Event Detail
goatFISH with Hannah Spiro and Sarah Fridrich
Thursday, April 12, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Sahffi (Neo-Alternative Folk Artist from Maryland) and Mosno (Eclectic Desert Rocker from Sudan) team up to deliver a vibrant acoustic performance, featuring vocal harmonies, guitars and African percussion, bridging the gap between east and west.This duo brings to the stage over 20 years of combined performance experience, as well as international recognition, with songs released by German label Foliage Records, with the electronic group t3N.
Recent performances include slots for the past two years at Artscape, the largest free arts festival in the country, in Baltimore, MD, performances in New York, Philly & DC, and a performance at the World Music Conference in Miami, FL with their group t3N. They also opened up for the award-winning band Carbon Leaf on New Year’s Eve of 2012.
Independently each has released their own albums; however, a goatFISH album is slated for Summer 2012.
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://mosno.net/
with Hannah Spiro
Website: http://www.hannahspiro.com/
Hannah Spiro has been singing and strumming at Washington, D.C. area coffeehouses since she was 13. Now, at 21, she is a fixture in the D.C. music scene and is revolutionizing the concept of Jewish music, beginning with her 2010 alt-Jewish CD, “Aliyah”. Her newest album, “It Is Upon Us”, combines traditional inspirations with alternative perspectives for an alt-folk original album of Jewish prayer. Her musicianship and songwriting are also on display in her 2010 CD, “Exhale Your Blues”, which received an Honorable Mention in the 11th Annual Cooch Music Songwriter Contest for “Bricks”, and her 2006 CD, “Last Lights on in Town”. “Last Lights” earned Hannah a Washington Area Music Award nomination in the category of Contemporary-Folk. “In Touch,” the first song on that CD, was a Finalist in the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Songwriters’ Contest and received an Honorable Mention in the 2007 Singer Songwriter Awards.
Hannah’s sound is a combination of folk, pop and rock, reminiscent of such other singer-songwriters as Natalie Merchant and Tegan and Sara. Hannah’s songs express a range of feelings and a variety of themes, while conveying her irrepressible energy. Now, she is in her senior year at the University of Maryland in College Park, where she is majoring in Philosophy and Jewish Studies—and, as of fall 2012, she will be a student rabbi at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia.
To witness one of Hannah’s live performances is to see a combination of freshness, enthusiasm and natural gifts that is truly rare. Those who think that Washington, D.C. never produces anything new and exciting have obviously never heard Hannah sing.
and Sarah Fridrich
Website: http://www.facebook.com/msfridrich
Ms. Fridrich is an Indie-pop duo fronted by pianist, singer, songwriter Sarah Fridrich, who is an enthusiastic fan of pianist-singers Amanda Palmer, Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, and Fiona Apple; as well as a heartfelt disciple of gritty songwriters like Lucinda Williams and Tom Waits.
Currently on tour to support their new album, Ms. Fridrich also includes wunderkind, jazz-trained drummer Kirk Kubicek, who found Sarah on Craigslist and then learned an entire album of difficult and crazy drum parts in about a month and a half.
Together, they are playing all the tracks from “You Call That Brave” LIVE in cities around the country and handing out big hugs to new fans, new music buddies, (and long lost friends) along the way!!
When in the greater DelMarVa / Washington D.C. area, Ms. Fridrich also plays with a bevy of angel-voiced career women, who are a bunch of dear friends of Sarah, and who we like to call (and they like to be called “The Rock Girl Choir”.
Young Life Benefit Concert featuring Tiffany Thompson with David James
Friday, March 2, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Washington DC based singer-songwriter Tiffany Thompson’s rich, clear voice brings to life her poetic and personal lyrics, reminding listeners of Colbie Caillat, Priscilla Ahn and Norah Jones. Playing both piano and guitar, Tiffany’s dynamic stage presence and story telling style are gathering her fans of all ages. Her recent concerts credits include opening for the legendary folk-rock band America at The Birchmere in Virginia as well as Mindy Smith at Jammin Java in Virginia. On her Fall 2011 album, Tiffany created her 5th album as an pop-electronic-folk fusion that has been getting rave reviews from bloggers and fans. Tiffany’s songs shimmer with hope and love, which also being honest about the confusion and struggle along the way.
Cost: $12 advance / $15 door
For more information, visit http://www.tiffanythompsonmusic.com/
with David James
David James front man for Ndelible had been rapping since the age of 12, felt led to do something different, so he connected with guitar player, Qdot, and drummer, Ron, setting the foundation for Ndelible. David had already been heavily influenced by great songwriters like Tommy Sims and Lauryn Hill. He was also influenced by great bands like the Roots and The Dave Matthews Band. Qdot (Lead Guitar) brought a heavy rock and Ron (Percussion) a Jazz/Experimental soul influence to mix. They later hooked up with Joe (Bass) who has a heavy Neo Soul influence. David James writes songs about life and love, but from the perspective of someone who walks with and is daily dependent on God. A fan appropriately called the album’s content “Life Music” David James and Ndelible have a current project “Time and Chance” and also a mixtape entitled Mammoth Mixtape. They have opened for such artist as Common, Dwele, Eric Roberson and Fertile Ground.
Harmonic Blue, Rhianna LaRocque, Micah, and Sarah Castille
Thursday, May 17, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Singer-Songwriter Night
Harmonic Blue:
http://www.facebook.com/HarmonicBlue
Rhianna LaRocque:
http://rhiannalarocque.com/
Micah:
http://www.facebook.com/micahmusic
Sarah Castille:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Castille/152442954828284
Cost: $8
The Energy with Crooked Crow and Kerri Leigh
Friday, June 29, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Even for a group that has clocked thousands of miles and performed at hundreds of venues across the country, it’s amazing that discovering a sound still proves to be the most significant challenge in a band’s journey. So if there’s anything that the Brooklyn based rock band The Energy has learned during the recording of their 4th album, Streets of In-Between (Produced by Scott Riebling: Fall Out Boy, We the Kings, The Academy Is), it’s that at times the most succinct statement can be the most powerful. The message of the album is clear: when you take the road less traveled, your life becomes richer and more fulfilled.
Love is a predominant theme on Streets of In-Between. From the conflicted and even paradoxical strains of the up-tempo single “Go To Girl,” (“When we fight/That’s when I see her smile”), to the hard rocking “Nothing That You Need,” (“She’s everything you want/And nothing that you need”),the album explores the many forms romance can take. And for the fans who dug the social awareness so present on the band’s previous recordings, take heart: “Better Way” beckons the listener to shrug off the drudgery of the day-to-day in search of a higher cause. The song has already had an opportunity to shine during a politically-charged sequence on MTV’s “Real World: Washington, DC”, as well as underscoring a segment of MTV’s “Cutthroat Challenge.”
Selling out many of New York City’s and Boston’s premier venues over the past two years, the band currently ranks among the top grossing indie acts in the Northeast. And yet despite touring with artists such as 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon, Ryan Cabrera and Eve 6, and having had music featured numerous times on both MTV and ESPN, the band chooses to keep ambitious. The Energy recently appeared on Voice of America (VOA) “Border Crossings” program for some 100 million listeners, and shortly thereafter helped to host an episode of ESPN’s “Inside the Big East.”
Cost: $8 advance / $10 day of
For more information, visit http://www.theenergy-music.com/
with Crooked Crow
Website: http://www.crookedcrow.com/
Crooked Crow formed in 2001, upon the ashes of their previous incarnation, Acoustic Reign. Building themselves a strong following in the Washington DC area as a band with a large repertoire of cover hits—plus a strong pool of original songs—Crooked Crow became a familiar name around town for parties and a rockin’ good time.
During the cover years, the band continued writing original songs and releasing CDs. In 2007, Crooked Crow began to focus primarily on playing their own music at “proper” live music venues.
Their original music is best described as high energy, straight-up rock and roll, featuring obvious classic and Southern rock influences coupled with modern lyric and rhythm stylings. The band’s sound has been compared to bands like R.E.M., Tonic, and Vertical Horizon.
As a popular headlining act at smaller venues around the Washington DC metro area, Crooked Crow is now playing support at DC’s larger venues, including the State Theatre and the 9:30 Club. Building a following throughout the Northeast Corridor, the band plays often in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City and Boston. Crooked Crow is also turning their attention to the south, with shows in Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC in the works.
Crooked Crow has opened for and supported many regional and national headliners, including Cowboy Mouth, Sponge, Authority Zero, and Zebrahead.
and Kerri Leigh
Website: http://www.kerrileigh.com/
Multi award winning Kerri Leigh has made a big impression and wowed audiences all over the North West and beyond, with her fantastic range, powerful vocals, sexy looks and bubbly personality.
Joy Ike with JD Eicher and Kurt Scobie
Friday, May 4, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Singer/songwriter Joy Ike has found herself in the most unexpected of places – living and performing as a full-time touring musician. The the last year has dealt her some interesting surprises and accomplishments… including being voted Pittsburgh City Paper’s “Best Solo Artist” for the fourth year in a row, landing a spot on the Lilith Fair Tour, and scoring a write-up and radio spot on NPR’s (National Public Radio) All Things Considered.
Her fans have compared her vocally to Corinne Bailey Rae and Norah Jones, stylistically to Fiona Apple and Laura Nyro, and have said that her ambiance is much like that of India Aire and Lizz Wright. “Honestly”, she says, “I don’t really spend much time listening to any of the above.” She credits much of her musical influence to more modern acts including her two favorite female artists Sara Groves and Brooke Waggoner. “I really just love soul music and I think soul music has less to do with how a song sounds and more to do with the emotion behind it. I think that’s why these artists mean so much to me.”
Currently based out of Pittsburgh, PA, Ike’s schedule includes an average of 130 dates a year, playing regionally through Philadelphia, NYC, Washington, DC, the Ohios and surrounding cities and states. She has opened for national artists Jill Hennessey, Butterfly Boucher, Dwele, Serena Ryder, Chrisette Michele, Tyrone Wells, Matthew Good, Jeffrey Gaines, and Deas Vail.
Ike’s music has continually been noted for its lyrical depth- addressing the human condition, thoughts on love, and the search for God in a very tangible way. A recent write-up on NPR’s All Things Considered says “The depth of subjects she tackles in her poetic lyrics are perfectly complemented by a unique blend of neo-soul, with just the right dash of pop…a truly compelling act to watch in person, with the ability to create an intimate setting in locations big and small.”
Her most recent album, “Rumors”, released in May 2010.
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://www.joyike.com/news/
with JD Eicher
Website: http://www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com/
“A kind of gentle innocence pervades, as if not trying to grab you as it passes by, but hoping you’ll be touched.” - Pittsburgh City Paper
Two years after the release of their debut album and hundreds of performances later, JD Eicher & the Goodnights deliver their sophomore release, entitled Shifting, which reaches out and touches listeners with vivid portraits of love, struggle, and hope.
Thirteen songs chart their journey from feel good pop to keys-out-front alternative rock. A radio-ready, polished sound with literate songwriting and intimate, swoon-worthy vocals has the Herald-Standard ranking the album with Pittsburgh’s elite, saying that Shifting is “the best album from a local band since ‘Restless Days’ (The Clarks). Seriously, it’s that good.”
Forging their diverse musical backgrounds, JD Eicher (vocals/guitar), Dan Prokop (keys), Jim Merhaut (bass), and Ryan Kirk (drums/percussion) combine seasoned songwriting, rich vocals, melodic arrangements, and emphatic delivery to establish their own brand of “subtle pop.” They’ve created an album that has “the light, poppy quality of British bands Keane or The Script—which has done plenty of damage on the airwaves—but with more detail in the songwriting,” says the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Produced by Paul Barber (My Favorite Highway, The Bigger Lights, The Friday Night Boys), Shifting is the manifestation of the band’s musical exploration and growth since the last record. “These guys can play,” notes Barber, “that’s what made the sessions really rewarding.” Beyond the quartet’s growth as musicians, the theme of ‘shifting’ appears in the underlying emphasis on change in the songs, Eicher’s evolution as a songwriter, and the band’s ability to shift seamlessly between various styles, giving the album a “mainstream likability that is both charming and contagious,” praises the Herald-Standard.
“With the release of Shifting, JD Eicher & the Goodnights take their place among the elite of Northeast Ohio-Western Pennsylvania bands,” exclaims The Vindicator. Not to be outdone, some think that the band is destined for a larger audience: “America will fall in love with JD Eicher,” proclaims Cindy Howes, Morning Mix Host & Producer at 91.3FM WYEP.
and Kurt Scobie
Website: http://www.kurtscobie.com/fr_home.cfm
Every time Kurt Scobie sits down at the keys, the power of his expressive lyrics and percussive piano style have a magnetic effect on the entire room. The lyrics strike a familiar chord but carry a refreshing tone, and the catchy melodies enable listeners to sing along, even after hearing his songs for the first time. On and off the stage, Kurt is consistently friendly and respectfully honest.
Kurt Scobie lives in Atlanta, GA, but he is most at home when he is on the road and meeting new people. Since 2008 he has performed over 400 shows, including three NACA showcases, and a performance for the Atlanta Braves. Kurt has also shared the stage with The Civil Wars, Matthew Perryman Jones, Montell Jordan, and Mike Kinnebrew. Influences such as Mat Kearney, Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz have helped Kurt create a sound that is winning over audiences across the country.
Amelia White with Brett Ryan Stewart
Thursday, April 19, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Though she was born and bred in Virginia to a native Virginian family, Amelia White cut her musical teeth as a young adult in Boston. “I could claim a southern musical pedigree if I wanted, my Grandpa played banjo on the porch every night, but in reality my roots came from sneaking down to the basement to listen to my older brother’s records while Mom thought I was doing homework,” laughs Amelia. “The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, and early Elton John were my favs, and I was completely obsessed. I loved the songs where I couldn’t figure out exactly what it meant for a while, and slowly a mystery was revealed; it blew my mind.“
And as the muse was awakened the story begins. She begged her brother to teach her guitar, proceeding to play it so much and so naturally that he sold her his 1968 Martin D-18 for 20 bucks of allowance money. It’s still Amelia’s main guitar to this day. The writing of songs followed and it was a steady stream that led her to her first money making gigs in the subways of Boston, and into studios and venues around the country and world. “I’ve pretty much been writing songs and playing them for people ever since I can remember, it comes naturally to me, and I imagine I will do it until the day I die.”
It’s no surprise that the title track of BEAUTIFUL and WILD, her fifth studio album, was written for another soul equally as driven by music, as he lay dying an untimely death in spring of 2009. Amelia met Duane Jarvis, the spirited guitarist best known for his co-write with Lucinda Williams “Still I Long For Your Kiss” when she first moved to East Nashville in 2001. “He became a mentor and good friend,” says White. “We wrote together, he backed me up at times, and even when he was out on the road playing with everyone from Frank Black to John Prine, I could always call him if I felt down or discouraged about the business.”
The album is full of those kinds of tales where souls cross into the next world, and connections with saints and demons from realms beyond the physical are made. “Sidewalks” was penned during her visits one hot summer to Baptist Hospital, as a close family member suffered another untimely death. Amelia reflects, “When people you love pass away too early and too fast, it leaves you with a hole but also an obligation to live your life as best you can.”
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://www.ameliawhite.com/
with Brett Ryan Stewart
Website: http://brettryanstewart.com/about/
Brett Ryan Stewart is a Nashville singer/songwriter whose lyrics lend a deep look into the artist’s life experience of loss, purpose and hope. Having songs appear on numerous soundtracks, including a recent feature on the hit TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance”, this Delaware transplant and self-taught guitarist has a distinct indie/pop sound peppered with a southern influence which named him “…a talent worth watching!” by Performing Songwriter Magazine.
Stewart’s new record, Tilt, was released as a LIMITED-EDITION Double Disc CD set on September 13, 2011. A culmination between Stewart and guitarist/producer Chris Tench, Tilt gives listeners a window to the landscape of Stewart’s heart and mind. Together with Nashville based producer Tres Sasser (Will Hoge/ James Dunn), and Roger Moutenot (Guster/Lou Reed/Yo La Tango), the clean elegance and effortless power of Stewart’s voice confronts the inevitable and the unknown from Stewart’s self-professed “awakened state of mind”, which he attributes to the recent, sudden loss of two friends. The release of Tilt symbolizes a “…rebirth of sorts”, and, compared to his previous work, Stewart considers Tilt to be “more of an offering than a group therapy session”.
Leading the album, the aptly titled “Wide Awake” is a confrontational piece that sets the tone for Tilt – “I just can’t watch the years go by, I’m too young, I’m not ready to die … I’m wide awake now.” Stewart’s “Sunshine” is optimistic for change, “Sunshine you’re running late, but I can wait, I can wait.” Stewart and Tench have a synergy identified by both as “spontaneous…where great ideas just come, and you don’t know where they come from.” The two where introduced after Stewart’s move to Nashville in 2006. Initially forming Wide Eyed Sleeper, a rock quartet, Stewart and Tench released Choking On Menthol, a five song EP in early 2008. Continuing to develop their relationship, in January 2009 it was decided to drop the band and further develop Stewart’s original sound. The next two years the duo would produce a vast catalog from which they hand picked the best of their collaborative efforts to create Brett Ryan Stewart’s Tilt.
Brett Ryan Stewart’s artistic influence came at age 7 with the untimely passing of his father. Urged by his mother to put his thoughts into written word, Stewart combined the inheritance of his older brother’s vinyl collection and the passion of writing to prompt a singular career goal… to one day make records. A guitar at Christmas led Stewart’s endless practice, shortly turning into songwriting. Crediting his Uncle, Nashville singer/songwriter Will Webb for turning his ear to such music legends as Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen, Stewart’s writing efforts began developing into a broad artistic range, and with the addition to 6 years of recording and producing over 30 different bands, Stewart was set to complete his debut record, Necessary Lies. Produced and Recorded at home by Stewart, Necessary Lies (2007), received critical acclaim and steady rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio, Internet Radio, European National Public Radio as well as a Featured Artist spot on Nashville’s Lightening 100 WRLT. Two songs, “Yet Again” and “Face To Face” topped the charts on Neil Young’s “Living With War Today” website, holding the number 1 & 2 position for over a month. The song “Appalachian Heartache” has been featured by Heineken and Microsoft, as well as being successfully auctioned at SongVest.
Chelsea Berry, Derik Hultquist, Amy Obenski and Neil Sullivan
Thursday, March 29, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Singer-Songwriter Night:
Chelsea Berry:
http://chelseaberry.com/news/
Derek Hultquist:
http://www.facebook.com/derikhultquistmusic
Amy Obenski:
http://www.amyobenski.com/
Neil Sullivan:
http://www.facebook.com/neilsullivanmusic
Cost: $8
Reverend with Ted Garber and Stephen Chandler
Thursday, March 22, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Ebenezers Coffeehouse welcomes back Reverend!
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://www.reverendmusic.com/
with Ted Garber
Website: http://www.tedgarber.com/
Ushering in a new golden age of live entertainment is Ted Garber, a genre-bending multi-instrumentalist whose “BluesAmericanaRock” combines classic showmanship with a captivating singer-songwriter sensibility. His smokey, bluesy vocals, howling harmonica riffs and screaming guitar licks are enticing audiences wordwide, taking us on a diverse musical journey from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, hovering in the Mississippi Delta before heading South of the Border.
Ask Ted about his musical influences, and four passions shine through-the iconic time-honored entertainers of his childhood, such as Sinatra and Elvis, his late folk-rock musician father, the rhythm and blues scene of New Orleans, and insatiable globe-trotting. His thirst for new experiences has led him to more than 30 countries on four continents. Whether it’s a dingy shantytown motel room in Tanzania, a Brazilian beach hut jam session, a single-mom waiting tables at Denny’s, or the smiling shoe-shining oracle on a New Orleans street corner, Garber’s walking, hitching, gigging, chicken-and-goat-bus-cultural-immersion is what steers his musical odyssey.
Ted kicked off his career performing covers on the streets of New Orleans for tips, where he balanced academic studies at Tulane University with his passion for playing. Inspired by the vibrancy of the city and realizing his natural ability to connect with a crowd, he honed his talent for original material. He went on to open for the likes of Pat McGee and has performed in venues as diverse as DC’s legendary 9:30 Club, LA’s The Viper Room, and Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. He was also named DC’s Top Entertainer by WUSA-Channel 9, and won On Tap Magazine’s Battle of the Bands “Taste of Arlington” Competition in 2006. Ted won a 2010 Washington Area Music Award (WAMA) for “Pop Rock Recording of the Year,” recognizing his late-2009 studio album, “American Rail.”
Most recently, Ted has enjoyed being a member of the prestigious Strathmore Performing Arts Center’s “Artist in Residence” (AIR) program, an annual fellowship in North Bethesda, MD that takes only six artists out of hundreds of worthy applicants. Having sold out The Mansion at Strathmore three conesecutive times in early 2011, Ted recorded two of these public concerts which now comprise his brand new album, “Live at Strathmore” (Released: May 13, 2011). Featured on this album is an all-star backing band comprised of multi-Grammy winners Jon Carroll (pianist, Starland Vocal Band, Mary Chapin Carpenter) and Cathy Fink (ukulele) along with the multi-Grammy nominated Scott Ambush (bassist, Spyro Gyra) and local favorite Eddie Hartness (drums) of Eddie From Ohio as well as other local talent and other Strathmore Resident Artists.
and Stephen Chandler
Website: http://www.stephenchandlermusic.com/home.cfm
From performing live across the Eastern US to recording at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, singer/songwriter Stephen Chandler has spent the last seven years polishing his craft as a songwriter and performer. Most recently fronting The Ornery, a Raleigh super group of sorts, Stephen continues to write, record and gig in an effort to expand his niche as an independent recording artist.
“Stephen has an innate ability to connect with audiences of all sizes.” He performs live solo acoustic, as a duo with piano accompaniment and as a full band (most recently with The Ornery and members of Pseudo Blue and Delta Rae). He has performed at large concert venues and has opened for multiple national acts as well as performing at more intimate acoustic listening venues.
Stephen is currently in the studio along with members of The Ornery, crafting a full length record to be released in 2012.
Chris Douglas CD Release with Michael Knox
Saturday, February 25, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Chris has been leading worship from the age of 14. His love for music led him to Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA where he received a BFA in Musical Theatre. Graduating in May of 2010, Chris left the theatre stage and came on staff as a worship leader at Truro Church. During his time at Truro, Chris fell in love with Alpha’ seeing so many people come to know Jesus and be filled with His Holy Spirit through that course. He was privileged to travel to London, UK and Kiev, Ukraine with Alpha as well as be a speaker at the DC Region Holy Spirit Retreats. After a year and a half of ministry at Truro Church, Chris has joined the staff of National Community Church led by pastor and author, Mark Batterson. Chris is so excited to join this team and the incredible work that the Spirit is doing in and through this community.
Cost: $5
For more information, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisdouglas
with Michael Knox
Website: http://www.michaelknoxmusic.com/
Michael Knox is a singer/songwriter based out of Northern Virginia. He recently finished recording his debut album with acclaimed musician/producer Kurtis Parks. His music can be described as upbeat acoustic pop/rock with thoughtful lyrics and an engaging stage presence. An honest writer and performer, he looks forward to playing his album live and sharing his love for music with others.
Rudder North with Ryanhood and Frank Viele
Thursday, April 26, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Hailing the outskirts of Baltimore and DC in Maryland, the members of Rudder North formed their unique duo in March of 2010. Since, they have played a number of shows at local venues, coffeehouses, and open mic nights. On December 31st, 2010, Rudder North released their debut album, “Redwoods”. Since the release, the duo have been playing original songs at any venue they can get their hands, feet, and 7+ instruments into. The pair have also started writing new songs in the short three months since the release.
Rudder North never ceases to surprise the audience with their ability to create easy listening, positive music while the small duo play multiple instruments at once. Though they may seem small, they give a pure, full sound. Experimenting with the guitar, and discovering the variety of sounds that can come from this stringed, wooden box, the two talented young men find excitement in making instruments of everyday objects. The wide variety of instruments they use include, guitars, mandolin, xylophone, harmonica, many different sources of percussion, and more.
Their first album, “Redwoods,” took Rudder North just over half a year to write, and a couple of months to record. In less than a year, the pair produced the album in its entirety without the help of others. The album consists of everything from easy-listening acoustic harmonies and upbeat percussion ensembles to minor chord progressions producing their signature indie folk sound. “Redwoods” provides the listener with the everyday experiences of members, J.D. Fahr and Derek Torsani. This album served as an audible canvas for J.D. and Derek to express their experiences in life, such as their traveling hardships, relationships, and beliefs. Rudder North’s debut album even features their unique rendition of the renowned “When You Were Young” by The Killers.
So what does Rudder North see in their near future? Well, having recently won the battle of the bands at local college, the confident musicians plan to take on as many other local battles as possible. In addition to a greater number of local shows scattered around their area, Rudder North is hoping to tour the country, starting on the East Coast. Always writing new songs, the two expect to see a second album in the near future. Only time can tell what may come for this upcoming soulful folk duo.
Rudder North is: JD Fahr & Derek Torsani
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://www.ruddernorth.com/
with Ryanhood
Website: http://www.ryanhood.com/
In 2010, Ryan Green and Cameron Hood of Ryanhood – called “a match made in radio heaven” by the Arizona Daily Star – were averaging more than 130 shows a year, performing in nearly every state on the US map, opening shows for Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, and Train, meeting with big-time managers, and even getting tweeted about by Ellen Degeneres.
But underneath the surface of independent success, all was not well. And that’s when it happened.
“We hit a wall,” says Hood. “It had become all about the promotion and the sell, and we couldn’t remember what we even had to offer.” After six straight years of recording, promoting, touring, and profound fatigue, it started to look like pop/folk duo Ryanhood was finished. Aware that it was only a matter of time before they burned-out completely, he and Green made the potentially-dangerous decision to take a full-year sabbatical from any kind of music “business.”
“It’s a scary thing,” adds Green. “You don’t know if the time off will recharge you, or if it will just end up being a really long and drawn-out way of calling it quits.”
But as the band put their roots back down in their hometown of Tucson, AZ, and reconnected with family and friends, their gamble began to pay off. By the end of the year they found themselves in a surge of creativity, flooded with new songs.
Being off of the road though, Green and Hood lacked the touring income to fund a new recording project, so they turned to their fans who stunned the band by contributing more than $10,000 towards a new album. With their supporters behind them, Ryanhood holed up at the home-studio of long-time friend Ryan Alfred (soundman for Calexico, The Jayhawks, Okkerville River), who helped steer the band away from a mentality of pop perfection, and towards emotionally real and captivating performances.
“Rather than asking ourselves, ‘Is this marketable? Does this sound like Ryanhood?’ Hood explains, “we just kept asking, ‘Is it beautiful? Does it move me?’”
The resulting collection, After Night Came Sun, is a colorful album of songs about catastrophe and hope, failure and redemption. The album reaches further stylistically than the band’s previous work, while the heart of the acoustic duo still remains beautifully identifiable: sweet and soaring harmonies, mesmerizing guitar melodies, and honest, searching lyrics that all fit somewhere between Simon & Garfunkel, Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons, and Jimmy Eat World.
Ryanhood’s After Night Came Sun releases on 11/8/11, and the duo will hit the road again in 2011/2012 in support of the album.
and Frank Viele
Website: http://www.teamsoundwave.com/frankviele/
At the age of three, Frank began playing music by mimicing the tunes he heard on television at his grandmother’s piano. Heavily influenced by Dave Matthews as a teenager, he then created music with his own guitar. It didn’t take long before influences such as Eric Krasno, George Benson, and other jazz phenoms led him to study at the summer guitar program at Berklee Collge of Music. Since then, Frank has carried that inspiration to write a catalog of songs and attract a band of musicians from all over the Northeast.
Cecelia Jeffrey, Joshua Johnston, and Jon Paul
Friday, March 23, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Singer-Songwriter Night:
Cecelia Jeffrey
http://www.myspace.com/ceceliajeffrey
Jon Paul
http://www.jonpaulmusic.net
David Kitchen
http://www.davidkitchen.net/
Joshua Johnston
http://www.reverbnation.com/joshuajohnston
Cost: $8
Kayte Grace, Ali Grayson, Justin Levinson, and Casey Dinkin
Thursday, March 8, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Singer-Songwriter Night:
Kayte Grace: www.kaytegracemusic
.com
Ali Grayson: www.aligraysonmusic
.com
Justin Levinson: www.justinlevinson
.com
Casey Dinkin: www.caseydinkin.com
Cost: $8
Open Mic Night hosted by Gideon Grove
Thursday, March 1, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Open Mic is the first Thursday of the month.
Featured Performers:
May - The Sea, The Sea
Performances start at 7:00; sign-up starts at 6:30.
For inclusion in the lineup, it is strongly suggested to email Gideon Grove at gideongrovemusic@gmail.com with the subject line (Ebenezers Open Mic.) Showing up the day of will not guarantee you a spot.
If you have not emailed in advance, you must sign-up in person. Do not call Ebenezers to reserve a spot or ask a friend to sign-up for you.
Ebenezers is all-ages at all times and reserves the right to interrupt a performance due to profanity or obscene content.
Cost: FREE
Judge Smith with Eric Scott and Justine Miller
Thursday, June 14, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Judge Smith, originally formed in June 2003, now features Ed Smith on vocals and guitar; Pete Eisler on lead guitar; John David Coppola on bass; Joe Wells on drums; and Michelle on lead vocals. The group is available from any combination from a duo to a 7 piece band - with the addition of tubanist/percussionist Hank Rueter and master harmonica player Randy Lilleston. The band released its debut CD “Feel It,” recorded at Cue Studios in Falls Church, Virginia, in November 2003.
The Judge Smith acoustic duo covers the gamut of rock music - from classics to indie progressive - with arrangements featuring distinctive vocal and instrumental harmonies. The duo features Edward Smith on vocals and guitar and John David Coppola on bass guitar and vocals. Judge Smith plays regularly in venues throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia. Judge Smith has released the acoustic duo CD, Visions, which features arrangements of songs by the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Paul Simon and Jimmy Cliff.
Released October 2005, Judge Smith’s 2nd CD, “Visions” features John on acoustic bass and Ed on acoustic guitar. This duo album showcases another original, “Visions,” and other popular selections from The Beatles, Paul Simon, Lucinda Williams, and more.
Judge Smith is currently recording a full length CD, produced by Scott Harlan of Golden Sound Studio. The CD, American Vista, is comprised of original compositions by Ed Smith, and includes several well respected musicians, including Josh Howell (Tom Prinicipato Band), Joe Chiocca, and Seth Kibel. American Vista features Ed on most of the lead vocals and rhythym guitar, Michelle Grasso (vocals), Peter Eisler (lead and rhythym guitar), John David Coppola (bass guitar) and Joe Wells (drums).
Cost: $10
For more information, visit http://www.johndc.com/judgesmith/music.html
with Eric Scott
Website: http://www.ericscottmusic.com/
Washington, D.C. area musician Eric Scott has to date enjoyed a varied and interesting musical journey. As a touring bassist and vocalist, Scott has performed on numerous stages throughout Europe, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and the entire United States. This journey has led to sharing the stage with artist’s as diverse as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles to Little Feat, Kansas, The Neville Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, and Keb’ Mo’.
During his long history as a sideman, songwriter and session musician, Scott has also released two solo records, DIVINE STATIC (1999), and LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE FOOLS (2002), to critical acclaim. About “Let’s Hear It For The Fools,” the Washington Post says “Whip smart…hard to resist…clearly the work of a pop artist talented and resourceful enough to stand on his own.”
The journey continues today with Scott’s third release RED (Fall 2007), easily his most powerful and focused release to date. Of RED, Scott says “this is the record I’ve always hoped to make…it just took me awhile to get there. I feel like I’ve arrived at a place musically that feels like home to me.”
With influences blurring the lines of neo-soul, pop, funk, rock, and even gospel, Scott has arrived at a sound that is uniquely his own. RED profoundly showcases his continued maturation and growth as a songwriter, artist, and performer…with 13 original American soul/pop stories all keenly observant of today’s world.
Call it acoustic/soul/pop/singer/songwriter/funk/blues/gospel/groove music. “Something like that,” he says. “I’ll let others figure out where it fits.”
Scott grew up listening to everything from Black Sabbath, Rush, AC/DC, and Motorhead to Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, The Temptations, ELO, Elton John, Hall and Oates, Joe Jackson, to Les McCann, Wes Montgomery, and Dave Brubeck.
“My mom’s record collection was fierce. I consumed everything. But I’ve always been fascinated by concise songs with depth that allow the listener to paint a very clear picture in their mind.” Says Scott, “I think my love of old school soul and lyrical storytelling really guided me on this record.”
and Justine Miller
Website: http://www.justinemiller.com/
Justine Miller is a versatile and dynamic entertainer with more than 15 years of experience as a musician, vocalist and award winning songwriter. Her powerful vocals and magnetic presence have contributed to high-energy performances worldwide, incorporating a variety of musical styles. She is currently lead trumpet for the D.C. area based Afro-funk big band – Chopteeth! Justine is an 8-year veteran of Rehoboth Jazz Festival recently fronting for the Bay Jazz Project on vocals and brass. Justine has captivated audiences in Japan, Europe and all over the U.S. Local venues and events have included the Black Cat, ArtScape, Strathmore Hall and Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. No matter the style, Justine has brought scores of people to their feet – always leaving them wanting more.
Jessica Smucker - Coffeehouse Level
Sunday, March 4, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Jessica Smucker writes what could be considered “dark pop” songs: catchy melodies in minor keys, lyrics that masterfully infuse sad stories with tiny flecks of humor and hope. She performs in diverse configurations and contexts, but her songs have a consistent melodic edge. “Woven with a sort of defiant sadness, a square-jawed resilience” (Fly Magazine), her compositions often start down a familiar road but, through a series of subtle twists and curves, deliver the listener to an unexpected destination.
Unflinching in her dealings with controversial themes - God, sex, social justice, and the movement of all three through an intimate personal narrative - Jessica delivers lyrics that will trip your mind and tie your stomach in knots. Her voice gives an impression of innocence until it erupts into an explosion of rage or desire - evoking, in its gentler moments, a lullaby quality in the vein of Cat Power, Sarah McLachlan or Over the Rhine, then launching into a vocal diatribe with all the anger and intensity of Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco or Fiona Apple.
Smucker’s songs have been described as “a real treat for the serious listener” (Lynn Royer, New Threads), mixing pop-friendly melodies with smart, evocative lyrics. “At times lilting, shuffling, uplifting and melancholic,” writes Fly Magazine, “the music is also characterized by a certain menacing factor, something sinister lurking just under the surface, like swallowed anger.” Her live performances are intimate, tender and “not to be missed” (Mark Michaelis, Acoustic Harmony, WGDR – Plainfield, Vermont). As a lifelong poet and writer, her solo work consists of lyrical poetry and musical simplicity. Audiences respond to her straightforwardness and vulnerability on stage, and the intimate format in which she performs. When she plays with her band, The Sleeping World, she expands the scope of her songs into a lush rock landscape: fuller, deeper arrangements created in collaboration with some of the Central PA region’s finest musicians.
In the four years since she started working as a musician, Smucker has garnered numerous honors, including first place in the 2010 SolarFest songwriting contest (Tinmouth, VT) and 2nd place in the 2010 Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival songwriting contest (Havre de Grace, MD). She was a finalist in the 2010 Indiegrrl songwriting contest. Her poems and essays have been published in turnrow, The Spoon River Poetry Review, Potomac Review, The Dirty Goat, The Mennonite and A Cappella: Mennonite Voices in Poetry (Univ. of Iowa Press, 2003).
This Broken Moment, the most recent of Smucker’s three albums, was recorded with her band, The Sleeping World, and released in October 2010. In March 2010 she released a solo EP, Reluctantly Yours. The Sleeping World released a self-titled EP in 2008.
Cost: FREE
For more information, visit http://www.jessicasmucker.com/
Matt Gornick - Coffeehouse Level
Sunday, April 1, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Free acoustic music on the main coffeehouse level.
Upon its release, Matt Gornick’s most recent six-song record, “Meridian Hill” by Nillo and Flashman Irving, was immediately hailed as “the best record of the last ten minutes” by everyone within earshot. A self-described “endearing romp through an ornate park landscape,” others, such as Oresti Tsonopoulos of NBC New York’s Nonstop Sound, described it as a “lo-fi mashup of Beirut and Elliot Smith.” It’s songwriting that teeters between sincere, euphoric, romantic, and indistinctly eerie. A must-listen for fans of Fionn Regan; a really-listen for fans of anything else involving acoustic guitar.
www.crystalmountainmusic.wordpress.com
Cost: FREE
For more information, visit http://www.nilloflashmanirving.bandcamp.com
Rocknoceros
Saturday, March 10, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) has dominated the Washington, DC children’s music scene since its inception in 2005, winning four Washington Area Music Awards, and landing an ongoing Video-on-Demand offering through COX Cable.
Rocknoceros performs more than 20 shows each month, independently produce a bi-weekly video podcast series, and they have just completed their second animated music video for the PINK! CD. They have sold 10,000 CDs, with their first two CDs each winning Best Children’s Recording from the Washington Area Music Association.
Join us for this fun family show!
Cost: $10 (everyone 1 year and older)
For more information, visit http://www.rocknoceros.com/home
Back on My Feet Open Mic Night
Friday, February 24, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Who: Hosted by Back on My Feet. Performances by BoMF members. Audience is open
What: Open Mic Night and Talent Show
Check out special performers for this event on the BoMF website.
Come on out to support Back on My Feet and its members!
Back on My Feet is the non-profit that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. Back on My Feet does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Its six teams in Washington, DC run every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 5:45am, participate in monthly social events and train for races. Through consistent participation and by maintaining a positive attitude, they help their members move their lives forward by connecting them with education opportunities, job training programs and assistance with job placement.
Cost: Free
For more information, visit http://dc.backonmyfeet.org/join-bomf-dc-for-our-talent-show-open-mic-night.html
SAW’s Emerging Artist Showcase Hosted by Margot MacDonald
Friday, March 9, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM · Add to Calendar
Ebenezers Coffeehouse
The Songwriters Association of Washington Presents:
SAW YOUNG SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
MARGOT MacDONALD - Host -www.facebook.com/MargotMacDonaldMusic
The Songwriters’ Association of Washington (SAW) is a non-profit organization established in 1979 to support aspiring and professional songwriters. http://SAW.org/
Cost: FREE
For more information, visit http://SAW.org/
