Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

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Episode 377 - Brad Graham Dec 04, 2011

Show notes

Brad Graham came in one afternoon after recommendations from Leigh Evin McCullough and Debbie Mac. Then I caught him at the Hidden Shamrock. That was enough and so I asked him to do a Podcast. I hope you enjoy him as much we did.

Episode 376 - Kristen Graves and Chip the Dog Dec 03, 2011

Show notes

Kristen Graves is a folk/pop singer songwriter with a voice that commands attention, lyrics that catch your heart, and melodies that stay with the listener long after the evening ends. Kristen's songs have a coziness to them like a well-worn winter blanket, but don't underestimate her; she can pack a serious emotional punch at a moment's notice. Picture an energetic Sarah McLachlan, or Tracy Chapman with a pop edge, and you've found Kristen Graves. Kristen has been writing and performing her own songs since 2000. As an acoustic singer songwriter she has toured nationally since 2002. She has written and recorded four albums, and has independently sold thousands of copies of her CDs, most recently releasing her new 3-song EP entitled, ‘Lay it Down.' Originally from the Midwest, Kristen began Classical piano lessons at age 6, studying and developing her talent until she began to write her own music at 18. Picking up the guitar during college, Kristen wrote, recorded and produced two albums, launching a solo career by the time she graduated in 2004. At the same time, Kristen began volunteering and traveling to an orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico where she met fellow volunteer, Bryan Nurnberger. Soon after, Bryan founded Simply Smiles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing bright futures for impoverished children. The couple has been working together combining arts and philanthropy ever since.Bryan and Kristen are the real deal. Directly impacting the lives of those less fortunate. I am a sponsor and I recommend that you also become a sponsor. Any donation will help. What a great holiday present!

Episode 375 - BJSR aka Ben Rivet Nov 28, 2011

Show notes

Here is another great show from our lost and found department. BJSR aka Ben Rivet is an absolutely wonderful show. He was a performer at one of CAU's showcase events at the Bottom Lounge with County Line Road, Julie Meckler, and Wil Phalen. It was a monster event and BJSR did not disapoint. This man is Brilliant.Benjamin Rivet, performing under the moniker, BJSR, is charging his way onto the Indie Music scene. Hailing from Michigan, the troubadour now calls Dayton, Ohio home. BJSR primarily performs solo creating a uniquely stacked texture by layering guitar and voice. He stylistically loops multiple beatboxed rhythms and background vocals to support his live performance, producing a fully developed acoustic pop sound. He mixes familiar and simple melodies, urgent rhythms, and his smooth baritone to express heartfelt and thoughtful lyrics. His music is not easily grouped into a specific genre as he draws from Indie folk, pop, and rock, with a little hip hop to spice things up. His live shows ebb and flow between sweetly crooned ballads to energetic dance numbers. Plus, when given the opportunity, he'll charm the pants right off of you with his effortless banter and storytelling. BJSR captured the hearts of both the lovers of music and the technologically savvy when he shot a video for his first single, "Play," on his iPhone. It's imagery and catchy hook have helped snag over 105,000 views on YouTube. The video also earned Rivet nods from blog's around the world, including wired.com and mashable.com. He's since released a number of live and acoustic performances that are making the rounds around the web.

Episode 374 - Cassandra and the Gravel Road Band Nov 22, 2011

Show notes

The birth of Cassandra and the Gravel Road Band was in February of 2010. After 20 years in the music industry, musical artist Cassandra Vohs-Demann decided to pursue a lifelong dream of recording a fully produced original CD. Cassandra had been working on the CD over a year when she brought this band together to perform and promote her music. With a release of October 23rd, 2010, the CD "Here I Am" is complete and she believes is her best work to date. She was honored to work with an incredible friend and producer named John Hegner at Starbell Hatchery Studio who embraced her project and was an inspiration to work with. She is also extremely grateful for the incredible musicians who worked on the CD including sought after New York guitarist, Peter Calo, who is best known for his work with Carly Simon. The "Cassandra and the Gravel Road Band" show is a combination of Cassandra's original songs and covers of artists she respects and has loved throughout her musical career. The Gravel Road Band showcases the talents of Dan Kolba-bass, Jeff Chamberlin-Vocals, Mandolin Percussion, Graham Butler-Drums, Rick Van Dyne, lead guitar and Cassandra-Lead Vocals, Guitar Piano.This was a magnificant show. As you will hear, we had a ball. Be sure to catch Cassandra and the Gravel Road Band on Monday December 12th at Katerina's for Kat Fitzgerald's Four Women Only. Katerina's is located at 1920 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL

Episode 373 - Kole and The Significant Others Nov 21, 2011

Show notes

Kole Hansen along with her band "The Significant Others" joined us for an afternoon of beautiful music. Kole is a brilliant musician and also an author with a heart rending story of her personal journey from the depths of drug addiction to the heights of her life now, a strong and focused Woman writing and performing with an infectious joy and happiness. Thank God she is with us. "Let's Fly" EP now available on Itunes and her new book "Someone Save Me, my story, my struggle" is now available for Kindle. After being dumped at a hospital in 2000 following a drug overdose, Jane Doe was left without much hope. In the years since her coma, this troubled teen turned beauty queen has been inspiring audiences around the world as a guest of the United Nations, military chapters, national talk shows and universities. In 2010 alone, Kole spoke at conferences featuring John King (CNN), Nic Adler (The Roxy), Brad Hunstable (Ustream.tv), Whurley (Chaotic Moon Studios) and David Almacy (former internet director for the Whitehouse) to name a few. Currently on a 50 city tour across the US and Canada, Kole and the Significant Others have been getting rave reviews. Ben Balmer and Josh Flowers hit the road with Kole after meeting at the Texas Independence Festival in March 2011. Guitar, double bass and harmonica intertwine in a dirty swamp mix as this band from Austin, TX takes listeners for a melodic ride. Supporting a new EP entitled "Let's Fly" and Kole's newly released book "Someone Save Me, my story, my struggle." While on the road a weekly Tour Blog captures behind the scenes footage of the band through 10 minute videos. In 2011, Kole self published and self released "Someone Save Me, my story, my struggle" a self written biography outlining her battle for survivial. When asked why she wrote the book she said she hoped sharing her story would help someone. "Some people need hope, some people need tears, but we all long for understanding. Perhaps this book is fulfilling that need for me, I guess we shall see. " She states. "Someone Save Me" is a real life account of singer songwriter and motivational speaker, Kole Hansen. Join this former drug abuser turned beauty queen as she searches for peace while carrying years of turmoil. Her honesty takes you in to the deep rooted issues that made this young girl addicted to suffering. Sexual abuse, rape, school bullying and fear fueled her self destructive behavior. A beautiful girl from a loving Utah family, nearly lost to a drug overdose at 17 years old. The pages are hard to turn as you watch the evils unfold and envelope this innocent girl. After completing the book she realized the drugs weren't what was killing her, she was.

Episode 372 - Jorge Palomarez Nov 19, 2011

Show notes

Jorge Palomarez is a native Texan, from the town of Edinburg in the Rio Grande Valley. After completing his studies in chemistry and mathematics he moved to Houston and dedicated himself to pursuing a career in the chemical industry and raising a family. Jorge casually worked on writing songs, playing guitar and harmonica and maintained a sparse performance schedule, which has now dramatically increased. Jorge generally performs at festivals, house concerts, coffeehouses, schools and acoustic venues around Texas. His musical style has been described as "Dylanesque", as well as reminiscent of Leonard Cohen. Jorge is honored to have opened for many touring and well respected artists such as Leon Russell, Janis Ian, David Olney, Jon Dee Graham, Alejandro Escovedo, Hayes Carll, Sara Hickman, Adam Carroll, and Kevin Welch among others. He has performed at South by Southwest, Rock the Republic and other music festivals in Memphis and New Orleans. Artists most influential in shaping Jorge's music are, of course, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, as well as Nick Drake. His music has a strong lyrical content and is described as intellectual and poetic. His songs are laden with vivid images and intriguing phrases and lines, consisting of snapshots from a variety of experiences in life, love, and philosophy. Jorge's dynamic performances and passionate delivery are evocative and intense and uniquely original. On many occasions, he has been known to convert a noisy audience into attentive listeners then, genuinely dedicated fans.

Episode 371 - Danny Fox Nov 09, 2011

Show notes

Danny Fox is another find from Leigh Evin McCullough's Open Mic at the Hidden Shamrock which happens every Wednesday and is usually packed. Great Bar and lots of fun people. I try to make it as often as possible. I have found some excellent talent each time.Danny is a fine young performer hailing from New Lenox, Illinois. As you will hear in this Podcast, Danny has a ton of talent. He also does a spot on cover of Bob Dylan's songs. When you see this young man's performing live, go see him. You will not be disappointed.

Episode 370 - Hadley Kennary Nov 07, 2011

Show notes

Hadley Kennary joined us this summer for a Podcast after I saw her at Leigh Evin McCullough's open mic at the Hidden Shamrock. This New Trier graduate is now attending her first year at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Hadley is a wonderful performer as you will hear when you listen to this show. You will have the opportunity to go see her live on January 9, 2012 at Kat Fitzgerald's "Four Women Only" showcase at Katerina's 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613. Katerina's is a wonderful venue with a heck of a wine list and an excellent menu. I'll see you there…. Michael Teach, Founder/Host, CAU

Episode 369 - Matt Morgan Nov 03, 2011

Show notes

Matt Morgan joined us one beautiful afternoon this past summer before a live show that evening. Matt hails from Toronto, Canada and is an excellent representative of the Singer/Songwriters coming out of Toronto. It was a wonderful Podcast and we had a ton of fun in the process. If you find yourself in Toronto soon, here are some locations to see him live.Upcoming Shows Nov 12, 2011 Toronto, Canada9:00 PM Matt Morgan The Back Up Plan w/ Arlene PaculanThe Underdown Pub Nov 19, 2011 Toronto , Canada1:30 PM Audition For Winterfolk XMonarch's Pub Jan 28, 2012 Ayr, Canada7:00 PM Snowed-In SeriesAyrSpace Gallery

Episode 368 - Ashleigh Ashton Nov 01, 2011

Show notes

I first saw Ashleigh Ashton at the Hidden Shamrock Open Mic thanks to the recommendation of Leigh Evin McCullough. I immediately asked her to come in and record a Podcast.Ashleigh is a strong performer and really quite good considering she is only Sisteen years old. Let's see, what was I doing at that age? Ashleigh received her first guitar on her tenth birthday and wrote her first song then and there. She'd begun her career in the theater at age five but that day she found her true love in music. By thirteen, she was opening for various bands in Chicago area venues and within a year was being featured as a solo performer in her own shows. She has written 125 original songs to date!Ashleigh's first big break came in the summer of 2009 when she travelled to New York to record three original songs, produced by Grammy Award Winner Barry Goldstein. Following that, she went on to Castle Nine Studios in Rochester, New York to record her song "Break In Two", co-written and produced by Richard Fink IV and Johnny Cummings. In 2010, she was introduced to MashPlant.com founder and Executive Producer Jason Brett, who invited Ashleigh to become MashPlant.com's first Rising Star.Ashleigh balances schoolwork with a rigorous performing schedule at musical venues throughout the Midwest. She's received numerous regional talent awards, including the first ever Rialto Idol Junior Winner 2010 at the historic Rialto Theater in Joliet, Illinois. Ashleigh has performed at the Nashville Palace and has appeared as a host on the television show, Nashville Spotlight. Additionally, she is a mentor with the renowned Piven Theater Workshop children's program, where she has studied acting since the age of nine. She was featured as a player on "Fear No Art Chicago " on PBS in 2011.Enjoy this beautiful young woman's performance. I am certain that you are going to see and hear much more from Ashleigh.Michael Teach, Founder/Host, CAU

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