The trio, Zumbido, stirs up an elixir of sambas, bossa novas, forró, baiăo and originals, celebrating the infinitely varied musical traditions of Brazil. These well-traveled musicians may hail from the northwest, but they each have at least one musical foot planted on Brazilian soil. John Miller, guitar, Ginny Snowe, voice and melodica, and Joel Litwin, percussion.

Derrick’s music combines the influences of rock, pop, country, bluegrass and folk into a unique form of acoustic alternative country. During the mid-1990's he was a contestant in the TNN “Country Showdown” national talent search and “Be A Star” competitions, the precursor to the current “Nashville Star” TV series. Before moving to Bellingham from Kansas City, Missouri in 2006, he performed in outdoor venues including “The Spirit Festival” and “Acoustic Music Festival” sharing the stage with major recording artists including Eddie Money and B.B. King.

Nikki Deneui grew up in Whitefish, Montana, and recently moved to Bellingham to be closer to family. She’s been singing since she could talk, playing piano since elementary school, songwriting since junior high, playing guitar since high school.

A lot of her experience comes from a church background, leading worship for her dad's church. Over the last year she started playing open mics, which has challenged her to expand her repertoire and step her music up a notch. Her influences include Missy Higgins, Jennifer Knapp, Bethany Dillon, Miranda Lambert, and a variety of other artists.

“I consider myself a songwriter first and a musician second,” says James Germain. “Music is a way to make my writing more accessible, allowing a reader to be a listener instead.” Soothing, yet visceral, his lyrics show an acute approach toward musical narrative.

His songs, woven with accessible melodies, are more acoustic short stories, juxtaposing intimate specifics with abstract metaphors and rhetoric. “He writes the kind of songs you stay up ‘till 3 a.m. listening to, knowing you’ve felt that way before - only he just seems to say it better," says a friend for whom some of his songs are written. Click here for more.

Gypsy funk, Arabesque trance, deep Latin grooves, soulful vocal and instrumental performances create the uniquely powerful experience that is SisterMonk. SisterMonk's music probes provocative themes with mystical poetry and driving, rhythmic passion. Adventures through wilderness homesteading, Zen meditation, urban/ rural community living and Tai Chi inspire SisterMonk's songs of epic beauty, mystery, and epiphany.

SisterMonk’s power trio is guitarist/songwriter Jody Rubel, singer/ percussionist K. Deane and bass player Trevor Hochman.

The group shares bases in both Seattle, WA and New York City. The band tours frequently and continues to amass a loyal and diverse fan base. Following up the success of their two earlier CD releases (sold over 4, 000 copies) SisterMonk released “Never Give Up” in 2008.

SisterMonk has shared the stage with such notable acts as Zap Mama, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Anoushka Shankar, Karl Denson Trio, On the One, Delta Nove and more. They have appeared at a variety of prominent venues on both east and west coasts. East coast venues include The Knitting Factory, LeBarBat’s, SUNY New Paltz (opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead), Tower Records and Border Books. Pacific Northwest venues include the NW Folklife Festival, Seattle Hempfest, Rolling Thunder Democracy Tour (opened for Zap Mama), Nectar, Jazzbones, Evergreen St. College, Bastyr U., Humboldt State U., and numerous other clubs and venues in the area. They have been featured on radio shows such as “The Beat” with Dave Beck – KUOW 94.9FM (NPR), KBCS’s “Roots and Branches” segment, KSER 90.7FM’s “The Sunlit Room” and KISM 92.9FM.

theZim started his music career playing in the band 94th Street with KJ Sawka and TJ Berry. Since then, he’s spent his time perfecting the sound he describes as Bob Dylan meets Run DMC; after catching a couple shows around town, I have to agree.

Zim’s often catchy yet meaningful lyrics, combined with bouncy guitar licks and an occasional blast from his harmonica, offer the audience an energetic set. It’s difficult not to share the enthusiasm and excitement he so obviously has while performing.

Zim is joined by the drummer with the best posture, Arock, who supplies the steady rhythm and witty banter that makes this duo unique.- Jodi Kaufer (seattleshowgal.com)

For two decades Carolyn Cruso has been making a name for herself as a multi-instrumentalist, writing for and performing on the hammered dulcimer and various flutes. In 2000 she expanded her musical attention to include the genre of singer/songwriting and has been delighting audiences around the nation ever since with her expressive voice, elegant melodies, fine guitar playing and poetic lyrics.

As a performer Cruso weaves a web with a myriad of instruments, diverse styles, subtle nuances and vivid images. Seattle’s Victory Music describes her music as "a hypnotic and alluring blend of folk, pop and jazz." This west coast tour finds Cruso celebrating the release of her new songwriter CD, “Have You Ever” which people are lauding as “sophisticated, intimate, rich and intelligent”. Click here to visit her web site.

Transcarlet is a four man group from the Pacific Northwest performing original songs in a power-acoustic rock style.

Transcarlet started one afternoon in early 2009. Ryan had approached Chris about being in Chris's band (which at the time consisted of some chords and words). They met in the shed of one Steve Martin. They drove a big, green van. They hashed out ideas. They drank lots of coffee.

Chris then landed a show at the legendary Thurston County Fair. It was all very exciting, but it left them with two weeks to actually find members and become a real band. Chris called cousin Tj for bass support, and the multi-talented Brian Russell for percussive support on hand drums. Ryan preferred the idea of having real drums, and roped Tim into playing the show. They hopped in the van, drove five-hundred miles, practiced five hours, and played at five o'clock to a raucous crowd of fourteen.

This is Transcarlet. This music is for you, even if you're the only one we're playing to. We soar on the raw, open, and occasionally somber tones of Ryan Felbinger. We resonate in the deep, unabashed flair of Tj Burch. We pace to the energetic pulse of Tim Elliott. And in that space stands Chris Akers with a handful of words and mouthful of melodies. We are shameless in pursuit of hope and heart. Come share this journey with us. We don't know the way of the road, but we know it's leading home.

Please click here to become our friend and learn more!

Barnum Jack is an acoustic music duo currently based in Bellingham, Washington. They play progressive old-time family-style song and tune and traditional-tinged contemporaries.

Barnum Jack was born out of a musical friendship dating back about seven years between Matt Novak and Allegra Ziffle, when they met in Bellingham and started playing music together. In March 2003 they founded Quickdraw String Band and started performing together on a regular basis.

In 2005 Allegra left for Olympia and began playing with Fast Rattler and Matt continued on with Quickdraw. In 2006 Allegra moved on to Portland to play with The Mora and Brother Elmore and Matt released his second solo album in 2007. In 2009 Allegra left Portland and moved back to Bellingham and in April she and Matt teamed up to form Barnum Jack. The two are Barnum Jack.

Barnum Jack is innovative and progressive while remaining grounded in the American old-time music tradition, pushing and expanding the tradition much deeper and wider into and among the contemporary American experience. Their repertoire consists of wide-ranging selections from the traditional canon, song and tune, and some of their own originals.

Between the two of them, Matt and Allegra have released four full-length albums and have been included on three compilation albums, two by major record labels Righteous Babe Records and Shut Eye Records.

Multiplexing keyboards (Matthew Olsen), sweeping bass lines(Taylor Baker), sonorous guitar(Michael Morales), authentic vocals(Michael and Matthew) and kinetic drumming(Cody Thompson) bring together a distinct band called The Bear Market.

Formed in early 2008, The Bear Market is a band of entertaining musicians who put on high-powered live shows while still hitting the sublime aspects of alternative and indie rock.

The Bear Market has been compared to many different bands including: Muse, Thrice, Modest Mouse, Mute Math, Kings Of Leon, People In Planes, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, The Bravery, The Killers and The Automatic Automatic, The Gaslight Anthem, Shiny Toy Guns, The Airbourne Toxic Event…

Seattle Folk Singer Rose Laughlin sings traditional Celtic and American Roots songs. Rose’s interpretation, blend of different influences, personal approach to songs, results in a unique and captivating sound to traditional music. Come listen to where old meets new!

Since returning to Seattle Rose has performed at many venues including the Juan de Fuca, Folklife, Choochokan Arts and Vashon Festivals. She recently performed at NW Folklore Coffee House Concerts, as well as several NW wineries. While in Chicago one of Rose’s delights was performing at the Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Read what critics are saying about Rose’s latest CD “The Chicago Sessions.”

“It’s a gently intimate but also immensely powerful record, replete with warmth and an involving sense of presence, on which Rose’s gorgeous voice is given exemplary prominence within imaginative, sublimely minimal yet full-toned musical settings. Rose responds intuitively and clear-sightedly to her chosen material, delivering the songs with a solid confidence and a sensuous intensity that’s born both of thorough preparation and deep understanding.” (David Kidman FolkandRoots.co.uk March 2009)

"The richness of Laughlin’s voice paired with the incredibly solid guitar work of Mike Kirkpatrick creates a warm and generous feeling throughout the album. I found myself flowing along with the music. Even in “Unquiet Grave”, the richness of the story fills the space. It has a definite presence to it. Laughlin is a gifted storyteller. I’m most taken by the different and refreshing arrangements to many old favorites.” (Matthew Moeller, Victory Review, November 2008)

Ben Bruce is a singer/songwriter playing what he terms “thinking rock,” on an old, beat down acoustic guitar. His music is alternately raucous, restrained and rare, but always raw.

"That's soul, man. That's honest. I love that you just get up there and sing." -- Adam, June 18, 2009

"The strength is in its simplicity. I hear unplugged Mississippi delta blues all over it." -- Pete, songramp.com

He is working on an album of new material — hear some demos on his Web site here

Currently residing in Seattle, WA, Ben has lived in Connecticut, Baltimore, Boulder, Austin and New York, and has traveled extensively throughout the United States. In New York City, he was a frequent player at such clubs as CBGBs [RIP], the Continental Club, Acme Underground, and Arlene’s Grocery. His first album, "Sylvanus" was released in 2004. Filled with songs as light and joyful as "Jubilee" and as dark as "Self-Medicate", nevertheless there is a style and a substance that makes each song uniquely his.

At age 15, Levi Ware picked up a guitar for the very first time. Little did he know the incredible and awe-inspiring journey that lay ahead of him… Instilled with an adeptly strong love for music, Levi has established himself as an accomplished singer-songwriter with a style all his own.

Please click here to read Levi's bio.

Quiet by Ten is a four piece alternative rock band from Seattle. Forming in 2007, the band members came together because they have a message that people need to hear. Their songs search for truth.

In a world where hopelessness seems to steep from every street corner, they are a band that sings about hope. Their emphasis on strong songwriting is evident in songs like "Monster Village" and "Come On".

Through a combination of genres spanning heavy rock to Americana to folk, Quiet by Ten is sure to keep audiences on their feet.

I'm a singer/song-writer/guitarist currently living in Seattle. I grew up in Eastern Washington and taught myself how to play the guitar at a young age and haven't stopped playing since. In High School me and my good friend formed the band Akufunksher and have had great success in that area of the state. We continue to play several local festivals, bars, parties, and wineries in that area during the summer months.

I've also recently branched out on my own as I look to expand my fan base and become a full-time musician. A lot of people see myself as a cross between John Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band, but I don't quite give myself that much credit and I still try to keep my own style.

I was in the studio in September to record my first solo album and I'm really excited to see where this new path takes me.

There's a level of honesty to Dustin Darnold's acoustic presence that hints the songwriter has crafted his music with meticulous intentions. He's not just a lonesome troubadour with a set of guitar strings in one hand and heart strings in the other.

These lo-fi numbers are intentionally sparse, and every beat, each note, and all the open spaces are executed with a surgeon's precision. It's as though the 26-year-old understands that somber mustn't be melancholy, that ambiance isn't always best as mere background noise, and that true sincerity doesn't come in Hallmark card sentiments. Instead, he sounds like a student of Americana music who put years of appreciating folk forefathers into arranging his own contributions to the genre." ~Derek Wright, Liner Notes Magazine

Experimental Jazz guitarist Jonny Akamu, age 22, was bon in Kailua, Hawaii, but has spent the majority of his life in Bellingham, Washington. He remains tied to his Hawaiian roots through family and tradition. He is driven to learn as much as he can from all kinds, all styles. This search has led to many late nights - either solo or experimenting with fellow musicians - where Jonny worked to flesh out the contours of his musical vision.

Jonny's passion for music has taken him from the Orient to Europe, always in search of new techniques, influences, style, and rhythms. In 2005, he went to Seville, Spain to study flamenco guitar. He has since woven elements of flamenco into his jazz phrasing to create his distinctive style. Jonny Akamus lyrics and sound capture the experiences of the life he lives, the places he has seen, and the people he knows.

Click here for more.

This innovative, self-taught performer shares her soulful life tales, woven through the voice of an angel. Her vocal prowess and eclectic guitar-playing style combine with the homey, intimate feeling of sitting around a kitchen table with close friends, for a wonderful concert experience for all.

Jean has released three self-produced cd’s on her independent label, blue flower friday records. Her second CD, seasons, was co-produced with Brendan Hill (Blues Traveler). She has toured locally, regionally and nationally since 2002. She has opened for national songwriter, Peter Himmelman, contributed tracks on compilation CD's for charities. Gaining airplay on national and NPR affiliate stations nationwide.

For more information please visit Jean’s website www.jeanmann.com

Cartographer is the musical lovechild of two Bens, who through long nights of hard work, too many cigarettes, and a shared desire to break hearts have cultivated a sound both familiar and challenging. A sound provoking thoughts of shorter days, longer nights, and too much time away from friends. Songs for anyone who has ever been lonely, lost a fight, or left on a train.

With humble beginnings on a street bench playing for change, friends Ben Mahaffey and Ben Leininger knew they had something important on their hands. Despite a lengthy but temporary relocation for Ben L., the two continued to write, and were eventually joined by drummer William Hindahl. Together, the three are forging a new path, but to the same devastating destination.

In the words of Bruce Springsteen, “nothing feels better than blood on blood”. The Sumner Brothers know this in the most intimate of ways; they make music together. They are a partnership and they are friends, and they are a band. The trust shared between front-men Brian and Bob Sumner is a trust that is hard to come by. It is a trust that requires no words, no flattery, and very little effort; it is a force and an inspiration, and it is what keeps the brothers, and their music honest and authentic.

This honesty is the bloodline of The Sumner Brothers music. Like many of their heroes before them; Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt or Neil Young, their songs aim to pierce hearts and dig deep beneath the skin. If the Brothers don’t own a song, if it does not live in the depths of their hearts and come from that place of true raw emotion, it doesn’t come at all, if they don’t believe it, you won’t hear it from them.

It is this commitment to authenticity that first drew the brothers to the songs of country, folk and blues, to roots music. Somehow banjos, harmonica’s and steel string guitars seem to lend themselves well to the notion of truth. These sounds coupled with the devastatingly low baritone of brother Brian, and the hauntingly sorrowful croon of brother Bob’s tenor, collide to form a sound, both unique and powerful.

Justin Klump isn’t the type of musician to sit around and wait for things to happen. A little more than 2 years ago, the Portland-based singer-songwriter quit his job to pursue music full-time. After 2 years of developing his career on his own, he is on the cusp of releasing his first full-length album Thousand Mile Dream. Built around his sophisticated guitar playing and acoustic folk-pop tendencies, the 11-song album is filled with solid musicianship, honest lyrics and refined songwriting.

The grandson of a Symphony conductor, Justin was raised with a respect for music, and a love for performing that is undeniable when watching him in concert. Whether playing solo, or with his band, at the core of Justin’s live show is a “certain mastery of the guitar”. Portland Classic Guitar declared Justin’s show to be “Stunning” and “Unforgettable!” and Entertainment World exclaimed “Here’s a young man whose voice and guitar play will knock your socks off!”

At the heart of these performances is a 25 year-old who is earning the respect of audiences across the country. Having played such venues as Qwest Arena in Boise, Hotel Café in Los Angeles and Aladdin Theater and Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Justin is distinguishing himself as a musician worth paying attention to. Logging thousands of miles driving and flying throughout the country, he has shared the stage with such notable acts as Everclear and Matt Nathanson.

“The industry is hard, but when you’re on stage and you feel really good about what you’re putting out there and what people are giving back to you, it’s a wonderful payoff. It’s what makes all the frustrating feelings worth it.” On the brink of releasing his first full-length album, it’s clear that Justin is doing what he’s supposed to with his life. And, if you were to ask him, he’d tell you he’s doing it because he has to.

Sisters Alia and Anna Hiller have been writing music together for the past six years playing mostly for friends, family, and in church.

Alia, 23, first picked up a guitar at age nine, and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Anna, 18, a 2009 graduate from Sehome High School, sung with both concert and chamber choir her senior year achieving the honor of singing in the All Northwest women’s choir. She leaves this month to attend a five month experience through Youth With A Mission focusing on music in Montana, concluding in an outreach to Asia.

Known to sing lyrics with harmonies that have made grown men cry, you won't want to miss hearing them sing together. Come hear their original compassions on living life in faith, Wednesday September 16th at Three Trees Coffeehouse. There will be two shows, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 9:00 p.m. Free admission.

Appalachian mountain dulcimer players Jerry Kramer and Clay Butler call themselves “A Work in Progress”. As Clay likes to say, “We consider ourselves just that, a work in progress, just a couple of guys who really enjoy sharing their old timey music with whoever will listen.”

Jerry, who’s been playing the dulcimer since the early-00’s, and Clay, who began playing the dulcimer in the mid-80’s, met in May, 2007. Although their playing styles are quite different, they are very complimentary. “We play mostly what we call foundation music,” says Jerry, “tunes in the public domain. But we enjoy thinking of ourselves as educators, as we want to teach people about the mountain dulcimer.”

Their performances typically include mostly instrumental music, but are augmented by one or two vocals and narrative historical information about where the mountain dulcimer came from. They play American fiddle tunes, folk tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Israel and Iceland and an occasional Beatles tune, just to show what’s possible with this uniquely American folk instrument.

They’ve shared their music at various local venues: CODA Music in Fairhaven, the Bellingham Senior Center, the Roeder Home, at Swan Cafe in the Community Food Co-op and several times previous at Three Trees Coffee House.

Former rocker, Aaron Mannino, has been recording and performing relatively gentle music as a solo artist since 2005. His music is often compared to Elliott Smith's and Rufus Wainwright's. His music rests mainly in alternative / folk, and can leap from vaudeville-style productions to the softest croon.

We as a band are constantly searching for new styles and moods to incorporate into our music... Music that is approachable, but intelligent... Unstructured, but beautiful... Presenting a real world - its blemishes - with reverent fear of a holy Creator.

We are young and not professionally trained, so this pairing of tune and ideology is what we could call a beginning. We appreciate your involvement in our sound.

Bob Paluzzi, an East Coast acoustic soul performer and his one-man-band brings guitar, harmonica and tambourine to life simultaneously... Strong, smooth vocal delivery... Exuberant style as well as a touch of the mystical... Bob plays a full spectrum, ranging from folk/rock, blues and reggae to the beautifully chilling (and sometimes humorous!) sounds of life on the sea.

Martha’s guitar playing possesses complex rhythms, interesting chord progressions, and open tunings, intertwined by an angelic voice. Life experience has transformed her lyrics into poetry. With her unique melodies and guitar execution, she possesses the ability to touch you in a deep and soulful way, while taking you on a hypnotic and soothing journey. “Singing and Playing the guitar is really just therapy for me, and what I consider to be a healthy addiction. It’s been the chance for me to discover what my heart feels, and to express those feelings.”

Martha was selected as a finalist at the 2006 New Mexico State Fair Talent Showcase. Her most recent CD "Evidence of Life," was nominated for best Album by The New Mexico Music Awards. Also from that CD, "Peter Pan Says," was nominated for Best song in the Americana category. Martha was chosen to perform at the "The Sedona Jam for Emerging Artists Festival", in 2007, and has opened for Kate Macleod at “The OUTPOST” Performance Space in New Mexico.

Dave Hannon is a high energy three piece acoustic, pop, and rock band out of the Pacific Northwest since 2006. Having played well over 300 shows since that time, he has built a solid fan base across the Pacific Northwest, even extending into various regions of the Western United States. Dave’s touring act includes Ian Webb on bass guitar and Steve Albert (formerly of Mismatch/Voxxy Vallejo) on drums.

Since 2006, Dave has put out two EPs. His first, “Better for the Long While” (winter 2008) has a largely acoustic feel and contains six songs, including “Make Your Way In the Dark”. The most recent release, “Bridge” (winter 2009) was recorded with Bill Nieman (former sound tech to Loudermilk) and contains five songs, including “Look Out Below”.

Dave’s performed in eight states and has opened for Angie Aparo, Rookie of the Year, Hollywood Heartthrob, and Monty Are I. He played bass for indie/rock band, Sittser, who was featured on the reality T.V. show, Laguna Beach. Dave has been on several tours of the western U.S., including a fall 2008 tour with artist, Kristen Marlo, that covered 15 cities in seven states over the course of three weeks. His band’s recent ‘Bridge Tour 2009’ covered 17 cities in four states over the course of three weeks.

“Look Out Below” – the first track on Dave’s latest EP entitled “Bridge” – has already received a bit of airplay on regional radio stations and Dave’s latest single, “High” is featured on a compilation CD from The Hive Recording Studio (SeaTac, WA). Wasting no time, Dave and the band are set to head back into the studio this summer to complete the first full-length album, yet to be titled.

"Dave Hannon is one of those musical talents who rolls in, plays a great set, and winds up leaving a line of folks signing his guestbook and wanting a CD. He's good, he crafts good songs, and his lyrics are actually worth listening to. Presenters will want to book this guy again and again, and their audiences will be very happy for it. I am!"

Singer/songwriter, Tamara Lewis, drops the filters that we live with every day and stands alone in her songs. She writes primarily in a contemporary folk style with country and blues influences. Her voice is comforting, crystalline, powerful and guileless. As a performer, Tamara is both engaging and incandescent and unquestionably leaves a mark on the audience from opening note to last.

Tamara's songwriting is inspired by conversations with friends, her 20-year career as a psychotherapist and from a surprisingly rich source: her survival of over a decade-long illness. She mines these deep shafts and writes beautifully and bravely about some of life's most painful truths and delivers them with heartrending vulnerability. Then she brings listeners back to safety with songs that are deeply comforting or delightfully clever.

Tamara started playing guitar and songwriting in her mid-40's and released her first CD, Long Time, No See when she was 48. Now at age 50, she has just released her second: Living Down River. She loves being told she is an inspiration to others contemplating following a dream later in life and enjoys being a "late bloomer."

A songwriter and piano player who knows how to get you right where it hurts (your heart, that is), Little pours her heart out in sad songs that brim with hope and movement over loves lost, loves missing, and learning the ins and outs of relationship beginnings, middles, and ends (and other bigger, world dilemmas).

Take Me Instead plays what they feel, think, and love... and that's all there is to it. Celebrating the release of their first EP titled "A New Beginning" Take Me Instead has always prided themselves in not pretending to be who they aren't. The Olympia based band has found a way to rise above the noise bands and create a sound that is catchy but unique.... poppy but deep. In fact it's a sound that helped lead them to victory in Olympia's Lakefair Battle Of The Bands. Their catchy hooks, clean lyrics, and entertaining stage show has been known to win over fans immediately.

Isaiah Dominguez, Josiah Ubben, Jon Schold, and Kyle Van Der Velde all pride themselves on quality writing and sound. All extremely versatile musicians, they are able to perform an equally amazing acoustic show as well as a high energy plugged in performance. "I wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of my life... and never have to get a REAL job haha." Take Me Instead has always had one message and every performance seems to reflect it brightly: Do what you love, and have fun doing so.

"Upon a preliminary listen, Furtado's distinct and conversational voice strikes the listener first and foremost. Furtado crones in a moderately deep, almost conversational tone with the slightest whispered hint of raspiness. Yet he delivers with a non-arrogant and sincere confidence that compliments the compositions while giving an edge to the already uplifting character of the songs. It is as if the listener at times is in a beautiful struggle, rhythmically pulling the words out of the heart-broken singer's lungs." - Wesley Greenberg Click here for more about John.

Sounds Like a cloudy day when the darkness creeps into your soul but the green bud on the cherry tree hints that things may soon be redeemed...

The name Killian's End comes from the tale of an Irish saint who travelled to Germany and did missionary work for a number of years back in days long past. He was eventually martyred, and his work faded into obscurity. Killian's Irish Red is also a tasty beverage you can get at most grocery stores. It goes down bittersweet and has a pleasant aftertaste. We hope our music behaves likewise. Click here for more on Killian's End.

The brightest young star on the Bellingham music scene has to be Ashley Douglas, the uber-talented singer/songwriter seen recently opening shows between here and Tacoma for Vicci Martinez, Walter Trout, The Paperboys, and Marion Weston Band. Quite an accomplishment for the soon-to-be senior in high school! "Playing music is all I want to do," Ashley said to me recently, and if those feelings hold for any great length of time, I think she's destined to make quite a mark on the musical world.

Ashley's songwriting can be youthful and fun, no surprise there, but it also has deep and prophetic, even instructional moments that, like the rich and vibrant emotions of her voice, belie her young age. With hardly any formal musical instruction, she has tapped in to a wealth of natural talent that is serving her very well. She seems totally unafraid to face the audience and share the emotions of her lyric thoughts, and when she reaches down deep, her voice is impossible to ignore. It grabs hold of you and demands your attention like few voices that I've heard anywhere lately. She can sing with a passion normally associated with many more years of life experiences than it seems she could have had by now.

I have watched Ashley turn a room full of talkers into a silent concert hall on a number of occasions, an impressive achievement for a musician of any age. Now, with the help of those around her, including generous Wild Buffalo House of Music sponsorship of her guitar lessons with local instructor Sher Vadinska, the potential for real musical greatness could be within Ashley's reach.

-- by Roger Mills w/ Entertainment News NW - August '08 issue

Click here for more.

Subtle vocals and steady Bodhrán beats characterize Buller’s experimental Celtic Influenced Folk sound. His voice and drum centered arrangements of Traditional, contemporary, and original material tend to be spacious with sparse accompaniment. Often described as ‘soothing & hypnotic,’ his music aims to draw listeners into the mythological, historical and spiritual nature of each song.

In his own words: “I am a Celtic and World music enthusiast, and I’m fascinated with the ways the human voice can be used to express things; whether in languages other than English or in vocalizations other than words. I focus on voice and drum for the sake of simplicity and because this combo seems most natural to me. I want to create music with space enough for the characters in each song to live, breathe, and act out their parts- so we can learn from them and discover new things about ourselves and our ancestries.”

Click here for more.

Taylor Begert played his first show when he was 13 years old and has been playing ever since. He had a rock band in high school that played a regular show schedule and released a 10 song album. After the disband of the group he started playing solo shows and has played all the way down the west coast, but more extensively in Seattle, Spokane, Los Angeles and across the country in Nashville TN. He has started playing and writing with Drummer/pianist Mark Ribera. He writes introspective songs on life, passions, poverty and relationsips. Some of the songs can be found on a self-recorded and self-released EP, which is sold at his shows and streamed online.

Taylor's musical influences include Switchfoot, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Jars of Clay, Snow Patrol, Anberlin and the Beatles.

Skagit Valley music artist Christine Bron, began writing and singing her own music at the age of 15, performing mostly at small venues as a solo artist with her guitar, keyboard, and deceptively simple vocals. She now plays with a band, the members of which are her siblings. Kevin Bron plays drums; Alexis Bron, bass; and when he is in town, Derik Bron plays piano and sings. The band enjoys playing at venues in Skagit and Whatcom Counties. In January of 2008, Christine released her first EP of five original songs.

Christine's musical influences include Fleetwood Mac, Late Tuesday, and Rosie Thomas. She prefers her music not to be labeled as any single genre, but if you ask her to categorize her style, she will say something like this: "It's a blend of folk and pop with lyrics that hopefully put words to the everyday emotions and experiences that people have." Click here for more on Christine.

Daniel Moore's poetry publications and rich original song lyrics were honed on the sharp edge of life in Alabama and Tennessee. His charismatic vocal style was developed through a life hard-lived. Some additional emotional depth was nurtured by his Aunt Edie, who directed the family musical group that lead the altar call in a small country church back South.

Chuck Sandru began playing base with the family band all across Montana. His talent was honed over many years of hard travel on the South/South-West club circuit. But, it wasn't until he began singing with Daniel that his goth-like gospel harmonies found their terrifying home.

Mitch Jaber, Jr., was born with drum sticks in his hands, percussion in his heart, and he hasn't stopped keeping the rhythm since then. He has done studio work, played concerts, club circuits, and large venues with successful bands up and down the coast.

Filter all of this through the grit of the South Sound/Tacoma and what comes out is a perfect blend of love and loss looking into the same shattered mirror. These guys find unspeakable beauty hidden in each broken line of glass.

PLEASE, join us UP ON THE MOUNTAIN, at the THREE TREES, for intelligent, soulful, thought-provoking songs, done in 2 part harmony housed in the simplest of aching melodies.

Click here for more on The Little Brothers.

My name is Michelle Weaver. I am a musician and a songwriter. My beginnings in music took hold at a young age with piano lessons and practicing on an out of tune piano, playing trumpet for three years in school band, and eventually trading in my trumpet for an electric guitar where the songwriting would begin. I eventually went from mimicking my sister’s piano and voice abilities to playing regularly on my church’s worship team.

All along the way people have been brought into my path to share life with me and to encourage me in my musical talents and ideas. My songs are written out of some of the most difficult and uncomfortable times in my life. Sometimes I can do nothing else, but lay my thoughts and emotions out in melody.

I love to share my music with people. There have been many musicians who have inspired me like Jenifer Knapp, Sarah Mclachlan, Leigh Nash, and Late Tuesday. If I could one day inspire someone like these musicians have inspired me, then this will all be worth it. Oh and as long as I get to laugh and have fun too!

2006, Omarr released his best work to date, "The Trip We Planned", which encapsulated these musical ideals and showed growth not only as a songwriter but as a singer. These songs realize a lifelong journey and the content, both musically and lyrically, comes from a performer whom is truly genuine. The honesty heard is that of a true musical troubadour, a person committed to a lifelong trip through his songs. This is the type of artist whose life, experiences and honesty mark him as someone we’ll be hearing from for a long time to come. Click here for more on SCC and click here for more on SCB. I'm from Northern Cali, but Washington seems the place to be these days. Most of my material has come from shifts in perception, my daughter, & those I love (or grew to loathe!) along the way. My music is simple, but full of heart. From heartbreak to laughter, I write about inspirations and challenges we all come to meet. If you know me, you know i'm always singing my heart out, playing music with my best friend, enjoying good company. I try not to bitch; it's a waste of time. I love laughing and intimacy, preferably together! Blah Blah BLAH. Think of me what you will. Everything and Nothing. Click here for more... "The Senate's vibrancy on stage is mirrored by the audience's response. Most listeners in the room are magnetized by their rhythmic originality, but equally captured by soaring melodies and metal inspired guitar solos. This kind of polarity is rarely found in a band with two acoustic guitars, a stand-up bass and no drummer. In fact, a band with that line-up is rarely found at all" [POLARIS 4/12/06](Photo by www.bendrum.com). Click here for more...

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Introducing the biggest music event in Three Trees history. On Saturday, November 3, a sampling of Whatcom County's most celebrated artists gather for a concert in support of Three Trees Coffeehouse. With artists such as Daydreamer, Street Named James, John Furtado, Thea Rosenburg, and more, you won't want to miss it!

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Elemental opens at 7:30pm. If you like folkrock, you'll like the music of John Furtado. Click here for more... Phil O'Sullivan currently completed his first ever solo release. Abandoning the security blanket of a regular working band, Phil is zeroing in on the things that matter most to him. Click here for more...