Kick Off Your Shoes.net
  A nice little House concert series on Boston's North Shore



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from earlier seasons...


Antje Duvekot

Sunday, June 13 2010

Antje Duvekot has solidified her reputation as one of America's top emerging singer songwriters with "Big Dream Boulevard" her debut studio release. She has won some of the top songwriting awards including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, the prestigious, Kerrville (TX) "Best New Folk Award" and in one of the nation's top music markets, she won the Boston Music Award for "Outstanding Folk Act", three of the top prizes in the singer songwriter world.


"Duvekot has gotten hotter, faster than any local songwriter in recent memory. Her songs feel at once fresh faced and firmly rooted, driven by the whispery sensuality of her voice. She believes in the redemptive power of the shared secret; and is utterly unafraid to mine the darkest corners of her life for songs that turn fear into resilience and isolation into community". The Boston Globe

Antje's website
 

John Flynn

Sunday, April 18 2010

John Flynn sings from the heart. His powerful songs of humanity and hope are deeply rooted in the traditions of Woody Guthrie and Phil Ochs. John paints vivid, lasting images with words and music, drawn from a palette of awareness, irony, humor, and compassion.

A socially driven singer/songwriter not afraid of writing about the shadows, John allows us the space to come to our own conclusions. His songs speak to our common shared humanity. Thank-you notes left on his websites come from both soldiers and anti-war advocates.



 

Allison Downey with John Austin

Sunday, March 14 2010

Husband & wife duo, Allison Downey & John Austin take audiences on a musical journey that spans the gamut of human emotions often making you laugh in mid-cry. Allison’s award-winning “Midwestern Urban Folk” originals are complimented by the dynamic grooves of John’s electric bass, revealing his background in funk, jazz fusion and country. With an MFA in Theatre, (now a University Professor) Allison is a natural storyteller who creates scenes on stage inspired by years of world travel. She might even transform into one of her alter-egos, “Carmen” or “Melba” for a song or two. A “masterful performer with a commanding, yet genuine and open, stage presence,” and a voice reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Allison connects with audiences in a way that makes a 500 seat theatre feel like a living room. And together, well, “Allison and John are the complete package…skilled musicians, engaging storytellers, and songs ranging from thoughtful to flat out hilarious…”

“Allison Downey is a true poet whose lyrics stand on their own as art. Add to that her polished performance skills and crystal clear vocals and you have one of the best singer-songwriters out there today.”

-Al Kniola, Host, The Back Porch, 88.1 WVPE Public Radio

Allison's website
 

Buskin and Batteau

Sunday, January 24 2010

"...versatile, sophisticated...by turns acerbic, funny and plaintive. Buskin & Batteau are breathing new life into the genre of the folk-pop singer/songwriter." – The New York Times

With the release of their long-awaited new CD, Red Shoes and Golden Hearts, David Buskin and Robin Batteau demonstrate that despite their thirteen-year hiatus - to 1) "Raise kids," and 2) "Take a nap" - they have not lost the ability to mine their "irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit" [Washington Post] for fresh musical gems. The continuing development and maturation of two uniquely compatible singer-songwriter-soloists ( Buskin on keyboard, Batteau on violin ) has not only yielded a crop of stunning new songs, but infused new depth into the old ones.

Accompanied by virtuosic percussionist Marshal Rosenberg, Buskin and Batteau bring a taste of "acoustic heaven" [Boston Globe] everywhere they go. "

* Note: This show will be a minimum donation of $20

B & B's website
 

Nathan Rogers

Sunday, November 22 2009

Some say he was born into it, some that he was born with it, while others claim he has earned it. With one foot planted firmly in folk music's traditional roots and the other reaching into its dynamic future, Nathan Rogers isn't entirely sure what 'it' is; singer, songwriter, guitarist, throat-chanter, percussionist, revivalist, or innovator. Whatever it may be,"Nathan has the ability to turn the folk world on its ears." Nathan's performance style leaves the audiences wondering where the rest of the band is hiding. Singing, chanting, playing the guitar and stomping, he fills any stage with "magnificent powerfully clear lyrics and arrangements."
Described as 'intelligent and witty', Nathan will 'move men and women to tears with his sound and conviction."

Nathan's website
 

Justin Roth

Sunday, October 18 2009

Justin Roth is a nationally touring singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist who combines an artful blend of pop hooks laid on a bed of brilliantly inventive guitar technique for a unique mix of new acoustic folk. He has released four independent CDs as well as being a core contributor to an instrumental solo guitar album produced for Target Stores, entitled "Lifescapes - Solo Guitar," which has sold over 70,000 copies nationwide. His path to acoustic music was solidified at 17, when he saw innovative guitarist Michael Hedges open for Crosby, Stills & Nash. Seeing that the acoustic guitar was capable of so much more than he had been exposed to before, from that moment on, he knew that it would be the root of his musical world. His use of alternate tunings, partial capos and his two-hand tapping technique leaves audiences mesmerized and displays his impeccable guitar playing that has been described as, “more than just an instrument, but an extension of himself.” A dynamic live performer, Justin has won fans over with his intricate solo guitar instrumentals, heartfelt songs and spontaneous delivery, often composing songs during his shows with the audience's help. When not touring the country, performing at clubs, theaters and festivals, Justin lives in Minneapolis, where he is currently at work on a new album.

Justin's website
 

Greg Klyma

Sunday, September 20 2009

Greg Klyma is a Buffalo born troubadour who has been living on the road performing music
full-time since August 1998. Traveling from the rust belt to FEMA villages with guitar and mandolin in hand, capturing the stories of the people he's met and seen for over a decade, Greg has honed his songwriting and storytelling while developing a show that lands somewhere between the worlds of Steve Earle and Steve Martin - it's literate, witty, visual, sometimes comical and forever building on tradition while seeking its own voice.

Greg's website
 

Catie Curtis

Sunday, June 14 2009

With her intoxicating brand of folk pop music, smart and enduring lyrics and engaging personality, Curtis has created a dedicated following that has grown steadily over the course of her 15-year career. With 9 albums and recognition that includes a 2006 International Songwriting Competition Grand Prize, Curtis has proven that she's the real deal: a musician with the kind of raw talent and artistic maturity that makes her a force to be reckoned with, albeit a sweet force.

Catie's website
 

Joe Crookston

Sunday, May 17 2009

It's possible you've never heard the music and songwriting of Joe Crookston...

Trust us, youll be glad you came to this concert.

Joe Crookston.Born and raised in rural Ohio into a family of Hungarians..,

polkas and Eastern European food, there's a little bit of Gypsy soul in this guy.

a stunning writer and performer.


In 2007, Joe received a songwriting grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to travel throughout New York, collect stories and write songs based on his experiences.

He was one of three "Most Wanted Artists" at the 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and his latest CD, "Able Baker Charlie Dog" ended up #1 on the 2008 US Acoustic/folk music charts.

In February 2009, it was awarded "Album of the Year" by the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, TN.Stomping Loud in Minor Keys and Story Songs and Jamborees,

Joe sings about life, death, drunk roosters, falcons, window washers, Polish Immigrants,

escaped slaves, rutabagas, Charlie Bucket and so much more&.


This is not just reviewer's hype... ....This guy is flat out good.

--Rodger Nichols of The Dalles Oregon Chronicle



Please join us for a great night of music and songwriting magic.

Joe's website
 

The Kennedys

Friday, April 10 2009

The story of Pete and Maura Kennedy's personal and professional relationship, now in its second decade, is somewhere between fate and a fairytale. How else can you explain a chance meeting in Austin between two East Coast-born musicians that immediately sparked a songwriting collaboration, a first date at Buddy Holly's grave, an enduring romance, and a creative partnership that radiates warmth, positive energy, and captivating music?

The Kennedy's website
 

K.C. Clifford

Sunday, March 8 2009

Possessing a notable knack for writing songs that are all-at-once universal and yet deeply personal, K.C. is a meticulous lyricist. Each song is a story all its own, a conversation with her heart, with the life around her. In a world looking for substance, her songs answer back with a resounding hope and assurance that if you break it down, we as people are all very much the same.

K.C.'s website
 

Pat Wictor

Friday, February 13 2009

In a remarkably short period of time, Pat Wictor has become the name that is being chatted about on the acoustic, blues, folk and Americana circuits. Steeped in American "roots" music, Pat is a contemporary songwriter and interpreter drawing on the rural country, gospel, and blues traditions of our nation.


An American by birth, Pat was raised outside of the United States until his teenage years, living in Venezuela, Holland, Norway, and England. This time abroad gave him an unusually deep awareness of being a resident of a country while also a world citizen. Through these early experiences, he gained an appreciation for taking diffferent paths to arrave at the same destination.


Pat's website
 

Edie Carey

Sunday, January 11 2009

Boston-based singer-songwriter Edie Carey is known for her unmistakable honeyed voice, her intelligent, heart-grabbing songs, but perhaps most especially for her warm, engaging presence on - and off - stage. As much a part of her show as the music itself, Edie's wry and often self-mocking humor makes audiences feel as though they have just spent an evening with a very close friend.

Edie's website
 

Joe Jencks

Sunday, December 14 2008

Joe Jencks is an international touring performer and award-winning songwriter. His career is based as much in ministering to the human spirit as it is in the performance of music. A Joe Jencks concert is definitely not a visit to the inner world of some guy with a guitar who would like us all to sit still and listen politely. It's an occasion for singing, a contagious rising up of voices, an act of joy and defiance! &Tapping into the latent, nearly mystical beauty that a roomful of people can unleash by singing together.  Seattle Folklore Society

Joe's website
 

Greg Greenway

Friday, November 21 2008

Beneath the radar of the corporate music world there are gems to be found. Greg Greenway is a multi-faceted one. A rare combination of instrumental expertise, a soulful and moving singer, powerful poet, and sparkling entertainer, Greenway is one of those difficult-to-categorize performers who have found a home in the modern acoustic genre. Originally from Richmond, VA, he moved to Boston for its rich Folk Music tradition and has become one of its most unique and superlative emissaries. Put simply, he is one of the finest entertainers you'll ever see. Musically, he draws inspiration from all over the map--gospel, rock, blues, Jazz, and world music. But his center is in the singer/songwriter tradition that traces it roots all the way back to the social awareness of Woody Guthrie. His central appeal is that it all comes through the singular lens of Greenway's humanity and his easy affinity for the audience.

Greg's website
 

Dave Potts with special guest Jenny Goodspeed

Friday, October 17 2008

Dave: A singer/songwriter with a gift for melody and a poet's eye for detail, Dave Potts crafts contemporary folk songs with shades of country and Americana, infused with Southern charm.


Raised in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, he spent several years living out of the back of his dusty red pickup, typically logging over 50,000 miles a year honing his skills as musician and performer in coffee houses and college bars from coast-to-coast. In 1996, Dave stumbled across the picturesque town of Auburn, Alabama and quickly realized he had found his home. Since settling in Auburn, Dave's songs have shed light on the endearing characters and small towns of the South; a sincere style that has earned him countless awards and accolades...


Jenny: Jenny Goodspeed bloomed as a singer-songwriter in the rich Boulder/Denver music scene of the mid-90s where she played local venues and festivals, including the renowned Swallow Hill Music Association. In 1997, she recorded a demo with respected producer/engineer Patrick Brickel (Greg Brown). After moving to Western Massachusetts to begin a new life in the landscape that felt most like home, she unexpectedly rediscovered her love for theater, and spent the next decade acting with numerous theater companies in the region. All the while, she continued to write songs and quietly hone her craft.


Dave's website
Jenny's Website
 

Krista Detor

Friday, September 26 2008

Krista's website
 

Vance Gilbert

Friday, June 6 2008

Vance's website
 

Brooks Williams

Friday, May 16 2008

Brook's website
 

Cosy Sheridan

Sunday, April 13 2008

Cosy's website
 

Stryngs

Friday, March 21 2008

Stryng's website
 

Kate Klim

Friday, February 8 2008

Kate's website
 

Lindsay Mac

Friday, January 11 2008

Lindsay's website
 

Guy Mendilow

Friday, November 2 2007

Guy's website
 

Jake Armerding

Friday, October 5 2007

Jake's website
 

Stephanie Corby

Friday, September 7 2007

Stephanie's website
 

Cheryl Honemeyer

Friday, April 13 2007

Google sez...
 

Carrie Cheron

Friday, February 9 2007

Carrie's Website
 

Jud Caswell

Friday, January 19 2007

Jud's website
 

Charlotte Kendrick with Dan Rowe

Friday, November 17 2006

Charlotte's website
 

Lucien Parkin

Saturday, October 28 2006

Lucien's website
 

Maeve

Saturday, September 30 2006

Maeve's website
 

Gregg Cagno

Saturday, June 24 2006

Gregg's website
 

Rachael Davis

Friday, May 5 2006

Rachael's website
 

Greg Greenway

Friday, March 17 2006

Greg's website
 

Erica Wheeler

Friday, February 24 2006

Erica's website
 

Tom Dean

Friday, January 20 2006

Tom's website
 

Randall Williams

Friday, November 18 2005

Randall's website
 

Lynn Skinner

Friday, October 28 2005

Lynn's website