June Carter and Bob Dylan.

To get a sense of his style, listen to “Billy Gray“.

More info on Norman Blake

Johnny Bond

Cyrus Whitfield Bond, known professionally as Johnny Bond, was a popular American country music entertainer of the 1940s through the 1960s.  He got his first break working for Jimmy Wakely in the late 1930s and went on to join Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch in 1940, sometimes performing with his Red River Valley Boys. He also acted on occasion in films including Wilson and Duel in the Sun, and was later a regular on the 1950s Los Angeles country music television series Town Hall Party.

Check him out playing “Louisiana Swing”.

More info on Johnny Bond

John Chapman

John Chapman’s exceptional multi-style solo classical guitar performances provide top-notch musical artistry, creating warmth, romance and excitement for corporate, social, and wedding event celebrations. His passion and commitment to providing excellent music and service is evident from beginning to end! By blending both finger-picking and flat-picking styles Chapman authentically performs; Jazz, Brazilian Bossa Nova and Samba, Nuevo-flamenco, Pop, Rock, Folk, Americana, Rhythm and Blues, Ambient, World, light Classical and more, on nylon and steel string guitars, acoustic and electric.

One of my favorite is his cover of “In My Life” by Beatles.

More info on John Chapman

John Carlini

John Carlini is an American Grammy nominated jazz guitarist and arranger based in New Jersey notable for blending bluegrass and jazz. He has performed with David Grisman, mandolin player Don Stiernberg, singer Bill Robinson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Rio Clemente, flatpicking guitarist Tony Rice, and many others.

Check out ths tune “Banister River” by John Carlini & Tony Rice.

More info on John Carlini

Dan Crary

Dan Crary is an American bluegrass guitarist. He helped re-establish flatpicked guitar as a prominent soloing bluegrass instrument. Crary is an innovator of the flatpicking style of guitar playing. He is also a Speech communications Professor at California State University, Fullerton. Crary categorizes himself as a “solo flatpicker” and has recorded several projects that feature him along with guests, usually other innovators of the guitar in all styles.

“Thunderation” is one of his super creation which I like so much.

More info on Dan Crary

Alton Delmore

Alton Delmore was an American country singer, guitarist, fiddler and songwriter. With his brother, Rabon Delmore, they performed as the Delmore Brothers. He was very skilled songwriter, penning literally hundreds of songs, many of which have proven to be durable. Most important, he was among the few early traditional country acts to change with the times, and pioneer some of those changes.

Check out his tune, “Good Times In Memphis”, and you’ll sense the scope of his playing.

More info on Alton Delmore

Andy Falco

Andy Falco is a guitarist from Long Island, New York specializing in American roots music. He spent his early years cutting his teeth playing blues, funk and R&B on Long Island and in the New York City music scene of the 90’s when it was defined by the various small venues curating vibrant musical environments.

He created many good tunes. One of my favorite is his cover of “Sittin’ On Top of the World”.

More info on Andy Falco

Beppe Gambetta

Beppe Gambetta is an Italian acoustic guitarist and singer. He has founded Red Wine, an Italian bluegrass band. He wrote the first Italian instructional book on flatpicking. His flatpicking style is similar to Doc Watson’s and Moravian folk music. This style is characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.

Check out his “Sleeping Tune“.

More info on Beppe Gambetta.

David Grier

David Grier is an American acoustic guitarist. He is considered to be one of the premier flatpicking guitarists in the world. His unique phrasing and his ability to create multiple variations on a theme are hallmarks of his playing style.

One of his great creation is “New Soldier’s Joy”.

More info on David Grier.

Cody Kilby

The careers of many child stars are often short-lived when the attention fades; and to continue to stay at the top of their field requires more and more work, often with fewer incentives, many never reach the next level of performance. Not so with Cody Kilby, perhaps because his early success was due to his natural genius being matched only by equal parts determination and discipline. By now, the boy-wonder beginnings of star instrumentalist Cody Kilby are well-known to fans of bluegrass and acoustic music.

Watch here a demonstration with his Signature Model guitar.

More info on Cody Kilby

Bill Napier

Bill Napier was a mischievous, delightfully artistic and personable man with a musical ability that is completely undeniable. His original style of picking is remembered, admired and emulated by countless bluegrass players and fans around the world. A love of the Stanley Brothers’ music saw Napier learn to play mandolin, and in 1954, after relocating to Detroit to find factory work, he played in the evenings with a local band, Curly Dan And Wilma Ann With The Danville Mountain Boys.

Check out this tune of Stanley Brothers with Bill Napier – Going To the Races

More info on Bill Napier.

Mark O’Connor

Mark O’Connor is an American bluegrass, jazz and country violinist, fiddler, composer and music teacher. O’Connor has received numerous awards for both his playing and his composition. As a teenager he won national string instrument championships for his virtuoso playing of the guitar and mandolin as well as the fiddle. His mentors include Texas fiddler Benny Thomasson who taught O’Connor to fiddle as a teenager, French jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli with whom O’Connor toured as a teenager, and guitarist Chet Atkins.

Check out his guitar playing here.

More info on Mark O’Connor

Eddie Peabody

Edwin Ellsworth Peabody, known as Eddie Peabody was an American banjo player, instrument developer and musical entertainer whose career spanned five decades. He was the most famous plectrum banjoist of his era. He reached national fame in America during the mid 1920’s by recording for many companies and offered them a cheap way of producing a record by playing melody, initially alone with a singer and later with piano accompaniment and singing himself . He has created many tunes. Check out his “Roses of Picardy“.

More info on Eddie Peabody.

Tony Rice

Tony Rice is an American guitarist and bluegrass musician. He is perhaps the most influential living acoustic guitar player in bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, newgrass and flattop acoustic jazz. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2013. I’ve been listening his many songs, but my my personal favorite is “Church Street Blues“.

More info on Tony rice.

Don Reno

Don Reno burned with creative intensity. From his youngest years through a distinguished career in music, he was always “on” as a showman, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist of prodigious talent, songwriter and composer. He generously devoted time and attention to fans and fellow artists. Never content with the status quo, he pushed edges, cross-fertilized musical genres, and invented styles to fit the times – picture a “bluegrass Chuck Berry.”

I love to listen his tune of “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down“.

More info on Don Reno.

George Shuffler

George Shuffler was an American bluegrass guitar player and an early practitioner of the crosspicking style. During his career Shuffler played with The Bailey Brothers, The Stanley Brothers and Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys. He was a 2007 recipient of the North Carolina Heritage Award and in 2011 was elected to the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Check him playing “Nine Pound Hammer“.

More info on George Shuffler.

Tim Stafford

Tim discovered bluegrass in the mid-1970s as a freshman at Ketron High School, becoming a banjo player. He switched to guitar in the late 70s and became a member of several groups, including Mountain Memories and The Boys in the Band. In the late 1980s, Tim formed Dusty Miller with Adam Steffey and Adam’s wife at the time, Tammy Rogers (later a founding member of the Steeldrivers), Brian Fesler and Barry Bales. Janet’s Song is one of his greatest creations.

More info on Tim Stafford.

Larry Sparks

Larry Sparks is an American Bluegrass singer and guitarist. Larry Sparks is a dedicated leader for bluegrass music. Larry is among the most widely known and respected touring musicians in bluegrass and gospel music today. He was the winner of the 2004 and 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year Award. Watch his cover of A Face in the Crowd.

More info on Larry Sparks.

Bryan Sutton

Bryan Sutton is an American musician. Primarily known as a flatpicked acoustic guitar player, Sutton also plays mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and electric guitar. He also sings and writes songs. Sutton is a Grammy Award winner and a nine-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year. To have a good idea of his creation, listen “Cricket On the Hearth“.

More info on Bryan Sutton.

Jordan Tice

Jordan Tice is a singular voice on the American roots music scene. Over the last ten years, he has developed a reputation as a unique and versatile guitarist and prolific composer of some of the most thoughtful and well-crafted tunes of his generation. Just like the greats of the past, Jordan has a voice and aesthetic that is all his own with which he filters the sounds and conventions of American Music into something unique.

Check out this tune as a start – “Collings D1 A T“.

More info on Jordan Tice.

Sean Watkins

Sean Charles Watkins is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He is a member of the contemporary folk band Nickel Creek, the duo Fiction Family and the supergroup Works Progress Administration. He is the brother of Sara Watkins. His new album “What To Fear” is a follow-up to 2014’s acclaimed “All I Do Is Lie”, which had been Watkins’ first solo effort in nearly a decade, ten years that had been jammed with collaborative projects and a herculean amount of touring. I love his track “What To Fear” from the album  What To Fear.

More info on Sean Watkins.

Doc Watson

American Grammy-winning guitarist who profoundly influenced bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and more when he came on the scene in the 60’s.  His genius wasn’t just on guitar, but he played banjo, harmonica, and sang.

Check out “Walk On Boy”.  You’re welcome.

More info on Doc Watson.

Clarence White

Clarence White was an American bluegrass and country guitarist and singer. He is best known as a member of the bluegrass ensemble the Kentucky Colonels and the rock band the Byrds, as well as for being a pioneer of the musical genre of country rock during the late 1960s. Check out “Listen To The Mockingbird“.

More info on Clarence White.

The post Top 25 Best Bluegrass Flatpicking Guitarists appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

[rodgerdelany]

Although I did not win the Texas State Songwriter’s Championship, I had a great time trying. Big thanks to everyone who attended and reached out to me. The support was tremendous and very much appreciated.

Thank you to the folks who organized the event and to Bronson Louis who performed audio magic while snapping this cool photo. Looking forward to next year!

[nsula]

Harrington to join Hall of Master Folk Artists

NATCHITOCHES – Long time Natchitoches musician, songwriter and philanthropist Rodney Harrington, singer for Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, will be inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Hall of Master Folk Artists at the 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival which will be held on July 20-21 in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus. In addition to being inducted into the Hall of Master Folk Artists, Harrington will perform at the Festival. On the evening of July 21 Harrington will appear along with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer guitarist James Burton, Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations and Grammy winner and Cajun folk artist Jo-El Sonnier, as guests of Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs in the Festival’s grand finale concert.  The concert will include a tribute to Elvis Presley featuring a recreation of the King’s Vegas-style show.

“We are honored to induct Rodney Harrington into the Hall of Master Folk Artists,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. “He is not only a great musician, but his philanthropic efforts have benefited so many throughout the state.  Audiences throughout the South respond so powerfully to the music of the Moondogs because of the band’s love for Louisiana culture and music.  As leader of the Moondogs, Rodney has been a phenomenal cultural ambassador for Natchitoches and Louisiana.”

Harrington has been involved in music his entire life and has been an active part of the Natchitoches and Louisiana music scene for more than 30 years.  During that time, Harrington’s contribution to Louisiana’s regional roots and original music have been in his various capacities as a performer, song writer, producer, attorney, concert and festival promoter and organizer, philanthropist and radio host.

Harrington helped form a popular Natchitoches group in the late 1980s called Dick Dante and the Infernos which performed for several years.  In 1995, Harrington and some friends formed the group Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.  Over their nearly 25 years of existence, the Moondogs have become a popular band not only in the Natchitoches area, but across the South.  Under Harrington’s leadership, the Moondogs have managed to constantly change members (over 60 musicians have been members of the band over the years) while steadily increasing in popularity.  The Moondogs have garnered numerous awards and been called by City Lights Entertainment Magazine “Quite simply Louisiana’s best show band.”  Offbeat Magazine of New Orleans, a Louisiana roots magazine, in its review of one of the Moondogs’ critically acclaimed albums has observed “Tradition never sounded so good.”   Harrington has written and recorded several Louisiana and Natchitoches flavored original songs. One of them, Cane River Blues, was featured in a Hollywood movie.  Various compilation albums include his songs, such as “Hey Santa” which was featured on the recent The Very Best of Louisiana Christmas, a compilation released by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, with songs by Fats Domino, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Brittney Spears and other Louisiana artists. Harrington’s music related philanthropic activities have been numerous.  He helped organize and for several years has served on the board of the James Burton Foundation which has provided hundreds of guitars for school children, veterans and their families and ailing children in hospitals.  The Foundation has also started music programs in schools that would not otherwise have them.  Harrington has also served on the board of The Friends of the Municipal Auditorium, which worked on the preservation of that historic venue and on the Board for the Ark La Tex Music Heritage Foundation, which raises money to purchase musical instruments for schools.  For several years, Harrington has served as the chairman of the board for the Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival.  Under Harrington’s leadership, the Festival has grown over the years to become one of the more popular music festivals in Louisiana and the South.   Harrington has often helped raise money for the Northwestern State University Department of Music.  When the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra needed funds to go to Carnegie Hall, Harrington organized and produced a fundraising concert which raised thousands of dollars for the trip which made it possible for many students to make the trip who otherwise would not have been able to.  When Natchitoches blues artist Hardrick Rivers needed a prosthetic leg, Harrington came up with an idea for a concert called HardrickFest, which he organized and produced to raise money to purchase a prosthetic leg for Hardrick. For the past 20 years, Harrington has hosted the syndicated radio show “Jammin’ With Johnny—The Johnny Earthquake Show.”  The show, which is broadcast over much of Louisiana and into East Texas, has been rated number one in its timeslot.  In addition to spotlighting and promoting area community cultural events, the show often features interviews with artists and live music in the studio featuring local and area artists.  “Jammin With Johnny” is believed to be the only radio program in North and Central Louisiana that features live music on a regular basis.

          The Festival will be held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the NSU campus in Natchitoches.  The Festival will be held Friday, July 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 10:15 p.m. and all day on Saturday July 21 from 8 a.m. until 10:00 p.m..  The family-oriented festival is wheelchair accessible.  Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.  For a full schedule of events, to purchase tickets or for more information call (318) 357-4332, send an email to folklife@nsula.edu, or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu.

Support for the Fiddle Championship and the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

The Festival is also supported by generous sponsorships from Acme Refrigeration of Baton Rouge, Dr. James Arceneaux, Bank of Montgomery, Louie Bernard, City Bank, the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, John Conine; Corkern, Crews, Johnson & Guillet; CP-Tel, Delta Car Wash, Dan and Desirée Dyess, Georgia’s Gift Shop, La Capitol FCU, the Harrington Law Firm, Billy Joe Harrington, Jeanne’s Country Garden, Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Natchitoches Wood Preserving, Inc., NSU Men’s Basketball, Page Builders, LLC, Sabine State Bank, R.V. Byles Enterprises, UniFirst, Dr. Michael Vienne, David and Shirley Walker,  Waste Connections and Young Estate LLC.

[cynthiadshaw]

Community Member Spotlights

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find interviews from our community members and content partners – the folks who’ve been heavily involved with us, collaborating with us on content, sponsoring our mission and spreading the word about the work we do.

Marc Liu | Entrepreneur, Brand Strategist, Marketer

Marc is a digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience creating and executing marketing strategies for brands such as Bonchon, The Halal Guys, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ultimate Fighting Championship, The Bazaar by Jose Andres and Abasolo. Marc is a business leader and serial entrepreneur, having co-founded, lead and sold two marketing agency brands. Marc has a particular passion for travel, hospitality, restaurant, and spirits industries. Read more>>

Rebekah Jensen | Founder & Visionary

Sanara’s Tranquila Collection was launched in 2019 by Rebekah Jasso Jensen. Since 2016 Rebekah has been creating her own products in her kitchen having lived with Psoriasis since her teens. Rebekah has worked in women’s health as an OB-Gyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for over a decade. She’s seen first-hand the course life can take and impact on a woman’s life when she feels empowered by her own self-care and health advocacy. Read more>>

Akea Collins | Branding & Business Strategist

My name is Akea Collins. I am a serial entrepreneur. I am the Owner & Founder of The Resume Chop Shop, The Branding Bandit Academy and AKC Rentals LLC. I created this businesses because I have some secrets, I want to share to obtaining a 6-figure Salary. I love to assist and motivate everyone in my network to be a better version of them. I have deep desire to take my knowledge and experience and allow for others to pick my brain for success. I have Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concertation in Marketing. Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Administration. Read more>>

Rola Jabri | CEO of MAOC Studio & Marketer

I am Rola Jabri, founder of MAOC Studio. I founded my marketing agency 15 years ago with a modern mindset that favors creating new ideas rather than falling for the ordinary. I always believed that standing out in the crowd is the best approach to succeed, lead, and make a difference. Therefore, I created the extraordinary for my marketing agency, I set it apart in a very competitive market. I market, brand, and structure my clients’ products or services with the same approach of creating authentic strategies that help them build the extraordinary and reach their short and long-term goals and vision. Read more>>

Marguerite Knowles | Watercolor and Acrylic Artist

My name is Marguerite Knowles, and I am a 22-year-old artist from Dallas! I went to college in Scotland to study Art History and am about to move to London to get my master’s in Art Business. I create acrylic paintings as well as watercolor paintings and most importantly, greeting cards! Recently, my handmade watercolor greeting cards have been my most popular product and are sold at Needle in a Haystack on Preston Rd. as well as on my online Etsy store! Read more>>

Erin Willis | Owner & Executive Chef

My name is Erin Willis. I was born and raised in Texas and have lived here all my life. I got into the hospitality world starting as a server in Fort Worth while in high school and continued to work in and out of the industry through college. After graduating, I applied to numerous culinary schools yet couldn’t obtain any financial aid. During this time, I was working as a server at Patrizio’s in Highland Park, where the then executive chef offered me an apprenticeship where I worked for 3 years. 30 years later, with more experience and understanding of the business, I now own my own restaurant, RM 12:20 Bistro, located in Lake Highlands. Read more>>

Durant Searcy | Singer, Songwriter, and Performer

I am a Singer, Songwriter, and Actor from Fort Worth, Texas. I started singing at the age of four. In 2005, I released my first independent EP called “The One 4 Me”. Local self-promotion for my first EP led me to performing professionally in DFW area theatre. To this date, I have performed in over thirty local professional plays/musicals throughout the DFW area. My most recent EP “CRASH” was released two years ago, and since then I’ve released several singles such as “Rose-Colored Glasses”, a Christmas song called “This Season (Jingle Bells)”, and my most recent single “Summer Fling (‘21 Re-Vamp)”. During the day, I am an 8am to 5pm corporate employee, which provides me the income to pay for all of my independent artistic endeavors. Read more>>

Demetrie King | Entrepreneur

My name is Demetrie King. I am from Waxahachie Tx and the Founder of the company Vending Mychine. This mobile application is disrupting the vending industry by bringing the best win/win situation to consumers and vendors. Vending is a quiet but very lucrative industry. A lot of new entrepreneurs have created a side hustle by purchasing machines or micro markets to place in various locations and I am here to help their customer engagement. Read more>>

Preach The Poet | Teaching Artist/ Orator/ Activist

My name is Preach the Poet. I am an activist, a poet, and an Educator. Im a descendent from the rhetoric of Fred Hampton. Born in Chicago, IL my roots are rich with culture and community service. I’m the epitome of the work as my Mentor would say. Born from struggle to end struggle. I spend a lot of my time in a classroom using poetry to teach different subjects to scholars and also grow them emotionally in order for them to work out traumas. I would call my classroom the hospital disguised as a playroom. Read more>>

Shamela Clark | CEO/Nail Professional

My name is Shamela Clark, CEO of Jux Like Honey,LLC since 2016. I am responsible for creating Jux Like Honey Hair Oil. Also the owner & License Nail Professional of Too Pedi. Read more>>

Rebecca Spears | Artist

My name is Rebecca Spears I am the a creator Awkward Citizen apparel. I creat design all the of Awkward Citizen’s apparel. Read more>>

Tina Lytch | Co-founder of Love 41

Love 41 was started by Suzette Munson (wife of Dave Munson, Saddleback President) and her sister Tina Lytch. They were motivated by a deep desire to help the many hurting orphans, widows, and street children Suzette found on her first visit to the country of Rwanda in 2010. Rather than try to accomplish this monumental task on her own, Suzette realized that she and Tina could multiply their efforts by partnering with like-minded women. To gain their attention, Suzette began to do one of the things she does best – design. Since Saddleback already had the capability of manufacturing high-quality leather goods, the best plan was to use those facilities to produce women’s leather products such as backpacks, totes, and purses. The profits from the sales of those products would be used to further the mission of helping the helpless around the world through education, job training, the teaching of God’s Word, and numerous other avenues. With that, Love 41 was born and today continues toward its goal of reaching those less fortunate in places far and near. Read more>>

Pamela D. Smith | Author, Mentor, Speaker

I am Pamela D. Smith, a Wife, Mother, Prayer Leader, Speaker, Author, and Mentor. I help women use prayer, writing, and self-care to live purposefully and serve authentically. My books are written for the modern-day woman of faith who desires to live a lifestyle of prayer and demonstrate her faith in the marketplace. The pages of my books, my speeches, and my mentoring ministers to the woman who wants to walk boldly in her purpose and understands that faith and purpose is not limited to those behind a pulpit or a podium. Read more>>

Artisha Moore | Noninvasive Body Sculpting Aesthetic Nurse

My name is Artisha Moore. I am the owner of Boomin’ Body Spa by Artisha LLC. I run a noninvasive med spa that specializes in gut health, not just body sculpting. I have been a nurse for 21 years and I love making people feel great about themselves. I am currently in medical school retaining my doctorate degree in Functional Health, or Holistic Medicine as some people refer to it. Read more>>

Rogers Healy | Owner, CEO, Realtor, Music Enthusiast

I am the Owner and CEO of the Rogers Healy Companies. I have been in the real estate industry for over 20 years, and I am continually looking for ways to evolve the industry. Read more>>

Antonio Paden | Upick Mobile Oil owner

My name is Antonio. I’m 28 year old. I’m originally from Arkansas. I’ve been in the DFW area for about 8 years. I started college a Southern University of Arkansas and I dropped out. I tried again at Texarkana college, and guess what. I dropped out there too. Once I moved to Dallas, I got into entrepreneurship. My kids were all babies and I needed to provide for them. I have 4 kids (Ryder, King, Iyah, and Princeton). I’m married to Jameshia. She owns a women’s online boutique (Queen Lux Boutique). We’ve been married for 9 years. I’ve been a CPR trainer, a Chargeback Analyst, an Insurance agent, a Auto Damage adjuster and I’m a musician. Last thing is I’m working on my real estate license for the state of Texas. I’ve started multiple “ventures” I believe that Upick is my most successful one. I started Upick in 2019. I have a business partner who works just as hard as I do. Lastly, I’m apart of the Church of God in Christ. I’m a cool and laid back guy. I love traveling and Tequila. They go together well. I love trying new things. I’m a aircraft lover and I love art. Read more>>

Kristo Blanc | Record Producer, Recording Artist, Creative Director, Creative Production, Artist Manager, Executive Producer

My name is Kristo Blanc. I am a recording artist, producer, designer, creative director, artist developer and much more. I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I’ve been making music and creating since I could formulate my own creative visions. My connection with music began in a small studio space at a very young age and I’ve loved music ever since I could remember. Read more>>

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