Music

Larry Penn was a prolific folk musician/song-writer in the footsteps of folks like Woody Guthrie and Utah Phillips, until his death in October, 2014. Using themes like trains, workers, and powerful, common folks, Larry was inspirational to so very many others, and some of those folks share their stories and Larry's songs in celebration of Larry. In part one of two, we'll visit with Craig Siemsen, Lil' Rev, and Mud River Lee.

Craig Siemsen was a wandering musician till he came back home to Milwaukee and a duet of a life with Patty Stevenson. Sometimes Craig is solo act, sometimes a duo with his wife Patty Stevenson, and he leads the Plum Creek String Band. Folk, jazz, bluegrass - you name it, he does it.

Sam Misner is half of Misner & Smith, and their latest CD is Seven Hour Storm, chock full of great glimpses into the human condition, but even more full of awesome vocals & harmonies. This is Folk/Americana music from a younger generation to match anything that's gone before.

Matt Watroba has been deeply immersed in folk music since 9th grade, including hosting the Folks Like Us show on WDET in Detroit and Folk Alley on WKSU at Kent State University, for a combined 26 years or so. With more than 3 decades performing, Matt is a master of the folk music genre, both as a performer and as a leader of group singing.

Anne Hills is a folk music gem, prominent and still too little known. She has recorded & toured with Tom Paxton, David Roth, Priscilla Herdman & other greats, and she writes with wonderful depth & color, singing with great beauty.

Jon Brooks takes us on an odyssey with his music - through passion, compassion, history, politics, and identity. With powerful & evocative lyrics that unlock inner meaning, Jon takes on the big questions and issues with unblinking honesty sustained in hope.

Tony Vacca's music is rooted in rhythm & Africa & raw spirituality. Through percussion, spoken word, and the help of many African musicians, Tony has us surfing the edge of experience, from New Jersey to Senegal and around West Africa, and straight to your heart.

Randall Paskemin is a member of the Plains Cree & a prolific and creative Round Dance & Pow-wow songwriter. Firmly rooted in native culture, but enriched by the music of the Beatles, U2, Shania Twain, & others, Randall weaves native vocal & drum style music with lyrics & tunes & themes to create music accessible and rich for all people. His latest CD is Christmas Cheer.

Michael Rambo first assembled his latest music as a project and it became a phenomenon. What to expect? Soul, jazz, R&B, gospel, and messages of gratitude and connection to God.

The Charles Walker Band and the R&B/Blues/Jazz/Etc music that they play lead us to the shiny center of all things. Charles writes love-and-hope-oriented sunny blues, the fruit of his spiritual growth starting from Evangelical Christianity, through Buddhism & Taoism, and flourishing in personal motivation and Mastermind.