One of the real treats of hosting house concerts is the occasional email that comes out of the blue with an artist we’ve never heard of, who is passing through on the way to Europe or Alaska, or some far away place and touring along the way.

Amy is one of those performers. An incredible voice, mesmerizing and clever lyrics, Amy is adept on both piano and guitar. She just released her 4th album of jazz-influenced folk and she’ll be joining us for one of those rare Friday night shows. You can listen in on some of Amy’s music at her website: http://www.amyobenski.com/

Songs about broken things and poignant little ponderings are delivered with a rootsy vibe, a touch of twang and a soulful groove. Annie and Rod are on a musical journey that began in 1982, culminating into a symbiotic sound that reflects their deep and intuitive understanding of each other. Annie’s disarming, earthy voice and solid command of her guitar are punctuated by Rod’s effortless accompaniment and beautiful solo work. Together they weave unforgettable melodies that are at once intricate and sparse – musically completing each others’ sentences.

We are really looking forward to sharing this duo with you. They first joined us in 2005 after we listened to an absolutely stunning CD, and only after the show learned that this was their first house concert, and they fell in love with the experience. This is Annie and Rod’s first return to Evansville since 2007, and you won’t want to miss them! Annie’s songs are quirky and fun, Rod’s musicianship is just incredible. This will be a show that is not to be missed.

Annie and Rod have recorded a half-dozen CDs and played major music festivals and listening rooms across the country. They have often shared the stage with our friends Small Potatoes, and create a similar warm presence when they perform. Here’s a little taste of their music with a full band:

After returning to Illinois from Louisiana, Dennis began a long odyssey that eventually culminated in the forming of Creole Stomp in 2002. And since that time he and his band have carried the torch of French Creole music and culture across North America performing a blend of music from the state of Louisiana and old upper Louisiana. Their unique sound and mix of ancient and modern Mississippi River valley musical tradition positions them as the only band to encompass French Creole and Folk Music from the entirety of the old Louisiana Territory. And although Dennis continues to play with many of his Louisiana based friends on occasion, you can always find him at the helm of Creole Stomp playing somewhere from San Diego to Boston.

With three decades of performing festivals, concert halls, coffeehouses, colleges, and house concerts, along with a half dozen acclaimed CDs, Bernice Lewis has built a solid national fan base. She is also a published poet, a producer, and an educator extraordinaire. Bernice studied vocal improvisation with Bobby McFerrin, guitar technique with Alex DeGrassi and Guy van Duser, and songwriting with Rosanne Cash and Cris Williamson — has been a featured performer on NPR’sMountain Stage program, as well as at the Kennedy Center.

In 1987, she was a finalist in the prestigious New Folk Songwriting Contest at the Kerrville (Texas) Folk Festival, where she continues to be a main stage favorite. Her ballad, “Bridges That Hold,” was included in Peter, Paul and Mary’s Lifelines video (PBS). She was featured in Yoga Journal for her work with sound and yoga, and has shared the stage with many renowned artists, including Dar Williams, Dixie Chicks, Patty Griffin, Pete Seegar, Ellis Paul, Rory Block, Livingston Taylor, Odetta, Christine Lavin, Marty Sexton, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis… it’s a long list.

Seats are $12, and you can reserve your seat online by hitting the Reserve Seats tab.

This is a Saturday show, starting at 8PM and you are welcome to arrive as early as 7PM for social mixing and grabbing your favorite spot.

You can pay online via PayPal or just bring cash or a check. All funds go directly to the artist, and this is how they make their living. We’ll put out snacks and beverages, and you’re welcome to bring something to share, which makes it all the more fun!

Remember, seating is limited to 25 spots, so it’s best to reserve early by hitting the Reserve Seats tab!

We are truly pleased to announce the return of the amazing John Flynn to our concert series. John was originally brought to my attention by Vern Crawford, who for years ran a venue in Carbondale, Illinois called Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse. John is a talented songwriter and singer, a remarkable and inspiring individual, and someone I always look forward to seeing when he comes our way. This is John’s fourth return to the cabin and we’re sure seats will fill fast.

Singer-songwriter John Flynn draws from a significant body of work, ranging from his early country offerings to story songs, love songs, songs for kids, funny songs, songs of social justice and meditations on loss, tolerance, faith and hope. The 54 year-old former Nashville staff songwriter and father of four spurned touring when his children were young, but as the kids grew older superlatives began to welcome their dad’s arrival to the national folk stagxoric “Train to New Orleans” tour following Hurricane Katrina. And Kris Kristofferson recited the lyrics to John’s song “Without You with Me” at Stephen Bruton’s funeral. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott himself has called Flynn the undiscovered “John Lennon of the plasma generation”!

Seats are $12, and you can reserve your seat online by hitting the Reserve Seats tab.

As usual, the show starts at 8PM and you are welcome to arrive as early as 7PM for social mixing and grabbing your favorite spot. You can pay online via PayPal or just bring cash or a check. All funds go directly to the artist, and this is how they make their living. We’ll put out snacks and beverages, and you’re welcome to bring something to share.

Remember, seating is limited to 25 spots, so it’s best to reserve early by hitting the Reserve Seats tab!