Americana Community Music Association

Kyshona in concert. Special guest Shannon Labrie opens. Friday Show
2020-01-17 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Kyshona Armstrong has been called upon to represent for soul and gospel in roots, rock and folk lineups and to bring singer-songwriter sensibilities to R&B bills. But wherever she plants her feet, she does so with righteous conviction and a strong sense of her own voice.”- NPR Music
With a rousing and unanimous YES…the ACMA music committee ensured Kyshona a place on our stage! Read on for more about Kyshona.
For a singer-songwriter, there’s no more basic function than getting onstage and getting something personal off your chest. The therapeutic qualities of the experience have seduced countless confessional composers, some of whom make known that they hold unfiltered expression as their highest artistic aim.
Kyshona Armstrong started out enabling others to enjoy the healing properties of songwriting, and keeping her thoughts to herself. When you’re a music therapist to incarcerated and institutionalized adults and school children with emotional behavior disorders, artistic considerations aren’t even on the table.
“I definitely had to accept the fact that when I’m writing with a patient, whatever they want to do is what they want to do,” Armstrong tells the Scene as she nurses a latte in East Nashville. “It’s their song: ‘Even if it might not fit in a form, if that’s what you want to say, say it. We’re not writing a big hit. This is for you.’ ”
When Armstrong worked first in the state mental hospital, then the public school system in Georgia, she found that her co-writers often clung to chant-like, circular song ideas. “They would find this melody they liked and they would stick to it,” she explains. “It was theirs to keep. It wasn’t hard to hold onto.”
Armstrong had focused on oboe at the University of Georgia — that and steel drums, which she played in the college’s Hawaiian-shirt-sporting ensemble, Tropical Breeze. But since neither instrument was all that well suited to coaxing patients into musical self-expression, she got into singing, playing acoustic guitar and songwriting.
When describing the positions she held during her decade or so in the mental health field, she punctuates each chapter with the same phrase: “That got kinda heavy.” The weight of it was what eventually moved her to begin penning her own tunes.
“A lot of my first songs were dealing with what I saw my patients struggling with,” she recalls. “A lot of my songs were about the stories that I would hear from them. Because I can only take on so much of people dumping. So I had to get rid of it and shed it somehow. I think telling their stories was one way for me to go out in the world and be like, ‘There’s so much more happening out there.’ For me, that was therapeutic. I don’t like to talk about myself, but I’ll talk about everybody else if you want me to share a story.”
At a certain point, her emotional investment in her patients’ pain became too much to purge at coffeehouse open mics. “You’ve gotta know when to tap out,” she says. “I was like, ‘I’m not of any use to these kids if I can’t give myself as fully as I used to.’ ”
So Armstrong got on the college singer-songwriter circuit, blending skills of empathizing and entertaining. Her set lists might put a strummy version of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” next to “Confined,” a song she’d written with a couple of 20-somethings in the mental hospital. They were the hip-hop heads in the patients’ band — otherwise made up of Elvis-obsessed middle-aged men — and they’d wanted a song in the group repertoire that spoke to their own experience.
Besides teaching institutionalized adults and emotionally troubled school kids how to have healthy interactions with instruments in hand, Armstrong served a similar mission on the board of the Southern Girls Rock Camp in Athens, Ga. And that made her a shoo-in to volunteer at last summer’s Tennessee Teens Rock Camp, where she met a bunch of the women with whom she’ll perform at the girl group tribute She’s a Rebel a few days after playing her own show at 12th & Porter.
Armstrong moved to Nashville in January 2014, spending the first couple months commuting back to Athens to record her album Go, but easily made friends and landed bookings in local folk singer-songwriter, pop and soul scenes once she was around more. Smack-dab in the middle ofGo is a song that distills the insights of her therapeutic work and the artistic aspirations she’s developed since. Called “Cornelius Dupree,” it’s the turbulent channeling of a black man’s real-life experience serving 30 years in Texas for rape and robbery before being exonerated. Rather than narrate the external details of Dupree’s story, Armstrong gives voice to the searing physical and emotional strain he must’ve felt having to defend his innocence for so long.
“That one took me a long time,” she says of the song, “because I wanted to do it right. I tried it from the outside looking in. But in the end I was like, ‘I have to put myself in those shoes.’ ”
She adds, “The injustice that Cornelius suffered, on a much smaller level I have experienced that myself, just being a black woman living in the South. I’ve been held by the police before for nothing, and it’s frustrating. I’ve never been imprisoned, but I’ve been held aside. I remember the injustice I felt and the anger I felt. But I’ve always been taught I have to be extra kind, extra polite to compensate. …With his story, I think I just got fed up.”
At college shows, Armstrong urges students to look up Dupree’s story on their phones — and hopefully expand their awareness of human suffering — even as she’s singing her song. “Cornelius Dupree” had a similarly awakening effect when she performed it at a house concert 20 minutes outside of Ferguson, Mo. She’d driven up strictly to join the protests after Michael Brown’s shooting, but accepted a friend’s invitation to a combination concert and cookout in the suburbs one evening. Folks there seemed downright oblivious to the neighboring turmoil. At the end of the night, the host thanked her for getting their attention.
Armstrong has reached the point where she embraces repetitive internal rhythms that emerge in some of her songwriting — likening them to both gospel spirituals and the viscerally simplistic utterances of her former patients — and she’s delivering her roots-soul originals with articulate warmth and newly claimed authority.
www.kyshona.com
Kyshona has been touring with Shannon Labrie who acts as her opening musician. www. shannonlabriee.com

ACMA Songwriters on The Plaza
2020-01-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Rain or Shine, moved inside if needed.
Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz, Mary Dahl

The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved indoors depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit that promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk and country.
Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz, Bill Veach
Robert Bidney is a singer / songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. His music is relatable and has a strong commercial sensibility.
His songs have been covered by an eclectic group of recording artists around the world, plus his work has been on several national radio and TV commercials.
Bidney’s second album “Rush of Hope”, released in May 2019, addresses universal themes through a lens of optimism. With its message of love instead of hate, the music resonates in today’s social climate.
“Rush of Hope”, in its first few months after release, has received positive album reviews, airplay in the U.S., Scotland, Amsterdam and London.
A seasoned performer, Bidney connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotional performances.
He is an active member of the Americana Community Music Association and lives in Southwest Florida.
Annie Wenz has shared her songs & stomped her dusty musical ankle shakers through 25 countries around the world… from some of the most known festivals in the US, to rallys, street corners, schools & arts centers, refugee camps in Pakistan, spas in Malaysia, ESPN videos, Independent Film & theater scores, & blaring speakers at Major League Ballparks, Sirius XM & radio stations internationally.
She has collaborated musically with Dr. Jerri Nielsen of the “Icebound” book, Author Robert Macomber , baseball legend Bill Spaceman Lee, & Roy “Futureman” Wooten of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones!
Annie is known for her Kerouac-ish magnifying glass-ified lyrical portrait story songs & her unique way of blending roots, multi-cultural influences & funky rhythms…
She has 8 recordings on her own indie label “Island Gypsy” including her all instrumental CD “Rain on Bare Skin” used by yoga & wellness practitioners around the world, & her buzzed about, played on SiriusXM radio CD, “Ride The Sky” penned at stoplights while twirling about dusty back Americana roads on her Harley.
She lives in her natty boots. “it’s a muddy road out there, but somebody’s gotta ride thru it!”
Mary Dahl, singer/song writer with Carolyn Stanley
Mary performed throughout MD, PA, and DC for 20 years with a quartet known as “The Lite Side”.
Bragging rights include performing at the White House on six separate occasions, for two different administrations. Her favorite experience, was a Christmas candlelight reception for visiting dignitaries which included a private tour of the White House.
They performed for 10 years at Hershey Park Chocolate World opening the Christmas season festivities.
However, she is particularly proud to boast that they opened for a sold out concert by the Kingston Trio and were permitted to accompany the Trio in their performance .
Carolyn Stanley will be accompanying Mary with her sharp harmonies and proficient playing style on guitar.
Carolyn often performs with her husband, David Stanley and her brother, Larry Tuttle at various venues in SW Florida. For many years, she and her husband performed with Peach’s Little Band in the Ohio/West Virginia area.
Mary and Carolyn are neighbors and have enjoyed sharing and exploring their common interest in music as well as enjoying each other’s company.

pany.

Malcolm Holcombe in concert. Roy Schneider opens.
2020-01-11 19:00 - 22:00 | FL
On the North Carolina side of the Southern Appalachians, the land still retains its secrets.
It’s a place of paradoxes, where poverty is handed down from one hardscrabble generation to the next in towns passed over by the New South progress that gives a city like Asheville its bourgeois charm. It’s a resilient pocket of wilderness where a small band of Cherokee once disappeared into the misty hollers to wait out the white man’s ire, back in the deep woods where old growth timber blocks out the sunlight and compass needles sometimes spin crazily and the trappings of civilization give way to things beyond human understanding.
On the cusp of releasing his 13th studio album — “Come Hell or High Water,” out XXX on Singular Recordings — singer-songwriter Malcolm Holcombe is a both a part of and apart from those Blue Ridge hills, a Southern folk golem brought to life by the deeper mysteries that give these hills so much of their folklore.
His songs belong in the same Western North Carolina echelon of mysteries like the Brown Mountain Lights or the ghostly apparitions along Helen’s Bridge or the phantom choir of Roan Mountain — things that surpass conventional explanation but summon forth a combination of awe and primal longing, an ache to understand the great questions of the human condition.
“Malcolm Holcombe is an artist of deep mystery and high art; he is who I listen to, and have for over 20 years,” says Darrell Scott, one of Nashville’s premier sessions instrumentalists and a nationally respected singer-songwriter. “All the goods that I value in songs and artistry are in Malcolm.”
“I think for most songwriters, songs are like clothing. Malcolm’s songs are his skin,” writes fellow Nashville tunesmith David Olney. “They are a direct expression of who is as a man.”
“People like to say Malcolm Holcombe is a national treasure, and they got that right,” adds R.B. Morris, an East Tennessee singer-songwriter, playwright and the former poet laureate of the City of Knoxville. “He stands on all the old American music traditions and takes them his own way into a very individual music expression.”
www.malcolmbholcolmbe.com
SPECIAL EVENT PRICING 15/20
Opening for Malcolm is another true Americana original, Roy Schneider. Troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his flavor of Americana music since 2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring with life-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Known in festival circles as the Reckless Saints, Schneider and Mayfield have brought their musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiences across the USA and abroad, exploring and expanding their musical horizons with every performance.
Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition (TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin TX and Asheville NC. Other notable venues include Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, Northern England’s MAD Fest, and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.
Also a gifted accompanist, Schneider has performed with John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven (Garcia/Grisman), folk icon Tom Paxton, Stevie Coyle (The Waybacks), Freebo, Buddy Mondlock, Gove Scrivenor and many others.
“[Schneider’s] gift for blending Southern-influenced folk, blues, country, and rock into a seamless genre with his own signature sound demonstrates his connection to the best in the tradition of fine wake-me-up and kick-me-in-the-ass roots music.” ~ No Depression
www.royschneider.com

Songwriters at the South County Estero Library
2020-01-11 14:00 - 15:30 | South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place inside at the South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway Estero 33928, Saturday 2:00 Pm – 3:30 Pm
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit that promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk and country.
Glen Sabatka, David Stanley Christine Scholtus
Glen Sabatka, has been playing guitar and harmonica since the 1960-s. He has been the harmonica player for many bands and has been a side-man on several artists recordings..His music is a bit quirky with many terrible puns and word plays. He likes when his audience laughs!
David Stanley Re DR Stanley, esteemed poet lariat and legend in his own mind, will offer insights, outsights and hindsight’s of a life well spent; mostly. Some of his songs have to be heard to be believed; such as “If You Give Me the Finger, I’ll Give You the Ring” (a lovely little wedding ditty sure to melt the wax in your ears). “Stuck in a Rut” is a tribute to Ernest Tubb; “A Song and an Old Banjo” to Pete Seeger: and “The Red Tide Blues” to Rick Scott.
DR Stanley, and his wife, Carolyn, have recently moved to Fort Myers from southeastern Ohio where he performed with Peach’s Little Band, Big Bill Dup and the Letdowns and The Blue Ohiyins.
Christine Scholtus. Has been performing as a singer/songwriter for over 30yrs. She has worked as a music therapist for 19yrs. She is a new member of the ACMA from Sebring. She performs regularly in
Sarasota / Bradenton area while working on her new CD

Roy Schnieder & The Reckless Saints. The Pearl Street Band opens
2020-01-04 19:00 - 22:00 | FL
The ACMA is pleased to welcome back Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield to open our 2020 music season. There’s a special story behind the connection with them and the ACMA. Just ask us! Beyond that they always bring a wonderful vibe and special music to our stage. Here’s a bit about the duo:
Troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his flavor of Americana music since 2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring with life-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Known in festival circles as the Reckless Saints, Schneider and Mayfield have brought their musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiences across the USA and abroad, exploring and expanding their musical horizons with every performance.
Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition (TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin TX and Asheville NC. Other notable venues include Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, Northern England’s MAD Fest, and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.
Also a gifted accompanist, Schneider has performed with John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven (Garcia/Grisman), folk icon Tom Paxton, Stevie Coyle (The Waybacks), Freebo, Buddy Mondlock, Gove Scrivenor and many others.
“[Schneider’s] gift for blending Southern-influenced folk, blues, country, and rock into a seamless genre with his own signature sound demonstrates his connection to the best in the tradition of fine wake-me-up and kick-me-in-the-ass roots music.” ~ No Depression
www.royschneider.com
Opening for Schneider/Mayfield is a group of musicians who also have a special connection to the ACMA and their own story behind it. Just ask them! Here’s a bit about the band.
The band is comprised of Bob Williams, Mike McMllan, Bill Veach and Clark Johnson. This band is made up of all ACMA members. They perform regularly on Fort Myers Beach.
Bob Williams: In the late sixties, Bob Williams, a young guitar player from Long Island, NY, began writing his own music. Pulling elements from Folk-Rock and Country-Rock, Bob created a sound all of his own. Always eager to share amusing stories behind the lyrics, Bob’s songs are personal. Irreverent. Funny. Sad. And most importantly, true to his heart. With encouragement from family and friends, he produced and released his first CD No Apologies in 2015. In 2018 he released his second Album, Ain’t Sorry Yet.
Mike McMillan: Started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Keith has been both a band leader and a sideman and enjoys backing others on guitar and vocals when the opportunity presents itself. Keith also has a passion for writing, co-writing, arranging, recording and performing original music.
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
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.
It will be an awesome time so please join us as we sail into 2020 with a full year of great music ahead!

Songwriters at Sunset JRobert & Brent Moyer
2020-01-02 15:45 - 17:15 | Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931, United States
FOLKS (Friends of Lovers Key, Inc.) www.friendsofloverskey.org has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), www.americanacma.org, to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. The concerts will take place in the large gazebo located right on the beach. Seating is available for the first 80 people. Additional seating is also available on the sand.

Show Starts 3:45, Come early to enjoy a variety of the local food trucks.

The ACMA is a Fort Myers based organization that promotes local artists who write and sing their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. The show will finish with a fabulous Lovers Key Sunset.
Park entry fees are $8.00 for vehicles (2-8 people), $4 for single person in vehicle
J.Robert – Florida Fiddler and Songwriter
For more than 25 years, J.Robert has been a SW Florida premier “Florida Music” artist – creator of the “Florida Songwriter Showcase” and regular performer at the Florida Folk Festival, local charity events, hotels, and corporate events.
JRobert has played music with and warmed up for Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Daniels, Doug Kershaw, Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence, Willie Nelson, David Allen Coe…and has recorded with John McEuen from Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, as well as Nashville fiddler Vassar Clements.
J.Robert presently resides in Marco Island, Florida, where he plays his “Caribbean Country” style of music to people from all over the world. J.Robert has toured with “Living Legend” Seminole Indian Chief Jim Billie and occasional Swiss, Great Britain, or Central Asia excursions with International Recording Artist Brent Moyer.
J.Robert has released 6 albums of music over his career, which includes placements on shows such as “Big Bang Theory” “Madame Secretary” …and has produced all original music scores for 3 PBS films including “The Great Florida Cattle Drive” “Southwest Florida’s Mangrove Coast” “Peter Gerbert – Florida Wildlife Artist”
www.JRobertMusic.com
www.FloridaFiddlerShow.com
www.MangroveMusicStudios.com
Brent Moyer , Raised in the mountains of Wyoming, Brent’s hot, high-energy guitar style and rich baritone voice wrapped around his original songs invoke classical Heartland sounds, the intricate melding of American musical genres; Country, R&B and Americana. Authenticity and soul, it’s all there.
Known as the Global Cowboy, he has shared the stage with many famous artists from country star Willie Nelson to pop diva Donna Summer and has played lead guitar for the legendary, Lynn Anderson (Rose Garden). He has also performed on Broadway (NYC) in the hit musical, Ring of Fire, the songs of Johnny Cash. As a producer and studio musician, he appears on numerous CD’s and has also recorded fourteen albums of original material with his songs being covered by artists in Europe and North America.
Brent Moyer has been deep into the heart of the musical experience all of his life and he knows how to give that experience over to his audience. His live shows are marked by musical honesty and emotional intensity – and for being a fun time for all. Brent is a true craftsman, songsmith and entertainer.
That’s what he does.
https://brent-moyer.com

ACMA Songwriters on The Plaza
2019-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
Rain or Shine, moved inside if needed.
Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield & Bill Metts
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved indoors depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit that promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk and country.
Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield & Bill Metts
Roy Schneider, Troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his particular flavor of Americana music since2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring withlife-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Playfully dubbed “Blue-Twangled Folk‘n’ Roll” in a 2014 No Depression interview, Schneider has brought his musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiencesacross the USA and abroad.
Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Kerrville New Folk Competition
(TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon
Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed
official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin TX and
Asheville NC. Other notable venues include The Bluebird Café (Nashville
TN), Northern England’s MAD Fest, Meadowgrass Music Festival (with band
Reckless Saints) and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.
Also an accomplished accompanist, Schneider has performed onstage with the
talents of John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven
(Garcia/Grisman), Folk legend Tom Paxton, Stevie Coyle (The Waybacks),
Freebo, Buddy Mondlock, Gove Scrivenor and many others.
“[Schneider’s] gift for blending Southern-influenced folk, blues, country,
and rock into a seamless genre with his own signature sound demonstrates
his connection to the best in the tradition of fine wake-me-up and
kick-me-in-the-ass roots music.” ~ No Depression
Kim Mayfield started playing music on the family piano at age nine. She played for herself for years before learning to play with others. As a member of the trio “Reckless Saints” Kim has picked up guitar and mandolin, as well as learning to play keyboard without “notes.” She is in her 11th year of touring nationally and internationally with her husband and music partner Roy Schneider. Kim was a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition.
Bill Metts started playing guitar during the Country Blues revival of the 60s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. He began his writing career after moving to South West Florida and regularly attending open mics in Fort Myers, notably the (sadly) no longer operating “Nita’s Sweet Bean Café” where many local singer songwriters cut their teeth. Shortly after, he was asked to served on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association and hosted their weekly Songwriter Circle for four years. He has also, for seven years through a not for profit organization called Hope by Song, 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 twice at the Island Hopper Festival Songwriter Fest. He has also opened for such greats as award winners Doug MacCleod and Jon Shain, and is scheduled to open for the legendary Roy Bookbinder.
www.mettsmusic.com

Kraig Kenning in concert. Ross Jordan opens
2019-12-07 19:00 | FL
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.”
At National Guitar’s 1st Annual Slide Competition, Kraig took first place honors as Best Unsigned Artist. He has opened for Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, and slide guitar master Sonny Landreth; and he has shared lineups with club and folk series favorites such as John Gorka and Patti Larkin.
Kraig has played some of the nation’s largest, most respected music festivals, as well as classic clubs like the Vic and Fitzgeralds in Chicago. You might also find Kraig performing at traditionally smaller venues including public librarys state parks and dinner clubs. “The atmosphere is genuinely intimate, and fits my music and lifestyle.”
www.kraigkenning.com
ACMA’s own Ross Jordan opens
Ross has been writing songs since he picked up a guitar at age 10. He went on to study music and classical guitar at Rutgers University. His songs reflect the regional influences from all of the parts of the country that he has lived from New Jersey to the West Coast o the Mid-West and now Southwest Florida, His songs feature catchy tunes and lyrics and audience members can often be seen dancing and swaying and singing along while he performs.

Aaron Burdett in concert. Ken Crosby opens
2019-11-23 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
Creating music isn’t a means to an end, it is an end with a meaning for Aaron Burdett. Writing and creating songs is rooted somewhere deep in his psyche; it’s something that can’t be denied and must be shared. His lyrics are soul-touching, intelligent, witty, and poetic all at once, while his music style is a seamless blend of Americana, country, blues, bluegrass, and folk-rock that cohesively creates a story.
Aaron is listed as one of the top 10 most important musicians of western North Carolina by WNC Magazine, alongside such greats as Doc Watson, Steep Canyon Rangers, and The Avett Brothers. He has also receivedcritical acclaim as a songwriter, winning Our State Magazine’s Carolina Songs competition in 2012 with “Going Home to Carolina.” Aaron’s song “Magpie” won third place bluegrass song in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in 2013. Over the years Aaron has been a finalist in numerous other songwriting competitions, including The Mountain Stage Songwriting Contest, The NC Songwriter’s Cooperative Songwriting Contest, and the Hank Williams Songwriting Contest.
Aaron’s writing is as prolific and genuine as the man. He grew up the oldest of three boys in the fairly isolated small town in Saluda, NC, where the Blue Ridge meets the Smoky Mountains. When Aaron was about 10 years old he was introduced to the music of Cat Stevens, the first of many musical influences that include the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Norman Blake, and David Grier.
During his teen years, Aaron found his tenor voice in a choral setting and, performed in musical theater. In 1992 he went to the prestigious Governor’s School of North Carolina for choral music. In his 20s, he played extensively in Boone, NC and owned a music store that sold instruments and offered lessons.
No stranger to hard work, Aaron’s sense of adventure took him across the country working on various types of farms and ranches. While many mainstream country singers pay lip-service to the blue-collar working world, Aaron’s songs come from his life experiences.
After seeing a lot of his friends and musical colleagues struggle to be full-time musicians, sometimes at the cost of their marriages and family lives, Aaron moved back to his hometown and decided to go another route. He started a construction business, built a home for himself and his wife, and started a family, all while continuing to write songs and playing music, recording an album every year or two. In2013, Aaron decided to pursue music full time, so fast forward to 2017, and his distinctive clear voice has carried his dream into a successful career. Aaron’s songs effortlessly transition from solo performance to full band, with equal emotional impact on audiences.
Aaron has 7 albums, Refuge (2017 on Organic Records), Tinderbox (2015 on Organic records), Fruits of My Labor (2014 on Organic Records), Breathing Underwater (2012), Stand Up Eight (2010), Resolve (2008) , and The Weight of Words (2005).
www.aaronburdett.com

Joe Jencks in concert. Dan Philgreen opens
2019-11-16 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
The ACMA welcomes Joe Jencks back to our stage. We first got acquainted with Joe as part of the powerhouse trio Brother Sun. He came back to us as a solo artist who quickly captivated the ACMA audience. This is his third time on our stage and we are excited to host him again. Opening for Joe is one of our own highly regarded songsters: Dan Philgreen.
Joe Jencks is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. A 20-year veteran of the international Folk circuit, Jencks has released 15 CDs in that time. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.
www.joejencks.com

ACMA Songwriters on The Plaza
2019-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers , FL, 33901, United States
ACMA Songwriters on The Plaza
Rain or Shine, moved inside if needed.
The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved indoors depending on weather.
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit that promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk and country.
Bob Williams, Mike McMillan, Bill S
teel, Clark Johnson
Bill Steel is a Snowbird from the southernmost part of Canada…Windsor, Ontario. He played in a small band as teenager, dabbled for many years but then came “out” of musical closet after retirement, inspired by singer-songwriters like John Prine, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zant and the many talented members of ACMA.
Bob Williams: In the late sixties, Bob Williams, a young guitar player from Long Island, NY, began writing his own music. Pulling elements from Folk-Rock and Country-Rock, Bob created a sound all of his own. Always eager to share amusing stories behind the lyrics, Bob’s songs are personal. Irreverent. Funny. Sad. And most importantly, true to his heart. With encouragement from family and friends, he produced and released his first CD No Apologies in 2015. In 2018 he released his second Album, Ain’t Sorry Yet.
Mike McMillan: Started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Keith has been both a band leader and a sideman and enjoys backing others on guitar and vocals when the opportunity presents itself. Keith also has a passion for writing, co-writing, arranging, recording and performing original music.
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.

Bill Mize in concert. Danny Anderson Opens
2019-11-09 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
“It was the mid-1950s when I first saw Elvis on TV. Although I was only three or four years old, I realized I had just witnessed something incredibly powerful, and for me music was what it was going to be all about.”
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Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Mize is a son of Tennessee, and a fitting representative of his state’s rich musical heritage. His critically lauded fingerstyle compositions are fluid and intricate, and their delivery masterful. One suspects an influential teacher, and one would be right. “I received most of my musical education from a cheap Zenith radio,” says Mize, who as a child drifted off to sleep to the decidedly non-sleepy lullabyes emanating from Nashville’s WLAC and WSM and Knoxville’s WNOX.
Maybe that’s why critics speak of his ability to “transport” the listener; the music itself has been transported. The links to his Tennessee roots are unmistakable, but so are the elements of the far wider musical realm he inhabits, and the mixture is as intoxicating as Tennessee moonshine. With a twist.
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Bill is a past winner of the National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition at The Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Guitar Player Magazine has labeled this event the “U.S. Open of guitar competitions.” Bill received a GRAMMY Award for his collaboration with musician and storyteller David Holt on the recording Stellaluna, and has been featured on the popular guitar compilations “Windham Hill Guitar Sampler” by Windham Hill Records and “Masters of the Acoustic Guitar” by Narada Records. In 2009, Bill’s music appeared in the Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” Mel Bay Productions transcribed Mize’s second CD, “Tender Explorations,” into a songbook, and his original compositions have been transcribed for Fingerstyle Guitar and Acoustic Guitar magazines.
www.billmize.com
New
ACMA member Danny Anderson Opens

Patchouli return to the ACMA. Andy Getch opens
2019-11-02 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
The ACMA is so pleased to have some of our founding member musicians return to our stage!
Internationally Touring World Radio Chart Topping Guitar Duo
Master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter Julie Patchouli blend music from their two musical projects Patchouli and Terra Guitarra. Terra Guitarra is reviewed as “one of the top nuevo-flamenco groups in the world” – Zone Music Reporter. They have three top 5 internationally charting albums including Of Sea & Stars just won ZMR Award “Best Instrumental Album of the Year 2017”.
Public Radio favorite Patchouli features Julie’s sparkling lead vocals, beautiful duets and award winning compositions. City Pages compares the duo’s live sound like “taking a yoga class in a field of running mustangs”. The Chicago Tribune says the duo’s “songs about harmony & healing inspire the human spirit”. Performing fiery Spanish guitar pieces like “Malaguena” to the gorgeous vocal harmonies of “Sounds of Silence” this duo takes the artistry of guitars to another dimension.
In 2018 Patchouli & Terra Guitarra went global bringing their music all over the world touring the UK and Europe, China and the U.S. In 2019 their album Spirit Wheel was nominated ZMR “Best World Album”. The duo contines to tour across the U.S. and returns for a 2nd bigger tour in China in July of 2019.
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra have performed over 4,500 shows, toured a million miles on the road supporting 21 CD releases, performed on TV, film and are played on radio programs around the World. Their soulful fusion of blazing Spanish and world guitar instrumentals, heartstring tugging lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and epic folk rock anthems infused with a visible onstage chemistry guarantees to make the night an uplifting one of music that will leave you uniquely inspired and excited to pick that old guitar back up.”
www.patchouli.net
Founding member musician Andy Getch will open for Patchouli. Andy has been an important part of the ACMA since its inception…and he continues to volunteer for us, write new songs, paint cool stuff, host house concerts and perform on our stage!

Violet Bell. Mary Dahl and Carolyn Stanley open
2019-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Violet Bell’s original Americana is woven from threads of folk, soul, bluegrass, psychedelic, and classical music. On stage and in the studio, the energy between Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez is fiery, intimate and intuitive. Based out of Durham, the pair have played shows from Montreal to Miami since forming in 2016, resulting in a strong onstage chemistry that’s evident in person and in videos of these live performances.

The two share a mutual love of rock, hip-hop and R&B that finds its way into their traditionally rooted music. “She’s a songwriter, I’m a composer and multi-instrumentalist, and our ability to meld those abilities and genres works well for us,” Ruiz-Lopez says. “The world of songwriting is a very interesting one as opposed to purely instrumental, ‘classical music.’ There’s more stylistic freedom. Combining those singer-songwriter qualities with orchestral technique allows us to create interesting textures around our message.”

https://www.lizzy.net

Mary Dahl and Carolyn Stanley open. Mary & Carolyn always wonderful music to the stage plus the unexpected .

Ding Darling Days- Family Fun Day Music by ACMA
2019-10-20 10:30 - 14:30 | Ding Darlin National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel Florida 33957, 1 Wildlife Dr,, Sanibel , Florida, 33957, United States
Ding Darling Days with FREE Family Fun Day! 10am-3pm! Live wildlife presentations, arts and crafts, face painting, games, walk through aquatic learning lab, music, trams, hot dogs and more!
Live Music provide by ACMA members
David Hintz & Ross Jordan
Ding Darlin National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel Florida 33957
David Hintz is a SW Florida based singer/songwriter. David has been actively writing and performing his music and select covers since high school. David began writing in his late teens and still performs the songs he wrote while on the road in the early 70’s. David’s lyrics are a reflection of real life experiences with everything from love, won and lost, online dating, satire, religion, and politics. David loves to cover songs by his favorite writers and performers such as, Jerry Jeff Walker, John Prine, Randy Newman, Michael Nesmith, Steve Goodman, Dolly Parton, and many more. David has 2 CDs in print 2013’s Rode Hard and Put Away Wet, and 2015’s Out With A Bang. David is a founding member of the Ft Myers, FL based Americana Community Music Association. He has performed solo shows in Florida and up and down the east coast and across the US, and opened for some of the best touring talent, such as Gurf Morlix, Grant Peeples, Eric Bettencourt, Jon Shain, and John Eddy and 8 Ball Aitken. David Hintz is available for solo bookings at festivals, house concerts and listening room venues.
You can listen to some of David’s music on: https://Reverbnation.com/davidhintzartist or like my David Hintz Musician page on Facebook.
For booking or anything else you may contact David @ gr8fulboy@yahoo.com

Ross Jordan has been writing songs since he picked up a guitar at age 10. He went on to study music and classical guitar at Rutgers University. His songs reflect the regional influences from all of the parts of the country that he has lived from New Jersey to the West Coast o the Mid-West and now Southwest Florida, His songs feature catchy tunes and lyrics and audience members can often be seen dancing and swaying and singing along while he performs.
www.reverbnation.com/rossjordan

Mike Laureanno in concert. Keith Parker opens
2019-10-19 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
Mike Laureanno hails from Fall River, MA an old mill-town infamous for its axe wielding resident Lizzie Borden and famous for its chow mein sandwiches and pork pies.
​
A passionate performer, Mike’s songs are visceral and evocative. Dave Palmater, Folk-DJ of WUMB Boston Public Radio, calls Mike Fall River’s poet laureate. Mike is proud of his roots and many of his songs deal with his gritty blue collar hometown and the lives of his family and friends.
​He is a winner of both the 2017 Wildflower, TX songwriting contest, the 2016 Woody Guthrie songwriting contest as well as a 2016 Kerrville New Folk, TX finalist and a 2018 Falcon Ridge Folk festival “emerging artist”.
He has released four albums to date, Pushing Back Wintertime (2013), Road Signs (2015) and Tightrope (2017) and Voting Day (2018).
His web site is http://mikelaureanno.weebly.com
New ACMA member Keith Parker opens

Friction Farm in concert. Paul Philips opens
2019-10-12 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
No strangers to the ACMA stage, Friction Farm brings new songs and new stories from their many miles on the road! “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. From ballads to anthems each song is filled with harmony and hope.
Friction Farm’s lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs have earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists. They are winners of the South Florida Folk Festival songwriter competition and have performed as official showcase artists at the Southeast, Southwest, and Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conferences.
Performing internationally and throughout the US, Friction Farm feels at home on the road and on stage. Audiences lean into their stories, laugh at their humor, are inspired to do a little good in the world, and sing along once in a while.”
www.frictionfarm.com
ACMA member Paul Phillips opens the show.

Cliff Eberhardt in concert, Louise Mosrie opens.
2019-10-05 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
Cliff had such a good time last year at the ACMA he wants to do it again. And he’s bringing Louise with him!
The review by J Allen pretty much sums it up!
Cliff Eberhardt may have come up on the same ’80s East Coast singer/songwriter scene as Shawn Colvin, Lucy Kaplansky, John Gorka, et al., but even from the beginning he had rock & roll — and even pop — aspirations. His early albums found him leaning toward Springsteen-esque heartland rock and almost John Waite-ish balladry as much as the folkish approach of his aforementioned peers, and his rough-edged voice and hook-centric songwriting made it all work. The further into his career he gets, however, the more he concentrates on spare, acoustic-based settings and slow, soulful ballads. Call it “maturity,” “evolution,” or “back to basics,” the important thing is that he can pull it off a hell of a lot more convincingly than some straight-up rocker for whom the acoustic troubadour mode is an unprecedented step. On this, the eighth album of a recording career that began in 1990, the fiftysomething songwriter furthers the organic, as-close-to-live-as-possible approach of his preceding release, The High Above and the Down Below, sounding completely at ease in this mode. Sometimes, as on “Have a Little Heart” and a remake of “The Long Road,” the title track from his ’90 debut album, Eberhardt lays into a big, bold pop melody that wouldn’t sound out of place being belted out by an American Idol contestant (that’s not a pejorative statement). But for the most part, his gritty, soul-soaked voice leans comfortably into more low-key constructions. Most of these songs have the feel of hard-earned wisdom from a man who has run life’s emotional gauntlet and emerged with not just some trenchant, humbly offered observations, but the knowledge that the best way to put them across is a soft sell
www.cliffeberhardt.coom
And about Louise!
Louise grew up in the small town just outside of Nashville, TN on a farm with British parents and several siblings – riding horses, writing poetry and singing with the radio. After college in Knoxville, she “borrowed” her brother’s Sears guitar, bought a simple chord book and started writing songs. The early material was mostly acoustic pop as she tried to channel her English roots while listening to Everything But the Girl and The Sundays.Fast forward a few years, a move back to Nashville and some deep soul searching, Louise began 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.
Buoyed by a couple thousand earnest fans, she began touring all over the Eastern seaboard, the South and Texas. Audience members would tell her that they enjoyed the stories between the songs as much as the songs and her strong expressive voice was described as “…like listening to Patty Griffin and Susan Tedeschi at the same time.” She’s played at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Club Passim in Boston, Caffé Lena in NY and was just recently invited to play at The Birchmere in Washington DC.
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”, will be released in late summer/Fall 2014…and the journey will continue….
Contact: louise@louisemosrie.com

ACMA Island Hopper Showcase
2019-09-24 18:00 - 19:30 | The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St, , Fort Myers, , FL, 33901, United States
We are pleased to announce a Fantastic ACMA showcase for the 2019 Island Hopper Festival
Kim Mayfield, Ray Cerbone, Robert Bidney, Bill Metts, Roy Schneider
The Barrel Room 2214 Bay St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Kim Mayfield started playing music on the family piano at age nine. She played for herself for years before learning to play with others. As a member of the trio “Reckless Saints” Kim has picked up guitar and mandolin, as well as learning to play keyboard without “notes.” She is in her 11th year of touring nationally and internationally with her husband and music partner Roy Schneider. Kim was a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition.
Ray Cerbone, One of the founding members of the Fort Myer’s ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), Ray began playing guitar during the early 70’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 other great originals by little-known but very talented artists 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 and is being featured on KEOS Radio in Austin, Texas, 98.1 in S.Florida as well as others. He has shared the stage with Jaime Michaels, Pierce Pettis, Muriel Anderson, Rebecca Folsom, Jefferson Ross as well as Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield (The Reckless Saints), and Robin O’Herin.
Ray fronted “The Apocalypse Blues Revue”. A hard hitting blues rock band formed by Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola of “Godsmack” fame. The band was signed to Mascot/Provogue records and under that sign released two full length records, the first of which reached number two in the blues charts. Over 6 years the band played, blues festivals and blues venues on both coasts. They opened for Steven Tyler, Robbie Krieger of “The Doors”, The Blue Oyster Cult, and did two tours with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Ray is currently working on his second solo project which will once again cover the full range of “Americana” music!
https://www.facebook.com/RayCerboneAmericanaMusic
Robert Bidney is a singer / songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. His music is relatable and has a strong commercial sensibility.
His songs have been covered by an eclectic group of recording artists around the world, plus his work has been on several national radio and TV commercials.
Bidney’s second album “Rush of Hope”, released in May 2019, addresses universal themes through a lens of optimism. With its message of love instead of hate, the music resonates in today’s social climate.
“Rush of Hope”, in its first few months after release, has received positive album reviews, airplay in the U.S., Scotland, Amsterdam and London.
A seasoned performer, Bidney connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotional performances. He is an active member of the Americana Community Music Association and lives in Southwest Florida
Bill Metts started playing guitar during the Country Blues revival of the 60s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. He began his writing career after moving to South West Florida and regularly attending open mics in Fort Myers, notably the (sadly) no longer operating “Nita’s Sweet Bean Café” where many local singer songwriters cut their teeth. Shortly after, he was asked to served on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association and hosted their weekly Songwriter Circle for four years. He has also, for seven years through a not for profit organization called Hope by Song, 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 twice at the Island Hopper Festival Songwriter Fest. He has also opened for such greats as award winners Doug MacCleod and Jon Shain, and is scheduled to open for the legendary Roy Bookbinder.
www.mettsmusic.com
Roy Schneider, Troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his particular flavor of Americana music since2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring withlife-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Playfully dubbed “Blue-Twangled Folk‘n’ Roll” in a 2014 No Depression interview, Schneider has brought his musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiencesacross the USA and abroad.
Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Kerrville New Folk Competition
(TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon
Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed
official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin TX and
Asheville NC. Other notable venues include The Bluebird Café (Nashville
TN), Northern England’s MAD Fest, Meadowgrass Music Festival (with band
Reckless Saints) and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.
Also an accomplished accompanist, Schneider has performed onstage with the
talents of John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven
(Garcia/Grisman), Folk legend Tom Paxton, Stevie Coyle (The Waybacks),
Freebo, Buddy Mondlock, Gove Scrivenor and many others.
“[Schneider’s] gift for blending Southern-influenced folk, blues, country,
and rock into a seamless genre with his own signature sound demonstrates
his connection to the best in the tradition of fine wake-me-up and
kick-me-in-the-ass roots music.” ~ No Depression

Grant Peeples in concert. David Hintz opens.
2019-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Grant Peeples is no stranger to the ACMA stage. He loves our concept of a Listening Room….and he has a lot to say. His shows are a roiling mix of funny stuff and not-funny stuff. He doesn’t do a lot of lo-ooove songs. When appropriate…he’s been known to play a few ‘off-color’ tunes. 😊
He has made ten studio records, three live recordings and two poetry books.
He tours coast-to-coast, primarily as a solo artist, but often with a side man. He usually plays festivals with his band The Peeples Republik.
He lived on a small island off the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua for eleven years. And much of what he writes about today is informed by that experience. He saw….a lotta stuff.
Gurf Morlix, who has produced Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, and Slaid Cleaves—has produced four of Grant’s Records, including his most recent, “Settling Scores Vol II” (2018).
For more about Grant:
www.grantpeeples.com
David Hintz opens for Grant!
David Hintz 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. He is always working on new material and is currently working on a new collection of original music. David is a local favorite and valued member of the Americana Community Music Association
David has two CD’s RODE HARD AND PUT AWAY WET” 2013, and “OUT WITH A BANG” 2015

The 502s in concert. Carlene Thissen opens
2019-09-07 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Once again the high energy indie folk group will crowd onto the ACMA stage to bring a little of everything to our stage! They were a hit last year, bringing new faces and songs into our venue. We are looking forward to having them back again!
“The 502s are a charismatic indie folk band from Maitland, Florida and they’ve got enough energy to take on the world.” – No Depression
Listening to their lighthearted gang vocals and buoyant trumpet lines, you could certainly slap The 502s with an ambiguous indie label. Their loosely boondock, on-the-road-again acoustic tenor makes them a fit with the Americana crowd. And with their big, open strumming patterns, fingerpicked banjo, and mildly twangy vocal flair, it would be easy to call them a folk band, throw on a plaid shirt, and compare them to The Lumineers or The Avett Brothers.
Looking through a bigger lens, however – one that takes into account all aspects of their collective persona – The 502s are best described as the sound of a celebration: a wild, friendly shindig down the street that everyone wants to attend.
Since 2015, The 502s have taken their swaggering blend of Americana across the USA. The band recently gained an international following thanks to a viral Facebook video of their song “What To Do” with over 750k views. Their album is a heartfelt invitation to good old-fashioned fun, and they have been celebrating 2018 with a 50-concert tour across 19 US states, the UK, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.
www.the502s.com
Carlene Thissen is a singer, songwriter and author from Naples, Florida. Her voice reminds us of her influences, Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez. From Woodstock memories to her passion for Immokalee’s farm workers, Carlene’s music will take you back and may even inspire you to Go Change the World.
www.carlenethissen.com

North Fort Myers Library Grand Opening
2019-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | North Fort Myers Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL, 33903, United States
North Fort Myers Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

The ACMA is excited to have the Smokey Daytona Band represent the ACMA at the Grand Opening Celebration of the new North Fort Myers Library. The event starts at 10:00 AM the Smokey Daytona Band performs at 1:00 PM.

Games, programs and activities for all ages, featuring youth performers and live music! Come celebrate the opening of our community’s beautiful new library.

Free Activities for all ages includes:

Shaved Ice

Face Painting

Balloon Art

Virtual Reality

Video Gaming

Tabletop Games

Adult Coloring

Scheduled performers:

10:00 Joey and Alex Comedy Magic Show

11:30 Super Science & Amazing Art Show

1:00 Smokey Daytona ACMA Band

Smokey Daytona Band

Is a band of four very talented local songwriters that are all members of he Americana Community Music Association. They have gathered together to support each other’s music. They perform a mix of originals and songs that inspire them. Their music is Americana, Folk & Roots all performed with wonderful harmonies.

Doug Chaiet, born and raised in New York, formed the Manhattan Avenue Junk Band in the 1960’s, which was highly accalimed, but short lived. He then moved northern Idaho, became a successful builder, raised a family, and continued music as a hobby. He and his wife, Lauren, who is also a musician, evidently had had microchips implanted at bitrth. These were activated, and they moved to Florida in 2004. He has since joined the ACMA, and has written many beautiful songs. He plays folk music style guitar, piano, and harmonica.

Al Candalaria, a jeweler from California, first started his music career as a teenager, and it was an impressive one. His three man group wrote many great songs, among them, “Honest I Do”, and “Gee Whiz” which made it into the teens on the Billboard charts. He also plays guitar, and is a very skilled harmonizer. Al now lives here in Florida and is an active ACMA volunteer. You will find him in the front row at the listening room almost every show.

Mary Dahl, who plays banjo, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, dobro, and charango is a former member of “The Light Side”, a trio who entertained for 20 years in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the DC area. They performed at the White House 6 times for two different administrations, and have also been an opening group for Kingston Trio concerts (Yep, THE KINGSTON TRIO). After moving to Ft Myers in 2007, she joined ACMA and found a welcoming venue for her original songs, all of which are upbeat and inspiring. She is a very active ACMA member, and you will see her teaching children ukulele with her good friend Carolyn Stanley.

Gene Martin, AKA Smoky Daytona, is a radiologist from Upstate New York who has played guitar, banjo, and ukulele since a teenager, and has been a singer in choruses, glee clubs, and church choirs since childhood. After moving to Florida and inspired by other ACMA members, he has started writing music. His song, Florida Sunshine, has received over 2800 hits on YouTube, and earned over $2.00 in profit, WOW!

The band members perform together, solo, and with other projects frequently at The ACMA, HealthPark, Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, and many other venues in the area.

Brian Smalley in concert! Houseboat Jim Visone opens
2019-08-24 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Brian Smalley returns to the ACMA. With his lightening fast fingers and innovative lyrics a Brian Smalley show is always amazing!. We can’t wait to have him back in our neck of the woods! Brian Smalley lives in Florida. Where is Brian from? That’s a trickier question to answer. By the time he turned 18 his family had moved all across the country more than twenty times. So, it’s no surprise that wander-lust found its way into Brian’s soul, as well as into his music. His acoustic novel “Chickens Pigs” based in Civil War era Florida was named Best Florida Folk CD of 2013 by the Florida Times-Union. His latest CD “KEY” is an acoustic novel set in the Florida Keys telling the fictional story of Painter Kellet & Compass Rose. Brian’s music borrows from old-time flat-pick guitar and new-grass, but his style is hard to pigeon-hole. He sings with a soulful, earthy voice, and his live performances tend to be just that: Lively!

https://www.reverbnation.com/briansmalley/shows

Houseboat Jim Visone will open the show…banjo? guitar? One just never knows with Houseboat, but we know it will be awesome! Jim started picking and singing back in the late 50’s in Greenwich Village. Got married, worked, and got back to music about fifteen years ago in Las Vegas. I’ve been playing around the Ft. Myers area for the last six years.

FMFI benefit concert Admission is food for Food Bank
2019-08-17 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
Once again the fine musicians associated with the Florida Music Food Initiative are donating their time and talent to feed the hungry in Lee County. The ACMA is donating the space and we hope that the ACMA audience and members will do the rest! Come on out to enjoy good music, good friends and good fun all for the cost of a few food items.

Alan Rhody In Concert, Drew Dintzer Opens
2019-07-20 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Alan Rhody is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, harmonica player and record producer, with ten solo albums to his credit and over 100 covers of his original material. Rhody tours year-round and what he loves best is “connecting with an audience and having a great time.” His latest release, his tenth indie album, “Farther On” has earned critical acclaim from folks like, music journalist and author, Robert K. Oermann – “Music City troubadour Alan Rhody has a new CD titled Farther On. It features his songwriting collaborations with Guy Clark, Murray McLauchlan and Don Henry and a feast of solo works. Not the least of the latter, is his new recording of “I’ll Be True To You,” once a hit by The Oak Ridge Boys. Rhody’s track is stunning and his original, long version reveals just how powerful the song really is. This fellow is one of those rare individuals who can hold you completely spellbound with just his axe and his voice.”
A Louisville, Kentucky native, Rhody created the new album, off and on, over a one year period, in his home studio, playing and singing everything, keeping it simple and letting the songs be heard in their unrefined simplicity and directness. His easy-to-listen-to baritone, slowly pulls you in, as you’re given a personal and evocative picture of this well-loved singer-songwriter. Two of his paintings and a recent poem add a nice touch as well.
Some of Rhody’s previous releases have included guests: John Prine, the late John Hartford, Sam Bush, Jamie Hartford, David Rawlings and Maura O’Connell. He’s also known as the songwriter of “That Ol’ Train” (Del McCoury Band), which has been all over bluegrass radio since spring 2018 and the #1 country-folk classic, “I’ll Be True To You” (Oak Ridge Boys); “Wild-Eyed Dream” (Ricky Van Shelton); “Trainwreck Of Emotion” (Lorrie Morgan / Del McCoury); “Christmas To Christmas” ( Toby Keith / Tanya Tucker / Lee Greenwood) and others by Suzie Boggus; Michael Martin Murphey; Atlanta Rhythm Section; Hoyt Axton; Lynn Anderson and George Jones.
Touring since the late 1980s, Rhody’s music has also been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” along with numerous network TV appearances in the U.S. and Canada.
“He has earned a level of respect and recognition that places him in the vanguard of pioneers of the contemporary roots music movement.” -Toronto Star
“Rhody is a singer-songwriter of unusual clarity and intelligence.” -Nashville Tennessean
In addition to his songwriting, recording and touring, Rhody has kept his hand in painting along the way. He’s won a few awards and his work is in several corporate and many private collections. His poetry and lyric writing is also in the recently published anthology, “Filtered Through Time” (Westview), reflecting on the Anniversary of The Civil War, 150 years later.
www.alanrhody.com
Dintzner (Drew) has been writing since his first song “Harbour of the Angels” was penned in 1971 while seated on the beach in Skagen, Denmark, where the North and Baltic seas meet. Since that time, he has penned more than 100 songs crafted in a formulaic style reminiscent of J. D. Souther and Dan Fogelberg. In 1998, shortly after the death of his son Colin to Hodgkins Lymphona, he exacted a promise and recorded an album of original music, “The Writer Within” arranged and co-produced by Kerry Ford with haunting violin passages by Nashville legend Tim Lorsch. While there, Drew also played at many of the songwriter venues including Douglas Corner Cafe, Broken Spoke, Earl Tubs, and the iconic Bluebird Cafe. Drew is a founding member of the ACMA.

Ray Cerbone CD Release Party
2019-07-13 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Ray Cerbone CD release party with special appearance by “The Trio” featuring Gil Jusino and Maria Valsi.
One of the founding members of the Fort Myer’s ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), Ray began playing guitar during 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 other great originals by very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears.
In addition to his status as featured artist at local performance venues in SW Florida, Ray also hosted for WGCU, a live radio show for Michael Haymen’s “Morning Zoo” featuring on “The Aficionado Show.” His song ”Fondest Memory of All”, a tribute to Guy Clark, has been celebrated on the Austin-based KEOS radio. He has opened for such extraordinary artists as Roy Schneider, Robin O’Herin, Jaime Michaels, Pierce Pettis, Muriel Anderson and Jefferson Ross. Performances include an SRO show for the ACMA, and various house concerts at private residences, as well as several Florida Folk Festivals.
His alter ego is “Rafer John,” lead singer and co-songwriter for Apocalypse Blues Revue. Group members include Brian Carpenter on bass, Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin of Godsmack, respectively, on guitar and drums. Featuring all original compositions, Apocalypse Blues Revue signed with Mascot/Provogue Records and, after the release of their first CD, toured the Northeast, opening for Steven Tyler, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Blue Oyster Cult, also touring with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and playing The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, as well as various Blues venues around Florida and the East coast. ABR’s second album release “The Shape of Blues to Come,” produced by Dave Fortman of Ugly Kid Joe, was released in July of last year.
Ray has now released his own first pro-CD. It is a blend of traditional Americana and songs with styles he has developed through the years working with musicians from all Genres.
https://www.facebook.com/RayCerboneAmericanaMusic/
www.facebook.com/B Side Lake Music

Michael Reno Harrell! Opener Silvia & Pete Popravak
2019-06-29 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran
storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South… the Southern Appalachian
Mountains to hone it a bit finer.
One could compare Michael’s performances to his granddaddy’s pocket knife: well
warn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point. His brand of
entertainment appeals to a very diverse audience. A typical day for Michael
might include a program for 4th graders in the afternoon and a concert for a
mixed audience that evening.
Michael’s recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year.
His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit”
but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds
of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Having toured throughout the
British Isles and much of Europe, as well as most of the US, the songs he writes
and the stories he creates reflect an insight into people’s experiences that
catch the ear like an old friend’s voice.
Michael’s natural knack for storytelling, in print, song and spoken word has
earned him praise from not only the music community but from the literary and
storytelling worlds as well, having had the honor of being a Featured Teller
at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the
International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events
like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival. Along with his performances,
Michael often conducts workshops in songwriting and storytelling as well.
Michael’s recordings have for years received and continue to garner awards in
Country, Americana and Folk circles. His humor and wit, as well as the emotional
depth of his work, keep his fan base growing and staying tuned in for whatever
comes next. Don’t miss the chance to experience what those faithful fans keep
returning again and again to enjoy.
www.michaelreno.com

Kenny Cox in concert! Paul Elliott opens
2019-06-15 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Kenny Cox was born in Tampa & his family moved to Texas when he was a young child. They lived right next to the church where his father was preacher and Kenny had access to a full drum set and other musical instruments when he was only six years old. As was the family tradition he learned to sing and play music right there in that church. Years later he became an in demand “singing drummer” in Nashville. It was there Kenny caught the eye of the legendary singer/songwriter Verlon Thompson who helped pave his way into the singer/songwriter genre. So he added guitar to his list of instruments and became a triple threat in the studio and on stage. He also toured playing drums for the legendary Steve Forbert a major recording artist in the 80s. In Ft. Myers Kenny played drums & toured with Dan Morgan for several years before forming the long running popular band “Both Hands”. Recently he fronts the trio “The Kapo Kings” where Kenny exhibits his formidable skills as a frontman. In 2012 after a chance meeting with Rick Russell while both playing sidemen roles at a local show, a close friendship began and Kenny joined Stringtown in November 2012. Since his time in the Stringtown family he has evolved into the role of co-arranger and is responsible for all the harmony arrangements that have become a trademark of the band’s sound. Kenny was co-producer/engineer/mixer on the last two live CDs. A crowd favorite, he is a powerful musical and spiritual influence in the Stringtown family, in summer 2015 Kenny & Rick formed a duo called Big Sky (named after Kenny’s ranch).
In addition to playing locally in Stringtown, Big Sky and the Kapo Kings Kenny regularly tours the festival circuit in the summer appearing on the stage at the hHickory Fest.
Ahoy All
My name is Paul Elliott aka Chantey
Chantey being the name of many a boat I have owned.
I got a late start, bought my first guitar when I was 30 something.
Grew up listening to Artists like Tom Rush, Bob Dylan Ian and Silvia, Tim Harden and Gordan Lightfoot folk music was my preference.
Being a Sailor I took an interest in Sea Chantey’s . I started singing and playing with Cliff Haslam in the late 80 at the Famous Griswold Inn in Essex, Conn. We sang Sea Chantey’s every Monday night.
I started writing songs in the 90’s, mostly kept them to myself. I changed my guitar style to finger picking.
I moved to Florida about 2004 got involved with the Punta Gorda Guitar Army. With encouragement I wrote more songs and played out at pubs and festivals.
I have written songs about places, people, nautical and slightly spiritual (not to be confused with religious).
I look forward to sharing some songs with you.
Cheers

Ellen Bukstel in concert. Carolyn Stanley opens!
2019-06-08 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
From Menopause to Marijuana! …Peace to Politics! …Poignant to Provocative! …Ellen Bukstel writes and sings about it all! This type of happy-sad, life embracing, fear-overcoming emotional schizophrenia truly captures the spirit of modern independent music making—whatever the artist feels in that moment, she shares…and whatever else Ellen is, she’s not shy about it making her audience “sit up and think…laugh til they cry…and sometimes all at the same time!”
A veteran to the stage since childhood, she has been honored with close to 50 Songwriting and Music Video awards and acknowledgments since 2002 by such notable competitions such as John Lennon, Paul Stookey’s Music To life, New Zealand Int’l Peace Song, Breaking the Silence in Song, Kerrville NewFolk, just to name a few. And, her songs are making a huge difference in people’s lives.
Renowned as an activist who puts her passions to song, Ellen has been commissioned to write songs and produced numerous multiple award winning fundraising music videos which have collectively helped to raise almost one hundred million dollars since 2006 and are being used as tools to raise awareness of important social issues such as Housing the Homeless, Assistance Victims of Domestic Violence, Human Rights and care for Children with wide spectrum Autism and Elderly with Cerebral Deterioration.
Her songwriting journey began after losing her husband Doug Segal to AIDS in 1988. Doug was a hemophiliac who contacted HIV from his blood products and died at age 36 leaving Ellen with their three children Brett, Todd and Margo. Doug and Ellen spoke out publicly hundred of times sharing their personal story in schools, churches, synagogues, educating the community about AIDS.They also spoke to the “Presidents Commission on AIDS” when they came to her home town city, Miami, FL. Ellen was honored as a Torch Runner for the 1996 Olympics for her service to the community.
Ellen expresses her imagination with her beautiful voice, guitar and keyboard. Her award winning songs chronicle the joys and sorrows of a colorful tapestry still being woven…She conveys love and a depth of concern for the ever-increasing threats to our world and to our own individual rights. All this is related to the audience through a brave, though humorous and earthy connection between the world of musical performance and that of the social “bard” or “troubadour” from which the most powerful and relevant strand of folk music derives it’s roots. It’s not an act. It’s real.
http://ellenbukstel.com

Dan Navarro in concert. ACMA member Andy Getch opens.
2019-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Dan started as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated “We Belong”) , The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, The Triplets, Dutch star Marco Borsato, and Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir.
In the 1990s and 2000s, he and Eric recorded and toured as the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro until Eric’s retirement in 2009. Dan has transitioned smoothly into a busy solo career over the past decade, touring nationally almost constantly.
In 2009, after 22 years and 12 CDs with Lowen & Navarro, Dan released the spirited “Live at McCabe’s”, backed by his pals, Austin’s now-disbanded Stonehoney. His new album,“Shed My Skin”, is out now.
He is the father of a 21-year-old son, thinks sleep is for babies and is a known abuser of acoustic guitars.
He has a parallel career as a voice actor and singer, in
films like Pirates of the Caribbean 5, The Book Of Life, Rio
(on the Oscar®-nominated “Real In Rio”), Happy Feet, The Lorax,
Ice Age (2 & 3) ; TV series Turbo Fast, Prison Break, Family Guy and American Dad; records with Neil Young, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel, Jose Feliciano, Janiva Magness, and Jon Anderson of Yes; hit video
games Fallout 4 and Uncharted 4, and hundreds of TV ads for Subaru, Shakey’s, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Honda, Nationwide and more.
He has appeared in Washington on artists’ rights and intellectual property issues, on behalf of Nashville Songwriters Assn Int’l, SoundExchange, SAG-AFTRA, musicFIRST Coalition, BMI and NARAS, including testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Copyright Royalty Board. Dan also serves on the boards of SAG-AFTRA and The Levitt Pavilion Pasadena.
ACMA member musician Andy Getch opens the show..
