Bands

These acts are crowd-pleasers, real music by Austin’s finest ensembles

Jessica Shepherd

»Posted in Bands, Solo Acts

Jessica Shepherd Vintage mic photo by Ricardo Acevedo

Jessica Shepherd

Jessica Shepherd has developed an entertaining, seasonal program of folk, country, big band, gospel, and show tunes from the 1920-1950’s era of music. The “Sing Along” style of participation is encouraged, thus giving the residents in assisted living and nursing homes today the benefits of breathing deeply and singing. The music repertoire is tailored to stimulate memories and thus, reconnect or reinforce neural pathways.

Congratulations are in order for Jessica as the Texas Music Awards have nominated her Female Vocalist of the Year 2010, for her performance on You’re Country Now in a state-wide polling of over 43,000 nominations.

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Amber Lucille

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Amber Lucille

Amber Lucille

Amber Lucille and “The Lightness” offers a beautiful blend of Country, Rock, Americana and original music.

The solid band line-up includes Amber Lucille on bass and vocals, Charlie Murphy on lead guitar and vocals and Melodie Zapata on drums and vocals. All the band members write and sing their own music, as well as offering backup and sweet harmonies to Amber’s songs. Amber Lucille has opened for, or shared the stage with Kevin Fowler, Seth James, Billy Joe Shaver, The Mother Truckers, Micky and the Motorcars, James Otto, Vallejo and Rosehill.

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Doug Marsh & the Shimstocks

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Doug Marsh & the Shimstocks
Doug Marsh

Doug Marsh

Doug Marsh and the Shimstocks is an exciting and eclectic ensemble that performs original guitar- and vocal-driven music with classic folk and rock influences. Included in their repertoire are a number of covers of Neil Young, Richard Thompson, Lynard Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Magic Sam, Willie Nelson, the Stones, Dwight Yoakum, and Taj Mahal.

Band leader and principal songwriter Doug Marsh, a Vancouver native and longtime Austin resident, says the band’s music focuses on a positive approach to life – and this optimism is instantly apparent in the group’s joyous melodies and introspective lyrics.

This electric band deftly blends various guitars, mando, steel, fiddle, bass and drums. Besides the strong songwriting and musicianship, Doug Marsh & the Shimstocks‘s distinguishing characteristics include the compelling and intense three-part vocal harmonies of Marsh and fellow vocalists Greg Jordan, Richard Parke and John Ponder. Two of the band members contribute to songwriting duties. Richard’s eclectic instrumental capabilities bring a refreshing element to the band- steel to flute to fiddle and back to guitar. He has played everywhere from California to Philly where he played with Sister Sledge and is the Music Director of the band. Marsh says it’s exciting that such talented performers with their own solid and diverse backgrounds could come together as friends and as a singular, powerful musical force. Greg Jordan has played in punk, metal, and country bands from Houston to Blanco and, has in the past, toured the east coast; John Ponder has played in numerous bands including, currently, the Blue Jays and Flaming Stamin in the 80’s.

Doug Marsh & the Shimstocks are: Doug Marsh (guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals), Richard Parke (guitar, steel, fiddle, mando, flute, harp), Greg Jordan (drums, congas, percussion, and vocals), John Ponder (bass), and the rest…

 Check out the latest release, “All that Matters” from 2010 on dougmarshmusic.com

Hollow Wooden Box – watch the video

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Deann René

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Deann René
Deann René

Deann René

Deann René  performs her original music with her full rock band as well as a solo artist. Her lyrics tend to tell the stories of her life experiences, as songwriting is her favorite therapy.

“My songs are about real people and real issues. Relationships, hardships, real things. Life is about overcoming all the obstacles, and I feel like it helps to hear songs that are about those obstacles.”

Ms René’s debut album Not Crying Today: It’s strong-willed rock and roll, with soulful, hard road anthems like “Heartbreak,” “You’re Gonna Lose,” and “Not Crying Today” offering an inside look at an Austin girl who grew up with music in her blood.

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Norm Ballinger

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Norm Ballinger
Norm Ballinger

Norm Ballinger

Norm Ballinger is a poet, carpenter, strawbale home builder, sculptor of trash magic, but most of all he is a guitar slinger.From his early days as a soloist playing delta blues and ragtime finger picking to accompanying songwriters such as George Ensle, Eric Taylor, and Jerry Stevens, Norm has explored a wide variety of musical styles. Though coming from a folk/rock/blues background, Norm’s songwriting transcends genre. Every song opens to another place of wonder. As a seasoned guitarist, he can play a wide variety of  cover songs and instrumentals. As a performer/songwriter/composer he can masterfully lead a band through all levels of wow at restaurants, bars, concerts, and festivals.

With his third CD release, Where The Heart Lingers, Norm proves himself as a seasoned songwriter and instrumentalist. His new band, featuring guitarist Jimmy George, percussionist Jorge de Armas, and Kurt Huffman on fretless bass, has been filling rooms since their first show. The band is a fine complement to the variety in Norm’s songs from soulful waltz to gypsy jazz to rockin’ jams. Think Bruce Cockburn, or how about Dave Matthews Band meets Jethro Tull with Leo Kottke sitting in.

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Tony Airoldi

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Tony Airoldi

Tony Airoldi

Americana singer-songwriter Tony Airoldi‘s music is Americana at its best.Unique lyrics and tunes executed with the skill that comes from decades of live performances. Tony is not just a singer/songwriter, he’s an entertainer, and his original songs speak to the everyday joys and absurdities of modern life. His enthusiasm is contagious. Tony can perform as a solo, duo, trio, or quartet. He is available to play at any venue, large or small.

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