Guy Fiorentini guests on our first podcast!  He is a talented songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Milwaukee WI. guyfi.com

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Catfish Stephenson joins Chris and Mary at the Brink.  He is an iconic Madison songwriter and slide-guitar guru.    www.catfishstephenson.com

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Old-time fiddle stylist and all-around music maven Reid Gromnicki appears on the show. www.myspace.com/reidgromnicki

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Our next guest is Stephen Lee Rich–your friendly neighborhood yodeling cowboy. Chicago-style songwriter and performer–entertaining, political, great story-teller! www.stephenleerich.com

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Madison songwriters Jentri Colello and Josh Harty perform on Mad Toast Live!  This is the first of two sets. myspace.com/jentricolello joshharty.com/

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Madison songwriters Jentri Colello and Josh Harty perform on Mad Toast Live!  This is the second of two sets. myspace.com/jentricolello joshharty.com/

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Songwriter Jeremiah Nelson appears. www.myspace.com/patchworknoise

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Three of the five members of the Dang-Its (Tom Waselchuk, Sheila Voss, Rick Nass) perform. dang-its.com

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Award winning singer-songwriter Mark Croft. markcroftmusic.com

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The Alison Margaret Jazz Quartet - Crisp, clear, confident jazz vocals backed by a very hip 60’s vibe (literally…a vibraphone), bass and drums.  Alison has assembled some of Madison’s best players to interpret her fresh originals and jazz classics. alisonmargaret.com

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Doug Brown is a musician’s musician.  He is a multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, composer.  Doug features some of his original material as well as backing up jazz vocalist and songwriter Esther Knutson. dougbrownmusic.com

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Best known locally for his honky-tonk band The Dirty Shirts.   Jeff speaks the truth like a Smokey Mountain trubadour.

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David Cox has been an active member of the Steel Bridges songwriting fellowship, which inclues Jackson Browne and Pat MacDonald.  No website, so you’ll just have to hear our podcast! Mr. Robert J. Conaway, our former bandmate, has been busy with a new band, two CDs, another in the works, and an animated children’s series in [...]

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David Cox has been an active member of the Steel Bridges songwriting fellowship, which inclues Jackson Browne and Pat MacDonald.  No website, so you?ll just have to hear our podcast! Mr. Robert J. Conaway, our former bandmate, has been busy with a new band, two CDs, another in the works, and an animated children?s series in [...]

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Two of the world’s greatest mandolinists!  Marshall was a member of David Grisman’s seminal newgrass groups, the founder of the Modern Mandolin Quartet and adept on just about anything with strings.  Lichtenberg is considered one of the top classical mandolinists in the world.  This is a short Mad Toast Live! interview segment followed by excerpts [...]

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One of Madison’s best performers in any venue, formerly of “Kydd and Byrd,” Larry’s powerful songwriting matches his stage presence!

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They’ve been all over the country and we are proud to finally have Lucas and his award-winning band back in Madison and on the show! www.lucascates.com www.myspace.com/lucascates

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Ervin Allen, a true trubador, performs on this archived show from November 11, 2008. ervinallen.com myspace.com/ervinallen

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?The Upper Midwest folk community rising star,? Josh Harty performs on this archived show from November 11, 2008. www.joshharty.com www.myspace.com/joshharty

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Bill and his wife, Kitty, have owned and operated the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson for many years.  Camplin was a well known singer-songwriter before that, so thankfully, his gorgeous voice and masterful guitar playing are being heard all over the country once again! www.cafecarpe.com/billcamplin.htm

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Self-Described “Mystic Poet of the North Woods,” He was signed to Motown Records in 1968 as part of the The Messengers.  During his career he has callaborated as a producer or engineer with artists including the Ramones, Guns N Roses, the Turtles and John Mayall.  He was also a TV editor for many shows including [...]

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Dan Newton is well-known as a master accordionist and he leads several groups in the Twin Cities.   He visited Madison with his Daddy Squeeze Trio (adding guitar and upright bass).

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Madison’s favorite comedy songwriting team. louandpeter.com

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Dynamic acoustic music from the Celtic traditions. larkinband.com

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Old-Timey and Celtic music featuring WI state fiddle champion, Shauncey Ali, and Madison mandolin maven, Chris Powers.

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Texas singer-songwriter and Mexican roots music with beautiful duo vocals. powerweb.net/plata

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Alt-roots & Americana duo on tour from Asheville NC - Guitar, Cello, and Vocals. www.myspace.com/jimseem

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Classic and original Cowboy songs with award winning vocals. www.kgandtheranger.com/

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Madison’s favorite guitar-slinger & the leader of the midwesterners. www.themidwesterners.com/

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Andy Ewen (gutiarist/singer/songwriter) and Randal Harrison (violin) from Madison’s legendary “Honor Among Thieves.” myspace.com/honoramongthievesmadison

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Groovin’ acoustic/electric band from Milwuakee WI. micaholsan.com/ myspace.com/micaholsan

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National touring artists featuring brilliant songwriting, vocals and guitar work.  This is a short Mad Toast Live! segment followed by their ENTIRE CONCERT! Part 1 of 2 www.karensavoca.com

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National touring artists featuring brilliant songwriting, vocals and guitar work.  This is a short Mad Toast Live! segment followed by their ENTIRE CONCERT! Part 2 of 2 www.karensavoca.com

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Dave describes his music as “piano poetry.”  Think Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, and the serious side of Randy Newman.  Jen Logueflower collaborates with Dave and sings some music she’s composed to 19th century poetry and new takes on traditional tunes.

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Evan Murdock and Katie Powderly harmonize soulful tunes about the unholy trinity of drinking, traveling, and heartache that form country music.  Fabulous Honky-Tonk duo! myspace.com/thekentuckywaterfalls

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Refreshing duo from Baraboo WI.  They are a mix of dusty folk and falsetto soul.  Daniel Pingrey plays piano, Jimmy Linville plays guitar and sings, and Davey Roberts play drums. myspace.com/datlband

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Venice Gashouse Trolley is a four-piece Beat Freak band featuring the Flow Poetry of Adam Gregory Pergament.   Way too hard to categorize and way too good not good not to hear. flowpoetry.com myspace.com/flowpoetry

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Tret cut her musical teeth in L.A. as a recording artist and studio engineer.  Lowell George produced one of her first albums, and she’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business.  Consistently adventurous and wittily sexy… www.tretfure.com

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Peter Mulvey is a Milwaukee based singer-songwriter.  He paid his dues on the East Coast in the mid-90’s and has been touring ever since.  “A voice lush and hushed…surrealistic beauty.”  Rolling Stone petermulvey.com

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Rearick’s work is dark piano driven classical-cabaret-pop.  In addition to piano, Stephanie sings, plays trumpet, and builds pieces with various sound sources live on a Boss Loopstation.  A multiple MAMA award winner, she is often compared to the Dresden Dolls, Tom Waits, David Bowie, and Regina Spektor. stephanierearick.com

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Piccolissimo is a jazz group comopsed of Tom Ryan on piccolo and vocals, Kurt Lang on piano and Ernest Jennings on drums.  Tom’s approach to jazz on piccolo, his unique originals, and the addition of veteran keyboard improviser, Lang, and experienced percussionist and educator, Jennings, put this show over the top!

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Subvocal is an ambient psychedelic folk-noir project, started and maintained by Mark Adkins on guitar, vocals, and songwriting.  2009 MAMA award winners, Adkins and crew combine cello, vocals, and guitar to huge effect creating movie-like soundscapes. subvocal.net myspace.com/subvocal

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She transformed a from piano prodigy to rock and roll starlet.  NYC based Emiko will be headlining the Steel Bridge Songfest in June for the third summer in a row.  A three-time featured performer of the Songwriters Hall of Fame New Writers Showcases, Emiko had a #1 single on the UK Overplay Pop/Rock chartes for [...]

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Legendary Madison group, the Common Faces, reunite on Mad Toast Live!  This recording is pulled from the archives from August 26 2008.

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A very special two set show with our friend and ling time bandmate Bob Westfall.  Bob is a superlative guitarist, mandolinist and songwriter crossing many genres from jazz to latin to honky tonk and newgrass.  Joined by Tom Ellis on percussion making it a quartet with Chris and Mary.  Episode 1 of 2.

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A very special two set show with our friend and ling time bandmate Bob Westfall.  Bob is a superlative guitarist, mandolinist and songwriter crossing many genres from jazz to latin to honky tonk and newgrass.  Joined by Tom Ellis on percussion making it a quartet with Chris and Mary.  Episode 2 of 2.

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Multiple Wisconsin and Madison Area Music Award winners and NPR regulars, Harmonious Wail mixes continental jazz, swing, and gypsey music with melodic vocals (and a cardboard box…and scissors). www.wail.com

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Multiple Wisconsin and Madison Area Music Award winners and NPR regulars, Harmonious Wail mixes continental jazz, swing, and gypsey music with melodic vocals (and a cardboard box?and scissors).  Part 2 of 2. www.wail.com

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Proclaimed by the Isthmus to be “Madison’s best country singer/songwriter”…we second that (e)motion!  Joined by bandmate, Josh Harty, another Madison favorite. myspace.com/soloblakethomas

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Part Irish and Scottish traditional melodies and driving Cape Breton rhythm and part new songs and eclectic arrangements - featuring the brother/sister duo of Shay & Evan Carlson.  Shay also works in some Canadian step-dancing. rigelband.com

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Hard Stompin’, bare bones, hardcore, Mississippi River rock, country, and blues.  Former StoneFloat frontman, Tate McLane always performs like its his last show. myspace.com/tatemclane

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Currently touring in support of her new release, “October Road,” Wisconsin native, Wendy Duffy, currently resides in Nashville (via L.A.) and has been making serious Music City in-roads. myspace.com/wendyduffy

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Lil Rev calls his style of performance “edutainment,” has been called a “Wisconin Treasure” (UWM Folk Center) and is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music historian. lilrev.com

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Co-leader of the Siegel-Schwall Band, “one of the best acts in America” (Billboard Magazine), he continues to make great new music solo and with several of Madison’s favorite groups including So Dang Yang and The Cajun Strangers. myspace.com/jimschwall

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Mike Massey is one of Madison’s hardest working musicians.  He has 3 critically aclaimed albums and numerous awards for excellence in original music for advertising. mikemasseymusic.com photo by Clay at Dryad Media

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The Hang Loueys are Kris Adams, Dale Kidd (formerly of Kidd & Byrd), and Andrew Nath.  Their self-described as acoustic rock and soul, but their whimsical songwriting is the focus of their set on MTL.

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When folk/pop/satirical singer and songwriter, Sandy Andina, gets together with the friendly neighborhood yodeling cowboy, Stephen Lee Rich, the result is a perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary.  Stephen has been on MTL before, so we know you will enjoy the show! andinaandrich.com

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Curl and Kennedy stay busy in Madison creating panoptic pop music that ranges from folky acoustic to quirky indie.  They are currently touring in support of their debut release on Slothrop Music.  Catch them while you can! curlkennedy.com

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(repeat) Doug Brown is a musician?s musician.  He is a multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, composer.  Doug features some of his original material as well as backing up jazz vocalist and songwriter Esther Knutson. dougbrownmusic.com

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(repeat) Two of the world?s greatest mandolinists!  Marshall was a member of David Grisman?s seminal newgrass groups, the founder of the Modern Mandolin Quartet and adept on just about anything with strings.  Lichtenberg is considered one of the top classical mandolinists in the world.  This is a short Mad Toast Live! interview segment followed by excerpts [...]

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A good friend of ours, Chuck LeMonds has ben writing songs and performing for 30 years and continues to from his home near Graz, Austria.  His fluent finger-style guitar and poignant songwriting will captivate.  Chuck will be joined by Arkadiy Yushin. www.chucklemonds.org

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Arkadiy is a superb songwriter and musician based in Minneapolis.  He regularly performes with multi-instrumentalist Peter Ostroushko. arkanmusic.com

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Born in Windom MN and currently based in Austin TX, Randy was part of the L.A. scene that included Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jim Lauderdale, Rosie Flores and Buddy Miller.  He was a member of the legendary Lonesome Strangers that recorded three influential albums, two of which were produced by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam) and [...]

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(Part II) Born in Windom MN and currently based in Austin TX, Randy was part of the L.A. scene that included Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jim Lauderdale, Rosie Flores and Buddy Miller.  He was a member of the legendary Lonesome Strangers that recorded three influential albums, two of which were produced by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam) [...]

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Kevin and Jim Lottridge (longtime friend and local picker) perform original songs as a duo. A native resident of Austin, TX, for 20 years, Kevin grew up around, was influenced by, musicians that were living there at the time such as Joe Ely, Townes Van Zandt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, John Inmon and many more. Kevin [...]

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Based in Minneapolis and described as, “masters of Americana music” (Dirty Linen Magazine), “authentic, retrospective and thought provoking” (AmericanaUK), “deserving all the publicity they can get” (Blues Revue Magazine), The Get-Rites are intent on spreading the Good News in song with their unique mixture of old school, dirty, back-woods blues and shimmering, sloe-eyed country ballads. [...]

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Excerpts from their new show, “In the Beginning: A Musical Comedy”–with musical accompaniment by members of The Gomers. mercuryplayerstheatre.com

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Boo Bradley is a hot blues stompin?, jelly roll jumpin?, rag jazz infusin?, two-man acoustic jug attack from Madtown, Wisconsin. These boys throw down a porch stomp boogie chock full of old time Delta moans from the likes of Son House and Charley Patton, the Piedmont shake of Blind Boy Fuller and the earliest Chicago [...]

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(Episode 1 of 2)  Pianist and composer, Willerm’s versatility has created a high demand for him with prominent jazz, rap, soul, and fusion artists including 2009 Best World Guitarist Fareed Haque, Grammy Award winning artist T-Pain, Lauryn Hill , Kirk Whalum, Louis Bellson , Lew Soloff, Calvin Newborne, Corey Wilkes, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Heath, David [...]

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(Episode 2 of 2)  Pianist and composer, Willerm’s versatility has created a high demand for him with prominent jazz, rap, soul, and fusion artists including 2009 Best World Guitarist Fareed Haque, Grammy Award winning artist T-Pain, Lauryn Hill , Kirk Whalum, Louis Bellson , Lew Soloff, Calvin Newborne, Corey Wilkes, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Heath, David [...]

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An original member of Madison’s favorite Balkan Funk group, The Reptile Palace Orchestra, Seth’s music combines elements of ragtime, blues, novelty, country, and rock music with his own unique lyric sense. And LOTS OF CELLO. Rated many times as Critics’ Choice in Madison’s Isthmus, and as one of the Top Ten Best Bets at Northwest [...]

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A duo with the full spectrum of an orchestra and the energy of a rock band–winners of the Lifestyles Radio Music Awards for “Best New Artist of 2004″ and “Best Contemporary Acoustic Album of 2005″–using a wide range of effects, Jennifer Adam’s blazing electric cello and Jonathan Adam’s guitar wizardry create a sound that is [...]

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(Episode 1 of 2) CopperBox is an outstanding band out of Oshkosh. They won the 2009 WAMI “Americana” category (which means “hard to classify”). They tag themselves as zydeco/rock/polka but that doesn’t cover it all. Their polka version of Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd is just one example of how eclectic they are. They also do [...]

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(Episode 2 of 2) CopperBox is an outstanding band out of Oshkosh. They won the 2009 WAMI “Americana” category (which means “hard to classify”). They tag themselves as zydeco/rock/polka but that doesn’t cover it all. Their polka version of Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd is just one example of how eclectic they are. They also do [...]

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(This is the) Squirrel Hunters is a traditional Bluegrass co-op from Madison, WI. In the band’s own words…”we make regular musical forays outside the protective walls of Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs, but always with caution, and never without a long rifle.” titsh.com

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Madison rock band, The Getaway Drivers, join us on the show. www.myspace.com/thegetaway-drivers

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With a new CD almost complete these boys are ready to swing you silly! Chris Ruppenthal & Ed Fila (Caravan’s twin- guitar front line) fire off authentic-sounding Django-inspired leads even on their well-crafted original tunes. gypsyswing.com

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Classic Honky Tonk and Western Swing replete with twin fiddles, steel guitar, and guys in matching Western-wear. Dan O’Brien (one of the co-founders of the Nob Hill Boys) leads the pack with his strong tenor vocals, guitar, and banjo. northcountrydrifters.com

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(Al Day, Mike McDougal, and Midge Brzozowski) A highly talented quartet of both Madison and Chicago musicians who have all paid their dues on the Chicago folk scene. Look forward to great music and stories about places and characters from the Windy City.

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“Stiernberg is the foremost jazz mandolinist in America today” (Mike Marshall) “I’ve always had the highest regard for his mandolin style-understated, subtle, and sweet.” (David Grisman) Don Stiernberg is among the top tier of mandolinists performing today in any style. A former member of Jethro Burn’s Quartet, Mr. Steirnberg’s jazz trio will grace our [...]

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Known for his audience interaction, funny and unique performances for all ages, and songs made up right on the spot, Ken is also a theatrical composer and performer as well as a minstrel for the environment. Frankly, we don’t know what to expect, but whatever it is, it’ll be great! kenland.com

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These Milwaukee-based seasoned veterans blend Celtic, Blues, Americana, Shanty, Jazz, Creole, Folk, Art-Rock, Reggae, Comedy and original songs into something that can only be described as ?eclectic acoustic.? Brandishing an impressive arsenal of musical instruments (resonator guitar, mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, pennywhistle, squeeze box, flute, harmonica, doumbek, djembe, and bodhran - just to name a few) [...]

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Charlie Cheney (Michigan…former Madisonian) charliecheney.com

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Part II of the Touring Songwriters Showcase from November 3.  Delaney Davidson stops by on this leg of his U.S. tour.  A New Zealand native, he shares stories of his world travels and shows his gritty songwriting style.  A must listen! myspace.com/delaneyfdavidson

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L.A. songwriter Michael Miller performs his beautiful slow tempo songs. michaelmillercrusade.com

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Nancy Rost has been called “the love child of Tom Lehrer and Tom Waits” (KnowYourMusic.com). Her distinctive songs combine a jazz-influenced piano style with lyrics that are quirky, witty and heartfelt, often all at once. nancyrost.com more pictures from this episode

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An accomplished and dedicated songwriter, Lamps has worked with many clients and collaborators, and will also be featuring his own music in addition to accompanying Mark Harrod. scottlamps.com more pictures from this episode

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