Mister Don Bridges
An innovative songwriter and energetic musical performer for audiences of all ages, Don Bridges started writing songs in 1976 and continues to study or share the stage with many of the nations finest songwriters and musicians. In May 2001, Don made the career change from part-time to full-time musician. He performed a total of 472 times in 2004 and appeared at 634 performances in 2005, then surpassed that with an amazing 718 shows in 2006, an astounding 753 performances in 2007, and another 654 gigs in 2008. Through his special passion for childrens music, Mister Don has emerged as one of the mid-Atlantic regions best-loved family entertainers. He received the Washington Area Music Assocation Wammie award for Childrens Vocalist for both 2004 and 2005 and the Childrens Artist Wammie award for 2006. Overall, Don has been honored with 16 Wammie nominations. Now in his sixteenth year as a member of the Songwriters Assocation of Washington, Don remains on the SAW Board for an eighth year, three of which were served as President of the organization.
More about Mister Don at http://www.donbridgesongs.com
Southwater
Southwater is a collective of some of the finest bluegrass musicians in Charlottesville, VA, including Dave Horgan (guitar/vocals), Patrick Flynn (upright bass/vocals), Dave Krovetz (banjo), and Mike Ioakimedes (mandolin/vocals), Gabe Robey (also of “The Harwell Grice Band”), Nick Reeb (also of “King Wilkie”), Camilla Ammirati (also of “Millie and the Moonshine Boys”), Andy Mansfield (also of “Sun Baked Possum”), Bubba Beasley & Sarah Candler (also of “40 Dolla Mule”). Southwater usually appears as a 3,4, or 5-piece band depending on the event.
More about Southwater at http://www.southwatermusic.com
Tom O'Connor
Tom O’Connor is an emerging Washington, DC area musician and songwriter. Currently residing in Arlington, VA, the 26-year old O’Connor is quickly establishing himself as one of the area’s top musical talents. Tom describes his music as an, “organic blend between pop, rock, folk, country, reggae and bluegrass.” Music critics have labeled O’Connor’s sound, pop-folk at its smoothest and have compared it to the solo acoustic work of Eric Clapton. With his debut release, Frozen in Anticipation, O’Connor demonstrates a knack for creating playful melodies and warm intimate lyrics. On Tap Magazine proclaims, “O’Connor’s vocals are beautiful, and at times, swooning laments that melt into fluid strumming and quivering string arrangements.” Since the release, O’Connor has been building his fan-base and cultivating his live performance by playing shows throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the country, hitting up venues from New York to the Carolinas.
More about Tom O’Connor at http://www.tomoconnormusic.com
Chester River Runoff
The Runoff have successfully played many of the best and most well known clubs and theatres in the area, including the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Andy’s in Chestertown, the 8×10 in Baltimore, the Mainstay, Coffee East/NightCat, and can be seen at famous bluegrass clubs such as the Friendly Inn and the Purple Fiddle. They have shared stages with many of the best in bluegrass and Americana music, including Steep Canyon Rangers, the Avett Brothers, the Hackensaw Boys, and Adrienne Young; and have had many great shows in unlikely pairings, such as with punk and reggae bands, and even opened for garage rock legends the Fleshtones. The group plays regularly in the triangle described by the Eastern Shore, Richmond, VA, and New York City, but they are always looking to expand their range even more. They have released a couple of live CDs, and are hard at work on their studio debut, due out in 2009.
More about Chester River Runoff at www.chesterriverrunoff.com
Oh Susannah!
Kids love Susan McNelis her music, a tasty blend of familiar favorites and lively originals perfect for singing and dancing along. Parents love her music for the unusual arrangements, clever lyrics and beautiful vocals. Her first release Twinkle & Shine brought her to the attention of the Kennedy Center. Her next CD Sing-Song received a coveted iParenting Media Award and contains “The Cats Go Marching,” second place winner in the children’s category in the Just Plain Folks international song-writing competition.
More on Oh Susannah! at www.susannahmusic.com
Banjo Man
Frank Cassel is known to Washington, DC-area kids (of all ages) as “The Banjo Man.” During the summer months, Frank performs at festivals from New York to Georgia. He will also be appearing at bookstores and children’s stores throughout the mid-Atlantic region this fall as he promotes the new Banjo Man album.
More of Banjo Man at www.banjomanfc.com