Las Alturas House Concerts

Sunday Afternoon, October 11, 2009 The Achy Birds

macbikegeek — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:22:50 +0000

Liz and Brianna Playing

Liz Stahler and Brianna Lane met as many songwriters do, over a micro-brew and a cheeseburger at a club in some American city, guitars by their sides, calloused fingers and sore voices. After bonding over tour-stories and a love for songwriting these two decided to join forces for a Boston to Austin Tour celebrating their new releases. Now they are out on the road again, touring in the western US.

Brianna Lane is a sweet-voiced alterna-folkie who grew up in Minnesota, once found a home in the mountains of North Carolina, but who is truly a restless old soul. You can blame her sweetness on her roots but she has been on the road non-stop for several years so you can hear her experiences in every note she sings. “Lane’s songs are beautiful and cathartic, almost telling us that it’s OK to feel down, but not to let it get us down at the same time.” (Mish-Mash Reviews)

Liz Stahler is raw, real and undeniably talented. Her voice is mesmerizing, and truly unique. Her songs are memorable and beautifully crafted. Stahler was one of 6 winners in the John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship contest for her song “Not That Easy” which has since appeared on network TV.

http://www.myspace.com/lizandbrianna
http://www.briannalanemusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/briannalane
http://www.lizstahler.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lizstahler

Suggested artist donation $15

NOTE: This is an afternoon show!!!!
Music starts at 3:00 p.m. Socializing from 2:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Saturday, December 19, 2009 Stephanie Bettman

macbikegeek — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:25:45 +0000

Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin

Stephanie Bettman is a triple threat. An accomplished writer, she infuses her music with wit and wisdom, exploring the many facets of the human heart. Stephanie’s songs are sometimes sad, sometimes sassy, but always stunning. As a vocalist, she moves effortlessly from her up-tempo bluegrass originals (featuring her fiery fiddling), to a soothing honey-sweet ballad, to a rousing passionate anthem. While her first-rate fiddling combines elements of bluegrass and jazz, in her essence there is tribute to such masters as Stephane Grappelli, Byron Berline, and Johnny Gimble. One thing’s for sure, if Stephanie Bettman is on the bill, you are in for an unforgettable performance that will have you hooked from the first fiddle line to the last sweet harmony.

Touring with Stephanie is multi-instrumentalist Luke Halpin, who is equally adept on mandolin, fiddle and guitar. Inspired by the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Mark O’Conner, Luke’s perfectly blended harmonies and his instrumental expertise together with Stephanie’s artistry and performance make for a dynamic experience audiences are discovering from coast to coast.

If you heard them in June, 2009 at Turtle Mountain House Concerts, you already know all of this. So mark your calendar and come join us. If you haven’t heard Stephanie and Luke, you are in for a remarkable treat.

http://stephaniebettman.com

http://www.myspace.com/stephaniebettman

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Gabrielle Louise

macbikegeek — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:25:05 +0000

Gabrielle Louise

Gabrielle Louise is an Americana artist noted for her poignant lyrics (a two-time John Lennon Songwriting Contest finalist, winner of the Jack Maher Songwriting Award) and astonishing vocals. The daughter of two gypsy musicians, Gabrielle inherited the genetic predisposition to wanderlust and song.

“Articulate and gifted, Gabrielle Louise…is an artist who comes to music from a literary vantage point, first and foremost…But the lyrics standing alone are only part of the story…As a vocalist Gabrielle Louise dives deep into her songs, exploring them in a warm, sturdy voice reminiscent at times of Joni Mitchell…especially in the falsetto flights and lower register swoops…She executes a captivating balance of heartache and resolve.” -David McGee, www.thebluegrassspecial.com has written for rolling stone, pro sound news, spin…currently the country music editor at barnesandnoble.com.

http://www.gabriellelouise.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gabriellelouisemusic

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Saturday, August 22, 2009 Ana Egge

macbikegeek — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:03:41 +0000

Ana Egge

Ana Egge has been forging her own path for over a decade now. In the tradition of her parents, who Ana says were “motorcycle-riding hippy farmers in North Dakota, who created the unconventional life they wanted,” Ana’s path as an artist has been much the same — challenging herself to follow her instincts rather than trying to fit into any particular mold. This honest approach has produced an impressive body of work and earned Ana a reputation as a musician’s musician, with unforgettable live performances and lyrics that paint vast landscapes and stories in her singular style. It’s no wonder she’s been compared to legends like Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt. But, perhaps USA Today said it best when they wrote, “[Ana] can write and sing rings around” her contemporaries.

Ana Egge on NPR:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17127358

Ana Egge Websites:
http://www.myspace.com/anaegge
http://www.anaegge.com/

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Friday, July 31, 2009 Dorian Michael House Concert

macbikegeek — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:08:22 +0000

Dorian Michael

Dorian Michael started playing guitar as a seven-year old in Los Angeles just as folk music was about to have a renaissance of sorts and earthy acoustic music was his first guitar experience. He has been a working guitarist for four decades and in that time has played plenty of blues and folk, jazz and rock and roll. There has always been a huge variety of playing experience from smokey honky-tonks to theater orchestra pits. At some point along the way he started playing a few solo fingerstyle instrumentals, made a cd and decided he needed to hit the road and see if he could sell all those cds he had. Three solo cds and four ensemble cds later Dorian is still playing throughout the States and Canada. He calls his solo music “contemporary traditional”; original music that reflects his interest in a number of styles of music. These influences come through in his original material, but it is a contemporary music that grows from, rather than mimics, those influences. When he plays someone else’s music or a traditional piece he always manages to add a few surprises. Says Dorian, “Some music makes you feel, some makes you think and some music is just for the fun of it. I try to get to all those places in the space of a performance.”

“This is an impressive collection of 12 solo guitar pieces composed and nimbly performed by guitarist Dorian Michael, whose writing and playing has obviously been influenced by guitarists like Leo Kottke and John Fahey. His fingerpicking style sharply defines the tunes, and his melodies show a wide range of influences. An engaging and entertaining recording.” -Dirty Linen Magazine

http://www.dorianmichael.com

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Please feel free to bring wine and potluck food to share.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 A Taste of Tasmania: Audrey Auld House Concert

macbikegeek — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:52:18 +0000

Audrey Auld

Devils are not the only thing to come from Tasmania. Singer-songwriter Audrey Auld’s heart is in Country, Folk and Americana music with a presence as big as The Outback. Her songs are the wry and poignant observations of a Tassie girl living in California and Nashville for the past five years. Audrey calls it “Music with the dirt left on.”

Auld is a memorable and uplifting entertainer. She’s a spontaneous comedienne and a writer of humorous, provocative and soulful songs. A touring songwriter, Audrey won the 2006 MerleFest Song Contest and performed her winning song ‘Losing Faith’ with Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen) on guitar to a thrilled MerleFest crowd.

I got to meet and hear Audrey in February, 2009 at the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis. We ran into each at several other artists showcases at the conference and found we liked a lot of the same musicians, besides Audrey herself. Audrey is a wonderful singer/songwriter and has quite a wicked sense of humor. I’m looking forward to a great evening and so should you!

http://www.audreyauld.com

http://www.myspace.com/audreyauld

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Friday, June 19, 2009 Molly Venter House Concert

macbikegeek — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:01:05 +0000

Molly Venter

Singer-songwriter Molly Venter is an Austin-based musician whose stunning voice and powerful lyrics are at once boldly unique and warmly familiar. Molly doesn’t just sing and play – she pours her soul out on stage. She released her fourth album, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” in May 2008. She has shared the stage with Amos Lee, Patty Griffin, Josh Ritter, Red Molly and Erin Mceowen.

Molly was a big hit when she played the Black Box Theatre earlier this year. I’m pleased to welcome her back to Las Cruces for a house concert. Molly is a sweet and gracious person but she’s had love won and lost and her pains and trials and her positive take on the world come out in her songs. You’ll leave her concert happy you came.

http://www.myspace.com/mollyventer

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light dessert refreshments provided, guests are welcome to bring wine or refreshments to share.

Attendance is by invitation only. For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Saturday, June 6, 2009 Hans York House Concert

macbikegeek — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:30:17 +0000

Hans York

Hans’ joy is infectious and his voice is smooth, silky, and unique, with a breathtaking three-octave range that pulls you right in. Richly textured as well as utterly intimate, a true Renaissance musician skilled in many genres, knowing exactly how to blend them, and with the ability to sweep you right off your feet.

Hans York creates music with brilliant emotional momentum. He’s a consummate musician, traveling between folk, jazz, and pop effortlessly, while his voice soars above it all.Hans York is a world musician in the true sense of the term, drawing inspiration from his vast eclectic background. Seeing him live, you understand that you are experiencing a world-class talent.

Please join us for an evening of music and warmth, for Hans is not only a superb musician but a wonderful person to know. Hans was the first musician to send a friend request when I set up the Las Alturas House Concerts MySpace page and was very helpful when I was getting the page started. I felt privileged then to have the support of a musician of Hans stature. It was just this February that I finally got to hear and meet Hans in person at Folk Alliance. Trust me when I say we are in for a treat with Hans’s visit to Las Cruces.

http://hansyork.com

http://www.myspace.com/hansyork

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=34427

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, guests are welcome to bring wine or refreshments to share.

Attendance is by invitation only. For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Cancelled: Saturday, May 2, 2009: Beth Wood

macbikegeek — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:44:10 +0000

Show has been cancelled.

Beth Wood

We are once again blessed to host a singer/songwriter with an amazing voice. Beth Wood can rock the house as she does when singing the Star Spangled Banner to open baseball games or present a poignant, sensitive ballad in a small, sweet voice. But don’t just take my word for it:

“Folk singer-guitarist Beth Wood has such a dazzling

voice it’s a mystery why she’s still just a cult

artist.” — DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Beth was the Winner of the 2005 Kerrville New Folk Contest, along with another dozen awards for her performances and songwriting at the national and regional level. While I’m happy to brag on Beth as a friend, the point is that Beth is widely recognized in the folk world for her songs, performance and spectacular vocal ability.

If you ask Beth to describe her music, she might just shrug. Some have called it folk, pop, folk-pop, country-folk, Americana, etc. Beth prefers to say it is soulful, organic, free-range, barefoot music delivered through a high energy communicator of joy. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram calls Beth “a superb singer-songwriter whose versatility discourages labeling.” Beth’s songs tell of life and love, stories of all kinds of folks she knows or has seen.

Beth is wonderful to be around – her joy and energy are contagious. We will have a wonderful time. Please get in touch so you can be part of this wonderful evening.

Beth Wood Official Website

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, guests are welcome to bring wine or refreshments to share.

Attendance is by invitation only. For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.

Saturday, April 11, 2009: Karen Mal

macbikegeek — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:47:39 +0000

Karen Mal

Words are inadequate to describe the beauty and character of Karen Mal’s voice. I listened to her music online and fell in love with her voice and songs. Based on that, we scheduled this house concert some months ago. In February, 2009, I finally got to hear Karen in person at the Folk Alliance conference in Memphis, TN. While the songs and videos online give a taste for Karen’s music and performance, they are nowhere near the experience of hearing Karen live. Now you have that chance. I hope you will join us for a lovely evening of music.

Karen Mal website

Karen Mal MySpace

Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast with Karen Mal

Karen Mal YouTube Videos

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, guests are welcome to bring wine or refreshments to share.

Attendance is by invitation only. For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.