BoxerStock ~ 10 Hours of Music & Boxers!

Caroline’s performances are known for emanating a high level of infectious energy and jaw dropping guitar playing. Her genre spans many styles: rock/blues/folk/country to southern roots. She is not only an accomplished singer/songwriter but also a respected musician that can cut it up on a 12-string guitar and woo the crowds with her piano ballads. She has recorded and shared stages with The Indigo Girls and Bonnie Raitt in venues such as San Antonio’s Majestic Theater, Denver’s Red Rocks, and Berkeley’s Greek Theater. Caroline’s performance history includes headlining at the Kerrville TX’s Music Festival; Headlining at Mendocino Music Festival; Seattle’s Bumbershoot; Folk Life Festival; NY’s Falcon Ridge; Northern California’s High Sierra Music Festival, and more. (website)

Dapo Akanbi

Dapo was born and raised in West Africa and moved to the U.S at age 16. He developed a passion for music and guitars while he was in college. Dapo taught himself to play the guitar and had some college guitar class training. Songwriting has been his interest from the very beginning. He wrote the very first song he ever learned to play using the limited skills he had acquired. While in college, he played a lot of college events specializing primarily in worship music. He has played with bands for a number of church events and has also played the coffee shop scene. Dapo has been writing songs for years and brings a rock/folk sound to the stage. Vocally, people say he has a Jack Johnson like sound. When on stage, Dapo tends to get captivated by the message of the song he is performing, hoping it always translates to an infectious captivation that all listeners can be a part of.

Atlanta Kitchen Party

The Atlanta Kitchen Party (Cara Stucky, John Burnet, Joanne Mei, Tim Porterfield, and assorted special guests) is a nod to our neighbors up north (Canada, not Cumming!) and specifically to the concept that entertainment and song originates from the warmest place in the house (the kitchen). Our group simply moves the concept down to Atlanta and places it in a coffeehouse! Mind the low ceiling beams if you are tall. Expect enthusiastic renditions of songs from Great Big Sea (www.greatbigsea.com), as well as a few tasty covers thrown into the soup. Audience participation (sing-a-long) is encouraged and supported - we'll pass out the lyric sheets to make it easier for you!

Ronnda Cadle & Carol Statella

As a solo guitar instrumentalist, Ronnda Cadle is known for melodic undertones and musical hooks she coaxes from her guitar. With over 20 years experience playing her original compositions before live audiences across the U.S., this musician from Decatur, Georgia has developed a devoted fan base. She has shared the stage with many other well-known musicians including Sarah Bettens, Al Petteway, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Mother's Finest and 2003 American Music Award Winner, Moe Loughran. Ronnda's style fuses heartfelt emotional content with masterful guitar work. There are times when her guitar seems to speak with a charming "slow southern drawl," like Ronnda herself. She perfected her craft while listening to guitarists whom she considers her greatest mentors - Nancy Wilson of Heart, Caroline Aiken, and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls. Ronnda says, "I wouldn't be the player I am today if it were not for these strong and amazing women. I hope to bring my own voice to the generations of women musicians who follow."
Violist Carol Statella has played on albums as notable as Sinead O’Connor’s Faith and Courage and in backup orchestras for Joni Mitchell, The Moody Blues, Harry Connick Jr., and Brian Wilson, as well as in a string trio for Cat Power's Variety Playhouse performance.
In addition to being a member of Ronnda Cadle & The String Poets, she frequently performs with Lauren Fincham as part of the Rosary duo/trio. Other live and/or recorded collaborators in recent years include Ron Hipp (of Over the Wires), Marc English, Envie, Diana Obscura, Mary Delaney, Blake Rainey, and The Tom Collins. Carol has also played in the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and sang with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus. (website)

Jessica Campbell

When an artist becomes vulnerable enough to reveal the inner depths of their soul, inspiration can easily be transpired from the song to the audience. Jessica Campbell is driven by the single motivation of impacting other’s lives for eternity’s sake. A change of heart and a distinct call from God is what inspires Campbell to write and deliver the kind of music that stirs your soul. While studying the Music Business in her Recording Industry classes at MTSU, Campbell honed her songwriting skills and soon began recording various projects with Steve Ivey of IMI Music. She garnered her first success as a featured artist on Ivey’s 2003 project The Best of Bluegrass (IMI/Madacy Records), which made it’s way to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s charts and spent over two years in the Top 10. Currently, Campbell is spending her time touring around the country leading worship, performing for various events, and writing and recording. Campbell’s newest contemporary project, “Mulberry Tree” is set to be released in Summer 2008. (website)

Catbird Seat

Catbird Seat is an original acoustic band (comprised of Bob Bedell, Rob Griffin, and Brett Norton) following contemporary and traditional forms of folk expression with heavy influences of rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and other great Americana genres blended to form an eclectic sound of adult alternative music. Their original "folk & roll" explores harmonies and discourse through various themes from the alluring and simplistic, to the serious and inane. Catbird Seat is tight and experienced, solidifying the folk music encounter to its fullest refrain, allowing its audience to come away with something new every time they listen. Come out and bring some friends, sing along, support the scene in your area, and join in the fun! (website)

Julie Gribble

It just comes naturally for Julie Gribble, writing, singing, and performing. But what she loves most is to inspire, to reach people with her music. With an infectious smile, and a genuine love of playing music and inspiring others, her Americana Music has managed to gain rave reviews all across the US. A Gribble live show is like watching every emotion, every friend, every heartache and every joy pass through you and come out on a richer side. A quickly rising star not to miss. Gribble’s music has been featured in several movies and television shows. Guest appearances include “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,“ The Tyra Banks Show,” Good Day Atlanta, Daytime (NBC), and Low Country Live. She received the 2005 LA Music Award for Best Adult Alternative Artist, and has been featured in Music Connection Magazine’s Hot 100 unsigned bands for both 2006 and 2007. She was named one of the Best Emerging Artists of 2006 in the American Idol Magazine.
Traveling solo to promote her fourth album, Gribble is touring all over the US solo reaching colleges, radio, clubs and bars. Julie recently has been touring the US for events for Barefoot Wine, Hotel Indigo, IHG, and charity events with organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Red Fern Farms, Watering Seeds, Atlanta Humane Society, PAWS, and more. Her latest tour also included a performance for IHG featuring John Mayer. More important than the thrill of an audience, she jumps at the opportunity to support a good cause. Julie’s always there, with her guitar in hand and a smile on her face. It’s not about her name in lights, it’s about telling her stories and touching those along the way. (website)

Lindsey Hinkle

Performing and writing since the age of 13, Lindsey has already built a strong following in her home state of Alabama, as well as the surrounding areas- most notably in Atlanta. Here, she beat all competition to win the coveted ‘Eddies Attic’ Open Mic Shoot Out. She truly puts her heart and soul into her songs and each performance. There is something so unique about her that each time you see her perform, it feels like seeing her for the first time. Lindsey says, "I have a lot of high goals and aspirations. Every song I write has a piece of my heart in it. I hope my songs can help people go through the same things I have or change their lives the way some songs have changed mine. Music has healed a lot of wounds for me and it’s given my life a soundtrack. I want my songs to be on someone’s soundtrack and I want them to smile, cry, or laugh when they hear it. I want to make my little mark in music history and I want my music to change lives for generations to come." (website)

Sean Kagalis

Sean began playing guitar and writing songs at 13. A year later he landed his first gig at an old rundown Daytona Beach, Florida gas station turned biker-bar dubbed Charlie's. After receiving the approval of a presumably tough audience, Sean began to realize that being a performing songwriter was his destiny. Entering his 20's in fall of 1997, he went solo and found himself in more coffeehouses than classrooms and left college to perform as much as possible. Within six months he garnered a diverse following in central Florida. By the end of 1997, he moved to Buffalo, New York, where he would test his material on unfamiliar audiences. By the summer of 1998 he was included on a compilation CD sponsored by Stimulance Coffeehouse. At the opening of the disc, you hear the host announce Sean as Buffalo's finest import from Florida. Sean embarked on his first DIY east coast tour that same summer. Personal experience is the primary source for subject matter in Sean's work. When he's not lamenting his heartbreak, or the heartbreak he has created, his voice is dedicated to explicating socio-political issues that are constantly perverted or altogether ignored by mainstream media. The 21st-century found Sean writing and performing consistently. He began playing cover gigs in local venues such as Meehan's, Spondivits, and 37 Main. These frequent 3-hour shows helped refine Sean's performance technique, while providing him with an opportunity to expose his original material to larger audiences. He earned a second place nod for Male Musician in Southern Voice's Best of 2005 issue. The self-described 'folk-boy' has competed in Smith's Old Bar's 'Open Mic Madness' every year since it's inception, and has been a frequent finalist in the Eddie's Attic Monday Night Open Mic Competition. (website)

Amy Lashley

Amy Lashley is an Atlanta-based artist who writes and performs original material and, with influences ranging from traditional finger-style techniques to more modern and percussive folk, she is fast developing her own style of folk music. Her lyrics, delivered with a soft and passionate voice, center around not only her own life experience, but other's experiences as seen through her eyes. With a high school band director for a father, Amy found herself surrounded by classical music from an early age. Growing up in this environment encouraged her and eventually led her down a long path toward her current standing as a guitarist and performing songwriter. The disciplines cultivated through her experience as an accomplished classical musician have made it easy for her to apply classical theory and musicianship to her current approach of songwriting. In 2003, after becoming increasingly interested in the world of modern folk music, Amy decided to try her hand at the acoustic guitar. She immediately fell in love with the instrument and, once it was made evident to her that the guitar was a talent she wished to pursue further, the art of songwriting is what came next in her musical progression. Regarding her influences, Amy remarks that "Musicians such as Ani Difranco, Ellis Paul, and Antje Duvekot have all had a huge influence on my music, and I hope it shows." (website)

Reneé Mixon

Every now and then, a new singer/songwriter comes along that creates excitement and causes people to take notice. Such is the talent of Renee' Mixon. A native of Rome, GA, Renee' has performed at a number of venues across the southeast, including Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, and Charlotte. She has also been featured on regional radio and television stations as well as KPIG Radio in California.
Her first release, "If I Could Live in a Picture", produced in 2002, features 15 selections of her original work and the second CD, "Just So You Know", released in November, 2004, includes other personal favorites written and sung from the heart. Renee's deep-felt lyrics, inspired by personal experiences, will touch all who listen. The clarity and soothing warmth of her voice, partnered with her pure enjoyment of music, develops a special connection with live audiences.
After hearing Renee' sing, one would never think of her as a former math teacher or as possessing the expertise to troubleshoot computers and develop computer courses for educators in the northwest Georgia area. Truly her diverse background mixed with a gift for writing and singing, and her love of people have earned her proper status as an artist with a bright future.and sends music from her soul to all those who hear it. (website)

Heidi Pollyea

Heidi is a singer/songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist/and animal advocate who performs, teaches, and helps animals. Heidi has a jazz piano background with a Bachelors degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and a Masters degree from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. As a songwriter/performer, Heidi has taken her personal experiences to create a unique style that might best be described as 'funky folk'. Whether offering an original tune or a familiar tune (originally done), Heidi is known for creating an atmosphere that makes others want to sing and dance along to her music, treating each performance more like a private party she is hosting in her own home. Heidi, along with her professional musical friends, has the original group known as Heidi and the Hushpuppies, as well as the jazz/pop show band Body and Soul. (website)

Natalie Tidwell

Natalie’s musical journey began when, at the tender age of 6, her father was able to score front-row tickets to a Barbara Mandrell concert through his TV station connections. During the show, Barbara invited little Natalie to the stage, where she belted out “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed.” Ms. Mandrell was so impressed that she gave Natalie an autographed tambourine and a tour of her bus. Natalie was bitten by the music bug. She continued to sing and take dance lessons and the accomplishments began to stack up. At age 13 she was a finalist on Ed McMahon’s Star Search, she won the Oklahoma Kids state competition and the American Kids national competition, the Entertainment Connection national competition, and the 2005 Next American Superstar competition. She was a featured cast member in the Country Tonite productions in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN. Natalie has performed in literally hundreds of shows including opening for country stars Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, and The Tractors and was the opening act for Toby Keith, Keith Urban and Terri Clark at Country Fever Fest in Oklahoma. Natalie has sung The Star Spangled Banner at numerous sporting events including an appearance on UPN Network for the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers and on NBC for the AFL’s New Orleans Voodoo and Dallas Desperados. (website)

Trances Arc

2008 marks the begining of a bright future for Atlanta natives, Trances Arc. In Jan. 2006, the band signed with S1 Songs (NYC) and teamed up with producer / engineer D.W. Prasse, to begin orchestrating their next full length release; simply titled, XOXOX.
Recorded between the walls of an old trolley station in East Atlanta, the winter’s hold on its wood rafters and cold cement floors would give way to the warmth and optimistic sounds of the band’s latest effort. By early spring, the band would find their track “Champagne Wishes” featured on the Starbucks Hear Music international compilation, “Off the Clock.” After numerous appearances in NYC and Nashville, the band took to Austin, TX to play the BMI showcase at SXSW. Live performances have long been the bands forte, but Trances Arc would soon find its music translating equally well over the airwaves with several song placements on ABC, and Vesus TV.
Opting to do without the polish and veneer of slick studio tricks, “XOXOX” embraces the grit and rawness that embody this band. “We tried to capture the energy of our live show, exploring the long hallways and exposed brick walls of this cavernous studio space... it sounds huge in here” says singer, Eric Toledo. The result is a 10-song collection enlisting high energy rockers like “Star Spangled” and “Parliament,” silvery pop rockers like “Tell Me Where You’re Going” and “Peace of Mind,” and introspective, thank God we’re alive epics such as “Cold Drivers” and “Look Up.” (website)