Americana Community Music Association

Mean Mary in Concert! JD Lashley open
2023-04-22 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Welcome back to our ACMA stage…Mean Mary! Come meet and hear one of the most talented and engaging performers you will ever hear.
Mary James, the youngest of 6 children, learned to read music before she could read words and was an official singer/songwriter before she’d started her first day of kindergarten. With the help of her mom, she wrote her theme song “Mean Mary from Alabam’.” The press immediately baptized her with this handle, and she’s been Mean Mary ever since. It was clear that Mary had the appetite and talent for music and writing.
Mary was now playing guitar, banjo and fiddle. She recorded her first album at age six, and spent five hours a day on instrumental and vocal practice along with her live performances. At the end of the second grade, she went into home study and also started appearing daily on the Country Boy Eddie Show, a regional TV program out of Birmingham, Alabama. During this time, she also appeared regularly in Nashville, Tennessee at the Nashville Palace, on the Nashville Network, the Elvis Presley Museum, and on Printer’s Alley.
A horrendous car accident almost ended Mary’s singing career..her right vocal cord was paralyzed. Music was her life. She was not and did not give up! The hard road to recovery began.
Today she produces music, produces videos (her YouTube videos have received over 15 million visits), tours extensively across the US and overseas, is co-writing a novel trilogy about the music world, and is an endorsing artist for Deering Banjos. The Deerings have named her their Goodtime Ambassador. Mary plays 11 instruments and has recorded 16 albums, her newest being Cold. There is not room here to tell the whole life story of Mean Mary, but if you would like to hear more of it, come listen as she once again brings her talent to our ACMA stage!!
meanmary.com
Opening the show is ACMA member, JD Lashley, If singer songwriter/ troubadour Todd Snider had dropped his kid brother on his head, he’d have probably wound up a lot like JD Lashley. JD works hard and writes harder, trying to pluck jokes and rhymes out of the grind. His style is heavily influenced by Americana and Roots music, and he’s not afraid to sneak in a little Hip Hop… Something for everyone.
Door donations:
Members – $12
General Public – $18
Tickets are available at the door.

ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza, Karen Cohen , Dan Philgreen, Bruce Gallant
2023-04-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Karen Cohen , Dan Philgreen, Bruce Gallant
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.

Karen Cohen,
A lifelong guitar player and visual artist, Karen is used to focusing on creative pursuits. Whatever form her creative “Flow-du-Jour” takes, she generally excels. Whether it is singing and picking songs from the 60’s folk revival, Jumping on a Memphis Minnie guitar lick, or Sliding on some Old Delta Blues, she has fans at guitar circles, open mics and at a few from the ACMA. Over the past few years Karen has been writing her own songs. A new form of creating for her, but as she put’s it; “It all comes from the same Source… I love get to the essence of Emotion. Whether Carved from the trunk of a Black Walnut tree, Burned with acid into a printmaker’s plate, or coming up with a new melody to illuminate a lyric, emotion is the ceaseless source of my expression.”

Dan Philgreen,
After failed attempts at violin and piano, Dan Philgreen picked up the guitar in the 7th grade. Like many of his age he was very influenced by the many singer-songwriters that were at the height of their popularity during the 70’s when he was in high school, as well as the folk-rock bands of that era, such as Crosby, Stills, and Nash. He has played in church for much of his life but has also always had a love for folk music which never had much of an outlet before his moving to Fort Myers. The founding of the Americana Community Music Association opened a door of opportunity to develop and share his music in a community of folks who are also passionate about this genre. Though he dabbled in song-writing earlier in his life and had a few songs to his credit, the inspiration of the ACMA’s songwriter’s circle spurred him to write many more songs over the past few years. His playing has also developed to a higher point in the last decade and he says that, with age, his voice is finally starting to cooperate as well. Dan’s songs are based on his observations of life and the beauty he sees in the world. They deal with the challenges of life honestly, but always attempt to leave the listener with hope.

Bruce Gallant “Music was always a part of my life.Family jamborees were a constant part of my family life. My Mom, uncles and numerous relatives and friends, all sang and played music .It was just part of life for me.
I started writing songs in my late 20’s and have never stopped.Anything of importance in my life is in one of my songs. It is not a choice for me to write anymore than breathing is. I need to write to survive”.

Ordinary Elephant in Concert! Barbara Chamberlain Opens
2023-04-08 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Anything BUT ordinary, the ACMA is excited to have the Ordinary Elephant, Pete and Crystal Damore, on our stage for the first time!
International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world.
Interestingly, if not ironically, in order to accomplish this new work, Crystal and Pete had to set aside the work they’d done previously, as a veterinary cardiologist and a computer programmer, respectively. The two met at an open mic in College Station, Texas, in 2009 and soon moved to Houston together. With her on acoustic guitar/lead vocals and him on clawhammer banjo/harmony vocals, the work of music continued on the side as both had full-time jobs, until they threw all caution to the wind and hit the road in an RV.
As Crystal notes, “The choices we make are not easy or safe but they are important. Indeed, every of us has a heritage, a legacy, a story, of which we are part, for better and for worse. Each moment and memory a lesson leading us to who we will be.”
Ordinary Elephant makes every word count as it rises from their chests to their tongues.
https://www.ordinaryelephant.net/
Opening the show isBarbara Chamberlain
Her passion for playing the guitar and singing harmony at every chance she gets led her to becoming one of the founding board members of the ACMA.
Now that she is back to her beloved Southwest Florida, after some time in Michigan, you might find her performing several decades of multi genre music alone or with friends, while she works towards producing a CD. When not making music with her friends from Naples to Pine Island, she will be saving the bees, kayaking or fishing.
Tickets are available at the door.
Door donations:
Members – $12
General Public – $18

Open Mic 2pm-4pm. FREE
2023-04-02 14:00 - 16:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Sunday April 2nd 2-4 pm
ACMA Circle, Open Mic 2pm-4pm. FREE
All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, On McGregor
Something different rather than our normal songwriters Circle. We are changing this Sunday’s Circle into an open mic. The Open Mic is Open to members and nonmembers that play Original Americana style music.
You will peform on a stage, with professional sound and a recording that will be emailed to you. You will also get a professional photo taken. Do not expect to play more than one song depending on the turnout.
If you’ve been wondering what the ACMA is all about, this is your opportunity to find out, and why we have over 80 singer-songwriter’s as members. Come, meet and hear your peers. Learn more about our songwriters circle, that has been running continuously for over 10 years.

Richard Smith in Concert! Karen Cohen opens
2023-03-25 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
The ACMA is excited to welcome Richard Smith to our stage.
Born in 1971 in Beckenham, England, Richard started early and first picked up the guiar at the age of 5 with his father teaching him his first chords and songs.
After some early solo performances and six years of working as a trio with two of his brothers, Rob and Sam in the 90’s, Richard moved to Nashville, TN. in January 2000,
In 2001 he won the national fingerpicking championship and has since forged a career as a solo artist, performing all over the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Brazil, releasing solo records, duet and ensemble records.
Constantly touring with a repertoire of fingerpicking classics, originals, fiddle tunes, blues, Joplin rags, jazz standards, classical repertoire and everything from pop to Sousa marches.
Richard has also performed or recorded along the way with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, and a host of others.
richardsmithmusic.com
Opening the show is ACMA member and singer/songwriter Karen Cohen. She began playing guitar as a teenager, finger picking Traditional Folk songs and Contemporary Acoustic Musicians of the 60’s and 70’s. Karen can be found playing her original music around SW Florida and beyond. Her focus is to connect with her audience through her soulful eclectic mix of Americana music

Charlie McCoy/Reckless Saints in Concert
2023-03-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33919, United States
This is an outdoor show that will be moved inside if necessary

Our final ACMA Alliance show of the season will feature Charlie McCoy sharing the stage in the Round with The Reckless Saints. Any musician in Nashville has heard of Charlie McCoy. A mainstay in Music City since the ’60s, Charlie has played on dozens of hit records, including work with such legends as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Simon and Garfunkel, George Jones, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and many more. The solo work of this Country Music Hall Of Fame member is contained on more than three dozen albums that Charlie has released over the past four decades.
How reservations work for outdoor concerts: We will be accepting the first 132 people for concert reservations. IF weather threatens the outdoor concert it will be moved to our indoor theatre for general admission seats. If there is no weather threat we will sell additional tickets at the door the day of the concert.

Public Tickets. $16.00.

Advance Tickets. www.artsinlee.org

Charlie has performed all over America, Japan twenty times and in over two hundred cities and towns in Europe.
A member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame
There are numerous super-session musicians in Nashville, but very few with the longevity of Charlie McCoy. In addition to being a fixture in Nashville studios for 48 years, he also has his own recording career going full tilt. (He has recorded 35 solo albums.) He served as the music director for eightteen years for the syndicated television series, “Hee Haw”.

Charlie McCoy began working sessions in the early 60s, one of the first being “Candy Man” by Roy Orbison. “Forty nine dollars”, says Charlie. That’s how much I was paid for that session back in 1961. “It got Roy another hit and me a career. For a twenty year old to make $49 for three hours work back then, it was a dream.
Shortly after the release of “Candy Man”, Charlie became one of the in-demand session players in Nashville. His session credits are literally a who’s who of country music. For a fifteen year stretch, he did more than 400 sessions a year. A grand total would number more than 12,000. (and he’s still going) In the last twenty years, he has been touring more with many appearances in Europe and Japan.
In addition to country sessions, Charlie was a mainstay on Elvis Presley recordings both in Nashville and Los Angeles. When Bob Dylan recorded “Highway 61”, “Blond On Blond”, “John Wesley Harding”, and “Nashville Skyline”, Charlie was there, playing on these land-mark recordings. He was also heard on Simon and Garfunkle’s “The Boxer” in addition to many hits from genres other than country music.
Charlie McCoy began recording for Monument Records in the late 60s and recorded 14 albums for the label, beginning with “The World Of Charlie McCoy”. He won the Grammy in 1972 for his album, “The Real McCoy”. He won CMA’s “Instrumentalist Of The Year” two times and the Academy Of Country Music’s “Specialty Instrument Award” seven times. He is a member of the “International Musician’s Hall Of Fame” and the “West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame”.

In addition to making his own recordings, Charlie was a member of a legendary recording band, “Area Code 615”. The band featured many of the top session players in Nashville.
While Charlie predominately known as a harmonica player, his musical prowess encompasses other instruments including guitar, bass, mallet percussion, (vibes, marimba, bells, Etc.), keyboards, and various wind instruments.
Charlie has toured in Europe and Japan regularly since 1989 and has released albums in France, Denmark, Germany and the Czech Republic.
In addition to “Hee Haw”, Charlie served a music director for other television shows including “The Colgate Country Showdown” and “The Arthritus Telethon”. He was in the house band for the TNN show “Music City Tonight” with Crook and Chase.
Charlie was given the “Musician” award from the Reunion Of Professional Entertainers” in 1994, elected to the German-American Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1998, The Hall Of Fame of the North American Country Music Association International in 2000, the International Musicians’ Hall Of Fame and the Old Time Country Music Hall of fame in 2007, and the West Virginia Music Hall Of fame in 2008.
On Feb. 4, 2009, it was announced that Charlie would be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame along with Roy Clark and Barbara Mandrell.
If you need a harp on your record, Charlie is “Still Harpin’”
CHARLIE JOINS THE GRAND OLE OPRY
Charlie was shocked and pleased on stage at the Grand Ole Opry on June 11, 2022, with the question many musicians dream of hearing but only few ever do: Will you become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?
He accepted without missing a beat. He was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry at the Saturday performance, the first time in decades that two artists received an invitation during the same Opry broadcast, per the show.
“I’ve had so many amazing things happen but I wanna tell you what: This is the icing on my cake,” he said on stage as he soaked in the moment.
www.charliemccoy.com

Sharing the stage with Charlie is ACMA’s own The Reckless Saints…Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield.
Reckless Saints founder Roy Schneider was 16 and in hiding when a friend loaned him a guitar. He had just broken out of a Straight, Inc. facility after a horrific year-long incarceration, where he had been denied the right to play an instrument or even listen to music. Having access to a guitar again – as well as the support of good friends – helped him survive while he waited to turn 18, and begin his lifelong love affair with making music. Schneider went on to pursue visual arts, learning how to design toys in 3D, and writing and drawing syndicated comic strip “The Humble Stumble” through United Media. Ultimately, his passion for the many flavors of music that define the Americana genre, combined with his innate ability to play most anything with strings, led him to give up the ‘day jobs’ for a career in music.
He was making a living performing in local bars when Roy met Kim Mayfield. She added keyboard, mandolin, rhythm guitar, harmony vocals, and the idea to take the music on the road. The duo spent over a decade touring and recording 5 CDs of original music.
Reckless Saints, the CD, has hovered in the top 50 on Roots Music Reports Americana Country chart since shortly after its release, and was included in their ‘Best of 2019’ and ‘Best of 2020’ lists. The album features production ‘Guidance Counselor’ Gurf Morlix on the lone cover- Blaze Foley’s Election Day. Other guest artists include Freebo (Bonnie Raitt) on bass and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy on harmonica.
Roy, and/or the duo, have shared stages/bills or opened for the likes of John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven, Malcolm Holcombe, Eilen Jewell Band, Chuck Prophet, Brothers Comatose, and Charlie McCoy among others. Schneider accompanied folk icon Tom Paxton on his last solo tour in Florida after which Paxton pronounced him ‘one of those horrible people who seemingly can play anything they pick up and play it beautifully.”
www.therecklesssaints.com

The Rough and Tumble in Concert! David Hintz Opens
2023-03-18 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
f its a teeny tiny traveling folk band coming to SW Florida then that means The Rough and Tumble are in town! With delight, we announce their return to our ACMA stage. It doesn’t get any better than this. Welcome back!
The Rough and Tumble:
Writing and performing together since 2007, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler inevitably formed The Rough & Tumble in 2011 as the friends turned into bandmates. In 2015, after a bad Nashville landlord left them without heat for 12 days during an ice storm, the bandmates turning spouses decided to hit the road. They sold everything they could, bought a 16’ camper (despite the warning of their families and the lot salesman), packed up their instruments, their dog, and a couple of small trinkets shaped like elephants and mice that they couldn’t part with, and hit the road. They’ve been touring relentlessly since with their two 100lb rescue dogs, Mud Puddle and Magpie Mae, in spite of multiple burnt up axles, busted tires, and consistent water leaks.
On February 19, 2021 The Rough & Tumble dug into the severed branch of their family tree, bringing their newest work, We’re Only Family If You Say So, a full length record about what it takes to be family– and what it means to lose it. As with their previous two albums, it was recorded in East Nashville, TN with producer/engineer Dave Coleman. With its release, fans are Saying So. The raw, emotive nature intersects with the sweet, nearly upbeat tone that touches a nerve unfortunately familiar to listeners, particularly in the aftermath of division in both nation and families alike.
We’re Only Family If You Say So follows on the 2019 release Howling Back at the Wounded Dog, a 10-song album wherein response was audible, with audiences literally howling back at performances coast-to-coast. The opening track “The Hardest Part” won the Independent Music Award’s Best Americana Song of 2019.
In 2022, the duo is tackling less defined matters of the heart– love. When the 2020 pandemic hit, The Rough & Tumble were dependent on the loyalty of fans to keep them afloat through song commissions. The latest EP, Love is Gross (but it looks good on you) is a compilation of the sweeter songs Graham & Tyler were asked to write, with a couple of nearly-love songs the couple wrote for themselves. The February 11th release was welcomed levity on the heels of the harder matters of their previous release– the balance feeling not unlike their live performances. They aren’t afraid to take an audience from the lighthearted to the gut wrenching, and they do it seamlessly, with care for their listeners and integrity to their craft.
www.theroughandtumble.com
Opening the show is ACMA singer-songwriter, David Hintz. David has been performing and writing songs since the mid 1960’s. For reasons he will never quite understand, he put away pen and guitar for many years until the early 21st century. So after a 25 year hiatus David was coerced into going to an open mic in Fort Myers, FL. Scared to death and being extremely shy he performed a few of his original songs and the world hasn’t been the same since.
His songs are about love found and lost, divorce, peace, politics, religion, equality and rebirth. David writes and performs straight from the heart. Whatever the song topic the message is never sugar coated.
https://www.davidhintzmusic.com
Door donations:
$12 – Members
$18 – General Public
Additionally, tickets are available at the door.

ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza, David Hintz, Robert Bidney, Bob Williams
2023-03-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza
David Hintz , Robert Bidney, Bob Williams
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.
David Hintz, is a guitar playing singer -songwriter currently residing in N. Ft. Myers Florida. David has three CDs of his original music. He is a founding member of the Americana Community Music Association, in Fort Myers, and he has performed as the headliner or the opening act many times at venues nationwide.
David’s music is thought-provoking and comes straight from the heart. David also enjoys performing obscure covers and also songs by local songwriters.
Robert Bidney has been connecting with audiences for years, performing his original songs with infectious energy and emotion. His songs have been recorded by artists in the U.S., Canada, France and the U.K., and aired in commercials on radio and national TV. He currently has several songs signed to Nashville publishers and has two albums, RUSH OF HOPE and IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE, both produced in L.A. His latest single, THEIR MEMORY SURVIVES, celebrates and commemorates those we’ve lost to Covid, and has been enjoying airplay in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.
Bidney’s music is available on all major digital sites including: AMAZON, APPLE MUSIC, iTUNES, SPOTIFY, BANDCAMP and more.
Bob Williams, in the late 60s a young guitar player from Long Island, NY, began writing his own music as soon as he could play three chords. Pulling elements from Folk-Rock and Country-Rock, Bob created what he thought was a sound all of his own. He was strongly influenced by the folk singers of the 60’s. Later it was the singer songwriters of the 70’s. Bobs musical taste in writing continued along to what developed into what is now called Americana Music. Americana Music is a mix of Roots music, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Blues and all the good stuff in-between.
With encouragement from family and friends, he produced and released his first CD, No Apologies, in 2015. With his first CD well received, Bob released his second CD in 2018, Ain’t Sorry Yet. In 2020, he released his first CD with The Pearl Street Band, Rocky Road. In 2021 he released Its Good To Be Back, his third solo album. Bob is currently in the process of recording an unnamed EP in Black Mountain NC, with a January 2023 release date.

Abbie Gardner and Marc Douglas Berardo in Concert! Bill Saltzman Opens
2023-02-25 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
The ACMA is fired up to have Abbie Gardner and Marc Douglas Berardo as our headliners. This is going to be a great show!
More about Abbie Gardner:
Abbie Gardner is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Americana harmony trio Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable lap style slide guitar playing. Solo performances feature the dobro as a solo instrument, bouncing between a solid rhythmic backbone and ripping the lead lines, all in support of her voice and songs. Her latest recording DobroSinger was released May 13, 2022. It’s intimate, real, and raw – her dobro and voice recorded at the same time at home, without a band or any studio tricks to hide behind. You can hear every breath, every chuckle, as if you are in the room with her.
abbiegardner.com
More about Marc Douglas Berardo:
Marc Douglas Berardo’s songs are sharply drawn portraits that cast a net on unusual and beguiling characters, mining their deep feelings and situations and describing them in his lyrics. His songs have been recognized at many prestigious national festivals and events such as The South Florida Folk Festival, The Wildflower Art and Music Festival, and The Kerrville Folk Festival. He has opened for The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, John Hiatt, and Martin Sexton. He uses humor and deft storytelling during his onstage performances, to rally and lead an audience into an almost spiritual experience, It brings to mind James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, Guy Clark, and Steely Dan with a touch of Mark Twain or Hunter S. Thompson. Berardo’s interview and live performance featured on the Sirius/ XM Satellite Radio show The Village was voted one of the best of the year by listeners. No Depression Magazine called his last CD Whalebone: “sincere, fluid, charming and above all gripping.”
marcdouglas.com
Welcome ACMA’s new member and singer-songwriter, Bill Saltzman!
Bill’s earliest memories involve music. He vividly recalls sitting in front of an RCA record player listening to Mary Martin’s Broadway performance of Peter Pan, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and Tubby the Tuba in Orchestraville, which introduces a range of orchestral instruments from piccolo to tuba, teaches musical appreciation and also conveys some important lessons about
life. Beginning his journey as a drummer, Bill expanded his musical scope to include percussion, vocals, piano, and most recently, baritone ukulele. He has performed with bands throughout his life, featuring a wide range of genres including Rock, Folk/Rock, and Americana.He regularly attends the Swannanoa Gathering, an annual songwriting workshop near Asheville, North Carolina where he works alongside several
Grammy award-winning songwriters.
Door donations:
$12 – Members
$18 – General Public
Tickets are also available at the door

Mare Wakefield and Nomad in Concert! Bob Williams opens
2023-02-19 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
February Sunday night show.…Mare Wakefield and Nomad in concert! “Lovely vocals and even lovelier songs. Mare Wakefield and Nomad are a little bit old country, a lot contemporary folk a la Dar Williams or Patty Griffin.” ~ New York Times
Find out more about them here:
Born with wanderlust in her DNA, Mare lived in eight different places before she was ten. “It was a roller-coaster way to grow up, but my brother and I learned to fit in fast,” she says. “We picked up Wisconsin accents in two weeks. Eighteen months later we were drawling like native Texans.”
For Turkish-born Nomad, the journey was equally varied. His musical education began at the exclusive Istanbul Conservatory and continued with a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Nomad’s gift for musical arrangements includes a full arsenal of classical, folk and jazz chops.
Versatility and travel-scapes are evident in their music. Listeners roam through Arizona deserts, Oklahoma oil fields and Amsterdam canals. Journeys go inward too, exploring hope, heartbreak and barroom brawls. Story and song are woven together by Mare’s intimate delivery and Nomad’s exquisite piano and accordion.
Currently based in Nashville, the pair were 2016 and 2015 Kerrville NewFolk finalists and 2015 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists.
marewakefield.com

Opening the show is ACMA VP and singer/songwriter Bob Williams. Bob started writing songs at an early age and never stopped. He will be releasing his new album at this show, Will I Ever Feel That Way Again. This is Bob’s 4th solo album. He performs regularly in Southwest Florida and in Western North Carolina. His songs are Americana, a mix of Roots, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Blues and all the good stuff in-between.
Always eager to share amusing stories behind his lyrics, Bob’s songs are personal, irreverent, funny, sad, and most important, true to his heart. Checkout his music at, www.reverbnation.com/bobwilliams2

Door donations:
$12 for Members
$18 for General Public
Tickets available at the door
End your weekend on a perfect note and join us for great live original music!

ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza, The Pearl Street Band
2023-02-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
The Pearl Street Band
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.

The Pearl Street Band is comprised of Mike McMillan, Bob Williams, Bill Veach and Clark Johnson. The band is made up of all ACMA members. They perform regularly and perform mostly original music and a few tasty covers. They released one album, Rocky Road.

Mike McMillan: Started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Mike is an accomplished guitarist, and songwriter. He performs regularly in the Fort Myers area solo and with The Pearl Street Band.

Bob Williams, in the late 60s a young guitar player from Long Island, NY, began writing his own music as soon as he could play three chords. Pulling elements from Folk-Rock and Country-Rock, Bob created what he thought was a sound all of his own. He was strongly influenced by the folk singers of the 60’s. Later it was the singer songwriters of the 70’s. Bobs musical taste in writing continued along to what developed into what is now called Americana Music. Americana Music is a mix of Roots music, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Blues and all the good stuff in-between.
With encouragement from family and friends, he produced and released his first CD, No Apologies, in 2015. With his first CD well received, Bob released his second CD in 2018, Ain’t Sorry Yet. In 2020, he released his first CD with The Pearl Street Band, Rocky Road. In 2021 he released Its Good To Be Back, his third solo album. Bob is currently in the process of recording an unnamed EP in Black Mountain NC, with a January 2023 release date.

Bill Veach: Bill Veach was a drummer in a rock band in college, but guitars are easier to move and make for better neighbors so he spent $100 of his precious college beer money on a flame red acoustic guitar. Moving was a part of his life for years, with a love of travel that is expressed in many of his songs. His songs are often autobiographical, about his experiences, travel, love, loss and some characters he has met on his journey. Bill is a Western boy, raised in Colorado and lived in Utah and Wyoming before becoming a full time resident of Fort Myers Beach. He became active writing songs as part of the Cheyenne Guitar Society in Wyoming and finds inspiration in the camaraderie of the ACMA Singer Songwriter Circle on Sundays. Bill has never met a genre he didn’t like. Bill has produced multiple albums.
Clark Johnson
Born in NYC at a very early age. Picked up bass in 7th grade (Beatles, etc.). Blues bands all through college. Rock/Folk most of the rest of the time. Since moving to FL, play in bluegrass and country bands

Verlon Thompson in concert. Bill Metts opens.
2023-02-04 19:00 - 22:00 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Advance Tickets required for this Show
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/verlon-thompson-in-concert…
Doors open 6:30

Thirty years as a professional songwriter and traveling troubadour serve as credentials. As a solo performer, and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger (his hometown in Oklahoma).
As a solo performer, and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger (his hometown in Oklahoma).
Along the way Verlon Thompson compositions have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Anne Murray, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Trisha Yearwood and many more.
Verlon has co-produced Guy Clark’s Grammy nominated cd “Cold Dog Soup” as well as “The Dark”, “Workbench Songs” and “Somedays the Song Writes You”.
Equally important in his songwriting and live performances, Verlon’s guitar work cannot go unnoticed. His guitar can be heard on recordings by Restless Heart, Pam Tillis, and many more, including, and especially Guy Clark.
Verlon was honored to contribute to the score of the Tamara Saviano documentary “Without Getting Killed or Caught”, the story of Guy and Susanna Clark and Townes Van Zandt.
As the in-house musician for Genuine Human Productions (genuinehuman.com) Thompson scores themes and background music for documentaries and special film projects.
“To the everyday country music fan, Verlon Thompson is not a household name.
But within the music community of Nashville, Thompson is a songwriter and guitarist almost without peer.
…………..
Complete discography, videos, accolades and such available at www.verlonthompson.com
Our own ACMA fabulous member musician Bill Metts opens. Bill has been playing guitar and singing for nearly fifty years now. And it shows in his expertise with both the songwriting and the guitar skills!
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Music & audio

Ruth Wyand in Concert! Carolyn & David Stanley with Mary Dahl Open
2023-01-28 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
You may not ever meet a person and performer as authentic as Ruth Wyand. The ACMA is so fortunate to have her performing on our stage!
More about Ruth Wyand:
Being diversified is Ruth Wyand’s specialty. Demonstrating guitar virtuosity with powerful fingerpicking, bottleneck slide and a warm alto voice Ruth plays a mix of Americana, jazz, blues, folk, country with a portion of Piedmont picking and bluegrass
clawhammer thrown in. Her songwriting is universal, using a melting pot of styles with lyrics that are timeless, relatable, emotionally resonant, sometimes witty, sometimes
serious but always human and genuine.

Ruth presents a mixture of originals with poignant lyrics as well as well-crafted instrumental arrangements of classics ranging from Doc Watson, Etta Baker, Jimi Hendrix, Leo Kottke to Thelonious Monk and Nina Simone.
Each song, no matter how different, has a firm Ruth Wyand stamp of style on it.
www.ruthwayand.com
Opening for this concert is the delightful trio of Carolyn and David Stanley along with Mary Dahl. All are ACMA members and singer-songwriters. They will share an eclectic mix of songs, harmonies and instruments. Carolyn may even bring her charango.
Donation, tickets available at the door
$12 – Members
$18 – General Public

ACMA @ The Alliance: Friction Farm. Silvia Medina Opens
2023-01-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33919, United States
Modern-folk duo Friction Farm, is a husband and wife team of traveling troubadours. Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes, and quirky observations. Their lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists, and South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter winners. Friction Farm’s latest CD, “Evidence of Hope ” , which reached #10 on the Folk Radio Chart, was inspired by the collision of strong political polarity with personal kindness, the intersection of fragility and breathtaking beauty. Somehow Friction Farm nurtured hope through a pandemic.
Ticket prices $18.00 for public. Can pay at Show
www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1285038
This is an outdoor show that will move indoors if necessary
ACMA’s own Silvia Medina opens!

David Mayfield in Concert! Ross Jordan Opens
2023-01-21 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
ack by popular demand with his booming voice, amazing finger picking and wordsmithing, David Mayfield is returning to our ACMA stage!
Read this:
Ohio-based Americana singer/songwriter David Mayfield has deep roots in the bluegrass and folk scenes. The Kent native grew up playing bass and touring with his family’s bluegrass band, later embracing guitar and mandolin as a teenager and earning national awards for his deft flatpicking style. He has spent time performing with and producing his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield, and in 2007 joined progressive bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky. The group’s fiery, aggressive sound infuriated many traditionalists, but won them a hardcore following of younger fans and landed them gigs alongside acts like Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers. Around this time, Mayfield began writing his own material and after three records with Cadillac Sky, released his own album under the name the David Mayfield Parade. The album boasted a dark, gritty Americana sound that incorporated elements of rock and country. He continued to write and improve his dynamic stage performances, releasing Good Man Down in 2013 and Strangers to much acclaim in 2014.
ACMA member and singer-songwriter, Ross Jordan will open the show. Ross has been playing and writing music for over 40 years. He currently resides in Fort Myers Florida and can be seen playing his original songs at various locations around South Florida.
Donation, tickets available at door
$12 – Member
$18 – General Public

Great Song Now What? Free Workshop & Open Mic
2023-01-15 14:00 - 17:00 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Great Song Now What? Free Workshop & Open Mic
Workshop 2:00 – 3:30
OPEN Mic. 3:30 – 5:00
This is a free workshop for ACMA Members. Not a member, membership is only $30
Whether you’re a musician or not you’re welcome to join us. This will be a great afternoon of information and music
We all want our songs to be heard. Tim will discuss different avenues he has successfully used to make it happen. He will also share his other experiences concerning recording, songwriting and cowriting in Nashville. We will close out the day with a Open Mic
Membership. www.amaericanacma.org
Tim McGeary has had many cuts with other songwriters,and for movies and TV. He has been writing songs and performing since the 80’s and was with the band “The Rescue” on AM records and toured with Billy Idol, Roxy Music, Depeche Mode, The Cure and many more. His songs have been featured on TV shows ( Smallville, One Tree Hill,Glory Days) and movies like, Girl Got Moe (HBO), Most recently he had 7 of his songs placed in two full length motion pictures, ” In Mysterious Ways”, and “The Knowers”.
PRO’S WHAT COMPANY TO CHOOSE TO COLLECT MY ROYALTIES
WRITER SHARE AND PUBLISHER’S SHARE
BMI, ASCAP, SESAC
RECORDING RECORDING , HOME STUDIO DIY ,
MANY DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
PRO TOOLS, LOGIC PROX, ABLETON, REACHER , ETC.
WHAT COMPUTER SHOULD I BUY ? OR NOT
PROFESSIONAL STUDIO ?
PRICE, RECENT RECORDINGS , SESSION PLAYERS ?
META DATA WHAT IS META DATA AND WHY DO I NEED IT
SOCIAL MEDIA IS IT NECESSARY , HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
WHAT PLATFORMS ARE THE BEST FOR MY MUSIC
RADIO PLAY HOW TO GET MY SONGS TO THE WORLD
SCAMS VS. REAL PLAYS
SONG WRITING FOR SYNC THE HOW TO’S VS. THE HOW NOT TO’S
LYRICS AND MUSIC
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza, Bill Metts. Ray Cerbone, Ralph Leesberg
2023-01-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Bill Metts. Ray Cerbone, Ralph Leesberg
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.

Bill Metts started playing guitar during the Country Blues revival of the 60s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. Shortly after moving to South West Florida he was asked to serve on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association and hosted their weekly Songwriter Circle for four years. Also, for the past eight years, through a not-for-profit organization called Hope by Song Inc., he has been composing songs from the writings of people dealing with great emotional trauma in order to help them heal through the power inherent in music. He has performed at the prestigious Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival, the world famous “Ground Zero” in Clarksdale Mississippi and in the BMI sponsored Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers Florida.

Ray Cerbone, One of the founding members of the Americana Community Music Association, Ray began playing guitar during the late 60’s folk scene. With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time, his music encompasses many genres, including Americana, Folk, Blues, Ballads, and a little bit of Country. His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is, he does interpretive covers of great originals by other very talented singer/songwriters using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears. Ray’s recently released CD, “How Much Time”, has received glowing reviews stateside and overseas.

Ralph Leeseberg is a resident of Pickerington, Ohio when he is not wintering in SW Florida. He’s been playing guitar since he saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan with all the girls screaming and he said “That’s what I want to do.” He’s been writing songs for fifty years and has dozens of tunes that he’s actually not embarrassed to play for people. His styles range from early folk to classic country to blues and a little bit of rock’n’roll thrown in. He enjoys what he does and hopes you enjoy it too.

Reckless Saints in Concert! Pearl Street Band opens
2023-01-07 19:00 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
It would not be a proper start in 2023 for the ACMA if it’s not the fabulous Reckless Saints kicking off the New Year. This talented duo is a delight to watch and hear!
More about the Reckless Saints:
“Roy Schneider, and Kim Mayfield his wife and full-time performing partner, dance with elements of authentic folk, country, blues and rock as if they’ve been in love with them all their lives. All who cry out for salvation from Reckless Saints might experience the same effect”.
Peter Lindblad ~ Elmore Magazine
This husband and wife team runs the gamut from engaging acoustic folk to driving bluesy tunes, with hints of twang sprinkled in. The ringing impression from their music is the seamless blending of so many forms of roots music combined with meaningful and often insightful lyrics. Roy and Kim have named their style as Blue-Twangled Folk ‘n’ Roll. It works beautifully.
https://www.recklesssaints.com
Kicking off this concert is our own Pearl Street Band. The Pearl Street Band is comprised of Mike McMillan, Bob Williams, Bill Veach and Clark Johnson. The band is made up of all ACMA members. They perform regularly and perform mostly original music and a few tasty covers. They released one album, Rocky Road. You will hear these singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs.
Door Fee: $12 – Members
$18 – General Public

ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza, The Reckless Saints
2022-12-13 18:00 - 18:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
The Reckless Saints
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.
The Reckless Saints bring their Blue Twangled Folk and Roll to the Plaza.
Reckless Saints founder Roy Schneider was 16 and in hiding when a friend loaned him a guitar. He had just broken out of a Straight, Inc. facility after a horrific year-long incarceration, where he had been denied the right to play an instrument or even listen to music. Having access to a guitar again – as well as the support of good friends – helped him survive while he waited to turn 18, and begin his lifelong love affair with making music. Schneider went on to pursue visual arts, learning how to design toys in 3D, and writing and drawing syndicated comic strip “The Humble Stumble” through United Media. Ultimately, his passion for the many flavors of music that define the Americana genre, combined with his innate ability to play most anything with strings, led him to give up the ‘day jobs’ for a career in music.
He was making a living performing in local bars when Roy met Kim Mayfield. She added keyboard, mandolin, rhythm guitar, harmony vocals, and the idea to take the music on the road. .
Reckless Saints, the CD, has hovered in the top 50 on Roots Music Reports Americana Country chart since shortly after its release, and was included in their ‘Best of 2019’ list. The album features production ‘Guidance Counselor’ Gurf Morlix on the lone cover- Blaze Foley’s Election Day. Other guest artists include Freebo (Bonnie Raitt) on bass and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy on harmonica.
www.therecklesssaints.com

Cliff Eberhardt in Concert! Louise Mosrie Opens
2022-12-03 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Back up on our ACMA stage again….Cliff Eberhardt and Louise Mosrie! What a show for our December series.
More about Cliff Eberhardt:
“Eberhardt is better than ever, Steve McQueening his way into your heart at about ninety-eight miles an hour, kicking ass with fresh insight and new ways to lament old yearnings”. ~ Philly Rock Guide.
Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter. Growing up in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, he and his brothers sang together and their parents played instruments. His dad introduced him to the guitar and he quickly taught himself to play. Fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt — receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.
New York was an ideal musician’s boot camp. Though he put in long hours as a taxi driver, Cliff worked steadily on his music throughout the 80’s, doing solo gigs and studio work, and playing guitar on the road with Richie Havens, Melanie and others. Singing advertising jingles for products like Coke, Miller Beer and Chevrolet (“The Heartbeat of America” campaign) allowed him to devote more time to his songwriting.

In 2011, Cliff got a phone call from the Folger Theatre and Shakespeare Library in Washington DC. They had been listening to his song, “That Kind of Love” along with director Aaron Posner and got the brilliant idea to hire Cliff to write original songs for the Shakespeare classic “The Taming of the Shrew”. It would be set in the old West – Deadwood style – and Cliff would be cast as the blind but wise old saloon singer bookending scenes with his poignant songs and guitar phrases. The play was a huge success and won much critical acclaim across town and 7 weeks of solid sold-out shows in the Spring of 2012. In 2013, Cliff was nominated for a coveted Helen Hayes Award for Sound Design and he and the cast won for Best Ensemble and Best Play. Some of the songs on Shrew Songs are from Cliff’s past work and some are brand new.

Cliff is well-known as a songwriting teacher all over the U.S. at songwriting camps and private lessons. He also produces, arranges and advises on other artist’s recordings. He tours constantly.
cliffeberhardt.net
Joining Cliff is the fabulous Louise Mosrie. Louise started writing songs about the South – what she knew and where she grew up. In 2008, she began working on a new album eventually to be called “Home” because she’d come full circle in her “voice” as a writer. The album was a mix of bluegrass, country and folk and as she weaved in lush stories and songs about southern life, she was even introduced once as “…William Faulkner with a guitar”. With those songs, she entered some song contests connected to festivals and ended up winning top awards at Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. “Home” debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2010 and went on to be one of the most played albums that year for that chart.

In 2012, her 15-year marriage ended and her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer and died 6 months later. Out of those dark days came some new songs that would eventually be recorded on her newest release “Lay It Down”: 10 songs of love, loss and surrender. On “Lay It Down”, she collaborated with folk-rock songwriter/producer, Cliff Eberhardt, who envisioned that minimalist arrangements and restrained production would allow the emotional songs and Louise’s voice a stark relief to rest and shine in.
The new CD, “Lay It Down”, was released in late summer/Fall 2014…and landed on several “Best of” lists. Louise is always writing new songs…..
louisemosrie.com
Door donations: Members – $12
General Public – $18

ACMA @ The Alliance; Songwriters in the round, Kim Mayfield, Marie Nofsinger and Tim McGeary.
2022-11-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33919, United States
ACMA presents Songwriters in the Round. Kim Mayfield, Marie Nofsinger and Tim McGeary.

This is an outdoor show that will move indoors if necessary.
Tickets Public $18.00, or Pay at Show
www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1285037

Kim is better known as half of the Americana duo Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield (now called Reckless Saints.) Reviewers have described her music as ‘pearly and sashaying,’ ‘pleasantly invoking the legendary Tammy Wynette,’ and ‘haunted by Patsy Cline.’ Mayfield’s song, Ring Around the Moon, made her a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. She is currently at work on a new Reckless Saints project to be followed by her first solo recording.
Known as the “OUTLAW SONGWRITER” Award winning songwriter, national touring performer and recording artist Marie Nofsinger will take you on a journey into the soul of America. Lilting melodies, swamp stomp rhythms, as well as jazzy swing tunes carry the lyrics into your memory. Her credits include her CD “Boots” which was voted City Link Magazine’s “Best Acoustic CD of 1999” and the latest 2010 release “The Wildlife Rides Again” chosen as “Best Roots and Acoustic CD of 2010” by the Palm Beach Post Entertainment Editor.
Tim McGearyTim Mcgeary hails from Naples, Florida where he has lived for the past 20 years. Tim has been writing songs and performing since the 80’s and was with the band “The Rescue” on AM records and toured with Billy Idol, Roxy Music, Depeche Mode, The Cure and many more. Recently Tim got a publishing deal in Nashville as a songwriter. His songs have been featured on TV shows ( Smallville, One Tree Hill,Glory Days) and movies like, Girl Got Moe (HBO), Most recently he had 7 of his songs placed in two full length motion pictures, ” In Mysterious Ways”, and “The Knowers”. His most recent band Wonderful Johnson, opened for bands, The Black Crows, David Ball, Sherrie Austin, Confederate Railroad, Wet Willie, Rush Low and many more. Tim plays shows in SW Florida, Nashville, New York and New Jersey. Tim also has been working with young song writers with their song writing and performances. Tim’s day gig was a fire fighter/Paramedic/Flight medic.

Kraig Kenning in Concert! Bruce Gallant opens
2022-11-19 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Singer Songwriter / National Slide Guitar Champion…..
A Kraig Kenning show is a guarantee! The ACMA is delighted to have him back on our stage.
More about Kraig Kenning:
Call him Contemporary folk, Acoustic blues, Roots rock, or American fingerstyle. The fact is, Kraig has managed to merge a bit of all the above, while maintaining a close and personal connection with his audience. Kraig has played up to 200 dates a year touring the US for the last 3 decades, showcasing songs from his eight cds containing almost exclusively original material.
Kenning has shaped himself into one of the most capable performers on the planet. “There is an exchange at a spiritual level in a great performance. My goal is to journey with all my listeners to this magical place.”
Kenning has inspired comparisons with Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne…to name a few. His finger picking often brings reminders of Kraig’s long time hero Leo Kottke. “His overall performance and presentation stand equal with any of today’s top singer/ songwriters”, states Dave Glynn of the Fox Valley Blues Society. It’s hard to be humble when elevated to the ranks of guitar gods and modern poets, but Kraig is quick to point out the logic behind such flattering comparisons: “Those are the guys I listened to, whose music I locked myself in my room with growing up. If I sound like any of them, it’s because they were my inspiration and fueled my dreams.”
At National Guitar’s 1st Annual Slide Competition, Kraig took first place honors as Best Unsigned Artist. He has opened for slide guitar master Sonny Landreth; and he has shared lineups with club and folk series favorites such as John Gorka and Patti Larkin.
kraigkenning.com
Door donations:
$12/Members
$18/General Public
ACMA member and singer/songwriter, Bruce Gallant opens this show. In his own words Gallant states: “Writing and music are like breathing to me, they are what I need to get me through my life.” The ACMA is fortunate to have this kind of talent in our own back yard.

Songwriters at the Plaza, Sorry Canceled
2022-11-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Barbara Chamberlain , J.Robert, & Mike McMillan
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.

Detroit-born Barbara Chamberlain has called Southwest Florida her home for more than half her life. Strongly influenced by both her parents’ different tastes in music, her originals tend to jump between Jazz-infused Americana to Folkish flat-picking Rockabilly and Acoustic Rock. Her passion for playing the guitar and singing harmony at every chance she gets led her to becoming one of the founding board members of the Americana Community Music Association. You might find Barbara performing several decades of multi-genre music alone or with friends, while she works towards producing an album. When not making music with her friends from Naples to Pine Island, she will be saving the bees, kayaking or fishing.

J.Robert is a BMI writer with many film score credits on National TV such as “Big Bang Theory,” “Madame Secretary,” the Travel Channel and the Hallmark Channel.
J.Robert’s music is featured in several Florida feature films produced by
Elam and Nic Stotzfus, including the PBS award winning documentary “The Great Florida Cattle Drive,” the recent PBS film “Southwest Florida’s Mangrove Coast,” “Peter Gerbert – Florida Nature Artist” and upcoming story of story of “The Spirits Still Move Them – Moonshining in the Southern Mountains.”
J.Robert’s song “Florida Fiddler” won 1st place in the 1994 Will McLean Festival, thanks to Pete Seeger!
Besides his keen interest in songwriting, J.Robert is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on guitars, mandolin, dobro, harmonica, ukulele, and has produced several albums with the Trinidadian Steel Pan.
J.Robert has appeared on several Folk stages around Florida as a fiddle player with John McEuen, Chief Jim Billie, Raiford Starke, Peter B. Gallagher, Frank Thomas, Jon Corneal and Dale Crider. Concert stages with Charlie Daniels Band, Doug Kershaw, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and Bonnie Raitt.
J.Robert has performed music extensively throughout the United States, Switzerland, England, and has represented the US State Department at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, Asia 2018.
Please visit www.JRobertMusic.com
Or Google Search “JRobert Music”

Mike McMillan. Started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Mike is an accomplished guitarist, and songwriter. He performs regularly in the Fort Myers area solo and with The Pearl Street Band.

Anne E. DeChant Trio in Concert! Joyce Knake opens
2022-11-05 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
“She is what the future of Americana music needs to be in order to endure – a passionate prophetess who has come in from the wild, rough edges intact, and ready to rock.’
– No Depression
The WOW factor for our ACMA stage. The story of Anne E. DeChant:
Anne E. DeChant is a Nashville recording artist originally from Avon Lake, Ohio. She is a 5-time winner of Cleveland’s Singer-Songwriter of the Year and a 2020 Kerrville Folk Festival Songwriting Competition Finalist and creator of “The 11:30 Bathroom Break”.
DeChant is first and last a story-teller, an artist who writes with a shit-kicker urgency and sweet understanding of the people who stumble and keep keeping on. She’s performed with Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Don Henry, Travis Meadows and a host of others. Anne E. was the selected local artist at Lilith Fair (Cleveland) and has delivered stand out shows in storied venues ranging from The Bluebird Café, The Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame to the Clinton White House.
Anne E. began her career as the dynamic lead singer of Cleveland fan favorite Odd Girl Out before becoming the powerhouse she is today with eleven independent studio album releases to her credit. Her masterfully crafted, poignant songs create worlds where her characters and their stories spring to life with a commanding voice and perfectly nuanced delivery.
DeChant’s signature song, “Girls and Airplanes,” is a tribute to those women who during WWII, walked through their front yard gate and went to work piloting planes.
anneedechant.com
Door donations:
$12/Members
$18/ General Public
Opening for Anne is our own ACMA member, singer/songwriter, Joyce Knake. Multi-talented (guitar, banjo, paintings, pottery) Joyce continues to amaze and inspire us with her wonderful original songs, and creations

The Black Feathers in Concert! Chuck Williams Opens
2022-10-29 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
An ACMA concert with that WOW Factor! Welcome The Black Feathers with Chuck Williams opening!!
More:
The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations.
The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler, are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.
“Once in a blue moon, the whole soars far above the sum of its parts. That’s what happens when The Black Feathers perform live”
– Black Mountain News, North Carolina
Americana, Folk, and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands. Their music quickly draw the interest of listeners, but it is the stage chemistry that will keep them riveted.
Having already built up a loyal following in the UK, The Black Feathers have been spreading their wings across the US. They have performed at Philadelphia Folk Festival and AmericanaFest, and have also been awarded official showcases at the North East Regional and Far-West Folk Alliance conferences.
theblackfeathers.com

Massachusetts snowbird, ACMA member, singer/songwriter Chuck Williams opens the show! Chuck’s approach is typically relaxed, at times sentimental and always confident. He is not a folk artist with heavy political leanings in his songwriting such as Joan Baez, Phil Ochs or U. Utah Phillips.
However, what Chuck has mastered is how to pull at Americana heartstrings and tell rootsy stories through his simple and effective novella type lyrics. Nothing is overproduced or played with flash. Chuck has a personable singing style and it’s not done to impress but express.
chuckwilliamsmusic.com
Door donations:
$12 – Members
$18 – Non-Members
ACMA follows the Covid guidelines of our host venue

Rebecca Folsom Sorry Canceled
2022-10-15 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Rebecca is back touring again and back on our ACMA stage!
Meet Rebecca Folsom
Rebecca Folsom’s music is all about love and the connection to our shared humanity. Her four-octave range dances from raw and powerful to sweetly tender, creating a deeply moving, edgy and elevated style. Her voice aims to the heart like a gentle bull’s eye, and cracks you open while filling you with hope. In short, her performances will “knock-you-to-your-knees.” (KUNC radio).
In her songs, she shares stories from her own life and from others’ lives, bringing to light the vulnerability and wisdom that we all share. Her words point like a compass into our deepest emotions, inviting us to find the courage to face our fears, embrace our dreams and choose to live our best life with loving-kindness as our guide.
Rebecca feels strongly that for humanity to thrive globally, the voices of all people must be heard. While writing her newest album, SANCTUARY, she reached out to established organizations representing marginalized communities. She hosted The Art of Vocal Freedom workshops, guiding participants in the discovery and expression of their unique voices, and then collaborated with the group in the writing of the songs for the album. These communities include, refugees, inmates, the aging, recovering addicts, as well as environmental leaders and people experiencing homelessness. “Her songs hit like little earthquakes!” (Westword magazine).
rebeccafolsom.com
Opening the show- ACMA Board VP, member and talented singer/songwriter, Bob Williams.
With encouragement from family and friends, he produced and released his first CD, No Apologies, in 2015. With his first CD well received, Bob released his second CD in 2018, Ain’t Sorry Yet. In 2020, he released his first CD with The Pearl Street Band, Rocky Road. In 2021 he released It’s Good To Be Back, his third solo album digitally.
Always eager to share amusing stories behind the lyrics, Bob’s songs are personal, irreverent, funny, sad, and most important, true to his heart.
reverbnation.com/bobwilliams2
Door donations:
$12 – Members
$18 – Non Members

Postponed. Songwriters on the Plaza
2022-10-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Mary Dahl,& Carolyn Stanley, Smokey Dayton & The Floridians
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.
Carolyn Stanley began playing guitar as a teenager learning to finger pick country blues from her older brother. Since then she has performed solo, joined several duos, performs in a trio of her husband David and Mary Dahl and facilitates an eclectic string band accompanied by her husband David on bass.
Mary Dahl performed for 20 years with The Lite Side quartet in the PA, MD and DC areas. Some of the highlights of their performances include entertaining six times at the White House for 3 different administrations , Christmas specials at Hershey Park Chocolate World and opening for the Kingston Trio at the Carlisle Theatre in 1996.
Carolyn and Mary have forged a harmonious duo and strong friendship since joining the Americana Community Music Association.
Gene Martin has been singing in church choirs and choruses since childhood, playing guitar since his teen years and joined the ACMA in 2016 when he began song writing.
He soon founded “Smokey Daytona and The Floridians”, a trio with Mary Dahl and Al Candelaria, that features their original songs and covers with the tight harmony. When Chuck Dettmann is in Florida, the trio becomes a quartet.
Al Candelaria is a member of the trio ‘The Innocents’ and is a BMI songwriter.
Highlights include being featured in the PBS special, “Rock, Rhythm, and Doo Wop” in 2001 and being inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame in 2014.

Dave Stanley will be playing bass for some of the songs.

Violet Bell in Concert. Sorry Canceled
2022-10-08 19:00 - 21:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
An October treat….welcome back to the ACMA stage Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez! This duo make up the group Violet Bell.
More about Violet Bell:
Violet Bell is re-wilding Americana music. Lizzy Ross’s rich soprano intertwines with Omar Ruiz-Lopez’s fiddle, guitar, banjo, and harmonies to create a lush and sinuous sound. Together they draw on a thread of untamable energy and natural magic passed down through generations of storytelling.
Ruiz-Lopez was born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, and Ross was born and raised in Maryland and NYC. As a duo with wildly different backgrounds, Violet Bell has a unique perspective on the roots music traditions that inform their sound. They’re tending to traditions and creating a new way forward for like-minded musical innovators, with our shared humanity at the forefront.
violetbell.net

The opener for Violet Bell is ACMA member and singer/songwriter. The opener for Violet Bell is ACMA member and singer/songwriter, Gareth Rockliffe. Gareth Rockliffe, a native of the UK, is a professional photographer who has enjoyed writing songs for the past thirty years. His songs are often deeply personal, but with a universal heartfelt appeal. Gareth’s songs have in the past only been shared with small groups of friends or fellow songwriters…that’s about to change.

Door donation:
$12 Members
$18 Non-Membe

Jon Shain in Concert! Mike McMillan Opens
2022-09-24 19:00 - 22:30 | ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901
Help us welcome these two musical partners-in-crime musicians, Jon Shain and FJ Venture to the ACMA stage!

Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style – combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. He is the 2019 winner of the International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category.

Shain headed south to North Carolina in 1986, to study American History at Duke University and to continue his musical journey, as well. Along the way, Jon has released eight studio albums, working with studio luminaries such as Dave Mattacks, Tom Dube, and Chris Stamey, along the way. As a guest artist, Jon has recorded with Jim Avett, Greg Humphreys, Dana Kletter, and many others and his instrumental music has been placed in several documentary films and commercials, as well as on shows on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.
The last few years have seen Jon headlining listening rooms on the East Coast, in the Midwest, and in Europe, as well as opening shows for John Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat, and others.
Shain’s last release is the gorgeous roots album, Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon, recorded along with long-time collaborator FJ Ventre. They have a new album, Never Found Way to Tame the Blues.

Since relocating to Chapel Hill, NC in 2000, Ventre has performed with his own group The Swang Brothers, as well as Chris Stamey, Rebecca and the Hi-Tones, and Matt Hill. In addition to performing as a sought after sideman, he spends his time behind the mixing board, engineering at his own Good Luck Studio and operating his graphic design firm Tadpole Designs.
jonshain.com
Mike McMillan opens the show. He is a member of the ACMA and singer/songwriter of his own material. Mike is also a member our own hometown group, The Pearl Street Band.
Door Donations:
$12/Members
$18 /Non Members

ACMA. Island Hopper Showcase
2022-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First ST, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Thursday, September 22. 6 to 8 pm the ACMA, will once again present some of the best local singer-songwriters in a showcase. Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield, Ray Cerbone , Robert Bidney, & Bill Metts. Because of the success of this once a year show it has been moved it to larger venue, The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center located downtown Fort Myers. The show will be a songwriters round with each artist sharing original music and the stories behind the songs. This will be a wonderful evening of great music in a beautiful location.
The show will have a $10.00 ticket charge and the door.
